I'm an IPA snob. Other beers just don't taste good to me. I've drank every IPA on the planet, I think. I've had the world's best IPAs again and again. This place had the best IPA I've ever drank, hands down. The beer is good. The vibe is good. This place is just good. Will definitely visit again. read more

We had planned on staying the night here in our van as they are a Harvest Host.. but we were saddened to hear they no longer participate in the program. They were super nice and still offered us a place to stay for the night. What a win facility with lots of seating both inside and outside. We bellied up to the bar and ordered a flight of beer so that we could try some different styles. The beers were tasty. The two girls working the bar were great! Personable, friendly, helpful and efficient. Tuesday is free hot dog day! You get a free hot dog with the purchase of a beer. Service 5 stars Hospitality 5 stars Beer 5 stars We'll be back for those free hot dogs. read more

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Really nice destination brewery in the Rochester outskirts. I've had their beer at a lot of events but this was the first time making it to their taproom. The building itself is really nice, open, and clean with a huge dog friendly patio. The inside is a good size but there's still some squeezing between tables once it gets a little busy. Looks like they've got a space to reserve events in the back. It wasn't very crowded right at opening on a Saturday but you can tell it was going to fill up quickly. All the beer I've had from them has been excellent and I'm never hesitant to try a style I usually amn't a fan of. Worst case is that it's just "ok". No food on site except snacks but there are a ton of good places in the area with options for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. The bartender was super nice and even offered to help build a flight based on what styles I like. It's about an hour and a half away for me but I would definitely make the drive for special releases or events. Rochester has a lot of good food and drink options to make the trip worth it. It's an outspokenly inclusive brewery that makes great beer and doesn't try to be anything it's not. 5/5 will visit again. read more

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A fun place to grab a beer or even bring the family! Selection was great as was the staff.

Tried this place after visiting the area wished we had more time to try more beers. Lots of space mainly outdoors. read more

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Awesome brew pub! Really liked the minimal responsibility stout and the IPA's I've tried. Staff is friendly and pizza truck looks great! Cool outdoor curling area in the winter with a fire to help keep warm. Highly recommend! read more

Use to really enjoy going to Little Thistle. The beer use to change more often. The staff use to be awesome but one snarky remark made by the bar manager after a visit where I didn't care for the beer I had turned me off. I will not go back there. I get you want to be family friendly but when kids are running crazy around the tap room not being parented is a real turn off. read more

While I wasn't able to try everything that Little Thistle had on offer, I was impressed with what I saw. The space is in an industrial area in Rochester but the brewery itself is lovely. There's a large outdoor area with shaded tables and ones in the sun; the entire outdoor area is also dog friendly. They had a food truck there the day I went and while I didn't have any food, it smelled and looked delicious. The taproom has a nice aesthetic with a big open bar for ordering right next to the kegs, mashers, etc where they're brewing away. The beer I had, as well as the four pack I had to go, were delicious IPAs and the other people in my party were also happy with the beers they ordered. If I'm in Rochester again, I'd definitely consider stopping in read more

Little Thistle Brewing - Beer Bar Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

This place is AWESOME! Stumbled across Little Thistle on a quest to find the best trivia in Rochester. The trivia on Wednesday was great, the drinks and ambiance were even better! Lots of great non-alcoholic options like specialty sodas, kombucha (my personal choice), and NA beers. Super relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Great vibes all around! We came when the Duck Truck/Bleu Duck was serving food -- they deserve a separate review (amazing fries). Loved Little Thistle's focus on promoting local vendors! read more

Little Thistle Brewing - Apple cinnamon kombucha was great! - Beer Bar Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

What a great place, fabulous selection of beer and when the Brick Oven pizza bus is there it's a big plus! Staff are so nice and their Grinchy theme is awesome! read more

Little Thistle Brewing - Beer Bar Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

I've love Little Thistle for the location, fun vibe and the great beer!!! The Doug is my favorite! Cheers!

