Who knew Minnesota was hiding a treasure trove of craft beer gems?

From bookstore brewpubs to junkyard-inspired taprooms, these 10 spots prove you don’t need flashy exteriors to pour liquid gold.

1. Cream & Amber (Hopkins)

Imagine a place where literature and lagers live in perfect harmony.

That’s Cream & Amber for you, folks!

This cozy bookstore-meets-brewpub in Hopkins is like stepping into your coolest friend’s living room – if that friend happened to be a beer-loving bookworm with impeccable taste.

The exterior might look like your average small-town storefront, but don’t let that fool you.

Inside, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling bookshelves mingling with taps, creating a atmosphere that’s part library, part pub, and all charm.

It’s the kind of place where you can debate the merits of Hemingway while sipping on a perfectly crafted IPA.

Their beer selection rotates faster than a speed-reader flips pages, featuring a curated list of Minnesota’s finest brews.

And if you’re feeling peckish, they offer a selection of locally-sourced snacks that pair perfectly with both books and beers.

It’s a win-win-win situation!

2. Barrel Theory Beer Company (St. Paul)

Tucked away in a historic building in St. Paul, Barrel Theory Beer Company is like the cool, mysterious stranger at a party – unassuming at first glance, but captivating once you get to know it.

This place takes the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” and turns it into “don’t judge a brewery by its brick exterior.”

Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a beer lover’s paradise.

The taproom has an industrial-chic vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret speakeasy for hop heads.

But the real star of the show?

The beer, of course!

Barrel Theory doesn’t just make beer; they craft liquid art.

Their rotating tap list is a symphony of flavors, from hazy IPAs that’ll make your taste buds dance to stouts so rich they should come with a warning label.

And let’s not forget their barrel-aged offerings – these bad boys are aged to perfection, like a fine wine, but, you know, better because it’s beer.

3. Junkyard Brewing Company (Moorhead)

If you’ve ever thought, “Gee, I wish I could drink craft beer in a place that looks like the coolest junkyard ever,” then boy, do I have news for you!

Junkyard Brewing Company in Moorhead is exactly what it sounds like – a brewery that’s turned “one man’s trash” into a beer lover’s treasure.

The exterior looks like a vibrant mural threw up on a warehouse, and I mean that in the best way possible.

It’s a riot of colors, shapes, and a giant dog logo that seems to say, “Yeah, we’re different. Deal with it.”

Inside, the junkyard theme continues with an eclectic mix of salvaged materials that somehow come together to create a space that’s both cozy and industrial.

But let’s talk about the beer, shall we?

Junkyard’s brews are anything but trash.

They specialize in small-batch, experimental beers that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

From fruited sours that pack a punch to IPAs that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about hops, Junkyard is the place to go when you want to try something new and exciting.

4. Forager Brewery (Rochester)

Nestled in Rochester, Forager Brewery is like that friend who always knows where to find the best wild mushrooms – a little quirky, deeply connected to nature, and full of delicious surprises.

The building itself looks like a modern barn had a baby with an industrial loft, and somehow, it works.

Inside, it’s a feast for the senses.

The smell of wood-fired pizzas mingles with the aroma of freshly brewed beer, creating an olfactory experience that’ll make your mouth water before you even see a menu.

The decor is a mishmash of rustic and modern, with plenty of plants to remind you of their foraging roots.

But let’s get to the main event – the beer.

Forager lives up to its name by incorporating foraged and locally sourced ingredients into their brews.

Ever had a beer made with spruce tips or wild berries? Well, you’re in for a treat.

Their tap list reads like a botanist’s dream journal, with each beer telling a story of the Minnesota landscape.

5. Bent Paddle Brewing Co. (Duluth)

Ah, Duluth – land of big lakes, big ships, and now, thanks to Bent Paddle, big flavors in small batches.

This brewery might be housed in what looks like an old warehouse, but don’t let that fool you.

Inside, it’s a beer lover’s playground.

The taproom has a laid-back, “come as you are” vibe that’s as refreshing as their brews.

It’s the kind of place where flannel shirts are always in fashion, and conversations about hop varieties are considered light small talk.

The space is open and airy, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your beer – whether you’re a solo sipper or rolling with your whole crew.

Now, onto the beer.

Bent Paddle’s brews are like a love letter to the North Shore, capturing the spirit of adventure and the crisp freshness of Lake Superior in every sip.

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Their flagship beers are solid crowd-pleasers, but keep an eye out for their seasonal and experimental brews.

These limited-edition concoctions are where the brewers really flex their creative muscles, often with delicious results.

