If I were being asked to rate the beer only, which I am not, I would give VBGB a "5". The beer selection is fun, the bartenders are super-knowledgeable and nice, and who doesn't like to drink giant quantities of beer out of big 'ol glass steins? However, the NC Music Factory is at the end of the earth (mine anyway) and VBGB is huge compared to the number of people that were there. I think it would take quite a large crowd to fill that place, and so it seems a bit empty. As for the food, the pretzels and beer cheese dip are to die for. The onion rings are great too. Everything else we had is standard "bar food." I hope the new shuttle from South Blvd brings more people to this joint. More energy is definitely needed!