When we started to plan our summer trip to North Dakota, I was pleasantly surprised to discover an overwhelming number of Fargo-Moorhead breweries. Visiting craft breweries has always been one of my favorite ways to get to know a new city and these northern communities proved no different.
With so many incredible beers to sample, I feel that it’s important to get a feel for the full scope of the community’s craft offerings. Before you grab a beer (or two or three), make sure to peruse the ultimate guide to Fargo-Moorhead breweries.
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Drekker Brewing Company
Located in the heart of downtown Fargo, Drekker Brewing Company is the perfect place to spend a relaxed weekend afternoon. Not only is the brewery a fun space to spend time with friends, Drekker also offers activities that range from board games and live music to a bags league and seasonal craft market.
In addition to some tasty brews, the taprom also offers an impressive variety of bar snacks. Their gooey grilled cheese sandwiches and “Charcutables” (grown-up versions of the meat and cheese Lunchables you loved as a kid) pair perfectly with afternoon drinks.
Pint Preference: Broken Rudder
Address: 630 1st Ave North, Suite 6 in Fargo, North Dakota
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4 – 10 pm / Friday & Saturday: Noon – Midnight / Sunday: 2 – 10 pm
Fargo Brewing Company
Fargo Brewing Company immediately reminded me of one my favorite Des Moines breweries, Confluence Brewing Company. The minimalistic warehouse and graffitied picnic tables feel like the perfect place to sip some craft beer, regardless of the time of year. No matter where we went in Fargo, we saw Fargo Brewing Company beers being served proudly. And for good reason.
It was truly difficult to pick a favorite at Fargo Brewing. With flights of four samples for $6, visitors can try a handful of their incredible brews. We particularly enjoyed the nod to Fargo’s Hollywood claim to fame in the Wood Chipper IPA.
Pint Preference: Kenny’s Lemonade
Address: 610 N. University Drive in Fargo, North Dakota
Hours: Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 pm / Saturday: Noon – 10 pm / Sunday: Noon – 6 pm
Flatland Brewery
Located in West Fargo, Flatland Brewery is the area’s first brewery offering small batch craft beer and sodas made from scratch. Founded by four friends, the brewery opened in the summer of 2016 and offers full-year favorites as well as seasonal varieties.
Address: 3140 Bluestem Drive in West Fargo, North Dakota
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 3 – 11 pm / Friday: 3 pm – Midnight / Saturday: 11 am – Midnight / Sunday: 1 – 8 pm
Junkyard Brewing Company
If sours and experimental beers are your thing, you’ll love Junkyard Brewing Company. This nano-brewery offers an eclectic rotation of beers that changes weekly. Since their offerings change so regularly we left our drinking decisions up to Junkyard’s bartenders and were far from disappointed. While the brewery does not offer flights, visitors looking to try a variety of brews can order half-pint sizes.
An exterior wall of garage doors provides ample indoor-outdoor seating in addition to the brewery’s picnic tables in warmer weather. I especially enjoyed the custom illustrations for each of the brewery’s cornerstone beers that adorn the inside of the taproom.
Pint Preference: Saskatooner (from the brewery’s Experimental Sours Series)
Address: 1416 1st Avenue North in Moorhead, Minnesota
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4 – 10 pm / Friday: 4 pm – Midnight / Saturday: Noon – Midnight / Sunday: 2 – 10 pm
Kilstone Brewing
Kilstone Brewing‘s location in the center of an industrial complex may make it a little tricky to find. But the challenge only adds to this small taproom’s charm. With ample seating, board games, and a parking lot “patio,” Kilstone Brewing is the perfect place to gather with friends after a long week.
During our visit we opted to try a paddle of four of the brewery’s offerings, served in adorably small canning jars. The brewery offers an impressive variety of beers from rich brown ales to hoppy IPAs that are sure to please any beer drinker.
Pint Preference: Carry the Load Imperial Porter
Address: 764 34th St North in Fargo, North Dakota
Hours: Sunday – Tuesday: Closed / Wednesday – Friday: 3 – 10 pm / Saturday: 1 – 10 pm
Prairie Brothers Brewing Company
Even though it’s one of Fargo’s newest craft breweries, Prairie Brothers Brewing Company is already making a name for itself. What began as a home brewing hobby has morphed into a full-fledged brewhouse with almost a dozen rotating beers on tap.
Prairie Brothers offers flights of four samples for $6 and all the freshly popped popcorn you could dream of. As we sampled our beers, I couldn’t help but notice the sheer number of events that the brewery hosts. From themed trivia nights to live music, it seems like there’s always something going on at Prairie Brothers Brewing.
Pint Preference: Coco Boingo CMS
Address: 4474 23rd Avenue South in Fargo, North Dakota
Hours: Sunday & Monday: Closed / Tuesday – Thursday: 4 – 10 pm / Friday: 4 pm – Midnight / Saturday: Noon – Midnight