Geneva Nodland
Summer is here and it’s time to sit back and enjoy. Take a tour through the local area’s breweries and cideries and check out what these locals are doing this summer to plan out your ideal summer! Plus, check out the Whiskey Showdown happening all month long! This issue of Fargo Monthly is the guide for summertime in the valley, so stay hydrated, stay busy, and enjoy the summer sun!
Ben Nelson
Bartender, Cottonwood Cider House
What are we sipping on at Cottonwood?
Strawberry Twist – Pureed strawberries, lemon juice, and Action cider. Garnish with sliced strawberries and lemon wedges.
Pearcumber Cooler – Cucumber and lemon juice, Pear of the North cider, and elderberry flower syrup. Garnish with cucumber slices and serve in a glass with a salty rim.
Flight ciders – CBB (Chamomile Blueberry) – Whole chamomile flowers soaked in blueberry-infused semi-dry cider.
Honey Cider – Semi-sweet cider with ND honey with notes of tartness and crisp green apple. Semi-sweet.
Birdie – Semi-sweet with a sour cherry taste.
Ayr Mule – A semi-dry Moscow Mule cocktail with lime, ginger, and hints of mint.
What are we doing?
Check out Ben’s recommendations for a great summer!
“I recommend people go to the Ottertail River to go tubing. It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon. If you want a little more excitement, you could go to Phelps Mill Park. There’s a bridge that’s a lot of fun to jump off into the river or you could just bring some food and have a picnic in the surrounding park.”
“The whole downtown Broadway area always has a lot of stuff to do. You can see a show, go dancing, or just get a strong drink with a good friend. I like hanging out along the Red River as well. It’s a peaceful break from the city and a decent area to try to catch some fish.”
“Downtown Fargo has some excellent street food vendors. Soul Taco has some great fusion-style tacos. Fargo Fillies makes a tasty cheesesteak that’s always a good way to end a night out. Taco Bros has an inspired menu that combines authentic Mexican food with a fun and approachable street vendor vibe.”
“In the basement of Front Street Taproom, there is a comedy club called The Cellar. They showcase a ton of local comedians and have some out-of-town headliners for special shows. Open mic night can be a lot of fun to attend especially if you’ve got some material you want to try out. They’ve got a great beer selection. You can grab a beer at Front Street Taproom and enjoy some local beers and ciders.”
“If you’re looking for something unique, I would recommend going to Marge’s Bar. It’s a fun little basement bar located in Robert’s Alley right next to The Boiler Room. They make some really good cocktails and the cozy, intimate vibe of the location is perfect for a night out with some friends or a date.”
Tom Knowlton
Head Brewer/Owner, Drekker Brewing
What are we sipping on at Drekker?
Painkiller Plop – Heavily fruited Tiki Seltzer based on the cocktail of the same name. Pineapple, orange, and coconut blended with just a kiss of nutmeg to round out the flavor. It’s a beach trip in a glass, don’t forget the tiny umbrellas!
Tropical Crisp Slang Du Jour – One of our heavily fruited pastry sours-this take on cobbler is a tropical explosion of pineapple, mango, and coconut conditioned on granola and vanilla to give it just the right amount of fresh-out-of-the- oven cobbler flavor.
I Don’t Know No Snakes – Our house lager bier is brewed with all pilsner malt and a little rice for that great crisp flavor. This is a patio pounder, a boat drinker, a companion for yard work, or just everything we love about a light lager in craft beer form!
What are we doing?
Check out Tom’s recommendations for a great summer!
“The Park Rapids area, it’s the perfect blend of nature, small-town atmosphere, and good food and drinks. It’s the quintessential summer destination for me and the family when we want to be within a few hours of the metro. We like to hit up downtown, do some shopping, stop for lunch at the Good Life Cafe, ice cream and treats at the Minnesoda Fountain, and spend time on the water or hiking around Itasca.”
“Summer in Fargo to me is all about enjoying the outdoors while the weather lets us. Visiting Bear Creek Winery is an awesome place to enjoy locally grown and made wines outside at their pond side barn, and it’s amazingly kid-friendly. Otherwise making a day of just walking and shopping downtown… then we bring the kids to the splash pad at Broadway Square and grab ice cream before heading back home.”
“The short answer is Brewhalla. All of the food there is unreal. Specifically Mågata Wine and Raw Bar. Yes, the oysters are amazing but you have to check out their entire menu, they are doing things like no one else in Fargo-Moorhead. Their ceviche, aguachile, and poke are the best.”
“There are so many kick-ass events in the summer it is hard to choose. Anything that the fine folks at Unglued put together is always a safe bet. Their Adult Summer Camp is the perfect blend of nostalgia. They are always throwing fun craft events at their new classroom space located in Brewhalla!”
