Next time you're visiting the North Shore of Lake Superior, and you find yourself a little peckish, make your way up to the charming town of Grand Marais. There, you'll find one of my favorite eateries on the entire shore: Gunflint Tavern. Not only does this spot offer fantastic food, drinks, and views, it's got a unique quirk or two that sets it apart from other dining options in the area. For one, the building it occupies is the former Grand Marais State Bank - and there are still hints of its past life to this day. Gunflint Tavern is a great Minnesota restaurant in a former bank, and there are plenty of other reasons you should definitely pay a visit.

Looking at Gunflint Tavern from a distance, you can still see hints of the building's previous incarnation.

The main brick part is low-slung and solidly built.

The rooftop patio and bar were post-bank additions, though.

These days, instead of a counter with tellers, you'll see a long bar that doglegs around the eatery's back-of-house area.

The main dining room is bright and airy, but nods to the former bank are still visible.

Currency from all over the world hangs above the bar.

And the former vault is now a cooler.

Instead of solemn paper transactions, the food is the serious business here, now.

I've never had a bad meal at Gunflint Tavern. The burgers, sandwiches, and entrees are all fantastic. When I'm feeling indecisive, the black bean burrito is my fallback - and it's killer.

The bar program is no slouch either.

Gunflint Tavern offers an impressive beer selection, including many local brews, a destination-worthy bloody mary, and plenty of creative cocktails. I can personally vouch for the old fashioned.

The seasonal rooftop patio and bar - the Nest - is decidedly un-bank-like.

With regular live music, food offerings, and views to die for, this is the spot to hunker down on a lovely North Shore day.

There's also a nautical-themed side bar, The Raven, for those who just want to relax with a drink and watch a game or two.

And if you're looking for a spot to stay nearby, you're in luck!

The Mayhew Inn is right next door. It's a boutique hotel with a handful of themed rooms, like The Artist Loft and ​​The Thunderbird.

So, next time you're in the Grand Marais area, be sure to pay a visit to Gunflint Tavern - believe me, you'll thank us for the recommendation! It can get busy on weekends, especially in the summer, and it doesn't accept reservations. But the wait is worth it. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you've already had a chance to visit this Minnesota restaurant in a former bank building, and tell us about your experience. Since you're already this far up the shore, don't miss the incredibly scenic drive between Grand Marais and the Canadian border. It's only about 40 miles, but it's packed with one stunning view after the next.​​

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/minnesota/scenic-drive-through-national-park-mn