LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – As soon as I read the Design Review documents for Western Flyer Brewing–back when it was little more than an idea and a building permit–I knew it was going to be a stunning space.
Floor to ceiling glass doors opening onto a patio overlooking Mount Diablo Blvd. Over 100 outdoor seats, with blazing firepits for chilly evenings. A family-friendly taproom with soaring ceilings and natural light.
It all sounded amazing on paper. And now, it’s real. Western Flyer is about to open at the Brant in downtown Lafayette (for more on the opening timeline, read on!).
I got a unique opportunity to stop by, meet co-owner Logan Jager, and see the space for myself. Here’s a look inside.
Western Flyer has been a long time coming. Jager has been building towards the opening of Western Flyer for over a decade–studying to become a Master Brewer at UC Davis, securing a space in Lafayette at a brand new condo development, and spending over a year working with architects, interior designers, and brewing equipment companies from as far afield as Germany to build the perfect microbrewery right in downtown.
When you first step through the doors of Western Flyer, you’re greeted by a massive, light-filled space with tall ceilings and a stunning, SoCal inspired design.
Jager told me that he worked with legendary SoCal architect Erin Morris to design the space, bringing just a bit of the beachy energy of LA to Lafayette.
The interior of Western Flyer thus looks different from other local taprooms. Instead of the rustic, farmhouse-esque distressed wood and glowing wire lightbulbs you see in so many NorCal places, Western Flyer has a clean, minimalist look.
There’s sleek, geometric tables that mirror the gently curving shape of the main counter, orb-like lights illuminating the space, and wicker chairs with woven cloth backs providing plenty of comfy seating.
The lamps are hardly necessary, though, as Western Flyer’s space is all about light. Massive, multi-story windows let in tons of natural light, resulting in a beautifully open, airy feel.
That continues as you walk through the space, heading from the main entrance to the brewing area.
Jager told me that he didn’t want to hide Western Flyer’s brewing equipment away in the back. Instead, he wanted to make the brewing process into a live performance–something you can sit and watch while enjoying your beer.
People are extremely excited about Western Flyer, and I’m sure many would like to see the inside. Will you help us out by sharing this article with our neighbors on your Nextdoor or Facebook?
To that end, Western Flyer’s gleaming stainless steel brewing tanks, snaking metal pipes and other brewing accoutrements sit right next to the taproom’s tables.
A glass wall separates guests from the hot and potentially hazardous bits of the brewing setup. But in the middle of the room, the wall falls away to waist-height, and you can see directly into the brewing area with an unobscured view.
When I visited, Western Flyer’s brewing team were actively at work brewing beers. I could watch from the dining tables as team members shoveled hot, steaming grain from a giant tank, preparing it for the next step in its transformation into beer.
Jager told me that he wants guests to feel like they’re directly involved in the brewing process, and to be able to experience all the sights and smells associated with brewing beer up close.
Indeed, with the low wall, I could smell the malty, toasty aroma of the grain, and even feel the radiant heat of the brewing equipment. It’s a multi-sensory experience that Jager hopes will give guests a better sense of how a microbrewery operates–and will delight kids who visit with their parents!
On that topic, Jager told me that Western Flyer is explicitly meant to be extremely family-friendly.
His vision is for the microbrewery to serve as a gathering spot for the community, with kids free to lounge with their parents on the outdoor patio or watch the brewing team in action.
Western Flyer also plans to host community events and fundraisers (trivia nights came up as one idea), and with a full AV system, to serve as a meeting venue for local businesses.
Jager told me that Western Flyer’s design also emphasizes an openness to the community and to the broader downtown area.
Giant, sliding glass doors (one of the hardest parts of the restaurant’s design to achieve, Jager told me) cantilever up, turning the brewery into a true indoor/outdoor experience.
Although Western Flyer can seat about 100 people inside, outdoor seating on a wrap-around patio provides additional seating for another 125.
That means Western Flyer will be a true blending of indoors and outdoors space.
Firepits and string lights complete the look of the outdoor areas.
From many parts of the patio, you can look directly into the bustle of downtown. Despite its SoCal design inspiration, Western Flyer thus feels very situated and embedded in the community.
Of course, a brewery is nothing without its beers! Jager told me that Western Flyer received its brewing equipment last year and has been actively developing and brewing its beers since then. I got to step inside the brewing area and watch the process up close.
The Western Flyer team is focusing on lagers–the perfect refreshing beer to drink on a patio during the Summer. But he told me the brewery will also make IPAs and other beers popular here in NorCal.
Beers will be sold primarily on location, with limited local distribution to restaurants and other taprooms around the area.
Western Flyer’s brewing apparatus is state of the art, Jager told me.
The tanks and equipment were custom built for the space, and Western Flyer has thought of every tiny detail–down to expanded hallways to accommodate bringing in big batches of grain and a special, ultra durable floor designed by a company in Germany.
Complementing that beers–and extending the SoCal inspiration–will be a full menu focused around tacos. Western Flyer is putting the finishing touches on its kitchen, and when it opens, you’ll be able to enjoy all manner of tacos along with your brew.
Jager told me that despite the soaring, upscale interior, Western Flyer wants to remain a casual neighborhood hangout. To that end, the brewery won’t accept reservations, focusing exclusively on walk-ins.
Much like the nearby Canyon Club, there won’t be servers and formal tables–you’ll be able to come in whenever you’d like, speak to a beer tender and ask any questions, and then order food and beers yourself before choosing any open table and settling in.
Again, Jager hopes this keeps the vibe focused on beer and community, keeps the prices reasonable, and makes Western Flyer the kind of spot where locals and families feel comfortable lingering.
I asked Jager if adding a microbrewery to a super-upscale condo development was a tough sell. On the contrary, he told me that Lennar–the Brant’s developer–jumped at the chance to welcome Western Flyer to the space.
Craft breweries are apparently one of the most sought-after types of businesses in the hospitality space. And Jager sold his venture on the idea that it would become like the Brant’s “lobby lounge,” offering a casual place for residents to hang out.
The fact that Western Flyer will be a family gathering spot and not a rowdy bar–and the fact that its advanced brewing equipment minimizes sounds and eliminates unpleasant smells–was a big selling point too, Jager told me.
So, when does all of this actually arrive? Jager told me that Western Flyer is hoping for a late March or early April launch. Most of the construction is complete, the brewing team is hard at work, and Western Flyer is just completing finishing touches before announcing a formal opening date.
You can find them online here: https://wfbrewing.com/
I can’t wait to stop by and try Western Flyer out as soon as it opens. Make sure to join my free 925 News newsletter and I’ll update you as soon as we have a confirmed date–and will send a full review once I’ve had a chance to sample the beers.
Given that so many breweries / micro-breweries as well as distilleries and wineries are closing their doors, how are you going to be different? I have a suggestion. How about being a low price leader and getting big crowds. Instead of charging the ‘normal’ $7-$9 a pint, how about $5 max. It really doesn’t cost that much to make a beer. So as long as you bought all the equipment etc. make a ton of beer and sell it cheap. That may be the only way to keep the doors open. Just a suggestion from a consumer who might be talked into paying $7, but definably wont have a 2nd. But at $5, keep em coming.