A One Pint Stand’s Favorite Breweries List of 2025

Editor’s Note: This piece should have come out a few months earlier. However, some big life things happened that delayed getting it out earlier.
Visiting a brewery means something different to everyone. For some, it is a very simple act of going to try a beer and move on with your day. Maybe you saw that your spot dropped a new IPA or, heaven forbid, brewed an ESB. Some people will visit a brewery because their friends like trivia. If you are like me, you visit a brewery because you are curious about whether or not you will be able to find a sense of community there.
I love the Minnesota craft beer industry. There have been so many times when I have been wowed by meeting a new friend, tasting a great interpretation of a beer style, or simply had my own experience validate the recommendation of someone else. Well, this article’s aim is to shine a light on some breweries that you can find sprinkled all over the great state of Minnesota. Some are big, some are small. Some are rural, and some are urban. What they all have in common is that they provided me with a great Minnesota craft beer memory.
This is not a “best of” list. It is more like a map of places where I have enjoyed a great conversation, a tasty pour, or met a great bartender, brewer, or brewery owner. None of these places are spots where you will feel like you are not welcome. If you stop into any of these places, you will find a decent variety of beer styles. Most importantly, if you venture into any of the places on this list-and I do hope you will-you will be met with an invitation into a nice craft beer community. Enjoy!
My Favorite Places For Lagers
A lager is in my mind a quintessential “beer-flavored beer” because it is usually crisp and clean. This is conducive to many of my favorite things-watching baseball, talking with friends, and quenching my thirst. Luckily, Minnesota has an absolute bevy of breweries where well-made lagers can be found.
Arbeiter brewing company-Minneapolis, MN
I will be forthright and say that Arbeiter Brewing is one of my favorite breweries, period. However, under the masterful mash paddles of Aaron Herman and Patrick Riddle, their lagers are fantastic beverages to enjoy solo or with a friend. Do what I do, park yourself at the bar and enjoy some great conversation with their amazing staff. When the temperature is right, their patio is a great way to enjoy a fresh breeze and a crisp Haha Pils. Their lagers are wonderful. Whether it is the dark and roasty Nacht Rider, or the bright and floral Figurati (Italian Pilsner), you cannot go wrong. Of course, for me, the order is usually Haha Pils(German Pilsner), Tokki Lager(Korean Rice Lager), and then whatever other lager catches my eye. They do a lot of good here and Minnesota is lucky to have them.
Bad weather brewing-Saint Paul, MN
I think Bad Weather does so many things well, it is really hard to quantify my admiration for this place. Their lagers are always a highlight and jumping-off place to enjoy the other things on their menu. I don’t know who else in Saint Paul is killing it in the lager game like Bad Weather. If I ever get the stamina to bike back up every hill I would have to bike down to get there, watch out because I will be there 4 days a week. Bad Weather will often have at least 2 or 3 sensational lagers to enjoy. My favorites, in no particular order, are the Pils (German/American Pilsner hybrid), the Pilsano (Italian Pilsner), the Munich Helles, and Eventide (Czech Dark Lager). The brew team at Bad Weather is talented and the lagers illustrate that with each delicious sip.
heavy rotation Brewing-brooklyn park, MN
At Heavy Rotation Brewing in Brookly Park, Minnesota, you are going to find beers and drinks for everyone. They are all good, and brewed under the care and expertise of their Head Brewer, Josh. Where I think Heavy Rotation sets themselves apart from other breweries is with their lagers. They don’t last long given that the batch size is a diminutive three and a half barrels of beer. Whether it is a Festbier or a Czech pale lager, the crispy beers are done right at Heavy Rotation. There are so many things going on there between trivia, live music, and their legendary meat raffles, you really need to give them a try if you haven’t.
Lupulin brewing company-big lake, MN
I firmly believe that Lupulin Brewing is single-handedly responsible for people being able to understand and appreciate what good beer is in central Minnesota. Their lagers are the straw that stirs the proverbial drink when it comes to liquid excellence. Their GABF gold medal-winning Dortmunder (2017) and Oktoberfest(2025) have set the bar high for what their brew team will put on tap. Amidst those, there are so many other lagers that are worthy of your attention. Yes, they have incredible IPAs, too, but for me, the lagers are where it is at when I visit Lupulin Brewing.