Really cool brewery-would be awesome to bike/run to since it's right on a trail. Sounds like they have rotating food trucks on different nights.... And free hot dogs on Tuesdays! Great outdoor patio that is very kid friendly. read more

Little Thistle Brewing - Flight - Beer Bar Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

We ran across the pedestrian bridge over the highway from Cascade Lake as it's a gorgeous early September day. And given that it's a Sunday, it wasn't too busy. We kind of had to figure out the menu ourselves and at least the girl didn't rush us as there's lots of options to choose from! I got the Black Forest, a barrel-aged imperial stout. It was ok. We also looked on their website to see if a food truck was going to be here and there wasn't any updated information. That's a bummer as there's only food trucks here Thurs - Sat. I do like that it's right on Douglas Trail but my review is it's about 3.7 stars. I look forward to checking out the other breweries in Rochester. read more

Little Thistle Brewing - Plenty of indoor seating - Beer Bar Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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Finally stopped in on Friday when I got to town. I told the beertender a buddy had been bugging me to come in. She asked his name? When I gave it, she said she knew him.... that lead the way for me to...well be me... the jokester... so LAUGHS were had. Marti helped me build a flight & drink the beers in order. When I went for a second flight, I went to walk away, turned back to ask: which order should I drink them in? Jess "I already numbered them". WOW, Jess is on top of her game!! The gals were lovely!! We joked & discussed other breweries & beers. Upon leaving I asked where the nearest McD's was to buy a pop? Not only did Marti tell me, she gave me turn by turn directions!! Little Thistle...w your delicious beers, fantastic staff, fab tap room, cozy patio & easy parking, you were hands down my favorite brewery of the weekend!! Looking FORWARD to my next delicious & fun stop in!! Cheers!! read more

Little Thistle Brewing - Second flight, just as delicious! - Beer Bar Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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Stopped in for a IPA to take a break from the shopping lines, this one I'm not a fan of, should have stuck with the black forest.

Love their IPAs, nice atmosphere. They occasionally have special events. We like to bike there when the weather is nice.

One of the best, if not THE best Brewery in Southern, MN. Something on the beer list for everyone. Nice rotation of food trucks. Staff knows their beer and does a great job. I have been here on multiple occasions and never had a negative experience. Thank you Steve for taking a chance on Rochester, MN. read more

The quality of beer and ethos of this establishment is rivaled by few. Their mentality is 'be humble, drink local.' Although showering them with praise is antithetical to their slogan I would be remiss if I didn't share my positive experience with the broader yelp community. It is brand new and some remaining signs of recent construction take away from the otherwise pleasing external aesthetic but you're here for beer (the potential for a great community outdoor gathering place is exciting). Inside the layout is a choose your own adventure of brew hall. Sportsball tv and games to the left. Classic high tops and bar in the center. Quieter beer hall tables to the right. The beer is amazing. Pleasing to the casual drinker and beer-snob alike. Selection is diverse so it's not just ipa's. The beer's quality, and creativity of the brew team make styles I don't usually like quite approachable without selling out. Ask if the owners are around and have them talk about their establishment. Dawn and Steve are your friends, you just don't know it yet. His accent is rad and their passion for beer, community and life in general is refreshing. It's worth the visit and you'll discover what public houses can and should read more

