New location at former IdaWild site set to offer expanded menu, increased production, and a playful pirate atmosphere.
Brown Beard Brewing, the popular Garden City brewery, is set to open a second taproom at 5270 W Chinden Blvd, in the former IdaWild location. The new establishment, named Brown Beard’s Barrel House, will feature an expanded beer selection, a larger production facility, and a fun, pirate-inspired theme.
Owner and brewer Bryce Tuttle, who opened Brown Beard Brewing in March 2023, quickly realized that the brewery’s original, small-scale setup couldn’t keep up with demand. “We opened the smallest brewery in the Valley, and by our first weekend, we sold out of everything we made,” Tuttle explained.
This summer, Brown Beard purchased the IdaWild property, allowing the brewery to increase its production capacity and broaden its offerings. “Our goal with the barrel house is to expand what we’re doing so we can have a full menu of beers,” Tuttle said. “I’ve never been able to do that before, so this purchase is a way to offer more variety while doing something fun and unique.”
The new Barrel House will serve as the production hub, while the original location at 9165 W Chinden Blvd will remain open with its “small, neighborhood, friendly” vibe, complete with live music from local and touring bands. The Barrel House, with its larger space, will offer trivia nights and possibly larger concerts, along with its new pirate-themed decor.
“I think it’s the only pirate-themed brewery or bar in the Valley, which is kind of a fun thing,” Tuttle said, referencing the swashbuckling aesthetic that ties in with the brewery’s name, Brown Beard. “I have a big brown beard, so when we opened, it just made sense. Now, with the new location, the name feels almost pirate-like, and I’ve always loved the pirate theme. It’s a fun way to do something fresh.”
In addition to expanding the beer offerings, the Barrel House will feature recipes from several local breweries, including some of the popular beers from the now-closed Crooked Fence Brewing. Tuttle plans to revive Crooked Fence’s beloved Sins of Our Fathers beer for a Black Friday release, followed by other Crooked Fence staples, such as Aviator Raspberry Blonde and Hot Notion IPA.
Tuttle’s connection to Crooked Fence is personal, as he had worked with the brewery’s former graphic artist on Brown Beard’s labels. “A lot of my regulars miss Crooked Fence,” Tuttle said. “We spent a lot of time there, and it’s great to be able to bring some of those beers back.”
Looking ahead, Tuttle is excited about the brewery’s future. “We’re moving to a bigger system, which means we can offer more creative and unique beers,” he said. “We’re excited for everyone to come in, feel comfortable, and enjoy a fun and unique space to meet up with friends.”
Brown Beard Brewing’s second location will open its doors this fall, offering a fresh take on both local craft beer and a memorable, pirate-themed atmosphere.
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