When I got an invitation to the soft opening of the much anticipated Brewhalla, from the folks at Drekker, I jumped at the chance. I have wanted to see what the looks, smells, tastes and fun would really be like now that the dream is a reality.
It delivers. Boom. You heard it.
Just so you get an idea of what I am talking about, this dream of a building is a mixture of restaurant, bar, retail, lodging, event space, tap room, coffee shop, Fargo-specific-merchandise, pet boutique…and so much more.
Sometimes a city doesn’t know what it needs until someone dreams up something like Brewhalla. It gave me feelings of the Mid-Town Global Market in Minneapolis, Cossetta’s Market in St. Paul and The Forks in Winnipeg.
When you walk into Brewhalla you have shops mixed with retail and specialty bar spaces to the left. To the right you have an event space that will be hopping with everything from weddings to corporate events. And right in front of you through those double doors is a brand new Drekker tap setup with bar seating.
A few of the highlights from my journey into the new Brewhalla.
Unglued:
The space for Unglued is amazing. If you’ve never heard of Unglued, this retail space is funky, creative, midwest focused and has the best gift selection for someone wanting something “Fargo-y.” My wife and I spent almost 45 minutes looking at the eclectic collection that has been curated so very carefully. Amazing.
Luna Market:
Clearly the brain trust behind Luna (on South University Drive) saw the potential early on in the development of Brewhalla. They have the largest footprint and have brought to life some very cool elements.
A wine bar (that was extremely popular during our tour), an oyster bar (the oyster shooter for $5 on the menu features a fresh shucked oyster, cocktail sauce, saki and a hit of hot sauce on request), a market, a cheese/meat case and a small menu of nibbles that beg to just get one of everything for the group.
Congratulations to the team from Luna and all their affiliates who brought this to life!
Cow & Co. Creamery:
The cheese curds! The aged gouda! The gelato! This is a prime example of the powerful purpose of Brewhalla. Cow & Co. Creamery is based out of Carrington, ND would have found it difficult to immediately scale into a storefront so far from the operation – but being able to be a part of the numerous shops and eateries inside Brewhalla is the perfect fit. You share the foot traffic and get the benefits of everyone being a draw.
Listen to the It Takes Two interview with Cow and Co. Creamery from just a few months ago!
Brewhalla offers a lot and will, undoubtably, be a draw for regulars, occasional stop-ins and tourists. The addition of a very large parking lot will also help the established Drekker space (which is right next door).
My wife and I cannot wait to get back.
Grand Opening to the public will be Saturday, March 18th at 10am. Whether you make it on day one or you find an evening to stop by in the next few weeks, I think you’ll be impressed – I know I was!
