Rail Werks Brewing Depot, Columbia Heights, MN

4 Paws Marketing
Apr 11
4 min read

Front of Walter Station — A fun stop in Columbiar Heights, MN

Sometimes brewery stops are planned. Other times, they’re a result of needing something to do while your foster pup is at a nearby vet appointment. Rail Werks Brewing Depot falls into the second category. I found myself in Columbia Heights with an hour or so to kill and decided to pop into this spot that I’d heard was family-owned and kind of a hidden gem. Tucked into the corner of a modest strip mall, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it—but once inside, it opens up into something way bigger and more inviting than you’d expect from the outside.

It was a weekday afternoon, so the vibe was very low-key. I think there were two of us in the whole place—which, honestly, added to the chill factor. There was no rush, no crowd, just a calm space to hang out, soak in the atmosphere, and sip (or sample) a little something from the tap.

Fun bonus: the brewery is run by a husband and wife team, which gives it that extra local charm I love. There's something about knowing the people behind the place that makes it feel more personal.

Drinks:

Okay, I’ll admit it—it felt a little weird to order a drink just after lunchtime, especially when the place was basically empty. But hey, I was there, it’s a brewery…you kind of have to try something, right?

They only had one sour on tap during my visit: Currant Events, they say it's a blend of currant and black cherry. I really wanted to like it, but unfortunately it just didn’t do it for me. The flavor was a bit too bold without that balance and tartness I like in a good sour. I gave it a couple sips and then pushed it aside, somewhat regretting not trying one of their homemade seltzers instead—they have customizable seltzers made with their house syrups, which sounds pretty fun. Next time. I sadly have to give this one a 1/5...

To their credit, they do offer a full bar with everything from an old fashioned to seasonal cocktails and mocktails for the non-drinkers or designated drivers. Honestly, the menu was more well-rounded than a lot of breweries I’ve been to, and that’s a plus for groups with mixed drink preferences. If I go back, I’ll either have to try a seltzer or one of their cocktail options.

Food:

Rail Werks isn’t just a brewery—it’s also a full-service restaurant, and their specialty is BBQ. The menu is pretty big, with a mix of appetizers, sandwiches, and bigger entrées that go beyond your typical pub food. I kept it low-key, since it was just me and the place was empty - just went with a plate of nachos. They were…fine. Nothing to write home about, but I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular. Nachos are kind of the universal bar food, though if you're looking for some killer nachos - check out Pints & Paddle in Maple Grove.

That said, I feel like I didn’t do them justice by not trying one of their BBQ items. A return visit with a friend or my husband would be a better review of the food menu overall—next time I’d like to try something like brisket or something that is their "specialty". There’s definitely potential, so I’ll chalk my middle-of-the-day nacho experience as inconclusive. For now, a solid 2/5.

Dog Friendliness:

This one’s a heartbreaker—dogs not allowed. Since this is a full-on restaurant (with a full bar and kitchen), pups are a no-go. And from what I could tell, there’s no patio space either. Maybe there’s one tucked around the back that I missed, but I didn’t see any signs of one.

For me, that’s a big bummer. I totally understand the food-service regulations, but being able to bring my buddy along is always a huge plus in my book. So, sadly, Rail Werks doesn’t earn any bone points here.

Atmosphere:

Now here’s where Rail Werks shines. I was impressed by the space—it’s a lot bigger than you’d expect from the outside, and it has a really open vibe. There’s a large bar, plenty of tables (from cozy booths to hightops), and even a few more tucked-away corners if you’re after something quieter. I could totally see this place coming alive on a weekend.

There’s a decent-sized stage for live music, which I imagine is a draws a crowd when the place fills up. Add to that a couple dart boards and a solid selection of board games and cards, and you’ve got the recipe for a great night. I’m already envisioning a crew of friends or family, a flight of drinks, maybe some pulled pork, and a couple rounds of cribbage in a corner booth. It just feels like a place made for that.

Merch & More:

Pretty small selection of branded merch. There were a few apparel options to choose from as well as hats and pint glasses, I'll go with a 2 out of 5 for their lack of variety!

Overall:

Rail Werks has a lot going for it—great space, a full drink menu beyond just beer, and a pretty extensive food lineup. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and I can only imagine it’s a blast when the place is a little full and there’s some live music.

That said, the lack of a standout sour (my go-to) and the no-dogs policy knocks it down a notch for me personally. It’s not close enough to my side of the metro to be a regular stop, but I wouldn’t rule it out completely. If you live close—or find yourself in Columbia Heights —it’s definitely worth checking out. Bring a friend, order something off the BBQ menu, maybe catch a local artist, and enjoy a laid-back night out. Just be sure to leave the pup at home this time, sadly.