Bar
Unclaimed profileBear Cave Brewing
Hopkins, MN
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
Research completed 2026-09-06 · Based on current public sources
Editor: Micah Rousey
Review methodology and evidence standardsThe 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
About this review
Research is based on recent public evidence, including official venue materials and beverage menus when available. The review date is the research completion date and does not imply an in-person visit.
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