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Rochester Local

What’s Brewing? Your Guide to Rochester MN Area Breweries

This post was last updated December 2023

photo by: ab-photography.us
A record 8,200+ breweries are in operation in the United States in 2020, according to the Brewer’s Association. Minnesota is part of the rapidly growing craft beer culture, ranking 19th in the nation for its breweries and beer quality and Rochester and SE Minnesota are part of the trend.

 

Chaotic Good Brewing Company (Kasson)

202 2nd Ave SW, Kasson, MN // (507) 634-BEER

At the center of Chaotic Good is great beer and playing games with friends. It’s where they got the name! With a large selection of in-house table top games, game nights, and other community events, Chaotic Good is the perfect place to get together in Kasson. Enjoy one of their 10 on tap selections, including IPAs, stout, ales, and hard seltzer. Snacks are served on-site, and they regularly have food trucks as well. You can also get a selection of beers to-go, in individual cans, 4 packs, and growlers.

 

Forager Brewery

1005 6th St NW, Rochester MN, 55901 // (507) 258-7490

Forager embraces a casual dining approach and invites you to enjoy a relaxed family-friendly restaurant experience in Rochester, MN. They offer a full menu of vibrant dishes made from the freshest seasonally available ingredients inspired by our bountiful region. Their beers are made on-site in the brewery from a combination of locally foraged ingredients, regionally native grains, and wild hop varieties. Their beers pair perfectly with the ever-changing unique and rustic-style dishes.

rochester mn, roch mn, breweries, craft beer, tap room, brewery, minnesota
photo by: ab-photography.us

Kinney Creek Brewery

1016 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 // (507) 282-2739

Kinney Creek was the first official brewery in Rochester, Minnesota since the Prohibition! Branded “A local experience of an ancient craft!,” Kinney Creek offers a behind the scenes look at the brewing process, food trucks, events, and live music. As the first brewery in Rochester, Kinney Creek blazed a trail for the growing craft beer scene.

Karst Brewing (Fountain)

315 1st St, Fountain, MN 55935 // (612) 747-6367

Established in 2015, Karst Brewing owners Eric and Sandy welcome you to the first post-prohibition brewery in Fillmore County! Karst Brewing is a tiny brewery in the small town of Fountain, MN, and is conveniently located en route to many Bluff Country destinations such as Lanesboro, MN.

Little Thistle Brewing

2031 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901//(507) 226-8014

A relative newcomer to the scene, Little Thistle is a brewery and taproom focused on community connection. Their repurposed facility strives to create a unique place to socialize with friends. With special attention to customers of all ages, Little Thistle provides games and entertainment for all ages to kick back in a casual environment often hosting live music and food trucks. Fun fact: the thistle was chosen to represent the brewery as co-owner Steve is Scottish and the thistle is Scotland’s national emblem, symbolizing resilience and protection.

LTS Brewing

2001 32nd Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901 // (507) 226-8280

At LTS (Life’s Too Short), the goal is to “Make Amazing Beer, Have Fun, Take Care of Our People.” The LTS taproom features a great line up of beers and sodas. A family-friendly destination, LTS offers games, soda flights, and frequent food trucks on site. LTS just celebrated three years of brewing.

South x Southeast

51146 US-52, Pine Island, MN 55963 // (507) 356-2299

South by Southeast Brewing seeks to fill the regional brewing gap by providing a rural ambiance and flavor while delivering on the promise of being the regional brewing representative. Their flagship products – Blonde Ale, Golden Ale, Red Ale, Light Amber Ale, Scottish Ale and Stout along with four seasonal beers – Spring – Maibock, Summer – Light, Fall – Golden Brown, Winter – Spicy Winter Warmer will fill the needs of the SEMN area restaurants, caterers and off sale markets.

Thesis Beer Project

Thesis Beer Project opened its doors in August 2019 and became Rochester MN’s sixth brewery.  Located in Uptown (west on 2nd Street SW), Thesis Beer Project also serves as a venue for Rochester’s thriving music scene.  They also brew a quarterly beer in collaboration with a local non-profit.  Check out this fun, family-friendly brewery and maybe catch some tunes and drink beer for the good of others!

photo by: ab-photography.us

And a little something different…

Jack’s Bottle Shop

609 4th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 

Opening in December 2020! Get ready to experience a craft beer shop unlike any other—Jack’s Bottle Shop! They are located in the heart of Rochester, MN and offer the best selection of craft beers from Minnesota and around the country. Come for the beer, stay for the good vibes.

And don’t forget cider!

Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery

78757 State Highway 16 Spring Valley, MN 55975 // (507) 346-7300

Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery is a fully operational winery, cidery, restaurant and event center. Their sprawling estate is a must-visit and includes a tasting room and large production areas, as well as a 6 acre vineyard on the property. Nestled in rural Southeastern Minnesota, the winery is now the exclusive home of Loon Juice hard cider. Everything starts with the best tasting apple around: The Honeycrisp. From there, the recipes are simpler, healthier, and better-er.

Keepsake Cidery

4609 135th St E, Dundas, MN 55019 // (413) 552-8872

Based out of Dundas, Minnesota, just south of the Twin Cities, you can tour the orchard and cidery, drink delicious hard cider (fresh available during the pressing season), and buy our organic apples. Keepsake has a philosophy centered around healthy living. This includes work, play, food and drink. They also have local products, including cheese and crackers, meats, garlic and maple syrup available for purchase. Get off the beaten path and discover what Keepsake is all about!

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