Raise a Pint to Lincoln

by Tyler A. Thomas

Since college, I’ve been interested in craft brewing and Nebraska’s unique history in the industry, so much so that in 2015 I published a book about it. And while Lincoln is known for its family friendly culture, green spaces, bike trails, art, museums, and of course, Husker Athletics, Lincoln’s local breweries and craft beers should not be ignored. 

Whether you live here or are just visiting, Lincoln’s breweries, craft beer bars and restaurants will excite you. What I love most is that each business offers its own unique experience—and definitely something you can post on Instagram. From patio drinking in the summer, trivia in the winter to flight and pint nights, the craft beer community is strong and each business has its own take on beer, food and hospitality. 

Here are a few questions to help you narrow down your list of places to visit. Which beer styles do you like? Who are you with? Do you want to eat? With these answers in mind, keep reading to learn what Lincoln has to offer. 

Boiler Brewing Company is downtown near 9th & P in the historic Grand Manse building. This hotspot features small batch beers that are big in diverse flavors. Located in the actual boiler room of the building, Boiler Brewing features plenty of small tables perfect for conversation after work or for long hours into the night. A direct view of the brewing equipment from anywhere in the taproom creates a behind the scenes experience. They also have a select wine list and individual pour wine dispensing machines. Need to take your favorite new beer with you? Ask your bartender and take your selection on the road. If you can’t make it downtown, Boiler South is just off 56th and Pine Lake Road and offers 10+ of their popular beers on tap and it’s conveniently tucked in the Village Gardens neighborhood.  

Empyrean Brewing is Lincoln’s oldest modern craft brewer and is located in the historic Haymarket restaurant Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill. Empyrean’s standard lineup of beers are delicious and available in both the restaurant and at local grocery stores. In addition to their standard beers, Empyrean features seasonal and rotating selections in the restaurant, with guest features from their local home brewers’ competition. One of Lincoln’s gems, Empyreans’ Beer School is an awesome experience. Offered once a month, guests can explore different types of brews with the head brewmaster and sample Empyrean craft beers. But get there early, space is limited.

Award winning Zipline Brewing Co. brews its beer close to downtown Lincoln, but Lincolnites come together as a community in the classic German style beer hall located in the Village Gardens neighborhood. The beer hall features Zipline brews, large community tables, games for the family, and a cozy outdoor space. Fresh food is available via a passthrough window from Art & Soul. Zipline has a diverse selection of beers and often partners with local businesses and organizations to bring a new look and feel to their beer case. One of their original beers, Zipline Copper Alt was just named the 2023 World Beer Cup^® · Gold Award · German-Style Altbier and 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship · Gold Medal · Altbier.

Next door to the Zipline is Catalyst, an award-winning brewery and restaurant. Featuring south Lincoln’s largest outdoor patio for conversation and community, Catalyst brews beers with a twist and pairs them with an outstanding menu. The Blood Orange Lager and the Fried Burger (fried onions, fried pickles, fried cheese, fried mushrooms, ranch) are a perfect combination. You’ll have plenty of options for drinking and eating and if beer isn’t your thing, barrel-aged cocktails and other drinks are also featured on the menu. 

“A better round of beer” Backswing Brewing is owned and brewed by golfers. Inspired by a love of the game, Backswing features nearly a dozen standout beers in their taproom. Their Citra Kolsch is a must-try. But no matter your style, Backswing is teeing up a beer for you. 

If you’re in search of rustic ales with a modern spin White Elm is brewing them in a near downtown neighborhood. Located off 8th and Van Dorn, White Elm’s Mothership taproom has a modern industrial flare and its tap handles feature American and classic Belgian ales, plus seasonal and guest taps. If you can’t make it to the taproom, they partner with restaurants and bars across the city for pop-up experiences. Be sure to visit their website or Facebook page to see what partnership they have coming up. 

