Badger Hill Brewing — Restaurant in Shakopee

My first visit to Badger Hill Brewery and it certainly won’t be my last. A modern and comfortable venue with a fireplace and large screen TV. The bright and airy taproom contains a bar with comfortable looking stools and both high and low top tables. There is a separate area that can be set up for private parties. Staff were all very friendly and attentive.

My companion and I enjoy darker beers, so we were pleased to try glasses of all four dark beers that were on tap. There was a peanut butter stout, an Irish stout on nitro, a tasty porter, and a slightly lighter amber. All were delicious although a smaller 6 oz glass of the peanut butter stout was enough. There were other lighter beers and ales available in the roughly 20 taps located behind the bar.

There is a spacious free parking lot behind the building and a Mexican restaurant attached to the taproom with a sliding glass pass through to order and receive food from the restaurant. Both businesses share a common pair of rest room which are clean and modern. You are also welcome to bring in outside food from other nearby local restaurants to enjoy with your beer purchase.

The front of the taproom has large windows which provide a nice view of the Canterbury Downs Racetrack grandstand.

Access for wheelchairs is easy with all facilities on one level with no steps or barriers. There is a large outdoor patio area available although it was not in use on the cold, rainy day of our visit.

My companion and I completed our afternoon/evening outing with dinner at Mr. Pig’s Smokery BBQ restaurant just a short walk away. We both agree that this venue is among our top 5 out of the roughly 45 craft breweries that we have experienced in the...

If I were rating Badger Hill solely on the beer, it’s a clear five stars. They've long been one of the standout breweries in the state.

But let’s be honest—when the beer is widely available elsewhere, the taproom experience needs to offer something special. I really miss the original location

The new taproom is subpar, to put it mildly. It feels like a highly sanitized, corporate Bar & Grill, minus the "grill," and completely lacking in charm and personality. It screams blandness. Considering that it's located in a new cookie-cutter suburban development hellscape, it sadly fits right in.

The most baffling part? There’s a bar, but no ordering station. I’ve never encountered a taproom without one. Instead, you’re left awkwardly trying to flag down a bartender while standing behind seated guests. I gave that sort of thing up when I left college.

On the upside, the beer was still good. And they had more than one non-Hazy IPA, which I certainly appreciate.

They don't serve food, which honestly is a plus, since most breweries that do have food offer mediocre pizza, and as result don't let you bring food in. Since Badger Hill doesn't serve food, they do allow you to bring food in so long as you're ordering beer, although the surrounding offerings look to share the same blandness of Badger Hill itself.

Is there any chance the original taproom could reopen in addition to the new one? It still appears to be where the beer is brewed. I’m not holding my breath, especially since it’s not far from the new spot, but I’d love to see them...

Nestled in Shakopee, the Badger Hill Taproom stands out for its inviting ambiance and attentive staff. The spacious interior with high ceilings creates a comfortable atmosphere, while the warm greetings from the staff enhance the overall experience. Situated adjacent to a brewery, patrons can indulge in freshly brewed beer, adding a unique touch to their dining experience.

One of the highlights of the Badger Hill Taproom is its generous happy hour specials, available Monday through Thursday until 6 pm. These deals provide excellent value for patrons looking to unwind after a long day or catch up with friends over drinks and appetizers.

The menu at Badger Hill Taproom offers a diverse selection of dishes, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. Vegetarian options are available, catering to dietary preferences and ensuring inclusivity for all guests. Whether you're in the mood for hearty comfort food or lighter fare, the menu delivers quality and flavor with each dish.

Seating options abound, with booths, high tops, and larger tables available to accommodate groups of all sizes. Whether you're dining solo, with a date, or with a group of friends, there's a cozy spot waiting for you at Badger Hill Taproom.

Overall, Badger Hill Taproom delivers a winning combination of good food, friendly service, and inviting ambiance. With its convenient location, enticing happy hour specials, and diverse menu offerings, it's a destination worth revisiting time...