::Pint-Sized Opinions... a link filled post::

I've recently been cleaning up the blog a bit {see changes here}. Thinking about what I want to spend my time documenting when writing and sharing in this space. I may still share a few new "watering holes" when I come across something pretty note worthy... however I've decided to move this collection of posts out of its featured spot.

Something told me that I didn't want to lose this list of links... maybe some of you felt that way too :)


Ohio Breweries:

The Dayton Beer Company - Kettering, Ohio

Elevator Brewing & Draught Haus - Columbus, Ohio

Main Street Grille & Brewing Company - Garrettsville, Ohio

Yellow Springs Brewery - Yellow Springs, Ohio

Florida:

Sarasota Brewing Company


Indiana:

Mad Anthony Brewing Company 

Shoreline Brewery



Michigan:

Arcadia Brewing Company 

Bell's Inspired Brewing

Founders Brewing Company

HopCat Bar and Brewery

New Holland Brewing Company

Paw Paw Brewing



Cheers!

The Dayton Beer Company - in Kettering, Ohio

I will start this off with a small disclaimer. We have gone to the Dayton Beer Company several times now. Each time I left I felt like I wasn't quite getting the full picture. We've enjoyed ourselves there each time, always finding great beer with maybe one of the pints tasting just like my husband's homebrew. With this consistency issue coming up in at least one pint each visit I felt like I couldn't post until I had a better picture of this establishment. I may have to update this as we visit in the future. 

First impression: Surprising. One wouldn't expect a local brewery and tap room to be in a small shopping area next to a gas station and video store. Once you head inside it is has a relaxed feel and we've found it to be a great place to kick off the evening with friends.
Service: Great. Peter is friendly and he works hard. He will talk shop with the customers and recommend brews. We've not been disappointed by his recommended pours.
Prices & Other Notes: The tap room is for adults. With screens for sports watching and brews for drinking, there isn't really anything there to draw attention for all members of mixed age groups. It is perfect for hanging out with friends. 

Food: There is not really food on the Dayton Brewing Company menu. There are snacks (i.e. chips and pretzels and sometimes hot dogs). It is so laid back you can bring in some food if you are starving.

As for the beer:

Honey Cream - not super sweet but very tasty. This was probably my favorite beer that I've ever tasted at The DBC. 

Also if you can't head to The DBC Taproom try out their brews at these locations {click link here}. 

We plan to continue to visit The Dayton Beer Company. We've heard of equipment upgrades and praises about Peter always helping out other local brewers. We like to support that. Even if we might sit thru one brew that isn't exactly our favorite during our visit. My recommendation - ask bartender or the loudest group in the room their favorite beer of the night. You will be happy you did. 

Yellow Springs Brewery in Yellow Springs, Ohio

Let me tell you about one of my new favorite places in Ohio. Yellow Springs Brewery is the cat's meow in my opinion {and in Yellow Springs there are lots of cats to be giving out meows... so we'll go ahead and say this is a positive review}


First impression: Right off the bike path, long parking lot, awesome lettering and bright yellow pop of color on the outside of the building. What's not to love? This establishment is easy to get to and when you walk up you notice an inviting feel. I just love the metal and wood in the taproom.

Service: Wonderful. The staff is friendly and attentive. They sling beers as fast as needed. Plus, Lisa is just so kind. 



Prices & Other Notes: Yellow Springs Brewery now offers Growlers and Howlers and the service of filling those Growlers and Howlers with their yummy products. 


After the brewery first opened they had such an overwhelming response that they couldn't keep enough kegs tapped. So they took about two weeks to brew and brew then opened their doors again ready to serve. It sounds like they are now moving forward with a higher production rate. I'd advise checking their facebook page or website if you are traveling from afar to stop in. They often post what is on tap and you'll know what their current hours are. 

Food: There are light snacks for purchase and some of the local restaurants {currently Bentino's Pizza & Sunrise Cafe} will deliver right to the taproom. We've also found it is just as easy to stop over at Bentino's or Ha Ha's Pizza to pick up an order and walk over to the brewery. {Bring your own plates and napkins if you plan to really chow down}  

As for the beer: Yum. Order anything. You won't be disappointed.


My favorite is the Captain Stardust Saison. Oh my, it is such a thirst quencher. Not too citrus-y and not too dry. I love it. 


If you aren't able to stop in order up a Yellow Springs Brewery beer at one of these fine locations. 

A Visit to Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus

A few months ago {a little late on posting this... but I still wanted to share} we went to visit friends near Columbus, Ohio. After hanging out and enjoying some company that I don't get to see very often, my husband and I had a bit of a "date" over at Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus. 

First impression: We've been to this lovely establishment before. We will probably go again. I like the big historical buildings in this part of Columbus and the bar is just plain beautiful.

Service: Very good. We've always had nice servers at Elevator. They are knowledgeable about the menu and offer suggestions. I applaud them for this as I think they get a lot of jerk customers in there. Maybe this is due to the draught haus having lots of customers and the sheer volume requires that some come off as not my favorite. Or maybe this is because people are hungry and need a brew when they walk in... or  the "jerk customers" need other patrons to know how important they are. Surely these observations are debatable on a case by case basis. {I will make a point so this isn't just some rant about rude people.} My point is, remember to be nice to your wait staff - they work hard and don't want you to be hungry either. Plus if you are out to eat with people who love you, the other patrons already know that you are important. They don't need to hear your stories of self-involvement from three tables over. Calm down and drink a pint.

 Food: I love the appetizers at this place! They often have a soup or salad that can go well with their seasonal brew. I highly recommend the corn brats, the hummus, and their almond crusted chicken salad. But really, all the food has been great!

Prices & Other Notes: Of course you pay for what you get. I'd say this is one of the more expensive "draught haus"es that I've written about, however the food is quality. And dinner is the meal where you get some higher dollar meals. It isn't outlandish, but this is honestly a restaurant (this means do not expect "pub room" prices). 

This is a place great for families, couples or larger groups of friends. During a different visit, we had 16 of us meet up to play pool and get drinks. The staff was very accommodating. We were served food and drinks in the billiard space and were able to just hang out for a few hours. We decided to leave after the place got busier, so I'm not sure if lots of people shoot pool while they are there.

As for the beer: When we visit the draught haus, we always order the specialty beer, because it is the only time we can try it. However, some of their mainstays I would recommend: Bleeding Buckeye Red Ale (it's an amber) the Dark Horse Lager (so smooth!)and Flying Hydrant (if you are in the mood for something light after all those appetizers).  

I've enjoyed all types of Elevator brew... they are tasty. And you can find them lots of places (i.e. chain grocery stores with good beer selection). So if you ever come across them in your local grocery, pick up a six pack (mix and get a variety to try if you are able). It is important for us to support our more local breweries in bigger stores... your dollars influence the way those shelves are stocked. So give it a try. You'll be glad you did.

Main Street Grille & Brewing Company

We recently visited loved ones in the Northeast corner of our state. They are all about the impromptu visits and any excuse for fun... obviously this is why we adore them. Of course they wanted to drive over to Garrettsville and see what Main Street Grille & Brewing Company was all about.

First impression: GREAT! We were so excited to pull up to the historical building and take a quick peek down to the water and see the mill!

Service: Wonderful. We chose to sit in the dining area and we had a perfect seat next to a window overlooking the mill. Our waitress was attentive and had many suggestions for us.

Food: Mmm... Our server recommended the burger and reuben sandwich - we were not disappointed. (And I will admit that a good reuben sandwich has become a guilty pleasure of mine...)

Prices & Other Notes: Affordable prices and the other patrons were of all ages - so it was an appropriate "restaurant" type meal and not just a bar.

Wait, we actually went there for the brew... and I haven't mentioned that part yet.

As for the beer: Once again reasonable prices, I felt like we were getting a steal since good beer isn't cheap one pint at a time. Our table shared all eight samples for ten dollars just to get a taste of each. I was madly in-love with the Strawberry Fields (which I ordered as my large brew to enjoy by myself), however the Dizzy Ninja had a special place in my tummy as well. In fact our designated driver - he took home a growler of the Dizzy Ninja.

We all noticed smooth mouth feel across the board, and some of the brews were pretty strong (Three Scots Ale at an above 8% ABV). This is why we advise when traveling for your microbrew experience to have a designated driver or make appropriate arrangements for after the adult beverages.

Our favorite beers at Main Street Grille & Brewing Company: Three Scots Ale (strong but so tasty), Strawberry Fields (fruity but not too sweet), River Rat (a smooth and balanced amber ale) and the Dizzy Ninja (and I.P.A.'s are not typically my first choice).

So overall I would highly recommend a trip to Main Street Grille & Brewing Co. - check out their website (which includes their menu with beer descriptions and prices).

If we didn't owe a ton of money for love our new little house we would probably move a bit closer to take advantage of their half price growler Tuesdays! We definitely hope to return for a burger and brew again soon. In fact, we'd like to see it in the summer to take a closer look at the water and go for a walk around town.