In the heart of downtown, where electricity once powered a growing city, a new kind of energy now pulses through the historic walls of Powerhouse Brewing. Since 1995, this iconic establishment has been delivering award-winning craft beers and standout pub fare—all from the shell of a once-functional power substation. With every pint and plate, the brewery celebrates both the past and present, blending industrial heritage with a thriving culinary scene.
Preserving History While Brewing the Future
The transformation of Powerhouse Brewing is a story of visionary entrepreneurship. When its founders acquired the long-abandoned substation in the mid-1990s, they were drawn not just to its size and structure, but to the untapped potential within its historic walls. The building’s towering ceilings, original copper fixtures, and massive brick façade offered the perfect canvas for something extraordinary.
Instead of wiping the slate clean, the founders embraced the building’s legacy. Original steel beams, control panels, and industrial windows were restored and repurposed, allowing diners to eat and drink surrounded by physical remnants of the space’s electric past. The former generator bays now house modern brewing tanks, symbolically replacing electricity with craft beer as the building’s new lifeblood.
Brews That Power the Craft Beer Scene
Powerhouse Brewing was one of the early trailblazers in the region’s craft beer revolution. Since opening its doors nearly 30 years ago, the brewery has developed a strong following with both its flagship beers and seasonal innovations.
Its best-selling Electric Ale—an amber brew featuring rich caramel notes and a balanced hop finish—has earned accolades at national beer competitions and remains a staple on the menu. Rotating seasonal offerings give brewers room to explore, with highlights like a citrusy summer wheat beer, a fall maple porter, and a barrel-aged stout released each winter.
Each beer reflects the creativity and dedication of the brewing team, many of whom have been with the company for years. Their ability to honor traditional brewing methods while constantly pushing the boundaries is a big part of what keeps fans coming back for new pours.
Food That Matches the Flavor
While Powerhouse’s beer menu may be the original draw, its food has earned just as much acclaim. The kitchen serves elevated brewpub fare, highlighted by favorites such as the Power Burger—crafted from locally sourced beef and topped with house-made aioli, pickled onions, and a sharp cheddar melt.
Weekly chef specials offer inventive spins on comfort food, utilizing locally sourced ingredients to add international flair to a primarily American-style menu. Vegetarian and vegan options round out the offerings, ensuring there’s something for every kind of guest.
A Place Where Community Gathers
Powerhouse Brewing isn’t just a spot for great food and beer—it’s a destination that has helped shape the city’s downtown culture. The once-industrial loading dock is now a vibrant outdoor patio, bustling in spring and summer with locals, tourists, and regulars catching up over pints beneath twinkling string lights.
Inside, the ambiance is both nostalgic and contemporary. It’s not unusual to see guests pausing to admire an original power switch or historical blueprint framed near the bar. This thoughtful blending of design and function has made Powerhouse a place where history feels alive, where each visit connects past to present.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone in search of a great burger and cold brew, Powerhouse Brewing invites you to experience what happens when you blend heritage with hospitality.
