Upstream Brewing Company has stood as a favorite gathering spot in Omaha’s Old Market since we opened in 1996. Originally a fire station built in 1903, the building has been renovated into a lively craft brewery where fresh beers meet scratch-made food in a welcoming space that feels like home. Our focus on quality and community keeps drawing in craft beer fans from all walks of life.
Have you ever wondered how a historic firehouse full of character became home to award-winning beers? When Upstream was founded, the United States was home to roughly 1,000 craft breweries nationwide.
Today, that number is almost at 10,000, according to the Brewers Association! This sharp incline shows that local beer culture is rich and thriving.
Founding
Upstream Brewing Company opened onSeptember 30, 1996. That moment marked a key step in Omaha’s growing craft beer scene. Upstream quickly became known as one of the pioneers and remains the second-oldest craft brewery still operating in Omaha today.
Who Founded Upstream Brewing Company?
Brian Magee founded Upstream Brewing Company. He originally planned a fine dining restaurant but changed course after a trip to Colorado in the late 1980s.
There, he visited Wynkoop Brewing Company, Colorado’s first brewpub, and spoke with its founder, John Hickenlooper. That conversation convinced Magee to bring a similar brewpub concept to Omaha.
Hickenlooper even became an early partner. Magee wanted to create a place that combined quality beer with fresh foodin a comfortable setting open to everyone.
How Did the Name “Upstream” Tie into Omaha’s Roots?
The name Upstream Brewing Company honors the original meaning of “Omaha.” In the Siouan language of the Omaha Tribe, the word translates to “upstream” or “those who go against the current.”
Tribal oral history tells how the Omaha people migrated upstream along the Missouri River before they settled in the region. We liked how that idea of moving forward against the flowmatched the spirit of starting a craft beer brewery in a new industry.
The Historic Building: From Fire Station to Craft Beer Brewery
The building at 514 South 11th Street in Omaha’s Old Market started life as Fire Substation Number One in 1903. Builders spent $30,000 to create a three-story structure with a gabled roof that looked like a French chateau.
- Horses lived on the ground floor
- Firefighters slept on the second
- Hay filled the third
A 1917 fire took off the top floor, which was never replaced. The station stayed active until 1944, when World War II caused a manpower shortage.
Later, it served as a warehouse and then became the Firehouse Dinner Theater in the early 1970s. An arson fire damaged the theater in 1975, but it reopened in 1991.
We bought the 20,000-square-foot space and invested in renovations to restore its historic feel. Workers:
- Removed plaster to reveal original brick walls
- Added large windows for natural light
- Installed replica doors
- Placed the 1903 cornerstone inside
Garage doors became arched windows, and weopened up the layoutso guests could see the brewhouse on the lower level.
The main floor now seats 240 people with an open kitchen and bar. The second floor offers a pool-hall-style space with another bar and room for 145 guests. Two patios let you enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Upstream Brewing Company’s Place in Local Brewing History
Upstream Brewing Company holds an important spot in local brewing history as one of Omaha’s earliest modern brewpubs.
Over nearly 30 years, we have helped build the city’s reputation for fresh, high-quality beer. Our focus on community and consistent excellence earns repeat visits from locals and travelers alike.
Brewing Process Insights: Crafting Signature Beers with Local Flair
Our brewing process insights draw from European traditions while incorporating Nebraska ingredients whenever possible. We start with quality malts and hops, many sourced locally, to create balanced flavors. Flagship beers include:
- Firehouse Red, a Vienna-style lager with smooth caramel notes
- Dundee, a Scotch ale that opens sweet and finishes malty
- O! Gold, a crisp light lager
- Capitol, a classic pale ale
The open brewhouse lets you watch the process from fermentation tanks to final pour.
Beer Tasting Events and Brewery Experiences
Beer tasting events bring people together at Upstream Brewing Company. We host classes such as the House Beers + History Edition, where guests:
- Sample four classic beers
- Learn their stories
- Enjoy bar snacks
- Take home a commemorative crowler to keep
These relaxed evenings mix education with conversation and highlight our roots, all for just $25 per person! While we do not offer formal brewery tours, the visible brewing area and open layout provide natural views into daily operations.
Rich History, Bright Future
Upstream Brewing Company stands as a living piece of Omaha history and a vibrant part of today’s craft beer world. You see that dedication in the preserved 1903 fire station, the visible fermenter-to-table brewing process, and beers crafted with Nebraska-grown ingredients using European traditions.
In the Best of Omaha Awards, readers named us:
- #1 Micro Brewery
- #1 Brew Pub
- #1 Bowl of Soup
We also earned the #1 Best Brewpub in the Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O! for six straight years from 2016 to 2021. But now we want to earn your patronage. Visit us in Omaha’s Old Market District today!