A One Pint Stand’s Favorite Minnesota Breweries of 2024 List

It is time for my favorite brewery list. This is a collection of breweries all over the great state of Minnesota that I really enjoy visiting of seeking out on tap at my favorite watering holes. Breweries on this list are places where the staff is welcoming, the beer is to my liking, and the vibe in the taproom is conducive to hanging out. Just like the gray hairs on my scalp, the number of breweries on this list gets a little more each year.

A craft beer list, in this economy?!?!?!

To be perfectly honest with you, I am scared for craft beer. Since I began writing about craft beer in 2014, I have become quite connected to a myriad of craft breweries all around the great state of Minnesota. 2024 was the first year that saw more brewery closings that openings according to the Brewers Association. According to Josh Bernstein of the New York Times, 335 breweries opened in 2024 and 399 closed (Bernstein). This is noteworthy for many reasons, but I don’t view it as the sky is falling or a bubble is bursting. It more a sign of the maturation of an industry that enjoyed meteoric and unsustainable growth for quite some time.

In Minnesota, a state where craft beer’s significantly growing market was the envy of many other states, craft beer growth has slowed. On the surface, this is cause for concern, however, there have also been a lot of craft breweries in the state that opened in the span of years ( 2014-2018) that really weren’t producing quality beer. They opened and introduced many people to what craft beer was in places where there previously was no craft beer. In the densely populated areas, a brewery that was making subpar or inconsistent beer could stay open simply because people like to brewery hop and they would get people stopping in at least once. Eventually, there became enough quality breweries producing fantastic beer that the consumers started to mature.

Is the craft beer bubble finally bursting?

No, the craft beer bubble is not bursting. However, it is slowing down. Why is craft beer growth slowing down? It is a perfect storm of rising costs (raw materials, rent, and tariffs) and changing habits of what and how frequently people are drinking.

When I first started visiting Minnesota craft breweries in 2012, a beer was around 5 dollars for a pint. My habits of drinking meant that I could go out for an entire evening and hangout with a friend for just under $20.00 because I typically enjoy 2-3 beers on a casual night out. Well, in 2024, one is hard-pressed to find any pint of craft beer for under $7.00. In fact, I have seen a pint of pilsner as high as $11.00 (after their whatever charge added on to the cost). What this means is that now, 3 beers with tip will cost you between $24-27 dollars for a casual night of hanging out with friends.

All of the above examples are based on a 3 beer a night model. Of course, we all know that sometimes you definitely have more than 3 beers and need the aid of a rideshare service to be responsible and safe. That will easily tack on another $25-30 to your evening. Add in a few more bowls of loudmouth soup at $8-9.00 a piece (including a tip of $1 per beer) and you are easily approaching a big dollar amount.

Taprooms Are Still printing money, Right?

On the brewery side, it is common knowledge that the taproom is the golden goose when it comes to profit margins. Years ago, breweries were making close to 90% profit on every pint sold in their taproom. In 2024, everything is more expensive-rent, raw materials, and labor-just to name a few. With so many breweries open, there has to be a reason for you to choose brewery A over breweries B, C, D, or E. In addition to quality craft beer, breweries have to provide entertainment to attract patrons and stand out from the crowd. Trivia, live music, food trucks, and drag shows are all things that have become the expectation for patrons and they don’t happen for free.

Then you have the operating costs of raw materials (grain, cans, and hops) that have all seen a significant increase in price. The cost of equipment has gone up to thanks to metals and manufacturing becoming more expensive. And, yes, tariffs are hitting brewers right in the grain bags, again, and that also complicates matters. For taprooms, instead of doing 90% profit on that pint of beer, the reality is that number is a lot lower. RahrBSG recendly announced that there are not plans to imminently increase their grain prices. However, according to once source, that is because they have so much product stockpiled. So, that could change and those costs could be another complication for the craft brewery bottom line.

Craft beer means good beer, right?

We also have to address craft beer quality in Minnesota. The palates of craft beer enthusiasts have become exponentially more discerning. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that in order to drive to a brewery one hasn’t been to yet, they might pass 3 or 4 established breweries of high quality. If one is going to spend 7-8 dollars for a pint, they are probably going to spend that money at a place that is known to have good or above average beer on tap. This means that people are waiting a while to try the new breweries that come out unless there are a lot of people singing their praises.