Northbound smokehouse & brewpub-Minneapolis, MN
One of the good things to come out of the pandemic is the addition of the lagers at Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub. The lack of foot traffic during the Covid shutdown allowed for Andy (Head Brewer) to play around with some lagers, given that there was time to let them do their thing in the tank. Well, here we are today. Andy has brewed beers that are literally the best in the world in their Doppelbock and Eisbock. His Pravy Pils and new German Pilsner are both delicious and technically splendid. The food at Northbound is an added bonus. If you get to know Andy, several things will be apparent. First, that he is a kind, funny, and smart little guy. Second, he loves to talk beer , specifically regarding his love of all things barleywine. Third, when he gives you a hug, it is with the vigor of an overly caffeinated luchador.
Schell’s Brewery-New ulm, MN
When it comes to history and a fabled brewery experience, I don’t think that you can do much better than Schell’s Brewery in New Ulm. Their seasonal offerings as well as their year-rounds are staples in many a beer geek’s fridge. While they are widely available in liquor stores, I suggest a trip down to this bucolic brewery complex if you truly want to experience the quaint majesty of this family affair. Give a listen to my interview with Kyle Marti, the Vice President of Schell’s, from my visit down to Schell’s in the summer of 2025.
Utepils Brewing-Minneapolis, MN
Utepils Brewing has been a bastion of consistency and quality in the Minnesota craft beer scene since their inception. You can go up and down their tap list and find beers brewed with tremendous care and thought. With airline prices going sky high, if you want to save yourself the money, you can just head to Utepils, and you will feel like you are in Europe as you drink your way through their beer list. You want Kölsch-style? They got Kölsch-style. You want Helles? They got Helles. You want a schnitzel prepared by a greased-up chap in all leather named Hans? Well, there are other places in the city that will fulfill those types of requests. Seasonals like their Totally Wirth It (Irish Dry Stout) and Receptional (Festbier) are go-to beers for me. Once the snow melts and the sun dries out everything, their outdoor patio is a great escape for conversation and conviviality.
Waldmann Brewery-Saint Paul, MN

Waldmann Brewery is a rare and special place. The beers are superb under the guidance of their Head Brewer Matt Anhalt. Their brewery is a rare example of living history. You can have a beer in the living room of Anton and Wilhelmine Waldmann, the original proprietors of Minnesota’s first lager saloon. When you are there next, you should make sure to thank Tom Schroeder for caring so much about Minnesota’s rich history to bring Waldmann Brewery back from a historical memory to a craft beer meeting place. Whether it is a random Thursday afternoon in July or a festive Oktoberfest celebration, Waldmann Brewery is a fantastic place for beer, food, and fun.
My Favorite Places for IPAs
IPAs are the style that drives the craft beer bus. Sure, now lagers are everywhere, but IPA has been king since the US craft beer movement legitimately began in the 1970s. Hoppy means different things to different people. For a novice craft beer drinker, hoppy is oftentimes a bitter experience. To a seasoned brewer, hoppy might mean earthy, floral, of fruity. No matter which box you check, the chances are that you also appreciate some form of hoppy expression in your craft beer. Here are my breweries that I visit when I need my IPA itch scratched.
Back Channel Brewing-Spring Park, MN
It has been a while since I have visited the taproom, but I always look for Back Channel on tap and at festivals. They delivery on so many iterations of IPAs. That makes it a very special treat when I get to enjoy a fresh pour of their incredible beers. If you are looking for a day jaunt out to the far-western suburbs, you are rewarded with a wide array of all types of beer. You should just make sure you have at least 2 or 3 IPAs. They were also named MN Brewery of the Year at the 2026 MN Brewers Cup Awards. My hope is that as their ownership evolves, they continue to put forward the same quality beers that we all love and appreciate.
Barrel Theory Brewing-Saint Paul, MN
Located in Lowertown, a short walk from CHS field is IPA nirvana. A cozy taproom located on a busy corner off of 7th Street is a beacon for haze bros and classic piney IPA-seekers alike. The brew crew at Barrel Theory are wizards when it comes to coaxing every kind of flavor under the sun out of their hops. This is a must-visit if you are from out of town.
