While we don’t want to play favorites, we would be remiss in not mentioning the brewery that seems to have taken Minneapolis by storm…Surly! One of the top breweries in the nation, Surly is a 50,000 square foot modern marvel on the base of an old potato processing plant in an industrial park. The jaw dropping space is surprisingly elegant, and pairs beautifully with hops and a great conversation.

Because of Surly, all tourists, beer enthusiasts and locals are able to indulge in finely crafted homegrown brew across Minnesota. Until The Surly Bill was signed into action by Governor Mark Dayton in 2011, Minnesota breweries were not allowed to serve pints of their beer on site. Needless to say, Surly is kind of a big deal in Minneapolis.

While you kick back one of the many beers they have on tap (anywhere from 25 – 32 on any given day) or crack open a vintage bottle from the Surly cellar, pair it with something off the mouth-watering menu from Surly’s beer hall. Dine at their communal tables, or head outside to sip your beer by one of their fire pits and roast a marshmallow for a classic S’more. There is plenty of room to spread out, so bring your friends and family for an exceptional evening.

Of course, there are so many breweries in Minneapolis that we love! Head to Insight for something funky. Try A Visit to my Crazy Aunt (gin & tonic ale) or the Kentucky Vendetta (bourbon and tequila barrel aged). If you need to accommodate non-beer drinkers, try Day Block. They have food and a full-service bar so your wine-drinking and tequila-loving friends will have a good time too. For a different experience, head to Northeast where you’ll find Bauhaus, Padraigs, Able, and Indeed. All located relatively close, this is a great spot for a brewery crawl. If you like hard cider, head over to Sociable Cider Werks for something tangy and crisp, and also gluten free! For more suggestions on where to go this weekend, check out our favorite brewpubs!