Updated MAY 2026

In Kansas, there is no shortage of breweries to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a taproom to relax with a craft beer in hand or searching for a brewery serving a delicious meal, let my round-up list of breweries serve as a guide.

IRRIGATION ALES – COURTLAND

Open Thursday through Saturday, Irrigation Ales (414 N. Main Street) is worth the detour to Courtland for a beer flight or cold pint. After a couple of samples, I requested a pint of Berrylicious (Blackberry Gose Sour Ale) and purchased three cans to bring home.

The taproom is owned and operated by some of the nicest Kansans. Patrons can expect a laid-back atmosphere, where locals are friendly and eager for conversation.

Plan your visit around one of their live music nights, when everyone in the county shows up to sip and listen.

RIVERBANK BREWING – COUNCIL GROVE

We took a detour on our way home via Council Grove to find craft beer at Riverbank Brewing (13 E. Main St.), and boy, did we discover a gem! The one-year-old brewery has a spacious taproom with patio seating and beautiful sunshine. Big fans of Yeah Girl Strawberry Blonde and Danube Dream Vienna Ale, we filled two growlers of beer to take home.

We loved their snack menu featuring two charcuterie box options, including locally sourced Alma Creamery cheese curds. I’d recommend stopping at Riverbank Brewing to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, delicious beer and snacks, and great conversation with the owners.

IRON RAIL BREWING – TOPEKA

Iron Rail Brewing (705 S. Kansas Ave.) enhances Downtown Topeka’s scene. It’s a great place to cool off and unwind after a day touring the capital building and area shops. The city was founded by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad in 1869, and its brewing and menu selections pay homage to that history.

Brewmaster Will Heinen turns out creative beers with names like Hop N Hazy NE IPA and Dances With Skittles. The menu is equally innovative. Think elevated pub grub.

TALL TRELLIS BREW CO. – OLATHE

Tall Trellis Brew Co. (25600 W. Valley Parkway) is a welcoming and beautifully designed space. The family-run business began as a hop farm and has since grown into a brewery with a coffee shop, event space, and lunch or dinner destination. The owners, who are brothers-in-law, did an incredible job creating both an indoor and an outdoor patio where you can sit back and be yourself, and dogs are welcome.

Indoors, white tiling and wood textures contrast with green accents. A photograph of their hop farm guides the eye down a hallway. Nearby, an event space is separated by an interior glass door. The vibes are unpretentious and comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you want to hang out all afternoon.

The brewery has quickly expanded from one barrel to five since opening in 2022. Although they don’t offer traditional beer flights, I wanted to taste all five of their brews, ranging from an espresso stout to a golden ale.

Each one tasted true to character and exceeded my expectations. My favorite was Snap Chaps Western IPA, and lucky for me, I took a crowler home to enjoy later.

They invite breweries that use their hops to join the tap wall. Patrons can choose from guest taps from makers like Fields and Ivy Brewery, Free State Brewing Company, and Kansas Territory Brewing Company.

RED CROW BREWING COMPANY – OLATHE

Red Crow Brewing Company (1062 W. Santa Fe) is not just another Kansas brewery. The beer is just as pleasantly unique as the names they give it. Each beer is named after a woman chosen by the owners, a husband-and-wife duo. I created a beer flight of five 2-oz pours with names like Eleanor, Isabelle, and Sybil. I appreciated a Kansas Bock, Hattie, for its balanced taste and mouthfeel. 

I was impressed by the brewery’s ample space to unwind and craft beer. Locals grouped up at tables with a view of the game. Couples chatted over beer and dinner entrees from the on-site food truck, Casual Foodie.

Although I arrived a few minutes late for Happy Hour, it did not bother me. The drink and food menu prices matched what you’d pay at any brewery. Casual Foodie’s two-page menu included meal choices for every kind of eater. I ordered a soft taco trio with pork bulgogi, jerk chicken, and sweet potato. 

NOT LOST BREWING – OTTAWA

If you see a food truck parked in front of Not Lost Brewing (229 S. Main St.), expect the place to be busy with locals and visitors enjoying pints of craft beer or a house-made cocktail with a meal.

