Elm Creek Brewing Co. — Restaurant in Champlin

We've gone here quite a few times over the years and have always loved them. We are a family who loves to bike and do things with our kids whenever the weather allows. So today with the nice weather and us not being able to bike as much as a family last year with us having a newborn we decided to take advantage of the nice weather. Our youngest was finally old/big enough to ride in the bike carrier so we wanted to take him on his first bike ride. We decided to bike there with the kids since our 5 year old wanted to go there for pretzels and games and then hit up a park. Our 3 year old rode in the burley with her younger brother while her older brother rode his bike . It was a 10 minute bike ride there and our 11th month old fell asleep but thankfully I was able to save the nap and carry him inside and find a spot to get us set up. When I went up to order a beer with my sleeping baby in my arms ( my husband was playing the arcade games with our older two kids ) I had my passport in hand. ( My driver's license expired on my birthday February 1st) but the bartender said he needed to see a license so I told him I had the paper work and went back to the table I set us up at with my sleeping baby still in my arms to grab my purse. Dug through it while still holding my sleeping baby and pulled out the paperwork from the DMV. He then asked for my old lic which I still had thankfully and then handed our sleeping baby off to my husband while I dug for that as well. He was awkward but nice and just went on to say how's he's required/is allowed to ask for this stuff. All around is was a really awkward and a weird experience because from my knowledge I thought a passport was allowed for ID especially since MN is taking 10+ weeks to process REAL IDs. As much as we love supporting local businesses it was just a very weird and uncomfortable experience. It almost felt like I was being judged for being a mother their with a baby and just didn't feel family friendly. I'm just thankful I had my DMV paperwork with me and my expired ID otherwise my older 2 kiddos would of been disappointed if we would of biked their only to just leave because my passport wasn't a form of ID I can use. I'm not sure we'll continue to bike here with the kiddos because of the awkward interaction but wish...

I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Elm Creek Brewing! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This brewery truly stands out with its extensive selection of beer options. Whether you're a craft beer connoisseur or just looking to explore new flavors, Elm Creek has something for everyone. The variety is mind-boggling, and each brew is crafted with care and creativity.

The space both indoors and outdoors is incredibly inviting. You won't feel crowded, and there's plenty of room to relax with friends or meet new ones. The outdoor seating area is a hidden gem, perfect for soaking up some sun while enjoying your favorite brew.

Now, let's talk about Cosmo, one of their amazing bartenders. Cosmo's passion for beer is infectious, and he's a true expert in his craft. Trust me, when Cosmo offers to surprise you with a beer choice, say yes! He has an uncanny ability to pick out the perfect brew tailored to your taste. It's like he has a sixth sense for beer preferences.

Elm Creek Brewing has earned my five-star rating without a doubt. With their incredible selection, spacious ambiance, and the delightful Cosmo behind the bar, it's a top-notch destination for beer enthusiasts and anyone looking for a memorable time. Cheers to Elm...

Oh this is easy - Five stars, and those don't come freely from me. What did they do right? Well, it's a brewery so it should first and foremost be about the beer. The best beer in the world is just average if the venue is mediocre. And both can be spoiled by mediocre (or worse) staff. Elm Creek Brewing has none of those worries. A good variety of beers, including some very palatable hazies, sours, Goses and lagers. Excellent flavors, with hops being appropriately balanced to the style. They run in a comfortable range of ABV, so enjoyable without worrying about being able to walk after two. The venue is, in a word, chill. It's summertime, and their patio space is welcoming and open. Inside is nice, and looks like a good space in cooler temps. They've designed the patio with a walk-up to the food truck of the day, BTW, the patio is dog friendly. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and pays attention. That's it - a solid, well run venue with great beer. Definitely worth a return visit (or...