What you need to know about a new taproom and restaurant opening soon in downtown Wilmington

The Durham-based Ponysaurus Brewing Co. has been working on an expansion to Wilmington since 2021, when Nick Hawthorne-Johnson and his partners with the Cast Iron Group of food-and-drink businesses started working to renovate the downtown property at 214 Market St. Now, they have officially opened their new taproom and restaurant this month. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.

Here’s a look at what beer lovers can expect.

The space

The Wilmington Ponysaurus space dates to the 1970s and was primarily used for offices. The Colonial Revival style building is located between the historic Burgwin-Wright House and Coglin's. The renovation includes two levels of indoor seating. Downstairs, there’s an entry space, and a long bar and a series of booth seating. More tables and TVs can be found on the second level that opens to the space below. In total, the plan includes about 5,000-square feet of interior space. There’s also a small patio out front with picnic tables. Eventually, they also plan to open a backyard terraced courtyard, the centerpiece of which is a masonry fireplace.

The chefs

Local foodies will be interested to know that longtime Blockade Runner chef Jessica Cabo is now the executive sous chef for Wilmington’s Ponysaurus. Cabo has said that the relaxed atmosphere and innovative, pizza-focused menu is a good fit for her. She’s also excited to be working with Beth LittleJohn, who is the company’s executive chef. Cabo added that more surprises from the kitchen are on the way.

The menu

For recent soft-opening events, about 17 Ponysaurus beers were available on tap, including their flagship Biere de Garde, the popular Don’t Be Mean to People saison, and well-reviewed Scottish Ale. Eventually, they’ll add wine and frozen drinks (from margaritas to espresso martinis).

For food ordering, there's a QR code on every table, and at the base of each bar stool. Like the Durham location, pizza features prominently in terms of food, with options like a vegan tomato pie and others with local greens or fennel and sausage. People could also sample sandwiches, burgers, salads, appetizers like fried cheese curds and garlic knots, as well as seafood choices such as mussels, calamari and warm crab dip.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Ponysaurus taproom, restaurant opening soon in downtown Wilmington, NC