Brewery Profile

Riverwalk Brewing Co.

In a city better known to many travelers for its maritime setting, historic streets, and day-trip appeal, Riverwalk Brewing Co. gives Newburyport a locally rooted beer stop with a clear origin story. Founded in 2012 by Steve and Betsy Sanderson, the brewery started in a sub-leased basement and used a growler-only distribution model in its early days. A visitor now encounters the public side of a business that has moved beyond that small beginning into a dedicated production facility and taproom in Massachusetts. Its ownership structure is also part of the profile: Riverwalk is 100% family, community, and employee-owned, which sets it apart from breweries backed by outside corporate ownership.

Travelers in this part of Massachusetts often look for places that reflect the local community without requiring a formal tour or a long commitment. A taproom stop fits naturally into a Newburyport visit, especially for people pairing a walk around town with a casual tasting or a break between other plans. Riverwalk’s founding goal was to bring a diverse range of beer styles to the local community, so the main appeal is not tied to one single flagship identity or a narrow specialty. For visitors, that means the taproom is best approached as a place to see what the brewery is currently emphasizing rather than arriving with assumptions about a fixed lineup.

Practical details should be checked directly with the brewery before going, since specific amenities such as food service, outdoor seating, events, tours, family policies, and package availability are not confirmed here. The taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours, including what is available by the glass and what may be offered to go. It is also the best source for current hours, holiday changes, and any limits on seating or group visits. For a first-time visitor, the most reliable expectation is straightforward: Riverwalk offers a Newburyport taproom tied to an active production brewery, with a history that runs from basement-scale growler sales to a broader, community-connected operation.

Founded in 2012 by Steve and Betsy Sanderson, Riverwalk Brewing Co. began operations in a sub-leased basement, initially utilizing a growler-only distribution model. The founders established the brewery with the goal of introducing a diverse range of beer styles to the local Newburyport community. Operations have since expanded into a dedicated production facility and taproom in Massachusetts. Riverwalk maintains a unique ownership structure, being 100% family, community, and employee-owned.

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40 Parker St, Newburyport, Massachusetts, 01950-4056

Phone: (978)-499-2337

Website: http://www.riverwalkbrewing.com

Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Fri, Sat 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Sun 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM