Background
Kirk and Mary Strawn and James and Jennifer Erickson opened Walter Station Brewery in February 2019. The Strawns are the founders of Walter Productions. The Arizona-based company creates larger-than-life event props and pyrotechnics featuring oversize vans and trucks. James Erickson, an avid home brewer, is part of the Walter Brew-On-Premises Co-op, a home brewing club. Kirk and James decided to open a brewery in the property that Kirk originally purchased for Walter Productions. Erickson is Walter Station’s master brewer.
Experience
We arrived at Walter Station Brewery on a Sunday afternoon. Walter Station had been open for about 5 months. We were impressed with 10 beers on tap.
The tasting room is a remodeled fire house. The brewing equipment and walk up bar are in the portion of the building that housed the firemen. The large area that housed the fire trucks has many tables, picnic tables and a 1961 VW bus named Swiss Miss. We ended up trying all 10 beers on tap, our favorites were the 16th hole, a nice peaty Scottish Ale and Grapefruit Warrior a smooth IPA. They also wisely have “Crowlers” available to go.
They do have a small menu consisting of thin crust pizza, salad and a few sandwiches. We did try a meatball pizza and it was delicious. We were greated and taken care of by a great beertender Lizbeth. The owner/brewer Jim also came in and chatted with us about the history of the “Swiss Miss”.
Very unique venue, worth a try when nearby. No nearby lodging noted. Walter Station is right on the light rail line about 2 blocks from one of the stops. Phoenix Ale Brewing is about 10 blocks west on Washington Street.
