Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, Columbus

Since opening in 2013, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing in Columbus has been winning awards for its flagship Daybreak Coffee Vanilla Cream Ale and its barrel-aged rarities. But while Wolf’s Ridge enjoys a national reputation as a purveyor of excellent beer, the brewery focuses on the visitor experience at its downtown taproom and restaurant.

The location has two distinct spaces: a more traditional taproom in the back of the building, with a food menu focused on classic pub fare, and a fancy-casual restaurant up front with a seasonal, often farm-to-table menu. Bob Szuter, who co-founded the brewery with his father, Alan, says the restaurant was his focus, and along with executive chef Kris Ludwig, he wants it to hold its own among the best in Columbus.

“We’ve built really strong partnerships with our [local] suppliers, so we’re focused specifically on seasonal ingredients,” Szuter explains. “We’re really trying to push those exciting dishes that people are going to respond to.”

He highlights the duck breast as a year-round favorite. The dish includes Hawaiian stir-fried veggies, ginger sauce and a chutney made with cherries and the brewery’s hefeweizen. The seasonal menu is as eclectic as the brewery’s beer offerings, and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available. Ludwig and head brewer Francis Kunkler are always in communication about upcoming beers, many of which get incorporated into new dishes and pair beautifully with the restaurant’s food.

“We take pairing pretty seriously,” says Szuter. “It’s a big component of what we do. We want to make sure our servers have the knowledge to help guests with that.”

While a rotating cast of barrel-aged beers have earned the brewery many of its accolades, the year-round bestseller on the menu is Daybreak, which has won multiple awards at both the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. If you’re looking for something more familiar, Wolf’s Ridge IPA is a classic take on the popular style.

For those who aren’t interested in beer, a full bar offers wine, cocktails and Mad Moon Cider. There are non-alcoholic options available as well, including mocktails and a new NA beer from Columbus’ Seventh Son Brewing.

215 N. Fourth St., Columbus 43215, 614/429-3936, wolfsridgebrewing.com