Nightlife in Duluth MN can be very exciting and interesting. You just need to know where to go 🙂 If you’re not familiar with the area, you might be surprised to find that Duluth, Minnesota has a vibrant nightlife scene.
Underneath its small city exterior, you’ll find a ton of cozy pubs, risque nightclubs, and a thriving local music scene. And that doesn’t even make mention of the city’s storied history as a hub for American breweries.
If you have a chance, do explore the unique culture of this Twin Ports city after dark.
Here are the top spots and hidden gems we have put together for you to enjoy the real nightlife in Duluth MN that you don’t want to miss out on!
Pickwick Restaurant & Pub
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To experience a city, you need to understand its history. In Duluth, you can enjoy the nightlife while getting a glimpse of the past at the ‘Wick, better known as the Pickwick Restaurant & Pub, a landmark in Duluth since 1914.
They’ve established a reputation as a can’t miss spot in the city’s Canal Park area, serving up a menu of homemade soups, homestyle pub favorites, and award-winning chargrilled steaks. But it’s not just locals who love it, the restaurant received a James Beard Foundation award in 2007.
Stepping into the restaurant is like entering the Old World. Offering a nod to its historic origins, the building is full of European-style woodwork, furniture, and painted canvases brought over from its first life as the Old Saloon within Fitger’s Brewery Company in 1888.
The classic decor gives an interesting contrast with the local live music and entertainment they offer every day. If you’d like to check it out for yourself, entertainment typically runs any time from 3 PM until as late as midnight, and happy hour specials run from 3:00 – 6:00 PM each day.
Check it out at 508 E Superior St, Duluth, MN.
Duluth Tap Exchange
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What if you could enjoy the best parts of a night out with some of the comforts and convenience of home? I found just that in my time at the Duluth Tap Exchange, a taproom in Lincoln Park that offers a unique experience.
The taproom is equipped with a self-pour tap wall stocked with beer, ciders, and wine. Pouring your own drinks off the tap is a novel experience, though there’s also a fully serviced bar available if you prefer.
The Duluth Tap Exchange also takes an interesting approach to food. Operating without a kitchen, they serve Shelton’s Pizza and German Pretzels from Duluth’s Best Bread, but you won’t be drinking on an empty stomach! Thanks to the open food policy, you can bring in food from outside, including home-cooked, or even order from one of their delivery partners.
Interestingly, there is a good variety of beverages and cuisines available in a single space. It paired well with the diversity of experiences taking place around me, with a variety of board games in progress at other tables, a football game on the TVs, and lively conversation in every corner. You can unwind in a cozy casual atmosphere without losing any of the nightlife fun.
Want to visit? You’ll find it at 1905 W Superior St, Duluth, MN.
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Players Sports Bar
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Another place I found with a great casual atmosphere was the Players Sports Bar. It’s the place to be when there’s a game on, and when there isn’t.
The space is comfortable and offers everything you want from a sports bar, including large TVs to watch the game on, cold beer, and a long menu of tasty pub food classics. If you visit, I’d recommend trying the Coney dogs and grabbing a seat with a good view of the game. If no one is playing, switch seats for a spot by the performance area to enjoy local music, live with your meal.
Players is also a great spot to stop in for a nightcap since they’re open every night until 1 AM. If you arrive after most of the excitement has wrapped up, you can still grab a pint and a partner and queue up for a few rounds of darts.
Catch the next big game on the big screens at 4024 Grand Ave Duluth, MN.
Ursa Minor Brewing
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A list of nightlife in Duluth wouldn’t be complete with just one brewing company. I couldn’t help but stop in when I came across Ursa Minor Brewing. A lot of people must feel the same way, as the place was full and seemed to be a consistently lively spot.
The pub has three main attractions, the most obvious of which is their beer, and it won’t disappoint. They have nearly 20 different beers on top, not including their non-alcoholic selection.
The generous selection of beers paired perfectly with their second attraction, a delicious menu of housemade pizzas, paninis, and a refreshing dessert pizza styled Pesca Nonna.
The final attraction for Ursa Minor is the live and interactive entertainment every week. Visit on Wednesdays to try your hand at bingo or trivia, or stop in on weekends for live music performances from local artists throughout the day. On warmer nights, you can enjoy the entertainment and your refreshments on the outdoor patio.
Join the fun at 2415 W Superior St, Suite B, Duluth, MN.
R T Quinlan’s Saloon
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Another can’t miss fixture of nightlife in Duluth is RT Quinlan’s Saloon. It’s been operating for more than 30 years and shows no signs of slowing down. They’re known as a place to relax after a long day, providing tall pours from the tap at a fair price and all-you-can-eat popcorn for free. It’s a pairing I’d recommend!
