How to Plan a Brewery Hop in South Minneapolis

South Minneapolis is home to one of the most vibrant and rapidly evolving craft beer scenes in the Upper Midwest. With a dense concentration of independent breweries, each offering unique styles, local ingredients, and community-driven atmospheres, planning a brewery hop here is more than just a night out—it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your neighborhood or a visitor seeking authentic Minnesota craft beer, a well-planned brewery hop can transform a casual evening into an unforgettable exploration of flavor, history, and neighborhood character.

Unlike traditional bar crawls, a brewery hop emphasizes intentional stops at breweries that offer distinct tasting experiences, often with rotating taps, limited releases, and food pairings. South Minneapolis—encompassing neighborhoods like South Minneapolis, Linden Hills, and the area around Lake Harriet—boasts a curated selection of breweries that reflect the region’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Planning your hop requires more than just picking a few names off a list; it demands thoughtful logistics, an understanding of brewery culture, and awareness of seasonal offerings.

This guide will walk you through every step of planning a successful brewery hop in South Minneapolis. From selecting the right route and timing your visits to understanding taproom etiquette and leveraging local resources, you’ll learn how to craft a seamless, enjoyable, and memorable experience. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to plan not just one hop, but a series of hops throughout the year, each tailored to your taste, pace, and interests.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Preferences

Before you start mapping out your route, take a moment to consider what kind of experience you want. Are you looking for bold, hop-forward IPAs? Sour ales with tropical fruit notes? Stouts aged in bourbon barrels? Do you prefer breweries with outdoor patios, live music, or food trucks? Some visitors prioritize proximity and walkability; others are willing to drive or bike between stops for a rare release.

Make a list of your top three preferences. For example:

• Preference for small-batch, experimental brews
• Need for non-beer options (hard seltzers, kombucha, cider)
• Desire for dog-friendly spaces

These preferences will guide your brewery selection and help you avoid overcrowded spots that don’t align with your goals. For instance, if you’re seeking quiet conversation and tasting flights, avoid breweries known for weekend DJ nights or large group events unless that’s your intent.

Step 2: Research and Curate Your Brewery List

South Minneapolis is home to over 15 independent breweries, each with its own identity. Below is a curated selection of top-tier options, categorized by style and experience:

• Indeed Brewing Co. – A pioneer in the Minneapolis scene, Indeed offers a wide range of flagship beers and seasonal releases. Known for its consistent quality and spacious taproom with outdoor seating.
• Revolution Brewing – Located near Lake Harriet, this brewery specializes in hazy IPAs and lagers, with a strong emphasis on community events and local art.
• St. Paul’s Brewery (South Minneapolis location) – Though headquartered in St. Paul, their South Minneapolis taproom features exclusive small-batch releases not available elsewhere.
• Fair State Cooperative Brewing – A member-owned cooperative with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Offers rotating experimental brews and a relaxed, inclusive vibe.
• Off-Lead Brewing Co. – A newer addition with a strong focus on German-style lagers and barrel-aged beers. Known for its minimalist taproom and attentive staff.
• Urban Growler Brewing Co. – Offers a diverse lineup including sour ales, fruit-forward ales, and low-ABV session beers. Features a large outdoor beer garden.
• Heyday Brewing – Located near the intersection of 38th and Chicago, Heyday is known for its community-driven events and rotating food vendors.

Use resources like Untappd, BeerAdvocate, and local blogs like Minnesota Craft Beer Guide to check recent reviews, tap lists, and event calendars. Look for breweries that have released new beers in the past two weeks—these are often the most exciting stops.

Step 3: Map Your Route for Optimal Flow

Efficiency is key to a successful brewery hop. You want to minimize travel time and maximize enjoyment. South Minneapolis is compact, but traffic and parking can vary by day and time.

Use Google Maps or a dedicated app like MapMyRun to plot your route. Aim for a logical loop—start in the north, move south, then loop back. A recommended sequence:

1. Start at Indeed Brewing Co. (3115 E 38th St) – Open early (11 AM), great for a relaxed first stop with food options on-site.
2. Walk or bike 0.8 miles to Revolution Brewing (3301 W 40th St) – Open at noon, perfect for mid-afternoon tasting.
3. Drive or bike 1.2 miles to Urban Growler (3301 W 40th St) – Open until 10 PM, ideal for a late stop with outdoor seating.
4. End at Heyday Brewing (3400 W 38th St) – Offers late-night food trucks and a cozy vibe for winding down.

