Paul Kushner
Missouri has quietly become a top spot for craft beer lovers, with breweries that offer a wide range of styles and settings. From well-known names in the cities to smaller hidden gems in rural towns, the state’s brewing scene has something for just about every kind of beer drinker. Many of these breweries have built strong followings by staying consistent, creative, and true to their roots. Whether you’re into bold flavors or more balanced, easy-drinking options, Missouri’s got you covered.
This article pulls together some of the best breweries in Missouri based on what locals enjoy and what visitors keep talking about. It focuses on quality, consistency, and the kind of experience people remember. The goal is simple: to help you find breweries that are truly worth your time. Whether you’re passing through or planning a brewery-focused trip, this list is a great place to begin.
#30 – Diametric Brewing Co.
Diametric Brewing Co. has become a favorite craft beer destination in Lee’s Summit thanks to its wide range of well-made beers that appeal to both casual drinkers and dedicated beer fans. The brewery is known for keeping a strong mix of lagers, IPAs, sours, and seasonal releases on tap, giving visitors plenty of variety throughout the year. Among its most popular beers is Juan Moore, a crisp Mexican-style lager that has earned a loyal following for its clean, refreshing character and easy drinkability. Another standout is TD Tossin’, a hazy IPA brewed with Mosaic and Sabro hops that is frequently cited as one of the brewery’s flagship offerings. Beer enthusiasts also praise Diametric’s rotating sour program, including releases such as Crimson Bog, which showcases the brewery’s ability to produce flavorful fruit-forward beers. With dozens of house-brewed beers available throughout the year and a reputation for consistency, Diametric Brewing Co. continues to be one of the more talked-about craft breweries in the area.
#29 – Cinder Block Brewery
Cinder Block Brewery is one of the most recognized craft breweries in the Kansas City area, earning a loyal following for its balanced lineup of approachable lagers, hop-forward ales, and seasonal specialties. The brewery is especially known for Block IPA, a West Coast-style IPA that showcases citrus, pine, and passion fruit notes while maintaining a firm hop character that IPA fans appreciate. Local beer drinkers frequently mention it among the standout IPAs in the region. Another popular offering is Weathered Wit, a Belgian-style witbier that delivers a light, refreshing profile and remains one of the brewery’s signature beers. Beyond these favorites, Cinder Block continues to attract visitors with a diverse tap list that includes Czech-style lagers, pale ales, porters, and hazy IPAs, giving guests plenty of choices regardless of their preferred beer style. Its ability to offer both easy-drinking classics and flavorful specialty releases helps keep customers coming back to see what is pouring next.
#28 – Charleville Brewery & Winery
Charleville Brewery & Winery is located in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, about an hour south of St. Louis. Set on a hilltop overlooking Saline Creek Valley, it offers a peaceful setting that appeals to both beer and wine fans. The brewery opened in 2003 and has built a reputation for its easygoing atmosphere and scenic views. One of its most popular beers is Hoptimistic IPA, known for its bright citrus and pine flavors. Another fan favorite is Half Wit Wheat Ale, which has a smooth, wheat-forward taste. The taproom features iPourIt wall with 24 rotating taps of house beers and wines, giving guests the freedom to sample at their own pace. The property also includes a rustic event space and a renovated log cabin that adds to its charm. Charleville continues to be a favorite stop for visitors looking for quality beer in a relaxed setting.
#27 – Public House Brewing Company
Public House Brewing Company began in Rolla in 2010 and later added a St. James taproom next to a local winery. Since opening their doors, they’ve earned a strong local following with house beers on tap throughout the region. Two of their most popular brews are Rod’s Cream Ale, a smooth pale ale with a mild malt balance, and Elusive IPA, which delivers a classic hop-forward flavor. Guests often enjoy the laid‑back atmosphere as they sip fresh beer and meet friends. Fans appreciate the consistent quality, friendly staff, and the brewery’s commitment to serving its community. It remains a go-to stop for craft beer lovers traveling across central Missouri.
