Out-of-towners who like to party want to know …

Where is the best New Year’s bash at (besides your house)?  We are a group that are here on a long-term training assignment for “the man” (it’s corporate and will bore you).  We only get New Year’s Day off and so are looking for the perfect place to celebrate/welcome 2013.  We are a rainbow of colors/sexuality.  Duluthians, please help … where should we ring in the new year?  Forget dinner — it’s all about the cocktails and midnight.

14 Comments

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago

I can't vouch for what you will find to be the best option, but here are some options ...

PDD Calendar for New Year's Eve

pats

about 11 years ago

I'd recommend stopping by any number of local clubs that feature live music. We have a good variety, and you might enjoy mingling with real  Duluth.  If you're off on New Year's Day, take in a movie at Zinema theaters; they are the finest in town, and truly local!  Or take a walk on the Lakewalk New Year's Day and enjoy the new year in one of the most beautiful spots on the globe!

Barrett Chase

about 11 years ago

What kind of experience are you looking for? By "cocktails" do you mean you want to drink cosmos on a velvet sofa, or is that just a general term for drinks of any kind?

Generically speaking, Big Wave Dave at the Rex Bar probably has the broadest appeal. If your tastes run more toward banjos than horn sections, check out the bands at Tycoons. If you're looking for something louder, seedier, and more chaotic, hit Quinlans.

adam

about 11 years ago

 The Transistor offers a concise lineup. Easily viewable on your phone .

For the ultimate in loud, seedy and chaotic: Superior is open until 6AM. Some restrictions may apply.

lauriejo57

about 11 years ago

Hey Adam, not all in Superior is "seedy" ... just sayin."

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago

Well, yeah, but the stuff worth going to is loud, seedy and chaotic.

in.dog.neato

about 11 years ago

Why else would anyone go to Superior if not to see its seedy underbelly?

Barrett Chase

about 11 years ago

I go to Superior for the awesome pizza at TPB and the awesome burgers at Gronk's. Not much seediness there. But yeah, the all-night NYE insanity on Tower Ave can be fun. I remember a few years ago seeing a sign at a bar that said, "We don't stop serving until you stop drinking."

Endion

about 11 years ago

R.T. Quinlan's is usually the top spot in town.

simone

about 11 years ago

Thanks for all the great suggestions, I knew I could count on the Perfect Duluth Day. I found this website before I even got into town and it's been an indispensable reference for all things fun! Thanks again!

Soren d'Hillside

about 11 years ago

So, how was it? Tell us, please, for you have the rest of us wondering!

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago

It would be fun if Simone's group was the same one referenced on the New Year's Eve post on Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay's "Chief's Blog."

A couple of drunk engineers from out of town fell into a 7-foot gumball machine and sent it spilling on the floor (the janitors were not happy with that one and the engineers were appropriately embarrassed and are going to pay for the damage).

Herzog

about 11 years ago

What the f@#$ 

Train drivers? 

A giant Gum Ball machine?

This was my dream.

simone

about 11 years ago

I totally wish that was my crew as it would really round out this conversation nicely, alas it was not.  My story is quite bland in comparison.  We actually made dinner at the hotel in one of our suites for something a little cozier.  We then decided to hit up The Flame as it seemed the perfect spot to drink/dance our way to midnight.  Good lord.  I'm not sure if there was a misunderstanding on my part but the place was packed with drunken college students who were obviously straight and kind of obnoxious.  The bar was surrounded.  The bartenders were drenched with sweat and you could smell the fear and panic on them as they attempted to keep the liquor flowing.  I could also sense the tension in air with The Flame regulars.  They seemed highly annoyed with the kids and as I stood waiting for a cocktail a gentleman informed me it had been a 30 minute wait for him already.  I would have normally bailed but my group had headed out late, and gotten there late.  It seemed like we had zero time before midnight and I couldn't face walking the cold streets looking for a better option in an unfamiliar place.  We stayed and after a few drinks my rose colored glasses were firmly in place and I started to have fun.  The crowd thinned considerably after midnight and this helped immensely.  We ended up closing the place and then terrorized Pizza Luce with our drunken munchies.  They were kind and patient and sent us packing at about 3 a.m. with leftovers.  I have come to understand The Flame (I giggle at this name every time I see it) in Superior is the real deal.  Good thing there is plenty of time left to explore "seedy" Superior.  Not just The Flame but some of the other places mentioned as well.

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