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| - We checked out Union Barrel House last Friday for a bite before we went to the movies. For being in Old Town, it was pretty low-key, and the atmosphere was great with good music, lots of exposed beams, reclaimed wood, a big fireplace and a big patio that was a little bit quieter than inside. We grabbed a table outside (because it's finally cool enough, woohoo!) and our waiter promptly came to take our drink orders. I had the Aggressive Squirrel, with Bulleit bourbon, luxardo, orange and nut brown ale - it was so delicious, like an old fashioned that had a nice nutty ale added to it. They had nearly 40 beers on tap, all great (I don't think you'll find Coors here) and all $2 off during Happy Hour, which goes from three - seven.
We waited a bit for the waiter to come back to take our food order, and we decided to split the Liberty Fondue and the Pear, Brie and Jam melt, with the Parmesan truffle fries. The fondue and pretzel rolls came out piping hot, and the cheese blend they use is out of this world. The order only comes with three pretzel rolls and an ample amount of cheese, so I might ask for extra rolls next time, or keep the cheese and enjoy it with the fries. Maybe I did that, I don't know. I think the parm truffle fries need their own special sauce - just straight up ketchup kind of kills them.
The melt was pretty good, the cheese was gooey and you can't go wrong with brie, but the bacon jam and the pear could have used a little something salty to compliment the flavors of the sandwich. Overall, we enjoyed our visit, and I think we'll be coming back (they currently have a groupon) to try some of the other dishes with my favorite fall beers. This place is like if the little woody and postino had a baby, and it's darn delicious - definitely give it a shot!
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