Foodie Family Approved: 16+ Best Restaurants in Grand Marais with Kids

This post featuring the best restaurants in Grand Marais with kids may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.

We’ve been traveling to Grand Marais, Minnesota, for the better part of the last twenty years – with and without kids. In fact, it’s one of my favorite places to visit in the state, and we typically go there three to four times a year. Grand Marais boasts excellent hiking trails, epic views of Lake Superior – and some of the most beloved restaurants in Minnesota. The city provides an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We’ve tried our fair share of restaurants in Grand Marais, MN, throughout our many visits. This article outlines our favorite places to eat, including the best restaurants for kids in Grand Marais. From breakfast to after-dinner ice cream, I have all of your cravings covered. Keep reading to get all the details in my Foodie Parent’s Guide to 16+ Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Grand Marais, Minnesota!

Important Note: Restaurant hours and dates of operation change depending on the season. If you are visiting during the shoulder season (early spring or late fall) or winter, I recommend checking hours in advance and plotting out when you will dine at each restaurant. The stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year’s sees the most closures during the year.

Best Restaurants for Coffee + Breakfast in Grand Marais, Minnesota, with Kids

Looking for the best restaurants for breakfast in Grand Marais with kids? There are many excellent options, from a quick cup of coffee to a celebratory family brunch. 

Planning a summer trip to Grand Marais with kids? Read this next: Family Guide to 14+ Exciting Summer Things to Do in Grand Marais with Kids

Java Moose Espresso Cafe (also serves lunch)

Java Moose Espresso Cafe is located in the heart of downtown Grand Marais, just across from the harbor beach. You really can’t miss it! Though it can get busy during the summer (like, line out the door busy), it’s a must-stop in any season. It’s also one of the only places to get a quick coffee in town. Try the maple latte! It’s made locally at Wild Country Maple Syrup. 

For breakfast, they have an array of scones, muffins, and other small bakery items to pair with your coffee. Then, Java Moose also has delicious sandwiches available for lunch (personally, I think they are really underrated!).

If you’re able to sit and stay a while, they have kid’s games and puzzles (near the bathroom). This is one of my daughter’s favorite things to do in town! Alternatively, take your coffee out to the deck or across the street to the harbor beach. If you plan to sit on the beach, grab donuts from World’s Best Donuts (if they are open) – it’s a dynamite combination!  If you’re wondering where to eat breakfast with kids in Grand Marais, this is one of the best spots.

Kids’ Menu: No

Season: All Year Round (with some exceptions)

World’s Best Donuts

In my opinion, World’s Best Donuts are indeed the world’s best! They have been serving donuts in the Grand Marais community since 1969. Typically, they are only open during the high-tourist summer season (with some special dates added throughout the year—watch social media for updates). Be sure to go early, though, as a long line usually forms most days. (They are worth the wait, I promise!)

World’s Best Donuts is best known for their cake donuts and donut kabobs. However, they also have raised donuts and turnovers. They have tons of flavors available, so take your time reviewing your options and loading up on your favorites (and maybe a new flavor or two, too!). My personal favorite is the coconut cake donuts. The donut kabobs are super fun for kids, too! 

World’s Best Donuts is open until they run out of donuts (usually by 3:00 pm). A few picnic tables are nearby, but they do not have any on-site seating per se. Plan to take your donuts to the beach or back to your accommodations.

Kids’ Menu: No

Season: Summer (with some special added dates throughout the year)

SHOOK (also open for lunch)

SHOOK is a fun, relatively new food truck addition to Grand Marais. It’s located near Roam & Whimsy Co. on Hwy 61 (across from Voyageur Brewing Company). Blending a passion for adventure and healthy eating, SHOOK makes everything fresh and ready to take on the go. 

The menu includes everything from hearty breakfast burritos to tropical smoothie bowls. They also offer shakes, smoothies, and coffee drinks. It’s a great spot to grab breakfast for the beach or to fuel up before a hike. Plus, in the summer, the smoothie bowls are super refreshing!

Keep an eye out for upcoming events on social media; Roam & Whimsy Co. and SHOOK often team up on Sip and Shop experiences.

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Season: All Year Round (with some exceptions)

Coho Cafe & Bakery (also serves lunch + dinner)

Technically this next restaurant is located in nearby Tofte, but it still deserves a spot on this list. Coho Cafe & Bakery is about 30 minutes from downtown Grand Marais, but it’s often a convenient spot for many of the best hikes and things to do in the area (like Oberg Mountain, Tettegouche State Park, and Temperance River State Park).

