Duluth’s New Restaurants in 2009

What is going on with all the new food joints in Duluth?

Hanabi Japanese Cuisine opens Saturday according to Aaron Gall, manager. (That’s Aaron in the photo above, hard at work putting the final touches on the place.) Hanabi is at 110 N. First Ave. W., downtown. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sundays. Click here for PDF of menu.

Culver’s is opening a new butterburger and custard joint by the Miller Hill Mall.

Texas Roadhouse is opening a new restaurant south of Home Depot on Mall Drive.

Buffalo Wild Wings is opening by fall 2010 at the old Gander Mountain location.

Chipotle Mexican Grill looked at the Gander Mountain spot, but won’t be locating there. Perhaps a different Duluth location will be chosen, though, because Chipotle is opening a new joint every eight minutes.

Mexico Lindo, a popular restaurant in Cloquet, is opening a new location in the old Baja Billy’s/Chi-Chi’s spot in the Fitger’s Brewery Complex.

This is all on top of places that opened last year: Zeitgeist Arts Café, Takk for Maten/Kippis, Zen House in the Holiday Center and so on. Not to mention Sclavi’s in Superior.

Are you people hungry or what?

98 Comments

farglebargle

about 15 years ago

Hungry and broke. Anyone know which restaurants have the best dumpsters?

Rae

about 15 years ago

Don't forget about 5 Guys (or whatever they are called) in the mall.

Personally, I love food, and the more options the better.  I'm looking forward to Texas Roadhouse and Buffalo Wild Wings.

I've tried Sclavis in Superior, and hope others give it a chance as well.

I've had Chipolte once before. It was good, but not phenomenal.  If they put it in an easily accessible location (i.e. not downtown) I'm sure I will make return visits.

I've heard great things about Mexico Lindo, but have never been.  However, ANYTHING will be better than Baja Billy's.  That was the worst meal I've had out ever.

jake

about 15 years ago

This Mexico Lindo thing HAS to happen.  For the love of baby jesus.

Bad Cat!

about 15 years ago

Has anyone heard anything conclusive on the Hooters in Duluth rumor? I would be horrified if it opened next to Carmody!
http://www.areavoices.com/biz/?blog=66339

Terry G

about 15 years ago

That's a lot of chain eatin' places but I guess anything is better than nothing.

A side note, seems Hanabi could use some website help. Wanted to see the menu but nothing there yet.

adam

about 15 years ago

There is no chance in hell a franchise operation is going to move in next to Carmody. Their MO is pretty clear: mall areas, build new building, make big parking lot, sell boobs. Downtown has pretty much the opposite of everything they want. And that spot is for rent.

My guess is nothing is going in there. They're just sexing up the place for potential renters, installing energy-saving windows and cleaning up the facade.

Calk

about 15 years ago

Yay, another sushi place, Duluth is moving into the 21st century! I think as Americans cook at home less, more food establishments are springing up to fill the needs of our more mobile society. My friends in NYC rarely eat at home, they eat out like every night, it seems. Maybe that's why they all live in tiny apartments.

woodtick

about 15 years ago

Culver's, Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings???  ish Ish ISH!  The Mall Zone can sure have those lame excuse for food entities.  Sorry for the soapbox but after seeing Food, Inc. recently I get scared of food too fat to walk.

jill

about 15 years ago

I was at the Mexico Lindo about a month ago & they confirmed that they are also going into the Baja Billy's spot!

jay

about 15 years ago

@woodtick.  Yep, Food, Inc. will do that do a person, including my wife.  Food, Inc. is out on DVD by the way and available at Target.

Calk

about 15 years ago

I went to Mexico Lindo once, and think it's the best Mexican restaurant in this region -- and I grew up eating Mexican food, so I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about it. I like Maya too, but I hate going over the hill -- for anything.

Rae

about 15 years ago

I felt the same about Hanabi. I checked out their website to see what sort of beef entrees they would offer (I don't eat fish).

Hooters did enter a pre-existing downtown building in La Crosse, WI a few years back (unfortunately, after I had finished college, so I've never experienced it):

http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&ie=UTF8&q=Hooters+La+Crosse,+WI&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Hooters&hnear=La+Crosse,+WI&cid=0,0,9223784667306686246&ei=Jp1DS_ztOoyINo6eoZUL&ved=0CAoQnwIwAA&ll=43.811187,-91.253412&spn=0,359.996516&z=19&layer=c&cbll=43.811003,-91.253407&panoid=tfPwHnnTU50JlmMobJs66Q&cbp=12,226.88,,0,-5.95

So they aren't completely opposed to occupying DT locals with poor parking.

me

about 15 years ago

Chipotle is SOOO good. We must get one up here! Whenever I go to "the Cities" to see family, I eat there at least once, then get a few burrito bowls to go so I can enjoy it back up here in Duluth. Best burrito joint I've ever been to, hands down.

Karasu

about 15 years ago

I've been waiting for a Chipotle, but they have a 3 per 20 mile radius (or thereabouts) policy, so if I hear rumors of one location, I'm not going to put any stock in it. As for Hanabi, I'm hoping for some ramen, please and thanks. This otaku says sushi is not worth my time.

bully

about 15 years ago

I've heard of this Chipotle "3 per 20 mile radius" deal.  St. Cloud only has 1 and the next closest is Maple Grove.....way more than 20 miles.  We've heard the agent with CMRA talk about speaking with  Chipotle so we know they are looking.

Paul Lundgren

about 15 years ago

@Terry G -- and anyone else interested in seeing Hanabi's menu -- I uploaded a pdf to PDD.

http://www.perfectduluthday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/HanabiMenu.pdf

Tony D.

about 15 years ago

I've heard rumblings that Trader Joe's is interested in the spot next to Carmody, formerly charter communication. Apparently they go for spots with very limited parking on purpose.

Terry G

about 15 years ago

Thanks Paul - looks great - can't wait!

Loren

about 15 years ago

I called Hanabi at the number they have listed on their site and on their menu (218.464.4412) but the number is not in service.  I'd like to make a reservation for the night of their grand opening, but between their 90's style website and their non-working number they haven't made a great first impression.  I love Japanese food, especially sushi.  I hope they don't let us down!  My wife and I just moved here from Portland, OR and there is a great selection of sushi restaurants there.  We've been anxiously awaiting a place like this to open.

digit3

about 15 years ago

There is no way that Trader Joes would come to Duluth. Just not enough population and the wrong demographic for them. True, they tend to fit their stores onto small footprints with zany parking but Duluth just doesn't fit their MO. They could coin so much more by expanding in the Twin Cities.

As to Chipotle, I just cannot believe that folks that have taste buds find that place good. Besides, who wants to support McDonalds?? That's what you're doing when going to Chipotle mis amigos.

Getting Baja Billy's out was a great first step. I thought that the Brewhouse should have grabbed that space to capitalize on the best outdoor seating in town but I guess the boys have their hands full with the Old City Hall building.

Looking forward to the new Japanese place. If we had to get a chain in town up on the hill I would vote for Panera so that there would be a place to buy good crusty bread at least.

The Big E

about 15 years ago

The Chipotle-McDonalds connection is not exactly news.  I eat there anyway, taste buds or no.

davids

about 15 years ago

So I don't know Chipotle for nada, but according to wikipedia and this blog: http://nutritionwonderland.com/2009/06/does-mcdonalds-own-chipotle-mailbag/

McDonald's does not own any share of Chipotle, though it once did.

I don't think a nation-wide corp can make good Mexican food, but who am I, just some schmo with my own opinions--still, in the age of the Interwebs, it's pretty easy to fact check a claim about corporate ownership of one chain by another.

The Big E

about 15 years ago

Well.  That is news, to me, anyway.  Heh.