#26 – Tie & Timber Beer Company
Tie & Timber Beer Company opened in 2018 in the Rountree neighborhood of Springfield, Missouri, and quickly became a go-to spot for local craft beer fans. Known for its small-batch brewing approach, the brewery focuses on fresh, hop-forward ales and seasonal varieties. Two of its standout beers include Dope Flannel, a West Coast-style IPA brewed with rye for a balanced, bitter finish, and Juicy Brewski, a New England IPA with a soft, tropical citrus flavor and smooth texture. The taproom offers a relaxed indoor space and a dog-friendly outdoor beer garden, making it a favorite gathering place in the area. Tie & Timber is often praised for its friendly atmosphere, consistent quality, and creative brewing style. Whether you’re a Springfield local or just passing through, it’s a solid pick for anyone looking to try something fresh and flavorful on tap.
#25 – Bluewood Brewing
Bluewood Brewing opened in 2019 inside the historic Lemp Stables in St. Louis, Missouri. It has gained a strong local following for its mix of traditional styles and experimental brews. The brewery is known for using wild fermentation and barrel aging to create unique flavors that stand out in the city’s growing beer scene. Two of its most popular beers are Arch City Haze, a juicy, hop-forward hazy IPA with notes of stone fruit, and Bananas and Blow, a Bavarian-style hefeweizen with smooth banana and clove character. The taproom offers a laid-back space with high ceilings, comfortable seating, and a covered patio. Bluewood also runs a membership program that gives regulars access to limited releases and special drafts. Its focus on quality, variety, and consistent rotation of styles keeps it at the top of many local beer drinkers’ lists in the St. Louis area.
#24 – Bur Oak Brewing Company
Bur Oak Brewing Company started in 2014 in Columbia, Missouri, and quickly became a central part of the local craft beer scene. It focuses on clean, true-to-style brews that attract both longtime beer fans and new drinkers alike. Among its most popular beers are Old 63, a crisp pilsner praised for its balance of hops, barley, and corn, and Clyde’s Caramel Cream Ale, which blends mild sweetness with notes of caramel and vanilla for a smooth finish. The taproom offers a spacious, friendly setting with plenty of seating and yard games to relax with friends. With a steady lineup and rotating specials like Hoppen‑Daz mango milkshake IPA, Bur Oak continues to serve as a community-focused hub that mixes simplicity with quality in every glass.
#23 – Casual Animal Brewing Company
Casual Animal Brewing Company opened in 2018 in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, Missouri. Known for its bright, relaxed taproom filled with plants, art, and a welcoming atmosphere, the brewery focuses on small-batch beers that rotate often. Instead of keeping a set lineup, Casual Animal brews fresh styles regularly, giving visitors something new to try with each visit. Two of their most popular offerings include Treat Yourself Honey Wheat, a smooth and lightly sweet wheat beer, and Nomo Rhino IPA, which features a bold hop flavor with hints of citrus and pine. The brewery also supports local causes through its Local Motive program, donating a portion of sales to area nonprofits every two months. Many locals enjoy the space for its laid-back feel and thoughtful details, making it a favorite stop in the Crossroads neighborhood.
#22 – Wire Road Brewing Company
Wire Road Brewing Company opened in 2022 in Battlefield, Missouri, and quickly became a standout in the Springfield-area beer scene. As the first brewery in the city, it brought fresh energy with a wide range of styles brewed on-site. The taproom offers a comfortable space with indoor seating and a covered patio, welcoming both locals and visitors. Spirit Horse Hazy IPA is one of its most popular beers, known for its juicy hop flavor and smooth texture. Another favorite is Fiddlesticks, a Scotch ale with rich malt notes and a full-bodied finish. The brewery often keeps over a dozen beers on tap, including foeder-aged options that bring out unique oak character. Wire Road has also become a community hub by hosting live music and local events that draw regular crowds.