Open Thursday through Saturday, the local watering hole is a community hub for drinkers who gather over a board game or sit back and watch the game.

Beverages purchased at the brewery can be enjoyed in the downtown Common Consumption Area, so it’s common to see customers drinking beer and cocktails while walking along Main Street within marked areas.

Gentry’s Gold (5.7% ABV), an English pale ale, reminded me of a refreshing, game-day beer. Not sure what to order from the beer menu? Bartenders recommend a Regular Beer as a starter before moving on to more complex ones like a milkshake IPA.

HIGHWIND BREWING COMPANY – JUNCTION CITY

Highwind Brewing Company (726 N. Washington St.) is part taproom, part food hall, and the latest addition to the downtown restaurant scene. Brewery-goers order one of 12 craft beers available on tap (8 are flagship beers) before ordering food from on-site restaurants, Mill Pizza or 726 Bistro.

Highwind Brewery Company produces high-quality, good-tasting beer. I purchased a 32-ounce crowler of IPA to take home. Patrons can also order a flight of four small pours. If you’re with a non-beer drinker, don’t worry. The bar is fully stocked with cocktail liquors and wine. 

DRY LAKE BREWING – GREAT BEND

There may be more than one watering hole in town, but Dry Lake Brewing (1305 Main) has got to be the best for its ambiance, full bar, and food trucks.

I’ve drank craft beer at over 30 Kansas breweries, and this one is easily one of my favorites for its beer quality and selection. The staff, who took time to get to know us, was friendly and attentive. On the Tap List, I’m a fan of their malty Annalyne Irish Red and Oktoberfest release.

If you don’t drink beer, they serve fruit-forward seltzers and signature cocktails. Order a drink from their full bar and then head outside to the patio to enjoy it during a game of cornhole.

LADYBIRD BREWING COMPANY – WINFIELD

I discovered a new stop on the Kansas craft beer trail at Ladybird Brewing Company (523 Main St). Located in a converted gas station, the brewery serves a rotating selection of ales, typically featuring regionally sourced ingredients.

People drive from out of town to visit the brewery open on Fridays and Saturdays. The shaded patio and indoor seating areas were filled with craft beer drinkers. Inside, you can select from 6-8 beers on tap. The patio is a party space. Look for the cornhole boards to enjoy a friendly game while you sip on suds.

I couldn’t decide which beer I wanted, so I created a flight of 3-oz pours. Cool Mom Pomegranate Saison was a winner. But if I’m honest, I enjoyed all of the beer in the flight. The brewery doesn’t serve food, but snacks are available for purchase. The vibe was relaxing as alternative music played in the background.

RADIUS BREWING COMPANY – EMPORIA

Local. Unfiltered. This is how Radius Brewing Company (610 Merchant St.) describes itself, and it fits, considering the uber-friendly vibe and delicious menu. The full-service restaurant is open seven days a week, serving an artisanal menu featuring wood-fired pizza and sandwiches.

How good is the beer? It’s award-winning.

You can expect to find at least a half dozen craft beers on tap at any time. After ordering a flight (6, 5-oz pours $12), I can attest to the quality of the selection. When it comes to craft beer, I typically like IPAs, but today, I fell hard for Chile Margarita Gose and Mojito Hard Seltzer. Each was uniquely flavored and refreshing.

After working up an appetite, I ordered the Chicken Bacon Avocado sandwich with a broccoli salad. Seated at the bar, 90s rock music played while I chatted off and on with the friendly bartenders.

TRANSPORT BREWING COMPANY – SHAWNEE

Transport Brewery (1113 Johnson Dr.) opened in 2019 after two friends decided to share a beer with the community they loved. Once they settled on the location, a historic building, they went to work renovating the space. A labor of love, the project added a tasting room and converted an alleyway into a lounge area with couches. It’s a cool space – ask about the hidden cellar.

During my private tour, I learned that the owners always wanted to serve a variety of beers. Nearly a dozen taps line the wall behind the bar of flagship beers and collaborations with other breweries. I enjoyed a flight featuring five beers with varied flavors and ABVs. Top Traveler, a New Zealand IPA, was awarded the best beer in the line-up.

One of the coolest things I noticed while sipping on suds at Transport Brewery was the chalkboard near the bar with tally marks scribbled on it. Each mark represented a beer purchased for an active-duty military service member or veteran. You can buy them a beer for later redemption.

SERVAES BREWING COMPANY – SHAWNEE

Pronounced like “service,” Servaes Brewing Company (109201 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, 118 S. 2nd St., Atchison) attracts craft beer drinkers who hunt down non-traditional flavors like Purple Sweet Potato Pineapple, Like Butterflies Banana Cream Pie, or JOCO Loco Cucumber Lime Gose. They’re not afraid to push the envelope. Saevaes Brewing Company is the first Kansas brewery owned and operated by a female head brewer. They earned my respect for the process, unapologetic beer flavors, and inviting tasting room.

Individual tasters are $3, but a flight of tasters is the way to go. Most patrons seemed to agree, as nearly everyone at their table had a board and a flight card. A continuous rotation of beer keeps regulars coming back for more.

Open Tuesday-Sunday, the brewery hosts pop-up shop events, trivia nights, and more. Visit on Wednesday nights to build a mixed four-pack or to enjoy a $5 full pour during Music Bingo.

FREE STATE BREWING CO. – LAWRENCE

There is no better place on Mass Street in downtown Lawrence to enjoy a meal and a craft beer than Free State Brewing Co.(636 Massachusetts St). Kansas’ original craft brewery has been serving flagship beers, rotating seasonal selections, and limited selections for decades. I requested the John Brown Ale, but it wasn’t available during my visit. Instead, I happily settled for Free State Lager.

I was happy to be back at Free State, a place I frequented on Monday $1-pint night during my college years.

Their menu has always featured items made with fresh ingredients and flair. You won’t find standard pub grub at Free State. The menu options appeal to foodies who appreciate unique flavor combinations and the freshest ingredients.

We enjoyed the Filipino Egg Rolls with Sesame Chile Soy Dipping Sauce as an appetizer. We shared the Nashville Chicken Mac, Free State Fish, and Chips for dinner. Both entrees exceeded our expectations.

I highly recommend stopping at Free State Brewing Co. for lunch or dinner during your visit to Lawrence. Although they are not hosting brewery tours, you can check their Facebook events page for upcoming trivia nights or festival celebrations. Locals and visitors alike love the brewery’s vibe. Limited patio seating allows patrons to watch Mass Street happenings with a beer in hand.

FIELDS AND IVY BREWERY – LAWRENCE

A farm-to-table taproom, Fields and Ivy Brewery (706 E. 23rd St.), includes a 5,000 square-foot production facility, restaurant, and bar. They pride themselves on using Great Plains Custom Grain to create memorable beers. If you’re interested in a flight, you won’t see it on the menu, but it’s available if you ask.

Order a scratch-made pizza with quirky names like Chicken “Fun-Guy” and Italian Rooster. Large salads and highly-recommended wings are popular choices as well.

LAWRENCE BEER COMPANY – LAWRENCE

On a quest to try another new-to-me brewery, we visited Lawrence Beer Company (826 Pennsylvania Street) for a pint or two. The first customers of the day, we had the full attention of the taproom staff, who walked us through the beer menu.

I sampled Citra Pulls the Strings IPA, a straightforward pineapple-and-citrus-flavored beer, before ultimately ordering the Oktoberfest while it was on tap. Its maltiness paired well with spice.

The food menu features an array of hearty options from burgers to soups and salads. Non-beer drinkers will appreciate the LBC Seasonal Cocktails menu, short wine list, and hard ciders.

TALLGRASS TAP HOUSE – MANHATTAN

Tallgrass Tap House (320 Poyntz Ave.) is massive and draws a busy lunchtime crowd. They rotate the lineup of beers to accompany their flagship favorites. My flight came with four 5-oz pours. I’d recommend trying a variety of styles, but make sure to ask about their seasonals.