Calk

about 15 years ago

Hanabi's menu is pretty ambitious. Hope they can pull it off. and as for Trader Joe's YEAH. I love Trader Joe's!!! But seriously, I can't see them coming to Duluth. But who knows, i never thought to see the variety of great restaurants in Duluth that I am seeing.

the PartsGuy

about 15 years ago

I'm happy there isn't a Famous Dave's in Superior, or I'd be freaking broke.

Jeepers

about 15 years ago

When I was at Fitger's last weekend I saw some flyers taped around saying "Mexico Lindo Restaurant - Opening This Spring At Fitger's - Another great location for them."  

As for Chipotle, I've always described the Burrito Union to my out of town friends as "It's like Chipotle, only better.  And they have really good beer."

aaron

about 15 years ago

You know the best Famous Dave's in MN is located in uptown. That chain really differs in quality from store to store.

jim

about 15 years ago

2 sushi places????? In Duluth? and now a TJ's? (They were all over Portland when I moved out here.) Hell HAS frozen over, and installed a new rink as well.

Terry G

about 15 years ago

hey Jim - aren't there now 3 sushi places? Did Zen House also open a spot in the Holiday Center? I'm not certain...

Paul Lundgren

about 15 years ago

There are indeed two Zen House locations -- one in Miller Hill and one downtown in the Holiday Center.

So Terry G and Jim are both right. With the addition of Hanabi there will be two sushi businesses selling at three locations.

Bret

about 15 years ago

I sure hope something as lame, and sexist, as Hooters doesn't come to Old Downtown. Old Downtown is picking up nicely, mostly with independent entities like Carmody, Zeitgeist, and although Restaurant 301 is in the Sheraton, it is unique and the hotel ain't bad. But, Hooters? Just when the area begins to really pick up it will start to decline a la Uptown circa 1990 with all the crap national chain stores and restaurants.  Say it ain't so (again, I need the reassurance!).

Barrett Chase

about 15 years ago

I never thought I would read through the comments on PDD and find people salivating over chain-restaurant food. This crowd has either changed or expanded.

wildreed

about 15 years ago

I agree with jeepers. I thought I'd miss Chipotle since I just moved up from the Cities, but Burrito Union is much better, so I'm happy to say that I don't care if Chipotle ever comes here. I thought restaurants would be the one thing I miss about the Cities, but Duluth has far exceeded my culinary expectations.

[Terry ... maybe you should offer some web site help to hanabi ;)]

B'elana

about 15 years ago

I am a die hard Trader Joe's fan, and every time I go to one of the cities locations I request that they come to Duluth. The last time, one of the workers said she had heard that they were looking at it. Doesn't necessarily mean anything, but it was enough to get my hopes up.

mermak

about 15 years ago

I tried to eat at Burrito Union and it's pretty clear they really have no idea what sort of flavors belong in a tortilla. Curry sauce? Carrots? WTF? And it was all mushy?  I'm looking forward to trying Mexico Lindo... I've never eaten at a Chipotle, but it can't be worse.

girlfromnorthcountry

about 15 years ago

I dig Burrito Union but it's not the best burrito joint in the world.  Having lived out west for a number of years, I experienced some pretty fabulous Mexican and Tex-Mex on a regular basis which made me a bit of a snob, apparently, since I can't stand Hacienda and it's cheddar cheese-smothered-ridiculousness.  But I digress.  Chipotle is some damn good burrito-eatin, and perfect for college town Dinkytown areas like we also really need in Duluth.  Baja Billy's was also tasteless and the service sucked.  Bring on Mexico Lindo!  Bring on anything different and get these mediocre eateries outta here, I don't care if they're a chain, just give me a CHOICE.  Get some competition in this market.  

When I moved back here I was pleasantly surprised Duluth had new(er) chains like Erbs & Gerbs and Jimmy John's.  5 Guys is cool, another interesting option.  Chipotle would rock, or how about Panera, Noodles & Co. (my fave), Spicy Pickle, or Wahoo's Fish Tacos?  If a local eatery could give me some fantastic fast, fresh, affordable fish tacos, pad thai, or portobello paninis I'd be in heaven.