BlackStack Brewing-Saint Paul, MN
If you have ever been to the Menards off of University Ave. in Saint Paul, you know that you probably need a place to have a drink after. Their customer service is comprised of clueless mouth-breathers who can’t tell the different between their elbows and their assholes. Yet, they are the only spot in Minnesota to save big money when you need an emergency bag of washers or a light bulb. Lucky for you, there is a place right down the road where you can replenish your electrolytes and sanity-BlackStack Brewing. This cathedral-like taproom has plenty of room to sprawl out while you sip the hoppy goodness of portfolio of IPAs. You want single, double, or even triple IPAs? BlackStack has you covered.
Forager Brewery-Rochester, MN
If you are in Rochester, you have to stop at Forager Brewery for some excellent food and palate-dazzling IPAs. While their wheelhouse is New England-style IPAs, any beer is going to be fantastic at this fantastic brewpub. They have a great patio during the warm weather months where you can often hear some wonderful live music. If you go with a group, get the platter of french fries to share while you sip away the afternoon.
Luce Line Brewing-Plymouth, MN
When I am lucky enough to find myself at Luce Line Brewing, I always make sure to try at least one of their IPAs. When it comes to breweries who are doing amazing things with hops, Luce Line Brewing flies under the radar; a fact that boggles my mind. They use a variety of different hops in their IPAs. The hops present themselves with restraint and nuance. If you are a biker, you need to hit up the Luce Line trail and then reward yourself with a few pints of this delicious and hoppy manna from heaven.
Montgomery Brewing Company-Montgomery, MN
Montgomery Brewing has been a constant for many years in southern Minnesota. They occupy a historic building in a sleepy little town. However, this place is home to one of the best IPA producers in the state-Montgomery Brewing. If you want old-school, piney West Coast IPA, they have you covered. If you want the new-school juicy, pillowy NEIPAs, strap in for a ride. Montgomery is one of those breweries that is consistent and never disappoints. If you haven’t been yet, please consider going sooner than later to experience it for yourself!
Steel Toe Brewing-St. Louis Park, MN
Steel Toe Brewing is one of the most consistent places for quality beer in the great state of Minnesota. Their Size 7 IPA is iconic and what a lot of IPAs wish they could be. From there, you can either go higher or lower with ABV with their Size 4 (Session IPA), Size 11(Triple IPA) or Size 0 (NA Beer). No matter which option you choose, you can sip confidently, knowing that there will be nothing but sheer, unbridled joy as you quaff.
My Favorite Places 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
Are you tired of your friends giving you crap because you don’t own a boat? No problem! Boathouse Brothers Brewing will have you feeling like a captain of good times as you park your rump in one of their barstools that are actually boat seats. They have a variety of beers for every palate including some incredible drinks other than beer. This is a great place to gather and enjoy chatting with other folks who enjoy sipping on a pint just as much as they do wetting a line.
Boom Island Brewing-Minnetonka, MN
Boom Island Brewing is a place that has a fierce, local following of regulars who really have bought into what the new owners are doing. Initially, Boom Island was known for iconic Belgian beers on tap, but they also have branched out into a wider variety of styles that are working quite well. They are getting behind the idea of lower ABV offerings, which makes me happy. Boom brews one heckuva pumpkin beer (Punkin Pie) that won Best in Show at the MN Craft Brewers Cup Awardin 2025. They also have a delicious Mexican Lager which is what my go-to.
Forgotten Star Brewing-Fridley, MN
Maybe by listing Forgotten Star Brewing in this category I am only contributing to the asinine assumption that it is far away. In truth, Forgotten Star is a hop, skip, and a jump from Northeast Minneapolis. Their taproom has a rich history and their smoke stacks can be seen for miles. The beers are delicious and they always have tasty food available. I would also like to point out that they are among the leaders when it comes to providing a quality selection of NA beverages-something that I would like to see more breweries put some thought into. All in all, they do a lot of things really well and that is why they should be on your list of spots to add into the rotation if you haven’t already.
Giesenbräu Bier Co.-New Prague, MN
If you are willing to get in the car and head south for just about an hour, you will be rewarded with a wonderful craft beer experience. Giesenbräu Bier Co. is a great place to experience all the familiarity of a local, small town corner bar with the tap list of a European beer garden. This place is a quaint place to enjoy some nice relaxing quality time with a friend. Their Oktoberfest celebrations is usually one of the best small Oktoberfest parties in the state.
Lift Bridge Brewery-Stillwater, MN
Lift Bridge Brewery has been a go-to craft brewery for almost two decades. In that time, they have been the craft beer entry point for many, in and around Washington County. While some of their flagships have changed, the commitment to quality and variety stays the same. I am sure that you have had their iconic Mini-Donut beer at the Minnesota State Fair. They continue to evolve and roll with the shifting landscape of the craft beverage industry. Check them out if you haven’t been in a while.
Imminent Brewing-Northfield, MN
If you aren’t a fan of Malt-O-Meal, you can still visit Northfield, Minnesota. In fact, there are several craft breweries, a cidery, and a distillery in this town known for breakfast and Jesse James Days. 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 stand out to me. The community feel of the taproom felt warm 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 brewing awards over the years. Jacob and his brewing crew dedicate themselves to quality and variety. My go-to’s are their cream ale, wheatwine (winner of multiple awards), 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.
Spiral Brewery-Hastings, MN
If you are looking for a nice brewery where community matters, then Spiral Brewery in Hastings, Minnesota, is the play. This women-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 frequent a place solely based on the quality and kindness of their bartenders, then you probably already know that Donelle is one of the best in the business. Donelle is one of the many reasons I look forward to stopping by for a beer and a chat at Spiral.
Unmapped Brewing Company-Minnetonka, MN
When the taproom bill was signed into law in 2011, the concept of what people wanted out of a taproom was straight-forward and linear. Beer. People wanted beer. In 2026, what folks expect out of a taproom is a quagmire of different things. Since Unmapped Brewing opened, they have been a community space for the community and they have provided the Glen Lake area and beyond, a place to gather. Now, in 2026, they are much more than a taproom. They are a community space for whatever the community needs. They provide excellent beer, but more than that, they provide a place to have a sports fundraiser, a venue for a grad party, and a place to get your morning cup of coffee. I love any excuse to enjoy a beer or two in their taproom.
My Favorite Places That Are A Longer Drive
There is nothing better than fueling up the car, getting your episodes of A One Pint Stand all queued up, and setting a course for some out state breweries. Well, these are some of my favorite places to go that are over an hour away from where I call home in Saint Paul. I love to venture beyond the 494/694 loop to find the beers that I don’t often get to have on tap in the cities.
Bent Paddle Brewing Company-Duluth, MN
Bent Paddle Brewing Company is an anchor of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, and a big reason for its revitalization. When I am up in Duluth for All Pints North weekend, it always kicks off at Bent Paddle. They are key players in the craft beer culture in Duluth. I love their 14 Degree Amber Ale. However, their taproom-only releases are fantastic. You can get their beers on tap all over town, but I suggest going to their taproom for its eclectic vibe.

Big Axe Brewing-Nisswa, MN
Big Axe Brewing in Nisswa, MN, is quaint and a community gathering spot for craft beer, food, and entertainment. Chris French has roots in the community and understands how to welcome people of every background into the taproom. I think my favorite of their expansive tap offerings is the Splinter Cat IPA, a West Coast IPA that has the hop bite I crave all the time. I suggest pairing it with an order of their gooey cheese curds that are served piping hot. When you are done, you can pop across the street to the Chocolate Ox and get a waffle cone filled with Superman ice cream. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Castle Danger Brewery-Two Harbors, MN

Castle Danger Brewery is well worth a trip if you happen to be up on the north shore. I have only been in the summer time because of their beautiful deck that wraps around the outside of their north woods taproom. Their ubiquitous Castle Danger Cream Ale is a masterclass in the beauty of simplicity. However, they also have a variety of other bangers in the taproom or available in most liquor stores. They have blossomed into a consistent go-to when I am in the liquor store and want something familiar.
Jack Pine Brewery-Baxter, MN
There are some breweries I love because of the beer, and there are breweries I love because they represent a backdrop for a fun tradition. Jack Pine Brewery is a place where I would go to with my dad when I visited him. He enjoyed their beers and the vibe there. I think it is special to have quality time with people I love at breweries. When I would visit him, it wasn’t a question of which brewery we will go to to have our father/son chats. I think that Jack Pine illustrates craft beer’s power to bring people together. I will cherish the memories of every time I enjoyed a pint with my dad here.

Junkyard Brewing-Moorhead, MN
Junkyard Brewing in Moorhead, Minnesota, started small and they have grown to be quite large with their second location in West Fargo. They are slinging the hoppy beers with the best of them. I always appreciate a quality beer when I am up near the banks of the Red River. They have a nice mix between the trendy styles and the craft beer icons.
