After countless sunrises at Split Rock Lighthouse, winter expeditions to frozen waterfalls, and summer evenings capturing Lake Superior’s golden hour, I’ve learned that great photography in the Northland requires two things: patience for the perfect light and knowing where to refuel between shoots. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or waiting for fog to lift along the shore, every photographer needs sustenance to keep the creative energy flowing. Here’s my definitive guide to the best local eateries that have sustained my decade-long photography journey through Duluth, Superior, and the North Shore.
Quick Bites for Between Photo Locations
1. Northern Waters Smokehaus
- Address: 394 Lake Ave S #106, Duluth, MN 55802
- What to Expect: Artisan smoked fish and meats, gourmet sandwiches
Tucked into the historic DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace in Canal Park, Northern Waters Smokehaus offers the perfect photographer’s fuel. Their small but mighty deli counter serves up house-cured meats and fish that can be enjoyed on-site or wrapped to go. The compact space is often bustling with both locals and tourists, drawn by the enticing smells of smoked Lake Superior fish and artisanal charcuterie. For photographers on a tight shooting schedule, their online ordering system allows you to skip the line and grab your food quickly between locations.
- Must Try: The “Silence of the Lambs” sandwich – smoked lamb with goat cheese and olive tapenade. Perfect to pack in your camera bag for those long shoreline hikes.
2. OMC Smokehouse
- Address: 1909 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806
- What to Expect: Premium barbecue, house-smoked meats
A standout in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District, OMC (Oink, Moo, Cluck) Smokehouse brings Southern-style barbecue techniques to Northern Minnesota ingredients. The rustic-industrial atmosphere with its exposed brick and wood elements provides an excellent backdrop for food photography, while large windows flood the space with natural light. The restaurant sources many ingredients locally, including Minnesota-raised meats that are smoked on-site daily. During summer months, their patio offers a sunny spot to review your morning’s photos while enjoying lunch.
- Must Try: Brisket sandwich with a side of smoked gouda mac & cheese. Their to-go options make it easy to grab lunch between shooting Lincoln Park’s industrial scenes.
3. Positively 3rd Street Bakery
- Address: 1202 E 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55805
- What to Expect: Worker-owned cooperative bakery, wholesome baked goods
This community-centered cooperative bakery has been serving Duluth since 1983, with an emphasis on organic, whole grain baked goods. The small storefront in the East Hillside neighborhood opens early—perfect for photographers heading out for sunrise shoots. Everything is made from scratch daily, with a focus on nutritionally dense items that provide lasting energy for long days of hauling camera gear. The friendly staff often has recommendations for lesser-known photo spots and is happy to discuss local conditions and weather patterns.
- Must Try: Dream cookies and hearty whole grain bread for trail sandwiches. Their early hours are perfect for photographers heading out for sunrise shoots.
4. Great Harvest Bread Co.
- Address: 4602 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55807
- What to Expect: Fresh-milled breads, sandwiches, and pastries
The aroma of freshly baked bread greets visitors to this West Duluth institution, where wheat berries are milled into flour each morning before being transformed into a variety of artisanal loaves. Beyond bread, Great Harvest offers hearty sandwiches ideal for packing along on daylong photo expeditions, along with cookies and other sweet treats. Their counter service is quick, making it an efficient stop when chasing changing light conditions, and they’re generous with samples for the undecided photographer.
- Must Try: Dakota bread sandwich with turkey and cranberry mustard. Their breads have fueled many winter photography expeditions.
5. Portland Malt Shoppe
- Address: 716 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
- What to Expect: Seasonal lakeside ice cream stand (summer only)
Operating from May through September, this beloved seasonal landmark sits perched on the Lake Superior shoreline in a converted gas station from the 1920s. The Portland Malt Shoppe offers not just delicious frozen treats but also one of Duluth’s most photogenic settings, with unobstructed views of the lake and the Aerial Lift Bridge. The vintage aesthetic of the building itself, combined with the lakefront location, makes this spot a subject worth capturing while enjoying a cool treat after a hot day of shooting.
- Must Try: Classic malt while watching sunset over the Aerial Lift Bridge. The lighting here in early evening creates magnificent photography opportunities too.
Sit Down Places & Night Spots for Post-Shoot Celebrations
6. Vikre Distillery
- Address: 525 Lake Ave S, Duluth, MN 55802
- What to Expect: Craft cocktails, small plates, locally-distilled spirits
Housed in a renovated warehouse space in Canal Park, Vikre Distillery crafts award-winning spirits using Lake Superior water and local botanicals. Their cocktail room serves as both tasting room and bar, with innovative drinks showcasing their gin, aquavit, and whiskey offerings. The industrial-chic decor features reclaimed wood and vintage elements, while large windows offer views of the lift bridge and shipping canal. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after capturing sunset over the lake, with a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere conducive to reviewing the day’s images.
