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11 Must-Visit Breweries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa & Nearby
Breweries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are like hidden gems in a treasure chest of frosty, frothy goodness – and we’re the map leading you straight to the X that marks the spot!
We’ve been globe-trotting, hop-skipping from one brewery to another all around this big, beautiful world of ours, and there’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a new brewery. It’s like finding a new favorite song that you just can’t stop playing on repeat.
We’ve sipped, we’ve savored, and now we’re here to spill the hops by sharing all the best spots in Cedar Rapids that we’ve stumbled upon.
Stick with us, and you’ll be clinking glasses in the coolest, craftiest corners of town in no time.
Breweries In Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Breweries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are stepping out into the spotlight and brewing up a storm. Every pint is a passport, and every sip takes you on a world tour right from the comfort of your barstool.
Please note that the following sudsy selections are listed in no particular order and represent a lovingly brewed blend of personal tasting adventures and meticulous research; so while your favorite alehouse may vary, these are the breweries that have tapped into our hearts!
1. Lion Bridge Brewing Co
Lion Bridge Brewing is like the cool, crafty cousin in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village you never knew you needed.
This 12-barrel microbrewery is crafting up a storm with its artisan beers that are as complex as your last relationship and as approachable as your best buddy.
Think silky sips of biscuit, toffee, and chocolate—yeah, that’s their world-class session beer talking, Compensation, which, by the way, has bagged Gold at the Great American Beer Festivals not once but twice!
Beyond the brews, they’re dishing out an education on beer with a side of bar snacks because learning’s thirsty work.
Whether it’s their 18 on-tap Lion Bridge beers, award-winning cider, or pop culture-infused concoctions, this spot’s pouring heart, soul, and local ingredients into every glass.
🍺 If you think the Cedar Rapids breweries have tickled your taste buds, wait until you explore the bubbly brews waiting for you in the Quad Cities.
2. Clock House Brewing
Clock House Brewing is the brainchild of Todd Viall, who turned his 1994 home brewing passion into one of the coolest Cedar Rapids breweries around.
Located near Cedar River and cozied up in one of the city’s most picturesque historic buildings, this place is where conversations turn into action – kind of like that fateful baseball game chat that started it all.
Their Witch Slap IPA is a hazy, hoppy dream that’s as bewitching as it sounds, promising to gently nudge you off your stool with its tropical fruit fiesta.
Without an on-site kitchen, Clock House still manages to serve up a cocktail of delight with appetizing bites from Black Sheep’s chefs next door.
🍺 Up for another round of brewery exploration? Hop on over to our article about the fantastic breweries in Davenport, Iowa, for more frothy finds.
3. Iowa Brewing Company
Welcome to the heart-pounding, hops-popping universe of the Iowa Brewing Company, where every pint tells a story of passion, community, and a touch of Iowa pride.
Nestled between the heartbeat of Cedar Rapids’ Downtown and the vibrant pulse of the New Bohemia district, this place is literally brewing up a storm with its handcrafted beers and ciders that could coax even the zombies from their graves—especially with their brain-tickling Surf Zombies IPA.
Here, the air buzzes not just with the eclectic sounds of live tunes but also with the clinking of glasses on their open-air patio. And local food trucks roll up to serve a smorgasbord of delicious eats, perfect for soaking up those meticulously crafted brews.
Within its walls, you’ll find not just a taproom but a retreat filled with board games, laughter, and stories waiting to be told.
🍺 Thirsting for more? Froth-forward adventurers should check out our guide to the best places to grab a pint in Iowa City.
4. Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery
Get ready to level up your night at one of the coolest breweries in Iowa – Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery.
This place is a triple-threat where nostalgia meets hops and delicious pies. Imagine chomping down on pizza so good, it’ll have you thinking you’ve rescued Princess Peach, while sipping on exclusive in-house brews like the medieval mastery of their 15th-century Dutch-style Kuitbier.
For you stout-hearted adventurers, the Knockboy Stout is a quest of flavor with its robust roast and chocolatey charm.
Their farm-to-table (without the fancy label markup) approach means you’re getting the freshest local bites.
Bringing the kiddos? Totally cool until bedtime for the arcade.
After the kitchen’s lights dim, adults get to time travel back to the golden age of arcades, with 40 classic games waiting to challenge your high score.
Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery isn’t just a spot; it’s a blast from the past with a taste of the best brews around. Game on!
🍺 If your hops quest still has you frothy with excitement, why not check out the bustling breweries in Des Moines, Iowa, for another round of craft beer adventures?
5. Third Base Brewery
Slide into home plate at Third Base Brewery, the city’s legendary spot where the brews flow as freely as the good vibes.
Since ’96, this joint has been more than just a brewery; it’s the ultimate hangout where every hour feels like happy hour.
Flying Aces Pale Ale? Imagine a tropical hop paradise in a pint glass, ready to take your taste buds on a clean, crisp flight they won’t forget.
And whether you’re here to catch the game on one of their 45 HD TVs, rack up some pool, or just chill on the patio with an umbrella drink in hand, Third Base is where friends, fun, and frothy brews meet.
With a full menu to tackle any hunger and daily happy hour specials that’ll have your wallet cheering, this spot is the triple threat of community, entertainment, and craft beer mastery.
