The bloody mary's origin is unknown, although many have claimed its invention. Regardless, this complex cocktail is a growing popular addition to anyone’s morning, especially here in Duluth. Here at Lake Voice. we wandered around town trying some of the area's best bloody marys. Here’s our response: #8 The Reef Bar Bloody Mary
This karaoke bar has a small but flavorful bloody mary. Garnished with a single pickle slice and an olive, The Reef balances the taste with the perfect amount of strong and spice. It’s not a meal in itself, but a good kick start to your day.
The Reef Bar: 2002 London Rd, Duluth, MN 55812
#7 Old Chicago Twisted Bloody Mary
Want a new twist on an old cocktail? This popular Pizza chain offers a “Twisted Bloody Mary” made with Absolut citron. It gives it a kick of citrus flavor that you aren’t expecting, but makes you happy it happened. On Sunday you can get this bloody mary for $5. It comes garnished with three olives and a lime wedge. I enjoyed this bloody mary with their Pepperoni rolls and it’s a perfect early lunch choice.
Old Chicago: 327 Lake Ave. S., Duluth, MN 55802
#6 Burrito Union Bloody Mary
Duluth’s most popular local burrito spot, Burrito Union, serves up a bloody mary worth trying. This cocktail is neither thick nor runny, and has a good consistency through the whole drink. You can order yours with either regular vodka or pepper vodka for a spicier taste. Your 16 ounce drink comes with two olives, a large pickle spear, a peppered rim, and lemon and lime wedges. I recommend getting the Lighthouse Golden Ale as your snit. If you’re looking for a deal on breakfast, Burrito Union is the place to go. BU offers four different types of breakfast burritos that you can pair with your bloody mary for only $8.50.
Burrito Union: 1332 E 4th St., Duluth, MN 55805
*Contribution by Irene Hanson
#5 Grizzly’s Bloody Mary
This super friendly staff will serve you a bloody mary full of a perfect blend of flavor and spice. The mix has a hint of lemon taste and is accompanied by whichever beer snit you wish. I choose a local beer, Bent Paddle IPA. You can also choose between a 16 oz or 20 oz. They recommend Absolut Peppar as the vodka, which is an up charge of $1.25.
Grizzly’s: 310 Lake Ave S., Duluth, MN 55811
#4 Pizza Lucé Bloody Mary Bar
You can build-your-own bloody mary with Luce’s Bloody bar. You can choose from tons of garnishes and two different types of mixes. Luce is a perfect spot to ease that morning headache and start your day right. It’s a popular place on the weekends but it’s easy to find a spot in the bar, within the closest proximity to make your bloody mary. With all the fixings they provide for you, it can become a meal so come hungry and pair it with any of their delicious brunch menu items. I recommend the eggs Benedict!
Pizza Lucé: 11 E Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802
#3 Green Mill Bloody Mary
Green Mill in Canal serves up a generous 20 oz bloody mary that will satisfy any breakfast cocktail craving. Along with a Miller Light snit, you are presented with a caddy of condiments including Worcestershire sauce, A1 sauce and a few hot sauces to customize your drink any way you like. Garnishes include an olive, pickle slice, cheese cube, pepperoni slice, salami slice, and a lemon wedge. Green Mill offers a $3.99 bloody mary special on Sundays.
Green Mill: 340 S Lake Ave #1, Duluth, MN 55802
#2 Canal Park Brewery Bloody Mary Bar
On Sundays, Canal Park Brewery offers one of the few build-your-own bloody mary bars. This means the variations are endless. Olives, cheeses, salami, ham, prosciutto, you name it. You can even add a bratwurst on top for $10. Absolut Peppar was my vodka of choice. The mixes offered were pleasingly spiced, and the drink as a whole served as my entire meal. There’s no better way to enjoy drinking your breakfast than staring out to Lake Superior, and this place has the view.
Canal Park Brewery: 300 Canal Park Dr., Duluth, MN 55802
#1 Famous Dave’s Devil’s Spit Bloody Mary
Famous Dave’s in Canal Park takes the top spot for our best bloody mary list. When ordered, they ask you if you would prefer mild or spicy. These two mixes are based off two of their popular sauces, Rich and Sassy and Devil’s Spit. Not being a huge fan of a lot of spice, I ordered half and half of each mix and it was the perfect combination. Garnished with a celery stick, an olive, and a couple of pickle slices, this breakfast cocktail is amazingly flavorful and worth the low price of $5.75.
Famous Dave’s: 355 S. Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
Editors note: All these views and ratings are expressions of my opinion, and the opinion of the other contributors.