From the wide-open plains to revitalized downtown districts and welcoming small towns, Nebraska’s craft beer scene delivers genuine Midwestern charm with a growing sense of creativity. Expect everything from crisp lagers and easy-drinking wheat beers to hop-forward IPAs, smooth ambers, and seasonal specialties poured in friendly taprooms that make visitors feel like locals. These standout locations are proud partners of Hop Passport which is included in Colorado Hop Passport, where you can enjoy 50% Off Your First Two Beers at participating Nebraska breweries, the perfect way to sample more without stretching your budget.
Quick Scan Guide
Location: Breweries across Nebraska’s vibrant cities, college towns, and scenic rural communities
Beer Styles: Lagers, IPAs, wheat beers, amber ales, stouts, porters, and seasonal releases
Passport Perk: 50% Off Your First Two Beers
Included In: Colorado Hop Passport
Best For: Road trips, game-day weekends, and laid-back Midwest getaways
Atmosphere: Friendly neighborhood taprooms ranging from rustic and historic to modern and energetic
Why Go: Authentic local flavor, approachable beer styles, and excellent savings on your first rounds 🍻
#1. APEShip Brewing – North Platte, Nebraska | Nautical-Themed Brewery with a Repurposed Boat Bar
Located on the historic bricks of downtown North Platte, APEShip Brewing delivers a playful, sea-inspired experience inside a landmark building dating back to the 1800s. The quirky taproom features a repurposed boat turned into a bar, creating a one-of-a-kind focal point for enjoying their European-influenced craft beers.
The brewery’s lineup draws inspiration from Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, offering approachable styles alongside more distinctive creations. Guests can also find kombucha, house root beer, and other beverage options, making it friendly for mixed groups with different tastes.
A food menu featuring items like sandwiches, brats, and nachos helps turn a quick drink into a full outing, while the casual setting keeps the vibe relaxed and welcoming. With its adventurous theme, historic location, and fun atmosphere, APEShip feels like stepping aboard a craft beer voyage rather than visiting a typical taproom.
#2. Brickway Brewery & Distillery – Omaha, Nebraska | Historic Old Market Brewery with Tours & Speakeasy Events
Located in the heart of Omaha’s Old Market district, Brickway Brewery & Distillery blends craft brewing and award-winning spirits under one roof in a lively downtown setting. As the city’s first brewery-distillery combination since Prohibition, it offers a wide selection of beers alongside house-made whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka.
Guests can book behind-the-scenes tours and guided tastings that explore both the brewing and distilling process, complete with exclusive samples and insider stories. Private events are also hosted in the Borgata Lounge, a hidden speakeasy-style space tucked behind the tasting room.
A spacious patio, on-site sushi kitchen, and regular specials make it easy to linger, whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink or a full evening out. With its historic location, immersive experiences, and mix of beer, cocktails, and food, Brickway feels like a complete nightlife destination rather than a standard taproom.
#3. Hanging Horseshoe Brewing Company – Imperial, Nebraska | Small-Town Brewery with Tournaments & Seasonal Celebrations
Located in Imperial, Hanging Horseshoe Brewing Company is a locally operated craft brewery that serves as a social hub for the surrounding community. The laid-back taproom offers a comfortable place to gather over house beers in a setting that feels welcoming to both locals and travelers.
Events play a big role here, with activities such as putt-putt tournaments and themed competitions bringing people together beyond the bar. Seasonal celebrations like Oktoberfest and other special happenings add bursts of energy throughout the year.
The brewery’s friendly, small-town atmosphere encourages conversation, laughter, and repeat visits from familiar faces. With its mix of casual fun, community-driven events, and approachable craft beer, Hanging Horseshoe feels less like a stop along the road and more like a place where everyone quickly becomes a regular.
#4. Long Dogs Distilling – Arapahoe, Nebraska | Small-Batch Distillery with Tours & Private Tastings
Located along Chestnut Street in the small town of Arapahoe, Long Dogs Distilling produces handcrafted spirits entirely on site using Nebraska-grown fruit and grains. Visitors can sample unique offerings such as rare fruit brandies, whiskey, and other small-batch creations that reflect a strong local focus.
