Summer Sippin' in the City: Beat the Heat with Lincoln's Brew Pubs
By Nathan Lake
Lincoln’s craft beer scene is one of the best in the Midwest, and if you have a thirst for beers with new takes on classic styles, there’s no shortage of breweries perfect for a long, lazy afternoon with friends. We've rounded up a list of Lincoln's finest brew pubs focusing on small-batch, handcrafted beers. From refreshing lagers to hazy IPAs and fruited ales and sours, there's a perfect pint waiting to be poured. We invite you to explore the best places in Lincoln to unwind, reconnect, and raise a glass to summer!
Backswing Brewing Co
500 WEST SOUTH STREET
Backswing focuses on easy-drinking, true-to-style beers. A few examples from its lineup include the Citra Kölsch, Backspin Red Ale, and Bugeaters FC Goalden Ale. If you’re looking for crisp and light, Backswing has several flavorful beers on tap.
Boiler Brewing
DOWNTOWN, 129 NORTH 10TH STREET
SOUTH, 5800 HIDCOTE DRIVE
Boiler Brewing specializes in bold, small-batch beers, meads, and ciders. Their rotating taps feature unique creations like pastry stouts, tart sours, and historical gruit ales. There’s a wide selection of hard seltzers, too. We recommend sampling a few four-ounce tasters to find the perfect beer for you.
Corn Coast Brewing
1433 DAHLBERG DRIVE
This nano-brewery focuses on modern IPAs, heavily fruited seltzers, and session-able beers. Its award-winning Citra Soaker IPA and Juice Mid-Tones showcase its expertise in hazy and flavorful brews. With a dog-friendly policy and a relaxed ambiance, Corn Coast creates an inviting setting for both craft beer enthusiasts and their four-legged friends.
Kinkaider Brewing Co
201 N. 7TH STREET
BIERHAUS MAISSCHALER, 151 N. 8TH STREET
Kinkaider’s Lincoln taproom specializes in farm-crafted beers with a nod to Nebraska’s pioneer history. Their offerings include seasonal and experimental brews, such as the Dan the Wiser wheat ale and Snow Beast winter ale. Kinkaider also owns and operates Bierhaus Maisschaler, a German-inspired pub featuring authentic lagers, butcher-crafted sausages, Bavarian pretzels, and European-inspired cocktails. Their signature beers include The Stag pilsner and The Bear dunkel.
Salt Mine City Brewing
801 R STREET
Known for its handcrafted beers, Salt Mine City Brewing offers a diverse lineup, including light American lagers, amber wheat beers, and robust dark-style beers. Its standout brews include the Single Axle lager and Jake Brake Mango Wheat, which are crafted with a focus on Midwest flavors. Don't miss their $4 rotating tap and seasonal favorites, and be sure to swing by from 4:00-6:00 PM for
half-price appetizers.
White Elm Brewing
720 VAN DORN STREET
White Elm is known for its fusion of modern American and classic Belgian brewing techniques, crafting heavier-style beers ideal for long, contemplative sipping sessions. Its lineup features standout, barrel-aged imperial stouts and meticulously-brewed saisons—offering a rich tapestry of flavors that gradually unfold, rewarding those who take the time to savor every sip.
Zipline
BEER HALL, 5740 HIDCOTE DRIVE
TAP & GRILL, 575 FALLBROOK BOULEVARD
Zipline distinguishes itself with an award-winning lineup of innovative beers that strike a perfect balance between boldness and approachability. Flagship brews like the Aquifer IPA, Dear Old Nebraska Brew, and Copper Alt have garnered notable recognition. Adding to the experience, the Zipline Tap & Grill features a full food menu designed to complement these distinctive flavors.