Unlocking the Sidegate to Concord's Beloved Brewery
In light of celebrating the much anticipated BREWFEST event on March 30th, we want to start off by spotlighting some of Concord's beloved breweries, starting with Sidegate!
As the weather warms up and spring arrives, there's no better place to enjoy a sunny day in Concord than at Sidegate, founded by two Bay Area natives, Paul and Kevin!
We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Paul, one of the co-owners of Sidegate, and were greeted with a sunny and cozy vibe. Stepping through the sidegate entrance, we were welcomed by a sunny beer garden filled with succulents, tables, games, more succulents, and patrons enjoying their craft beers. As we made our way to the bar, we entered a spacious, beautifully lit area with more tables, stainless steel brewing instruments, a unique menu inspired by the Sidegate team, and even some local and loyal customers. Further exploration led us to more lounging areas adorned with art from local Concord artists, adding to the brewery's charm.
Craft beer is more than just a beverage—it's a culture, a passion, and a community. Paul's journey into the world of craft beer began with homebrewing at the age of twenty-four, where he quickly fell in love with the hands-on process of creating something from scratch. Alongside his business partner Kevin, who shares his passion for brewing, Paul co-founded Sidegate Brewery. Since its opening, Sidegate has become a community hub, attracting diverse groups of people, including families, couples, and locals.
One of Sidegate's standout features is its commitment to the community. The brewery collaborates with local business owners and nonprofits, making it a beloved spot in Concord. Despite the challenges of opening during a pandemic, Paul and Kevin remained determined to make their dream a reality. They credit their success to a mix of luck, belief in their business plan, word-of-mouth marketing, and partnerships with local businesses.
Sidegate's welcoming atmosphere allows customers to come and go without feeling out of place, making you feel like you’re in your favorite neighbors' backyard enjoying a beer after a long day. Customers often bring their laptops to work while enjoying a beer, creating a relaxed atmosphere like a coffee shop, or hanging out with friends, or listening to live and local musical performances. Paul shared with us that a wedding was hosted at Sidegate too! The brewery's flexible event space has made it a popular choice for various events, further solidifying its place in the community.
Community involvement is at the heart of Sidegate. The brewery partners with local businesses and artists to create unique customer experiences, staying true to the Bay Area's culture of valuing community. This commitment to quality and creativity shines through in every pint at Sidegate, making it a must-visit spot for beer lovers and Bay Area visitors.
If you haven’t already, take a look at our event page for more details on Brewfest hosted here in Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza!