Dry City Brew Works

Thirty years ago, the newest member of the downtown Wheaton community would have been outlawed.

One of the area’s most anticipated new businesses, Dry City Brew Works, quietly opened at the beginning of the month in Wheaton, which was completely dry until 1987.

The low-key opening and speakeasy-esque entrance behind the storefronts on North Main Street hasn’t stopped people from flocking by the dozens.

“On Saturday, when we were open for the Chili Cook-Off, there were a couple hundred people here,” said co-owner Jessica Sampson.

After months of applying for federal and state permits, a Kickstarter campaign and a total revamp of the space, the brewery’s taps are finally flowing.

“It was really fun standing here and being able to say ‘Finally! We’re finally open!'” said Jessica’s mom and co-owner Lori Carr.

The operation is still a work-in-progress, Sampson said. The owners are waiting on a craft brewing license so they can begin selling to restaurants and haven’t gotten enough growlers or flight glasses yet to offer either on the menu.

Even their equipment is still being calibrated, said brewer, co-owner and Jessica’s husband, Ben Sampson.

But, nevertheless, there’s beer on draft. Offerings include pale amber Patient Zero, coffee milk stout Providence, scotch ale I Saved The King and Homophonic American Wheat.

“I was shocked and so excited,” said resident Melissa Guido, of when she heard about the opening. “I’m a Wheaton-born native, and we have our reputation, so it’s nice to see some variety.”

Guido said she enjoyed the “coffee shop meets beer” vibe of the space and thought it would attract adults of all ages.

“It brings an appeal to the younger crowd,” she said. “It gives us 20-somethings something to do.”