Springfield, MO is known for their many fine breweries but which ones have the best variety and are easy on a college student’s budget? Myself and one of the Mirror’s copy editors, Claire Plaster, spent our Monday night bar-hopping so you don’t have to. Our criteria was based on good selection, price and atmosphere– all the components a great brewery in a college town should have.

Bar at 417 Taphouse (Photo via Kate Bequette)

417 Taphouse

Our first stop was 417 Taphouse. They strongly believe in “no frills” just good beer. The staff was extremely welcoming and super helpful when it came down to recommending more affordable beers that still deliver a good, unique taste. The bar itself was visually incredible. 417 Taphouse offers a self-serve wall lined with draft beers where you can pick and pour your own drink. Equipped with an amazing patio for outdoor seating, there is also a wide variety of pub food including half of a page on their menu dedicated to different flavors of curly fries aka “Twisted Taters.” Overall, 417 Taphouse is the perfect hangout spot to bring your friends for a fun night of drinking and catching up.

Great Escape Beer Works

The second brewery we visited was Great Escape Beer Works. They view beer as a way of life and beer tasting should be an experience. They switch up the beers that they have on tap based on old time favorites and ones that go hand and hand with the season. Their options are somewhat limited but change regularly. They update their selection on their website for those interested in what types of beers will be available when visiting.

Flight of beers at Great Escape Beer Works (Photo via Kate Bequette)

Great Escape offers the traditional beer tasting food options, small snacks to get you by. The real reason you are there is because of the beer anyways. The atmosphere is amazing. Great Escape makes you feel like you’re a part of the great outdoors while sipping your lagers. Think of a cozy cabin but amplify it and add a handful of nice, welcoming regulars. This would be a great place to take family that is in town visiting for the weekend. Great Escape does indeed offer you a great escape.

Beer selection at 4 By 4 Brewing Company (Photo via Kate Bequette)

4 By 4 Brewing Company

The next brewery we went to was just down the street from Great Escape Beer Works, called 4 By 4 Brewing Company. 4 By 4 specializes in creative beers. They offer a large selection of beers on tap as well as blended beers. Their menu breaks down the taste to make choosing your drink easier. They serve classic beer tasting snacks but also have a full menu in you find yourself craving more than popcorn. Their environment is very casual and family-friendly. They have live music almost every day and constantly have fun events taking place (check out their Instagram for an upcoming schedule of cool events). Money is never wasted here and if you’re interested in trying out 4 By 4 for yourself, every Monday they offer half priced flights–a perfect way to try their selection.

Flight at 4 By 4 Brewing Company (Photo via Kate Bequette)

Springfield Brewing Company

Lastly, we went to the brewery that everyone is familiar with– Springfield Brewing Company. Brew Co. is a staple to the people of Springfield because of its large menu and location. Brew Co. is the closest to campus and has always been a favorite of college students. The atmosphere of Springfield Brewing Company is more of a restaurant. Many go for the food and many go for good drinks. There is a great selection of local beers as well as cocktails. Anyone and everyone is welcomed there and will find something they enjoy.

Every brewery that we went to had its own style and way of tasting beers. Claire Plaster’s winner of favorite brewery is the classic Springfield Brewing Co. Being a Springfield native, Plaster and her family have always gone to Brew Co. because of the wide variety of drinks, entrees and desserts. Everyone leaves happy after going to Brew Co.

My favorite was the 417 Taphouse. The taphouse reminded me of a signature bar that you can gather at with your friends. The variety of drinks is endless as well as the unique pub food menu options. The 417 Taphouse is great place to watch the game, listen to music, grab something to eat, drink and be merry.

Written by Kate Bequette.