Orange Hat Brewing's Cherry Street taproom wants Parkridge neighbors to 'come as you are'

Orange Hat Brewing Company has opened its new taproom in Parkridge on Knoxville east side, bringing local beer to an area of town that doesn't have much of it.

The Orange Hat team is still brewing at its Hardin Valley location and will serve their beer at the aptly named EAST by Orange Hat taproom at 701 N. Cherry St.

The taproom is hosting a grand opening Nov. 10. The adjacent Baker Boy Pizza Company will open in a couple weeks.

Cofounder Rodney Ramin considers Orange Hat an "impact brewery," opening locations where there aren't craft beer options.

He said Parkridge has a lot of "rich history" and hopes to serve the community well. Orange Hat is working on a special Parkridge beer to celebrate the neighborhood.

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What EAST by Orange Hat taproom has to offer

There are 14 taps, in addition to a tap for nitro cold brew. The taproom will primarily serve Orange Hat beers along with the brewery's own wine and beer hybrid; cider and beer hybrid; and alcoholic and nonalcoholic kombucha brewed in-house from Brandon Smith of TEMPO Kombucha.

Other drinks available include Gypsy Circus Cider, Liquid Death water, nonalcoholic beer and limited specialty bottles by Orange Hat.

Food can be brought in from either Baker Boy Pizza Company when it opens or Dulcie's Cafe, a Jamaican restaurant next door. Ramin said Dulcie's is working on a buzzer system so customers can order there and wait for their food at Orange Hat.

There's a TV inside on the earthy green wall separating the taproom from Baker Boy Pizza. The small outdoor patio has a fire pit and additional seating.

There's free parking available in the small lot or on Jefferson Avenue.

What beer to try first at EAST by Orange Hat

Ramin recommends trying the 865 Czech Pilsner.

"There's nothing to hide behind in a pilsner," Ramin said. "So I would try our 865 Czech Pilsner. And that one we're proud of, too. We're going to be canning it here in the future and making a commitment to only distribute it in Knoxville. We claim it as Knoxville's finest pilsner."

Orange Hat offers lagers, IPAs, sours and more. He said their beers are like "education for craft beers" because they stick closely to traditional tastes, giving people a good idea of what types they might like.

Ramin wants EAST by Orange Hat to be a community spot for the Parkridge neighborhood and the wider area.

"The biggest thing for us is just come as you are," Ramin said. "We are extremely open to all walks of life and every person that comes in here, we're grateful for. We don't consider ourselves a college bar. We don't consider ourselves a sports bar. We are whatever you want it to be."

The taproom is open every day from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Orange Hat Brewing brings local beer to Parkridge in Knoxville