The Rathskeller — Restaurant in Duluth

I've been to the Rathskeller many, many times and when they first opened it was great! The last time I went, though, it was just sad. There were only 4 people there including myself and my husband. The bartender was the same one who's always there. He is friendly and makes the experience pleasant. The atmosphere is unique since the bar is located two floors below ground in the historical town hall building. It's dark, cozy (although the big puffy chairs they have in the corners are really uncomfortable) and the old brick and arches take you back in time. The drink menu leaves something to be desired. The last cocktail I had was just Bailey's and vodka. They called it something catchy and charged almost $10 for it. Their beer selection isn't anything exciting, and their whiskey selection could be so much better if they'd just stop their obsession with Woodford, like every other place in this town. It's survived the coming and going of at least two restaurant variations above, all owned by the same people, and Rathskellar used to serve appetizers from them, but now the upstairs space is owned by someone else so I'm not sure if you'll still be able to get food. It doesn't matter, though, because you'll feel so awkward at the silence of the space that you won't stay long enough to eat anything. It's a good place to go...

I have never had such poor service. The waitress with blond hair completely ignored us. We attempted to wave her down, made eye contact numerous times (she even smiled at me once) yet proceeded to ignore us. She had no issue serving everyone around us and checking on their tables/groups. Also watched her shoulder/shove against someone who was attempting to find a seat! "Excuse me" would have been nice?? Eventually we found a gap up at the bar and ordered from there. The 2 bartenders looked miserable. Neither of them spoke to customers or each other. Drinks are overpriced and mediocre. I had heard good things about this place and it seems like the better staff weren't working that night because these staff were awful. Especially that server. Also I feel like she needs to wear her hair in a ponytail because I watched her hair dip into people's drinks when she leaned over 🤢 The place is way too dark to be able to read the menus. Some people were literally using their phone flashlights which obviously ruins the vibes too. Overall, musty and very, very cramped. Not at all accessible and probably a major fire hazard honestly. I wouldn't recommend bringing a group of more than 3 people if you want to sit anywhere near each other. You couldn't pay...

This place was amazing. Located in the basement of a building, noticeable from the street by its red door. As you descend the stairs and make your way to the bar it's like being teleported to an old bar in London. Exposed brick, brick archways and hanging faux candle chandeliers. All three bartenders were good, when not busy they came and chatted with us. A lot of craft drinks I tried their "El diablo" which had a little bite to it. It was good, definitely would order again. Then I noticed they had shochu, I asked the main bartender if they could make me a drink that I got in Japan with it. She had to improvise a little as she did not have the fresh ginger. It was pretty darn close to the drink I had in mind. They had live music that evening as well, a guitar duo that was performing some lo-fi beats. Not overpowering and was still able to have a conversation. I would recommend this for a nice place to hang with friends or for...