On the other side of the coin, there are breweries making beer that is far worse than breweries within 15 minutes of them that are somehow staying open or opening up. This is proof that there are still a lot of people who are choosing convenience over quality. This phenomenon is a disproportionately affecting rural and suburban breweries.

With the cost of everything else going up, consuming craft beer like we did ten years ago is a lot more expensive and people are allegedly choosing to do it less often. Given that information, it is no wonder that Minnesota breweries are having a tough time.

So, what can you do to help?

What does that mean for you? Well, if you are reading this article, you are clearly into supporting craft beer. Maybe that looks the same for you now as it did ten years ago or maybe it doesn’t. Maybe you, like a lot of other people have examined your relationship with alcohol and decided that it is not the best thing for you. This decision might have resulted in you drinking less, or not at all. This decision may have led you to choose the California Sober lifestyle. Regardless of what your relationship with alcohol is, there is still the connection to community that so many craft breweries provide. Craft breweries are also providing more of a variety of things to consume in the taproom to make it a welcoming space for all types of drinker.

That was quite the preamble. If you are still with me, the word salad that you just consumed is a long-winded way of me saying that Minnesota craft breweries need our support. Whether you still go out a lot, or you only go out once a week, where you go out matters to a lot of people. I want to provide you all a list of place to visit around Minnesota and make sure you don’t feel like you are rolling the dice on quality or a good experience. This list is organized into brewery categories that appeal to a wide variety of drinker and not just the hop-heads or pastry stout lovers. I am going to be honest, this is not a straight best-of ranking article. The breweries on this list are based on my experiences. So, please take that into consideration.

my favorite Minnesota breweries for a lager

As my palate has developed and my liver has aged, I find myself craving the clean, crisp, and easy-drinking attributes of a well-brewed lager.  Lagers are beers that are brewed with a bottom-fermenting yeast that takes a long time to ferment at a much colder temperature than an ale.  The result of this is a beer that is clearer and crisper than an ale.  For many of these styles, this also means that flaws are harder to mask with countless dry-hoppings or adjuncts. Lagers are also the best way for a brewmaster to showcase their brewing prowess as there is no place in a lager to hide a flaw. It is like those dreams where I show up to work naked-it is out there for all to see.

Arbeiter Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

In a shocker to nobody, 2024 was the year that Arbeiter Brewing won a GABF gold medal for their Haha Pils, a lager that has been perfected by the profoundly talented and adorably humble, Head Brewer, Aaron Herman. When I think of a brewery where I always feel welcome, Arbeiter is usually atop that list. I have such an admiration for the quality and variety of beers that pour from the Arbeiter taps. When I am at Arbeiter, I see a mix people locals and first-timers in the taproom.

Bad Weather Brewing-St. Paul, MN

Bad Weather is always on my list of places to go when I want to be wowed by simplicity. The brewing team at Bad Weather is a talented bunch who do a nice job of always providing craft beer nerds something to be excited about. Whether it is a beer using local corn as part of their Heritage Lager Series or a masterfully malty English Dark Mild, the flavors and textures in their beers always impress me. If Saint Paul weren’t so hilly, I would bike there at least twice a week. I also always look forward to bumping into Phil Platt, a local who should definitely be on their payroll because he practically lives there.

Heavy Rotation-Brooklyn Park, MN

I really like what Heavy Rotation does because they do many things well. However, I think that they really hit the mark on their lagers. They recently had a lager festival showcasing a bevy of bottom-fermented wonders. I just think that people need to visit and try their beers, but especially if you appreciate a crisp, clean, and quaffable lager. Josh is doing some wonderful things in the brewhouse.

Lupulin Brewing Company-Big Lake, MN

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. How the hell can a brewery with a body part of a hop cone in their name be listed under a lager category in a beer list??? Well, the long and short of it is that Lupulin Brewing make some of the best lagers in the state. This is not opinion, it is pure fact. I know they brew fantastic beers that represent all the different styles, but I seek out their Festbier, Dortmunder (GABF Gold Medal in 2017), Doppelbock (GABF Bronze Medal in 2020), and Baggage Czech, with the fury of a thousand hangnails.

