Origin Beer Project emerged on the local scene in 2020, serving inspired brews from the taproom at Buttonwoods Brewery in Cranston. As the popularity of their brand increased, owners Cheyne and Erika Tessier recognized the need for their own space, so in November, the couple opened at the former Beer on Earth location in the West End neighborhood of Providence. “Origin Beer Project is 50/50 owned between my husband and me,” says Erika. “We’re really excited to be back in the city and the neighborhood where we used to live.”
While higher alcohol content blends are sought out by some beer enthusiasts, Origin has unintentionally become recognized for its lighter offerings, including the tiny IPA Forgot to Mention at only 2.7 percent, along with Small Victories, a Czech pale lager, and pale ale Relentless Optimism. Stronger brews like the Everyone triple IPA and the 11.3 percent Midnight Altar are also customer favorites. Non-alcoholic drink offerings include root beer, Alpine-style botanical soda, and lemon-lime seltzer, all available at the small-but-stylish taproom. Providence, OriginBeerProject.com
A new craft brewery in East Providence is the first of its kind in the city. Crook Point Brewing is named for the illustrious “stuck-up bridge,” which is visible from the tasting room. Owner Ernie Watson acquired the building, on the site of a former hammer factory along the Providence River, right before the pandemic and initially wasn’t sure how he would use the space. “Originally, I was thinking maybe a yoga studio or a cross-fit; then I realized a brewery would be very cool here,” says Watson. “I was a home brewer, and thought, hey, I can give it a go.”
Head brewer John Windle operates the newly installed ten-barrel brewing system. “We can only do four at a time; that’s our fermentation cycle. We’ve got a lager, an ale, an IPA, and a seltzer,” says Watson, who is working on providing local food options. “We can send out, and work with restaurants right in the neighborhood.” There’s also an event space adjacent to the tap room, available for rental. East Providence, CrookPointBrewing.com
A bar in a record store? “Why not?” says Chris Zingg who runs the Upside Bar with partner David Silva in the former 2nd Story Theatre, sharing space with Zingg’s In Your Ear Records. The neighborhood watering hole off Main Street “is intended to be one cohesive unit with the record store,” says Zingg. “We’re calling it The Upside Bar at In Your Ear.”
Upside serves music-themed cocktails and craft beers, “eight on tap, including local brewers Proclamation, Long Live Beerworks, Pivotal Brewing, and Origin Beer Project,” says Zingg. In addition to drinks, nearby Taco Box provides a full menu from Friday through Sunday. “We have this huge commercial kitchen downstairs. During the week, we’ll also have light bites and bar food.” The menu features chicken and shrimp tacos, salads, and bowls. You can also check out local musicians and DJs spinning vinyl most weekends. Zingg plans to turn the upstairs theater into a venue to host touring bands, comedy shows, and even a theater group for neurodivergent adults. Warren, @upside_bar
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