Catch O’Brien’s Brewhouse every Friday night at 6:20, and get ready for the weekend with Utah brewers
O’Brien’s Brewhouse enjoys some beer and college days reminiscing this week from Desert Edge Brewery. There is nothing but fond memories for me of Desert Edge Brewery aka The Pub aka The Pudge or any of the many names local have bestowed upon it. Back in college my comrades and I would spend time on the patio in historic Trolley Square and watch the day go by (along with out GPAs) while ordering pitcher after pitcher at discount prices thanks to our UofU student IDs. Those were the days.
Desert Edge Brewery, a cornerstone of Salt Lake City’s craft beer scene, has been serving patrons since its establishment in 1972. Originally known as “The Pub,” it began by offering Coors beer to college students in the historic Trolley Square district. Over the years, Desert Edge evolved from a simple pub into a full-service brewpub, expanding its Trolley Square location multiple times to accommodate a diverse menu and a wide range of handcrafted beers (trolleysquare.com).T
In 1995, Desert Edge embraced the burgeoning craft beer movement by starting its own brewing operations. This transition allowed the establishment to produce a variety of ales and lagers, focusing on quality and flavor. The brewery’s commitment to excellence is evident in its flagship Utah Pale Ale, a consistent bestseller known for its freshness and balanced taste (utahstories.com).
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Leadership at Desert Edge has seen dedicated brewers like Chris Haas, who served as head brewer for over two decades, contributing significantly to the brewery’s reputation for quality. In 2017, Chad Krusell took over as head brewer, bringing experience from his tenure at Uinta Brewing. Krusell appreciated the shift to a smaller establishment, valuing the direct feedback from patrons and the ability to serve beer straight from the tanks (utahstories.com).
Beyond brewing, Desert Edge is committed to environmental sustainability. The brewery implements eco-friendly practices such as providing spent grain to local hog farmers, utilizing 100% wind power, and recycling hot kettle water for cleaning purposes (craftbeertimes.com).
Throughout its history, Desert Edge Brewery has remained a beloved gathering spot in Salt Lake City, offering a welcoming atmosphere, quality food, and exceptional craft beer. Its evolution from a modest pub to a renowned brewpub reflects its dedication to community and craft.
Desert Edge is located in Trolley Square at 551 S 600 E.
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