In 1990, Frank Day had a vision to create craft beer and great food, all served in one location. So Day created Walnut Brewery in the heart of Boulder.
Since, it has become a welcoming and beloved watering hole; one of the oldest brewpubs in the county. A person walks into an inviting atmosphere filled with smiles and tantalizing aromas. Brick walls yield to exposed beams; large signs of craft beers that have been brewed in-house emblazon walls and shelves are lined with glass steins, signifying the proud members of the “Mug Club.”
Another way to put it is, that after years of evolution, the Walnut Brewery remains a favorite among the Boulder community.
Chatting with Zak Kohler, general manager of Walnut Brewery, it was mentioned that Walnut Brewery is an original; the original Rock Bottom, that is.
“The umbrella of CraftWorks Restaurants includes Old Chicago, Rock Bottom, Chophouse and Walnut Brewery,” explains Kohler. “Walnut Brewery has always been the innovator of Rock Bottom, which now includes 36 restaurants; six of those are in the Denver area.”
Over the course of 25 years, the menu has been revised and honed to reflect customer tastes and current cuisine trends. While there will always be a demographic for a decent burger and fries, the elegant pasta dishes such as Chicken Genovese with a walnut pesto sauce have given away to more contemporary fare like Buffalo Fajitas, a crowd favorite.
“All of our meat comes from a Boulder-based company,” Kohler says. The bread products and produce are locally acquired as well.
Walnut Brewery would not be in existence if it weren’t for craft beer. From the toasted nutty flavor of the award-winning St. James Irish Red Ale to the incredibly popular 1123 IPA or the triple hops blend of Buffalo Gold, there is always something unique and robust on tap in this restaurant. Rod Taylor has been resident brew master for 16 years. He says it isn’t the blending, brewing or tweaking of recipes that keeps him there. It’s the customers.
“We have some of the best customers,” explains Taylor. “That’s what creates a good environment.”
Some of these customers have been faithfully filling their mugs since the restaurant opened 25 years ago. Mug Club member number one, known as Bob, comes in and assists Taylor with a special brew called the Double IPA. It is only available at Thanksgiving. Mug Club members are awarded prizes for visiting the brewery, such as discounts on food, T-shirts and, after 250 pints consumed, a special mug of their choosing to be displayed along the back wall behind the bar. One employee mentioned regulars and employees have developed friendships outside of the restaurant. There is also another, lesser-known, Walnut Brewery club that holds “Wactivities” throughout the year.
Whether someone pops in for a quick pint of Old Elk Brown ale, has a craving for smothered kettle chips or has to try a Maker’s Mark burger, there is a strong possibility of finding a seat that fits just right and friends that will last another 25 years.
