Awkward Brewing owners Andrew and Amanda Poliak, along with Tap Room Manager Harry Stanley, have created a unique brewery experience right in our backyard ... literally. While the tap room capacity is 37, the outdoor space - an actual backyard - boasts plenty of space with picnic table seating and provides opportunity for a host of outdoor games for kids ... should you choose to bring them.
The Poliaks have traveled extensively. Andrew has been to over 2,000 breweries worldwide and has tasted close to 6,000 unique beers. "We have a very big experience in craft. The experiences give Amanda and I a unique opportunity to bring some of those tastes and flavors we've enjoyed around the globe, to Fayetteville."
In 2008, Amanda began brewing at home, which at the time was Lake Stevens, Washington. She experimented with different tastes while perfecting her technique, and before long was self-distributing to bars and restaurants. Today, according to Untappd - a mobile phone application that allows you to share and rate your favorite beer - Amanda's beers rank towards the top with a 4.08 out of 5 rating. Andrew is thrilled. "That is incredible. Real beer nerds are loving on the beers that Amanda's creating." This is a testament to Amanda's experiences and knowing what will work.
But what about the name Awkward Brewing? According to Amanda, "Who isn't awkward? We've all had an awkward moment. We all have an awkward story. We can all relate." Harry shares that at Awkward Brewing, "Clients become friends. You see such a beautiful mix of people having a good time. It's just a fun place with a sense of family. It's all about community and inclusivity." In addition to their flagship beers, the brewery offers light beer, pilsner, stout, adult frozen beverages, and a barista for seltzers, where you can create the taste you want
Awkward Brewing, located at 250 Lee Street in Fayetteville, is open on Fridays from 4pm to 9-ish and Saturdays from 1pm to 9-ish. Every Tuesday, through social media, they share if there will be a new beer release, live entertainment, and which food truck will be available onsite. You can message them through social media @AwkwardBrewing or call 678-856-5579.
The awkward trio agrees, "We were so welcomed by everyone - the city council, economic development, the mayor - they all believed in us. This community feels like you can be around everyone and get a new perspective and find middle ground. We've made friends across every spectrum you can imagine, and they have made friends with each other. We love the idea of being the center of this melting pot."