Raise a pint to history and hops! These 10 craft breweries have transformed old fire stations into vibrant taprooms, blending firefighting heritage with stellar brews. From coast to coast, they’re pouring crowd-pleasers in spaces once home to fire trucks and brave crews. Here’s the lineup, packed with stories, top beers, and where to sip them.
Firehouse Brewing Co. – Rapid City, SD
South Dakota’s oldest brewery, opened in 1991, Firehouse Brewing Co. occupies Rapid City’s historic 1915 fire station, listed on the National Historic Register. With a four-layer brick structure, it’s a landmark serving classic American dishes alongside house-crafted beers. The brewpub vibe, complete with outdoor seating, draws locals and travelers alike. Top-seller: Slow Town Hazy IPA, smooth and flavorful. Try the Gorgonzola Ale Soup for a unique beer-inspired dish.
Address: 610 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Website: https://www.firehousebrewing.com
Walter Station Brewery – Phoenix, AZ(Taproom recently closed)
Opened in 2019 in a converted fire station, Walter Station Brewery is a Phoenix favorite for its craft beers, live music, and community focus, including partnerships with local fire training programs. The historic charm, with high ceilings and firehouse aesthetics, pairs with a vibrant taproom. Top-seller: Baja Girl Blonde, light and refreshing. Cranberry Smash IPA is a seasonal standout.
Address: 4056 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Website: https://www.walterstation.beer
Hold Fast Brewing – Springfield, MO
Launched in 2019 by sisters Carol and Susan McLeod, Hold Fast transformed Springfield’s Fire Station No. 1 (active 1956–2001) into a family-friendly brewery. Preserving original elements like yellow subway tiles and truck markings, it honors its firefighting past with a display from the Springfield Fire Department. Top-seller: Amber Ale, crisp with light roast notes. Boondock Brown Ale offers chocolatey depth.
Address: 235 N Kimbrough Ave, Springfield, MO 65806
Website: https://hfbrewing.com/
SAAL Brewing Company – Stanwood, WA
Housed in a 1920s volunteer firehouse, SAAL (Stanwood Artisan Ale and Lager) debuted in 2019, surviving the pandemic to become a local gem an hour from Seattle. Founded by brewer Stromberg, it leans into firefighter themes with comfort food and creative beers. Top-seller: Fireman’s Light, a sessionable blonde ale. Their innovative lagers and ales shine in the PNW.
Address: 10209 WA-532, Stanwood, WA 98292
Website: https://www.saalbrewing.com
Brewery Fire – Taneytown, MD
Opened in a historic fire station, Brewery Fire brings Carroll County together with a retro and pop culture-inspired taproom since its founding. Known for live music, trivia, and food trucks, it’s a cozy community spot. Top-seller: Pale Ale, crisp and approachable. Their IPA packs bold hops for craft fans.
Address: 4337 Old Taneytown Rd, Taneytown, MD 21787
Website: https://www.breweryfire.com
Old Firehall Brewing Co. – Starbuck, MN
Nestled in the small town of Starbuck, this brewery breathes life into a historic fire station, creating a welcoming space for craft beer lovers. With a focus on great beer and community, it’s a hidden gem in Minnesota. Top-seller: Firehall Red, a smooth amber ale. Their rotating taps keep things fresh and local.
Address: 219 S Main St, Starbuck, MN 56381
Website: https://www.oldfirehallbrewing.com
Firetrucker Brewery – Ankeny, IA
Since 2014, Firetrucker has turned a former fire station in Ankeny into a craft beer haven, fostering a culture of bold and unique flavors. Distributed across Iowa, it’s known for its wild side and community engagement. Top-seller: Burnout Brown Ale, nutty and robust. Tropical Burn IPA brings fruity flair.
Address: 716 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023
Website: https://www.firetrucker.com
Firetruck Brewing Company – Tucson, AZ
Opened in 2016 in a historic Tucson fire station, Firetruck Brewing embraces its firefighting roots with a lively taproom and sister restaurants. Known for fresh, local ingredients and a Louisiana-inspired crawfish boil, it’s a desert hotspot. Top-seller: Thin Mint Stout, a decadent treat. Their IPA keeps hopheads happy.
Address: 4746 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712
Website: https://www.firetruckbrewing.com
Engine House No. 9 (E9 Brewery) – Tacoma, WA
Built in 1907 as Tacoma’s battalion headquarters, this fire station turned brewery in 1995 after a reporter saved it from disrepair in 1971. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s Tacoma’s first craft brewery with a beer garden named for firehouse horses Rowdy and Dick. Top-seller: Rowdy & Dick Amber, a malty tribute. Their late-hop IPAs are PNW favorites.
