While the Germans get ready to rage across the pond for Oktoberfest (the real one in Munich begins this Saturday, September 22), the Organic Brewery in Hollywood Beach is gearing up for the flood of tourists that will soon inundate the beach for winter and parts of spring.
Situated directly on the beach, this little hidden gem of a brewery is home for beer lovers and Euro-tourists alike who also happen to love good beer.
As you walk up the steps from the Broadwalk that runs along the sand on Hollywood Beach, you can see the brewing operation in full view through floor-to-ceiling plate-glass windows. Step inside and you get the feel of a German bierhaus with faux cracks in the walls and paintings of Old World buildings.
As the name implies, the beer must be organic, right? No, but yes. Bartender Chris Lazo says that all of the ingredients are organic but that not all are certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Another thing about the beer at Organic Brewery is that no hops are used in the brewing process. No bitterness, just a slightly sweet and refreshing mouthful of beer. No preservatives either (although hops is technically a preservative).
Typically, there are four beers on tap, although sometimes they brew four extra specialty beers in limited quantity.
Currently there is wheat (6 percent ABV), Belgian ale (7 percent ABV), pilsner (6 percent
ABV), and the Russian stout (8 percent ABV). You can order them in three sizes: ten ounces for $5, 16 ounces for $6, or a massive, 34-ounce mug o' beer
for $11 (by far the best value). Occasionally they have a rice beer for the gluten-intolerant.
The Russian connection is good because the Organic Brewery participates in some sort of Russian hot chick bartender exchange program in which it brings over a few Russian, or Latvian, bartenders over the course of a few months to give the place a real overseas feel.
A place like this must have a food menu, right? It sure does. It has appetizers, soups, side dishes, salads, sandwiches, entrées, desserts, and a kid's menu. Prices range from $4 to $18. The food is not certified organic, but the breakfast is, which is served from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Regular kitchen hours are noon to 10 p.m. Ten percent gratuity is automatically added to each check.
Drink specials are two-for-one every day from 10 p.m. till close on everything except top-shelf liquor and ten-ounce beers only. And then women get three-for-one drinks on Fridays and Saturdays.
The atmosphere is low-key and relaxing and definitely an
age-26-and-over crowd: no drama, no fistfights. Organic Brewery has a
porch for beachside dining and drinking with a great view of the ocean. A
cold chalice of Russian stout and an ocean breeze to your face equals
proper meditation. In football season, this place is great for catching
the game with six big-screen TVs inside and a large projector screen on
the patio.
If you dislike the whole snowbird thing, now is
the time to check this place out before it gets too busy. Or if you like
Canadians and Russians, then by all means come here after October 13
and stay awhile. The beer is fresh as can be and can't get any more
local than the Organic Brewery (and it won't get you hung over).
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