6. Lupulin Brewing Company (Big Lake)

In the small town of Big Lake, there’s a brewery that’s making big waves in the Minnesota beer scene.

Lupulin Brewing Company might look like your average strip mall tenant from the outside, but step inside, and you’ll find yourself in hop heaven.

The taproom is a curious blend of industrial and cozy, with plenty of stainless steel to remind you that you’re in a working brewery, but enough warm wood and comfortable seating to make you feel at home.

The walls are adorned with hop-inspired art that’ll have you appreciating these little green cones in a whole new way.

But let’s cut to the chase – you’re here for the beer, and Lupulin delivers.

Their IPAs are the stuff of legend, with a perfect balance of bitterness and aroma that’ll have hop heads weeping tears of joy.

But don’t pigeonhole them – their range extends far beyond just IPAs.

From crisp lagers to robust stouts, Lupulin proves that they’re not just a one-trick pony.

7. Unmapped Brewing Co. (Minnetonka)

Ever felt like you needed to get off the beaten path?

Well, Unmapped Brewing Co. in Minnetonka is here to help you chart a new course – in the world of beer, that is.

From the outside, it might look like any other suburban business park tenant, but inside, it’s a whole different story.

The taproom has a sleek, modern feel with a touch of wanderlust.

Maps and travel-inspired decor adorn the walls, serving as a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures happen when you’re willing to try something new.

The space is open and inviting, perfect for gathering with friends or making new ones over a pint or two.

When it comes to their beers, Unmapped lives up to its name by exploring uncharted territories of flavor.

Their tap list is a globe-trotting adventure, featuring styles from all over the world, often with a unique Minnesotan twist.

Whether you’re in the mood for a Belgian-inspired farmhouse ale or a German-style lager, Unmapped has got you covered.

8. Blackstack Brewing (St. Paul)

In an industrial part of St. Paul, there’s a brewery that’s stacked the deck in favor of beer lovers everywhere.

Blackstack Brewing might look like just another warehouse from the outside, but inside, it’s a cathedral dedicated to the art of brewing.

The taproom is a study in contrasts – high ceilings and industrial fixtures are softened by warm lighting and communal tables.

It’s the kind of space that makes you want to pull up a chair, order a flight, and settle in for the long haul.

The brewing equipment is on full display, giving you a front-row seat to where the magic happens.

Now, let’s talk about that magic.

Blackstack’s beers are like a flavor rollercoaster – exciting, sometimes a little scary, but always leaving you wanting more.

They’re not afraid to push the envelope, experimenting with new hop varieties, unusual ingredients, and innovative brewing techniques.

The result? Beers that are as surprising as they are delicious.

9. Modist Brewing Company (Minneapolis)

In the heart of Minneapolis’s North Loop neighborhood, Modist Brewing Company is rewriting the rules of what a brewery can be.

From the outside, it might look like just another brick building, but step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a beer lover’s laboratory.

The taproom is a perfect blend of industrial chic and cozy comfort.

Exposed brick walls and concrete floors are softened by warm wood accents and plenty of greenery.

The centerpiece, though, is the gleaming brewing equipment visible behind glass walls – a constant reminder that you’re drinking some of the freshest beer in town.

But what really sets Modist apart is their approach to brewing.

These folks are like the mad scientists of the beer world, using cutting-edge technology and unconventional methods to create beers that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Their tap list reads like a “Who’s Who” of beer styles you’ve never heard of but suddenly need to try.

10. Utepils Brewing (Minneapolis)

Last but certainly not least, we have Utepils Brewing, tucked away in an industrial park in Minneapolis.

Don’t let the location fool you – this place is a little slice of European beer heaven right here in the Midwest.

The taproom is spacious and inviting, with a distinctly European feel.

High ceilings, long communal tables, and a gorgeous patio (complete with a babbling brook!) make you feel like you’ve been transported to a Bavarian beer garden.

It’s the kind of place where you can easily while away an afternoon, sipping on perfectly crafted lagers and pretending you’re on a European vacation.

Speaking of those lagers – Utepils specializes in traditional European beer styles, and boy, do they do them well.

Their beers are crisp, clean, and so authentic you’ll be checking your passport.

But don’t worry, hop heads – they’ve got some fantastic ales on tap too.

It’s like a European beer tour, minus the jet lag and questionable hostels.

From bookish brews to junkyard gems, Minnesota’s craft beer scene is as diverse as it is delicious.

So grab your designated driver and start exploring – your taste buds will thank you!