South Shore Brewery — Restaurant in Ashland

My wife and I swung by the South Shore Brewery after a fishing trip on the bay. I wasn't that hungry, so I was looking through the appetizers. My wife asked me if I wanted the hot wings. I said something like 'nothing this far north is going to be hot…’ or some other such soon-to-be-regretted nonsense. So, when our very attentive waitress swung back by I asked what flavors of wings they had. ‘Mild, medium, hot, extreme and Trainwreck' were the answers. Trainwreck intrigued me, so our waitress asked if I wanted to taste it. I did. She looked at me and said, 'you want us to toss your wings in this?', in the same way you’d clarify with someone who was asking you to whap their fingers with a hammer. I figured why not; the sauce had good flavor, albeit very hot. The kind of heat that sneaks up on you; the fire starts in the back of your throat and then tries to pop your lips off. Hotter than most things I’ve tasted, if I’m being honest but I still figured 'how bad can it be?'. Wing 1-4. Good lord. The heat is literally searing my face. There is a ring of pain that extends from my chin to the base of my nose. My teeth are trying to leap out of my mouth and run to the lake. My face is leaking both tears and snot. I look like a 2yr old who started daycare a week ago and has packed 2 years of germs into 1 week. I'm saying stuff that doesn't make sense, my wife is giggling at me but she’s trying to restrain herself b/c she’s not sure if she’s going to need her composure to call 911. Imagine the first contact high you caught at a concert your mom dropped you off at. That's me, right now; I’m confused about why I’m buzzing and I’ve never felt anything like this before. About the time the manager swings by to do a check on me. Apparently, these wings aren't ordered much, I'm beginning to discern. He says 'Sir, I'm sorry but the cook just told me he accidentally tossed your wings in medium sauce. We're bringing up the Trainwreck right now'. Hilarious. Unfortunately, I'm unable to say hilarious b/c I'm chugging what I will learn later is basically ghost chilis, so I blurt out something along the lines of 'bring it on' but it probably sounded more like someone stepping on bagpipes filled with tapioca. I’m pretty sure my eyes were rolling around in my head. I think after 8 wings I was a new man, permanently changed. The last 4 went down w/o a hitch and I actually went back and got some meat I’d missed the first time around. I don’t feel these are the actions of the man I was when I entered South Shore Brewery. These wings changed me for the better and they’ll do it for you too. You’ll be faster, taller, smarter and more attractive. Hell, I can make as many outlandish promises as you’ll read, but you should just go try them and see for yourself. Just imagine never having to worry about the tall guy in front of you in pictures – you’re that tall guy now. That pretty waitress you’ve never had the stones to talk to, her number will materialize in your pocket as you hammer through wing 9. No need to pay for concerts anymore, you’re on the permanent guest list. You think the guys from Motley Crue had it made? They’re reading your biography right now and crying their eyes out about their wasted potential. On the way out, the manager told me a story. I was told I was only the 2nd person to ever order Trainwreck wings. The first guy told them he wanted the hottest thing they had, so the cooks started throwing ghost chilis into the wing sauce and served it up. Then, apparently, Mr. First Guy realized he hadn’t shaken the sand out of his panties and refused to pay for the wings because they ‘weren’t edible’. Well, Mr. First Guy, I can attest that they are both edible and delicious and that you should probably go right back in there and order up a plate. I love this place's beers, they're unique and tasty and the Lillith (?) was a great beer that might have saved my life. I had a few, and they were perfect with a nip...

First impressions are lasting impressions. The exploration of cities and restaurants is the best part of being a Truck Driver. I have tried some of the best local craft beers and it has become impossible to maintain a short list.

South Shore Brewery immediately commands a historical presence in the better light of yesteryear from the outside looking in on a warmer December evening. I'm always attracted to the older buildings. A warm greeting followed by direction of three available bars. I like to be where conversation can be found. To the left I settle into a nice easy chair in a room with good smells and beer memorabilia. Minus the television sets and I'd be happier, but welcome modern America.

I sampled their W.P.A. (Wisconsin Pale Ale) Crisp, clean, and straight to the point! A cross between a Wisconsin Brewing Company's Red Arrow and Lienenkugal's well known brand. Delicious!

Brewhouse Pig!?

Pulled pork on a pretzel bun with a kicker - applewood bacon, smoked ham, butter style pickles, and their house beer cheese. Beer cheese on a pulled pork? Interesting to say the least and my doubts could only be broken by trying a signature sandwich on their menu. Your tastebuds will respond appropriately by the confusion of flavors. You'll either like it or you'll push it aside. I cleaned my plate!

Perfect atmosphere on a warmer winter evening with good signature style food and craft beer with another favorite added to my short (err) long list of...

We drive through Ashland twice a year on our way from Ontario to Northern Minnesota to visit family... this is our favourite place to eat and have a few beer while in town. Just discovered the "bar side" as we were early for our reservation. Cool old style bar, great beers on tap! I ordered the Smoked Ribeye served over cheddar bacon pilsner risotto with asparagus. The scent of smoke hits you as soon as the plate arrives, so delicious! The creamy risotto is wonderful, cooked perfectly and the pilsner is a great idea in place of white wine, I will be trying this myself! My wife ordered the Crab Stuffed Shrimp wrapped in Bacon served over saffron rice topped with a wonderful cream sauce with just the right amount of acidity, as well as some micro greens! Amazing!... seafood was cooked to perfection, Everything tasted so good and the plating... gorgeous! Pictures don't really do this meal justice, and of course you can't smell how wonderful it was either! Make this place a stop on your next trip through the area or just head to Ashland for a drive, some great food and some...