Weathered Souls tap room a new hangout for craft beer drinkers

Phoebe Boyle and Jake Castellano enjoy their beer where it’s made at Weathered Souls Brewing Co. Phoebe Boyle and Jake Castellano enjoy their beer where it’s made at Weathered Souls Brewing Co. Photo: Xelina Flores /For The Express-News Photo: Xelina Flores /For The Express-News Image 1 of / 26 Caption Close Weathered Souls tap room a new hangout for craft beer drinkers 1 / 26 Back to Gallery

Snapshot: Though it’s been open for only a few months, this North Side microbrewery already has its beer in more than 20 S.A. bars and restaurants. Why not go to the source, though? Imagine the employee break room at a brewery — beer very much included. That’s the feeling of Weathered Souls’ airy tap room, a relaxing, casual space where the microbrewery’s gleaming fermenters are in plain sight, and the aroma of malt is inescapable.

Who goes there: Craft beer drinkers, for sure, but it’s a more diverse crowd than you might expect. In addition to thirtysomething guys savoring their pints, there are chatty groups meeting after work and couples young and old enjoying an evening out, maybe before catching a movie at the newly renovated Santikos Embassy theater across the street.

Behind the bar: Mike Holt, one of Weathered Souls’ owners, says their philosophy is brew to style, then branch out. A roster of core beers includes a close-to-West Coast IPA and a dry-hopped blonde ale. Small batches on tap change from day to day and might include a juicy New England-style IPA (very popular here), a barrel-aged extreme beer or a coffee-infused stout.

Munchies: A menu of beer-themed small bites, including flatbreads and pretzels made with spent grain, should be on offer in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, it’s OK to bring in pizza from Julian’s or a burrito from Habanero’s Grill, both a short walk away.

Fun and games: Patrons can grab a game from a pile by the door, and it’s not uncommon to see folks playing Uno or Whatchamadrawit. There’s live music a couple of times a week by bands such as South Bound and the Dirty River Dixie Band.

The skinny: Come to try the beer, stay for the good cheer.