Hackamore Brewing Company, Chanhassen, MN
- 4 Paws Marketing
- May 11
- 4 min read
Updated: May 16
Hackamore Brewing wasn’t really on my radar until I recently heard about it through the grapevine, and when we pulled up, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It’s tucked into a pretty nondescript office building, so from the outside, it definitely doesn’t scream “craft brewery.” But inside? Totally different energy. This place is huge—open ceilings, sleek, modern finishes—it quite honestly feels more like something you’d find in a bigger metro scene, not a suburb of the Twin Cities. It's got the vibe of a up-scale big city more than a small-town taproom.
They do take online reservations for both seating and the golf simulator!
Drinks:
Only two sours on tap when we visited, but I appreciated the variety—and the commitment to at least keeping one on the board consistently. Their flagship is Grandma’s Kitchen Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Sour, and it’s a good one. The rhubarb gives it just the right amount of unique tartness and gives it a little something unexpected for those of us used to the more common strawberry-only or raspberry-forward sours. If you’re on the fence about rhubarb, or have never had anything with rhubarb in it previously, don’t be afraid to venture out. Try at least a sample before writing it off—it’s worth a sip, if not a full 16 oz pour. I’d absolutely buy it again for the home fridge, just missed my off-sale chance today.
The second sour was the Whoop (There It Is!) Strawberry Lemonade Sour—a lighter, more familiar combination, but still okay. Nice to see they have more than one option on tap.
This one gets a 4 out of 5, for the Grandma's sour, it was tasty! I would've considered grabbing a few to bring home if it had been before 6:00 on a Sunday!
Food:
We didn’t eat here this time around, but there were a few fun good-looking food choices from the food truck on site. Mi Raíz, a Mexican-style truck that looked (and smelled) truly authentic. I haven’t met a true Mexican food truck I didn’t like, so I’d be interested in circling back for that another time. Or checking it out if they're ever somewhere else accessible in the future.
Inside, Hackamore also offers some traditional snack options. Of course, they’ve got the classic Von Hanson’s pretzels and pre-packaged popcorn, but the best twist? DIY ready-made pizza from Hometown Pizza—you can actually make it yourself using their on-site pizza ovens. It’s quirky, engaging, and just different enough to stand out. A fun idea if you’re coming with a group and want something casual without the need to deal with wait staff.
I'll give them a 3 out of 5 in this category, an average score, since we didn't try anything, I can't go higher than that. And considering the options, they deserve at least a middle-of-the-road score!
Dog Friendliness:
Dogs are allowed on their patio, but not inside. I can see why, it’s just too “fancy” feeling to have our four-legged friends inside.
The patio was decently sized, though not an option for us that day—it was just too hot to sit out in the sun. So, for dog-friendliness, I’d give it a soft 2 out of 5. Not a total no-go for pup parents, but not the most inclusive spot for four-legged friends either.
Atmosphere:
Hackamore really sets itself apart, so different from any other brewery I’ve visited so far—it’s got more of a business-casual, “after-work drinks in chinos and a golf polo” kind of feel. Modern light fixtures, floor-to-ceiling windows, tall ceilings, and carefully designed spaces throughout. There’s even a golf simulator on-site (just one bay though, so I’m guessing reservations are a must when it gets busy). If I came back, I'd invite my golfer kids to join me.
They’ve got several different seating sections—leather couches to hang out for a while, traditional high-top bar tables, comfy booths, and lots of open floor space. It’s definitely very spacious and clean, but quite honestly, it doesn't have the warmth and quirkiness I’ve come to appreciate from more lived-in breweries. But, I do see how this place would be a regular go-to for the local business crowd or those who live nearby and want something different than an Applebee's.
It does still earn a 4/5 due to its size and seating options. It was a nice place to kick back and get a little work done.
Merch & More:
Hackamore went all-in on the merch department. They have a full-on storefront section of branded gear—shirts, hats, golf apparel, and the typical barware. The golf branding makes sense given the simulator, and I thought the whole setup was pretty impressive, and unique.
They also had a solid selection of games, a couple of pinball machines, and an old-school Pac-Man video game—so it’s not totally stuffy. There’s room to play and have some fun, too.
There was also a stage area, so I imagine they get some live music from time-to-time as well.
Take a Look Around
Overall:
Hackamore Brewing is kind of in a league of its own—it’s up-scale feel, much more modern, and clearly built with intention. For me, it might not become a regular stop simply because I prefer a little more grit and charm in my brewery visits, but I’m still glad I checked it out.
If you’re someone who enjoys stylish, high-end locations, or are looking for a space that feels somewhat polished and put-together, Hackamore is probably a sure fit. They do get bonus points for a solid sour and a merch shop that could rival a small boutique.
Would I go back? Maybe—for the golf simulator or to pick up some to-go cans of Grandma’s Kitchen (which I didn’t get to do this time, since it was past 6:00 on a Sunday). But with the drive from home and the vibe not quite being my thing, I’m in no rush. That said—this one’s definitely worth a visit for the curious and up-scale type interested in craft brews.
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