October 10, 2009
It’s not that bad of a place. The beer selection didn’t really blow me away, they have the typical selections of a stout, a IPA, etc. The food wasn’t that bad, the chicken and the dip was pretty good. Not out of this world but worth a try.

February 18, 2009
Big Bear stood out physically, in this mall of business, and was an interesting stop neot far from Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton. A carved out bear area was appreciated, with generous number of seats and well lit up. There were many restaurant tables all about, and I believe a second floor for parties, etc. Big tanks, a reasonably good selection. The mission of coming here was for the double IPA that was Jack Daniels barrel aged, and that mission was accomplished. The remaining beers were passable to mediocre Service was genuine and there was root beer on tap.Service was downright friendly, university nearby may have helped. Beers served way too cold, so I made sure to get a non-frosted mug.

February 8, 2009
Pretty nice place with full on restaurant look and feel. It was fun looking over their brew house and serving area while waiting a half and hour or so for a table. Pretty long run from the bright tanks to the taps. Food was solid with big portions and the beer seemed to be a little more miss than hit. They had eight house brews and three of them were very nice.

December 12, 2008
Food ok but pricey. Typical American ice cream parlor flavored brewery stuff. Beer was not very good. Service lacked as well even when place is not full. How can anyone take a beer seriously that is called Blueberry

July 8, 2008
Big Bear makes some good brews and some that arent so great. The offer a 8 beer sampler...4 oz pours...for a total of $8...great deal. The service is usually pretty good and you HAVE to try the pretzel encrusted chicken. Best dish on the menu.

May 14, 2008
In a strip mall but not so nasty because Coral Springs retains an aura of pleasantness. Brewmaster’s name is printed on the door, indicating some appreciation and pride. Likewise, the beers are described well on the menu and Southern Brewing News is available here. The new seasonal pils is 40IBUs, or so says the menu, and was impressive as is the Pale. Large patio outside. Decent grub, good service. Worth the trek.

May 7, 2008
Strip mall brewpub in the outer suburbs of glorious Broward County, but worth the trek. First thing I see when I walk in is the Southern Brewing News - I like that. The beers have the predictable bland lineup, with a regular pale and dubbel, plus three seasonals, for a total of 8. The Hibernation Pale is especially good - it has to rank as one of the top beers in the state. Food is made from scratch, a nice touch, and the Cajun red bean soup was solid. The seasonal pilsner was good, even the blueberry ale was good for the type. I look forward to checking in every now and again.

March 2, 2008
A good drive from Miami area, but still easy to find from the street. They offer a sampler with 8 beers. I was only able to get 7. Inside is dark and intimate seating. All of the brewing vessels are visible at the entrance. Beautiful place, good food, and very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff.

May 18, 2007
Great little brewpub. The brews are all drinkable, with some being quite good (especially their Hibernation Pale Ale and the bourbon barrel aged double IPA). They also brew an excellent root beer - something I am always happy to find at a good brewpub. Service has always been superb and food is great too, especially their Beer Meunster soup. Atmosphere is very relaxed - I have always end up having great conversations with people I meet there. Definitely worth a visit if you are ever in the Lauderdale area.

April 10, 2007
Went their for dinner - down the road from my best friends place - very nice atmosphere! Decent appetizers - skipped the dinner - decent Brown Ale. Didn’t stay long but did enjoy - nice place!