During the week the late-night vibe of the bar is relaxed and low-key, but it ramps up on the weekends, starting with Small Stage Fridays which run from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and feature some of the area’s best up-and-coming performers.
The real fun starts later on, with the late-night weekend music feature kicking off each Friday and Saturday at 9 PM. I’d suggest wearing comfortable shoes in case the eclectic selection of music puts you in the mood to dance.
Take a load off at 220 W Superior St, Ste 2, Duluth, MN.
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Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake
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Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake offers an authentic English Pub Atmosphere in the heart of Duluth six days a week. The pub has received numerous awards for its outstanding outdoor seating, and I can see why. If you’re visiting outside of the winter, I’d recommend checking the patio out for yourself as the lakeside breeze is a perfect complement to your dinner and drinks.
Dining inside is a treat as well. Take some time to enjoy some local music and absorb the cozy atmosphere while checking out the 20+ beers on tap. I could easily see this becoming a go-to late-night hangout for anyone in the area.
The bar is open until midnight every Monday through Saturday, with an eclectic assortment of food coming out of the kitchen until 10 each night. I haven’t been to a pub that offers a PB&J with a side of Goldfish Crackers on the same menu as artisanal sandwiches made with ingredients like house-made porchetta.
Regardless of your schedule, you can almost always catch some kind of live entertainment at Sir Benedicts. Enjoy Bluegrass Jams every Wednesday from 7 – 9 PM, Celtic Jams every Thursday from 7 – 9 PM, regular open mic nights, and weekly performances from local musicians!
Check out the award-winning views at 805 E Superior St Duluth, MN.
Rex Nightclub
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One of the newest spots to take the Twin Ports nightlife scene by storm is the Rex Nightclub, found on the bottom level of Fitgers, a historic luxury hotel nestled on the shores of Lake Superior. The location attracts a constant stream of patrons.
The club has a cool atmosphere, pairing a classy menu of cocktails with a background of live jazz and blues music. Different live acts play each night, even on Mondays, when the Football specials are on.
Speaking of sports, the Rex Nightclub is ready for game nights, with several large flat-screen TVs around the space. But the real draw of the club is its hours. Rex is open until 2 AM every night, making it one of the can’t miss spots for nightlife night owls. If you make a stop after midnight, you will find the place buzzing.
Since Rex is located at the bottom of the Fitger’s hotel, it’s also a great place to finish off your night. There are plenty of rooms available at the hotel.
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Blush
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Blush is an intimate live music venue, dedicated to showcasing local artists and filling the gap left in the local scene by the closure of the Red Herring music club.
If there’s a show on, you can also expect to pay a cover charge of around $5 to $15. On weekends when the party keeps on until 1 AM, so you’ll get your money’s worth.
The space has a welcoming DIY feel reinforced by the eclectic menu of cocktails, the live local bands, and the venue’s merchandise, all of which was created by local artists and designers.
Sounds like a great night out? Visit Blush at 18 N First Ave W, Duluth, MN.
Club Saratoga
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Club Saratoga is a historical institution in Duluth. Its original incarnation, the Saratoga Hotel, Cafe, and Bar, was located in the city’s old “Bowery” district before its demolition in the mid-1960s. While it’s now known for its dancers, the club still attracts a number of customers with its historic appeal and legendary live music.
Visit at 331 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802, United States.
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The Flame Nightclub
The Flame Nightclub has been turning up the heat on Duluth’s night scene since it opened in 2012 as the city’s first gay bar. Thursday nights are easily the best time of the week for a visit, with open Karaoke running from 10 PM to 1 AM. Great place to dance and watch people have their moment in the spotlight while enjoying the nightly drink special.
Join the fun at 28 N First Ave W, Duluth, MN 55802, United States.
Conclusion – Nightlife In Duluth MN
As you can see, there’s no shortage of nightlife in Duluth MN. You could visit a different spot every night of the week and still not make it through the gems we featured. You will be impressed by the support between local businesses, with many places featuring products from other homegrown businesses, showcasing the work of local artists, and promoting musicians from the area.
There’s also a lot of history to take in, which you can do with a cold local brew all across the city. No matter where you choose to go, you’re sure to have a good night, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have some time to spend taking in the city’s picturesque lakeside backdrop.
What do you think about the nightlife in Duluth MN? Have you been to any of the places we recommended? Did we miss anything special? Let us know in the comments down below!
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