The Local Pour

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  • Local Craft Beer Scene: New Breweries and Spring Releases

    The local craft beer scene has never been stronger. With three new breweries opening in the last six months alone, there is no shortage of fresh pints to explore. Here is what is new and what is brewing.

    New Openings

    Trailhead Brewing – Opened January 2026

    Founded by two former hiking guides, Trailhead Brewing brings an outdoorsy vibe to the brewery scene. Their flagship Ridgeline IPA is a hazy, citrus-forward beauty, and the taproom features a climbing wall and trail maps on the walls. Family and dog friendly.

    Foundry Fermentation – Opened February 2026

    Sour beer specialists occupying a former metalworks factory. If you love funky, tart, barrel-aged beers, this is your new home. The Berliner Weisse with passion fruit is dangerously drinkable.

    Established Favorites

    Southside Brewing Co.

    Still the benchmark for quality and consistency. Their spring seasonal, a honey wheat ale with local wildflower honey, is back and better than ever. The expanded patio is a welcome addition for the warmer months.

    Iron Bridge Brewery

    Known for their robust porters and stouts, Iron Bridge is pivoting to lighter fare for spring. Their new session IPA clocks in at just 4.2% ABV but packs a surprising hop punch. Great for day drinking responsibly.

    Brewery Trail Tip: Most local breweries are within a 3-mile radius of downtown. Consider renting bikes or using rideshare to hit multiple spots in an afternoon. Your designated driver will thank you.

  • Top 10 Craft Cocktail Bars You Need to Visit This Spring

    Spring is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of cocktail menus, rooftop openings, and speakeasy pop-ups. Whether you are a seasoned mixology enthusiast or just looking for a great place to unwind after work, we have rounded up the best craft cocktail bars making waves right now.

    1. The Brass Monkey – Downtown

    Tucked behind an unassuming wooden door on 4th Street, The Brass Monkey continues to impress with their seasonal rotating menu. Their spring feature, the Lavender Collins, blends house-made lavender syrup with London dry gin and fresh lemon. The dimly lit interior and jazz soundtrack make this the perfect date night spot.

    Must Try: Lavender Collins ($14) | Vibe: Intimate speakeasy | Price Range: $$$

    2. Rooftop Social – Midtown

    Nothing says spring like sipping cocktails 22 stories above the city. Rooftop Social just unveiled their new open-air terrace with panoramic skyline views. The drink menu leans tropical this season with rum-forward creations and fresh fruit garnishes.

    Must Try: Sunset Daiquiri ($16) | Vibe: Upscale rooftop | Price Range: $$$$

    3. Pint and Provisions – Arts District

    Part cocktail bar, part small-plates kitchen, Pint and Provisions bridges the gap between a serious bar program and a neighborhood hangout. Chef Marcus Rivera pairs each cocktail with a complementary bite, and the spring pairing menu is exceptional.

    Must Try: Smoked Old Fashioned + Wagyu Sliders ($28 pairing) | Vibe: Neighborhood gem | Price Range: $$$

    4. Verde Cantina – Riverside

    This Mexican-inspired cocktail bar has exploded in popularity since opening last fall. Their mezcal program is one of the best in the region, and the new spring margarita flight lets you sample four variations for just $22.

    Must Try: Margarita Flight ($22) | Vibe: Lively cantina | Price Range: $$

    5. The Library Bar – University District

    Styled after a 1920s private library, this cocktail lounge serves drinks in vintage glassware alongside leather-bound menus. The bartenders here take their craft seriously, and you will not find a single premade mixer behind the bar.

    Must Try: The Hemingway Special ($15) | Vibe: Literary lounge | Price Range: $$$

    6. Ember and Oak – Warehouse District

    Smoke and fire are the themes at Ember and Oak, where many cocktails feature charred citrus, smoked syrups, or tableside preparations. The industrial-chic space features exposed brick and copper fixtures throughout.

    Must Try: Campfire Manhattan ($16) | Vibe: Industrial chic | Price Range: $$$

    7. Sakura Lounge – Market Street

    Japanese-inspired cocktails meet West Coast flair at Sakura Lounge. Their spring cherry blossom menu is an annual event, featuring sake-based cocktails with delicate floral notes. The minimalist decor and attentive service elevate every visit.

