Thirsty Pagan Brewing

Imagine a place where industrial history meets the modern art of brewing—this is Thirsty Pagan Brewing. Located in the old Soo Line Depot railway station, this brewery and pizzeria has become a true legend for those visiting Duluth and its surroundings. Here, on the state border in the USA, guests are offered not just drinks, but a complete immersion into craft culture.

The establishment is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent cuisine. The main focus is on gourmet pizza and exclusive beers brewed right on-site. A high rating of 4.6 stars, based on over a thousand reviews, confirms it: this is not just a bar, but a mandatory stop on the gastronomic map of the Lake Superior region.

The interior, which has retained the features of the historical depot, is complemented by live music and warm hospitality. Thirsty Pagan Brewing attracts both locals and tourists looking to relax in a unique setting and try drinks that cannot be found in a regular supermarket.

To inquire about events or book a table, you can use the establishment's official contact information. Thirsty Pagan Brewing is always happy to welcome guests and answer any questions via phone or through their website.

The main reason to visit Thirsty Pagan Brewing is, of course, a tasting. Be sure to try their signature varieties, such as North Coast Amber or the Derailed Ale pale ale. For those who love richer flavors, the Burntwood Black dark ale or the original Lawnchair cream ale are excellent choices. The brewery is also known for its experiments with "sour" varieties and Belgian saisons.

The second item on the agenda should be ordering their famous hand-crafted pizza. Local chefs create true masterpieces with unusual toppings that perfectly complement the taste of craft beer. While your order is being prepared, you can enjoy a live performance by local musicians—the pub stage is rarely empty, creating a cozy acoustic backdrop for friendly conversation.

For those who want a look "behind the scenes," brewery tours are available. Professional brewers are happy to talk about the grain's journey from the mill to the glass and show off the modern equipment installed within the walls of the century-old station. This is a great opportunity to learn more about local traditions and the secrets of producing wild beer.

Finding Thirsty Pagan Brewing is quite simple: it is located in the northern part of Superior at 1615 Winter Street. If you are staying in Duluth, the drive takes very little time—just cross the bridge connecting the two states. For navigation, you can use the GPS coordinates: 46.7282806 latitude and -92.1016046 longitude.

For those who prefer public transport, local bus routes run between the cities; however, the most convenient way to reach the historic station building is by taxi or rideshare services. A trip from downtown Duluth to the brewery doors usually takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Parking is available next to the brewery, making it a convenient stop during a road trip around the Lake Superior region. The historic facade of the Soo Line Depot is clearly visible from the road, so you are unlikely to miss this iconic spot.

The history of Thirsty Pagan Brewing began in 1996 on a very modest scale—back then, production was located in the Itasca area and used a system of only two barrels. The establishment's true flourishing began in 2006 when Steve Knaus acquired the company's assets and transformed it into a full-fledged pub, betting on a winning combination: signature beer and high-quality pizza. Since then, the team has grown from five enthusiasts to a staff of more than thirty people.

A landmark event was the brewery's move in 2019 to its current home—the historic Soo Line Depot building. This station was built in 1908 by the Wisconsin Central Railroad and served as an important transportation hub for decades. The last passenger train departed from here in 1967, but thanks to the brewery, the building has found a new life, preserving its industrial charm and early 20th-century spirit.

Special attention should be paid to the roof of the building, which features the original neon Soo Line logo. This historical relic belongs to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and is here on a loan basis, reminding visitors of the site's glorious railway past. Inside the pub, you can also feel the atmosphere of the old depot, which perfectly complements the taste of modern craft beer.

For a standard visit, including a tasting of several beers and a leisurely dinner with signature pizza, it is recommended to set aside about 1.5–2 hours. This is plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere of the old station and enjoy the live music that often fills the pub.

If you are a true connoisseur of hops and plan to take a brewery tour to study the production process in detail and chat with the masters, you should budget 2–3 hours. This immersion will allow you to learn the secrets behind their famous "sour" varieties and appreciate the scale of the modern 7-barrel brewing system.

The brewery's doors are open to guests daily, making it easy to fit a visit into any travel itinerary. From Monday to Thursday, as well as on Sunday, the establishment is open from 11:00 to 21:00.

On Friday and Saturday, when the atmosphere becomes especially lively thanks to evening concerts, Thirsty Pagan Brewing extends its hours until 22:00. This is the perfect time for those who want to enjoy a late dinner accompanied by high-quality craft beer.

A visit to the brewery can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the vicinity. The region around the bay is famous for its maritime history, unique museums, and picturesque views of Lake Superior, allowing you to create a packed itinerary for the whole day.