CJnCincy Reviews - The Beer Mapping Project

Destihl Restaurant and Brew Works

CJnCincy - score: 88.3 — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:09:35 EST

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:09:35 EST

Overall Score: 88.3
Selection: 4 | Service: 4.75 | Atmosphere: 4.5 | Food: 3.75

Reviewer: CJnCincy

Stopped for lunch on the roadtrip back from spending Thanksgiving with the relatives. Not neccessarily an easy short drive from the interstate, as it is tucked back into town. However the drive is worth it, as there isn't much else around as far as brewpubs in this part of IL. We were immediately seated, and greated with a server that had pretty good knowledge of their beers. She explained IBUs, SRM, and gravity, as they were each posted with their beers. This is something that isn't often done, and was a nice touch. I ordered the Schwartzbier, and my wife orded the Hefe. My beer was great, hers...not so much. Of course I had to sample hers because I'm a big fan of the Hefe style. I basically think the Hefe was past its prime (hefe is best when its young), or the downtube on the keg they are pulling from has a much too length for a unfiltered beer as the yeast amount was entirely too excessive, and left an unpleasent taste. On to the food.....great selection of items, and the sunday brunch...on saturday, was a nice touch. However, the fresh salad, wasnt very fresh (old tomatoes). The black bean soup was wonderful. You can pretty much get anything you want here. But then again, when you do everything, its hard to master anything.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

Otto's Pub and Brewery

CJnCincy - score: 91.7 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 9:28:14 EDT

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 9:28:14 EDT

Overall Score: 91.7
Selection: 4.75 | Service: 4.5 | Atmosphere: 4.5 | Food: 4.75

Reviewer: CJnCincy

If you are traveling to State College, PA, this is the place to grab a great beer and some very decent food. Overall, an excellent microbrewery, highlighted by excellent service, food...and most importantly BEER. The varied selection of brew available will contain all your favorite styles. I tried both the Dunkle and Hefe....and was pleased with both. Parking is limited. We arrived at 6pm and the lot was full. However there is parking across the street. This is the second time I've visited...the first being a couple years ago. I'll be sure to go back whenever I'm in town.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

Trinity Brewing Co

CJnCincy - score: 93.3 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:11:07 EST

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:11:07 EST

Overall Score: 93.3
Selection: 5 | Service: 4.5 | Atmosphere: 4.5 | Food: 4.0

Reviewer: CJnCincy

Great atmosphere and beer selection. Only complaint is that they only fill their growlers on Sundays. Newly opened, this place is a must visit for anyone in the Colo Spr area. Trinity plays on the earth-friendly business model, with 10% discounts for those that arrive on foot or bike, recycling and composting of spent food, waterless toilets, etc. Even if you aren't "Granola", the people here will make you feel welcome.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

McClellan's Grill and Brewing Co.

CJnCincy - score: 78.3 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:59:52 EST

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:59:52 EST

Overall Score: 78.3
Selection: 3.5 | Service: 4.25 | Atmosphere: 4 | Food: 4.5

Reviewer: CJnCincy

Small brewpub in historic downtown Canyon City. First thing I noticed was the bar. A massive, old bar straight out of the Old West. The limited beer selection (only the standard Ales, no Wheat or Lagers) was disappointing. I tried the Irish Red and Brown Nut Ales. Both were good, but pretty typical. Parking is limited to whats available on the street. The food here was great though and there were daily specials.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

75th Street Brewery - Kansas City

CJnCincy - score: 93.3 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:53:30 EST

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:53:30 EST

Overall Score: 93.3
Selection: 4.5 | Service: 4.75 | Atmosphere: 4.75 | Food: 4.5

Reviewer: CJnCincy

Being my first visit, I wasn't sure what to expect from the 75th Street Brewery. It has won "Best Brewpub - Kansas City" for several years from the local city-scene magazine, and while these "awards" can always be deceiving, this time, the citizens of KC were dead right. This place was great.

75th Street Brewery offers a wide selection of beers, and a very knowledgeable staff that is quite capable of offering very good suggestions. With free samples, as well as a 5-beer sampler, you can get a quick taste of every beer they have to offer.

