Sprouts & Shutters: Perdition Smokehouse Coming to Berkeley

Chuck Stilphen, founder of craft beer meccas Øl Beercafe, The Trappist and Trappist Provisions and Mikkeller Bar SF, is planning a Friday the 13th opening for his new barbecue/craft beer hall Perdition Smokehouse this June. Perdition Smokehouse has easy and casual vibe—guests order at the counter while taking a peek at the various barbecued meats at the heated display and cutting stations. Servers will manage the guests and tables by taking beverage orders. Unlike Stilphen’s other beer establishments, Perdition Smokehouse is open to all ages. Opening hours will be from 5:00pm – midnight the first few months and lunch service will be added near the end of summer.

Stilphen has partnered with Mikkeller Chef Michael O’Brien to run both front and back of the house operations as Executive Chef, General Manager and Partner. Prior to his arrival in the Bay Area, O’Brien honed his skills at Church Key in Washington, DC, one of the highest rated beer bars and restaurants in the United States. 

Perdition’s barbecue menu will highlight the classic dry-rubbed style that he and Stilphen enjoy, including beef brisket, pork shoulder, hot links, ribs and turkey breast. Traditional Southern sides such as collards, mac & cheese, coleslaw and Texas black-eyed peas will rotate with the season, along with a large selection of pies and other confections for dessert. The kitchen at Perdition Smokehouse will also double as a production facility for the newly formed Mikkeller Sausage Company which will provide product to associated bars and restaurants.

Perdition Smokehouse will showcase 43 taps of rotating American session beers in pints and pitchers. A small curated wine list as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as brewed iced tea, lemonade, cold-pressed Blue Bottle coffee on tap and a Boylan’s soda fountain will also be available.

Located at 2050 University Ave a mere few blocks from the UC Berkeley campus, Perdition Smokehouse has 16-ft high ceilings and skylights that lend a bright and airy feel. Walnut tables are positioned throughout and a massive smoker anchors the middle of the room. Exposed bricks line the walls while natural woodwork, barn and hex folk art impart a casual vibe. The picnic tables and benches in the outdoor courtyard lined with brick pavers offer additional seating and double as a private event space.

Stilphen notes, “Mike and I are excited to bring our love of beer and barbecue to Berkeley. Just as with our other locations, we aspire to serve only the best ingredients and American craft beers around. We are working to fulfill our dream of creating the finest barbecue and beer hall in the world.”

—Information submitted by Perdition Smokehouse