Calk

about 15 years ago

@Girlfromnorthcountry, I call the Hacienda "The Mexican McDonalds.' When my kid was young, she *loved* the place, so I spent way too much time there. Nice, nice people, I love that patio -- but the food. . . bleah. So glad when the kid moved on to other food cravings. You really should try Mexico Lindo, it's a pretty cool place. So glad they are moving to Fitgers, I don't like driving to Cloquet.

Terry G

about 15 years ago

I agree with wildreed - as a Twin Cities transplant, I'm fairly pleased with Duluth dining. I still crave some decent Vietnamese and more Asian options (creative Chinese cafe?). Something like Everest (Tibetan/Nepalese) would be awesome here.

wildreed

about 15 years ago

I was surprised to discover after moving here that the chain restaurant I actually missed was Potbelly. Good sandwiches and malts, and I love their cookies. I definitely miss lunches at Potbelly.

adam

about 15 years ago

Tim Anderson used to call the Hacienda the "Horse's Enda."

WTF: "I like stores and buying things. Let's talk about stores." Pedestrian. And creepy.

Actually, there's good new and bad news for Chipotle fans who would love to see this trendy purveyor of tacos and jumbo burritos right here in Duluth.

The chain — which is on a roll opening more than 100 restaurants a year — has looked at at least one site in Duluth: the former Gander Mountain near Miller Hill Mall.

I got that confirmed this week by Beth Wentzlaff, president of CMRA, property manager for the building at 1307 Miller Trunk Highway.

"We've talked to them," she said. "It won't work in that building. There's not enough parking." [ source ]

tamara

about 15 years ago

I have to agree with Barrett's comment. There are many, many locally owned and operated restaurants that blow the socks off the chain restaurants. 

Panera Bread? Why not go to Positively Third Street Bakery to get your crusty breads?

If it's the baked sweet goods at Panera you're craving, why not go to Johnson's Bakery? Mount Royal Fine Foods also has a really great bakery. And we can't forget to mention Twig Bakery up in the Airpark. 

Soups and sandwiches? Sir Ben's does a nice lunch, as does Amazing Grace. (Where, incidentally, you can also get yummy crusty bread) 

Chipotle? Why not go to Mexico Lindo, Burrito Union, Mexican Maya, or Guadalajara, which are all locally owned and operated? 

Potbellys for malts? Why not hit up Gordy's Warming Shack, Gordy's Hi-Hat (summer), or Starvin' Marvins, up near Proctor? The Bridgeman's by the mall is independently owned and operated and also has great malts. In the summer, too, is the Portland Malt Shoppe, by Fitger's. 

A Trader Joe's would kill Whole Foods Co-op, Blue Heron, and Mount Royal Fine Foods. 

There are many, many great options for food that are locally owned and operated. Bringing in more franchises (even "youneek" franchises like Panera or Chipotle) kills off the independent local businesses that already have a niche in that market.

girlfromnorthcountry

about 15 years ago

I'm with ya on the Buy/Spend Local support.  And if I could stand fighting for parking in Canal Park and waiting an hour for breakfast on the weekend, I'd be at Amazing Grace for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Competition is good for business, and we need more business.  This negativity will not stand, man.

Calk

about 15 years ago

I agree with Tamara. Eat local. Buy local. I was just visiting my brother in chain store hell land and it sucked (except for Trader Joes, but I do love that place). I wouldn't want Duluth to turn into chain store hell land.

udarnik

about 15 years ago

Agree with Barrett, Tamara and others with the local food stuff.  It always blows me away when people cheer for chain stores to come into town.

digit3

about 15 years ago

Hey Tamara, Pos 3rd St Bakery does have some nice breads but they ain't crusty. I agree about Amazing Grace though. Nice breads there. Why can't we have another local bakery that makes bread like the one on Chapple Ave in Ashland (across from the co-op)?

