Waconia Brewing Company, Waconia, MN
- 4 Paws Marketing
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
FAST FACTS:
Address: 255 W Main St, Waconia, MN 55387
Hours:
Mon -Thurs 2 pm - 9 pm
Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
Phone: (612) 888-2739
Dog-friendly: Both in and Out
Parking: Free parking lot
Last visited: 11/8/2025
Waconia Brewing Company is the kind of place that feels like home. Tucked right in the heart of downtown Waconia, a lake town with a perfect Minnesota blend of cozy and lively, this spot has the warm, welcoming vibe that defines a true craft brewery. The space is bigger than you’d expect for a small-town taproom, with rustic wood accents, long wood tables, and a nice arm fireplace that makes you want to settle in for the evening.
This place was founded by locals who wanted to create “beer for the people of Waconia,” the brewery shows off its roots in every detail. From the lake-inspired branding to the friendly faces behind the bar, it’s clear they’re all about connection, conversation, and quality beer made right here in Minnesota.
What's On Tap?
When I stopped in, they had a Mango Sour on tap, and as someone who doesn’t always get lucky finding a sour in some of the smaller-town breweries, I was thrilled. It was definitely heavily on mango flavor with a nice bit of tartness to balance it out. While it wasn’t mind-blowing, it was pretty refreshing - an easy drinker I’d be ok with grabbing again.
Drink Score: 2.5/5
If sours aren’t your thing, there’s plenty to choose from: like their WacTown Wheat to the bold 255 Amber Ale and Carver County IPA. Their seasonal lineup keeps things interesting, and they release limited batches that highlight local ingredients or collaborations with other regional breweries.
Food Finds
There’s no kitchen here, but the brewery keeps it simple with bar snacks like…you guessed it, Von Hansen’s pretzels. The nice thing is, though, that you can grab food from nearby restaurants, lots of great options just a few feet away on Main Street.
Food Score: 0/5
The Vibe Inside & Out
Between the cozy indoor environment and that lake-town charm just outside the windows, Waconia Brewing has a vibe that’s hard to beat. It’s laid-back enough for a casual pint after work but also lively enough to make a weekend stop worth your while.
They host a nice lineup of community events like BeerGo (yep, beer bingo), live music, trivia, and rotating food trucks. The number of locals gives it that “everyone knows your name” feel, but as an outsider I still felt comfortable. And, it’s the kind of place that I could see becoming a regular stop when in the area.
Vibe Score: 4/5
Dog Friendly Details:
Yes! Dogs are welcome both inside and out, which made the visit even better. Seeing a Brittany spaniel curled up by the fireplace while people sipped and chatted nearby was the highlight for me.
Score: 5/5
Insider Info
Best time to visit: Anytime’s a good time, but the locals say it really shines on event nights or Sundays when the vibe is mellow.
Parking: Free lot
Merch: Tons of options - shirts, hats, glassware, and even local-inspired gear that’s worth checking out.
Tapped In Takeaway
Waconia Brewing Company nails the Minnesota-nice, “small-town, big heart” energy. The beer lineup is pretty solid, the atmosphere is warm and genuine, and the views of the lake give it a little something extra that makes it more than just another brewery. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this spot deserves a place on your Minnesota brewery list.
Final Score: 3/5
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