Strange Brew Is Actually Closed Now

The doors to Strange Brew, South Austin’s 24/7 coffee shop and music venue, were locked last week because of missed rent payments. It seems it’ll stay that way. Despite the promise that it would reopen the next day, the cafe seems to be closed.

Now there is a for lease notice in Strange Brew’s parking lot, as Statesman reported, and the entrance remains locked. Both publications found that paychecks for several musicians and employees have bounced.

Strange Brew opened in 2010 by Scott Ward. He was joined by Shane Widner, who became who became president and chief operating officer of the cafe. There were plans to turn the next-door Bakehouse (which closed in 2014) into an all-day cafe, but those plans never came to fruition. Strange Brew also opened up a satellite location with Key Bar on West 6th Street, but Ward told Statesman that wasn't profitable. He left the business this past December.

Several of Strange Brew’s regular performers are holding a benefit for Strange Brew’s now former employees on Sunday, January 21 at Donn's Depot, from noon to 7 p.m. There is a $10 to $20 suggested donation at the door.

• Now appearing at Strange Brew: Locked doors, ‘for lease’ sign [Statesman]
• Strange Brew’s Lock-Out, Pinthouse Pizza’s Crowlers, and More A.M. Intel [EATX]
• Updated: Strange Brew Locked Out [Chronicle]
• All Coverage of Strange Brew [EATX]