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| - Been waiting almost a year for this place to open - had been coming by the building when I was down this way at Wren House or Phoenix Ale.
Missed the grand opening last week, but got here as soon as I could.
First impressions - the outside of the building is as low-key and as industrial/generic old school commercial as it looked a year ago. The only differences are that there's now a sign and the windows are clean. Inside, it's definitely very hipster and appointed with a combination of 60s doorways and windows and framing, wood paneling distressed wood walls black painted ceiling, open ceiling duct work, and big J shaped bar with wood top. There are plenty of tables if you don't choose to sit at the bar.
It's a big building, and the brewing facility is behind the windows at the back of the seating area. Looks like there's plenty of room back there to expand in the future.
They only have one of their own beers on tap right now, the Scottish ale, and it's a pretty decent beer. It's got some complexity, with little bit of bourbon taste sweet mall to toasted malt and there's even somewhere in the back There's chocolate or cocoa.
I arrived here at noon on Sunday when they opened. It was already packed. People drinking beers, as well as having some of the food that they serve here. While they serve wine as well I don't see anybody embarrassing themselves by ordering one. While I wouldn't call it kid friendly, there are kids here as well.
I'm going to give it a ranking of four stars, but I'm a little concerned that they don't have their own beer, and it's a little too upscale hipster to suit my taste.
Let's see what happens over the next couple months as they mature a bit.
Update two weeks later: back to see if they have more of their own beers. Two this time, and am having the IPA. The IPA is solid, uncompromisingly bitter, little malt note. No one drinking wine, promising. One ~80 year old guy wearing a straw cowboy hat, having an old school Coke from an old school Coke bottle. The guys next to me talking about pizza and caramelized onions.
Am back again, it's July, and the patrons are as mixed as before. The Helton Rye Pale Ale is excellent, and well worth the visit just for that pour. There are strangers (to one another) striking up conversations at the bar, people playing board games, and generally seeming to be comfortable. Mandy, behind the bar, is pleasant and attentive.
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