Consider the walking distance between stops. If you plan to walk, keep stops under 1 mile apart. If you’re biking or using rideshare, you can stretch the route. Avoid starting too late—many breweries stop serving food by 8 PM, and some close by 9 PM on weekdays.

Step 4: Check Hours, Reservations, and Capacity Limits

Not all breweries operate the same way. Some require reservations for groups over 6, others have first-come, first-served policies. Always verify hours for the day of your visit:

• Weekdays: Typically 11 AM–9 PM
• Weekends: Often 11 AM–10 PM or later
• Holidays: May have reduced hours or special events

Visit each brewery’s official website or social media pages (Instagram and Facebook are most updated) to confirm:

• Food availability (some have in-house kitchens, others rely on rotating vendors)
• Reservations required (especially for private groups or tasting events)
• Special events (live music, taproom releases, trivia nights)

For example, Fair State Cooperative often hosts “Taproom Takeovers” on Fridays where local artists display work—arriving early ensures you get a seat and a chance to meet the creators.

Step 5: Plan Transportation and Safety

Driving after tasting multiple beers is not only unsafe—it’s illegal. Plan your transportation in advance. Here are your best options:

• Biking – South Minneapolis has excellent bike lanes. Consider renting a tandem or e-bike for group comfort. Many breweries offer free bike racks.
• Rideshare – Uber and Lyft are reliable. Designate a driver among your group if you’re splitting costs.
• Public Transit – The 16 and 21 bus lines serve many brewery corridors. Use the Moovit app for real-time tracking.
• Walking – Only feasible if your stops are clustered (e.g., Indeed, Revolution, and Heyday are within a 1.5-mile radius).

Never assume you’ll be fine to drive after two or three flights. A standard flight (4–6 oz pours) of 7% ABV beer can elevate your BAC quickly. Always prioritize safety over convenience.

Step 6: Prepare for Tasting Etiquette

Brewery taprooms are community spaces, not bars. Understanding basic etiquette enhances your experience and respects others:

• Start with lighter beers – Begin with lagers, pilsners, or session ales before moving to stouts or IPAs. This preserves your palate’s sensitivity.
• Ask questions – Staff are passionate and knowledgeable. Ask about ingredients, fermentation methods, or food pairings.
• Don’t overpour or waste – Take small sips. If you don’t like a beer, it’s okay to leave it. Don’t dump it on the floor.
• Buy a growler or can to-go – Many breweries offer 32 oz or 64 oz growlers. It’s a great way to support them and enjoy beer later.
• Tip generously – Staff often earn below minimum wage. A $1–$2 tip per flight is appreciated.

Also, be mindful of noise levels and group size. Large, loud groups can disrupt the experience for others. Keep conversations at a reasonable volume and avoid monopolizing tables.

Step 7: Pace Yourself and Hydrate

It’s tempting to try everything, but overindulgence ruins the experience. Stick to 3–5 tasting flights per stop (typically 4–6 oz each). That’s roughly 12–30 oz of beer over the course of a 4–5 hour hop.

Drink water between stops. Many breweries provide complimentary water, but bring a reusable bottle if possible. Eat something substantial before you start—protein and carbs help slow alcohol absorption. Most breweries offer snacks (pretzels, nuts), but consider bringing or stopping for a meal at a nearby restaurant like Granite City Food & Brewery or Barrio for a hearty plate.

Step 8: Document and Reflect

Take notes—or better yet, use an app like Untappd to log each beer you try. Rate it, add a comment, and tag the brewery. This builds a personal beer journal you can revisit.

After your hop, reflect:

• Which beer surprised you?
• Which brewery had the best atmosphere?
• Would you return to any of these places for a second visit?

This reflection helps refine future hops and deepens your appreciation for the craft.

Best Practices

Plan for the Season

Brewery offerings change with the seasons. In spring, expect floral IPAs and fruit sours. Summer brings crisp lagers and radlers. Fall is all about pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest-style lagers. Winter features dark, malty stouts and barrel-aged releases.

Plan your hop around seasonal highlights. For example, late September is ideal for visiting Indeed Brewing, as they release their annual “Harvest IPA” with locally sourced hops. Late November brings “Barrel-Aged Stout Week” at Off-Lead, where limited 12 oz bottles are sold in batches.

