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For My Money, This Eatery Has The Best Restaurant Patio In Minnesota

Published Jul 12, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

One of the best things about living in Minnesota is patio season. And while many folks think patio season means summer, for a good number of others, it's whenever the patios are open - sometimes all year long. Regardless of when patio season is, though, the one thing that's required is... well, a patio. And for my money, you'll find the best restaurant patio in Minnesota at Poplar Haus, near Grand Marais, on the Gunflint Trail (okay, technically, it's a deck, but you get what I mean).

Poplar Haus is a locally-beloved restaurant and bar on the Gunflint Trail, about 30 minutes northwest of Grand Marais.

Sign for Poplar Haus featuring a moose statue, surrounded by greenery and flowers, with buildings in the background.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

It's a warm and welcoming spot with floor-to-ceiling windows and, as the name suggests, a clean, Nordic aesthetic.

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Cozy restaurant interior with large windows, wooden decor, and patrons enjoying their meals at tables.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

Summer or winter, spring or fall, you'll plenty of hygge at Poplar Haus.

Cozy interior of a restaurant with a fireplace, wooden furniture, and large windows showcasing a sunset view.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

Of course, the restaurant's food is a big part of this.

A plate of fettuccine with creamy mushroom sauce, topped with sliced grilled chicken and served with two pieces of bread.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

Featured pastas and other specials, as well as a regular menu of comfort classics keeps your tummy happy. Last time I was there, I had a mushroom fettuccine that was velvety and delicious.

Since we're Up North, you'll also find a regular rotation of walleye dishes at Poplar Haus.

A plate featuring a seasoned fish fillet, wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and a lemon wedge on a wooden table.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

Poplar Haus' bar program is also on point.

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A close-up of a cocktail glass with an orange slice, set against a sunset view through large windows.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

I would argue that its old fashioned is the best you'll find above the 47th parallel in Minnesota.

All that is well and good, but the real star of the show here is the deck.

A lakeside patio with people dining, enjoying the view, and a server attending to customers under umbrellas.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

You can enjoy your meal overlooking beautiful Poplar Lake.

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

Surrounded by Northwoods beauty and welcome silence, it's an incredible place to eat and/or drink.

Sunset is a particularly magical time to be out on the Poplar Haus deck with an old fashioned in hand.

A modern cabin with large windows reflecting a sunset, surrounded by snow and trees. Adirondack chairs are in front.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

Even - or perhaps, especially - in winter.

A serene winter landscape with snow-covered trees and a sunset over a frozen lake.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

Whenever someone asks me to recommend Grand Marais restaurants, I always mention Poplar Haus, although it's about 30 minutes outside of town - believe me, though, it's definitely worth the drive. For more information or to take a look at the menu, visit Poplar Haus on the web. Follow the Poplar Haus Facebook page for updates and specials. If you're looking to stay on the Gunflint, Poplar Haus has a few rental cabins available, but they book up quickly. Another nearby option is Poplar Creek Retreat, a gorgeous vacation rental on the eastern end of Poplar Lake.

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Have you visited Poplar Haus near Grand Marais? Do you agree it's the best restaurant patio in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!

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Food|Bars & Nightlife

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in Minnesota That Is Worth the Day Trip

Timbers Edge Bar and Grill, near Eveleth, MN may be in the middle of nowhere, but it's worth the trip.

Published Oct 7, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

After driving for more than an hour through Minnesota's Superior National Forest at night, from the North Shore toward the Iron Range - and without passing a single business - I was hungry and thirsty and wondering where the heck I was. (Did I mention that I had little to no cell service for most of the drive?)

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So you can very well imagine my delight when I rounded a curve, broke through the treeline, and came upon a bright, friendly sign reading, "Timber's Edge Bar and Grill." I don't think I squealed my tires when I braked and turned into this off-the-beaten path restaurant in Minnesota - but I may have. A little.

A dimly lit scene at night featuring a sign for "Timbers Lodge" and parked cars near a wooden building.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I pulled up to the log-and-plank sided building at the intersection of Wilson Road and U.S. Route 53, a few miles south of Eveleth, but what I found was a pleasant surprise.

A wooden building at night with illuminated windows and a sign, set against a dark sky.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

The dining room was a neat, friendly, and well-lighted space. A hand-written sign on the wall admonished that "mine boots" weren't allowed in the room - a reminder that I'd made it to the Iron Range.

Interior of a restaurant featuring wooden decor, tables with chairs, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

The bar was equally clean and friendly, and given my arrival a few minutes before the kitchen closed, neither the dining room nor the bar were at all crowded.

A cozy bar scene with patrons sitting at the counter, a bartender serving drinks, and various beverages displayed.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

I found a perch at a hightop; the bartender, who was doubling as a server at the time, brought me an extremely well-priced drink and a menu with many more offerings than I expected or had even hoped for.

