The Railyard Taproom in Van Alstyne—a cozy, lively spot with great vibes and frequent events!
Nestled in the historic downtown of Van Alstyne, Texas, at 218 East Jefferson Street, The Railyard Taproom stands out as both a refined local bar and a welcoming gathering place for craft beer enthusiasts, music lovers, and community members alike.
A Rich Legacy Transformed
Before emerging as the Railyard Taproom, the space held many iterations over the decades. It began as “The Roma” in 1927, an Italian family-style restaurant, and later became known as Lucia’s and Cook Street Station in successive years. After a period of dormancy, a group of five families with deep ties to the community undertook a full restoration, reopening the venue—with a fresh name and new energy—as The Railyard Taproom in August 2019.
The Scene Today
The Railyard Taproom sports a vintage charm reminiscent of its storied past, but with a contemporary twist. Patrons are greeted with a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere that includes a stage for live music performances and eight large-screen TVs—perfect for catching your favorite game over a cold brew.
Good Times on Tap
At its core, the Taproom celebrates local craft beer and community connection. The menu highlights an extensive selection of local craft beers, ciders, and wines, often rotating through seasonal and special brews. Notably, untapped listings reveal a rotating list of about 40 beers on draft, including favorites like the "Outer Groove Hazy IPA," "Aunt Nell’s Pilsner," "Salty Lady Gose," and others—offering something for every palate. Patrons can enjoy happy hour specials, available Monday through Thursday from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Game Nights and Community Vibes
More than just a drink spot, The Railyard Taproom thrives on community energy. Visitors rave about the fun atmosphere, trivia nights with drink tokens, and daily activities that keep things fresh and entertaining. One reviewer noted: “Really fun place and good vibes… we played trivia games and won drink tokens!”.
Welcoming, Walkable, and Central
Located squarely in Van Alstyne’s walkable downtown, the Taproom benefits from street-side parking and an easygoing, historic setting. Patrons can relax indoors or head out to the large back patio, which features picnic-style seating—perfect for warmer afternoons or evenings under the stars.
Bartenders and staff maintain a friendly, approachable demeanor that makes regulars feel right at home, even on weeknights. The ambiance strikes a casual but refined balance: a place for catching up with friends, watching sports, or enjoying live music and games.
Community Praise and Warm Reception
Locals frequently express how much the Taproom adds to the downtown scene. A Facebook post celebrating it’s opening declared that city staff "can confidently say our community is going to love having this beautiful ..." venue in town. And recent visitors continue to echo that sentiment—highlighting the historic charm, fun activities, and great service.
The Railyard Taproom in Van Alstyne is more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a vibrant community hub rooted in historic charm. Whether you’re a beer aficionado exploring new local brews, a trivia buff chasing tokens, or just looking for laid-back weekend fun, the Taproom delivers on all fronts. From its thoughtfully curated beer selection and friendly service to the live music backdrop and central location, it’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
"Really fun place, trivia games, live music, and outstanding customer service!" ~Connie
"Wonderful selection of craft beers!" ~ Robert