What’s New
Downtown Gilroy?
Written By Carly Gelsinger
Bartender’s Union
7421 Monterey Street
Owner Dustin Evanger overhauled the dark dive bars of the past with
a brand new rustic wood-paneled wall, modern glass bottle pendant
lighting, and industrial steel tables. The feel at Bartender’s Union is
classy but relaxed. Evanger’s super clever concept for the bar is one
that would attract a bartender on his day off. On one wall, there’s a
list of “union rules.” Drunk drivers suck. Don’t grab the bartender.
Keep it Classy, Gilroy.
Classy, indeed. The drinks are fresh and the service is personal
and people can mingle at the bar, at long tables, or talk over a game
of pool or darts. “Business is going great and we feel really welcomed
by the community,” Evanger said. Cheers to that.
Station 55 Mex
55 Fifth Street
Another downtown building with a history of failed establishments,
Station 55, is back but different than ever before. Formerly an
American diner and Indian buffet, the former firehous’s new owner
Genaro Guízar retained the historic name, but brought his own
extensive menu of traditional Mexican eats to the kitchen. The food
is fresh and presented beautifully with garnishes of bright green
guacamole and housemade Chipotle sauce, but perhaps even better
are the cocktails. The full bar offers fresh-squeezed lime margaritas,
pina coladas, mojitos, and more. “The fruit for our drinks are hand
squeezed every morning,” Guízar said. Guízar plans to use the
spacious second floor for concerts, and public and private events.
Golden State Brewery
7560 Monterey Street
This 10,000-square-foot venue in the old Net Fitness building will
celebrated its soft opening the end of November with beer, wine, paninis
and finger foods. In the spring of 2018, owner Seth Hendrickson said
Golden State will have a full restaurant and brew their own beer on site.
“The City [of Gilroy] has been so welcoming and kept saying yes to
everything we asked for,” Hendrickson said. “The community has been
awesome so far.” During the brewery’s soft opening, fourteen beers will
be on tap, but within six months, they will have twenty, including a
roasted garlic beer. Hendrickson is especially excited about the brewery’s
patio on Monterey Street. “The downtown area is yearning for some
action outside,” he said. He plans to grow his hops around the patio as a
privacy screen. “We’ll have misters, we’ll have music. The focal point will
be people out having a good time.” Golden State is a family-friendly and
dog-friendly environment where people can relax for a half-hour or three
hours, Hendrickson said. We can get behind that.
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
gmhtoday.com