Downtown Monroe’s second brewery is on tap to open soon, offering six craft beers

The city of Monroe’s second craft brewery downtown is on tap to open this month.

Americana Beer Co. opens at 2 p.m. Friday at 222 N. Main St.

It’s the second craft brewery in downtown. Southern Range Brewing Co. opened in 2016 at 151 S. Stewart St.

The new 2,200-square-foot brewery pays homage to the city’s history, with walls exposing the late 1800s brick of the original pharmacy spot, co-founder Alec Barnes told The Charlotte Observer on Friday.

The brewery space has an L-shaped concrete-topped bar, and high- and low-top tables with indoor seating for about 49 people. Seating also is available outdoors along the sidewalks at the corner of North Main and East Franklin streets.

Barnes, along with friends Zach Hinschberger, both of Union County, teamed up with head brewer Darren Tucker, who lives near Concord, to create Americana Beer Co. two years ago. Tucker is an award-winning home brewer, Barnes said.

What’s on tap at Americana?

The first six signature beers on tap at Americana Beer Co. are: Fog Lights Hazy IPA, Starlite American IPA, High Steppin’ Coffee Stout, Teddy Pale Ale, Indivisible Light Lager and Nine To Five Blonde Ale. Beers range from 4.5% to 7% Alcohol By Volume.

Other local craft beers, hard seltzers and ciders, and wine also will be available.

The brewery will have locally-produced popcorn and chips, and Boar’s Head packaged charcuterie trays available.

More behind the new brewery

Barnes said he and his brewery partners expected to open Americana Beer Co. in spring 2021. But the pandemic “through a wrench” in those plans.

Americana Beer Co. brews, available only on tap, have been served at Dunwellz Custom Kitchen and Pour House and Pour 64 in Mint Hill, and Three Monkeys Tavern and Grill in Harrisburg.

They chose Monroe to open the brewery because of the revitalization going on downtown, which Barnes said offers potential for growth.

“The more tap houses, the more people it brings to the city and helps make it a destination,” said Greg Moore, co-owner of Home Brew Craft Beers & Smoothies in downtown.

Home Brew Craft Beers is a taphouse with Carolina beers, not a brewery, plus offers live music and other events. Since opening last year, business continues to grow each month, according to Moore.

He said the music scene also is growing with six places within walking distance.

Barnes said they also plan to promote locally-produced ingredients and products when possible.

Americana Beer Co. will be open daily 2-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and 1-9 p.m. Sunday. Parking is available on the street and in nearby public lots

This story was originally published July 16, 2022 at 7:00 AM.