Gunflint Tavern

November 30, 2008
A small place on the main street that was converted into a bar establishment from what used to be a bank years ago. I will give high ratings for selection (based on the area and far proximity from Twin Cities) but this would rate very mediocre if placed in a larger locale. Would not do food here as they are trying to be "very fancy" and maybe to much so - again for the area. Vegetarian chili anyone? Had Summit’s Oatmeal Stout on tap. Had to laugh though as they listed a new beer on their chalkboard as "Surley" Cynic.

May 29, 2007
I’m not as familiar with the North Shore area as the other reviewers, but I was very impressed with this place on its own merits. The menu didn’t have tons of choices, but the ones they did have offered something for everyone, good variety. The beer choices were good, especially considering cost. With a bottled specialty brew and a delicious pulled pork sandwich, my total pre-tax was 11 dollars. We had a friendly Macedonian gentleman as our server, and he was very good. A bit slow at times, but we suspect he was new, as the barstaff were showing him a couple things behind the bar. I was really happy with my experience here, and will be sure to go back next time I’m up there.

July 25, 2006
I have never had decent food, let alone beer, in Grand Marais before I found the Gunflint. This place is not a "destination" to find beer you wouldn’t find anywhere else, but it is a welcome sight for travelers who are tired of Northern MN cuisine’s blandness. The food is good, homemade with some actual flavor. For example, I like the wrap with jalapeno bacon and avocado. The beer selections are some standard favorites, some good beers, but nothing exotic.

October 12, 2005
THE place to be in Grand Marais, in terms of beer. Nothing else comes even close to offering this selection anywhere north of Duluth, as badgerben said. Even then, the selection is standard, but locally enjoyable. I prefer it in October when the Marzens are out and they usually host 3 or 4 different varieties on tap.

September 7, 2004
Located just off of Hwy 61, the Gunflint Tavern is about all the weary beer traveler will find on the North Shore once he or she leaves Duluth. They do not have the world’s greatest selection of beer, but it is most impressive for a town so far away from a metro area. They have some of the standard micro fare as well as a couple of macros, but the plus is the local/regional brews. They had 5 from Lake Superior Brewing as well as one or two from South Shore Brewing. Several Summit (including the seasonal) and Leinie’s also made an appearance. The food is fantastic. It is kind of a blend: there is the definite Northwoods tradition of fish, but there are plenty of ethnic choices you would not expect this far North. The food and atmosphere suggest a trendy new cafe in the heart of Minneapolis. Overall, this is certainly not a place to search out, as any beer served here is available in Duluth. But if you are camping or cannoeing in the BWCAW, this would be a wonderful place to stop on your way in or out.