A close-up of a menu at Timber's Edge Bar & Grill, featuring food options and prices on a wooden table.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

I ended up ordering the steak dinner (the kind wasn't specified, but if I had to guess, I'd say sirloin) which came with a side salad, a breadstick, and a choice of potato - all for less than $20. I sprung for the sautéed mushrooms and onions for another couple bucks, and I was very pleased with everything. I saw a couple sandwiches and burgers come out while I was there, and they looked great, too!

For folks who live on the Arrowhead, Timbers Edge is definitely worth making the trip. And visitors from elsewhere should certainly pin it on their maps.

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A plate with a meat dish topped with onions, a side of gravy and mashed potatoes, and a breadstick.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

Next time you're heading to the Iron Range or visiting Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota, be sure to make the trip over to Timbers Edge Bar and Grill - you'll be glad that you did. The restaurant doesn't maintain much of a web presence, but updates and specials are posted pretty regularly on the Timbers Edge Facebook page. Have you visited this off-the-beaten path restaurant in Minnesota? Let us know!

You won't find much in the way of accommodations close to Timbers Edge. Your best bet is probably Virginia, about 20 minutes north of the eatery on U.S. Route 53. The downtown Quality Inn and Suites is located in what used to be the Coates Hotel and retains much of its predecessor's historic charm. It's my go-to hostelry when I'm in the area. I think you'll like it, too.

What are some other hidden gem eateries in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? Tell us about your favorites in the comments.

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Food

This Minnesota Dining Experience Has Been Called One Of The Best Restaurants In The U.S.

Published Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

The Land of 10,000 Lakes has no shortage of incredible restaurants, and several celebrity chefs and James Beard Award winners have set up shop in the state. The latest establishment to be recognized on a national level is Hai Hai in Minneapolis. This funky northeast Minneapolis eatery combines its whimsical takes on Southeast Asian street food with an incredible cocktail program, making it not only one of the best restaurants in Minnesota but in the entire United States.

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You'll find Hai Hai on University Avenue in northeast Minneapolis.

A vibrant yellow building with large windows and a neon sign reading "Living the HAY Life." Sidewalk view.
Jon N./Google Reviews

Hai Hai is the brainchild of Christina Nguyen, who started her current culinary journey with an Asian-Latin fusion food truck, Hola Arepa.

A smiling woman in an apron holds a plate of salad and a bowl of soup in a bright kitchen.
Hai Hai/Facebook

Hola Arepa eventually moved into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in south Minneapolis, and in 2017 Nguyen branched expanded her repertoire with the opening of Hai Hai. Since then, Nguyen has garnered several James Beard Award nominations, and in 2024, she took home the Best Chef Midwest award for Hai Hai.

What the James Beard Foundation finally figured out is something that Minnesotans have known for years: Nguyen is an uber-talented culinary visionary, and Hai Hai is absolutely wonderful.

A vibrant restaurant interior with green walls, plants, and diners at long tables under woven light fixtures.
Jairo Molina/Google Reviews

Located in a space that was formerly a seedy dive bar, Hai Hai's outward appearance doesn't scream "James Beard Award." But its funky decor and the melange of aromas that tease your nose when you enter may go a way toward convincing you.

I think Hai Hai's casual vibe is a big part of it's charm, and that's carried through in its vibrant, street food-inspired cuisine.

A colorful spread of three dishes: saucy tofu, stir-fried greens with meat, and crispy flatbreads with dipping sauce.
Hai Hai/Facebook

The menu evolves over time, but the Southeast Asian influence is its touchstone. From small plates, like chive cakes and shrimp toast, to mains like Hanoi sticky rice and Balinese chicken thigh, it's almost impossible to decide where to start.

That's where a drink comes in. As inspired as the cuisine is at Hai Hai, the bar program knocks it out of the park.

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A vibrant bar with a long counter, tropical decor, and patrons enjoying drinks in a bright, airy space.
Tyler McPheeters/Google Reviews

A rotating array of whimsical craft cocktails perfectly complement the food

Two glasses of vibrant pink drinks topped with slices of dragon fruit, resting on a textured surface.
NikkiA179/TripAdvisor

Regular drink specials raise the bar even higher.

On beautiful warm days in Minnesota, there may not be a better place to enjoy a cocktail than Hai Hai's patio...

A lively restaurant patio with greenery, wooden beams, and diners enjoying their meals at colorful tables.
kimmysue42/TripAdvisor

Especially if you order one of the incredible slushies on a hot, sunny afternoon. Hai of the Storm, anyone?

As one of the best restaurants in Minnesota, Hai Hai should definitely be on your Bold North bucket list. But given its recent boost in popularity a la the James Beard Award, you'll definitely need a reservation. You can make them online at Hai Hai's website, and if you'd like some additional visual stimulation, check out the restaurant's Facebook page for more food photos. If you find yourself in Northeast but are unable to score a reservation at Hai Hai, fret not - there are plenty of awesome breweries to check out in this part of the city.

Have you tried Hai Hai? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

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