Visit on Weekdays

Weekends in South Minneapolis are crowded. Tuesday through Thursday offer the best experience: shorter lines, more staff attention, and a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Many breweries also offer weekday happy hours (4–6 PM) with discounted flights or food.

Support Local, Not Just the Brand

Many breweries partner with local food vendors, artists, and farmers. Choosing a brewery that sources ingredients from Minnesota farms or features local musicians supports the entire ecosystem. Look for signs like “Made with Minnesota Hops” or “Featured Artist: Jane Doe” to identify these partnerships.

Bring a Group, But Keep It Manageable

Groups of 4–6 people are ideal. Larger groups (8+) can overwhelm taprooms and may require reservations. If you have a bigger group, split into two smaller groups and meet at the final stop.

Respect the Space

Breweries are small businesses. Don’t linger at a table for hours after finishing your drinks. Don’t bring outside alcohol. Don’t take photos of staff without permission. Don’t ask for “free pours”—it’s not customary, and it undermines the business model.

Engage with the Community

Many breweries host community events: beer-and-book clubs, trivia nights, charity fundraisers. Participating in these adds depth to your experience and connects you to the local culture. Check event calendars weekly—some are announced only 48 hours in advance.

Stay Flexible

Even the best-laid plans can change. A brewery might run out of a beer you wanted to try. A food truck might be delayed. Be open to substitutions. Ask staff for recommendations: “What’s something new you’re excited about?” Often, the best beer you’ll taste is the one you didn’t plan for.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps

• Untappd – The go-to app for logging beers, reading reviews, and discovering new breweries. You can filter by location, style, and ABV.
• Google Maps – Use the “Breweries” category to find nearby spots and check real-time reviews and photos.
• Moovit – Best for public transit routes and real-time bus tracking in Minneapolis.
• Eventbrite – Search for brewery events like taproom releases, live music, or beer-pairing dinners.
• Yelp – Useful for checking recent photos of food, crowd levels, and accessibility features.

Local Publications and Blogs

• Minnesota Craft Beer Guide – Weekly updates on new releases, events, and brewery openings.
• City Pages – Features in-depth profiles of brewers and neighborhood spotlights.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine – Annual “Best Breweries” list and seasonal guides.
• South Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce – Offers downloadable brewery maps and walking tour guides.

Physical Resources

• Brewery Passport Cards – Some breweries offer punch cards: visit 5 locations, get a free growler. Ask at your first stop.
• Reusable Tasting Glasses – Bring your own branded glass for a personal touch and to reduce waste.
• Printed Map – Download and print a map from the South Minneapolis Brewery Alliance website. Great for offline reference.

Seasonal Resources

• October: Minnesota Oktoberfest – Held in nearby Minnehaha Park, features over 30 regional breweries.
• June: Minneapolis Beer Week – A citywide celebration with exclusive releases, brewery tours, and tasting events.
• December: Barrel-Aged Beer Festival – Hosted at Indeed Brewing, showcasing rare aged stouts and barleywines.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Weekend IPA Explorer

Emily and Mark, both in their early 30s, are avid IPA fans. They planned a Saturday brewery hop focused solely on hazy, juicy, and West Coast-style IPAs.

Route:

1. 12 PM – Indeed Brewing Co. – Tasted “Hazy Day IPA” (7.2% ABV) and “Hop Drop IPA” (8.1% ABV). Both had notes of mango and citrus.
2. 2 PM – Revolution Brewing – Tried “Citrus Burst Hazy” (6.8% ABV), which featured orange peel and tangerine.
3. 4 PM – Urban Growler – Sampled “Tropical Thunder” (7.5% ABV), a pineapple and passionfruit IPA with a creamy mouthfeel.

Outcome: They logged each beer on Untappd, took photos of the labels, and purchased 64 oz growlers of “Hazy Day” and “Tropical Thunder” to take home. They ended the day with tacos from Heyday’s food truck and reflected on how each brewery’s approach to hops differed—Indeed used bold bitterness, Revolution focused on aroma, and Urban Growler emphasized fruit-forward balance.

Example 2: The First-Time Visitor’s Introductory Hop

David, visiting from Chicago, wanted to experience Minneapolis craft beer without overwhelming himself. He chose a weekday afternoon hop with variety and low pressure.

Route:

1. 2 PM – Fair State Cooperative – Started with a “Pilsner” (5.1% ABV) and a “Raspberry Sour” (5.5% ABV). Enjoyed the relaxed, cooperative vibe and chatted with a member.
2. 3:30 PM – Off-Lead Brewing – Tasted a “Helles Lager” and a “Bourbon Barrel Stout.” Loved the minimalist aesthetic and slow-paced service.
3. 5 PM – Heyday Brewing – Ended with a “Session IPA” (4.2% ABV) and a local cheese plate.

Outcome: David appreciated the diversity of styles and the emphasis on conversation over noise. He left with a growler of the Helles Lager and a notebook full of brewery names to revisit. He later wrote a blog post about his experience, which was shared by the South Minneapolis Chamber.

Example 3: The Annual Tradition Hop

A group of six friends has done a brewery hop every November since 2019. Each year, they pick a theme. This year: “Barrel-Aged and Bold.”

Route:

1. 1 PM – Indeed Brewing – “Imperial Stout aged in Maple Bourbon Barrels” (11.5% ABV)
2. 3 PM – Off-Lead – “Rye Barrel-Aged Porter” (9.2% ABV)
3. 5 PM – Fair State – “Dark Sour aged in Chardonnay Barrels” (8.7% ABV)
4. 7 PM – Revolution – “Coffee & Chocolate Barrel Stout” (10.1% ABV)

Outcome: They brought a shared tasting journal and assigned each person a “tasting note” to write after each beer. They ended with a shared charcuterie board and a photo at Lake Harriet. This year’s hop became their most memorable yet—especially the Chardonnay sour, which they all agreed tasted like “liquid dessert.”

FAQs

How many breweries should I visit in one hop?

Three to five is ideal. Visiting more than five can lead to palate fatigue and rushed experiences. Focus on quality over quantity.

Do I need to make reservations?

For groups of 6 or more, yes. For individuals or pairs, most breweries operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Always check their website or call ahead.

Can I bring my dog?

Most South Minneapolis breweries have outdoor patios that welcome dogs. Indoor areas are typically restricted. Always confirm before you go.

Are there non-alcoholic options available?

Yes. Many breweries now offer house-made kombucha, hard seltzers, sparkling water, and non-alcoholic beers. Ask the staff—they’re happy to guide you.

What’s the best time of year to go?

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer the most variety and pleasant weather for outdoor seating. Summer is busy but lively. Winter is quieter, with unique barrel-aged releases.

Can I buy beer to take home?

Yes. Most breweries sell 32 oz (growlers) and 64 oz (growler jugs) to-go. Some offer cans or bottles. You can also purchase merchandise like t-shirts or glassware.

Are there food options at the breweries?

Some have in-house kitchens (Indeed, Revolution), others partner with rotating food trucks (Heyday, Urban Growler). Always check ahead to avoid hunger.

Is there parking available?

Most breweries have dedicated parking lots or street parking. On weekends, spots fill quickly. Consider biking or rideshare to avoid stress.

Can I bring kids?

Yes, many breweries are family-friendly during daytime hours. However, check policies—some restrict children after 6 PM or on weekends.

What if I don’t like beer?

Many breweries now offer cider, mead, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Ask for recommendations based on your taste preferences—many staff are trained to guide non-beer drinkers.

Conclusion

Planning a brewery hop in South Minneapolis is more than a checklist of places to visit—it’s a journey into the heart of a community that values craftsmanship, connection, and creativity. Each brewery tells a story: of local farmers, of experimental brewers, of neighbors coming together over shared pints. When you plan thoughtfully, you don’t just taste beer—you taste the spirit of the place.

By following the steps outlined here—defining your goals, mapping your route, respecting the culture, and using the right tools—you transform a simple outing into a meaningful ritual. Whether you’re sipping a crisp lager on a sunny afternoon or sharing a barrel-aged stout with friends under string lights, these moments become memories.

Don’t treat this as a one-time event. Build your own annual tradition. Return in spring to try the new IPA, come back in winter for the stout festival, bring a new friend each time. The breweries of South Minneapolis are always evolving—and so should your experience.

Grab your map, pack your curiosity, and raise a glass. Your next great brewery hop starts now.