Chef Shack Bay City
At their ultra-charming small-town labor of love, chefs Lisa Carlson and Carrie Summer lay on the hospitality and turn their considerable talents to seasonal cooking that spotlights local ingredients. Dinner served Friday and Saturday, brunch served Sunday.
6379 Main St., Bay City, Wis., 1-715-594-3060, chefshackranch.com
Harbor View Cafe
The Lake Pepin restaurant that practically invented the day trip concept has been up and running for a few weeks, serving lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday. Thursday service begins April 19.
314 1st St., Pepin, Wis., 1-715-442-3893, harborviewpepin.com
Naniboujou Lodge
The North Shore's most beautiful dining room kicks off its 2018 season with a Mother's Day brunch on May 13. Dinner service begins May 18, with daily breakfast and lunch following on the 19th. Look for the lodge's charming afternoon tea service to start May 26.
20 Naniboujou Trail, Grand Marais, Minn., 1-218-387-2688, naniboujou.com
Sea Salt Eatery
After a brutal snowstorm put the kibosh on its original opening this month, this Minnehaha Park gem is back in business, for real, serving lunch and dinner (fried catfish po'boys, calamari tacos, oysters, soft-shell crab sandwiches) daily.
4825 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls., 612-721-8990, seasalteatery.wordpress.com
Smiling Pelican Bakeshop
Since 2001, baker Sandra Thielman has been turning out a modest but dazzling array of baked goods, both sweet (oh, those pies!) and savory. Open Friday through Sunday.
W3556 Hwy. 35, Maiden Rock, Wis., 1-715-448-3807
