
Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake
A classic English-style pub on Lake Superior, offering live music, gourmet pub fare, and a cozy atmosphere with stunning views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic English-style pub on Lake Superior, offering live music, gourmet pub fare, and a cozy atmosphere with stunning views.
"This is a must-stop in Duluth, with great food, an amazing beer selection, and a fantastic view!"
Weekday Music
Catch live music performances throughout the week by visiting on weekdays.
Unique Menu Items
Explore signature dishes like the Tropical Pig sandwich or the highly recommended smoked squash soup.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Pub
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Lake Superior Views
Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Superior from the outdoor patio, especially in warmer months. A perfect backdrop for any meal.

Eclectic Pub Fare & Sandwiches
Savor creative and delicious pub grub, with sandwiches like the "Tropical Pig" and "Hot Club" receiving special praise.

Live Music & Cozy Atmosphere
Experience a lively atmosphere with live music most nights, creating a cozy English-style pub vibe.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekday Music
Catch live music performances throughout the week by visiting on weekdays.
Unique Menu Items
Explore signature dishes like the Tropical Pig sandwich or the highly recommended smoked squash soup.
Plan for Popularity
Expect a wait due to the restaurant's popularity. Consider making reservations or arriving early.
Patio Season
Enjoy the outdoor seating and stunning lake views, ideal for dining outside of winter months.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekday Music
Catch live music performances throughout the week by visiting on weekdays.
Unique Menu Items
Explore signature dishes like the Tropical Pig sandwich or the highly recommended smoked squash soup.
Plan for Popularity
Expect a wait due to the restaurant's popularity. Consider making reservations or arriving early.
Patio Season
Enjoy the outdoor seating and stunning lake views, ideal for dining outside of winter months.
Staff Recommendations
Ask the friendly staff for recommendations on beer selections or daily specials.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake is celebrated for its cozy English pub atmosphere, lively live music, and delicious pub fare, especially its diverse sandwich offerings. Diners consistently praise the friendly staff and the picturesque views of Lake Superior from the patio. While the limited parking can be a drawback, the overall experience is highly recommended for its good food and vibrant ambiance.
"Impressed! I had the Tropical Pig and the wife had the Broj. Mine was super flavorful and had a nice jalapeno kick blended in. Hers earned praise for delicious ciabatta bread and pepper bacon. Galactic Face Slap IPA was amazing! Walk up to order, but very fast and super friendly staff. Busy place for a Tuesday! Give it a try."
M S
"Brunch with a Lake View: Sir Benedict's Tavern Delivers Atmosphere and Flavor
Looking for a brunch with a view, we found ourselves at Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake. The setting had promise—and quirks.
Parking was scarce, so plan on a short walk from nearby street parking. Once inside, we found a cozy, bustling atmosphere that never felt overwhelming. The staff struck a balance of laid-back and attentive—friendly smiles and helpful guidance from the moment we arrived.
Restrooms were simple: two single-occupancy, non-gender-specific rooms. They were clean but showed signs of character—graffiti dotted the walls and ceiling.
Seating is self-service style: order at the counter, pick your spot, and the waitstaff brings the food with a warm touch.
Lake View & Outdoor Seating
It was a foggy day, but we appreciated the generous outdoor seating with views that, on a clearer morning, would be stunning. Even through the mist, the lake added serenity to our brunch.
We started with the Pesto Bruschetta, beautifully presented and generously topped with pesto, feta, and tomatoes. It was flavorful, fresh, and visually inviting. The nachos (just a half order!) were unexpectedly hearty—smothered in cheese, tomatoes, a large dollop of sour cream that didn't shy away, and pico de gallo and jalapeno slices on the side.
The timing from order to table felt just right. Our waitress arrived with a friendly smile and double-checked that we had everything we needed before leaving us to enjoy. Her attitude matched the tone of the place: casual but caring.
🌟 Overall Impression
Despite minor hiccups (parking and fog), Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake delivered a memorable brunch with a side of laid-back charm. Good food, good vibes, and a lakeside setting—9/10 would recommend."
Andrew Bates
"In a city that is pretty vegan-friendly, Sir Ben’s vegan Cobb salad is the single best vegan entree in town. Loaded and perfectly balanced, it’s super delicious & satisfying. I’ve already had this entree four times this summer and will continue to return again and again to try and satisfy my cravings for it. While some places just throw a simple vegan entree on the menu, this one is thoughtful and well executed."
Alecia Ghilarducci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's known for its English-style pub atmosphere, live music, extensive beer selection, delicious pub fare including gourmet sandwiches, and stunning views of Lake Superior from its patio.
Yes, the restaurant boasts an award-winning outdoor patio with spectacular views of Lake Superior, perfect for dining during warmer months.
Yes, Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake features live music performances spanning multiple genres most nights of the week.
Popular choices include the 'Tropical Pig' sandwich, 'Hot Club' sandwich, and the smoked squash soup. The vegan Cobb salad is also highly praised.
Parking is limited in the area, especially when the restaurant is busy. It's recommended to consider alternative transportation or be prepared for a short walk from nearby street parking.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegan options, with the vegan Cobb salad being a particularly well-regarded choice.
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Frequent winner of local surveys for "best outdoor seating", Sir Ben's (as the locals know it) proudly features an eccentric menu of English pub-style favorites along with live entertainment of some sort most nights. Sure - you can sit inside at Sir Ben's, but their outdoor courtyard is front-and-center and offers a spectacular view of Lake Superior that you can almost touch. That's because the tables and chairs are just a few feet away from the shoreline.
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One of the best restaurants in Duluth if you don’t want to spend a lot of money but do want good food and have a good time. It gets busy during dinner time like most places and they have music every night so if you aren’t into how loud it gets it’s still worth it to order takeout, which on Saturday you have to do in person. I recommend avoid using a car to get there since parking is very limited in the area when it is busy.
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Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake offers an authentic English Pub Atmosphere in the heart of Duluth six days a week. The pub has received numerous awards for its outstanding outdoor seating, and I can see why. If you’re visiting outside of the winter, I’d recommend checking the patio out for yourself as the lakeside breeze is a perfect complement to your dinner and drinks.
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For those with a penchant for authentic English pubs, Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake is an ideal choice. Nestled on the edge of Lake Superior, Sir Ben’s provides stunning lakefront views, especially from its outdoor patio. It’s well-known for its lively music scene, hosting performances at least five nights a week, cementing its place as a beloved fixture in Duluth’s evening entertainment landscape;
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Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake is a popular destination for live music lovers, offering a variety of performances spanning multiple genres. This cozy, English-style pub hosts local and regional musicians and bands, providing a welcoming atmosphere for a night of entertainment. The tavern also offers a menu of delicious pub fare and an extensive selection of beers and specialty cocktails.
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In the vibrant town of Duluth, Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake is a gem not to be missed. This classic English-style haunt boasts an ambiance that perfectly marries old-world charm with modern flair, offering a delightful experience for both locals and visitors alike. As you step into this culinary paradise, be prepared to be tantalized by a menu brimming with delectable delights.
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Sir Benedict's Tavern on Superior Street in Duluth's East End offers and authentic English Pub atmosphere with a variety of different music several nights a week. A majority of the acts you'll find playing at Sir Benedict's play folk, blues, celtic, bluegrass, and other similar genres. It makes for a prime low-key location to join a friend for a pint and a good visit.
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This little English pub is absolutely packed with character. From the moment you see its quaint, all-brick exterior adorned with multiple British flags, you know you’re in for a good time. For the cold winter days, the interior has a warm, cozy, and homey vibe, and for the nicer summer ones, there’s even a cute outdoor patio area with glimpses of Lake Superior.
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The giant wraparound deck never closed at Sir Ben's last winter. With the need to eat outside paramount, Sir Ben's owner Josh Stotts installed propane fire pit tables to keep hardy winter diners and beer drinkers warm. He thought that would keep people coming through the fall, but, like Ursa Minor, Sir Ben's has served full tables outside even at 10 degrees.
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Sir Ben’s offers their customers an authentic English Tavern with homemade foods, live music, a huge variety of beers and a relaxed dining experience. Sir Ben’s brings out the feel of Duluth’s historic lakeside and embraces the English tavern atmosphere. Fantastic homemade foods, 20+ beers on tap and a full bar with live music six nights a week.
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A place known for its beer selection and live music isn’t an obvious choice, but Sir Ben’s has a stack of games and plenty of other kid distractions, along with nice menu variety. We like the little nachos ($7) and the pita pizza ($6.50). And the music is generally the folksy, toe-tapping kind that kids like and gets everyone in a jovial mood.
2025 Food and Drink Review
For lunch on Monday we headed to Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake, which was recommended to us because of their sandwiches…they definitely lived up to the hype. I had a half Sir Pesto with Turkey and husband had The P.P.P. Sir Pesto: Basil pesto, mozzarella and provolone cheeses with fresh tomato and spinach on lemon herb focaccia with Turkey
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Gourmet sandwiches and soups are on order at this English-style pub. Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake is one of the best restaurants in Duluth and an institution in the city. Sandwich shop by day and crowded bar by night, there are few Duluth restaurants that receive the praise Sir Ben’s (as it’s referred to by locals) does.
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You don’t likely think much about outdoor dining during a polar vortex, but Sir Ben’s is a great place to eat on a summer afternoon. The front features a look over the lake and is wide-open to the noon-day sun. If the sun is too strong, the umbrellas have you covered.
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Live music: Wussow’s Concert Cafe, the West Duluth coffee shop launched by ska-fanatic Jason Wussow in 1999, or Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake, a lakeside hot spot east of downtown serving up live music and killer Cuban sandwiches, bookend everyone’s must-do list.
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Duluth Tap Exchange: For a unique experience for beer lovers, this is Duluth’s first self-pour taproom with 40 craft beers, hard seltzers, and wines on tap. They also offer some great weekly specials for those looking to stick to a budget.
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Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake, known locally as Sir Ben's, is a fun place to go for outside seating and casual food like sandwiches and salads. There are twice-weekly jam nights and visitors are invited to show up with instruments.
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Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake, known to locals as Sir Ben’s, this laid back pub has great lunch and dinner fare, and a fantastic patio overlooking Lake Superior.
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Even if you don’t stroll up with an English Bulldog in tow, you’ll still be able to appreciate the authentic English pub vibes of Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake.
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- Rating: 4.4/5 (233 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 805 East Superior St. Duluth, Minnesota - Categories: Sandwiches, Pubs, Music Venues- Read more on Yelp
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit