Jeff R
The food was very tasty though but very much so overpriced. For a almost $20 breakfast sandwich I expected it to be bigger and better. I will say the bread that they use is freaking amazing but just for one egg and two small pieces of bacon not a whole lot of food. there’s definitely a lot of better brunch places in Duluth.
Had to wait about 10 minutes for the host to seat us even though there was four open tables she left and went to pretended to clean stuff for what felt like forever. It seems like they need more staff or maybe just better efficiency from the management. The dinner food does look a bit better than brunch so I would like to come back and try that again.
… moreLogan Lawler
I’ve not left a restaurant with such a deep understanding of its city like I have with Lake Avenue. Duluth’s urban renewal is charming in the same way a childrens’ soccer match is, in that there is an earnest attempt regardless of the result. The same cannot be said about Lake Avenue.
A rotating menu will always be bold, and I would have commended them for this had the execution not been so poor. In the images I’ve included, you’ll see the Tofu Masala ($24), the Mac and Cheese ($20), and the Steak Dinner ($53). While I cannot be certain which ingredients were used to push these dishes to such a steep price, I know salt was not one of them. The keen-eyed gourmet will undoubtedly spot the great unifying force of the culinary world, fresno chili and pickled red onion. The unnecessary inclusion of these in both the Tofu Masala and the Steak Dinner unfortunately speaks truth to Lake Avenue’s attempt at being something it is not – a restaurant worthy of its prices. Neither the Steak nor Tofu Masala benefit from these flavors, but if your menu is on rotation and you lack the culinary experience to accommodate this, it does provide a universal shock to the palette that might distract your guests from the dish’s lack of cohesion.
In other circumstances, I would not be so harsh, but the $120 (pre-tip) bill my partner and I paid makes that irresponsible. This is Duluth, Minnesota; leave Lake Avenue, walk 20 seconds in any direction and you’ll wind up in a T-Shirt shop or a Bar & Grill. Lake Avenue is not fighting the expectations of its patrons, but the ones that it sets upon itself.
Find what works and do it well. No one is asking for anything else.
… moreCurt O
Our visit to Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar was truly enjoyable. We stopped by during a quiet period, so we were seated right away. One of the owners, who was both friendly and attentive, looked after us. We tried the Biscuits and Gravy (without the chili oil) and the Carrot Cake French Toast—both dishes were outstanding and unlike anything we’d tasted before. We’re certain we’ll return in the future.
… moreHannah M
This place was excellent! It’s a little hidden and you have to go through the market entrance. The salmon was great and I think the portion was perfect for me. I also got the carrot cake for dessert and it was super rich and dense. Super delicious spot for dinner!
… moreMarcus
The best canal park has to offer. Very elevated with an italian/asian fusion vibe. Similar cuisine and food options compared to Lake Superior Brewing Co. Will have to float between the two to find who comes out on top.
… moreJosiah Wood
The food was good however not spectacular. I had the red snapper ceviche and the pork belly sandwich for dinner with a black sesame cheesecake for dessert. The sandwhich was amazing but the fries were plain.The ceviche was watery (if that makes sense) but still good, and the cheese cake was average. The wait staff was incredible however and I would definitely go back.
… morebritt prim
Lake Ave is my family’s go-to spot when we’re celebrating something or just feeling a little fancy on any particular day. I had the steam buns back in December (celebrating holiday break kick-off) and I haven’t stopped thinking about them since. My family was thrilled to see them on the menu when we visited this past weekend (feeling a little fancy on a Saturday).
We’ve been many times — I guess we like to celebrate/feel fancy — and we always leave content. Portions are always just right, presentation is supreme, the service is top notch, and despite some low key fancy vibes, it is very much a “come as you are” type of place.
I love the menu changes that are made periodically, as it highlights the creativity of the chef and the Lake Ave team. This is especially true for their vegan options (pot pie is , steam buns are dream-worthy). This is a feel-good establishment and I am so glad to have them nearby.
… moreSharla F
Visited there the first time today. The hostess greeted us warmly and had a nice welcoming personality. Our server Maria was very nice and pleasant and answered our questions. The food..holy cow. We had the steak tartare, mussel pasta and the steak. Everything was outstanding! We will definitely be back!
… moreJennifer Watkins
I had high hopes based on reviews. I’m not sure if it was just an “off” day or what, but it was a bad experience for my whole party and I. Our server was downright rude. I can handle mediocre food of the service is good, but we experienced neither unfortunately. The duck in the tamales was tough, undercooked and flavorless. That sounds harsh, but true. The calamari dish was okay. The green curry was good, but spicier than the menu and server mention. We got the ceviche as our appetizer (it was tuna this day) and it was incredibly fishy tasting. I couldn’t eat it. Presentation of the food was gorgeous, but it ended there. We dine out a lot. Sadly, I’ll never go back nor recommend to friends.
… moreKevin J
Great service, fresh ingredients, unseasoned food. The wings were good but the pork bolognese was watery and flat. For the prices the food should be fantastic, but it ended up being like hospital food with a gorgeous presentation.
… more