Wednesday 31st of December 2008 04:38:13 PM

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I stopped at this Rock Bottom on my way home for Christmas. It is a multi-level location with a nice bar area. The bar area was full when we got there, but we were able to find seats. One of the cool things about this bar is that there is a wood fired pizza oven at one end, which was really neat. All pizzas are made there instead of in the kitchen.

The brewer is new to this location and the beers I tried were really good. I especially loved the jalapeno beer that was on cask. I first had a sample and then ordered a whole pint. I have been craving it ever since. I also had the Blitzen strong ale and sips of the Pale Ale and Stout. All good beers.

Service was spotty, but friendly. At first I thought that it was becasue they were really busy when we walked in, but the service was a little worse after the crowd died down. I had to wait about 10 minutes between beers (or at least it felt that long), but I've never had outstanding service at any of the RB locations I've been to.

I didn't eat there, but plan on a return trip in the near future.

Wednesday 31st of December 2008 04:28:48 PM

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I visited this location on a recent trip to Cleveland. I did not eat the food, we only sat at the bar and tried the beers. I think we sampled all of the specialties and a few of the regular beers.

They have a fairly new brewer that used to be a brewer at Two Brothers and the assistant at Rock Bottom Chicago. He knows his IPAs.

Of the beers we tried, we were most excited about the cask only Jalapeno Pale Ale and their Barleywines. The stout and the regular Pale Ale were very tasty too. The cask only series will be beers that are not normally available in any other format. If you visit, definitely ask about the cask.

Our service wasn't that great, but they were a bit busy when we first arrived. One major drawback about this location is the parking. There is a huge parking lot but there is a fee to park.

Friday 3rd of October 2008 10:19:31 PM

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Overall a very average experience, as is expected in a chain microbrewery. I think the food at this particular location is above average, in particular the chicken fried chicken and mashed potatoes are very good.

Overall, the regular beers are very average. The light, wheat, pale ale and stout are all pretty tasteless. The stout is quite smooth and has coffee characteristics, but nothing special. The best two regular beers are the Riverbed Red and Dog Pound Brown. I also had Rocktoberfest which I think is the best seasonal they make, very smooth and extremely drinkable. Not overally malty. Also had Black Mamba IPA- this was really a surprising beer. A very dark IPA, looks like a porter but the aroma was definitely IPA. Not overally hoppy, but nice flavor and very drinkable.

The location is huge, lots room in the restaurant. The place is located on the West Banks of the Flats, so you have to pay $4-$6 to park. The service is definitely not top notch.

Saturday 1st of March 2008 07:43:55 PM

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What more can you say for a chain microbrewery. Rockbottom brews are pretty much standard from location to location, but often you will find a brew or two that is a Brewmasters choice which sometimes can make the trip worthwhile.

This location is no different than the others: Standard styles (light, brown, wheat, stout), and served in a typical 16oz pint.

The atmosphere in this location is pretty good, even better if you are sitting around the bar. Low lighting, comfortable, complete with a fire!

The service at this location is OK, but not fantastic. Depending on how busy they are, your glass has the possibility of sitting empty for a short period.

The food at this location is some of the best I have had at a Rockbottom. I highly recommend the Brewhouse Burger cooked medium. Very tasty, and a regular for me when I visit.

Be sure to join their Mug Club (free) as it entitles you to a few extra ounces on each beer for free upon each visit!