A burger served on a grilled biscuit, topped with a fried egg and maple bacon jam, counts as breakfast here. So does buttermilk fried chicken on pancakes laced with bacon and corn.
The kitchen serves breakfast the entire day. Vegetables and herbs grow right alongside the building, and even in the parking lot. I love that a casual spot near the interstate takes its garden that seriously.
This Minnesota favorite started life back in 1971 under a completely different name. Today it pulls road trippers, families, and hungry locals through the door every morning.
I believe the best breakfast places feel like a neighborhood living room with a much better kitchen.
The Breakfast Plates Here Are Built For Serious Appetites
The Farmer’s Feast at Duluth Grill comes with two eggs, a choice of sausage, bacon, ham, or a plant-based alternative, and any two breakfast sides, including hash browns or red flannel hash.
Breakfast is the headliner at this Minnesota restaurant, and the plates reflect it. Generous portions show up again and again across the menu.
Take the Deluxe Biscuits and Gravy, for example. A house-made biscuit gets stacked with a Jones Farm sausage patty and a buttermilk fried chicken breast.
Melted cheddar goes on next. Then the whole tower gets smothered in country sausage gravy and served with a breakfast side.
The B.E.C. is another hearty breakfast sandwich, combining scrambled eggs, American cheese, maple miso smoked pork belly, garlic aioli, and a hash brown patty on an everything bagel.
It also comes with a breakfast side. That’s a sandwich with ambitions far beyond a quick bite.
Those house-made biscuits deserve some credit here. They turn many dishes into plates that feel sturdy, warm, and seriously filling.
Planning tip: think about sharing if you want to sample more than one item. Splitting a sweet dish and a savory one is a smart way to cover more ground.
Fifty Years Of Name Changes Led To This Breakfast Legend
Back in 1971, this spot opened under the name Highway Host. It took decades and a few new identities to become the breakfast stop people know now.
The name Duluth Grill first appeared in 1991. Then in 2001, Tom and Jaima Hanson bought the restaurant and ran it as Duluth Grill Embers.
Things shifted again in 2008. The Hansons split from the Embers chain and relaunched the place on their own terms as Duluth Grill.
That independent move opened the door to the scratch cooking and local sourcing the restaurant is known for now. Going solo let the kitchen build a personality all its own.
National attention arrived in 2010. Food Network featured Duluth Grill on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and the restaurant became a true destination.
More honors followed over the years. People Magazine named it Minnesota’s Best Breakfast in 2018, specifically praising the Smoked Salmon Hash Skillet.
In June 2025, MSN called it Minnesota’s best hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Not bad for a former highway stop with humble beginnings.
The story even made it into print. A cookbook called Brunch at the Duluth Grill, written by Jesse Sawyer, shares the restaurant’s brunch spirit with home cooks.
Yes, Those Are Vegetables Growing In The Parking Lot
Most restaurant parking lots hold cars and maybe a few shopping carts. At Duluth Grill, the lot also grows vegetables and herbs.
Garden beds sit alongside the building and in the parking area as part of an urban farming operation. It’s a sight that makes you look twice on the way in.
That garden ties into a bigger philosophy at the restaurant. The motto here is Fresh. Local. Organic., and the kitchen takes it seriously.
In 2013, Duluth Grill reported sourcing 32 percent of its food from local suppliers, reflecting its longstanding commitment to regional ingredients. That’s a big share for a busy restaurant serving breakfast every day.
Eggs are cage-free and organic. Grass-fed beef comes from 4 Quarters Holdings, and chickens come from Gerber’s Poultry.
Smoked salmon arrives from Northern Waters Smokehaus. House-made jams come from Jan Johnson on the Gunflint Trail, and the kitchen even makes its own peanut butter.
This commitment earned real recognition. In 2013, the restaurant received a grant from the Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability for its sustainable practices and Farm-to-Fork programs.
Here’s a fun habit to try on your visit. Take a slow lap past the garden beds before heading inside.
Teal Walls And Splashes Of Red Set A Cheerful Mood
Teal walls greet you inside, and bursts of red and orange pop up in the flooring and design details. It’s a bright, happy color combo that wakes you up faster than coffee.
The room carries the cozy feel of a neighborhood diner. You’ll find comfortable booths, plenty of tables, and a bar area that serves breakfast too.
That bar seating is handy for solo diners or pairs. Sitting there can feel a bit like having a front-row seat to the action.
The overall vibe lands somewhere between eclectic, upbeat, and cozy. It feels lively without losing its homey charm.
Look closely at the tables for a fun detail. Each one holds a selection of Heartbeat hot sauces, ready for anyone who likes a little kick.
Then there are the coffee mugs. They’re hand-painted, heavy, and no two are alike, which makes every cup feel like a tiny surprise.
The mugs feature locally designed artwork. Some come in quirky shapes and themes, so you might end up sipping from a mug you’ll remember for days.
The space is wheelchair accessible. Free Wi-Fi is available as well, which is helpful if you’re mapping out the rest of your trip.
Chicken On Pancakes Is Just The Start Of The Fun
Duluth Grill’s Leeky Waffle pairs a house-made waffle with buttermilk fried chicken, honey butter, fried leeks, and Fresno pepper syrup.
Spicy maple bacon coffee syrup goes over the top. Goat cheese and scallions finish it off with a tangy, fresh bite.
That’s the kind of creativity running through the breakfast menu. Classic ideas get remixed into plates you won’t find at a typical roadside diner.
Sweet tooths have plenty to celebrate too. Duluth Grill now serves Banana Bread Pancakes with maple walnut syrup, whipped mascarpone, and caramel drizzle.
Caramelized banana, maple walnut syrup, whipped mascarpone, and powdered sugar pile on next. It reads more like dessert than breakfast, and that’s a good thing.
Cinnamon roll French toast also has a strong fan base. Caramel rolls show up often as a sweet add-on or a treat to share.
Here’s a smart strategy for groups. Order one sweet plate for the table, then let everyone pick their own savory dish.
That way nobody misses out on the sugary side of the menu. Everyone also gets a hearty plate to call their own.
Breakfast Rules, But The Menu Wanders Far Beyond Eggs
Bibimbap and drunken noodles share a menu with biscuits and gravy here. That range surprises a lot of first-timers.
Duluth Grill cooks from scratch across a huge lineup. Classic comfort foods sit right beside bolder, more modern dishes.
Korean Brussels sprouts are a standout that keeps earning attention. MSN even highlighted them, along with hearty burrito bowls and French toast.
Burgers get creative too. The Cooper Burger features smashed beef blended from brisket, chuck, and short rib, topped with caramelized onions, sharp cheddar, comeback sauce, and house pickles.
All of that lands on a grilled biscuit with a side. The menu describes it as a burger for the hungry man or woman, which feels like a fair warning.
Skillets remain a major attraction, although the Smoked Salmon Hash Skillet highlighted by People magazine in 2018 is no longer listed on the restaurant’s current menu.
Dietary needs get real attention as well. The menu offers many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
That makes it easier to bring a group with different eating styles. Everyone can find something filling without settling for a sad side salad.
That Bright Red Hash Is Worth Ordering On Purpose
Beets turn this side dish a deep, rosy red. Red Flannel Hash is a signature at Duluth Grill, and it makes regular hash browns look pale.
The mix includes roasted sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. It’s colorful, hearty, and packed with vegetables.
Many breakfast plates let you choose it instead of hash browns. That swap is an easy way to add some extra veggies to a big morning meal.
The Farmers Feast is a great place to try it. Two organic eggs, the hash, and a choice of sausage or bacon make a classic plate with a twist.
Fans sometimes call it flannel potatoes. The name fits nicely in a cozy Minnesota setting where flannel is practically a uniform.
Other potato options exist too. Smashed potatoes come with a sauce called come back sauce, a name that hints at how much people enjoy it.
Here’s a tip for picky eaters. Ask your server about side options before ordering so you can pick the perfect match.
The staff can help steer you through the choices. Servers here tend to know the menu well and enjoy sharing recommendations.
Join The Waitlist Early And Warm Up By The Fire
Fire pits wait outside for people waiting on a table. In a chilly northern Minnesota city, that’s a seriously thoughtful touch.
Outdoor seating areas give guests a cozy place to hang out before being seated. Sitting by the flames sure beats pacing in a crowded entryway.
This restaurant gets busy, especially on weekend mornings. Doors open at 8 AM daily, and the dining room can fill up quickly.
Thankfully, there’s an online waitlist option. You can add your name before you arrive and cut down on standing around.
Hours run from 8 AM to 3 PM every day of the week. Planning around that window helps you avoid disappointment.
Arriving early is a smart move if you prefer a calmer meal. Weekday mornings can also offer a little more breathing room.
Once inside, the kitchen tends to move quickly. Service here is known for being quick, attentive, and personal.
Coffee lovers get a treat during the meal. The coffee bar features locally roasted Alakef espresso, plus specialty lattes and pour-overs.
A Neighborhood Comeback Story Lives Right Around The Corner
Right at the halfway point of Duluth sits 27th Avenue West. That’s where you’ll find Duluth Grill, at 118 S 27th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806.
The spot sits just off I-35, which makes it an easy stop for travelers. Road trippers heading north often build a meal here into their plans.
The surrounding Lincoln Park neighborhood mixes homes, industrial buildings, and businesses. It has a working, down-to-earth character that fits the restaurant well.
The Hanson family has played a big role in bringing new energy to this area. Their family of businesses has grown well beyond one breakfast spot.
OMC Smokehouse opened in 2017. Corktown Deli came along in 2018 and moved to a new location in May 2023.
Goat Hill Marketplace followed in 2022. Burger Paradox joined the lineup in May 2023.
That growth helps make Lincoln Park a fun place to explore. You can turn breakfast into a longer neighborhood outing.
Catering is also available from Duluth Grill. It’s handy for gatherings where you want this food without the drive.
