REPUBLIC GASTROPUB
For a 3.2 state, Oklahoma’s firing on all four cylinders. The hub of the action is OKC, but from Marshall Brewing in Tulsa to Choc Beer Co. in Krebs, local craft producers have suddenly found themselves in good company.
By Ruth Tobias
Tapwerks
Housed in an old Bricktown factory, Tapwerks looks every bit the well-worn U.K. pub. But the globe-spanning 212 taps themselves (along with the sizable bottle selection) are “skewing more toward American craft beers every day,” explains GM/buyer Greg Powell—and so are his customers. Case in point: COOP’s super-hoppy F-5 IPA “is selling right up there with Guinness.” Powell’s so optimistic he’s launching a cellaring program—starting with bombers of COOP DNR. 121 E. Sheridan Ave., tapwerks.com
Battered Boar Brewing
“I’m not here to make geriatric, coffee-table beer,” vows Battered Boar’s Edmond-born brewmaster, Mike Sandefur. “Beer’s as diverse as the brewer’s imagination.” That much is clear with a single sip of not only flagships like fruity Briarpatch Amber Ale but the funky, toasty Coconut Cream Stout and newcomers ranging from chocolate-cherry porter to homegrown dandelion ale. 14801 Metro Plaza Blvd. Unit 6, batteredboar.com
RePUBlic Gastropub
All black panels and glass panes, this ultrasleek gastropub on Classen Curve backs up its style with substance. Beverage director Jason Ewald oversees a list of some 250 bottles and 100 drafts, rounded out by flights and beer cocktails that the pros behind the stick will gladly customize. The food, meanwhile, is as fresh as the space: Don’t miss the burger with white Cheddar and porter-hickory sauce, or the spiced donuts with a trio of dipping sauces. 5830 N. Classen Blvd., republicgastropub.com
James E. McNellie’s Public House
Like Tapwerks, this comfy, memorabilia-filled, multi-level Midtown hang boasts a hundreds-strong selection of drafts and bottles from 26 countries, as well as flights and mixes like the Oklahoma Yellow Jacket (half Guinness, half locally brewed Mustang Wheat). But it also serves up a slew of community events, from pint nights and Firkin Fridays to beer dinners and tasting seminars. 1100 Classen Dr., mcnelliesokc.com
Redbud Brewing
Founded in early 2011 by former COOP brewer Chase Healey, Redbud has only just begun to sprout—but it’s sure to bloom big and bright. The flagship Pale Ale is already a local cult favorite, while the Cuvée series is a study in Belgian-inspired richness; in the works are an imperial chocolate stout, a barrel-aged barleywine, and monthly one-offs. 421 S.W. 26th St., redbudbrewing.com
COOP Ale Works
Farmhouse sours. Wheat wines brewed with local honey. Collaborations with Bulleit and Templeton. On the burgeoning OKC scene, COOP is the one to beat. Though “quality over quantity,” as partner J.D. Merryweather puts it, remains its simple formula for success, the results have been such that the brewery’s currently moving from a seven- to a 30-barrel system. That
Forward Foods
means more of its distinctively citrusy Native Amber Ale for everyone. 1124 NW 51st St., coopaleworks.com
Forward Foods
True story: With wife Suzy Thompson, Steve Reynolds—or Wampus, as he’s widely known to locals—opened this one-stop shop for artisanal cheeses and gourmet accoutrements galore after winning big as a contestant on Jeopardy! in 2004. During regular in-store tutorials, he drops serious knowledge about beer-and-cheese pairings alongside McNellie’s resident expert, Adam Price. (And no, he doesn’t do so in question form.) 5123 N. Western Ave., forwardfoods.com
