Spectacular! Food and service was amazing. So much so that we went 3 times in 4 days. Twice for lunch and once for dinner. For those of you looking for a dinner and waiting in line at the angry trout. Cross the street! So worth it! !
(5)
Federica B.
The woman who served us was really nice. We had dinner on the outside patio and we really enjoyed it! I had a sort of energy/pressure loss, so I wanted some red meat to re-energize me, and I took the ribs...really, really good! I'm not a huge meat fan, but I really liked them. My husband took a special daily meal, I think, and he enjoyed it as well. If you are visiting Grand Marais, try this place!
(4)
Mark W.
I had the Paella for my entree and it was fantastic. We shared the garlic mussels and frog legs appetizers and they were spectacular. Great local beer selection and a very pretty view. Highly recommend!
(5)
Julie M.
Disappointing. Pros: The service was fast and the food looked lovely. The dining room is charming. Cons: The three waitstaff seemed angry. The coffee was watery. The main dishes arrived before we were done with the appetizer. The bread arrived several minutes after the main dish was served. The "marsala" sauce on the chicken was more like a light beef gravy. The ravioli were chewy. The fish "special" of the day was not particularly memorable. The chocolate cake was barely one step up from a mix - I did not bother to finish it. We had three dinners in Grand Marais. This was the highest price and the least delicious.
(3)
Stephen M.
We went in the first time because the wait across the street was so long. The food, the service, the selections, the value and the overall experience brought us back the second time in spite of the place across the street! I had the pan-fried walleye (a special) one time and it was one of the best dishes I have had. Period. They had prepared a wild blueberry topped lemon cake as a desert and the first time my spouse an I split it. I did not make that mistake the second time - we each got our own! When back, I will come back, and I can recommend it to you, also!
(5)
V W.
My critiques matter as I received feedback from the cafe. Pleasant and positive touch. Bravo
(5)
Rumna C.
Great service, extremely beautiful location - I'd definitely want to sit outside when the weather is more pleasant. My Harbor House sandwich was made just the way I wanted it, and our server, Jack, very courteously changed everything I wanted changed / swapped :)
(3)
Angela P.
This is a nice place and cute building, service was nice (not amazing, but not horrible)... the food did not meet our expectations though, so we left broke and disappointed. We started with the pork belly app that was on special, because we never pass that up - it was not melt in your mouth tender, as we've come to expect with this dish, but rather fatty and chewy. bummer. I ordered the fish special (don't even remember what it was) and it was lackluster. My husband order the steak special and took advantage of the option to add mushrooms, only to find out they are average, run of the mill, canned mushrooms. My father-in-law ordered the Walleye, and while he did say the crust on it was nice and crispy, he quickly followed it up with a comment stating that he can get walleye just as good at My Sisters Place (up the road) which offers a larger portion for half the price. Maybe it's the 'specials' that they haven't perfected and their menu staples are on point? I don't know, but, sadly, we'll never be back to find out. Our bill was steep for the quality we feel we received.
(2)
Susie A.
It is rare that all four of us enjoy a place because we have such different tastes. We loved our experience here so much we went back the following night. Sat outside both times with the same amazing view of the harbor. We have eaten at the Angry Trout every visit to Grand Marais for years and were excited to try someplace new instead this time. We like this place better! Me and husbo both had the whitefish special the first night and daughter stole half of both. All three loved it. Daughter got her own the second night. First night she had the fancy grilled cheese and super hot potato wedges with the perfect amount of salt. (I tried several.) Son had the fish sandwich and said it was the best he'd ever had! The next night he had the ribs and loved them too. I was glad I tried the walnut burger. It wasn't pretty, but the flavor was amazing! Both nights I had the salad that comes with the meal with the yummy red wine blue cheese dressing. Tried two desserts. The chocolate cake was rich and not too sweet. The pretzel cheesecake with strawberry rhubarb topping was so perfect and special. The crunchy, salty crust of pretzels, the soft, richness of the cheesecake, the sweet, tartness of the topping... an explosion of flavor and textures that makes my mouth water thinking about it. Just order it. Dana was our server both nights and did a terrific job. Thanks for two memorable vacation meals!
(4)
Drun 0.
Great service, tasty food, cosy atmosphere. Highly recommend the Whitefish. The view of the lake is an added advantage :)
(5)
Julie S.
I'm a long time vegetarian and found the walnut Burger pretty good, certainly unique. It's weird that they charge extra for lettuce and tomato though and I added cheese to feel like I had a whole sandwich. Tasty wedges served with the sandwich. I would eat here again, but the angry trout across the street would be preferred for both taste and service! Try the Duluth distiller gin if you visit though, yum!
(4)
Kelly O.
Had birthday dinner there with the boyfriend and kids. They shared a kids pizza and our food was delicious. Atmosphere and service was great. Definitely will return.
(4)
Aaron C.
Great food and atmosphere. The location is perfect with a wonderful view of the harbor. The seafood paella was world class and the prices were reasonable. Highly recommended!!
(5)
Jill L.
Great food, great ambiance, decent prices. Stopped in on a rainy afternoon. My husband enjoyed a Castle Danger Ale, and I enjoyed the wine selection. We both had the shore lunch walleye with pan fried potatoes and vegetables. I'm not a huge fish fan, but this was awesome! Our server was friendly and prompt. We had the pretzel cheesecake for dessert with blueberry compote, delightful. Will definitely stop back next time we are in town.
(5)
Bruce P.
We went to the Harbor City Grille on Friday evening. The food was very nice. The scallops with a maple glaze were well-cooked and just the right amount of maple- not too sweet to detract from the savory. The lightly-fried walleye was tasty. The "wild rice medley" may have had more "medley" (read white rice) than wild, but it was not bad. The veggies were properly-cooked. The dark chocolate layer cake was exceptional...and we're not usually dessert people. The service was friendly and attentive. Overall, this was a 4-4.5 for food and service. So, why a 3? One reason only, and a serious pet peeve of mine that detracts from the overall quality of a meal, on principle. This is the "split plate charge." We, like many others, just don't eat a lot of food, so we split entrees. In a couple of recent restaurant visits we've had one place expertly split our entree and another (steak) place brought out the steak and split it tableside onto two plates, portioning the accompaniments. No charge, of course. Not so the Harbor House Grille. First, the "splitting" happened as they brought the entree and I happened to notice that there was another plate beneath the plate. So, we had to separate the plates and split everything. And I'm fine with that. But then to add an exorbitant $4.75 split charge after not splitting? Even before this antiquated practice died away in nicer establishments, this was about 2 bucks. Again, it's the principle. A really nice place, They should just stop this. It's beneath them. Cheers.
A lot of places are closed for the winter but the Harbor House is open and doing well. We were greeted and seated in a very nice manner [very friendly staff!]. They had a lot of specials to offer but I chose the Walnut burger and my friend chose the whitefish special. We were both very happy with out meal and the service. They accommodate gluten free requests ! I loved that my water glass was very empty. The food is made from scratch and I appreciate that. I will get a pizza next time since they are cooked in a wood fired oven. Some of the other guest had pizza and they looked perfect. Great location and views from this restaurant.
(4)
Gerald R.
Great place for vegetarian and gluten free options. We had the gluten free pasta primavera and the walnut veggie burger. The homemade salad dressings were also delicious. I suggest trying the blue cheese.
(5)
RICK L.
Everything was wonderful - the food (*), the atmosphere (nice art), the prices, the service. Highly recommend. Has outflanked the Angry Trout as our favorite GM spot. Thanks to others for their previous reviews which helped steer us here. Hard to imagine life without Yelp these days. * = I had the pasta puttanesca, my wife the prime rib, my daughter the sirloin. Great pretzel cheesecake as well.
(4)
Sarah G.
My third visit to this lovely restaurant spurred this review. I've been visiting Grand Marais several times a year all of my thirtys(shh) years, and don't often tout my home-away-from-home experiences at local establishments. Quite honestly, I'd rather keep the gems to myself as the quiet streets I remember as a child are long gone. But...this gem deserves a solid following and is even more deserving of praise. We first tried Harbor House during a winter visit. Looking for a sweet bite after an early dinner, we stopped for dessert and a nightcap. My dad was struggling with a restrictive diet, and our server graciously produced an off the menu plate that accommodated his every request and then some. The warm lava cake wasn't what I expected--no under-baked brownie here--but was light and fudgey at the same time. The cozy, homey atmosphere immediately hooked us, and we returned for lunch the next day. The French onion soup is amazing. Homemade dressings make the salads, and the fresh greens are certainly leaps and bounds above "bagged lettuce". Offering salad as an alternative to fries on the side is an immediate plus to me. My son adored the pizza, as did the rest of us who tried it, and my entire family was extremely pleased with their offerings. Now back in town a few months later, we enjoyed another delicious lunch. My mom had a spinach salad that was bright and flavorful. My dad and I both ordered turkey burgers which were juicy and topped with an addictive Dijon sauce. My son couldn't pass up the pizza again, and my sister loved the walleye fingers even more than the fish we had at the Angry Trout the following day ("the" media-proclaimed fish darling in town). Please stop in. Leave your preconceived notions at the door. This is not Chez Jude, and thankfully so. Harbor House Grille is thoughtful, warm and affordable. Service is impeccable and the food is satisfying and high quality. A large front deck was recently added and outdoor *almost* lakeside seating abounds. The view? The ambiance? Perfection. We now have a new regular stop on our list of many tried and true favorites and hope you will too.
(5)
Glen T.
Decided to try it based on reviews. We were not disappointed. Building looks a little rough due to construction but it hasn't affected the food. Parking was a problem as the handicap space is in the back and you have to walk through the food prep area to get to the dining room. Staff was prompt and friendly. We both had specials. My wife had the pan fried whitefish and I had poached lake trout. Both were perfectly cooked. Serving sizes were reasonable, plenty to eat but not too much. That left room for dessert - triple chocolate cheesecake with good rich chocolate flavor.
(4)
Norm B.
Enjoyed a fantastic meal during my visit. My wife and I ordered two sandwiches to share -- asked that peppers and onions be placed on the side because my wife didn't want them on her sandwich. Not only did they split both sandwiches and put them on separate plates, but the omitted items were placed on my plate. What I am trying to say is "wow, they thrive on service and attention to detail!" The setting and atmosphere is amazing. We will definitely come back on future trips to Grand Marais
(5)
Robert B.
Very polite and standby service. Food was amazing. Ordered the ribeye and it was perfect. Beer selection was impressive which included some Northern beers. Prices were appropriate and location was easy to find. Clean, fun, and a great experience. Well definitely come back in the future.
(5)
Josh S.
We were in Grand Marais during our fall tour of the North Shore and decided to stop in here and have dinner at the Harbor House Grille (411 W Highway 61, Grand Marais) on the edge of town. We saw had read some other reviews about the restaurant and were impressed with what others were saying. We decided to dine there on our last evening in Grand Marais before heading back south towards Duluth. You can't help but be impressed with the location overlooking the lake. It made our dining experience that much more enjoyable. Nothing quite like taking in a sunset over the lake during the fall and watching the lighthouses in the harbor light up. Very relaxing and it does your soul wonders. The dining room is quaint and charming. We didn't have to wait long and once we were seated we were VERY impressed with the service. The staff here is tremendous! Our hostess, our server and even the chef (who came out and asked us how we were enjoying our meals) were very polite and gracious. One of the better staff experiences I've had anywhere in Minnesota! We decided to go all-out and splurge. It is vacation, after all. Krystyn started with the Spinach and Feta salad and I had to sample the French Onion soup. Both were fabulous. Krystyn is the world's pickiest eater and devoured her salad. The soup was perfect - just the right balance of cheese, croutons and soup. I selected the Garlic & Goat Cheese Filet and it is a STEAL at $24 (yes, pricey, but you are in a tourist town) and enjoyed every second of it. Krystyn said since we were along the lake she had to have the Walleye, which was battered, fried and served on a bed of pilaf. Both meals were excellent. We didn't have any room for dessert which was a shame because even those looked "to die for." Friendly staff, beautiful location, scrumptious (and filling) meals are what you can expect to find here. I would recommend going early as it fills up fast during tourist season. Vegetarians and people with gluten intolerance will be happy to know that this place has a menu specifically for them - a rare find! The prices are what you would expect to find on the North Shore - a little steep, but don't let that scare you off. Harbor House Grille is a gem of a find in Grand Marais!
(4)
Cathy S.
My apologies that I haven't updated my review sooner. The owner states that I haven't responded to his 6 emails however I only have gotten three. I've pasted them below. Perhaps he is referring to the "compliment" he sent me telling me "you should be shot." In any case, responding with a more positive review is out of the question as you can see from the communication below. Your review Remove your review we both no it's not true!!!!! 3 days ago Russel S. Hey horrible person I'm still waiting to here from you regarding you retarded comments still waiting One week ago Russel S. Your slanderous lying review Just so you no I'm seeking legal actions against this review.. 5 months ago
(1)
Justin L.
If you are looking for exquisite food in a cozy house style setting then... Wait...This is the place to eat in Grand Marais no matter what you're looking for. The food is home made perfection. The ambience is cozy yet sophisticated and the service is wonderful. Sound too good to be true? Well than check out the prices as well. You certainly get your money's worth in food. I'm coming back soon to try the next specials.
(5)
Laura H.
The service was great, everyone was genuinely friendly & enjoyed their work. The atmosphere was clean, cozy & the art that decorates the walls & lines the mantle adds to the classy charm. The menu has a nice mix of heartier & lighter food & a kid's section. I was especially pleased with the specials. I wasn't quite ready to try the frog legs but next time I'm definitely getting the paella. The Lake Superior white fish came with a light breading & delicious tartar sauce. Save room for dessert. Even though my instinct is always to order chocolate (because, I mean really) I ordered the lemon cake with blueberry sauce (another special) that was served warm. It was the perfect end to this slightly chilly Fall day. Next time I will look forward to seeing what interesting specials they will have & what new art they will have curated for their decor. This is a fun Grand Marais restaurant worth a visit.
(4)
Cody L.
My wife and I have eaten at some great places in several countries, always coming back to MN hoping to keep the culinary magic alive. New Scenic, Lake Avenue, there are certainly some fine local establishments about, and today we found another. In Lutsen for work, headed up to Grand Marais afterward looking for anything new to supplement the good old standbys. Harbor House talked a good game online, and they were the only act in town we hadn't tried. I guess the star rating spoiled it, but the place delivered. Top to bottom, apps to dessert, high class stuff. The building itself is quaint and unassuming, local art on the wall, nice lake view. The staff were friendly and prompt, and the odd-hour waitress handoff perfectly seamless. Fine tomatoes to start, as well as scallops in a maple sauce with real subtlety (hint: the tiny pepper bits are not garnish, they are a secret weapon). My sandwich aficionado spouse declared the reuben the best she's ever tried, emphasizing deep flavors from the sauce and cheese to elevate no-nonsense meat and bread. My steak was straightforward but flawless, and that garlic/goat cheese topping ought to be sold by the tub. Throw in simple but smashing cakes (dark chocolate and pretzel cheesecake, respectively), and what can I say? We bought a pizza to go, such is our faith. We'll be back, and they deserve your support. Many thanks.
