Here's a list of Breweries in the Corridor centered around Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. I have added current comments on these places as of August 1, 2016. Please check their websites for current hours as some open hours are very restrictive. The distances shown are centered from where google maps calls North Liberty, Iowa (a growing town located north of Iowa City and south of Cedar Rapids). Please add comments that you have about these breweries. Please also add any breweries that you know of which are within about 35 miles of North Liberty. Thank you. (and because of the length of this post, I must split it into multiple messages as it exceeds the 10,000 character limit when posted by itself).
In no particular order of greatness, but generally moving from North to South geographically:
- ANOTHER ROAD BREWING - Marion, Iowa (about 27 miles) -- They recently opened its new tasting room in Marion (it is no longer in the basement of that other building). Started life as a licensed 'nano brewery'. Rumor says it will also be opening a new brewing facility in Cedar Rapids. I've had some very good, and some 'mostly good' beers at this place (nothing bad). The brewers seem to be quite competent (at least before the move and expansion to new equipment). No food at the old location, I believe this is the same at the new place.
- THIRD BASE SPORTS BAR AND BREWERY - (about 25 miles) -- Across from Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids on Blairsferry Road near the C Ave intersection. When I was last through their doors (July 2016) this franchise had just been purchased from the former owners. In a paperwork screw-up, they did not renew their license to brew or sell their own beers, hopefully they will have their own brews back on tap before football season. Currently substituting a variety of microbrews (some not necessarily local) until they can get their own back on tap. When they do have their own beers on tap, I have never been overly impressed nor offended by their beer. I usually drink their Black Cobra Oatmeal Stout. Many like their "Bee's Knees Honey Ale" They do often have some experimental beers of their own on top (when they can brew). And they will often have one or two guest beers. Very good American bar fare.
- GRANITE CITY - . (about 26 miles) While this place calls itself a brewery, I hear that the onsite brewing equipment is mostly ornamental, and that the beer that they call their own, is actually brewed elsewhere (so I am tempted to not list it) Yes, it is another franchise, and this one with somewhat less than mediocre beer. Food service is spotty. I've heard some very good and bad things about their food.
- THE QUARTER BARREL ARCADE AND BREWRY . Second Avenue S.E. Cedar Rapids (about 20 miles) This is a brewery that was crowd funded. Right now, I believe it to be holding its own. The beers I have tried have been reasonable, but have encountered at least one of their regular brews that seems to have a variable taste (when I tasted it most recently, I felt they had roasted their grain too long). Their Recon Belgian style ale is my 'go to' at this location. A fairly large number of guest taps available (including at least one other local brewery). Also maintains small stock of Cedar Ridge Whiskey (not sure if they have any official tie-in with that Distillery and Winery). Small selection of food (pizza is OK, the rest is... disappointing). Large number of vintage video games.
- IOWA BREWING COMPANY. 3rd Street S.E. Cedar Rapids (about 19 miles). Iowa Brewing took its time getting its equipment together and placing it in a revitalized building where it looks like they did quite a lot of work to the building's infrastructure. The brew vats are plainly seen from the tasting room (no glass, no separation wall except a 42" high wall... not sure how CR building inspection OKed this). The beer selection has been steadily improving. All that I have tasted have been of good quality. I've had no one beer of theirs that has stood out to me yet, but they are still young. They usually have a small handful of guest taps.
- LION BRIDGE BREWING - Czech Town in CR (16th avenue SW near the Czech Museum - about 18 miles). I like these people, but I've experienced varying enjoyment of their beers: I've been highly enthusiastic about some, and extremely disappointed in others. Oddly, this fellow (me) who considers himself VERY knowledgeable about beers, will not touch the principal brew from this brewery (Workman's Comp). STORY: when they first opened, I tried both the Nitro added and regular versions of Workman's Comp. I could not finish the small sampler glass (of either). To me, each tasted moldy. SINCE that time, Lion's Bridge has won a gold medal with this beer. I have tried the beer again since that time, and while it is still not my favorite, the moldy taste was gone (however, they do have two 'disaster' beers that have acquired this moldy taste.. another brewer I know believe that this is a certain kind of grain that when not properly used or properly stored, will sometimes taste moldy. That brewer tends to avoid that grain). They had a specialty beer that I did like last year called 'Iron Lion' I have not seen it on tap again at Lion Bridge, but have seen it elsewhere in the city as a guest tap. Iron Lion is quite an unusual 'Belgian style' ale with ginger added. I wonder if it started as a mistake, and now is a favorite of a small but well known minority? I also have found I enjoy the Kolsch that they have brewed for summer, it has a nice roasted taste without being overly strong. And now they use that Kolsch base and flavor it with Habiscus, which changes it entirely and makes me think of Lindemann's Framboise without the really sour notes. Anyhow, Lion Bridge has established itself as a brewery that isn't afraid to take risks. Despite my disdain for the Workman's Comp (a beer that some others really love), I intend to keep visiting Lion Bridge. Their food menu is steadily improving, and is noted for attempting to integrate local foods.
-TURNER ALLEY BREWING - This brewery is located somewhat off the beaten path in an industrial area of Cedar Rapids (12th Street S.W. between Wilson Ave and 33rd Avenue - about 18 miles). My understanding is that they have recently added a tasting room. Originally they were only going to sell their beer at local bars and restaurants (and while I have often at least one on tap, I have never seen all of their offerings together). The brewer and his financial backer have good reputations (the brewer having spent a few years brewing for Third Base Brewery during the era of the name change of that brewery and the vast improvement of the taste of the beer being offered there). Of the beers I have tried, I have never been offended by any of them. Since I have not done an intensive study of their beer, I have no favorite from their selection. Hopefully I can update this info at a later date.
In no particular order of greatness, but generally moving from North to South geographically:
- ANOTHER ROAD BREWING - Marion, Iowa (about 27 miles) -- They recently opened its new tasting room in Marion (it is no longer in the basement of that other building). Started life as a licensed 'nano brewery'. Rumor says it will also be opening a new brewing facility in Cedar Rapids. I've had some very good, and some 'mostly good' beers at this place (nothing bad). The brewers seem to be quite competent (at least before the move and expansion to new equipment). No food at the old location, I believe this is the same at the new place.
- THIRD BASE SPORTS BAR AND BREWERY - (about 25 miles) -- Across from Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids on Blairsferry Road near the C Ave intersection. When I was last through their doors (July 2016) this franchise had just been purchased from the former owners. In a paperwork screw-up, they did not renew their license to brew or sell their own beers, hopefully they will have their own brews back on tap before football season. Currently substituting a variety of microbrews (some not necessarily local) until they can get their own back on tap. When they do have their own beers on tap, I have never been overly impressed nor offended by their beer. I usually drink their Black Cobra Oatmeal Stout. Many like their "Bee's Knees Honey Ale" They do often have some experimental beers of their own on top (when they can brew). And they will often have one or two guest beers. Very good American bar fare.
- GRANITE CITY - . (about 26 miles) While this place calls itself a brewery, I hear that the onsite brewing equipment is mostly ornamental, and that the beer that they call their own, is actually brewed elsewhere (so I am tempted to not list it) Yes, it is another franchise, and this one with somewhat less than mediocre beer. Food service is spotty. I've heard some very good and bad things about their food.
- THE QUARTER BARREL ARCADE AND BREWRY . Second Avenue S.E. Cedar Rapids (about 20 miles) This is a brewery that was crowd funded. Right now, I believe it to be holding its own. The beers I have tried have been reasonable, but have encountered at least one of their regular brews that seems to have a variable taste (when I tasted it most recently, I felt they had roasted their grain too long). Their Recon Belgian style ale is my 'go to' at this location. A fairly large number of guest taps available (including at least one other local brewery). Also maintains small stock of Cedar Ridge Whiskey (not sure if they have any official tie-in with that Distillery and Winery). Small selection of food (pizza is OK, the rest is... disappointing). Large number of vintage video games.
- IOWA BREWING COMPANY. 3rd Street S.E. Cedar Rapids (about 19 miles). Iowa Brewing took its time getting its equipment together and placing it in a revitalized building where it looks like they did quite a lot of work to the building's infrastructure. The brew vats are plainly seen from the tasting room (no glass, no separation wall except a 42" high wall... not sure how CR building inspection OKed this). The beer selection has been steadily improving. All that I have tasted have been of good quality. I've had no one beer of theirs that has stood out to me yet, but they are still young. They usually have a small handful of guest taps.
- LION BRIDGE BREWING - Czech Town in CR (16th avenue SW near the Czech Museum - about 18 miles). I like these people, but I've experienced varying enjoyment of their beers: I've been highly enthusiastic about some, and extremely disappointed in others. Oddly, this fellow (me) who considers himself VERY knowledgeable about beers, will not touch the principal brew from this brewery (Workman's Comp). STORY: when they first opened, I tried both the Nitro added and regular versions of Workman's Comp. I could not finish the small sampler glass (of either). To me, each tasted moldy. SINCE that time, Lion's Bridge has won a gold medal with this beer. I have tried the beer again since that time, and while it is still not my favorite, the moldy taste was gone (however, they do have two 'disaster' beers that have acquired this moldy taste.. another brewer I know believe that this is a certain kind of grain that when not properly used or properly stored, will sometimes taste moldy. That brewer tends to avoid that grain). They had a specialty beer that I did like last year called 'Iron Lion' I have not seen it on tap again at Lion Bridge, but have seen it elsewhere in the city as a guest tap. Iron Lion is quite an unusual 'Belgian style' ale with ginger added. I wonder if it started as a mistake, and now is a favorite of a small but well known minority? I also have found I enjoy the Kolsch that they have brewed for summer, it has a nice roasted taste without being overly strong. And now they use that Kolsch base and flavor it with Habiscus, which changes it entirely and makes me think of Lindemann's Framboise without the really sour notes. Anyhow, Lion Bridge has established itself as a brewery that isn't afraid to take risks. Despite my disdain for the Workman's Comp (a beer that some others really love), I intend to keep visiting Lion Bridge. Their food menu is steadily improving, and is noted for attempting to integrate local foods.
-TURNER ALLEY BREWING - This brewery is located somewhat off the beaten path in an industrial area of Cedar Rapids (12th Street S.W. between Wilson Ave and 33rd Avenue - about 18 miles). My understanding is that they have recently added a tasting room. Originally they were only going to sell their beer at local bars and restaurants (and while I have often at least one on tap, I have never seen all of their offerings together). The brewer and his financial backer have good reputations (the brewer having spent a few years brewing for Third Base Brewery during the era of the name change of that brewery and the vast improvement of the taste of the beer being offered there). Of the beers I have tried, I have never been offended by any of them. Since I have not done an intensive study of their beer, I have no favorite from their selection. Hopefully I can update this info at a later date.
Last edited:
