Katie Fast, left, and Julie LaTourelle stand outside their new drinking establishment last summer, before remodeling work began. (Photo by Mark Nicklawske)
Duluthians Katie Fast and Julie LaTourelle will open the doors to West Duluth’s newest drinking establishment at 3 p.m. today. The Boreal House at 330 N. 57th Ave. W. sits adjacent to the neighborhood’s oldest drinking establishment, the Kom-on-Inn.
The new lounge offers 16 craft beer taps and a full range of cocktails, as well as food items such as nachos.
“We have three varieties of canned wines,” Fast said, “as well as a whole slew of light tall boys and non-alcoholic options.”
The Boreal House features 16 taps as well as plenty of liquor options.
Fast said the Boreal House aims to serve up its drinks with “good ol’ fashioned Minnesota nice.”
“We just really want people to come in and feel welcome,” she said. “We want it to be a place for people to want to come and hang out.”
Boreal, meaning “up north” in Greek and Latin, suits the focus on carrying products from local and regional brewers.
Fast and LaTourelle originally planned to open the Boreal House in November, but delays in construction and obtaining licensure contributed to the delay.
Despite those issues, Fast said the whole process has been very rewarding.
“There’s definitely the stress but I’ve thought it’s been a lot of fun so far,” she said. “Local businesses have been so helpful, willing to help and train and make connections. Everyone’s been super nice and it has been really refreshing.”
Fast and LaTourelle plan to host live music, bingo and trivia nights as part of the bar’s entertainment schedule. It will also be open on Sundays in the fall for football.
The Boreal House seeks to create an environment that aligns with Minnesota values, welcoming any and all. (Photo by Katie Fast)
Fast said she hopes to create a community at Boreal House and asks for the help of her customers in shaping its future.
“We want to be your bar,” she said. “We want to hear your suggestions. It really is a bar for everyone.”
A grand opening celebration is being planned for later this year.
