Good Morning, Duluth: 13 Great Spots to Grab Breakfast and Brunch

Eggs Benedict on a plate with a cup of fruit
At Sara’s Table

Many say breakfast is the most important (and delicious) meal of the day, and who are we to disagree? Especially given that when you’re in Duluth, you’ll want to fuel up for a full day of experiencing all the city has to offer.

We’re calling all early-risers, pancake-versus-waffle debaters, Bloody Mary aficionados and everyone in between, because it’s always brunch o’clock somewhere.

Here are 13 of the many breakfast and brunch spots to check out on your next visit to Duluth.

At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Café: A fixture of the Chester Park neighborhood with a locally sourced farm-to-table menu, this spot is known for its delightful food, craft cocktails and laid-back, earthy vibe. Specialties include biscuits and chorizo gravy, cranberry wild rice French toast and a “hippie farm breakfast.” It’s a great spot to grab vegan and vegetarian fare, including a vegan okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), house-made granola and a salmon pesto omelet.

The Boat Club Restaurant: Located in the lower level of the historic Fitger’s Complex and overlooking Lake Superior, The Boat Club offers brunch seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy house specials including the Lake Superior Breakfast and Smoke Salmon Skillet, several varieties of eggs benedict and traditional breakfasts. For Bloody Mary fans, the Lobster Bloody Mary is not to be missed. Complete with a 4-oz. petite lobster tail, maple sriracha bacon, dill Havarti and a filthy pickle—it’s a meal in and of itself!

Big Daddy’s Burgers: A burger joint that knows its way around breakfast food, Big Daddy’s Burgers in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood features all the classics—omelets, breakfast sandwiches, French toast, pancakes, and more—with menus for seniors and kids. Breakfast is served Tuesday – Saturday from 6-11 a.m.

Bridgeman’s: Founded in Duluth in 1883 by Henry Bridgeman, Bridgeman’s ice cream is known around the Midwest, but Duluth is home to the one and only Bridgeman’s restaurant, located next to Miller Hill Mall. Breakfast is served all day, featuring signature dishes like avocado toast, chicken and waffles and huevos rancheros, along with blueberry stuffed French toast and Swedish pancakes. (And if you want ice cream for breakfast, no one will judge you!)

Dovetail Cafe & Market: This not-so-hidden gem of Lincoln Park has a cozy and casual atmosphere where visitors can enjoy homemade food along with specialty coffee (roasted on-site), plus local arts and entertainment. Customer favorites include the quiche du jour, served with mixed greens and herb vinaigrette, and Dovetail custard, a delectable chia seed and coconut milk custard with homemade rhubarb and berry compote.

Coffee cups hanging at Dovetail Cafe & Market
Dovetail Cafe & Market

Duluth Coffee Kitchen: Now you can enjoy the renowned brews of Duluth Coffee alongside some tasty breakfast dishes at the Duluth Coffee Kitchen, located next door to Duluth Coffee Café in downtown. With a menu focused on farm-to-table food, you can enjoy items like the Harvest Hash, loaded French Toast and even a Bahn Mi sandwich. The Kitchen also has an espresso bar and a craft cocktail menu.

Duluth Grill: Picture crispy pork belly tossed in Korean BBQ sauce plus scrambled eggs with kimchi, carrots, green cabbage and leeks. Top it with soyoli, avocado, sesame seeds and fresh green onions on perfectly grilled sourdough bread. The Korean toast is just one of the many mouthwatering menu items at Duluth Grill, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The restaurant provides service based on three principles: fresh, local and organic—and the menu is filled with basic comfort foods to more contemporary dishes, all in the welcoming atmosphere of a neighborhood diner with its own onsite garden.

The Social House: Newly opened in the heart of Canal Park, stop in for a homemade hearty breakfast. Whether you’re a health nut, omnivorous or all about the bacon, there’s something for everyone.

Trophy Café: Located in Gary New Duluth, the Trophy Café serves breakfast all day. From classics like the Trophy #1 (two eggs, hashbrowns and toast) to corned beef hash to the southwest skillet, you’re sure to find something for all cravings. 

Uncle Loui’s Cafe: Proud servers of all-day breakfast and lunch since 1993, Uncle Loui’s has hard-to-beat breakfast specials for $10 or less. With a menu full of tasty (and filling!) comfort food, Uncle Loui’s Café is a favorite spot for University of Minnesota – Duluth students to fuel up with breakfast, any time of day.

Vanilla Bean Restaurant: Creativity abounds from the Vanilla Bean kitchen, with house specials including Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, wild rice porridge, oven-baked omelets and bacon-wrapped mini doughnut Bloody Marys. Brunch is available all day, so come early or have breakfast for lunch—it’ll hit the spot no matter when you visit.

BONUS: Need some quick breakfast options? Two additional ideas:

Duluth’s Best Bread is a Lincoln Park neighborhood street corner attraction with an order and pick-up window where you can grab amazing pastries. Try the classic French-style croissant or a homemade pop tart. 

Perk Place is situated between the St. Scholastica and University of Minnesota – Duluth campuses. It’s a great spot to grab a quick breakfast like egg bake, coffee cake, breakfast sandwiches and more. 

Posted on April 19, 2022