(5)
Dave Q.
We went to the Harbor House Grille twice on our late summer trip to Grand Marais. We asked a small group that was leaving what they thought, the recommendation from them was spot on. Our first experience was sitting on the deck enjoying the view, we had 6 people. We all picked different things to try so we could get a good feel for the variety and quality of the food. The waitress was fantastic, she gave us some good tips and was very enjoyable. Great lunch! We went back with a much larger group, 18, for dinner. They sat us upstairs in our own area, it was great because we have several little kids. We ordered a wide variety of food, drinks and ended with desert. It was all fantastic. We will be going back next time we are in town.
(4)
Ryan S.
A great little place just a few blocks from downtown but still has a great view of the harbor. Nice outdoor seating area. I had the walnut veggie burger which was very tasty despite them admitting to me it was frozen and not house made. That was my only disappointment, otherwise very good.
(4)
Mike T.
My spouse and I went on vacation to GM (our fave place to go) and for our anniversey we had dinner here and I'm glad we did!! We were greeted right away and seated in front of fireplace which I thought was awesome because we were there in October and it was getting colder on the North Shore..we were served by a very pleasant young man who told us of the daily specials..I had the top sirloin steak with a horseradish/blue cheese crust which was served PERFECT..amazing taste!! my husband had trout which was amazinging prepared and all the meals come with homemade bread and we each had soup the French onion was truly wonderful!! we had a GREAT time and DEFINTELY will visit this restaurant again!!
(5)
Dee T.
Came up to GM for a last-minute weekend getaway. Chez Jude has closed with Harbor House Grille in its place. The space looks exactly the same, with just a few new artwork pieces, but the menu has changed with a more casual emphasis, with burgers and sandwiches available for dinner. I wish we'd tried the woodfired pizzas, which look to be much, much tastier than Sven and Ole's (blasphemy! Hangings must ensue!), but we stuck to the mains. I had a succulent oven roasted chicken while he had a half-rack of baby back ribs, which were just fair in his opinion. Choice of soup or salad with entrees. All in all, it's a decent offering for town.
(4)
Dee B.
Great food and atmosphere! Gotta have the French onion soup...yummy!
(5)
Daryl C.
Had the oven fired pizza, I think it the best in town ,at half the price of Sven and oles.
(5)
L C.
It was a special night so thought we would try this new restaurant. Nice space, but nothing more. First, we ordered the fresh sliced vegetables on a bed of mixed greens. What we got, was a small hand full of bagged mixed greens, and one sliver slice of red bell pepper on top. We also ordered the wood fire pizza. They both came out of the wood stove under done. The dough was like a soft bread and quite pale in color... not at all like a pizza. The first pizza we ordered, was the Blue Fungi pizza. Are you kidding me? CANNED MUSHROOMS. I haven't seen canned mushrooms on anything since the 60's. And to call them FUNGI is ridiculous. The other pizza was equally uninteresting. I think they had better pick up the quality of their food, or they won't last. There are plenty of other Great spots to eat in town.
(2)
John S.
My wife and I dined here on two consecutive nights, each ordering something different. The staff especially Kelsen, was very friendly and the food was awesome! I normally refrain from ordering walleye as I have caught it in Canada and cooked it fresh for many years. Their shore lunch walleye was as good as any I have ever eaten! The vegetables and potato pieces were cooked to perfection. The French Onion soup was flavored just right...not too salty. The mixed green salads were fresh and the home made dressings were very good. If I could give it 6 stars, I would.
(5)
P W.
We were thrilled to discover a restaurant that identified vegetarian and vegan friendly entrees. Especially pleased with the wood-fired pizzas, the pesto margherita is a must have! Cozy ambiance with excellent service, perfect after a day on Pincushion Mt. in Grand Marais!
(5)
lea l.
Tried this new restaurant (formerly Chez Jude) over our holiday ski trip. We ordered two pizzas and neither met our standards (self proclaimed pizza connoisseurs). However we had the molten lava cake with local raspberry sauce and it was worth the trip alone! Northern Lights Ale from the South Shore Brewery was a good find.
(3)
Ann L.
Affordable, fresh food cooked to perfection. I ordered the pizza with blue cheese and mushrooms which was sublime, as was the outstanding rueben which was made on a very nice thick rye bread thickly encrusted with caraway seeds. The salads were very fresh and the made on the premises blue cheese dressing was addicting and topnotch(a touch of balsamic, perhaps)
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dave M.
Spectacular! Food and service was amazing. So much so that we went 3 times in 4 days. Twice for lunch and once for dinner. For those of you looking for a dinner and waiting in line at the angry trout. Cross the street! So worth it! !
