Railside Brewing – Where Great Beer, Good Friends, and Community Come Together by BoostBC

Railside Brewing – Where Great Beer, Good Friends, and Community Come Together by BoostBC

Some of Kelowna's best businesses begin with a simple idea, and for Railside Brewing, that idea started in a driveway.

Railside Brewing Kelowna

Long before the brewery became a neighbourhood favourite, co-owners Matt Grieve and Rob Leinemann were simply high school friends with a shared dream. Rob spent years perfecting recipes while brewing beer in his driveway, earning the inspiration behind Railside's slogan "Driveway Developed." 

When the opportunity came to turn that passion into a business, Matt joined forces with Rob, and together they created the welcoming brewery locals know today.

The story comes full circle in an even more meaningful way. Railside Brewery itself sits inside a building constructed by Rob's father in the 1970s, and the property remains owned and managed by the Leinemann family. Every pint poured is backed by decades of family history and community roots.

Railside Brewery

When asked if there were ever a beer that captured the feeling of an Okanagan summer, Railside answered;

"Our signature pint for the warm weather months would be our Lime Cerveza, Rob hand zests and juices 28 lbs of fresh limes each batch to give this patio pint an unrivaled summer vibe. Light, refreshing, with a crisp finish, it is no wonder why it is our top selling beer every day."

 It sounds like the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon on the patio.

Railside Brewery Menu

When asked which beer best represents Railside itself, the answer was easy.

"The Conductor Kölsch. It's a light easy-drinking beer, similar to an everyday lager. We keep our beer styles approachable for everyone to enjoy." 

That philosophy extends far beyond the beer menu. Railside Brewing isn't about being intimidating or exclusive it's about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable pulling up a chair.

Over the past four years, the brewery has become much more than a place to grab a pint. It's become part of the neighbourhood.

"The genuine sense of community and neighborhood support we've received has been the most important to us," Rob and Matt say. "We have formed many amazing friendships and love seeing everyone enjoying the space. For our regulars, it is truly a place where everyone knows your name."

Railside Brewery Community

That love for community even extends to four-legged visitors. One dream collaboration isn't another brewery at all it involves partnering with the SPCA or Paws It Forward to host a unique dog adoption event, helping pups find their forever families. With a dog-friendly patio and even a dedicated dog photo wall, it's easy to see why this idea feels so perfectly "Railside."

At the end of the day, their mission is beautifully simple."If guests leave after having a great pint, good conversation, made memories and had an overall great experience then mission accomplished. We want everyone to feel at home here."

And judging by the smiles on the patio, the familiar faces at the bar, and the sense of community they've built, it's safe to say they're accomplishing exactly that.

BoostBC Local Spotlights shine a light on the entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community builders who make BC stronger, more vibrant, and more connected. We share these stories to amplify local voices, inspire the next generation of business owners, and encourage everyone to shop and support locally. Know a standout local business, founder, or organization doing great things in your community? Nominate them for a feature here: boostbc.ca/localspotlights