Atwater Confirms New Biergarten and Taphouse Headed for Rivertown

No surprises here. Atwater's rumored Detroit biergarten-taphouse expansion is coming to fruition. The brewery confirmed the move Tuesday in a release, revealing that it has claimed the former Tangerine nightclub space next to its flagship Rivertown brew house. The 5,000-square-foot addition has a 125-person capacity including a 25-seat bar with windows looking into the neighboring brewery, communal seating, and private dining area. Atwater Biergarten and Taphouse will offer 20 beers on tap as well as Atwater-brand spirits, wine, and hard cider. The venue also features a full menu of pizzas, fish tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and items like white shredded chicken bean chili.

The restaurant announcement comes just a few months after the final eviction of Tangerine nightclub. Atwater, which owns the complex under the name Rivertown Holdings, feuded for nearly two years with Tangerine's owner Darnell Small. Small accused the company of attempting to bully him out of his lease, while Rivertown Holdings claimed that Small had violated his agreement by making cosmetic changes to the building and failing to acquire proper permits. The news came at a time when multiple black-owned businesses were facing evictions. In June, the National Action Network organized a protest outside of Atwater Brewery, drawing attention to Tangerine nightclub's closure.

Atwater Biergarten and Taphouse opens November 25 (traditionally one of the biggest bar days of the year) beginning at 4 p.m. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. customers can order $1 Atwater beers and get a first-taste of the brewery's new Rivertown Porter and Lebkuchen Christmas Ale.