In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, let’s talk about some of the best spots to grab a beer along the Great River Road!
Pearl Street Brewery, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Photo courtesy of Pearl Street Brewery Facebook page
La Crosse, Wisconsin is a big beer town with City Brewing Company and 3 craft breweries, but the Pearl Street Brewery has been around for more than 20 years. You can take a tour every Friday and Saturday – no reservations needed and it’s just $8/person. Check out the brewing area from the bar, check out the stools and counters in the tasting room made from the same 100-year-old wood as the floors, and imagine the building as the rubber factory it once was. There are games to play, live music and 16 of their own creations on tap. Try the D.T.B. Brown Ale, with a nutty flavor and roasted undertones — it was a Gold Medal Winner at the World Beer Championships.
Kelly’s Tap House, Red Wing, Minnesota
Photo courtesy of Kelly’s Tap House Facebook page
Kelly’s Tap House in Red Wing, Minnesota is a favorite among the locals. It’s right on the Mississippi River, with great views of the river and bluffs, especially if you sit outside on the patio. They’ve got the widest selection of taps in town, with more than 60 beers available — 18 brewed in Minnesota and many more in the Midwest. Dream of patios and warm weather with an Orange Dream State Cream Ale from Tin Whiskers Brewing Company in St. Paul — it’s a creamsicle cream ale infused with orange and vanilla and sure to bring back memories of summer. Fun fact: If you’re familiar with the band Trampled by Turtles, the song “Kelly’s Bar” was written about this place.
Potosi Brewing Company, Potosi, Wisconsin
The Potosi Brewing Company is a Great River Road Interpretive Center, a brewery and a restaurant, but is also home to the National Brewery Museum with an eclectic collection of bottles, cans, trays, coasters, collectibles and advertising materials. Tours are Saturdays and Sundays, $13/person. In the restaurant, look for the plexiglass window in the floor – you’ll see spring water gushing by when things start to warm up! We recommend the Fiddler Oatmeal Stout — a strong coffee aroma with notes of caramel and chocolate — also a Gold Medal Winner at the World Beer Championships.
Roundhouse Brewery, Brainerd, Minnesota
The Roundhouse Brewery in Brainerd, Minnesota, opened in 2016 and is named for the “roundhouse” railroad facility where train cars were repaired that was once located just outside where the brewery is today (in the old Northern Pacific Railroad Yard). The building has an industrial feel, but very casual and friendly — explore the old railroad yard outside while you’re here! It’s a family-friendly gathering spot, offering root beer and lemonade too, along with giant Jenga and bean bags in the taproom and live music. Try the Warrior Brew while you’re here — it’s an American-style pale ale made with Minnesota grown malt and hops, plus a portion of the sales go to the Brainerd Sports Boosters, which supports youth athletic programs in the area. They’ve also worked with, or donated to, nearly 50 charitable organizations in just the few years they’ve been open, so you can feel good about patronizing them!