Waldmann Brewery
Built in 1857 by German stonemason George Amos and operated as a lager saloon by Bavarian immigrant Anton Waldmann, this limestone building is the oldest surviving commercial structure in Saint Paul. After serving as a residence for over a century, it was meticulously restored and reopened in 2017 as Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery by proprietor Tom Schroeder. The brewery stays true to its roots, focusing on traditional German-style lagers using floor-malted grains, noble hops, and time-honored brewing methods.
Stepping into Waldmann feels like traveling back in time. The warm glow of wood stoves and lamplight, virgin pine floors, hand-blown glass windows, and 19th-century steamboat chairs create an intimate, frontier atmosphere. It’s a cozy neighborhood spot that perfectly blends historic charm with modern craft brewing excellence.
“The essential German-American immigrant combination of ‘Wurst und Bier’ is celebrated at Waldmann.”
At Waldmann, the brewing philosophy centers on what a traditional German lager brewer from 1857 might create with today’s ingredients—unfiltered, naturally carbonated beers that honor Reinheitsgebot traditions while incorporating subtle New World influences. The focus remains squarely on crisp, balanced lagers and select ales. The brewery stands out in the Midwest as a living piece of brewing history, offering not just exceptional beer but a full sensory journey into Minnesota’s German immigrant heritage.
Visiting Waldmann is a must for anyone who appreciates craft beer with deep historical roots. Whether you’re enjoying a flight of authentic German-style lagers alongside house-made wursts in the cozy taproom or relaxing in the biergarten, the experience captures the pioneering spirit of Minnesota’s early German settlers. In a craft beer landscape often dominated by hazy IPAs, Waldmann offers something refreshingly traditional yet expertly executed—a true Midwest treasure worth the trip.