Stuart R.
Yelp
I don't often feel compelled to share a review for a restaurant. Add to that, at least for me, the complexity of being a brewery, for which I have high standards, and this is a unicorn review.
I've been here before, but don't recall it as being extraordinary. That changed tonight.
We were greeted by Robert - a host who clearly enjoys people and his job. He was attentive, engaging, jovial and just a nice guy. Maybe even over the top for some, but for my daughter and I, he was perfect.
I ordered and beer; her a soda, and we commented on the lack of cider options.
Robert delivered my beer (more on this in a minute) and then produced a number of cider options available in cans. One of them fit her taste and she was quite pleased with it. He joked with her about "hiding the evidence" when the can was emptied.
The Hardway IPA was better than I remembered. Less "woody" than many house IPAs, with a clean finish and decent hops. Nothing spectacular, but really drinkable. So much so that I had three pints.
Our food arrived quickly.
First up: Meatball starter. Holy cow. Three large meatballs covered in sauce and topped with lots of mozzarella cheese. These were delicious! We joked that it was a meal by itself. It truly could be. You'd best be sharing this with two or more people if you want it as an appetizer.
She ordered a Chicago hot dog. She complimented the soft bun, the fixings and flavor. She couldn't finish it.
I ordered a small deep dish combination pizza. Robert warned me that it was a comma inducing pizza. I didn't listen. He was almost right, but had I eaten more than one piece he would have been sweeping me out the door (see three pints reference above).
We asked for boxes, finished my beer, packed up leftovers for the next two days and swore to come back next time I'm in town.
We spent about $100 for the two of us (I had to tip Robert well) and feel it was worth it. We missed happy hour, but the beer didn't disappoint.
I'll be back when I visit (which is at least quarterly) and will be sure to come with an appetite.
Overall, super happy with our choice and even happier that I wasn't swayed away by some less optimistic reviews on the inter webs.
Disclaimer: I am not a food critic. This may be average food. It satisfied me and my daughter at the time. I was probably really hungry. I also pre-loaded on the beers, so they may have only been good. My opinion is worth about as much as you just paid for it