Bar
Unclaimed profileBear Cave Brewing
Hopkins, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bear Cave Brewing runs a house-focused beer program with a self-serve tap wall and a lineup that runs from a 4.2% light lager to a 7% New England IPA. The wine list is small but local, pouring three Wooden Link Vineyard wines from Minnesota grapes. Cocktails stay conventional with an Old Fashion and a Margarita.
- What should I order?
- Start with Baby Bear, an English porter with chocolate and espresso notes, or Fresh Caught Apricot, a fruited pale ale with apricot and citrus. The self-serve tap wall makes sampling easy.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Craft beer drinkers who like having many house-brewed options and a self-serve tap wall will find plenty to explore.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The self-serve tap wall and a beer list that spans English porter to New England IPA, plus Minnesota-grown wines from Wooden Link Vineyard on tap.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
The cocktail list keeps to two classics: an Old Fashion built on Four Roses Bourbon with simple syrup, orange, and aromatic bitters, and a Margarita. Both are straightforward and familiar.
Menu strengths
- — Old Fashion uses Four Roses Bourbon, a dependable base for the classic build.
- — Cocktails are listed on the drink menu, giving a clear option beyond beer and wine.
Standout selections
- — Old Fashion with Four Roses Bourbon, simple syrup, orange, and aromatic bitters
Wine
The wine list features three Wooden Link Vineyard wines served on tap: Dry Rose, Blanc, and Estate Red. The Dry Rose is 100% Marquette, and the Estate Red is 100% Frontenac, both Minnesota grapes.
Menu strengths
- — Wines are from a local Minnesota vineyard, Wooden Link Vineyard.
- — Served on tap, which is uncommon for wine and keeps the focus local.
- — The two reds and rosé are made from Minnesota-grown Marquette and Frontenac grapes.
Standout selections
- — Dry Rose — 100% Marquette, with strawberry and raspberry notes
- — Estate Red — 100% Frontenac, medium-bodied with black cherry and tobacco
Beer
The beer program is extensive and entirely house-brewed, from Larry’s Lager at 4.2% to Bear Slayer at 7% ABV. Offerings include a fruited pale ale, an English porter, a Märzen, a Vienna lager, and a German pilsner, all poured via a self-serve tap wall.
Menu strengths
- — A wide range of house-brewed styles, including pale ale, porter, Märzen, lager, amber ale, pilsner, and IPA.
- — Self-serve tap wall encourages sampling across the lineup.
- — Each beer lists its ABV and tasting notes, helping drinkers choose.
Standout selections
- — Baby Bear — English porter with chocolate and espresso notes
- — Fresh Caught Apricot — fruited pale ale with apricot and citrus
- — Bear Slayer — New England IPA at 7% ABV
Community reviews
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