I’ll be forever rep’n Big Boss Brewery. When I became acquainted with the oddly located warehouse at 1249 Wicker Drive off of Atlantic Avenue in 2006, it was undergoing a major transition to a new name and ownership. The brewery is not downtown, we’ll call it the edge of (down)town, but with all the bars and restaurants on Hargett, Davie, Blount and many more, that serve Big Boss beers on a constant basis this establishment is worthy of a post on Downtown Dame. From the start, the beers and people that make this place special have been worth celebrating and the Indy agrees, they just keep giving us reasons to continue.
Upstairs the tavern is without a doubt a man’s bar. The walls are plaqued with panels from WWII fighter jets bearing names (and ladies) that now identify the beers made downstairs, like Bad Penny, Blanco Diablo and Hells Belle, to name a few. And each room has fun and games in mind, whether its the taps themselves or Megatouch, darts, ping-pong and pool. But the tavern’s masculinity embodies characteristics that men and women appreciate. It’s style is inviting, lights are low and warm, and strong beer is served by able bartenders.
I’ve even spent some time behind the bar, sling’n beers for the regulars and college kids who rightly favor the seasonals and beers only offered on-site. Harvest Time was released this past Wednesday, on the 1st day of event-packed September and during Raleigh Beer Week. It’s Halloween’s official beer, as my friends at the blog The Devil’s Demons like to say. Beer that is golden and crisp fall weather boiled and churned into drink form. So, go have a pint at the tavern Monday through Friday after 5 and Saturday after 3 (or 2 if it’s a brew tour day). There’s outdoor seating too, beside the homegrown hops, or grab a growler to go…this is the Big Boss seasonal brew that will be gone, just like Fall, way before you’re ready for it.
Seriously one of the most evil beers of all time.