Review Of Duluth's Bean And Bear Bagels

The wait is officially over! Bean & Bear Bagels in Duluth opened this morning (August 19), with a steady flow of people coming in to check the place out.

The new business is an extension of Ursa Minor Brewing, using part of their office and brewing facility on 26th Avenue West, which has been converted into a kitchen and dining area for the new sandwich stop in town.

First impressions when walking in are that it has a fun, well-thought-out vibe.

The aesthetic is simple, quaint, and rustic, which feels like the perfect fit for a local Northland sandwich shop - especially one owned and operated by the same people behind Ursa Minor.

When you get into the main space to place your order, there's a counter with a couple of ordering stations and menu signs that highlight the 7 different sandwich options, 6 different bagel options, and various beverages like hot and cold coffees, smoothies, tea, kombucha, and root beer.

The indoor dining space has room for about 30 people at small tables on the northeast side of the building. There is also additional seating on a patio on the backside of the building.

While the view is just of other buildings on the other side of the parking area, it's on the right side of the building to enjoy some morning sun coming up over those buildings.

During my stop, I opted for a classic sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich - something they call the "Northlander". I paired this up with a cold brew that I made to my liking, with a little cream and flavor from their coffee customization bar.

I tried the cold brew plain, which was good, but my modifications made it more to my liking, and it was an enjoyable pairing with my sandwich.

When ordering your sandwich, you get to choose from one of their 6 bagel varieties for the sandwich to be built on. I chose their Asiago cheese option, but they also have plain, sesame, sea salt, cinnamon crunch, and everything bagels that you can either get with a cream cheese/spread of your choice or as part of a sandwich.

The Northlander is arguably the most classic breakfast sandwich on their menu. They use Yker Acres Sausage, locally sourced eggs, cheddar cheese, and their "adventure fuel sauce".

The sausage had a great but not overwhelming flavor, and the rest of the ingredients (on top of my choice of Asiago bagel) all came together for a very delicious and filling way to start the day.

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I can't wait to try some of the other sandwiches that go beyond breakfast - like their "South Shore Spread" with smoked lake trout, or one of their club sandwiches. They have a turkey and ham option. I'm also intrigued by their other bagels and can't wait to try some of the other options they have, too.

In all, the staff was quick and friendly, the food and coffee were excellent, and the atmosphere was nice. I'd very much recommend it!

The one note I'd mention is that when Ursa Minor announced their plans to open Bean & Bear Bagels, they mentioned that the inspiration was to give their employees at the brewery a better quick breakfast option than the nearby Kwik Trip or Burger King.

Since I am sure people will ask, you might pay around $8-$10 for a bagel breakfast sandwich & iced coffee combo at Kwik Trip, while my sandwich and coffee order at Bean & Bear was $18.

To be clear, that isn't a complaint.

Don't get me wrong, that's not cheap. I absolutely wish everything was less expensive these days. I don't have it in my budget to eat there regularly. All of the factors considered, though (high-quality, local ingredients at a dedicated locally-owned shop, etc), it shouldn't be surprising.. It's a lot like the beer side of parent company Ursa Minor's business.

You can get a Busch Light for cheap, and it'll hit the spot, but you're getting a higher-quality product when you grab an Ursa Minor beer. The same thing is true with the menu at Bean & Bear Bagels vs. other quick options in the neighborhood.

If you want to check out Bean & Bear Bagels, they're open from 6 am until 2 pm daily at 202 S 26th Ave W in Duluth.

What Will The New Blatnik Bridge Replacement Look Like?

The long-standing Blatnik Bridge between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, will be replaced, with work set to begin in February or March of 2027.

The new bridge is expected to open by October 31, 2031, with the completion of the entire project (including miscellaneous work like landscaping) completed by June 30, 2032.

Here's a look at what the new bridge will look like and some of the new features it will offer.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper