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Northern Grounds Ely Review | Coffee Shop and Wine Bar | Ely, Minnesota

AB — Sat, 16 May 2026 18:18:25 +0000

Northern Grounds is one of the main coffee stops in downtown Ely, Minnesota. Located on Sheridan Street, it works as a morning coffee shop, casual lunch spot, wine bar, local gathering place, and useful stop before or after a Boundary Waters trip.

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

Northern Grounds is best for people who want a reliable, comfortable, and local feeling place in Ely. It is useful for coffee drinkers, wine lovers, remote workers, tourists, and anyone passing through town before or after an outdoor trip.

It is especially good for Boundary Waters travelers. Before a canoe trip, it works as a final proper coffee stop. After a trip, it works as a comfortable return to town with coffee, food, and a glass of wine.

It may not be the best choice if you are looking for a formal restaurant meal or a quiet hidden cafe with no traffic. Northern Grounds is more central, more social, and more woven into the flow of downtown Ely.

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

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