Feature
Drake’s BARN Opening in West Sacramento
Drake’s Brewing Co. is set to unveil Drake’s BARN, a two-acre food, beverage, and entertainment destination located along the river in West Sacramento’s burgeoning Bridge District. Drake’s BARN will be a community gathering spot, hosting festivals, concerts, civic events, and more, year-round. Drake’s BARN will open for a Grand Opening Week, October 24-28.
The BARN was developed by Mark Friedman, president of Fulcrum Properties, as a new kind of gathering space for the community. The focal point is a pavilion designed by Dutch architect Jerry van Eyck of !melk, an award-winning urban design and landscape architecture firm. The curvy cedar- shingled structure was inspired by a sprouting vegetable seed. Overhangs were designed with the sun and seasons in mind, providing 6,000 square feet of shade during the warm summer months. The structure received a first place International Design Award (IDA) for architecture in 2017.
The BARN’s attractions were envisioned by John Martin, co-owner of Drake’s Brewing Co. Visitors will be able to choose from an array of beverage, culinary, and lounging experiences. Features include the PizzaSmith full-service restaurant, an outdoor bar, 400-seat beer garden, food trucks on weekends, fire pits, three music stages, a large open meadow with beach chairs and lawn games, and opening this winter, a 38-seat craft cocktail bar. The venue will continue to evolve with more amenities through 2019.John Martin collaborated with John Chang of Flynn Architecture,and designer Ben Frombgen of Bcooperative, both who worked on the highly-regarded Drake’s Dealership in Oakland.
Executive Chef Taylor A. Smith of Drake’s Dealership created the woodfire menu for PizzaSmith. It will feature 14 different New Haven style pizzas, which are thin and served with a slightly charred, but not too chewy crust. Expect Drake’s take on pepperoni pizza, with toppings that range from traditional to unconventional: Italian sausage, smoked trout, sriracha sauce, capers, goat cheese, pickled goathorn peppers, and shaved red onion. Smaller bites to share and woodfired entrees will also be available, including fresh vegetable skewers, stuffed chicken breast, filet, and flat bread. The selection will appeal to both vegetarians and meat-lovers. The BARN’s produce will be sourced from the on-site farm run by the Center for Land Based Learning.
Brewmaster John Gillooly and his talented brewing team will provide a unique selection of fresh beer pouring from 50 taps. Choices will include Drake’s favorites Denogginizer Double IPA, 1500 Pale Ale, and Best Coast IPA, alongside new releases like Brightside Extra Brut IPA, Flyway Pilsner, HAYS Elastic Limit, and War Pigeon Double IPA. In addition, a steady flow of small-batch, limited, and sour beers from Drake’s award-winning barrel-aging program will be featured in addition to guest beers from Sacramento area breweries. Drake’s bottles, cans, and growlers to-go will also be available for purchase.
Drake’s BARN is located at 985 Riverfront Street, West Sacramento. Hours of operation for grand opening week (October 24-28), are: October 24, 25, and 26 from 4:00pm – 12:00am; October 27 from 11:30am – 12:00am; October 28 from 11:30am – 9:00pm. Starting Wednesday, October 31, Drake’s BARN will begin regular hours of operation: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:00pm – 12:00am; Saturdays from 11:30am – 12:00am; and Sundays from 11:30am – 9:00pm.
