Just looking for a few tips and suggestions, as my last visit to Minneapolis in May was very self-guided and I know I probably missed out on some gems as far as bottle shops, breweries or pubs. Will be headed there from the 30th to the 2nd, staying in the US Bank stadium area. Will have my own vehicle if I need to travel anywhere, but I'll be in a group of six so I probably can't go crazy running all over the place. Last time I went, I hit up Surly and Dangerous Man (and I'll probably do both again) but I didn't do any research as far as the best shelf beers to suit my interests, etc so I kind of brought my haul back to Canada without any previous research. I lean more towards hops, saisons, wild ales, sours, etc so that's what I'd prefer but any recommendations of local gems of any other variety that would be wise to keep an eye out for in shops are also appreciated.
Just remember the 8.5 L per person limit on bringing back stuff, but I'm sure you know that. You could see if you find any of the Schell's Noble Star beers. That might be up your alley.
It's certainly a rule that is there to be applied if they so choose, but I don't think I've ever gone back home at just the limit. I disclose everything but a simple "plus a few leftovers we didn't drink during the trip" or "I'm over by a few that I couldn't say no to, but I'll pay the duty" has always been enough for me.
If you're staying in the USBank area, be sure to hop on the train (or just walk) one stop to the 7 corners area for a visit to Town Hall and Republic, you could spend a whole day at just those two (I know I have). Nearby is Day Block Brewing, which has decent beer and good food. Northeast has Indeed, Able Seedhouse and across the train tracks are Fair State and Bauhaus, both of which have great taprooms. If you're in the mood for cocktails and hipsters, there's Tattersall distilling near Fair State and Bauhaus, and Sociable Cider Works for those that are into ciders. I would hit up Sisyphus brewing as well, but that's me.
Check out Wild Mind Ales, a new brewery dedicated to farmhouse beers. Schell's, Fair State, and Indeed are probably the consensus leaders of the pack for sour/wild beers at this point in MN. For hoppy stuff, Todd and Abrasive obviously get a lot of love. Fulton 300 is also popular. Steel Toe Size 11 is great if that is out at the time of your visit, and I'm particularly fond of Town Hall's Masala Mama (and a lot of their other beers in general). If I were you I'd prioritize Indeed, Fair State, Town Hall, and Wild Mind given your preferences and previous visits.
Definitely go to Fair State if you like funkier stuff, they are simply top notch. You can get most of their tap list in growlers. Their stuff usually sits on the shelves around here too so it shouldn't be too hard to find. I haven't been to Wild Mind yet but I've heard they're solid. I'd put another vote in for Sisyphus, they are making some great hop-forward beers, and you can get crowlers there. Stop by 1010 Liquors on Washington, they have a good selection and are sometimes passed over so more limited stuff can sit there a little longer. Dayblock as someone mentioned is right over there too, decent beer and good food, also with crowlers to-go. Who knows if there will be any new Toppling Goliath bombers out and about when you're here but if there is, grab em! PseudoSue cans and Golden Nugget cans should be easy to grab as well. Desthil stuff sits on the shelves as well, they make some pretty good sours. Probably a good chance of some Central Waters Brewer's Reserve packs to be found around that time too.
Wild Mind actually followed me on social media after my last trip and I had forgotten about it until just now, but I remember being curious to try their offerings. Glad to hear they're open. Fair State is a spot I'll be looking into as well. I actually swung by Dayblock and Town Hall during my last visit, I was impressed by both but again - not being educated about what I was doing - I didn't even try Masala Mama. May have to swing by again. These are all great tips, thank you guys!
Last year republic did a huge Surly tasting event with BA Darkness among others on NYE. Swung in for lunch before the evening kicked off.