The tasting room is open for visits, with private tastings encouraged to be scheduled in advance for the best experience. Guided tours of the distilling operation are also available by appointment, giving guests an inside look at how the spirits are made from start to finish.
A gift shop on site makes it easy to take home bottles or souvenirs, and the relaxed setting is welcoming for groups exploring rural Nebraska. With its hands-on experiences, locally sourced spirits, and intimate small-town atmosphere, Long Dogs offers a destination that feels personal rather than commercial.
#5. Lucky Bucket Brewing Company – La Vista, Nebraska | Renovated Taproom with Tours, Trivia & Private Events
Located just outside Omaha in La Vista, Lucky Bucket Brewing Company is one of Nebraska’s pioneering craft breweries, first pouring beer in 2008 with its flagship Pre-Prohibition Style Lager. The newly remodeled tasting room serves a rotating selection of house beers, seasonal releases, and cocktails made with spirits from the adjacent Cut Spike Distillery.
Weekly trivia nights bring midweek energy to the space, offering prizes and drawing competitive teams for a lively evening out. Guests can also join guided brewery tours held regularly on Saturdays for an inside look at how the beer and spirits are made.
For larger gatherings, the spacious Barrel Room event venue accommodates parties, receptions, and private celebrations, with the option to bring in live bands for entertainment. With its blend of historic status, modern renovations, interactive experiences, and flexible event spaces, Lucky Bucket feels like both a destination brewery and a full-service social venue.
#6. Pals Brewing Company – North Platte, Nebraska | Expansive Beer Garden with Live Music & Year-Round Events
Located just minutes off I-80, Pals Brewing Company pairs award-winning craft beer with artisan pizza and a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. The locally owned brewery features a cozy taproom alongside a massive outdoor beer garden, making it a popular stop for both travelers and locals.
Entertainment is a major part of the experience, with live bands, trivia nights, puzzles-and-pints gatherings, and special events filling the calendar throughout the year. Guests can also enjoy yard games, volleyball, and plenty of open space designed for socializing in the fresh air.
For celebrations, multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces are available for private parties, weddings, fundraisers, and group gatherings, complete with food and drink options. Family- and dog-friendly policies including a fenced Barkyard dog park help create a relaxed destination that feels more like a community hangout than a traditional brewery.
#7. Papa Moon Brewing Headquarters & BBQ – Scottsbluff, Nebraska | Family-Friendly Cidery with BBQ, Pickleball & Creative Events
Located in Scottsbluff, Papa Moon Brewing Headquarters & BBQ blends handcrafted ciders, wines, and meads with smoked barbecue in a spacious, welcoming setting. The drinks are made using locally grown ingredients, reflecting the family farm roots behind the operation.
The venue is designed for gathering, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages groups, families, and friends to linger over food and drinks. A unique indoor pickleball court inside a greenhouse adds a playful twist, offering year-round activity beyond the bar.
Events are a major draw, ranging from trivia nights, Music Bingo, dancing lessons, craft workshops, markets, movie nights, and seasonal celebrations. With private events, community gatherings, and constantly changing entertainment, Papa Moon feels less like a traditional tasting room and more like a full social destination for Western Nebraska.
🍻 Explore More, Spend Less Across Nebraska
From historic downtown brewpubs and creative small-town taprooms to spacious beer gardens along the open plains, Nebraska offers a craft beverage scene full of friendly faces and surprising variety. With the Colorado Hop Passport, you’ll enjoy 50% off your first two beers at participating Nebraska partners, making it easy to sample more local flavors while stretching your travel budget.
#8. Patriot Brewery & Homebrew Supply – Elkhorn, Nebraska | Nano Brewery & Shop with Classes and Community Events
Located in Elkhorn near Omaha, Patriot Brewery & Homebrew Supply combines a small craft brewery with a fully stocked homebrewing retail shop under one roof. Visitors can enjoy house beers on tap while browsing ingredients and equipment for brewing beer, wine, mead, or cider at home.
