The restaurant has a warm, casual feel, but the menu goes beyond basic bar food. You can find burgers, sandwiches, bowls, steaks, fish, pastas, flatbreads, appetizers, cocktails, Minnesota beers, and seasonal specials. That range makes Insula useful for lunch, dinner, a casual drink, or a proper meal after a long outdoor day.

It feels like the kind of restaurant every small town wants. Local enough to fit Ely, but interesting enough to make visitors remember it.

Review of Insula Ely – Details

• Best For: Lunch, dinner, burgers, bowls, fish, cocktails, casual dates, group meals, Boundary Waters visitors
• Location: 145 East Sheridan Street, Ely, MN 55731
• Type: American restaurant and bar
• Style: Casual, polished, local, creative, warm
• Known For: Burgers, walleye, sandwiches, bowls, cocktails, local beer, seasonal specials
• Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 11 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM
• Closed: Sunday and Monday
• Reservations: No reservations, first come first served
• Website: insularestaurant.com
• Instagram: @insula.restaurant

Insula Ely Review – Highlights

• One of Ely’s Best All Around Restaurants: Insula works for many occasions. You can stop in for a burger, order fish, have cocktails, or make it a proper dinner.
• Strong Downtown Location: The restaurant is right on Sheridan Street, which makes it easy to visit while walking through town.
• Creative But Approachable Menu: The food feels more interesting than standard small town fare, but it is still easy to understand.
• Good Burger and Sandwich Options: The menu includes classic comfort items, but with enough twists to make them stand out.
• Useful After Outdoor Days: After hiking, paddling, fishing, or driving back from the Boundary Waters, Insula feels like a proper reset meal.
• Cocktails and Local Drinks: The bar side makes it more than just a lunch stop. It works well for dinner and drinks too.
• Local Sourcing Feel: The menu highlights regional partners and ingredients, which helps the restaurant feel tied to Minnesota and the Northland.

Review of Insula Restaurant Ely – Things to Note

• No Reservations: Insula uses a first come first served system, so wait times can happen during busy periods.
• Closed Sunday and Monday: Plan around the schedule, especially if you are visiting Ely for only a short time.
• It Can Get Busy: This is one of Ely’s better known restaurants, so peak dinner hours can fill quickly.
• Menu Items May Change: Specials and seasonal items can vary, so check the current menu before going.
• Not a Fast Food Stop: It is casual, but it is still a real restaurant experience.
• Best When You Have Time: It is worth sitting down, ordering a drink, and enjoying the meal rather than rushing.

Review of Insula Ely – Tips

• Go Early for Dinner: Arriving before the main rush helps if you want to avoid a wait.
• Try the Walleye: In northern Minnesota, walleye is always worth considering.
• Order a Cocktail: The bar program is part of what makes Insula feel more polished.
• Use It After a Boundary Waters Trip: It is a great first proper meal back in town.
• Check the Specials: Seasonal dishes can be some of the most interesting options.
• Plan Around Closed Days: Do not leave it for Sunday or Monday.

Review of Insula Ely MN – Photos and Menu 

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The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, baked goods, coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, and seasonal specials. That range makes it useful at almost any time of day. You can go for a slower breakfast, a casual lunch, a cozy dinner, or a drink at the bar.

The feeling is warm, local, and relaxed. It is not trying to be flashy. Instead, it focuses on real food, good sourcing, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

Review of Northern Waters Smokehaus Duluth – Details

• Best For: Smoked fish, smoked meats, sandwiches, deli items, lunch, takeout, Canal Park stops, food gifts
• Location: DeWitt Seitz Marketplace, 394 Lake Avenue South, Suite LL1, Duluth, MN 55802
• Area: Canal Park, Duluth
• Type: Smokehouse, deli, sandwich shop, specialty market
• Known For: Smoked salmon, smoked meats, salumi, creative sandwiches, local food culture
• Hours: Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Wednesday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Website: northernwaterssmokehaus.com
• Sandwich Menu: Northern Waters Smokehaus Sandwich Menu
• Local Pickup: Northern Waters Smokehaus Pickup
• Instagram: @nwsmokehaus

Northern Waters Smokehaus Duluth Review – Highlights

• A True Duluth Food Stop: Northern Waters feels rooted in the city. The smoked fish, deli case, and Canal Park setting all connect naturally to Duluth and Lake Superior.
• Excellent Smoked Fish: Smoked salmon is one of the main reasons to visit. It works in sandwiches, on bagels, in salads, or as something to take home.
• Creative Sandwich Menu: The sandwiches are the star for many visitors. The menu includes options like the Cajun Finn, Sitka Sushi, Slammin Gordon, Pastrami Mommy, Club Mariner, and Northern Bagel.
• More Than a Lunch Spot: You can buy smoked fish, meats, salumi, sausages, sides, and deli items, which makes it useful beyond one meal.
• Great Takeout Option: Northern Waters is ideal if you want something high quality without committing to a formal restaurant.
• Strong Local Reputation: It has the feel of a place locals recommend and visitors remember.

