USA, OR: Xicha Brewing opening second location in Eugene

Oregon’s only Latino owned brewery (not withstanding ghost brand Brujos Brewing), the Salem-based Xicha Brewing (pronounced “chee-chah”), is opening their second location in Eugene, Oregon, the New School Beer reported on August 3.

Since their Salem opening in 2017 Xicha Brewing founders Ben Mendoza, Matt Dakopolos, and Ricardo Antunez, have embraced the Hispanic heritage with food from New Mexico, Peru, and other latin influences that they pair with drinkable European-style beers like Clasica Amber Lager, La Cobriza maibock and newer cultural hybrids like a Hibiscus IPA, Mango Pale Ale, and a Guava Sour.

Xicha Brewing Salem will bring a different flavor to Eugene’s already thriving craft beer scene following shortly behind newer beer meccas like A Beer Club, and The Kind Hop.

“Eugene is a dope place and based on our experiences it seems to have the capacity to entertain our different ideas of what a taphouse/brewpub/taqueria could be,” says Xicha Brewing’s Melissa Sanchez.

The taproom will be a retail tenant in the newish Amazon Corner Apartments, the ground floor courtyard adjacent space shares the building with Provisions Market South and gives Xicha 1,900 sq. ft. for a taproom and fast/casual restaurant. Xicha started self-distributing their beer to Eugene just before the pandemic, and the local beer scene has so far embraced what they have to offer. Logistically it’s an easy choice for a second location as it’s a quick drive within the I-5 corridor and more easily serviceable with less competition than Portland.

Xicha Brewing - Eugene will cater to limited bar seating and counter service with house margaritas and other Latin drink staples. For beer they will have 10 on draft from longtime head brewer Matt Dakopolos, supplemented by cans and bottles to-go including non-alcoholic Mexican sodas, Jarritos, and other N/A options for the chicos.

Though it is a smaller space then their homebase in Salem, this Xicha Brewing will embrace the food they are known for from chef/owner Ricardo Antunez. Xicha Tacos like their Barbacoa (braised beef), Pollo en Aji (Chicken in Aji Amarillo Sauce), Puerco (Crispy Pork Belly) and Camaron (Shrimp) will be the same as on their Salem menu. But they are excited for new items like Ximichanga de Cauliflower Alpastor as well as Empanadas de Cauliflower Al Pastor, catering to Eugene’s larger vegetarian/vegan population.

The taqueria side of the option will be counter service and a streamlined takeout process as they envision more than average to-go orders as they are located at the base of a new apartment building and nearby local schools. But this is not just a takeout spot, Xicha wants to implement loteria nights (Mexican bingo,) plus noche de baile (cumbia/bachata/salsa), and as many other events that this underserved community can take pride in and help share the experience with family and by expanding the breweries connections. “These are events that we often don’t see, especially in a brewpub setting,” adds Sanchez.

Xicha Brewing - Eugene is nearing the end of a 2 year process and speeding towards an end of August opening possibly before Labor Day weekend at 747 E 32nd Street Suite B. Eugene, OR 97405.

04 August, 2022