By Administrator Introduction
Craving that perfect pint, the one that complements the flavors of a fantastic meal? Look no further than the thriving brewery scene here in Minnesota! The North Star State isn’t just known for its pristine lakes and outdoor adventures; it’s also a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, and a huge part of that experience is the delicious food that’s now readily available at breweries.
Gone are the days of just peanuts and pretzels – today, you can find a wide array of culinary delights to accompany your favorite brews.
This article is designed to be your comprehensive guide to the best MN breweries with food, offering everything from full-service restaurants to rotating food truck events, and even breweries that let you bring your own snacks. We’ll explore a variety of brewery styles, locations across the state, and the diverse food options available. From hearty burgers and wood-fired pizzas to globally inspired cuisine, we’ll help you discover the perfect pairings of beer and food, setting you up for a truly satisfying Minnesota brewery experience. Prepare to explore the best MN breweries with food!
The Rise of Minnesota Breweries with Food
Minnesota has a rich history with brewing. The industry’s roots run deep, evolving over generations and shaping a cultural identity. Before the explosion of craft breweries, Minnesota was known for iconic legacy breweries, but the recent years have witnessed a boom in independent breweries across the state, bringing in fresh takes and a wide variety of flavors, making Minnesota one of the top states for craft beer lovers.
The landscape of brewery offerings has also dramatically changed. Early on, you might have found just a few basic snacks – perhaps some peanuts, pretzels, or maybe even a pizza you’d need to order from a place that delivers. This was fine for the beer enthusiast, but not a destination. However, breweries soon realized that adding food dramatically improved the entire experience. This lead to the evolution of offering substantial, satisfying meals.
The advantages of having food readily available at a brewery are numerous. It extends the length of the visit, transforming a quick stop into a more social and leisurely gathering. It becomes a place to meet friends, have a family outing, and relax for a few hours. The social dynamic elevates the experience as a whole. Moreover, beer drinkers can take advantage of pairing the right foods with their favorite beers to enhance their enjoyment. From the food perspective, a brewery gives chefs and restaurants a chance to test new ideas and create new recipes.
The trend toward food at breweries is continually growing. There’s now a large network of restaurants and food vendors, with many new breweries taking the step to offer a wide variety of food options. Many are adopting the brewpub model (more on that in a moment), while others are utilizing food trucks and other temporary food concepts to create a vibrant atmosphere.
Diverse Food Offerings Available
The world of food at breweries is diverse. Let’s dive into the various types of food offerings you can find when you visit MN breweries with food:
Brewpubs: A Culinary Destination
Brewpubs represent the most complete culinary experience. These establishments are breweries with on-site kitchens, offering full menus prepared by professional chefs. Brewpubs aim to combine great beer with exceptional food, providing a complete dining experience.
The menus vary greatly. Some brewpubs specialize in classic pub fare like burgers, fries, and pizza, while others showcase more sophisticated dishes, with a variety of cuisines. You’ll encounter everything from creative burgers to wood-fired pizzas, and even ethnic-inspired cuisine that perfectly complements the range of beers on tap.
A major benefit of a brewpub is the consistency of food. Since it is run by the brewery, you can always expect high quality offerings.
Partnered Restaurants: Elevating the Experience
Some breweries partner with existing restaurants, which either share a space or are located next door. Some even have on-site restaurants. This allows the brewery to offer a wider range of culinary choices without needing to create a full kitchen from scratch.
These partnerships can result in a more upscale dining experience than you might find at a standard brewery. You will often find a restaurant partnership at a brewery with a strong following and an intention to offer more.
Food Trucks and Pop-Up Events: A Feast on Wheels
Many MN breweries with food rely on food trucks and pop-up events to offer diverse and evolving culinary choices. It’s common to see a weekly or even daily rotation of food trucks at various breweries. This gives breweries the ability to bring in different cuisines without the expenses involved in running a full-time kitchen.
The food truck scene in Minnesota is thriving. You can find nearly every kind of food imaginable, from tacos and barbecue to Asian cuisine, gourmet grilled cheese, and everything in between. They are the perfect way to explore different food options and to try something new, all while enjoying your favorite beer. Check the brewery’s social media or website to know what the food truck schedule is before you go.
Snack Options: Simple Pleasures
Some breweries provide simpler snack options to pair with their beers. You might find pretzels, chips, peanuts, or other small bites available. This approach complements the beer selection, offering something for those who want a quick snack. Often these are the right option for those just looking to socialize and have some company.
