A Historic Bank Is Now One Of The Best Eateries On Minnesota's North Shore
By Trent Jonas|Published June 28, 2024
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
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.
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.
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.
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.