(5)Federica B.
The woman who served us was really nice. We had dinner on the outside patio and we really enjoyed it! I had a sort of energy/pressure loss, so I wanted some red meat to re-energize me, and I took the ribs...really, really good! I'm not a huge meat fan, but I really liked them. My husband took a special daily meal, I think, and he enjoyed it as well. If you are visiting Grand Marais, try this place!
(4)Mark W.
I had the Paella for my entree and it was fantastic. We shared the garlic mussels and frog legs appetizers and they were spectacular. Great local beer selection and a very pretty view. Highly recommend!
(5)Julie M.
Disappointing. Pros: The service was fast and the food looked lovely. The dining room is charming. Cons: The three waitstaff seemed angry. The coffee was watery. The main dishes arrived before we were done with the appetizer. The bread arrived several minutes after the main dish was served. The "marsala" sauce on the chicken was more like a light beef gravy. The ravioli were chewy. The fish "special" of the day was not particularly memorable. The chocolate cake was barely one step up from a mix - I did not bother to finish it. We had three dinners in Grand Marais. This was the highest price and the least delicious.
(3)Stephen M.
We went in the first time because the wait across the street was so long. The food, the service, the selections, the value and the overall experience brought us back the second time in spite of the place across the street! I had the pan-fried walleye (a special) one time and it was one of the best dishes I have had. Period. They had prepared a wild blueberry topped lemon cake as a desert and the first time my spouse an I split it. I did not make that mistake the second time - we each got our own! When back, I will come back, and I can recommend it to you, also!
(5)V W.
My critiques matter as I received feedback from the cafe. Pleasant and positive touch. Bravo
(5)Rumna C.
Great service, extremely beautiful location - I'd definitely want to sit outside when the weather is more pleasant. My Harbor House sandwich was made just the way I wanted it, and our server, Jack, very courteously changed everything I wanted changed / swapped :)
(3)Angela P.
This is a nice place and cute building, service was nice (not amazing, but not horrible)... the food did not meet our expectations though, so we left broke and disappointed. We started with the pork belly app that was on special, because we never pass that up - it was not melt in your mouth tender, as we've come to expect with this dish, but rather fatty and chewy. bummer. I ordered the fish special (don't even remember what it was) and it was lackluster. My husband order the steak special and took advantage of the option to add mushrooms, only to find out they are average, run of the mill, canned mushrooms. My father-in-law ordered the Walleye, and while he did say the crust on it was nice and crispy, he quickly followed it up with a comment stating that he can get walleye just as good at My Sisters Place (up the road) which offers a larger portion for half the price. Maybe it's the 'specials' that they haven't perfected and their menu staples are on point? I don't know, but, sadly, we'll never be back to find out. Our bill was steep for the quality we feel we received.
(2)Susie A.
It is rare that all four of us enjoy a place because we have such different tastes. We loved our experience here so much we went back the following night. Sat outside both times with the same amazing view of the harbor. We have eaten at the Angry Trout every visit to Grand Marais for years and were excited to try someplace new instead this time. We like this place better! Me and husbo both had the whitefish special the first night and daughter stole half of both. All three loved it. Daughter got her own the second night. First night she had the fancy grilled cheese and super hot potato wedges with the perfect amount of salt. (I tried several.) Son had the fish sandwich and said it was the best he'd ever had! The next night he had the ribs and loved them too. I was glad I tried the walnut burger. It wasn't pretty, but the flavor was amazing! Both nights I had the salad that comes with the meal with the yummy red wine blue cheese dressing. Tried two desserts. The chocolate cake was rich and not too sweet. The pretzel cheesecake with strawberry rhubarb topping was so perfect and special. The crunchy, salty crust of pretzels, the soft, richness of the cheesecake, the sweet, tartness of the topping... an explosion of flavor and textures that makes my mouth water thinking about it. Just order it. Dana was our server both nights and did a terrific job. Thanks for two memorable vacation meals!
(4)Drun 0.
Great service, tasty food, cosy atmosphere. Highly recommend the Whitefish. The view of the lake is an added advantage :)
(5)Julie S.
I'm a long time vegetarian and found the walnut Burger pretty good, certainly unique. It's weird that they charge extra for lettuce and tomato though and I added cheese to feel like I had a whole sandwich. Tasty wedges served with the sandwich. I would eat here again, but the angry trout across the street would be preferred for both taste and service! Try the Duluth distiller gin if you visit though, yum!
(4)Kelly O.
Had birthday dinner there with the boyfriend and kids. They shared a kids pizza and our food was delicious. Atmosphere and service was great. Definitely will return.
(4)Aaron C.
Great food and atmosphere. The location is perfect with a wonderful view of the harbor. The seafood paella was world class and the prices were reasonable. Highly recommended!!
(5)Jill L.
