#SAWMILL TAPROOM FULL#
#SAWMILL TAPROOM FREE#

None of my comments are surprising given my primary hobby is blogging about craft beer. A craft brewery is woven into the fabric of a community more than a chain restaurant ever could be. There aren’t other customers, there are other friends. There are no bartenders, there are beertenders. On any given visit you’re likely to see a retired couple, a newborn, a family of four, and a first date-at the same time. Ditto for the city’s 90,000 other residents, not to mention the entire Twin Cities metro area.īreweries are a gathering place for people of all races, creeds, and cultures. I don’t know what the restaurant is but, based on our access to almost every chain, I imagine there is no reason for me to travel to Anoka for it. Imagine my disappointment when I learned the city was proceeding with a purchase agreement for a restaurant chain that already has eight locations.

#SAWMILL TAPROOM FULL#

A bigger brewhouse, a full kitchen, an expanded offering, a rooftop patio, a top notch sound system, a chance to grow. Imagine my delight when I heard 10K had plans for a brand new facility. It’s because they gave me a tour of the brewhouse and the special equipment installed to ensure the beer is of the highest quality for their patrons. I’ve learned about the city’s water quality. It’s because they invited me to the grand opening of the Empire Room, an event space they opened in the same building. I’ve seen the town’s beautiful Christmas decorations, including the giant tree on the Jackson Street roundabout.

I’ve since learned that Anoka is the “Halloween Capital of the World.” It’s because I did a podcast with 10K’s owner Jesse Hauf where we tasted some seasonal brews. During those visits I’ve eaten at local restaurants, ordered coffee at local cafes, and shopped at local stores. And of course, I recall entering the 10K taproom, ordering our beers, and settling in to enjoy the guitarist and vocalist that were performing that evening. I remember parking-yes parking-because there was an actual lot with actual spaces. I recall turning onto 2nd Avenue, remarking at the collection of historic brick buildings. I recall driving across the Rum River at dusk, the lights of the city enticing us.

Though one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done was traveling through Minnesota to get “free” beer and a “free” shirt.ġ0K Brewing was in that guide. I’ve volunteered for charities, run grueling obstacle races, and even started a t-shirt blog in my quest to fill out the edges of my wardrobe.

#SAWMILL TAPROOM FREE#

I’ve done a lot of things for a free t-shirt. The best part? If we visited all the locations, we’d get a free t-shirt. It’s like a trendy coupon book, with buy one get one deals at breweries throughout the state. In 2016 my wife and I purchased a Northern Ale Guide.