Next up in the series of polls for the <PDD Awards Index>PDD Awards, we will determine the best lunch restaurant in the Duluth area. We’re taking nominations in the comments to this post, then a poll will follow, as usual.
For some of you, the ideal lunch is the place that kicks out the fastest, cheapest grub. Others might prefer a slow-pace escape from the daily grind. Either notion is fine, but the majority vote will decide what is best.
Once again, we define our territory: Any restaurant in Duluth or 10 miles of its border is eligible. So establishments in Superior, Hermantown, Proctor and the various bordering townships all qualify; Two Harbors, Cloquet and farther away municipalities are out of bounds.
32 thoughts on “Best Restaurant for Lunch”
Northern Waters Smokehaus for the sandwiches and seating options, including the Lakewalk or beaches.
Thirsty Pagan for a calzone is my vote. I’m also obsessed with beer.
Girlfriend says Sir Benedict’s.
Coney Island Deluxe
Red Mug
Gronks
Keyport Lounge
Kosta’s Gyros (for both their gyros and Mediterranean salad)
Zeitgeist Arts Cafe
Bulldog Pizza
Anchor Bar
7 West Taphouse
China King Buffet in Spirit Valley.
Sammy’s Pizza (Downtown)
Coney Island (1st St.)
Oriental House II lunch buffet!! $7.95 and top quality fresh Thai and Chinese food. Downtown Duluth, 319 W. 1st St., next to Roscoes (previously Pioneer) Bar. The bar and restaurant, while separately owned, are connected and allow you to bring beer into the restaurant and food into the bar.
Beaners for lunch is something I wish I could do more often.
Hearthstone Cafe.
Taste of Saigon
Zen House
Zhong Hua
Hanabi
India Palace
Paul’s house.
Coney Island on 1st
Sir Ben’s
Bulldog Pizza
How Sweet It Is sandwiches
Whole Foods Co-op
1)Pak’s (every Tuesday for me)
2)Beaner’s if I can manage the time to get there (only 30 minute break)
3)Northern Waters (if I get enough co-workers to join in they deliver)
1. The Kitchen
2. Kosta’s
3. Sir Benedict’s
Sammy’s on Central Ave because their lunch buffet includes wings.
Big Daddy’s
I’m a cheapo so the Anchor Bar for lunch gets my vote!
Palace Diner from the HDC.
I’m going to sit this one out.
A breakfast and dinner poll is acceptable but lunch is too close to the dinner menu. At many restaurants it’s the same menu or maybe the same menu with a boost in price for dinner.
I will be the casual observer on this latest poll, thank you.
Heysme, the differences are what makes the lunch special. Breakfast: if you’re spending money out, it’s for weekend greasy deliciousness, weekend Bloody Maryishness, ultra-relaxation, etc. Dinner: drawn out courses, indulgent tastes, much delicious alcoholic libations.
Lunch: quick, lift of the day, more-expensive-than-leftovers-but-fast-on-the-mark and not-too-hard-on-the-wallet delight.
I think How Sweet It Is went up a dollar for sandwiches, the last time I was in, which meant that I went with plain bread instead of fancy — the fancy bread is a must.
Z’s Deli. There was such a void when they left. Now that they are back, I wish I worked downtown still.
Chester Creek Cafe is spendy, but I love the food and the ambiance. I usually meet people there for lunch, or else dine there solo when I want to work somewhere other than my home office. They always have excellent specials, as well as a good daily menu.
I agree that Chester Creek Cafe’s lunch menu (esp reuben sandwich) is great, but service can be SLOOOOOOOOW, so I think it’s not a good option for people on a limited lunch hour.
Kinda surprised that Pizza Luce has not made it onto this list yet. It’s not my first choice, but based on how busy it always is over lunch I thought it would get more love. Anyway, Luce is my nomination.
Agreed, I loved Z’s Deli for lunch. And Luce isn’t good for lunch, because it will take you two hours to get out of there.
Pizza Luce’s slice of pizza/salad combo is always a good choice, but I agree with the slow turnaround time. Why does it take an hour to get a slice of pre-made pizza and some lettuce?
Sometimes when you’re smoking herb in the freezer you forget on which side the door is.
Wow, how have I never heard of Z’s Deli before. I go by the Holiday Center all the time! And I thought Niko’s was the best it got for mediterranean around here…