Hey folks, Heading to MN for the weekend. Initially had a built in "beer day" to check out some breweries...alas our flight got cancelled and we lost a day. I'm left pretty much with 1-2 hrs in Minneapolis and the rest of the weekend in Rochester visiting some friends (who aren't into the beer scene). Any recommendations for places to go in a short time to pick up some bottles? I'm basically wanting to go to 1-2 breweries and/or a bottle shop (in Roch if possible) to gather some nice local brews (Surly; TG; others) to consume and bring back! Bummed I don't get my "beer day"...but will be back! Thanks for any recs in advance!
You have a specific neighborhood you'll be in for MPLS? The larger Twin Cities breweries don't sell to-go beer, thanks to our awesome laws, so if you aren't going to have a pour or two, bottle shops are likely going to be your best bet.
Probably can go anywhere truthfully as I'll have a couple hrs free. Once I land at the airport we'all have a short amount of time to kill before driving to Rochester. So anything reasonably close to airport (within 30 min)...or anything south towards Rochester would be ideal! Thanks for the info on the to go beers. Had no idea they don't do that...bummer!
Forager should be on your list in Rochester. It would be a good place for your friends who are not in the beer scene as they are a brew pub, they can serve wine and I think cocktails as well. They also have some good food and usually have music. Win-win for everyone! People from Rochester will chime in with specifics, but there are some good stores there too.
Forager is a must in Rochester. They make great beer, but are suited for non-beer people. LTS and Grand Rounds have some solid offerings as well. Andy's, Apollo, and Northwest Liquors are all good bets for liquor stores. I don't know if they're open later now that Minnesota relaxed their blue laws, but don't wait till later evening for your beer run.
By state law, liquor stores must close by 10:00 pm Mon-Sat and by 6:00 pm Sun. Some cities have earlier closing ordinances, but IDK about Rochester.
In Minneapolis, the better bottle shops close to the airport are Elevated BW&S and South Lyndale Liquors. Another good one slightly farther away is France 44. Elevated opens at 10am, South Lyndale Liquors and France 44 open at 9am. Wild Mind Artisan Ales is the closest, best reviewed tap room to the airport, and it is having a First Anniversary event on Saturday, starting at 2pm, with special tap releases, and bottle and crowler releases.
Thanks for all the help everyone! Headed to Lyndale now...and then will have to stop by Surly for some fresh offerings. Then will def make it a point to try out Forager this weekend. Looks like my friend lives very close to Apollo as well. Really appreciate all the kind information.
I'll second Wild Mind. I discovered it after stopping at the airport, and it blew me away. Stop there if you csn.
@ViragS As far as selection goes for bottle shops in Rochester, Andy's Crossroads will be the best, followed by Hy-vee Wine & Spirits, and Andy's Marketplace/NE. Forager is a must visit, The Tap House is great if you want a wide variety of beer on tap, and a few spots down from them is The Doggery if you want the best cocktails in town. As far as food goes, Forager, Chesters, Zzest, Pescara(great seafood, but pricey) The Bleu Duck(the best rotating seasonal menu in town, but $$ & reservations are a must) Anything else, feel free to PM me.