Spotted Little Thistle while out on a bike ride this morning. Checked out their website and excited to learn that they are open daily for your craft beer enjoyment. We were already planning on visiting a different brewery in Rochester this afternoon. Decided to stop at Little Thistle first - and then move on. Well - our "Brewery Crawl" turned into a one stop shop. Pleasant outdoor area, nice breeze - decided to have two beers here instead of traveling on. We enjoyed the Brave Woman, the Noyce IPA, the Peanut Butter Stout, and the Imperial IPA. Bonus today - we also received two 12 oz beer glasses with a special Little Thistle commissioned design. By pure chance - the artist was in line in front of us. Got to compliment him on his design. The beers were cold and delightful. Sat outdoors under the pergola covered with solar panels. We watched two gentlemen putting the finishing touches on some flower boxes being added to the patio area, enjoyed the breeze and our beverages. Some customers had brought their own lunch with them, a food truck selling pizza arrived around 4:30 for some Happy Hour snacking. Regarding COVID-19 precautions: they have set up a one way customer flow for ordering. Big sign informing you of the procedures in place - and Prince is there to confirm that you read the instructions before you enter. Blue tape on the floor to mark the six feet distancing. Limited customers to the counter at a time. All employees are wearing masks. Outdoor seating is monitored and tables cleaned off as people leave. They are doing it right. read more

Little Thistle Brewing - Brave Woman Scotch Ale and a Noyce IPA - Beer Bar Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

Chalkboard menu with tons of options at all different sizes. The road to get to this place looks like your going the wrong way but this is not the case. Drive till the road ends then take a right. The parking lot is right next to the loading bay from the post office next door. I got a dunker and it was a great dark loger. Lots of people bring games and sit at the 6 person hightop table to hangout. I felt as if I could sit there all day and no-one would mind me at all. I also witnessed the unfortunate incident of a 5 year old dropping a FULL deck of cards on the ground. The look on his face was a look of true defeat. Still 4/5 stars. read more

The beer was great and I liked the opportunity to sit outside on a nice day, but I have to say, there are so many breweries in Minnesota, that if you are not going to be full of Minnesota nice, you are not getting my stars. The staff was prompt enough, but really didn't seem engaged. Didn't tell me about the beer. Didn't tell me about the brewery. Didn't tell me about the free hot dogs that night. Every brewery has beer. It's the staff that helps make it special. read more

Little Thistle Brewing - Beer Bar Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

Wow-the female bartender made our experience here so memorable! She's an IPA kinda gal but really knows her brewery! We opted for a sampler and a growler to go home with to share. I don't know what made me more happy: bicycling here or my fashionable thistle socks that I got here. Next time, I'm riding my bike and wearing my new thistle socks! read more

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The place has great ambiance, a great selection of beers, and even things like curling in the winter. Love this place.

Great IPA selection I feel they are the best in town currently. This place is where you want to go when its 90 out and so frickin humid like today. read more

Great atmosphere -- outdoor tables, food trucks/stands, great collection of board and card games (I got to relearn cribbage when I went!). Music not too loud which I really appreciate. My partner had the saison and went back for seconds. Said "I quite enjoyed it. It was very smooth." I had the key lime pie sour and I loved it! Not a fake sour -- it's definitely a sour -- and not sweet but definitely has that lime note in it. Very good. Service is prompt and they're proactive about cleaning up empty glasses. Looks like dogs are allowed, at least in the outdoor space, as several dogs were out when we were there. read more

We were in town for the antique show... wrapped up our shopping early and decided to have an afternoon sip... Little Thistle Brewing did not disappoint! Lovely little brewery tucked away at the dead-end street on the far side of town. There is apparently some rivalry with their neighbors, as the cones and ropes all over the driveway were a bit excessive? Nonetheless, we found parking in the back. Great selection of beers. We got a flight and shared it. To be fair, I'm not much of a beer drinker, so keep that in mind. However, their selections were many, their flavors were pretty darn excellent and pours were generous! Staff was great... even with a group of bicyclers and apparently a birthday celebration, we enjoyed people watching and brew-sipping! read more

Great selection of craft beers. Outdoor and indoor seating. To-go 750mL bottles. Byo food.

