Uptown Rail now slinging beers in Sanger

Image © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

The City of Sanger now has a craft beer destination all its own, as Uptown Rail Brewery is open and operating in the town's historic downtown district at 204 Bolivar St.

Todd and Vanessa Benson form the husband-and-wife team behind Uptown Rail, which occupies a 7,500 square foot spot dating back to 1903. Within these confines, the couple has established a bright, open and inviting brewery and taproom outfitted with pool tables, widescreen TVs, and a stage for live music.

Adjacent to the taproom build-out is an additional space dedicated to Uptown Rail's on-site kitchen. Here, they prepare a menu of appetizers (including wings), fresh salads, and brick oven pizzas. Order full pies with either a thin or hand-tossed crust, or choose a cheese or classic pepperoni slice for snacking.

On what there is to wash things down with, Uptown Rail pours beer from a 36-handle tapwall. House beers currently occupy a dozen taps, with those recipes brewed on a small-batch system designed by SmartBrew. Base styles consist of IPAs, pilsners, stouts and wheat beers, with numerous variants available to appeal to different tastes (for example: hazy IPAs, coffee stouts, and fruited wheats).

Remaining draft offerings are mix of guest beers from other local breweries, along with a few macros, ciders and seltzers. Then for other beverage options, there's also soda, wine, liquor, "big beer" longnecks, and a range of non-alcoholic beers in both bottles and cans.

As for Uptown Rail's approach, it derives directly from the inspiration behind the brewery's name and how railroads have always connected people and communities. Along those lines, the Bensons hope to connect locals by providing a place where they can gather to "Sip, Savor and Socialize" in a family-friendly environment.

Uptown Rail Brewery welcomes patrons seven days a week, with service starting at 11:30 a.m. on weekdays, and 11:00 a.m. during the weekend.

Uptown Rail Brewery setting up shop in Sanger

Image: Uptown Rail Brewery.

Looking to add to craft beer's presence in the northwestern part of the Metroplex, Uptown Rail Brewery has secured a spot at 204 Bolivar St. for what would be the first business of its kind in Downtown Sanger.

Founded by Todd and Vanessa Benson, Uptown Rail will occupy a structure with 7500 square feet of usable space, originally built in 1903. According to Todd, plans call for amenities to be set up outside as well, with a focus on making the brewery a family-friendly destination.

"We plan on having an outdoor green space and a stage for live music, with food trucks making it a fun environment for families to enjoy," says Benson.

Inside the taproom, Benson expects to have 15-20 house beers available on a daily basis. Uptown Rail's portfolio will consist of a mix of classic and modern styles, with products highlighting the uniqueness of the area - whether it be by way of flavors and ingredients, or by bringing attention to local heritage.

"We will partner with local farmers and/or suppliers to incorporate fresh, regional produce into our beers," says Benson. "Additionally, we will showcase the history and culture of our region through the branding and marketing of our brewery."

The goal, quite naturally, is to create a strong connection with area residents, and to attract customers who are interested in supporting a local business.

As for a timeline, the project is in its early stages, but Benson hopes to be open by mid-to-late summer.