Schell’s Brewery-New Ulm, MN

2024 was the year I finally checked Schell’s Brewery off my list. While it was for their Bock Fest and not a regular visit, they did have a vast array of beers on tap to enjoy. Exploring the grounds, finding the beer fairies in the woods, and just seeing some of the buildings more than lived up to my expectations. Now, maybe some weekend I can get down there for just a regular visit and get a proper tour?

Utepils Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

When I think of an ideal beer hall, Utepils Brewing always comes to mind. They are practically peerless when it comes to the level of consistency in their lagers. While I gravitate towards their Helles as my go-to, I absolutely adore their Loonar Eclipse, Pils, and Receptional. In addition to having a fantastic venue to enjoy a brew, they have some of the nicest bartenders led by Tom Holzinger. Those eyes, cobalt in color and hypnotic in power, will entice you to stay for one more bubbly good decision every time.

Venn Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Usually, any mention of mathematics will immediately give me hives. However, Venn Brewing has become a stop in my rotation despite my palpable fear of mathematics. They brew a bevy of quality lagers at Venn. I tend to go there more in the warmer months because it gets loud in their taproom. When I can snag a patio spot, I have the sensory experience of a crisp pint of Venn Pils to accompany the dulcet tones of city busses and passersby to keep me entertained. I also recently discovered the Bull’s Horn, a perfect bar with perfect burgers that is right down the street. So, now I have that combo to look forward to!

Waldmann Brewery-St. Paul, MN

Waldmann Brewery, is both a neighborhood gem and a waypoint for fantastic lagers. A rebirth of Minnesota’s first lager saloon, Waldmann is living history and a great place to enjoy some beer and food. I am partial to their Pilsener and Vienna lager, but everything in between is an absolute treat. I think that the care and passion that their brewer, Matt Anhalt has for his craft is a huge reason why this place thrives. If you happen to catch Tom Schroeder (Owner) in the taproom, make sure you bend his ear to get a lesson in hospitality and history. You can also listen to my podcast episode with Tom and Matt here.

My Favorite Minnesota Breweries For An IPA

If you don’t love IPAs, are you even a craft beer fan?  IPAs outsell every other style and it isn’t close.  That is the main reason so many breweries lean heavily into this style and all the iterations under the umbrella of hops.  Hazy IPAs are the most popular styles, by far, but the pendulum is swinging back to West-Coast IPAs.  Whether you prefer your hoppy ales hazy or clear, there are so many fantastic places to find them in Minnesota.  

One gargantuan misnomer about IPAs is that they are all bitter.  Not true!  In fact, many of the breweries on this list showcase the juicy, fruity, floral, and herbaceous notes that hops can bring to a beer in a masterful way.  However, if you want a tongue-splitting and bitter brew, these breweries will also be a good place to look.

back channel brewing-Spring park, MN

A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon is a jaunt to Back Channel Brewing. It is out in the far-western burbs, but is well worth the time. They have tremendous hoppy ales, both hazy and see-through. If you really want a fun beer gimmick, ask for your hazy IPA in a bowl.

barrel theory-St. Paul, MN

My tolerance for hazy IPAs is not what it used to be. This is a good and bad thing. One one hand, it means I am getting old. However, the positive is that it forces me to be quite selective about where I go and what I enjoy when it comes to the juicy and tropical sirens of the beer world. Barrel Theory is always a place I know I can be wowed by when it comes to hazy IPAs. I know that the old standby is Shooter McGavin. That beer is perfect for me. However, I am always willing to try whatever else they create because it is made the right way.

BlackStack brewing-St. Paul, MN

The irony here is that when I go to BlackStack, I say a little prayer to the patron saint of crispy beers that they might have a lager or two on tap. However, I do absolutey adore the Local 755. That beer stacks up so well with a lot of other noteworthy hazy IPAs. If you crave the haze, BlackStack is your Mecca. They never disappoint and always have an embarrassment of juicy riches pouring from the taps.

