Best 13 Breweries in Nebraska: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Destinations

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Nebraska is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a plethora of breweries spread across the state. From Omaha to Lincoln and beyond, beer enthusiasts can find a variety of unique and delicious brews to sample.

One of the best ways to experience the best breweries in Nebraska is by taking a brewery tour. Many breweries offer tours that allow visitors to learn about the brewing process and sample different beers. Some of the most popular breweries in the state include Boiler Brewing Company in Lincoln, Brickway Brewery & Distillery in Omaha, and Farnam House Brewing Company in Omaha.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to add a visit to one of Nebraska’s top breweries to your itinerary. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find a new favorite beer or brewery to add to your list.

Top Breweries in Nebraska

Nebraska has a thriving brewery scene, with a number of breweries and brewpubs that offer a wide range of beer styles. Whether you are a beer enthusiast or just looking for a place to relax and have a drink, Nebraska has something for everyone.

Some of the best breweries in Nebraska include:

  • Zipline Brewery: Located in Lincoln, Zipline Brewery offers a wide range of beer styles, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery also has a taproom where visitors can enjoy a pint or flight of beer.
  • Empyrean Brewing Co.: Another Lincoln-based brewery, Empyrean Brewing Co. is known for its award-winning beers, including its Dark Side Vanilla Porter and Long Route Peanut Butter Porter.
  • Brickway Brewery and Distillery: Located in Omaha, Brickway Brewery and Distillery is a neighborhood brewery that offers a variety of beers and spirits. The brewery also has a taproom and restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal and a drink.
  • Farnam House Brewing Company: Also located in Omaha, Farnam House Brewing Company is a brewpub that offers a rotating selection of beers and a menu of pub fare. The brewery is known for its Belgian-style beers, including its Belgian Dubbel and Belgian Tripel.
  • Ploughshare Brewing Co.: Located in Lincoln, Ploughshare Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery also has a taproom and restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal and a drink.
  • Prairie Pride Brewing Company: Located in Grand Island, Prairie Pride Brewing Company is a neighborhood brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery also has a taproom where visitors can enjoy a pint or flight of beer.

These are just a few of the top breweries in Nebraska. Whether you are in Omaha, Lincoln, North Platte, Seward, Broken Bow, Grand Island, Hastings, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, or any other city in Nebraska, you are sure to find a great brewery or brewpub nearby.

Notable Nebraska Breweries

Scriptown Brewing Co

Scriptown Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in Omaha, NE. They are known for their wide selection of IPAs and other craft beers. They offer a variety of services, including a tap room, growler fills, and keg sales. Their tap room is open seven days a week and offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Website: http://www.scriptownbrewing.com/

Address: 3922 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131, United States

Zipline Brewing Co

Zipline Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in Lincoln, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers that are true to style and delicious. They offer tours of their facility, as well as a tap room that is open seven days a week. They also offer a variety of services, including growler fills and keg sales.

Website: https://ziplinebrewing.com/

Address: 2100 Magnum Circle, Ste 1 Lincoln, NE 68522

Nebraska Brewing Company

Nebraska Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Papillion, NE. They offer a wide selection of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer a variety of services, including a tap room, growler fills, and keg sales. Their tap room is open seven days a week and offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Website: https://nebraskabrewingco.com/

Address: 6950 S 108th St, La Vista, NE 68128, United States

Brickway Brewery

Brickway Brewery is a craft brewery located in Omaha, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also offer a distillery that produces a variety of spirits. They offer tours of their facility, as well as a tap room that is open seven days a week.

Website: https://www.drinkbrickway.com/

Address: 1116 Jackson St, Omaha, NE 68102, United States

Empyrean Brewing Co

Empyrean Brewing Co is a craft brewery located in Lincoln, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer tours of their facility, as well as a tap room that is open seven days a week. They also offer a variety of services, including growler fills and keg sales.

Website: https://empyreanbrewingco.com/

Address: 729 Q St, Lincoln, NE 68508, United States

Infusion Brewing Co

Infusion Brewing Co is a craft brewery located in Omaha, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer a variety of services, including a tap room, growler fills, and keg sales. Their tap room is open seven days a week and offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Website: https://infusionbrewing.com/

Address: 6271 S 118th St Omaha, NE 68137

Lucky Bucket Brewing Co

Lucky Bucket Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in La Vista, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer tours of their facility, as well as a tap room that is open seven days a week. They also offer a variety of services, including growler fills and keg sales.

