From tried-and-true brewpubs to trendy microbreweries, the craft beer scene is booming in the Show-Me State. Check out this Missouri brewery guide to discover some of the best beer the state has to offer.
But first, a little brewing history. Beer has long been a part of Missouri’s heritage. Brewery giant Anheuser-Busch, creator of the first national beer brand, was founded in St. Louis in the 1850s. By the time the city hosted the 1904 World’s Fair, the company was the largest brewery in the world.
Missouri’s beer landscape has changed dramatically through the decades and currently includes more than 160 craft breweries. Talented brewmasters throughout the state are creating traditional German-style lagers, wheat beers, ales and old-style stouts as well as experimenting with new blends and flavors. Many of the breweries offer top-notch food as well. Pair your favorite brew with barbecue, wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers and other favorites.
St. Louis Craft Beer
St. Louis is home to more than a dozen microbreweries and brewpubs. Many more are located in surrounding communities. Sip a beer at Schlafly just a few miles from the iconic Gateway Arch, or grab a pint at 4 Hands Brewing Co. before catching a Cardinal’s baseball game.
St. Louis Area Breweries
| BREWERY | CITY | WHAT SHOULD I TRY? |
| 2nd Shift Brewing | St. Louis | Brewligans |
| 4 Hands Brewing Co. | St. Louis | City Wide American Pale Ale |
| Alpha Brewing Company & Distillery | St. Louis | Pils Please |
| Bluewood Brewing | St. Louis | Arch City Haze |
| Civil Life Brewing Co. | St. Louis | American Brown |
| Exit 6 Brewery | Cottleville | Ryane’s Red |
| Friendship Brewing Company | Wentzville | Andrew’s Ale |
| Good News Brewing Company | Defiance, Ferguson, St. Charles, Wildwood | Perfect Storm Pale Ale |
| Great Heart Brewing Company | Olivette | Weissbier |
| Heavy Riff Brewing Company | St. Louis | Velvet Underbrown |
| Main & Mill Brewing Co. | Festus | Green Chile Ale |
| Modern Brewery | St. Louis | Citrapolis IPA |
| Narrow Gauge Brewing Company | Florissant | Cloud City IPA |
| Perennial Artisan Ales | St. Louis | Daydreaming |
| Rockwell Beer Co. | St. Louis | Passing Clouds |
| Schlafly Beer | St. Louis | Oatmeal Stout |
| Six Mile Bridge Beer | Maryland Heights | Blood Orange Wit |
| Square One Brewery and Distillery | St. Louis | Maple Stout |
| Side Project Brewing | Maplewood | Bramble |
| Third Wheel Brewing | St. Peters | Ophelia |
| Two Plumbers Brewery & Arcade | St. Charles | Magic Potion |
| Urban Chestnut Brewing Company | St. Louis | Schnickelfritz |
More Northeast Missouri Breweries
| BREWERY | CITY | WHAT SHOULD I TRY? |
| Friendship Brewing Company | Hannibal | Strawberry Wheat |
| Old Bridgeview Brewing | Washington | Jackelope Down |
| Point Labaddie Brewing | Labaddie | Foggy Mountain IPA |
| Tin Mill Brewing Co. | Hermann | Midnight Whistle |
Kansas City Craft Beer
Across the state, Kansas City is packed with craft breweries. Visit the Crossroads District where several brewpubs, including Casual Animal Brewing Company and Brewery Emperial, are within walking distance of each other. Enjoy a pint in the 10,000-square-foot beer hall at Boulevard Brewing Co., just a short drive from downtown.
Kansas City Area Breweries
| BREWERY | CITY | WHAT SHOULD I TRY? |
| Boulevard Brewing Co. | Kansas City | Single-Wide IPA |
| BKS Artisan Ales | Kansas City | 5th Season |
| Brewery Emperial | Kansas City | Biscuit |
| Callsign Brewing | North Kansas City | Fighter Pale Ale |
| Casual Animal Brewing Company | Kansas City | Shuttlecock Lager |
| Cinderblock Brewery | North Kansas City | Weathered Wit |
| East Forty Brewing | Blue Springs | Jackson County Common |
| KC Bier Co. | Kansas City | Dunkel |
| Martin City Brewing Company | Kansas City | Abbey Belgian Style Ale |
| Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company | Kansas City | Parkville Pub Ale |
| Smoke Brewing Co. | Lee’s Summit | Keltic Kross |
| Stockyards Brewing Co. | Kansas City | West Bottoms IPA |
| Strange Days Brewing Company | Kansas City | Channel Surfing |
| The Goat Brewing Co. | Lee’s Summit | Mountain Goat |
| Vine Street Brewing Co. | Kansas City | Jazzman |
More Northwest Missouri Breweries
| BREWERY | CITY | WHAT SHOULD I TRY? |
| Arcadian Moon | Higginsville | Taste of the Ozarks |
| Levi Garrison & Sons Brewing Company | Hamilton | Ranch Hand Wheat |
| River Bottoms Brewing Company | Carrollton | Pre-Prohibition Pilsner |
| Weston Brewing Company | Weston | Drop Kick Ale |
Southern Missouri Craft Beer
Southern Missouri has no shortage of breweries. Several locations, such as Charleville Brewery & Winery, combine breweries and wineries in one spot that attracts beer and wine lovers. Head to the Ozarks, where multiple Missouri breweries are nestled into the scenic region. Springfield, Missouri’s third largest city, is home to a number of thriving microbreweries. Sample the selections at Mother’s Brewing Company and Springfield Brewing Company.
Southeast Missouri Breweries
| BREWERY | CITY | WHAT SHOULD I TRY? |
| Charleville Brewery & Winery | Ste. Genevieve | Tornado Alley Amber Ale |
| Ebb & Flow Fermentations | Cape Girardeau | High Steppin’ |
| Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery | Potosi | Farmhouse Ale |
| Piney River Brewing Co. | Bucyrus | Float Trip Ale |
| Public House Brewing Company R&D Brewpub | Rolla | Elusive IPA |
| Public House Brewing Company Taproom | St. James | Samuel Clementine |
Southwest Missouri Breweries
| BREWERY | CITY | WHAT SHOULD I TRY? |
| 4 By 4 Brewing Company | Freemont Hills | Smooth Criminal IPA |
| Indian Springs Brewing Company | Neosho | English Brown Ale |
| Mother’s Brewing Company | Springfield | Step Dude |
| POG Brewing Company | Cleveland | Blinker Fluid |
| Springfield Brewing Company | Springfield | Greene Ghost |
| Tie & Timber Beer Company | Springfield | Mimoski |
| Whistling Springs Brewing Co. | Seligman | Creme Brulee Stout |
Mid-Missouri Craft Beer
You can find a variety of brewpubs in Mid-Missouri. In Jefferson City, stop by Prison Brews following a tour of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary. Logboat Brewing Company is a longtime favorite in Columbia, home of the University of Missouri.
Mid-Missouri Breweries
| BREWERY | CITY | WHAT SHOULD I TRY? |
| Bee’s Knees Brewing Co. | Versailles | Sweat Bee Stout |
| Boat Town Brewing | Lebanon | Big Red Beer’d |
| Broadway Brewery | Columbia | 11 Point IPA |
| Bur Oak Brewing Company | Columbia | Big Tree IPA |
| Flat Branch Pub Brewery | Columbia | Katy Trail Pale Ale |
| Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company | Osage Beach | Dragon Lake IPA |
| Last Flight Brewing Company | Jefferson City | Blackbird |
| Logboat Brewing Co. | Columbia | Shiphead |
| Prison Brews | Jefferson City | I Aint Your Honey Wheat |
| Welpman Springs Brewing | Stover | The Bite |
Take a Tour
A number of Missouri breweries offer tours for a behind-the-scenes peek at the brewing process. Check brewery websites for more information. But why stop at one? Group tours featuring multiple breweries include KC Brewery Tour and Brew Hop STL.
Bring Your Dog
If you like to enjoy a beer alongside your boxer, beagle or any breed for that matter, head to one of Missouri’s dog-friendly breweries. Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, Friendship Brewery Company and KC Bier Co. are just a few of the places that will welcome your furry companion. Check brewery websites or call ahead to find out their pet policy.