Fall is harvest season all around Eastern Idaho, and local farmers are busy harvesting all sorts of crops–including the ones that go into beer. The Gem State tops the nation in barley production and ranks second in hops production. With so many top-quality ingredients grown so close to home, it’s no surprise local brewers are getting in on the action. The Yellowstone Teton beer scene is evolving rapidly, and new breweries are popping up more frequently now than ever before.
Teton Valley is the heart of the regional beer scene, with four breweries divided between Victor and Driggs. Idaho Falls also features two favorite breweries where locals and visitors alike enjoy flavorful microbrews. Be sure to also check out two of Idaho’s best beer festivals, held right in the Yellowstone Teton region.
Breweries
Grand Teton Brewing, Victor
Locals and visitors alike love Grand Teton Brewing which is the oldest brewery in Teton Valley. When the weather’s nice, people stretch out in the sun to enjoy the large lawn area, but any kind of weather is great for enjoying favorites like Ale 208, Grand Teton Amber Ale, and a host of other award-winning brews.
Wildlife Brewing, Victor
Victor’s Wildlife Brewing serves up pints of Hopstafarian Extra Pale IPA, Go Big! Golden Ale, Mighty Bison Brown Ale, and other favorite brews in addition to “crowlers” which allow people to take “to go” cans of their favorite on-tap brews (much like glass “growlers”). The brewery also serves up delicious pizza, salads, appetizers, and more.
Citizen 33, Driggs
Citizen 33 is Teton Valley’s newest brewery, and it focuses on locally-sourced beer and food. The gastropub-style brewery includes a full assortment of beers such as C33 Locals Lager and Idaho Obsession IPA alongside a food menu which includes everything from “noshes” like fried cheese curds and coconut chili chicken wings, to burgers, sandwiches, salads, and bowls.
Teton Thai, Driggs
A favorite local Thai restaurant, Teton Thai, has opened a small brewery next door, serving up beer in both the Teton Thai restaurant and its sister restaurant, Teton Tiger, which is located in Jackson, Wyoming. Money Penny Pale Ale is the brewers’ original British Pale Ale, and the beer list includes a rotating array of other options like Skull Pucker Sour Ale and Small Town Session Ale.
Idaho Brewing Company, Idaho Falls
Idaho Brewing Company offers eight year-round flagship beers, including Idaho Pale Ale, Deep Creek Ale, Wolf’s Oatmeal Stout, and Maggie’s Dog Slobber Brown Ale as well as an assortment of seasonal brews like Foxy Blond Lager, Oktoberfest, and Bad Badger ESB. The brewery crafts 20 different styles of beer, so there’s sure to be something on the menu to match every beer aficionado’s mood.
Snow Eagle Brewing, Idaho Falls
Beers like Cream Ale, Snow Eagle India Pale Ale, and Strong Scotch Ale are just a few of the brews on tap at Snow Eagle Brewing. The brewery boasts an impressive beer menu as well as food like nachos, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
If you choose to imbibe and sample some of Idaho’s finest beers, be sure to have a designated driver or utilize a local taxi company or rideshare service to get home (or to your hotel) safely.
Beer Festivals
Idaho Falls Oktoberfest
Be sure to dress up in your best Bavarian outfit for Idaho Falls’ Oktoberfest, which is typically held in September. Enjoy beer, food, music, and more at this fun festival.
Mountain Brewers Beer Festival, Idaho Falls
Each June, the Mountain Brewers Beer Festival takes place in Idaho Falls. Over 100 breweries will be sharing their creations, complete with live music, food, and raffles. Purchase tickets in advance (they will not be sold at the door), and feel good knowing the event benefits Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, Hospice of Eastern Idaho, and Breaking Boundaries.
