South Gate Brewing Co. taps Yosemite visitor potential

Yosemite National Park’s lush valleys, green meadows and powerful waterfalls are just a few of the things that make it a national treasure. It’s nature at its most impressive that drew more than 3 million visitors to the park in 2012 and more than 4 million in 2011, according to Yosemite park statistics. Now nature lovers and craft beer lovers alike will have the opportunity to enjoy a fresh brew from South Gate Brewing Co., which opened its doors in Oakhurst just prior to the start of the Memorial Day Holiday weekend.

Situated just outside of Yosemite, about 15 minutes south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park, South Gate has seen early success thanks to its food and beer pairings, according to Owner Casey Hawkins.

“Our menu pairs beautifully with our house made beers and is thoughtfully sourced, featuring American Pub fare with some exciting twists. Fried Artichoke Hearts and House Made Potato Chips are a great way to start your meal. Our South Gate Burger is made with grass fed beef from Painted Hills Farm, and our Mary’s free range chicken is another house favorite,” Hawkins said.

From left, Lindsay and Casey Hawkins, owners of South Gate Brewing Co., and brewmaster Rick Boucke, toast the success of the new brewpub located in Oakhurst, about 15 minutes south of Yosemite National Park.

Ingredients are locally sourced, with cheeses coming from local dairies, most of the produce sourced from local growers and even the ice cream for their root beer floats comes from Reimer’s Vanilla Bean ice cream. While the food has been earning high praise, it’s the microbrews that many people are coming for, and those too have earned commendation from the public.

“We have the Deadwood Porter, a smooth dark porter with roasted malt and coffee flavors, the Gold Digger Blond, an easy drinking pilsner-style beer lightly hopped and great on a hot day. We have the Sawtooth IPA, A west-coast style IPA with a slightly tropical/citrus flavor and smooth finish and our Glacier Point Pale Ale is hoppy pale ale with grapefruit and citrus flavors and my personal favorite,” Hawkins said.