After more than two decades without a home, Columbus’ L. Hoster Brewing Company has its own brewery and taproom once again. This week they’re celebrating the grand opening of their space at 653 N. James Rd. on the east side near the airport. The space was formerly home to Actual Brewing, which shuttered in 2019.
Hoster Brewing is a long-time Columbus name, originally started by Louis Hoster in 1836 in the Brewery District, where some of his buildings remain. The brewery and its recipes have changed hands a number of times over the years, with the latest owner, Daniel Meyers, settling into this space.
Hoster has given the place a handsome makeover, so what was once a series of dark rooms is now a bright, colorful, and delightfully old school bar, with booths, tables, a jukebox, and loads of vintage decor.
Regulars can now belly up to the bar, where 10+ Hoster beers are on tap, from German lagers to Belgian ales and more.
Hoster’s signature beer is their Gold Top Dortmunder lager, and it sits proudly at the top of the menu.
The Gold Top is a great example of what Hoster does best: clean, flavorful, easy-drinking beers.
In addition to the Gold Top, I sampled their Eagle Dark Czech lager – and collected my first stamp on the new Columbus Ale Trail!
Already on opening night, the place was buzzing with activity.
In one corner is a shelf full of Hoster swag. And all around the space are historic photographs, old advertisements, and bottles from Hoster’s nearly 200-year history.
You can even peek through the glass doors to see the brewery itself.
Hoster’s opening weekend celebrations continue Friday, April 12 from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, April 13 from noon to 10 p.m., before they start regular hours.
L. Hoster Brewing Company
965 N. James Rd.
Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 221-3606
Web: hosterbeer.com
FB: L. Hoster Brewing Company
IG: @hosterbeer