South County’s craft beer scene has expanded considerably in recent years. Westerly’s Grey Sail Brewing and South Kingstown’s Whalers Brewing Company started the movement when they appeared in 2011, and places like Tilted Barn Brewery and Shaidzon Beer Company have furthered it, providing local beer lovers with plenty of selection.
The newest brewery on the block is the West Passage Brewing Company, which opened its doors in 2021 in North Kingstown. The brewery has been an immediate hit, thanks primarily to its diverse beer offerings and impressive dining menu.
This brewery enjoys a prime location on Post Road, not far from downtown Wickford, which should help it stay popular in the community for years to come.
Here’s a look at what you can expect when walking through the doors of the West Passage Brewing Company.
The Beer
Of course, the main reason you’d visit a craft brewery is for the beer, and the West Passage Brewing Company has an excellent selection of options for every beer drinker.
Lighter beers on tap at West Passage Brewing include their pub-style Full Body Wag, Accidental Red Lager, and the Tipsy Mouse. For a bit higher alcohol content, you can try the Turbo Body Wag, Slack Sheet APA, or Sarcastic Charlie. They also have dark beer offerings like the Drunken Horsemen black IPA, Full Keel Brown Ale, and Deliberate Porter.
You’ll want to stop by often to give them all a try because each and every beer this new brewery creates offers something unique.
The Food
Beer is great and all, but when you’re spending a few hours at a brewery, it’s nice to enjoy some food, too. The menu is one area where West Passage Brewing separates itself from others in this space, as they have far more available than most local breweries.
First, there’s an appetizer and share plate menu featuring wings, jalapeno poppers, and nachos. You’ll also find a selection of flatbreads, soups, and salads, for when you’re in the mood for a light lunch, and some dessert options.
That’s not all, though, as West Passage Brewing has multiple steakburgers, a pulled pork sandwich, a chicken burger, and a cheesesteak on the menu, and they also serve street tacos.
You’ll never go hungry at this brewery because they have enough food selection to keep even the pickiest eaters happy.
The Atmosphere
Beyond the beer and food, the atmosphere is the final aspect that makes a craft brewery a cool place to hang out. West Passage Brewing is going with a modern look, which matches everything else it’s trying to accomplish.
From the bar area to the tables, everything at West Passage looks and feels brand new. It doesn’t seem pretentious, though, as it’s laidback and casual, as well.
West Passage Brewing aims to create an atmosphere welcoming all of South County’s residents and visitors, and the environment inside goes a long way toward achieving that goal.
Everything Else You Should Know
Even if you aren’t into beer, you can enjoy a night at this craft brewery. We’ve already mentioned the food menu, but West Passage also has a wide selection of specialty cocktails you won’t want to miss. Choices available include their white coconut mudslide, salted espresso martini, blueberry mojito, and sangria.
Or, if you’d prefer a glass of wine with your meal, West Passage brings in reds, whites, and proseccos from all over the world. They also carry wines from Gooseneck Vineyards, a tasting room just down the street in downtown Wickford.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these options because they’re all top-notch wines.
Getting to the brewery is easy, too, as it’s right on Post Road, a short distance north of Smith’s Castle. It’s only a few minutes from the heart of Wickford, and you could probably walk up for a couple of pints if you live in the village.
The West Passage Brewing Company is closed Tuesdays but is open every other day of the week. They have Monday Night Football showings during the season and also stay open late on weekends. Keep in mind that the kitchen closes at 9:30, but snacks are available later.
If you’re looking for a new brewery to make your go-to spot, West Passage Brewing is undoubtedly worth a peek.