Dining outside in Duluth is often fraught with battling the elements: fierce winds, frigid temps, sun one minute, rain the next. And that's in the "good" months.
But during the pandemic, eating outdoors has never been more important. Before the cold weather sets in and al fresco dining season begins to wane, hit these five Duluth restaurants with outdoor spaces that offer thoughtful touches or spectacular views.
During the summer of 2020, Ursa Minor expanded its outdoor space to include the parking lot. Once winter hit, the regular patio stayed open, using fire pits to keep customers warm. In March, the parking lot space reopened to give diners plenty of room.
"There was only a handful of days we didn't have anyone on the patio through the winter," said Ashley Schwantke, the brewery's administration director. "People would come in snow pants, boots, scarves, layers and blankets. Any day above 45 degrees and sunny the patio fills up for dinner."
Ursa Minor turns out a shortlist of excellent wood-fired pizzas. The kale and ricotta-topped Voyageur is a real treat even for those who aren't vegetarian, and the Wise Yker makes good use of local meats purveyor Yker Acres with its hot sausage and smoked pork loin. But you also come for the beer, and you'll find an always-evolving list made by Ursa brewers on-site. Bear Hop IPA and Constellation Cream Ale are always on tap.
2415 W. Superior St., Duluth, 1-218-481-7886, ursaminorbrewing.com
The giant wraparound deck never closed at Sir Ben's last winter. With the need to eat outside paramount, Sir Ben's owner Josh Stotts installed propane fire pit tables to keep hardy winter diners and beer drinkers warm. He thought that would keep people coming through the fall, but, like Ursa Minor, Sir Ben's has served full tables outside even at 10 degrees.
"People were embracing it," Stotts said. "It definitely caught us by surprise."
