Duluth isn’t just a city with a pretty face; it’s a place where the beer flows as freely as the waters of Lake Superior and where the spirit of the community is distilled into every bottle. Here’s your down-to-earth guide to the best spots for a drink in Duluth, including a new favorite. Here is our list of the top Duluth brewing establishments.
1. Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
At Bent Paddle Brewing Co., it’s all about good beer and good practices. They take their love for the environment seriously, making sure that every batch they brew does Lake Superior proud. Their beers are clean, crisp, and refreshing, just like a jump into the lake on a hot day.
The taproom is the kind of place you’d want to hang out with your friends on any given afternoon. It’s laid-back and welcoming, with a vibe that says, “Stay awhile.” There’s no rush here, just good beer and good company. Kicking things off with their flagship Black Ale is a solid move. It’s smooth, with just the right kick, kind of like Bent Paddle itself. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this brewery feels like home.
2. Canal Park Brewing Company
Canal Park Brewing Company is the spot if you’re chasing the perfect blend of atmosphere and flavor. Nestled right on the edge of Lake Superior, this place offers an unbeatable view that pairs perfectly with their standout brews. The Northcoaster IPA is a crowd favorite for a reason—it’s bold, it’s hoppy, and it captures the adventurous spirit of the area. Hanging out here, with the lake stretching out in front of you, it’s easy to lose track of time. Good vibes are always on tap, along with some of the best beers around. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay for just one more pint.
3. Lake Superior Brewing Company
Lake Superior Brewing Company has been in the game long enough to earn a reputation for knowing their hops and barley inside out. Swing by and give their Kayak Kölsch a try — it’s a brew that really shows off what years of honing the craft can achieve. This beer is smooth, refreshing, and has just the right touch of flavor, making it a testament to the brewery’s dedication and skill. Here, it’s not just about drinking beer; it’s about appreciating the craft and history behind every pour.
4. Hoops Brewing
Hoops Brewing has got variety down to an art. With a lineup that’s always changing, they’re like the Spotify of breweries — there’s something for everyone and every taste. The vibe is chill, making it the perfect spot to unwind and discover your next favorite beer. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and crisp or dark and robust, Hoops has a brew with your name on it. It’s the kind of place you can go with any group of friends and know everyone will leave happy.
5. Vikre Distillery
Vikre Distillery proves Duluth’s craft scene isn’t just about beer. They’re masters of spirits, blending local ingredients with the pristine waters of Lake Superior to create some seriously good gin and aquavit. These spirits have become the stuff of local legend, and for good reason. When you visit, make sure to spend some time in their cocktail room. It’s as cozy as it gets, offering a warm, inviting space to explore their unique concoctions. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or aquavit curious, Vikre’s got something that’ll surprise and delight you.
6. Blacklist Brewing
Blacklist Artisan Ales is the go-to for anyone with a taste for Belgian-inspired beers in Duluth. They’ve got creativity in spades, brewing up flavors that really make you sit up and take notice. The vibe in their taproom is just as vibrant, decked out with art and often alive with the sound of live music. It’s a place where the beer is as expressive as the surroundings, making every visit a memorable experience. If you’re looking to try something different and soak in some culture, Blacklist is the spot.
7. Ursa Minor Brewing
Ursa Minor Brewing hits the sweet spot between top-notch beer and a fantastic hangout spot. Their patio is the place to be when summer rolls around, offering the perfect setting to enjoy the Duluth weather. What sets them apart is not just their rotating selection of craft beers, which means you can always find something new to sip on, but also their delicious pizzas fresh out of a wood-fired oven. It’s this combination of great brews, tasty eats, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes Ursa Minor a must-visit for anyone looking to have a good time.
8. Duluth Cider
Duluth Cider shakes things up in the local craft beverage scene with their impressive lineup of ciders. From the sweetest blends to those with a tart edge, they offer a refreshing alternative to the beer-heavy menus elsewhere. It’s the kind of place that invites you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, in a laid-back setting perfect for relaxing with friends. Whether you’re a cider aficionado or just cider-curious, Duluth Cider provides a cool, welcoming space to explore a variety of unique and flavorful options.
9. Clyde Iron Works
Clyde Iron Works stands out in Duluth’s craft beverage landscape, blending history with modern tastes. Situated in a repurposed industrial site, it pays homage to the city’s rich past while serving up contemporary flavors. Here, you’re not just grabbing a beer; you’re sipping on a piece of local heritage. Alongside their house-brewed beers, which range from classic to innovative, they offer hearty meals that perfectly complement your drink. It’s a place where the ambiance is as important as the menu, inviting you to dine and drink in a setting that tells the story of Duluth’s industrial roots, updated with today’s culinary and brewing trends. Clyde is one of the newest Duluth Brewing establishments, but has brought in some extremely experienced brewers so it is a must for those looking for a classic beer.
Duluth: A Brewing Goliath
Duluth’s craft beverage scene is a treasure trove of flavors, history, and community, offering something for every palate. Bent Paddle Brewing Co. blends environmental sustainability with delicious beers, creating a laid-back taproom atmosphere. Canal Park Brewing Company pairs stunning Lake Superior views with standout brews like the Northcoaster IPA. Lake Superior Brewing Company, with its deep brewing roots, invites you to taste what decades of experience can produce, especially with their Kayak Kölsch. Hoops Brewing boasts an ever-changing beer selection in a chill environment, ensuring there’s always something new to try. Vikre Distillery crafts spirits with local flair, turning Lake Superior water into legendary gin and aquavit in a cozy cocktail room.
Blacklist Artisan Ales adds a Belgian twist to the scene, complemented by art-filled surroundings and live music. Ursa Minor Brewing combines great beer with wood-fired pizza on a vibrant patio, making it a go-to for summer hangs. Duluth Cider offers a refreshing break from the beer norm with a range of ciders from sweet to tart, in a cool and welcoming space. And Clyde Iron Works ties it all together, serving house-brewed beers and hearty meals in a historic industrial setting, nodding to Duluth’s past while savoring the present. Together, these spots form the heart of the Duluth brewing craft beverage culture, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore, taste, and celebrate.
Who Is The Njord?
At The Njord, we are dedicated to providing a seamless blend of comfort, sophistication, and the natural beauty of Lake Superior. Our commitment is to make your stay memorable, offering a range of carefully curated units designed to cater to your unique preferences. Discover the allure of lakeside living with The Njord – where luxury meets nature. Ready to embark on your Duluth adventure? Visit www.thenjord.com to explore our units, check availability, and book your lakeside luxury escape at The Njord. Your extraordinary getaway awaits.
Thanks for reading about our Luxury Duluth Vacation Rental! Looking for more while staying in Duluth? check out our other blogs at www.thenjord.com/Duluth
Check out our other blogs here:
https://thenjord.com/2023/12/21/the-njords-guide-uncovering-the-hidden-gems-of-duluth
https://thenjord.com/2023/12/27/the-njords-lakeside-luxury-experience-luxury-stays-in-duluth
https://thenjord.com/2024/02/07/15-awesome-lake-superior-facts-i-bet-you-didnt-know
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