“For anything cocktail related I always hit up Mezzaluna, Marge’s Bar, and Luna, the latter being one that I think people forget makes amazing drinks. The Vieux Carre from Mezz is my go-to any time of the night. For N/A drinks I love to go to Namaste Chai, housemade chai drinks just hit different. You have to follow them on socials to find out where they are setting up that week but it is worth the trip!”
Jared Hardy
Founder, Fargo Brewing Company
What are we sipping on at Fargo Brewing?
Stone Throw Scottish Ale 4.5% ABV – Stone’s Throw highlights the barley malt soul of beer. It pours dark amber in color with ruby highlights and a thick, tan head as the aroma hints of toast, caramel, dried fruit, and cocoa.
Fargo Original Lager 5.1% ABV – Fargo Original, our award-winning traditional German Helles lager, is light, crisp, and uncomplicated. Perfectly balanced and easy drinking.
Kenny’s Lemonade 3.2% ABV – Kenny’s pours a translucent golden yellow with a bright white head. The aroma is led by juicy bursts of citrus with a slight grassiness and notes of cracker. Tart bites of tangy lemon on the palate followed by a delicate sweetness of crisp malt for a light-bodied mouthfeel with a dry and tart finish.
What are we doing?
Check out Jared’s recommendations for a great summer!
“I recommend a road trip to the Oregon coast. The journey is filled with stunning scenery through North Dakota and Montana into the Idaho panhandle. I am probably biased, but there are plenty of great breweries to visit along the way. My family enjoys exploring the beaches and tidepools, hiking the many trails, and seeing the small coastal towns. A couple of our favorite towns are Astoria and Cannon Beach.“
“As mentioned before, I am biased as a brewery owner, but I recommend people touring the local breweries. We’re fortunate to have so many great breweries in Fargo, Moorhead, and Mapleton, and they all grow and change every year. Each offers a range of unique beers and experiences with their own perspective and take on our brewing scene.”
“Nova Eatery has become a favorite of mine, and not just because they are attached to Fargo Brewing—I enjoy the comfort food aspect of their menu. My ‘go-to’ items are the Nova Smash Burger or Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Another favorite is Blackbird Pizza, the Hot Chica pizza. The combo of woodfire pizza and hot honey drizzle makes it my favorite. It’s not always on the menu, but I have good luck asking for it when I visit.”
“I highly recommend attending outdoor concerts as a fun and memorable way to spend a summer night. They are a great way to appreciate live music, and you’ll feel more relaxed with the fresh air and sunshine.”
“I recommend grabbing a drink from the local vendors at the Red River Farmers Market before strolling through the market and stocking up on fresh produce for the week.”
Ellie Neuberger
Taproom Manager, Icewind brewing
What are we sipping on at Icewind Brewing?
Summer Lovin’ – Lemonade Shandy (5.2% ABV) – Sweet, tart, and refreshing, our shandy is a blend of a blonde ale and lemonade. This one goes fast, but we plan to brew it all summer.
Beermosa – Hard Seltzer w/ Orange Juice (5% ABV) – We call it “Beermosa” but technically it’s a hard Stelzer blended with orange juice. We always have this on tap for Saturday Bingo, but not usually during the week.
Mapleton Margarita – Lime Gose (5.1% ABV) – Gose (pronounced Goes-uh) is a tart ale from Germany with a hint of salt. This one should be around for most of June.
What are we doing?
Check out Ellie’s recommendations for a great summer!
“One of my favorite places to travel to in the summer is Duluth, MN. I love staying in Canal Park. There are so many little shops, restaurants, and things to do within walking distance. Another one of my favorites in Duluth is the Great Lakes Aquarium. They have touch pools as well as an amazing array of fish and sea life.
“There are so many good parks in Fargo. I really enjoy taking my dog on walks through Island Park. If you have a hammock, there are plenty of trees to hang yours on and relax with a good book. If the weather isn’t cooperating, I enjoy going to local downtown coffee shops such as Twenty Below Coffee.”
“One of my favorite places to eat in Fargo is a small Thai restaurant downtown called Thaikota. My favorite thing to get there is the Drunken Mama noodles, a spicy stir fry. They have a sweet little patio you can sit on and enjoy your meal with good company.”
“Fargo Brewing partners with Jade Presents often. I love going to concerts in their outdoor space. They often have local and nonlocal artists performing. Their atmosphere is out of this world. It’s such a cool and fun place to enjoy good music and drink good beer.”
“One of the coolest spots I have found in Fargo is Marge’s Bar. They have a wonderful menu of handcrafted cocktails. On their menu is an option where you can pick your liquor of choice and they will make you a surprise cocktail. I choose this every time I go there and I have NEVER been disappointed. Their bartenders work their magic behind the bar to create a unique cocktail that is sure to please.”
