Eat & Drink
Great Places to Eat on the Iron Range
We all like to hear about where the “locals” eat. Truthfully, the Iron Range restaurants that are still open consistently deliver great plates of food and a unique atmosphere. (Iron Rangers are too picky to allow anything less than really good restaurants into the region!) But – if you really want to know, here are a couple local secrets that you might want to check out when you are searching for great places to eat:
Local Secrets
Sportsman’s Bar Steak Sandwich
This is a delectable item that is only available when you eat in the bar section. It’s a house-specialty
You can only get it when you eat in the bar – the bar steak sandwich. REALLY TASTY. A great change of pace when you’re sitting down to lunch or dinner. It also has a family atmosphere for the kids.
Wing Night @ BG’s Bar and Grill
Wednesday nights are simply labeled “Wing Night!” to locals who flock to BG’s Bar and Grill for an incredible deal: 39-cent chicken wings (available in a boneless option). There are a variety of flavors available, from Raspberry Inferno to garlic butter, Szechuan to BBQ.
The affordable menu items and mouth-watering flavors are so popular that many locals reserve a table in advance to ensure a spot on Wednesday.
Up & Coming
Local entrepreneurs have stepped up to the plate to bring the coffee shop into a more prominent place on the Iron Range. The result is outstanding.
The Sugar Shack
On Chestnut Street in Virginia offers a wide variety of bakery, gourmet coffee, espresso, and deli sandwiches (not to mention incredible pizza).
Look for live music in the Back of the Shack on certain evenings!
Kunnari’s Kitchen & Coffee House
This fresh now place on 8th Street in Virginia opened earlier this spring with outstanding success. Whether you are looking for coffee, fresh bakery, or authentic Finnish cuisine, you will love the bright, country kitchen atmosphere of this great family-owned operation.
JJ’s Coffee & Creamery – Hibbing
Speaking of family-owned – a new Ice Cream/Malt shop recently opened its doors in Hibbing. The owners’ intent was to develop a comfortable, family-friendly location. We think they succeeded. Coffee, malts, sandwiches, and live music throughout the week make this a great stopping point for your daily commute.
…And More
Of course, how can we forget to mention the one and only destination for authentic Caribbean fare on the Iron Range- the Whistling Bird in Gilbert. Or the unmatched atmosphere of Boomtown Brewery. The list goes on and on.
The real question is: what is your favorite place to eat at on Minnesota’s Iron Range?
