- Attraction: Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub
- Location: 2716 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
- Industry: Brewpub
- Website: https://www.northboundbrewpub.com/
What happens when you combine two Food Network appearances, award-winning craft beer, and the kind of slow-smoked meats that make carnivores weep with joy?
You get Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub, a Minneapolis gem that’s been perfecting the art of “upscale blue collar” dining since 2012.
This isn’t just another neighborhood brewery – it’s a full-service brewpub where industrial smokers work their magic for 18 hours straight while brewers craft liquid gold just steps away.
Located in the historic Oak Building at the intersection of 38th Street and 28th Avenue, Northbound stands as the first true brewpub Minneapolis has seen in over a decade. The moment you walk up to this brick building, the intoxicating aroma of wood smoke tells you that something special is happening inside.
Menu Highlights That’ll Make You Cancel Your Other Plans
The 18-Hour Porketta Sandwich: This Iron Range classic has achieved legendary status among locals, and for good reason. Imagine succulent pork that’s been slowly smoked for nearly a full day, paired with sautéed onions and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled in a perfectly toasted bun.
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Keep Exploring →The meat practically falls apart at first touch, delivering smoky, herbaceous flavors that’ll ruin you for ordinary sandwiches forever.
Smoked Wings That Redefine Buffalo: These aren’t your typical bar wings. Each piece gets a thorough smoking before being tossed in house-made buffalo sauce that should honestly be bottled and sold separately.
The smoke penetrates deep into the meat while the crispy skin provides the perfect textural contrast to the tender interior.
Beer Cheese Soup: Rich, velvety, and made with their own craft beer, this soup achieves that perfect balance between indulgent comfort food and sophisticated pub fare. Each spoonful delivers creamy cheese flavors with subtle hoppy undertones that remind you this isn’t your average canned soup.
Fresh Cut Fries: Hand-cut daily and cooked to golden perfection, these fries have converted even the most devoted frozen fry skeptics. They arrive crispy on the outside with fluffy interiors, seasoned just right and substantial enough to satisfy without overwhelming your main dish.
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Discover MoreJalapeño Popper Boats: These creative appetizers take the beloved jalapeño popper concept and elevate it into something truly special. Each boat delivers the perfect ratio of creamy filling to spicy pepper heat, creating an addictive combination that disappears faster than you’d expect.
Smoked Trout Salad: For those seeking something lighter, this salad showcases the kitchen’s smoking expertise with delicate fish that’s been perfectly cured and smoked. The result is a dish that feels both healthy and indulgent, with complex flavors that prove vegetables can be just as exciting as meat.
Craft Beer Excellence & Full Bar Experience
House-Brewed Perfection: The brewery takes center stage with an impressive lineup of American-style ales that consistently earn high ratings from beer enthusiasts.
Their seasonal offerings, including the award-winning Snownami chocolate raspberry imperial stout, showcase the brewers’ willingness to experiment and push boundaries.
Flight Adventures: Beer flights offer the perfect opportunity to explore their diverse selection, with most selections earning enthusiastic approval even from craft beer connoisseurs.
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Keep Exploring →The brewing team has expanded their barrel-aging and lager programs, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
Full Bar Selection: Unlike most brewery taprooms, Northbound offers a complete bar experience with carefully curated whiskey selections and craft cocktails.
Their 2021 remodel expanded the bar area specifically to accommodate this enhanced beverage program, making it a destination for spirit lovers as well as beer enthusiasts.
Atmosphere & Setting
Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort: The interior strikes an impressive balance between cozy neighborhood pub and upscale dining destination.
High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows create an airy, spacious feel while maintaining the intimate atmosphere perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
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Discover MoreOutdoor Oasis: The picnic table-style patio provides a relaxed outdoor dining experience that’s particularly enjoyable during Minneapolis’s beautiful summer months. The outdoor space maintains that authentic neighborhood vibe while offering views of the bustling 38th Street corridor.
Visible Brewing Action: The brewhouse sits adjacent to the main dining area with windows facing 38th Street, allowing guests to watch the brewing process in action.
Custom-built tank racks ensure you can see the entire operation rather than just glimpses, adding an educational element to your dining experience.
Industrial-Meets-Comfortable: The space successfully balances its industrial brewery elements with comfortable dining areas, creating an environment that feels both authentic and welcoming.
The L-shaped oak bar wraps around a cooler with clear walls showcasing the serving tanks, making the brewing process part of the dining entertainment.
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Keep Exploring →Other Considerations
Solid Value Proposition: Pricing falls into the moderate range for craft brewpubs, with most entrees and sandwiches reasonably priced considering the quality of ingredients and preparation time involved. The generous portions ensure you’ll leave satisfied without feeling overcharged.
Family-Friendly Flexibility: The atmosphere welcomes families during earlier hours while transitioning to a more adult-oriented vibe as evening progresses. The diverse menu ensures even picky eaters can find something appealing.
Parking Practicality: Street parking is generally available in the neighborhood, though it can become competitive during peak dining hours. The location’s proximity to the 38th Street Blue Line station makes public transportation a viable option for many visitors.
Reservation Strategy: While they accept walk-ins, calling ahead for larger groups is highly recommended, especially for weekend visits. The popularity of their weekend brunch service makes advance planning particularly wise for Sunday visits.
Seasonal Specialties: The menu evolves throughout the year with seasonal offerings that showcase different smoking techniques and locally-sourced ingredients. Regular visitors often discover new favorites with each season’s menu updates.
Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub
📍 2716 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
