Downtown Changes
Not so fast: Beer bar closed for now but plans return to booming downtown scene
Initial reports of The Brewery Tap's demise may have been exaggerated.
Although the beer bar's website lists it as "closed until further notice," building owner Bart Truxillo tells the Chronicle that the closure is only a temporary one to give the space a thorough cleaning and add "a kitchen that will serve light, beer-friendly bites."
Originally opened in 1987 by The Ginger Man founder Bob Precious, The Brewery Tap holds claim to being the city's second multi-tap beer bar, according to food writer Mike Riccetti. Its home in a part of the historic Magnolia Brewery complex gives the space character that's only recently been adopted by other bars and restaurants that have opened in and around Market Square.
Change at The Brewery Tap is only one of the many developments currently taking place in the north end of downtown. Houston Watch Co co-owner Ryan Clark has been tracking both confirmed openings and rumors on the Houston Architecture Information forum. They include a new location for Mexican seafood restaurant La Fisheria, a whiskey-themed bar from The Moonshiners owners The Salt N Pepper group called Boots 'N Shoots and a Mexican street food restaurant called La Calle.
Hopefully, The Brewery Tap doesn't lose its charm in this transition, but, as Twitter power user kylejack notes, a little cleaning might improve the taste of the beer the bar serves. Regardless, Houstonians can look forward to lots more places to eat and drink downtown in 2016.