Minnesota North Shore Dog Friendly Patios
Angry Trout Café is the restaurant my husband (Mark) and I went to on our first trip to the North Shore. The evening was perfect, with just enough breeze to keep the bugs away and warm enough to be comfy in a sweatshirt. We were seated on the patio, and the energy of the diners was cheerful and chatty. I love wild rice, and they know how to show off the ingredient. We have returned almost every time we have been on the North Shore until the past couple of years. Nothing is wrong with the restaurant, but they don’t allow dogs on the property. It forced us to explore other restaurants, and I am here to say that we have not been disappointed.
These are some of our favorite patio experiences starting in Duluth and moving north.
Tavern on the Hill (Duluth)
The Tavern caters to a wide range of people and does it well. Options include classics with a MN flare, vegan, and gluten free. The maple glazed salmon salad is summer in a bowl. The ahi tuna crisps are a great app to share. Mark had the wild rice patty melt, and I think he will be trying to recreate that at home.
Patio: The patio is enclosed with privacy fencing and beautifully decorated with flower gardens. The server brought Alaska a big glass of ice water for her water bowl. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Rustic Inn Cafe (Castle Danger)
Go for the food and save room for the pie. I recommend starting with the walleye cakes. One of my food traditions is hiking followed up with pie, and Rustic Inn has my favorite pies. We often share a piece of the caramel apple pecan ala mode (warmed). While you are there, buy a loaf of their homemade cranberry wild rice bread. Think French toast, turkey sandwich, or toasted with butter.
The patio: They have a spacious, sunny patio. Alaska was able to tuck under the table for shade. When you go, check out the amazing tree between the restaurant and patio.
Coho Café (Tofte)
We like to stay in or around Tofte when we visit because it is a good midpoint for many hikes. As a result, we have been to this restaurant a lot. Alaska just walks to our usual table and has a seat. You really can’t go wrong here. The jerk chicken quesadilla is unique in a good way, and I recommend it paired with the strawberry basil cider. This is another great place to grab a loaf of bread or dessert to go.
The Patio: It wraps around the side and back of the café. They have a shade cover for warmer days.
Baptism River BBQ Co. (location varies along the North Shore)
We dined here when they were located at North Shore Winery. Next to each menu item was a suggested pairing, and they were spot on with what I ordered. I could make a meal out of the smoked cauliflower. In each dish, the smoke is balanced which allows it to complement other ingredients rather than overpower them. Mark made sure we had all the info about them before we left.
The Patio: We have only visited them at the North Shore Winery.
North Shore Winery (Lutsen)
We have been here for both wine tasting and to have lunch when a food truck was on site. I enjoyed the Burlington Bay with lunch and liked it so much I ordered a second glass.
The Patio: They have lots of outdoor seating with plenty of shady nooks.
The Fisherman’s Daughter at Dockside Fish Market (Grand Marais)
I don’t know if Mark will ever be able to order anything other than fish and chips here. He has declared them the best. I can’t really talk because I feel the same way about the fish tacos. Pro tip: Go for lunch and then get fresh fish for dinner over the campfire. Our favorite is campfire paella.
The Patio: They have seating in front as well as a patio around back with views of Lake Superior. Alaska enjoyed watching the birds.
Gunflint Tavern’s Rooftop Bar (Grand Marais)
Their whole drink menu looks good. Castle Danger Cream Ale is one of my favorites.
The Patio: Gunflint Tavern does not serve food on the rooftop patio, but they have fantastic views of Lake Superior and Superior National Forest. Of course, they also have great drinks. The bar is beautifully crafted. If you are not the one grabbing the drinks, you should still take a look.
Java Moose (Grand Marais)
My favorite drink is the Nordic Miel Latte (MN honey, cinnamon and sugar) which is warming, but not too sweet. They have baked goods and sandwiches. The pup cups are a dollar, which I am happy to pay. I recommend following them on Instagram. One of the owners, Sarah, shares the weather each day as well as tidbits about life in Grand Marais. Java Moose partners with Alakef Coffee Roasters (Duluth). You can order beans from both. The Organic Scandinavian blend is my current favorite and what I drink at home.
The Patio: The Adirondack chairs are super comfy, and we have the best conversations with Grand Marais residents when we hang out on the patio. We are usually there before summer tourism is in full swing, so it is relatively quiet.
Advice for North Shore Patios
Bring an extra layer
Being on the North Shore means embracing the weather. It is often windy along the lake so you will probably need one more layer than you think you will.
Be generous
If you can afford to tip generously, please do so. High tourism season is short in MN, and the people who keep it running work hard to make it a positive experience.
Be organized
Wineries and breweries often have music or food trucks on site, and food trucks move around. Cell service can be spotty, especially if you are spending time hiking or paddling. Print or take a screen shot of events at your favorite places so you are prepared to go with the flow.
Don’t forget the pup
Bring along a water bowl and treats. We used to bring a chew, but Alaska just hides them so we stopped.
We will definitely get Angry Trout to go and have a picnic on the beach sometime. I encourage you to both keep your cherished traditions and to also try something new.
What did we miss? Let us know what patio you recommend.