BlackStack Brewing — Restaurant in Saint Paul

I have visited Blackstack Brewing many, many times (yep, I drink beer - lots of good beer). I always am drawn back to Blackstack for the unique feel of the place, the many craft beer offerings (especially their unique Berliner Weisse sours), and the fun people who drink and work there!

On this night, I was hosting two friends from Colorado. We spent the evening downstairs in Can Can Wonderland, then finished off the night in Blackstack. We played board games, drank fine beer, and enjoyed each other's company. That's the kind of place Blackstack is - laid back, casual and.... cozy. It needs a fireplace! Just kidding, but seriously?

The historic building that the Brewery is in is large and spacious. There is ample parking across the street (3 smallish lots available), and street parking. Masks are encouraged.

Seating inside is cozy, with comfortable "historic" aka well-used (smelly?) old sofas and coffee tables, as well as conventional seating and tables for board games.

Lately, the brewers at Blackstack are on an IPA-tear, as in all manners of IPA's - NEIPA's, DDH IPA's, West Coast IPA's, California Style IPA's. You get the drift. Lots and lots of IPA's. When I was there last week, there was even a TRIPLE DRY HOPPED IPA. Crazy stuff. They did offer some other types of beers - a Kolsch, a couple of pilsners, a porter, etc. But I was there for their smoothie sours, to which they offered 5 last week on the menu. Their smoothie sours are oh so good. Of course, I bought a couple of crowlers of the "good stuff" to take home (see my photos).

Food is not really offered for sale in the tasting room, water is available. You can bring food in to eat, no issue. Food trucks frequent BS. They added a jukebox lately! Good music. A large screen TV is also now on the wall.

I don't know how they keep the plants alive in there, but they soften the brewery, along with the unique furniture and relaxed vibe. I will happily give Blackstack a 5-star rating for the great staff, good beer selection, and the fun vibe and atmosphere! That BS smell is so delicious. I'm...

This is it. The brewery you will judge all other breweries' IPA beers by. Their Local 755 is their gold standard and the rest will expand your tastes. They do offer other styles of beer, but the IPAs are second to none.

They have a HUGE indoor seating area with a massive projection screen for watching sports or whatever happens to be on. There are plenty of tables for sitting and playing some of their many free board games they have there, or bring your own. There are also couches/chairs with coffee tables for sitting and conversing with people. The bar is my favorite place to sit and chatting with the staff is always a pleasure.

It is not uncommon to see the owner walking around and just socializing with people. He is really down to earth and will talk with you about anything, but obviously their beer is his favorite topic. I have learned a ton from him.

Their usually is a food truck out front but you can also have food delivered. Being they are in St. Paul, there are plenty of options to select from in the different food delivery apps.

Plenty to do right near there, but my favorite thing to do is go here before a MN United (Loons) games and then take the light rail or walk right to the game.

This is a, "Do not...

Visited BlackStack Brewing recently and had a pretty solid experience overall. The place is huge and set in a really cool building that gives off a great first impression. Inside, the ambiance is welcoming and relaxed—lots of seating, a good layout, and the added touch of plants really brings some life to the space.

Tried a beer flight and ended up enjoying 3 out of the 4 beers. Local 755 was the standout for me—I’m usually not a fan of hoppy beers, but this one hit just right. Also really liked Final Fantasy 4 and Uncut Jams (a strawberry rhubarb sour that was refreshing and unique). The only one that didn’t really do it for me was Wasting Away, a Mexican lager that felt a bit too standard.

They also bring in food trucks pretty often and host events, which is a great bonus if you’re looking for more than just drinks.

Biggest downside: parking. It’s a pain. There’s no decent parking area nearby, which can be frustrating, especially on busier days.

Overall, if you’re into craft beer and cool vibes, BlackStack is definitely worth checking out—just be prepared to hunt...