There are breweries, and then there are institutions. Empyrean Brewing Co., tucked inside the beloved Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill on 710 P Street in the heart of downtown Lincoln, falls squarely into the second category. This place has been crafting handcrafted beers since 1991, which in craft brewing years makes it practically ancient — and absolutely worth your time.
Walking through the doors, you’re immediately greeted by the kind of warmth that only comes with decades of practice. The exposed brick, the low amber lighting, the hum of conversation bouncing off the high ceilings — it all adds up to a room that feels genuinely lived-in and loved. This isn’t a concept brewery designed by a marketing team. It’s a place that grew organically out of Lincoln’s own culture, and the city has claimed it as its own ever since.
The beer list is where Empyrean really earns its stripes. Their flagship Burning Skye Scottish Ale is the kind of malt-forward, smooth sipper that converts casual drinkers into craft beer devotees on the spot. The Chaco Canyon Gold is crisp and approachable — perfect for a warm Nebraska afternoon on the patio. And if you time your visit right, the seasonal and limited releases are worth planning around. The brewing team here treats experimentation seriously, layering in local ingredients and Nebraska-inspired flavors that give each small-batch release a genuine sense of place.
What sets Empyrean apart from newer taprooms around the city is the full kitchen experience. You’re not just grabbing a flight of beers and calling it a night — you’re settling in. The menu at Lazlo’s, which shares the space, leans into hearty, well-executed American fare with Midwestern sensibility. The smoked meats, the burgers, the wood-fired flavors — everything is designed to complement what’s in your glass. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, order another round, and forget you had anywhere else to be.
The Haymarket neighborhood surrounding the brewery is one of Lincoln’s most walkable and vibrant districts, filled with independent shops, galleries, and a calendar packed with street festivals and evening events. Empyrean sits right in the middle of all of it, making it an ideal anchor point for an evening out. Arrive early, grab a window seat, and watch Lincoln do what it does best — show up, relax, and enjoy the company of good people.
Whether you’re a Nebraska native who somehow hasn’t made this pilgrimage yet, or a first-time visitor trying to get a real feel for what Lincoln is all about, Empyrean Brewing Co. delivers something rare: a genuine sense of place in every single pint. Don’t just pass through Lincoln. Pull up a stool.
