Best Breweries in Minneapolis

There are things that only the big breweries can offer. If you are looking for great beer at a big place filled with lots of people and maybe a concert to boot, go to one of these top big breweries.

Things to do in Minneapolis: Breweries

1. Surly Brewing – Surly is always ranked at the top and for good reason. Surly has incredible beer, great atmosphere and food to match. Their pizza is incredible and if you eat their pizza, you are missing out on their amazing burgers. It is well known that Furious is a great beer, but try others onthe menu and you will be shocked at the scope and quality of what Surly has to offer. Surley Brewing Co., a destination brewery in Minneapolis, boasts a bustling Beer Hall and Upstairs pizzeria. The Beer Hall operates Tuesday-Thursday from 3 PM to 9 PM, Friday from 3 PM to 11 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Mondays. Expect 20 beers on tap, including popular staples like Furious IPA and Bender, alongside seasonal and experimental brews. Pair your beverage with pub fare like burgers, pizzas, and salads. Upstairs pizza, open Friday-Saturday nights and weekends, offers specialty and build-your-own pizzas in a separate space with additional beers on tap. Surley frequently hosts events, including trivia nights, beer releases, and live music, which can be found on their website calendar. Remember, the brewery is 21+.
2. Indeed Brewing – This brewery is the opposite of Surly and just as good on the other end of the spectrum. Indeed has wonderful unique beer, and even though they are a huge production brewery, they feel like a neighborhood brewery. The vibe and the clientele at Indeed are great and it has some of the best beer in Minnesota. Indeed Brewing in Minneapolis boasts two taprooms: the original Northeast taproom and the Milwaukee taproom. Both locations open at 11 AM daily, closing at 10 PM weekdays and midnight on weekends. They host diverse events, including brewery tours, trivia nights, comedy shows, and local artists and crafts. The food offered is at a permanent food truck on the premesis. Beer reigns supreme, with a rotating selection of core offerings like Day Tripper Pale Ale and Mexican Honey, alongside seasonal and pilot brews. Crowlers and growlers are available for on-the-go beer enjoyment. Check their website for specific information on current events, menus, and tap lists, as they change regularly.
3. Modist Brewing – Modist is a rugged, dog friendly brewery, that is unique in every way. They are even unique in how they brew their beer. They use some sort of a mash filter that exponentially reduces the water and energy consumption of brewing. This innovative brewing method is apparent in the taste of their beer. Great tasting beer with unique, subtle flavors. Inthe heart of Minneapolis’ North Loop, Modist Brewing invites guests to dive into their full-modified fermentation philosophy. Open Sundays & Mondays from 2-10 pm, Tuesdays-Thursdays from 4-10 pm, Fridays from 4-11 pm, and Saturdays from 2-11 pm, the brewery boasts a rotating tap list featuring experimental and creative beers like IPAs, sours, stouts, and lagers. Beyond beer, they offer THC-infused seltzers, a limited food menu including pizzas and snacks, and host diverse events like comedy nights, movie screenings, and educational workshops. Be sure to check their website for the latest event calendar and beer lineup, as offerings change frequently.
4. Bauhaus Brewery – Bauhaus might not be a monster production brewery like some others in Minnesota, but the scope of what they do makes them feel outsized. The impressive facade and the monumental concerts add to the image. Bauhaus is a German punk themed brewery. The beer at Bauhaus is incredible, and the vibe is fun. Bauhaus Brew Labs in Northeast Minneapolis offers German-inspired lagers with a playful twist. Open weekdays from 4 PM to 10 PM, Fridays extend to 11 PM, and weekends open at noon, closing at 11 PM and 6pm saturday and Sunday respectively. Their menu is as diverse as the food trucks the schedule. Check the calendar of food trucks on their website. Their beer selection boasts award-winning options like the citrusy Wonderstuff IPA and the surprisingly light Stargrazer, a dark lager with a roasty twist. With outdoor seating, a colorful taproom, and a focus on flavor-forward, sessionable beers, Bauhaus offers a relaxed and diverse brewery experience.
5. Finnigans – Finnigans is an underrated downtown Minneapolis brewery with wonderful spaces for groups of all sizes. The brewery has an Irish feel, and the beer has an Irish taste. Both are good things. Ireland, after all, says beer. Established in a brand new building near downtown Minneapolis, Finnigans Brewery welcomes beer enthusiasts with production facilities, a taproom, and private event space. The taproom offers a social atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Their award-winning beers boast variety, from core styles like the Irish Amber Ale to a large, rotating barrel-aged program featuring unique, small-batch brews. Enjoy pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads while catching live music, trivia nights, or brewery tours. For a unique experience, reserve the VIP tour with networking or explore the city via their partnership with the Minneapolis Trolley. With close proximity to museums and parks, Finnigans offers a relaxed yet vibrant brewery experience. Remember, they’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Minneapolis Trolley Tours, we know things to do in Minneapolis!