Seth Harms
Taproom Manager, Junkyard Brewing Company
What are we sipping on at Junkyard?
70s Rock Label – This hazy New England-style IPA is brewed with HBC 586 hops, a newer variety without a name yet; hence the experimental number. Many hops have a flavor profile leaning strongly in one direction, but these are all over with citrus and tropical flavors and hints of melon and pear juice.
The Squeezie THC – This soda is brand new for us and we are excited that the first release went well. We plan to rotate flavors and keep it stocked at all times if possible. We plan to continue to sell Squeezie going forward and it looks like the new legislation is going to allow us to continue to do so!
Cool Shades – Cool Shades is a series of sour beers that all revolve around the theme of different lemonade flavors. This batch is inspired by strawberry lemonade and brewed with a strawberry and lemonade drink mix. It’s a perfectly refreshing drink for a hot summer day!
What are we doing?
Check out Seth’s recommendations for a great summer!
“I recommend Duluth, Minnesota, a beautiful city located on the shores of Lake Superior. The city is home to many parks, including Canal Park, which offers stunning views of the lake and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. There are also many hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for fishing and kayaking. The downtown area is filled with unique shops, restaurants, and galleries, and there are many festivals and events throughout the year.”
“I recommend visiting Buffalo River State Park in Minnesota. Just 17 miles east of the heart of downtown Fargo, this park is a hidden gem. The park offers a hike along a glacial beach ridge in big-sky prairie country. The trail alongside the river is ideal and a great place to spend a summer day with family and friends to enjoy the outdoors.”
“I highly recommend BernBaum’s on Broadway. BernBaum’s is a popular American restaurant located in downtown Fargo. They’re known for their delicious bagels, sandwiches, and pastries. It’s a great place to grab breakfast or lunch if you’re in the area. Bernbaums can get quite busy—so, if you take it to go, I recommend enjoying your meal in Island Park.”
“Check out Bob Log III at the Aquarium on June 20. He’s known for his unique one-man-band style, playing guitar and drums at once while wearing a full-body suit and helmet with a telephone receiver on it. His music blends blues, punk, and rock and roll, and live shows are known for being wild and unpredictable.”
“I’ll be sipping Junkyard’s Margarita Slushy Seltzer all summer! It’s perfect for hot FM summer evenings, perfectly blending lime juice, agave, orange juice, and our homemade seltzer base.”
Meghan Pegel
Bartender, Pixeled Brewing Company
What are we sipping on at Pixeled Brewing?
Dry Irish Nitro Stout – Dark, rich, and malty.
Dead on Dill Pickle Cream Ale – Light, unique, and pickle-y
Blood Orange Wheat Ale – Witbier, bold, with flavors of blood orange.
Rasberry Crush – Kettle sour, tart, and crisp for summer.
What are we doing?
Check out Meghan’s recommendations for a great summer!
“Rothsay! Their Truck Stop Cafe has a huge menu—I recommend some sort of breakfast smothered in hollandaise sauce. While you’re there, check out “the Attic” Thrift Store, a non-profit with a huge selection for extremely cheap.”
“Patio season, baby! Hit up some brunch and happy hours and bask in the sun with a cold drink and some buddies. I recommend Wild Terra, Camp Lone Tree and Marge’s Bar.”
“ThaiKota! Try the Gau Gee dumplings and yellow curry with tofu if you feel so inclined. They even have an outside seating area for summer, too!”
“PRIDE events are scheduled to happen August 10-13, specifically the parade and “Pride in the Park.” Check out fmpride.com for the full list of events.”
“Big Gingers at Duffy’s Tavern is the summer vibe.”
Sean Syverson
Co-Owner, Swing Barrel Brewing Co.
What are we sipping on at Swing Barrel?
SWEET MELISSA – Honey Peach Wheat Ale-6% ABV – Swing Barrel’s most popular fruited wheat ale loaded with luscious peach flavor and a touch of smooth honey.
Pocha Maekju “Tent beer” – Korean Lager – 6% ABV-Pocha Maekju is a Korean-inspired lager brewed with sorachi ace hops & jasmine rice. This beer is clean, crisp, & refreshing.
Ransom Note – Hazy IPA-6.5% ABV – Brewed with vista, trident, & galaxy hops, Ransom note is bursting with tropical and floral flavors.
Turning Violet – Fruited Gose Sour-6.3% ABV – Bursting with blueberry, mango, and marshmallow, this sour will transport you to the wild world of Wonka.
What are we doing?
Check out Sean’s recommendations for a great summer!
“I recommend people plan to attend All Pints North Summer Brew Fest in Duluth, MN, Saturday, July 29. This beer festival features breweries from all over the state of Minnesota, offering tastings, live music, and other activities right at Bayfront Park.”
