Tuesday 25th of January 2011 02:34:35 PM

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This little place was pretty cool in the dead of winter, and likely much cooler in warmer weather when the deck and patio are open, facing the Illinois river. The building itself felt like a converted river house, with stone walls downstairs, and a screened in porch in the back.

Inside it was small and cozy, with a wooden bar that sat 10-12, with racks of wine all around, and a four door beer cooler packed to the gills. 16 taps were promising, with a nice variety including a few limited seasonals. Among these were Founders Nemesis 2010, (which the blonde bartender described to a T: big, hoppy black barleywine), Boulevard Tank 7, Schlafly Irish & Coffee Stout, Kasteel, Six Row Whale, Bells Hell Hath No Fury, Pranqster, OFallon Hemp Hop Rye, Prima Pils, Optimator, and others. Bottles were pretty extensive with some obscure ones like Cottrell, Cathedral Square, and Griesdieck Bros. Pilsner. Fresh West Coast IPA from Green Flash, Lindemans Faro, Aventinus, Founders Porter, and more. Prices varied, but many singles were $3-4, with a 30% discount when you buy 6. Hopslam and Nemesis were priced somewhat high at $7.50.

Crowd was all local, of various ages, and seemingly pretty lit up. The bartender gave us the story on why the Rotten Apple recently closed across the street, and how the town is very seasonal in regards to business. Grafton is fairly isolated, but worth a daytrip from Saint Louis, Springfield, or the surrounding area.