Two Michigan-based breweries, Bastone Brewery and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, have announced a partnership that will bring a new craft beer experience to downtown Royal Oak. Jolly Pumpkin Royal Oak, a full-service restaurant located at 419 S. Main St., will open Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Following a remodeling, Bastone Brewery will be located in the space formerly occupied by Monk Beer Alley. Jolly Pumpkin Royal Oak will occupy the former Bastone space as well as the neighboring Vinotecca.
Jolly Pumpkin Royal Oak will feature an open floor plan, with 210 seats set amid a central, round bar, while an additional 40 seats will be located on a sidewalk patio.
Jolly Pumpkin Royal Oak’s food menu will feature artisan pizza, former President Obama’s favorite burger, and truffle fries. Select Jolly Pumpkin, Bastone, and North Peak beers will be served on tap, as well as other bottled Belgian beers, Nomad ciders, wine, and domestic and import spirits.
“Our goal with this new Jolly Pumpkin is to create an all-encompassing dining and drinking experience for our patrons,” says Tony Grant, CEO of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. “Belgian beer fans will continue to enjoy both Bastone sweet beers and Jolly Pumpkin sour beers in one location.”
Bastone, which will be located around the corner on W. 5th Street, will offer 96 seats. The menu will focus on Belgian cuisine and brews, and the restaurant’s executives hope to soon bottle and distribute its beer. Menu items include mussels, pommes frites, and a Belgian blue burger.
The new drink menu, a mix of Bastone’s sweet beers and Jolly Pumpkin’s sours, is headlined by a collaborative beer dubbed the Co-Operation Ale, a fusion of La Roja and Nectar des Deux, without the souring agents, at 8 percent ABV.
“Bastone Brewery and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales both specialize in distinct Belgian styles — sweet and sours,” says David Ritchie, managing partner. “We’re excited about the partnership and the collaboration brew that will only be available at this Royal Oak location.”
In addition to Royal Oak, Jolly Pumpkin operates breweries and restaurants in Detroit’s Midtown district, Ann Arbor, Dexter, and Traverse City.