If you have a spirit for adventure, you will appreciate the crazy brews at the Funkatorium, which offers beer-based experimentation at its finest. Part of the Wicked Weed ensemble, the Funkatorium focuses exclusively on sours and barrel-aged beer. These types of brews don’t appeal to everybody, but those in on the recent sour craze will appreciate the Funkatorium’s targeted tap list. Thankfully, the brewery offers just enough variety to please even those who strongly prefer classic ales.
Whether you visit for the brews or are dragged along by somebody who likes beer more than you do, you’ll certainly appreciate the Funkatorium’s menu, which includes artisanal sandwiches and small bites.
Although a hot spot among adult couples and groups of friends, the Funkatorium is a decidedly family-friendly destination. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to bring their kids along for the fun. Young visitors enjoy the general uplifting vibe of the brewery, along with its many delicious menu items. Dogs are also allowed; they’re a common sight on the patio during the summer month.
Seating is somewhat limited inside the Funkatorium (or at least, it is compared to other Asheville breweries), but on warm days, there’s nothing better than to enjoy your brews and snacks outside on one of several picnic tables. Both inside and out, prepare for communal seating. While you won’t find much for privacy, you just might make a new friend.
When winter weather arrives, you’ll be forced to cozy up inside, either by the bar or at one of the long tables that surround it. You’ll appreciate tasteful decor that straddles the line between rustic and modern. Wood elements abound, as do fresh flowers near the bar.
A few of our favorite brews on tap include the following:
Oaxacan
For the ultimate drink-based adventure, give the Oaxacan a try. The tequila-aged American ale is fermented with lime zest and grapefruit.
Brettaberry
If you enjoy fruity ales, you’ll certainly appreciate the Funkatorium’s popular Brettaberry brew. The Brettanomyces farmhouse ale is fermented to perfection with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and a touch of honey.
Barrel-Aged Milk and Cookies
Bring a hint of childhood into your alcoholic experience with this perennial favorite. Aged in bourbon barrels for a full eight months, this delicious brew is sure to satisfy.
A few of our favorite food-based menu items include the following:
Portabella Panini
Decidedly unique, this panini could surprisingly classify as comfort food. It includes cashew cream, braised spinach, Yukon gold potatoes, sliced tomatoes, and shallot vinaigerrette.
Fried Eggplant Flatbread
Featuring pomodoro sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, spinach, and basil, this flatbread will satisfy your cravings for fried food without leaving you feeling too guilty about your nutrition for the day.
Cheese Board
Few things pair better with barrel-aged beer than cheese, as you’ll quickly discover when you order this impressive board. The order comes with a selection of three artisanal cheese, along with toast and regularly rotating garnishes.
Often, the Funkatorium complements its cool vibe with live music. Kick back with a sour (or better yet, a flight), and enjoy tunes from the Asheville area’s finest musicians.
Insider Tips:
-Because the Funkatorium offers such a wide range of sours (and because it takes some visitors a few tries to find something they truly like), it’s worth your while to order a flight. This is also your best bet if you struggle to choose just one brew from the Funkatorium’s vast selection.
-If you show up on Tuesday evening, you can sample a delightful pre fixe menu, featuring technique-driven courses with an emphasis on high-end ingredients. These dishes are carefully paired with sours to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Menus change weekly, so keep an eye on the Wicked Weed website’s event page to ensure that you’re actually interested in this week’s selection.