Best 7 Breweries in Minnesota: Our Top Picks for Craft Beer Lovers
Minnesota is known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and vibrant culture. But what many people don’t realize is that Minnesota is also home to some of the best breweries in the country. From small, independent breweries to larger, more established ones, Minnesota has something for every beer lover.
Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or crisp lagers, Minnesota’s breweries have you covered. With a focus on quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations, these breweries are pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. So, if you’re looking to explore the best breweries in Minnesota, you’re in for a treat.
Understanding Minnesota’s Beer Culture
Craft beer has been on the rise in recent years, and Minnesota is no exception. The state’s beer market has seen significant growth, with an increasing number of craft breweries opening up in recent years. Minnesota’s brewing industry has a long history, dating back to the 19th century. Today, the state is home to a diverse range of craft breweries that cater to the local community and beyond.
Minnesota’s beer culture is closely tied to the state’s identity. The Midwest is known for its strong sense of community, and Minnesota is no exception. Local breweries play an essential role in fostering a sense of community and bringing people together. Many breweries host events and gatherings, such as trivia nights, live music, and food trucks, to create a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Minnesota’s craft breweries are known for their unique and innovative brews. Many breweries experiment with different flavors and ingredients, creating beers that are distinct from traditional styles. This creativity and experimentation have helped put Minnesota on the map as a destination for beer lovers.
Craft breweries in Minnesota are also committed to sustainability and supporting local businesses. Many breweries source their ingredients locally, reducing their carbon footprint and supporting the local economy. Some breweries even partner with local farmers to create unique beers that showcase the flavors of the region.
Top Breweries in Minneapolis
When it comes to the best breweries in Minneapolis, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the top breweries in Minneapolis that are worth a visit:
Surly Brewing Co
Surly Brewing Company is one of the most well-known breweries in Minneapolis. Located in the Prospect Park neighborhood, Surly offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. They also have a full restaurant and beer hall on-site, making it a great spot for a night out.
Website: http://surlybrewing.com/
Address: 520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, United States
Fulton Brewing Company
Fulton Brewing Company has been a staple of the North Loop neighborhood since 2009. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Sweet Child of Vine IPA. They also have a taproom on-site that is open seven days a week.
Website: http://www.fultonbeer.com/
Address: 414 N 6th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, United States
Modist Brewing Co
Modist Brewing Co. is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and is known for its unique and experimental beers. They have a taproom on-site that is open seven days a week, and they also offer brewery tours on Saturdays.
Website: http://www.modistbrewing.com/
Address: 505 N 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, United States
Indeed Brewing Company
Indeed Brewing Company is located in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District and is known for its flagship beer, the Day Tripper Pale Ale. They also offer a variety of seasonal and limited-release beers throughout the year.
Website: https://indeedbrewing.com/
Address: 711 NE 15th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413, United States
Bauhaus Brew Labs
Bauhaus Brew Labs is located in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis and is known for its German-inspired beers. They have a taproom on-site that is open seven days a week, and they also offer brewery tours on Saturdays.
Website: http://bauhausbrewlabs.com/
Address: 1315 Tyler St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413, United States
Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Fair State Brewing Cooperative is located in the Prospect Park neighborhood and is known for its sour beers. They have a taproom on-site that is open seven days a week, and they also offer brewery tours on Saturdays.
Website: http://www.fairstate.coop/
Address: 2506 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, United States
Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery
Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery is located in the Seven Corners neighborhood and is known for its award-winning beers. They have a full restaurant and taproom on-site, making it a great spot for a meal and a beer.
Website: http://www.townhallbrewery.com/
Address: 1430 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States
Overall, these breweries offer a wide variety of beers and atmospheres, making them great spots to visit for any beer lover in Minneapolis.
Brewery Tours and Taprooms
Minnesota is home to a plethora of craft breweries, and many of them offer brewery tours and taprooms that are open to the public. These tours and taprooms provide an opportunity for beer enthusiasts to learn more about the brewing process, sample different types of beer, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of each brewery.
One of the most popular brewery tours in Minnesota is the All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour. This tour takes visitors to some of the most popular breweries in the city, including Surly Brewing Company, Dangerous Man Brewing Company, and Indeed Brewing Company. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of beers at each location.
In addition to brewery tours, many of Minnesota’s craft breweries have taprooms where visitors can enjoy a pint of beer in a unique and relaxed atmosphere. For example, the Grand Rounds Brewing Company & Restaurant in Rochester features a rooftop patio where visitors can enjoy a beer and a meal while taking in the views of the city.
Live music is also a common feature at many of Minnesota’s taprooms. For example, the 612Brew taproom in Minneapolis hosts live music events every Saturday night, featuring local musicians and bands.
Beer Styles and Specialties
Minnesota’s breweries offer a wide variety of beer styles and specialties to cater to different tastes and preferences. From IPAs to stouts, pale ales to sours, there is something for everyone.
One popular beer style is the IPA, which is characterized by its strong hoppy flavor and bitterness. Some of the best IPAs in Minnesota include Cashmere Sky from Fair State Brewing Cooperative and Brut IPA from Surly Brewing Co.
Stouts are another popular beer style, known for their dark color and roasted flavor. Darkness from Surly Brewing Co. is a highly sought-after barrel-aged stout in Minnesota, while Bite Size Chocolate and Vanilla Stout from Junkyard Brewing Co. is a delicious dessert beer.
Pale ales and ales are also widely available in Minnesota, with many breweries offering their unique take on these classic beer styles. Some popular options include New England IPA from Modist Brewing Co. and Hefeweizen from Schell’s Brewery.
For those who prefer sour beers, Minnesota has plenty of options to choose from. Junkyard Brewing Co. offers juicy fruited sours, while Lake Monster Brewing has a wide variety of sour beers to suit different tastes.
Food and Breweries
Minnesota is not just known for its breweries but also for its food. Many breweries in Minnesota offer food options that pair perfectly with their beer. Whether it’s pizza, burgers, or tacos, there is something for everyone.
One of the breweries that offer delicious food is Lake Monster Brewing. They have a rotating menu of food trucks and pop-ups, so there is always something new to try. They also have a permanent food partner, The Naughty Greek, which offers Greek street food. Their gyros and fries are highly recommended.
Another brewery that takes its food seriously is Surly Brewing. They have a full-service restaurant, the Surly Pizza Upstairs, which offers wood-fired pizzas and other Italian-inspired dishes. Their pizzas are made with locally sourced ingredients and are cooked to perfection in their wood-fired oven.
For those who love pizza, head over to Junkyard Brewing in Moorhead. They have a pizza food truck, The Hot Box, which serves up delicious pies. Their pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and are cooked in a wood-fired oven.
In addition to pizza, Junkyard Brewing also offers a rotating menu of food trucks. Some of the popular food trucks that have partnered with them include The Dog Father, which serves hot dogs, and The Poutine King, which offers various types of poutine.
Overall, breweries in Minnesota are not just about beer but also about food. Many of them offer delicious food options that are worth trying. Whether it’s pizza, burgers, or tacos, there is something for everyone.