Kevin Buckley and Ryan Fairchild loved making homebrew. Even though it started as just a hobby, it quickly developed into a passion and one they wanted to share with everyone in their community. Having their eyes set on opening in 2000 did not happen due to COVID restrictions but they did not let that hamper their desire to bring in Great Bend, Kansas’ first brewery.
Located at 1305 Main Street, in the middle of Downtown Great Bend, the brewery did not land here on purpose but when the old Brown Shoe Fit Building opened, they knew they had to take the chance.
Named after a lake in the area that was once a popular tourist attraction but now draws tourist as a biking trail, Dry Lake Brewery jumped into the community as favorite place to settle in with friends for a drink and relax while food is delivered to you from a nearby pizza joint. There are several events that are hosted by Dry Lake and many of those mean a food truck will be nearby to serve up some delicious good. Additionally, they host Bike Brew Q , a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the afterparty. This is just one of the huge events they host throughout the year in an effort to bring more attention to certain needs in the community.
One good problem the brewery has recently had was they were running out of beer before they had time to make more. Thankfully, breweries from around the state have allowed them to keep their crafts on the tap list in order to make sure their customers have enough spirits flowing for them.
Kansas is known for some of the best craft beer in the United States and Dry Lake Brewing finds their spot close to the top. If you are anywhere close to Great Bend, Kansas, you have to stop in and meeting the staff at Dry Lake. They are located at 1305 Main Street and their phone number is 620-793-0400. They are closed Sunday-Wednesday and then open Thursday from 3pm-10pm and Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm.
There is simply nothing like a small town brewery owned by people who are passionate about the taste of their craft beer and the impact it has on their community. These guys lucked up with one of the best locations in the city but no luck was needed with their incredibly delicious product and the customer service that backs it up!