Forager Brewery-Rochester, MN

Forager Brewery in Rochester is one of the most enjoyable places to eat and drink in Minnesota. Their food is incredibly well thought out and prepared. Their beers are all sensational. I think that they qualify to be listed in the IPA category of my list because their IPAs are so aromatic and texturally pleasing. Their juicy IPAs burst with all sorts of wonderful tropical flavors. 

Luce Line Brewing-Plymouth, MN

There is a place just west of Minneapolis off of highway 55 that is really doing some wonderful things when it comes to IPAs. Luce Line Brewing is a great spot for many things-biking, trivia, community, and IPAs. Whether you are looking for something juicy or piney, Luce Line Brewing has you covered. I can’t understand why they don’t get more notoriety when it comes to IPAs, so I am putting you all on notice. Get there or I will find you and tell you about my investment opportunity in the solar-powered flashlight…Also, I had a great interview with the brew team and their Sales Manager who might have the best hair in the MN craft beer industry. So, go ahead and give a listen!

montgomery brewing-Montgomery, mN

About an hour south of the Twin Cities, a treasure trove of hoppy goodness awaits you at Montgomery Brewing. Most people probably don’t think of a hophead haven when they think of Montgomery Brewing, but they are kicking butt in the IPA game. Whether you crave New England-style or West Coast, their IPA selection will impress you.

Steel Toe Brewing-St. Louis Park, MN

A constant beacon of quality and tradition, Steel Toe Brewing continues to be the bar to which many other breweries are measured. This is where brewers go to drink. Steel Toe does not chase trends or do anything silly to their beer. Their Size 7 IPA is one I bring to other beer enthusiasts when I travel because it is an ideal liquid representation of what an IPA should be.

My Favorite Minnesota Breweries That Are A Little Bit Of A Drive

I like to get out and about to different places in Minnesota.  This category is for those who want a little bit of a drive, but aren’t ready to commit to more than an hour each way.  These five breweries are all around an hour or less in the car from St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Boathouse Brothers Brewing-Prior Lake, MN

If the middle area of your Venn Diagram of interests has a ton of share space between craft beer and boating, Boathouse Brothers Brewing needs to be on your list. They lean heavily into the boat theme from their bar seats to their taproom seating. Their craft beer selections are wider than a largemouth bass trying to gobble up a Rapala lure. I finally visited Boathouse Brothers after only having their beers at festivals. I really enjoyed everything I sampled. The Owner/Head Brewer, Emmett, is a great dude and really understands what hospitality should be. If you want to hear my interview with Emmett, here is the episode!

Forgotten Star Brewing-Fridley, MN

Forgotten Star Brewing is a wonderful place for a beer. The aesthetic is historic and the beers are quality. They have, in their short existence, gathered quite a collection of beer awards for some wonderful classic beer styles. Forgotten Star also knows how how to brew some lagers, which makes them an easy place to want to patronize. They are especially enjoyable in the winter time because they have a lively patio with curling and fire pits.

Giesenbräu Bier Co.-New Prague, MN

Located in New Prague, Minnesota, Giesenbräu Bier Co. has wonderful beer brewed by even better people.  This family-friendly operation leans heavily into the beer culture of the town.  You will find a nice blend of old-school classics and new styles to bring in a multitude of craft beer geeks.  My favorite beers are the Dožínky Pils (Czech Pils), Doppel the Hutt(Doppelbock), Hildy’s Helles, and Nová Praha Med (Barrel-aged Imperial Stout made with local honey). Pro tip-their Oktoberfest party is one of the more enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon in the fall. If you are looking for a lager-centric day at the taproom, you won’t want to miss their Lager Liebe Fest on Saturday, May 10th.

lift bridge brewery-Stillwater, MN

It was the first craft brewery in Minnesota I ever visited. Since then, Lift Bridge Brewery has had a special place in my heart. They have managed to stay relevant amidst so many changes in craft beer since they opened back in 2008. They continue to deliver beers that appeal for everyone. However, they really stand out when it comes to their presence at the Minnesota State Fair. If you want to hear their brewers explain the process of how they approach the Great Minnesota Get-Together, here is the link.