The atmosphere inside was great, unique, family friendly, and stressed the local flavor and individuality of KC. The food was equally good and diverse. Parking outside is limited on the street, but there is a parking lot only a block away. A decent selection of gifts, and growlers are available to go.

Definitely a great place to dine and enjoy some great local beer. Highly recommended.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

Granite City Food and Brewery - Olathe

CJnCincy - score: 75.0 — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:47:11 EST

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:47:11 EST

Overall Score: 75.0
Selection: 3 | Service: 4.25 | Atmosphere: 4 | Food: 4.0

Reviewer: CJnCincy

A modern brewpub experience from a chain brewery with several locations throughout the midwest. Granite City - Olathe is right off of the I-435/119th St Road exit in Olathe/Overland Park. The food here is good and reasonable in price, and is typical of today's bar and grill menu you'd find at any TGIF/Applebee's.

For a brewpub that brews on location, the selection of beer was somewhat limited, offering a light lager, bock, ipa, and stout. They also offer one seasonal brew that varies about every other month. The do offer free samples of their beer, so you dont have to commit to a pint of beer you may not enjoy. They also offer growlers, and a "pint" club.

Very family friendly and business/meeting friendly.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

Eisgrub-Bräu

CJnCincy - score: 88.3 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:05:36 EDT

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:05:36 EDT

Overall Score: 88.3
Selection: 4 | Service: 4.5 | Atmosphere: 4.75 | Food: 4.75

Reviewer: CJnCincy

The Eisgrub-Bräu is strictly a brew pub, built inside the side of a hill where at one time the location was used to store ice and lager beer. It is easy to find whether, whether you arrive by car, walk, or take the train. I walked there each time, as it is right off of the main walking area of the Old City of Mainz.

This is a great place to stop for a quick brew with friends, or a dinner for two. Typical German décor inside with plenty of seats, there is also seating outside, in front, for about 50-75 people. I’ve been here a couple times now. The atmosphere is relaxing. The beer is awesome, and the food is great.
The brewpub can get pretty full for either lunch or dinner.

The tap here never takes a break. They have an interesting choice of beers for a brewpub in Germany. Their lighter style beer is actual a Marzen. Quite lighter than you’d expect, it was very refreshing after walking around in the walkplatz all day. Their second beer is a Schwartzbier. I love Schwartzbier, and this stuff was great. Theirs is naturally quite dark, a little malty, yet not at all overpowering.

While I wish they would’ve brewed a Hefewiezen here, you should combine any of these two great beers with some very good German cuisine. You should come here very hungry because their food proportions are HUGE. The Jagr Schnitzel here could easily feed two. For those interested in souvenirs, they have a nice selection of glassware and shirts. Finally, you can take a 1 Liter of beer home with you in a souvenir bottle.

This is a perfect “beer stop” for your travels in or around Mainz Germany.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

Brauerei Grohe

CJnCincy - score: 88.3 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:29:35 EDT

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:29:35 EDT

Overall Score: 88.3
Selection: 4 | Service: 4.5 | Atmosphere: 4.75 | Food: 4.5

Reviewer: CJnCincy

This is the meeting place for Darmstadters who love their beer. Add it to our itinerary, as the beer, food, and atmosphere here is relaxing and fun.

The biergarten was full of friends. As quickly as the beer flowed, the conversations commenced. While traveling solo, I was joined by a businessman from Munich, who was in Darmstadt for business. My German was week, his English was Zur Gut. My limited language skills aside, he introduced me to the history of the brewery, the beers they make, and the people that drink them. Having grown up in Darmstadt, he was the expert.

The brewery had been brewing for years, and this nearly 70yr old gentlemen was proud to share his memories of drinking beer at the Brauerie Grohe since from college til now. I was happy to share a table, great conversation, and some fine beer with the German gentleman. He was happy to oblige.

Now on to the beer, the selection was typical, Pils, Helles, Dunkle, and Hefewiesen. The taste was atypical. Great beer at a great price. The old brewmeister, a family member of my new table mate, was taught the art of beer making in Bavaria. The taste epitomizes his education there. My guess is the current brewmeister kept his recipes.

