Duluth Superior Magazine / February 2012 / Feed Your Heart

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Feed Your Heart

Six Local Romantic Restaurants

Milwaukee’s Lake Place Bistro is widely known for its amazing views. It’s on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, and big windows over the lake provide a sight most people find hard to forget. But a friend of mine had recently started dating someone, and went there for a romantic dinner. When I called him and asked whether or not the place was on the lake, he said he didn’t remember—the only thing he noticed was his date.

When you’re really in love, where you go is almost an afterthought. When my wife and I were dating, we went on dates in the grocery store, had long conversations at the laundromat, and once danced at a White Castle. But the right environment can add a lot, too. Duluth~Superior has plenty of great restaurants, but these stick out most of all for their romance, coziness and intimate feel.

JJ Astor
505 West Superior Street, Duluth
(218)727-8981

If your date doesn’t take your breath away, the views at JJ Astor just might. This fifteenth-story rotating restaurant overlooks all of downtown, including the harbor and the hillside. The décor has been freshened on the inside with a new nautical theme and a new menu featuring upscale comfort food like prosciutto-stuffed meatloaf and osso bucco with a white wine and tomato braise. They say it’s lonely at the top, but it’s also incredibly romantic.

Restaurant 301
301 East Superior Street, Duluth
(218)336-2705

If your idea of cozy includes a fireplace, look no further than Restaurant 301. The Sheraton’s flagship restaurant boasts an intimate, understated atmosphere, along with a menu of gourmet classics. Afterwards, take a walk along the Lakewalk and fall in love all over again.

Bellisio’s
405 South Lake Avenue, Duluth
(218)727-4921

Andy Borg and Mick Paulucci are masters of branding, and the “wine cellar” feel they’ve created for Bellisio’s is pitch-perfect. Low lighting, soft music, and bottles of wine on the wall make this a terrific spot for a classic romantic dinner. Plus, like at every Grandma’s restaurant, the service is outstanding.

Ledge Rock Grille
596 Larsmont Way, Two Harbors
(866)687-5634

Sometimes it’s nice to get away. The Ledge Rock Grille is just up the North Shore, but feels like another world entirely. Thrill to the view of Lake Superior as you sample local cheeses, bourbon-planked salmon, or upscale Swedish meatballs. True gourmands can splurge for a private chef’s table, where you can watch a six-course meal unfold before your eyes.

Red Mug
916 Hammond Ave, Superior
(715)392-2662

If you’d rather just relax and get to know someone, check out the Red Mug. This hip Superior coffeehouse is nestled underground in the Trade and Commerce Marketplace on Hammond Avenue. Host to local art and live music, it’s also the perfect place to grab a glass of wine, a microbrew, or a cup of fair-trade coffee and just talk. If you get hungry, try the panini and house-made soups.

Rittenhouse Inn
301 Rittenhouse Avenue, Bayfield
(888)561-4667

When only a weekend getaway will do, consider Bayfield’s Rittenhouse Inn. This charming bed and breakfast offers whirlpool rooms, complete with wood burning fireplace and private bath, and optional fresh flowers, homemade sweets, and champagne. Plus, of course, there’s the landmark restaurant. Locally raised bison and lamb, freshly caught fish, and homemade chowders share space with an elegant wine list, and there are Valentine’s Day specials every year.