As one of the best restaurants near Grand Marais with kids, they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day, making them a convenient option for exploring the area. It’s an excellent spot for coffee and a pastry in the morning. Additional breakfast items include breakfast burritos, pancakes, and omelettes if you need something more substantial. Then, lunch features an array of sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. If you are popping in for lunch, I recommend the Reuben! Meanwhile, dinner includes tasty options like pasta, walleye, and pork chops. No matter what time of day you stop, you’re sure to munch on something delicious as you refuel for your next activity. 

They have indoor + outdoor seating.

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Season: All Year Round (with some exceptions)

Best Restaurants for Lunch + Dinner in Grand Marais, Minnesota, with Kids

Now, let’s talk about some of the best restaurants for lunch or dinner in Grand Marais with kids! The city offers a variety of excellent options, featuring everything from fresh-caught fish and pizza to tacos and more. Keep reading to discover my favorite restaurants for lunch and dinner in Grand Marais, MN.

Traveling to Grand Marais during the winter? Read this next: How to Spend 3+ Days in Grand Marais with Kids this Winter

The Fisherman’s Daughter

If I could only send you to one or two restaurants in Grand Marais, The Fisherman’s Daughter would top the list (alongside Voyageur Brewing Company). The food always hits perfectly. The ingredients may be simple, but the flavors are exceptional. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best restaurants in Grand Marais with (or without) kids.

I almost always get the walleye fish tacos. I think they might be my favorite fish tacos ever! The fish is light, the slaw is vibrant – it’s just plain delicious. My husband always gets the Smoked Salmon Chowder. It’s unreal how good it is! Additionally, they also offer menu items like chicken strips, cheese curds, fresh-caught fish and chips, and specialty loaded fries and tater tots (like crab fries!). You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Indoor + outdoor seating are available. They also have a small store if you want to load up on charcuterie items or souvenirs. 

Kids’ Menu: No (but there are chicken strips and french fries on the menu)

Season: All Year Round (with some exceptions)

Voyageur Brewing Company

Voyageur Brewing Company is one of my favorite kid-friendly places to eat in Grand Marais! Located downtown, it is a must-stop for us whenever we are in town (as you can probably tell from our Instagram stories!). With a fireplace and plenty of seating, it’s an excellent spot for dinner and a pint (the Trailbreaker is my usual pick). Plus, sometimes they also have games available, but we usually bring our own, just in case. It’s an excellent spot for card games or small board games like Cribbage on a lazy afternoon.

The menu features many delicious appetizers and small plates, including Reuben eggrolls (a personal favorite!), pizza, charcuterie with smoked fish, soft pretzels with cheese, and more. They also have a yummy kids’ menu. It’s one of my favorite places to end the day or spend a cozy afternoon.

Indoor + outdoor seating with lake views are available. They can accommodate large parties. You can even catch an incredible sunset over the water if you’re lucky!

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Season: All Year Round (with some exceptions)

Angry Trout Cafe (serves breakfast too)

If you’re wondering where to eat on the water in Grand Marais with kids, Angry Trout Cafe is the answer. With a beautiful dining room with incredible lakeside views, and waterfront outdoor seating, Angry Trout Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Grand Marais for families. It’s perfect for a laid-back dinner or a family celebration. It’s even been called “Minnesota’s Favorite Restaurant”.

The menu features locally grown produce, hand-harvested wild rice, and, of course, fresh-caught Lake Superior fish. Start your meal with the Smoked Fish Platter. Then, choose from one of their many sandwiches, baskets, or dinners. Personally, I really love the Fish of the Day Dinner. Finally, be sure to save room for dessert. They always have a daily pie option!

Indoor + outdoor seating is available. They can also accommodate large parties.  If you plan it right, you might even see the sunset over the water!

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Season: All Year Round (with some exceptions)

My Sister’s Place

As my daughter’s favorite restaurant in town, My Sister’s Place obviously needs to make my list of the best restaurants in Grand Marais with kids! She adores their lemon arugula pizza—it’s the only thing she will order! I, on the other hand, switch it up between the Reuben and the Blue Boy with a bison patty. Plus, in the summer, they also offer lawn games near the outdoor patio, which means kids can play while they wait for their food.

My Sister’s Place features one of the most extensive menus in town. You’ll find everything from burgers and pizza to sandwiches and fresh-caught fish on the menu. Finally, don’t miss adding a malt or a shake to dinner (you can even get a blueberry malt!).

Indoor + outdoor seating is available. Plus, they can accommodate large parties. 

