Betty P.
Yelp
Stop #6 on the adventure of visiting 50 new-to-me breweries in Minnesota was this slightly forgettable, small brewery that really just left me emotionless and thirsty.
Located in the middle of a highly industrial area in Shakopee, right across from Valley Fair, Badger Hill is hiding in a tiny building amongst huge warehouses. Luckily there is a sign on the side of the road so it shouldn't be too hard to find. I instantly liked their patio, even though it was all snowed in; the pretty fairy lights usually win me over. However, there is not an ounce of green around and I can't imagine grey buildings and cement making for a nice view for a patio in the summertime.....
Like I mentioned earlier the area inside is small but they make good use of the space. There is a decent amount of hi-tops, a community table, and even a comfy sofa lounging area that we snatched up right away. In the corner there is a piano with a message that lets you know only to play one song if you so please. On top of it stands an astronaut watching your every move. I enjoyed the quirky decor, slightly creepy paintings, and really liked the "Take One, Leave One" book shelf. Grab a board game from the oh so popular board game shelf and have some good beers....but here's where it gets tricky...
Good beers I say...well, I wish I could say that the beers were good. My friends ordered a flight, as usual, just to get a taste for the variety of their brews. They were struggling with the choices. The tap list is super tiny but not so small that it should be hard to choose. Most beers just sounded way too basic. IPA this and Ale that...one stout that was Peanut Butter. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with simple basic crowd pleaser beers but when that's all the brewery has then I'm not that interested.
There were a ton of advertisements for their new hard seltzers and I got excited because that was the "specialty something" I wanted to try.
"We're out of that one", the beertender said with zero care. Ok, well, the menu, and the menu board, and the ton of advertisements about it say that you're supposed to have multiple flavors.
"Which flavors are you out of?" ..... "All of them"... *sigh*
The couple of sips I tried from my friends' flights were not worth it. Not even the PB stout measured against the other ones in the cities. And maybe if the two beertenders actually seemed to care and be helpful as far as helping me choose anything else, then maybe the whole experience could have gone a little better. Maybe if instead of talking among themselves they were offering samples and suggestions or even asked if we have ever visited before, I would be more excited about this visit. Just maybe.
Maybe we'll visit again; possibly after a fun day at the Valley Fair....but probably not. Not even the comfy couches and fun decorations will save the day. There is just way many more breweries that are worth the drive and offer a much more memorable experience than this one.