How does beer and burgers in a jail cell sound? Kind of bizarre? What if the beer was thoughtfully brewed in small batches and the burgers were freshly cooked while you’re doing time with that beer? Welcome to Prison Brews, where guests can feast on exceptional food and drinks while enjoying its distinct ambience.
By: Natalie-Tan Elizabeth
Prison Brews has been a staple in Jefferson City since 2008. It’s one of only two microbreweries in town and the only one to serve food. Its intriguing jail theme has turned it into more than just a dining destination—it’s a local landmark and notable fixture in the community.
“Prison Brews was started by two retired school teachers who liked to make beer,” says Steve Whitener, manager of the restaurant. “[It] is two blocks away from the old Missouri State Penitentiary, so they played off it, and that’s where they got the name from.”
The Missouri State Penitentiary was in operation for 168 years until its closure in 2004. Termed by Time magazine in 1967 as “the bloodiest 47 acres in America,” it was notorious for its violent history, including riots and escapes, and housing infamous inmates such as Emma Goldman, James Earl Ray, and Charles “Sonny” Liston. Today, the penitentiary is a historic site offering guided tours that dive into its operational history and paranormal lore.
Prison Brews offers a unique dining experience that brings guests—hopefully—as close as they will ever get to the inside of a jail cell. The seating booths are designed to replicate prison cells, complete with bars, and the bathrooms are nicknamed the “gas chamber.”
Adding to its authenticity, the joint has put its own spin on “prison hooch,” which is made on-site in its beer brewing facility where it creates a mixture of seven types of beers for customers to enjoy. On occasion, the staff even dresses in matching striped prison uniforms.
The draft list at the restaurant is comprised of three staples—Prison Town Brown, Big House IPA, and I Ain’t Your Honey Wheat—and four other rotational beers, with names in the past like Pretty Boy Floyd Peach Wheat, Big Yard Belgian Blonde, and Holding Cell Hefeweizen.
There is a wide selection of food. Of course, there are delectable classics like half-pound burgers, wraps, wings, and the like, but also weekly specials such as soft-shell crab, mahi-mahi, and tomahawk steak.
Another big draw of Prison Brews is its live music. Every few weeks, Missouri musicians take the stage and provide some live entertainment while customers kick back and relax. The performances take place outside on the patio, so you can get a break from being “behind bars” and have a clear view. Since different musicians are regularly featured and there is a wide selection of offerings, you can ensure your time spent in Prison Brews will always be a unique experience.
Visit Prison Brews at 305 Ash Street in Jefferson City or online at PrisonBrews.com.
All photos by Prison Brews.
Article originally ran in September 2024 edition of Missouri Life.
