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Tap Talk Tours: St. Anthony Park Breweries

Everyone loves a good pub crawl. But with the influx of breweries popping up all over the Twin Cities it can be hard to know where to start. What city should I visit? Which neighborhood has the most breweries? What are the beers like at each place? And, of course, can I walk or bike to these places?

Well, after months of touring the cities and tasting the beers each local brewery has to offer, Tap Talk decided to offer up our services and is putting together taproom tours to help guide you in your drinking travels.

We've gone east to Stillwater and west to Carver County. So, now we're focusing hyper-local and touring St. Paul's South St. Anthony neighborhood.

St. Anthony Park makes it extremely easy to find all of its breweries, as two are located on the same street. In fact, they are almost located on the same plot. Four breweries comprise this tour, but if you're feeling like three isn't enough for one day head over to St. Paul's West 7th Street or over to Minneapolis' Como neighborhood for a few more. Also, Surly is just a hop, skip and a jump over Highway 280 in Prospect Park. View our map below for walking, biking or driving directions to these spots.

Lake Monster Brewing
(credit: CBS)

Lake Monster Brewing Company

Things To Know…
Flagship beers: Calhoun Claw Pilsener (Pilsner) and the Empty Rowboat IPA (IPA)

On Tap (at time of publication): Oatmeal Smoked Porter (Porter), Serpent Summer Ale, Untethered Sour Brown (Sour), St. Paul Pub Ale (Pale Ale), Calhoun Claw Pilsener (Pilsner), Empty Rowboat IPA (IPA), Murmur Milk Stout (Stout)

What to start with: Calhoun Claw Pilsener. The Pilsener is one of the breweries flagship beers and also a tough style to execute, so it will give a clear taste of what Lake Monster has to offer.

Author's note: Lake Monster is one of the newer breweries on the Minnesota scene. At just 7 months old, it is still adventurous with flavors and styles. Creators Jeremy Maynor, Matt Lange and Matt Zanetti want the taproom to be a community spot and encourage patrons to hang out.

Quick Info
Lake Monster is located at 550 Vandalia St. #160. They are open 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday and 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Learn more about Lake Monster by reading their feature on Tap Talk.

Urban Growler
(credit: CBS)

Urban Growler Brewing Company

Things To Know…
Flagship beers: Cowbell Cream Ale (Cream Ale) and Big Boot Rye IPA (India Pale Ale)

Most popular: Cowbell Cream Ale

On Tap (at time of publication): CowBell Cream Ale (Cream Ale), Berliner Weisse (Sour), Sticky Rice (Wheat), Rhubarb Wit (Wit), Hayloft Series 10,000 Plums Barleywine (Barleywine), City Day Ale (Kentucky Common Beer), De-Lovely Porter (Porter), Midwest IPA (IPA), Big Boot Rye IPA (IPA).

What to start with: The Cowbell Cream Ale. Head brewer Deb Loch said if someone comes in and says they are a strict Michelob Light drinker, she always gives them a cream ale.

Author's note: If you enjoy brews that are malt-forward, this is the brewery for you. While there are two IPAs on tap, many of the beers at Urban Growler are malt-focused styles. Several also tend to be on the sweeter side, using fruit, wines and bourbons as adjuncts. Be sure to try the Sticky Rice – it was the beer Urban Growler brewed in the first-ever brew off Tin Whiskers held. It's a wheat beer made with mango, coconut and ginger. If you have young ones or non-beer drinkers in your group, this is a good stop because there is food served on the premises.

Quick Info
Urban Growler is located at 2325 Endicott St. They are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Learn more about Urban Growler by reading their feature on Tap Talk.

Bang Brewing
(credit: Bang Brewing)

Bang Brewing

Things To Know…
If you find yourself in Urban Growler's parking lot while trying to find Bang Brewing, you're in the right spot. The small craft brewhouse is located in the silo that sits out front of Urban Growler.

As hours are limited, spots inside the taproom go fast, but they have recently expanded to include a patio.

If you're hungry, feel free to order in food.

Quick Info
Bang Brewing is located at 2320 Capp Road. They are open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and 2 – 8 p.m. on Saturdays.

Learn more about Bang Brewing by visiting their website.

Burning Brothers
(credit: CBS)

Burning Brothers Brewing

Things To Know…
Flagship beers: Pyro (American Pale Ale) Roasted (Coffee Strong Ale) and Raj-Agni (India Pale Ale)

On Tap (at time of publication): Pyro (American Pale Ale), Roasted (Coffee Strong Ale), Raj-Agni (India Pale Ale), Chocolate Oatmeal Stout (Oatmeal Stout), Cranberry Shandy (Winter Shandy), Dry Stout (Stout), English Mild (English Mild), Fused (Infused Pale Ale) and Parched (Shandy)

What to start with: Pyro. It is their main flagship beer and a good introduction to the gluten-free taste.

Author's note: Burning Brothers is completely gluten free. From the beer to the food truck that sits outside, it is a friend to those free of the grain-derived-protein. So, it's a great place to go to share the brewery culture with your gluten-free friends. If you do consume gluten, this is still a great brewery to try. Often gluten-free beers get a bad rap, but these are delicious. Definitely try the "Parched" Lime Shandy; it tastes like a limesicle.

Quick Info
Burning Brothers is located at 1750 Thomas Avenue W. They are open 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Learn more about Burning Brothers by reading their feature on Tap Talk.

Surly And Beyond

Surly brewing is located just two miles west of both Lake Monster Brewing and Urban Growler. Simply cross over Highway 280 on University Avenue and you're there. The massive destination brewery has seen great success since it's opening in 2014.

Minneapolis' Como neighborhood is home to Insight Brewing and NorthGate Brewing. Both just over three miles from St. Anthony Park, they are two spots to easily add to your tour.

And if you're feeling adventurous, head just roughly six miles into St. Paul and visit Bad Weather Brewing Company and Vine Park Brewing on West 7th Street. Don't forget to check out brewing legends Summit Brewing Company while you're there too.

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