12 Minnesota Soft Pretzels That Taste Just Like Classic Tradition
I once drove three hours just to bite into a pretzel that reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen in Bavaria.
Turns out, I didn’t need to leave Minnesota at all. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is quietly home to some of the most authentic, buttery, salt-crusted soft pretzels you’ll find outside of Germany.
Whether you’re craving that perfect twist with your beer or just want a snack that feels like a warm hug, these twelve spots deliver tradition in every chewy, golden bite.
1. Aki’s BreadHaus Pretzel (Minneapolis)
Walk into Aki’s BreadHaus and you’ll swear you’ve teleported straight to a Munich bakery. Their pretzels boast that perfect mahogany crust with a pillowy center that practically melts on your tongue.
Owner Aki Kamozawa doesn’t mess around with shortcuts. Each pretzel gets a proper lye bath before baking, which gives it that signature snap and deep flavor.
The coarse salt crystals on top are just generous enough to make your taste buds do a little happy dance without overwhelming the dough’s buttery richness.
2. Duluth’s Best Bread — Big Fat German Pretzel (Duluth)
Size matters when it comes to this behemoth from Duluth’s Best Bread. The Big Fat German Pretzel lives up to its name, weighing in at nearly a pound of pure carb happiness.
What sets this monster apart is its incredible texture contrast. The exterior crackles when you bite through, while the inside stays impossibly soft and chewy.
Perfect for sharing, though you might not want to once you taste how the salt balances with the slightly sweet dough underneath.
3. Brewhouse Pretzels — Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery (Minneapolis)
Nothing pairs better with craft beer than a pretzel that knows its place in the food chain. Town Hall Brewery serves up brewhouse pretzels that could make a grown adult weep with joy.
These beauties come with a side of beer cheese that’s dangerously addictive. The pretzel itself has that authentic chew and a gorgeous dark brown finish from the lye bath.
Pro tip: order an extra one because your dining companions will absolutely steal bites when you’re not looking.
4. Biergarten Pretzel — Waldmann Brewery (St. Paul)
Waldmann Brewery takes its German heritage seriously, and their Biergarten Pretzel is proof positive. Baked fresh daily, these pretzels arrive at your table still warm enough to steam when you pull them apart.
The twisted dough has that quintessential pretzel flavor, slightly tangy with a hint of sweetness.
What really sells it is the texture: crispy exterior giving way to a soft, almost bread-like interior. Grab one during their outdoor biergarten season for the full authentic experience.
5. Warm Pretzels — Fitger’s Brewhouse (Duluth)
Perched along Lake Superior, Fitger’s Brewhouse serves pretzels that taste even better with a waterfront view. Their warm pretzels come out of the oven with that irresistible aroma that fills the entire dining room.
Each pretzel has a beautiful golden sheen and just the right amount of give when you squeeze it.
The accompanying mustard selection lets you customize your experience, from spicy brown to sweet honey varieties. Fair warning: one order is never enough when you’re watching the waves roll in.
6. Soft German Pretzel — Ursa Minor Brewing (Duluth)
Ursa Minor Brewing proves that great beer deserves equally great snacks. Their Soft German Pretzel is a masterclass in traditional baking techniques married with modern craft brewery vibes.
The dough gets folded and twisted by hand daily, resulting in those characteristic thick arms and thin center.
What really shines here is the balance: salty enough to encourage another sip of beer, but not so aggressive that it overpowers the pretzel’s natural flavor.
Pair it with their house-made cheese sauce for maximum satisfaction.
7. Bavarian Pretzel — The Rathskeller at Turner Hall (New Ulm)
Deep in the basement of Turner Hall, The Rathskeller serves Bavarian pretzels that would make any German grandmother nod with approval. New Ulm’s strong German heritage shines through in every twisted bite.
These pretzels have that deep brown color that only comes from a proper alkaline bath. The crust shatters perfectly, revealing a tender crumb that’s been seasoned throughout the dough, not just on top.
Eating one here feels like stepping back in time to old-world Bavaria, minus the transatlantic flight.
8. Giant Pretzel — Pryes Brewing Company (Minneapolis)
Pryes Brewing Company doesn’t believe in doing things halfway, and their Giant Pretzel is exhibit A. This absolute unit could easily feed three people, though sharing is entirely optional.
What makes it special beyond sheer size is the consistency throughout. Even the thickest parts of the twist maintain that perfect chewy texture without turning dense or doughy.
The salt distribution is spot-on, and the accompanying beer cheese is so good you might be tempted to order it by the pint. Seriously, this pretzel is legendary among Minneapolis brewery hoppers.
9. Late Night Pretzels — Indeed Brewing Company (Minneapolis)
Sometimes the best pretzels happen after dark. Indeed Brewing Company’s Late Night Pretzels have saved countless evenings when hunger strikes during the final round of beers.
Available until close, these pretzels come out piping hot with a glossy finish that catches the taproom lights. The dough has a slight sweetness that plays beautifully against the salty crust.
They’re substantial enough to soak up a few IPAs but light enough that you won’t feel weighed down. Perfect midnight munchies that actually taste like quality, not desperation.
10. Warm Pretzels — Wooden Hill Brewing Company (Edina)
Wooden Hill Brewing Company in Edina keeps things simple and delicious with their Warm Pretzels. No fancy names or gimmicks, just honest-to-goodness pretzel perfection.
These come brushed with butter right out of the oven, giving them an extra layer of richness that standard pretzels lack.
The interior stays fluffy and light while the outside develops that satisfying chew. Grab a seat by the fireplace in winter, order a dark lager, and tear into one of these bad boys.
Pure comfort food that reminds you why pretzels became a brewery staple in the first place.
11. Pretzel with Obatzda — Black Forest Inn (Minneapolis)
Black Forest Inn goes full Bavaria with their Pretzel with Obatzda combination. If you’ve never tried obatzda, prepare for a life-changing experience involving creamy cheese, butter, paprika, and onions.
The pretzel itself is textbook perfect: dark mahogany crust, generous salt crystals, and a tender interior that tears apart in satisfying chunks. But paired with that tangy, spiced cheese spread? Absolute magic.
This is the kind of authentic German experience you’d expect to find only in Munich, yet here it is in the heart of Minneapolis, waiting to ruin all other pretzels for you.
12. Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter — Soft Pretzels (Stillwater)
Stillwater’s Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter closes out our list with soft pretzels that honor every bit of German tradition. This restaurant takes its Bavarian roots seriously, and the pretzels reflect that commitment.
Each one is hand-shaped and gets the full traditional treatment, from lye bath to coarse salt finish. The result is a pretzel with deep flavor, perfect texture, and that unmistakable snap when you bite through the crust.
Pair it with a German beer from their extensive list and you’ll forget you’re in Minnesota altogether. It’s the perfect ending to any pretzel pilgrimage.