By Ryo Hamasaki, Loring Park resident
When word got around that a new brewery was opening in Loring Park after the closure of Lakes & Legends, I was immediately curious. As someone who lives here and really appreciates a good beer, I’ve felt that absence in the neighborhood. So when Brühaven Craft Company finally opened its doors this past June, I knew I had to check it out. It’s the brainchild of Glenn Oslin and Alex Doering, two friends who decided to take a risk and bring something fresh to the neighborhood. I had the chance to sit down with them and hear firsthand what inspired this venture and where they’re headed next.
From Classroom to Craft Beer
Oslin’s story isn’t exactly what you’d expect from someone opening a brewery. He spent years as a teacher in South Minneapolis before moving into corporate training and project management. Brewing wasn’t even on his radar at first. But after the startup he worked for got bought out, he realized corporate life wasn’t for him. By January 2023, he decided to take a leap, quitting his job without much of a backup plan.
Meanwhile, Doering—who’d spent over a decade brewing for Blue Plate Restaurant Company—was ready to create something of his own. Over a casual hangout, the two of them came up with the idea for Brühaven. By June 2024, they were all in, navigating the (not-so-fun) world of small business ownership. Their energy is infectious, and hearing their story, it’s hard not to root for them.
Brewing Challenges and Building Community
Starting a brewery in downtown Minneapolis isn’t exactly easy—Oslin and Doering made that clear. There’s plenty of red tape, rules, and regulations that can make the process exhausting, especially for a new business. And, as I’ve seen with my own work, getting people to notice something new in the neighborhood takes time. Brühaven has been open for three months now, but some people still think the spot is empty because they remember Lakes & Legends being there before.
Despite the challenges, Oslin and Doering are all in. They’re building connections with local businesses and becoming an integral part of the Loring Park community. You can tell they’re not just here to sell drinks; they’re here to create a space, a haven, for the community.
A Drink for Everyone
Doering's brewing expertise is obvious when you try any of the drinks at Brühaven. They’ve made it a point to offer something for everyone, whether you’re into beer, coffee, or something a little different. Their menu is packed with options, from traditional beers to hop water, THC beverages, and even mushroom drinks.
They were generous enough to let me sample several of their drinks. One standout was the Prog Rock Hazy IPA (my personal favorite), a zero-IBU beer that’s smooth, fruitier, and free of bitterness. The name, a nod to progressive rock’ is a tribute to Doering’s passion for music.
Brühaven also has something for the non-drinkers and health-conscious crowd, like flavored hop water and functional mushroom drinks. I haven’t tried the coffee just yet, but they’ve partnered with Roastery 7 in Brooklyn Center for top-tier coffee, perfect for early risers, who want to kick-start the workday at 7 a.m. Plus, when I want to switch up my breakfast routine, their variety of options from locally sourced vendors has me covered—like cream cheese bagels from Mogi Bagel and pastries from Vikings & Goddesses (a ham & cheese is my favorite). Oh, and your four-legged friends are welcome too.
Brühaven's Vision
Oslin and Doering are just getting started, and their vision for Brühaven as a true community hub is only growing. One of their big plans is to install garage doors, which will completely transform the vibe by seamlessly connecting the taproom to the neighborhood. They’re also working on adding a takeout window for coffee and to-go drinks, and—this is wild—they’re even adding an axe-throwing cage in partnership with Celtic Axe Throwing out of Oregon. It’s going to be quite the scene.
What really stuck with me is the meaning behind the name Brühaven. It’s more than just a brewery—it’s a space for everyone: “Brü” (brew) + Ü (you) + “Haven.”
The space is about community, a place where friends, neighbors, and even dogs can gather to enjoy great drinks and make lasting memories. As a local, I can’t wait to see how Brühaven grows, and I’m excited to keep supporting them along the way.
Brühaven is located at 1368 La Salle Ave. and is open Monday 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 7 .a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
This article was originally published with additional photos on Ryo Hamasaki's website.
