The Best Lager Breweries In The Twin Cities of Minnesota
- Jack
- 43 minutes ago
- 6 min read
So, we have already given the hop heads a jump start on the Twin Cities with our IPA guide, but what about those with an appreciation for the finer things? A more refined palate? I'm referring to lovers of lager, which are arguably the pickiest of beer drinkers, speaking as one myself. Allow me to do the honors of showing you where to start with some of the best Twin Cities Lager Breweries!
Fair State Brewing Cooperative
2506 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 | fairstate.coop
I start here, because Fair State is always my first recommendation for people looking for good lager in the Twin Cities. They are a staple in the community, and in my opinion, they make the cleanest lager in the state.
Any time you go to their taproom, you can expect to find at least 3-4 different varieties of lager on tap, one of which is a year round staple - Fair State Pils. This one stays on all the time for good reason; It is a phenomenal German Pilsner. Crisp, clean, some incredible noble hop bitterness, and so easy to drink.
Along with Pils, there will typically be some seasonal lagers, and some experimental/trendy beers as well. At the time of writing this, there is an Alpine Lager on tap, which is a beer trend that seems to be gaining some momentum. It's a crisp lager brewed with spruce tips, and lemon balm - so they aren't scared to stray from tradition.
To top it all off, they usually have a lager on the side pull doing slow pours, and if you are really lucky, you may be able to catch them serving Pils out of a Fass. When it comes to winning over lager drinkers, it's practically a cheat code!
56 Brewing
3055 NE Columbia Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55418 | 56brewing.com
Since taking the role of Head Brewer, Zach Eicher has made it clear that he wants to put out more lager for 56 Brewing fans, and he has absolutely delivered!
One example is a lager that has become a regular annual release thanks to Zach: a Helles lager aptly named "Helles Yeah". It's a beautifully clean lager, not too showy, and way too easy to drink, just like a good Helles should be.
He has been playing with some newer styles through beers like "Nersheast Nectar", an Italian Pilsner that was extremely balanced; Not too hoppy as some can be, but just enough to let the hops shine, and stay light and crispy.
He has been trying to appease the purists and lager nerds as well with classic, lesser made styles like his Rauchbier, "Smoke on the Lager". Is rauchbier a style popular with the typical beer drinker? Maybe not, but that doesn't scare Zach. There is just something we here at the collective respect about that kind of stubbornness.
Arbeiter Brewing Co.
3038 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406 | arbeiterbrewing.com
Arbeiter has quickly made a name for themselves in the Twin Cities, especially for their lagers. Awareness of their lagering skills has spread outside of the state in recent years, earning a gold at both Great American Beer Festival 2024, and World Beer Cup 2025 for their German Pilsner, "Haha Pils". I don't need to tell you why it's good, the hardware speaks for itself!
Another crowd favorite you can usually find on tap is "Tokki", their Korean Rice Lager. This is a phenomenal rice lager, extremely light in color, with a very dry finish, and a sparkling, effervescent mouthfeel. Tokki is an award winner as well in the state of Minnesota, winning a Gold medal at the 2024 Minnesota Brewers Cup.
Those two beers are reason enough to stop in, but you can also typically look forward to some other alternating lagers on tap at any given time, and some delicious Cold IPAs!
Utepils Brewing
225 Thomas Ave N #700, Minneapolis, MN 55405 | utepilsbrewing.com
Looking for some European inspired lager? Look no further than Utepils! And let's be clear, it’s pronounced “ooh-ta-pilz”, so get that down before you visit so it seems like you know what's up.
All jokes aside, Utepils takes European-Style brewing very seriously. There is no wrong choice on the tap list. Take the Munich Helles for example - so clean, so clear, so crackery, and so crisp. So much so, that it took home silver at the 2023 World Beer Cup. Too many so's? I so agree.
How about the Czech Pils? My personal favorite. Slightly sweet maltiness, "in your face" earthy and floral noble hop bitterness, with a delightfully dry, crispy finish.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention their seasonal festbier, "Receptional"; One of the best offerings in the cities when Oktoberfest rolls around. Toasty malt, noble hops, and a bit lighter on the sweetness and ABV. Pairs well with one of the best beer gardens in the city, overlooking a forested creek.
If you appreciate traditional beer styles, make a bee line for Utepils!
Bad Weather Brewing Company
414 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102 | badweatherbrewery.com
Bad Weather is easily the one brewery in the city of St. Paul that is putting out the best lager, all across the board. Their head brewer, Andy Ruhland, is doing lager by the book, and not taking any shortcuts.
Playing with newer lager styles, and honoring old traditions, they have something that everyone will enjoy, but especially lager drinkers.
In a recent visit, I thoroughly enjoyed a pour of Grodziske. A wonderful, sparkling, smoky wheat lager that sits at a humble 3.3% ABV dubbed "Act of Grod". What's not to love? That is just an example of the rare treat you may find there. Honest to Grod.
Because of this almost obsessive attention to detail, and a focus on doing right by lager, Bad Weather lagers simply do not miss. Head in for a pint or three and see for yourself.
Falling Knife Brewing Company
783 Harding St NE #100, Minneapolis, MN 55413 | fallingknife.beer
Falling Knife is highly regarded in the city, and amongst fellow industry folks. There is no doubt this is in large part of the late founder and owner, Tom Berg, and his commitment to the homebrew community, and the industry at large. However, I also believe it is due to a particular beer that was in a way, his love letter to industry folks, and fellow beer lovers. His spirit lives on through this beer, not only through his name adorning the label, but through the thoughtful intention of the style, which was clearly brewed with his industry friends in mind; a Light American Lager. Everyone knows, there is no other style truly adored by brewers, cellarmen, packaging techs, and beer tenders alike.
I speak of course of Tomm's - a playful take on a particular macro Midwest favorite. There is nothing special about it, and ironically, that in itself is what makes it special. Super light, clean, crisp, and extremely easy to drink. It is a welcome respite from the onslaught of hops and malt these days. Feeling spicy? Ask for a "Tomm's Royale" for some chamoy and tajin all over the top of the can.
Tomm's simply represents Tom Berg and his legacy. It's a symbol of his lasting mark on the community, and a fitting signature of his continued impact. This beer is revered by the industry and community alike, and it deserves nothing less.
Now you can confidently venture out into the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and find all the crispy boys your little lager lover heart can handle!
If you are here looking for IPA recommendations in the Twin Cities, sorry to disappoint, but we do have a list for that, so be sure to check it out HERE!
Okay lager lovers, now that the haze boys are gone, please accept our sincerest gratitude for being real beer aficionados, having class, and having a true appreciation of what good beer is.
Now say it with us: Lager will rule the world!
Featured Image Courtesy of Fair State Brewing Cooperative