Cate Huguelet

Special for USA TODAY

It’s known widely as an arts district for the studios and galleries that populate its network of once-derelict warehouses and factories, but these days Northeast Minneapolis is so awash in craft beer that it could easily be dubbed the city’s brewery quarter.

Not that these identities are at odds with one another; just the opposite, in fact. As Sarah Bonvallet, creative director of Dangerous Man Brewing (one of nearly a dozen outfits to put down roots in the area since a 2011 bill legalized on-site beer sales at Minnesota breweries) sees it, Northeast’s art and brewing scenes enjoy a productive symbiosis.

“It’s incredibly cooperative,” she says of the neighborhood’s spirit. “Local artists adorn the walls of businesses, local bands play at the bars — there is a general feeling akin to a beautiful buzzing hive filled with the honeylike sweetness of human creativity.”

Not only do these creative vibes give Northeast breweries a unique aura — cool but energetic, a bit gritty but welcoming — but they extend to the brew, too; strolling or cycling between a selection of neighborhood taprooms (given their close proximity, an easily achievable enterprise, and one that contributes to the local scene’s appeal), you might taste quirky barrel-aged sours at Indeed, smoked Baltic porter infused with maple and black pepper at Fair State, and aquavit barrel-aged Belgian strong ale at Dangerous Man.

As Northeast Minneapolis’ craft beer landscape grows increasingly crowded, you might expect established breweries to turn territorial, but then you’d be underestimating the local brewing scene’s enthusiasm for the community and the competition.

“As brewing in Northeast continues to grow, there’s more focus on forming a stronger community through camaraderie,” explains Bauhaus Brew Labs’ Mike Schwandt. Indeed co-founder Nathan Berndt concurs. “The draw to Northeast is the inclusive neighborhood atmosphere that threads older and newer generations. Beer brings people of all ages and origins together. With brewers now in the double digits in such a concentrated area, each one seems to have found a niche that resonates with its own audience.”

In the artsy, buzzing Northeast brewing hive, it seems there’s plenty of creativity to go around. Browse the gallery above to explore Northeast Minneapolis’ creative brewing scene.

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