Fresh, local and friendly. The seasonal menu is always tasty! We had the “rotating roll”which was a savory biscuit with braised beef, pickled jalapeño and cheddar- absolutely delicious! The pork verde fry bread came in at a close second- to be clear, they were both neck and neck for flavor. Our server was an absolute delight and only added to our wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MC
The owner is a decent honest hardworking man and runs a great business.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Waffles, Sausage, Charred Shishito Peppers, Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Roasted Mushroom Benedict
Ed J.
I couldn't see the lake, there were kids outside throwing rocks into the water, when I confronted this issue to the waitress she didn't seem to care and I got very angry, my steak and lobster was ruined I couldn't believe such behavior to a retired post master I severed this county for 33 years. once I went to the bathroom to clear my head I spent 45 minutes in the bathroom, but by the time I returned my food was no longer at the table. this country use to build things. I didn't know we did this to elders. Very Respectfully. - Big Ed J. Jay Retired U.S Postal Master
brittany 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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beth C.
excellent food, gourmet Quality. Excellent service. best burger in town. On weekend nights can be a little loud, if you are looking for a place with quiet conversation, but in every way worth it.
MelissaL
The menu is always interesting. Our food was good, and the drinks were delicious - Tiger Eye and Coquito in particular. Our server was not very engaged. We had to ask her for the details of daily items, ask for silverware, ask about dessert. Just would have liked her to be excited and interested in what might be interesting to us. We think it is special to go to Lake Ave, but this visit was not really that experience.
MalloryT
Amazing staff, delicious food. Our first time here and we will be back! Get the salmon or fowl (or anything I'm sure, but that's what we had and I already want to eat it again).
Nathan Hoffman
I had the open face brisket sandwich. It was wonderful. The cranberry chutney was great. The gravy was divine. Great local food, excellent restaurant.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Ryan
How this place was represented online was VERY different from the actual experience. The food was very underwhelming, some good concepts that lacked delivery. The cocktails were trying to be too much. The atmosphere was most surprising, it felt like an old Perkins like restaurant with zero ambiance. Overall, quite disappointing.
No one was there to take us to our seat so we just sat down, and a man brought us menus about 10 minutes later. The coffee was okay but the eggs and sausage were not restaurant worthy. The cost was outrageous and I don't plan on going back.
Kristen Potter
Such imaginative cocktails (if you are lucky you might chat with Rio about his tasty inventive concoctions…so delicious) and fun and friendly staff all at wound. The food was sublime. Excess expectations on all fronts. Go! (But make a reservation to be sure you get a seat!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Canyonman Adventures
Had the steak. Great meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Ostergaard
I'd recommend avoiding this restaurant, I will not be returning. It's $19 for three perogies. The food was good but not exceptional, there are better options elsewhere and I suggest you take them.Solid service does not make up for this fact.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
I've been to Canal Park many times, but I think I've found my new favorite restaurant in Duluth. Small space but very welcoming. Food was interesting and sooo good. I have found my new crave-able dish — the salmon was amazing!
Nice portion sizes. Great staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fresh, local and friendly. The seasonal menu is always tasty! We had the “rotating roll”which was a savory biscuit with braised beef, pickled jalapeño and cheddar- absolutely delicious! The pork verde fry bread came in at a close second- to be clear, they were both neck and neck for flavor. Our server was an absolute delight and only added to our wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The owner is a decent honest hardworking man and runs a great business.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Waffles, Sausage, Charred Shishito Peppers, Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Roasted Mushroom Benedict
I couldn't see the lake, there were kids outside throwing rocks into the water, when I confronted this issue to the waitress she didn't seem to care and I got very angry, my steak and lobster was ruined I couldn't believe such behavior to a retired post master I severed this county for 33 years. once I went to the bathroom to clear my head I spent 45 minutes in the bathroom, but by the time I returned my food was no longer at the table. this country use to build things. I didn't know we did this to elders. Very Respectfully. - Big Ed J. Jay Retired U.S Postal Master
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
excellent food, gourmet Quality. Excellent service. best burger in town. On weekend nights can be a little loud, if you are looking for a place with quiet conversation, but in every way worth it.
The menu is always interesting. Our food was good, and the drinks were delicious - Tiger Eye and Coquito in particular. Our server was not very engaged. We had to ask her for the details of daily items, ask for silverware, ask about dessert. Just would have liked her to be excited and interested in what might be interesting to us. We think it is special to go to Lake Ave, but this visit was not really that experience.
Amazing staff, delicious food. Our first time here and we will be back! Get the salmon or fowl (or anything I'm sure, but that's what we had and I already want to eat it again).
I had the open face brisket sandwich. It was wonderful. The cranberry chutney was great. The gravy was divine. Great local food, excellent restaurant.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
How this place was represented online was VERY different from the actual experience. The food was very underwhelming, some good concepts that lacked delivery. The cocktails were trying to be too much. The atmosphere was most surprising, it felt like an old Perkins like restaurant with zero ambiance. Overall, quite disappointing.
Restaurantji Recommends
No one was there to take us to our seat so we just sat down, and a man brought us menus about 10 minutes later. The coffee was okay but the eggs and sausage were not restaurant worthy. The cost was outrageous and I don't plan on going back.
Such imaginative cocktails (if you are lucky you might chat with Rio about his tasty inventive concoctions…so delicious) and fun and friendly staff all at wound. The food was sublime. Excess expectations on all fronts. Go! (But make a reservation to be sure you get a seat!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had the steak. Great meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I'd recommend avoiding this restaurant, I will not be returning. It's $19 for three perogies. The food was good but not exceptional, there are better options elsewhere and I suggest you take them.Solid service does not make up for this fact.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
I've been to Canal Park many times, but I think I've found my new favorite restaurant in Duluth. Small space but very welcoming. Food was interesting and sooo good. I have found my new crave-able dish — the salmon was amazing!