Spotlights on Breweries Serving Food
Here are some of the best MN breweries with food! Remember that hours of operation and food truck schedules often change.
Surly Brewing Co.
Brewery Overview: One of Minnesota’s biggest and most well-known breweries. Offers a wide variety of beers, from IPAs to stouts, in a large industrial-chic space.
Food Menu Highlights: Features a full brewpub menu with various options, including wood-fired pizzas, hearty burgers, and creative appetizers, all designed to complement the Surly beer selection.
Ambiance: Large, vibrant, and often busy, with indoor and outdoor seating available. Family-friendly.
Why it’s a Good Choice: Surly is the quintessential brewpub experience, offering great beer, a full food menu, and a lively atmosphere, making it a fantastic spot for any beer and food enthusiast.
Dangerous Man Brewing Co.
Brewery Overview: Located in Northeast Minneapolis, known for its unique and experimental beers, often with a focus on darker brews and stouts.
Food Menu Highlights: While not a full-service kitchen, Dangerous Man often hosts food trucks, serving delicious sandwiches, tacos, and more. They also have a limited snack menu.
Ambiance: Cozy, rustic, and welcoming, with a strong sense of community. A great gathering spot.
Why it’s a Good Choice: If you appreciate unique beers and rotating food truck options, this is a must-visit spot. It’s also in a great neighborhood to explore more places to eat and drink!
Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Brewery Overview: A cooperative brewery in Minneapolis that brews a wide range of beers. Very popular in the state for its commitment to quality and diverse styles.
Food Menu Highlights: They frequently host food trucks. You’ll typically find a rotating roster of vendors, including a variety of cuisines and food styles to pair with your beer.
Ambiance: Casual, open, and laid-back, with a focus on community and collaboration.
Why it’s a Good Choice: The diverse beer selection and the food truck lineup make Fair State a great place for a relaxed evening with friends, with something for everyone.
Indeed Brewing Company
Brewery Overview: This Minneapolis brewery offers a wide range of beers. Known for its diverse options, with everything from IPAs to lagers.
Food Menu Highlights: Hosts food trucks, ensuring a different dining experience each time you visit.
Ambiance: Lively and social, the brewery is a central spot for friends and family to come together.
Why it’s a Good Choice: If you’re looking for variety in both beer and food options, Indeed Brewing Company is a solid choice. The frequent food truck rotations ensure a fun, evolving culinary experience.
Sociable Cider Werks
Brewery Overview: A popular cidery that produces a wide array of ciders, from dry to sweet, made with apples and other fruits.
Food Menu Highlights: Similar to other locations, the cider werks often hosts food trucks. They feature a selection of food options that pair well with ciders.
Ambiance: Great atmosphere, good for social gatherings.
Why it’s a Good Choice: If you’re looking for great cider and a great food truck, this is the spot. The variety of ciders make it easy to pair something with the food trucks that visit.
Tips for Planning Your Brewery Outing
To make the most of your experience at the MN breweries with food, consider these tips:
Check for Open Hours and Reservations: Brewery hours vary. Some breweries take reservations for larger groups, especially for brewpubs. Check the brewery’s website or call ahead to confirm hours and reservation policies.
Consider the Location: Decide what part of Minnesota you want to visit. Some areas have more brewery options than others. Also, factor in any plans you might have for transportation.
Check Food Truck Schedules: For breweries relying on food trucks, check the brewery’s website or social media for the food truck schedule. This will help you choose a day when your preferred food truck is available.
Consider Dietary Restrictions: Many breweries try to cater to different dietary needs. However, if you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies), check the brewery menu or with the brewery in advance to confirm availability.
Parking Info: Parking can vary. Some breweries have ample parking lots, while others are in more urban areas with limited parking. Check the brewery’s website for parking information or nearby parking options.
Weather: If the brewery has outdoor seating, check the weather forecast before you go. Some patios or beer gardens close during inclement weather.
Conclusion
Exploring MN breweries with food is an ideal way to spend a day or evening out. It’s a great opportunity to socialize and relax. We hope this guide has inspired you to discover some of the best breweries with delicious food in Minnesota. There’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored, from classic pub fare to innovative cuisine, all paired with the perfect craft beer.
So, whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for a new culinary experience, get out there and enjoy the best of Minnesota’s beer and food scene! We encourage you to visit the breweries we mentioned. Share your favorite MN breweries with food in the comments below!
