The Red Herring

DULUTH - A new bar and venue is close to opening its doors on first street in downtown Duluth. But this place won't be your typical spot to get a drink.

"I guess the goal that I had in mind when I envisioned this place was not so much a bar but more of a venue," owner Bob Monahan said.

The Red Herring will be opening up on Thursday night.

The main focus of the new spot will be to put a variety of music and art on display. "As I talk to a lot of artists having another option," Monahan said. "Another place to present your craft to the general populous is a really good thing."

The old building on First Street has sat vacant for many years and was once known as the rocket bar for decades before it closed in the 70's.

Today, the goal is not to have a dive bar but a place always full of surprises just like the name Red Herring implies.

"Intentionally making this space available for everyone at one time or another is really important so that everyone feels welcome," Monahan said. "Anytime you walk in there's probably going to be something different going on."