Breweries

Cedar Rapids’ brewery scene offers a wide array of beer. From pilsners to IPAs the new beers keep flowing!

These days, local breweries are not only churning out brews to please a variety of palates, they are also creating special destinations for friends and family to enjoy. From tried and true hop-infused beverages to playful, experimental micro-brews with unique flavors, the beers on local tap are as unique as the breweries crafting them.

Make plans to pop into a local brewery, whether one at a time or on a brew tour. But be sure you pace yourself! There are eight breweries located in and around Cedar Rapids.

1. Lion Bridge Brewing Company

Lion Bridge Brewing Company is establishing itself as a fixture in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village. A great place for conversation, their artisan, small batch beers—ten to 15 of which are brewing at any time—are crafted to be approachable and delicious. Warm weather days are a prime to visit, so you can enjoy their spacious outdoor beer garden. lionbridgebrewing.com

2. Clock House Brewing

Clock House Brewing is a small but mighty brewery tucked in the back of a 100-year-old warehouse building in downtown Cedar Rapids. They pack a lot of beer taps into a small space so patrons can enjoy their varied microbrews. And as a bonus, you can order a few tasty menu items, like the duck fat fries, prepared by the neighboring Black Sheep Social Club kitchen to nibble on as you enjoy your craft beers. clockhousebrewing.com

3. The Quarter Barrel

The Quarter Barrel is a unique spot in that you can sip on a locally brewed pint while playing your favorite vintage arcade game. Bring plenty of quarters and your best beer tasting game face. They have more than 20 beers on tap, half of which are dedicated to house brews. And there’s delicious pizza to munch on. thequarterbarrel.com

4. Iowa Brewing Company

Iowa Brewing Company gives you a taste of Cedar Rapids by crafting brews that blend traditional and modern approaches and often give a nod to where they are created in their names. Located on the edge of both downtown Cedar Rapids and the New Bo neighborhood, it’s also a prime pit stop for bikers cruising through town on the bike trails. While they don’t serve food, there’s often a food truck pulled up out front for when you need to grab a bite with your pint. iowabrewing.beer

5. House Divided Brewery

House Divided Brewery is one of the newer sipping spots in the area, just outside of town in Ely. The owners took their love for home brewing and decided to jump on the nanobrewery scene, all while paying homage with their name to the great debate: are you a fan of the Iowa State Cyclones or the University of Iowa Hawkeyes? (Hint, they are a house divided.) Grab a beer to show your school pride or try out a seasonal brews. housedividedbrewery.com

6. BIT Brewery

BIT Brewery in Central City is not to be missed. BIT—which stands for Best in Three—opened just recently, but the owners have been brewing beer for much longer. They set up shop in the oldest building in town and offer their beers and hand-made wood fired pizza, with new flavors each week. bitbrew3.com

7. Big Grove Brewery

Big Grove Brewery is the newest brewery in Cedar Rapids, opening in December 2023. This new space includes a brewery, modern patio, private event space, and vibrant, classic taproom. biggrove.com. Cheers!

8. Third Base Brewing

Third Base Brewery has been offering its own hand crafted beer since 1996. Learn more at thirdbasebrew.com

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