Pints & Pride: Discovering Lincoln’s Local Craft Breweries

by Tyler A. Thomas 

I’ve spent 10 years exploring Nebraska’s craft beer scene. Since college, I’ve been interested in learning more about eating, cooking, farming and craft brewing in this great flyover state. Nebraska has a unique history in the brewing industry, and I was so excited to share that history that I wrote a book on the topic in 2015. And while the state is littered with excellent small town and big city breweries, Lincoln is home to some of the best! And while Lincoln is most commonly known for its family-friendly culture and investment in green spaces, bike trails, local art, museums and, of course, Husker Athletics, Lincoln’s craft beer scene is something to be excited about.

Lincoln’s breweries, craft beer bars and beer-forward restaurants sprinkled throughout the city will amaze you. What I love most is that each locally-owned business offers a unique experience. I have so many core memories from my time in the tap rooms across the city that my Instagram feed has turned into a digital scrapbook! From patio drinking in the summer to trivia in the winter to flight and pint nights, the craft beer community is something special in Lincoln. Each spot has its own take on beer, food and hospitality. I hope you have time to explore and “hop” across the city to try some of my favorites.

Empyrean Brewing is Lincoln’s oldest modern craft brewer, and can be found in the historic Haymarket restaurant Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill. Empyrean’s standard beer lineup is delicious and served at both Lazlo’s restaurants and 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 incredible 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.

Boiler Brewing Company is located downtown near 9th & P in the historic Grand Manse building. This hotspot features small-batch beers with big, 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 makes for a behind-the-scenes experience. If beer isn’t your thing, they have a select wine list and individual pour-wine dispensing machines. Need to take your favorite new beer with you? Ask your bartender, and they can help you take your selection on the road. If you can’t make it downtown, Boiler South is just off 56th and Pine Lake Road, offers 10+ of their popular beers on tap, and is conveniently tucked in the Village Gardens neighborhood.

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 south Lincoln in the Village Gardens neighborhood. The beer hall features Zipline brews, large community tables, games for the family, a cozy outdoor space, and fresh food 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, the Zipline Copper Alt, was named the 2023 WORLD BEER CUP^® • GOLD AWARD • GERMAN-STYLE ALTBIER and 2022 U.S. OPEN BEER CHAMPIONSHIP • GOLD MEDAL • ALTBIER. In 2024, Zipline Tap and Grill opened in the north Lincoln Fallbrook neighborhood. This corner neighborhood restaurant features lunch and dinner and is kid-friendly! Enjoy your favorite beer while sampling their Fry Trio or the popular Steak and Frites featuring a certified Angus Beef Flat Iron Steak.

In south Lincoln, next door to the Zipline beer hall is Catalyst, an award-winning brewery and restaurant. Featuring south Lincoln’s largest outdoor patio, perfect 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, and 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 will be featured on the menu.

“A better round of beer” Backswing Brewing is owned and brewed by golfers. Inspired by the love of the game, Backswing features nearly a dozen standout beers and 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 searching for rustic ales with a modern spin, White Elm is brewing them in a nearby downtown neighborhood. Located off 8th and Van Dorn, White Elm’s “Mothership” taproom is modern with an 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 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 food.
With so many takeout and delivery places near downtown, Code Beer is a perfect
bar stop for takeout and a flight of beers before heading back to your hotel. PS: There is an Ax Throwing bar across the street if you want a unique activity.

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 hospitality from the Sandhills to the Haymarket, giving us all another place to try. Their train station patio and concert series make it an ideal weekend beer garden destination. If you’re visiting from May to October, Kinkaider is a perfect spot before or after the Haymarket Farmers Market. Their patio is ideal for a post-shopping pint, plus they’ve got plenty of space for strollers or your bags of vegetables.

In 2022, the owners of Kinkaider Brewing opened Bierhaus Maisschäler, which closely translates to “Beer House Corn Peeler (Husker).” In the heart of 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!

Lincoln’s newest brewery and taproom was inspired by two college friends who were scattered across the country during military service and lovingly nicknamed Lincoln (where they met) the “Corn Coast”. Corn Coast Brewing can be found at 1433 Dahlberg Drive, Suite A, and these two college roommates have elevated their home brewing dreams into a business brewing on a small 5BBL brewing system, allowing them to constantly try new flavors, recipes and tinker to give us something new to come back and try. Corn Coast often welcomes food trucks to their parking lots so guests can drink and eat locally!

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 a man and his best friend. Off Leash Dog Bar offers something for everyone, featuring both on-leash and off-leash play areas for your pup and a bar with local beer, craft cocktails, coffee, and lattes. Let loose and let your well-socialized dog do the same.

If craft beer isn’t your favorite drink or you have friends who 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 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 create FOMO with your Instagram feed. I wish you luck as you explore, eat and drink locally!

Cheers!