Our favorites
The places we actually go. Ironwood and Bessemer on the Michigan side, Hurley a mile across the river in Wisconsin. Hours change with the season, so check before you drive.
Draft for Danielle: this is a candidate list pulled from the Chamber, Travel Ironwood and Hurley directories. Cross off what isn't a favorite, add what's missing, and I'll rewrite each line in your words.
Ironwood
Coffee and breakfast
- Contrast Coffee Co.Downtown, across from the Ironwood Theatre. Espresso, crepes, paninis. One block from Village on Aurora.
- Copper CupDrive-thru coffee and smoothies on US-2.
- Ben's PlaceDiner breakfast and pie.
- Mike's RestaurantBig homemade breakfasts.
- Breakwater RestaurantBreakfast all day on US-2.
- Tracy's Uptown CafeDowntown breakfast and lunch.
Lunch and dinner
- Don and GG'sBurgers, steaks, pasta, scratch sauces, patio in summer.
- Suffolk Street EateryPoke bowls, paninis, salads.
- Olde Suffolk Ale HouseItalian-American pub dinners.
- The MidwayWood-fired pizza and burgers.
- Elk and HoundIn the Gogebic Country Club clubhouse. Reservations taken.
- Up-N-Smoke BBQBrisket, pulled pork, ribs.
- Finn and FeatherNorthwoods cuisine, newer downtown.
- Golden DragonChinese.
Pasties, bakeries, drinks
- Joe's Pasty ShopThe classic U.P. pasty since the 1940s.
- Rigoni's BakeryAward-winning pasties, bread and sweets.
- Rigoni's InnPizza, pasta, Friday fish fry.
- Cold Iron BrewingTaproom on Lowell Street. Live music, trivia, bring your own food, dogs welcome.
- Moos Dough CompanyPizza.
- Superior GalesWine and liquor.
Bessemer and Powderhorn
- Caribou Restaurant and BarOn the mountain at Powderhorn. Friday fish fry, Saturday buffet.
- Hideout Bar and GrillThird floor of the Powderhorn lodge.
- Powder Keg SaloonReopened in 2026 upstairs at the Powdermill Inn on Powderhorn Road. Live music, sled access.
- Bread of Life BakeryPasties, donuts, subs, pizza in Bessemer.
- Black River Bistro
- Uncle Sam's PlaceBessemer bar and grill.
- Club 28Burgers, pizza, pasta on M-28.
- Jack's Bar and Grille at SnowriverResort dining and the only live-music dance floor around.
Hurley, Wisconsin
Silver Street is the night out. ATV and snowmobile friendly, a mile from downtown Ironwood.
- Iron NuggetSilver Street since 1984. Italian-American, steaks, pizza. Family friendly.
- Bell ChaletHurley's Italian institution since 1923. Pizza and Caesar salad.
- Scotti Pecotti'sHomemade Italian.
- El TarascoMexican.
- Kimball InnSupper club outside town.
- Sharon's Coffee CompanyCoffee, bakery, Friday dinners.
- Iron Horse SaloonLively Silver Street bar.
- Bank Club Bar and Grill
- The Upper BlockFish fry and happy hour.
- Papa Dave's Pizzaria
- Harbor LightsBar and grill above Lake Superior near Saxon Harbor.
Groceries and gear
- Super One FoodsFull supermarket on US-2, 6 am to 10 pm.
- Pat's Foods IGALocally owned grocery and hardware in Hurley.
- Northwind Natural Foods Co-opNatural foods, downtown Ironwood.
- Hobby Wheel Ski and BikeSki and bike rentals and tuning on US-2.
- Powderhorn rentalsSkis, boards and lessons at the hill.
- Aspirus Ironwood Hospital24-hour emergency, N10561 Grand View Lane, 906-932-2525.