Situated in the heart of historic downtown Lake City, Halpatter Brewing Company proudly serves as a cornerstone of craft brewing in Florida’s Springlands. Located in the iconic Montgomery Building, just steps away from Lake Desoto, this hidden gem quickly gained a loyal following after its official opening in 2017.
Founded by Chris Candler, Jeremy Gable, and Jonny Frazier, Halpatter Brewing started as a shared passion among friends and homebrewers. However, it has since blossomed into a vibrant hub where history, craft beer, and community come together. With a commitment to quality, creativity, and a deep love for Lake City, this local craft microbrewery reflects the rich culture and spirit of this growing town, offering far more than just great beer.
WHY LAKE CITY? A PERFECT LOCATION FOR A CRAFT BREWERY
Halpatter Brewing Co. began in 2013 when Chris Candler and Jeremy Gable dreamed of turning their homebrewing hobby into something bigger. Two years later, Chris met fellow brewer Jonny Frazier, and the three bonded over their shared passion. Combining Chris’ business expertise, Jonny’s engineering skills, and Jeremy’s graphic design talents, they formed a dynamic team. Together, they decided to take their homebrewing to the next level, and the idea for a full-scale brewery was born.
When it came time to decide on a location for their brewery, Lake City was the clear choice. Positioned along the key corridors of I-75 and I-10, Lake City attracts an endless stream of travelers and tourists, making it an ideal hub for businesses catering to both locals and visitors.
But beyond its strategic location, Lake City had something else—an untapped craft beer market. With no local breweries within a 50-mile radius, there was a huge opportunity to fill the gap for beer lovers in the area. The founders saw the potential to not only create a thriving business but also to become part of the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. As Lake City works to rejuvenate its historic core, Halpatter Brewing has established itself as a leader in the community, offering a gathering place that brings people together and adds new life to the area.
A NOD TO LOCAL HISTORY: THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE NAME
At Halpatter Brewing Co., a deep respect for local heritage runs through everything they do. The name “Halpatter” comes from Halpatter Tustenuggee, or Alligator Warrior, a Seminole chief who once resided in Alligator Village, the area now known as Lake City. By choosing this name, the brewery proudly honors the cultural roots of the Suwannee Valley, paying tribute to its history before the town was renamed in 1859.
FLAGSHIP BEERS: CELEBRATING LAKE CITY’S HERITAGE
Apart from its name, Halpatter Brewing Co.’s signature beers also pay tribute to the rich history and local landmarks in Lake City and the state of Florida. For example, Seymour & Finnegan’s Red Irish Ale honors the Battle of Olustee, the only major Civil War battle fought in Florida. Meanwhile, the O’Leno Cream Ale celebrates O’Leno State Park and its connection to the Civilian Conservation Corps, a key piece of Depression-era history.
Big Hal American Brown Ale further celebrates Halpatter Tustenuggee, the brewery’s namesake and a Seminole chief. And finally, Old School Session IPA nods to Lake City’s historical connection as the original home of the University of Florida. Each of these carefully crafted beers not only offers a unique flavor but also invites drinkers to connect with the stories and heritage that shaped the region.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: A BREWERY FOR THE PEOPLE
At Halpatter Brewing Co., it’s not just about the beer—it’s about bringing the community of Lake City together. With this in mind, the brewery hosts a range of weekly events that cultivate local connections, from bingo and trivia nights to open mic sessions and live music every Friday.
Of course, food is also a big part of the experience at Halpatter! With crowd favorites like the Cuban sandwich and chicken bacon ranch pita and indulgent desserts such as the Bananas Foster Cheesecake, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying a cold pint or a great meal, Halpatter Brewing provides the perfect place to congregate. It’s also a popular choice for a romantic date night!
THE FUTURE OF HALPATTER BREWING: EXPANDING INTO SPIRITS
As the founders of Halpatter Brewing look towards the future, they’re not stopping at just beer. In fact, the brewery recently began to expand its offerings by introducing a range of distilled products and craft cocktails, adding another layer to its already exciting lineup. House-made spirits visitors can sample include Allapattah Vodka, Jean Lafitte’s Rum Island Rum, and a variety of Hell’s Bay Sippin’ Shine flavors (like Apple Pie Alamode and Blackberry Cobbler). Current cocktail favorites in the tasting room include the Swamp Mule and the Suwannee Sunset.
Looking ahead, Halpatter Brewing plans to create a designated speakeasy space, providing a unique and intimate setting that will further elevate the experience. This next phase promises to attract new visitors while offering regulars a fresh reason to keep coming back. With a future that includes both beer and spirits, Halpatter Brewing continues to push the boundaries of what a local brewery can offer.
Halpatter Brewing Company has become a cornerstone of Lake City’s growing craft scene, offering a perfect blend of history, community, and exceptional brews. As they expand into spirits and new experiences, their commitment to quality and local culture ensures that Halpatter Brewing will remain a beloved destination for both locals and visitors to Florida’s Springlands for years to come.
