Duluth’s brewery and cidery scene is one of the best in the country (and has the accolades to prove it) but did you know Duluth is also home to some outstanding cocktails? Whether you’re looking to warm up with an Old Fashioned after a day on the slopes, or cool down with a refreshing spritzer overlooking the lake (or something in between), Duluth’s bartenders are ready to mix, shake and stir you up something special. There are also plenty of places that offer delicious N/A options for the sober, sober curious or designated driver.
A rundown of some Duluth-y cocktail spots, by neighborhood (note that drink menus are subject to change):
Canal Park
- Bellisios – In addition to one of the most extensive wine lists around (featuring 4,000 bottles), Bellisios offers creative cocktails and mocktails, as well as an entire menu devoted to the Italian classic, the Bellini. Choose from flavors like blueberry, cherry, cranberry or the traditional peach.
- Canal Park Brewing – Who says a craft brewery can’t also make good cocktails? CPB’s “Beyond Beer” menu features delicious concoctions like the Minnesota Mule, Pomegranate Cosmo and the Fizzy Fig Gin.
- Lake Ave – Whether you’re coming for brunch, lunch or dinner, Lake Ave has a variety of drinks to suit your mood. In addition to an impressive wine list, they serve up delicious craft cocktails like the Foggy City Sipper (made with Earl Grey infused Cedar Gin) and Grandpa Sven’s Cardigan (with Aquavit, Allspice, Honey and Lemon). You can also warm up with a Lake Ave Toddy.
- Little Angie’s Cantina and Grill – This popular spot in the heart of Canal Park takes margaritas to the next level. With more than 60 different kinds of tequila, try a spin on a margarita with flavors like banana, huckleberry, blood orange or lavender (or, just stick to the classic on the rocks).
- The Ripple Bar – This is a great place to try a new cocktail/mocktail or enjoy a classic. Plus, it’s the only bar in town within a brewery (Hoops), so there is something for everyone.
- Vikre Distillery – The renowned distillery’s cocktail room features innovative, made-from-scratch drinks as well as flights of their award-winning spirits, liqueurs and canned cocktails.
Downtown
- The Barrel Room – Located across the hall from Fitger’s Brewhouse Brewery & Grill, the Barrel Room serves up cocktails and a wide array of whiskey and bourbon, as they say, “if beer isn’t your thing, or your first choice at the moment.”
- Black Water Lounge – Known for its elegant martinis and contemporary and classic cocktails, it’s the perfect place to sip, relax and listen to live jazz.
- Blue Rock Grill – This spot features signature cocktails like the whisky grasshopper, lavender citrus martini and a pomegranate jalapeño mojito. Plus, several kinds of Old Fashioneds.
- Lyric Kitchen · Bar – The team at Lyric serves up the classics and unique craft cocktails in the heart of downtown. The “Minnesota Craft Favorite” menu includes drinks like the Blood Orange Gin and Tonic featuring Vikre Cedar Gin and the UMD Bulldog with vanilla infused vodka and Kahlua topped with root beer and half-and-half.
- Pickwick Restaurant & Pub – Step back in time to a cozy supper club vibe. The 100-year-old restaurant serves up the classics like martinis and ice cream drinks like Grasshoppers and Pink Squirrels, as well as originals concocted by the bar staff. As they say, “Trust us, we are in vests.”
- The Rathskeller – Just off Superior Street (and underground), the modern speakeasy serves up craft cocktails, mules, whiskey, wine and craft beer. The Chambord Sour, Bee’s Knees and House Old Fashioned are just a few of the favorites you’ll find on this menu.
- Restaurant 301 – Located inside the Sheraton hotel, the cocktail menu includes unique, Duluth-inspired cocktails such as the “Gin-Sheen” and the “Zenith Cosmopolitan.”
- Zeitgeist Restaurant & Bar – Duluth’s only non-profit restaurant has a unique cocktail menu, including some low proof cocktails if you’re looking for a drink that packs less of a punch.
Lincoln Park
- Bali Asian Cuisine – One of the newer kids on the block, Bali opened in the fall of 2023 and serves authentic Indonesian and Asian fusion dishes. Their specialty cocktail menu will transport you to warmer climates, with drinks like the Mai Tai and Paloma.
- Burger Paradox – If you want to mix things up and have a cocktail with your burger, you’ve come to the right place. Burger Paradox offers cocktails like the Prickly Pear Mojito and hard malts like the Salted Caramel (featuring Burnt Sugar Whiskey, salted caramel and ice cream.)
- Duluth Tap Exchange – Duluth’s first self-pour tap room also features a full-service bar featuring a variety of spirits and cocktails. Bottomless mimosas are served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- OMC Smokehouse – OMC’s cocktails are a perfect pairing to their freshly smoked meat dishes – from classic Old Fashioneds to concoctions like the “Gin & Jam & Ginger.”
Lakeside
- Lake Superior Brewing – Yes, “brewing” is in their name (and the beers are fantastic), but LSB’s craft cocktailsshould definitely not be overlooked. Try the espresso martini or the Seaglass, made with gin, maraschino liquor, green chartreuse and lime.
West Duluth
- Boreal House – “The place you go when you have a good day, or a bad one.” This woman-owned spot features a variety of handcrafted cocktails – from the Gin Spritzer to the House Old Fashioned – plus many local and regional beers on tap.
- Jade Fountain Cocktail Lounge – A neighborhood gem, this is must-stop for those looking for a kitschy and cool vibe with their cocktails. A former Chinese restaurant, Jade Fountain has “an eclectic design with décor and drinks from around the world.” They don’t have a website, so just trust us.
Woodland
- Tavern on the Hill – Whether you’re having a burger, pizza, salad or sandwich, there is a cocktail to pair perfectly with your meal at the Tav. Try the cranberry orange whiskey sour or the spiced pear mule.
COMING IN 2024: Altitude Cocktails – Opening inside the new Zenith Basecamp, an “indoor glamping hostel experience for outdoor lovers” in Lincoln Park, Altitude Cocktails will serve up handcrafted, adventurous concoctions, from “the classics to innovate, avant-garde creations.” The signature drinks will each have a background story representing a place or experience.
Just looking for the classics? Duluth has countless more bars that will happily serve you up your favorites. Cheers!