Strange Days Brewing Adding Even More International Flavor to River Market

It’s getting to be a crowded microbrewery field in downtown Kansas City, but Nathan Howard believes his worldly approach to creating new beer flavors will make his new River Market venture, Strange Days, a refreshing retreat from today’s domestic blues.

“(Strange Days) is a homage to the world we’re living in,” Howard said. “For us, beer is a good sanctuary from all that. The beer culture is pleasant, warm and friendly.”

He and his partners, Alec Vemmer and Chris Beier, are opening Strange Days–and yes, he’s well aware of the Doors song–in a former Muehlebach Brewing warehouse at 316 Oak St.

The partners got their itch to start a microbrewery while participating in the KC Nanobrew Festival a couple years ago.

Howard said they chose to locate in the River Market because they enjoy the area’s cosmopolitan flavor. It matches up with the United Nations of beers they plan to brew.

“We’re focusing on paying an ode to multiple global styles–American, German, Belgian, etc.” he said. “We’ll use non-traditional ingredients, different spices and fruits, to create our special style.”

Strange Days Brewing will occupy former industrial space at 316 Oak St.

As part of the international theme, Strange Days wants to become a center for watching European soccer and will open early on Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate fans. For that crowd, an English-style bitter ale might be in order.

Other global brews they have in mind include an Asian Saisson with lemon grass; a Mexican IPA with jalapeño and lime peal, or a Japanese Black IPA with ginger and szechuan pepper corns. Howard said eight different beers will be on tap at any one time.

The 2,500 square-foot space will be able to accommodate up to 185 people. The plan calls for a rotating schedule of food trucks to be on hand, and patrons can bring along their own food as well.

What Strange Days hopes to be is a community hangout with a global vibe.

Interior construction is expected to begin before the end of July and be completed by mid-September. Howard and his partners are investing $500,000 in their venture and plan to open this fall.

Hours will be from 3-11 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.