Sometimes stopping for that tubed meat-like substance that has spent all day rolling round and round in a convenience store is a necessity when logging big miles, but on the Lake Superior Circle tour, it’s super easy to satisfy your hunger at some of the most interesting, unique places you will have ever eaten. Each of these 10 places to eat around Lake Superior has been thoroughly tested and biker-approved.
1. Hoito Restaurant – Thunder Bay, Ontario
The Hoito is a true cult classic for breakfast in Thunder Bay. Operated by the Finnish community, Hoito Restaurant keeps its traditions alive by serving some of the best pancakes on this side of the Atlantic.
Tip: Hoito Restaurant operates out of the Thunder Bay Country Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
2. Metropolitan Moose – Kakabeka Falls, Ontario
If you run better with coffee like your bike runs better on high test, then this is the place for you. Their rustic cabin serves up a mean dark roast. Plus, the Metropolitan Moose is famous for their butter tarts and freshly baked scones. This is a must-stop after visiting the falls.
3. Young’s General Store – Wawa, Ontario
While not technically a restaurant, this iconic old-fashioned general store can satisfy your hunger right inside their front door at the pickle barrel. Yep, that’s right, a barrel full of pickles gently marinating in salt brine, just waiting for you. Nothing says ‘road trip’ like eating a pickle at Young’s General Store.
Tip: They also have a great selection of fudge, ice cream and beef jerky…for after the pickle.
4. The Voyageur’s Lodge – Batchawana Bay, Ontario
Voyageurs were hardy boatmen who paddled 26’ canoes full of furs across this rugged landscape and ate well to fuel their bodies each day. Founded on these same principles, The Voyageur’s Lodge cooks up real tasty food at their deli and bake shop on Lake Superior. Try their whitefish tacos, big bowls of poutine, and satisfying deli sandwiches. Wash it down with a butter tart, or an apple fritter. We know what we said.
Tip: Apple Fritters go quickly at peak season, get there in the day.
5. The Breakfast Pig – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
(our feature photo)
The next restaurant on our list of 10 places to eat around Lake Superior is The Breakfast Pig—a place where you can enjoy a badass meal. Come in for breakfast, you won’t be hungry until suppertime. The menu is outrageous at its best but sure, there are some simple foods too if you like that sort of thing. Some fan favourites include eggs benedict, like the Mother Clucker or the Great Lakes whitefish. Pancakes or waffles served sweet or savoury. (beer battered chicken anyone?)
Tip: They have a patio.
6. Patsy’s Bar & Grill – Washburn, Wisconsin
A bar that’s been open since the 1800s and once had a brothel on the second floor. Today, and minus the second floor later, Patsy’s Bar and Grill is still the place to be. For comforting comfort food. Here’s our five favourite menu picks: 1/2 pound Wisconsin cheese curds, the Blue Pig burger, 1/2 pound tater tots nice and crispy, a second patty on your burger, and Barb’s Chicken Sandwich.
7. Angry Trout Café – Grand Marais, Minnesota
The Angry Trout Cafe is an indoor/outdoor restaurant patched together from an old commercial fishing shanty on the shores of Lake Superior. And serves, well, fish. Deep fried fish fritters, smoked fish platters, fish of the day chowder. There are some non-fish items on the menu too. Since it’s Minnesota, pair their fresh fish with Wild Rice and Salad.
8. Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery – Marquette, Michigan
What feels like an off-the-beaten-path place in downtown Marquette. Lagniappes Cajun Creole Eatery is all about the flavours of Louisiana but not the spicey. Start with some crawfish nachos or hush puppies then work your way to a Shrimp Boil, Red Beans and Rice, or some Jambalaya. This restaurant is one of a kind on Lake Superior.
9. Anchor Bar – Superior, Wisconsin
If you’re a burger hound then you have likely heard of the Anchor Bar. They have been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, won numerous awards and are a Lake Superior staple that cannot be missed. If you are feeling insecure and need to boost your confidence…go for the Gallybuster, a triple, one-pound cheeseburger.
Tip: Arrive at the Anchor at non-peak times as lineups are frequent.
10. World’s Best Donuts – Grand Marais, Minnesota
Four generations of the Altrichter family have been making donuts here since 1969. They know donuts, period. Whatever you order we guarantee you won’t even make it off the property before opening the box and digging in. Order one of each, and then top it off with the Skizzle. A beaver tail-sized, sugar-coated delight.
Tip: Enjoy people-watching as they take that first bite. It will remind you of Meg Ryan’s restaurant scene in When Harry Met Sally.
