Your Guide to Locally Crafted Brews in Dubuque
With unique locations and stellar folks behind the brews, Dubuque’s craft beer scene is one that can't be missed.
Check out these 8 local breweries making things happen #WhereIowaStarted.
The one with a family style approach.
7 Hills Brewing Company prides itself on being ‘unapologetically individualistic’ and they live up to that mantra. Known for pairing quality craft beer alongside unique cuisine within a relaxed atmosphere, the folks at 7 Hills have made a name for themselves in the craft brewery scene. Check out their take on classics like pizza, burgers, and brews, all served up at family style seating in the Historic Millwork District.
The one with dimension.
Dimensional Brewing is located on historic Main Street and hosts a variety of beers to make any connoisseur happy. This joint features outdoor and indoor seating with doors opening up to the street for that open air feeling. Make sure you come hungry as they are serving up food from Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ. Their take on southern classics, paired with a locally crafted brews, will hit the spot after a busy day of exploration.
The one with a beercade.
Also located in the Historic Millwork District, this is the second location for Backpocket which is based out of Coralville, Iowa. Unique to the Dubuque location is their one-of-a-kind beercade featuring classics like Pac-Man, skee ball, foosball, and more. Get your quarters and appetites ready – this place also serves up some delicious cuisine like street tacos, mac n cheese, and wings.
The one at the local hangout.
Catfish Charlie’s Restaurant has long been a local favorite. Serving up food riverside since 2005, they added a two barrel system to the mix in 2016, brewing up a variety of beers for their customers. Visiting when the weather is warm? Take your brew outside and enjoy the waterfront. Want to get on the river? Hop aboard the American Lady Yacht Cruises located on-site for a Happy Hour, Sunset, or Lunch Cruises.
The one with a museum of history.
Founded in 1852, the Potosi Brewing Company became the fifth largest brewery in Wisconsin and distributed coast to coast. The brewery survived prohibition but closed in 1972. Following a multi-million dollar restoration, the Potosi Brewery Foundation reopened the brewery in 2008 and has been on a roll ever since. Check out their on-site restaurant as well as the National Brewery Museum™ that features an eclectic collection of breweriana goodies.
The one in a vintage sewing factory.
Located in Dyersville, Iowa (home to the Field of Dreams Movie Site), Textile Brewing Company is proud of it’s roots. Keeping everything from the old sewing factory in the building, there is a vintage treasure everywhere you look. Whether you are more of a domestic beer fan or a beer nerd – there is something there for everyone to enjoy.
The one that sits along the river.
River Ridge Brewery is a family-owned and operated, community-driven nano-brewery in Bellevue, Iowa. Their new location is situated along the river and features a taproom, waterfront patio, and homegrown brews. Started by passionate beer enthusiasts with backgrounds in all sorts of industries, they came together over one shared interest – their love of beer.
The one that was locally funded.
Pull up a stool and start a conversation with fellow beer enthusiasts. That was the goal when Jubeck New World Brewing set out to crowdsource a microbrewery in downtown Dubuque, Iowa. Community & conversation is important to them - it literally funded their startup and continues to shape their business. They keep things pure and simple when it comes to crafting the perfect beer and use locally sourced and organic ingredients.