Brewhalla: Fargo’s Gen Z Entertainment Hub

The Generation Z lifestyle is all about staying connected in this age of social media and discovering who they truly are. Gen Z’ers are driven by social media, and their attention spans crave sound and color. Stanford University says that Gen Z strives for the most “phygital” experience possible, meaning that they want a personalized experience that is the best of the physical and digital age.

In the Fargo-Moorhead area, there is no better “phygital” experience that caters to the 14-29 crowd than Brewhalla. This place is more than just another bar or hangout spot; it’s a lifestyle melting pot of food, fashion, shopping, community and family fun, all under one roof just off Main Avenue in Fargo.

The establishment that calls itself “Fargo’s Food, Drink and Entertainment Wonderland” was once just an idea of the Drekker Brewing Company and its owner, Mark Bjornstad. In September of 2018, “the weirdos of Drekker” opened their second location after they were running out of room at their downtown Fargo taproom. The second location is quite the sight as it was once a building that repaired trains, according to Midland Door Solutions. “The Northern Pacific Railway Company (NPRC) built the 11,700-square-foot building that houses Brewhalla in 1883. It was primarily a foundry and repair building for railcars and locomotives, and later served as a storage and warehouse facility.”

The restoration project for Drekker wasn’t done, adding foot traffic to the Unicorn Park District. During the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, they proposed a 20-million-dollar expansion of the Drekker Brewing Company. Construction began in 2021, and after two years of anticipation, the self-proclaimed “good times factory” opened its doors.

It’s a circus of commerce, as when you first walk into the building, your eyes are immediately glued to the flamingo pink chairs that surround the bartop. The building is owned and operated by Drekker Brewing Company, so they supply the brews at bars that are located on the first and second floors. The rest of the first floor is all retail, as shops, storefronts, food and drink and novelty items are available for purchase. Tucked to the far right side of the building is the connector between the old train building, which is the Drekker Brewing Company, and Brewhalla.

The first floor is loud and crazy, while the second floor is quieter with the bar and pinball machines meshing with soft couches and benches for seating. You can often find college students on their respective devices studying and working on assignments while enjoying a food item or beverage from a small business establishment on the retail floor.

The second floor truly serves as a hangout area for Gen Z’ers because it’s more their speed compared to a public library or union. What makes Brewhalla the unofficial Fargo convention center is that it is also truly a family-friendly environment, as you see many families walking around as well.

Many establishments of Brewhalla are just entertainment centers, but Brewhalla, on the other hand, goes the extra mile. On the third and fourth floors of the venue is the “Brewhalla” hotel. This isn’t your average hotel, however, as it fits the Gen Z mold to a T, 40 rooms with unique patterns and themes on the walls that make each room unique. It shows the creative flair that Brewhalla has banked on since opening in 2023. Room types at the entertainment venue range from studio rooms to multi-room suites to even rooms with a balcony.

The entertainment wonderland also hosts dozens of events every year, including weddings, conventions and business meetings. One of the more notable events that the venue has hosted in its short life was the 2025 TedxFargo Conference, where dozens of people gave their perspectives on the threads that make life whole. The conference included a joint talk by former North Dakota State University president, Dr. David Cook, and the University of North Dakota president, Andrew Armacost.

The overall appeal to a place like Brewhalla is that it’s a come-one, come-all type of place that yields to the Gen Z audience. It quite literally has something for everyone, as you can get your morning coffee at Thunder Coffee or get that cold cup after work with your friends. Brewhalla is a Gen Z paradise with something for everyone.