Great beer and great location in downtown St Paul. Stopped for a couple of beverages before heading to a Saints game. Found a great table with wooden bench seating on one side and high top chairs on the other side. I mostly went here to appease my hubby - he loves beer but I found a gluten free option - a sour beer that tasted like a mimosa! I don't know how they did it but it was delish. Side notes: You have to order at the bar. No table service. Right next door is Dark Horse Bar and Eatery, you can even see directly into the restaurant through the windows all long the side that look like mirrors. Service was friendly and fast too! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

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We were on a bit of a brewery tour through the area and finished our night at Barrel Theory! Some street and paid lot parking nearby in this lively neighborhood! The interior is casual and approachable, with fun wall art, TVs with live sports, and people playing board games and socializing. We bellied up to the bar, and while our beertender didn't pull us any big winner pull tabs ;), they were awesome to converse with during our visit! The beer leans towards a wide variety of Hazy IPAs, which is one of our favorite styles, so we were in heaven! We tried a few different beers during our visit, and all were delicious! The big surprise was their Tropical Sour, which had a delicious citrus and island vibe to it! We took home a four pack to enjoy all summer long! A great spot for a pint if you're in the area and looking for a great craft brewery! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

One of the most consistently great breweries in MSP. The atmosphere is great. Everyone is welcoming and there's a great old warehouse vibe without being artificial or run down. Bartenders are always happy to answer questions or chat at slower times. Parking can be a bit tricky during busier hours but we've always found street spots out front. They've got a few pinball machines as well if that's your jam. They're attached to Dark Horse Eatery and even share an ordering window so you can bring food or get it from there. They're known for their IPAs and stouts but honestly anything will be decent at worst so feel free to explore. Always experimenting with hop variety and combinations. Any variation of Rain Drops is great but I recommend DDH. I'm more a stout guy so any barrel aged brews will be 10/10 and are worth waiting in line for. I'd you like atmosphere and great beer you should check them out. read more

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I love Barrel Theory been coming here for years. I don't know why I haven't reviewed this place yet. If you love IPAs and Sour's This is the spot to go. Number one brewery in Minnesota in my book! The staff here rock the house and know their stuff and really know how to treat their guest! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - 4 oz pours - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

The beer does not disappoint.....ever. the vibe here is chill, industrial and happy. Service is excellent. read more

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You can go order some foods from the restaurant next door. Dark horse. This brewery has mostly IPA except for 2 sours. The sours are actually really good! Dog friendly! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Burger from dark horse - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

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Another must stop if in the Lowertown neighborhood of St Paul! Barrel theory is one of my favorite breweries offering up some amazing craft brews. The brewery itself is not too large but there is a lot of seating options available. There are only a couple pinball machines and two tvs for viewing, but there is some great people watching out the large front windows . The beer tenders are super friendly, we love grabbing a drink here before a St Paul Saints game or an event downtown. They host some awesome events throughout the year too! read more

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Great beer, good service, and a cool space! We stopped by for some beers and also ended up getting food at their food truck the big red wagon. They are know for their IPAs and both beers we got were very good. The space has a bunch of bar seating, small high tops, a few tvs (so I got to watch the Masters) and some arcade games! Definitely will make our way back! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

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This is an average sized tap house with a HUGE wrap around bar. Their beers are 10/10 including many great IPAs if you are into that. They do have some other funky sours, lagers and stouts as well. Usually they have a food truck out front for food. Parking is a little difficult. Overall a great beer spot! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

Nice beers, can order food from next door. Good atmosphere. We were going to a sunday night show, so stopped here on the way. Nice stop. Friendly staff. read more

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Our pubpass brought us here on a late week day afternoon. Loved the vibe - with brewing vats in the back, pin ball machines, mod art on the walls, and lots of energy in the place. I ordered the Everything is Fine to start. It had a nice hoppy flavor. We then split a flight so we could try a bunch of the hazy IPAs. Rude Awakenings and No Hard Feelings were my fav of the four. There was no aftertaste in these and they had a nice fresh hoppy flavor that would definitely go well with a nice summer day (will winter ever end in MN!?!). Staff was very helpful, even turning the TVs to the Twins Game upon our request. Street parking was a bit scarce but we found one a block away. Great stop. read more

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A rather small space but a great selection of beers & GF selections & slushies. Lots of kids w/ their parents which seemed odd but perfectly acceptable. You do need to order at the counter & ,if you keep your tab open, they keep your card until you close out. read more

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We were staying at a nearby hotel and thought to check out Barrel Theory. It wasn't too busy on a Saturday afternoon, so we were able to find a seat at the bar right away. We liked that there was a variety of beers - many IPAs, but also some sours and darker beers. The taster sizes are great because we got to try a bunch! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

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Came here originally because of the food truck parked outside BUT the beer is also excellent! Great atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable staff. If you're unsure what beer to sample, ask the staff and they will provide excellent selections. Can't wait to come back to sample more of the beer available on tap. Highly recommended. read more

I love this place and their beers. I just recently visited after a long time (drinking less beer these days) but this place hasn't lost a step. Some of the Best beers in the city for sure. read more

Great beer and fun atmosphere! This was another stop on our beer passport, where I got the "One Way to M.I.A" super fruity and juicy, and a little bit sour, which I loved. Parking was definitely scarce on a Saturday night, but the yummy beer and board games definitely made up for it! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - One Way to MIA! - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

Had a great time this weekend out at @barreltheory, who was hosting the @mnhomebrewers. Barrel Theory shared their philosophy, their story, and their beers as the homebrewers got a chance to ask questions. I enjoyed a couple of their IPAs while at the brewery: Full Send (Pictured) - a Hazy IPA with Nelson Sauvin and Citra hops. A great hazy that really takes the grape-like Nelson hop and compliments with the citrus from the Citra. Two Words - a Tripe IPA with Nelson Sauvin, Vic Secret, & Amarillo Cryo hops. Another great example of a beer with Nelson hops. This IPA joins the multi-faceted Vic Secret hops with Nelson with a backdrop of the Amarillo to round it out. read more

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Wow I don't even like IPA but I love love the Juicy IPAs here!! The colors of the beer is amazing. The beer iso robust in flavor and the hoppy aftertaste was just nice. There are plenty of seating in this brewery and lots of street parking. The bartenders are friendly and even the frequent patrons chat us up while we were hanging out at their patio. It's so cool to hear from them that there are so many choices now in the Twin Cities in terms of beer and this is still their fav! It's right in downtown St Paul not far from the freeway entrance. Come here and you will not regret it! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

Barrel Theory has some of the best flavored beer in the cities in my opinion. Love the artwork inside and the bartenders are great. Only been here twice, but plan to frequent here more often when in downtown St Paul area. read more

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So glad we stopped in here and checked it out. No food just great beer. Service was great. Beers were amazing. Highly recommend the raindrop ipa (heavenly)! Both their sours were really bomb too. Cheers friends! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Bathroom art - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

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You're the best! Around! Nothing's gonna keep you down. You're the best in town. My two favorite styles of beer are IPA's and sours. Barrel Theory seems to specialize in both of them. They also rotate pretty heavily so there is almost always something new. Never any trouble getting your uniques up here. Unfortunately, it seems many people think as highly of the place as I do. It is usually very crowded. Oftentimes, there are no stools to be had at the bar. For their sours, I have really enjoyed the Gucci Piñata and the Purple Lamborghini. In the IPA department, my favorites have been Mo Peach Mo Problems and Mugatu. They rotate so much, though, that it can be difficult to find the ones you liked when you go back again. Bartenders are some of the friendliest anywhere as well. If you are a beer geek like me and haven't been yet, I urge you to get there in a hurry. read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

It's SO HAZY in here it's unbelievable!! 6 Hazys on tap, I highly recommend Shredder McGavin. Great flavor! Let Benjamin be your guide to all thing delicious around town. read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Master tender Benjamin & myself - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

Good beer but pricey Service is typical of breweries but not above and beyond Ambiance is ok read more

This spot has a great atmosphere! The bar has a good variety of beers on tap and lots of seating. Close to a lot of food options so this is a good stop for pre or post-lunch/dinner drinks! The staff was really friendly and advised us on a good beer when we didn't know what to order. I am a fan of sours so I ended up getting the spotted tiger which is a Berliner with strawberry, tangerine, blood orange, and citrus. read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Spotted Tiger (Sour 4.0%) - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

This is one of the few breweries where I can find something I always like, which is difficult for me because I only drink sours and stouts (I'm weird, I know) and the fact that their selection is always changing. The one downside of having an ever rotating menu is that if you find something you love, you might never get to drink it again after you leave :( Please bring back the Purple Lamborghini! All the beers I've tried are bold and creamy (stouts) or juicy and fruity (sours). I'm sure their other beers are great too, but the other styles are not my cuppa tea. The bartenders are friendly and attentive. I also love their fun names for the beers. This is a great stop before a Saints game at CHS Field. Another things to note: not dog friendly inside or on their patio since you have to go inside to get to their patio. This is such a bummer because I would probably come here all the time in the summer if it were dog friendly. read more

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This place will be loved by ppl who love IPA. They have lot of IPA beers on their menu. I tried a pilsner and it was good. The place has pinball machines to play with. Ambiance was good and they have a huge place. I normally don't like IPA but its good to try this place out. read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

Other than Wild Minds (which I just wrote a review for), this is our new favorite beer spot in the Twin Cities. The guys here really can brew some beer. My favorite right now is Java Oats, which is their coffee stout. It is the most delicious coffee stout I think I have ever had. Better than Coffee Bender. Yeah, really. The coffee flavor is so strong but not overpowering, mixed with that lovely oaty stout flavor (hence the name I guess). Their sours are good, and I enjoy the super fun names of beers. It also seems like while they have some staples, they change out the rotation pretty quickly. So always something new for everyone! The taproom itself is totally great. Big long wood benches along one side, with tall tables and a fun atmosphere. We did accidentally visit once during a big game, and I don't think I'll make that mistake again -- too loud for my liking. But absolutely fine during non-game times. The bar staff is friendly and helpful. A+. Oh, and Buttered Tin is right across the street, so now my new favorite thing is to go for brunch at Buttered Tin and then hop across the street for some beers. A perfect weekend day. read more

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Have lived here three months and this hands down my fave beer and I have tried MANY in the Twin Cities. Mainly because well they mostly have my two fave styles- sours (talking pucker up those cheeks and lips sour!!) and really cool IPAs. Today I had a crazy imperial stout there which was a collab. They sell Crowlers to go but be sure to check the close off time - went on a Friday for example and while they were open til 11 the can sale had to end at 10 (state law I believe) so we were disappointed! I have been back a few times and I see it as a really nice treat for myself because the beer is so, so good. Nice merch too. If anyone wants to send a Midwest Exotic shirt my way please do!! read more

Promising entry into the local craft beer scene. Limited but well balanced list of options should keep patrons satisfied and curious to return in the future to see what's new on the menu. Highlights from my visit includes the Purple Lamborghini and Tear Drops IPA. Review loses at least one and half stars for their food/dine-in option. Either horribly ill-conceived or half-baked. Maybe both. Upon arriving you will find two menus on your table: (1) menu for Barrel Theory; (2) food menu for Dark Horse which is next door. If you happen to decide you would like food with your brews, you need to call to order food from Dark Horse on your own phone and then run over to pick up when ready. Why bother even having the menu and pretending this is a viable food option? It would be a way better customer experience to say there is no food menu. Pretty much every over craft brewery in the expansive state of Minnesota has figured out a better way to address food in way more effective manner. Not to beat a dead (or dark) horse, but this would have been a four or five star review but for the laughable experience trying to order food. read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Purple Lamborghini - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

Love this place. Terrific beer and a very cool tap room. I'll have to take pictures on my next visit. Their beer list focuses heavily on ipas, but they also make some very good other styles. Their Pilsner and lite beers are very good, for example. They generally have a couple of sours on, which are also very good. Small place in general, but good use of space. Lots of seating around the bar. They have a patio for additional seating during the warm months. Great place before or after a Saints baseball game. A short walk away. Sometimes they also have barrel aged stout bottles offered for on site consumption, and they do a great job with that style of beer. Friendly service and a welcoming vibe. One of my favorite beer spots in the Twin Cities read more

After we found paid meter parking across the street on a Friday afternoon we got settled in right at the bar. Ordered rain drops then the DDH version very top quality beer. Moving on we sampled every else on the board , line scooter sour was so tasty. Ordered food from Dark Horse next door while we talk beer to the staff that day. It was the best beer I had on the trip, would like to see more cans out instead of crowlers at brewery. read more

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Given the background of those that opened Barrel Theory it's really no surprise that they've been knocking it out of the park since the get-go. The focus is heavy on IPAs, sours and stouts, which is perfect for this guy. While most of the sours thus far have been kettles, they've still been quite good and you can expect to find a few on tap at any given time. The IPAs generally lean toward the hazy variety, but are also consistently great. Honestly, there hasn't been a beer here that I haven't thought was at least good, many have been fantastic. You can only find their beer in the taproom, but you can always grab some crowlers to go if you're feeling antisocial. Staff have always been friendly, the space is cozy and you can order/bring your own food if feeling peckish. While they're still relatively new to the brewing scene, BT is one of the best around in my opinion. read more

My friend Mindy has been raving about Barrel Theory for forevs, so when we were leaving the St. Paul Food Truck Fest @ Mears Park, we HAD to stop in. Not to mention I had just paid $25 for stupid marked-up event parking so I was going to suck the value out of it. First of all, kudos to Barrel Theory having so much seating and natural light! But onto the beer... we got the Agua Fresca (tropical sour), Robo Trippin' (cherry sour) and Boat Shoes (IPA). When I was asked what my favorite was, I had to think hard because they were all pretty damn good. The Agua Fresca had amazing summery tropical notes, without coming off as too sweet. Robo Trippin' was flavorful and not too sour. I usually don't even like IPAs but Boat Shoes had almost a slight creaminess to it that helped mellow it out. I'm so glad I got my butt out of MPLS to try this great STP brewery! read more

I have traveled the country trying great beers. These guys NAILED it!! On top of that the gentleman at the bar - Josh was awesome at explaining beers to the patrons who were not sure what to get. This place is a GEM on MN! Highly recommend!!! read more

the best beer. we've been drinking their hazy ipas (our favorite) for a while and finally made it over. our mustached beertender was a class act, made a special birthday outting even more special!! we will definitely be back. cheers! read more

If you're into IPAs, I would definitely keep barrel theory on the list! I do not like IPAs. I don't care how good you think you're IPA is... I won't like it. So personally for me, barrel theory is not my go to brewery as I was more limited on what to pick. However, my fiancé enjoys IPAs and really enjoyed his beer and can't wait to go back! Service was great. Street parking was easy to find. read more

I love trying new beers, new takes on styles, new breweries...I would have given this place 5 stars without input from my wife as she typically only likes fruity sours. However, after trying 10? different beers here and my wife liking every one we are raising the bar on this review to a double 5 star review! :) Everything was enjoyable from the seating to the layout to the beers and lighting and service. If you haven't visit go with a few friends and try and share everything they have on tap and buy some crowlers to take home! One of the best I've been to in the U.S. Cheers! read more

My friend and I decided to come to his brewery since both of us haven't been to this one. We went on a Friday evening around 6:30 pm. When we got arrived, there was a good amount of people already as expected-- on a Friday. The place is really trendy and hipster vibes; great atmosphere! I'm so glad they had a patio! The weather was great, and it's nice to enjoy beer with great company! The patio has about 4 big tables, however I wished that they also had some tables and chair (one small table, 2 chairs) or some type of bar out there people could stand and put their drinks on. Despite that, we shared a table with some people (I didn't mind.) The beer was great! I tried blue steel and afterschool snacks. I love the hints of fruit flavors! We both got 10 oz and got rounds for each other. End up paying about $11 for both the two beers. My friend didn't think the stout beers were as great compared to previous stouts she's tried at other breweries. Nevertheless, we had a great time at this brewery-- well worth checking it out if you're interested and in the area! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Blue steel and... - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

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The best brewery in St. Paul. Disclaimer 1: I like hoppy beers. IPA's, from any coast or region, pale ales and the like. If you have similar tastes in beer, this is an excellent choice. In fact, if I just wanted to drink beer, all things being equal, this would be my first choice. The atmosphere is nice & cozy too. They do not have food, but you can order from Dark Horse next door which has pretty good food (the mock duck bowl and ghost pepper wings come to mind). Parking can be tough, but this is a close and great option if you're headed to CHS field for a baseball game. Disclaimer 2: I like almost all beer styles so Fair State gets a nod over this one if you like more than hoppy beers. read more

Hands down my new favorite spot to grab a beer in St. Paul. The beer, friendliness and knowledge of the staff, atmosphere, outdoor seating and the overall good vibes are a win in my book. "Rain Drops" IPA and "Shooter McGavin" are phenomenal and they have a few others that won't disappoint. (Bonus points for naming a beer after Happy Gilmore) I've been to over 80 breweries in Minnesota now and in my opinion, they rank in the top 3 for the beer they are producing. If you don't trust me and trust UnTappd, you'll note that most of their beers rank 4+ which is incredibly rare...Most breweries I've been to either have one beer or none above the 4 ranking. Keep it up, Barrel Theory! read more

Barrel Theory Beer Company - Breweries Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota