Central Standard Brewing
Hannah and I wanted to get out of the house this Memorial Day weekend, so we decided to spend the day at Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita. After walking around and enjoying the trip “back-in-time,” we were tired, needed a drink, and wanted to sit for a while. We decided to stop at one of my favorites, Central Standard Brewing.
Central Standard Brewing has been one of my favorite breweries in Wichita since it opened. They are an excellent place to meet up with friends, play bingo, catch live music, enjoy a food truck, or hang out and watch the game. CSB is tucked away a couple of blocks from the bustling main drag of Douglas Avenue at 156 S. Greenwood in the Douglas Design District just east of Old Town and Downtown Wichita. Central Standard is also within walking distance of many other fantastic drinking establishments and delicious restaurants!
The Vibe
CSB has such an inviting feeling from the moment you enter; it feels like you're hanging out at a buddy's house. I have always described the ambiance of Central Standard, lovingly of course, as ‘hanging out in your friend’s basement.' Central Standard has an eclectic collection of mid-century furniture, including tables and chairs and an awesome floral-patterned sofa and chairs. This awesome furniture makes you want to relax and think about easier times. CSB accentuates this furniture with fantastic artwork and décor. Outside they have a massive patio that wraps around to the side of the building. They also have a large selection of board games and outdoor games such as corn hole!
The design of the place also does a great job of incorporating the brewing area into the establishment with a view of the entire brewery area! Along one wall are barrels Central Standard uses to barrel age their beers. Often times these barrels are used wine barrels from local wineries!
I was expecting Central Standard Brewing to be booming, being a beautiful Sunday on Memorial Day Weekend, but they were surprisingly slower than anticipated. Sadly, the old-school couch and chairs were already taken, so we grabbed a couple of seats at the bar and ordered some drinks. We talked to the bartender a little about our days. As more people started showing up and getting busier, we enjoyed our drinks and talked amongst ourselves.
The Drinks
I especially wanted to stop at Central Standard Brewing because they had recently tapped one of my favorite seasonal beers, Drop Top Caddy. This beer is an American Sour that is inspired by orange cream sodas! CSB describes it best, so here is the description from their website,
“Orange Nirvana! Inspired by a classic orange cream soda, this beer is overflowing with juicy orange and creamy vanilla, thanks to copious additions of fresh Cara-Cara orange zest and juice, Madagascar vanilla beans, and lactose sugar. Sweet, tart, and delicious! Drop your top, and enjoy the ride!”
I am generally not a big fan of sours; I usually enjoy a quick taste and go for something else. However, I love Drop Top Caddy! It's a slow sipper for me with all its flavors and sensations! On top of delicious seasonals, CSB has many other great flagship beers such as Wizard of Hops (an IPA) and Red Cicada (a traditional gose.) Another favorite seasonal beer of mine is the Laser Fog Light Show, a delicious hazy IPA.
It could be my perspective, but Central Standard Brewing focuses on its IPAs and sours, especially during the summer. I'm not complaining; I love IPAs (after not liking them for a few years). I have noticed recently they are releasing more lagers, ales, and others, including CSB Vienna Lager and CSB Mild, which I am all about! Central Standard also serves a large selection of guest taps from other Kansas breweries and breweries around the country and the world!
Central Standard Brewing also serves alcohol options that aren't beer, including two types of sangria red sangria and rosé sangria. Hannah had the rosé sangria. She said it’s a great light summer drink perfect for sipping on their large patio! They also offer a selection of Meadowlark Farms Hard Ciders, a local orchard and cidery out of Rose Hill, KS. They also have non-alcoholic drinks such as kombucha and soda. CSB offers some bar foods such as chips and salsa and locally made pizza made by LMNO Pizza in Mt Hope, KS. We haven’t had the opportunity to try the food that CSB offers since we usually tend to stop by when there is a food truck. The pizzas always look delicious, though!
Central Standard Brewing is always a fun time, regardless of your drinking plans. I highly recommend stopping in for one of their extraordinary events, especially when they have live music! Grab yourself a delicious beer, sangria, or kombucha! Let us know your thoughts and experience at Central Standard Brewing! Whatever you decide to drink in Central Standard's extensive selection, remember to think local, drink local, and Clink Local.
Details
Type: Brewery
Products: Beer, Sangria
Kids: welcome with 21+
Dogs: Welcome
Price: $
Food: small bar food, food trucks