Great Brews And Delicious Meals

Great Brews And Delicious Meals World Of Beer Bar & Kitchen Returns With A Reframed Concept That Pairs Hundreds Of Beer Choices With An Elevated Menu

Story and Photos by Melanie Kopacz

It’s a whole new world inside the reframed World of Beer Bar & Kitchen, now open in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center. WOB invites beer lovers and beyond to have a cold one (or two), along with a delicious beer-paired meal and some interactive fun.

The highly anticipated return of this popular hangout, after closing its previous Palm Beach County locations, hit record-breaking sales at the new hotspot, drawing in hundreds of people to its February grand opening, welcoming back many longtime customers.

“About 10:30 a.m. we had a line about a half-mile long, and it just kept going from there,” said Regional Manager Holly Mauser, who started as a server 11 years ago. “We formerly had locations in West Palm Beach and Wellington, so we knew coming here, we’d have regulars from both, and the showing was above our expectations.”

Previously, WOB did not serve food, but the reimagined concept brings with it a laid-back, but elevated experience, including a full menu with hand-picked recipes that pair well with the hundreds of beers on offer.

“We look for the best craft beers,” Mauser said. “We have a dedicated project manager who works every week with the distributors who order beer, talks to reps, tries samples and then decides exactly what we are going to put on draft and what we’ll put in our cooler.”

WOB is ready to serve up a variety of more than 300 ice cold brews, in addition to more than 40 beers on tap, which are poured to perfection from a rotating selection. Coolers are separated geographically from areas across the United States and around the world. The selection also features specialty kegs and seasonal beers.

“In the winter, stouts; summer, lighter brews,” Mauser explained. “We definitely cater to the season and what customers in the area want. We also work with a lot of local breweries.”

Locally, that includes Royal Palm Brewing Company, Matthews Brewing Company in Lake Worth, Steam Horse Brewing in West Palm Beach and others. You’ll also find a full bar of spirits and wine.

The design is warm and inviting with upscale décor, including an eye-catching antler chandelier in the center of a massive dining room that seats close to 300. The sunny “Florida room” is welcoming with both table seating, or a corner with comfy couches, in a relaxing area with plenty of TVs in every direction.

“We’re very elevated,” Mauser said. “A good mix of casual but upscale, and I think our customers feel that when they come in. The team is meticulous, and so is the service.”

Stay and try a flight of beers. Build your own from local brews, or order a flight of WOB’s proprietary Secret Llama beers.

Long known for its beer selection, WOB now has a full kitchen. Shareables come in large servings, including the popular giant German Pretzel. It’s baked soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, salted and served with house-made, stone-ground mustard. Add amber ale beer cheese for a few extra bucks. It goes well with a Kona Longboard brew.

The WOB Chicken Wings are perfectly glazed and served with celery and a choice of house-made blue cheese or ranch. It pairs great with a glass of the Secret Llama IPA. Other appetizers include the Loaded Taters with amber ale beer cheese and topped with jalapeños, applewood smoked bacon, scallions and sour cream.

Moving on to meals, Mondays are BYO, build your own burger, all day for $6.95, made from fresh Angus beef and plenty of toppings to choose from. The Mac Bite Burger is a must try. It’s made with fresh Angus beef topped with WOB’s award-winning fried pepper jack mac and cheese patty, crisp applewood bacon and lettuce, and finished with sriracha aioli. It pairs well with a pint of New Belgium Fat Tire.

The Steak Frites make for a rich and hearty meal of marinated flat-iron steak that is grilled and thinly sliced, then topped with a dollop of garlic butter, served with broccoli, fries and garlic aioli. It pairs well with the St. Bernardus Abt 12. For lighter fare, the Cali Bowl is a great choice, stacked over jasmine rice or spring greens, with grape tomatoes, shredded carrots and cucumbers, drizzled with Sriracha-lime aioli and topped with fresh avocado, toasted sesame seeds and scallions with several protein options. It goes well with a glass of Schneider Weisse Helle Weisse.

Each menu item has a suggested beer for pairing, and the servers are happy to make recommendations.

Work off some of those calories and have fun in one of two Topgolf Swing Suites — an immersive, virtual, social experience offering guests a comfy lounge to enjoy food and beverage service while playing golf, hockey, football and more. Prices vary by time of day, and reservations can be made online.

“We cater to families, large parties, business meetings, everyone,” Mauser said. “Our patio is pet friendly — we even have a pup menu.”

Whether it’s exploring the massive selection of beers, taking in a great meal or having some interactive fun, there’s something for everyone at WOB, which is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

World of Beer Bar & Kitchen is located at 11121 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 834-2430. Visit www.worldofbeer.com for beer selections, the food menu and rewards.

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