Named after Judge Wood Wilmot Brookings, Wooden Legs Brewing Company embraces and enhances the unique community of Brookings. The local craft beer company pays tribute to the town’s namesake, who walked around on creeky wooden legs after both legs were amputated due to frostbite. The history also inspired the fan-favorite beer Split Rock Creek, the creek where Brookings’ horse slipped, causing the judge’s wet legs to freeze during a blizzard.
The history of Wooden Legs Brewing Company began when co-owner Seth was gifted craft beer brewing equipment. Soon friends Seth, Steven, and Brant started a business together in 2010. What began as a hobby in the garage, became a destination favorite for visitors and locals when Wooden Legs opened its downtown pub in 2013.
Immediately, the owners faced the challenge of winning customers over from mass-produced beers to craft beer. Wooden Legs successfully earned a committed customer base by creating a menu full of approachable beers as well as new releases almost weekly. The staff enjoy taking the time to pair the right craft beers with customer preferences. When asked if he had a favorite, co-owner Brant compared it to picking a favorite child before recommending Dead Wood Creek. Taproom Operations Manager Matt Rustman’s favorite beer is the Sheep Slayer, a salted caramel flavor. Regarding food on the menu, Seth’s favorite sandwich is appropriately named the Brewer’s Favorite, featuring jalapeño cheddar bread, chipotle BBQ sauce, turkey, and provolone cheese.
Besides serving excellent beer, Wooden Legs gives back to the Brookings community by partnering with community organizations for fundraisers, hosting fun activities for customers, and investing in the growth of staff members. Brant enjoys interacting with teams who turn out for Tuesday trivia nights, and Matt loves bringing Wooden Legs outdoors for the special event Comedy in the Park. Enhancing the Brookings community is a passion written in the actions and business plan of Wooden Legs owners. Seth and Brant are happy to be located in Downtown Brookings, the heart and soul of the town, at 309 5th St.