Black Woods Grill & Bar About Us

Locally Owned& Operated

At Black Woods, we like to think of ourselves as more than just restaurants.
Locally owned and family-operated since the early 90’s, we take pride in treating our guests like family and serving our community through fundraising programs; donations and contributions; and grassroots, hands-on involvement with local organizations that share our commitment to giving back. Our support of all things local doesn’t end with our community work. That’s why we partner with a variety of Minnesota and Wisconsin companies throughout the year to ensure that as our menu changes with the seasons, it remains filled with the healthy, farm-fresh, and organic ingredients that you’ve come to expect from Black Woods.

So, from our family to yours, welcome to Black Woods! We hope you love our food as much as we love preparing and serving it – and we hope we’ll see you back soon!

Black Woods

Dining Experience

Ultimate Dining Experience like no other. Fresh & local.

When you visit Black Woods, you can depend on a dining experience that you simply won’t find at a chain restaurant. Everything we serve – from our scratch-made soups, sauces, and gravies to our slow-cooked comfort food classics like meatloaf and pot pies – is fresh and local. And it’s all made with the time and care you’d find in a home-cooked meal.

Black Woods is locally owned and operated. We opened the first restaurant in Two Harbors in 1994 and have grown through the hard work and dedication of our employees who make up our family. Most of our management grew along with us through other positions in the company.

Black Woods has branched out to include restaurants in Duluth, Proctor and Two Harbors and catering services across Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as Black Water Lounge and Greysolon Ballroom. We now employ more than 400 people.

We value the strength of our communities and believe in the rewards of their growth. Black Woods is a proud supporter of local elementary and high schools, UMD Athletics and Fine Arts, and the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. We’re honored to have helped raise more than 4 million dollars to date for those affected with ALS through our sponsorship of the annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour snowmobile ride. We also do our part to help stimulate the local economy by purchasing ingredients, supplies and equipment from regional markets.

We reach out in support of local fundraising opportunities. With our various venues and locations, Black Woods will assist your fundraiser to make it successful. We will go above and beyond for your cause. From the Boys & Girls Club of the Northland to the Minnesota/Wisconsin ALS Association, we have helped raise thousands of dollars for the community.

Our Team

Justin Vranish

General Manager Black Woods Two Harbors

Growing up I’ve always had a passion and commitment to make other people happy, throughout my younger life I’ve moved around and always followed my heart to keep people smiling.

Beginning my career in the restaurant business nearly 15 years ago, I began climbing the ranks from the dishwashing position to a hosting position and many more odd jobs around the restaurant. Once I graduated from Duluth East school I moved to the twin cities where I continued working in the hospitality industry. My love for people has kept me constantly striving to make an impact in the lives of so many people, in so many places. My management experience does include 10+ years of assisting in management, as well as hourly positions before that at a few other Twin City establishments.

On my time off I spend my days mostly outside, playing football or basketball or walking my two dogs. Another passion of mine is travel, especially a weekend out to Las Vegas, or even if it is just to Minneapolis for a Vikings game or even a Wild Hockey Game, or up to Grand Marais for a day trip.

As I’ve stated before, I have an ongoing passion for this business and I only hope to have an impact similar to the one Black Woods Group has had on me. Whenever you are up the North Shore be sure to stop in and say hi and meet our great team!

Logan Winkelman

General Manager Black Woods London Road

I am Logan Winkelman. Born and raised in Faribault, Minnesota. I moved to Duluth in 2011 and immediately fell in love with the Northland and with the hospitality industry. Starting with Black Woods Catering in early 2013, I found the type of work I enjoy so much that it doesn't really feel like work at all. Beginning as a Banquet Bartender, I climbed the ranks to Restaurant Bartending, Event Management, Restaurant Management, and then into General Management overseeing Restaurant and Catering operations. Now I have moved across the boarder to a new store and a new adventure as the General Manager of Black Woods on the Lake in Duluth. My true passion still lies with tending bar, and you may catch me behind the bar from time to time to ensure that I don't lose the knack.

With my off time from work I enjoy getting outside as much as possible. I also enjoy playing cards, shooting billiards and riding motorcycles.

