Big Ditch Brewing Company is set to make a triumphant return to its roots along the Erie Canal in Lockport within a beautifully restored historic post office building. Craft beer enthusiasts will soon be able to enjoy a selection of brews in a spacious taproom that boasts soaring ceilings, and natural wood accents.
While a specific opening date has yet to be announced, although it will be in March, the brewery tapped its first kegs on Thursday, and staff training is scheduled to begin on Monday. The brewpub is currently in the process of arranging furniture, completing final touches, and unpacking glassware. Eight 50-gallon brewing tanks are ready for action.
The new location, housed in the original 1902 Lockport post office at 1 East Avenue, will feature multiple bars across two levels, an event space, a microbrewery, a patio on the first floor, and a kitchen. The brewpub plans to serve dinner six nights a week and lunch on weekends offering a menu that includes classic Buffalo bar fare, unique dishes, and favorites from their Buffalo locations. The bar will operate until 10pm on weekdays, 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8pm on Sundays. The facility is equipped with a ramp and elevator for accessibility.
Nearly 80 staff members have been hired for the new establishment. Brewers will alternate their time between the Lockport site and Buffalo locations. The main taproom can accommodate around 140 guests with an additional 90 seats in the beer hall and 60 in the event space. The bars will feature 12 taps with large beer shipments en route from the Buffalo brewery.
The experience at Big Ditch is designed to be memorable, combining quality beer with excellent food, a welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch customer service. In addition to beer, the pub will offer spirits, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages, with plans for live music later in the year.
With three walls of windows, patrons will enjoy stunning views of downtown Lockport including landmarks like the Bewley Building and Niagara Produce. The taproom will showcase framed black-and-white historical photographs, enlarged maps, and a mural depicting iconic scenes from Lockport and Buffalo, highlighting the history of the canal. Unique table designs feature carved maps of the Erie Canal crafted by master woodworker David Hamm, which aligned create a continuous map from Albany to Buffalo.
The on-site brewery will produce unique beers with a capacity of four barrels per batch, which could be sold out over a weekend. A new carrot cake beer, infused with vanilla, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and carrot juice, is in development. Guests will have the option to sample beers at the bar or purchase them by the glass or growler.
Big Ditch Brewing Company Nears Niagara County Opening