Northern Comfort Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range with great access to amazing restaurants, co-ops and coffee shops just a short drive away! We prefer fresh, farm-to-table style dining and if you like the same thing, there’s some great places to try. We’ve pulled together a dining guide to help our guests plan their stay with us. We’re always happy to assist in making recommendations and placing reservations.
Note that many of our surrounding communities enjoy a tourism-based economy, so it’s always a good idea to contact the restaurant directly to ensure that they are open for business. A few places close down completely for the winter or have a winter schedule with shorter hours.
Where to eat in Ely
{30 minute drive from the farm}
Insula – New American farm to table, craft cocktails, hand selected beer list, contemporary laid back interiors with tons of light and industrial touches. We LOVE that they have Northern Pike on the menu!
Ely Steakhouse – Up North charm, great steaks and a pretty good wine list. The Ely Steakhouse is our favorite date-night spot. Casual and tasty with a nice hand on the veggies (not overcooked!)
Stony Ridge – DO NOT go here unless you love yourself some burgers! Stony Ridge is known for giant burgers, cold beers and a lovely deck right on the shore. Super fun, intimate space with tons of options. And we’re not kidding. The burgers are the size of small children.
2 Gringos Grill – Perfect option if your tastes run south of the border. Think Chipotle Grill + indie mom and pop shop and that’s 2 Gringos. Great, fresh food… choose your favorite protein and toppings and decide between a margarita or sangria and you’re set!
Where to eat in Gilbert
{30 minute drive from the farm}
The Whistling Bird – Chilled out Caribbean influenced food and cocktails in an elegant space hidden away in a secret corner of the Iron Range.
Where to eat in Biwabik
{20 minute drive from the farm}
Vi’s Pizza and TNT Bar – Excellent pizza, pasta and extras. Warning: all service is ‘self-service’, but worth the extra work!
Burnt Onion – New American options overlooking the alpine views at Giant’s Ridge Ski Resort. Lovely, modern interior with a great wine and beer menu and happy hour specials.
Where to eat in Tower
{20 minute drive from the farm to town, 30 minute drive from the farm to the lake}
The Vermillion Club (on the lake) – Classic cabin vibe on Lake Vermillion. Great large menu with pizza, burgers, sandwiches and more. Located on Lake Vermillion, not in town.
The Wilderness Grill (on the lake) – Located on the Wilderness Golf Course at Fortune Bay, the Wilderness grill offers higher end dining, great entrees and a nice wine list. Lovely views of the golf course with a rustic vibe. The outdoor seating area is particularly gorgeous in the summer!
Good Ol’ Days (in town) – Kick back with a burger and watch the game at this classic small-town bar. Great food from the grill and tons of sports and entertainment memorabilia (the ladies’ and mens’ restrooms are both lined with pinup-worthy posters!) Plus a sweet model train making the rounds above your head while you eat.
Where to eat in Virginia
{30 minute drive from the farm}
218 Taphouse – The 218 Taphouse and connected Shop Coffeehouse offer a cool vibe for foodies and music-lovers. Stop by for a fresh-baked pastry and cup of organic coffee or catch one of our local bands and get a wood-fired pizza and Minnesota craft brew for dinner. The focus on fostering local arts, music and natural foods makes this one of our favorite places to hang out!
Saigon Cafe – Tucked away just off Chestnut Street in downtown Virginia, the Saigon Cafe offers freshly made Vietnamese and Chinese-American fare. Be sure to try the Vietnamese style egg rolls or a bowl of Pho if you’re in the mood!
Natural Harvest – We’re happy to offer guests the use of our kitchen during their stay, so stop at Natural Harvest Co-Op on your way to the farm! This amazing co-op offers a full line of produce, meat and dry goods as well as a great little cafe with freshly made snacks.
Kunnari’s Kitchen, Coffee House and Farm Market – Farm to table soups, salads and sandwiches in a charming, bright space. Attached market offers cool gifts and seasonal produce.