The people, both staff and patrons of Black Woods, are the fuel to my fire. They have truly become like family and are the driving force behind my goals and accomplishments. We have built a fantastic team at Black Woods. The next time you find yourself in the area come in and see for yourself.

Benjamin Thoen

Executive Chef, Black Woods Group

Ben Thoen grew up in Washburn, WI and after graduating from Washburn High School attended Le Cordon Bleu. Classically trained during school, Chef Thoen had the opportunity to work under very accomplished chefs his entire career, beginning at a young age. His first job at the age of 13 was with Good Thyme Bistro in Washburn working with Chef Chris Basnia and launched him into everything hospitality. His fondest memories of his early career are of working with French Chef Germain Palledeau learning the ins and outs of the business of food and honing in his catering and banquet skills in Chicago, IL for Lettuce Entertain You and Wolfgang Puck Catering. Chef most recently had the opportunity to train in Miami Beach, FL and earn his Vegan & Raw Chef Certification with Vegan Fusion ™. Chef Thoen is very happy once again back home in the Midwest after having lived across the country and could not be more proud than to work with the Black Woods Group. As Executive Chef he leads the restaurant location kitchens and works side by side with the creative sales teams, skilled general managers and the powerful support teams that make up the Black Woods Group.

Black Woods
One of my favorite places in Duluth. The food is amazing (try the Bison Burger) and the staff is attentive and outgoing! Black Woods accommodates groups of all ages and sizes, caters, and has awesome happy hours. Really nice atmosphere that is fancy yet casual. I always get the Fifth Amendment Martini and a BBQ Chicken Quesadilla at happy hour.

290hannahk via TripAdvisor
Great place to eat!!
We had a group of three adults and six children on a Wednesday night, we walked over from the water park. We were surprised to have about a ten minute wait. Although a wait during the week is usually a good sign. We got a big table on the window side so we could see the lake. A great spot. Andrea was our server and she was fantastic. She knew the menu and worked well with the kids. The food items are a step or two up from bar and grill food. However the favors and varieties are wonderful. Prices are a bit higher as well. However the kids meals are 6.95 and include drink and dessert. We will go again! Jessica L. via Tripadvisor
Jessica L
GREAT BURGERS AND AT DULUTH FANTASTIC BRUNCH ON SUN.
What can you say about Blackwood's - the burgers are out of this world, the brunch in Duluth is great, the service is wonderful and you never go wrong stopping there. Nancy C. via TripAdvisor
Nancy C.
Great Food with a BEAUTIFUL View!
My husband and I visited on Valentines day, and were seated in the lake superior room right next to giant windows overlooking the lake! Besides the wonderful view and great decor, the cocktails and food were delectable! They have a wide variety of choices. My husband devoured the BBQ bacon cheeseburger (homemade BBQ sauce!) and I had Pasta Santino. I could go on and on about this place. We will definitely be stopping here every time we are in Duluth! ltracy08 via TripAdvisor
ltracy08
We will definitely return here
When I go to Duluth I really like to eat fresh fish from the lake. This restaurant has two choices. I had the Superior whitefish, served with mashed baby reds and asparagus, topped with lemon butter sauce with capers. It was simple, delicious and absolutely one of the best meals I have ever eaten. The staff was very friendly, the music unintrusive and pleasant and the food excellent!

fischerpat via TripAdvisor
A Go-To Place in Duluth
This is one of those go-to places for us in Duluth. The atmosphere is old-wood, supper club. It's a little dark in the bar and interior dining rooms, but ask for window seating and you'll find a fantastic view of Lake Superior. The one draw to the bar, however, is the working model train, winding around the room, past various North Shore attractions. The food and drinks at Black Woods are superb. The portions are large and the presentation is delightful. There is lots of variety, so everyone will find something to love.

minicooper452 via TripAdvisor
Really Nice Restaurant
We were in Duluth for the air show and stopped at Black Woods Bar & Grill for dinner. What a great choice that turned out to be! Everything was great from the food, super friendly and efficient employees, great views of the lake, etc. Our meals ranged from Ribs, Bison burger, Pasta, etc and all were fantastic. For such a nice restaurant prices also seems quite reasonable. Highly recommended!

bphawk64 via TripAdvisor