Klockow Brewing-Grand Rapids, MN
I had the absolute joy of finally making my way up to Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to experience a fantastic couple of days bopping around town. One of the highlights was my visit and podcast interview (listen below) with Andy and Tasha Klockow at their brewery, Klockow Brewing. The hospitality I experienced in my three visits there made me feel welcomed and part of the group. The beers span the continuum of familiar to avant garde. My favorite was, by far, the Travelin’ Jack IPA. It has the perfect balance between bright and resiny hop bite. It was the perfect thirst-quencher after my bike jaunt on the Mesabi Trail.

Little Thistle Brewing-Rochester, MN
Little Thistle Brewing is the closest thing to a pub you will find in Rochester. This isn’t because they have a fancy mahogany bar that was shipped over from the UK, but rather that the owners, Dawn and Steve Finnie, both believe in creating a community for everyone. Little Thistle is a home away from home whether you are a regular or just passing through. The beers are excellent and their head brewer, Niko Tonks, is a technical genius when it comes to brewing beers that stand alone in quality. This scientific artistry is showcased in the Double Elbow brand of beers.
Rapids Brewing-Grand Rapids, MN
Grand Rapids has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to things to eat and drink. Rapids Brewing does their part to provide a high quality brewpub environment. Their beers are on-point, their Bourbon selection will make you weak in the knees, and their burgers are insatiable. If beer isn’t your thing, I recommend an Old Fashioned.

Ursa Minor Brewing-Duluth, MN
Ursa Minor Brewing has it all-beer, pizza, and great people behind the brand. I love visiting to get my face slapped galactically. Ursa Minor is more than just a brewery, it is an experience. They always play a huge role in the weekend of All Pints North because they are a magnetic gathering spot for people who appreciate great beer and food. Their pizza are insanely good. The beers, well, you know the beers. Ursa Minor is always worth a few stops when you are up in Duluth.
My Favorite Places in the Twin Cities
I would put the Twin Cities beer scene up against Portland, Denver, or San Diego any day of the week and twice on Sundays. We have fantastic beer here. As Minnesotans, we are conditioned to think that we can’t be great because that is boastful and ostentatious. Well, when it comes to the beer in the Twin Cities, we can let out the clutch on the effusive praise.
56 Brewing-Minneapolis, MN
Whenever I get to go to 56 Brewing, I always find at least 3 or 4 beers that I want full pours of. 56 has fostered a great community in their taproom. This is greatly in part to their fantastic stable of regulars who support the heck out of this place. They have great events that allow Minnesotans to get outside in the winter when the conventional wisdom tells us to stay indoors. They have a great teacher happy hour, a Friday 5 dollar pint night, and a butt-ton of pinball games.
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative-Minneapolis, MN
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative is a great place to find a beer and community. As a cooperative, it is member-owned. The beers that Shaun and Mason brew are delightful. The access to pretzels at Aki’s Breadhaus & Wunderbar down the hall make this a fantastic spot. I love any excuse to come in and say hello to Seamus or Kelly when they are behind the bar. Heck, they even brewed the beer that was featured at Farm Aid!
Dual Citizen Brewing Company-St. Paul, MN
Dual Citizen Brewing Company has become a great place to hang out and have a beer. I like that their tap list always has some new and exciting things on it while also staying true to their go-to beers that their regulars salivate over. While their brewers have changed over the years, their commitment to community has never wavered. Their state of the art, four-vessel brewhouse allows them to brew a lot of incredible things well.
Falling Knife Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Falling Knife Brewing in Northeast Minneapolis makes tremendous beer. While most people salivate over their hoppy varieties like Verbal Tip or Hidden Temple, I gravitate towards a crisp FreischĂĽtz or an ice cold Tomm’s. Regardless of your favorite, you can always run into a familiar face here and catch a Wolves game or play some pinball. The close proximity to Wrecktangle Pizza doesn’t hurt, either.
Fulton Brewing-Minneapolis, MN
Fulton Beer offers a great pre and postgame spot for Twins games in the North Loop of Minneapolis. Their tap list has a gargantuan selection of beverages for every taste. I am a huge fan of the 300 IPA and Lonely Blonde. They also have a variety of fun food options in case you have a grumble in your tumble.
