Enjoying a cold drink with friends after a long day at work is one of the best feelings in the world. Add some quality craft beer into the mix, and you have an evening of memories on hand. Whether you’re stopping by a pub for some appetizers with an old friend or celebrating and milestone in life, toasting with your favorite beer in your hand adds to the ambiance and glee.
Although Rochester is known for being home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, other reasons to visit Rochester include their exciting nightlife, kind people, and craft breweries. Read on for our list of the top five places to enjoy craft beer in Rochester, Minnesota.
Little Thistle Brewing Company
To experience the Rochester culture at its best, sip some unique brew, head over to The Little Thistle Brewing Company. This family-owned and -operated local craft brewery and taproom emphasizes the importance of making high-quality craft beer accessible to all. They have inventive flavor combinations, and some traditional ones, so there is a little something for everyone.
The atmosphere and decor supports their aim on bringing together the community through quality drinks. They have a casual environment with games and entertainment for people of all ages. It often looks like a family party, with live music and food trucks frequently present. Showing their easy-going personality and sense of humor, they have creative names for their beers. Some loyal customer favorites are Delightful, Legend Coffee Lager, and Identity Crisis Cream Ale. We suggest you grab a pint of Wee Shandy. It has a light citrus flavor and is perfectly refreshing on a hot day.
Little Thistle Brewing Company is conveniently located at 2031 13th St. N.W. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Sunday they open at 12 p.m. but close a little earlier at 7 p.m. On Mondays they remain closed to get ready for the busy week.
LTS Brewing Company
LTS Brewing Company is an established brewery in Rochester. If you have kids, this is an ideal brewery to visit because they also offer craft sodas! The made in-house sodas feature flavors like Butter Beer, Carnival Bliss, and their own signature Root Beer, with special secret spices. For something different, order the kids a mint lemonade. It is a refreshing option that smells delightful.
For a complete flavor profile of all the beers they serve, we suggest you order the flight. They offer light, dark, sour, hoppy, and spritzy beers. There is a bit of something for everyone. If you prefer to try their flavors at home, they offer a selection packaged to go. One favorite is Ale to the Queen, a medium-bodied single hop beer with notes of grapefruit. For those who like a little bite in their beer, try the Barrel Aged Fistful of Hammers. It is a strong dark ale, aged in bourbon barrels for over a year. It goes down smoothly with flavors of dark berry, and ends a little dry.
You’ll find this brewery at 2001 32nd Ave. N.W. Their taproom is open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. They have shorter opening hours on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thirsty Belgian Bar and Kitchen
The Thirsty Belgian Bar and Kitchen is the place to be if you’re famished and parched! The Belgian beer bar has European influenced appetizers, fresh made pizza, and both American and Belgian fare. They have an extremely friendly staff that can tell you all about their specialty drinks and may even suggest a paired appetizer to enhance the flavors.
Established in 2014, the Thirsty Belgian Bar and Kitchen is still one of the new kids. But they don’t mind. It allows them to introduce new and exciting flavors into their beer with fearless optimism. We suggest you try the Hoegaarden, a wheat beer imported directly from Belgium. For a pint of amber, get Green’s Amber Ale. It is gluten-free and slaps just right. Order the hot pretzel sticks, and a second round of drinks. You’ll have a great time!
Stop in for a sip of ale with them at 2650 S Broadway in Suite 600.
Forager Brewery
Forager Brewery at 1005 6th St. N.W. takes a casual dining approach to their environment. They provide patrons with a full menu of quality grub from nachos to pizza and burgers. They even have vegan patties to satisfy varying dietary needs. They make their beers on site from locally foraged ingredients, hence their name.
Use their online form for more information.
PawPrint Brewery
Perfect for the animal lover, the PawPrint Brewery pairs furry friends with hoppy ale. This nano-brewery is veteran-owned and -operated, so you know you’re going to find amazing people that work hard to produce a quality drink.
Their craft beers are simple, delicious, and refreshing. If you have a slight sweet tooth, try their Bearded Bear. This is a cream ale with hints of honey. And for something as energizing as a morning walk with your pet, order a pint of Walk the Dog. This wheat beer has a light orange flavor and puts you in a great mood.
Naturally, pets are welcome in their outdoor Petio. All pets must have a leash and should be well behaved. Pets have designated spots to relieve themselves and they must have a current license attached to their collar. Make sure you have plenty of bags if you take your four-legged companion, so you can clean up after them.
You will find this brewery at 128 Main St. South in Chatfield. They are closed Monday through Wednesday. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and close at 9 p.m. Saturday, they open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
So there you have it. Tom Kadlec Kia has just shared with you our picks for the top five places to enjoy craft beer in Rochester, Minnesota. Head on down to wet your whistle and see what quality craft brew should taste like. What do you think of our suggestions? Did we miss your favorite spot to score a cold craft beer? Let us know! Leave a message and we’ll be happy to include your ideas on our list.
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