Charlie’s Trio partners Chuck Fata, Mike Fata, Clay Harding and Brian Sugita opened 38 Degrees in downtown Alhambra on June 18. Yesterday, Harding discussed the concept, which the partners are hoping to replicate. He’s overseeing a menu of 110 craft beers, including 38 on draught and plenty of 750-millilitre bottles, making sure to represent many different regions, and “mostly looking into California and local breweries, if they have quality product.”

Opening taps include Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Fullers ESB, Telegraph White Ale and Uncommon Brewers Siamese Twin Ale. Harding is especially excited about the bottles of Old Rasputin XII Bourbon barrel aged Russian Imperial Stout, Victory Wild Devil and Cantillon Rose De Gambrinus. Happy Hour runs weekdays from 4 PM – 7 PM, with $2 off all craft beers. They’re even offering themed flights like Western U.S. ($8), featuring 4.5-ounce pours of White Rascal Ale, Deschutes Mirror Pond Ale and Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA.

According to Harding, “My beer is kept at 38 degrees, but it’s poured into appropriate glasses so they can warm to the desired drinking temperature.”

Chef Scott Kiepler, previously with Patinette at MOCA, is overseeing a menu of “new American California cuisine,” to use Harding’s description. The restaurant’s signature burger utilizes a fresh-baked brioche bun, all-natural beef, blue cheese, onion relish, baby arugula and roasted garlic aioli. Harding says their burger “would rank right up there with Father’s Office.” Other potential signature dishes include crispy tempura fish & chips, made with Alaskan cod; braised “upper Choice” beef short ribs; and warm brioche bread pudding.

Harding described the space as “very natural and vibrant,” with 18-foot-ceilings and abstract art from Joseph Botello, including a 9 x 8 foot piece depicting the brewing process. Think hops, a brewery and transport trucks.