Quick answer
Minneapolis has 237+ breweries statewide and one of the best craft beer scenes in the Midwest. Pints run $6–$9 and most taprooms have excellent food or food trucks. Northeast Minneapolis is the walkable brewery district — start there.
- Best overall
- Surly Brewing Co. — the destination brewery
- Best beer quality
- Fair State Brewing Cooperative (4.8★)
- Best budget
- Pryes Brewing — $5–$9 pints, riverfront patio
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Surly Brewing Co.: The cathedral of Minneapolis beer — massive beer hall, coal-fired pizza, and the brewery that changed Minnesota law.
- Fair State Brewing: Highest-rated brewery in Minneapolis (4.8★) and the only brewing cooperative in the state.
- Dangerous Man: The cozy NE taproom Redditors call the soul of Minneapolis craft beer. Peanut Butter Porter is legendary.
Minneapolis boasts a thriving craft beer scene, where a standard pint costs $6–$9, and the quintessential experience can be found at Surly Brewing Co. For the best beer, visit during the summer patio season or the winter stout season in Northeast Minneapolis.
Minneapolis is a legitimate craft beer destination. With 237+ breweries statewide (15th most in the country), the Twin Cities metro holds nearly half of Minnesota's total. The scene is anchored by NE Minneapolis — a walkable brewery district where you can hit Dangerous Man, Fair State, and Falling Knife in an afternoon.
We combed through Reddit threads on r/Minneapolis, r/minnesotabeer, r/CraftBeer, r/TwinCities, and r/beer — plus Eater Twin Cities, Hop Culture, and local guides — to find where actual Minneapolis residents drink. These are the 12 breweries that kept coming up, backed by real quotes and Google Places data. No sponsored picks, no PR pitches.
Brewery Map — Minneapolis
1. Surly Brewing Co.
How we built this list
We analyzed 80+ Reddit posts and 400+ comments across r/Minneapolis, r/minnesotabeer, r/CraftBeer, r/TwinCities, and r/beer (2022–2025). Cross-referenced with Eater Twin Cities, Hop Culture, Racket MN, and Brewers Association data. Google Places API provided current ratings, hours, and addresses. We weighted recommendations from verified Minneapolis residents and repeat visitors over tourist one-offs.
1Surly Brewing Co.
Destination Brewery
Verdict: The cathedral of Minneapolis craft beer — a massive destination brewery that put the city on the national beer map.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- First-time visitors wanting the full Minneapolis beer experience
- Strengths
- Massive space, excellent food (coal-fired pizza), iconic outdoor patio, consistent beer quality
- Price / value
- $5-$9 per pint · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- Surly was instrumental in changing MN law to allow brewery taprooms. The 2014 beer hall seats 300+, the patio hosts concerts, and the pizza program rivals dedicated pizzerias.
- What to order
- Furious (flagship IPA), Todd the Axe Man (hazy IPA), or whatever seasonal stout is on tap. Coal-fired pizzas are legitimately great.
🕐 Hours
MonClosedTue3:00-9:00 PMWed3:00-9:00 PMThu3:00-9:00 PMFri3:00-10:30 PMSat11:00 AM-10:30 PMSunClosed
“Surly is a cavernous cathedral built for beer, providing plenty of space for families to drink and dine. The New Haven-style pizzas are baked in a coal-fired oven.”
— Eater Twin Cities — Best Breweries With Outstanding Food, 2026
“Surly changed the game in Minnesota. Without them pushing for the taproom law, half these breweries wouldn't exist.”
— r/Minneapolis — Brewery Recommendations thread, 2024
2Dangerous Man Brewing
NE Mpls Icon
Verdict: The cozy NE neighborhood taproom that Redditors call the soul of Minneapolis craft beer.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Beer nerds who care about the glass more than the backdrop
- Strengths
- Exceptional beer quality, intimate vibe, rotating creative taps, 4.7-star rating
- Price / value
- $6-$10 per pint · 4.7★
- Why it made the list
- Dangerous Man is the brewery Minneapolis beer nerds point to when asked for the best. No flashy marketing, just exceptional liquid in a cozy NE space.
- What to order
- Peanut Butter Porter (a local legend), chocolate milk stout, and whatever experimental small-batch is on the board.
🕐 Hours
Mon-SunCheck website for hours
“Dangerous Man and Fulton. Fulton Taproom is a short walk to Target Field. Minneapolis has a phenomenal craft beer scene.”
— r/CraftBeer — Minneapolis breweries thread, 2025
“For best beer in Minneapolis, my top picks are probably Fair State and Dangerous Man.”
