Best Brewery: River Rat Brewery

Best Brewery

River Rat Brewery

Gracie Bryant

Tuesday–Wednesday: Noon–9 p.m.; Thursday: Noon–10 p.m.; Friday: Noon–11 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

2.4 miles from the Horseshoe, 11-minute drive

As River Rat Brewery’s website puts it, “great beer is the catalyst that makes everything better.” This Columbia brewery strives to give you and your friends something new to try every time — from craft beers to tacos.

Whether it’s enjoying a beer on the deck while soaking in a nice day outside or hanging out in the taproom, River Rat Brewery has been providing customers with a great place to relax after a long day of work since 2013. River Rat’s beer options cover a vast range of tastes. The seasonal beers, including options like the Winter Warmer Ale and the award-winning Bohemian Pilsner, provide customers with the chance to be on the adventurous side and try something new, while the brewery’s “core beers,” as they call them, also come highly recommended.

While they are the largest beer production company in Columbia, according to their website, the beer isn’t the only thing that makes River Rat Brewery stand out. With both a regular menu and brunch menu, there’s no doubt customers can find the perfect dish to pair with their craft beer.

For customers looking to stay on budget but enjoy this staple of Columbia, River Rat offers different specials every day. With $3 “Taco Tuesdays,” $2 off wings on “Wing Wednesday,” $1.50 off a pitcher of beer on Fridays and Happy Hour specials, there’s a deal for every customer to enjoy.

Cait Patel