Rathskeller - Duluth, MN

Published on 26 February 2023 at 17:33

The Rathskeller has been one of my favorite bars in Duluth since I first went there in 2014.  I like it for its uniqueness and that it isn't really advertised.  You find out about it by word-of-mouth and get to it by taking an elevator two stories underground.  There is no signage outside to tell you it exists.  So, the allure of secrecy makes you feel like you're part of the well connected.  It's really a 1920's style speakeasy.  A discreet small, underground establishment with alcohol.  The lighting is dim, the bar is relatively small and you are surrounded by brick and stone arches from an era long gone.  They do limit the amount of people in the bar, so it never gets over-crowded with patrons.  You get table service from the wait staff or you may find yourself lucky enough to get the few seats at the bar.  Personally, I like being tucked away in a corner with a couch and coffee table.  The drinks are a mix of house and classic cocktails, whiskey, bourbon, scotch, gin, mules, wine and a few craft beers.  If you're like me and the whole college bar scene has passed you by, you will appreciate the Rathskeller and its seclusion.  

The building above it was built in 1889 as the first City Hall of Duluth and is now the Oliver Inn.  Duluth itself, is a treasure of the history of Minnesota and that is why the Rathskeller fits in so well.  This trip to Duluth was a guy's weekend with some of my friends and we hit a lot of bars and brew pubs in the area.  I couldn't wait to go to the Rathskeller again and we hit it just right with only a few other groups there, we got right in and grabbed a table.  There isn't a better way to get out of the February cold than to go underground.  If you're in Duluth, I recommend the Rathskeller highly.  Geez, I almost forgot to mention I had a People's Pint Lager.  At the time, I did not know it was made by Fitgers, which is just down the road.  We went there the next night and I discovered it was local.

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