Walk into the Northern Pump Company plant in Fridley, Minnesota, and you aren't just walking into a taproom. You're walking into a massive piece of World War II history that almost gathered dust forever. Most people drive past the towering smokestacks on Marshall Street without realizing that Forgotten Star Brewing Co is basically the beating heart of a restored industrial cathedral. It’s huge. It's loud. It’s surprisingly cozy despite the cavernous ceilings.
When Matt Hall and Andy Risvold decided to set up shop here, they weren't just looking for a place to ferment grain. They were looking for a legacy. The building itself won the "E" Award for excellence in production during the war, and you can still feel that gritty, Midwestern work ethic in the air. Honestly, it’s one of those rare spots where the atmosphere actually matches the quality of the beer. You’ve probably been to "industrial" breweries before that just feel like a cold garage with a few Edison bulbs. This isn't that. This is the real deal.
The Story Behind the Forgotten Star Brewing Co Name
Ever wonder about the name? It isn't just a bit of poetic branding. It’s a direct nod to those "E" Awards I mentioned. During the war effort, the Northern Pump Company was so efficient at churning out water pumps and gun mounts for the Navy that they kept receiving stars for their excellence flag. Six of them, to be exact. But for decades after the war, the contributions of this specific site sort of faded from the public consciousness. It became a "forgotten" history.
The "Star" is a tribute to those who worked three shifts a day to support the troops. It’s a heavy weight to carry for a brewery, but they pull it off by keeping the history front and center. You’ll see the original brickwork, the massive steel beams, and the historic photos scattered around. It’s basically a museum where you’re allowed to drink.
What’s Actually On Tap (And Why It Matters)
Forgotten Star Brewing Co doesn’t just chase every weird craft beer trend. Sure, they do the hazy IPAs because everyone loves them, but their real strength lies in the classics. Their North Star Cream Ale is a staple. It’s crisp. It’s approachable. It’s exactly what you want after a long day of pretending to work from home.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more weight, their Dark Horse Robust Porter is a masterclass in balance. It has those chocolate and coffee notes you expect, but it doesn’t feel like you’re drinking a meal. It’s sessionable, which is a word brewers love to use to say "you can have two and still stand up."
- The Bonfire Series: These are seasonal rotations.
- The Rotating Sours: Usually fruit-forward but not "melt your teeth" acidic.
- Belgian Influence: Keep an eye out for their Dubbels and Tripels. They take the yeast profiles seriously.
The brewing team, led by Ryan Giese, focuses on "clean" fermentations. This means you won't find off-flavors or that weird homebrew tang that haunts some smaller operations. They use a 15-barrel system, which is the "sweet spot" for maintaining quality while still being able to experiment.
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The Massive Space and Why It Works
Let’s talk about the sheer scale. We’re talking about 10,000 square feet of taproom space. In a post-2020 world, people actually appreciate not being elbow-to-elbow with a stranger while trying to enjoy a pilsner. There’s a mezzanine. There are long communal tables. There’s even a massive outdoor area that becomes a "winter wonderland" during the colder months.
They host curling. Yes, actual curling.
They build rinks outside, and people show up in full gear to slide stones and drink beer in sub-zero temperatures. It is the most Minnesota thing you will ever see. It’s also a genius use of the space because it keeps the community engaged when most breweries are hunkering down and hoping people still want to leave their houses.
The acoustics are also surprisingly decent for a giant hall. You’d think it would be a chaotic echo chamber, but the design manages to dampen the roar of the crowd just enough so you can actually hear your friends talk. Mostly.
How Forgotten Star Brewing Co Handles Food
They don't have a kitchen. Don't go there expecting a five-page sit-down menu. Instead, they lean heavily into the food truck culture that defines the Twin Cities beer scene.
- Rotating Trucks: You’ll get everything from street tacos to gourmet grilled cheese.
- Outside Food: They are totally cool with you bringing in your own snacks or ordering a pizza to the taproom.
- Snack Bar: They usually have some basic munchies like pretzels or popcorn if you're desperate.
This model works because it keeps the focus on the beer while supporting other local small businesses. It’s a win-win. Plus, it means every time you go, the food options are different, which keeps the experience fresh.
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The Community Impact in Fridley
Before Forgotten Star Brewing Co opened in 2019, this part of Fridley was a bit of a "dead zone" for social hangouts. It was mostly industrial parks and through-traffic. The brewery acted as a catalyst. Now, you see young families, older veterans who remember the building's history, and professional types all mixing together.
They do a lot of "Beers for a Cause" events. They partner with local nonprofits and veterans' organizations regularly. It isn't just about corporate social responsibility fluff; they actually show up. When you buy a pint there, a decent chunk of the vibe is built on the fact that they care about the neighborhood.
Honestly, the staff is a big part of why people come back. They aren't "beer snobs" who look down on you for not knowing the difference between a Citra and a Mosaic hop. They’ll just give you a sample and talk to you like a human. It’s refreshing.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Forgotten Star Brewing Co, there are a few things you should know to make it a better time.
First, the parking situation is actually great. They have a massive lot, so you aren't doing that awkward urban crawl looking for a spot three blocks away. Second, it's very dog-friendly. You’ll see plenty of well-behaved pups lounging on the floor.
- Check the Schedule: Their website is usually up-to-date with which food truck is parked outside.
- Try a Flight: If you’re a first-timer, get the flight. Their range is broad enough that you’ll want to taste the contrast between the light lagers and the heavy stouts.
- The Merch: Their gear is actually high-quality. The hats and hoodies don't just feel like cheap giveaways; they’re stuff you’d actually wear.
One thing to keep in mind: it gets loud during peak Saturday hours. If you want a quiet, intimate date spot, go on a Tuesday evening. If you want the energy of a Viking hall, Friday night is your best bet.
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Looking Toward the Future
The craft beer industry is in a weird spot right now. Sales are leveling off across the country, and a lot of smaller breweries are closing their doors. Forgotten Star Brewing Co seems to be bucking that trend by leaning into the "destination" aspect of their business. They aren't just selling a liquid; they’re selling an afternoon.
By utilizing that historic "E" Award building, they’ve created a barrier to entry that other breweries can't easily replicate. You can't just build history like this in a strip mall. The sheer physical presence of the Northern Pump Company plant gives them a gravity that keeps people pulling into the parking lot.
They’ve also started expanding their distribution. You can find their cans in local liquor stores across the metro area now. While drinking at the taproom is the "ideal" experience, the canning line ensures they stay relevant even when people are just hanging out in their own backyards.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Craft Beer Run
If you’re ready to check them out, here is exactly how to handle it.
Start by checking their social media for the "Daily Pour." They often have limited-release kegs that aren't on the main menu. If they have anything barrel-aged available, grab a four-ounce pour. They don't do them often, but when they do, they’re exceptional.
Plan your visit around one of their events, like the outdoor curling or a live music night. It sounds cliché, but the space really comes alive when there’s a crowd. If you’re a history buff, take five minutes to actually read the plaques and look at the old machinery. It puts the beer in your hand into a much larger context.
Finally, don't sleep on their non-alcoholic options. They usually have a solid craft soda or a sparkling water for the designated drivers. It’s a small detail, but it shows they’re thinking about everyone in the group, not just the hopheads.
Go for the history. Stay for the cream ale. Support a business that actually respects the ground it’s built on.