Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium

Gator's was fantastic. On a hot summer day we were desperately trying to locate a restaurant that was dog friendly as we couldn't leave the pups in the car. Gator's was recommended to us by a local outfitter. The recommendation was spot on!
They served our dogs first with a cool bowl of water and a plate of dog treats. The dogs were obviously in seventh heaven with plenty of friendly pats from the Gator's staff and patrons.
And let new tell you, the homemade Mac n' cheese was to die for and provided the carbs we needed before we started our two week trip into the Boundary Waters. The turkey avacado sandwich was perfect, and the bread was amazing. A cold beer, happy dogs, and a homemade sandwich under the shade of an umbrella on the deck was just the chill moment we (the dogs agree) needed on a hot July day.
Check Gator's out, you won't be disappointed. And bring the dogs!

We stopped based on reviews, with two kids under age 5. The coffee we had was cold, said they'd bring more and never did. Kids mac n cheese was not great, tasted like canned cheese sauce. Service was slow and not great. We got up and left as soon as we could, won't stop again.

A must stop place to visit if ever in Ely,MN. Both my son and I loved our unusual dishes. They have a great selection of not just grilled cheese too. I will be going back someday. My son even purchased a t-shirt from there so he could prove it existed!! Oh, and they sell fantastic, local drinks.

My Grandma is a good friend of Vera, and she knows that I am vegetarian. She specially made me a vegetarian pizza with a cauliflower crust, and let me say it was no exception on flavor. It was absolutely amazing, I would recommend Gators, especially Vera to anyone!

I got the 4 cheese grilled cheese with tomato soup for $11 plus tax. It was alright, but the cheeses didn't mix too well flavor wise. If I went again I'd get one cheese.

Stopped in for lunch while on vacation. Cute little place. Very light and clean. Decide on what to get, but when we were told what the specials were we changed our minds very quickly! The food was out of this world and we will be back next time we are in the area!

I have not eaten in Gator's but we have ordered food fairly often this summer. I own a canoe outfitter & Gator's is so convenient, just down the road.

If it was only conveniently located, it wouldn't matter. What matters is that they have great food! One of the favorites around here is the Turkey/Avocado Club sandwich. Lots of turkey, bacon, avocado, spinach, cheese etc. My favorite 'side' is the fried potatoes.

Someday I'll have to try their breakfast items, they have gotten great reviews too.
(hope you update prices online soon.)

What an awesome treasure in Ely! The options and quality of everything was beyond expectations. We had a group of 8 including 1 with several dietary restrictions; and they were so accommodating and thorough meeting all of our needs.

I know, you are thinking to yourself... why would I pay good money to just get a "grilled cheese" sandwich, which I could probably make at home. This place is anything but plain "grilled cheese." Really interesting, unique and innovative food choices on the menu. My wife had the special: grilled cheese on blueberry bread, with a side of mac. I had the Denver Grilled Cheese. Both of them were really delicious, and the perfect amount of food. Quirky restaurant with really friendly service.

Stopped in this new place after the Chocolate Moose changed it hours. Did not see a traditional breakfast menu, so tried the breakfast sandwich. Was expecting something on the order of Egg McMuffin, but was totally surprised. It was outrageously delicious.

They were out of croissants, so we got it on toasted wild-rice bread. I would recommend you tried it on this.

The coffee was also unusually good.

FYI, "Gator" is the name of the owner's rescue dog.