Bent Paddle Brewing Co, Duluth, MN
- 4 Paws Marketing
- May 8
- 3 min read
Bent Paddle Brewing was stop number three on our recent Duluth brewery tour—and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay awhile. Set in a refurbished warehouse in the Lincoln Park Craft District in downtown Duluth, this spot combines the character of old Duluth with a modern taproom vibe. Picture the exposed beams, original hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, and an amazing outdoor patio. Safe to say, this one left an impression.
Drinks:
I’ve had Bent Paddle’s “Very Berry Sour” before at Pints and Paddle, so I already had high hopes going in. And yep—it was still tart, refreshing, and easy to drink. Just like I remembered. Nothing real groundbreaking, but it’s a sour you wouldn’t hesitate to order again. It was the only sour on tap during our visit, though their website and Untappd list other rotating options that come and go with the seasons.
If you’re not into sours, they’ve got you covered with a ton of flagship beers—like their Venture Pils, Cold Press Black Ale, and Paddle Break Blonde—as well as THC sparkling waters, kombucha, and other n/a options. The drink list is varied enough that your whole crew will find something to love.
Rating: 3/5 – Solid and refreshing, but not quite unique enough to snag a four-pack for the cooler this time around.
Food:
Bent Paddle doesn’t have their own kitchen, but that’s not to say they don’t have food. In true brewery fashion, they’ve got a food truck calendar posted and often bring in local favorites like Oasis Del Norte and The Rambler.
We stopped in mid-day, so sadly missed out on the food truck action, but I loved the setup—and the commitment to partnering with small local vendors. Next time I'll be sure to stop in later in the day or on a weekend to get the full experience.
Rating: 2.5/5 – No food when we visited, but good options usually roll in, so there are options.
Dog Friendliness:
This one gets points without even seeing a single dog. Bent Paddle’s pet-friendly patio is heated, which earns automatic bonus points in my book. We missed it this time (chalk it up to chilly weather and the dogs don't on this trip), but it’s definitely on the list for a return visit with the dogs to check out patio.
Rating: 3/5 – Didn’t test it out, but a heated patio means they care. That’s a big win.
Atmosphere:
Here’s where Bent Paddle really shines. This taproom has a mix of ruggedness and modern comfort. Exposed wood, natural light, and a lot of comfy spots to sit—including some old-school booths and a cozy gas fireplace. The indoor stage hinted at music on deck for later in the evening (and —according to their event calendar, there’s something happening most weekends).
Outside, there’s a big yard with fire pits, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs just begging for us to go hang. If it hadn’t been only 50 degrees, we would’ve been out there for sure.
Rating: 4/5 - fun, spacious, and my kind of place
Merch & More:
Bent Paddle crushes the merch category. A corner of the taproom is dedicated to branded stuff—everything from long-sleeve tees and hats to stickers, dog bandanas, and playing cards, puffy jackets and more. Great layout, great selection. You can tell they put time into it (and yes, though I was tempted to leave with a haul, I limited myself to a tee).
They also offer brewery tours, event space rentals, and host local musicians, trivia nights, and lots more—so even if beer isn’t your thing, the fun atmosphere alone is worth a visit. One of the better merch setups I’ve seen, plus plenty of things going on to make it more than just a pit stop.
Overall:
Bent Paddle knows what they're doing. Between the cool old-feeling taproom, energy, and a beverage list that hits a lot of marks, it’s worth the stop if you’re in, or passing through, Duluth. Next time, I’m going back on a warm day with the dogs, checking they have a food truck, and planting myself at a spot by the fire pit with a pint of their sour.
If you're up north, don’t skip this one. Bent Paddle has a lot to offer: great sour in an environment that is welcoming and local—with a whole lot of Duluth-y feel built in.
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