Harriet Brewing Company

No Longer In Business

Harriet has undergone a couple of pretty significant overhauls to their venue since they originally opened. Initially it was a growler shop where you could get free samples in the front and buy growlers if you wished. Then they opened up the back to the public with an "excuse the mess" sort of warehousey, garage-like feel to the place. The last time I went, about a year or more ago, it was still an odd set up; there was a battle of the bands kind of event going and with the limited interior space that they have, you had to wait in line to get in. Points for uniqueness.

Low-key, informal brewery tap room that shares space with the brewing area. There’s a small stage for musical performances and an LP collection on display. A decent jazz trio was playing for a small crowd during my Sunday afternoon visit. There were 8 beers on tap, mostly Belgian styles with a couple of German offerings. The beer was pretty mediocre. Nothing offensive, but totally unforgettable and generally quite sweet. The person working the bar seemed to be the brewer himself. Unfortunately, he was pretty surly and curt with customers. His attitude was off-putting enough that I was more than happy to leave after trying a few tasters. Overall, this place is pretty middle of the pack. I wouldn’t recommend a visit unless you’re desperate for ticks or on a deep-dive of the local scene.

A smaller taproom on the southside of Minneapolis with a nice outdoor seating area. Tap room is just a small section of the brewery its self with a few picnic tables and a small stage. Service was solid. 6 beers on tap for my visit. No food but they do have food trucks occasionally. Prices are nice. A pretty solid brewery.

Cool little tap room. They had a DJ playing music, and a food truck was out back. I liked the beers, a few were real good.

The taproom space at Harriet is very informal and funky, with a biker-hipster sort of vibe. There’s free music and food trucks on weekend nights, and outdoor seating when it’s warm. The place is so pleasant, and the staff so friendly, that I hate to complain about the beers, but that is really why I don’t go very often, despite living nearby. Their brews are very inconsistent, and quite often I think they are far too sweet for the style they’re shooting for. The brewery focuses on Belgian styles, which is great, but I have had several beers there that I was sure were underattenuated, and one oddly sour brew that the staff couldn’t explain -- no brett, possibly contaminated by something but they were serving it anyway. I’ve left many a half-full glass on the table at Harriet. I hope their consistency and quality improve to match the ambience!

There is always live music, and the atmosphere is fun with hippies and bikers and all kinds of people contributing to it. Beer selection is usually four to five drafts; whatever they are pouring at the time. Their beer can be very solid; there are both can’t miss hits and total disasters in their lineup. Harriet has a fun weirdness to it that is unique amongst the taprooms, probably owing to the neighborhood it’s in I suppose.

I don’t come here very often, every once in awhile. I need to more though as I live in the area. Been here more for music in the summer, but I also dig the vibe in the winter. Chill with good music, nice play to relax, feels like hanging out in your friends garage back in highschool, except they are making beer in front of you. Pretty good prices.

Harriet is an alright taproom. Not my favorite within the Twin Cities. They have some decent beers, but the taproom really isn’t developed.

Cool atmosphere, 4 beers on tap, good music and great service. Had incredible food delivered from across the street as well. Liked it a lot.