Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub: Minneapolis’ Signature BBQ Brewpub Experience
Discover a neighborhood favorite: award-winning smoked meats, innovative brews, and a welcoming pub atmosphere in the heart of Minneapolis.
Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub: A Minneapolis Neighborhood Staple
In the bustling Powderhorn Park neighborhood of Minneapolis, Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub stands out as a beloved destination for fans of expertly smoked meats, inventive craft beer, and genuine neighborhood hospitality. Since opening its doors in 2012, Northbound has grown into a local institution, celebrated not only for its food and drink but for the way it anchors its community. With awards stacking up, appearances on popular television, and a constantly evolving menu, it’s no wonder Northbound is considered the premier brewpub experience in Minneapolis.
Location & Contact Details
Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub is located at the northwest corner of 38th Street East and 28th Avenue South, occupying the historic Oak Building at 2716 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55406. Easily accessible and perched in a vibrant part of the city, it’s a central meeting point for friends, families, and beer aficionados alike.
- Phone: (612) 208-1450
- Ample street and nearby lot parking
- Easy access by public transit and bike
About Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub
Northbound was the first restaurant brewery in Minneapolis in years when it opened, pioneering the trend toward combining high-caliber, house-brewed beer with artisan smoked meats sourced from local providers. The pub’s mission is clear: to serve as a comfortable neighborhood hangout, anchoring the 38th St. Station area with pride and authenticity. The atmosphere blends a modern, urban vibe—highlighted by high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows—with the warm familiarity of a classic community pub.
Award-Winning Tradition
- Winner of multiple local awards: Best MPLS Bar, Best Pub, Best Happy Hour, Best Bar Food, Best Patio
- Featured twice on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives”
- Continuously refreshed and updated, including a 2021 remodel with an enhanced bar and expanded Southern BBQ offerings
Menu Overview: Smoked Specialties & Comfort Classics
The menu at Northbound is an ode to “upscale blue collar” fare—elevated versions of familiar favorites alongside creative, comforting originals. The focus remains firmly on house-smoked, locally sourced meats and artisan preparation, offering a range of sandwiches, entrees, appetizers, and shareable bites designed to pair perfectly with their brewed-on-premise beers.
Standout Dishes
- 18-hour Porketta Sandwich: Slow-smoked to melting tenderness
- Smoked Wings: A signature favorite, highly praised by locals and visitors alike
- BBQ Platters: Featuring pulled chicken, porketta, and house-made sauces
- Burgers: Options like the renowned wild rice burger, which has achieved local “best burger” fame
- Cheese Curds & Jalapeño Boats: Popular appetizers to start the meal
- Fish & Chips, Reubens, Chili Cheese Dogs, Northbound BLT: Classic comfort dishes with a smoky twist
- Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options: Several menu items cater to diverse dietary preferences
Sample Menu Table
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 18-hr Porketta Sandwich | House-smoked pork, toasted hoagie, signature slaw, aioli | < $15 |
| Smoked Wings | Award-winning, smoky wings, choice of sauces | < $15 |
| Wild Rice Burger | Housemade patty, wild rice, fresh toppings, locally baked bun | < $15 |
| BBQ Chicken Platter | Slow-cooked, sauced chicken, fries, house pickles | < $15 |
| Cheese Curds | Locally sourced, lightly battered and fried, dipping sauce | < $10 |
| Vegetarian Chili | Robust, heavily spiced, topped with cheese and green onions | < $10 |
Meals and Price Points
- Average meal price: Under $15
- Meal service hours: Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
- Perfect for casual meet-ups and hearty dinners alike
Craft Brewery: The Beer Experience
Unlike most brewery taprooms, Northbound offers a bona fide full-service brewpub with a restaurant and a complete bar—featuring not just house-brewed beers but also a select range of whiskeys, spirits, and craft cocktails. The on-site brewery is renowned for its barrel-aged programs, lagers, and a rotating collection of innovative beers. The pub is as much a destination for beer enthusiasts as for foodies.
- Rotating taps: Always something new, from crisp lagers to bold ales
- Craft cocktails: Redesigned bar offers a wider selection since the 2021 renovation
- Full bar: Broad whiskey and spirits selection, satisfying both beer and cocktail lovers
Sample Beer Styles Often Available
- IPA (India Pale Ale): Hoppy, aromatic, a local favorite
- Stout & Porter: Dark, robust, perfect with smoked fare
- Session Ales and Lagers: Light, refreshing, food-friendly
- Barrel-aged specialties: Unique flavors and limited releases
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Northbound’s interior is at once cozy and classy, built to feel like a place where the whole neighborhood can unwind. The venue features:
- High ceilings and expansive windows for a bright, open feel
- Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating (patio is especially popular in summer months)
- Welcoming, knowledgeable staff always ready to make suggestions or explain the latest beer on tap
- Vibrant buzz—lively without being overwhelming
Recognized for Outstanding Features
- Top-rated patio: Enjoy fresh air and community events outdoors
- Full bar and table service: No standing in line to order—settle in and allow staff to serve you
- Television and game days: Cheer on local teams with friends
- Wheelchair accessible and family-friendly
Guest Experience & Reviews
Northbound’s reputation is built as much on its warm, welcoming service and neighborhood feel as on the food and beer. Both locals and visitors consistently note:
- “Genuinely friendly staff, eager to suggest the perfect beer pairing”
- “Fast, attentive table service—never a need to line up at a bar or counter”
- “A gem for BBQ and smoked specialties in south Minneapolis”
- Easygoing, inclusive atmosphere equally suited to families, friend gatherings, or solo diners
Specials & Happy Hours
Popular Promotions
- Happy Hour: Sunday–Friday, 3pm – 6pm
- Featured specials:
- $4 Northbound-brewed beers
- $5 rail drinks
- $6 house wine
- $2.50 Tuesdays: Special discounted beer and drink pricing every Tuesday from 3pm – 6pm
Catering, Food Truck, & Events
Northbound takes its smokehouse experience beyond the four walls of the brewpub:
- Catering: Available for pick-up, food truck service at your event, or full-service plated/buffet meals
- PopUp Brewpub: Offers Northbound’s beers and bar experience at select offsite events
- Community anchor: Regularly hosts neighborhood gatherings, brewery events, and more
Planning Your Visit
- Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm
- Friday & Saturday: 11am – 11pm
- Kitchen closes 30 minutes before bar
- Reservations: Walk-ins welcome; large groups and catering should call ahead
- Takeout & Delivery: Available for most menu items
- Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free options available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are Northbound’s most popular dishes?
A: Fan favorites include the 18-hour Porketta Sandwich, smoked wings, BBQ chicken platters, wild rice burger, and freshly prepared cheese curds. The Southern BBQ platters and creative appetizers are often highlighted by regulars and reviewers.
Q: Does Northbound serve only beer?
A: No. In addition to a rotating tap list of house-brewed beers, Northbound features a well-stocked full bar with whiskey, spirits, and a refreshed menu of craft cocktails—ensuring every guest, beer lover or not, finds something to enjoy.
Q: Can vegetarians and gluten-free diners find good options?
A: Yes. Northbound’s menu includes several vegetarian and gluten-free offerings, from salads and appetizers to carefully constructed sandwiches. The kitchen is happy to accommodate most dietary needs—just ask your server.
Q: Are pets allowed on the patio?
A: The outdoor seating area is pet-friendly, so you can enjoy Northbound’s celebrated patio with your four-legged friends during mild weather.
Q: Is Northbound a good choice for large groups or private events?
A: Absolutely. Northbound routinely hosts large parties, group dinners, and even offsite catering. They recommend calling ahead for bookings, especially for events or catering services.
What’s Nearby?
- Located in the heart of a lively, walkable neighborhood
- Just steps from local shops, parks, and the 38th St. Station transit stop
- Near a variety of Minneapolis attractions and community events
Mentioned In
- Featured in “Minnesota’s Best Burgers” listings and multiple local, regional, and national media highlights for both food and beer
- Acclaimed for championing locally sourced ingredients and community-driven hospitality
Experience Northbound: For Locals and Visitors Alike
Whether you’re seeking a hearty meal, a roundup of creative craft beers, a relaxed neighborhood vibe, or an acclaimed patio to catch up with friends, Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub delivers it all. It’s more than a restaurant and brewery—it’s a Minneapolis landmark, beloved by regulars and always open to newcomers ready to venture northbound.
