(Last Updated 11/30/2023) Description and review of New Helvetia Brewing Company, a casual craft brewery located in the Land Park neighborhood of Sacramento. NEW: See Updates below.
On a recent weekday afternoon, I met up with members of the Sacramento Renaissance Society/A Cook’s Tour at the New Helvetia Brewing Company. The brewery is named New Helvetia, in honor of the original name given by John Sutter to the settlement he founded in 1839.
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About New Helvetia Brewing Company
The small brewery brews its beer onsite. It is a 10-barrel, steam-fired operation. Beers brewed include lagers, red and pale ales, IPAs and stouts. So, something for everyone.
The interior of the brewery features a bar at which one orders and pays for their beverage of choice. There is no table service. Be sure to check out the walls for interesting bits of history.
There is no kitchen. However, the brewery has rotating food trucks that park outside and cater to hungry patrons. The day I was there, BBQ was on the menu. Tip: Bring cash.
Keep up with the latest news on the New Helvetia Instagram page.
Review
The one thing I know about beer is that I don’t care for a real “hoppy” beer. So, after chatting with fellow members of A Cook’s Tour for a bit I made my way to the bar for a beverage and to ask for advice.
The friendly and helpful bartender made several suggestions of beers I might enjoy, and when I expressed an interest in the Buffalo Craft Lager, she provided me with a sample. It was smooth and very tasty so I ordered a pint. As it was happy hour the pint was $1 off – so $5. Very reasonable.
The Buffalo Craft Lager is one the core beers at New Helvetia Brewing Company. Other core beers include the Thunderbeast India Pale Ale, Land Park IPA and the Homeland Stout. New Helvetia also regularly brews a variety of “limited edition” beers.
Members of our group had ordered a variety of beer types, and everyone had only good things to say about their choice.
Thursdays are Trivia Night at New Helvetia. Shortly before the 6:00 p.m. start time our two tables were asked if we wanted to participate. A numbered sheet of paper and a pencil was provided when our table indicated we did. There is no charge to play, and the prize that evening was a pitcher of beer. I left before the Trivia contest started, so I don’t know how our group fared. I will be sure to ask when I see them next.
See related blog posts: Oak Park Brewing Company and Device Brewing Company and Goathouse Brewing Company and Alaro Craft Brewery
To Sum Up
New Helvetia Brewing Company, with its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a craft beer. I certainly look forward to going there again.
Updates
(11/30/2023) New Helvetia Brewing has announced it is transforming into an employee and community owned CO-OP – the New Helvetia Brewing Cooperative. Read all about this upcoming change and how to become a member-owner on the New Helvetia website.
(5/23/2023) A few days after I was there for the first time and posted my review, New Helvetia Brewing Company started offering a food menu prepared in-house.
The menu includes items such as: Pub Fries, Wings, Mac & Cheese, Chips and Fresh Salsa, assorted Sliders (including a vegan option), sides (Cole Slaw, Grilled Seasonal Vegetables, etc.) and salads (Caprese, Caesar, House). I am sure that New Helvetia regulars are very happy with the change!
Comments on New Helvetia Brewing Company?
What is your favorite thing about New Helvetia Brewing Company? Your favorite beer?
New Helvetia Brewing Company Snapshot:
- 1730 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818 (Broadway & 18th Street)
- (916) 469-9889
- Days/Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesday; Wednesday – Thursday (4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday (Noon to 10:00 p.m.); Sunday (Noon to 6:00 p.m.)
- Street Parking/Bike Rack
- Dog Friendly/Family Friendly
- Variety of games
- Outdoor patios (front & back)
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