Imminent Brewing-Northfield, MN

There is a lot going on in Northfield, Minnesota, outside of the cereal business. In fact, there are several craft breweries, a cidery, and a distillery. I think that if you have to limit yourself to picking one spot to try, Imminent Brewing is probably the best choice. Their variety and quality of craft beers really stood out to me when I visited last February. The community feel of the taproom felt familiar and the variety of styles spanned the gamut of styles, both modern and classic.

Spilled Grain Brewhouse-Annandale, MN

Spilled Grain Brewhouse in Annandale, Minnesota, has something for everyone.  They have won quite a few awards over the years.  Jacob and his brewing crew dedicated themselves to quality and variety.  I also adore their cream ale, wheatwine (winner of multiple awards), milk stout, and old ale (winner of multiple awards).  You are hard-pressed to find a nice brewer in Minnesota who will always make time to talk beer and the Minnesota Twins.  If you haven’t been there, yet, I suggest putting their Oktoberfest on your social calendar because theirs is one of the under-appreciated Oktoberfests in Minnesota.

Spiral Brewery-Hastings, MN

If you are looking for a nice brewery where community matters, Spiral Brewery in Hastings, Minnesota, is the play. This family-owned craft beer gem brews delicious, well-made beer and hosts a myriad of events to create community in their adorable taproom. They have a wide variety of craft beer styles to enjoy while you saddle up at a picnic table in the taproom and enjoy getting to know your neighbors. If you want to hear my interview with their Head Brewer, Morgan Smith, here is the link.

Uncommon Loon Brewing-Chisago City, MN

Uncommon Loon Brewing in Chisago City, Minnesota has a huge taproom, 2 different event spaces, and a great patio to enjoy their stellar beers.  If you are lucky enough to find the owner, Brad Klatt, in the taproom, buckle up for a wonderful beer chat.  Their staff is helpful and friendly and will happily pour you a pint.  I suggest starting with the Speckled Loon Cream Ale, Olde Town Nut Brown, and Peanut Gallery (Porter). Keep your eyes out for for Raven’s Cry, their barrel-aged imperial stout. Raven’s Cry is sensational and always seems to impress when I crack one at a bottle share.

Unmapped Brewing-Minnetonka, MN

As a beacon of quality and variety, Unmapped Brewing is a craft beer haven. The expansion into coffee provides a double-threat to those who seek wonderful beverages around the clock. For me, it doesn’t get any better than the Purgatory Pils. However, all of their beers are on the table when it comes to quality. Unmapped is a community gem over in the Glen Lake neighborhood.

My Favorite Minnesota Breweries That Are A Longer Drive

If you love to get out and feast on some asphalt, then these breweries are perfect.  They are all above an hour away from the Twin Cities.  They are well worth your time.  Maybe consider cueing up some episodes of A One Pint Stand for the drive? Of course, sometimes a jaunt like this will put you outside of the range of your local radio station. I suggest loading up a bunch of episodes of this podcast so you can keep yourself entertained!

Bent Paddle Brewing Company-Duluth, MN

Bent Paddle Brewing Company is a must-stop in Duluth. Their packaged beers are dynamic and iconic. DSDB is a big stout of legendary lore. Their beers consistently win awards. Their taproom showcases small-batch beers to tickle the fancies of old-school craft beer geeks like myself. In the summer, their patio is a great reminder of why we all love Minnesota. One thing I find unique about Bent Paddle is that despite the fact that their growth has put them in a section of larger breweries in the state, they still feel like a cozy little small brewery. For a brewery to maintain that feel is almost unheard of.

Big Axe Brewing-Nisswa, MN

If the bucolic backdrop of the north woods wasn’t enough, the Brainerd Lakes area has some fantastic craft breweries. In the cute little hub of Nisswa, Minnesota, Big Axe Brewing provides a welcome place for food and drinks. On my most recent visit, I met Chris while I was up visiting the area as part of the Brewing Change Collaborative summer retreat. Chris welcomed us in and we eager to chat with us about what our non-profit does. I have watched as the Big Axe Brewing beers have improved over the years. I think that Big Axe Brewing is another noteworthy spot to get a quality pint of craft beer when you are up in that area.

Castle Danger brewery-Two Harbors, MN

While we are on the topic of breweries that used to be tiny and have grown, Castle Danger Brewery needs to be in the conversation. They have never lost the cozy, up-north feel of their brand despite their exponential growth. Their beers are consistently as you remember them. The George Hunter Stout has a permanent place in my heart for being delicious every time I have it. I have never visited the taproom in the winter, but the summer is great because their patio is beautiful. Their cream ale is on tap everywhere and one of things I can always count on when I want a consistent beer.

Hoops Brewing-Duluth, MN

Hoops Brewing in the heart of Canal Park has an astounding number of things to drink.  A popular haunt for pre and post All Pints North fest-goers, Hoops is always a must-stop.  David Hoops really deserves a ton of credit for helping develop Duluth into the craft beer treasure it is, today.  His team makes incredible beer.  Some of my favorites are the Keller Pils, Mexican Lager, Stock Ale, and Munich Lager.

Jack Pine Brewery-Baxter, MN

The north woods motif that is encompassed at Jack Pine Brewery is warm and welcoming. I love visiting the taproom to try so many good things. The tap list is as grandiose as the coastline of Gull Lake. I am a huge fan of what Jack Pine does with IPAs. They always have different versions on tap and it is fun to see hops showcased in the skillful hands of the Jack Pine brew crew. Their Vengeance Jalapeño cream ale is so wonderful. They are one of the few places around where the S’more Pastry Stout is not a cloyingly sweet abomination. Jack Pine has become a great place to bring my dad and enjoy some quality father/son time when I am up there for a visit.

Little Thistle Brewing-Rochester, MN

When Little Thistle Brewing opened their doors, it instantly became a favorite of mine.  The people behind the beer are wonderful humans.  The beers on tap are brewed expertly and the styles span the spectrum of what we all want to drink.  I don’t think that it gets much better than the Brave Woman when it comes to a satisfying, and sessionable beer.  There are so many great stouts that have food flavors infused into them without tasting out of whack.  They have a spacious outdoor setting to enjoy the best weather our state has to offer.  This is a fantastic space owned by a wonderful family and you should definitely support the hell out of this place!

ursa minor brewing-Duluth, mN

Ursa Minor Brewing is located in the Lincoln Park area of Duluth.  This is a bustling section of Duluth that is anchored by Bent Paddle Brewing Company.  Ursa Minor has some wonderful things to drink and also serves wood-fired pizzas.  I gravitate towards their Ursa Minor Cream Ale, Bear-ista (Coffee Stout), and Ewok Cuddles (Belgian Dubbel).  However, you really can’t go wrong with anything there. While they have a ton of hazy IPAs and sours that make up the majority of their tap list, they also have some fantastic classic styles of beer on tap and that makes it a viable craft beer spot for me.

My Favorite Places In The Twin Cities (St. Paul & Minneapolis)

As the Minnesota craft beer scene continues to thrive, the bar for what people expect to drink also elevates. Take it from me, the Twin Cities is host to an embarrassment of craft beer riches. This is the group of breweries are located within the Minneapolis and Saint Paul city limits.

56 Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

If there is a brewery that has more unique things happening in their taproom, I would be surprised. 56 Brewing in Northeast Minneapolis love bringing people into their taproom to build community. They have a great blend of lagers, ales, and some beyond beer THC offerings that are all solid. They are also a hotbed for pinball players in the Twin Cities. Their event space is perfect for all sorts of gatherings.

Broken clock brewing cooperative-Minneapolis, mN

Woody Allen once said, “I’d never join a club that would allow a person like me to become a member.” Well, despite my same sentiments, I am a proud, card-carrying member of Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative. I have been enjoying pints there for years, but it hasn’t been until the last year or two that I felt like their beer really deserved some plaudits for quality and consistency. Shaun and Tate have elevated the Broken Clock beers to a level befitting the tradition of Northeast Minneapolis. Their taproom brings people in and always has a wide variety of events to make anyone feel at home. Their lager game has stepped up in a big way. If you are looking for something hoppy, get a pint of Lil Haze to satiate your thirst.

