Lincoln’s beer scene isn’t just brewing—it’s bubbling over with personality, flavor, and a serious knack for good times. Whether you’re here for the pub quizzes, wild sours, dog-friendly patios, or just an epic new IPA, you’ll find a taproom to match your vibe (and your glass). Ready to drink your way through Lincoln’s best breweries and bars? Follow your thirst—these spots are anything but ordinary.
Pour Craft Beer & Spirits | The Beer Nerd’s Paradise
You will not find brewers tinkering with mash tubs here, but if your mission is scouting the finest craft and spirits selection in town, mission accomplished. With two dozen rotating taps showcasing local gems and global finds, every visit sparkles with discovery. The spirits menu reads like a distilled dream, from zesty Lavender Gimlets to Old Fashioneds that hit just the right note of sweet, bitter and boozy. Bartenders know their stuff and share tasting pointers like friendly professors without a hint of pretension.
Warm lighting and eclectic décor create a space that feels both relaxed and refined. Seasonal releases debut alongside old favorites, so regulars never face the same lineup twice. A comfy lounge area invites conversation with friends old and new. This drinkery places community at its core, hosting fundraisers, live music showcases and pop-up art events. Whether you arrive hoping for a show-stopping IPA or a barrel-aged rye, you’ll leave with something memorable in hand. Even non-beer drinkers find solace in the cocktail program. Unexpected discoveries await at every barstool. See what’s on tap tonight.
White Elm Brewing Company | For the Adventurous Palate
In a city known for straightforward ales, this nest of innovation shakes up perceptions of craft beer. The minimalist taproom feels fresh and green, as if you’ve slipped into a lively beer playground rather than just a brewery. This is a place where innovation is standard and experimentation feels right at home. Their lineup swings from daring stouts spiked with marshmallow flavors in the aptly named Fluffaluffagus to barrel-aged heavyweights like Year Six at 13 percent ABV. Each pour balances bold ideas with flawless smoothness.
Four-legged friends are practically part of the décor, with water bowls and treats scattered around. Food trucks and chef pop-ups rotate weekly, offering everything from gourmet tacos to artisan pizzas. If you’re serious about brewing, book a cellar tour to see how beer can be elevated to an art form. Even the most seasoned hop head finds something to marvel at with each new seasonal release. Friendly staff members happily break down tasting notes without making you feel like you wandered into a tasting exam. This is craft beer reimagined for those ready to explore beyond the basics. plan your visit here.
Zipline Beer Hall | The Communal Beer Adventure
Picture a Saturday where strangers become tablemates at a communal bench so long it might have its own zip code. This place channels classic German beer halls, inviting you to raise a pint of Copper Alt, nod knowingly, and strike up conversations with anyone around.
Weekdays here never lack energy: free bingo on Monday, trivia on Thursday, plus yard games that’ll turn your usual hangout crew into champions. And yes, dogs are invited—you’ll see plenty of four-legged regulars soaking up the sun on the patio.
With 24 rotating taps, you’ll find everything from a game-changing Oatmeal Porter to barrel-aged surprise releases. Hungry? Order next door from Art & Soul through a pass-through window and keep the good times flowing without stumbling over to a pretzel stand. Whether you claim a sunny seat outside or reserve the snug private room, this hall thrives on easygoing fun and plenty of cold refreshments. Grab your bingo dauber and plan your visit.
Kinkaider Brewing Co. | Patio for People (and Pups)
Parked in the heart of the Haymarket, this brewery feels like your favorite backyard hangout. The sprawling, dog-friendly patio invites sun worshippers and shade seekers alike. Inside, classic rock tunes fill the space, balancing the fresh air of the patio. Options range from the spicy Devil’s Gap Jalapeño Ale to a robust Snow Beast Winter Ale. And for a sweet treat without the guilt, the Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Amber Ale satisfies every dessert craving in liquid form.
Beer snobs need not apply. Flights named the Dirty Dozen encourage hopping between styles while full pours let you settle in with a classic. The calendar stays packed with tailgate-style parties, live music sets and casual grill-outs that draw families and fans. Feel free to bring your own snacks or pick up brats and hot dogs on-site. When beer isn’t calling your name, the cocktail list and celebrated Bloody Mary bar have you covered. Kids can enjoy authentic root beer, and pups get water bowls at every table. It’s no mystery why this spot has become the unofficial backyard of downtown Lincoln. See what’s on tap and grab your spot.
Code Beer Company | Chill Hangouts & Quirky Sours
Step inside an old-brick building where modern brewing meets laid-back comfort in the up-and-coming Telegraph District. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a front-row seat to steaming kettles while the staff guides you through each tank, no pretension required. Gleaming countertops and polished floors underscore a pristine aesthetic that never feels stuffy.
Fans of inventive flavors will savor the Berry Lemon Sour or the silky Coconut Cream Ale, and the nitro pale ales flow as a badge of honor for regulars. Canine companions roam indoors like VIP guests, soaking up affection from both barkeeps and neighbors. If a food pop-up pops up, dive in; if not, bring your favorite takeout to enjoy with a fresh pour.
