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Another existing player in the scene has decided to get a bigger piece of the East Bay Beer Boom: John Martin, who owns Drake's brewery and taproom in San Leandro and the dynamic duo of Berkeley beer bars, Jupiter and Triple Rock, is planning an enormous beer garden as part of a new mixed-use development at 23rd and Broadway in Oakland. But don't expect a ton of Drake's branding: "It won't necessarily have a 'Drake's' vibe, but more of a feel/look to honor and represent that up-and-coming part of Oakland," says Drake's marketing director, Kelsey Williams. "A little urban, a little gritty, relaxed, with great food, lots of craft beer on tap, and wine."
Schematics are still in progress, but the current plan is for the unnamed bar to feature a primarily outdoor space, with brick walls, a stage for live music, and outdoor heaters and fire pits. (The very busy Gi Paoletti is the designer.) There will also be a smaller indoor seating component for the colder months. The space is expected to have 25-30 taps, with Drake's and many other local craft brewers represented (and some wine on tap as well). The complex will be something of a foodie destination: Numi Tea is moving their headquarters there, and Chris Pastena (Chop Bar, Tribune Tavern, Lungomare) is scheduled to open an upscale Mexican restaurant.
The project is intended to serve as a complement to the area's numerous small cocktail bars, by offering a larger experience that's more beer-oriented. "It will be much like Jupiter in Berkeley, but with fewer college kids and a distinctly Oakland feel," adds Williams. It'll seat 450 people, 100 more than the already gigantic Jupiter. Food will be similar to Jupiter's as well, with bar snacks and wood-fired pizza. The project is still in its infancy, so a target is hard to pinpoint, but it'll likely open sometime next year.
· Drake's Opening Broadway Beer Garden [Diablo Dish]
· Ale Industries Opening Oakland Brewery and Taproom [~ ESF ~]
· All East Bay Beer Boom posts [~ ESF ~]
