Surly Brewing
There's something really special about a place that starts with a simple idea and grows into something big, something that feels like home for so many people. Surly Brewing, a name that probably rings a bell if you appreciate good drinks and a lively atmosphere, began its journey in a rather humble way, right in a garage, believe it or not. It’s a story of passion for creating something distinctive, a desire to share that creation with others, and a dedication to making a mark, not just with what they pour into your glass, but also in the neighborhoods they call home. This brewery, which is proudly its own boss in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has, in some respects, really carved out a unique space for itself.
From those early days of experimenting with flavors and dreaming up big ideas, Surly Brewing has grown to offer a whole world of tastes, from a wide selection of beers to refreshing THC mocktails, all served up in their inviting beer hall and the more relaxed Limelight Lounge. But it's not just about the drinks; it's also very much about the experiences they create. They host all sorts of happenings, bringing people together for good times, and that, you know, really makes a difference. It’s a spot where you can catch a concert, share a pizza with friends, or simply hang out and enjoy the buzz of people having a good time.
What's more, this spirit of community extends beyond their walls. Surly Brewing actually puts a lot of effort into giving back, working to support the local area through their charitable arm, Surly Gives a Damn. It's a pretty clear sign that they care about more than just brewing; they care about the people and places around them. So, whether you're looking for a fresh pint, a fun event, or just a place with a good heart, Surly Brewing, you could say, offers a little bit of everything.
Table of Contents
- The Surly Story – How It All Began
- What Makes Surly Brewing a Community Spot?
- Surly's Reach – Where Can You Find Their Brews?
- Is the Surly Goat a Part of Surly Brewing?
- Beyond the Glass – Unique Surly Brewing Experiences
- How Does Surly Brewing Connect with the World?
- What's New and Exciting at Surly Brewing?
- Visiting Surly Brewing – What to Expect
The Surly Story – How It All Began
Every good story has a starting point, and for Surly Brewing, it began with Omar Ansari, someone who just really liked beer. Back in 1994, he was brewing in his garage, driven by a clear idea of how beer should be made and what truly made a good one. He had, you know, a very specific vision for flavors and quality. This early passion, this strong belief in a particular kind of brewing, really set the stage for everything that came next. It was, in a way, the foundation for a much bigger dream.
Omar didn't just stay in his garage, though. He went on to gain more experience, spending time learning the ropes at New Holland Brewing Company in Michigan. After that, he brought in Todd Haug, who was then at Minneapolis's Rock Bottom Brewery, to help get things going. This collaboration, this coming together of brewing minds, marked the official start of Surly Brewing. They first began their operations in Brooklyn Center, a spot that served them well for a while, allowing them to grow and get their brews out to people.
As often happens with success, Surly Brewing eventually grew too big for its original home in Brooklyn Center. They needed more space, a lot more space, to keep up with demand and to expand their creative brewing efforts. This need for growth led to a significant moment: they actually managed to change a law, which then allowed them to open a much larger, much newer brewery in Minneapolis. This big new location, which opened its doors on December 19, 2014, was, basically, a huge step forward for them. It also meant their beer hall, a place that quickly became a favorite gathering spot, joined the list of "you just gotta see this" places in Minnesota on that very same day.
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What Makes Surly Brewing a Community Spot?
So, what is it about Surly Brewing that makes it feel like such a central part of the community, a place where people genuinely want to spend their time? Well, for one thing, their beer hall is more than just a place to grab a drink. It's a lively hub, offering a mix of patio seating for those sunny days and comfortable indoor dining, all alongside a fantastic selection of craft beer on tap. Plus, there’s a pizza restaurant upstairs, which, you know, makes it pretty easy to settle in for a meal with your brew. It’s a setup that really encourages people to hang out, share stories, and just enjoy being together.
