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| - I'm a big fan of this place, and I've been to my share of brewpubs. OK, I've seen way more than my share of brewpubs... So far, I've only partaken of their beer, but they also serve sandwiches and bar snacks that I'm looking forward to trying soon.
With all of the brewing establishments in Dane County, you might be asking why you should trek over to Westport for a beer. There are a lot of good reasons to come over to Parched Eagle. First and foremost, the beer. Their flagship IPA, Hop Bearer, is fantastic. I rank it up there with the best of them, Ballast Point, Fantasy Factory, Ale Asylum's Ballistic, Green Flash, Three Floyds, and Toppling Goliath. Crane Ale APA is also very good (I'm enjoying one from a growler at home while I type this review), and the American Strong Ale they served for Craft Beer Week was a treat. I'm super stoked for the Imperial IPA next weekend.
The people at Parched Eagle make it a lot of fun to pop in for a pint. Jim, the proprietor and brewmaster, is a great host, as are all of the folks I've met working at his establishment.
Located in a vanilla mixed use (businesses on the bottom, apartments on top)strip center, you'll be pleasantly surprised when you walk in. Right up front is a beautiful bar: its base is made out of - get this - antique pianos - and the top is natural hardwood (think a tree that's polished). There's plenty of seating at and around the bar, a large room to the side that's great for a larger group, and has a couch with a coffee table and games, and a brand new patio with several 4-tops with umbrellas - really nice. The brewhouse is right behind clear plexiglass so you have a great view of where the magic happens.
If Westport still seems like an out of the way spot, let me share some stats with you. It's roughly 15 minutes from Middleton via Route M, and around 20 from downtown - not as long as you might think and I promise it's worth the trip!
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