Dual Citizen Brewing Company-Saint Paul, MN

Dual Citizen Brewing Company is a wonderful place to grab a beer before a Loons game. They have such a wide variety of things to drink. However, I really enjoy their sessionable offerings like the Elbow Bender Kölsch-Style beer, and the Lake Lager. When I am in the darker mood, they have a sensational brown ale and the best American Barleywine in the world.

Fair State Brewing Cooperative-Minneapolis, MN

Routinely on my short list of must-visits, Fair State Brewing Cooperative is fantastic.  They are always pushing the envelope on styles and flavors.  What I love about them is they continue to showcase a variety of beers that people love.  Their Mirror Universe (Hazy IPA), Pils, and Union Lager are all delicious, but they also are sneaky with putting something incredible on tap that is both unexpected and intriguing. 

Falling Knife Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Falling Knife Brewing does a lot of things well.  They are able to scratch the itches of both trendy craft beer drinkers and the old curmudgeons like me who enjoy classic styles done well.  I also believe the Tomm’s is a revelation and a way to invite folks who are intimidated by craft beer into the fold.  If I am going to have a pastry stout, it will probably be here because they are brewed masterfully.

I love how Falling Knife has become the epicenter for all things Minnesota Timberwolves. When the game is on the big screen and Ant is posterizing some doofus from the other team, there is really no better place to watch in the Twin Cities.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say how much of a sadness it was to so many people when Tom Berg, one of the founders of Falling Knife passed away in April. Tom was a tremendously kind person who cared for his fellow humans more than most. I don’t think that I will ever be able to be at Falling Knife without feeling a hole in my heart ache. Rest in peace, Tom, we love and miss you.

Fulton Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Fulton Brewing has been a mainstay of Minneapolis craft beer since taprooms were a thing. They are an anchor to the North Loop’s craft beer network and a wonderful place to gather for a Twins game. Their tap list has a great mix of old standbys and new things they are brewing. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the beers they pour and that always elevates the experience.

HeadFlyer Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

HeadFlyer Brewing in Northeast Minneapolis does a nice job of straddling the line between trends and classics.  Their hazy IPA game is on-par with other notable breweries mentioned earlier.  Yet, they also give homage to malt, a consistently under-appreciated ingredient in beer.  Lately, under new the watchful eyes of a dynamic brew team made up of Tim and Sophia. The HeadFlyer brew team is putting out sensational beers, and they are listening to what the craft beer drinkers are thirsty for and responding with aplomb. The Pink Pony Pils has become my new favorite, and I look forward to all the new and fun beers that are coming out of the brewhouse. If you want to hear my interview with Head Brewer Tim and Assistant Brewer Sophia, here you go!

Insight Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

When Insight Brewing opened, I became intrigued by their variety of beers. I purchased a membership and was really excited. Over the years, their brewers have changed and so many of the beers I initially fell in love with faded away. They have revamped the tap list over the last few years and I am back to being a frequent flyer. Give me all the Avant all the time! I absolutely love their new patio because it is so comfortable and fun! They celebrated 10 years this fall and the party was epic. I had the fantastic privilege to sit down with Eric Schmidt, one of Insight’s founders, to talk about what a decade in craft beer means to him. It is a fantastic listen. Enjoy.

La Doña Cervecería-Minneapolis, MN

La Doña Cerveceria is a bright and beautiful space to try beers that showcase Latino flavors and traditions.  Their Mexican Lager, Doña Fria, is my favorite, but I also enjoy Enmolada (Chili-stout) and Ecēlōtl (Barleywine).  The summer is the best time to go and watch people playing soccer along with some of the food they make in-house. Make sure you try some food while you are there because it will really complete the entire sensory experience.

Modist Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Modist Brewing in the North Loop brews wonderful beer. Thanks to their mash filter in the brewhouse, they can brew in ways most breweries can’t. The result is inventing and mind-blowing beers that consistently deliver on flavor and texture. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have an incredible team of brewers to create and brew these incredible beers. Modist is also a great place to go before a Twins game thanks to their close proximity to Target Field. The fact that they choose to brew a mix of styles that appeal to both a wide swath of drinkers as well as styles that titillate those of us who love the more obscure beers makes me really appreciate Modist.

