Minneapolis

[Brownbeard]

I am coming to the Twin Cities for my SWMBO's class reunion. I am thinking about hitting Town Hall for lunch on saturday. Anybody got any better options for some kind beer and a great burger?

[davesarman]

Oops, didn't see this post until now...I assume you've already been to Mpls?? Did you make it to Town Hall? That would have been my recommendation had I seen this post earlier. How was it?

[Brownbeard]

I am going there tomorrow in fact. I will be having lunch at Town Hall, then making a trip over to Northern Brewer. Then dinner at Atlas grill, ever been? Looks kinda swanky. My wife's 10 year class reunion is there. They got a decent beer selection? Why is it swanky resturaunts never do?

[davesarman]

Never been to Atlas...I think I might be at Town Hall Saturday morning myself. They're serving a brunch before the Twins game and my wife and I have tickets for that. We'll be there probably around 10 or 11 a.m. We'll be wearing Mientkawicz and Pierzienski jerseys....

[Brownbeard]

I got there about 1. I opted for the sampler right off the bat. The IPA was really good, as was the oatmeal stout. The meatloaf sandwich was easily the highlite of the experience. If you have not had it, I highly recommend it. All the beers were great. Had the cask IPA too.

[davesarman]

Funny you mentioned the meatloaf sandwich...after my last post I was going to recommend that to you....that's my favorite dish there! Glad you had a good time and enjoyed the beers. I had the chocolate porter, cask ESB and the Scotch ale. All wonderful. How was Atlas? Could you get a decent beer there?

[Brownbeard]

Atlas was a major rip off. We paid $60 a person for my SWMBO's class reunion dinner, and they served chicken. There were no drinks included in the price. Beers were $4 a bottle for anything. I drank James Page Amber Lager all night. They had about 10 beers to choose from. That or the Summit Pale Ale was the best choice. I was sorely disapointed. Town Hall was great. I went to Northern Brewer as well. It was nice to go to a homebrew store instead of just ordering online. The guys there were great. Where do you purchase your supplies in the city?

[davesarman]

I've been to Northern Brewer once or twice. I buy my supplies from Midwest Supplies in St. Louis Park, it's the closest one to where I live. I agree, buying supplies in person is better, you can chat with the people at the store, who are always helpful, plus it's cool to look at all the stuff you can spend your hard earned $$$ on!

Sorry Atlas was a disappointment. If you ever head up this way again, let me know and I'll tell you a few other good spots to try.

[Brownbeard]

My wife is from the Richfield and we make it up there a couple times a year. I will definitely let you know, maybe we can get together for a beer some time.

[Professor Frink]

I've been living here in Mpls for 3 years now, brewing for 1 year, and this is the very first I've heard of Town Hall Brewery. Either I haven't been looking hard enough, or they don't advertise much. Actually, I just looked up their location, and I've never been in that area, never had a reason to explore there. Perhaps I can check it out over Christmas break.

I'm a steady customer of Midwest, their kits have never let me down. How does Northern compare???

[davesarman]

Definitely check out Town Hall, it's worth it! Best beer in the cities, in my opinion. If you ever go to anything at the dome, it's a great place to go before or after. You can park in the ramp next door by the Holiday in for way cheap, usually $1 or $2, and it's about a 10 minute walk to the dome. Great for Twins games, not so great for Vikings games, possibly, depending on the weather.

I've used both Midwest and Northern, with successful results for both. I prefer Midwest tho, primarlily because of location. I live in the western burb of Waconia, and Midwest is the closest with the most helpful staff as well. Wind River is also close, but they are primarily mail order, they don't have much of their stock on display.

Hope this was helpful!