Matt Dowgwillo
Minnesota Craft Note
Support local. Be rewarded.
Craft Notes is a community-driven passport program that celebrates local craft culture—beer, cocktails, coffee, and more. Founded in 2015 by a group of artists and foodies, the project aims to support local businesses and foster community through curated experiences. Their beautifully designed passports offer discounts and stories from over 100 local makers, encouraging exploration and connection.
Why We Love Them
Craft of Midwest
Craft Notes is a passport to local discovery. Their beautifully designed books connect people to Minnesota’s best craft makers—breweries, roasters, distillers, and more. We love their mission to support small businesses and build community through shared experiences.
Meet the Maker
Matt D
Matt Dowgwillo. Founder of Craft Notes, lover great drinks, my kids, wife, and dog, the outdoors, travel, cooking and gathering with friends to do it all. Born and raised in the unofficial beer capital of the world (Wisconsin, near Pabst farms) and a near-permanent resident of the Twin Cities. Passionate about good food, the environment, and ethics. I started Thrifty Craft Notes as a way to promote the businesses, people, and community I loved; to share them and help them discover and connect to eachother. Over 15 years in the Twin Cities’ restaurant and bar experience working with tons of great people and businesses. Some of my best Twin Cities recommendations? It varies by mood and price point, but I’m a regular at: Misfit Coffee, Peace Coffee, Red Stag’s brunch, On’s Thai, Zen Box, Sociable Cider, Dangerous Man, Smoke in the Pit, Lawless Distilling, Icehouse, My Huong Vietnamese, and Hai Hai.