I appreciated Skeleton Crew and loved the sample of Tropical Golden Ale. Visit during Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3 pm-6 pm for discounts, and enjoy $3 Tap House exclusives all day on Sundays. Sit on the rooftop deck on warm-weather days for drinks with friends.

MANHATTAN BREWING CO. – MANHATTAN

Stopping into Manhattan Brewery Co. (406 Poyntz Ave.) always promises a good time and a lot of beer drinking. There is just something about the friendly staff and the beers, which go down far too quickly, that keeps me coming back.

Before my first beer was even finished, I was asked by Jake, the brewery’s sales and marketing guru, if I wanted to tour the facility. My beer education began in the brewing area and ended in the basement cooler. I tasted the grain. I perused the rows of kegs. I peered into the tanks. What did I learn? As much as the owners joke around, they take brewing and selling craft beer seriously. The quality shows.

RANGE 23 BREWING – BONNER SPRINGS

Range 23 Brewing‘s (127 Oak St.) taproom is located in the heart of Bonner Springs and serves year-round craft beers produced at its facility in Piper, Kansas. Not only do they produce a wide range of beer styles, but they also serve a Prairie Juice line of hard lemonades, craft sodas, and limited cocktails. Ask about seasonal libations.

Visitors to the taproom will appreciate the comfy lounge couch positioned near a stack of board games. Couples or friends can have a conversation over beers with views of bustling Bonner Springs.

OUTFIELD BEER COMPANY – BONNER SPRINGS

Tucked away inside a restored old mill, Outfield Beer Company (611 W. 2nd St.) serves patrons looking for a variety of beers from American Wheat to Test Batch Weizen. A local favorite, Turn 2 Kölsch is highly recommended on Untapped.

The microbrewery offers tap space for Midwest guest brews from Boulevard Brewing Company and Brick River Cider Company, and the list is updated regularly. If you get hungry while sipping suds, nearby Quentin’s BBQ & Sides delivers to your table.

THE HOPS AT THE FARM AND THE ODD FELLOWS – MINNEAPOLIS

After meeting the head brewer at a craft beer festival, I knew I wanted to visit The Hops at The Farm and the Odd Fellows (205 W. 2nd Street) for their self-serve tap wall featuring 14 house-made beers. I was pleased to discover a variety of brews, ranging from a pale ale to a dark lager. I sampled several beers, ultimately deciding to enjoy a pint of refreshing Floppy Hat Kölsch. Non-beer drinkers will appreciate the cocktail menu, and The Bean cafe downstairs serves coffee drinks.

Visit The Hops for lunch or dinner to order a shareable charcuterie pretzel, sandwich, or flatbread pizza. My Ham and Havarti Croissant, served with chips, hit the spot before I played shuffleboard on the downtown stairs.

WALNUT RIVER BREWING COMPANY – EL DORADO

Brewing beer is an art form, and Walnut River Brewing Company (111 W. Locust) is skilled at its craft. They make beer you want to drink. It is located at 111 W. Locust Avenue, a hidden gem in South El Dorado. Their beer is approachable, and if you’re a craft beer fan, this microbrewery is worthy of a visit.

Founded by B.J. Hunt of Wichita and Rick Goehring of El Dorado, the microbrewery was established with a passion for crafting quality beer. What’s unique about the brewery’s early story is that the owners knew they were onto something unique that would require real hustle to get it off the ground. They stayed patient as they scaled their business. The result is a successful brewery that delivers high-quality products.

Warbeard Irish Red remains one of their most requested flagship beers. I would also recommend the HighBeam IPA. Drinkers who prefer a lighter brew will appreciate the Falconer’s Wheat and Teter Rock Kölsch.

REDBUD BREWING – AUGUSTA

Redbud Brewing (418 State St.) lives up to its motto “where great beer meets great community,” as the first brewery taproom to open in downtown Augusta. Head brewer and co-owner, Denver Ridgway, chatted with us as we sipped our first beers, and by the end of our second beers, I felt like we had made a new friend.

You’ll find eight taps featuring Redbud Brewing’s craft beers, and the other four taps are occupied by other brewer friends’ creations. Heck, you might even find a crisp seltzer on tap.

