How a Passion for Precision Became Kansas City’s Favorite Neighborhood Brewery
When you step into Border Brewing Company’s cozy taproom in the heart of Kansas City’s Crossroads, you’re not just grabbing a pint — you’re becoming part of a story that started with a curious engineer, a homebrew kit, and a vision for something bigger.
Before Border Brewing opened its doors in 2015, founder Eric Martens spent his days as an engineer. A perfectionist by nature, he thrived on solving problems and building things from the ground up. But like many craft beer fans, Eric found himself drawn to the world of brewing — a blend of creativity, precision, and a little bit of magic. “I loved engineering,” he says, “but with brewing, I saw a chance to combine that love of process with something people could share and enjoy together.”
From Homebrew to Hometown Hero
Eric’s journey into brewing started the way it does for many: with a homebrew kit and an unquenchable curiosity. Every batch he brewed in his basement was a chance to experiment, refine recipes, and share his creations with friends and family. Those early days were filled with excitement — and plenty of trial and error.
“I’d tinker with the recipes like an engineer,” Eric laughs. “Adjust the water chemistry, try different yeast strains, tweak the hop schedules — it was all about dialing it in until it was just right.”
But as his skills and passion grew, so did his ambition. Kansas City was ready for more craft beer, and Eric dreamed of a place that could bring people together over a pint, right in the middle of the community he called home. In 2015, Border Brewing Company opened its doors, and with it, a new chapter for Kansas City’s craft beer scene.
A Taproom with Heart
From the beginning, Border Brewing has been more than just a place to grab a drink. Eric’s vision was to create a neighborhood brewery where locals and visitors alike could connect, share stories, and celebrate the craft of beer. The taproom, with its warm wood accents, friendly bartenders, and constantly rotating taps, feels like the kind of place where everyone’s a regular — even on their first visit.
“Beer has a way of bringing people together,” Eric says. “Whether it’s neighbors catching up, friends meeting for happy hour, or folks discovering Kansas City for the first time — that’s what Border Brewing is all about.”
“Beer has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s neighbors catching up, friends meeting for happy hour, or folks discovering Kansas City for the first time — that’s what Border Brewing is all about.” — Eric Martens, Founder and Brewer
Engineering Meets Brewing
Eric’s background as an engineer shapes everything that happens at Border Brewing. From meticulously testing new recipes to ensuring every pint meets his high standards, there’s a level of precision here that you can taste. That commitment is especially clear in the brewery’s non-alcoholic craft beers — the Baseline Amber and Baseline Pale — which were the first of their kind in the region.
“It’s not easy to make a non-alcoholic beer that still feels like a craft beer,” Eric explains. “But we wanted to give people more options, without sacrificing flavor.” That spirit of innovation is part of what sets Border Brewing apart.
👉 Learn more about our Baseline Non-Alcoholic Series.
Celebrating Kansas City — One Pint at a Time
At the heart of Border Brewing’s success is a deep love for Kansas City. From sourcing local ingredients when possible to participating in community events and supporting local artists, the brewery’s roots run deep in the Crossroads Arts District.
“We’re proud to be a part of Kansas City’s craft beer scene,” Eric says. “This city has a creative energy that’s contagious. It’s amazing to see how much it’s grown, and to know we’re contributing to that.”
👉 Visit our Brewery Taproom to see what’s on tap today.
What’s Next for Border Brewing?
Eight years after opening, Border Brewing continues to evolve. New recipes, seasonal releases, and community-focused events keep the taproom buzzing with activity. Whether you’re here for a fresh Strawberry Blonde Ale in the summer, a warming winter stout, or just a conversation with Eric himself, you’re part of the story.
“We’re always learning, always experimenting,” Eric says. “That’s the fun part. And as long as people keep coming back, we’ll keep brewing.”
So next time you’re in Kansas City, make your way to Border Brewing Company. Grab a pint, pull up a stool, and be part of a story that’s still being written — one pint at a time.
Additional Links: