June 6, 2022 – Berkeley’s Gilman Brewing Company—renowned for handcrafted Belgian and French-style farmhouse beers and an ever-changing variety of seasonal and annual brews ranging from imperial stouts, hazy IPAs, sours, lagers, saisons, and CBD kombucha—is opening its fourth location in Santa Cruz in the former Tony and Alba’s Restaurant space on Soquel Avenue next to Wholefoods Market.
In a conversation with Sean Wells, Owner and Brewer at Gilman Brewing Company, we asked why they choose Midtown Santa Cruz for their next of location, especially since Santa Cruz already has a wide range of taprooms?
Wells explains, “Midtown is a great area that’s growing and has a really convenient location. It’s walking distance to tons of homes, and the building and its space is what really sold me on the spot. We’re putting in a 1,200 square-foot patio on the south-facing side of the building and it just gets a beautiful sun all day long, year-round, so it will be a great spot for people, and especially families, to hang out and enjoy the outdoors.”
When asked if he has any reservations about opening a new taproom with two others such a short distance away—Sante Adairius Santa Cruz Portal is just down the block and the soon-to-open Beer Thirty spot in the former Der Wienerschnitzel is right across the street—Wells emphasizes:
“I love the fact that we have colleagues in the area; the guys at Beer Thirty have been great supporters of us over the years and we, similarly, have been big fans of their group. The ability to have multiple taprooms in one geographic area, all within walking distance, provides really nice synergy and allows people to visit multiple spots and experience lots of different offerings.”
“Also, a rising tide lifts all ships. I am looking forward to collaboratively promoting the area, along with our neighbors, as a great beer destination so hopefully we can all reap the benefits.”
Expect the beer menu to offer Gilman’s selection of handcrafted Belgian and French-style farmhouse beers and their industry-leading hop quantity hoppy styles. Most of their beers are available only in their taproom, although they will be expanding their commercial distribution more broadly into Santa Cruz County.
The restaurant will use a farm-to-table approach, sourcing all ingredients locally and as seasonal and fresh as possible. Their signature Smash Burger will be made with house-ground brisket, for example, and the dough for their Neapolitan style Woodstone pizzas will be handmade and then proofed for 72 hours.
Gilman Brewing Company is also known for its events and entertainment and the Santa Cruz taproom will be no exception. Get ready for Tuesday Night Geeks Who Drink Trivia, Comedy night, Open Mic Poetry and Live Music.
“Look forward to some new interesting killer beers and eats at Gilman Brewing Company later this summer,” says Wells.
With this latest brewery, it looks like Midtown will be Santa Cruz’s Taproom Triangle. In addition to the original warehouse-style brewery on Gilman Street in Berkeley, the brewery has locations in Pleasanton and Daly City.
About the author
Jeff Bareilles is a Santa Cruz-based hospitality consultant, artist, photographer and writer who has overseen the beverage programs at some of the finest restaurants in California, including Manresa, Atelier Crenn, Commis and Mourad.
