Andrew S.
Google
Five Stars for the Beer, Six Stars for the Defensive Perimeter
I originally came to Kitsune Brewing for the Forager, their hazy IPA, and the music bingo Thursday nights. I stayed because it turns out they are the last line of defense against the car-obsessed hoodlums who periodically descend upon our peaceful neighborhood like a swarm of under-muffled locusts.
First, the beer: exceptional. The Forager tastes like citrus had a well-adjusted childhood. The Baba Yaga stout is darker than my browser history and twice as complex. The Belgian Blonde lives up to its name by being approachable, pale-colored and complex, while providing a great head. But truthfully, you can't go wrong with any selection from their rotating taps; they even have wine and cocktails!
Now let's address the elephant doing donuts in the parking lot....
Around 8:30pm, just as I was settling into my second Cider and Sly, the distant rumble began. Engines revving. Tires squealing. The mating call of the Chrome-Bumpered Youth Brigade. Before I could even process what was happening, the staff sprang into action with the calm efficiency of people who have absolutely done this before.
Garage-style security doors? Well no, but the doors were locked to keep the riff raff out. While the patrons were secure inside with a view thru the windows of police cars, helicopters, and pimple faced miscreants in search of a Hurst shifter to mount. Even the bartender gently reassured us: "No worries, folks. They'll get bored once they realize we don't validate parking".
Meanwhile, inside: cozy vibes. Gentle laughter at people mistaking car backfires for gunfire. Music turned up just enough to drown out the external symphony of questionable life choices. A new friend I had made at the bar offered to by another round so we could wait out the mass exodus of souped-up vehicles from the parking lot. I have never felt safer. It was as if I had returned to my mother's bosom.
At one point a particularly enthusiastic engine rev rattled the windows, and without missing a beat the guy next to me just raised his glass and said, "To fortified fermentation." We all toasted. Community is beautiful.
So yes -- come for the craft beer. But stay because this microbrewery has the tactical readiness of a medieval castle, but with cleaner bathrooms.
I would absolutely shelter in place here again.