10K Brewing, Anoka, MN
- 4 Paws Marketing
- May 14
- 4 min read
Updated: May 18
I’ve had 10K Brewing on my list for a while, and I finally made it up to Anoka to check it out. This smaller city has that classic small-town charm tucked right inside the Minneapolis metro area, and 10K fits perfectly into its surroundings. From the moment you walk in, it feels welcoming and quaint.
This brewery was founded by a local guy with a dream that started in his garage with a home brewing kit. With support of more than 100 Kickstarter backers, his brewery dream became reality in 2015, and now 10K Brewing has been pouring pints ever since. It's known as one of the smallest breweries in Minnesota, but what it lacks in size, it definitely makes up for in heart.
Drinks:
When we visited, they had their Empower Sour on tap—a berry-forward blend at 6.7% ABV. It was full of flavor, and not overly tart. I liked it a lot—could’ve easily had a second if we had more time to hang around. While it didn’t totally blow me away in terms of originality, it was solid and very drinkable.
They had several other craft options for my not sour-obsessed companion to choose from, and he was happy with the light beer he ordered. In addition to the beer, they’ve got kombucha, craft soda, and a non-alcoholic ale - not craft made, but at least there’s options.
Whether you’re a die-hard IPA fan or just tagging along, there’s something here for everyone.
3/5 – Tasty, but hoping for a few more sour experiments next time around!
Food:
Right now, food options are limited, but it sounds like that’s about to change. The bartender mentioned that a full-service kitchen is set to open soon, and it’s set to offer brick-fired pizza, Puccia sandwiches (an Italian flatbread-like sandwich), and wings. Once that opens, I bet this place will become an even bigger draw for locals.
Until then, you’re working with the classic Von Hanson’s flavored pretzels for a quick snack, or you can bring something in. They also have a handful of local restaurant menus to look through, and given the location right in Anoka’s downtown, it’s easy to grab something nearby before grabbing a table with a pint.
Rating for now: 1/5, but fully expecting an upgraded score once the kitchen is up and running. I’ll be back to check out Babe’s Kitchen when it opens!
Dog Friendliness:
We didn’t have our pups with us this time, but from what I gathered, dogs are allowed on the patio—which is ok, until winter. The day we visited was stormy, so we stayed inside, but on a sunny afternoon, their patio would be a great place to hangout with my pooch.
Rating: 2/5 – not fully dog-friendly inside, but patio pups are welcome.
Atmosphere:
This brewery just feels warm and inviting. The taproom is located in an old building with exposed brick walls, rustic wood accents, and a few industrial touches that make it feel warm and inviting without trying too hard. It’s simple, authentic, and has a slightly lived-in vibe that only a truly small-town spot can offer.
You’re right in the heart of downtown Anoka, which adds to its charm. If the weather’s nice, take a walk along the Rum River before or after your visit—it’s only a block away and definitely adds to the overall experience. This isn’t a brewery trying to be trendy—it’s just doing its own thing, and they’re doing it well.
Rating: 4/5 - charming, laid-back, and my kind of place
Merch & More:
For such a small brewery, 10K’s merch game was pretty nice. They’ve got flannels (because it is, indeed, Minnesota), tees, hats, bar glasses, and some fun branded odds and ends. I managed to resist walking out with anything, but knowing the backstory behind the place makes me want to support them and be a walking advertisement, so I’ll be grabbing something next time around.
They also know how to entice people to check them out, with live music most weekends. Trivia Night every Wednesday. And lots of community events, including beer releases, a space to hold holiday or office parties, and more.
Their event calendar is worth checking before your visit to see who they’ve got on the mic—it’s clear they value their community, not just selling beer.
Rating: 3/5 for merch– solid selection and events to check out.
Overall:
This was a good one. I’ll definitely be going back and would highly recommend it to anyone in the area. It’s definitely not your biggest brewery option, but the small-town vibe and rustic-ness make it a fun place to grab a drink. The atmosphere and honest roots behind the brand give it that extra something special.
You really get the sense that 10K Brewing put effort into truly living out its tagline: “Nice Beer. Nice People.” And honestly, what more could you ask for?
I’m giving them a 3/5 – they’ve got a good thing going, and I look forward to coming back to check out their new menu and enjoy the area a bit more next time around.
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