Headlands Brewing is set to open its third East Bay beer garden on Friday, January 24, continuing its expansion into family-friendly spaces. The new location in Walnut Creek, situated at 2999 Oak Road, joins the company’s Lafayette taproom and the recently acquired Westbrae Biergarten in North Berkeley, which Headlands took over in June 2024.
Unlike some craft breweries that have struggled with declining business and closed taprooms, Headlands Brewing has found success by focusing on smaller towns and enhancing direct-to-consumer sales at its taprooms. Owner Austin Sharp aims to replicate this model in Walnut Creek with a newly transformed outdoor beer garden that offers a relaxed, backyard barbecue atmosphere. The space, nestled among five towering redwoods, features ample seating, fire pits, multiple TVs, and a play area for children, solidifying its appeal as a family- and dog-friendly venue. Sharp emphasizes the brand’s desire to remain an outdoor-focused brewery, creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. “We want to be doing this sort of beer garden-brewpub, backyard barbecue, kind of vibe,” Sharp says.
The Walnut Creek location also enhances the dining experience with a menu curated by Headlands chef Jose Gonzalez, formerly of 4505 Meats and The Cooperage. Gonzalez will bring his culinary expertise to the new space, where the addition of a hood will allow for fried food options like fries. The menu will feature crowd favorites like smash burgers, which are popular at the Lafayette location, and the upcoming tri-tip sandwich. Lighter options such as salads and sandwiches will also be available.
With 20 taps showcasing a variety of Headlands’ signature beers alongside special brews, the new location will feature West Coast and hazy IPAs, as well as a Czech-style pilsner and a South German-style hefeweizen. Guests can also enjoy guest taps from local breweries. For warmer days, the beer garden will serve frozen rosé (frosé) and a selection of local wines. A new cocktail menu, developed by Jae Daaboul of East Bay Spice Company and the now-closed Hopscotch, will offer a diverse range of drinks, including the Wascally Wabbit and Boulevard Treat cocktails. Additionally, the Walnut Creek location will soon add coffee service, perfect for those seeking a morning pick-me-up before a lunch stop.
Sharp credits Headlands’ success to its inclusive approach, creating a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can unwind. Whether it’s parents enjoying a beer, children playing, or friends relaxing with food and drinks, the atmosphere is designed for visitors to linger and enjoy the experience. “Everybody should feel welcome — we’re not going to get too judgy on anybody walking in the door, just come in, take a load off, and have a beer,” Sharp says.
With its new Walnut Creek beer garden, Headlands Brewing continues to redefine the taproom experience, offering a community-oriented space that fosters relaxation and connection.
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