“I recommend people visit all the amazing craft breweries in the Fargo-Moorhead area. We really do have phenomenal beer in this town, and the atmosphere at each place is unique and inviting. “
“I recommend people eat from one of the several fantastic food trucks around the area. There are so many options, and all of them are tasty.”
I recommend people attend a concert at Bluestem Amphitheater. There is not a bad seat in the house.”
“I recommend people check out Marge’s Bar in Roberts Alley. One can choose their desired main spirit (Blanton’s Whiskey, for example), and then request that the bartender make a surprise drink from that choice. It’s a fun way to try something that the bartender is confident in making and that might be new to the customer.”
Grayce Darrah
Taproom Manager + Bartender, Wild Terra
What are we sipping on?
Sakura Spritz – This drink was on the menu for Wild Terra’s Sushi Night event, a collab with Sushi Burrito. Keep your eyes out for more like this in the future!
LMNADE – Light and refreshing lemonade series coming this summer with a cherry, peach, and tea flavor.
Mango Slushee with Tajin rim and lime – Featured every Thursday for Taco Night with Brew Kitchen + Catering.
Blueberry Basil Margarita – Experimenting with wine-based spirits to make funky cocktails!
What are we doing?
Check our Grayce’s recommendations for a great summer!
“In the summer I love traveling to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s the less popular of the two units, so it’s a great option if you are looking to avoid crowds. The Maah Daah Hey Trail starts near there if you are feeling up for an adventure, or there are a few other nice shorter hiking trails in the park. The North Unit is also 20 minutes from Watford City where I enjoy checking out Stone Home Brewery for local brews.”
“Wild Terra is always hosting a ton of fun events in the summer! Our Plant Party and Vintage Market have always been a huge hit. I always find something rad from the various vendors. I’m most excited for June 4 because it’s our first Brunch Fest and who doesn’t love brunch?!”
“Thaikota is just a block away from Wild Terra so I grab food from them quite often! It’s always fresh and super fun to try something new on the menu each time I go. The Khao Soi with tofu and Shrimp Pad Thai are my favorite!”
“It’s super fun to attend a Redhawks baseball game on the weekends. I enjoy hanging out in the beer garden while watching the game! On some Saturdays, they do fireworks after the game and they usually have a deal on hot dogs and pounders on Sundays.”
“The Rhombus Guy’s rooftop is one of my favorite places to grab a drink in the summer. I am obsessed with their Sour Diesel cocktail! The ginger and basil in the drink are so refreshing on a hot day.”
Check Out These Extra Drinks To Sip On This Summer!
Espresso Martini
Although many know Hair Success Salons & Spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, but had their drinks at the Martini Blu at the Grotto? Off the west side of Hair Success, you’ll see a welcoming patio, inside the patio doors sits Martini Blu at the Grotto—a full bar and grill open to the public where you can order martinis, wine, beer, cocktails, and dine from the Tavern menu. Next time you’re in for a spa or salon appointment, cap your visit with a drink at the Grotto and try this Espresso Martini!
The details: Espresso martinis are on special every Wednesday for WINOS (Women in Need of Sanity).
Grab an espresso martini on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
The Grotto Hours:
Monday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cucular Caley
One of the HoDo Classic drinks, the Cucular Caley, is the perfect sip to quench your thirst during the summer heat. Made with Ciroc Red Berry, Captain Morgan, Prairie Cucumber Vodka, Triple Sec, cucumbers, Sweet and Sour, and Sprite, this drink is as refreshing as it is tasty! Head to Blarney Stone Pub – Hotel Donaldson to try this drink!
BoomBoom Kombucha
For those who opt for mocktails and N/A drinks, we’ve found the perfect summer sip—BoomBoom Kombucha! This fermented refreshment is fruity, punchy, but still sweet enough to keep going back for more. Pictured here is the Summer Punch with mango, strawberry, raspberry, and while you might not be able to find this exact flavor, you’re guaranteed a delicious combination of tastes when you see the rotating flavor menu online!
BoomBoom Kombucha is one of the newer drinks to hit the Valley—and it’s coming in with a bang (really, when you open your bottle, the pressure from the kombucha-making process builds up and it goes “boom!”).
One reason why this kombucha is so cool (besides the boom boom effect) is the ordering process. Amanda, the owner, has multiple ways you can order the drink. When you choose your flavor you can pick from the categories Fun and Fruity, Spiced and Always Nice, and Seasonal Sensations, but no one flavor will be exactly the same. For example, if you order from the Fun and Fruity category, you may get something like the Summer Punch, but don’t worry—you can customize your flavor if you’re not a fan of surprises. Finally, pick up or have your kombucha delivered right to your door!
Learn more at boomboomproducts.com
