Ready for a restaurant day trip? After the snow melts, try these 5 spots

These Minnesota and Wisconsin restaurants are true signs of spring.

April 16, 2018 at 3:29PM
Chef Shack in Bay City, Wis.
Chef Shack in Bay City, Wis. (Marci Schmitt — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Chef Shack Bay City

At their ultra-charming small-town labor of love, chefs Lisa Carlson and Carrie Summer lay on the hospitality and turn their considerable talents to seasonal cooking that spotlights local ingredients. Dinner served Friday and Saturday, brunch served Sunday.

6379 Main St., Bay City, Wis., 1-715-594-3060, chefshackranch.com

Harbor View Cafe

The Lake Pepin restaurant that practically invented the day trip concept has been up and running for a few weeks, serving lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday. Thursday service begins April 19.

314 1st St., Pepin, Wis., 1-715-442-3893, harborviewpepin.com

Naniboujou Lodge

The North Shore's most beautiful dining room kicks off its 2018 season with a Mother's Day brunch on May 13. Dinner service begins May 18, with daily breakfast and lunch following on the 19th. Look for the lodge's charming afternoon tea service to start May 26.

20 Naniboujou Trail, Grand Marais, Minn., 1-218-387-2688, naniboujou.com

Sea Salt Eatery

After a brutal snowstorm put the kibosh on its original opening this month, this Minnehaha Park gem is back in business, for real, serving lunch and dinner (fried catfish po'boys, calamari tacos, oysters, soft-shell crab sandwiches) daily.

4825 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls., 612-721-8990, seasalteatery.wordpress.com

Smiling Pelican Bakeshop

Since 2001, baker Sandra Thielman has been turning out a modest but dazzling array of baked goods, both sweet (oh, those pies!) and savory. Open Friday through Sunday.

W3556 Hwy. 35, Maiden Rock, Wis., 1-715-448-3807

about the writer

about the writer

Rick Nelson

Reporter

Rick Nelson joined the staff of the Star Tribune in 1998. He is a Twin Cities native, a University of Minnesota graduate and a James Beard Award winner. 

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