Wednesday 1st of September 2010 09:59:13 AM

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The only place that was open on Labor Day in Urbana, so we stopped here for a bite and a beer. Inside it was dark with dark wood on the walls, and brick red paint towards the back. Bar on the left, tables on the right, 3 pool tables, then more intimate booth seating in the back. A second floor mezzanine level overlooked the entire space. During the day the crowd was laid back, but it seemed they had the capacity for mad college throngs. Bathrooms weren't so clean.

We opted for a table outside, literally in "Crane Alley". There were planters and hanging baskets, lights strung in a criss-cross pattern high above the alley. It had a nice relaxed feel to it.

Inside, bar service was a bit slow due to an indecisive couple choosing a 4 beer flight. Took almost 10 minutes to get acknowledged, but the tender was very good after that with samples and quick pours. My other knock on the service though was the 14 oz. "pint" with the thick glass at the bottom. Lame. Hop 15, St. Amand, FFF Pride & Joy, 2 Bros. Moaten, Rogue XS Imp. Stout were all on tap, with Arcadia Jaw Jacker on cask. The bottle list was long and well rounded, grouped by style with brewer, state/country of origin, and ABV listed. Only 3 lambics, but I applaud them for carrying Boon Kriek at least. A ton of IPA/Pales, Stouts, obscure imports like Nøgne Ø. There were also a few nice specials, like $4 beer flights on Mondays.

Food was great, spinach salad had a nice balsamic vinagrette with gorgonzola and toasted walnuts. Salmon crostini was tasty and nicely presented on a bed of greens. The rotating taps/cask paired with quality food will bring me back here someday.

Reviewed on: 09-08-2009