Tons of beers on offer! Cool vibe. They have a couple games like foosball. There's also the Bleu Duck Truck for food. Not sure if they stay open in actual winter, but they were they were there in 30's temps yesterday! Even better - there are little standees on the tables in the brewery with QR codes. Scan that, and you can order/pay on your phone and have them come bring it to your table! Patio looks stunningly amazing. Huge - looks so amazing with all those chairs in the summer or warmer fall. It was just too cold to take advantage of, try as we might. The staff kindly was willing to turn the heaters on, but it wasn't enough to drive off enough chill. Probably would have worked with no wind, but it was pretty breezy out. Beers were good. Tried a couple sours, which were good. Pumpkin spice pastry stout - an aged one, super good! The Oktoberfest is a little different than others - it's somehow lighter and wheatier? I'm not great at describing beer. It's quite drinkable! Staff was great! They were willing to turn the heaters on for us and were super friendly. Gave me some recommendations and explain the food situation. One other thing - love the wallpaper in the women's bathroom. Unicorn and mermaid with some rich colors. I don't know why some places have such amazing bathroom wallpaper, but this is one of them. read more

Love this place! Great indoor and outdoor seating options to enjoy a variety of excellent beers. The beer list rotates to fit the season. You can get the beer in a range of pour sizes so you can try a few in a flight of 4 or pick a favorite in a pint. They have a schedule of food trucks to offer food to go with the beer (pizza on the Thursday night we visited). This was our second visit from out of town and we will definitely be returning! read more

A nice alternative if your into brews, I like theirs best in town, plus they have outdoor seating too.

I stopped by Little Thistle during a quick overnight trip to Rochester and was glad I stopped by! With their ample patio seating and spaced out indoor options, it's clear why Little Thistle is so popular with locals. A fun atmosphere, I was impressed by their diversity of beer offerings and thought it was great I could get 8 oz pours of several of their beers. Too often breweries don't offer a size in between the small 4 oz "shots" you get in a flight and a full 16 oz beer. Looking for a fun, COVID-friendly spot to meet up with folks? Be sure to check out Little Thistle. read more

Great beers and lots of board games to play while you enjoy them! The employees were kind and recommended really good options for people who haven't been there before. Overall amazing service! read more

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Terrible for Covid. Every table was marked as unclean. I went inside with a mask. It wasn't up to their standards. Wouldn't take cash for the drinks but took it as a tip. Staff was rude. Tables were disgusting. One drink and left. I want my money back. Every table was not sanitized. read more

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Little Thistle Brewing has the best outdoor patio of any brewery in Rochester. It's a modern design with plenty of seating to spread out. There was a burger food truck serving fancy burgers in the parking. we quickly scarfed down the burgers and fries. The burger tasted a little pricey, but it was good, nonetheless. The beers in our flight tasted fantastic. They even had a beer on CASK. We ordered a full glass of the cask ale after realizing this. read more

This place has a large selection of home brews and a large outdoor patio space. Rotating food trucks and bring your own are the food options. read more

Some really good beers, nice patio and great staff. My issue with them is they always seem to advertise the wrong food trucks. I understand things change but they are pretty active on social media so it seems like a simple way to keep us updated. read more

Only ordered crowlers but had one of each flavour they had and of the ones I tried vs shared were all good. Looks like a nice tap house and if had more time would have stayed and tried more read more

Little Thistle is by far the best brewery in Rochester! Atmosphere is great, beer is top notch, summer patio is amazing, and the service exceeds expectations. The beer is also very affordable compared to other craft beers. I highly recommend Little Thistle to those who live nearby or those who are visiting. read more

Great tasting beer. Fun atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. They also have different food vendors during the week. Would definitely recommend especially if you are looking for a nice relaxing night. read more

My wife and I stopped in to try a brew and ended up having a sample flight for each of us. It worked out great with 8 brews on the menu. We absolutely loved 6 out of the 8. The other 2 were good but probably wouldn't order them again. Great atmosphere, super friendly staff. We will definitely visit again. Can't wait for warm weather so we can sit outside. read more

Little Thistle Brewing - 2 sample flights. Delicious! - Beer Bar Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota