Think about your favorite television show—chances are there’s a bar, coffee shop, or other go-to space where the characters frequently gather. As a viewer, it’s easy to be drawn in, to lose ourselves in these stories—but why? Because there’s something about that warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you’re part of it, where every visit feels like a celebration with your people.
It’s been almost a year since OMNI Brewery & Taproom took over the space once home to Enki Brewing, and the community has found in it that same kind of home base. Maybe it’s a birthday, or maybe it’s just a Tuesday, but when we’re there, we’re right where we belong. No TV required.
Marketing Director Nick Kleppe says the biggest win since OMNI’s doors opened is the reception and support they’ve received.
“We knew when we acquired Enki, we were taking over what had been a staple in the community and, for many, their favorite local brewery.”
Despite this, he says, they were welcomed with open arms and embraced in a way that made them feel like they were celebrating year five, not year one. “Choosing where to spend your hard-earned money is more of a choice than ever, so every customer that’s walked into our taproom is the reason we’re able to be here celebrating one year later.”
Alongside honoring Enki’s legacy and maintaining high standards, what this taproom is most proud of is seeing it filled with people enjoying themselves—and they hope there’s plenty more where that came from.
What’s on the menu at OMNI besides fun-filled community? “We started with the goal of there being a beer for everyone, so you’ll find a balance of rotating seasonal favorites and our always-on-tap flagships,” Nick shares.
Right now, Citrus Crush, a shandy brewed with lemon, grapefruit, and tangerine, is what many customers are sipping. “It’s a super refreshing beer that packs a ton of citrus fruit flavor.” On the flagship side, a popular favorite has been the Double New England IPA–FAD, which stands for “Freakin’, Awesome, Delicious.” Nick laughs, “Yeah, we’re pretty original over here.” Another must-try is their Lake Day brew, in honor of one of the greatest days you can have in Minnesota, according to Nick. “We crafted a beer that’s great for an actual lake day, or for when you’re daydreaming about one.”
There’s more to OMNI than just a delicious beer. You can also get your caffeine fix with an extensive coffee and tea menu, along with a small but intentional breakfast menu. Later in the day, it’s all about pizza. As their menu says, ‘Looking for unique flavors? You’ve found ’em!’ The Big Dill, Omnivore, and Cluckin’ Good are just a taste of what’s in store when hunger and thirst hit.
So what else is happening at OMNI? They host a variety of events and have built partnerships that truly connect with their customers. “Mondays are ‘Community Monday,’ where we partner with a local organization or non-profit. On these days, a dollar for every OMNI beverage or pizza sold gets donated to that group.” You can also host your own event by reserving their private event space on their website. “It’s great for birthdays, retirements, baby/bridal showers, and corporate events,” says Nick.
Twice a month, they feature themed trivia nights, usually accompanied by specialty drinks and fun raffles. They host a weekly Farmers Market, have started an OMNI Bike Club, and offer an interactive bingo-style loyalty program. They also serve up a Pizza of the Month, with the creative kitchen team dreaming up a semi-out-there pie available for that month only. They’ve done a Reuben-inspired pie, a chicken pot pie pizza, and one that featured a delicious fig-balsamic drizzle with bacon. Nick says to keep an eye out for their State Fair-themed pizza this fall!
In OMNI’s second year in business, they plan on doubling down on the elements that made year one successful. Whether it’s the friendly staff who greet you, a thoughtfully crafted menu, or finding a perfect sip for everyone at your table, Nick says all of it comes together to make OMNI a place that feels familiar, fun, and anchored in a strong local neighborhood vibe that makes unwinding easy and every visit feel special.