Latest reviews from Madison

“Great selection of area craft beers -north to Indianapolis even. Nicely done tacos. Great service and well-informed staff on craft styles.“

PellicleTickers51 1642 days ago

“Overview: If you drive past the Red Peppermint west-bound on Main St. in Madison, you’ll come across the Red Pepper deli; across from the Red Pepper is the Red Pepperoni. Perhaps a local entity with a single-minded approach to naming their businesses? Anywho, Madison is a relatively small river town close to Hanover College; lots of mom-and-pops line the streets, and many of the houses have a historic connection. Shooters, the sports bar downtown, has had a decent beer selection for years- I drank my first Storm King Imperial Stout there- but the Red Pepper already has it beat as the best stop for beer and a bite in town. It’s located in an old service station, and still has the occasional touches from that history intact, such as the old air pressure line hanging from the ceiling. Otherwise, the decoration is mostly craft beer-related signage. It’s a pretty small place that sits around 70 inside with a small porch out front; all beer is bottle or can, so there isn’t a proper bar area. You can see a TV from anywhere you sit.

Service was... not sure of the name, really. Very detached and disinterested, unfortunately. Took orders in a timely manner, but didn’t talk at all about the beer selection, the format of the menu, or much about anything else. Is this how it is in Europe? Took probably ten minutes to refill waters on a slow afternoon. Selection was all bottle/can beer, with lots of emphasis on Indiana beer. I’d guess a good 1/4 of the beers on offer were from IN; some Three Floyds, Black Acre, Bloomington, Fountain Square, Quaff On, etc. and a good KY representation as well; others were national/regional craft. Actually had Zombie Dust, and priced like any other beer. Refreshing! Their menu layout was according to categories, not styles (light and refreshing, hoppy, dark and roasty, sour, etc.). The food was very good Italian-American style food; my calzone, my kids pizza (called the Mac Daddy) and my wife’s stromboli sandwich were all quite tasty and well-priced. No pour options, since all beer is bottle/can; unfortunately, chilled shaker glasses were offered for the beer.

PROS: Very respectable selection for a small town place; food was quite tasty all around; prices were competitive. CONS: Indifferent service; lack of pour options. OVERALL: I could see my score exceeding 70 if not for the subpar service; lots to merit a visit here. Parking on site is very minimal, but street parking in the area is free on weekends from 5:30 on Friday to Monday morning. Worth a visit in the area.“

ContemplateBeer 2606 days ago