Beyond the everyday offerings, Surly Brewing is very well known for putting on some truly memorable events. Think about their massive Surly Easter Brunch, for instance. It's not just a meal; it's a whole experience with a full buffet, activities for families, shrimp luges (yes, really!), and a wide selection of beer, seltzer, and THC cocktails. And, of course, there’s a grown man in a bunny costume, which, you know, adds a certain whimsical touch. These kinds of events, basically, go a long way in creating a sense of shared fun and tradition for people in the area.
But it’s not just about the fun; Surly Brewing also has a big heart. They have a charitable arm called Surly Gives a Damn, which is dedicated to giving back to the community. This commitment to helping others, to being a positive force in their neighborhood, really adds another layer to what makes them a cherished spot. It shows that they're not just in the business of brewing beverages; they're also invested in the well-being of the people and places around them, which, you could say, builds a very strong connection.
Surly's Reach – Where Can You Find Their Brews?
It’s one thing to visit Surly Brewing in person, but what if you're not in Minneapolis, or you just want to grab some of their brews closer to home? You might be wondering, where can you actually find Surly’s selection? Well, the good news is that Surly has, in some respects, quite a broad reach. They currently distribute their products across 13 different states. This includes their home state of Minnesota, along with Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Texas, and Arizona. So, there’s a pretty good chance you can find their beer and other offerings even if you're a little ways away from their main spot.
However, it's worth noting that while they distribute to all those places, the availability of specific beers or products isn't always guaranteed at every single location. Sometimes, what’s on the shelves can vary a bit depending on the store and what’s popular in that area. Because of this, they actually suggest that if you're looking for something very particular, it’s a good idea to give the retailer a quick call before you head over. That way, you can confirm they have exactly what you’re seeking, which, you know, saves you a trip if they don't.
And speaking of new spots, Surly is, basically, heading to a new destination soon. The Minneapolis brewery has plans to open a second taproom, which was announced recently. This new pizza and taproom will open later this summer in Grand Forks, North Dakota, right in the heart of the University of North Dakota campus. This expansion means more people will have a chance to experience a piece of what Surly offers, bringing their distinctive brews and a casual dining experience to a whole new area. It’s, in a way, another exciting chapter for them.
Is the Surly Goat a Part of Surly Brewing?
When you hear the name "Surly," you might also come across "The Surly Goat," especially if you’re looking at places on the West Coast. This often leads people to ask: is The Surly Goat actually connected to Surly Brewing, the Minneapolis-based brewery? It's a fair question, and the answer is a little interesting. The Surly Goat in West Hollywood, California, is, in fact, a separate establishment, though it shares a similar vibe and a passion for good beer. It's their original location, and it has been pouring an amazing selection of rotating craft beers since 2010. It’s been a neighborhood spot for craft beer and spirits since 2009, so it’s been around for quite some time.
The Surly Goat in West Hollywood has, you know, built up quite a following over the years. With thousands of likes on social media and tens of thousands of visits recorded, it’s clearly a well-loved place. It’s known for being a dependable spot to find interesting and varied craft beers. There's even a fun little anecdote from someone who visited, saying they had their very first taste of Pliny the Younger there, which is a pretty big deal for beer enthusiasts. So, while it’s not part of the same company as Surly Brewing, it definitely shares that appreciation for quality craft beer and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s, in some respects, a kindred spirit in the world of good drinks.
Beyond the Glass – Unique Surly Brewing Experiences
Surly Brewing is, basically, about more than just the beer itself; it's about the whole experience. They really go out of their way to create memorable moments for people. For instance, their "On Stage @ Surly Brewing" series brings in musical acts like Tame Impala and Phoebe Bridgers right to the brewery. It’s an unbeatable night that combines great music with their craft beer and local food. This kind of event, you know, turns the brewery into a full-on entertainment spot, offering something different from your typical night out.
If you're curious about how the magic happens, you can actually take a tour of Surly's Minneapolis brewery. These tours happen on Saturdays at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM at their Malcolm Avenue location. They welcome anyone 12 years old and up, and the tour includes a look at Surly’s history and a walkthrough of the brewing process. It's a good way to get a behind-the-scenes peek and learn a little more about what goes into making their beverages. It’s, in a way, a chance to connect with the craft.
