Half Full Brewery: A Unique Find in Stamford, CT

flight tasting at Half Full Brewery in Stamford CTThey say one of the best ways to get to know a city is through its food and drinks.

 

So what better way to get to know Stamford, CT, than to visit one of its hottest breweries?

 

Read on to see why Half Full Brewery is one of the best Connecticut breweries:

 

What Is Half Full Brewery?

Hall Full Brewery takes optimism to a new level—and it’s still very much a good thing. Self-proclaimed “hoptimists,” these brew masters started with a vision. And they have since transformed a once rundown urban factory into a community-based 1,000-square-foot taproom.

The brewery recently renovated its space to be more than a space to stop and grab a beer. In 2019, they added couches and seating so that their space is like a living room away from, well, your living room.

With the communal picnic tables and high tops, there are plenty of seats, whether you want to hit the spot on a date night or with a group of friends.

During the warmer months, the parking lot even turns into a beer garden, so you can enjoy the fresh breeze, warm air, and a nice cold beer.

And what’s a Connecticut brewery without an array of beer choices?

 

Hall Full Brewery rotates about a dozen taps with their coined Half Full beers, including:

  • Seasonal options
  • Limited releases
  • And an occasional tap room exclusive

Who is the Founder?

 

Back in August 2012, Conor Horrigan, founder of Half Full Brewery, stepped away from Wall Street, where he worked as an investment banker. He realized his heart just wasn’t in finance and that it lay in brewing, so he started Half Full with his first batch of Bright Ale. He says that his “vision is to be the #1 reason people want to live in, work in, & help to build a better Stamford.”

 

Half Full teams up with other local businesses for its Community Sourced Ales series. That means that the beers are made with local ingredients. Proceeds support efforts to keep the community safe and clean, including park cleanups and pet adoption days.

 

What’s Third Place?

 

In 2020, Third Place by Half Full Brewery opened as a second tap location. It somehow does even more to create community by offering a coffee menu. It also has a dedicated art and performance space so that locals can share their talents. You can visit Third Place at 575 Pacific St, Stamford, CT 06902.

 

At the start of Covid, the owner of Half Full actually opened a tasting room and outdoor beer garden at Third Place. Then in 2021, they opened a fully operational Third Place, expanding the space.

 

equipment at Half Full Brewery in Stamford, CTThe menu for Third Place consists only of beverages, but there is a wide range for everyone’s preferences. From coffee to chai and tea to espresso, they can whip just about anything coffee related. For later in the evening, you relax with an award-winning beer, and for those who opt to skip on the alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.

 

Back when Third Place started, Horrigan had big dreams. “Nearly seven years after pouring our first Bright beer, we are excited to give our tasting room a refresh,” Horrigan said. “The local community has embraced our positive philosophy, spending time with their family, friends and four-legged friends in our tasting room. We hope to continue to deliver a positive, relaxing and enjoyable experience in our redesigned tasting room.”

 

Fast-forward years later, and Third Place has become a staple in the community and a destination for travelers statewide.

 

Is There Food?

 

While Half Full Brewery doesn’t have its own kitchen to cook up a meal with your beer after work. And yet they kindly allow you to bring outside food into their establishment! You can bring food with you or get it delivered from a nearby favorite. On some occasions, food trucks even gather outside the brewery, so you can try different bites all in one place!

 

dog outside at Half Full Brewery in Stamford CTCan I Bring My Dog?

 

The outdoors of Half Full Brewery is one of the most dog-friendly places in Connecticut. So feel free to bring your furry friend on a sunny day!

 

And it’s a short trip from our dog-friendly bed and breakfast when you do.

 

That said, the indoor taproom is only open to service dogs. Unless your pet is certified, it’s best to leave them at home on a rainy day where they’re comfy on their beds, next to all their toys.

 

Are Third Place and OG Taproom the Same?

 

They’re not the same, but they do have the same founder, Conor Horrigan. And while some of the beers overlap on both menus, Third Place offers other beers made only at its onsite brewery.

 

What’s the Parking Situation?

 

Half Full Brewery shares a parking lot with neighboring buildings, making parking limited. However, there is plenty of opportunities for street parking over a one or two block radius. There is also a large free parking lot on Canal St. between Market Street and Henry Street. And the nearest parking garage (Maritime Garage) is just a short walk away (Note: This garage is cash-only).

 

Tell Me More!

 

glasses clinking outdoors at Half Full Brewery in Stamford CTIf you’re planning on visiting either Third Room or OG Taproom, be sure to get there early for a table, as they do not accept reservations. During a weeknight, you should have no problem finding a place to get comfy. It’s the weekend and during events that the earlier you get there, the better your chances are of claiming a spot with your group.

 

You can also reserve space for a private event at both locations to host team outings, birthday parties, baby showers, and more. There are two specific event spaces at Third Place called The Barrell Room, where you can host up to 100 guests, and the Nook, where you can host up to 40 guests. At OG Taproom, there’s The Brewery for events of all sizes.

 

To reserve a private party, here are some things to note:

 

  • For an open bar, prices range from about $25-30 a person, with a 25-person minimum, for three hours.

 

  • For pricing, the Barrel Room has a standard rate, and the Nook and Beer Garden spaces are subject to peak pricing. It’s best to call or email for current prices.

 

  • Half Full has a catering partnership with The Blind Rhino. But you can let the organizers know if you have your own favorite caterer or food truck.

 

  • Each event will have a private bartender and beer expert in one.

 

  • There’s a 25-person minimum for private parties, with a three-hour minimum.

 

And if your celebrants need somewhere close-by to sleep it off, there are plenty of options nearby. Close to the Greenwich/Stamford border, you’ll find that both Greenwich hotels and hotels in Stamford are all accessible to Half Full Brewery, including Third Place.

 

What else is there to do in Stamford, CT?

Are you looking for more things to do in Stamford?

 

Perhaps you’re hoping to end your day at Half Full Brewery after a busy day of outdoor activities?

 

Then be sure to explore the city’s parks and top-notch outdoor spaces:

 

Or maybe you’d like to start your evening with a drink at Half Full Brewery before enjoying all that the city has to offer?

 

Stamford is a nightlife destination in the area with such ideal attractions and indoor activities to enjoy as:


And for all of the best attractions, activities, and things to do in Stamford, CT, be sure to download our free Stamford Visitor’s Guide!