13 Best Craft Breweries near Excelsior

“Excelsior Brewing is now one of the best breweries in the twin cities. I used to think their beers were just ok, but they have seriously stepped up their game in the past couple of years. The strawberry cream ale, spiced dark ale (can’t remember the exact name!) and their s’mores beer are unique and tasty. Their location in excelsior is great and their trivia night on Thursdays is super fun. Don’t always head to Minneapolis for great beer- Excelsior is where it’s at!!!!“

“Been a few times for beer but this time I came for coffee and to do some work. It was a really chill place to come work and I love that they've got bottomless drip coffee; just need to pop back up to the bar to grab a refill. Everyone I've talked to there has been super helpful and friendly. Always willing to answer any questions and give recommendations. They've got some pastries from Brittner's next door, standard bar snacks, and N/A options. Only open until 12 on Mondays but you can always roll straight from coffee to beer depending on how your day's going! They hold a lot of events and fundraisers for local groups, which is awesome to see. Their beer is good and it's a great change of pace from the trendy, industrial-chic spots I normally get to. Will probably add this coffee shop to my regular remote work rotation.“

“Great brewery set up right on Lake Minnetonka. They have a good selection of IPA and 8 other beers of varying style. The taproom is cozy and situated quasi-restaurant style. Staff was prompt and friendly on my visit. There was also a Voyageur Sauna onsite during my visit. Matt the Sauana Steward was simply amazing. Knowledgeable about temperature therapy, and beer, snd engaging. I for sure want to check them out in the spring/summer to watch the boats pull up. And also want to come and watch a Vikings game on their outdoor screen on the patio.“

“Cool spot with nice wrap around bar with plenty of seating. Attached Mexican kitchen is a big bonus. Family friendly. Now, most importantly, the beer. The Bock was excellent; hit all the marks on what a Bock beer embodies. Their flagship Traitor IPA was also very good. Like Arnold said, "I'll be bock."“

“The beer can be hit or miss in my experience, for the cost especially if can be disappointing... Usually it's at least decent but have had a few beers that have made me just want a macro instead. Happy to have them here though, what a location and bike friendliness is so appreciated. Always worth supporting.“

“Coffee cream ale was great. Very nice space offering a lot a seating options including couches. Golf simulator looked like a lot of fun. Service could have been better and they wouldn’t sell me a crowler of coffee cream ale because they were running out of 4 other kinds beers they had on tap. Didn’t fully understand that. After seeing someone else get a crowler made for them. Lol.“

“We were invited as part of a group. First time there. What a great place! Live music, several families with kids (not obnoxious at all), interesting selection of beers. I had Peppermint Nacht, very tasty! We split a giant pretzel with dipping cheese/mustard/caramel between 5 of us. We will be back ☺️ You should join us!“

“Very inviting place. Nice open floor and very clean. Service is amazing and the beers they make are some of the best around. Nice snacks available as well. Always a fun experience when you go. Definitely one of the better places to go to. So much fun to be here. Even got to see some dogs joining the place. Outside seating is also fun. Looking for a nice place to meet friends at lunch it is a great choice.“

“We LOVE Fat Pants. It's our favorite local watering hole. They have a great variety of beers, seltzers, THC/CBD drinks and satisfying menu items. We also love their trivia nights, live music, Oktoberfest week, etc. Fat Pants makes every holiday fun and festive. The only downside is how crowded it's becoming. They need to expand, it's becoming so popular. If anything, an expanded patio would help - bonus if it could be covered & heated in the colder months.“

“Visited Boom Island Brewing Company and Taproom for their Lord of the Rings Night and it was an unforgettable experience! The dedication to cosplay transformed the place, making it feel as though we'd stepped right into Middle-earth. The theme-appropriate music was the cherry on top. I was there for 5 hours, and even though I missed the trivia, I had a fantastic time. It's worth noting they host trivia every Thursday at 6:30 pm, which I'll definitely not miss next time. The atmosphere was inviting, their kombucha was delicious, and the Hana Bistro food truck was top-notch. Highly recommend for an immersive themed evening!“

“Love Enki; it’s on my regular brewery rotation. Beer is excellent and space is wonderful. Half price beer at happy hour—give me some! The Ponder Pale Ale is one of my 2023 summer faves. And, I wish all food establishments would switch to the automatic service charge model—much easier on customers and fair to workers.“

“Stopped here in between events at Paisley Park to kill time. Coffee bar hours are from 8am-2pm so there was a limited coffee menu available.Ordered the hot nitro with a shot of dark chocolate. Pretty good coffee and very friendly employees.This is actually a family and pet friendly place with some games for kids and a patio area when the weather is nice. They also host different food trucks. There were a number of families with kids enjoying themselves while I was there.“

“We had a table of 19 and the manager was very accommodating. The staff were absolutely fantastic and we never saw a bottom of a glass. We explored many of the menu options from the short rib tacos to the lobster rolls. Everyone agreed that the food was a 10/10. Bold and beautiful flavors! The presentation was also beautiful and not lacking. The relish tray like most supper clubs have, was also a pleasant experience with a cheese pâté, boiled egg, sweet pickles, potato salad and more. The ambience was 2nd to none and we will be back for a date night as it has a really romantic feel. We are a loud Minnesotan family that enjoys family and friends. We were embraced by patrons and staff. Everything was enjoyable and beautiful. We will definitely be back.Xtreme Pest SolutionsOwner - Beau Geer“