As stated in our last post, this third day in Okoboji was completely unplanned. Therefore, after playing an 18-hole round of mini-golf, we were ready for some refreshments. So, we looked up some local breweries
As stated in our last post, this third day in Okoboji was completely unplanned. Therefore, after playing an 18-hole round of mini-golf, we were ready for some refreshments. So, we looked up some local breweries in town, and found West O.
The Brood That Brews
If you remember in my previous posts when I mentioned that a lot of bar and grills have taken advantage of their access to the Iowa Great Lakes here in Okoboji, well West O Brewery is no different. In fact, they specifically bought a plot of land to intentionally build their family-owned brewery here. This land has direct access to the spring fed West Okoboji Lake, and if you know anything about beer, you know the quality of water is what can make or break your product. This clean and unpolluted water source has produced some of the best beer in all of Iowa. So much so, that West O Brewery has won several state-wide awards ever since starting their business in 2013.
First impressions
Having purchased their beer selection at grocery stores and tried samples at beer festivals, we were excited to finally visit the actual site where it is made. Upon arriving and walking in we were surprised at how busy they were for a week day afternoon. We walked up to the bar, admired the menu, made our selections and sat at one of the many high-top tables.
Looking around I was reminded that West O Brewery also makes hard seltzers, and even cans and sells seasonal and special edition beer flavors on site. Unique flavors I’ve never heard of like, French Toast Stout, Pale Ale with Mango and Habanero, and Cherry Limeade Shandy. And since their regular customer base is full of boat enthusiasts, their slogan is “Awesome Water. Awesome Beer.” And “Canned for the Lake”.
To the lakes and beyond
In addition, they have taken advantage of the online ordering method, and strategically began selling their canned beer to go. And being competitive yet spontaneous in today’s market is becoming increasingly vital, which is why they continuously rotate limited-time only beer flavors. This entices the customer to come in, experience a flavor profile unlike anything they’ve tasted before, spread the word about this local rising star, then come back again to try the next unique creation West O Brewery and their team has concocted.
While my husband and were there, he loved the beer so much, he decided to buy one of the trucker hats. And honestly, he is ridiculously picky about his hats and how they sit on his head, so for him to bust out his wallet for one of his favorite accessories is a big deal. In fact, ever since his purchase, he has worn that hat almost every day for the past four months, even forgoing many of his old standby’s!
Show your support
Finally, we love to support local businesses, and fact that we found a brewery with a wide selection of product options helps us in our endeavor to shop local and keep our money within our community. We also love that we can find West O Beer at nearby grocery stores, allowing us to keep up with their continuously changing flavors and selection.
If you’d like to view pictures of their taproom, read up on their family business, and even learn how they got started, check out their website (https://westobeer.com/). Also, keep up to date on daily specials by visiting their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/westobeer/), where they also post educational videos and giveaways.
Hours of Operation:
Monday: Closed
Tues – Thurs: 2pm to 10pm
Fri – Sun: 12pm to 10pm
712-332-8090
503 Terrace Park Blvd
West Okoboji, IA 51351
