Bent Paddle Brewing is the Duluth brewery most people have heard of before they in our city. Its cans are on shelves across Minnesota. The taproom at 1832 W. Michigan St. in the Lincoln Park Craft District is about a 10-minute drive from our Bed and Breakfast in Canal Park, and it’s easy to make an afternoon of it.

The Story Behind Bent Paddle

Bent Paddle launched in May 2013. Two couples founded it: Bryon and Karen Tonnis and Colin and Laura Mullen, who met at a charity event in Minneapolis in 2010. Bryon and Colin were both head brewers who shared a philosophy about sustainable brewing. Karen and Laura brought the business, design, and organizational side.

The brewery is family-owned and 50% female-owned. Its motto, “Bending the Traditions,” shows up in everything from the tap list to its community work. Laura and Colin have since stepped back from daily operations, and Karen and Bryon now lead the team.

What to Order at Bent Paddle Brewing

Start with a flight. The taproom pours beers from the Bent Paddle production brewery as well as taproom-only experiments from the small on-site pilot brewery.

Year-round taps to look for include:

• 14° Amber Ale: the award-winning malty, balanced flagship
• Venture Pils: a crisp pilsner inspired by Northern German traditions
• Bent Hop IPA: this award winner features American and European hops with intense citrus notes
• Black Ale: “drinks like a porter but it’s opaque like a stout”
• Cold Press Black: Bent Paddle Brewing Black Ale infused with Duluth Coffee Co. cold-pressed coffee

Seasonals rotate often. This fall’s release is Paddle Smash, a Black Ale made with locally roasted coffee, vanilla, and pumpkin spice.

Not a beer drinker? The Bent Paddle Brewery taproom also pours mocktails, root beer, seltzers, kombucha, and non-alcoholic beers.

Does Bent Paddle Serve Food?

Bent Paddle doesn’t have a kitchen, so plan around that:

Snacks are sold at the bar.
Food trucks and vendors rotate through the week. Check the brewery’s event calendar to see who’s serving.
Bring your own. You’re welcome to carry in food from a Lincoln Park restaurant or have it delivered to the taproom.

The Taproom and The Yard

The taproom is a large, open space with board games and plenty of room for groups. Out back, The Yard fills up in summer with live music on the outdoor stage. In winter, a heated patio keeps the party outside going.

Weekly events include Tuesday Taps & Trivia and a weekly fun run with Tortoise & Hare Footwear. Throughout the week, Bent Paddle hosts live music from rotating local acts.

Check Bent Paddle’s events page before you go, since the lineup changes weekly.

Planning Your Visit to Bent Paddle Brewing Co.

Address: 1832 W. Michigan St., Duluth (taproom)
Hours: noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Parking: free on-site lot, plus street parking.
From Solglimt: about 10 minutes by car or rideshare. We recommend a rideshare if you plan to try more than one Lincoln Park brewery.

Bent Paddle is one stop in the Lincoln Park Craft District, where several taprooms and cideries sit close together. For how it fits into a full day, see our guide to Duluth breweries.

Stay Lakeside After Your Bent Paddle Visit

After an afternoon tasting flights and Bent Paddle and other Lincoln Park breweries, there’s nothing quite like returning to the calm of our Bed and Breakfast. As the only lakefront Duluth Bed and Breakfast in the city, you get stunning Lake Superior views, beautifully appointed guest rooms, and a level of care that reminds you why you chose a Duluth Bed and Breakfast over a standard hotel in the first place. Reserve your room today.

Bent Paddle FAQ

Is Bent Paddle Brewing family-friendly?
Yes, if you are in Duluth on an adult getaway, know that there may be children at Bent Paddle. The taproom has board games and space for kids.
Can you bring food into Bent Paddle?
Yes. Bent Paddle has no kitchen, but it sells snacks, hosts rotating food trucks, and welcomes outside food and delivery.
Where is Bent Paddle Brewery in Duluth?
The taproom is at 1832 W. Michigan St. in the Lincoln Park Craft District, about 10 minutes by car from Canal Park. There’s a free on-site parking lot.