Bear Cave Brewing, Hopkins, MN
- 4 Paws Marketing
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Located in charming downtown Hopkins, Bear Cave Brewing has more than just craft beer—it’s a multi-level community hub built on passion and purpose.
Housed in a restored 1945 service station, this 11,000 sq ft spot features four floors, including a cozy basement “bear cave,” a lively main floor, a beer hall, and a heated rooftop deck. Named after their founder Nate’s passion (and a black bear he hunted), the brew pub honors his spirit and love for quality beer
Drinks:
Bear Cave isn’t just beer, so it’s a crowd-pleaser for everyone. Their house brews include IPAs, lagers, porters, and rotating seasonal picks similar to other breweries, but here they also offer wine, cocktails (like Old Fashioneds and margaritas— on tap), and local ciders. They also have guest taps and a variety of drink styles, so it’s a great option if your group includes non-beer drinkers, too.
On this particular visit, the available sour was Blueberry Lemonade Ferocity, part of their rotating "Ferocity" series. I was somewhat skeptical. Lemonade-forward drinks can sometimes give me Mike’s Hard Lemonade flashbacks (not in a good way). This one was tart and had a bit of a blueberry bite—but a little too much lemonade for my taste. However, if lemonade is your jam, you’ll probably like it.
Sour Score: 2.5/5
Food:
This is where they shine, in my opinion. Their wood-fired pizzas are easily among the best brewery pizzas I’ve had. Chewy crust, quality toppings, and unique flavor combos that go well beyond “pepperoni or cheese.” The apps are just as good(pretzel bites, homemade onion dip, Brussels sprouts, and more), and everything feels like a go-to, so it can be hard to make a decision.
If I’m doing a date night or meeting up with friends, Bear Cave is at the top of my list simply because the food’s that good.
Food Score: 5/5
Dog Friendliness:
Because of their kitchen, this is a patio-only dog venue. Though, they do let you bring them through to get to the rooftop patio, and their main patio is super cozy. Even better?
They have dog treats and a doggie donut on the menu. We snagged one for Storm this time around, and she was thrilled to be included in the munching.
Dog Score: 3 out of 5
Extra points for dog menu items and an inviting patio vibe.
Atmosphere:
This is another area where Bear Cave sits above the rest. The inside has a modern, cozy feel—warm wood colors, greenery, a fireplace, and lots of hidden seating zones that make it easy to cop a squat with friends or find a more intimate corner on date night. The heated rooftop patio is our favorite, especially when there’s live music.
They also host events year-round—from local musicians and game nights to tastings. The taproom is located across from the Hopkins Center for the Arts, so it makes for the perfect pre-show stop for pizza and a pint.
Score: 4/5
Merch & More:
The online merch shop has some cute gear—hoodies, hats, work shirts, and more—all repping the Bear Cave branding. In person, though, it seemed non-existent, but I could’ve just missed it. I didn’t notice much displayed at the taproom, but I imagine you could ask if something’s available.
Online store = great. In-person options = wish there were more.
Merch Score: 2.5/5
Overall:
Bear Cave Brewing is one of our go-tos, especially when we’re in the mood for live music, good food, and a relaxing spot to chill. The drinks might not always blow me away, but the experience as a whole more than makes up for it. It’s not just a brewery—it’s a cozy hangout spot.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a weekend date, Bear Cave has become one of those places I (and the hubs) look forward to going back to again and again.
Score: 4/5
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