Bankhead opens newest brewpub in Farmers Branch

Bankhead's name recalls the Bankhead Highway, an early roadway which ran through Downtown Rowlett - the company's origin point.

Adding to its roster of locations in Fort Worth and the original in Rowlett, Bankhead Brewing Co. has opened its newest brewpub in the spot formerly occupied by Cedar Creek Brewhouse & Eatery at 13090 Bee St. in Farmers Branch.

Bankhead's approach to expansion, thus far, has involved acquiring brewpubs that have recently closed. Ownership took a mostly turn-key approach to its takeover of Deep Ellum Brewing Co.'s Funkytown Fermatorium in Fort Worth, but it seems they may have jiggled the key a bit more when planning out how to fit into Farmers Branch.

While changes outside focus on signage, renovations on the interior involved a re-work of the two-story, 6000+ square foot space. In addition to swapping out furnishings and adopting a darker color motif, the old bar setup downstairs was removed and replaced with a new service counter aligned with the south wall.

A darker color palette adorns the interior of Bankhead's brewpub in Farmers Branch.

There's even an old model-T Ford, à la the brewpub's logo, that's been split in half and installed as decor around the elevator shaft. And though it's not ready just yet, the lift and an adjoining staircase will provide upstairs access to what's set to evolve into a lounge-like locale. Here, the brewpub will host events like weekly trivia nights, while also setting the stage for live, local music acts to perform.

Shifting gears to the brewhouse, some may notice the hardware in this room has both literally and figuratively risen to new heights. The production system has been revamped with new equipment, the setup now incorporating an array of stackable fermenters which reaches to the ceiling.

From within, beers brewed onsite pour from one of 20 handles on the brewpub's tapwall, with the everyday lineup expected to contain long-standing Bankhead standards with automobile-inspired names like Low Beams (light lager), Devil Wagon (German helles) and Wheel's Off IPA. And let's also not forget Hoofer's Hef (German hefeweizen), a two-time award winner at the Great American Beer Festival.

Among the consumables at Bankhead Farmers Branch: Buddha's Mantra, a Belgian witbier, and the brewpub's Brussel & Chicken Salad.

Remaining aspects of the menu follow suit in offering selections likely familiar to fans of Bankhead, with food options comprising pizzas, burgers, sammies, soups, salads, featured entrées and desserts (plus a kids menu). Then for drinkables beyond the beer, a cocktail and wine range is also available.

Something else worth mentioning is this: if Farmers Branch has one advantage over its sister sites, it's probably the second-floor patio section. Patrons seated there are able to couple the ambiance with the brewpub's quality craft beer and culinary fare for an elevated brewpub experience...in more ways than one.

Bankhead Brewpub opens daily in Farmers Branch, with hours beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and 11 a.m. from Wednesday to Sunday.