The space has that classic Ely mix of practical and cozy. It is relaxed enough for a quick coffee, but polished enough to sit down for wine, food, or a longer catch up. Northern Grounds has been serving coffee, food, and wine on Sheridan Street since 2016, and the official site describes it as both a favorite stop for Boundary Waters travelers and a gathering place for locals.

For a small town, the range is impressive. You can come in for coffee and a pastry in the morning, grab food during the day, or return later for wine. It feels like the kind of place that plays several roles in the town, which is exactly what makes it work.

Review of Northern Grounds Ely – Details

• Best For: Coffee, breakfast, casual lunch, wine, local atmosphere, remote work, Boundary Waters travelers
• Location: 2 W. Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731
• Type: Coffee shop and wine bar
• Style: Cozy, local, casual, polished, traveler friendly
• Known For: Freshly roasted coffee, food, wine by the glass, local gathering space
• Opening Hours: Seasonal hours vary, with longer daily summer hours listed from Memorial Day to Labor Day
• Website: thenortherngrounds.com
• Menu: Northern Grounds Menu

Northern Grounds Ely Review – Highlights

• Strong Downtown Ely Location: Northern Grounds sits right on Sheridan Street, making it easy to visit while walking through town, shopping, heading out for the day, or coming back from the wilderness.
• Coffee Shop by Day, Wine Bar by Night: The concept works because it is not limited to one use. It can be your morning coffee stop, afternoon laptop spot, or evening glass of wine.
• Local and Traveler Friendly: It feels equally useful for Ely locals, cabin owners, road trippers, and Boundary Waters visitors passing through town.
• Good Wine Selection: Northern Grounds highlights one of the largest wine by the glass selections north of the Twin Cities, which gives it more range than a standard small town coffee shop.
• Comfortable Atmosphere: The space has a relaxed, warm feel that suits Ely. It is not overly designed or trying too hard, but it still feels considered.
• Useful Food Options: The menu includes coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, soups, quiche, and other casual items, making it more than just a caffeine stop.

Review of Northern Grounds Coffee Ely – Things to Note

• It Can Get Busy: Because it is one of the main coffee and wine spots in town, peak morning times and busy travel periods can feel active.
• Seasonal Flow Matters: Ely changes a lot between summer travel season and quieter months, so the energy of the space can vary depending on when you visit.
• Not a Formal Restaurant: Northern Grounds is best viewed as a cafe, casual food stop, and wine bar rather than a full dinner restaurant.
• Check Hours Before Going: Hours vary by season, with the official site listing different schedules for Memorial Day to Labor Day and the rest of the year.
• Wine Bar Is a Big Part of the Appeal: If you only stop in for a quick coffee, you may miss part of what makes the place more interesting.

Review of Northern Grounds Wine Bar Ely – Tips

• Go in the Morning for Coffee: It is a strong first stop before exploring Ely, heading into the Boundary Waters, or starting a road trip.
• Come Back Later for Wine: The wine bar side gives Northern Grounds a second personality later in the day.
• Use It as a Downtown Base: It is a good place to pause between errands, shops, meals, or local activities in Ely.
• Try the Food if You Are Staying Longer: The food menu makes it easy to turn a coffee stop into a light meal.
• Check for Tastings or Events: Northern Grounds hosts wine related events and tastings, which can make it more of a local experience.
• Buy Coffee to Take Home: The shop roasts coffee locally, so it is worth checking if they have beans available when you visit.

Review of Northern Grounds Ely – Photos and Menu 

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Review of Adventure Inn Motel – Details

• Best For: Boundary Waters trips, fishing weekends, outdoor travelers, extended stays
• Location: Ely, Minnesota
• Type: Motel Style Stay
• Price Range: USD 90 to 180 per night
• Style: Functional, spacious, no frills
• Website: adventureinn-ely.com

Adventure Inn Hotel Review – Highlights

• Strong location for outdoor access
  Just minutes from outfitters, lakes, and trailheads, making it ideal for early starts and late returns.
• Spacious rooms for longer stays
  Larger layouts than typical motels, with enough room for gear, luggage, and multi day comfort.
• Kitchen equipped options
  A key advantage in Ely, especially when dining options are limited or schedules are unpredictable.
• Easy, low friction setup
  Direct parking outside your room, quick check in, and simple logistics throughout.

