Is there anything better than that very first sip of an icy cold beer on a hot summer day? Nebraska’s industrious craft brewers are pouring out a refreshingly delicious collection of choices to quench your thirst not just during the summer months, but all year long. (Hot tip: Here’s where to go for some of the tastiest spring and summer seasonal beers throughout the state.)
Grab a pint at any of these local craft brewing operations, then kick back and raise your glass in a toast to this spectacular weather.
Family-friendly fun
Babysitter just canceled? There’s no need to scrap your plans and stay at home. Feel free to bring the kids along to any of these Nebraska brewpubs where young guests always receive a warm welcome with great food, friendly vibes, fun activities and nonalcoholic beverage options.
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While the adults appreciate glasses filled with Golden Fraü Honey Wheat and Cropduster IPA, Thunderhead’s Kearney location greets guests under the age of 21 with Shirley Temples, homemade root beer and red cream soda to wash down a selection of stone-oven-baked pizzas.
In the heart of downtown Hastings, brewmaster (and ordained pastor) Damen Heitmann has curated a wholesome atmosphere full of fun and fellowship for customers of all ages. Can we get an “amen” to that?
You’ll stop in at this Holdrege-based brewpub for the house-made beers and seltzers. You’ll stick around for the food trucks, musical entertainment, popcorn, trivia competitions and good times.
History permeates this Beatrice taproom inside the renovated 1880s-era Mercantile Building, where families can sample cuisine from a rotating lineup of food trucks or order in from area restaurants for accompaniments to their beers, ciders and soft drinks.
Sited within the storied Fairfield Opera House, this cozy brewpub rolls out a character-rich backdrop against which young visitors can order off a menu that includes burgers, baskets, pizza and other kid-approved fare.
Outdoor attractions
The weather doesn’t get much nicer than right now. Make the most of sunny afternoons and sultry summer evenings by heading outside to discover the craft brews at these al fresco drinking destinations.
Now through Labor Day, this North Platte hotspot just off I-80 encourages guests to go outside and play with live music, cornhole, sand volleyball, horseshoes, bocce ball and lots of picnic tables for seating across its spacious four-acre property.
Set on a 15-acre swath of the bucolic Platte River Valley, this scenic winery/brewery hybrid has plenty of space to accommodate lush vineyards, summer concerts, walking trails, fire pits stationed along Spring Creek, and even luxury cottage rentals.
Pet-friendly patio
Attention pet owners: Well-behaved four-legged friends can come along for the ride at this animal-friendly establishment.
Weather permitting, the best boys and good girls are allowed to hang out on the patio while their owners swig pints of signature Pale Ale, American Wit and fruity sours.
Championing the agricultural diversity and economic contributions of the state’s thriving beer industry, the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board represents the interests of dozens of local producers. For more information, visit craftbreweryboard.nebraska.gov.
