The spirit of imbibing

Karma Brew pub’s vibe is relaxed and romantic. It has the air of a sundry pirate ship with treasures gathered on its journey across the sea—but with more sangria and hot, boozy cocktails. Every piece of furniture, decorative wall hanging and found-artwork has a story, an identity.

Owner Anthony Sadeghi said it took an entire year to design.

“Karma decided it would be a corner pub,” he said. “I fell into it.”

On the patio, guests sip sangria from a crystal glass while watching passersby traipse through Fremont Park. Inside, under the glow of soft, orange lighting, new and old friends mumble over their beers while a reggae cover of a Pink Floyd song lulls in the background.

Karma’s seasonal drink menu reflects the energy of the pub: fresh and artistic. Sadeghi said he encourages creativity in his tight-knit, five-person staff, and that freedom has resulted in some festive and delicious cocktails. This includes the Eggnog Martini and Eggnog Espresso Martini made with eggnog (of course), rum, cream and cinnamon.

“The Eggnog Espresso Martini is the best thing,” said Karma bartender Samantha Hodges. "I like how the cinnamon looks on the rim.”

The smooth, chilled drink has a distinct dessert attitude. The Boozy Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Hodge’s creation, is simple and decadent, served in a glass mug and topped with a mound of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. Other seasonal cocktails include Kahlua Cocoa and a deeply spiced mulled wine.

In addition to its seasonal menu, Karma offers a wide selection of award-winning beers from around the world, including Bavik, a Belgian pilsner, and Weihenstephan Lager from Germany. All these and more are displayed above the bar on artistic pieces painted by Karma’s own bartender/artist, Amorous. Wine and all varieties of classic cocktails are also available, but one thing you won’t find at any other bar is Karma’s sangria.

It’s a sweet concoction of drunken fruit marinated in wine and swirled in a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. A glass is $5, but you’ll want more than one. The deep rose-colored sangria is served with a spoon for easier access to the wine-soaked apples, watermelon and peaches twirling deliciously in the crystal chalice.

Guests can also try Sadeghi ‘s own creations such as Sakeccino, a warm latte with a shot of sake, and Tea Porto, a cup of tea with a splash of port. If you’re really feeling adventurous, ask for a Logical B.S. and if you’re lucky, perhaps Sadeghi will tell you why he named it that.

Karma Brew is a pub for old friends, new love, first dates and thoughtful afternoons. Its intimate and artistic atmosphere will quench your thirst and inspire your soul.