Cheers! A new brewery is coming to the Mississippi Coast. What’s on tap & what we know
While eyes were focused on the comeback of downtown Biloxi, with its restorations and brick-paved streets, West Howard Avenue became the place to go for food, beverages and fun.
West Howard Avenue is the few blocks between Caillavet Street — where the Biloxi Shuckers play — and Porter Avenue. New apartments, restaurants and businesses have opened along the stretch over the past five years.
It’s where the Biloxi Farmer’s Market is held Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the protective cover of the I-110 bridge, and where the First Friday of the season kicks off March 1 with a block party. The celebration is from 5-9 p.m. and features local food and music.
A sneak peak of West Howard Avenue’s newest attraction came during Mardi Gras, when the parade rolled right past Altered Reality Brewing at 969 Howard Ave.
Two food trucks were pulled up and the yard was filled with people playing cornhole and other games. Dozens of kids were in and out of the game room, reminiscent of Aladdin’s Castle at the mall but also with board games.
“We really want to nurture that family atmosphere,” said Jason Weaver, co-owner of Altered Reality with Michael Massey.
The two have been brewing beer in a garage, winning contests and wondering, “What if we could turn a passion into reality?”
They did, after they spent more than a year transforming a run-down building into their dream, and named their business Altered Reality.
What’s brewing?
The grand opening for the business is March 15, and they’ve already been making seltzers, like mango dragon fruit and hibiscus sour, in the purple brewing room.
They’ll brew their own pilsners, stouts and other beers in small batches, Weaver said, and even custom beers like birthday cake and possibly root beer.
They are shooting for no less tan five beverages on tap at opening, and then eventually go to 10, Weaver said.
Since Weaver and Massey work full-time, professional jobs and have families, the brewery will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday to start.
Bring the dog and the kids
Breweries are one of the few places where families feel comfortable bringing their kids, Weaver said, and kids and dogs are welcome at Altered Reality.
A garage door opens the indoors to the yard in good weather, so people can sit inside or at the picnic tables and play games in both places.
Food isn’t on the menu at the new brewery, but there will be food trucks at times.
“I just want to be able to focus on the beer,” Weaver said.
Part of the neighborhood
“We wanted to be a part of Biloxi,” Weaver said, and they’ve already charmed the neighbors.
The brewery is in a mixed-use area of downtown, where residential streets back up the commercial properties. Massey said the neighbors came on board once they realized the yeast in the brewing process was as gentle as baking bread. One of the neighbors even put the brewery on Google Maps for them.
West Howard Avenue already is home to Fly Llama Brewery on the other side of the I-110 overpass — is there room for two?
“Absolutely,” Weaver said. “In the brewing world it’s completely different.” In New Orleans and other areas, people can hop from one brewery to another.
“We’re just going to do different things.” he said.
