Archie’s West Bay Diner in Grand Marais is undeniably charming.
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Picture this: it’s a cool September morning in Grand Marais, and you’re craving a cozy home cooked meal before a Sable Falls hike, or a meandering drive along Lake Superior. Down the street, a neon sign beckons: Breakfast Served.
The Yooper charm of Archie’s West Bay Diner—a retro dining car-turned-eatery—is irresistible. Aqua-blue bar stools line the counter, with booths and glass block windows on either side; above, a chalkboard serves as a pasty-ordering scoreboard (tallies mark plain, gravy, ketchup and the dreaded “other”). And best of all—the corner booth offers views of West Bay and the dessert case.
Photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta
Photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta
The Dish: Order the kropsua, aka pannukakku—two slices of freshly baked Finnish pancake topped with homemade strawberry compote and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. This classic, custardy Finnish breakfast is perfect to share, and pairs nicely with a three-egg omelette or a breakfast pasty topped with made-from-scratch sausage gravy. Pro tip: Come back for lunch and get the goulash.
Don’t Miss: The U.P.-centric gift shop in the back of the diner, where owners Jenn and Matt Archibald proudly display local books, artwork and provisions. (And check out the fridge stocked with 14 flavors of glass-bottled root beer.)
Photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta