The Rathskeller

I really like this place and come here every time that I am in Duluth.  The ambiance is great and if you come here on a non-busy time, I would ask the people that work here about the history of the building.  The menu is fairly scarce downstairs, so we usually have a drink and dessert or appetizer.  
They will try to brag about the tap list, but I was slightly underwhelmed.  With that said, I love this place and cannot wait to get back.

I went to the Rathskeller right at open at 5pm on a weeknight. We were the first people in the restaurant's doors and the only people in the 'skeller. Some people may see this as a detriment, but I enjoy the freedom to chat with the bartender and not be interrupted by other annoying patrons. The doorman wasn't even on duty yet, so it felt even more covert.

From what I had read, I expected a bar with a lot of hard-to-get beers on tap, but unfortunately I was not impressed. The tap list was pretty unexceptional. However, the bartender gave us a sampler of the Schneiderweiss on tap and it was excellent. I wish that I would have ordered that.

The ambiance is awesome. You definitely feel like you're away from the world. I have no idea what this place is like when there are more than 2 people in it, but frankly, I don't really care to know. I loved the intimacy and the promise of great, personal service.

I think this would be a great place for a fancy date. But personally, I'll stick with the Brewhouse.