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Season: All Year Round (with some exceptions)

Hungry Hippie Tacos

Hungry Hippie Tacos creates flavors that “embrace the spirit of the northland”, and I have to agree with them. This is one dynamite spot! If you are craving tacos in Grand Marais, Hungry Hippie Tacos is an excellent spot for lunch or dinner. I love their puffy tacos (fry bread-inspired tacos). The ingredients are always fresh, and the tacos are absolutely delicious! Plus, their meats and sauces are all house-made. 

The Northern Gringo is my favorite taco on the menu. They also offer burritos, taco salads, and more. In my opinion, this is definitely one of the best restaurants in Grand Marais with kids.

Indoor + limited outdoor seating is available. If you get hungry on your way home, they also have a location in Duluth!

Kids’ Menu: No (but they can do a quesadillas) 

Season: All Year Round (with some exceptions)

Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub (serves breakfast too)

Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub is one of our go-to spots for a full breakfast! It’s also a great place for breakfast or brunch on your way out of town. However, as one of the best restaurants in Grand Marais for families, they serve food all day long. 

They also have a very extensive menu that will please even the pickiest of eaters. When you arrive, order at the counter and sit down. Then, the servers will bring all of the food and beverages to the table, as well as check on you throughout the meal.

You can order tasty menu items like Corned Beef Hash, Eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches, and more for breakfast. Then, they have a wide variety of options for lunch and dinner, from handhelds and pizzas to grain bowls and walleye dinners. I love their Reuben and Grilled Chicken Naan. Regardless of what you order, you will undoubtedly leave full and satisfied!

Indoor + outdoor seating are available. In the summer, they often have live music outside. And, they can also accommodate large parties. 

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Season: All Year Round (with some holiday closures)

Downtown Food Trucks + Counter Serve Pizza from Sven & Ole’s

Finally, several food trucks are also located downtown Grand Marais (on the corner of 1st Street and Wisconsin Avenue near the harbor). Picnic tables are available throughout the area, or you can take lunch to the harbor beach. This is a great option when seeking kid-friendly places to eat in Grand Marais, as kids can move around a bit more than in traditional restaurants. 

Options can rotate, but usually, the following trucks are available: 

• Sven & Ole’s: Technically, it is not a food truck, but their counter service window is also in this area. This iconic pizza place is a tradition for many Minnesota families!
• The Lunch Box: Think fair food like hot dogs and cotton candy.
• Taste of India Food Truck: Located on Highway 61, so a bit off the food truck area in the center of town, but well worth checking out!
• The Crooked Spoon Food Truck: Like me, you may remember and miss The Crooked Spoon. This food truck is their newest concept, offering hearty menu items like burgers and seasonal soups.
• Sydney’s Frozen Custard: Due to the recent fire, this food truck is a temporary solution as they rebuild. It still serves excellent custard! Lunch items like gyros and pizza are also available. 
• The Bad Seed Food Truck: Offers the most unique menu items of all the food trucks (think creole fried chicken and a fried green tomato BLT). This is my husband’s preferred food truck option in Grand Marais.

If you’re looking for quick-service restaurants in Grand Marais, MN, these food trucks will undoubtedly hit the spot!

Kids’ Menu: Depends on the truck

Season: Most trucks are summer only, but some may be available in other seasons

Where to Eat on the Gunflint Trail with Kids

Wonder where to eat on the Gunflint Trail with kids? I’ve got you covered there too! The Gunflint Trail is a fantastic part of Grand Marais to explore together. If you’re unfamiliar with this part of Minnesota, the Gunflint Trail is the road that leads northwest of downtown Grand Marais and ends at Saganaga Lake (which borders Canada). The area along the Gunflint Trail is a haven for outdoor adventures and spotting wildlife (think moose, deer, and foxes). This is also where you will find the best in-land canoeing, Magnetic Rock Trail, and the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.

READ NEXT: Family Guide to 15+ Exciting Fall Things to Do in Grand Marais with Kids

Loon’s Nest Coffee (serves breakfast + lunch)

If you’re headed up the Gunflint Trail in the morning, grab a coffee from Loon’s Nest Coffee. This coffee truck is tucked into the woods, just off the Gunflint Trail, and it is a delightful place to start your day. In the morning, you can grab drip coffee and espresso drinks. They also offer a small collection of pastries.

Then, they offer grilled cheese with tomato soup if you’re still in the area for lunch! Plus, they also have blended drinks/smoothies and ice cream—the perfect way to cool down after a summer hike.

Kids’ Menu: No

Season: Summer only

Trail Center At Poplar Lake (serves lunch + dinner)

Located along the Gunflint Trail, Trail Center At Poplar Lake is a popular stop for lunch and dinner. We often stop here after hiking at Magnetic Rock Trial. 

