St. Paul Brewery Taproom Is Closing After Nearly 11 Years, But It's Not Gone For Good

ST. PAUL, MN — A well-known taproom at Vandalia Tower in St. Paul is closing in its current form this week after nearly 11 years in business, but the space will not sit empty for long, according to an announcement from the owners on Instagram.

Lake Monster Brewing said it remains a profitable business, but that ownership has decided the time is right to bring in fresh perspectives and energy for the space at 550 Vandalia St.

The brewery will close temporarily and reopen with new owners and new ideas, according to the announcement.

Lake Monster noted that when its taproom opened nearly 11 years ago, Minnesota had around 30 breweries.

By the end of the last decade, that number had grown past 200, a stretch of rapid growth the company called special but also one that brought lasting challenges for the industry.

"It's no secret that the craft beer industry in Minnesota is undergoing a difficult period of evolution and adaptation," the company wrote in its post.

Lake Monster will be closed Saturday, Aug. 29, for a private event.

The taproom's final day of service under its current ownership will be Sunday, Aug. 30, and the brewery is encouraging customers to stop by one more time.

Throwback pricing of $5 pints will be offered that day as a send-off.

The company thanked its staff, customers and family for making the taproom "such a special place," and said details on the new ownership structure and future plans for the brand will be shared in the coming days.

It added that it is committed to a smooth transition as the space continues to grow and evolve under new leadership.