Best new music venue - Red Herring Lounge - 2015 Best of MN

Duluth has mostly relegated live music to corner stages in pizza eateries, coffee shops and brewpubs. The 250-capacity Red Herring remedied that and made music its central focus. Owner Bob Monahan had good connections as operator of the indie label Chaperone Records, and he plugged into a circuit of the Twin Ports' best live acts along with Twin Cities players. The space boasts brick walls, hardwood floors, high ceilings and looks like … well, pretty much like your average cool rock club, which is just what was needed. 208 E. 1st St., Duluth; 1-218-481-7318;

redherringlounge.com