The menu features tasty burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Plus, entree items like Swedish meatballs, a walleye fillet dinner, and hot beef sandwiches. I highly recommend the Blu Cheese Burger! The digs are rustic, but the food at this restaurant on the Gunflint Trail of Grand Marais, MN, is fantastic. 

There is also a small shop on-site if you need anything for camping or fishing.

Indoor seating only.

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Season: Seasonal hours apply

Poplar Haus Restaurant & Bar (serves lunch + dinner)

I love Poplar Haus Restaurant & Bar for its deck overlooking Poplar Lake! It’s one of the most beautiful places to eat on the Gunflint Trail. It’s a great stop after hiking or canoeing in the area.

As one of the best restaurants in Grand Marais, the food is top-notch, too! Try fun menu items like duck wings, messy burgers, pizzas, or the walleye sandwich. My in-laws swear by their French onion soup! Plus, they have a great cocktail menu, too.

Indoor and outdoor deck seating overlooking Poplar Lake are available.

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Season: All Year Round (with exceptions in the winter season)

Justine’s at Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters (serves breakfast, lunch, + dinner)

If you’re wondering where to eat on the Gunflint Trail with kids, make it Justine’s! Justine’s at Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters is the only restaurant truly open year-round on the Gunflint Trail. While many restaurants close for periods of time (especially between Thanksgiving and the New Year), Justine’s is always open. They offer a seasonal menu, friendly service, and a beautiful lodge dining room.

Kids will love the woodsy interior, while parents will appreciate the thoughtfully curated menu. In the morning, breakfast includes hearty favorites like pancakes, scrambles, and more. More likely than not, you’ll be stopping by for lunch or dinner (unless you are staying on-site). The lunch menu features several handhelds like burgers, veggie wraps, and walleye sandwiches. Finally, dinner features the same list of handhelds, plus several tasty entrees.

I highly recommend the duck wontons and the walleye! And, don’t miss the s’mores baked Alaska for dessert. Lit on fire tableside, this dessert will surely impress kids and adults alike.

Indoor + outdoor patio seating on the lake is available. Reservations are recommended year-round.

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Season: All Year Round 

Find more winter things to do along the Gunflint Trail with your kids in this article: 8+ Exciting Things to Do on the Gunflint Trail this Winter with Kids

Where to Get Ice Cream in Grand Marais with Kids

Every vacation calls for a bit of ice cream, and Grand Marais is no different! Here are my favorite places to indulge in a bit of ice cream in Grand Marais with (or without) kids!

Superior Creamery (also serves lunch + dinner)

One of the newest eateries in Grand Marais, Superior Creamery, is an excellent spot for an afternoon pick-me-up. The ice cream is all made in-house, and it is outstanding! Ice cream flavors rotate depending on the season, but creative flavors have included Lemon Bar, Licorice, Gingerbread, and Kiwi, alongside more traditional flavors. Plus, they also serve coffee (including espresso drinks), tea, and kombucha.

As one of the best restaurants in Grand Marais for families with kids, it also serves lunch and dinner. Food items include creative dishes like Alaska Salmon Dip, Steak Sandwich, and Cilantro Lime Shrimp, plus kid favorites like Grilled Cheese. I think their food is overshadowed by the ice cream—it’s a great stop all around! 

They have indoor + outdoor seating.

Kids’ Menu: No (but there is a grilled cheese and french fries on the menu)

Season: All Year Round (with some exceptions)

Sydney’s Frozen Custard (also serves lunch)

I mentioned Sydney’s Frozen Custard earlier, but they warrant a second mention here. Sydney’s Frozen Custard offers some of the best custard in Minnesota (well, at least my family thinks so!). Though they only offer vanilla and chocolate, you can pair flavors with various toppings! Or, make it a malt or shake. 

The food truck also serves food items perfect for lunch, like gyros and pizza!

Their temporary location is in the center of Grand Marais (near Ben Franklin – you can’t miss their iconic lighthouse structure!), while they rebuild from the fire.

Kids’ Menu: No

Season: Summer season only

Keep Eating + Exploring Grand Marais with Kids!

If you’ve been wondering where to eat in Grand Marais with kids, I hope this article answers all of your questions! From breakfast to after-dinner ice cream, I’ve outlined my top picks for the best restaurants in Grand Marais with kids. The city is so dear to my heart, and there is nothing like dining with a view of Lake Superior or making new memories over a great meal with your favorite travel crew. Enjoy exploring Grand Marais, MN, 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.