The Localista is a very happy person, but not a “hoppy” one. Yet, I was still completely bewitched by The Ale and The Witch, Downtown St. Pete’s very own American Craft Beer Tap House, from the moment I walked up to its secluded courtyard at the Plaza Tower and Shops. Curious about its name? Here’s a mini history lesson – most of the population in Europe in the Middle Ages was illiterate so pictures on a sign were more useful than words as a means of identifying a public house (aka pub), many of which were named the “something and something” (e.g. The Fox and The Hounds). For owner, Brett Andress, the first part came easy as his tap house sells ales. The second part was conjured from “craft” beer: witchcraft, witches brew, witching hour, plus you can always have fun marketing with a witch. The name may have drawn from European history, but this place only sells American beers – 32 of them, on draft, and as soon as one keg blows another beer takes its place. This ever-changing beer menu means you’ll always be able to try something new whenever you visit.
The myriad of offerings on the chalkboard may appear overwhelming, but Brett and his bartenders are always on hand to help guide you. Or, you can opt to take a “witch flight.” For $6 you get four 4-ounce servings of any combination. The bartender serves them on a board and even hands you a tasting sheet with the names of the selections (beer geeks, no doubt, write copious notes on these). When I said I wasn’t “hoppy,” I meant that I’ve never been a beer girl and trust me, I’ve tried all kinds all over the world. But, there’s something here even for the likes of someone like me. Brett had me try the “Smoot” – Kelly’s Irish Cider mixed with Tangerine Wheat – goodness gracious, that concoction tasted amazingly like a mimosa and I could certainly down more than four ounces of it! Could that have been the first hex as he had me believing beer could be the new wine (and yes, that’s on the menu too)?
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Brett, who has lived in St. Petersburg since 2001, spent over 20 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry before opening “The Witch” on February 3rd of this year. Whereas “the witch may not cook” it does offer fresh wraps and dips from Central Cafe & Organics and smoked fish spread from The Fourth Street Shrimp Store. Brett doesn’t just support local restaurants; he also supports local artists by displaying their work, particularly those from Dazzio Art, and is a member of the Downtown Arts Association. His new venture also features his other love as live music is played nightly on the patio ranging from jazz, blues, bluegrass, folk and solo acoustic sets. Brett spent quite a while looking for the perfect spot with an outside area and here’s where that secreted courtyard comes into its own.
I realize that most new business owners would want for their location to be less concealed than Brett’s, but I think the fact that it’s slightly hidden is part of its magic. He’s not even in a hurry to put a sandwich board out pointing the way from the sidewalk and that’s because word of mouth is already spreading. The Witch is going all out for American Craft Beer Week with featured beers and live music each day this week (info below) and, no doubt, there will be new converts. I know that anyone who walks up those steps will fall under its spell and will certainly stay for one – man, dog (they’re dog-friendly), or even a Localista-non-beer-drinking-beast.
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The Localista always asks business owners what was their favorite book as a child. Brett loved anything Dr. Seuss. Oh, and in case you’re wondering about his favorite beer – it’s an I.P.A. (India Pale Ale).
The Ale and the Witch is located at 111 2nd Avenue NE (courtyard of Plaza Tower and Shops – between Beach Drive and Baywalk) and is open Mon – Sun from 3 pm to midnight.
www.thealeandthewitch.com
727-821-ALE3 (2533)
The Ale and The Witch celebrates American Craft Beer Week every day this week with featured beers and live music (no cover) nightly:
Monday – Home Brewers Night + Matt Mojokiss Mayes Banc
Tuesday – Pennsylvania Beers from Victory, Erie and Weyerbacher + Dan Stevens with Ed Lowenstein
Wednesday – Widmer Brothers Brewery from Oregon + Jayne Kelli and Friends acoustical evening
Thursday – Florida Breweries + Jay Langston
Friday – Colorado State’s craft beers + Bud Good & Mike Hoke (evening of blues)
Saturday – California featured and West Coast styles + Roy Schneider (national recording folk artist) with Kim Mayfield at 6:00 pm
followed by The Urban Gypsies of Florida at 8:30 pm & The Barona Experiment at 11:00 pm
Sunday – Cigar City with a local award-winning new craft brewery + Steve ARvey (cigar box guitarist) at 4:00 pm followed by Sasha Tuck’s Jazz Series at 7:00 pm
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This story is contributed by:
“The Localista,” aka Olga Bof, will be opening her own local independent business, Cheeky Monkeys Books & Toys, later this year in Downtown St. Pete (www.facebook.com/cheekymonkeysbooks for updates).
Photography by Featured Artist of the Burg (FAB) Sheri Kendrick of Enchanted Forest Photography.
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