Gambit Brewing-Saint Paul, MN
Gambit Brewing is the cheers of Saint Paul, both literally and figuratively. They have fantastic beers and a welcoming staff. This place is a gem. Make sure to stop by for a Weiner Wednesday or on Thursday when DJ Scallybrad is spinning vinyl. You won’t be disappointed when you visit because there is something for everyone at this incredible Saint Paul spot.
Insight Brewing-Minneapolis, MN
Over the years, it has been interesting to watch Insight Brewing evolve. Their tap list has changed and they have one of my favorite patios in the Twin Cities. What has remained a constant is the passion for providing an excellent craft beer experience. They have inventive festivals and parties that avoid being cookie-cutter or forgettable. Their beers continue to win brewing awards and reflect the current desires that adult drinkers crave.
Modist Brewing Company-Minneapolis, MN

Modist Brewing in the North Loop of downtown Minneapolis shows that a brewery can showcase beer styles that cater to both the old curmudgeons like me and the hip whippersnappers who always want the latest hazy hop bomb. They do every style brilliantly and that is a huge reason why I love them. I had a great time chatting with them about their 10th anniversary celebration on the podcast. You can check it out below.
Padraigs Brewing-Minneapolis, MN
Padraigs Brewing in Northeast Minneapolis is a special place to grab a beer. Their community, quality, and friendly staff have exorcized the demons of 612 Brew and their previous, hapless owners. Dan Pund is brewing fantastic beers using ingredients and inspiration from the UK. The owners are passionate about patrons feeling like they belong and that shows when you pop in for some live music and a pint.
Saint Paul Brewing-Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul Brewing is in the historic setting of the old Hamm’s brewery. Their beers are fantastic, and their patio can’t be beat. If you need some winter cheer, their Porter Fest is a fun multiple-week event showcasing different flavors of porter. The food is way above what people expect at a brewery and I think that every thing that they have done has a ton of thought behind it because it really does outshine a lot of other places when it comes to an overall unique craft beer experience.
Summit Brewing Company-St. Paul, MN
I am not sure why more people aren’t shouting from the rooftops the fact that Summit Brewing is turning 40 years old this year. Heck, the brewery isn’t even touting this incredibly important achievement?!?!? There are literally only a handful of breweries in the country who have ever been able to celebrate that fact. For me, Summit Brewing represents consistency, persistence, and the spirit to venture forward when others tell you to turn back. When I see a Summit tap handle in the wild, I know that there will be at least one beer on tap that I am going to love. They have adapted and weathered an ever-changing craft beer landscape and that deserves your attention. So, next time you are at a bar or liquor store, order or pick-up a reminder of how lucky our taste buds are.
Town Hall Brewery-Minneapolis, MN

If you want a place that celebrates every good thing about craft beer, you need to visit Town Hall Brewery. Town Hall is an iconic place for beer, food, and community. Derek Brown brews some of the most consistent beer in the region. Their Barrel-Aged Event sets the bar for what is possible when you put beer in a barrel and understand that time will tell you what you do next with that beer. They have steadfastly remained true to who they are while so many others have lost their way and disappeared. I love Town Hall Brewery and what they represent in our world.
Wandering Leaf Brewing-St. Paul, MN
Where there is smoke, there is fire. Where there are plants, there is oxygen. And where there is Wandering Leaf Brewing Company, there is a welcoming craft beer community. I find myself frequenting here more and more. Their beer styles are diverse. They truly believe in welcoming in their neighbors. The plants provide such a peaceful backdrop for a chat with a friend, or a solo reading session. If you haven’t been here, I strongly urge you to give it a whirl.
Wooden Ship Brewing-Minneapolis, MN
Wooden Ship Brewing is situated in the Linden Hills neighborhood, an area of town that makes Better Homes and Gardens jealous with the fury of a million wildfires. The houses are unique and pristine. I think it is fitting that Wooden Ship is there because this brewery is also unique. When you walk in, it feels like a neighborhood pub. Their beers are diverse, just like their taproom staff and I wish I could say that about more places. The beers showcase flavors and textures that definitely cause them to stand out from the crowd.
These are just my favorites. I know you have yours. This article is certainly not the be-all , end-all collections of breweries to check out. My hope is that you consider some of the places on here because they have some special things happening in their taprooms. I always manage to sneak new visits into my busy weekends, so if you have a place you love, put it in the comments so I can consider a visit! Cheers!
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