Pat O’Hara Brewing Company- Pat’s Brew House

By: Katelyn Parker

One of the most rewarding aspects of highlighting Wyoming businesses for Live WYld is the opportunity to chat with the inspiring entrepreneurs in our state. Every story is different and every one is fascinating in its own way, but each one starts with a dream.

New Ownership

For Norfleet Montgomery, owner of Pat O’Hara Brewing Company in Cody, Wyoming, the dream was to own and operate her own establishment. She had been working in the food and beverage industry for most of her adult life and her dream was to someday own her own restaurant. When she started working at Pat O’Hara Brewing Company, she decided that someday she wanted to be the proprietor of the business. For approximately two years she poked at the owners to sell and in July of 2021 they finally did, making Norfleet’s dream of being a restaurant and brewery owner a reality. Pat O’Hara’s is now Wyoming’s first brewery that is owned and operated solely by females. When Norfleet bought the business she brought on Alexandria Cain, whose experience included being an assistant brewer in Seattle, Washington. She is now the head brewer at Pat O’Hara’s and is brewing up some excellent beer and bringing new flavor to this Cody establishment.

Fresh New Look

Since the change in ownership Norfleet and her crew have been working tirelessly to make the business their own while treading carefully to keep the character and aspects that are loved by the locals in place. Currently they are undergoing some branding upgrades, giving the establishment and their marketing materials a fresh new look. The brewery will still operate under the name Pat O’Hara Brewing Company, but the restaurant is now Pat’s Brew House. Each beer brewed in house will be branded individually and Norfleet would like to reach out to different artists for future designs. There are some fun and exciting changes in the pipeline so be sure to follow them on their social media channels so you can follow their journey.

The History

The restaurant and brewery are housed in a historic building off the main street in Cody. The building was once home to H & H Auto Service and was later an art supply store and a climbing gym before being transformed into a restaurant/brewery. The bar top was built using reclaimed wood that was taken from the office space that was used by previous occupants. The building still has the garage door entrance that was used for the automotive garage. Still functioning, the garage door is a great feature in the summertime, giving patrons an indoor/outdoor feel. Pat O’Hara Brewing Company is named after the Pat O’Hara Mountain which is situated on the outskirts of Cody, in the Absaroka mountains.

The Brewery

The brewery is housed in the heart of the establishment and is the focal point when you walk in the door. The large bar top wraps around the brewing operation so patrons that belly up can watch the brewer at work if she is creating her craft. Since they are a small operation, they only have one fermenter so they can only brew one beer at a time. Currently on tap is the Fruggle Cuddle Brown Ale (named for the Fruggle hops used) which is a nutty brown ale that tastes incredible but isn’t too heavy. The Pat’s Blu Ribbon Blonde Ale is a straightforward, easy drinking beer with great flavor. Lastly, the Juni Ripper IPA, named for the Juniper berries that are used in the brewing process, sets itself apart with its unique and complimenting hints of Juniper berry, and has quickly become a local favorite. The flavor is not overwhelming and is just enough to compliment the hops and not overwhelm the palate.

The Restaurant

The menu features several restaurant favorites such as burgers and fish and chips as well as several unique menu items that allows the staff to show off their culinary capabilities. Everything on the menu is prepared in house and handmade. The food is fresh and prepped daily, making the dining experience truly one of a kind. Another change Norfleet has implemented is making the establishment “kid friendly” when before, you had to be 21 or older. She has expanded the menu to include a kid’s menu, featuring several of the favorites among our younger population.

Beyond their own beer, they feature several guest beers on tap as well as a full bar and signature cocktails. Pat O’Hara’s offers the full experience, and you should definitely check it out if you find yourself in Cody.

Thank you to Juli at Libations for sponsoring our brewery tours!