In Midtown just minutes from the Museum District, you will find
Under the Radar Brewery, 1506 Truxillo. After having a soft opening for the past month, Under the Radar welcomed about 2,000 people throughout the day for its official grand opening on August 27.
Under the Radar is the brainchild of three friends and home brewers, Herb Garcia, Ned Davis and Mike Norfleet. The story may sound the same as with other local breweries that have recently opened, but the vibe here is definitely different. Imagine tailgating with your friends or barbecuing in the backyard sharing your favorite brews. That's what it's like at Under the Radar.
The tap room is small and the staff are friendly. The biergarden consists of a large yard furnished with picnic tables, outside fans and a sizable tree that provides a canopy of shade. According to Davis, the lot was in pretty bad shape when they took over the space. They have transformed the overgrown lot into something he hopes the whole neighborhood can be proud of and where it will feel welcome. Davis lives less than a mile away from the brewery and has enjoyed cleaning up the area and building a place he hopes will become an integral part of the community.
Under the Radar currently produces 60 barrels of beer a month, and expansion is already in the works. It started out with five standard beers, at least one of which the brewery believes will appeal to every beer drinker. Garcia, Davis and Norfleet perfected these recipes over the years by brewing for family and friends. The five styles on tap are Dirty Blonde (an American-style blonde ale), Mid Frequency IPA (an IPA made with American, British and German malt), Midtown Bock (a hoppy, ale-style bock), Porter Authority (a porter with a light touch of hops) and Radar Love (a light hefeweizen). In addition to these five brews, small-batch seasonal beers will also pop up throughout the year.
As for the name, Davis says, "We started in on what to call ourselves and Herb, without missing a beat, said "Under the Radar." It's not just a clever name; it really does fit our personalities and style. We are a pretty easygoing bunch; we are understated and relaxed." With the successful opening of the brewery and having their beers on tap at local spots such as Axelrad, The Conservatory, Onion Creek and Hay Merchant, they won't be able to stay under the radar for too long.
Under the Radar is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Beers are $5 for one or three for $15, which includes a free keepsake glass. A flight of all five beers is available for $10.