— r/Minneapolis — The best brewery to visit thread, 2024
3Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Co-op Brewery
Verdict: Highest-rated brewery in Minneapolis (4.8★) and the only brewing cooperative in the state.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Sour beer lovers and anyone who appreciates the cooperative model
- Strengths
- 4.8-star rating, outstanding mixed-culture sour program, excellent lagers, member-owned
- Price / value
- $6-$9 per pint · 4.8★
- Why it made the list
- Fair State is the brewery other brewers respect. Member-owned cooperative with a nationally recognized sour program and arguably the best lagers in the state.
- What to order
- Their lagers (Vienna-style is exceptional), ROSELLE hibiscus sour, and any mixed-culture bottle release.
🕐 Hours
Mon-SunCheck website for hours
🌐 Website
“To me, Fair State is the best in Minneapolis at the moment.”
— r/beer — Brewery suggestions Minneapolis thread, 2023
“Fair State is right at the top tier of breweries in Minneapolis in my opinion.”
— r/TwinCities — Best Twin Cities brewery/beer thread, 2024
4Falling Knife Brewing Company
Hazy IPA Specialists
Verdict: Tied for highest Google rating (4.8★) — the NE taproom making some of the best hazy IPAs and lagers in the Twin Cities.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- IPA lovers, pinball enthusiasts, and excellent pizza-beer combos
- Strengths
- 4.8-star rating, best hazies in the city, Wrecktangle Pizza on-site, pinball machines
- Price / value
- $6-$10 per pint · 4.8★
- Why it made the list
- Falling Knife has quietly become one of the best breweries in Minneapolis. The hazies rival New England, the lager program shows range, and Wrecktangle Pizza adds serious food.
- What to order
- Whatever hazy IPA is freshest. Pair with Wrecktangle Pizza Garlic Cheese Styx (add bacon jam).
🕐 Hours
Mon3:00-10:00 PMTue3:00-10:00 PMWed3:00-10:00 PMThu3:00-10:00 PMFri2:00-11:00 PMSat12:00-11:00 PMSun12:00-8:00 PM
“Aside from brewing some of the best hazy IPAs and lagers in the Cities, Falling Knife has become a staple for pinball and Timberwolves games.”
— Eater Twin Cities — Best Breweries With Outstanding Food, 2026
“Falling Knife is consistently excellent. Great vibes, great beer, great pizza from the Wrecktangle truck.”
— r/Minneapolis — Best breweries with food thread, 2024
5Town Hall Brewery
Pioneer Brewpub
Verdict: The OG Minneapolis brewpub — brewing since before it was cool, with a Juicy Lucy and Masala Mama IPA that are both legendary.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- A full brewpub meal with award-winning beer
- Strengths
- Pioneer of MN craft beer, full restaurant menu, Masala Mama IPA on cask, 1,596 reviews
- Price / value
- $6-$9 per pint · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- Town Hall is a pioneer in the MN craft beer industry. While newer breweries get hype, Town Hall has been consistently excellent for decades with a full restaurant menu.
- What to order
- Masala Mama IPA on cask, the Juicy Lucy burger, and the walleye if available.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:30 AM-11:00 PMTue11:30 AM-11:00 PMWed11:30 AM-11:00 PMThu11:30 AM-11:00 PMFri11:30 AM-12:00 AMSat11:30 AM-12:00 AMSun11:30 AM-11:00 PM
“Town Hall is a pioneer in the MN craft beer industry.”
— r/TwinCities — Best Twin Cities brewery/beer thread, 2024
“Town Hall Brewery has an eclectic menu offering walleye, curry, and Minnesota's revered Juicy Lucy burger.”
— Eater Twin Cities — Best Breweries With Outstanding Food, 2026
6BlackStack Brewing
Hype Beer HQ
Verdict: St. Paul's hype factory — the Johnson family operation producing sought-after IPAs and stouts.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- IPA heads chasing the latest hype release
- Strengths
- Nationally recognized IPAs, massive 20,000 sq ft taproom, MURK MERCHANTS legacy
- Price / value
- $7-$12 per pour · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- BlackStack is where Twin Cities beer culture meets national hype. The renovated 20,000 sq ft canning factory taproom is stunning. The Johnson family brings genuine warmth.
- What to order
- Whatever double or triple IPA just dropped. Great BlackStack Bakeoff pastry stouts are cult favorites.
🕐 Hours
Mon2:00-10:00 PMTue2:00-10:00 PMWed2:00-10:00 PMThu2:00-10:00 PMFri12:00 PM-12:00 AMSat12:00 PM-12:00 AMSun12:00-10:00 PM
“Sort of a hidden gem in the craft beer scene, BlackStack Brewing in St. Paul is owned by the Johnson family. Happy people make happy beer.”
— Hop Culture — 13 Best Breweries in Minnesota, 2025
“BlackStack does IPAs so well. Their double and triple IPAs are so smooth!”
— Wanderlust In Real Life — Top 5 Best Breweries, 2025
7Barrel Theory Beer Company
Sours & Stouts
Verdict: The St. Paul cult favorite where every beer — from fruited sours to PB stouts — absolutely slaps.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Sour and stout lovers who want consistently outstanding beer
- Strengths
- 4.7-star rating, universally praised quality, creative flavors, passionate following
- Price / value
- $7-$11 per pour · 4.7★
- Why it made the list
- Barrel Theory has achieved universal respect across every beer style. No one has ever had a mediocre beer here. Small taproom, gets packed weekends.
- What to order
- Key Sublime (sour like key lime pie), Slime Green Paint PB Inside (stout like a peanut butter cup), Rain Drops IPA.
🕐 Hours
MonClosedTue3:00-9:00 PMWed3:00-9:00 PMThu3:00-9:00 PMFri12:00-10:00 PMSat12:00-10:00 PMSun12:00-6:00 PM
“What I like the most about Barrel Theory is no matter what beer style or flavor, they absolutely kill it. Never had a mediocre beer from them ever.”
— Wanderlust In Real Life — Top 5 Best Breweries, 2025
“Barrel Theory is doing some of the best sours and stouts in the Twin Cities right now.”
— r/minnesotabeer — Best Breweries thread, 2025
8Fulton Brewing
Near Target Field
Verdict: The pre-game brewery — a short walk from Target Field with solid, reliable beer.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Pre-game drinks before Twins or Vikings games
- Strengths
- Prime location near Target Field, approachable beer, large dog-friendly patio
- Price / value
- $6-$9 per pint · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- Fulton is one of the foundational Minneapolis craft breweries and the perfect pre-game stop. No pretension, just good beer and a great patio.
- What to order
- Lonely Blonde (flagship, crushable), Sweet Child of Vine IPA. Solid, reliable beer.
🕐 Hours
Mon3:00-10:00 PMTue3:00-10:00 PMWed3:00-10:00 PMThu3:00-10:00 PMFri3:00-11:00 PMSat12:00-11:00 PMSun12:00-8:00 PM
“Dangerous Man and Fulton. Fulton Taproom is a short walk to Target Field.”
— r/CraftBeer — Minneapolis breweries thread, 2025
“Fulton is great for a casual afternoon. Solid beer, chill vibe, walk to the ballpark.”
— r/Minneapolis — Brewery Recommendations thread, 2024
9La Doña Cervecería
Latine Brewery
Verdict: Minneapolis's Latine-owned brewery — purple corn lagers, al pastor tacos, soccer, and a community vibe unlike anywhere else.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- A unique cultural brewery experience with excellent food
- Strengths
- 4.7-star rating, 1,040 reviews, incredible taco menu, unique beer styles, own soccer club
- Price / value
- $6-$10 per pint · 4.7★
- Why it made the list
- La Doña is unlike any other brewery in Minneapolis. Latine-owned with soccer on the TVs, al pastor on the menu, and a purple corn lager in your glass.
- What to order
- Purple corn Mexican lager, peach wheat ale, al pastor tacos, tres leches. Yuca fries with cilantro crema are a sleeper hit.
🕐 Hours
MonClosedTue4:00-10:00 PMWed4:00-10:00 PMThu4:00-10:00 PMFri3:00-11:00 PMSat11:30 AM-11:00 PMSun12:00-8:00 PM
“Latine brewery La Doña has a big taco menu plus quesadillas and fresh guacamole. Pair a meal with a purple corn Mexican lager.”
— Eater Twin Cities — Best Breweries With Outstanding Food, 2026
“La Doña is one of the most unique brewery experiences in the city. The food is incredible.”
— r/Minneapolis — Best breweries with food thread, 2024
10Pryes Brewing Company
Riverfront Brewery
Verdict: The Mississippi riverfront brewery with wood-fired pizza and a patio that makes you forget you're in a city.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Summer patio sessions overlooking the Mississippi
- Strengths
- Stunning riverfront location, 1,386 reviews, wood-fired pizza, Pragmatic Pilsner
- Price / value
- $5-$9 per pint · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- Pryes has one of the best locations in Minneapolis — right on the Mississippi with a patio that is an absolute scene in summer.
- What to order
- Pragmatic Pilsner, the Pikliz pizza (Haitian-inspired), and elote fries.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM-11:00 PMTue11:00 AM-11:00 PMWed11:00 AM-11:00 PMThu11:00 AM-12:00 AMFri11:00 AM-12:00 AMSat11:00 AM-12:00 AMSun11:00 AM-10:00 PM
“Pryes has a fun variety of food to pair with its range of tried-and-true beers. Its Pikliz pizza is a snappy creation.”
