You can’t overdrink at the Apothecary Draft House, but it’s not a drag — it’s a selling point.
The new taphouse on Public Square has a self-pour system that allows guests to dispense their own drinks, but there are checks and balances enforced by technology and employees that keep the place cozy instead of crazy. The atmosphere says “get together,” not “get blitzed,” with exposed brick walls and rough leather chairs, leafy green decor displayed throughout and a woodcraft game of Connect Four on each table.
Maybe the most fretful fact for anyone seeking excess: Whatever you do, there’s a good chance children will see.
“We wanted to be safe, comfortable and inviting to everyone,” said Josh Stearns, the Apothecary Draft House’s owner. Stearns intentionally created a space for hanging out with families and friends, catering to people who give their watch a nervous glance around 8 p.m. and remember there’s work in the morning. “We’ll do our best to make everyone happy, but we guarantee we’ll keep the place safe.”
Customer identification is verified with Intellicheck, a software used by entities as varied as law enforcement and credit companies, before customers get a radio frequency ID wristband that talks to the tech-enabled taps, which charge by the ounce and tap out at 48 ounces per visit (the last 16 of those ounces have to be approved by staff). That’s about four standard-issue beer bottles worth, and it isn’t dispensed all at once.
On the odd chance things don’t go to plan for a guest, Stearns said, the drafthouse will cover the cost of a car ride home.
But safe doesn’t mean boring. There are three dozen beers on tap, with ales and IPAs and pilsners, enough to keep a brew hobbyist busy for more than a few visits. That total doesn’t count the ciders, sodas and forthcoming nonalcoholic beers, either. Visitors can bring their own food, and order from local restaurants online with QR codes at each table.
Accompanying activities include regular live music acts that Stearns scouts and books himself, and varied events and classes, including yoga and meditation, for those looking to relax. For non-structured entertainment, there’s a pool table and cornhole boards ready to go, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own board games and hang out.
Visit linkpages.pro/Q2oTjE for a full list of upcoming events and the complete tap list.
