Came here for lunch on a Thursday after the lunch rush. Very, very similar in layout to the Emmett’s just up the street. A bit stark, but familiar, and comfortable. The service was prompt and attentive, considering the lack of patronage. Six pulls today, but they dropped one as we were finishing up so I was glad we got to try it. Food was not magnificent but it wasn’t mediocre either, about what I’d expect. Overall, I don’t know if I was as impressed as Cornfield, but it is another welcome addition to the Fox Valley and I will dutifully point people in its direction.
|
If you like a good brewpub, you’ll love the feel of this place when you walk in the door and are greeted by a long bar, cedar paneling brick, tables, the aroma of good food, and fresh beer. The building, owned by brewmaster Frank Simal was built in 1879 and over a two year period was renovated by he and his brother to be a brewpub. Besides the first floor bar area that features a few tables as well, there’s restaurant seating one half level up and more seating on the second floor. Off the half floor is the exit to the outside patio area for warm weather dining and imbibing. The third floor features a cigar shop and loung with a large walk-in humidor and a small patio of its own. All this overlooking the Fox River. The food is good, even for one with a restricted diet. I broke the cholesterol part of the diet and had their sausage platter (for the Oktoberfest season) with three sausages, sauerkraut, and new potatos. Service was great.
As to the beers, they have seven on tap, four being their regulars - an APA, a Czech Pils, an Amber (on cask), and a Hefeweizen. The other brews were a Kölsch, a Porter, and an Oktoberfest (Festivus). All were good, the Hefe, Pils, and APA especially appealing to me. The APA is one of the best new ones that I’ve had in a long while, comparable with many another place’s IPA for it’s hoppiness.
I recommend the place.
|
printable map
Seasonals
Rare Beers
gws57