#21 – 4 By 4 Brewing Company
4 By 4 Brewing Company opened in December 2017 in Springfield, Missouri, and now has a second location in Nixa (Fremont Hills) that opened around 2023. The brewery is known for its clean, detail-oriented beers and a bright, inviting taproom featuring large windows, communal tables, and indoor-outdoor games. Two of their most popular beers are Parkside Pineapple, a juicy New England IPA loaded with tropical, pineapple-like hop notes, and Smooth Criminal, a bold double dry-hopped IPA packed with citrus and tropical aromas. Each location offers a family-friendly vibe with plenty of space to relax and enjoy fresh beer. 4 By 4 also packages several beers in cans for local distribution. Its focus on quality, community events, and consistent availability of well-crafted beers has made it a top pick among Springfield-area beer lovers.
#20 – Piney River Brewing Company
Piney River Brewing Company opened in 2010 on a farm in Bucyrus, Missouri, and has built a strong reputation for quality beer and its connection to the Ozarks. The brewery operates out of a restored barn and keeps its focus on small-batch brewing using methods that reflect its rural setting. One of its most popular beers is Black Walnut Wheat, a dark wheat ale made with locally harvested black walnuts that gives it a smooth, nutty flavor. Another favorite is Float Trip Ale, a light and crisp blonde wheat beer that’s easy to enjoy and often associated with outdoor Missouri adventures. The brewery cans many of its beers for distribution across Missouri and into parts of Arkansas. Piney River continues to be a favorite stop for both locals and visitors looking for fresh, well-crafted beer.
#19 – Rockwell Beer Company
Rockwell Beer Company opened in 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri, and has earned a strong reputation for its balanced, approachable beers and welcoming atmosphere. The brewery operates a 15-barrel system and uses Missouri oak foeders to age some styles, offering a wide range on tap at its Grove taproom and Francis Park beer garden. Two standout beers are Passing Clouds, a juicy witbier with citrus peel and crystal-hop character, and Kazimierz, a foeder-aged Baltic porter with notes of chocolate and caramel. The taprooms feature a bright, casual layout with shipping container accents, high ceilings, and spacious patios that invite social gatherings. Fans appreciate the brewery’s fun, community feel along with consistent quality and variety. The mix of creative brewing and open, friendly spaces has made Rockwell a favorite spot in the St. Louis craft beer scene.
#18 – Vine Street Brewing Co.
Vine Street Brewing Co. opened in 2023 in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine Jazz District and is recognized as Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery. Located in a restored limestone building over 150 years old, the brewery blends community, culture, and craft beer in a way that reflects the spirit of the neighborhood. Two of its most popular beers are Jazzman Black Lager, a smooth dark lager with roasted malt and mild nutty flavor, and Paper Bag Thin, a clean and crisp Mexican-style lager. Vine Street Brewing also supports local art and music, often hosting live performances and events that celebrate Kansas City’s jazz heritage. Its mix of quality beer, cultural connection, and welcoming atmosphere has made it a rising favorite in the city’s growing beer scene.
#17 – Springfield Brewing Company
Springfield Brewing Company has been part of downtown Springfield, Missouri, since 1997 and remains one of the city’s most recognized craft breweries. Known for its approachable lineup and community roots, the brewery continues to draw both locals and visitors with a mix of classic styles and seasonal releases. Two of its most popular beers are Greene Ghost IPA, a hop-forward beer with bright citrus notes, and 417 Lager, a smooth and easy-drinking option made with Pilsner malt and Hallertau hops. The brewery cans several of its core offerings for regional distribution, helping it reach fans across southwest Missouri. As one of the longest-running breweries in the area, Springfield Brewing Company has built a reputation for solid beer, steady innovation, and strong ties to its community.
#16 – Heavy Riff Brewing Company
Heavy Riff Brewing Company opened in 2013 in the Dogtown neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, and has become a favorite for its rock-inspired vibe and well-crafted beers. The brewery keeps around 15 house beers on tap, offering a mix of core styles and rotating seasonal brews. Two of its most popular beers are Love Gun Vanilla Cream Ale, known for its smooth texture and light vanilla flavor, and Velvet Underbrown, a brown ale with a mellow malt profile that’s easy to enjoy. The taproom has a casual feel with music-themed décor that reflects the brewery’s name and personality. Its combination of quality beer, relaxed atmosphere, and steady growth has made it a standout in the St. Louis craft beer community.
