Upland Brewing Company

October 6, 2008
Finally got to stop in here while I was picking up my lambics. Seems like a nice, clean, new place. Was able to park right in front on the street. Very friendly, accommodating staff. Glass window behind the bar so you could see the brewery operations. Good menu with well priced food. They had a Double IPA on tap while I was there and that was the saving grace. I’ve had most of all their beers at some point, and to be honest haven’t been too impressed. However, this DIPA changed it all. It was very good. They need to get inspired by that and carry it over to their other beers.

October 2, 2008
I went here on the first day of the Lambic release to pick up my reserves and eat dinner. I drank their sampler and had a few pints. Their beer is decent, that is about all that can be said. They seemed to be busier than normal with the lambic release. The waitress really knew her beer and explained the sampler very well to us (I was waiting for her to make a mistake and she never did). The food was above average - I got the Pulled Pork and for a non-BBQ restaraunt I thought it was excellent. The prices of the pints were great (3.50, plus they had a special which was less). The service was very good. We waited an average length to get our food but they continuously apologized for being so slow (and eventually discounted our meal 50% though it was completely not necessary). The workers were all very cool, especially the old guy who told me the Kiwi barrel exploded right next to him which was awesome. I got my free pint glass with my lambic purchase and I left with a very positive opinion of the establishment as a whole. I hope to make this an annual experience if they keep releasing their lambics.

September 25, 2008
Hopeless beer spot on a small street, besides a car dealer, you’d absolutely not expect a brewpub there. I know this happens with many brewpubs, but it was even stronger here. Welcoming, well-lighted, airy (though not so big) place with lots of wood and a hippie feel. This is Southern Indiana and I felt like Burlington, they seem to enjoy cyclism and were loaded with staff. I had expected a bit more from my food after reading the menu, which sounded appetizing and with lots of vegetarian options. I must say I would not have come to Bloomington at all were it not for the Lambic release and the brewer offered me remarkable service and arranged for me to get a case a couple of weeks ahead the official release date. That alone deserves a 10 for service. I cannot say I’ve been very impressed with most of the other beers which are drinkable and generally good examples of their respective style, but do not justify to go far out of your way.

July 11, 2008
First trip out. Was obviously hoping for some Lambic, but was not surprised when it wasn’t available. Quaint little bar/seating area...its super packed right now. Beer selection is okay, nothing phenomenal. Food was unfortunately not all that great. Tasty and all, but lacking in any sort of push towards creativity. Felt a bit under satisfied for my $7.95 seiten sandwhich. Service was super quick! Nice staff. Overall, if I knew there was Lambic, I’d stop by again. No Lambic, I’d probably skip it.

March 29, 2008
I really enjoyed my first visit to Upland Brewing Company. Not much seating, but there is a patio do be used when the weather cooperates. 7 beers on tap when I visited. The sampler platter gave a nice taste of each selection and allowed me to try all of the beers on tap. I will definately go back and would recommend it to others if you are in the area.

February 20, 2008
Upland Brewing Company is a fun place to visit. With many good different brews and decent food, I always enjoy a visit.

July 2, 2007
Not a bad spot. Atmosphere is decent, however, they could use some noise dampening. Horrible echo in the room. Foods are generally well prepared, however, in the last few times I have visited, me and my company have been forgotten. Decent beer, nothing crazy, but not bad.

January 11, 2007
I had visited once a few years back and I stopped by this place when visiting Bloomington recently. My analysis was the beers were pretty good, and this place is worth visiting, but given the brewpubs I’ve visited recently, I wouldn’t rank this as one of my top recent experiences. The place was empty, save for one patron at the bar. We sat down, got some beers (I had the Bad Elmer’s porter), and ordered some food. The restaurant had some interesting daily food specials, and the menu seemed to mostly be pub-grub. I got a $9 buffalo patty melt (made of bison/buffalo) which was pretty good, but my portion of burger/fries seemed a bit meager to me. Atmosphere was of bright wood, and was quiet (empty) and definitely not smokey (again, the place was empty). The service was functional, but otherwise not over-the-top impressive. Like I said, I’d revisit this place to try some of their other beers and to see what’s new the next time I’m in town.

September 8, 2006 [ Updated October 9, 2008 ]
Long overdue re-rate. Pleasant and laid-back atmosphere with lot of friendly people, most of whom know what they’re talking about. The place has improved a bit in recent years and it’s evident the expansion is paying dividends. The beer itself has taken a much more dramatic upswing - what used to be a local microbrewery with decent regulars and some very good seasonals is now starting to realize its potential and produce some legendary stuff. Good/very good appetizers, I’ve never really ordered much bigger. Could do with more parking.

June 15, 2006
Very college ambiance with service on par with any other restaurant. Selection of Upland brews was great, but they didn’t have any guests when I was there. Food is excellent, especially if you are a vegetarian- we had vegetarian chili, fried tofu, and veggie meatball sandwich. All were tasty, with the chili being the best. If they had some guest brews, I’d give this place a 19 or 20, but very good as is.