Old Planters Brewing Co. — Restaurant in Beverly

I went to this location on a Thursday mid October during pandemic. Overall the location looks pretty awesome, sleek interior with a role up garage door to let in the air and views. Although during the pandemic the inside was closed and we were relegated to a tent outside (understandable). When I arrived there were only 2 other couples. I asked an employee how the situation worked, and they told me to sit down and order a beer through the app and it would be brought out. I THINK they said all beer orders needed food as well (masks make being heard hard sometimes) and there was a food menu so I planned on getting some loaded fries. The menu looked pretty varied and solid for food. This is where I started having a little trouble. The tables each have their own QR code or site link where you order and pay. The site link wouldnt activate so I had to get the QR reader. The menu only had 5-6 beers, tap water and a hat. So I order my beer which comes to my table in 30-60 seconds. Surprisingly fast. Not sure why I couldnt just order a beer from someone in person while I wore a mask, the ordering process was too long. Possibly to try to stay with only e transactions? So I tried the food menu after which wouldnt even load, so who knows what was going on there. So I drank my beer in the very quiet tent. Could use music or something. With no employee interaction and a low customer count it just felt uninviting. To the beer: I had the Rhino Tears , what was billed as "A juicy and sessionable New England IPA with a soft mouthfeel. Aromatic of lemon, stone fruit, tangerine and peach." I didn't get much of that, while it wasn't offensive like many NEIPAs out there the flavor was actually a bit thin, watery. It did also have a bit of that hop burn from the hop particulate. I only had the one beer. With the atmosphere and beer it didn't cause me to desire a second at the time. TLDR: I'm giving it a 3 because I think it could have potential when back to normal and the beer I had wasn't great but wasn't horrible. I think their pandemic operational model needs a little tweak (I know any business right now has a challenge). I would like to give other beers a try and see if at another time that can...

I went here last Friday night to see a band that I like. Luckily, I read a review before I went that it was loud, so I brought my earplugs, which I needed. The music was way too loud, and I don’t know if that was the establishments’ fault, the bands, or maybe a combination of the two. But I used to manage clubs and bars, when I did, I was in charge of the volume of the music because it was my bar, I paid for the band, and I had an atmosphere I was looking for. I had hoped that Old Planters Brewing Co. would be a cool bar where I could see good music, but the music was so loud that I really couldn’t talk to my friends, or new friends, so the volume turned the place into a concert hall instead of a cool bar with good music. I won’t be going back...

Old Planters will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been going for years to see my husband play in multiple bands and to simply grab a beer with family or friends. The staff are always so sweet, the service is quick and efficient, and the beer is absolutely delicious. There’s never been a visit when I did not feel welcome. I also really respect and appreciate the fact that they’re so family friendly. I don’t have any kiddos right now, but I look forward to bringing my family to see my husband play music someday.

Thank you OP for being a safe sanctuary for all walks of life to enjoy💓...