Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar

We sought out Lake Avenue R&B because of their Gluten Free offerings for a family member who has celiac disease. The server was very friendly and attentive. However, the food was shockingly sub par, especially considering the price point. My husband got the salmon. At a $31 price tag, the salmon was undercooked with overcooked, watery wild rice, diluted chimichurri and 4 small pieces of broccoli. sad! I ordered a side salad with shrimp. The add on for shrimp was $11.00 and I received four small shrimp with a $9.00 side salad. Also…sad! Although my daughter’s dish of pork masala was more robust in quantity, it very under seasoned, bland and disproportionately loaded with rice-$24.00 In my view-do not waste your money.

Read some reviews and figured our family would give the restaurant a try. Where to start...........The gluten free option for the burger came with plain, white, gluten free bread. Just a typical burger with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion...not a gluten free bun. I was expecting a bit more for a $22 burger. The kids burgers and grilled cheese were fine. All came with soggy, unflavored fries..they were not good. The "market value" steak took forever to get to our table...everyone was about half way finished with their meal once my daughter got her steak....it was plated well but for 40 bucks, I would have expected a more timely served and better cut of meat. It looked like a $12 sirloin. Not even close to a ribeye cut. The drinks were creative and were executed well...I cook a lot and have been to pretty much every restaurant in the Duluth area....this is NOT one I suggest. I'm all about supporting local businesses and paying extra when it's deserved. I don't post reviews EVER, but paying close to $300, I expected so much more. I hope the restaurant turns it around. They definitely have potential too.