Railroad Inspired Breweries
Southern Pacific Brewing, San Francisco, Calif.: Located in an old SP machine shop, this brewery by the Bay is a must hit anytime you’re in San Francisco. The brewery has at least six-standard beers from a robust porter to a West Coast Indian Pale Ale.
Great Northern Brewing Company, Whitefish, Mont.: Situated within eyesight of the old Great Northern Railway depot and BNSF Railway’s busy Whitefish yard, this brewery has been making craft beers since 1994.
Durango Brewing Co., Steamworks Brewing Co. and Animas Brewing Co., Durango, Colo.: If you like to combine railfanning with craft beer, than Durango might be the place for you. This little burg in southwest Colorado is home to three great breweries and to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Both the Durango Brewing Co. and Steamworks Brewing Co. were named with an eye toward the city’s railroad history, but Animas might have the best seat in town with an outside patio right along the D&SNG main line.
Narrow Gauge Brewing Company, Florissant, Mo.: The Narrow Gauge Brewing Company gets its name from the West End Narrow Gauge railroad, which extended from St. Louis to Florissant in 1878.
Railroad Brewing Company, Avon, Ohio: There’s no question about what inspired this Ohio brewery’s name. Located within earshot of Norfolk Southern’s rails, Railroad Brewing Co. has been brewing cold ones since 2013.
Roundhouse Brewery, Brainerd, Minn.: Located at the Northern Pacific Center, a mixed use facility in Brainerd, the Roundhouse Brewery takes its name from the old NP yards that were once located nearby.
Railroad Inspired Brews
Erie Brewing Company’s Railbender Ale, Erie, Pa.: This Scottish style ale takes its name from the laborers who laid the rails through Erie more than a century ago.
San Luis Valley Brewing’s 168 Steam Driven IPA, Alamosa, Colo.: If you want to enjoy a fine craft beer while supporting a great cause, look no further than the 168 Steam Driven IPA. Money raised from the sale of the hoppy brew is being donated to the restoration of Denver & Rio Grande Western 4-6-0 No. 168 at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Of course, there are plenty of brew pubs, breweries, beer distributors, and other fine establishments based in train stations (even cabooses), or that have railroad themes. Did we miss one of your favorites? Tell everyone on Facebook!