Great food, great ambiance, decent prices. Stopped in on a rainy afternoon. My husband enjoyed a Castle Danger Ale, and I enjoyed the wine selection. We both had the shore lunch walleye with pan fried potatoes and vegetables. I'm not a huge fish fan, but this was awesome! Our server was friendly and prompt. We had the pretzel cheesecake for dessert with blueberry compote, delightful. Will definitely stop back next time we are in town.
(5)Bruce P.
We went to the Harbor City Grille on Friday evening. The food was very nice. The scallops with a maple glaze were well-cooked and just the right amount of maple- not too sweet to detract from the savory. The lightly-fried walleye was tasty. The "wild rice medley" may have had more "medley" (read white rice) than wild, but it was not bad. The veggies were properly-cooked. The dark chocolate layer cake was exceptional...and we're not usually dessert people. The service was friendly and attentive. Overall, this was a 4-4.5 for food and service. So, why a 3? One reason only, and a serious pet peeve of mine that detracts from the overall quality of a meal, on principle. This is the "split plate charge." We, like many others, just don't eat a lot of food, so we split entrees. In a couple of recent restaurant visits we've had one place expertly split our entree and another (steak) place brought out the steak and split it tableside onto two plates, portioning the accompaniments. No charge, of course. Not so the Harbor House Grille. First, the "splitting" happened as they brought the entree and I happened to notice that there was another plate beneath the plate. So, we had to separate the plates and split everything. And I'm fine with that. But then to add an exorbitant $4.75 split charge after not splitting? Even before this antiquated practice died away in nicer establishments, this was about 2 bucks. Again, it's the principle. A really nice place, They should just stop this. It's beneath them. Cheers.
(3)Mary C.
Had the walnut burger (no meat) and it outshone the turkey burger with cherry (?) compote by a mile. Came with potato wedges or salad which was the better taste choice. Dessert was pretzel cheesecake with raspberries -yum and maple bacon Creme brûlée. You haven't tasted anything like this before unless you've been here. Save up you carbs and calories for this.
(5)Drew G.
A lot of places are closed for the winter but the Harbor House is open and doing well. We were greeted and seated in a very nice manner [very friendly staff!]. They had a lot of specials to offer but I chose the Walnut burger and my friend chose the whitefish special. We were both very happy with out meal and the service. They accommodate gluten free requests ! I loved that my water glass was very empty. The food is made from scratch and I appreciate that. I will get a pizza next time since they are cooked in a wood fired oven. Some of the other guest had pizza and they looked perfect. Great location and views from this restaurant.
(4)Gerald R.
Great place for vegetarian and gluten free options. We had the gluten free pasta primavera and the walnut veggie burger. The homemade salad dressings were also delicious. I suggest trying the blue cheese.
(5)RICK L.
Everything was wonderful - the food (*), the atmosphere (nice art), the prices, the service. Highly recommend. Has outflanked the Angry Trout as our favorite GM spot. Thanks to others for their previous reviews which helped steer us here. Hard to imagine life without Yelp these days. * = I had the pasta puttanesca, my wife the prime rib, my daughter the sirloin. Great pretzel cheesecake as well.
(4)Sarah G.
My third visit to this lovely restaurant spurred this review. I've been visiting Grand Marais several times a year all of my thirtys(shh) years, and don't often tout my home-away-from-home experiences at local establishments. Quite honestly, I'd rather keep the gems to myself as the quiet streets I remember as a child are long gone. But...this gem deserves a solid following and is even more deserving of praise. We first tried Harbor House during a winter visit. Looking for a sweet bite after an early dinner, we stopped for dessert and a nightcap. My dad was struggling with a restrictive diet, and our server graciously produced an off the menu plate that accommodated his every request and then some. The warm lava cake wasn't what I expected--no under-baked brownie here--but was light and fudgey at the same time. The cozy, homey atmosphere immediately hooked us, and we returned for lunch the next day. The French onion soup is amazing. Homemade dressings make the salads, and the fresh greens are certainly leaps and bounds above "bagged lettuce". Offering salad as an alternative to fries on the side is an immediate plus to me. My son adored the pizza, as did the rest of us who tried it, and my entire family was extremely pleased with their offerings. Now back in town a few months later, we enjoyed another delicious lunch. My mom had a spinach salad that was bright and flavorful. My dad and I both ordered turkey burgers which were juicy and topped with an addictive Dijon sauce. My son couldn't pass up the pizza again, and my sister loved the walleye fingers even more than the fish we had at the Angry Trout the following day ("the" media-proclaimed fish darling in town). Please stop in. Leave your preconceived notions at the door. This is not Chez Jude, and thankfully so. Harbor House Grille is thoughtful, warm and affordable. Service is impeccable and the food is satisfying and high quality. A large front deck was recently added and outdoor *almost* lakeside seating abounds. The view? The ambiance? Perfection. We now have a new regular stop on our list of many tried and true favorites and hope you will too.
(5)Glen T.
Decided to try it based on reviews. We were not disappointed. Building looks a little rough due to construction but it hasn't affected the food. Parking was a problem as the handicap space is in the back and you have to walk through the food prep area to get to the dining room. Staff was prompt and friendly. We both had specials. My wife had the pan fried whitefish and I had poached lake trout. Both were perfectly cooked. Serving sizes were reasonable, plenty to eat but not too much. That left room for dessert - triple chocolate cheesecake with good rich chocolate flavor.