- Must Try: Cedar gin and tonic after capturing Canal Park at blue hour. Their location in an old brick warehouse offers interesting interior shots as well.
7. New Scenic Café
- Address: 5461 North Shore Dr, Duluth, MN 55804
- What to Expect: Upscale farm-to-table cuisine, artistic presentations
About 15 minutes up the shore from Duluth, New Scenic Café stands as a culinary landmark that has helped define North Shore dining. Chef/owner Scott Graden creates visually stunning dishes using seasonal ingredients that tell the story of the region. The café’s understated elegance extends from the plate to the dining room, with views of Lake Superior complementing the artistic food presentations. Photographers appreciate both the culinary artistry and the café’s location, which provides convenient access to numerous North Shore shooting locations.
- Must Try: Lake Superior fish dish with seasonal vegetables. The restaurant itself is a photogenic spot with Lake Superior views.
8. Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar
- Address: 394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
- What to Expect: Locally-sourced cuisine, craft cocktails
Located in the same historic marketplace as Northern Waters Smokehaus, Lake Avenue Restaurant offers a refined yet approachable dining experience with a menu that showcases local ingredients through global cooking techniques. The warm, bustling atmosphere makes it popular with locals and visitors alike, and the bar stays open later than most Duluth establishments—perfect for photographers who’ve been out capturing sunset and twilight. The eclectic décor includes photography and art from local creators, providing inspiration along with nourishment.
- Must Try: Whitefish livers and their famous coconut cake. Open later than most Duluth restaurants, perfect after evening lighthouse shoots.
9. Earth Rider Brewery
- Address: 1617 N 3rd St, Superior, WI 54880
- What to Expect: Award-winning craft beer, food trucks
Crossing the bridge into Superior, Wisconsin, Earth Rider Brewery has established itself as a regional craft beer powerhouse, with a taproom housed in the historic Cedar Lounge building. The brewery frequently hosts food trucks in its outdoor space, creating a dynamic atmosphere that varies day to day. The industrial character of both the taproom and the production facility (which offers tours) provides interesting photography subjects, while the relaxed vibe welcomes camera gear and shop talk among photographers comparing the day’s catches.
- Must Try: Superior Pale Ale with whatever food truck is stationed outside. Their brewery tours provide interesting industrial photography opportunities.
10. At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Café
- Address: 1902 E 8th St, Duluth, MN 55812
- What to Expect: Farm-to-table comfort food, all-day breakfast
This neighborhood institution near Chester Park serves thoughtfully prepared comfort food with an emphasis on local, organic ingredients. The sunlit dining room has a homey, welcoming feel, making it a comfortable place to spread out maps and plan the next day’s shooting locations. The café’s commitment to sustainability extends to its operations, making it a good fit for photographers who practice leave-no-trace principles in their landscape work. The diverse menu accommodates various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
- Must Try: Hungarian mushroom soup and wild rice burger. Their commitment to local ingredients mirrors the commitment to local landscapes.
Must-Try Snack Places
11. Duluth’s Best Bread
- Address: 2632 W 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55806
- What to Expect: Artisan breads and pastries
This small, family-owned bakery lives up to its bold name, producing exceptional European-style breads and pastries that sell out quickly most days. The owners trained in France, bringing traditional techniques back to their Lincoln Park neighborhood storefront. Space is limited inside, but the heavenly smells and showcase of beautifully crafted baked goods make the tight quarters worthwhile. For early-rising photographers, their opening hours coincide perfectly with pre-dawn departure times for catching first light.
- Must Try: Chocolate croissants and sourdough bread. Perfect for grabbing before dawn drives up the shore.
12. Love Creamery
- Address: 1908 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806
- What to Expect: Small-batch handcrafted ice cream
Another Lincoln Park gem, Love Creamery creates inventive ice cream flavors using organic dairy and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The bright, modern shop offers a rotating selection of seasonal flavors that often incorporate foraged items like spruce tips or wild berries—echoing the seasonal beauty that landscape photographers seek to capture. The shop’s aesthetic, with clean lines and Instagram-worthy presentations, appeals to the visually oriented, while the creamy treats provide a perfect reward after hiking to remote shooting locations.
- Must Try: Lavender honey ice cream. Their seasonal flavors capture the essence of the North Shore just as photographs attempt to do.
13. Gordy’s Hi Hat
- Address: 415 Sunnyside Dr, Cloquet, MN 55720
- What to Expect: Classic drive-in burgers, fries, and malts (seasonal)
A legendary seasonal drive-in operating since 1960, Gordy’s Hi Hat represents classic Americana with its hand-pattied burgers, crispy onion rings, and thick malts. The nostalgic roadside architecture makes for excellent photographic subject matter in its own right, with vintage signage and the distinctive “Hi Hat” shape of the building. Operating from spring through early fall, Gordy’s serves as the perfect refueling stop when traveling between Duluth and the photogenic Jay Cooke State Park with its dramatic river gorge landscapes.
