By Claire Noack

The craft brewery boom has reached the Twin Cities suburbs in a big way, and these local joints offer activities and beer that rivals any brewery in the city.

In this post, we stuck to first-ring suburbs that were within a 20 minute drive of Minneapolis or St. Paul, but we made sure to share some suggestions for suburban breweries farther away. So, buckle up and head out to your closest neighborhood taproom for handcrafted brews and a laid-back environment.

Eagan

Hair is optional at Bald Man Brewing Co., led by the bald master brewer Tristan Kusneriak. What isn’t optional is the freshest ingredients when crafting their beers. Bald Man brews artisan beers, such as Tupelo Honey Brown Ale and Misty Mountain Hops IPA, in a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere. Besides the lineup of food trucks they bring in to accompany their pints, the taproom also has a performance stage that hosts local bands for a unique edge that truly rocks.

Hopkins

Hop on over to LTD Brewing Co. to sip on suds that defy the norm of brewing. Bold flavor pairings and a constantly rotating tap list prove that the possibilities are endless when crafting excellent beer. Stick around the cozy taproom for trivia every Wednesday and live music every Friday.

New Brighton

If you’re looking for something heartier, Barley John’s Brew Pub dishes up a full menu alongside house-made beer. Combining science degrees from the University of Minnesota and a passion for home brewing, the husband and wife team craft farmhouse brews to compliment sandwiches, soups, salads and standout grilled pizzas using seasonal ingredients from their on-site vegetable garden.

Robbinsdale

It’s no secret that Wicked Wort Brewing Co. has fun with their beer. Case in point: Their latest ‘Nefarious Infusions’ blends their staple Birdtown Blonde Ale with Cookie Crisp. The family-owned brewery makes creative, cheeky brews with an atmosphere to match. The two bars dating from the ’30s and ’40s, the dog friendly patio and a variety of community events makes this local watering hole a place you won’t want to miss.

Roseville

Bent Brewstillery changed the game by producing both handcrafted beer and spirits. Visit the taproom to taste test Bent’s unique brews, like their ExperimentALES and Funked Up & Sours series. Take a tour of the distillery to sample their award-winning gin, poitin and rum, or take a bottle home and mix it up with one of their online cocktail recipes.

Southern Minneapolis

Located just north of Richfield, Wild Mind Artisan Ales brings the wild to the suburbs. Sip on their rustic, barrel aged ales that are brewed with Minnesota yeast, harvested from fruit bushes, trees and wildflowers. The combination of their farmhouse and fruity beers, modern taproom with spacious outdoor patio, and rotating food trucks and entertainment will turn you into a local in no time.

West St. Paul

The first craft brewery on the west side of St. Paul, Wabasha Brewing Co. has been serving beers suited for every palate just across the river from downtown since 2013. The classic taproom features a 22-foot bar, and local artists’ work adorns its brick walls. The brewing veteran is conveniently down the road from the historic Wabasha Street Caves—so you can take follow in the footsteps of gangsters during the Prohibition and get your fill after a tour of the caves.

Just a Little Farther…

Check out these taprooms that are located a bit farther away, but are equipped with everything necessary for the ultimate taproom experience.

• Stillwater—Lift Bridge Brewing Co.,
  Maple Island Brewing Co.
• Victoria—ENKI Brewing
• Wayzata—Wayzata Brew Works
• White Bear Lake—Big Wood Brewing