12 Best Breweries in Minneapolis

Last updated on September 5th, 2022 at 07:30 am

Beer lovers around the world are always trying to explore new breweries and taste different beers. People love to go to breweries because of the great-tasting beer, the possibility of great music, and the fun environment.

Are you looking for a better way to find the best breweries near you without relying on a search like “what are the best breweries near me?” Well, if you live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, you are in luck as we have done all the work for you!

We’ve concocted a list of the best breweries in Minneapolis with information about live music, types of beer, as well as special deals you can enjoy at some of the breweries. Read on to learn more about each of our favorites that made the list below!

This is not a ranking, so the order of the breweries doesn’t mean that one is better than the other. In fact, we recommend you make time to try them all!

Surly Brewing

First on the list is Surly Brewing Company, a favorite of the Minneapolis breweries. They have a very wide variety of Surly beers. They have six different beer categories, which include: IPAs, Crushers, Hop forward, Malt forward, Darkness, and Left for the dial.

Each category has several different flavors of beer which can keep you and your friends busy for hours. If there’s one thing that Surly Brewing Co is lacking, it’s certainly not beer options.

Love German Lagers? Be sure to pick up a Surly Hell which is a beer Surly carries year-round, which will be sure to knock your socks off. Surly Brewing also frequently hosts musicians, some of which will be quite enjoyable as you enjoy a nice beer.

Indeed Brewing

Up next for MN breweries is Indeed Brewing Company. They have a taproom that serves all the beers that they produce in-house, but you can also order beer for you to take home.

What we love most about Indeed is they have food truck Wednesdays, where you can enjoy your favorite brew while trying some amazing local eats. They also have options beyond beer, such as seltzers and non-alcoholic hop waters.

Utepils

Utepils Brewing is a must-visit when it comes to twin cities breweries. It has a taproom where they sell their crafted beer for you to sit and enjoy in-house. On top of their great beer selection of over 23 craft brews, they also host many fun music-related events throughout the year.

Utepils is frequently rated the best outdoor brewery in Minneapolis, whether you visit during the summer or the winter season. During the winter, they offer many outdoor warmers to ensure you won’t get too cold!

Pryes Brewing Company

Up next is Pryes Brewing which offers a very wide variety of beers for you to try. They offer 18 different beer flavors on tap that change seasonally, so you’ll always have something new to try.

On top of their great beer selection, Pryes is the best brewery with food, as they also offer a food menu that will make your mouth water. Their selection of pizza is truly delicious, and to be honest, what more could you ask for other than pizza and craft beer? 

Bauhaus Brew Labs

Bauhaus is one of our favorite taprooms on the list, as it is decorated in a way that makes it feel fun and inviting. Bauhaus Brew Labs has been labeled as one of the best craft breweries in Minnesota thanks to the plethora of rotating craft brews they have on tap. 

Despite not having food in their taproom, they often have food trucks parked outside, and they allow you to bring your own food from other establishments so you won’t go hungry as you drink.

Fulton Brewery

Fulton Brewery has by far the largest selection of beer out of the breweries on this list. They have anything from hard seltzers to ale.

One of their most famous products is the Fulton Lonely Blonde which is an American blonde ale that combines the best of German hops and American malt. They also host events, which sometimes feature live music, in their taproom throughout the year and serve delicious food in their taproom kitchen. 

LynLake Brewery

LynLake Brewery is in the heart of uptown Minneapolis. It offers a taproom with a kitchen, a rooftop terrace, and an event venue. They offer a mix of beer, cocktails, ale, and hard seltzers to please everyone in your group. In addition to their beer, they also offer some amazing burgers.

Burgers and beer are the American dreams, and you can experience it here in one of the best breweries in uptown Minneapolis.

Modist Brewing Company

Modist Brewing uses a different style of brewing than most in the area. They have decided to push past the traditional brewing standards, which allow them to be more creative with their flavors and the way they craft their beers.

Modist also frequently hosts release parties allowing you to get a taste of what is new on the music scene!

Day Block Brewing

Up next is Day Block Brewery. They offer probably the biggest variety of alcoholic drinks out of the Minneapolis breweries on this list. Aside from their large selection of beer, they also offer cocktails, white wine, red wine, cider, and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a brunch drinks menu.

They have happy hours between 4 and 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday for those looking to try lots of beers while on a budget. During these hours you will get discounts on some of their delicious food and drinks. Plus, this brewery frequently has live music entertainment, so be sure to follow them on social media to see who is playing next!

Dangerous Man Brewing

Dangerous Man Brewing is the best brewery in North Minneapolis. They offer great beer both in their taproom and their growler shop.

They have some interesting and fun drinks you should try, like the Peanut Butter Porter and the Cherry Berry Cobbler Ale. If you are in town or are a local who likes to try craft beers in Minneapolis, it is definitely worth it to give this Minneapolis brewery a visit—or two!

Able Brewery

This beautiful brewery is located in the heart of the art district in Northeast Minneapolis. Some of their most popular drinks include the Ol’ Trusty and the Bumblee Beer.

But it isn’t just the beer that makes this brewery one of the top Minneapolis breweries, it is also the fact that they offer live music on weekends giving it an easy and chill vibe.

Able Brewery also has delicious BBQ food provided by Animales Barbeque Company, which is unfortunately is closed during the winter months but will keep your stomach full all summer long.

Lakes and Legends Brewery

Lakes and Legend Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in downtown Minneapolis. They have a family and dog-friendly taproom. As long as you have your dog on a leash, you can enjoy your brews with your best furry friend. 

While they might not offer food inside their taproom, they have multiple food trucks outside, and they allow you to bring your own food in and order delivery. Other than their amazing beer, they also offer non-alcoholic beverages from local Minnesota companies. For example, they offer soda from the Northern Soda Company, which means even the non-drinkers will love a visit to the Lakes and Legends Brewery.

Fair State Brewing Cooperative

While we said we wouldn’t pick a favorite, Fair State Brewing Cooperative has repeatedly been voted the best brewery in Minneapolis overall. Probably because the main message of this brewery is giving back to the public while also allowing the public to be involved in and profit from the beer-making business.

So if you think you have a great idea for a brew, head on over to Fair State Brewing Minneapolis taproom and find out what you have to do to become part of the co-op and make your dream beer a reality.

Venn Brewing Company

For those living on the south side of the city, the best brewery in south Minneapolis is, by far, Venn Brewing Company. Specializing in small batches and always changing brews, you never know what the menu will look like at Venn’s until you arrive.

While they do specialize in double IPAs, you will always be able to find a beer you enjoy. Don’t drink beer? They also run a full coffee house. While they don’t have a kitchen, there are always food trucks nearby.

This concludes this list of the best breweries in Minneapolis. Hopefully, after reading about all of these different breweries, you have your next couple of outings planned to some of the best breweries in the Minneapolis area.