Third Street Ale Works

WineCountryBEER

 
 

Third Street AleWorks Brewery and Restaurant specializes in a friendly, fun atmosphere with exceptional food and beer. Proof that they have found the right formula rests in the strong support they from the local community.

Compared to the typical brewpub, they maintain a superior selection of beers with a wide range of tastes. The lengthy food menu offers a much wider variety than just pub food. It includes intriguing soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, Mexican, pasta, and more. They even have a Kids Menu. Lunch specials are offered daily. Their wine list includes 10 or so local wines by the glass and bottle.

You will enjoy seeing that some of the food menu items have a suggested beer pairing. For instance, they recommend a Porter or Stout with the Pulled Pork BBQ, Annadel Pale Ale with Fish & Chips, and Bodega Head IPA with Rajun’ Cajun Pasta. Several food items also also have beer as an ingredient.

The Brews

Third Street keeps 10 to 13 beers on tap at any one time. These run the range from popular standard ales to newer, more experimental styles. Brewmaster Randy Gemp does a remarkable job on a wide range of beers.

While they do make several stronger beers, It’s nice to find a brewery that does such a great job with easy drinking, lower-alcohol beers. Putting such great taste and balance into lower alcohol beers is something that is not easy to do.

For all of $4.00, you can purchase a set of taster-sized samples that includes 4 ounces of each beer on tap that day. It’s the best way to get a quick taste of the brewmaster art  and inspiration. Regular glass prices are very reasonably at $3 for a 10 oz. and $4.50 for the 16 oz. pint. Prices are reduced even further during happy hour on weekdays from 4-6 p.m.

Some of the beers to look for include:

Stonefly Oatmeal Stout – Rich and malty dark brown ale with pronounced dark chocolate-coffee flavors. Oatmeal provides extra smoothness.  ABV 6.0%

Annadel Pale Ale – A classic English-style pale ale., made with authentic British ingredients. Full and round. A great example of example of the style. ABV 5.2%

Bodega Head IPA – A moderately bitter ale with big hop presence. Good malt structure with a drier finish. This one packs a lot of flavor. ABV 6.6%

American Wheat – Light and bright, this cloudy golden ale is quite refreshing. Citrus notes.  ABV 5.5%

Prost Pilsner – A classic crisp lager in the European style spicy/herbal hops shine through. Pleasant bitterness wins you over. ABV 4.9%

Blarney Sisters’ Dry Irish Stout – A beautiful roasted coffee aroma and taste with a touch of initial maltiness. Dry finish. Unfiltered. ABV 4.6%

Locally popular with good reason

Location

This brewpub is located in the city of Santa Rosa just across from the Old Courthouse Square. It sits just a few blocks off the freeway (Hwy. 101). Parking is primarily of the metered on-street variety, although there is a large commercial parking building across Third St. With its extensive food menu going along with excellent beer, Aleworks is a highly recommended Wine Country Beer stop for either dinner or lunch.

Tours: During regular business hours the brewing staff, if not too busy, are quite accommodating and will often offer you a quick look into the brewery room. Bar staff are also quite knowledgable about their beers and can answer most questions. If you want a full-blown brewery tour and time with the brewers, you need to call ahead and make a specific appointment.

Address: 610 Third Street, Santa Rosa, CA

Phone: (707) 523--3060

Hours: Mon–Thur: 11:30 a.m. to Midnight
            Fri–Sat: till 1:00 a.m.  Kitchen closes earlier.

Go To: Third Street Ale Works Web Site

Outdoor dining is available next to a little urban courtyard. Shade trees and umbrella provide a pleasant atmosphere. On a warm summer afternoon it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Prost Pilsner or American Wheat,

The beer board lists what’s on tap today. Third Street Ale Works offers enough variety to satisfy just about any taste you my have in beer. You can also purchase beer to go.

The pub brewing system is located in a separate room just behind the main bar. This little system sure gets a work out from the brewing team as they keep 10 or more beers available at all times.

Since opening in 1996, the brews of the AleWorks have won numerous awards through the years. Randy Gemp brews with authority and Mike Mathot, general manager, runs a tight ship, Things just seem like they’re done right. They are also big supporters of numerous beer festivals around the Wine County region.

The Wine Country Beer flag marks the location of Third Street AleWorks. Heading north on Hwy.101, take the Downtown Santa Rosa exit. Turn right on 3rd St. Go 3.5 blocks east. Heading south on Hwy. 101 take exit 489. Turn left on 3rd St. and go 4.5 blocks

The servers know the beer list and can help guide you to a beer you’ll like. Another thing done right: the server volunteered a glass of ice water without being asked. Their Dry Irish Stout is very nice too.