Lift Bridge Brewing — Restaurant in Stillwater

I went here on a Sunday afternoon during a Vikings game. The taproom is a single, fairly small room with a small bar, a "modern" jukebox, and a popcorn machine in one corner. For seating there was a few booths, a few small tables, and several long tables in the middle of the room that could be used for very large groups (10+) or for sitting next to strangers if that's what you wanna do with your life. On one wall there was a projector (not a TV) playing the game. It was not packed but there was only one full small table open and it was right in front of the projector. After sitting there I realized why it was open: the critical stares of the entire room seemed to be directed at me. The vibe was somewhat awkward and uncomfortable in a way that is hard to describe. It felt like being in a private individual's small (kinda trashy) bar room with a bunch of strangers instead of the feel in most dining/drinking establishments where there is a sense of privacy or division of space OR, sometimes, a sense of community and warmth. I wanted to sample a few beers and they have a standard price for 6oz pours so you can "create your own flight" which is nice. Unfortunately, two of the four beers I wanted to try were not available to be served that way, even though they were the same price as the other beers when you ordered a larger quantity. Lots of people say the service is great but I did not feel like there was any sense of kindnesses or even amicable regard as a fellow human. After the sterile transaction of purchasing the beer I sat at the table where I hastily downed the beverages while doing my best to avoid the gaze of the entire room. I was in a hurry to leave and wont be in a hurry to come...

I've loved them & there beer since I had my first sip of Farm Girl years ago and always will! Can't wait for life to get back to normal, so we can enjoy the tap room with friends again. I do recommend updates on their website and clearer directions on current growler policies including what you can get specifically and access to tap room etc. during Covid. When I've tried calling for clarity before driving half an hour, no one answers and there is no option to leave a message. Workers are there & dying to talk to people again, (they've told me how lonely and bored they are) but no one answers. I guess there is more info. on Facebook, but many don't use it any more or never will. I will still put in the effort to give them my business and wait patiently for a sunny day on their patio and encourage you all to...

Lift Bridge is one the first craft beer locations I ever visited many years ago. The beer is solid and they have their recipes down. The sitting area uses picnic benches/tables styles and there is plenty of places to stand if you prefer.

They have some pretzels and little snacks for sale, but if you are looking for a meal, food delivery is the way to go. I have not seen many food trucks there, and there is not much to do around them. This is a destination location (you are driving here specifically to go here and not leave) so if you are looking to do something that doesn't require you driving after, this is not the place to go.

Family friendly and they have an outdoor area with more seating and cornhole games. The employees have always been friendly, and they more than willing to talk about their beer....