(4)Norm B.
Enjoyed a fantastic meal during my visit. My wife and I ordered two sandwiches to share -- asked that peppers and onions be placed on the side because my wife didn't want them on her sandwich. Not only did they split both sandwiches and put them on separate plates, but the omitted items were placed on my plate. What I am trying to say is "wow, they thrive on service and attention to detail!" The setting and atmosphere is amazing. We will definitely come back on future trips to Grand Marais
(5)Robert B.
Very polite and standby service. Food was amazing. Ordered the ribeye and it was perfect. Beer selection was impressive which included some Northern beers. Prices were appropriate and location was easy to find. Clean, fun, and a great experience. Well definitely come back in the future.
(5)Josh S.
We were in Grand Marais during our fall tour of the North Shore and decided to stop in here and have dinner at the Harbor House Grille (411 W Highway 61, Grand Marais) on the edge of town. We saw had read some other reviews about the restaurant and were impressed with what others were saying. We decided to dine there on our last evening in Grand Marais before heading back south towards Duluth. You can't help but be impressed with the location overlooking the lake. It made our dining experience that much more enjoyable. Nothing quite like taking in a sunset over the lake during the fall and watching the lighthouses in the harbor light up. Very relaxing and it does your soul wonders. The dining room is quaint and charming. We didn't have to wait long and once we were seated we were VERY impressed with the service. The staff here is tremendous! Our hostess, our server and even the chef (who came out and asked us how we were enjoying our meals) were very polite and gracious. One of the better staff experiences I've had anywhere in Minnesota! We decided to go all-out and splurge. It is vacation, after all. Krystyn started with the Spinach and Feta salad and I had to sample the French Onion soup. Both were fabulous. Krystyn is the world's pickiest eater and devoured her salad. The soup was perfect - just the right balance of cheese, croutons and soup. I selected the Garlic & Goat Cheese Filet and it is a STEAL at $24 (yes, pricey, but you are in a tourist town) and enjoyed every second of it. Krystyn said since we were along the lake she had to have the Walleye, which was battered, fried and served on a bed of pilaf. Both meals were excellent. We didn't have any room for dessert which was a shame because even those looked "to die for." Friendly staff, beautiful location, scrumptious (and filling) meals are what you can expect to find here. I would recommend going early as it fills up fast during tourist season. Vegetarians and people with gluten intolerance will be happy to know that this place has a menu specifically for them - a rare find! The prices are what you would expect to find on the North Shore - a little steep, but don't let that scare you off. Harbor House Grille is a gem of a find in Grand Marais!
(4)Cathy S.
My apologies that I haven't updated my review sooner. The owner states that I haven't responded to his 6 emails however I only have gotten three. I've pasted them below. Perhaps he is referring to the "compliment" he sent me telling me "you should be shot." In any case, responding with a more positive review is out of the question as you can see from the communication below. Your review Remove your review we both no it's not true!!!!! 3 days ago Russel S. Hey horrible person I'm still waiting to here from you regarding you retarded comments still waiting One week ago Russel S. Your slanderous lying review Just so you no I'm seeking legal actions against this review.. 5 months ago
(1)Justin L.
If you are looking for exquisite food in a cozy house style setting then... Wait...This is the place to eat in Grand Marais no matter what you're looking for. The food is home made perfection. The ambience is cozy yet sophisticated and the service is wonderful. Sound too good to be true? Well than check out the prices as well. You certainly get your money's worth in food. I'm coming back soon to try the next specials.
(5)Laura H.
The service was great, everyone was genuinely friendly & enjoyed their work. The atmosphere was clean, cozy & the art that decorates the walls & lines the mantle adds to the classy charm. The menu has a nice mix of heartier & lighter food & a kid's section. I was especially pleased with the specials. I wasn't quite ready to try the frog legs but next time I'm definitely getting the paella. The Lake Superior white fish came with a light breading & delicious tartar sauce. Save room for dessert. Even though my instinct is always to order chocolate (because, I mean really) I ordered the lemon cake with blueberry sauce (another special) that was served warm. It was the perfect end to this slightly chilly Fall day. Next time I will look forward to seeing what interesting specials they will have & what new art they will have curated for their decor. This is a fun Grand Marais restaurant worth a visit.
(4)Cody L.
