Friendly! That is the first thing that comes to mind when asked about this brewery. There were two employees that were here when we arrived, one working behind the counter and I believe the other was just visiting. Both were super friendly and engaging when we mentioned this was the first time we are visiting. We had a pleasant conversation and they were both so helpful. The beer was also very good, we had a flight so we could try several beers and we were satisfied with our selections. The inside was roomy and felt comfortable with plenty of windows for that outdoor feel. I can't wait for a return trip. read more

Second State Brewing - Good selection - Breweries Near Me - Cedar Falls, Iowa

Price point, outside seating, bike friendly, and they have simple beers that are good. Nothing fancy or over the top and their prices reflect that. Also, the owner is a humble guy who will work with groups on having events. read more

I was staying in the area for business, and was thrilled that I had a few breweries within walking distance from my hotel! I went to Second State one night before dinner. Very quiet at 5pm on a weeknight. I went to the bar and the gal let me try several samples. We chatted quite a bit about the beers, and my business trip to Waterloo! Their beer was good. I tried around 6 before I committed to a pint. After I ordered a pint, I went outside to sit since it was a sunny day. (My visit was in the spring). I ended up having 2 pints, and then I bought a glass for a souvenir to take home. If you're staying in the area, I definitely recommend stopping by for a pint.... or 4! Good beers and cool spot to hang in Cedar Falls. read more

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All German style beers on tap- definitely one of a kind brewery in the area! Small menu that rotates seasonally and they buy local. Great for groups- of adults that is...the table with 3 small children was distracting. The space does echo so we tried to wait them out so we could enjoy our beer and hear each other talk. There also seemed to be a lot gnats flying around the taps. But if you like German beer- the Black beers are tasty. read more

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Visited a couple times during UNI's homecoming including watching the parade out the window! Employees and patrons were pleasant and fun. Carrie was the bartender and was friendly and made great recommendations. I enjoyed all the beers in my flight and also tried a blueberry muffin beer. Not normally a fruity beer drinker but it was a favorite. We've been here before and will be back when we visit Cedar Falls again. read more

Update: I've been here a couple times now, and most likely will not be coming back. Their beers just aren't going to cut it. They are all terrible. I want to like them, and the brewery is so neat, but there is something seriously wrong with those beers--like leave full glasses on the table kind of wrong. -- What a neat brewery to grace the corner of 2nd Street and State Street! (Are we seeing the name coming together now?) It's truly a great location, right off Main Street. And it's great to have another brewery in town. I love the large windows for a great view. And the bar/countertops are all recycled bowling lanes from an old bowling alley. How cool is that?! Today is only the second day it's been open, and everyone is coming in to check it out. There's plenty of space; however, it has ample seating for all. You can swing around the corner and check out their brewing set up, too. There are four fermenters, and they are using old milk tanks as part of their brewing process--pretty neat! I'm going to hold off on my beer review just yet. I wasn't feeling the best. Stay tuned for an update on my next visit. Until then, you will just have to see for yourself! read more

Second State Brewing - Sum Blonde - Breweries Near Me - Cedar Falls, Iowa

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Lovely brand new brewery located in downtown Cedar Falls. They don't offer food (just seasoned pretzels!) and they have slim beer options so far (five!), but still a lovely, laid-back brewery that looks like it's going to do well in the area. PROS: -Clearly a close-knit group of owners/employees who started this out of love. Seems like there was a small group of them here when we were here, and they were joking, laughing, and enjoying serving customers. They also were very good about thanking us and inviting us back. Seems like Second State is a project of love. -They offer little containers of seasoned pretzels for $1. Tons of pretzels in that container, my goodness. More sanitary than the "bowls of pretzels just sitting out" that some places have, but the price is totally reasonable. The pretzels are super delicious, too. Definitely thirst-inducing, though. -Beer was good. We only tried one, though, so I'll have to come back to really experience everything they offer. -Interior is beautiful. Very nice "industrial" type of interior decor, but everything is clean and looks great. Right across the street from a similarly-designed Urban Pie, too, so you can get dinner across the street and come here to Second State for some yummy beer and socializing. Offers table, bar, and high-top bar seating options. -Located right off Main Street. Main Street in Cedar Falls has some pretty decent parking options, though, so it's not the worst. Second State is also located across the street from a public, free 4-hour lot, so it's extra-easy. Even at peak times, expect to walk less than two blocks. Second State is just a block or so away from the other Cedar Falls brewery: Single Speed. Gives you the opportunity to enjoy both breweries without having to pack up and go somewhere. CONS: -Still a bit small, but their beer line-up is still pretty small. I'm sure it'll get better as the place gets more established. read more

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We went here after a date at Montage just around the corner. This is a great place to go for the second phase of a date. There's board games, great IPAs, and a small enough space that it doesn't get crowded with rowdy crowds. There isn't much dancing, or loud music so if that's what you're looking for, this isn't it. If you're looking for a relaxed spot to have conversation, play some games and drink some drinks, this place should be in your rotation. Plus the location is right off main street and very close to a bunch of other bars. Main Street bars in general are good, but I feel like Second State is a quiet little tucked away clean bar that should get more attention! read more

This was my first time going here and it was great. The staff are very friendly and the place was very clean. This visit was very enjoyable and I will be going there again. Also the beer is very good. One thing that I liked was the dynamic beer menu that is always changing overtime. read more

Nice laid back environment. Beer is good! The bartender said that they will have food by summer. I like the place.

Second State is a nice little brewery a block off of Main Street (and Singlespeed Brewing). It's relatively new and it shows. Don't get me wrong, the interior is nicely (minimally) decorated and it's a good location. There are fun brewery amenities (like games, etc.) but the beer - both in quantity and quality has yet to reach (hopefully) its full potential. Upon a recent visit the tap list was pretty short and all were quite underwhelming. I'm sure as time goes on they will get more creative and bold with their beers but for now they're a ways behind their CF brethren (Singlespeed). I understand new breweries have to start with a base and build from there (much like Exile did). Hopefully Second State continues to have success because CF/Waterloo could definitely use another brewery! read more

Nice place to meet friends for a brew & a whole lot of talking! Fun, contemporary micro brewery--good beer.

As an avid craft brew taster, I cannot recommend this stop. Unfortunately, every brew was not up to par after trying all 8 on tap. Hefeweizen has serious issues and all others have some sort of cleaning and sanitation issue. Needs work. read more

Great beers, they generally hit the sweet spot for me for the styles I like. There has only been a few beers that I didn't like here, normally in styles that I generally don't like so it didn't surprise me. read more

As an avid craft brew taster, I cannot recommend this stop more highly. All 8 brews were on par. The brewmaster Nick works tirelessly to ensure a great product in an even better environment. This great family brewery is a wonderful addition to downtown. read more

This brewery may have the Best Beer in Town-But we shall never know! 6 people walk in look at the "what's offered" board. Sit at table. 2 employees(hope they weren't owners). 2 guys at the bar in conversation with employees. NOT one acknowledgement from Anyone. Not a "Welcome" nor a "Please order at the bar". 6 people leave-still w/o acknowledgement. Terrible. read more