Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney stands alongside DarkHeart Brewery owners Rick and Cynthia Lee.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - “To those who enter these walls, May truth be your compass, courage your true north, honor your anchor, and Darkheart Brewing your home port.”

Drop anchor, come ashore and ease your weary sea legs up to the bar at DarkHeart Brewing in Sylvan Corners, now open at 7110 Auburn Blvd. in Citrus Heights, and enjoy a cold, refreshing hand-crafted pint of Davy Jones Locker Imperial Stout.

You’ll feel like a pirate in no time.

DarkHeartOwners Rick and Cynthia Lee chose Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 to officially celebrate their official grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony, which was hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.

DarkHeart Brewing owners Rick and Cynthia Lee stand behind a ribbon, along with city staff joining Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick, and representatives from the offices of Sacramento County, State Assembly and State Senate in a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 14. 

An enthusiastic crowd of attendees and well-wishers included local police officers, city staff, and regional representatives from Sacramento County, the State Assembly and State Senate offices.

DarkHeart Brewery also had a soft opening just before Christmas, welcoming family and friends to the new brewery.

The Lees invite patrons to sample some of their 19 different beers on tap, all which are made in-house. 

DarkHeart Brewing, which started serving pints in 2019, is well-known for its diverse range of brews.

Not sure where to start? An overhead menu screen describes each of the brews in more detail and the couple will always pull a sample glass to try. If you fancy something non-alcoholic, a refreshing hearty root beer is available.

Owners Rick and Cynthia Lee invite patrons to sample some of their 19 different beers on tap, all which are made in-house. 

Sample offerings include a Schilling Brown Ale, a Davy Jones Locker Imperial Stout, Sea Rogue (which is a West Coast IPA), Caribbean Pineapple Pale Ale, Todos Amigos Mexican lager and a Captain Jack West Coast style IPA.

Rick Lee recently earned four silver medals and a bronze medal at the Eldorado County Fair for his Blackbeardy Stout, HefePirata, WeeHeavenly and Oatmeal brews.

If you want to treat yourself to a bit of pirate-inspired swag to take home, there is plenty of Darkheart Brewing merchandise, including hats and T-shirts.

While the new Sylvan Corners location can hold up to 49 patrons, the Lees said they hope to expand space in the warmer months by offering an outdoor beer garden patio in the back area.

Patrons can purchase food from several nearby restaurants, which offer delivery to the brewery.

“We have a great relationship with the restaurants and sandwich shops located nearby,” Rick Lee said. “Ciro’s Pizza Cafe, Mr. Pickle’s, Los Nogales Mexican Food and Rock Hard Burgers & Brew are just a few that will offer free delivery.”

DarkHeart Brewery is now open at 7110 Auburn Blvd. in Citrus Heights.

Plans are in the works to offer entertainment such as live music, trivia nights, car shows, and other events, Lee said.

The recent relocation of Darkheart Brewery to Citrus Heights from Foothill Farms in Sacramento was made possible by the City of Citrus Heights Business Attraction Incentive Program, according to Lee.

“We couldn’t have made the move to the City of Citrus Heights without their help and support,” Lee said.

Sylvan Corners has seen a major refresh with the opening of a new Bearpaw footwear outlet store in the location of the former Goodwill Store that closed last year. Bearpaw’s corporate headquarters is located across the street.

“The City of Citrus Heights helped find DarkHeart this new location at Sylvan Corners, a spot on the historic Lincoln Highway, which is one of the city's priority intersections for economic redevelopment,” said Citrus Heights Economic Development Director Meghan Huber in an earlier interview.

The Citrus Heights City Council unanimously voted to approve an $86,000 Business Attraction Incentive grant last June, which went toward assisting the company’s relocation and remodeling efforts.

DarkHeart Brewery at 7110 Auburn Blvd. in Citrus Heights is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. The brewery can also accommodate group events and can open earlier in the afternoon for private events. Call 916-333-1192 for more information.