SimplyGrand spirits & brews x 2
All’s well that ends well with ale, plus a vodka chaser, courtesy of three area brewpubs and two distilleries. Both Rhombus Guys Brewing Company and Half Brothers Brewing Company serve up superb suds and fabulous food out of trendy, laidback Downtown spaces. Take a MiNny road trip to Hallock and sample more beers from Revelation Ale Works or some of the hard stuff at Far North Spirits. Who says you can’t make vodka out of sugar beets? At Red Pine Distillery, located on Grand Forks’ Northside, they do just that…rum, too! Drop by any of these places to sample for yourself and perhaps even take the grand tour. If caffeine is your drug of choice, we gotcha covered there, too! With several coffeehouses scattered about, our Forks are percolating up some tasty brews. Three locally owned favorites are Archives (UND campus), Bully Brew (Eastside and Southside) and Urban Stampede (Downtown).
Rhombus Guys Brewing Company
Located Downtown in the legendary Metropolitan Opera House, Rhombus Guys, along with one of the state’s top brewmasters, really knows how to make iconic (blonde) ales. This 15-barrel brewhouse serves up its version of popular styles including ambers, IPAs, pales, sours and stouts. The kitchen also produces great eats like burgers, street tacos, Scotch eggs and the tastiest fried Brussels sprouts this side of Belgium. Beer, in delicious dairy form, plays a starring role in several dishes: homemade pretzels with beer cheese dip, pulled pork and beer cheese smothered pub fries and a bacon beer cheese mac that’s lip smacking good. If you’re there on a Sunday, from 11 AM to 2 PM, give Rhombus’ delish brunch dishes a try. RhombusGuysBrewing.com
Half Brothers Brewing Company
At Half Brothers, producing superior suds and delicious dishes is a family affair. Together, siblings Chad and Taylor have created a 10-barrel production brewery, taproom and eatery located Downtown that specializes in locally inspired hand-crafted beers and food. A few noteworthy concoctions are the Grand Forks Classic Pale Ale, Morning Squeeze IPA and famously elusive Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows Fruited Sour Ale. Some of the signature menu offerings include a 13-ounce meatball with marinara, smoked chicken wings, Insalata pizza and a variety of hearty sandwiches served on fresh baked bread. HalfBrothersBrewing.com
Bully Brew Coffee
This Grand Forks original is the only place in town that actually roasts their own beans. Ranging from light to dark, top blends include Uff Da, Cowboy and Mocha Java. Enjoy a cup at any of three Grand Forks locations or since they can bag it to-go, y’all can brew a pot at home anytime. Make sure to also try one of the scrumptious caramel rolls or cookies made inhouse daily. BullyBrewCoffeehouse.com
Urban Stampede Coffeehouse
The Urban is former fur bank turned saloon with tons of character. Check out the historic safe, tin ceiling, dark wood bar and intricate stone floor. Sip on freshly brewed coffee or tea while you peruse the World’s Smallest Art Gallery and gift shop. Friendly baristas are always willing to whip up your favorite specialty drink or plate up a freshly baked bagel, muffin or scone. During summer months, take it outside to café tables situated in the heart of Downtown. TheUrbanStampede.com
For more info on the above establishments, along with a complete listing of all our SimplyGrand dining and drinking options, go to VisitGrandForks.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Grand Forks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.