LAFAYETTE, CA – Construction is in full swing for Western Flyer Brewing, a highly anticipated microbrewery and eatery taking shape in Lafayette.
After years of planning and approvals, the brewery broke ground at 3660 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, in the heart of a new mixed-use complex across from Trader Joe’s.
Developers and city officials confirm that Western Flyer is on track to open in late 2025, bringing a new craft brewery to this suburban East Bay community.
The project has been roughly five to six years in the making, with founders navigating design reviews and building delays to make their hometown brewpub a reality.
A Long-Awaited Vision
Western Flyer Brewing is the brainchild of Logan Jager, a Lafayette native turned brewer, and his wife, Katie. Jager left a career in finance to pursue his passion for beer, even attending UC Davis’s renowned Master Brewers program to hone his craft.
The idea for Western Flyer sparked when the Jagers moved back to Lafayette in 2013 to raise their family. Jager told city officials they saw a need for a more casual community-interactive space within Lafayette, noting that when they began planning this project their two young sons were just 5 and 7.
Instead of targeting hardcore beer geeks, the Jagers envisioned a family-friendly gathering spot. “They are definitely not designing this for the core beer-drinking bar crowd… they want it to be a more community-interactive space,” meeting the social needs of local families, according to the city.
The brewery’s name, Western Flyer, is a nod to literary history – it’s named after the famous boat that author John Steinbeck used for his 1940 “Sea of Cortez” expedition. That coastal inspiration carries into the brewpub’s concept.
According to Western Flyer’s website, the project was “born out of a desire to use craft beer as a community rallying point,” backed by a “Flyer Crew” of local supporters who are “Lafayette through and through.”
Jager’s goal is for Lafayette residents – from beer enthusiasts to parents seeking a night out – to feel at home.
Building and Design Features
Western Flyer Brewing is taking shape on the ground floor of The Brant, a brand-new three-story development that also includes 66 residential units above.
The 5,400-square-foot brewery space has been customized from the originally approved restaurant plans to accommodate on-site beer production.
A small brewing area has been added inside, which required some layout tweaks – slightly reducing indoor seating capacity – but the design compensates by expanding outdoor seating.
In fact, the plans show two large patios wrapping around the corners of Mt. Diablo Blvd and Dolores Drive, giving patrons plenty of open-air space to relax.
Key design elements of the brewery include:
- Indoor-Outdoor Flow: A roll-up garage door on the front facade will open the taproom to the sidewalk, creating a breezy indoor-outdoor atmosphere. Large operable windows and “nano walls” will likewise allow the space to be opened up in good weather and closed when it rains.
- Tons of Seating: Western Flyer is big – roughly 78 seats inside and 120 on the patios, about 200 in total – accommodating large crowds, especially in good weather. Heat lamps and umbrellas are planned to make the patios usable year-round, a concern raised by Lafayette city officials.
- Modern Aesthetics: The exterior color scheme has been updated from a bold red to a sleek light grey to better fit the new building’s look. Contemporary wood-and-metal accents, along with a custom white-on-black “Western Flyer” sign, will mark the storefront. Inside, visitors can expect to see the stainless steel brew kettles in view, underscoring that beer is made on-site.
- Community Comforts: The layout is intentionally family-friendly and community-centric. There will be flexible seating arrangements (high-top tables, beer hall-style benches, and comfy lounge spots) to invite conversation and casual gatherings.
Brews on Tap and Coastal Bites
As a true microbrewery, Western Flyer will brew its beer in-house on a shiny new system visible to patrons.
Logan Jager, who will serve as head brewer, has hinted that he’ll focus on crisp, approachable lagers in addition to the hop-forward ales craft fans know and love. Jager told the Mercury News that he sees craft lagers as the next frontier of craft brewing, now that most breweries have mastered IPAs.
In line with that vision, Western Flyer’s opening lineup is expected to feature a signature pilsner (they’ve already previewed branded Western Flyer pilsner glasses on social media), along with other beer styles such as pale ales, IPAs, and seasonal brews. By brewing a range of styles – from light lagers to fruity hazies – Jager aims to cater to casual beer newcomers and aficionados alike.
Complementing the beers is a full kitchen on site, a somewhat rare perk for a smaller brewery. The menu will lean into California’s coastal flavors. “We will have a full kitchen serving casual coastal tacos and lite bites,” the brewery’s team announced on their website.
We don’t know exactly what will be on the menu. But tacos and beer sound like a great combo! And given the Steinbeck tie-in and the lagers, we’re expecting things like Baja fish tacos, shrimp, etc.
Hopefully not smelly tins of sardines!
In a town better known for coffee shops and dine-in restaurants, the arrival of Western Flyer Brewing has generated considerable local buzz. The brewery’s architects, Erin Morris Architects (with architect Jenna Gibson leading the design), worked closely with city planners to tailor the space to Lafayette’s village vibe. Local contractors have also been involved in the build; one Bay Area crew even celebrated on Reddit after finishing Western Flyer’s custom tile flooring, signaling that the interior is coming together piece by piece.
While specific collaborations with local artists or external businesses haven’t been announced yet, the taproom is expected to showcase local flair. It would not be surprising to see walls adorned with artwork of the Western Flyer boat or other Bay Area nautical motifs when the brewery opens.
Brewing Toward Opening Day
When the Bay Area Telegraph stopped by in August, the interior was still being built out. But the giant stainless steel brewing tanks were installed–a big step for any microbrewery!
Initially, Western Flyer had hoped to debut in summer 2024, but the timeline stretched due to the complexities of new construction and permitting.
Now, late 2025 is the target, and the countdown is on. “We are currently under construction… we can’t wait to pour you a beer,” the team wrote, apologizing for the dust as they transform the space.
If all goes as planned, Western Flyer Brewing will open its doors before the end of the year, introducing a new craft brewery to Lafayette (our existing one, Headlands, is a great choice too).
As Jager confidently bets on a new wave of craft lager drinkers, people in Lafayette are eagerly looking forward to that first pint. Cheers!
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