Angel voices might have wafted through the air, heavenly choirs might have lifted their voices, but whatever else was happening, Alex Ganum's Upright Brewing softly opened the doors to the brewery's new street-level taproom - one of our most anticipated of 2021. The new space is still a work in progress with more art, function and food coming over the next few weeks/months, but regardless its now the most welcome way to enjoy one of Upright’s world class beers. The seating is limited but has both indoor, outdoor, and lots of standing options with a full remodel coming to the shared lobby to the Leftbank Building where they reside. It's much easier to find than the former taproom, which was quietly hidden away in a basement corner in the same building. The new taproom occupies the space vacated by the former Stingray Café, a coffee shop that became one of 2020's casualties.

The experience is quite a change from the basement taproom. Most obvious, of course, is the ease of actually finding the place, considering that there's a big roll-up door that opens to the street when weather permits - on opening day, with 90-degree heat, "permits" would have been an understatement. Also different is the spaciousness, with high ceilings, plenty of counter space, and eventually room for more tables inside and out, including parklet tables already set up right in front. The place may be modestly furnished so far, with tables scattered about the lobby, but the welcome at the bar is warm, and the beer is, as expected, quite good. Upright still has its Belgian-inspired classics on tap, like Kopstootje, the complex Birthday Blend, and the ever-evolving Special Herbs, but more conventional styles are also prominent, including three different IPAs, the tasty Engelberg Pilsner, and an Altbier that could easily have passed muster in Düsseldorf. Ganum has a stated goal of featuring more conventional 'classic' styles, without abandoning the complex and aromatic specialty beers that have been Upright's hallmark from the beginning.

As before, the brewery also offers packaged beers, both for on-premises and to go, and crowlers are available for filling from the tap selection too. Parking is the same as ever, paying at the meter to park nearby, or parking a few short blocks away for those who see more sense in saving their money for beer. Guests at the taphouse are currently being asked to wear masks as a covid-19 safety measure, slipping them off when it's time to enjoy a glass of Upright's draft delights. As we seem to be emerging from the pandemic - particularly thanks to those who've been vaccinated - Upright's new taproom promises to emerge as an even better destination than downstairs. There's also the bonus: the new taproom comes equipped with a kitchen ran by their new partner The Portland Bottle Shop and with an evolving menu of sandwiches like an Italian Cold Cut, Albacore Tuna Salad, and Smoked Salmon to name a few.

For now, taproom hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 9pm but in the coming months the cafe aspect will come more into play with morning coffee cafe service and better and more seating options in the Leftbank lobby. It's still at 240 N. Broadway with limited street parking, pay lots nearby and a streetcar station across the way. Stay tuned for an official grand opening soon as the edges get polished and kinks worked out.