Odd Colony, the hip downtown farmhouse-inspired brewery, joined Pensacola’s diverse craft beer scene in 2019. Known for its creative and distinctive brews as well as its inviting and eclectic taproom, Odd Colony has become a popular Palafox Street favorite. Lucky for us locals, she now has a sister!
The Burrow, an Odd Colony Biergarten and Kitchen located on 12th Avenue in East Hill, opened to rave reviews in February. Longtime friends and co-founders Blake and Chelsey Foster and Brett and Beth Schweigert describe The Burrow as the springtime version of Odd Colony, when everything is in bloom. It has the feel of a cozy mountain lodge — a dwelling place that has been lived in.
Stepping downstairs into the lower level of the historic Sacred Heart Hospital building inspired the team to think of burrowing creatures; hence, the adorable armadillo logo.
“Communal nature around a campfire — the idea of gathering a bunch of diverse creatures to share a beverage and stories, a welcoming place to gather after work,” responded Brett Schweigert when asked to explain the logo and concept. “Riffing off of downtown — Odd Colony’s collection of creatures — all future locations will be creature dwellings,” Schweigert said.
MENU
When approached about executing a culinary program for the The Burrow, chef Amy Potmesil was ecstatic about leaning into their brand and bringing something as unique as Odd Colony through food.
“They are known for being a group of forward-thinking creatives, so I knew from the start I needed to match that same approach. I drew inspiration from their downtown brewery, with the mysterious and vintage aesthetic, and intentional bold flavor profiles,” Potmesil said.
With touches of the unexpected, such as the smoked mussels and the use of wild game, the attention to detail makes the menu really pop.
“It evokes curiosity while satisfying a range of clientele. The use of local and seasonal ingredients is a core part of the Odd Colony ethos as well as my own. The tying together of those elements makes the culinary program at The Burrow really click with the overall brand,” Potmesil added.
Small plates include Elk Tartare, Fried Brie Stix, Venison and Wild Boar Meatballs and BBQ Shrimp on Toast. Mains include Truffle Mushroom Pot Pie, Pan Roasted Scottish Salmon, Steak Frites Fondue, Shrimp and Grits, as well as amazing sandwiches, burgers, salads and desserts. However, the menu, as well as beer brews, will change seasonally — with a lighter menu in the spring and summer months.
EXPANSION
The Burrow opened in February with a smaller service footprint, but when a tenant moved out of the building, the team jumped at the chance to add square footage to their kitchen in April. “The goal is to be able to feed the entire 12th Avenue side of the garden,” Blake Foster explained. The outside/garden menu will include sandwiches and appetizers. Craft beer, wine and fun signature cocktails like the Blushing Badger are available at the vintage bar inside or the festive outside bar in the garden.
MUSIC
With a stage already standing in the garden, The Burrow team decided to add music to the magical mix.
“Music is a huge component of who we are as a brand,” Foster said. “We started with First Fridays but plan to delve deeper into it.”
The inaugural First Friday/Live Music in the Garden was April 5 featuring Tanya Gallagher & The Coveralls. John Hart & the Prince Brothers rocked the May stage. Music starts at 7 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. The schedule can be found on The Burrow’s Facebook page.
Good vibes, great food, locally brewed beer, creative cocktails, live music … what are you waiting for? Go hang out with your favorite creatures at The Burrow.
