You will now be able to enjoy a craft beer at the races! The Chalk Pub, a craft beer bar featuring a rotating menu of tap beer and packaged products brewed locally and nationally, will be open for business beginning Friday evening.
The Chalk Pub, located on the second level of the grandstand, will be serving each day of the 69-day race meet.
“There is an increasing demand for quality, craft beer,” Canterbury Food and Beverage Buyer Jason Barry said. “We responded to that demand by opening The Chalk Pub and offering a popular and ever-changing variety of beer not easily found south of the river. If you are a beer connoisseur you will be surprised by each visit to The Chalk Pub.”
The Chalk Pub will offer 12 craft beers on tap and more than 20 in cans or bottles including Minnesota brews from Lucid, Lift Bridge, Surly, Summit and Badger Hill which recently announced it was moving its production facility to Shakopee.
“We had a soft opening on Kentucky Derby day and poured beer non-stop throughout the day,” Barry said. “We knew there was a pent-up demand for craft beer here but were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of our guests. I expect The Chalk Pub to draw beer fans to the races and racing fans to the new beer selection.”
The Chalk Pub will be open each live racing day and will begin serving at 6:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and at noon on weekends.
Craft brewing has become an important segment of the U.S. brewing industry. Craft brewing grew 18 percent in 2013 according to the Brewers Association, which represents more than 2,000 U.S. brewery members. They estimate that a majority of Americans live within 10 miles of a craft brewer.
