Thanksgiving Dinner at the Pickwick Restaurant – Restaurant Review
The Pickwick Restaurant & Pub has been a Duluth landmark since 1914 at the same location next door to the historic Fitgers Brewery complex. The Pickwick actually started life in 1888 as the “Old Saloon” within the Fitgers complex itself, but moved to its current location in 1914, bringing some furnishings and artifacts from the original saloon. The aged oak furnishings, woodwork, and wall murals testify to its Old World feel, reminding me somewhat of Chicago’s historic Berghoff restaurant.
Knowing about its 100 plus year history and its proximity to Fitgers Inn, where we stayed, was one reason I chose them for our Thanksgiving Dinner.
Dan and I had the more traditional Turkey Dinner whereas Jo and Donna decided to order one of the special Thanksgiving Features.
The serving of slow-roasted turkey was huge, moist and hot. Absolutely delicious. The large mound of mashed potatoes and gravy was nicely seasoned and the green bean casserole was tasty and the beans still crisp, not overcooked. The special sausage stuffing with yams and other veggies was the best stuffing I’ve ever had with a turkey dinner. Our dinners were preceeded by a generous serving of ceaser salad and dinner roll. One of the best meals out I’ve ever had. And so filling I could not finish all my turkey and I have a record of a “clean plate” guy. Dan was equally impressed with his meal and gobbled it up even quicker than me.
Jo loved her char grilled Atlantic Salmon with a lemon dill compound, fresh garden salad, wild rice, and summer squash. The salmon was flakey, moist, not over-cooked, done just perfectly to the requested medium-well done. And the portion size was huge so there were left-overs to take home. Donna elected the five Jumbo Shrimp, beer battered and grilled with the vegetable of the day and side-salad. Very tasty.
Service was excellent. I measure attentiveness by how often my water glass was refilled and it never got to “empty” before our wait staff came around for a refill. The beer was served in a cool, frosty stein – just the way I like my South Shore Brewery Nut Brown Ale when I have it at the brewery in Ashland. ( Pickwick advertises that it keeps it beer at a cool 34 degrees temperature. No English Pub warm beer which some beer aficionados prefer and which I hate) Dan had the Castle Danger Cream Ale, a north shore brew that has become one of his favorites.
Jo and I have been coming to Duluth for vacations and holidays for over 20 years, but this is the first time we’ve set foot in Pickwicks. Won’t be our last for sure!
- Duluth Bentleyville Christmas Lights Village – If you dine at the Pickwick this holiday season be sure to catch the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. You can take the train from right below the Pickwick Restaurant to the Duluth Depot (across the bridge from Bentleyville) and save the hassle of parking.
- Duluth Polar Express Christmas Train – Santa arrives on the Christmas Train at Fitgers and kids return to the Depot for a special Christmas Program
- See other Duluth holiday events and things to see and do.
- Thanksgiving Dinner at Historic Rittenhouse Inn – Bayfield Wisconsin