PRO TIP: Check the brewery’s Facebook page for event announcements, which often include comedy shows and live bands. Leashed pets are welcome in the tasting room.

PARK BENCH BREWING CO. – AUGUSTA

State Street in Augusta is also home to Park Bench Brewing Co.(414 State Street), a family-operated, veteran-owned taproom serving customers in a 108-year-old building. Pony up to the bar for a 572, an American-Style Red Ale,  or my personal favorite, the Benchwarmer Lager.

You’ll love the owners. Adam is a retired law enforcement officer who also served in the United States Coast Guard, and his wife, Julie, is the “backbone” of the brewery’s operations. They love dogs, so feel free to bring your leashed four-legged friend with you.

PRO TIP: Park Bench Brewing and Redbud Brewing are listed on the Highway 77 Brew Tour, which includes Walnut River Brewing, The Green Frog Brewery & Tasting Room, and Ladybird Brewing.

BLUE SKYE BREWERY & EATS – SALINA

We were excited to revisit Blue Skye Brewery & Eats (116 N. Sante Fe Ave.). The restaurant consistently offers tasty food, and its craft beers are second to none. They serve wood-fired pizza, burgers, salads, and sandwiches, featuring fun ingredient combinations. Our Mac Daddy pizza was prepared with garlic butter, Mac N Cheese, and Little Smokies, a shareable meal for two. Expect the unexpected from the kitchen. The pizzas are seriously good.

The family-owned restaurant is consistently busy with locals and tourists enjoying the sports-bar atmosphere. The in-house craft beers on tap include the standards you would expect, plus specialty beers like Hatch Green Chili Cream Ale or Watermelon Crawl.

THREE RINGS BREWERY – MCPHERSON

You know you’re in the right place when you see the food truck chef delivering a hot pizza to customers seated inside a brewery. Three Rings Brewery (536 Old U.S. 81) is known for serving tasty craft beer and having a visiting food truck on-site. Stop by to enjoy a beer on the patio or belly up to the bar inside the taproom.

During our visit, we swapped stories and learned more about the great people who make McPherson what it is while sipping on a Vertigo IPA and their latest recipe, Summer Breeze Lime Gosé. Already a fan of one of their flagship beers, Wanderlust, a Scottish Red, I had always wanted to visit the taproom.

We left with a full growler and great memories of our time there. It’s easy to see why the brewery has a regular following of craft beer fans after five years of business. I recommend visiting Thursday-Saturday to experience it first-hand. View the taproom hours and food truck schedule here.

SANDHILLS BREWING – HUTCHINSON

Sandhills Brewing’s (111 W. 2nd St.) taproom is decorated with photos, murals, and references to Kansas birds — the beers are named after them! You can place your order online and pick it up or at the counter. The rotating tap list included both in-house beers and guest taps. Hungry? They serve personal-sized pizzas by LMNO Pizza, a pizzeria in Mount Hope.

The small microbrewery and tasting room are family-friendly, with some overflow seating in the adjacent private event room. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the building’s magnificent mural by Brady Scott, a Hutchinson artist.

SALT CITY BREWING – HUTCHINSON

Celebrating the history of Hutchinson’s salt mines, Salt City Brewing (514 N. Main) was founded in 2015. The brewery serves beer with a “straightforward flavor,” using high-quality ingredients. Visitors to the taproom can expect a spacious setting with numerous taps behind the bar. Four flagship beers, including amber, blonde, IPA, and stout, are available as a rotating seasonal beer selection.

The brewery is a great place to watch the game indoors or enjoy a beautiful day in Kansas weather on the patio. The menu features hearty meals, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers.

HIDDEN TRAIL BREWING – GARDEN CITY

Hidden Trail Brewing (2010 E Schulman Avenue) isn’t just another Kansas brewery. Since 2021, it’s been a place where community and visitors alike can hang out and feel welcomed, including families with kids and dog owners who want to relax on the patio.

The brewery uses a large, on-site production facility. Three flagship pours are served on tap, and the remaining nine taps are reserved for rotators. The bartender told me the brewery’s gluten-free Wicked West Cider is popular with regulars.

