Top-Notch Bars and Breweries in Duluth, MN: A Comprehensive 2023 Guide
Bars play a pivotal role in our Northland communities and economy, serving as social hubs where people gather to unwind, celebrate, and connect. They contribute significantly to the local economy, providing jobs for many and funneling revenue back into the community. From the bustling sports bars with their high-energy atmosphere to the laid-back ambiance of local breweries, each type of bar offers a unique experience and caters to different tastes and preferences.
What Makes a Great Bar?
When choosing a bar, people often look for certain amenities. A welcoming ambiance, an extensive selection of drinks, and a diverse cuisine menu are all vital. Special deals such as happy hour promotions can also draw in crowds.
Bars aren’t just about the drinks; they’re about the experiences they offer. Live music, outdoor seating, views of the lift bridge, pool tables, and dart boards are a few of the top experiences people are looking for when they visit Duluth. Duluth bars provide an essential space for socializing, networking, and building community. Whether it’s catching up with old friends, making new connections, or simply enjoying a drink after a long day, bars bring people together in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Find Your Perfect Spot to Drink in Duluth
Whether you’re searching for a lively sports bar in Duluth, a cozy wine bar, or a hip craft beer spot, our directory makes it easy to find the perfect place that suits your mood and preferences. While Duluth, MN is renowned for its stunning Lake Superior views and outdoor adventures, it also boasts a thriving bar and brewery scene. Here’s a selection of some top-notch bars and breweries that are sure to enhance your visit to this vibrant city:
310 Pub
Located at 310 S Lake Ave, 310 Pub offers a relaxed hangout with a full bar, TVs, and games such as pool, ping pong, and corn hole. Known especially for their killer wings and the signature Bulldog Burger, this pub has something for everyone.
Duluth Tap Exchange
Duluth Tap Exchange has brought the self pour revolution to the West Duluth Lincoln Park Craft District and boast about uniting all of your favorite local breweries and cideries under one roof. Their self pour tap wall features an extensive variety of local and regional craft beer, hard seltzer, cider, and wine. The self pour concept allows you to pour your own beverage, make your own buying and pricing decisions, avoid long bar lines, and try a taster of something new and exciting without committing to a full pint before you know if you like it.
Not into taps? They’ve still got you covered. Their taproom also has a fully serviced bar featuring a variety of spirits and cocktails.
Black Water Lounge
For a more upscale experience, head to Black Water Lounge at 231 E Superior St. This sophisticated lounge features hand-painted murals, luxurious leather textures, metal accents, and live jazz music, providing an unrivaled cocktail and dining experience.
Hoops Brewing Company
Hoops Brewing Taproom at 325 S Lake Ave is a craft beer enthusiast’s paradise. Enjoy 20+ rotating taps of locally crafted beers, like the #300 Best Brown (my personal favorite!) , as well as an array of snacks like gourmet popcorn, pretzels, and nuts. Plus, there’s plenty of TVs to catch all your favorite sports games, and Ping-Pong tables to challenge your friends.
Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is a 30-barrel production craft brewery and taproom located in Duluth, Minnesota. Known for their balanced, delicious beers with an edge of inventiveness, they utilize the amazing water of Lake Superior to create their unique brews. They’ve recently introduced a line of CBD+ and THC+ non-alcoholic sparkling waters, becoming the first in the Duluth area to do so. You can find them at 1912 W Michigan St.
Ursa Minor Brewing
Ursa Minor Brewing is a unique brewpub located in the Lincoln Park craft district of Duluth, Minnesota. They’re known for their mix of classic and experimental beers. Whether you prefer IPAs, sours, stouts, lagers or anything else you can dream up they have something special awaiting your taste buds. Their taproom has plenty of outdoor seating, a more limited selection of indoor seating, and features wood fired pizzas.
Duluth Cider
Duluth Cider is Duluth’s first craft cidery, offering a wide range of ciders made from 100% Minnesota apples. From bone dry to sweet, hopped to fruited, they have a cider for everyone. Be sure to visit their taproom and production facility, where you can watch the cider-making process while enjoying a pint or flight of their delicious ciders.
Wild State Cider
Wild State Cider is another must-visit cidery in Duluth. They focus on producing natural, wild, and adventurous ciders using only real ingredients. Their taproom offers a rotating selection of unique ciders, giving you the chance to try something new with each visit.
These establishments add to the rich tapestry of Duluth’s bar and brew scene, offering a variety of unique and flavorful beverages to suit any palate. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, cider lover, or just looking to try something new, you’ll find no shortage of options in Duluth, MN.
Blacklist Brewing Co.
Breaking the big beer model, Blacklist Brewing Co. at 120 E Superior St produces small, hand-crafted batches using traditional techniques. Plus, they have multiple axe-throwing lanes for an adventurous twist! Try their Classic Wit
Boat Club Restaurant & Bar
Experience quality fine dining at Boat Club Restaurant & Bar, located in the Fitger’s complex. They serve the freshest fish, seafood, and steak entrees in a simple yet nautical atmosphere, complemented with handcrafted cocktails and craft beers. With great views of lake superior from their bar and dining room, its solid choice
Bulldog Pizza & Grill
Bulldog Pizza & Grill at 101 Mount Royal Shopping Cir is a local favorite neighborhood family restaurant and popular college hangout. Known for their great pizza, friendly atmosphere, and delicious zesty red sauce, it’s a spot you’ll want to visit again and again.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, cocktail connoisseur, or just looking for a great spot to hang out, Duluth’s bar and brewery scene has something for everyone. So, raise a glass and toast to the unforgettable experiences that await you in the Craft District, around Canal Park, and the rest of Duluth, MN!
