Utepils Brewing

Utepils Brewing is a large-scale brewery in Minneapolis that brings the spirit of old Europe to the USA. The name comes from a Norwegian word describing the first beer enjoyed outdoors on a sunny day after a long winter. This spot is famous for using artesian water from historic wells and strictly following traditional recipes.

The brewery space is impressive in its scale: the Fernweh taproom is designed in the style of a European town square, featuring copper kettles and Bavarian floor tiles. Here, guests can not only sample classic craft styles but also watch the production process through massive windows overlooking the modern brewhouse.

The location on the banks of Bassett Creek adds a special charm. A cozy open-air beer garden makes the brewery an ideal spot for relaxation during the warmer months, blending industrial aesthetics with the natural tranquility of the Harrison and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods.

To plan your visit to Utepils Brewing, you can use the official contact details below. We recommend checking availability in advance on days when special events or concerts are scheduled.

Below is detailed contact information and the exact address of the establishment in Minneapolis.

A visit to Utepils Brewing is a true journey through European beer traditions. Be sure to order a flight to sample their Czech-style Pils, the Bavarian hefeweizen Ewald the Golden, or the classic Kölsch Copacetic. For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, house-made root beer and kombucha are always on tap.

During the warmer months, the spacious beer garden on the banks of the creek becomes the main attraction. Here, you can relax by the water, enjoying the atmosphere and food from popular local food trucks that regularly park at the brewery. Live music and themed events often complement the evening program, creating a lively and friendly backdrop for socializing.

Tech enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the fully automated equipment from Bavaria. The brewery emphasizes session styles — light beers with moderate alcohol content, perfect for a long afternoon with friends. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop to pick up branded growlers or apparel.

Utepils Brewing is located at 225 Thomas Ave N in the western part of the city. If you are driving from downtown, the trip will take about 10–15 minutes via Glenwood Avenue. Convenient parking is available for visitors directly at the entrance.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the bike paths that run through nearby Theodore Wirth Park. Public transportation stops serving the Bryn Mawr and Harrison neighborhoods are also within walking distance.

If you prefer a taxi or rideshare, the trip from central districts will be quick and affordable. Its convenient location near natural areas makes the brewery an excellent way to end an outdoor stroll.

The history of Utepils Brewing is inextricably linked to the industrial past of Minneapolis. The establishment is housed in the former Glenwood-Inglewood Water company building, which bottled spring water for decades. Symbolically, this same water from historic artesian wells is now used as the foundation for their craft beer.

Founder Dan Justesen had been planning the project since 2014. Initially, the brewery was to be called Bryn Mawr Brewing after the local neighborhood; however, due to trademark legalities, the evocative Norwegian name "Utepils" was chosen, reflecting the philosophy of enjoying the moment in nature.

Head brewer Eric Harper focused on classic European traditions. Thanks to a powerful 50-barrel brewhouse and modern Esau & Hueber equipment, the enterprise quickly became one of the largest beer producers in the state of Minnesota following its opening in early 2019.

The location was chosen intentionally: its proximity to Bassett Creek and park zones emphasizes a connection to nature. Today, the brewery actively employs eco-friendly solutions, including solar panels on the roof, continuing to cultivate European brewing traditions on American soil.

For a standard introduction to the taproom's selection and a look at the interior, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is plenty of time to enjoy a glass of beer at your leisure and appreciate the scale of the brewhouse through the viewing windows.

If you plan to visit on a weekend when food trucks are operating or live music is playing, it is worth setting aside 2–3 hours. Relaxing in the beer garden by the creek encourages long conversations and a leisurely time spent with friends or family.

The brewery is open daily, offering a convenient schedule for both evening meetups and weekend relaxation. It is a great place to stop by for a glass of fresh beer after a walk through the nearby parks.

Utepils Brewing hours of operation: Monday to Thursday from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Exploring the area around Utepils Brewing can significantly enrich your experience. Nearby, you will find scenic parks and active recreation zones that allow you to combine craft beer tasting with nature walks or family fun.

Many tourists choose to visit the brewery after a trip to major shopping centers or water parks located within easy reach. Below is a list of interesting places nearby.