Sunday 12th of September 2010 07:12:12 PM

link
The Columbia Street Tap Room was a place I really enjoyed myself in. The interior features exposed brick walls and a heavy dark wooden bar. There are approximately 20 stools and tall tables with stools along the walls and interior space.

The walls are decorated with sketches of local structures and beer memorabilia. Toward the front of the room there is a small stage where bands play on a couple nights a week. There is also a second, more upscale room off to the side. I did not venture into that side of the bar.

There are a total of 30 taps and 40+ bottles available here. Some of those were items I had never seen before like beers from LA31 and Heiner Brau. Other selections include Abita, Anchor, Blanch De Bruxelles, Delerium, Fuller’s, Gordon B, Hoegarden, Lazy Magnolia, Monty Python, NOLA, Paulaner, Sierra Nevada, Stone and Dixie.

On this visit the boisterous crowd consisted mainly of locals. My choice of barstools put me between two of the regulars. Once the woman seated to my right understood that I was taking notes and am a beer geek the game was on. Whenever I turned my back or went to the washroom there would be two glasses of beer on the bar.

She was buying beers in the bottle and pouring half for me, half for her. Then it was my turn to tell her the beer style, describe the flavors and characteristics of the beer. When I could I would also tell her the name of the beer and/or the brewery it came from. We had a great time.

I did try an appetizer while I was there. The crab/shrimp/mushroom Au Gratin was incredible. Other menu choices included soft-shell crab with remoulade & Shrimp Creole.

The main bartender really knew his beers, friendly and very helpful. This place is smoke-free as required by state law. There is free wi-fi and live music on the weekends.

If you visit the Abita Brewery or Abita brewpub this place is not too far away. I would recommend this as a great place to enjoy a pint to two. Good beer, great food and really nice people. I really hope to visit here again some day.

Tell them Evil Keith sent you, though I’m not sure if this would help or hurt you.