began in 1988, when founder John McDonald started construction of the brewery in a turn-of-the-century brick building on historic Southwest Boulevard of Kansas City, Missouri. The brewery’s name comes from its location on the boulevard. A vintage Bavarian brewhouse was installed, and the first batches of beer were produced in the fall of 1989. The first keg of Boulevard pale ale was delivered that November, in the back of McDonald’s pickup truck, to a restaurant located a few blocks away. Since opening, the brewery has undergone three expansions: in 1999, 2003, and 2005. The most recent expansion increased brewing capacity to 600,000 barrels per year. In 2009 the brewery produced 140,000 barrels, making Boulevard one of the 10 largest craft breweries in the United States.

As of 2010, Boulevard sold beer in 19 states, largely in the Midwest. Boulevard, like many other modern craft breweries, considers itself a participant in the revival of the regional brewery tradition in the United States. Boulevard brews five seasonal varieties and eight beers that are available year-round. The majority of the volume is contributed by two brands—pale ale and unfiltered wheat. Boulevard also brews the Smokestack Series, which is an award-winning line of artisanal beers introduced in 2007 and packaged in 750-ml bottles. This series includes both permanent selections and limited edition brews.