Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes, but today, some people consider it the land of 10,000 craft beers. Nearly 200 craft breweries cover the North Star State, with many breweries in the Twin Cities.

How many breweries are there in Minneapolis? More than 80 breweries spread across the city’s eclectic neighborhoods. So, whether you're moving to Minneapolis or just a local hop lover, this guide to the best breweries in Minneapolis will connect you to top local brews.

Top Breweries in Minneapolis

Minneapolis breweries contribute to a dynamic and ever-evolving beer landscape. Here are a few local favorites to add to your list:

1. Bauhaus Brew Labs (Northeast) 

This Northeast Minneapolis brewery is walkable from Indeed and  612 Brewing and is known for its German-inspired brews and playfully bright space. Locals in the Twin Cities brewery scene recommend Bauhaus Brew Labs’ Wonderstuff Neu Bohemian Pilsner.

Getting there: Free lot or street parking, bike racks.

2. Fair State Brewing Cooperative (Northeast) 

Fair State is a cooperative brewery with a focus on quality craft beers. It’s the first cooperatively owned Minnesota brewery. Its taproom, which opened back in 2014, is located right on bustling Central Avenue in Northeast, Minneapolis. While you’re spending time in this cozy and welcoming space, be sure to try Bonk City, a Double IPA, or Biggie Jumbo, which is a Double Stout. 

Getting there: Metered street parking or bike

3. Inbound Brew Co. (North Loop) 

Over in the North Loop, Inbound offers an outdoorsy feel with soaring ceilings and wraparound windows in the heart of downtown. Take in some live music or participate in trivia as you sip on MN Rice, a Wild Rice Porter or Beerista, a lighter Golden Coffee Ale.  

Getting there: Free two-hour parking on 10th Avenue, street-metered parking, or bike

4. Insight Brewing (Northeast)

This adventure-themed Twin Cities brewery sits just north of Surly, and its motto, “Globally inspired, locally brewed,” says it all. Insight’s open-concept taproom is just enough off the beaten path to make it seem like an undiscovered Minneapolis brewery. The lively atmosphere will tell you otherwise as beer lovers enjoy favorites like Insight’s Troll Way Citrus IPA.

Getting there: Free parking lot with bus routes 30 and 61 stopping out front

5. Indeed Brewery (Northeast) 

If you’re visiting breweries in northeast Minneapolis, you’ll definitely want to hit up Indeed. One of the earliest Minneapolis breweries, Indeed’s cozy taproom is perfect for playing one of the many board games they keep on hand during a cold winter evening. When summer rolls around, soak up the sun on the dog-friendly patio while sipping on a Pistachio Cream Ale (trust us, it’s delicious!) or Indeed Day Tripper Pale Ale.

Getting there: Free lot or street parking, bike racks

6. Modist Brewing Company (North Loop)

This innovative craft brewery is continually recognized for its unique and creative beer offerings. It’s won quite a few awards, including Best New Brewery in Minnesota by Growler Magazine back in 2016. More recently, it was named one of Brewbound’s Rising Stars of 2022.

Getting there: Parking lot, metered street parking, walking distance from the Light Rail Blue Line Target Field Station Stop

7. Surly Brewing Co. (Northeast) 

This Minneapolis destination brewery is behind the 2011 “Surly Bill” that allows microbrewers to sell their own beer onsite. Pay homage to this early pioneer by stopping at this sprawling beer hall near the University of Minnesota campus. 37 revolving taps offer something for everyone, including the iconic Surly Furious IPA or seasonal Surly Darkness.

Getting there: Free parking lot, bike access from the Dinkytown Greenway/University of Minnesota Transitway, and near the Light Rail Green Line Prospect Park stop.

More Minneapolis Breweries

If you’re moving to the Twin Cities and want to enjoy the vibe at even more breweries in Minneapolis, MN, here are a few more ideas for you: 

• Arbeiter Brewing (South Minneapolis)
• Falling Knife Brewing Co. (Northeast Minneapolis) 
• Fulton Beer (North Loop) 
• La Doña Cervecería (North Loop) 
• Lyn-Lake Brewery (Uptown)
• Utepils Brewing (Bryn Mawr) 
• Venn Brewing Co. (South Minneapolis)

St. Paul Breweries

Minneapolis may have the bulk of the microbrews, but that doesn’t mean St. Paul doesn’t have anything to offer! Here are two favorites. 

Bad Weather Brewing (St. Paul) 

Bad Weather is known for fun and unique brews that are constantly changing. While you’re visiting the spacious St. Paul taproom, grab a taste of The Hopcromancer, a well-known American IPA. 

Getting there: Located right off 35, Bus routes 74, 74A, 74C, 74G, 74K, 74S, street parking available 

Urban Growler Brewing Company (St. Paul) 

Located in St. Paul, Urban Growler is Minnesota’s first women-owned microbrewery. This St. Paul taproom has a gorgeous beer garden where you can order from a rather robust food menu while you try Cowbell Cream Ale (Urban Growler’s flagship beer) or De-Lovely Porter. For something even wilder, mix the two brews together for what’s lovingly referred to as a “Dirty Cow.”

Getting there: Located off 280, free parking lot and plentiful street parking

Find more of our favorite St. Paul breweries here.

Soak Up Twin Cities Life with AAA Movers

Whether you crave hops, sour ales, lagers, or stouts, Minneapolis’ beer community works together to offer a unique selection of deliciously crafted beers that are perfect for those cold Minnesota winter nights and wonderfully bright summer days!

There’s so much to love about life in the Twin Cities, and an ever-evolving beerscape is just part of it. If you’re itching to move closer to the Twin Cities, AAA Movers can get you into the heart of it all.

AAA Movers offers everything you need to make moving to Minneapolis and moving to Saint Paul stress-free. Download our helpful moving checklist and request a free quote for your upcoming move today. Cheers!