As we teeter on the brink of long-awaited hot summer days, it’s time to consider what our go-to end-of-the-day refreshment beverage will be. An ice cold beer always does the trick—but aren’t we all a little sick of the usual Bud Light Lime and Michelob Golden? Why not go for something a little more unusual? Perhaps something local? We’ve gathered some of the best unique brew selections Maple Grove has to offer and paired them up with delectable dishes. Before you default to your usual beer selection, try one of these.
Birra Moretti La Rossa
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
While Biaggi’s doesn’t stand out in terms of housing unique beers, they do have one bottled brew that is tough to come across elsewhere in Maple Grove—Birra Moretti La Rossa ($4.79). This is a red beer along the lines of Leinenkugel Red and Killian’s Irish Red. Its roasted barley malt backbone is supplemented by a spicy, caramelized body. Bartender Jack Salaski recommends pairing it with a heavier protein dish. “It’s like the Chianti of beer,” he says. “It’s going to go best with a red meat or a hearty pasta dish.” Try the grilled pork chops with parmesan-gorgonzola butter ($17.99) alongside your La Rossa. Biaggi’s also carries Odell’s 90 Shilling Ale ($5.50), which is slowly starting to saturate the Maple Grove restaurant and bar scene. This beer can be compared to a Summit EPA, but with a smoother and sweeter finish. Pair it with something lighter such as Biaggi’s Venetian chicken salad ($11.99). 12051 Elm Creek Blvd. N.; 763.416.2225
Hacker Pschorr
Claddagh Irish Pub
Who would have thought that such a great German brew could be found at an Irish pub? Hacker Pschorr Hefe Weisse ($5.25) has a murky orange-yellow appearance with a sweet banana and bubblegum taste. Its sweet base is perfectly complimented by a wheat and cloves undertone. “Together, those two tones give it a nice tart finish,” says bartender John Huber. Hacker Pschorr pairs well with lighter foods such as Claddagh’s Dublin chicken salad ($11.99). Claddagh also features Finnegans ($5.25), a non-profit Irish brew available only in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Finnegans boasts that it is the only beer that gives 100 percent of its profits to local charities. 7890 Main St. N.; 763.773.7400
Surly Furious
Malone’s Bar & Grill
Surly Furious, an American India pale ale fresh out of Brooklyn Center, has become a Twin Cities favorite. Usually served in its infamous tall canned form, Surly Furious can be found at Malone’s on tap ($5.75). “Among our customers, Surly is almost as commonly ordered as Mich Golden,” says bartender Brittany Kline. “It definitely has some local popularity.” Surly Furious has a defined lager aftertaste to it that compliments cheese-focused foods. Try a Surly Furious during happy hour with an appetizer of cheese curds ($8.50) or artichoke cheese dip ($9.95). Another unique find at Malone’s is the U.K. imported Strongbow Cider ($6.50). This crisp and refreshing blend of apple cider and beer goes perfectly with a classic chicken strip platter ($8.95). 12635 Elm Creek Blvd. N.; 763.447.6500
Sweet Child of Vine
3 Squares Restaurant
3 Squares Restaurant should be your first stop in Maple Grove when searching for a rare or unique beer. They house a plethora of brews, from the dark and sultry Buffalo Sweat ($5) to the refreshing Magic Hat #9, which is close to a pale ale ($5). “We have 20 taps and only one of those is a domestic brew,” says bartender Dustin Reberg. “And half of the others are from Minnesota.” One of the most noteworthy brews on tap is Minneapolis Fulton Brewery’s Sweet Child of Vine ($5.50). Fulton has mastered this IPA, with its clean zesty hop essence and smooth malt core. With Sweet Child of Vine’s citrusy taste, it will pair best with something like 3 Squares’ fish tacos ($12.95). 12690 Arbor Lakes Pkwy.; 763.425.3330
Sapporo Premium
Mt. Fuji
On the ethnic side of Maple Grove’s rare and unique beer scene, Mt. Fuji features two brews that are somewhat uncommon. Server Khamo La introduces us to Sapporo Premium ($4) and Kirin Ichiban ($4). She says that Sapporo is a very light brew, comparable to Michelob Golden Light. Lighter brews tend to pair well with equally light meals such as salads. The Kirin Ichiban is a premium label beer with a sweet and smooth barley malt body and a clean finish. Sushi, with its mild sweet undertones, will go perfectly with a cold glass of Kirin Ichiban. 7904 Main St. N.; 763.315.5885
Two Pull
Granite City Food & Brewery
Granite City is known for brewing their own specialty beers. On any given day, they have six original brews—Northern Light Lager, Broad Axe Stout, Brother Benedict’s Bock, Two Pull and Duke of Wellington (all $5.90). The easiest way to test your taste buds and find out which brew you like best is to get their sample deck ($3.75). You’ll get sample-sized glasses of all six beers, plus their current limited-edition brew. “The most popular choice among customers is Two Pull, which is a blend of the Northern Light Lager and Brother Benedict’s Bock,” says bartender Christopher Banyai. “It’s our version of a Black and Tan and is comparable to a Sam Adams.” Two Pull is going to pair best with Granite City’s grilled steak chimichanga ($12.99). The other brews range from thick, dark stout to American golden lager. Ask your waiter which menu item will pair perfectly with your beer choice, or take a look at their website which lists complementing dishes for each brew. 11909 Main St.; 763.416.0010
