McCall is a resort town sitting at an elevation of 5,000 feet. A popular ski and boating destination, the small town is situated on the southern shore of Payette Lake, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Boise.
The scenic drive into town passes directly through the Boise National Forest, and the mountainous region is famous for hot mineral springs pools and Brundage Mountain’s fast and challenging slopes.
Whether you’ve spent your day exploring the charming town or have worked up a thirst by hiking or skiing, you’ll be pleased to know that Idaho is one of the best beer brewing states in the US. It is the largest barley producer and the third-largest producer of hops, and dozens of microbreweries are scattered throughout the state.
McCall is at the heart of this thriving beer scene and has some fantastic breweries and brewpubs on offer.
Get to Know McCall’s Best Breweries
Most breweries are concentrated in Boise’s capital, but hidden gems are tucked away in smaller towns like McCall. Surprising for a population of 3,000, this cozy mountain town is home to three Idaho craft breweries — McCall Brewing Company, Broken Horn Brewing, and Salmon River Brewery.
Strongly supported by the town’s residents, these unique local beer companies are on tap in almost every restaurant and bar in the area. When you book a stay at one of our vacation rental homes, be sure to try at least one beer from each brewery before heading home.
In fact, McCall, Idaho, loves craft beer so much that city leaders have developed an Ale Trail Passport with prizes for the worthy few. Visitors must pick up an official Ale Passport at McCall’s Chamber of Commerce to participate. After receiving stamps from ten stops on the Ale Trail, including restaurants and breweries in McCall, Idaho, trail tasters should return the passport to the city’s Chamber for a commemorative McCall Ale Trail Coozie.
Without further ado, let’s get stuck into our list of the best Breweries in McCall.
McCall Brewing Company
807 N 3rd St A, McCall, ID 83638, (208) 634-3309
McCall Brewing Company is the second oldest brewery in Idaho. Founded in 1994, McCall Brewing Company is well known for brewing handcrafted ales and ciders at its cabin-style microbrewery and restaurant. The magical brewing process can be easily watched as the tanks and equipment are located in the center of the building which is great entertainment while you drink.
While the McCall Brewery is open year-round, the deck only opens in the summer.
But the views are worth the wait as the wrap-around deck overlooks the city, just a few blocks from the shores of Payette Lake. This open-air area is perfect for enjoying a pint of Lemon Ginger Hefeweizen with friends.
A local spot to gather, the McCall Brewing Company, has up to twelve of their ales on tap. With a range of brews from Tanglefoot, English-style ale, to the locally famous Wobbily Man, Smoked Scotch Ale, there is always something for everyone. If you have a taste for a stronger beer, the McCall Coconut Porter is a unique dark beer.
McCall Brewing Company is an intimate brewpub, open daily for lunch and dinner. Tasty appetizers, thick and juicy hamburgers, and a few pub favorites such as fish and chips or bangers and mash are on the menu. The brewpub is closed Monday & Tuesday for operations but is open on weekends.
Photo Credit: diexanna via Instagram
Broken Horn Brewing
201 S Mission St, McCall, ID 83638, (208) 315-5472
Broken Horn Brewing was founded in 2013 out of a hobby and a love for home brewing. Beloved by locals, it is a mainstay in McCall. The tasting room and brewery are on South Mission Street, north of the Smoke Jumper base, near the McCall Idaho Airport.
Broken Horn's tasting room offers a relaxed, casual bar atmosphere with an open-air deck, fire pits, and several places to watch sports. The microbrewery also provides live music and trivia nights that attract locals and tourists alike. The outdoor deck is even dog-friendly—as long as dogs are on a leash.
For those interested in a brewery tour, Kalen Dodge, owner and founder of Broken Horn Brewing, is happy to oblige. The brewing equipment is on-site and can be easily viewed from the tasting room, allowing anyone to follow their favorite Initial Attack India Pale Ale (IPA) or Hell Canyon Jalapeno batch through its fascinating brewing process.
The taproom's hours of operation vary during the week but is always open all weekend and closed during the day. For an added plus and for the two nights a week that Broken Horn Brewing is closed, all 11 Broken Horn selections, from the lagers to the pale ales, are available for takeout in a freshly filled Growler.
Photo Credit: brokenhornbrewing via Instagram
Salmon River Brewery
411 Railroad Ave, McCall, ID 83638, (208) 634-4772
Salmon River's brewhouse, taphouse, and pub are McCall traditions, housed in McCall's old train depot and overlooking Hotel McCall's courtyard.
Founded in 2008 by owner Matt Hurlbutt, Salmon River Brewery makes award-winning craft beer using locally sourced ingredients. Many of its 35 selections, including Alpenglow Lager, Dark Villain Imperial Milk Stout, and Buzz Buzz Coffee Porter, have been awarded a North American Brewers Association Gold, Silver, or Bronze Award.
Comfortably Numb, a Belgian Tripel Ale, is Salmon River's most potent brew at 10.3% IBU. At the same time, Idaho Gold is the microbrewery's most famous beer. In addition to a Bronze, this unique beer garnered investment from the famed Adolphus A. Busch. Udaho Gold is a light-bodied Session Ale. Several variations, including Citrus Gold and Honeysuckle Gold, are brewed in the summer.
In addition to a brewery, Salmon River Brewery is a family-friendly full-service restaurant with summertime rooftop and patio dining that features some of the best lake views in McCall. In the winter, outdoor fire pits keep everyone warm. The restaurant serves great food, including a locally sourced Black-N-Blue Elk Burger that pairs perfectly with the hoppy PFD. Pale Ale.
Photo Credit: idahobeeradvisor via Instagram>