Review of Northern Waters Smokehaus Duluth – Things to Note

• It Can Get Busy: This is a well known Duluth stop, so lunch rushes and peak visitor seasons can mean lines.
• Casual Setup: Do not expect a quiet full service restaurant. It is more of a counter service smokehouse and sandwich shop.
• Menu Is Rich: Smoked fish, cured meats, sauces, and cream cheese based spreads can be filling. Come hungry.
• Hours Vary by Day: The shop has shorter hours earlier in the week and longer hours from Thursday to Saturday, so check before going.
• Online Ordering Has Limits: The official site notes that deli products are no longer offered for online ordering, so visit in person to see the full deli selection.

Review of Northern Waters Smokehaus Duluth – Tips

• Order Ahead During Busy Times: Pickup can save time if you already know what sandwich you want.
• Try a Smoked Fish Sandwich First: That is the best way to understand what makes the place different.
• Check the Deli Case: Do not only focus on sandwiches. The smoked fish and meats are worth taking home.
• Share If You Want Variety: The menu has enough interesting choices that splitting sandwiches can be a good move.
• Pair It With a Canal Park Walk: The location makes it easy to grab food and walk around the lakefront area.
• Ask Staff for Recommendations: The menu has unusual combinations, so it helps to ask what is popular that day.

Review of Northern Waters Smokehaus Duluth – Photos and Menu 

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The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, baked goods, coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, and seasonal specials. That range makes it useful at almost any time of day. You can go for a slower breakfast, a casual lunch, a cozy dinner, or a drink at the bar.

The feeling is warm, local, and relaxed. It is not trying to be flashy. Instead, it focuses on real food, good sourcing, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

Review of Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe – Details

• Best For: Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee, local food, casual dates, family meals, cozy Duluth dining
• Location: 1902 E 8th St, Duluth, MN 55812
• Type: Cafe and farm fresh restaurant
• Style: Cozy, local, relaxed, community focused
• Food: Breakfast, sandwiches, salads, bowls, burgers, small plates, dinner dishes, bakery items, and seasonal specials
• Drinks: Coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, mocktails, and non alcoholic drinks
• Price Range: Mid range dining
• Website: astccc.net
• Menu: At Sara’s Table Menus
• Online Ordering: Order Online

Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe Review – Highlights

• All Day Flexibility: At Sara’s Table works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks, and dessert. That makes it more useful than a single purpose cafe.
• Farm Fresh Focus: The restaurant highlights local sourcing, house made food, and seasonal ingredients. It feels connected to Duluth and the wider Northland food scene.
• Strong Breakfast and Brunch Appeal: This is the kind of place that makes sense for a slower morning. Eggs, coffee, baked goods, and heartier breakfast dishes all fit the mood.
• Good for Different Diets: The menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free friendly options, which makes it easier for groups with different needs.
• Cozy Local Atmosphere: The space feels like a neighborhood restaurant rather than a polished chain. That gives it more character.
• Drinks Beyond Coffee: The bar program adds another layer. Cocktails, wine, beer, and mocktails make it useful later in the day too.

Review of Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe Duluth – Things to Note

• It Can Get Busy: Popular Duluth restaurants fill up, especially around brunch, weekends, and peak meal times.
• The Menu Has Range: If you want a very simple diner menu, this may feel more creative than expected.
• Seasonal Changes Matter: Dishes and specials can change, so check the current menu before going.
• Not the Cheapest Cafe Stop: The local sourcing and full service format place it above a basic coffee shop or diner.
• Best When You Have Time: This is a place to sit down and enjoy, not just rush through.

Review of Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe Minnesota – Tips

• Go for Breakfast or Brunch: This is one of the best ways to experience the cafe side of the restaurant.
• Check the Specials: Seasonal dishes are part of what makes the menu interesting.
• Book or Join the Waitlist: If you are going at a busy time, use the official site to plan ahead.
• Try It for Dinner Too: Many people think of it as a breakfast or lunch spot, but the dinner and bar side are worth considering.
• Look at the Bakery Items: Desserts and baked goods are part of the charm.
• Bring Guests With Mixed Diets: The menu gives enough range for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and standard options.

Review of Sara’s Table Cafe – Photos and Menu 

At Sara’s Table is best for people who like local restaurants with personality. It suits brunch fans, coffee drinkers, families, couples, travelers, and anyone who wants a relaxed Duluth meal with more care than a standard cafe.

It is also a good choice for groups. The menu has enough variety to satisfy different tastes, and the atmosphere is comfortable without feeling too formal.

It may not be the best fit if you want a quick fast food style meal, a loud bar scene, or a very cheap breakfast. At Sara’s Table is more about comfort, sourcing, and a slower neighborhood dining experience.

For more food and cafe reviews, check out our other reviews here.

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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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