The evening of my visit, an acoustic original songwriter sang while newcomers milled about chatting with friends. I appreciate the brewery’s wide selection of beer types, choosing the best-selling El Compadre, an adjunct lager, and maltier Irish ale, Clurichaun.

DROP THE BREWING COMPANY – PITTSBURG

Some breweries are only great at beer-making and fail at food. Drop the H Brewing Company (107 E. Rose St.) nails both. The one-of-a-kind brewery’s restaurant owners, Mark and Cathy, have provided Pittsburg with a go-to spot for delicious craft beer and pizza. Originally named after Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the town of Pittsburg, Kansas, dropped the H in the late 1800s.

Drop the H Brewing Company’s rotating taps, craft cocktails, and wood-fired pizza keep patrons craving more. The staff is willing to provide a few beer samples so you can try options such as Dorada Pampeana or Rose Street Red Ale.

If you’re not a beer drinker, they usually have an extraordinary cocktail worth asking about.

We sipped on Langdon’s Lager and the Belgian Wit during the lunch hour. With the kitchen in sight, it was time to order pizza. Our server told us that the most popular specialty pizza on the menu is the Drop The Piggy. The homemade crust and sauce were surprisingly good, reminiscent of the pies we dine on in New York. The large pizza was covered in Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and traditional bacon. Loving every bite and not wanting to leave a morsel behind, we asked for a to-go box.

GELLA’S DINER + LB BREWING CO. – HAYS

I had heard about Gella’s Diner + Lb Brewing Co. (117 E. 11 St.) before arriving in Hays. They are well-known in town for their excellent pub grub and craft beer. My dining experience lived up to the hype. Gella’s was worth the stop. My bartender was friendly and happy to provide a few beer samples until I eventually decided on a pint of the unfiltered Grapefruit Radler. It was crisp and aromatic. I’d definitely order it again. Maybe a growler of it.

Undecided between two lunch options, she persuaded me to order a local’s favorite, a Smothered Bierock covered in creamy cheese sauce with a side of homemade chips. She also ensured my meal included creamy bacon, horseradish, and sweet onion dip for the chips. Lunch never tasted so good.

WICHITA BREWING COMPANY – WICHITA

It never fails. I always find a beer on tap that I love at Wichita Brewing Company (three locations). Whether it’s a flagship beer or a seasonal beer (Yumkin Pumpkin, anyone?), they all pair well with a wood-fired pizza.

Each brewpub has a family-friendly atmosphere, with outdoor patios ideal for dog lovers at two locations.

CENTRAL STANDARD BREWING – WICHITA

Central Standard Brewing (156 Greenwood) is known for its large outdoor patio (that often has a food truck parked nearby!) and its laid-back vibes. They serve flavorful, popular craft beer. My personal favorites include Girlfriend (wheat beer), Wizard of Hops (IPA), and Bling Blau (Sour).

The interior space is also pet‑friendly, and it’s common to see strangers becoming friends over conversations about their dogs. A stack of board games keeps the fun atmosphere feeling cozy and familiar.

On warm-weather days, the brewery hosts outdoor events that spill over into Hyde Park across the street. Their anniversary block party in August features live music, food trucks, and games for the kids. I recommend their free jerk chicken and coconut rice during Raggae Sunday.

HOPPING GNOME BREWING COMPANY – WICHITA

One of Wichita’s downtown driving establishments, Hopping Gnome Brewing Company (1710 E. Douglas), is where regular patrons arrive with ceramic mugs ready to drink craft beer. They’ve earned “gnomie” status, many of whom are members of the Mug Club.

Like the folklore creatures who love to partake, gnomies are devoted fans of the brewery’s flagship beers and rotating taps.

You can expect a long list of tap beers and rotating seasonal beers. HBIC Sour, ICT IPA, and Earl of ESB are likely on the menu on any given day. The brewery is known for collaborating with other breweries and community members to formulate one-off beer selections.

Love a food and drink trail? Check out my posts, The Best Places to Sip & Savor in Olathe, Kansas, or Kansas Coffee Shops You Simply Must Visit.