And then there are the big celebrations. Surly Brewing loves to throw a party, and they do it well. For example, they had a 19th anniversary party to kick off summer, featuring beer, music, food, and even claw machines. More recently, they celebrated the Surly Beer Hall’s 10th anniversary with free tours, cellar raids, special shirts, raffles, flights, and, you know, a bit of playful "mass hysteria" – a nod to a famous movie line. These anniversary events are, basically, a testament to their long history and their dedication to celebrating with their community.
How Does Surly Brewing Connect with the World?
It’s interesting to see how a local brewery can reach out and connect with others on a global scale, and Surly Brewing does just that. They were part of a project called "Brewing for Impact," which was a worldwide collaboration with their friends at Brooklyn Brewery. This project was, you know, all about exploring the special qualities of fonio, a grain, when it's used in beer. It also aimed to promote the environmental benefits of regenerative agriculture, which is a way of farming that helps the land, and to support smallholder farmers in Africa. It’s a pretty thoughtful way to brew, really.
The fact that Surly Brewing was invited to participate in such an important and globally focused project speaks volumes about their reputation and their willingness to explore new ideas. They even gave a shout-out to Garrett Oliver, a well-known figure in the brewing world, for inviting them to be a part of it. This kind of collaboration shows that Surly isn't just focused on what's happening in their own backyard; they're also interested in contributing to bigger conversations about sustainable practices and supporting communities far beyond their own, which is, basically, a very cool thing.
What's New and Exciting at Surly Brewing?
So, what's on the horizon for Surly Brewing? As mentioned earlier, there's a new pizza and taproom opening later this summer in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This new spot, located right on the University of North Dakota campus, will bring Surly’s unique offerings to a fresh audience. It’s a pretty big step, extending their physical presence and making their beers and food more accessible to people in that area. This kind of expansion, you know, shows they’re always looking for ways to grow and reach more folks.
Concerts are also a big part of what's new and happening at Surly. They've got their festival field season kicking off, with bands like Cake performing. While some shows, like the Cake concert on May 29, 2025, are already very, very sold out, it just goes to show how popular these events are. If you're thinking about attending a Surly concert for the first time, or just need a refresher on how show days go there, they usually provide plenty of information to help you get ready. It's, basically, a great way to combine live music with a good brew.
And, of course, they keep things fresh with their anniversary celebrations. The Surly Beer Hall’s 10th anniversary party, with its free tours, cellar raids, and all the fun activities, is a good example of how they keep the energy up and give people reasons to come back. These events, you know, aren't just about marking time; they're about creating new memories and reinforcing that feeling of community that Surly is so good at fostering. It’s, in a way, always something to look forward to.
Visiting Surly Brewing – What to Expect
If you're thinking about stopping by Surly Brewing in Minneapolis, you're in for a treat. The main brewery and beer hall are located at 520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. It’s a pretty easy spot to find, and once you’re there, you’ll see that it’s a place that caters to a lot of different preferences. You can enjoy their craft beer on tap, grab a bite from the pizza restaurant upstairs, or simply relax on the patio if the weather is nice. It’s, you know, a very welcoming setup.
For those who want to see where it all comes together, the brewery tours are a fantastic option. They happen on Saturdays at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. These tours are open to anyone 12 years old and up, and they offer a chance to learn about Surly's history and get a walkthrough of the brewing area. It’s a good way to get a deeper appreciation for the craft and the story behind the beverages. It’s, basically, a pretty informative and engaging experience for beer lovers and curious minds alike.
Whether you're there for a concert, an anniversary party, a casual meal, or just to try some of their unique beers and THC mocktails, Surly Brewing aims to offer a good time. They’ve built a reputation for being one of those places in Minnesota you just have to go see, much like the North Shore or the State Fair. Their beer hall, which opened in 2014, has, in some respects, truly become a landmark. It’s a place where you can feel the energy, enjoy great products, and be part of a community that loves good beer and good company.
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