As we reported last week, the long-awaited opening of the Hoof Hearted Brewery & Kitchen in Italian Village will officially be happening this Thursday. Columbus Underground was given early access to preview the new space yesterday at 850 North Fourth Street, where we found out a bit more about the concept and menu.
Chefs Justin Wotring and Julian Menaged said that the menu will center on pub fare, but with a lot of influences from all over the world — which could take the form of poutine from Quebec and kimchi from Korea. Wotring said the idea is to keep it simple, but to operate without boundaries.
“Everything will be made in-house too,” said Menaged “From grinding our own meat to making our own buns to casing our own sausage. Justin came up with some killer mustard.”
Menaged added that the goal of the menu is to keep the neighborhood coming back for food multiple times per week, saying he wants it to be seen as “young, hip and affordable”.
Meanwhile, on the beer side of the menu, Hoof Hearted brewer and co-owner Trevor Williams said that fans will find a lot of the usual favorite with a few new surprises.
“We’re opening with a couple of new beers,” he said. “The ‘Are We Having Fun Yet’ isn’t quite a session IPA… we’re calling it a ‘party pale’. Another that won’t quite be ready for opening, but available within the first few days, is a hot pink hibiscus IPA that we’re adding passion fruit to. We’re hoping that this place can serve as a testing ground where we can get some real-time feedback.”
The original brewery in Marengo, Ohio will remain focused on brewing beers meant for canning and bottling while the Italian Village brewery will serve the pub as well as kegging for bar deliveries. Williams also pointed out that Hoof Hearted is “upping the merch game” with shirts, hats, growlers and other products available for purchase as you walk in the front door.
For more information, visit www.hoofheartedbrewing.com.
Photos by Walker Evans.