This is by far the best micro brewery in South Dakota. There are a couple of micro brews within Black Hills area but this one is by far the best with Miner Brewing probably a close second.
I like places that don't have the distractions of TVs all over. I like focusing on good conversation, good beer, and great scenery. This places serves them all. We've been before, about 2 years ago, and I'm happy to see it is busier than it was then. I definitely recommend sidling up to the bar to talk about the beer - they don't wait tables (which is fine). Talk about what the beers are, and then pick one, or sample some small ones. I'm happy they only have one IPA, because I'm not much of a hophead. They do a great job on their stout, summer ale, saison, and we absolutely LOVE their Spruce Tip ale. Delicious! Different brew than last time. This one, in cans, has less spruce, but is a more delicious beer. I am happy they have cans since they travel better than glass and are not subject to sunlight degradation of the beer. They also have growlers to go, and will fill yours if you bring one. Definitely a great stop and fantastic beer.
Oh my why! I've been in brew houses all over the country, this place circles the drain. Service, price, grub, give me a break. What a bummer experience for an outstanding setting. Hope they figure it out.
I wasn't all that impressed with Crow Peak Brewing Co. I'm more commenting on the establishment than their beer. It's new but has an unfinished open feel to it. Like we're all sitting in a garage. The dark beer I had was good (pile o dirt) but the lighter beer was very bland to me. We're all different I realize. But for the price I guess I'd prefer a Guinness.
Good Beer and interesting conversations with the Bartender and locals at the Bar. They also had a nice selection of swag for sale.
We stopped here on our way to Rapid City. They were serving pizzas this particular night and had four to choose from. We elected to share a sampler. Their beer is really good. I enjoyed the Pile o Dirt Porter and the Mariner the most. The Mariner is made with Old Bay seasoning. They have a great setup. A nice bar area and several tables. We would go again if we were in the area.
Crow Peak Brewery is a great place to grab a local beer with friends. I have really enjoyed their beer selection, which has gotten more varied lately. I always appreciate a beer list that isn't dominated by super-bitter IPAs. They certainly have a few of those if that's your thing, but there really is something for everyone. Usually the lite beer drinkers get the Canyon Cream Ale. Their Pile O' Dirt Porter is pretty strong but I find it easy to drink and it's usually my go-to. I enjoy their unique seasonal brews like the spruce tip ale and their chili beer. The beer list changes pretty quickly and is prone to selling out of favorites, so it's worth a trip when their new ones come out.Crow Peak doesn't serve food except the frozen pizzas--$10, flat and boring--but they allow you to bring in food from elsewhere so hit up Guadalajara's next door and take it with you. They used to have a popcorn machine but it's not there any more. (Why? That makes me pretty sad and less thirsty.)You can bet $1 that you'll get a frisbee in the basket at the top of the growler-shaped stone fireplace and win the pot. I've not seen this done. In the winter, it's a pretty noisy atmosphere inside with high ceilings and nasty echoing acoustics, so be prepared to shout when there's a crowd. But it's a beautiful building, and it's great to sit outside in the summertime. They have a patio and a balcony. There's a local farmer's market (really just a store) on the property next door, so stop by and get some cheese or bison on your way out.
The pile o' dirt porter is very good, as is their cream ale. The taproom was nice, but fairly bland. Maybe I caught an off day, but visiting breweries is one of my favorite things to do, an being from Colorado, I've been to more than a few. This one left me a little flat, but I did enjoy the beer. Downtown Spearfish is very cool, and I found myself wishing the brewery was on Main.
My husband and I stopped here to check it out while we were staying in the hills. I read a lot of the reviews before heading out there so we didn't have high expectations going in. The beer was good but the bartender had no personality. He didn't want to chit chat or talk about the beers or the establishment.Don't come hungry - they don't serve food.
If you are looking for GOOD beer then this is your place. This is a small time brewery with about 8-10 varieties at any given time with some creative seasonals floating through here and there. These guys know how to brew a great beer, while paying homage to local, sustainable resources whenever possible. Their main line "canyon cream" is brewed with a local honey and "Spearbeer" is a hoppy delight with fresh spruce tips in the mix. The porter is excellent and I personally love the browns that they produce.There isnt a kitchen as this small place is dedicated to beer but its a cozy atmosphere, both indoors and out. You can often find food trucks pulling up for hungry patrons and bands make appearances too. Staff is comprised of good, friendly people. Crow Peak is definitely the place to go for a social, relaxing brew.