In the mid-1990s, Durango was still shaking off the dust of its railroad heyday, a mountain town where the Animas River runs cold and clear, the San Juan peaks loom like silent guardians, and folks gather not just to drink but to swap stories under wide skies. Kris Oyler saw something in that raw, unpretentious spirit—the perfect spot for a brewery that would feel as rooted in the landscape as the narrow-gauge tracks rumbling through town.
After scouting the Southwest and honing his skills at Union Colony Brewery in Greeley, Oyler teamed up with Brian McEachron. They shared a vision: beer wasn’t just a product; it was a heartbeat for community, a place where locals and travelers could clink glasses, watch brews bubble in copper kettles, and feel the pulse of Durango life.
Steamworks Brewing Co. fired up on September 14, 1996, with a 10-barrel system and room for about 250 souls. The spot at 801 East Second Avenue quickly became more than a brewpub; it was the living room Durango didn’t know it was missing.
The space features exposed beams, industrial pipes humming overhead, the clank of glassware, laughter echoing off reclaimed-wood walls, and the faint scent of malt mingling with green chile and pine from the open kitchen. It’s that classic Durango mix: frontier grit meets mountain warmth, where you might share a long table with a skier fresh off Purgatory, a river guide, or a family celebrating a birthday. The vibe is unhurried yet alive. Folks linger over pints, debating the latest trail conditions or the Iron Horse race results, while the Animas flows mere blocks away.
The beers tell their own Durango story. Steam Engine Lager, an amber that’s won multiple golds at the Great American Beer Festival, or GABF, channels the steam-powered heritage of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: smooth, reliable, and full of character. Colorado Kölsch, crisp and approachable like a summer float down the river, keeps earning medals, including recent silvers, while Backside Stout has brought home gold in recent years.
The lineup rotates with the seasons: bold stouts for snowy nights, hoppy IPAs for trail days, and specials that showcase wild experiments (think mole-infused stout with chilies and spices nodding to Southwestern flavors). Up to 18 taps flow fresh, backed by a pub menu of hearty pizzas, Southwestern dishes, massive salads, and options for vegetarians and gluten-free eaters. It’s food that pairs perfectly with the brews, satisfying after a hike or bike ride, and never pretentious.
Steamworks’ accolades have piled up with around a dozen GABF medals, a handful from the World Beer Cup, and ongoing recognition that puts Steamworks on national maps. But the real measure isn’t trophies; it’s consistency and soul.
Peak Food & Beverage, the parent company, is nearly 40% employee-owned, a model that keeps turnover low and pride high. Full-time staff get subsidized health insurance, reflecting a belief that happy people brew better beer and serve with genuine warmth. It’s that Durango ethos: invest in your people, and the community thrives.
Steamworks weaves itself into the town’s fabric like the railroad once did. Sponsoring the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic—where riders race the train up the canyon—and the Steamworks Half Marathon (set for June 6, 2026, winding below stunning San Juan views) aren’t just marketing tactics; they’re partnerships. These events celebrate active living, the rugged beauty of the landscape, and the shared joy of pushing limits, then toasting recovery. From San Juan Brewfest pours to local fundraisers, Steamworks shows up, pint in hand, supporting the rhythms of Durango life.
As 2026 marks the 30th anniversary—three decades since those first batches—Steamworks stands as a testament to staying true. The copper kettles still hiss, the bar still fills with familiar faces, and the mountains still call. Kris and the team look back with gratitude and forward with the same hope: another 30 years of brewing fresh beer, gathering folks, and keeping that steam-powered spirit alive.
In a town where elevation meets intention, where historic downtown streets buzz under blue skies and the river runs eternal, Steamworks isn’t just a brewery—it’s home. One pint, one shared laugh, one mountain sunset at a time.
**Descriptions of the dishes served (matched with photo captions to be worded after layout): Artichoke-Spinach Dip served with house-made beer bread and chips; whole smoked chicken wings; Indonesian Peanut Salad with rice noodles, mixed greens, cucumbers, edamame, sesame seeds,tri-color carrots, Indonesian peanut dressing, and fresh cilantro; Cajun Cavatappi Pasta with all-natural chicken breast, gosar ranch andouille sausage, pablano pepper, onion, and Cajun cream sauce; Flatiron Steak, featuring eight-ounce certified angus, red chimichurri, white cheddar mashers, and asparagus; Sausage Party Pizza with marinara, gosar ranch andouille, salami, Canadian bacon, banana peppers, provolone, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and chipotle hot honey
By Hank Blum