Review of Adventure Inn Minnesota – Things to Note

• Not a luxury stay
  This is a functional motel, not a boutique hotel or resort.
• Limited amenities
  No restaurant, bar, or on site experiences. Plan accordingly.
• Service depends on a lean team
  Smaller property operations can lead to some variability.
• Seasonality matters
  Summer and fall are peak periods, while winter is much quieter.

Review of Adventure Inn Ely – Tips

• Book early in peak season
  Demand rises quickly during summer and fall.
• Choose a room with a kitchen for longer stays
  It adds flexibility and convenience.
• Plan groceries ahead of time
  Ely has essentials, but options are limited compared to larger towns.
• Use it as a basecamp
  Best paired with outdoor activities rather than treated as a destination stay.

Review of Adventure Inn Motel Boundary Waters – Photos and Menu 

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Review of Boundary Waters Kitchen – Details

• Best For: Breakfast, casual meals, post outdoor refuel
• Location: Ely, Minnesota
• Type: Casual American diner
• Price Range: USD 10 to 20 per person
• Style: Comfort food, relaxed, local
• Website: https://boundarywaterskitchen.com/

Boundary Waters Kitchen Ely Review – Highlights

• Solid breakfast offering
  A go to spot in Ely for starting the day properly, especially before heading out to the lakes or trails.
• Hearty, no frills food
  Portions are generous and built for energy rather than presentation.
• Local, laid back atmosphere
  Feels like a true small town spot, with a steady mix of locals and visitors.
• Consistent and reliable
  Not trying to reinvent anything, just executing familiar dishes well.

Review of Boundary Waters Kitchen – Things to Note

• Not a destination restaurant
  You come here for reliability, not a standout culinary experience.
• Can get busy at breakfast
  Especially during peak travel season.
• Menu is straightforward
  Limited variety beyond classic comfort dishes.
• Ambience is simple
  Functional rather than designed.

Review of Boundary Waters Kitchen MN – Tips

• Go early for breakfast
  Best way to avoid waiting.
• Stick to the classics
  That is where the kitchen performs best.
• Great before outdoor plans
  Portions are ideal for long days out.
• Do not overthink it
  This is a simple, satisfying stop.

Review of Boundary Waters Kitchen Ely – Photos and Menu 

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Review of Brainstorm Bakery – Details

• Best For: Cookies, creative desserts, takeaway treats
• Location: Ely, Minnesota
• Type: Bakery
• Price Range: USD 4 to 8 per item
• Style: Creative, small batch, flavor driven
• Website: https://brainstormbakery.com

Brainstorm Bakery Ely Review – Highlights

• Rotating and creative flavors
  The menu goes beyond standard chocolate chip, often experimenting with combinations that feel seasonal or unexpected.
• Small batch approach
  Items feel freshly made and not mass produced, which adds to the appeal.
• Strong visual presentation
  Cookies and baked goods are built to stand out, both in person and online.
• Good takeaway format
  Easy to grab and go, ideal for a quick dessert stop.

Review of Brainstorm Bakery Crapola Granola – Things to Note

• Menu can change frequently
  Not all flavors are always available.
• Leans toward indulgent
  Portions and richness can be on the heavier side.
• Limited seating
  Better suited for takeaway.
• Popular items can sell out
  Especially later in the day.

Review of Brainstorm Bakery Crapola – Tips

• Go earlier in the day
  Best selection and freshness.
• Ask what is new or popular
  Rotating items are often the highlight.
• Share if trying multiple flavors
  Portions can be filling.
• Stick to their signature styles
  That is where the bakery stands out most.

Review of Crapola Brainstorm Bakery – Photos and Menu 

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