The intimate taproom focuses on conversation and community, offering a relaxed space filled with brewing memorabilia rather than loud distractions. Rotating taps include multiple beer styles, hard cider, and even free house-made root beer for younger guests or non-drinkers.
Hands-on classes, demonstrations, and social events are a core part of the experience, designed to teach newcomers and hobbyists the craft of brewing. Special gatherings, tastings, and themed events throughout the year make it feel as much like a learning hub as a traditional brewery stop.
#9. Scott Free Brewing Company – Gering, Nebraska | True-Crime-Inspired Brewery with Trivia & Game Nights
Located on O Street in Gering near Scottsbluff, Scott Free Brewing Company offers a distinctive craft beer experience themed around famous crimes, mysteries, and historical events. The rotating tap list features a mix of German-influenced lagers, IPAs, sours, and specialty releases, each with playful storytelling behind the name.
The intimate taproom encourages conversation and connection, making it an easy place to settle in for a relaxed evening rather than a loud night out. Light snacks like pretzels, sausages, and hot dogs are available to complement the beers without overshadowing them.
Events keep the space lively, including monthly trivia nights, board game days, cribbage meetups, yoga sessions, and occasional private gatherings. With its quirky theme, interactive activities, and welcoming neighborhood feel, Scott Free stands out as a fun social stop in western Nebraska.
#10. Second Chapter Brewing – Ogallala, Nebraska | Library-Turned Brewery with Rotating Releases & Food Trucks
Located in downtown Ogallala inside the town’s former Goodall City Library, Second Chapter Brewing transforms a historic space into a cozy microbrewery with plenty of character. The tap list rotates frequently, featuring everything from lagers and IPAs to saisons, sours, and rich porters, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
The intimate taproom leans into its literary roots, creating a relaxed environment ideal for conversation rather than loud nightlife. Beyond beer, guests can also enjoy wine, cider, kombucha, and non-alcoholic options, making it friendly for mixed groups.
Food is flexible, with creative pub snacks available and outside meals welcome, plus occasional food truck visits that add variety to the experience. Special events and community gatherings help keep the space active, turning this small-town brewery into a welcoming social stop near Lake McConaughy.
#11. Zipline Brewing Company – Lincoln, Nebraska | Adventure-Inspired Taprooms with Bingo, Games & Community Vibes
Based in Lincoln since 2012, Zipline Brewing Company creates handcrafted ales and lagers designed to complement everything from quiet evenings to celebratory moments. Their beers emphasize balance and approachability, reflecting a philosophy rooted in adventure, simplicity, and craftsmanship.
The main taproom features a newly renovated space with dozens of taps pouring fresh house brews in a relaxed setting ideal for meeting friends or unwinding after work. Additional locations, including a Beer Lounge and Tap & Grill, expand the experience with comfortable seating, TVs, and food options.
Entertainment and social activities help keep the atmosphere lively, with events such as bingo nights and game-friendly hangouts bringing the community together. With multiple venues, a wide beer selection, and a welcoming neighborhood feel, Zipline stands out as one of Lincoln’s go-to gathering spots for both locals and visitors.
🧭 Planning Your Next Beer Adventure?
If your brewery travels don’t stop in Nebraska, you’re in luck. We’ve put together brewery guides for neighboring states and top craft beer destinations all designed to help you discover more local brews, support independent makers, and get the most out of every stop along the way.
👉 Continue your journey with our brewery travel guides for:
• Colorado breweries spanning mountain towns, craft beer capitals, and scenic road-trip routes
• Missouri breweries featuring historic brewpubs, urban taprooms, and Midwest favorites
• Minnesota breweries from Twin Cities hotspots to laid-back lakeside destinations
Wherever you’re headed next, there’s a great brewery waiting and another memorable stop ready to pour your next pint. 🍺
Cheers! 🍻 #DrinkLocal
