Jeff B.
Yelp
(Drank 07/11/23 TU @ 4:00pm): From the "902" to the "101", there certainly has been something brewing!
On this recent trip, I was on a mission to explore the small beer scene in Jersey City and ended up at 902 Brewing Co. An idea that fermented and formed in 2012 in a tiny apartment ("902") to this brick & mortar, the founders have certainly come a long way! With a good assortment of beers to try, was there enough brewing to bring me back for more!?
PURCHASE
The 4-4floz Taster Flight ($13.00): Choose any four beers https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=eYC21sfrx8rsqsOjOYhMZQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
1. You're Killing Me Smalls Session IPA 4.3% ABV: Bright amber color, citrusy hoppy aroma, low body, citrusy hoppy flavor, smooth finish, and slight citrusy hoppy aftertaste - chilling. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=GBH9gveuP1Og4fpP6YiFhw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
2. Heaven, Hell, Or Hoboken American IPA 6.5% ABV: Bright amber color, light hoppy aroma, low body, light hoppy flavor, crisp finish, and light hoppy aftertaste - simple. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=dU_RcHC5ZXP1A7KG6k2YZQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
3. Welcome Baby Janiel Lager 4.3% ABV: Blue gray color, slight malty aroma, low body, slight malty flavor, smooth finish, and slight malty aftertaste - funky. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=EHTYLIP_m-MBrhM8XCYX1g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
4. Tropical Mango Peach Vanilla Milkshake IPA 7.9% ABV: Hazy yellow color, slight tropical aroma, low body, slight milky tropical flavor, mouthfeel finish, and slight tropical aftertaste - my favorite. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=aqQSVoeK2LCiJMXK9Fflsw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Blood Orange American IPA 6.5% ABV 16floz Draft ($7.00): Blood orange color, slight citrusy orange aroma, low body, slight citrusy orange hoppy flavor, crisp finish, and slight orange hoppy aftertaste - yummy. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=lnEt7Lx6mJdiF7Zsp4cVlw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Pooch Pretzels 5.5oz Bag ($6.00): We couldn't leave out our furry family member, so he got some treats, too, along with a bowl of water. He seemed to really like them! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=-PsEfdD7IAHagj6w_gD9dA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
The Hangover Pretzel Co. Original Zesty Lemon Pepper Pretzel Pieces 11.2oz Bag ($8.00): Us humans also needed some treats to pair with the beers. The flavor was nice, but each piece was a bit large and harder than expected. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=jZaYJjMlXIvT8blqw-2u9A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
Immediately greeted by a charming young woman behind the bar, we approached her to which she gave us a quick rundown of their brews and offered water to our dog. Once we decided what we wanted, she easily set up our respective taster flights, and off we went to taste. We also grabbed some snacks and another beer, but generally speaking the service was all pretty straightforward with no table service which was fine with us - all was good!
PARKING (FREE)
We took the light rail to the Garfield Ave. stop and walked about 15 minutes through a rather off-the-beaten-path industrial area. They had their own onsite lot. Otherwise, there appeared to be plenty of spots along the dirt main drag of Pacific Ave. and nearby surrounding side streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A spacious industrial warehouse structure https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=JQCvyM7_qMl7oGfj31Gh8Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw with plenty of chairs and tables, a bar area https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=EBJITv5TUsQTdr1Ejq0bEA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw with a ton of barstools, and brewing tanks in plain view. Various decorations covered the walls. Menus https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=mbY4q-J6hYgmjnoE5PA7Iw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw were placed at each seating area. Apparently, there was also a rooftop bar! Plenty of natural lighting came through the various large glass windows and front door while an assortment of electric high ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were muted TVs while smooth R&B music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=uYiuLw7kkBaGRQEOBOJWVg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
902 Brewing Co. was a success, and I looked forward to my next visit to try what I missed this time around. I generally liked the beers (nearly 20 on tap), comparable prices, and adequate service. No onsite food or trucks, it was a BYO style. And, they were definitely family and pet-friendly. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $36.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS