There is something about gathering at a brewery that immediately sets a different tone. The atmosphere feels relaxed, the drinks are already flowing and guests can settle in without the formality that sometimes comes with a traditional event venue. At Bear Cave Brewing in Hopkins, that easygoing spirit is paired with something perhaps less expected: an impressive range of spaces and dining options capable of transforming the brewery into a destination for everything from a casual birthday party to an elegant multi-course dinner.
“We have a variety of different spaces in varying sizes, and we can combine areas together depending on what the guest is looking for,” says Dan Murray, general manager of Bear Cave Brewing. “We really can kind of accommodate just about any size party.”
That flexibility is at the center of Bear Cave’s approach to events. Business meetings, corporate gatherings, birthdays, reunions, weddings and celebrations can all find a home within the brewery, with large-party reservations and private events handled a little differently. Guests simply looking to gather with a group can reserve designated spaces for parties of 20, 40 or 60 and order from the regular menu, giving the experience the feel of a typical visit – just with a space set aside specifically for the occasion. Private events, meanwhile, can involve dedicated event spaces, catering and food-and-beverage minimums determined by the room, day and time.
For those larger occasions, the Beer Hall is a natural starting point. Bear Cave’s largest indoor event space accommodates up to 91 standing guests and overlooks Main Street and Hopkins. Five televisions make it possible to incorporate presentations, games or other programming, while a tap wall keeps the brewery experience front and center. Its all-indoor setup also makes the Beer Hall especially appealing when Minnesota weather is less than predictable.
Food can go well beyond the pizza-and-beer expectations that might come to mind when planning an event at a brewery. Bear Cave has developed a separate catering menu designed specifically for larger groups, featuring heartier entrées and expanded versions of shareable favorites. Options include roasted chicken, braised beef short ribs and stuffed pork loin alongside sides such as whipped potatoes, roasted green beans and glazed carrots. Hosts can also incorporate pizzas and other selections from the brewery’s regular menu, creating a spread that suits the mood of the gathering.
Upstairs, events can take on an entirely different personality. The upper patio and conservatory offer an indoor-outdoor experience that can be configured in several ways. The conservatory can be added to a Beer Hall rental for additional seating, or it can be paired with portions of the rooftop patio during warmer months. Groups can reserve the back deck, the entire rooftop patio, the conservatory or combinations of the spaces depending on the size and style of the celebration. A full upper-floor event can accommodate 224 seated guests or more than 280 standing while still allowing the brewery’s lower level to remain open to the public.
For a gathering that calls for a little more atmosphere – and a little more privacy – head downstairs.
Bear Cave’s basement speakeasy is its most private event space, complete with its own tap wall and a darker, moodier feel. But its possibilities extend well beyond cocktails and casual gatherings. The brewery has hosted plated dinners in the space, including multi-course meals prepared with the help of an attached area that can function as a kitchen.
The ability to customize is one of the biggest themes running through Bear Cave’s private-event program. Catering is generally geared toward groups of 25 or more, while smaller gatherings can more easily work from the regular menu. But those guidelines do not mean every event has to follow the same formula. Menus can be adapted, spaces can be combined and entertainment can become part of the evening, including the option to bring in live music.
For a recent private event, the team departed from its usual offerings entirely with an oyster bar, grilled steaks and fried chicken. The goal, Murray explains, is to be able to “customize it in lots of ways to whatever people are looking for.”
And when a guest list grows especially large, there is always the ultimate option: take over the brewery.
During the summer, a full buyout offers standing capacity for more than 500 guests and seating for just under 400 when outdoor areas are included. In winter, when the patio is unavailable, the brewery can accommodate roughly 250 standing guests and just under 200 seated. Bear Cave has already hosted several full buyouts.
“We really try to do it all,” Murray jokes.
And that they do. Big or small. Bear Cave’s dedicated team handles all private events with care, offering something special for every person, party and palate.