The Social House - In Hermantown and NEW in Canal Park
Simple, Genuine Honest Food
The Social House, a favorite breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot in Hermantown, next to Gordy’s Market on the Miller Trunk Hwy, recently opened a Canal Park location in the vacated Famous Dave’s restaurant at 355 S. Lake Avenue.
Locals and tourists can now order the same great food at both locations, with down-home cooking, large portions, great service, good prices, and an owner dedicated to offering the area’s best casual dining experience.
The Social House second location is in the former Famous Dave's building. Photo submitted.
The Canal Park location features an open and spacious dining area. Photo submitted.
Owner Matt “Bert” Berthiaume notes on his website, ”We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone. Whether you are a health nut, omnivorous, or all about the bacon, we have plenty of lovingly handcrafted dishes for you to enjoy.”
Bert says he got his passion for restaurants and cooking from his mother. “My Mom is the owner of Uncle Louis’ Cafe in Duluth. I started working there as a kid, doing everything from washing dishes to serving and helping with managing.”
The Social House prides itself on delicious light and fluffy pancakes. Photo submitted.
In July 2019, he ventured out on his own and opened The Social House in Hermantown where he now has 22 employees. “It was time. I had grown up in the business,” he said. “I am excited to make great made-from-scratch food for my customers.”
His mission was to give people a place to feel at home and a place where they would always be treated with respect by a dedicated service staff.
The Social House in Hermantown is next to Gordy's on Miller Trunk Hwy in Hermantown, Photo submitted.
He cited some of his customer’s menu favorites as the BBQ Brisket Benedict, homemade pancakes, country fried steak, the Greek omelet and the huevos rancheros for breakfast.
Other breakfast items on the menu are combo plates, omelets and skillets, breakfast sandwiches, chicken and waffles, French toast, corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy, avocado toast, several styles of Benedicts, eggs Florentine, and their ribeye steak and eggs.
A variety of sides for breakfast include rolls, oatmeal, toast, fruit, and several varieties of potatoes, meats, and sauces.
The Social House specializes in a variety of breakfast offerings. Photo submitted.
A few of the launch favorites are their Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, Reubens, chicken salad, and their Barnyard burger with ham, bacon, American cheese and a fried egg. Patrons can also enjoy a variety of other burgers and toppings, and other sandwiches: BLTS, chicken, turkey, gyros, and Cubans.
Salad lovers can choose from side salads, Cobb, chef, chicken or steak Caesar, Greek, and craisin chicken The Social House also offers homemade soup of the day choices. Lunch sides include French fries, sweet potato fries, and onion rings.
The fun children’s breakfast options are kid-friendly versions of the adult choices, with also a variety for lunch: mac and cheese, chicken tenders, burgers or cheeseburgers, mini-corn dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches. All kids’ meals are served with fries, fresh fruit, or apple sauce.
All items on the breakfast and lunch menu may be ordered all day.
Social Houses’s beverage menu features Pepsi products, coffee, tea (hot and iced), hot chocolate, milk and a variety of juices. At the Hermantown restaurant, along with their regular beverage menu, they have bloody Marys, mimosas, and beer; Canal Park offers a full bar.
“We have a diverse clientele, families, seniors, and students. We have something for everyone in both locations,” said Bert.
They even encourage people to bring their dogs for some al fresco dining on the patio at the Hermantown restaurant and soon at the Canal Park location.
Pets are welcome on the patio of the Hermantown location and soon in Canal Park. Photo submitted.
About opening the Canal Park location on the Monday of Grandma’s week with his staff of 45 people, Bert said, ”It was definitely a trial by fire! But it went really well. We think that for people who may not have heard of us, the Canal Park restaurant will make people aware of our food and what we offer at both locations.”
He is proud of being recognized for “Best Breakfast” in the Best of Awards for the DNT and third best brunch in all of Minnesota.
"Best" awards from the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Duluth News Tribune are displayed in the Hermantown location. Photo submitted.
Their hours are 8 am to 3 pm at both locations. Bert says they plan to add dinner hours eventually at the Canal Park restaurant.
Social House is known for its food “served in a distinctly hearty style, and enjoyed over good times with family and friends.” On his website, Bert describes his amazingly diverse menu as, “Simple, honest, genuine food, never pretentious, always satisfying.”
For more information and menu, visit The Social House website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. To order to-go call Hermantown at (218)727-8519, Canal Park at 218-606-1047,