- Must Try: Double cheeseburger with fries and a malt. A perfect reward after shooting Jay Cooke State Park’s dramatic river gorge.
14. World’s Best Donuts
- Address: 10 Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604
- What to Expect: Fresh donuts made daily (seasonal)
This third-generation family business has been a Grand Marais institution since 1969, serving freshly made donuts that draw lines out the door during peak summer months. The small shop’s pink-and-white striped awning has become an iconic sight in the harbor town, nearly as photographed as the lighthouse. Opening at 5:30 am, it’s perfectly timed for photographers returning from sunrise shoots along the Superior shore. The seasonal operation (generally May through October) coincides with prime photography conditions in the northern reaches of Minnesota’s shore.
- Must Try: Cake donuts and raised glazed. The shop’s early opening hours align perfectly with North Shore sunrise shoots.
15. Aroma’s Coffee & Café
- Address: 1731 London Rd, Duluth, MN 55812
- What to Expect: Coffee, pastries, light fare
Situated in a convenient spot along London Road, Aroma’s serves as both neighborhood coffee shop and traveler’s waypoint when heading up the North Shore. The café offers locally roasted coffee along with housemade pastries and light breakfast and lunch options. The cozy interior provides a warm retreat during inclement weather, with plenty of outlets for charging camera batteries and reviewing images. Their early opening time makes them a reliable first stop for photographers heading out to catch dawn light along the lake.
- Must Try: Cranberry wild rice muffin with locally roasted coffee. Their early opening hours are a godsend for photographers.
Local Favorites
16. Angry Trout Café
- Address: 408 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
- What to Expect: Sustainable seafood, lakeside dining (seasonal)
This seasonal waterfront café embodies the ethos of the North Shore, with its commitment to local foods, sustainability, and simple elegance. The restaurant is built from reclaimed materials, with a rustic charm that complements its harbor setting. Tables on the deck offer unparalleled views of the Grand Marais harbor and lighthouse—subjects that have graced countless photographs. The menu focuses on Lake Superior fish caught by local fishermen, along with produce from nearby farms, creating a true taste of place that resonates with landscape photographers’ appreciation for regional distinctiveness.
- Must Try: Fresh Lake Superior fish sandwich. The harbor light at sunset behind the restaurant makes for stunning photos.
17. Duluth Grill
- Address: 118 S 27th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806
- What to Expect: Farm-to-table comfort food, extensive menu
What began as a conventional diner has evolved into a nationally recognized leader in sustainable restaurant practices, with on-site gardens and a commitment to local sourcing. The Duluth Grill’s extensive menu accommodates virtually every dietary preference without sacrificing flavor, making it a reliable choice for photography groups with diverse needs. The bright, welcoming space offers plenty of seating, while efficient service ensures you won’t miss your shooting window. Their location in west Duluth positions them as an ideal launching point for photography expeditions heading up the North Shore.
- Must Try: Buffalo Totchos and anything with their house-made sauces. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with respectful landscape photography ethics.
18. New London Café
- Address: 4721 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55804
- What to Expect: All-day breakfast, lunch classics
This neighborhood café in Duluth’s Lakeside area provides hearty, unfussy fare in a casual setting. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating a cheery atmosphere regardless of Lake Superior’s often dramatic weather patterns outside. The café’s proximity to Brighton Beach (Kitchi Gammi Park) makes it a convenient stop after morning shoots at this popular rocky shoreline. Local photographers often gather here, exchanging tips on conditions and locations while enjoying generous portions of comfort food classics.
- Must Try: Smoked salmon benedict. Located perfectly for a meal after shooting Brighton Beach at sunrise.
19. Northern Waters Restaurant
- Address: 1640 London Rd, Duluth, MN 55812
- What to Expect: Upscale dining, locally sourced ingredients
From the same culinary minds behind Northern Waters Smokehaus, this full-service restaurant in the Mount Royal Shopping Center elevates locally sourced ingredients through careful preparation and thoughtful presentation. The clean, modern aesthetic of the dining room provides a refreshing environment for reviewing the day’s images, while the sophisticated yet unpretentious menu offers more substantial fare than its deli counterpart. Their careful attention to detail in food preparation mirrors the precision required in landscape photography.
- Must Try: Lake trout with seasonal accompaniments. The restaurant’s minimalist aesthetic inspires compositional choices.
20. Fitger’s Brewhouse
- Address: 600 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
- What to Expect: Pub fare, house-brewed craft beer
Housed in the historic Fitger’s Brewing Complex, this brewpub combines Duluth’s industrial heritage with contemporary craft beer culture. The labyrinthine interior retains many original features from the building’s brewing history, creating an atmospheric setting to review your day’s photography work. Beyond their renowned house-brewed beers, Fitger’s offers a menu of elevated pub fare featuring local ingredients like wild rice and Lake Superior fish. The location along the lakewalk provides easy access to popular photography spots in Canal Park and downtown Duluth.
- Must Try: Wild rice burger and Apricot Wheat Ale. Their historic building offers wonderful architectural photography opportunities.
Hidden Gems
21. Zenith Bookstore Café
- Address: 318 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN 55807
- What to Expect: Independent bookstore with small café
This West Duluth bookstore combines literary pleasures with a small but mighty café space offering thoughtfully sourced beverages and light snacks. The bookstore’s well-curated photography section provides inspiration for capturing the North Shore, while the café area offers a quiet space to plan shooting itineraries or review images. Regular readings and events make it a cultural hub where photographers might connect with local knowledge holders who can suggest off-the-beaten-path locations for unique landscape shots.
- Must Try: Local tea blends and pastries while browsing photography books. A source of inspiration for many shoots.
22. Martha’s Daughter
- Address: 107 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
- What to Expect: Innovative farm-to-table cuisine, craft cocktails
This downtown Duluth restaurant brings a chef-driven, creative approach to local ingredients, with a menu that changes frequently based on seasonal availability. The space itself is intimate and stylish, with thoughtful lighting that photographers particularly appreciate. Chef Nyanyika Banda creates dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious, drawing inspiration from global cuisines while maintaining a connection to Minnesota’s food traditions. The restaurant’s focus on artistic presentation resonates with photographers’ visual sensibilities.
- Must Try: Their ever-changing seasonal menu showcases local ingredients in creative ways. The restaurant’s lighting is as thoughtfully composed as a good photograph.
23. Russ Kendall’s Smoke House
- Address: 149 Scenic Dr, Knife River, MN 55609
- What to Expect: No-frills smoked fish market
This unassuming roadside smoke house between Duluth and Two Harbors has been smoking Lake Superior fish since the 1920s. The simple white building with its distinctive red roof makes for a nostalgic photograph itself, while inside, the glass cases display an array of smoked fish varieties. The operation remains refreshingly old-school, with fish smoked over locally sourced wood and minimal additives. Many photographers make this a regular stop when traveling the shore, picking up protein-rich smoked fish to fuel their creative endeavors along the lake.
- Must Try: Smoked lake trout and whitefish. A must-stop during coastal photography trips up Highway 61.
24. Boat Club Restaurant
- Address: 600 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
- What to Expect: Upscale dining with harbor views
Located in the historic Fitger’s complex, the Boat Club offers more refined dining than its brewpub neighbor, with expansive views of Lake Superior from many tables. The elegant dining room, with its white tablecloths and extensive wine list, provides a perfect setting for celebrating a successful photography outing or special occasion. Large windows frame the harbor views that change dramatically with weather conditions, allowing diners to continue appreciating Lake Superior’s moods even while indoors. The menu emphasizes local ingredients prepared with classic techniques.
- Must Try: Walleye piccata and craft cocktails. Their patio offers an excellent vantage point for harbor photography.
25. Rustic Inn Café
- Address: 2773 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
- What to Expect: Homestyle cooking, famous pies
Just north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, this roadside café has been serving hungry travelers and locals since 1920. The humble exterior gives way to a cozy dining room where the aroma of fresh-baked pies fills the air. Beyond their famous desserts, the café offers hearty breakfast and lunch options perfect for fueling up before or after shooting nearby attractions like Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls. The friendly, unpretentious atmosphere welcomes photographers with their gear in tow, and staff often share local knowledge about conditions and less-visited spots.
- Must Try: Five-layer chocolate pie. This is a traditional reward after capturing Split Rock Lighthouse in challenging weather conditions.
Fueling Your Creative Vision
The best photographs of the North Shore come from patience, persistence, and proper nourishment. These local establishments have not only filled my stomach during countless photography expeditions, but they’ve also introduced me to the people and stories that make this region so special. Many of my most meaningful landscape images have come after conversations with local servers, chefs, and fellow diners who’ve shared their secret spots and local knowledge.
As you explore the dramatic shorelines, moody forests, and ever-changing waters of Lake Superior with your camera, I encourage you to make these food stops part of your creative journey. Break bread with locals, swap stories about that morning’s light conditions, and fuel your next photographic adventure with the flavors that define the North Shore. The connections you make over a meal might just lead to your best image yet—and that’s something no photography guidebook can tell you.