Atlanta’s newest brewpub, the Wrecking Bar hugs the edges of Little Five Points and Inman Park at the corner of Moreland Avenue and Austin Avenue.
Inman Park residents and avid homebrewers Bob and Kristine Sandage bought the turn-of-the century Victor H. Kriegshaber mansion, once home to Wrecking Bar Architectural Antiques store, and restored it to include an events space on the main floor and an onsite brewery in the basement.
The look: A National Historic Register property may seem like an unlikely place for a brewpub. But beyond its late Victorian grandeur, the restaurant is situated in a cozy rathskeller-like section below street level. Stone Mountain granite, rustic pine floors, antique sconces, ironwork accents and a polished pine bar create an aura of an older time.
The scene: During recent visits, there were plenty of beer aficionados hanging at the bar, eager to sample and discuss brewer Chris Terenzi's creations. But the crowds also included neighborhood residents and larger tables of families with young children.
The menu: Chef Steve Mayer's "beer-centric" menu features updated takes on pub grub, including a hefty house-ground Brasstown Beef burger with cheddar and bacon ($9) and a North Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich ($7). Among the entrees, look for a Belgian wheat beer-brined half-chicken ($14) and ale-braised Brasstown Beef boneless short ribs with green chili grits ($15).
The drinks: Terenzi, who was once the brewmaster at US Border Brewery Cantina in Alpharetta, is known for his Belgian-style and hoppy American ales. So far, those have included a golden ale flavored with fruity Nelson Sauvin hops, a malt-forward amber IPA, an American-style stout and a British mild ale. There's also a small selection of wines by the bottle and glass and classic cocktails, such as a Manhattan ($8) with Four Roses bourbon and Carpano Antica Formula vermouth.
The extras: Mayer will be adding weekly specials soon and Terenzi will be featuring cask-conditioned ales. The events space, known as the Marianna, is expected to be ready for parties and weddings in the fall.
Dining out
Wrecking Bar Brewpub
4-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 4 p.m.-midnight Fridays; noon-midnight Saturdays; noon-11 p.m. Sundays.
Starters and salads, $3-$12; sandwiches, $7-$9; entrees, $14-$20; desserts, $3-$5.
292 Moreland Ave. N.E., Atlanta, 404-221-2600, www.wreckingbarbrewpub.com
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