6. Granite City Food & Brewery
Hop on over to Granite City Food & Brewery, a gem among Cedar Rapids breweries, where they live by the motto “Fresh Beer Tastes Better” – and they’re not just blowing foam.
With beer crafted fresh in each restaurant right before your very eyes, you’re in for the freshest sip this side of the Mississippi. One popular option is The Duke, an English Pale Ale with hops so bold, it could knight itself.
Not just a brewery, Granite City ensures your glass is always half fun with skilled bartenders shaking up your favorite cocktails, all while providing service so great that you’ll leave while already planning your next visit.
And did someone say rewards? Sign up and become a loyal fan for life, not just for the seasonal specials but for the daily celebration of great beer and food.
Breweries Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Time to explore the hopping world of breweries near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. These stops are a brew-haha of flavors and experiences that’ll make your tastebuds dance and your heart sing.
7. Field Day Brewing Co (In Iowa City)
Roll down to Field Day Brewing Co., where they’re pitching the perfect game in the craft beer league right in Iowa City.
With brews that knock it out of the park and a vibe that’s as welcoming as a backyard BBQ, this joint is all about community, hops, and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re aiming for a flavor home run with their Juice Belly IPA or swinging by for the family vibes with duckpin bowling on the side, Field Day’s lineup, starring an award-winning Brewmaster, guarantees every sip is a grand slam.
8. BIT Brewery (In Central City)
Swing by BIT Brewery in Central City, where the magic number is always three, and the charm is as rich as their Black Betty Stout.
Founded by a trio of friends turned brewmasters, BIT Brewery bubbles over with passion, turning their brewing dreams into a frothy reality.
In the heart of one of the oldest buildings downtown, this brewery crafts an atmosphere as inviting as its variety of beers. From the signature Black Betty that sings with notes of chocolate and coffee to the thrill of discovering new monthly brews, BIT Brewery is a triple threat of taste, tradition, and togetherness.
Don’t just take our word for it; hop on over and taste the triumph in every pint.
9. Millstream Brewing Co (In Amana)
Hop on down to Millstream Brewery, the Amana gem that has been brewing up storms of flavor since 1985.
With a legendary lineup boasting 20 rotating taps, including the crowd-pleasing Back Road Oatmeal Stout, it’s like a beer festival every day you visit.
Situated by the scenic Mill Race River, it’s the perfect spot for sipping history by the pint.
From their philanthropic spirit to the toe-tapping tunes, Millstream is more than a brewery—it’s a heartland hop-topia dedicated to good brews and the great outdoors.
10. House Divided Brewery (In Ely)
House Divided Brewery is the frothy dream turned reality for every sports enthusiast with a palate for craft beer.
The founding duo, Cal and Lisa Corrin mixed their love for competitive sports and fine brews to create a watering hole where Iowa State cyclones and Iowa Hawkeyes can lay their rivalries to rest over a pint of their signature Back In Black IPA.
Despite opening doors amid the 2020 whirlwind, they’ve brewed a haven for unity with a side of roasted, hop-forward goodness.
If your taste buds crave adventure and your heart beats for either team, this gem among breweries near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, should be your go-to draft pick.
11. SingleSpeed Brewing (In Waterloo)
Roll into Singlespeed Brewing, where every pint is like a pedal-powered voyage through a hoppy horizon.
This place gears up your taste buds with their legendary Tip the Cow Stout, a concoction so rich that it could easily be the lovechild of a chocolate-covered espresso bean and a velvety dream.
Dave Morgan, the mastermind with a penchant for both pedals and pints, transformed a humble Cedar Falls 1,700 square foot crib into a cycling enthusiast’s beer paradise.
Whether you’re in Cedar Falls dreaming up the next big brew in their R&D hub or in Waterloo, marveling at the historic WonderBread building turned ale sanctuary, you’re in for a ride.
With each sip of their meticulously crafted ales, you’re not just tasting beer; you’re part of a community pedaling towards greatness.
Beer Events In Cedar Rapids
Gear up and get ready to tap into the froth of festivities with our guide to the beer events in Cedar Rapids that’ll make your hops pop and barley rock.
The Beer Fest (In Bettendorf)
Start a new tradition this Father’s Day at The Beer Fest in Bettendorf. It’s definitely a sud-soaked wonderland that turns “dad time” into “rad time.”
Picture this: chugging down craft brews with pops, chowing down on the finest food truck finds, all while jamming to live tunes.
The ultimate Father’s Day gift? You betcha!
Cedar Rapids Breweries Map
Ready to chart a course through the hoppy waters of Cedar Rapids? This Cedar Rapids map will be your trusty compass, guiding you to the treasure trove of brews this city has to stash.
Where To Stay In Cedar Rapids
Take note, brew lovers, because we’re about to spill the hops on the coziest crash pads in Cedar Rapids that’ll keep your beer dreams sweet and your mornings bright.
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✅ Avid Hotel Cedar Rapids South
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➡️ Check Prices & Availability for this Hotel
FAQs About Cedar Rapids
Got questions about visiting and spending time in Cedar Rapids? Don’t worry, we’ve brewed up some frothy FAQs to quench your thirst for knowledge.
How Many Craft Breweries Are In Iowa?
Is Cedar Rapids Walkable?
What Is Cedar Rapids Famous For?
Is Cedar Rapids Worth A Visit?
Looking for more brewery fun in Iowa? Why not check out Dubuque’s brewery scene?