Website: https://www.cutspike.com/

Address: 11941 Centennial Road, Suite 1, La Vista, NE, 68128

Kros Strain Brewing

Kros Strain Brewing is a craft brewery located in La Vista, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer a variety of services, including a tap room, growler fills, and keg sales. Their tap room is open seven days a week and offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Website: http://www.krosstrainbrewing.com/

Address: 10411 Portal Rd #102, La Vista, NE 68128, United States

Boiler Brewing Company

Boiler Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Lincoln, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer a variety of services, including a tap room, growler fills, and keg sales. Their tap room is open seven days a week and offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Website: http://www.boilerbrewingcompany.com/

Address: 129 N 10th St #8, Lincoln, NE 68508, United States

White Elm Brewing

White Elm Brewing is a craft brewery located in Lincoln, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer a variety of services, including a tap room, growler fills, and keg sales. Their tap room is open seven days a week and offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Website: http://www.whiteelmbrewing.com/

Address: 720 Van Dorn St, Lincoln, NE 68502, United States

Vis Major Brewing

Vis Major Brewing is a craft brewery located in Omaha, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer a variety of services, including a tap room, growler fills, and keg sales. Their tap room is open seven days a week and offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Website: https://www.vismajorbrewing.com/

Address: 3501 Center St, Omaha, NE 68105, United States

Thunderhead Brewing

Thunderhead Brewing is a craft brewery located in Kearney, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer a variety of services, including a tap room, growler fills, and keg sales. Their tap room is open seven days a week and offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Website: https://www.thunderheadbrewing.com/

Address: Thunderhead Brewing 18 E 21st St Kearney, NE 68847

Upstream Brewing Company

Upstream Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Omaha, NE. They offer a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They offer a variety of services, including a tap room, growler fills, and keg sales. Their tap room is open seven days a week and offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Website: https://upstreambrewing.com/

Address: 514 S 11th St, Omaha, NE 68102, United States

Beer Varieties and Specialties

Nebraska’s breweries are known for their unique and diverse beer varieties and specialties. From IPAs to sours, cream ales to stouts, and ciders to vanilla bean blonde ales, there is something for every taste bud.

IPAs are a popular beer variety in Nebraska, with many breweries offering their own version of this classic style. Some notable IPAs include the Flagship IPA from Kros Strain Brewing Company, the New England IPA from Zipline Brewing Co, and the Yotus American IPA from Scriptown Brewing Company.

Sours are another popular beer variety, known for their tart and fruity flavors. Some popular sours in Nebraska include the Belly Flop from Infusion Brewing Company and the Sour Series from Kinkaider Brewing Company.

For those who enjoy a mix of flavors, many breweries in Nebraska offer unique beer blends. For example, the Coffee Vanilla Stout from Pint Nine Brewing Company combines the flavors of coffee and vanilla with a rich, dark stout. The Epic Blackout Stout from Boiler Brewing Company is another popular beer blend, combining chocolate and coffee flavors for a rich and complex taste.

Ciders are also a popular beer alternative in Nebraska, with many breweries offering their own take on this classic drink. Some popular cider varieties include the Apple Cinnamon Cider from Nebraska Brewing Company and the Ciderboys Peach County Cider from Kros Strain Brewing Company.

Brewery Events and Services

Nebraska breweries offer a variety of events and services to enhance the customer experience. From live music to food trucks, these breweries have something for everyone.

Taproom and Food

Many of Nebraska’s breweries have taprooms where customers can enjoy their beer. These taprooms often have a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making them the perfect spot to relax with friends or family. Some breweries also offer food, either through their own kitchen or by partnering with local food trucks. This allows customers to enjoy a tasty meal alongside their favorite beer.

Events

Breweries in Nebraska often host events such as live music, trivia nights, or beer release parties. These events are a great way to bring the community together and provide a fun and unique experience for customers. Some breweries also offer private event spaces, making them a great option for birthday parties, corporate events, or other special occasions.

Services

In addition to their taprooms and events, Nebraska breweries also offer a variety of services to enhance the customer experience. For example, some breweries offer delivery services, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite beer from the comfort of their own homes. Others offer online ordering, making it easy to order beer and merchandise from their website.

Bars and Taprooms

Nebraska has a growing craft beer scene, and many bars and taprooms throughout the state offer a wide selection of local and regional brews. These bars and taprooms are a great way to try new beers and support local businesses.

Overall, Nebraska’s breweries offer a variety of events and services to enhance the customer experience. Whether you’re looking for a cozy taproom, live music, or delicious food, Nebraska breweries have something for everyone.