Despite turning only five years old this year, The Original 40 Brewing Company feels like an established cornerstone to North Park’s beer and food scene. The brewery’s very name plays off the neighborhood’s history, a reflection of the original 40-acre parcel of land that ultimately evolved into modern-day North Park.

Land developer James Monroe Hartley purchased the acreage from a property merchant in 1893 with the hopes of creating a sprawling lemon grove. The plan proved futile due to lack of water, so the Hartley family slowly began developing the area commercially.

Fast forward to the 21st Century and we find longtime North Park resident Steve Billings at the helm of this inviting food-centric brewery where beer, boards and beards rule the day.

The beer portfolio is prolific, as evidenced by several big fermentation tanks looming over the dining area, plus more than two dozen taps dedicated to beers that are brewed on site. You will undoubtedly find IPA’s, blondes, goldens, and light lagers along with sours, ciders and seltzers. No imbiber is left behind and there are always new releases.

Westerly Flow IPA has become my favorite. It’s a top seller with an acceptable alcohol level of 7% plus a sturdy but manageable hop level. The Extra Extra Extra Pale Ale impressed the palate of my companion visiting from Chicago. She observed that 100% of the youngish male clientele were sporting attractive beards.

“This is bearded bro-ville central,” I informed her of North Park before she noted that the ale offered a nicer, fuller flavor compared to (gasp!) the Michelob Ultra Light she normally drinks.

“Of course it does,” I attested before even stealing a sip.

The food menu fits the brewery like a glove. A cheese and charcuterie board provided us with about 20 minutes of grazing before polishing it off. The ratio of meats to cheeses to olives and nuts was adequate, although the accompanying grainy wine mustard from a company called Roland was sensational. Its smooth, European-like flavor had me shopping for the stuff online the next day.

The glorious mustard also appeared on a charred beer-infused bratwurst tucked into a fresh French roll. The brat was juicy and the beer inside of it was discernible. My only complaint was that the grilled onions and peppers needed to be cooked longer until fully soft.

A trio of short rib street tacos captured the compatible flavors of the braised meat, Serrano chilies, cotija cheese and crema spiked with Poblano peppers. Scatterings of fresh corn and cilantro gave the tacos authentic south-of-the-border quality, which stood up to the hops in my beer.

In a different visit, I enthusiastically forked into “Patou’s summer salad,” which brims with romaine lettuce, sweet corn, hearts of palm, grape tomatoes, and avocado. Dried mint and lemon vinaigrette increase the summer vibes of this foolproof medley.

A big thumbs-up should also be given to the “OG” house burger, thanks to the finely ground beef it uses, which adds tenderness. The generous patty is complemented by white cheddar, mild garlic aioli and fresh lettuce, tomatoes and red onions—nothing too over the top or overly greasy. The house-cut fries (served also with the bratwurst) land squarely into the addicting category.

The atmosphere at Original 40 is spacious, clean and casual. Customers are greeted with ample indoor-outdoor seating that looks out to the east end of North Park’s main commercial district. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the food and beer, which also includes a short list of non-alcoholic suds from guest breweries such as Gruvi, Bravus and Athletic.

Select beer and wines are $2 off during happy hour, which runs from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Original 40 Brewing Company

3117 University Ave., North Park

619-255-7380, www.original40brewing.com

Food prices: Starters and salads, $6.50 to 14; boards, $12 and $21; hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches and flat breads, $8 to $19; entrees, $12 to $28