My wife and I have eaten at some great places in several countries, always coming back to MN hoping to keep the culinary magic alive. New Scenic, Lake Avenue, there are certainly some fine local establishments about, and today we found another. In Lutsen for work, headed up to Grand Marais afterward looking for anything new to supplement the good old standbys. Harbor House talked a good game online, and they were the only act in town we hadn't tried. I guess the star rating spoiled it, but the place delivered. Top to bottom, apps to dessert, high class stuff. The building itself is quaint and unassuming, local art on the wall, nice lake view. The staff were friendly and prompt, and the odd-hour waitress handoff perfectly seamless. Fine tomatoes to start, as well as scallops in a maple sauce with real subtlety (hint: the tiny pepper bits are not garnish, they are a secret weapon). My sandwich aficionado spouse declared the reuben the best she's ever tried, emphasizing deep flavors from the sauce and cheese to elevate no-nonsense meat and bread. My steak was straightforward but flawless, and that garlic/goat cheese topping ought to be sold by the tub. Throw in simple but smashing cakes (dark chocolate and pretzel cheesecake, respectively), and what can I say? We bought a pizza to go, such is our faith. We'll be back, and they deserve your support. Many thanks.
(5)Dave Q.
We went to the Harbor House Grille twice on our late summer trip to Grand Marais. We asked a small group that was leaving what they thought, the recommendation from them was spot on. Our first experience was sitting on the deck enjoying the view, we had 6 people. We all picked different things to try so we could get a good feel for the variety and quality of the food. The waitress was fantastic, she gave us some good tips and was very enjoyable. Great lunch! We went back with a much larger group, 18, for dinner. They sat us upstairs in our own area, it was great because we have several little kids. We ordered a wide variety of food, drinks and ended with desert. It was all fantastic. We will be going back next time we are in town.
(4)Ryan S.
A great little place just a few blocks from downtown but still has a great view of the harbor. Nice outdoor seating area. I had the walnut veggie burger which was very tasty despite them admitting to me it was frozen and not house made. That was my only disappointment, otherwise very good.
(4)Mike T.
My spouse and I went on vacation to GM (our fave place to go) and for our anniversey we had dinner here and I'm glad we did!! We were greeted right away and seated in front of fireplace which I thought was awesome because we were there in October and it was getting colder on the North Shore..we were served by a very pleasant young man who told us of the daily specials..I had the top sirloin steak with a horseradish/blue cheese crust which was served PERFECT..amazing taste!! my husband had trout which was amazinging prepared and all the meals come with homemade bread and we each had soup the French onion was truly wonderful!! we had a GREAT time and DEFINTELY will visit this restaurant again!!
(5)Dee T.
Came up to GM for a last-minute weekend getaway. Chez Jude has closed with Harbor House Grille in its place. The space looks exactly the same, with just a few new artwork pieces, but the menu has changed with a more casual emphasis, with burgers and sandwiches available for dinner. I wish we'd tried the woodfired pizzas, which look to be much, much tastier than Sven and Ole's (blasphemy! Hangings must ensue!), but we stuck to the mains. I had a succulent oven roasted chicken while he had a half-rack of baby back ribs, which were just fair in his opinion. Choice of soup or salad with entrees. All in all, it's a decent offering for town.
(4)Dee B.
Great food and atmosphere! Gotta have the French onion soup...yummy!
(5)Daryl C.
Had the oven fired pizza, I think it the best in town ,at half the price of Sven and oles.
(5)L C.
It was a special night so thought we would try this new restaurant. Nice space, but nothing more. First, we ordered the fresh sliced vegetables on a bed of mixed greens. What we got, was a small hand full of bagged mixed greens, and one sliver slice of red bell pepper on top. We also ordered the wood fire pizza. They both came out of the wood stove under done. The dough was like a soft bread and quite pale in color... not at all like a pizza. The first pizza we ordered, was the Blue Fungi pizza. Are you kidding me? CANNED MUSHROOMS. I haven't seen canned mushrooms on anything since the 60's. And to call them FUNGI is ridiculous. The other pizza was equally uninteresting. I think they had better pick up the quality of their food, or they won't last. There are plenty of other Great spots to eat in town.
(2)John S.
My wife and I dined here on two consecutive nights, each ordering something different. The staff especially Kelsen, was very friendly and the food was awesome! I normally refrain from ordering walleye as I have caught it in Canada and cooked it fresh for many years. Their shore lunch walleye was as good as any I have ever eaten! The vegetables and potato pieces were cooked to perfection. The French Onion soup was flavored just right...not too salty. The mixed green salads were fresh and the home made dressings were very good. If I could give it 6 stars, I would.
(5)P W.
We were thrilled to discover a restaurant that identified vegetarian and vegan friendly entrees. Especially pleased with the wood-fired pizzas, the pesto margherita is a must have! Cozy ambiance with excellent service, perfect after a day on Pincushion Mt. in Grand Marais!
(5)lea l.
Tried this new restaurant (formerly Chez Jude) over our holiday ski trip. We ordered two pizzas and neither met our standards (self proclaimed pizza connoisseurs). However we had the molten lava cake with local raspberry sauce and it was worth the trip alone! Northern Lights Ale from the South Shore Brewery was a good find.
(3)Ann L.
Affordable, fresh food cooked to perfection. I ordered the pizza with blue cheese and mushrooms which was sublime, as was the outstanding rueben which was made on a very nice thick rye bread thickly encrusted with caraway seeds. The salads were very fresh and the made on the premises blue cheese dressing was addicting and topnotch(a touch of balsamic, perhaps)
(5)