Tue, June 25, 2024
After a decade of cultivating a dedicated following, Bier Station—a modest beer haven nestled in a strip center next to a dental office at 120 E. Gregory Blvd.—is transforming. Known for straddling the line between Brookside and Waldo, it was both a neighborhood hangout and a beer enthusiast’s sanctuary, where locals could drop by with their dogs or kids to sample rare brews.
The transformation began when James Stutsman and Joe Giammanco, the founders of City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen in the East Crossroads, purchased Bier Station in January 2023. Their goal was to honor the legacy of Bier Station while introducing their unique touch.
“Taking over such a legendary spot, we really wanted to make sure we did right by the neighborhood,” Stutsman emphasized.
Following 18 months of extensive renovations and permit processes, City Barrel Pizza + Patio is ready to open its doors this Friday.
The essence of Bier Station remains, but there are noticeable changes. Unlike Bier Station’s eclectic and global beer selection, City Barrel Pizza + Patio prominently features City Barrel brews from their Crossroads brewery, with about 20 of its 30 taps dedicated to their beers.
Maintaining the walk-up bar service and to-go beer offerings, the interior now boasts a brightened ambiance with an eight-seat white marble bar and a white-tile backsplash. The seating combines red booths with tables and brown leather chairs. A new game room upstairs includes seven tables, pinball machines, claw machines, and a photo booth, enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere.
Additionally, City Barrel has significantly expanded the patio area to accommodate 78 seats under a large steel structure equipped with fans, heaters, a foosball table, and 16 rope swings.
“It’s about three times as big now,” Stutsman explained. “It was designed to be comfortable all year round.”
The culinary offerings include New York-style pizzas ranging from traditional options like cheese and pepperoni to unique creations such as a jalapeno popper pizza and a cheeseburger Big Mac pizza. The menu also features sandwiches (Italian beef, meatball, caprese), salads (Greek, Caesar), and appetizers like wings and mini corn dogs. A lunch special offers a slice, a salad, and a drink for $12.
Similar to its Crossroads location, City Barrel Pizza + Patio includes a comprehensive cocktail program featuring popular beer slushie cocktails.
“They’re frozen, beer-based drinks with fun spirit combos — they’ve been super popular downtown,” Stutsman noted. “We’ll also have standard fountain drinks, a decent selection of nonalcoholic drinks, and wine. We’re trying to cater to everybody.”
Looking ahead, City Barrel plans to introduce more taproom-exclusive beers available only at their two locations. First on the list are the Lakeside Kolsch, an easy-drinking beer perfect with pizza, and Lawncare Lemonade, a cherry limeade beer, both debuting on Friday.
The new City Barrel Pizza + Patio will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.