We are visiting every St. Louis microbrewery to help highlight the variety, quality and fine spaces we have to enjoy a fresh beer in our fair city.
We stopped at 2nd Shift Brewing at 1601 Sublette Avenue in the Hill Neighborhood.
You might miss the location if you are driving down Manchester or even Sublette.
2nd Shift is tucked into a light industrial, rail-heavy section of the Hill near Manchester Avenue.
They have transformed the formerly nondescript property to a welcoming, laid back space. They utilized just about every square foot of outdoor space for greening, landscape or seating.
Note the red double-decker Cheshire Inn bus peaking over the arborvitae in the background.
Inside, there is a charming, open space complete with taps, merchandise, to go beers and food from a restaurant called Bootleggin’ who serve pizza and other items.
Since beer, like pizza, is so highly subjective I am not going to get into the offerings. That is up to you to try and form your opinions. I will say we have our solid favorites, and they are pretty much all worth trying.
We have been here many times over the years. Here are some of the good vibes we got on this visit.
^The Lite Brite restroom signs nod to the 70s/80s vibe.
A group of young parents were outside playing card games with their little ones. Other kids were playing with giant lego blocks. It is very kid friendly, which reminds me of my youth growing up in Illinois hanging out at taverns in Smithton, Millstadt and other small towns while my parents ate, drank and talked.
There was an older couple who brought their own Yahtzee and potato chips in a Tupperware container. So sweet. I complimented them, and aspire to be that couple some day.
We pet the adorable cat with a great personality. The cat went to every table to get attention from the patrons, including our table.
Didn’t bring you own Yahtzee? No worries, they have a game/puzzle shelf for you to borrow and play games. There is a Ms. Pac Man/Galaga as well. It’s a pinball machine away from perfection.
We have some random memories over the years.
One time Shannon and I were killing time and stopped by and sat at the bar and played gin rummy and sipped a pilsner and IPA. The owner came over and talked to us, asking what we were playing. We chatted a bit as we were all card players. She bought us a round on the house. So sweet and kind.
On another occasion, my in laws were visiting from Urbana, IL and we took them to 2nd Shift on a Saturday right when they opened. We were the only ones there and the employees were listening to The Police album by album in full, top to bottom. My brother in law is a music lover like no other I’ve met. He finds the good in everything. I used to hate Stuart Copeland’s disco beats and Sting’s tantric-ass pomposity and reggae ripoff bass. I dismissed them as a young man. But wow, are they good now after aging a couple decades sitting there listening to the full bodies of work with a fan/musicologist sitting across the table highlighting the good stuff and nuggets.
I am changed and tolerate, if not appreciate The Police in my mature years. The buzz from the Pilsner probably didn’t hurt either.
Another memory is walking in with friends one time and there was a table set up for Girls Scouts selling cookies. So sweet. The cat was sitting up on the aging barrels keeping an eye on the goings on. It was a good, community scene. We all bought cookies and the girls were so cute.
2nd Shift hosts bingo, trivia and other events. My wife signed her and couple friends up for a calligraphy class. You get to keep the paper, pens, etc. after the class. She was sold.
It’s a family/community vibe that shines through here. In fact, when they opened years ago, there was a playpen in a corner. As former parents of little ones, sometimes that’s what it takes to find some peace. And, in the men’s room there is a changing station. Men’s room! I love that, you know we have to do that stuff too. Thanks.
This is a great out of the way kind of place with excellent offerings and a solid sense of place making and laid back atmosphere.
