Bent Paddle Brewing Co. — Restaurant in Duluth

What a fun area of W. Michigan Street this brewery is located in! So many great places to try different beers and ciders are within a short distance. The space of this place is great because it allows for several different groupings and places to have different experiences. Outdoors, on the porch, by the fireplace; in booths or at tables, you can gather with a couple of friends or with (many) several. I love the versatility! There is beautiful artwork, awesome upcycled lighting, and a very nice merchandize area. The staff were all friendly and so were the other patrons. Borrowing a game from another's table wasn't a problem since all the folks there were happy and friendly. It's a very welcoming place. We loved each of the brews we tried. You have to try them all! In the merch area, there is a variety of items and I was pleased to find some products from Wisconsin -not just Superior, mind you. ;-) (Doggie treats from Wauwatosa; doggie treats using brewery cast offs/unused supplies.) There was a live musician playing by the time we left. I tried to send tip from Venmo but couldn't because I didn't know the singer's phone number. That was a bummer and all I could think of to do at the time. When things get rolling for warm weather outdoor music, I wonder how the traffic noise will contribute to the experience. I wanted to get my markers out and color the wallpaper in the bathroom but, just for fun - I love it! (so I wouldn't ruin it) We definitely have Bent Paddle on our list of...

Initial service was wonderful. Got a flight of beer and a kombucha. Came back with kombucha glass thinking I'd try a different beer. Initially also, we sat at the bar. I went back to the same spot we were served from only to be met with a finger pointing me to the end of the bar - which, yes, I realize is where they prefer one to order from. Thing is, how about since I was 2 feet away from that spot and nobody else was around, take my order and using your words instead of pointing ask me to pay at the end? Then, once I quickly responsded to the aforementioned pointing, instead of then (again) pointing to the folks who walked up at the same time and who were still standing feet away- you know, like when you are still looking over the menu... You then ask what I'd like.

If it were packed, I totally understand the need to keep an orderly line, trust me, I'm military- I live for order. But again, I was by myself and instead of getting a beer and filling my growler, I paid for the prior order and left.

Maybe it doesn't matter but I think you...

The beer is amazing! We had only minor problems getting there (google maps told us to go the wrong way on a one way street). I am not normally a fan of IPAs but I really liked the Bent Hop Golden IPA.

I thought the best beer they had was the Cold Press Black Ale it was out of this world. I like to think of myself as a Porter and Stout connoisseur and I was not expecting the dark, rich, porter feel this beer had. This has a strong but not overpowering coffee taste (as the name suggests). By far this is one of my top 2 favorite beers. Even my girlfriend (a non beer drinker & non coffee drinking) loved this beer.

They do also offer this beer on nitrogen. In my opinion, it does not taste as good as the CO2 version. Honestly though, it's like splitting hairs trying to decided which tastes better. If I had tried the nitro version first I'd probably be saying that was the better version.

Overall, this place has amazing beers and a pretty cool industrial atmosphere. I highly recommend...