- Attraction: Betty’s Pies
- Location: 1633 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.bettyspies.com
Picture this: fishermen rolling up to a tiny 8-by-8-foot shack in 1956, hoping for fresh Lake Superior trout, only to discover something even better waiting inside.
Betty Lessard started with simple donuts and coffee for passing anglers, but her magic touch with rolling pins and lard-based crusts would soon transform this humble fish stand into one of Minnesota’s most legendary pie destinations.
What began as Betty’s Café has evolved into a North Shore institution where travelers make pilgrimages not just for the stunning Lake Superior scenery, but for what many consider the finest pies in the Midwest.
Betty’s Pies serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but let’s be honest – you’re here for the dessert that made this place famous across the country. The restaurant ships their celebrated pies nationwide through Goldbelly, proving that Betty’s reputation extends far beyond Highway 61’s scenic corridor.
Pie Perfection That Made Betty Famous
Five-Layer Chocolate Cream: The crown jewel that put Betty’s on the map features layers of dark chocolate, cinnamon meringue, whipped cream, and chocolate whipped cream nestled in their signature flaky lard crust. This isn’t just dessert – it’s an experience that explains why people drive hours for a single slice.
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Keep Exploring →Turtle Coconut Cream: A masterpiece mashup that combines fluffy coconut custard cream topped with real whipped cream, walnuts, toasted coconut, and a generous drizzle of caramel. The texture contrasts and flavor combinations create pure magic in every bite.
Great Lakes Crunch: A local favorite that captures the essence of the North Shore with its mixed berry blend topped with crunchy oatmeal and brown sugar. You’ll taste multiple fruit flavors without overwhelming sweetness, and that crunch topping provides the perfect textural contrast.
Bumbleberry Crunch Pie: Another crowd-pleaser featuring a tangy mixed-berry filling with that signature oatmeal-brown sugar crunch topping. The combination of tart and sweet berries creates a complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
Pie Shakes: Here’s where Betty’s gets creative – they literally blend an entire slice of pie with ice cream and milk. The banana cream version is particularly popular, creating chunks of crust and filling that you’ll chew as you drink. It sounds unusual, but it’s absolutely genius.
French Blueberry and Cherry Cream: These pies showcase Betty’s ability to elevate classic flavors. The graham cracker crust on the blueberry adds an unexpected twist that perfectly complements the fruit filling.
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Discover MoreBeyond Pies: Hearty North Shore Fare
Agate Cheeseburger: A local favorite that satisfies hungry travelers with quality ingredients and generous portions. The burger comes with perfectly seasoned fries that many consider among Minnesota’s best.
Chicken Pastie: A nod to the region’s mining heritage, this savory pastry stuffed with chicken, root vegetables, and cheddar cheese gives you a preview of Betty’s incredible crust-making skills. It’s hearty, authentic, and delicious.
Betty’s Special: Half a chicken salad sandwich served on cranberry rice bread paired with soup and a slice of pie. This combination meal showcases the restaurant’s range beyond desserts.
Bumbleberry Pancakes: For breakfast visitors, these berry-packed pancakes capture the same flavors as the famous pie in morning-appropriate form.
Walleye Sandwich: Featuring Minnesota’s state fish, this sandwich appeals to visitors wanting to taste local specialties beyond the pie menu.
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Keep Exploring →Atmosphere & Northwoods Charm
Classic Diner Vibes: The restaurant maintains that authentic North Shore atmosphere with rolling pins displayed throughout, creating a cozy, unpretentious environment that feels genuinely welcoming rather than touristy.
Lake Superior Views: The back dining room, considered the best seats in the house, offers stunning views of Lake Superior. Natural light floods this space, creating a pleasant lake house atmosphere perfect for lingering over coffee and pie.
Efficient Operation: Despite popularity that often creates waits, Betty’s runs a well-organized operation. You’ll enter a tent area behind the restaurant to join the waiting list, but the system moves efficiently even during peak summer periods.
Take-Out Window: For visitors in a hurry, the separate take-out window allows quick pie purchases without dining room waits. This option proves popular with travelers continuing their North Shore journey.
Rolling Pin Decor: The interior celebrates the pie-making heritage with rolling pins featured throughout the dining space, creating a charming homage to Betty’s craft without feeling kitschy.
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Discover MoreOther Considerations
Reasonable Pricing: Most visitors find Betty’s prices very fair, especially considering portion sizes and quality. Breakfast for two typically runs under $25, making it an excellent value for the experience and food quality.
Busy Seasons: Summer brings significant crowds due to North Shore tourism, so expect waits during peak periods. Winter visits offer a more relaxed experience with shorter waits and the same great food.
Gluten-Free Options: Betty’s accommodates dietary restrictions with gluten-free bread, buns, and rotating pie selections. They use separate serving utensils to minimize cross-contamination concerns.
Parking Availability: The restaurant provides adequate parking, though spaces fill quickly during busy periods. RV parking is available for travelers exploring the North Shore in larger vehicles.
Perfect Road Trip Stop: Located right on scenic Highway 61, Betty’s serves as an ideal break point for travelers heading to Duluth, Grand Marais, or Canada. The location makes it easy to grab pies for the journey ahead.
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Keep Exploring →Nationwide Shipping: Through Goldbelly, you can order Betty’s famous pies shipped anywhere in the country, allowing you to share the experience with friends and family back home.
Betty’s Pies
📍 1633 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
