You’ve probably heard the saying "don't catch a falling knife." It's standard kitchen safety, basically a warning to step back and let the blade hit the floor so you don't lose a finger. Most people play it safe. But the founders of Falling Knife Brewing Company decided to name their entire business after the one thing you're never supposed to do. It tells you a lot about their vibe before you even walk through the door at 783 Harding St NE in Minneapolis. They aren't interested in playing it safe. They'd rather take the risk, grab the handle, and see what happens.
Honestly, Northeast Minneapolis is a "brewery district" in the way some cities have "theater districts." You can't throw a rock without hitting a stainless steel fermenter. So, how does a place like Falling Knife keep its 149-person taproom packed when there are literally dozens of options within a bike ride? It isn't just the beer, though the beer is objectively stellar. It’s the fact that they’ve managed to build a clubhouse that feels like a cross between a high-end tasting room and your coolest friend's basement from 1996.
The Story Behind the Name and the Risks
The brewery was born in the summer of 2019, but the seeds were planted way earlier in the music venues of the Twin Cities. Founders Andy Rutledge, Dan Herman, and the late Tom Berg were connected by a love for basketball, indie rock, and the kind of beer that makes you stop and look at the glass. They spent years planning. They looked at a bunch of spots before falling in love with the Mid-City Industrial neighborhood. It’s a bit tucked away, which is part of the charm.
Then, April 2025 happened.
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The community took a massive hit when Tom Berg passed away unexpectedly at 46. He was the "visionary architect" of their flavors. If you’ve ever had a pint of Tomm’s Lager or their flagship Verbal Tip Hazy IPA, you’ve tasted his work. He was a bassist in bands like Self-Evident and Zebulon Pike, and he brought that same rhythmic, technical precision to brewing. The brewery had to navigate a period of intense grief, closing their doors briefly to honor him. But if anything, the loss solidified their place in the neighborhood. People didn't just show up for the booze; they showed up for the family.
What’s Actually on Tap?
Let's talk about the liquid. If you’re a "haze bro" who lives for New England IPAs, you’re probably already familiar with Verbal Tip. It’s everywhere. It’s juicy, it’s soft, and it doesn't have 그 harsh "hop burn" that ruins some lesser hazies. But they aren't a one-trick pony.
- Tomm’s Lager: This is their "building a brewery" beer. It’s a classic American Lager—crisp, clean, and no-nonsense. It actually won Best in Show at the 2023 Minnesota Brewers Cup.
- Cosmic Trailblazer: A heavy-hitter Double Hazy DIPA that took first place in its category at the 2025 Minnesota Brewers Cup.
- Cumulonimbus: This one is for the sour lovers. It’s a Wild Specialty Beer that hits that 4.7% ABV sweet spot where you can actually have two without needing a nap.
- Ancient Old Painless: They do big stouts, too. We’re talking 12.6% ABV, barrel-aged for nearly two years in Old Fashioned RTD barrels with maple and black walnut. It’s basically dessert in a glass.
They use a 20-barrel brewhouse, which is big enough to distribute to over 200 bars and liquor stores around Minnesota, but small enough that they can still get weird with experimental batches.
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The Taproom Vibe (Pinball and Pizza)
Walking into the taproom, you'll notice it's split into two distinct areas. The front is more of a lounge. It’s got table service, which is a total game-changer. No standing in a 20-minute line clutching a plastic puck while you wait for a pour. You sit down, someone comes to you. It feels civilized.
Then there’s the back room. This is where the pinball alley lives.
They take pinball seriously here. It’s not just one dusty machine in a corner; it’s a curated collection. And if you’re a sports fan, specifically a Timberwolves fan, this is your Mecca. Falling Knife has become the unofficial-official spot for Wolves watch parties. During the playoffs, they’ve been known to set up massive double-sided screens outside. People bring their own lawn chairs, the crowd gets loud, and for a few hours, a Northeast industrial parking lot feels like Center Court at Target Center.
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And the food? They don't have a kitchen, but they have the next best thing: Wrecktangle Pizza. Their food truck is a permanent fixture. If you haven't had Detroit-style pizza with those caramelized cheese edges, you haven't lived. Pro tip from the locals: get the Garlic Cheese Styx and add the bacon jam. It’s aggressively savory and pairs perfectly with a crisp lager.
Why Falling Knife Still Matters in 2026
The craft beer bubble has "burst" about five times in the last decade, according to every business journal. Yet, Falling Knife thrives. Why? Because they understand that a brewery in 2026 has to be more than a production facility. It has to be a third space.
They host public tours (usually on Saturdays at 11:30 am, though you have to RSVP individually) where they let you see the "guts" of the operation. You have to wear closed-toe shoes and be over 21, but it’s one of the few places where the brewers will actually sit and talk shop with you. They also do "Meet the Brewery" events at places like the Sheraton Downtown, bringing the Northeast vibe to the city center.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
- Check the Wolves Schedule: If there’s a game on, expect it to be packed. If you want a seat for a watch party, arrive at least 45 minutes early.
- The "Hidden" Jukebox: Check out the curated CD jukebox in the back room. It’s a nod to the founders' music roots and has a better selection than any digital TouchTunes box you'll find at a dive bar.
- Table Service is King: Don't hover at the bar when you walk in. Find a table, relax, and let the staff come to you. It’s part of the "world-class service" they brag about.
- Try the "Mpls Legend": If it’s on tap, grab it. It’s a Kölsch-style ale brewed as a mega-collab with Arbeiter, Back Channel, Insight, and Venn in memory of Tom Berg. It’s a piece of Twin Cities brewing history.
Falling Knife isn't trying to be the biggest brewery in the world. They just want to be the sharpest. Whether you're there for the pinball, the pizza, or the award-winning hazies, it's clear they've caught the knife and haven't let go yet.