Hi All, My wife and I are planning a trip next month to visit Minnesota. We wanted to check out some breweries out that way but we have a 10 month old. What are the laws in Minnesota as far as bringing in children? Does anyone have any recommendations for places to visit that allow children around the Mall of America area?
There are no laws that I am aware of that prohibit kids in the taprooms. I have brought my kids to plenty of taprooms and have seen plenty of others with kids at taprooms. One MN beer law to be aware of is liquor stores are not open on Sunday (I think that is the same in Indiana?). The good news is that breweries can sell growlers (Surly, Summit and Schell's cannot sell any growlers since they produce too much) on Sunday for offsite consumption.
Not sure what's shakin' out by the MOA anymore, but there's gotta be a couple of good 'beer bars' in the vicinity? As to your concern for the state's laws, for the most part there isn't a reason to be concerned with bringing infants or young children into Minnesota bars or restaurants. The same is true for "Taprooms" (brewery-only brewpubs which are catered to by food trucks) and brewpubs, along with breweries which has beer by-the-glass (pint) and growler sales. Most taprooms nowadays also allow canine companions in addition to children and the womenfolk. But you can't buy full strength beer, wine, or alcoholic spirits in retail establishments on Sundays, so be wary of that!
Thanks! Indiana still doesn't allow infants in alot of taprooms unless they have a designated room and serve food.
The area around the Mall of America is a horrible wasteland for breweries/brewpubs, or even decent beer bars. Here's a link that appears at a glance to be fairly up-to-date: http://growlermag.com/minnesota-brewery-map/ You will notice the huge void around the word "Bloomington". If you want to hit any brewpubs, you'll need to drive north into Minneapolis or St. Paul to find any concentration of breweries. If you have limited time and/or patience due to having the little one, I'd highly suggest Republic in Minneapolis. It's probably 20 minutes from the MOA area in Minneapolis & they always have a great rotation of local taps, plus they do flights. Great way to try a few things in one stop. Plus, Town Hall, probably the best pub in the Twin Cities, is directly across the street. http://republicmn.com/ Good luck!
No idea why there still isn't a brewery or 3 near the mall. Nothing in Apple Valley, Eagan, or Bloomington. Someone should open one up and hire me to count their money.
Eagan is getting Bald Man Brewing at some point. New 1.2m taproom and brewery. Per Twitter, opening this summer.
Only 2 problems for @mrpeterandthepuffers , you have hair and this group looks smart. Doesn't look good for your money counting job. Still would be nice to have a taproom in Bloomington somewhere.
Town Hall Lanes, Town Hall Tap, Town Hall Nordeast (postponed!) and Town Hall Edina. Not too shabby! There's still no relief for the folks making a visit to the Craft Beer wasteland that is Mall Of America.
Yes and No. Schells started in 1860 and would be grandfathered in if they chose to sell growlers. Instead they are smart and play by the rules.
Check this thread out http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/visiting-minneapolis-st-paul-march-2016.399740/ and this thread http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...-taprooms-in-twin-cities.300474/#post-4701800