#15 – Logboat Brewing Company
Logboat Brewing Company opened in 2014 in Columbia, Missouri, and has become one of the state’s most recognized craft breweries. Located in a renovated warehouse just outside downtown, the brewery features a large taproom and outdoor green space where guests often gather. Logboat is known for its clean and well-balanced beers, with Snapper IPA being one of the most popular. It is a West Coast-style IPA with citrus and pine hop notes and a crisp finish. Another favorite is Bobber, a German-style lager brewed with noble hops that offers a smooth and refreshing taste. Logboat distributes its core beers across Missouri, making it a familiar name in local stores and bars.
#14 – City Barrel Brewing Company
City Barrel Brewing Company opened in 2018 in Kansas City’s East Crossroads neighborhood and quickly became known for its hop-forward IPAs and technical lagers. Fans often highlight Rad AF, a juicy New England IPA bursting with tropical fruit, and Creamsicle Rad AF, a creamy version brewed with orange vanilla flavor. The taproom has an industrial yet inviting feel, featuring reclaimed wood from the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art and a view into the brewhouse behind a large picture window. Visitors appreciate the warm, communal layout and regular events like trivia nights and weekly happy hour. City Barrel’s rotating lineup includes wild sours alongside its core beers, which keeps things interesting even for seasoned beer lovers.
#13 – Kansas City Bier Company
Kansas City Bier Company opened in 2014 and is known for brewing authentic German-style beers using traditional ingredients and techniques. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the brewery focuses on lagers and wheat beers that follow the German purity law, using imported malt, hops, and yeast. Two of its most popular beers are Dunkel, a smooth Munich-style brown lager with rich toasted malt flavors, and Helles Lager, a golden lager with a balanced malt backbone and mild hop bitterness. Kansas City Bier Company also distributes a limited lineup across Missouri and Kansas, keeping the beer local to maintain quality. Its focus on consistent brewing, approachable styles, and cultural connection has made it one of the most recognized breweries in the region.
#12 – 2nd Shift Brewing
2nd Shift Brewing opened in 2010 and moved to its current location in the Hill neighborhood of St. Louis in 2016. The brewery is known for its wide variety of beer styles, with a strong focus on wild ales, hop-forward IPAs, and barrel-aged releases. One of its most well-known beers is Katy, a Brett-fermented wild ale aged in oak that brings together tart fruit flavors and light funk. Another favorite is Technical Ecstasy, a bold and flavorful double IPA with notes of citrus and pine. The taproom features a relaxed setting with a rotating list of around 20 to 25 beers, giving both regulars and first-time visitors something new to try. 2nd Shift Brewing has become a popular stop in the St. Louis craft beer scene by consistently offering high-quality beers, creative releases, and a welcoming space for beer lovers of all levels.
#11 – Alma Mader Brewing
Alma Mader Brewing opened in 2019 on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri, and has quickly become one of the city’s top destinations for craft beer. The brewery is especially known for its clean lagers and hop-forward pale ales that reflect a focus on balance and quality. Premiant, a Czech-style pilsner, is one of its most popular beers and is praised for its crisp finish and light floral hop character. Another standout is Innovo Pale Ale, a hazy pale ale brewed with Citra and Simcoe hops that brings out citrus and tropical notes without overwhelming bitterness. The taproom has a welcoming and simple design, offering guests a comfortable space to enjoy freshly brewed beer. Alma Mader regularly rotates its offerings, often releasing new beers each week.
#10 – The Civil Life Brewing Company
The Civil Life Brewing Company opened in 2011 in the Tower Grove South neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, and has become known for its focus on traditional, malt-forward beer styles. The brewery offers a cozy, two-level pub with wood paneling, warm lighting, and a spacious outdoor beer garden that gives it a neighborhood feel. Two of its most popular beers are Angel & the Sword, an English-style extra special bitter with balanced malt and mild hop character, and Burton on Holt, a smooth brown ale with a toasty finish. With its steady lineup, welcoming space, and commitment to quality, it remains a favorite for those who enjoy traditional styles and a relaxed pub atmosphere.