I started the night with a Helles. Non assuming, the beer was malty to style, yet light and refreshing. A great way to start the night. Moving on, I had to try the Hefewiessen, my favorite style. True to its Bavarian heritage, it was darker than most.....and better than most. I could've drunk this beer all night. Being older, and somewhat more responsible, I decided to walk home, instead of crawl. That didn't keep me from sampling a few more of this great beer. While I saw others drinking both Pils and Dunkle beer, I kept to my favorite Hefewiessen, and ate my meal of Leberkase (a pork and beef liver type of baked loaf that was oh so good).

If you are in Darmstadt, visit this place. The locals love it, as do I. Try it yourself. When in Darmstadt, do as the Darmstadtlers.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

Darmstädter Ratskeller Hausbrauerei

CJnCincy - score: 88.3 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:56:55 EDT

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:56:55 EDT

Overall Score: 88.3
Selection: 4 | Service: 4.5 | Atmosphere: 4.75 | Food: 4.25

Reviewer: CJnCincy

*****Warning, this review may contain an opinion of a deprived beer enthusiast****
It had been three months since I last rested my lips on the malty nectar of the gods, known as beer. My judgment may be hastened. My tastes may not be as sharp. However, disclaimer aside, this is some good beer.

With a trip quickly summoned out of the desert of strict prohibition, I found myself swimming within the belly of the founding fathers of beer. My feet are firmly planted in Germany….and the beer I’m drinking here is GREAT.

Beautiful people aside, let’s talk about how the Germans make some really good beer. I know beer purity law known as the Reinheitsgebot can be keeping the masters of lager from perfecting the art as the Belgians well know. However, that arguments aside, the Germans know how to make their lager.

I started my sampling at the Darmstadter Rastskeller Hausbrauerei with an innocent Hefewiesen. It had a more banana taste than I prefer. However, for beer #1 in order of tasting, it raised the bar fairly high. Next the Dunkle. While disappointed the Dopplebock on the menu was out of season, the Dunkle didn’t disappoint. Quite malty, it was a great #2 beer, and his is from someone who likes to start dark and finish clear. The Helles was next. Clean and unassuming, yet it was quite refreshing. The Pils was last and well, a Pils is a Pils.

Over all, one of the better experiences of drinking beer in Germany, and that says a lot. Yes you can hang at the more chic Café “Insert a Witty Name” restaurants nearby, but this place has sole. It is an authentic German dining and drinking establishment. Traditional inside, yet outside overlooking the Platz is where the action is. The food is great (I had the JagrSchnitzel), the service responsive, and the beer is quite good. If you are ever in the Darmstadt area, stop by. You won’t be disappointed.

****Update*******
I went back today, and the beer tastes even better. I had the Weisswurst and Pretzel. If you are in Darmstadt, you have to experience this place. Plus they have “beer to go” in Liter sizes. My recommendation…take some to the hotel with you.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

Mecklenburg Gardens

CJnCincy - score: 83.3 — Wed, 28 May 2008 21:26:54 EDT

Beer Bar
Date and time reviewed: Wed, 28 May 2008 21:26:54 EDT

Overall Score: 83.3
Selection: 4.5 | Service: 4 | Atmosphere: 4 | Food: 4.25

Reviewer: CJnCincy

Experience an authentic German biergarten inside the walls of this beautiful historic establishment. Close to both the University of Cincinnati campus and the hospital complex, Mecklenburg Gardens is as close as you are going to get, without paying airfare to Munich. The German heritage begins, but does not end with the beer garden setting. The food here is impressive…you have to try their schnitzel, it is second to none. You will not be disappointed with the EATS here. ALLES GUT!

So what exactly is Mecklenburg Gardens? In short, it is a Cincinnati landmark dating back to 1865 that owner Tom Harten rescued from abandon-ment in 1996. Now, the “Gardens” are “alive and well after 141 years.” as the owner would say. There’s live music most Friday and Saturday nights featuring bluesy sounds and traditional German tunes. Don’t let bad weather keep you away, as there is plenty of room inside the building to drink, eat, and socialize. There is also good sized banquet facility for wedding receptions, corporate functions, or just a large group of your friends.

While Mecklenburg Gardens can be both hard to find, and a parking challenge, don’t let that discourage you as you won’t find a more impressive selection of imported German beer, both on tap and in bottles. Served in authentic glassware, this could easily become your favorite Cincinnati beer stop. Smoking is confined outdoors.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com