The Historic Old Town Fruita building that has served as everything from a livery stable to a barbershop to a karate studio has finally found a home – serving beer. Led by brewmeister Dave Lindig, the Fruita Brewing Company opened just in time to satisfy the cravings of parched mountain bikers making their way in droves to the burgeoning cycling hotbed below the Book Cliffs just outside Grand Junction.
With live music on the weekends, half-gallon “growler” jugs to go and eight handcrafted brews covering the beer spectrum from hefeweizen to stout, the 3-month-old pub already has won over legions of locals and saddle-sore visitors. Oh, yeah, they also serve food. After a long day on the trail, sink your teeth into one of five burgers, the popular Southwest cheese steak, a variety of large salads or one of their nightly specials. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. More important, happy hour is 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Get there: Take exit 19 off Interstate 70, just west of Grand Junction. The Fruita Brewing Company is at 127 E. Aspen Ave., across the street from Over the Edge Sports in downtown Fruita. 970-858-0880.
– Scott Willoughby
Got eats? Know a great high-country restaurant/bar/cafe/ burrito stand? Send tasty tips to outdoorextremes@denverpost.com.