This town definitely needs GOOD Mexican food. Why is it so hard to recreate the Mexi-fare that is available in most big cities? C'mon, I try to support the local Mex restaurants but they all are so weak. I wish that I had the money and 'nads to open up a solid Mexi restaurant not just another burrito joint. Heck our town can't even get those right. I love the Brewhouse beers but the BU food just sux IMHO. 

Hacienda is totally missing the boat. Great location with most likely a loyal following. The owners could take a trip to TX, NM, or AZ and pick up some new ideas (and maybe some queso fresco instead of the cheddar smother).

Hopefully the Mexico Linda will bring some good chow to town. I have only eaten at their place in Cloquet once to date. The menu gave tons of hope but the food kind of let me down.

To throw in some positive props to local places, I think that Zen has done a decent job. The Asian place in Dewitt-Seitz is good and they will modify their entrees however you'd like. Haven't tried the revamped Lake Ave Cafe yet. Zeitgeist is a step in the right direction. Northern Waters Smokehouse is awesome. Brewhouse is fine but menu needs an update. The Scenic remains to set the bar.

mevdev

about 15 years ago

I like eating at Chipotle, in fact this last weekend I went on hwy15 through St. Cloud just to get a couple burritos.


I also like Trade Joe's. I am excited by the thought of one moving to town. 


I was very surprised that Duluth finally got a Jimmy John's and Papa John's. I have gotten they both in pickup and delivery form.


Just let it be known that a chain place will probably get the same food from the same Sysco or Albertson's representative and it will come to town on the same truck. Do you local foodies think that Burrito Union has their own chicken coop? Their own free-range cow farms? Well, they don't. It would be unfeasible.


PDD needs a foodie and delivery guide. Also, someone convince Taste of Saigon that they should start doing delivery.

Baker

about 15 years ago

To digit3...  CRUSTY BREAD coming soon from Great Harvest Bread Co. in the plaza.  Boo Panera.

ian

about 15 years ago

Ugh, Chipotle.  I worked above one in downtown St. Paul for about two years.  It was good the first couple times, then got old really fast.  At least Burrito Union changes up the special every week (like the odd/crazy ones that they come up with) and has much fresher ingredients.  I just wish BU offered some real spicy salsa/burritos, not just Minnesota hot.

As for sushi, I love the stuff and like trying new places whenever possible.

BWW - have a hate/kinda-hate relationship with them.  Will probably head up there every couple months for my wing fix (usually do Luce or BU).

Texas Roadhouse... meh, I'll probably end up there with my family at some point.  I'll try to keep an open mind.

vicarious

about 15 years ago

Re: Tamara/Guadalajara

It's worth the drive into the flatlands for the food and strong "marj-a-rita's", plus the added bonus of the 11-year-old cashier.

spiderpig

about 15 years ago

2 comments:

Mexico Lindo coming to Duluth brings joy to my mouth and stomach but pain to my wallet. I can't wait, I am going to spend way too much money there.

I have been contemplating opening a bakery (much like the Ashland Baking Co. style) here in Duluth. IMHO, there is a huge lack in really good bakeries in this town, a place where you can find great crusty breads, flakey pastries, and other great baked goods. Amazing grace is just okay (decent bread though), I dislike Great Harvest's chewy bread, and Mount Royal gets a lot of those little fancy cakes pre-made from Sysco. 3rd street is also okay, good for big cookies, but I like my bread with a thick crust and a sourdough taste. I am happy to see one commenter talk about the need for another bakery here in Duluth and wonder how others feel.

Barrett Chase

about 15 years ago

From the DNT's Twin Ports Business Blog: New Mexican restaurant in Fitger's Building gets liquor license. 

Finally, a restaurant deserving of that deck!