The calendar stays packed with community events, from pint fundraisers for first responders to themed tastings that spotlight local producers. The taproom sparkles with clean lines and cozy accents, striking a perfect balance between minimalist chic and genuine Midwestern warmth. Here, every visit feels like catching up with an old friend who just happens to have the best beer in town. Find your new favorite on their tap list.
Saro Cider | The Gluten-Free Game Changer
Forget everything you know about cider, because this corner taproom in Lincoln rewrites the rules for gluten-free drinks. Established as the city’s inaugural cidery, it presents a rotating lineup that keeps drinkers on their toes. You might sip a vibrant Sangria-style cider during summer or a heartwarming Spiced Apple version when the temperatures drop. Feeling adventurous? The Jalapeño blend adds a playful heat flare. On Tuesdays, flight lovers rejoice with half-price pours, making decision fatigue a distant memory.
The interior doubles as a casual art gallery, featuring colorful works by local painters alongside bean bags and long wooden tables. Starter plates like classic hummus or cheesy artichoke dip pair perfectly with a crisp pour. There’s even a selection of mocktails and zero-proof options if you’re aiming for a dry January or just keeping it light. Trivia nights pop up weekly, covering everything from sitcom trivia to obscure history. Acoustic musicians or local bands often fill the space with soulful tunes. Pull up a stool, grab a paddle, and find out why cider enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike make this spot a constant on their Lincoln itinerary. go see what’s on tap.
Boiler Brewing Company | Experimental Beer Paradise
Inside a historic brick building with arched ceilings, this brewery ditches the average light lager in favor of boundary-pushing brews. Think a tangy Pickle Pilsner or a decadent Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Porter. The rustic ambience feels cozy enough for first-timers and confident enough to challenge even the most adventurous hop head. Original artwork and warm lighting set the stage for unforgettable pours.
No need to wrestle with a strict bar kitchen. You can order your favorite flight size and summon any local food delivery straight to your table. The staff is eager to explain the difference between mead and cider without the usual eye-roll. History buffs can join monthly tours to hear tales of the building and brewing process. If you’re planning a private gathering, the Barrel Room offers an exclusive spot to toast with a crew of any size. Drop in solo or bring a group and discover why this spot feels more like a secret clubhouse than a brewery. Embrace the madness and plan your visit here.
Yia Yia’s | Beer Nirvana for Pizza Lovers
Forget brewing onsite: this bar’s claim to fame lies in a rotating lineup of 25 taps plus a curated collection of over 160 bottles from around the globe. Watching commitment-phobic friends scroll that list never gets old, and every visit promises a new surprise.
The pizza menu shocks in the best way, uniting cream cheese, corn, and jalapeños on a single slice that somehow hits every note perfectly. Exposed brick walls and vintage art whisper casual cool without ever feeling staged. Staff veterans guide you toward the ideal pint to pair with each unconventional pie.
A sunny patio beckons for laid-back people-watching, while an indoor pool table challenges you to stake bragging rights. Vegans won’t feel shortchanged—there’s a solid roster of plant-based options rivaling any traditional menu.
Music playlists keep the mood just right, never too loud, never too soft. Between the endless beer lineup and creative eats, boredom simply isn’t on the menu. check out the menu and prepare for a taproom rabbit hole.
HopCat Lincoln | For Beer Nerds & Snack Addicts
Skip the pretense at HopCat, where craft beer is taken seriously. It’s not a sampler paddle kind of spot; if tiny flights leave you wanting more, this place delivers. Boasting more than 130 taps filled with Nebraska favorites and national standouts, it turns indecision into a fun challenge. Diehard IPA fans and stout loyalists alike leave satisfied.
Hungry? The legendary Cosmik Fries arrive loaded with crispy goodness, cracked black pepper and a gooey cheese sauce that demands your attention. And the Madtown grilled cheese elevates the humble sandwich into a full-blown flavor revolution.
In Lincoln’s Haymarket district, you’ll find a lively atmosphere, quirky décor and big screens displaying every Huskers game. Happy hour keeps things lively with half-price apps and drink specials served by staff who can actually answer your pairing questions. Round out the visit by grabbing a patio seat or checking their sustainability initiatives.
Join the rewards program, because birthday freebies and surprise perks are the perfect excuse to keep coming back. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill – South | Lincoln’s Brewpub OG
Calling Lazlo’s just a brewpub undersells its legacy. Since Empyrean Brewing opened its doors here in 1991, Lincoln’s beer obsession has never looked back. The ever-changing tap list ranges from malt-forward Scottish Ale to a barrel-aged peanut butter porter that feels like a secret indulgence.
Don’t miss the signature Lahvosh, a Midwestern flatbread piled high with house ingredients, or treat yourself to one of their wood-fired steaks. Comfort food and craft beer fuse perfectly on every plate.
Friendly service elevates the experience, making you forget you’re miles from any coast where expectations run sky-high. The patio shifts seamlessly from a mellow refuge on sunny days to a bustling scene once the sun dips. Families feel at home here, but couples and beer aficionados fit right in too.
Missing Lazlo’s on your brewery tour is like skipping the first chapter of Lincoln’s beer story. Make plans soon and taste history in every pour. see what you’ve been missing.
Catalyst – Kitchen, Taproom, Patio, & Brewing Co. | Best for Patio Hangouts & Beer Nerding
Catalyst invites you to spend a sunny afternoon with frosty glasses in hand, friends by your side, and pups lounging at your feet. The spacious outdoor patio handles rowdy yard games and stroller carousels with equal grace. Even the most ambitious canine has ample room to roam.
On tap, you’ll find inventive offerings like a coconut-packed Hawaiian Porter that tastes like beachside bliss, a tart pineapple gose perfect for warm afternoons, and a classic Oktoberfest Festbier. Don’t skip the S’mores Porter, which somehow turns campfire nostalgia into liquid form.
If indecision strikes, snag a flight and trade tasting notes. Live tunes add to the buzz while the brunch lineup delivers savory and sweet punches in every bite.
Sink your teeth into chicken & waffles drizzled with maple syrup or the spicy Kickn’ Chicken sandwich. Add friendly service and a points-based rewards program, and you’ve got an all-day hangout. Go see what your new favorite hangout looks like.
Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill – haymarket | Nebraska’s O.G. Brewpub
Step into Lincoln’s first brewpub and feel the history steeping from exposed brick walls, weathered beams, and a crackling fireplace. Settling in with a pint of Burning Skye Scottish Ale pays homage to a time when brewpubs were few and far between in Nebraska.
This historic spot serves Empyrean Brewing Company’s classics alongside seasonal experiments—expect staples like a malty Oktoberfest and wild-cards such as an Imperial Mango IPA infused with coconut. If you don’t really like beer, challenge your taste buds with a Peanut Butter Porter that blends sweet and savory in every sip.
The kitchen impresses as much as the fermenters. Savory lavosh arrives topped with BBQ chicken or keeps things simple with sea salt and rosemary. A hickory-grilled steak and robust salads round out the menu for diners of all stripes.
Family-friendly tables, a sunny patio, and private dining rooms create the ideal setting for work lunches, date nights, or weekend gatherings. No matter your occasion, this brewpub feels like a warm Nebraska welcome in every sip and bite. Claim your spot by the fire or patio here.
1867 Bar | Where Nebraska Brews, Bands, and Dogs Collide
Imagine a bar that wears Nebraska history on its walls with license plates, local crafts, and a tap list devoted entirely to in-state breweries. Historic photos and barnboard accents further emphasize the state’s brewing roots. Fourteen rotating taps showcase everything from farmhouse saisons to hop-forward IPAs, and macro lagers need not apply here.
An indoor beer garden brings casual greenery under strings of lights while live bands and comedy acts fill the stage most nights. Giant Jenga blocks and cornhole boards stand by for friendly competition, sparking laughter between sips. Dog owners will love ‘Paws and Draws,’ a monthly event where canine guests help raise money for local charities.
Whether you’re chasing the rarest taps or craving authentic live entertainment, this venue strikes the perfect balance between laid-back house party and neighborhood hangout. Every pint feels like a tribute to local craftsmanship, and every evening delivers its own kind of magic. Scope out upcoming gigs, specials, and see if your dog made their event album here.
McKinney’s Irish Pub | Where St. Paddy’s Never Ends
Stepping into McKinney’s feels like landing in a cozy Dublin side street. Wood-paneled walls display vintage Irish memorabilia and a whopping 20-plus beers pour from gleaming taps.
A towering whiskey list offers around 40 options to sip or sample, turning any visit into a spirited study session. Pair your dram with classic pub fare—Shepherd’s Pie or Bangers and Mash—for a meal that comforts.
Seasonal brews rotate regularly, so there’s always a new ale or stout whispering your name. The annual St. Paddy’s Day bash goes all out with live music, kilt contests and enough green décor to rival any river transformation.
On warmer nights, snag a spot on the patio and dive into a Guinness Float or a tangy Bloody Mammy. Whether you crave authentic Irish cheer or just a solid pint, this pub welcomes you like an old friend. Here’s where you join the craic.
Miller Time Pub & Grill | Big Beer Selection & Burger Bliss
Don’t let the hotel lobby location fool you—Miller Time Pub & Grill carries its own personality. Twenty-one draft lines feature classics alongside rotating local and national brews, while shelves brim with dozens more bottles to discover.
The staff’s cicerone certifications come in handy when you’re staring at the taps, unsure whether to commit. Vintage beer memorabilia and bright neon signs give the space a nostalgic vibe, perfect for snapping a few photos.
When hunger hits, dive into overachieving burgers loaded with toppings or indulge in cheese curds and beer cheese soup that could convert any skeptic. Happy Hour lives up to its name with killer deals, plus a $3 daily mystery pour adds an element of surprise.
Burger Wednesdays under ten bucks draw budget hunters, and live music with occasional block parties turns a game night into a full-on social event. Trust this friendly pub to balance solid grub, an endless beer lineup and laid-back ambiance. Scope out their beer bible and infamous burger lineup here.
