When comes to beer, North Dakota knows what it likes to drink! Last year the state ranked #3 in a list of which state’s residents drink the most beer, boasting a whopping 38.3 gallons of beer drank annually per capita and a total of 20.9 million gallons of beer consumption! Fargo in particular loves its craft beer and is home to a number of local breweries that feature a lively ambiance, entertainment, food and more, in addition to special beers you won’t find elsewhere.
“Fargo is an amazingly supportive community that embraces their kitschy and weird reputation and that’s reflected in the local brewery scene as well,” Mark Bjornstad, Co-Founder, President of Drekker Brewing Company. “As brewers, we aren’t afraid to get experimental and push boundaries. For Fargo, the weirder the better. Normal just won’t cut it up here.”
Check out our top five favorites below!
Brewhalla
Drekker Brewing Company
This brewery and taproom is situated in one of the oldest buildings in Fargo. This renovated railroad shop turned brew-heaven was built in 1883¾six years before North Dakota was even a state! The taproom known as Brewhalla, is a spacious, lively area offering flights, pints and growlers right alongside where they’re made. Seasonals, one-off creations, sours, IPAs and more are in constant rotation. Pair your brews with a selection of munchies that include grilled cheese sandwiches, pretzels & ranch, charcutables (meat & cheese plate) and more. And if that doesn’t suit your palate, keep an eye out for local food trucks and vendors on-site.
Fargo Brewing Company
The Fargo Brewing Company
If you’re a fan of traditional brews made in traditional ways, swing by Fargo Brewing Company a brewery dedicated to the craft beer culture in Fargo. This brewery was the first of its kind in the Red River Valley and has a taproom that doubles as its production floor. The beers you’re sipping are as freshly brewed as they come. Surrounded by empty cans waiting to be filled, spend your day playing board games, munching on food truck fare and playing with the friendly house dog—all things that make this a city-wide favorite.
Junkyard Brewing Company
Junkyard Brewing Company
Established in 2012, this small craft brewery specializes in new and experimental beers such as the Terminal Delight, a funky cream soda sour with mango, pineapple and vanilla or the Banana Barge, a banana orange oat blonde ale. Junkyard boasts the largest outdoor patio of any Fargo brewery and has 11 taps in rotation weekly. Patrons can look forward to live music every night, food trucks, classic games like a giant Jenga and an overall chill atmosphere to drink at.
Prairie Brothers Brewing
Prairie Brothers Brewing Co.
This hidden gem might be easily over looked, seeing as its located at the end of a strip mall, but don’t judge a book by its cover. Prairie Brothers Brewing began with a passion for home brewing which has blossomed into a popular watering hole in Fargo. With an event schedule that frequently includes pinochle tournaments, cribbage tournaments, pub trivia and music video bingo, it’s a fun, laidback place to enjoy beer with friends and family.
Pixeled Brewing Company
Pixeled Brewing Co.
If you love beer and video games, then Pixeled Brewing Co. will make you beyond happy. As Fargo’s first arcade and brewery, it’s a unique place to enjoy out-of-the-ordinary beers while satisfying your appetite for nostalgic games that loved as a child. Think Mortal Combat, Pac Man and Tekken. Play over 55 arcade games and drink all the small-batch experimental craft beers you can handle, all in one place.