Calk

about 15 years ago

@spiderpig, when I first moved here from the east coast 15 years ago, I was quite dismayed at the lack of a good bakery here. Since then, I've come to terms with it. But I'd be thrilled to have a great bakery in town that makes excellent bread, I too hate Great Harvest, it's just too heavy for me. I sure do like the baguettes at the Coop though.

rediguana

about 15 years ago

What's so great about Trader Joe's? It's like the co-op, only not a co-op.

The Big E

about 15 years ago

BW3 coming here cracks me up.  I discovered one in Chapel Hill, NC when I moved there back in the mid-90s, so, having grown up in Ohio, I assumed they were everywhere.  My recollection is that the reality at that time was that there were a whole bunch in Ohio, one in NC (why?), and none in between.  Times change.

digit3

about 15 years ago

Spiderpig: If and when you get a biz plan together and are interested in raising money, please post to PDD and I'll get in contact.

rediquana:have you ever been to a Trader Joes? Not sure how you can compare them to a co-op. They are full of quite reasonably priced excellent offerings with a VERY friendly and helpful staff. Compare this to our co-op (of which I am a member) and you'll find only excellent offerings in common.

Rae

about 15 years ago

Panera bread is over rated. I was very excited when Onalaska, WI got one and was very disappointed after I ate there.  7 years later I tried one in Chattanooga, TN only to be just as disappointed.  While its nice to have that soup/salad/sandwich bread option with their inflated prices I would eat at Red Mug Coffee House 10x over before I went back to a Panera bread.

@girlfromthenorthcountry  I totally agree. Choice is good! You can make the choice to go to a "chain restaurant" or not.  I spend equal amounts of time at Red Mug/Gronks/Shamrock/Lake Avenue Cafe as I do at Outback/Applebees/Culvers.  If the market can support that many restaurants, then more power to the people building them.

mevdev

about 15 years ago

Bread? 'Sustanance bread' loaves are absolutely amazing. I believe the baker is in the red mug building in Superior. Light, fluffy, with goodies inside (cranberries, nuts, etc). The co-op has it.

Purple

about 15 years ago

There's an article in DNT about Mexico Lindo opening in Fitgers. I agree with Tamara & others about buying local, and do for the most part, but I REALLY want a Trader Joes. I heard a rumor that it was to be the "market" going into the Clyde Iron project.

Calk

about 15 years ago

I've only been to Trader Joe's stores in Calif., and Chicago, but those are some happy people working there AND they have good wine for good prices. I think the Coop could co-exist with a Trader Joe's, I would go to both of them for different things. Though I guess a TJ in Minny couldn't sell Two Buck Chuck, could they?

Calk

about 15 years ago

Hey Big, where was BWW in Chapel Hill? It wasn't that bar on Rosemary near Henderson, behind the Post Office, was it? I know there was a bar there that sold a lot of wings, but thought it was a local joint.

jj

about 15 years ago

I thought I read where a bakery was going to be locating in the Heritage/Clyde complex?

Purple

about 15 years ago

J.J., I hope not a bakery; we already have the best, Johnson's Bakery, on this end of town. In an article that was in DNT they talked about a "market," but that was all the description they gave for that part of the complex.

Michelle LeBeau

about 15 years ago

Comcast changed the number and did not tell Hanabi, they are working on getting it fixed.  The Sushi Bar is fabulous, great atmosphere and the food will be wonderful.  Takes a lot of work putting together a restaurant  but it is finally done and will be open on Saturday and will be just great!

The Big E

about 15 years ago

It was on Franklin, couple blocks west of Columbia.

mevdev

about 15 years ago

I thought I read somewhere that the Heritage Center in West End would be more than a hockey hall and a parking lot.

I see the Children's Museum is making movement now. http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/156906/


(I live in West end and a market would be great somewhere near. I also welcome anyone else in the neighborhood, including someone wanting to buy my house. http://mzr.com/listings_detail.aspx?MLS=150324)

Paul Lundgren

about 15 years ago

Plans for Clyde Park include a hotel, restaurant, bakery, brewery and produce-market. That's been in the works for several years.

Trader Joe's having anything to do with the market is not something I've heard before.

jay

about 15 years ago

TJ's two buck chuck is three bucks in MN.

Carla

about 15 years ago

You get what you pay for when it comes to food and drink. I like the "Cobblestone" from Panera - but would never go there unless traveling.

We use Johnson's Bakery soup rolls - but they do not have the right equipment for the heavier doughs - so all of their products are lighter.
Great Harvest rolls make good sliders. When we have experimented with sushi - sometimes it sells and sometimes it doesn't.  I hope you all patronize these local places.

The most significant thing about Chipotle is the calorie count of their products - it's way up there - in the thousands - check it out:
http://www.chipotlefan.com/index.php?id=chipotle_calc

I have to disagree with my dear neighbor about Trader Joe's: it's creepy in there.

Good Mexican will warm my San Antonio heart. Love you guys.

Calk

about 15 years ago

Carla, if you *ever* have sushi on the menu, yell up the street and let me know, OK? Bennett's had sushi specials a few times, they were the strangest morsels of fish and rice I've ever seen.

vicarious

about 15 years ago

Hell's Kitchen has closed and will re-open in a couple of weeks as "HellBurgers."

digit3

about 15 years ago

Are you serious about HellBurgers? Maybe there is hope that they will serve up some good food finally? I feel like I am sitting inside of a poorly decorated warehouse there. The amount of self-promotional back patting that they have on their menu and walls is a joke. Has anybody ever tried their "homemade" peanut butter? What is it: ground peanuts mixed 50/50 with maple syrup and some salt thrown in?

ray

about 15 years ago

I called and Hanabi is open today 1/10/2010 they said its just this week then back to normal next weekend but they will be open on Sundays for certain foods.

kate

about 15 years ago

I just went to Hanabu for lunch and it was AMAZING. I was very impressed with the meal we had. The fried tofu app and lobster tempura rolls were out of this world. Please go and see for yourself!

kate

about 15 years ago

oops I meant *Hanabi*

TimK

about 15 years ago

You say "Hanabi," I say "Hanabu." Let's call the whole thing off!

Calk

about 15 years ago

I've gone to Hanabi TWICE, once with my daughter on Sunday night, then with my husband the following night. It was good Sunday night, but not great -- and the music was too loud. But Monday night, OMG, it was very good, esp. the Tuna Tortilla and the Hamachi carpaccio. I like the vibe too, it's very LA: a large space, very industrial-looking, lots of privacy as tables aren't all scrunched together like they are in NYC restaurants. Good sake list too. It's interesting, they are really trying to go for the young and hip crowd with money to spend, as Monday, several of the servers and others told us about their late night happy hours. They also have one in the late afternoon. This is a fabulous addition to the Duluth dining scene and I hope Duluth can support it.

Kate

about 15 years ago

Does anyone know if Texas Roadhouse has a Happy Hour?  And if so, what's the HH menu like?

TimK

about 15 years ago

If you have an internet connection that lets you check out PDD, you can certainly google Texas Roadhouse to find their website.

Paul Lundgren

about 15 years ago

The menu on the Web site doesn't include drink prices -- not just happy hour drink prices, but all drink prices. They want to keep that a secret, apparently.

David

about 15 years ago

It's responses like Tim K's that remind me why the last five years in Duluth have warmed my heart with the feeling of genuine human connection.

[The website has no happy hour info.]

Nicely done, Tim K.

adam

about 15 years ago

I got the connection.. just put your panties back on. It'll take a day or three.

Terry G.

about 15 years ago

Here's what I'm liking about Zeitgeist and Hanabi so far: they don't treat Duluthians like people who only like bland and boring food. It drives me insane when a local place leaves out spices, herbs or anything 'unusual' and then explain (in essence) that it's to protect our fragile palates. 

They don't have to explain how you eat sushi...or a mussel...or use chopsticks...or how to use a napkin...good lord, we're not all living in cabins in the backwoods.

