13 Omaha Craft Breweries You Should Try In 2026
Omaha’s craft brewery scene is one that ebbs and flows. In about a decade, several new breweries were added and old favorites added tasting rooms around the city. It’s worth noting that since this post was first written in 2020, though, there has been a change for the worse in the beer scene. I’m updated this post following several brewery closings. There is one bright spot: A nonprofit brewery managed by the German-American Society has opened in October 2026.
UPDATED: This post was first published in 2020, and has been updated in October 2026.
Background on Kim’s beer picks
I’m by no means a beer snob or connoisseur. In fact, if you look over the list, you’ll see I tend to just favor a few kinds of beers (brown ales, amber ales, saisons). However, I do love trying new beers. So, that’s why I made this post.
I started learning about the Nebraska microbrewery scene in 2008, when my then-fiance and I held a beer tasting fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Back then, there weren’t many Omaha breweries, so we sought brewers throughout the state.
It was a fun and successful fundraiser, and we got to know the friendly and generous people behind some of the state’s longest-running breweries. It’s awesome to see the brewers grow over the past 10+ years! Some of those early brewers eventually opened a taproom in Omaha, like Empyrean.
Omaha Craft Breweries
Benson Brewery
Found on the main drag of the Benson neighborhood, Benson Brewery is a great spot for food and drinks before a night out. The brewery opened in 2013.
This is one of the few brewpubs that is family-friendly, and even has a kid's menu with things like burgers and mac and cheese.
Try: The Blonde Bunny is a good, light ale.
Where: 6059 Maple St.
Big Grove Brewing
Big Grove is an Iowa brewery that has opened a location in midtown Omaha. The large location has a fantastic outdoor seating area and large menu. It's family-friendly during the day, and regularly hosts events.
Try: 1939 amber ale
Where: 4601 Catalyst Court
Brickway Brewery and Distillery
With a taproom in the Old Market, Brickway Brewery and Distillery is a prime spot to grab a beer and people-watch the afternoon away.
Brickway is also a distillery, so if you're thirsty for something a little stronger, they distill their own gin, whiskey, vodka, bourbon and rum.
Try: I'm partial to their Red Lager.
Where: 1116 Jackstom St.
Infusion Brewing Co.
Infusion is always on my radar, especially since our pool carries my favorite beer on tap. At one point, the brewery had three locations around Omaha where you could sample their beers. However, only the southwest Omaha location remains.
Try: You'll want to try the Vanilla Bean Blonde.
Where: 6271 S. 118th St.
Jaipur Brewing Company and Restaurant
Jaipur is first and foremost a restaurant serving delicious Indian food. However, they also brew their own beer.
Try: The Jalapeno Ale is delicious but has a kick to it.
Where: 10922 Elm St. in Rockbrook Village and more recently, 5018 Underwood Ave.
Jukes Ale Works
One of the "newer" breweries in the metro area, Jukes Ale House opened in the fall of 2019. It's in the heart of charming Olde Towne Elkhorn. They have a full food menu, in addition to beer. This is another place that's totally welcoming of families.
Try: The Harvester Farmhouse Ale
Where: 20560 Elkhorn Drive, Elkhorn, Neb.
Kros Strain Brewing Co.
The interestingly named Kros Strain Brewing Co. is a La Vista brewery formed by two beer lovers, Bobby Kros and Scott Strain. Their style of brewing is to always tinker with flavors, so you'll always find something wholly unique on tap there.
Try: Fairy Nectar London Double Dry Hop, my husband's favorite local beer. It's a tad too hoppy for me, but the beer did earn second place at that 2018 Juicy Hazy IPA category at the Great American Beer Festival.
Where: 10411 Portal Road, La Vista, Neb., and more recently, Kros Strain Draft Works at 1209 Millwork Ave.
Lazlo's Brewery and Grill and Empryrean Brewing Co.
The first location of Lazlo's Brewery and Grill, Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District, opened in 1991, making it Nebraska's first brewpub. There are now three locations, including one in West Omaha. This is a restaurant that has a full menu and is welcoming to families.
Their in-house brewery is called Empyrean Brewing Co.
Try: My favorite Empyrean beer is Third Stone Brown Ale.
Where: 2425 S. 192nd Ave.
Pint Nine Brewing Co.
One of the "newer" breweries in the Omaha area, Pint Nine has a devoted following. Popular Omaha food trucks are often parked in front of the brewery.
Try: Give the Session Red a try.
Where: 10411 Portal Road, suite 104, La Vista, Neb.
Plattfluss Brauhaus
Plattfluss Brauhaus is the newest brewery on the scene. It's a nonprofit brewery that opened in October 2026 at the German-American Society. I haven't been to the new brewery, but I have been to the German-American Society (they're known for their epic Oktoberfest weekend each year as well as a charming Christmas celebration).
Try: TBD
Where: 3717 S. 120th St.
Scriptown Brewing Co.
The Scriptown brewery is located in the trendy Blackstone District. Scriptown does a great job partnering with other Omaha small businesses. They've been known to do beer floats using Coneflower Creamery ice cream.
Try: Nut Job Brown Ale is a smooth beer to try.
Where: 3922 Farnam St.
Upstream Brewing Co.
Omaha's oldest brewpub, Upstream has been around since 1996. The large restaurant/brewery in the Old Market is surprisingly kid-friendly - every Tuesday there's a hilarious roving magician.
Try: I usually order the Dundee Export Scotch Ale.
Where: 514 S. 11th St.
Vis Major Brewing Co.
Consider Vis Major your friendly, Omaha neighborhood brewery that's woman-owned. They offer food along with beer and cocktails, including the pretty interesting specialty pizza, The Goonie.
Try: Taste the Highland Brown Ale.
Where: 3501 Center St.
