Interior of a rustic bar with wooden counter, high chairs, exposed brick and stone walls, hanging pendant lights, and a mounted cow skull.

Our Story

Nestled within the heart of Duluth, MN, inside the revered walls of the historic Fitger's complex, Fitger's Barrel Room is a testament to the city's rich brewing history and the communal spirit that defines our culture. Our journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to create a vibrant hub that not only serves as a testament to Duluth's brewing heritage but also as a sanctuary where locals and travelers alike can gather, share stories, and forge new memories. Born from a deep-rooted passion for quality, craftsmanship, and a desire to contribute to our city's lively legacy, Fitger's Barrel Room stands proudly as a beacon of culinary excellence and social warmth. Our establishment is more than just a bar; it's a celebration of our community's spirit, where every detail, from the craft beers to the artisanal pizzas, is infused with tradition and innovation.

Our Philosophy

At the heart of Fitger's Barrel Room lies a steadfast dedication to the artistry of our craft. With every beer we select and every ingredient we source, our aim is to provide an unparalleled culinary experience that speaks volumes of our commitment to excellence. But our philosophy transcends the mere act of serving food and drinks; it's about weaving the rich fabric of Duluth's cultural tapestry into the experiences we offer. We envision Fitger's Barrel Room as a catalyst for connection, a place where each visit deepens your bond with the essence of Duluth, celebrating its past while savoring the present. Here, amidst the echoes of laughter and clinking glasses, you're not just a customer; you're a cherished part of our ever-growing community.

Historical black-and-white photo of a brick building with signs for A. Fitger & Co. Brewers and Bottling Department, displaying early 20th-century industrial architecture, horse-drawn wagons, and pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Historical black-and-white photo of a large brick building with a dome, horse-drawn carriages, and pedestrians in front, indicating an early 20th-century city scene.

Our Journey

Before becoming Fitger's Barrel Room, our space served a variety of purposes, reflecting the changing needs and spirit of Duluth over the years. Initially, the space was utilized by the American Red Cross, playing a vital role in supporting community welfare. It then transitioned to the Red Star Lounge, known for its lively music scene and exclusive serving of Fitger's Brewhouse beers, highlighting a shift towards entertainment and social gathering. In 2014, recognizing a need for evolution, we transformed from the Red Star Lounge into Fitger's Barrel Room, aiming to offer a broader, more inclusive experience that caters to both daytime and nighttime visitors.

The entire Fitger's complex has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century, beginning as a brewery that significantly contributed to Duluth's industrial and cultural development. Over the years, the complex has adapted to various uses, from brewing operations to retail and hospitality, always retaining its significance as a historical landmark in Duluth.

Our Space

Located on the second level of the Fitger’s complex, directly across the hall from Fitger’s Brewhouse, the Barrel Room combines Duluth's historic character with today's style. Our place is designed for everyone to enjoy and feel connected, whether you're visiting for a quick drink, a meal, or a special event. Fitger's Barrel Room is not just about looking back at Duluth's brewing history; it's also about providing a place where today's community can gather, share, and create new memories.

Interior of a dimly lit bar with wooden floors, black chairs, a stone wall, a bar counter with bottles, and chalkboards with drinks menu.

Community-Centric Layout: We designed Fitger's Barrel Room to make everyone feel welcome and connected. Instead of large tables, we offer a variety of seating arrangements suitable for smaller groups and individual guests. This setup encourages more personal interactions and makes it easy for our guests to enjoy their time with us in a cozy and intimate setting.

Indoor event space decorated with balloons and flowers, set for a celebration with tables, chairs, and a stage behind a black curtain.

Adaptability for Events: Our venue is flexible, able to host different types of events that bring our community together. From live music that pays homage to the Red Star Lounge to private parties, our space is set up to make each event special. We pride ourselves on being a key spot in Duluth for memorable events, big and small.

Empty bar with wooden counter and black chairs, shelves with various bottles of alcohol, large mural of a man holding a pig on dark rock wall, warm hanging lights.

Rich Historical Ambiance: We honor Duluth's industrial past through our interior design. Elements such as exposed brick and original beams from the Fitger's complex are combined with modern design elements. This mix makes our space feel both familiar and fresh.

A bartender pouring a drink with a straw into a glass filled with ice.

Our Commitment to You

At Fitger's Barrel Room, our top priority is to ensure you have an excellent experience every time you visit. Here’s what we promise to provide:

  • Attention to Detail: We pay close attention to the small things that make a big difference in your experience. From the cleanliness of our space to the quality of our service, we make sure everything is just right.

  • Quality in Every Sip and Bite: We serve Fitger's Brewhouse craft beers and make our pizzas with care, using high-quality ingredients. We want you to taste the effort and passion we put into everything we serve.

  • A Welcoming Environment: Our team is here to make you feel welcome and taken care of, from the moment you walk in until you leave. We’re all about creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy your time.

  • Listening and Adapting: We listen to what you have to say. Whether it’s feedback about a dish, a suggestion for a beer we should carry, or anything else, we’re open to hearing it. Your input helps us grow and improve.

  • Consistent Excellence: We strive to keep our standards high at all times. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, we want your experience to be consistently excellent, making Fitger's Barrel Room a place you’re excited to come back to.

  • Community and Connection: We believe in the power of community and aim to be more than just a place to eat and drink. We’re here to build connections, support local causes, and be an active part of Duluth’s community.

We invite you to experience the commitment we have to our guests. It's not just about the time you spend with us; it's about how we make you feel and the memories you take with you. At Fitger's Barrel Room, you're not just a customer; you're part of our community, and we’re dedicated to ensuring your experience is nothing short of excellent.

The Brewhouse Family

Also known as Just Take Action, The Brewhouse Family of businesses brings people together through live music, craft food and drinks, history, and connection.

Black and white emblem with a star at the top, a man holding a large barrel, and the words "Barrel Room" around the circle.