Ogden, Utah: Beer Buying Time Restrictions

If you're looking to buy beer in Ogden, Utah, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Utah has strict liquor laws that dictate when and where you can purchase alcohol. While you can find craft breweries and beer-centric establishments in Ogden, the state's liquor laws draw a distinct line between bars and restaurants, which impacts the way alcohol is served and consumed. Here's what you need to understand about buying beer in Ogden, Utah, and how to navigate the local regulations.

Ogden's finest craft breweries

Ogdens Finest Craft Breweries

Although Ogden might not have as many breweries as Salt Lake, it has a lot to offer for those seeking tasty, independent craft beer in Utah. Here are some of the finest craft breweries in Ogden:

Roosters Brewing Company

One of Utah's oldest modern-day breweries, Roosters Brewing Company was founded in 1995 and now has three locations, producing about 5,000 barrels a year. The original brewery is located on Historic 25th Street and helped to revitalise Ogden in the mid-90s. The B Street location is one of the newest. Bee's Knees Honey Wheat is the brewery's top seller.

Talisman Brewing Company

Talisman Brewing Company, opened in 2016, is Ogden's second brewery. It is veteran-owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo, Dusty and Joann Williams. The brewery offers a rotating selection of draft beers at its taproom, as well as bottles to go from its on-site package agency. Talisman takes pride in its full-flavoured craft beers and offers a cosy, friendly environment.

UTOG Brewing

One of the newest breweries in Ogden, UTOG Brewing opened in 2019 and is located in the historic Thorstensen Building on Grant Ave. It features a 15-barrel brewhouse, sunken into the concrete floor, providing visitors with a full view of the brewing operation. The brewery has a full restaurant and is located next to Lindquist Field, home of the Ogden Raptors baseball team.

Zólupez Beer Company

Zólupez Beer Company is a Latino-owned nano-brewery, founded by Javier Chávez Jr. and dedicated to brewing Mexican-style cervezas. Born and raised in Utah, Chávez struggled to find a craft beer that paired well with his family's Mexican food, so he started home brewing his own. Zólupez beers are now available in grocery stores, bars, and restaurants across Utah.

Ogden River Brewing

Ogden River Brewing is a spacious brewpub featuring two patios, a full liquor license, and a menu with classic pub fare, including vegetarian and vegan options. It boasts 10 tap handles and a 10-barrel brewhouse. The brewpub is open seven days a week and features lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus.

Where to buy beer in Ogden

The city of Ogden, Utah, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and beer lovers alike. With a thriving craft beer scene, Ogden offers a wide range of options for those seeking tasty, independent craft beers. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are some top spots to buy beer in Ogden:

Roosters Brewing Company

Roosters Brewing Company is one of Utah's oldest modern-day breweries, with its B Street location being one of the newest. They have three locations in total, producing about 5,000 barrels a year. Their beers, such as the popular Bee's Knees Honey Wheat, can be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across the state. The original brewery, located on Historic 25th Street, helped revitalise Ogden in the mid-90s. Their other addresses include 2325 B Avenue in Ogden and 748 W. Heritage Park Blvd in Layton.

Talisman Brewing Company

Talisman Brewing Company, opened in 2016, is Ogden's second brewery and the first without an attached restaurant. It is veteran-owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo, Dusty and Joann Williams. They offer a rotating selection of draft beers at their taproom, as well as bottles of their beer at an on-site package agency and various bars, restaurants, and liquor stores across Utah. Their taproom is open Monday to Thursday from 3 pm to 8 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm. You must be 21 or older to enter.

UTOG Brewing

UTOG Brewing is one of Ogden's newest breweries, located in the historic Thorstensen Building on Grant Avenue. It features a unique 15-barrel brewhouse sunken into the concrete floor, providing visitors with a full view of the brewing process. The brewery also includes a full restaurant and is conveniently situated next to Lindquist Field, home of the Ogden Raptors baseball team. Their hours vary by day, but they are generally open from 11 am to 9 pm or 10 pm. Like most breweries, UTOG Brewing does not accept reservations after 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Zólupez Beer Company

Zólupez Beer Company is a Latino-owned nano-brewery specialising in Mexican-style cervezas. Founded by Javier Chávez Jr., a Utah native, Zólupez beers are influenced by Mexican family traditions and Chávez's experiences in Mexico. Originally brewed in small batches, Zólupez beers are now distributed across Utah through a collaboration with another local brewery. While the brewery itself is not usually open to the public, their beers can be found in grocery stores, bars, and restaurants throughout the state.

Ogden River Brewing

Ogden River Brewing is a spacious brewpub featuring two patios, a full liquor license, and a menu with classic pub fare, including vegetarian and vegan options. With 10 tap handles, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a diverse range of beers. They are open seven days a week, typically from 11 am to 9 pm or 10 pm, with weekend brunch served until 3 pm. All ages are welcome to dine at Ogden River Brewing.

In addition to these breweries, Ogden also offers a variety of beer-centric establishments, such as The Angry Goat Pub & Kitchen, Slackwater Pizzeria & Pub, and Warrens Craft Burger, each boasting an extensive selection of beers. So, whether you're looking for a fresh craft brew or a classic pint, Ogden, Utah, has something for every beer enthusiast.

Beer and food requirements

The state of Utah has strict regulations surrounding the sale and consumption of alcohol. While these laws have been relaxed in recent years, there are still some unique aspects that visitors should be aware of. Here are the key points regarding beer and food requirements in Ogden, Utah:

• Restaurant Licensing: In Utah, there is an important distinction between a bar and a restaurant. Beer, liquor, and wine can be ordered in a restaurant from 11:30 am to 1 am. However, due to its licensing as a restaurant, these drinks must be accompanied by food. A simple plate of fries or other snacks will suffice. This rule does not apply to taverns, breweries, or bars, where food is not required to be served with alcohol.
• Age Restrictions: Only adults aged 21 and above are permitted to order and consume alcoholic beverages in Utah. This applies to both restaurants and bars. It is important to always carry a valid ID when visiting drinking establishments, as proof of age may be required, regardless of how old you may appear.
• Beer Availability: Utah has specific regulations regarding the alcohol content of beer. Beers with an alcohol content of up to 5% ABV can be purchased in grocery stores, convenience stores, and package stores. Higher ABV beers are available at state liquor stores or breweries.
• Drinking Restrictions: In bars and clubs, the last call for alcohol is typically around 1 am, and these establishments must close by 2 am. It is important to note that Utah has the strictest DUI limit in the country at 0.05%, so it is advisable to avoid driving or riding a bike after consuming alcohol.
• Brewery Options in Ogden: Ogden has a thriving craft beer scene, with several notable breweries. These include Roosters Brewing Company, Talisman Brewing Company, UTOG Brewing, Zólupez Beer Company, and Ogden River Brewing. Each of these breweries offers a unique selection of craft beers and provides a great experience for beer enthusiasts.
• Food Options: When visiting breweries or beer-only establishments in Ogden, it is not mandatory to order food with your drink. However, some breweries, such as Ogden River Brewing, offer classic pub fare, including vegetarian and vegan options. Additionally, Talisman Brewing Company allows patrons to bring their own food or order from nearby eateries.

In conclusion, while Utah has specific regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol, Ogden offers a diverse range of craft beer options. By understanding the beer and food requirements, visitors can fully enjoy the unique beer culture that Ogden has to offer.

Beer strength in Utah

In 2019, a new bill replaced an 86-year-old law that limited beer alcohol by volume (ABV) to 3.2%. The new legislation allows beers with 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV to be sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and on draft in bars and restaurants. This change has been welcomed by beer distributors, consumers, and even Budweiser, who celebrated by bringing their Clydesdales to town for a public funeral procession for 4% beer.

While the new law makes it easier to access slightly higher-percentage beer, it is important to note that high-percentage beers are still only available at state liquor stores. These stores are closed on Sundays and holidays and typically operate from 11 am to 7 pm or 10 pm on weekdays.

Utah has strict laws regarding the service of alcohol in bars and restaurants. Alcoholic drinks can be ordered in a restaurant from 11:30 am to 1 am, but they must be accompanied by food. Bars and clubs are open to anyone over 21 with a valid ID, but customers under 21 are not permitted in bar or lounge areas. Last call for alcohol is generally 1 am, and bars must close by 2 am.

Utah also has unique requirements for cocktails. By state law, cocktails can contain no more than 1.5 ounces of primary liquor, with the total beverage not exceeding 2.5 ounces of spirits, including secondary alcohols and flavoured liqueurs.

When it comes to purchasing alcohol, Utah residents and visitors need to be aware of the different rules for various establishments. Grocery and convenience stores sell beer with 5% ABV, while package stores sell a selection of beer, wine, and spirits. State liquor stores offer a wider range of higher ABV beer, wine, and liquor but are closed on Sundays and holidays. Breweries, wineries, and distilleries can sell their products every day of the week, including Sundays, and to-go bottles are also available.

It is worth noting that Utah has the strictest DUI limit in the country at 0.05%, so it is important to plan alternative transportation when consuming alcohol.

Drinking age in Utah

In the US state of Utah, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase, possess, or be provided with any alcoholic beverage. This is the same age limit for working in a bar or serving alcohol. An exception is that people aged 17 to 20 can sell beer in stores for off-site consumption, but only under the supervision of someone aged 21 or over.

Utah has a predominantly Mormon population, and the religion forbids its members to drink alcohol. The state's alcohol laws are therefore strict and complex.

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink, buy, or attempt to buy alcohol in Utah. There are no exceptions for medical, religious, or other reasons. Doctors may not prescribe medication containing alcohol, and communion wine is prohibited. It is also illegal to lend, transfer, or sell a false ID, and retailers are permitted to confiscate fake IDs and detain underage people they suspect of using them.

Bars in Utah may serve alcohol from 10 am until 12:59 am. Taverns may sell beer during the same hours. Restaurants can serve alcohol from 11:30 am to 11:59 pm during the week, and from 10:30 am to 11:59 pm at weekends.

Utah has a government monopoly on the sale of packaged beer, wine, and spirits. However, other retailers may sell 3.2% alcohol beer, and grocery and convenience stores, taverns, bars, and some restaurants may sell beer with 3.2% alcohol by weight or under.

Utah is the only US state to impose a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% or higher as illegal. For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02% or higher.

Frequently asked questions