Code Beer on the corner of Antelope Valley Parkway and N Street in the Telegraph District is an escape from the downtown ruckus and a great place to meet up with a small group of friends. Their beer selection usually consists of 12 beers on tap ranging from Cream Ales and IPAs to Milk Stouts and Passion Fruit Sours. I highly recommend the Cream Ale. This Nebraska-grown ale has a hint of corn (from flaked corn) and it’s definitely something special! While Code Beer doesn’t serve food on-site, guests can bring their own. With so many take-out and delivery places near downtown, Code Beer is a perfect bar stop for takeout, a flight of beers all before heading back to your hotel. PS: There is an Ax Throwing bar right across the street if you’re looking for something unique to do. 

My favorite Broken Bow, Nebraska brewery, Kinkaider Brewing Co. is serving up in Lincoln’s Haymarket. Kinkaider’s brewing style features small-batch beer and they often use ingredients fresh from their farm including chokecherries, jalapenos, pumpkins, corn and Nebraska hops. From beer on tap to snacks and special events, Kinkaider has transplanted their welcome hospitality from the Sandhills to the Haymarket. Their train station patio and concert series makes it an ideal weekend beer garden destination. If you’re visiting from May–October, Kinkaider is a perfect spot before or after the Saturday morning Haymarket Farmers Market. Their patio is great for a post shopping pint, plus they’ve got plenty of space for strollers or your bags of vegetables. 

New in 2022!—the owners of Kinkaider Brewing opened Bierhaus Maisschäler which closely translates to Beer House Corn Peeler (Husker). In the Haymarket at 8th & P, this Old World Inspired Pub serves German style lagers, butcher built sausages and Bavarian pretzels the whole table can share. With Traditional German style steins and das boot glasses, the only question you have to ask is, stein or boot? This Bierhaus is perfect for game days or group get-togethers. And the Bavarian pretzels are the size of a dinner plate, perfect for sharing! 

Cosmic Eye Brewing in east Lincoln at 8600 P Street is a locally owned and operated brewery featuring 20+ beers on tap that play off their cosmic theme. The space features long family-style tables and benches fashioned from Fairbury, Nebraska trees, perfect for groups and families. The brewery features a few cozy areas with chairs and couches and if you’re competitive, you can take a round at the shuffleboard tables. The “kids room” with tables, books and coloring supplies makes Cosmic Eye a space for the entire family. I’ve found Cosmic Eye to be great for an afternoon spending time with friends or for special occasions (reservations are encouraged). The brewery includes a small private room or you can reserve tables in the main taproom. Both options allow you to bring in your favorite food or have it catered. Parking is ample at Cosmic Eye, look for the EYE, you won’t regret it. 

Lincoln’s newest brewery and taproom was founded by two Lincoln college roommates who were scattered across the country during military service and lovingly referred to Lincoln as the “Corn Coast”. With Corn Coast Brewing, at 1433 Dahlberg Drive these two college roommates have realized their home brewing dreams with a small 5BBL brewing system which allows them to constantly tinker with a variety of flavors and recipes to give us something new to try. Corn Coast often welcomes food trucks to their parking lots, so guests can drink and eat locally! 

New in 2023! If you’re traveling with your pet, swing by Off Leash Dog Bar at 1975 M Street in the Telegraph District. This unique dual concept bar has something for both man and his best friend. Featuring both on-leash and off-leash play areas for your pup and a bar with local beer, craft cocktails, coffee and lattes, there’s something for everyone. Let loose and let your well-socialized dog do the same. 

If craft beer isn’t your favorite drink of choice or you have friends that want to try something less hoppy, Saro Cider, Lincoln’s premiere Cider House at 1746 N Street packs a punch with more flavor and less sweet ciders. Saro is often available at many of the breweries throughout the city, they also sell cans and ship! You can even join their Cider Club and have fresh cider on your doorstep once a quarter! 

Lincoln has no shortage of gems to write home about—and our amazing local beers are just one. We wish you luck as you explore, eat and drink locally! Cheers! 

Tyler A. Thomas is the author of Nebraska Beer Great Plains History by the Pint and founder and managing editor of Nebraska Foodie (@NebraskaFoodie) on Instagram.