This post featuring the best restaurants in Ely with kids may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy. This article also includes a hosted stay at Ely Log Cabin. All thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own.
Exploring Ely, Minnesota, and wondering where to eat with kids? This charming town in northern Minnesota, just 4.5 hours from Minneapolis, offers more than just epic outdoor adventures—it’s also home to many excellent restaurants and foodie experiences for families with kids!
From cozy coffee shops to pubs with kid-friendly menus, Ely has plenty of delicious options to fuel your family adventures. Whether you are craving hearty breakfasts, fresh local fish, or a little ice cream, this guide will help you find the best restaurants in Ely for families. Keep reading to discover where to eat in Ely with kids, and make your trip as memorable at the table as it is on the trails!
Northern Grounds (Breakfast – Pre-dinner drinks)
Start your day in Ely with breakfast at Northern Grounds, a cozy coffeehouse and wine bar in the heart of downtown. Known for its dynamite coffee and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this spot is perfect for families wondering where to eat breakfast in Ely with kids.
The menu includes hot breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and muffins, alongside kid-friendly smoothies. The drink menu includes a wide selection of coffee and tea. Whether you choose to dine in their inviting space or grab breakfast to go, Northern Grounds offers a laid-back start to your day of exploring Ely with kids.
Beyond breakfast, explore their gourmet marketplace, stocked with charcuterie essentials, snacks, and desserts—ideal for picnics or cabin lunches. They also have a variety of wraps and sandwiches for lunch, too. Northern Grounds is a favorite stop for Boundary Waters adventurers and locals alike. With over 50 wines by the glass and seasonal wine tastings, it’s a versatile eatery from breakfast to pre-dinner drinks. No wonder it’s one of the best restaurants in Ely with kids!
Pro tip: this is also a great spot to try Dorothy’s Root Beer, an iconic Ely drink created by the one and only Rootbeer Lady.
READ NEXT: Ely made the list of our top picks for 8 EPIC Bucket List Winter Getaways in Minnesota for Families to Play in the Snow – can you guess who else did?
Britton’s Café (Breakfast + Lunch)
Wondering where to eat breakfast in Ely with your kids? You’re not going to want to miss this place! Britton’s Café is a must-visit spot for hearty breakfasts in Ely. Known for its generous portions, homemade bread, and friendly atmosphere, this cash-only eatery is a local favorite. The menu features classic breakfast dishes and unique specials like Crab Cake Eggs Benedict that keep visitors coming back for more.
Pro tip: arrive early to beat the crowd—it’s busy for all the right reasons!
READ NEXT: How to Plan a Fun 3-Day Family Trip to Ely, Minnesota
Boat House Brew Pub & Restaurant (Lunch + Dinner)
Boat House Brew Pub & Restaurant is a family-friendly favorite in the heart of downtown. The menu is packed with delicious options like sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas, alongside must-try appetizers like the giant pretzel with cheese and crispy cheese curds. For adults (21+), the iconic Blueberry Blonde Ale—brewed in-house—pairs perfectly with any meal and pays homage to Ely’s famous wild blueberries.
One of the best restaurants in Ely with kids, Boat House, offers a dedicated kids’ menu and plenty of seating, whether dining as a family or with a large group.
Adults (21+) can also grab a to-go growler of their craft beer (including BWCA-approved plastic options) to enjoy at the cabin. Whether you’re savoring local brews or sharing family-friendly dishes, Boat House is the perfect addition to your weekend getaway in Ely!
Evergreen Restaurant (Breakfast – Dinner)
Dine with a view at Evergreen Restaurant, nestled inside the Grand Ely Lodge overlooking beautiful Shagawa Lake. Known for its supper club charm, this full-service restaurant serves up fresh, locally-inspired dishes (from breakfast to dinner) in a casual, family-friendly setting. The lake-facing dining room offers unbeatable sunset views, making it a perfect spot for a memorable dinner for all ages!
The menu caters to everyone, from hearty steak and fish dinners to lighter fare and pasta. We loved the Shore Lunch Bluegill Dinner, complete with soup or salad and a choice of potato—a true Minnesota delight! Kids under ten eat free at every meal, and the dedicated kids’ menu makes dining with little ones a breeze.
As one of the best restaurants in Ely, Evergreen is one of the few places in town that takes reservations. They can also accommodate large parties. Whether staying at the lodge or just stopping by, this is one of the best places to eat in town for a delicious and relaxing meal with your kids.
Gordy’s Hi-Hat (Lunch + Dinner)
While not in Ely, this next spot is a *must-stop* if you’re driving through Cloquet to get home (which you certainly will do if you’re driving back to the Twin Cities area). Wrap up your trip with a delicious stop at Gordy’s Hi-Hat, a classic diner that’s been serving some of the best burgers in northern Minnesota since 1960. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, the menu boasts more than just legendary burgers—you’ll also find fish, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and creamy malts that are not to be missed.
My family loved our first visit here (following a recent trip to Ely!). My daughter couldn’t get enough of the crispy chicken strips paired with a marshmallow malt, and the casual atmosphere made it the perfect pit stop before heading home. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s an easy choice for families.
If you’re traveling in the summer, plan ahead—this popular spot can get busy on weekends, especially during peak meal times. Keep in mind, Gordy’s Hi-Hat is only seasonally open and may not be open from October to April. Check their website for updated hours. If you’re passing by, it’s undoubtedly one of our favorite kid-friendly places to eat near Ely.
More Fantastic Places to Eat in Ely, Minnesota, with Kids
When you’re exploring Ely, Minnesota, with kids, there are plenty of great places to eat! The above options are just a sample of the many fabulous places. If you’re looking for more of the best restaurants in Ely with kids, this section is for you!
However, remember that many restaurants in Ely are seasonal and only open during the summer months. Google may not always be accurate, so check the individual websites or Facebook pages for up-to-date information. Off-season visitors should map out their restaurants before arriving to ensure availability.
Still wondering where to eat in Ely with kids? Keep reading to discover a few more restaurants in Ely, Minnesota, to add to your itinerary!
- Insula Restaurant offers classic American fare with a twist. It is arguably one of the best restaurants in Ely (unfortunately, it was closed during our recent visit! We can’t wait to try it next time). They also offer a dedicated kids’ menu.
- Stony Ridge Resort & Cafe for coffee and breakfast.
- Log Cabin Coffee Drive-Thru has coffee, smoothies, and baked goods.
- The Chocolate Moose offers a supper-club-style brunch, lunch, or dinner (summer only).
- Northern Expressions for a bit of ice cream (it’s a great afternoon pick-me-up!)
Keep Eating in + Exploring Ely, Minnesota, with Your Kids!
If you’ve been wondering where to eat with kids in Ely, Minnesota, I hope this article answers all of your questions! No matter what you’re craving, I’ve outlined my top picks for the best restaurants in Ely for families with kids. The area is so fun to explore, whether hiking snow-dusted trails in the winter or canoeing in the summer. Undoubtedly, these kid-friendly places to eat in Ely are ready to refuel you between adventures. Enjoy exploring Ely and its many delicious restaurants with your family!
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
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