    Must Try: Cherry Blossom Fizz ($15) | Vibe: Zen minimalism | Price Range: $$$

    8. Southside Brewing Co. – Harbor View

    While primarily a brewery, Southside has quietly built one of the best cocktail programs in the harbor area. Their barrel-aged cocktails, using spent beer barrels, add unique depth to classic recipes.

    Must Try: Barrel-Aged Negroni ($14) | Vibe: Casual brewery | Price Range: $$

    9. Noir Cocktail Club – Old Town

    Reservations are required at this 30-seat cocktail club, and that exclusivity is part of the charm. Each guest receives a personalized cocktail based on a brief consultation with the bartender. No printed menu exists.

    Must Try: The Bespoke Experience ($20) | Vibe: Exclusive club | Price Range: $$$$

    10. Daylight Savings – Eastside

    Rounding out our list is this newcomer that focuses on low-ABV and non-alcoholic craft cocktails alongside traditional options. Perfect for the sober-curious crowd or anyone looking for a lighter night out without sacrificing flavor.

    Must Try: Garden Party (Non-Alc, $10) | Vibe: Bright and welcoming | Price Range: $$

    Have a favorite cocktail bar we missed? Drop us a line at tips@thelocalpour.com and we might feature it in our next roundup.

  • Review: Harvest Table Brings Farm-to-Table Italian to the Arts District

    There is a new Italian restaurant quietly making a name for itself in the Arts District, and after three visits, we are ready to declare it one of the best openings of the year.

    First Impressions

    Harvest Table occupies a renovated warehouse space that somehow manages to feel both industrial and intimate. Exposed beams and Edison bulbs set the mood, while white tablecloths and fresh flowers signal that this is serious dining. The open kitchen lets you watch Chef Elena Marchetti and her team at work, and the energy is infectious.

    The Food

    The menu changes with the seasons, but the philosophy remains constant: source locally, prepare classically, present beautifully. On our most recent visit, standouts included:

    • Burrata with roasted beets and pistachios – Creamy, earthy, and perfectly balanced. The pistachio crumble adds a welcome crunch.
    • Hand-rolled pappardelle with braised short rib – The pasta is silky, the ragu is rich without being heavy, and the Parmigiano adds just the right amount of salt.
    • Wood-fired branzino – Whole fish, simply prepared with lemon, capers, and olive oil. This is the kind of dish that reminds you why Italian cooking endures.

    The Wine

    The wine list is entirely Italian, with an emphasis on small producers you will not find at the grocery store. Our sommelier guided us to a Nebbiolo from a family vineyard in Piedmont that paired beautifully with the short rib. Glasses start at $14, bottles at $48.

    The Verdict

    Harvest Table is the real deal. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is warm, and the service is attentive without being overbearing. At $85 for the tasting menu, it is not cheap, but it is worth every penny for a special occasion or when you simply want to eat very well.

    Overall Rating: 4.8/5

    Harvest Table | Arts District | Reservations Required | $$$$

  • The 5 Best Happy Hours That Are Actually Worth Your Time

    Happy hour can make or break your weeknight. A great one turns a regular Tuesday into something worth looking forward to. We spent the last month hitting every happy hour we could find to bring you this definitive list.

    Best Overall: Pint and Provisions

    Half-price cocktails AND half-price appetizers from 4-6pm Tuesday through Friday. The smoked old fashioned drops from $16 to $8, and the wagyu sliders go from $14 to $7. This is the kind of happy hour that makes you rethink your dinner plans.

    Best for Beer: Southside Brewing Co.

    Every weekday from 3-5pm, all house-brewed pints are $4. Their rotating IPA and seasonal lager are both excellent. Add a soft pretzel with beer cheese for $6 and you have the perfect afternoon.

    Best for Wine: Cask and Barrel

    Tuesday through Thursday, all wines by the glass are $3 off and the cheese board is half price. The staff genuinely enjoys helping you discover something new, so do not be afraid to ask for recommendations.

    Best for Food: The Corner Bistro

    The happy hour food menu at Corner Bistro is practically a full dinner. $6 burgers, $5 tacos, $4 wings. Drinks are secondary here, but the $5 draft selection is more than adequate. Monday through Friday, 3-6pm.

    Best for Groups: Fourth and Goal

    Pitcher specials and shareable appetizer platters make Fourth and Goal the natural choice for after-work groups. The daily happy hour runs 3-6pm with $12 pitchers of domestic and $16 pitchers of craft. Wing platters start at $15 for 24 pieces.

    Prices and hours may change. We recommend confirming directly with the establishment before making plans.