Brewing Up Community

If Saint Paul’s breweries were united by one common ingredient, it wouldn’t be hops, though locally sourced ingredients are a mainstay. It’s not the water, though a deep ground aquifer helped put the city on the map in the 1800s as a brewing powerhouse. When you boil and ferment it all down, it's about love. Of community. Of place. Of craft.

The motto at Urban Growler sums it up nicely: “We bring people together through beer.” Which makes sense, since in many ways, Minnesota’s first women-owned microbrewery got its start in a love story. A decade ago, Master Brewer Deb Loch and Restaurateur Jill Pavlak traded in their successful, steady careers in corporate America and sales to pursue a passion for brewing and great food. After scouring the Twin Cities for the perfect location, they found a spot that would ideally accommodate their dream of bringing people together.

Each of these entrepreneurs professes a love for the city where they’ve made a home for themselves and their business. Their neighborhood, called the Creative Enterprise Zone, has an extra special place in their hearts. It’s where so many people embraced their startup business. And where they’ve poured extra attention into supporting local activities like maker’s markets, painting classes, book signings and pet celebrations. Organizations seek out the Urban Growler’s charming rental spaces, taproom and outdoor beer garden knowing there’s more than unique craft beer, but great food and nonalcoholic beverages in a welcoming atmosphere.

“We’re beer for you, in every kind of way,” Deb says. And like the Urban Growler, with its dog-friendly, bike-friendly, people-friendly mantra, so too is the tight-knit brewing community of Saint Paul. Whether you’re exploring on your own, with friends, or on a brewery tour, odds are you’ll always find folks who are eager to welcome you into their world to share a pint and a conversation.

The Creative Enterprise Zone, located in the city’s northwest corner, is home to artists, makers and a tasty variety of independent breweries that are just a hop, skip and a jump away from each other.

Bang Brewing, next door to Urban Growler, makes organic-only brew inside a repurposed grain bin.

Burning Brothers Brewing, two miles east, is a dedicated gluten-free facility known for its Pyro Pale Ale.

BlackStack Brewing shares a historic industrial building with FlannelJax’s axe throwing and CanCan Wonderland.

Lake Monster Brewing explores monstrous depths of beer flavor with an ode to Minnesota’s love of lakes.

Dual Citizen prides itself as a community-focused brewhouse offering inspired, modern takes on familiar favorites.

The Lab Pilot Facility & Taproom features a self-serve tap wall and unique pilot brewing services for beverage makers.

• Bad Weather Brewing • Barrel Theory Beer Company • Clutch • Saint Paul Brewing • Summit Brewing Company • Tin Whiskers Brewing • Vine Park • Wabasha Brewing Co • Waldmann Brewery • Yoerg Saloon and Brewery

Looking to explore the craft of brewing for a weekend? Visit us online for beer events and brewery tours. Find sample pub crawl itineraries by theme or neighborhood. Get more Insider stories about the city’s deep brewing history. VisitSaintPaul.com