Rocky River Brewing Co. is gearing up to unlock its doors in early June, nearly a year after a roof fire on June 24, 2025, knocked the longtime West Side staple out of commission. Owner Gary Cintron used the forced timeout to rip out and replace floors, beer lines, restrooms and other behind-the-scenes systems, even as he made it clear he would rather have skipped the whole ordeal. Regulars can expect the familiar lineup of house beers, full lunch and dinner service, and plenty of patio time when the taps start flowing again.
According to Cleveland Scene, Cintron, who first opened the brewpub in July 1998, summed up the rebuild with a weary bit of understatement: "I'd go back and forego the fire if I could." The outlet reports that the reopening is targeted for early June and that the downtime was used to upgrade sound, furniture and the tap system on top of the structural work.
The Fire And The Fallout
The blaze started on the roof during roofing work in June 2025 and ultimately caused about $3 million in damage, with two firefighters treated for injuries, according to WOIO/Cleveland 19. Staffers suddenly found themselves without paychecks after the shutdown, and a GoFundMe campaign was set up to help employees bridge the gap, as reported by News 5 Cleveland.
What's Back On Tap
The comeback menu behind the bar will lean on the brewpub's core beers: Hop Goblin American IPA, Pirate Light Kölsch, Coopers Golden Ale and Subchaser Hefeweizen, all brewed on the same seven-barrel system that has powered the operation for years, Cleveland Scene reports. The space will accommodate roughly 125 guests inside and another 125 on the patio. New head brewer Vaughn Stewart, who left Bookhouse Brewing late last year, will oversee a 12-tap tower that mixes classic European styles with rotating offerings.
Staffing, Hours And Where To Go
The brewery's website now sports a "We’re Reopening Soon" banner and is taking applications as the kitchen and bar staff up for the relaunch. The site lists the address and current hours and reminds visitors that the brewpub does not accept weekend reservations. For directions, hours and job information, head to the Rocky River Brewing Co..
Why It Matters Locally
Rocky River Brewing Co. ranks among Cleveland's longest-running brewpubs, a distinction noted by the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, and its return should give the West Side dining scene a timely lift heading into summer. Coverage last year pointed to a wave of craft beer closures across Northeast Ohio, so seeing a veteran spot come back on line is a rare bit of good news for neighborhood hospitality and patio season regulars alike.
