Duluth Grill

No surprises here. Once again, Tom and Jaima Hanson’s nationally acclaimed homegrown eatery has earned the title, “Best American Restaurant.” A rather limiting descriptor given the fact that, in addition to classic American breakfasts (“Can you believe the size of that pancake, Gladys?”) and bacon-cheese burgers that are humbly named, “The Royale,” one can enjoy curried polenta lettuce wraps (what-in-the-heck-is-polenta?), medieval lamb gyros, and ratatouille (did we even spell that correctly?)

The banana cream pie was described by an enraptured guest as, “A Fairy Tale on a Plate.” Friendly, knowledgeable staff, well versed in culinary terminology like flexitarian, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and yummy are there to help navigate guests through the extensive and ever-changing menu.

2nd Place: Grandma’s