Catching up with Krootz Brewing Co. in Gainesville

On the flight board, beer styles at Krootz include a märzen, maibock, pale ale and
imperial milk stout (logo: Krootz Brewing Co., image: © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

Five years ago, when Krootz Brewing Co. first opened in Gainesville, it did so with a relatively straightforward approach. Its facility housed the brewery and taproom, and while a kitchen providing pizza and small bites was in the plans, there was the convenience of a farmers market and food truck lot right out the back door.

On the liquid side, a standard set of approachable beer recipes was to be served, with an occasional bit of experimentation rotating in. And, for those not into barley and hop-based libations, selections from local wineries would be available as well.

Nowadays, those aspects are all still part of the experience at Krootz, but owner Chad Sykora has expanded the offerings greatly since the company's early beginnings.

Starting with the food, patrons are now greeted with a 12-page lunch and dinner menu featuring a variety of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pub dogs, tacos, salads and wings. There's also a page of plated entrees, a kids menu and desserts. Oh, and to top it all off, a four-page weekend brunch menu was introduced just a few weeks ago.

Of course, some looking over the above list may see Krootz primarily as a purveyor of pub grub, but the culinary options include elements of local diner fare, a pizzeria, bakery (desserts include 100% homemade beer-infused cakes and pies, a.k.a. "brew pies") and more.

As for the imbibables, another menu summarizes the boozy beverage selections. In addition to the wine and upwards of a dozen beers on tap, Krootz serves Krootz-A-Ritas - beer cocktails, along with a drink they call Softshine - this being like a session moonshine with an ABV of 15%.

Indeed, options abound for a wide range of tastes at a spot seemingly well-established as a community gathering place for the City of Gainesville. This, based on the number of locals witnessed filing in and out for breakfast, lunch, or even just a beer on an early Saturday afternoon.

At the same time, for travelers, the brewery and scratch kitchen at Krootz sets up as a beer and food destination located in an area of North Texas currently short on such attractions. Even better, it makes for a worthy pit stop possibility for would-be gamblers on their way to Winstar World Casino over the border in Oklahoma.

Krootz Brewing Co. is open seven days a week, with hours beginning at 11 a.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. on weekends.