Northbound smokehouse & brewpub

Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub has been a fixture in South Minneapolis since 2012. With so many places to grab beer, it is easy to forget about this neighborhood haunt. However, between their beer and food, there is a lot to love at Northbound. If you like award-winning beers, Andy Rosenthal, Northbound’s Head Brewer, has unlocked the secret of brewing big bocks to bring home awards. If you like smoked wings, then you need to just pencil in their spot for Wing Wednesdays. You will go there for the beer and food, but you will go back because of the neighborhood feel of the taproom.

If you didn’t catch my interview with Andy about his award-winning lagers, here it is. It is a great listen.

Summit Brewing-Saint Paul, MN

Summit Brewing doesn’t chase trends, and they set the bar when it comes to quality and consistency in beer. Their iconic Summit EPA is a revered favorite adored by many. I also love their Twins Pils (Formerly Keller Pils) and find it quite hilarious that it is selling like crazy since it was renamed and associated with the Minnesota Twins. They have tremendously satisfying NA options and are releasing some great new lagers. They aren’t quadruple-hopping anything because they do the simple things well. More breweries should be looking to emulate that.

Town Hall Brewery-Minneapolis, MN

Town Hall Brewery  is deeply embedded in the terroir of the Minnesota craft beer scene.  An incubator and starting point for so many brewers who have gone on to be head brewers elsewhere. Under the steady hand of Head Brewer, Derek Brown, Town Hall Brewery continues to set the bar for quality and consistency in beer. Their Barrel-Aged Week Event remains the best craft beer thing happening in Minnesota. I was lucky enough to get a peak behind the curtain with Mike and Derek this year, and you should give it a listen.

Wandering Leaf Brewing-St. Paul, MN

First and foremost, Wandering Leaf Brewing is a prime example of what it means for a craft brewery to actually embrace their community. Wandering Leaf has a great selection of beers for everyone. Their taproom is calming and absolutely packed with greenery.

Their staff is amazing and their owners care so much for everyone feeling welcome in their brewery. Wandering Leaf succeeds where so many others have failed when it comes to making the neighbors feel like the taproom belongs to them. They are situated near one of the largest concentration of Ethiopian folks in the Twin Cities. The mutual respect and admiration that Wandering Leaf and their neighbors have for each other is quite evident if you have ever been to the taproom. Sure, you can build it and they will come. However, to get people to want to come back, you have to engage them in a meaningful way.

Wooden Ship brewing-Minneapolis, MN

At the very edge of Minneapolis where the homes are eye-popping, and lawns are pristine, Wooden Ship Brewing has a cozy taproom that pours a wide variety of beer styles. When they first opened, I referred to them as the Saison brewery. While their Saisons are good, they also have a lot of other delicious beers that will make you smile. The taproom is definitely a tight fit, which gives it almost a neighborhood pub feel. Their staff is made up of quite a few industry veterans who understand how to make the craft beer experience positive for everyone.

This is why i love Minnesota craft beer

Wow. What a list. I am so lucky to be able to call myself a small part of the Minnesota craft beer scene. I have gotten to know so many great people in this industry that I consider close friends. The current economic climate scares me when it comes to craft beer. I want places that are providing a positive craft beer experience to make it.

My call to action is simple. If you love a place, support them. I don’t care if they’re on this list or not. Also, think about quality when you are traveling for beer. I am not going to drop any names of places I think are doing more harm than good for craft beer with their inconsistent products, but be smart about where you drink. If you have to drive past a great brewery to get to one that is running some oddball gimmick to get you in the door, the chances are they know their beer doesn’t measure up. Good beer doesn’t need any gimmicks; remember that.

If you are a brewery on this list, I want to thank you for doing what you do. You provide more than just a drink for someone to enjoy. You provide a respite from the work day, a place to be unapologetically ones self, and you are creating new friendships and connections in your community. I know that the climb feels up hill both ways in 2025, but you are so necessary to so many people. Please keep on keeping on.

If you liked this article and have enjoyed listening to the podcast, consider supporting A One Pint Stand through our Patreon. There are multiple levels of support to choose from, some of which come with great additional content and perks.