Test Batches Brewery — Restaurant in Midland

Hubby and I went to Test Batches Brewery today and it was phenomenal. We’ve popped in 3-4 times since opening but only for beer and treats to go. Last time we were there I noticed the food menu and knew we’d have to come eat in.

We brought one of our fave games and snagged a few pints and 2 of the best sandwiches we’ve ever had - the Cuban panini and the chicken shawarma panini! Both were so fresh, the homemade focaccia is so light but with the perfect crisp, 11/10. I hope they aren’t seasonal 🫣 no photo of the sammies as we inhaled them before I even thought to take a photo.

Everyone was so kind - the owner Jamie we’ve spoken to every time we’ve gone in and he is such a pleasure. Another worker was curious about our game and came over to chat about it and another to ask how our meal was (I believe one was his partner Lesley).

We love that they are also a living wage employer!! The place was SO clean, especially the bathrooms. The open kitchen you could see how clean and organized they are and tips and tax are already included in the price. You can truly tell how much pride they take in their business.

Lastly, you have to get their treats to go made by Lesley - they are SO good. Our faves to date are the peppermint patties and the sponge toffee, but from the variety we’ve tried so far, they’re all amazing. We will be be back and especially for one of their BBQ specials...

A fantastic brewery!

We came by just for a quick pint, ended up trying every single item they had on tap + food.

Drink options: They have lots of fantastic beers, ranging from IPAs to darker beers. Highly recommend the other worldly - a chocolate beer with toffee. They also offer cider, non alcoholic beer, and other beverages like coffee, tea, soda. Beers are also available to take home for $5.

Food: We got the Brewers board to share, which was a great option for something to pick at. Cheese, meats, crostini... A great combo. Very very delicious. Their kitchen is open, and you are able to see their operation.

Atmosphere: Simple, minimalist mixed with cottage style. Lots of places to sit, not loud, and very cozy. The place is kept extremely clean, which is refreshing for a brewery. Everywhere you look, the floors and surfaces are in pristine condition. As soon as you get up to leave, the owners come by to clean up and ask you about your experience. The owners were a treat as well, very informative, very helpful, and very kind.

The cost of food + drinks include tax and gratuity - tips are not expected. This is something you very rarely see nowadays, and would increase my rating from 5/5 to 6/5.

This brewery has definitely moved to the top of our list, and we are definitely...

Absolutely fantastic place!! Completely fell in love with it the moment I walked in. Welcoming staff, warm vibe, and comfortable seating including big leather couches you can sink into.

The beer is superb. I am from Vancouver where we have hundreds of brewpubs of every description. But none of them offer the range of imaginative and meticulously crafted dark beers that Test Batches offers. There is also plenty here besides darks and IPAs. This truly is a brewery for all seasons and palates. And incredibly, they get all of it right.

Though we didn’t eat, we were thrilled by the menu options. Definitely a place you could plan to have lunch or dinner, while you enjoy tasting flights. I emphasize that because we know that a lot of brew places don’t have very good food (ahem Quayle’s).

Another wonderful surprise is that one of the co-owners is a gifted confectioner! She produces a wide range of delicious sweet treats which are simply yet artfully packaged in very reasonably priced $5 bags. Everything is kept fresh in stand-up coolers that you can browse at your leisure. The salted chocolate covered caramels are extraordinary.

In sum, if you are visiting Midland, make Test Batches a priority stop. And you are a local, well, you...