Alva Beer Co. — Restaurant in Alva

I visited Alva Brewing Co. recently, and the experience was a mix of highs and lows. The atmosphere was inviting, and the giant pretzel we ordered was fantastic—the cheese dip was my favorite, while my wife preferred the mustard. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives ended.

After delivering our pretzel, our server didn’t check back with us, so we weren’t able to order anything else. The menu is fairly limited, mostly focusing on pizzas, with only a couple of other appetizers (giant pretzel and artichoke dip) and a single dessert option—a chocolate chip cookie dish with ice cream. There was only one server covering both dining areas, while two “beertenders” managed the bar, which was less crowded. One nice touch was when one of the beertenders kindly offered our toddler some chocolate, as he wasn’t interested in the pretzel.

While Alva Brewing Co. promotes itself as a “family-friendly” business, I was surprised by the lack of kid-friendly food and seating. There isn’t a children’s menu, and they don’t provide highchairs—when we asked, the beertender seemed uncertain if they even had one available.

I’d still consider going back to try their pizza, but it would be great to see them expand their offerings to include more options for families, like a few kid’s items (macaroni and cheese, chicken strips, small pizza, etc.) and some classic single-serving dishes like a burger. Additional seating for families would be a welcome improvement as well. Overall, Alva Brewing Co. has potential, but a few adjustments could make it a more comfortable and accessible place...

The restaurant looked very nice and clean, which was a great first impression. However, I initially thought this was a family-friendly place based on the advertising, so I was surprised to find they didn’t have high chairs or suitable seating for kids. Maybe I misunderstood what they meant by “family-friendly.” They hadn’t posted a menu online, but we decided to give it a try, eager to taste the pizza we’d heard good things about. The menu was relatively small with nothing for children.

The restaurant wasn’t busy, with only a few other tables occupied, yet we waited a while before anyone came to take our drink order. Once we got our drinks, we ordered a pretzel appetizer and mentioned we’d need a couple more minutes for our meal order. When the appetizer arrived, our server left quickly, and we weren’t able to order our main dishes. She passed by our table several times without checking in, and it was impossible to get her attention. By the time we finished the appetizer, our drinks were nearly empty, and we still hadn’t been able to place our meal order.

After waiting a long time, someone at the bar finally asked if we’d been helped. At that point, the service had been so poor that we just decided to settle the bill and leave. $13.11 for a pretzel and a iced tea that didn’t even get refilled. I’d love to return in the future if the service improves and if they can provide better seating and children eating options...

A Pretzel Poetic Rave

Oh, golden twist of heaven’s delight, A pretzel to conquer the hunger of night! Crisp and soft, both firm and divine, Each bite is a melody, a culinary shrine.

Drenched in sauces—what a trio supreme! Horseradish bold, like a fiery dream, Mustard sharp, a tangy embrace, And beer cheese, pure decadence to grace.

The crust, a salted symphony of crunch, The kind of snack that replaces lunch! Its interior, warm clouds of dough, With each tear, love begins to grow.

Horseradish, a zesty lover’s kiss, Adding a thrill you dare not miss. Mustard sings a brassy tune, Dancing wildly beneath the moon.

And oh, the beer cheese, rich and creamy, A liquid gold, both bold and dreamy. Together, they merge, a flavor parade, A masterpiece that the angels made.

This pretzel is art, a gift to behold, It is a story of passion, of flavor untold. Seek it, savor it, sing its praise loud, For this is no snack—it’s a feast unbowed!

If ever you doubt what joy tastes like, Try this pretzel—it’s love...