Berkeley Sierra Taproom?

I've heard through the grapevine that this weekend is a soft opening, and that they'll be open for real next week or so.

 

They posted on Facebook about a sneak peak tonight and will have information about an opening date next week.

 

@beerbybart just tweeted that they're opening on Tuesday nov 26. I'm excited as I work in Berkeley on Tuesday. What I want to know now is will they fill non-branded growlers?

 

It'll be interesting to see what they'll allow to be filled within those growlers. Guessing the standard brews?

 

Just returned from the Torpedo Room. They will be open to public beginning tomorrow, but are not announcing this. I wasn't paying attention but, at a glance, it appeared that everything was available for a growler fill (BA Torpedo, Bigfoot, etc). Bottles included BA Audition, Brandy BA Dubbel, Bourbon BA Ovila Quad.

 

I stopped by last weekend and one of the guys showed me around. Little odd that they only do 4 or 6 oz pours. Much more about the experience and learning about the beer than it is a bar was the impression I got. Their growler system was legit, though I'm typically not that into growlers. If they're your thing than it should be awesome.

 

Anyone know their hours?

 

I also went by last week and checked it out. I'm not sure about what they will fill but they will only fill their growlers. And they are going to be $14 and some change for the glass to buy.

 

Haven't been yet, but I hear they have a sweet counter-pressure growler filler setup as well.

 

http://www.sierranevada.com/brewery/california/torpedoroom

 

I'm assuming you'll be able to get a lot of the special release beers that up till now have been available only at the brewery. There wouldn't be much point to open a tap room just to sell SNPA and Celebration and all the stuff people can already get everywhere.

So... yeah, I'm stoked about this. I don't get up to Chico very often.

 

Semi-stoked. Getting from the South Bay to Berkeley is not easy. Only could make it on a Saturday (not open on Sunday's)...

 

I've been excited about this since I first heard rumors. But... someone's gotta say it... Is it me or do the hours seem too limited--closed at 7 on weekdays, at 8 on Friday and Saturday--and the format--taster flights not pints--not so conducive to lingering around?

I haven't been there so maybe my impression will change in person versus what I could glean from the website. I was looking forward to visiting tomorrow as I work in Berkeley on Tuesdays but alas, I don't get out until 8. I'm hoping some of these things change down the road.

 

Just got back from there. Had a 4-oz. pour of the Barrel-Aged Torpedo IPA (fantastic, but served quite cold for some reason) and picked up a growler of Narwhal ($12 for the glass and $20 for the fill). Their fancy growler-filler was on the fritz, so I got an old-fashioned, shove-a-tube-up-the-tap fill, which was a little short. No problem - I'll give them another chance on that one.

They seemed not to know what their plans were for blank growlers. Today you have to use their glass.

They have no plans to do kegs of any size - not enough space for storage of empties.

I found parking in the parking lot next to their building. I'm not sure how kosher it was to park there, since they share with a grocery store, but it wasn't marked as reserved for the grocery store, so it's possible that they have five or six slots. This is important because all the street parking is metered.

Looking forward to the next chance I can visit without it being my lunch hour!

 

Really nice space. Everything was available to go in growlers and they have 750's also to go of the ba torpedo. Very nice "4oz" pours $1.50-2.50 at the bar. Very happy having access to more of what Sierra has to offer.

 

It's a neat setup; kinda feels like the tasting room at a winery, with the long walk-up bar and the flights of taster glasses plus bottles to go. I rushed over there on Saturday after randomly hearing they had just opened, and had a great time.

I do agree with this, especially after I unthinkingly tried to go back just after 7 today. The guys behind the bar told me the idea was to avoid the late-night crowd, and I get that, but you'd probably get the same effect closing at 9. The taster glasses are great, though; I love that I can drive there, try four things, and safely drive home.

 

I checked it out onTuesdy for the opening. It was fairly crowded with many people getting growler fills. The staff seemed a little overwhelmed and had some issues with the POS system. Some people were waiting over 20 minutes to order. The space is very nice and I'm sure things will smooth out over time. Wish they stayed open a little later. Lots of people being turned away coming in after 7.

 

most beer is going to be served at 38 degrees because its kept at that temp due to not being pasteurized. especially when you are filling a growler off that tap, much easier to keep foaming down at a colder temperature anyways

 

Thanks! Makes sense.