It’s been more than a year since Perfect Duluth Day’s most recent “Perfect New Restaurant” poll. Northern Waters Restaurant was the overwhelming victor in 2016, with 67 percent of the vote.

Since then, a fresh crop of contenders has sprouted up to feed hungry Twin Ports residents. What makes a restaurant great? That’s totally subjective and will be determined by popular vote. Whether it’s a greasy spoon or an upscale eatery, each nominee is on equal footing.

We’ve compiled a list of new restaurants below. To qualify, a nominee simply has to serve food, have opened since February 2016 and be located within 10 miles of Duluth. This means eateries in Superior, Hermantown, Proctor or other area townships are eligible but those farther away (Two Harbors, Cloquet, etc.) don’t meet the criteria.

Did we miss a restaurant opening? Let us know in the comments. Next week we’ll launch a poll with all the nominees.

Perfect New Restaurant Nominees

Beijing Restaurant (April 2016)
Boat Club Restaurant and Bar (Feb. 2017)
Blind Pig Pub and Ale House (Oct. 2016)
Cast Iron Bar & Grill (May 2016)
Charley’s Philly Steaks at Central Avenue Minit Mart (April 2016)
Crooked Pint Ale House (May 2017)
Epic Restaurant and Lounge (May 2016)
Juice Pharm (Reopened/added vegan food to menu April 2017)
Lucky’s 13 Pub (Jan. 2017)
OMC Smokehouse (Feb. 2017)
Phở Cali Vietnamese Noodles Restaurant (Dec. 2016)
Pita Pit (Dec. 2016)
Red Herring Lounge (launched limited food menu June 2017)
7 West Taphouse, Superior (Oct. 2016)
Silo’s Restaurant at Pier B Resort (June 2016)
Trophy Café (June 2017)