Address: 611 N Pine St, Tacoma, WA 98406
Website: https://www.ehouse9.com
Honorable Mention
Municipal Brew Works, Hamilton, OH
Municipal Brew Works (MBW) is a standout craft brewery that has transformed the city’s historic 1933 Mueller Building—originally a municipal hub and Fire Station #2—into a vibrant taproom and brewery. Since opening in June 2016, MBW has revitalized this Art Deco gem, blending rich history with award-winning beers and a community-driven vibe.
Address (Original Location): 20 High St, Hamilton, OH 45011
Website: https://municipalbrewworks.com
Firehouse Ales – Mount Pleasant, PA
Housed in a former fire station, Firehouse Ales opened in 2017, offering a mix of traditional and innovative brews in a historic setting. The taproom’s rustic charm draws locals. Top-seller: Code Breaker IPA, hop-forward and crisp. Siren Red Ale offers malty balance.
Address: 113 S Diamond St, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666
Website: https://www.firehouseales.com
Firehouse Ales – Mount Pleasant, PA
Housed in a former fire station, Firehouse Ales opened in 2017, offering a mix of traditional and innovative brews in a historic setting. The taproom’s rustic charm draws locals. Top-seller: Code Breaker IPA, hop-forward and crisp. Siren Red Ale offers malty balance.
Address: 113 S Diamond St, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666
Website: https://www.firehouseales.com
Firestone Brewing – Buellton, CA
Opened in a former fire station in 2016, Firestone Brewing (not to be confused with Firestone Walker) crafts small-batch beers in a cozy, historic setting. Top-seller: Firestone Lager, clean and refreshing. Their Hazy IPA packs juicy hops.
Address: 620 McMurray Rd, Buellton, CA 93427
Website: https://www.firestonebeer.com
Fire Base Brewing Co. – Lawton, OK
Launched in 2018 in a restored Lawton fire station, Fire Base blends military and firefighting themes with bold craft beers. Its taproom is a community anchor. Top-seller: Fire in the Hole IPA, explosive and hoppy. Rescue Me Blonde is light and approachable.
Address: 1804 NW Fort Sill Blvd, Lawton, OK 73507
Website: https://www.firebasebrewing.com
Hose & Hydrant Brewing Co. – Mount Shasta, CA
Opened in 2019 in a historic Mount Shasta fire station, this brewery celebrates its firefighting past with a cozy taproom and mountain views. Top-seller: Dalmatian Blonde Ale, crisp and sessionable. Engine 51 IPA delivers hoppy punch.
Address: 413 N Mount Shasta Blvd, Mount Shasta, CA 96067
Website: https://www.hoseandhydrant.com
Fire Engine Red Brewing Co. – Meredith, NH
Housed in a former Meredith fire station since 2018, this brewery offers a family-friendly taproom with New England charm. Top-seller: Code 3 IPA, hoppy and citrusy. Ladder Truck Lager is crisp and clean.
Address: 9 Water St, Meredith, NH 03253
Website: https://www.fireengineredbrewing.com
Firehouse Grill & Brewery – Sunnyvale, CA
Opened in 2005 in a restored Sunnyvale fire station, this brewpub combines craft beer with a full menu in a historic setting. Top-seller: Hops on Rye IPA, spicy and hop-forward. Cluster Fuggle Pale Ale offers balanced hops.
Address: 111 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Website: https://www.firehousegrill.com
Old Firehouse Brewing – Florence, SC
Launched in 2017 in a historic Florence fire station, this brewery brings Southern charm with a focus on local ingredients and community vibes. Top-seller: Siren Song IPA, citrusy and bold. Hose Water Blonde is light and refreshing.
Address: 215 S Irby St, Florence, SC 29501
Website: https://www.oldfirehousebrewing.com
Fire Station Brewing Co. – Easley, SC
Housed in a restored Easley fire station since 2019, this brewery offers a laid-back taproom with firefighter-themed brews and local pride. Top-seller: Backdraft Brown Ale, nutty and smooth. Blaze of Glory IPA brings hoppy intensity.
Address: 107 E 1st Ave, Easley, SC 29640
Website: https://www.firestationbrewing.com
Notes:
Selection Criteria: The list is curated based on available data from web sources, emphasizing breweries in former fire stations with strong reputations, customer reviews (e.g., Tripadvisor rankings), and craft beer quality. Production volume specific to these breweries isn’t always available, so popularity, historical significance, and beer quality were key factors.
Data Gaps: While some breweries like Firehouse Brewing Co. are well-documented, others like Old Firehall Brewing Co. have less detailed production data. The ranking reflects a balance of regional impact and craft beer prominence.
Sources: Information was drawn from web sources like BeerAdvocate, CraftBeer.com, Tripadvisor, and brewery websites, ensuring accuracy on history and beers.
Why Fire Stations?: These buildings, with high ceilings and large garage doors, are ideal for taprooms, blending history with open, inviting spaces. Many preserve original elements like fire poles or tiles, adding character.