It’s no secret that Shaun Yasaki has been on the hunt for property on which he can expand the brand that he’s cultivated for the past eight years at Noble Beast Brewing on Lakeside Avenue.
“It’s been over two, three years,” Yasaki says of his quest. “We weren’t really trying to force anything.”
That search ended recently with the acquisition of multiple plots of property on Lorain Avenue in Ohio City. The parcels at 3801, 3813 and 3815 Lorain will become the new home of Noble Beast Biergarten, a year-round, indoor-outdoor destination for beer, food and camaraderie.
“We’re so space limited at Noble Beast; we don’t really have much outdoor space other than the tiny patio,” Yasaki says. “I’ve always wanted to do something outdoor-centric. There aren’t many better ways to drink good beer than in a European-style beer garden.”
If Yasaki and wife JoLyn have their way, local beer lovers will be enjoying a cold one by patio season 2026. The grounds will combine a “heavily landscaped” beer garden, original two-story structure, new one-story building and a greenhouse that will serve as an antidote to Cleveland’s short, dark, cold days.
“I always wanted to do this in Cleveland, to build a greenhouse where you have a nice warm space full of light, full of plants,” says Yasaki.
The beer garden will serve “primarily” Noble Beast beer – including a lineup of styles unique from the original location – plus a few classic European brews and local brews. There will be a few wines and cocktails as well.
The new building will house a full kitchen, overseen by chef-partner James Redford, that will offer food inspired by European beer gardens that relies on seasonal local ingredients. The rear of the original structure will house a separate concept described as a small cocktail bar.
Despite its off-the-beaten-path locale, Noble Beast is widely regarded as one of the best and busiest breweries in the region. The combination of stellar beer, approachable, high-quality food and a vibe that appeals to couples, families and groups equally is one that Yasaki and his team have cultivated since day one. He hopes to achieve the same thing on the near-west side.
“I’ve lived in Ohio City for more than 12 years and what we want to have is something that is relaxed, casual, walk-in-and-grab-a-seat. I don’t think that exists here,” he says. “This will be family friendly as well. We’ve raised three kids at Noble Beast.”
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