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| - Not on the main strip of bars surrounding Lincoln Park in Cleveland's uber-trendy Tremont neighborhood, the Tap House is worth the two block trip and the troll toll under the I-71 overpass.
The crowd is generally hipsters who will claim that they've known the place was cool since the early 90's and some smarmy suburbanites (presumably because the Tap House sponsors a rowing club)... i was ready to hate both groups until the browns game comes on the tv and the great unifying force of North East Ohio created a bucolic, judgmelentless atmosphere the likes of which have never been seen.
While the bar is "charming" (see: small) I've been here between 7-10 times and it's never been overly crowded. there are some booths, but if you want a seat, you're probably going to have to find a table or belly up. The bar recently finished its outdoor patio which seems a little out of place, but still nice nonetheless. It looks like something that belongs in Rocky River, but it doubles the seating in the warmer months, and I'm generally pretty geeked about drinking outdoors anyway, so I suppose I approve.
The food is delicious. Most bars have a short order cook, but the Tap House has a "chef." I was unaware of the distinction before talking to the guy, but apparently to be a chef you have to have attended some sort of school... whatever the distinction, this guy knows his stuff. On the bartender's recommendation, I had the german pretzel with stout cheese sauce as a starter. Absolutely kick-ass with the Left Hand Milk Stout that I ordered earlier. I later had the half chicken, which was equally amazing with a Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin IPA.
This brings me to the beer selection. It's exhaustive. Stouts, IPAs, Black IPAs, Porters, Ales... you name it, they have your style. The best part though, is trying the recommendations from the very knowledgable staff. The Tap House has rotating taps, so there is always something new to try.
If you're like me and hate pretty much everyone, but love good food and beer, this is the spot.
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