What it's actually like
Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar receives overwhelmingly positive sentiment (majority 5-star reviews) praised for creative, seasonal menu execution and exceptional service. However, a significant minority criticize inconsistent food quality, portion sizes that don't justify premium pricing ($20-38 entrees), and occasional execution issues like overcooked proteins. Diners appreciate the innovative fusion cuisine and intimate atmosphere but debate whether the elevated prices consistently deliver corresponding value.
creative-seasonallocally-sourcedartistic-gallery-likeluxe-casualvibrant-neighborhood
Diners keep mentioning
red snapper ceviche with coconut milk and jalapeñospork belly sandwichcarrot cake French toastblueberry crème brûléesteamed bunspork lettuce wrap with bulgogi and kimchi
Ambiance
upscale-casual
Noise level
lively
Dress code
smart casual
Outdoor seating
Yes
Good for
date night, special celebration, brunch
Reservations
OpenTable
Wait reality — Reservations strongly recommended, especially during peak times. Wait times can range from immediate seating during quiet periods to 45+ minutes without a reservation during busy service. Best to visit during off-peak hours (early lunch, weekday afternoons) or call ahead.
Derived from 73 recent Google reviews — not marketing copy.
What's cooking
Appetizer
Bruschettavegetarian$14
Parmesan Crusted Sourdough, Navy Bean, Pickled Carrot, Jalapeno Maple Drizzle, Chive
★ House-made Focaccia Bread Basketvegetarian$12
Serves 2-3 people for $6 or 5-6 people for $12
Olive Walnut Platedairy freevegan$5
Greek Olives, Roasted Walnuts, Aleppo Pepper Seasoning
Pork Bellygluten free$17
Brown Butter Butternut Puree, Chili Garlic Crunch, Pickled Red Onion, Scallion
Short Rib Tartine$20
Braised Short Rib, Greek olive, Castelvetrano Olive, Goat Cheese, Demi, Sourdough
Szechuan Mushroomsdairy freegluten freevegan$15
Mixed Mushrooms, Pea Mint Puree, Chili Crunch, Cilantro
Wingsdairy free$14
Gochujang Shoyu, Garlic, Green Onion, Sesame Seed, House Pickles, Kimchi
Snack
Veggie Cupvegetarian$6
Raw mixed vegetables with choice of dressing: ranch, bleu cheese, vinaigrette
Salad
Full Caesarvegetarian$18
Romaine, Roasted Roma Tomato, Parmesan, Crouton, Chive
Seared Cabbage Wedge Saladgluten free$18
Bacon, Roasted Roma Tomato, Gorgonzola, Pickled Red Onion, Chive, Blue Cheese Dressing, Toasted Pecan
Side Caesarvegetarian$9
Romaine, Parmesan, Crouton, Chive
Side Saladvegan$9
spring mix, cucumber, red onion, tomato, carrot, radish, crouton
Winter Grain Saladgluten freevegetarian$15
Amaranth Grain, Roasted Squash, Mustard Greens, Pepita, Goat Cheese, Micro Amaranth, Apple Vinaigrette
Soup
Soup of the Day$9
Pasta
Braised Short Rib French Onion Pasta$25
Braised Short Rib, Pappardelle, French Onion Cream Sauce, Caramelized Onions, Gruyere, Parmesan, Bread Crumb, Parsley, Focaccia
Carbonara$26
Bucatini, Crispy Pancetta, Sugar Snap Peas, Shallot, Parmesan, Pea Shoots, Focaccia
Mac and Kimcheesevegetarian$20
Smoked Cheddar/Muenster Blend, Cavatappi, Toasted Bread Crumb, Kimchi, Green Onion
Pastavegetarian$10
Mac & Cheese or Alfredo Sauce with parmesan
Pomodoro Seccovegetarian$24
Rigatoni, Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce, Red Pepper, Red Onion, Sundried Tomato, Gorgonzola, Fried Capers, Parsley, Focaccia
Pork Bolognaise$28
Braised Pork Shoulder Bolognaise, Linguine, Ricotta Parmesan, Pickled Red Onion, Micro Radish, Focaccia
Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheesevegetarian$18
Smoked Cheddar/Muenster Blend, Cavatappi, Toasted Bread Crumbs, Focaccia. Add Sakura Beef Hotdog $5, bacon $3, Pickled Fresnos $3, Mushrooms $3
Entree
Cheeseburger$13
Housemade bun, cheese blend. Choice of side: french fries, fruit, or coleslaw
Chicken Strips$11
Choice of side: french fries, fruit, or coleslaw
Grilled Cheesevegetarian$9
Sourdough, cheese blend. Choice of side: french fries, fruit, or coleslaw
★ Lake Avenue Burger$21
Brioche Bun, Smoked Cheddar/Muenster Blend, L.A. Pickles, LTO available by request. Add bacon $3
Onion Burger$21
Brioche Bun, Button Mushroom, Onion, Gruyere, Garlic Aioli
PLT$18
Sourdough, Peppered Pork Belly, Seasoned Tomato, Bib Lettuce, Garlic Aioli
Pork Belly Sandwich$19
Brioche, Crispy Pork Belly, Mustard Greens, Pickled Red Onion, Curry Sauce, Garlic Aioli
Pork Chopgluten free$32
Seared Pork Chop, Navy Bean Puree, Miso Brussel Sprouts, Pork Demi, Pickled Red Onion, Chili Oil
★ Short Ribgluten free$48
Braised Short Rib, Brown Butter Potato Puree, Miso Roasted Carrot and Parsnip, Demi, Pickled Carrot, Chive
Tofuvegan$18
Focaccia Bun, Bulgogi Marinated Tofu, Kimchi, Pickled Carrot, Cilantro
Wild Rice Hotdishvegetarian$21
Wild Rice, Carrot, Parsnip, Onion, Parsley, Parsnip Chips, Focaccia
Steak
★ Steakgluten free$50
Wagyu Zabuton Steak, Brown Butter Potato Puree, Szechuan Mushrooms, Pickled Red Onion, Chive
Non alcoholic
Kids Drink$3
Juice: apple, orange, cranberry, grapefruit; lemonade, milk, soda
Seafood
Arctic Char Fried Wild Rice$38
Seared Arctic Char, Wild Rice, Red Onion, Red Pepper, Corn, Kimchi, Bulgogi Sauce, Sesame Seed, Green Onion
★ Lake Superior Troutgluten free$28
Seared Trout, Brown Butter Butternut Squash, Roasted Carrot & Parsnip, Red Chard, Mustard Green Pesto, Pickled Blueberry, Radish Sprout
Tom Kha Pladairy free$28
Fried Black Cod, Carrot, Onion, Mixed Mushroom, Rice Cake, Pickled Carrot, Chili Oil, Micro Cilantro
Find it
Address
394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN
Phone
(218) 722-2355
Restaurant group
independent