#9 – Urban Chestnut Brewing Company
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company opened in 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri, and has grown into one of the largest independent breweries in the state. The brewery is known for combining classic European styles with modern American craft techniques. Zwickel, a Bavarian-style lager, is one of its most popular beers and is praised for its clean finish and subtle malt character. Another standout is Schnickelfritz, a traditional German wheat beer with soft banana and clove notes from Bavarian yeast. Urban Chestnut continues to be a major part of the St. Louis beer community through its range of well-made, approachable beers.
#8 – BKS Artisan Ales
BKS Artisan Ales opened in 2017 in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, and quickly earned a strong reputation for producing small-batch, high-quality beers. The brewery focuses on hop-forward styles and traditional lagers brewed under its Pivo Project, offering something for both modern and classic tastes. Two of its most popular beers are Clouds, a double IPA with juicy tropical hop flavor, and Rockhill & Locust, an English-style mild ale with smooth malt and a subtle nutty finish. BKS releases new beers regularly and limits production to maintain quality and freshness. The brewery’s focus on consistency, freshness, and variety has made it a standout in the region’s craft beer scene.
#7 – Schlafly Beer
Schlafly Beer opened in 1991 in St. Louis, becoming the city’s first craft brewery since Prohibition and a major influence on the local beer scene. Known for its wide range of styles, Schlafly offers more than 60 different beers throughout the year, from year-round staples to seasonal favorites. Two of its most popular beers are Pale Ale, an English-style ale with mild fruit and biscuit notes, and Kölsch, a crisp and refreshing golden ale brewed with German yeast. The brewery focuses on balance and drinkability, which has helped it stay relevant in a growing and competitive market. Schlafly remains a key part of Missouri’s craft beer landscape thanks to its consistency and wide appeal.
#6 – Mother’s Brewing Company
Mother’s Brewing Company opened in 2011 in downtown Springfield, Missouri, and has since become a key part of the city’s craft beer community. The brewery operates out of a renovated bread factory and is known for producing beers with strong regional identity and approachable flavor profiles. Two of its most popular offerings are Lil’ Helper, a Midwest Coast IPA with smooth citrus hop notes and balanced bitterness, and Three Blind Mice, a light brown ale with hints of caramel and soft roasted malt. Mother’s also brews a variety of seasonal and limited-release beers that rotate through its spacious taproom. The brewery features a large outdoor lawn that hosts events and live music, making it a local favorite for gatherings. Its focus on balance, creativity, and community involvement helps keep it relevant in a competitive beer scene.
#5 – Narrow Gauge Brewing Company
Narrow Gauge Brewing Company opened in 2016 in Florissant, Missouri, and has become one of the most respected names in the state for hazy IPAs and hop-forward styles. Originally operating out of the basement of Cugino’s Italian restaurant, the brewery opened its own dedicated taproom in 2024, allowing for expanded production and a wider selection on tap. Two of its most popular beers are OJ Run, a juicy imperial IPA with strong citrus hop character, and Fallen Flag, a double dry-hopped hazy IPA known for its soft mouthfeel and tropical fruit flavor. The brewery also makes lagers, sours, and barrel-aged styles, offering a broad variety beyond its IPA reputation. The new taproom features dozens of rotating taps and a casual space that draws both locals and craft beer fans from around the region.
#4 – 4 Hands Brewing Company
4 Hands Brewing Company opened in 2011 in the LaSalle Park neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, and has grown into one of the city’s largest and most well-known craft breweries. The brewery offers a wide variety of beer styles with a focus on flavor and balance. Two of its most popular beers are City Wide, an American Pale Ale brewed with Centennial, Citra, and Simcoe hops that brings citrus and melon notes, and Divided Sky Rye IPA, which blends rye spice with grapefruit and pine from its hop mix. The spacious taproom features rotating taps that include seasonal, foeder-aged, and barrel-aged selections, giving regulars something new to try with each visit. 4 Hands is also known for its commitment to local community support, with a portion of City Wide sales going to St. Louis nonprofit groups. Its combination of creative brewing, broad appeal, and community focus has helped make it a major name in the Missouri craft beer scene.
