The Best Bars In Duluth Minnesota

Duluth’s rising bar scene has attracted visitors worldwide. Situated on the shores of Lake Superior, the city boasts a number of breweries and distilleries experimenting with the lake’s fresh water, and the lounges and bars supporting these local producers are plenty. From beer pubs to speakeasies, the city is rich in options, so we’ve rounded up the best bars for your next night out in Duluth.

1. Vikre Distillery

Distillery

Inspired by Lake Superior and northern Minnesota’s natural world, Vikre’s spirits are one of a kind. Specializing in gin, aquavit, and whiskey, the distillery’s rotating menu offers both simple tasting flights and carefully crafted cocktails. Take a free tour to observe the spirits’ production process, or play board games in the cozy lounge. There may even be live folk music depending on the evening, giving the space that perfect “up north” vibe.

2. The Rathskeller

Bar, Pub Grub

Located in Duluth’s old city hall prison, this speakeasy feels like a step back in time. In the heart of a city known for its prohibition bootleggers, Rathskeller embraces Duluth’s fascinating history. Sip on a bourbon from their outstanding whiskey selection, or order one of their 13 carefully selected taps. Easily spooked? You may want to avoid the underground bar. Multiple staff and customers have reported paranormal sightings in the eerie space.

3. Black Water Lounge

Bar, Restaurant, Japanese, Italian, American

Head to Black Water Lounge for the best cocktails in town. Voted best martini bar in Minnesota, the lounge offers an extensive dinner menu, quality service, and live music most days of the week. Belly up to watch the bartenders work their magic, or grab a table to enjoy some of the best sushi in town.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.