Craft & Community: Lincoln’s Breweries Brewing More Than Beer in 2025

by Tyler A. Thomas

I’ve spent over a decade exploring Nebraska’s craft beer scene. Since my college days, I’ve been fascinated by how food, farming, and brewing intersect in this wide-open, often-overlooked part of the country. Nebraska has a proud brewing history, from prohibition-era underdogs to today’s bold innovators and Lincoln is home to some of its most exciting breweries.

More than just places to grab a pint, Lincoln’s breweries and taprooms have become community hubs. Whether it’s patio sipping in summer, trivia nights in winter, or flight nights and release events, each local brewery brings something different. If you’re visiting for even a long weekend, there’s enough variety and character here to fill your feed and your belly.

Here are some of my favorites to hop across in 2025 — now including a newer Haymarket gem worth your time.

Lincoln’s oldest modern craft brewer, Empyrean Brewing is located in the historic Haymarket restaurant Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill. Empyrean’s standard lineup of beers are delicious and served at all Lazlo’s restaurants and in 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.

Boiler Brewing Company is located 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. With a direct view of the brewing equipment from anywhere in the taproom it 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 and offers 10+ of their popular beers on tap and it’s conveniently tucked in the Village Gardens neighborhood. 

New to the neighborhood, Salt Mine City Brewing Co. Born in David City in 2022, Salt Mine City Brewing grew quickly from small-batch experiments into a brewery with personality: bold flavors, relaxed vibe, and a strong feeling of community. In 2024 they expanded into Lincoln’s historic Haymarket District, setting up shop in the heart of downtown. Their Lincoln taproom combines their signature handcrafted beers, elevated pub fare, and that “come on in, stay awhile” energy. Google reviews rave about the hospitality, delicious food and a chance to unwind with signature beers and unique flavors.

Award-winning Zipline Brewing Co. crafts its beer near downtown Lincoln, but locals gather as a community at its classic German-style beer hall in south Lincoln’s Village Gardens neighborhood. The beer hall features Zipline’s signature brews, long communal tables, family-friendly games, and a cozy outdoor patio. Fresh food is available through a pass-through window from Art & Soul, making it a perfect all-day stop. Zipline’s lineup is diverse, and the brewery frequently collaborates with local businesses and organizations to keep its offerings fresh. One of its flagship beers, the Copper Alt, earned Gold Awards at both the 2023 World Beer Cup® (German-Style Altbier) and the 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Most recently, Zipline partnered with the Nebraska Alumni Association to launch Dear Old Nebraska Brew, a crisp game-day lager now available at Memorial Stadium and other Husker athletic events.

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, 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 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 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 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 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 food in. 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 hospitality from the Sandhills to the Haymarket giving us all another place to try. Their train station patio and concert series makes it an ideal beer garden destination on the weekends. If you’re visiting from May-October, Kinkaider is a perfect spot before or after the 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.

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!

Founded by two college friends who met in Lincoln, Corn Coast Brewing Co. celebrates the city they affectionately nicknamed the “Corn Coast.” Located at 1433 Dahlberg Dr., Suite A, the brewery grew from a home-brewing dream into a small but mighty 5BBL operation. This setup allows the team to constantly experiment with new flavors and recipes, giving guests something fresh to discover with every visit. Corn Coast often hosts local food trucks, creating a laid-back spot to enjoy both Nebraska-made beer and bites.

If you’re traveling with your favorite pup, 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!

No matter where you start, Lincoln’s breweries are best enjoyed with a little curiosity and a plan. Begin your adventure in the Haymarket and work your way outward through the city’s neighborhoods. Try a flight at Empyrean or Boiler to compare styles and see what local brewers are experimenting with. On a sunny weekend afternoon, settle into a patio spot at Catalyst, Zipline, or Salt Mine City for good food, cold beer, and even better company. And don’t be afraid to branch out — order something unexpected like a Scottish ale, a collaboration brew, or something on the features menu. You’re guaranteed find your new favorite pint.

Cheers!

Tyler

Author of Nebraska Beer Great Plains History by the Pint(celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025) and founder of Nebraska Foodie (@NebraskaFoodie).