Historic brewpub in Kansas named 4th best in America. What makes it special?
When Free State Brewing Company opened in Lawrence, it became the first brewery to legally open in Kansas since the Prohibition era.
That was in 1989 — and now, for the second year in a row, it has been named one of the country’s 10 best brewpubs by USA Today.
“These 10 brewpubs, nominated by an expert panel and voted as the best in the U.S. by our readers, serve their own house beers — often alongside guest taps or cans — and a menu of tasty food options,” USA Today said when publishing the annual list in March.
Free State Brewing Company, located in the heart of downtown Lawrence’s “Mass Street,” was named the No. 4 best brewpub in 2026. It was named No. 3 in 2025.
“It was a pioneer in the craft beer movement with a diverse range of handcrafted beers and a full-service restaurant,” USA Today said. “Its motto: ‘Because without beer, things do not seem to go as well.’”
The brewpub prides itself on being a place “where good beer and good food can inspire lively conversations and memorable experiences.”
Why customers love Free State Brewing Company
Free State Brewing Company is recommended by 94% of its 5,783 Facebook reviews and boasts 4.6 stars from 3,081 Google reviews. It also has 4.2 stars from 868 Yelp reviews.
“I will definitely come back,” someone wrote on Facebook. “The staff, food and the beer was amazing. Highly recommended.”
“Free State Brewing Company is one of those rare places that completely lives up to its reputation. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear why this spot is such a staple in Lawrence,” a Google reviewer said. “ ... We tried both the beer and the food, and both were excellent. The beer selection was impressive — each brew had its own character, from smooth lagers to rich, flavorful ales.”
“If you want a great meal, this is your place. They are a brewery so they have great beer but the freshest and top quality food is an added bonus,” someone wrote on Yelp. “We moved to the area in the 90’s and this is our go-to restaurant for a great meal. Friendly welcoming atmosphere with great staff and great food. Highly recommend this restaurant.”
Top 10 brewpubs in 2026
These are the top 10 brewpubs of 2026, as determined by USA Today:
- Lua Brewing, Des Moines, Iowa
- Dewey Beer Co., Dewey Beach, Delaware
- Strangebird Brewery, Rochester, New York
- Free State Brewing Company, Lawrence, Kansas
- Devil’s Club Brewing Company, Juneau, Alaska
- Otherlands Beer, Bellingham, Washington
- Perennial on Lockwood, Webster Groves, Missouri
- Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Schilling Beer Co., Littleton, New Hampshire
- Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery, Chicago, Illinois