Oklahomans find new flavors at James Calley Brewing Company. This isn’t just another brewery. It’s a community built under a historical building where people come to meet friends and enjoy fresh beers and homemade delicacies. This isn’t your normal brewery; it is an experience worth the trip out West.
Co-founders Randy Calley and James “Jim” Dilley wanted to bring something unique to Sapulpa and the craft beer market. It started with the chrenovation of a historic downtown building that opened as a livery stable in 1915. It is truly a landmark and is welcoming from the front door all the way to the back patio. You won't find any uneven tables at James Calley; everything from the cushioned chairs to the self-balancing table legs was thought through with guests in mind. This isn’t your typical brew pub either; it is family friendly and even has a large-scale Connect Four game for kids. The fresh-baked cookies compete with any place you will find!
Freshness is central to everything at JCBC. Traditionally, beer is brewed in one vessel, fermented in another, and transported again before serving. JCBC does things differently. Using a unique system designed in Canada by BrewHa Equipment, they brew, ferment, finish, and serve from the very same vessel, a method so rare they may be the only brewery in the country using it as the manufacturer intended. Straight from the tank to your glass, JCBC calls it Vessel to Vessel™.
“We started with the idea of serving the freshest beer possible,” Randy says. “It has become what we do, and it has exceeded our expectations. Pair our Landman Stout with a fresh Reuben from the kitchen and top it off with a chocolate chip cookie. You won’t be disappointed.” Think dark beers are too heavy? Not at James Calley. “Our dark beers are just as popular as our lighter ones, not only because of the brewing method, but because we don’t use additives of any kind. The focus is on drinkability and flavor,” explains Jen Wagner, Assistant Brewmaster. If you ask her, Jen may also whip you up an Old Fashioned made with one of the beers, homemade cocktail syrup, and yes, even with ice and cherries!
“We have craft beer, but in our minds, we also serve craft food,” explains Amanda Stephens, partner and GM. “Beer is what got us here, but hospitality is what turns our brewery into a destination.” This philosophy has become the foundation for success for everyone involved. Weekly specials, loaded tots, flat breads, and specialty-ordered meats cap off a menu that is more like a deli than a brewery. “The goal is unique offerings and something for everyone, but our claim to fame is our Reuben sandwich. You'll probably need a to-go box,” says Amanda.
Their beer menu reflects the balance of tradition and creativity. European styles like German lagers and Czech pilsners provide a foundation, while JCBC adds its own twist. Their dark ales and lagers are bold yet unexpectedly smooth. And don't let the cream ales fool you—they're not creamy in a dairy sense. Just as important are the ingredients: specialty malts derived from regenerative farming practices that restore soil health. “Every order comes with a report showing the environmental impact saved, details that are important to us and our beers,” Randy notes.
The owners and every employee remain focused on the people walking through the door, not on filling shelves in faraway stores. What truly sets JCBC apart is its role as a gathering place. The building was designed for brewing, but it thrives as a space for connection. Upstairs, the mezzanine hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners, and community events. Downstairs, live music fills the air, turning typical nights into an entertainment destination.
“We want people to feel at home and welcome,” Jim says. “To walk away knowing they didn’t just have a great beer, but great food and a great experience. That’s what James Calley is all about, and our entire staff lives by it.”
James Calley Brewing needs to be on your list even if you don’t drink beer. A variety of wines, seltzers, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks will give you plenty to choose from and will most likely bring you back, especially after a red velvet cookie.