— Eater Twin Cities — Best Breweries With Outstanding Food, 2026
“Pryes is probably the best patio in the city for beer. Riverfront views, great food, solid beer.”
— r/Minneapolis — Best breweries with food thread, 2024
11The Freehouse
Award-Winning Brewpub
Verdict: GABF Large Brewpub Brewer of the Year — the North Loop brewpub where brunch and beer are equally serious.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Weekend brunch with house-brewed beer in the North Loop
- Strengths
- GABF Brewer of the Year 2020, multiple medals, excellent brunch, 1,733 reviews
- Price / value
- $6-$10 per pint · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- The Freehouse won Large Brewpub Brewer of the Year at GABF 2020 plus medals for Scotch ale, brown ale, barley wine, and gose. The brunch is outstanding.
- What to order
- Scotch ale or English brown ale (GABF medal winners), breakfast gnocchi, and chilaquiles for brunch.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM-10:00 PMTue11:00 AM-10:00 PMWed11:00 AM-10:00 PMThu11:00 AM-10:00 PMFri11:00 AM-12:00 AMSat9:00 AM-12:00 AMSun9:00 AM-10:00 PM
“There's a reason the Freehouse won Large Brewpub Brewer of the Year in 2020 at the Great American Beer Festival.”
— Eater Twin Cities — Best Breweries With Outstanding Food, 2026
“Freehouse brunch is the move. Breakfast gnocchi with a Scotch ale is a perfect Saturday.”
— r/Minneapolis — Best breweries with food thread, 2024
12Bricksworth Beer Co.
Detroit-Style Pizza + Beer
Verdict: The North Loop newcomer pairing adventurous Detroit-style pizza with solid house-brewed beer.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Pizza lovers who want creative pies with good beer
- Strengths
- 4.7-star rating, outstanding Detroit-style pizza (elote, Happiest Meal), North Loop location
- Price / value
- $6-$10 per pint · 4.7★
- Why it made the list
- Bricksworth may just make the best Detroit-style pizza in the Twin Cities. The elote pizza is a revelation. The North Loop location enables an easy crawl with Fulton and The Freehouse.
- What to order
- Elote pizza (jalapeno, queso blanco, smoky corn, Tajin), the Happiest Meal (Thousand Island, ground beef, three cheeses).
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM-11:00 PMTue11:00 AM-11:00 PMWed11:00 AM-11:00 PMThu11:00 AM-11:00 PMFri11:00 AM-12:00 AMSat11:00 AM-12:00 AMSun11:00 AM-11:00 PM
“The elote pizza from Bricksworth may just be the best Detroit-style pizza in the Twin Cities, with jalapeno spice melting into oozing, buttery queso blanco.”
— Eater Twin Cities — Best Breweries With Outstanding Food, 2026
“Bricksworth is a great addition to the North Loop. The pizza alone is worth the trip.”
— r/Minneapolis — Best breweries with food thread, 2024
FAQ
What is Minneapolis known for in craft beer?
Minneapolis is one of the top craft beer cities in the Midwest. As of 2023, Minnesota had 237 breweries — 15th most in the country. The scene is known for hazy IPAs, mixed-culture sours (especially from Fair State), creative pastry stouts, and a strong cooperative/community ethos. Northeast Minneapolis is a walkable brewery district.
What is the best brewery to visit in Minneapolis?
For a first-time visitor, Surly Brewing Co. is the quintessential experience — massive beer hall, pizza, patio, live music. For the best actual beer, Redditors consistently name Fair State Brewing Cooperative and Dangerous Man Brewing. For hype-level IPAs, BlackStack Brewing in St. Paul is the move.
How much does a pint cost at Minneapolis breweries?
A standard pint runs $6–$9. Flights are $10–$16. Higher-ABV specialty pours can be $8–$14. Happy hour deals drop pints to $4–$6 on weekdays. Overall, Minneapolis brewery prices are very reasonable compared to coastal cities.
What neighborhood is best for brewery hopping?
Northeast Minneapolis (NE Mpls) is the undisputed brewery district — Dangerous Man, Fair State, Falling Knife, and more within walking distance. The North Loop has Fulton, Bricksworth, and The Freehouse near Target Field. For a full day, combine NE Mpls with St. Paul stops like BlackStack and Barrel Theory.
Are Minneapolis breweries kid-friendly?
Many taprooms are family-friendly during daytime. Surly, Pryes, and Fulton have large spaces and kids' menus. Most allow minors before 8–9 PM. Dangerous Man is 21+ only. Check individual policies before visiting with children.
When is the best time to visit for craft beer?
Summer (June–August) is peak patio season. Fall brings Oktoberfest beers. Winter is barrel-aged stout season — cozy taproom vibes. The Minnesota State Fair (late August) features a craft beer hall.
