Beer Snob | October 26th, 2016
By Chris Larson cjlarson75@gmail.com
With a nod to Fargo’s history and a commitment to supporting local and regional brewers, Front Street Taproom opened its doors to the public this past Wednesday and thus delivered on a very simple concept that I have personally been desiring for quite some time: a taproom that features only beers made in Minnesota or North Dakota.
With seating for 126 and 30 taps available, manager/owner Aaron Templin and his crew are ready to serve up flights, half pints, and pints of beer served with pride, that were brewed within the two-state region of North Dakota and Minnesota. When asked about this concept, his answer was as simple as the concept itself.
“We are just huge fans of the local beer scene and love what the local brewers are creating. We had the space for 30 taps and with so many excellent breweries in the area, sticking exclusively to Minnesota- and North Dakota-brewed beer made sense.”
Not only does it make sense, it is a concept that has recently become quite easy to fulfill. Aaron should have no problems keeping the tap lineup interesting and diverse, with an abundance of options from the two state region, that includes the likes of Fargo Brewing, Drekker, Rhombus Guys, Junkyard, Laughing Sun, Kilstone, Surly, Indeed, Summit, Bent Paddle, Fulton, Schell’s, and more!
Their love for unique beers and connections to the regional beer scene will most certainly mean you will often find rare or specialty beers on tap. In addition to some of the Surly limited releases, a rare Wooden Soul from Indeed was on tap for their soft opening and they are certain to be a hotspot for tap takeover events featuring rare beers in the future.
Architecturally and atmospherically, the space is a comforting blend of form and function. The bar features a foot rail made of reclaimed train tracks and the room features consist mostly of exposed brick and beams. There were a few details that immediately stuck out to me as charming nods to the old history of the building. In addition to a bricked in door that was uncovered during the remodel and now presented as is, I did take note of the retained structural I Beams that former shoppers of One World might recognize as support for what used to be the second level of the old boutique shop.
Those with an eye for detail may notice one of the beams had to be moved to give clearance for the staircase that leads to Front Street’s mezzanine level, an elevated area that is available for private events by reservation.
Aside from that, there is very little else to connect it to the most recent tenant, and the massive efforts over the last year had Aaron smiling with pride as they poured their first pints for the public. “Months and months and tons of work by a lot of people have gone into this project, and seeing people come together to enjoy some of the best product that the area has to offer, in this type of atmosphere that we had a hand in creating, is very gratifying.”
Local and regional beer is not the only thing that Front Street will focus on. With local promoter Chad Frankl on staff, they will present local and regional musicians Thursdays through Saturdays. The schedule is already filling up and includes Max Johnk, Cropdusters, Matty J, Haley Rydell, and Gina Powers. Grand opening celebrations this weekend include Max Johnk Duo on Thursday, Matty J on Friday, and Gina Powers and friends on Saturday.
Weekly happy hour specials will include $1 off taps from 4 to 6pm on Monday through Thursday and Noon to 5pm on Fridays. Their Munchie Menu features locally produced snacks that are always available and although they will always allow you to order in food to be delivered, periodically for special events Front Street will invite in local food truck vendors. Jay’s Texas BBQ was on hand for the soft opening as well as their Grand Opening on Wednesday and will be back on site this Saturday. If you do make it out for their grand opening this weekend, keep an eye out for limited releases from Surly including Darkness, Damien and Furious Black and if you’re extra lucky they may have some Wooden Soul to satisfy those with a thirst for a great barrel-aged sour.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Front Street Taproom
614 Main Ave, Fargo
Grand Opening, October 26 & 27, 4pm
June 21st 2023
April 22nd 2021
March 4th 2020
February 26th 2020
February 19th 2020
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