Rockwood Restaurant and Lounge in Ely, MN

Rockwood reflects what living on the Northland is all about, from the warm cabin feel to the decor of old memorabilia of fishing, skiing, mining, and hunting to menu items that gives the taste of Northern Minnesota with walleye and wild rice.

They offer other items on their menu as well: pasta dishes, burgers, hand cut steaks, sandwiches, soups, salads, and some Mexican dishes. With a wide variety of dishes, you are sure to find your taste at Rockwood. As a tip, they do offer gluten free options as well. You would just need to ask their knowledgable staff. 

Rockwood offers a Daily Drink Special from 3:00pm to 5:00pm every day: 2 for 1′s on all beer/wine/drinks in the lounge only. They have a full bar with a TV to sit back and enjoy a cold one. 

Also, they have the Rockwood Birthday Special. It must be on your actual birthday. You will get your age as a percentage off your meal.  So, if you are 21 on that day you get 21% off or if you are 75 you get 75% off. And, if you turn 100, you deserve a free meal. 

On Thursday nights, they have live music on the patio starting at 6:00pm. They will place a sign stating that there is live music. 

You start out having a basket of bread and breadsticks that is served with hummus, maple butter, and garlic butter, which were all very tasty, and will make you want more. 

Rockwood offers a kids menu with choices of a cheeseburger, noodles, chicken strips, quesadilla, and even a walleye sandwich. The portions were good for what they charge for $3.95 to $7.95, but the kid's drink is not free. It's $1.50 more. That is disappointing. Either add it in the price or have it free; it's more of a visual thing. 

Jodi had the Prime Rib with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Sauteed Vegetables. She thought it was ok. It was fattier than she is used to, and parts of it were raw even though she ordered medium well. She really liked the garlic mashed potatoes. She thought they were delicious with just the right amount of garlic to make it stand out. The vegetables were good as well, a nice little variety. With the entree,  it had the choice of salad or soup, and Jodi chose her favorite: Wild Rice Soup. 

Jodi used to order the Slider Sampler. It had pulled pork, chicken, and beef. They do not offer this item on their menu any longer, and Jodi was disappointed to see it go. 

 

KayMarie had the Rockwood Burger, that has a thick slice of prime rib, Swiss cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, and garlic mayo. She thought it was done well, but was really messy. Even though it was seasoned fairly well, it just wasn't her taste, but others may like and enjoy it more. It also came with fries, that were too overdone. She could not eat them all. 

Brian had the Rockwood End of the Road Flat Iron Steak, made Black and Blue. I ordered the garlic mashed potatoes as well, and the sautéed vegetables. I like my steak medium rare, and it was done to my liking. My meal was very good. Also, with the meal came the choice of salad or soup. I chose the Wild Rice Soup. This soup is my favorite and is the best I have eaten. I always look forward to having a bowl every visit. 

Christopher ordered the Stuffed Meatloaf which has ground beef and Italian sausage stuffed with mozzarella, ham, basil and sun dried tomatoes served with garlic mashed potatoes and topped with bechamel sauce, a white sauce made with milk and herbs. The entree had a choice of a salad or soup, Christopher ordered the Tomato Basil Soup, we all had a taste of his soup and it was very tasty. The soup tasted like a melted pizza. We will have this soup again. Christopher liked his meal.

Jonathan ordered the Cajun Pasta. It had zucchini and fresh tomato, then was sauteed in a Cajun bechamel sauce tossed with penne pasta. You can choose either shrimp or smoked chicken. Jonathan chose the chicken, and he really liked this dish. It was spicy, but not overpowering. 

As for handicapped accessibility, a standard 32" chair will fit fine. One thing I liked the most was the handicapped bars in the bathroom. They weren't ones I am used to: they were all one piece that curve at the beginning, and they were on each side.

If you are looking for a local favorite experience, then Rockwood would be the place to go. As for our family, we may try Rockwood another time to try to find that taste that keeps us coming back. So, we suggest to Stop In, enjoy the Northern decor, and find what you like to order. 

Check out their Facebook page at Rockwood Bar & Grill!