Duluth, Minnesota is home to many amazing breweries, each offering a different experience. The wide variety is sure to please even the pickiest microbrew enthusiast. Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring breweries located in Duluth as part of our North Shore Brewery Guide. In this second part of the series we will feature two more unique breweries in the Duluth area: Bent Paddle Brewing and Lake Superior Brewing.
From a family-friendly space in Lincoln Park to a higher-end dining experience in Duluth’s Eastside neighborhood, these two breweries offer unique experiences.
Don’t want to wait to learn more about Duluth’s breweries? Check out the Exploring the North Shore guide to see all of the Duluth breweries in one place. Or, check out Part 1 of the brewery guide featuring Canal Park Brewing and Blacklist Brewing.
Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Say “Duluth Brewery” in casual conversation, and many will assume you’re talking about Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Arguably the most well-known of the North Shore breweries, Bent Paddle Brewing is also the largest. This 30-barrel brewery has been serving delicious craft beers to North Shore visitors since 2013.
Located at 1912 W Michigan Street in Duluth, Bent Paddle has played a huge role in the revitalization of Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Along with Ursa Minor Brewing, Duluth Cider, Wildstate Cider, OMC Smokehouse, and Duluth Grill, all located nearby, this area of Duluth could easily be described as “Up and Coming”.
As for the beers, they are well-known around the state and even the country! Bent Paddle’s goal is to produce beers that “Bend the Tradition” of the classic style. According to their website, they strive to make drinkable, balanced beers with an edge of inventiveness for all beer lovers to enjoy.
Flagship beers include the Classic American Cream Ale, Venture Pilsener Lager, Bent Hop Golden IPA, Black Ale, and the Black Coffee Ale (featuring coffee from local roaster Duluth Coffee Company). They also offer a rotating selection of specialty beers and infusions, amongst other options.
Their taproom is open all year and they also offer tours. If you plan to do a North Shore Brewery Tour, you simply cannot miss Bent Paddle Brewing Co.!
The Bent Paddle Experience
Bent Paddle isn’t just great brews. Their large, open space in west Duluth is welcoming and family-friendly. Play a board game with family or rent part of the space for a corporate gathering. There’s room for many! A fireplace in one corner makes the space feel even more welcoming and cozy.
Outside, a seasonal stage greets patrons with live music and events in the summer months.
Want an even cozier, intimate space? Since the legalization of THC in edible foods, Bent Paddle has created a line of CBD and THC sparkling waters and gummies. In their new Cann-A-Lounge, located in the original Bent Paddle area, guests can enjoy their CBD/THC line and others in a funky, smoke-free 21+ lounge. The Cann-A-Lounge market features products from about 20 local THC product producers.
Lake Superior Brewing
Lake Superior Brewing Company has changed a lot in recent years. From unexpectedly closing late in 2019 to reopening in the middle of a pandemic in 2022 in a new location. It is also the only brewery located in Duluth’s East Lakeside neighborhood. Located at 5324 E Superior Street, this upscale brewery is just getting started!
Located in a space previously occupied by a gym and tanning company, the space has come a long way! Now painted a pleasing white with black accents. From the moment you step in the door, you know you’re about to get a different kind of brewery experience. Their high-end food menu (or, at least, higher end than you’d expect at a brewery) is highlighted by their delicious fresh baked bread. Made fresh onsite daily, the bread is a must-try during your next visit to the brewery.
The brewery has almost completed the licensing process and they are expected to start churning out custom brews in the summer of 2023. Until then, the brewery features rotating guest breweries on tap and a full bar with custom cocktails.
Amazing Proximity to Duluth’s Lake Walk
Taking a stroll along Duluth’s Lake Walk? If you start at the beginning of the scenic trail in East Duluth, you’ll stroll right past Lake Superior Brewing. Swing in, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a beer or drink at the bar before continuing along the Lake Walk to Canal Park. During the summer months, Lake Superior Brewing plans to have live music to draw in those taking a stroll along the Lake Walk. A much welcomed attraction to this part of the Lake Walk.
Listen In
Check out Part 2 of the North Shore Brewery Guide featuring Bent Paddle Brewing and Lake Superior Brewing.