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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
