As if we weren’t already the best drinking town in the nation, St. Louis’ Craft Beer Week (July 26-August 3, 2014) makes other cities look like spent grain. From brunches to packaged discounts to special releases, the events taking place over the next nine days (yes, nine) are sure to leave you buzzed until next year. Yeast your eyes on our daily picks:
Crown Valley Special | Macklind Avenue Deli | July 26–August 2
Macklind Ave Deli not only has exceptional neighborhood charm but a sophisticated beer selection that complements its sandwiches. They’ll be offering specials on all packaged Crown Valley beers, from IPAs and lagers to ciders.
Why you should go: Macklind Deli is one of the area’s hidden gems…and they let you build your own 6-pack.
Huevos con Cervezas | Milagro Modern Mexican | Sunday, July 27th | 10am| $50
A four-course meal perfectly paired with local beers, this third annual Mexican-inspired brunch includes tamale griddle cakes, whipped farm eggs, and duck birria.
Why you should go: When will you ever again get the chance to use the words “eggs” and “beer” in the same sentence?
Prairie Artisan Ales BOMB! Release | Nick’s Pub | Monday, July 28th | 8–11:59pm Just another excuse to visit this fine St. Louis establishment: Oklahoma’s Prairie Artisan Ales is sending over a keg of their coffee-aged, ancho-chile-infused imperial stout to serve on special. Nick’s will also have “crazy craft beer specials” all night long.
Why you should go: You heard the part about the coffee and the chiles being in a beer, right?
4 Hands Prussia 4 Ways | Hair of the Dog | Tuesday, July 29th |5pm
Named after Frederick the Great—once King of Prussia—this Berliner-Style Weisse beer is perfect for summer on its own or with a bit of grapefruit, pomegranate or passion fruit syrup mixed in…hence the “4 Ways.”
Why you should go: Hair of the Dog is one of the best places to go after work (shuffleboard! Pacman! Jukebox!), especially if there’s fruit syrup involved.
Coconut Lime Belgian Blonde Small Batch Release | Ferguson Brewing Company | Wednesday, July 30th | 4pm
It’s good in pie, so why wouldn’t it be great in beer? All week the brewery (home to some darn good chicken wings) will be releasing fruit-flavored experiments for its patrons to try with them. Sounds exciting, no?
Why you should go: “Located in beautiful downtown Ferguson, just 15 minutes from everywhere.”
Deschutes Patio Beer Night | The Wolf | Thursday, July 31st | 5–8pm
While it’s not a local brewery, Oregon’s Deschutes is making a name for itself across the Midwest with outdoorsy-sounding brews like the Mirror Pond Pale Ale and the Twilight Summer Ale.
Why you should go: You can play corn hole and bags!
Excel Brewing Tap Takeover | Fortune Teller Bar | Friday, August 1 | 5–10pm
You remember Ski, but now Excel Bottling Company has taken things to the next level with brewing beer—like those on tap at this event: Böse Roggen, Flash Bang and Lefty’s Lager. On cask will be a special pineapple-sage brew of East Side IPA.
Why you should go: Show up to give a big St. Louis beer welcome to the newest kid in town.
Kegs and Eggs IV | Quincy Street Bistro | Saturday, August 2nd | 9–11am | $3–$16
Accurately subtitled “The brunch that everyone has been waiting for,” each item on the à la carte menu—created by Chef Rick Lewis—comes with a craft draft beer of your choice.
Why you should go: Two words—Breakfast Poutine.
Schurcipefones Festival | Rooster, South Grand | Sunday, August 3rd |12–6pm |$25 pre-event, $35 at the door
You’ve heard of Schurcipefones, right? It could be the lost Greek goddess of local beer but it could also be an acronym of all the brewers involved. Bring the kids down for activities by SCOSAG and performances by Circus Flora. There’s also food, music, a silent auction and raffle.
Why you should go: Because you probably ignored my other suggestions, so now’s your last chance to get in on the action!
Still thirsty? For a complete list of the 100+ events and specials, visit St. Louis Craft Beer Week’s website.
