Milton’s newest brewery is now open. Here's what to expect on your visit.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect a change in The Prost Office's menu pricing.
At about this time last summer, the Brew Angels Brew Pub closed their business in the old Milton post office located at 6821 Caroline St. Now, brothers and U.S. Air Force veterans Sam and Brandon Howell have transformed the space for its next chapter as The Prost Office Brewery.
The name started off as a witty joke of Sam Howell’s, inspired by the four years he spent living in Germany while serving in the military. "Prost” was an expression he heard often, used as a drinking toast, and his suggestion actually stuck. The old wooden door still engraved "postmaster" from decades ago is now the operating office for the Prost-masters, the Howell brothers. Pinball machines replaced the combination mail lockers, pool tables sit smack in the center of what used to be the mail sorting room. Even the paint colors, with accents of blue, resemble those of a postal worker’s uniform.
But just three months after re-opening the brewery as The Prost Office, it has already become a community gathering point. The space has served as a spot for crawfish boils, Jeep driver meet-ups, roller derby teams and the soon-to-be spot for Howell’s 30-year reunion with other Milton High School graduates. Regulars file in for Wednesday trivia, Thursday poker and Sunday night bingo. Dog-parents enjoy the outdoor seating in the sunlight, while other patrons soak up the AC with a sports game on in the background.
He remembers customers that would tell him stories of driving by, thinking it was a shame that such a beautiful, historic building sat vacant. Now, it’s serving the purpose he always intended - to get the community involved again.
“We wanted to create a place where people were entertained, not just drink a beer and leave,” Sam Howell said.
Goodbye Brew Angels: Here's what to know about Milton's new brewery taking its place
While he’s seeing the hard work his family has put in since signing the lease in January pay off, they are still making improvements.
Once of the main additions he’ll be making is adding house-made beers, which he’ll be introducing in a beer release event at the end of this month. There will be four house beers to start – an amber, milk stout, cream ale and IPA – with more to come.
In the meantime, they offer a wide variety of beers, canned and drafts, including regional picks like Abita’s Andygator, If I Brewed the World Apple Jacks cereal-inspired wheat ale and a Fairhope Brewing Company blueberry lemonade sour. For the non-beer drinkers out there, there are also wines and seltzers.
If you can’t choose from one of the 24 taps, The Prost Office also offers flights, which allow you to choose four served to you on a custom wood-engraved plate.
While other additions are in the works, one thing has already been a sure-fire hit: the food menu.
Here are five menu picks to try
Jumbo pretzel ($12)
In tune with the brewery’s German name, the giant pretzel is a must-try item, especially with the homemade bacon habanero jam. It also comes paired with a side of beer cheese and stone-ground mustard for dipping. If you’re looking for something to snack on with your beer flight, this is it.
Pulled pork sandwich ($14)
Slow cooked overnight and hand shredded, this melt-in-your-mouth barbecue sandwich is a perfect pick for a summer night. It comes with homemade coleslaw and pickles, with the option to add bacon and/or grilled onions for an upcharge.
Early Delivery Breakfast Burger ($18)
There had to be a postal pun on the menu somewhere, and the “Early Delivery” is a clever way of saying breakfast burger. It starts with a certified Angus beef patty, and comes topped with American cheese, avocado and choice of bacon or sausage with sunny-side-up egg placed on top. If you like your breakfast with a kick, jalapeno peppers can be added for an extra $.75.
Habanero wings mango ($11-$22)
While wings aren’t an unusual occurrence on bar menus, The Prost Office ones come hand-sauced or smothered in dry rub with a slew of interesting flavors beyond your traditional barbecue. Some flavor highlights include the mango habanero, bourbon barbecue, garlic parmesan and lemon pepper dry rub.
Dessert of the Day ($7)
The Prost Office gets creative on its dessert offerings, with ever-changing offerings from cheesecake to German chocolate cake. Whatever it is when you visit, make sure to get it while you can.
For more updates and information, follow The Prost Office Brewery on Facebook, Instagram and their website, prostofficebrewery.com.
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: The Prost Office now open in downtown Milton