Lake Minnetonka isn’t just a boating and fishing paradise — we have the restaurants and drinks to go with it. Around its shores, you’ll find breweries that tap into its lakeside vibes. Best of all, these Lake Minnetonka breweries are all accessible by boat or bike.
Excelsior Brewing Company
421 Third Street, Excelsior, MN 55331
Located in the heart of down-town Excelsior, about 2-3 blocks from the shore, you’ll find Excelsior Brewing Company. It’s a staple around the lake, and maybe the most recognizable — not only has it been around for over a decade (est. 2012), some restaurants in the area serve it on tap. (You’ll find it on tap at the Free Excelsior Concerts.)
They don’t serve food here, but you are welcome to bring it in. Olive’s Pizza is the natural pairing and located just two doors down on Water Street. And if you want to catch some sun, there’s about equal sitting outside as there is inside.
My personal pick for all newcomers is the Big Island Blonde Ale (named after Lake Minnetonka’s very own “Big Island”).
For bikers: You’ll find Excelsior Brewing Company less than a block off the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail, which runs for 15 miles through Hopkins, Minnetonka, Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Shorewood, and Victoria.
For boaters: The City of Excelsior has a (small) public dock, at the “Port of Excelsior,” just 2-3 blocks northeast of the brewery. But be warned, there are only 6 slips available. However, if you’re just dropping passengers off, there’s an easy stretch of the dock for unloading.
Back Channel Brewing Co.
4787 Shoreline Dr, Spring Park, MN 55384
The Back Channel Brewing Co. is right at Lake Minnetonka’s Seton Channel, off of Shoreline Drive (Co. Rd. 15) across from the Minnetonka Drive-In.
Back Channel not only serves great brews, but they also host a different food truck in their parking lot each night. If you’re tired of visiting the same-old restaurants, check our their website to see what’s being offered. Established in 2017, they’ve become a staple for the north/west residents.
Unique to this Lake Minnetonka brewery is their outdoor screen installation, which broadcasts all the major Minnesota sports. In the summer, they even have a breakfast food truck (Localz Cafe) that comes in on the weekends.
For bikers: You can visit via the Dakota Trail, a paved 44-mile path with a 9-mile section along the lake. It passes right by the Minnetonka Drive-In, where you’ll exit and see the brewery across the street.
For boaters: There is a very small dock with 4 slips (accommodates up to 34 feet). Please make sure to stay clear of Seton Channel if you’re waiting for a slip.
Birch’s On The Lake
1310 Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake, MN 55356
Located in the city of Long Lake, Birch’s on the Lake isn’t on Lake Minnetonka, but it is on Long Lake. And since the only brewery directly on Lake Minnetonka closed in 2020 (see below), this is the best option if you want a clear, wide, direct lake view with your drink.
Birch’s actually started about a mile west, still in the city of Long Lake, but not actually on Long Lake. Since then, they moved directly onto to the shores of Long Lake, expanded operations, and started brewing on-site.
Upstairs, they offer fine dining fit for a date night, and downstairs, you’ll find all your pals out for a girl’s or guy’s night.
For bikers: This is the toughest for bikers. There are a few paths nearby (Dakota Trail and Luce Line Trail), but you’ll have to bike alongside the road to reach this destination.
For boaters: Unfortunately, you’ll need access to Long Lake, and it’s not worth entering a public ramp just to arrive by boat.
In Memoriam: Wayzata BrewWorks
Alas, of all the Lake Minnetonka breweries, the only one that was actually on the shores shuttered its doors over COVID. Opened in 2015, Wayzata BrewWorks was located just east of 6Smith Restaurant on Wayzata Bay.
The real estate certainly wasn’t cheap, and unfortunately they announced closure in 2020.
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