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Menlo Park’s Barebottle taproom is an expansive 3,000-square-foot, sunlight-filled hub. As patrons step in, they are greeted by comfy outdoor seating, and indoors, they can enjoy the community feel at high communal tables echoing the beer hall ambiance. Modern elements, such as sleek tap handles juxtaposed with a vibrant tile backsplash, elevate the contemporary aura. The taproom proudly presents pinball machines stationed at the back for added entertainment.
Beer enthusiasts can indulge in over 20 Barebottle’s brews on tap, from refreshing lagers to exotic sour ales and robust choices like double IPAs. Alongside, non-alcoholic options, including sparkling hop water, ginger-hibiscus soda, and blueberry pomegranate kombucha, are available. Hungry visitors can savor Argentinian empanadas courtesy of Pampa BBQ or order Spanish delights from the neighboring tapas eatery, Canteen.
Established in 2016, Barebottle’s inception in San Francisco was spearheaded by a trio of MBA graduates: Ben Sterling, Lester Koga, and Michael Seitz. Their shared passion for homebrewing transformed into a thriving enterprise, beginning with a taproom in the Bernal Heights of San Francisco. Their growth led to a second taproom in Santa Clara in 2020 and a picturesque outdoor beer garden in Salesforce Park, San Francisco, by 2022.
Barebottle’s affinity for the Peninsula is palpable. “The Peninsula’s potential always captivated us. We believed there was a community here yearning for more,” commented Seitz. However, the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset presented challenges, notably with the short-lived Santa Clara taproom. Yet, the team adapted by introducing a home delivery beer club for the Peninsula, registering over 400 members. These interactions rekindled Barebottle’s aspiration to root itself in the Peninsula further. The inception of the Springline development was the perfect opportunity.
Barebottle’s eclectic beer assortment embodies its underlying ethos of producing locally inspired craft beers. Each Barebottle beer can even includes a recipe for homebrewers to recreate their preferred brew. Their iconic IPA, the Muir Woods IPA, exemplifies this philosophy, resulting from collaborating with the San Francisco homebrewing community.
Seitz emphasizes the pivotal role of local water in brewing, citing the mineral composition’s influence on beer flavors. Celebrating the Bay Area’s water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, they have crafted the Hella Hetchy, a tribute to Czech pilsners, emphasizing the local water’s pristine quality.Besides beers, Barebottle’s intrigue for wine has led them to explore winemaking. With a focus on native fermentation, they harness the wild yeasts on grape skins, producing distinctively textured wines. They source grapes from renowned Californian vineyards, experimenting with lesser-known varietals alongside classics.
The company extends its offerings with experiences and events available for booking on its website. There’s something for everyone, from beer and wine-tasting sessions to homebrewing classes. This season, the outdoor beer garden at Springline’s plaza will be a highlight, where beers will be served from a vintage Citroën bus.
Visit Barebottle Brewing Company at 550 Oak Grove Ave. Suite B, Menlo Park. Reach out at 650-714-0506 or follow them on Instagram: @barebottle. They are open Monday-Wednesday from noon to 10 p.m., noon to 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.
