Barrel Head Brewhouse, A NOPA Brewpub

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The bar scene north of the Panhandle just got more exciting with Monday's arrival of Barrel Head Brewhouse, the long-anticipated brewpub from Ivan Hopkinson, a Brewtruc co-founder and former Park Chalet assistant brewmaster. The huge, bi-level former Fulton Street Bar now has an industrial vibe, with tanks and concrete right in the heart of the dining room, and reclaimed wood tables whose knots are filled with stamps, coins, fresh hops, and other ephemera from the owners (including some Lego minifigs).

The brewery part of the operation isn't online yet, but should start producing house-brewed beer in 6-8 weeks (with growlers available). Until then, the bar is offering a diverse and well-curated selection of brews from around the world on its 42 taps, which are dispensed from a giant torpedo mounted behind the bar. Expect brews from Belhaven, Ballast Point, Stone, Goose Island, Ninkasi, and more in the mix. There's also a big selection of bottled beer.

Tim Tattan, last seen at the Monk's Kettle, is the chef, and will be offering classed-up bar bites like sustainable fish and chips, mini Monte Cristos, and vegetable risotto. They'll have a burger, poutine, and some Midwestern-influenced items like Salisbury steak, and they have a smoker to boot. The full bar features over 70 whiskeys and 40 tequilas sourced by manager Jay Beaman, as well as a section called "The Manhattan Project" that allows drinkers to build their own Manhattans from their choice of spirit (including tequila and rum), vermouth, and bitters. The plan is for Barrel Head to be open straight through from 11 am-2 am on weekdays, and to open at 5 pm on weekends for now, with brunch coming soon. Drop in on Monday and have a pint.

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