Minneapolis/St.Paul Visit Without a Car?

OP wants the best bang for the buck breweries near his destination.

Surly is "connected" to Barrel Theory, both are on the Green Line, and a day pass is $5.
OP spends money he might otherwise spend (Lyft, Uber, or a taxi cab) on beer.

As a bonus, the nerdiest MPLS beernerds flashmob OP's hotel room for a wicked basha and bring all the hazey local walez as gifts to thank him for this wonderful thread. Win/win/win.

 

Especially since you'd mainly (or only) be using the Green Line. Buses can be a pain in the ass.

 

Slight PITA, but the #30 bus connects to the Green Line and gets you near many of the Northeast breweries (Insight, Bauhaus, Able Indeed, Fair State,Dangerous Man)

 

True. But if I only had a day or two in town, I would not get too deep into the bus routes.

 

Several, and they require planning -- in other words, they're not as frequent as MTC #30:

https://hoppytrolley.com/
http://www.twincitiesbrewerytours.com/
http://bitterminnesotabrewerytours.com/

 

what part of town are you staying in?

 

I think your best bet is to get the light rail pass and uber for places in north east
Surly, Barrel Theory, Town hall breweries are all off the light rail (Barrel theory is a few blocks away) and are probably the big ones that you should check out
Otherwise republic which is right across town hall will have a lot of local options and is also right off the light rail
In downtown minneapolis Fulton, Modist and many others are very close to the right rail
There are a couple breweries in northeast minneapolis (Fair state, Dangerous man, indeed) that are worth checking out. If you are really commited to public transport you could take a bus up there then uber around but I would just uber the whole way.
Breweries to avoid that may be on your way (personal opinion only): Lake monster, urban growler, tin whiskers

 

Agree with above. Go to Town Hall for a Mama Masala and anything BA if they've got it. Then cross the street to Republic and get a flight. They've really refined their selection and have a great representation of local and non-local beers across a bunch of styles. You can get Fair State, Fulton, Bent Paddle, Lupulin all in one stop. Then do Surly and Barrel Theory for a light rail trip. Town Hall and Republic both have good food as does Surly. If you make it to Barrel Theory, walk to Saint Dinette and get a burger or bologna sandwich and you're set.

 

Now this thread is starting to come around! The last two posts are spot on.

 

Take a bus to Northfield. There are 2 breweries there.

 

Talk about spot on!

I know this was tongue-in-cheek but there's always one. "You're staying in Minneapolis? Decorah is only a short drive away!!!!"