Calk

about 15 years ago

@Terry G, you put your finger on it, both Zeitgeist and Hanabi do get that Duluthians are more sophisticated and cosmopolitan than the stereotype.  Maybe it's because the locals associated with both places are themselves sophisticated and cosmopolitan in their world views?

BTW, we were over the hill Saturday, and had lunch at Zen House. After enjoying the world-class service at Hanabi, it was tough enduring the inept service at Zen House, where we didn't even get a glass of water until our apps were served. My kid prefers Zen to Hanabi (she likes the shumai at Zen best), but I doubt we'll go back unless the kid is craving a visit there.

adam

about 15 years ago

Texas Roadhouse: happy hour 4-6PM, Mon-Thu, cheap domestics, $2 rails, $8 dinner specials.

Soren

about 15 years ago

Uggggh.  No more franchises.  I love all the local shops.  For most of those chains listed Duluth already has something that could fill the need. Sept maybe hooters. Local shops give a town soul and a better feel than just having chains that are well thought out and streamlined.  
I love going to Tak/Kippis or Amazing Grace  and being able to chat with the owners. I like seeing Local owners out at the Farmers market supporting other locals.  I like the fact that my money is being spent how I spend it and not on lobbists or in other deals to optimize profit on a large scale.

Thats why the last year or so has been so great with lots of local stores opening up.

Screw Panara bread, or hooters.

Anne

about 15 years ago

Do it! (open bakery) Don't know if it can survive, I ain't a business person, but FRESH crusty bread would be great. I don't like 3rd St. bread, and like GH bread only for certain things, like making french toast. And how about some great black bread?

zra

about 15 years ago

zeitgeist could buy a little more local, IMO...getting their beans from 200 miles away doesn't count...

davids

about 15 years ago

A team of anth students in my Senior Seminar class is currently researching local restaurants who use local foods. The team plans to create a resource guide to help local chefs and local growers connect--I'll send them to talk to the Zeitgeist chef(s)--can anyone send me his/her/their name(s)?
Thanks,
David

naturegirl

about 15 years ago

I just heard a couple days ago from a coworker, who works at a local hotel in Duluth, that Hooters' corporate people were staying at their hotel lately. She told me they said they are looking at opening in the remaining square footage space of the old Gander Mountain building, next to the new Buffalo Wild Wings...we shall see! I could do without a Hooters, personally!

davids

about 15 years ago

naturegirl--well, now we'll all have another reason to NOT go over the hill, eh?

TimK

about 15 years ago

I find it hard to believe that Hooter's and BWW would be in the same building. The menus are too close to identical for that to make any business sense. I also don't see a Hooter's drawing that well, either. I'm guessing it would be a hit with the DCB crowd, but they are such a tiny minority in this town...

Piglet

about 15 years ago

Hooters? In a cold climate? Interesting concept for a chain that's so 'has been'. Wonder if their tee's come in thermal weave?

Claire

about 15 years ago

My attitude is I talk with my dollars. Hooters can open anywhere they please, but I will never walk through their doors -- same thing with the Olive Garden. Unh unh. I frequent local places, I like to support local entrepreneurs. The food is always better at local places, anyways. And my money supports my fellow citizens's livelihoods.

digit3

about 15 years ago

I agree to try and support the local businesses. However, there are only a handful of Duluth-based restaurants that I care to eat at.

Hooters is pretty lame (as are most of the chain restaurants) but they do have a good fish sandwich.

Claire

about 15 years ago

Zeitgeist has an amazing walleye sandwich. And I just tried a vegetarian burger at Hellburgers. It was terrific.

starfire

about 15 years ago

The veggie burgers at Hells Kitchen are just Morning Star I heard. Is this true? Anyone with insider knowledge?

Laurie DeGrio Mattson

about 14 years ago

Love the authentic Mexican food at Guadalajara in Superior. Also, the best two pizza's around are at Old Chicago (deep dish) and the Pescara crust at Green Mill.  Mmmm good!

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