Best Beer Gardens In Minnesota

Centuries ago, Bavarian brewers stored beer in cellars along the River Isar under the chestnut trees. They covered the ground with gravel and served clients who brought their own food to picnic under the trees. These gardens are still popular throughout Germany, with the Hirschgarten restaurant in Munich seating over 8,000 people in its beer garden. Here are five fun Minnesota beer gardens you may wish to visit this summer.

August Schell Brewing Company
1860 Schell's Road
New Ulm, MN 56073
(507) 354-5528
www.schellsbrewery.com

Probably one of the most authentic beer gardens left in America is August Schell Brewing Company, a wonderful family-owned brewery. It has a brick patio in back of the brewery that overlooks a creek and woods, and beautiful gardens that lead up to the old family house. The beer garden area is open every Sunday as weather permits. Revelers can partake in Schell's best beers, root beer and baskets of brewer's grain bread and cheeses all with good-time music. The brewery grounds are open for tours daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. No visit is complete without a brewery tour and stopping by the Museum and Gift Haus.

Indeed Brewing Company
711 N.E. 15th Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 843-5090
www.indeedbrewing.com

Indeed Brewing is now taking over the entire first floor of the Solar Arts Building. Think lofts, cool space and vibe. It's an amazing place. The outdoor patio is just a short walk from the brewery. Gather around one of its long benches under hanging lights or snuggle up to the fire on chilly nights. Check out the Indeed calendar for your favorite food truck. They rotate nightly. Even the Food Network's Great Food Truck Race has been there. If you are lucky, Indeed may have Mexican Honey Beer on tap, a 2014 medal winner at The Great American Beer Festival.

Related: Best Outdoor Bars In the Twin Cities

Butcher & The Boar
1121 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 238-8888
 www.butcherandtheboar.com

This amazingly spacious 5,000 square foot, all-season beer garden turns out to be a pretty swanky hang out. B&B staff has thought through and taken care of every detail to create a unique ambience unlike any other beer garden. Patrons have full view of the kitchen creating a purposeful enticement for the upscale taste treats with an affordable menu. Beer connoisseurs can find ample choice on the beer menu to match every tasty option. The music provides a non-intrusive background for conversations. Weather is seldom a factor thanks to a voluminous tent and an open wood-burning fireplace to keep patrons dry and warm. Oh yes, and the garden is pet friendly.

Related: Best Bars With Heated Patios In Minnesota

Coasters Beer Garden
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
1265 Snelling Ave.
Carnes Ave. and Liggit St.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 288-4400
www.coastersbeergarden.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Coasters-Beer-Garden

Dates: June 19 through 21, 2015 for Back To The 50s! Car Show and Aug. 27, 2015 through Sept. 7, 2015 for Minnesota State Fair.

Since August 24, 2000, Coasters has been serving up flavorsome fair food to free live music, all with a wide selection of your favorite brew. Come back every night of the fair and be treated with a new and original live band.

Ball Park Cafe
Minnesota State Fair
1265 Snelling Ave.
Underwood Street next to the Food Building
St. Paul, MN 55108
www.facebook.com/Ball-Park-Cafe-at-the-Minnesota-State-Fair

"The Mini-Donut beer sold out last year with a couple days to go, so we are increasing our supply," says Dan Theisen, who helps run the Ball Park Café. Dan and his brother David Theisen have served craft beers, burgers and garlic fries since 1999 along with their wives and children and as many as 50 other part-time employees. Lift Bridge Brewing Co., makes the Mini-Donut Beer a tan colored but richly flavored sweet sipper served in a glass with cinnamon and sugar around the rim. Look for later announcements as the Theisens add to the more than 15 lines of creative craft beers every year. The enterprise is named after the banks of televisions broadcasting Twins games live.

Related: Good Question: Who Makes The Most Dough At The Fair?

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.