#3 – Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing Company opened in 1989 in Kansas City, Missouri, and has grown into the largest specialty brewery in the Midwest. Known for its blend of European tradition and American craft innovation, Boulevard helped lead the early rise of craft beer in Missouri. Two of its most popular beers are Unfiltered Wheat Beer, a smooth and slightly hazy ale with mild citrus notes, and Tank 7, a bold saison known for its mix of fruity yeast character and peppery spice. The brewery operates a large production facility and a visitor center called the Tours & Rec Center, which features a beer hall, tasting room, and rooftop deck with views of the Kansas City skyline. Its wide distribution, consistent quality, and deep ties to the community have made it one of the most recognized breweries in the state.
#2 – Perennial Artisan Ales
Perennial Artisan Ales opened in 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri, and has become known for its creative approach to brewing, with a focus on small-batch beers made using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The brewery is especially recognized for blending classic Belgian influences with American craft techniques. Two of its most popular beers are Hommel Bier, a dry-hopped Belgian-style pale ale with a mix of citrus hops and spicy yeast character, and Southside Blonde, a light golden ale with gentle fruit and malt notes. The taproom is located in the South City area and features a laid-back space with a patio and game room that make it a comfortable stop for regulars and visitors. Perennial also has an active barrel-aging and wild fermentation program that includes limited releases like Abraxas. Its consistent lineup, innovative seasonal brews, and relaxed atmosphere have helped it build a strong following in Missouri and beyond.
#1 – Side Project Brewing
Side Project Brewing opened in 2013 in Maplewood, Missouri, and has become one of the most respected names in American craft beer, especially known for its focus on barrel-aged wild ales, saisons, and stouts. The brewery is committed to small-batch brewing with long fermentation and blending processes that highlight complexity and balance. Two of its most popular beers are Merci Blend #3, a barrel-aged sour with fruit character and soft funk, and Beer : Barrel : Time, a barrel-aged stout that delivers deep chocolate, roast, and vanilla flavors. Most of its beers are only available on-site, which has made the brewery a destination for visitors from around the country. Its dedication to detail, aging techniques, and small-scale production has earned Side Project a loyal following and strong national reputation.
Missouri Brewery Scene Facts with Real Local Flavor
Missouri has a strong brewery culture built around both tradition and small independent craft operations. Many breweries in the state focus on taproom experiences, where visitors can try fresh releases made on site. Local ingredients are often used when possible, and seasonal beer styles are a big part of what keeps menus changing throughout the year. Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City act as major hubs, but smaller towns also support active brewing communities that draw steady local support.
Another key part of Missouri’s brewery scene is how community driven it is. Many breweries host live music, food trucks, and local events that turn them into social gathering spots rather than just production spaces. Brewpubs are also common, offering full food menus alongside house-made beers. This mix of hospitality and craft brewing has helped the state maintain a steady growth in independent beer production while keeping a strong local identity.
FAQs About Breweries in Missouri
What makes Missouri breweries stand out?
They often focus on taproom experiences, local community events, and a mix of classic and experimental beer styles.
Where are most breweries located in Missouri?
They are mainly found in St. Louis and Kansas City, but many smaller cities and towns also have active brewery scenes.
Do Missouri breweries offer food?
Yes, many operate as brewpubs with full menus, while others partner with rotating food trucks.
Are brewery tours common in Missouri?
Yes, many breweries offer tours, tastings, and behind-the-scenes visits, especially on weekends.
Is it easy to visit multiple breweries in one trip?
Yes, many breweries are located close to each other in key areas, making it simple to plan a short trip and visit several spots in a day.
