A downtown Macon favorite unveiled a new look and drink menu. See inside

A downtown staple unveiled a new look and a slew of new menu items this week.

Ocmulgee Brewpub, which closed on June 23 for renovations, reopened to the public Monday. Diners can now enjoy full bar and table service with an improved bar, elevated decor and a new cocktail menu.

Operations manager Laurence Dantzle said the much-loved eatery was due for an update as it approaches its 10th anniversary. Dantzler also said the renovations allow Ocmulgee Brewpub to serve a wider array of patrons and provide better service.

“It comes back to that we care most about: providing hospitality,” Dantzler said.

Cocktails add flair to a tried and true brewpub

One of the most notable additions to Ocmulgee Brewpub is its new (and extensive) cocktail and wine menu. The menu includes more than 20 drinks ranging from martinis and margaritas to cocktails made especially for the restaurant.

Dantzler said the menu is a project months in the making, with bartenders and management experimenting with all kinds of liquors and flavors.

Ocmulgee Brewpub consulted with a manager who had previously worked with some of owner Richie Jones’ other businesses to develop the menu and train staff.

In keeping with Ocmulgee Brewpub’s commitment to the Macon community, Dantzler said many of the cocktails are made with alcohol crafted by Longleaf Distilling Co., a few blocks from the restaurant.

“We want to have something unique and a little bit different,” Dantzler said. “We’re using all of these products to keep that local vibe going on.”

A few highlights are the fresh veggie bloody mary, which brings together Longleaf Vodka, a housemade bloody mix and fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect blend of savory flavors with a touch of freshness from the vegetables. The bloody mary mix also has a spicy, acidic kick to it.

The Second Street punch — named in honor of the brewpub’s location — is made with Don Q Cristal Rum, Aperol, pineapple and cranberry. It has a bright and fruity taste with a sweet sharpness from the rum. It’s topped with a candy-pink foam that’s as light as a cloud.

The new menu has already proved popular among patrons, Dantzler said. Diners who previously came to Ocmulgee for the food have said they’ll be stopping in more often for the wine and cocktails, and others who had gluten allergies and couldn’t drink beer said they’re looking forward to more offerings.

The brewpub looks a little different now

To go with its new cocktails, Ocmulgee Brewpub got a new and improved look with an earthtone palette and maps and posters paying homage to Middle Georgia’s natural beauty.

Dantzler said regulars are surprised when they walk in to find the counter area where they used to order has been replaced with more seating and waiters hurrying between tables. Forest greens, foggy blues and earthy reds color the walls, and a topographical map of the Ocmulgee River carved from wood hangs behind the bar.

“We wanted to tie into the idea of the river and what that means to the community,” Dantzler said.

The brewpub worked with local design firm Camp Interiors to bring the restaurant radiant interiors to match the new offerings and services, and to commemorate how downtown Macon has evolved since Ocmulgee Brewpub opened nearly a decade ago.

Dantzler said the restaurant is still in the process of redecorating. While much of the new art, furniture and color schemes have already been unveiled following renovations, staff and management will continue to improve on the interior in the coming months.

Even beyond the new interior, Dantzler anticipates Ocmulgee Brewpub continuing to evolve to better serve its customer base and reflect downtown Macon’s growing energy.

“We’re going to get through this transition and see where we can go from there,” Dantzler said. “It’s one of those things in the restaurant business, you’re always looking to evolve the operation.”

This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM.