About
After a day skiing or hiking at Alyeska Resort, head to Girdwood Brewing Company to relax, sip some brews, and take in the breathtaking mountain views.
Back in the day, such an opportunity didn’t exist in Girdwood. That changed in 2017 when identical twins Brett and Rory Marenco decided to do something about it.
The brothers started brewing at home during their university years. Once graduated from school, they floated the idea of opening a brewery with their friend Josh Hegna. Josh became their ambassador and consulted locals he knew were ready to invest in the beer hall.
The doors opened in March 2017, marking the first brewery in Girdwood's history. The plan started small: two core beers plus a few rotating seasonals. Demand grew fast, so the brewery added four core beers alongside a rotating series of experimental and seasonal brews. One standout is Avy Savvy, a beer whose proceeds support the Friends of CNFAIC, a local avalanche awareness and training group.
Such local loyalty didn’t end with Avy Savvy. The brewery’s commitment to the community runs deep, making donations to nonprofits and regional outdoor organizations. Additionally, it provides year-round work for more than a dozen locals.
While Girdwood Brewing Company is an adult-centric location, families are welcome. Adding to this appeal are the food trucks on a rotating schedule, live music, and special events. We’ll explore these in more detail in our following sections.
Vibe
Set along the Alyeska Highway, the building carries a rugged, outdoorsy look that matches the surrounding mountains. The setting frames views that remind you exactly where you are — deep in the Alaskan wilderness.
Step inside and the timber-framed taproom takes over. Wood beams mark the ceiling, while the large windows offer unobstructed alpine views. Ski relics are a nod to the town's heritage on the slopes. In fact, the beer menu is hand-painted on skis mounted on the wall.
Small wooden tables dot the room, paired with weathered yellow metal chairs, adding an industrial vibe.
The outdoor beer garden with fire pits offers plenty of seating for cool Alaskan evenings, and the turquoise Adirondack chairs beckon guests to sit, rest, and chat.
Add the live music and seasonal events, and you have a destination worth exploring.
Girdwood Brewing Company: Menu & Drinks
There’s no onsite restaurant, but the rotating food trucks offer delicious options. Before you brush these off as greasy, carnival-style catering, think again.
Crepes De Paris serves tasty crepes with savory or sweet fillings. Blue Ristra offers New Mexican cuisine showcasing tacos, burritos, Frito pies, and juicy burgers.
Mammoth Cheesesteaks grill up the classic Philly-style sandwich, making for the perfect meal after a bike tour at Alyeska Resort.
If you’re famished, make a beeline to Girdwood Brewing Company when The Hungry Deckhand is onsite. To say these sandwiches are huge is an understatement! Case in point is the Pig Pen sandwich that, to be honest, you’ll have trouble getting into your mouth! It features thick smoked hardwood bacon, pepper jack cheese, and truffle hot sauce. Next, coleslaw, arugula, and smoked pork butt are added, along with a sweet-and-tangy pineapple BBQ sauce. All this deliciousness is stacked between grilled sourdough bread, making for a mammoth meal!
Asian cuisine shines when Izakaya is scheduled, while The Pizza Box delivers with its artisan pies and gourmet salads.
The beer is the star attraction, like the IP-AK at 6.5% ABV, delivering classic hoppy, citrusy, and piney notes. For something richer, the Hippy Speedball is an oatmeal coffee stout at 7% ABV. Roasty and chocolatey, it drinks smooth and suits a cool Alaskan afternoon. And for a true treat, the Girdwood Reserve is a bourbon-barrel-aged imperial stout at 13% ABV that pours velvety and has a warming bourbon finish.
Visiting Girdwood Brewing Company adds real flavor to your Alaska getaway. Fresh local beer, rotating food trucks, and mountain views give you a taste of Girdwood you can't find elsewhere.
Local Tips
- Check the food truck and event schedule to know what’s cooking and who’s playing.
- Order samplers to try a variety of beers.
- The house-made, non-alcoholic root beer will appeal to the kids!
- They don’t take reservations, so plan accordingly.
