Brewport Brewing Co — Restaurant in Bridgeport

Posting for a friend!! After watching the Hartford Braillers play a hockey game at the arena we went to Brewport. Approximately eight of us met for dinner after the game. Only two of us are Blind, and had our service dogs with us. Unfortunately, we were met at the front door with hearing, “ we have a problem here “, from a staff member, who apparently notified management. A few moments later owner Jeff Browning came to ask us,” Do you have papers for those dogs ?”. During that exchange, Jeff actually told one of the people with us that, “ she doesn’t look blind, “, referring to Honorata. I think he realized I was blind, while attempting to hand him my business card. I told him to look at my card before he said anything more. But then, it still got worse, as he told us,” that they probably are real service dogs because I waved my hand in front of their faces, and they did not react “! then, the kicker, he tells me, “ I know that I can only ask two questions, like is it a service dog and what does it do…”! I politely told him that he should have led with those questions. He started on about people bringing their pets into the restaurant, and we agree that this is indeed a problem, but he cannot discriminate and make up his own rules with respect to service animals. which would not only violate the law, but be discriminatory. I wanted to just leave, not give him my business, but we were with a group, and Honorata always says that we should go in in order to lay the groundwork for people who come behind us who may face this discrimination. it is a bitter pill to swallow while only exercising our rights as disabled individuals, fighting to show that we belong is a daily struggle. during our Uber ride back home, I looked at their website. It states, paraphrasing,” that animals are not allowed because of health department rules “. Well, this is technically true, it does not apply to service animals. Comfort dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals do not meet the legal definition of a service animal, and therefore could be kept out of such an establishment. therefore not protected by law. A service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse, which has been trained to mitigate a disability for an individual. Our guide dogs clearly fit this description as they are trained for orientation and mobility because we are blind. A service dog handler need not present papers, nor should they be asked for because they’re exists no requirement under the law nor supplied under the law a license, registration, or a certificate affirming a service animal. This would, however, be helpful in my opinion, because people are purchasing vests, harnesses, laches, and even photo identification cards online saying that they have a service animal. Many states have laws against impersonating, a service animal, but we are fighting that the local municipalities do not know this and therefore seldom enforce it. With that said, on the website for this business, when they declare animals are not permitted, they should in fact have a statement which exempts legitimate service animals. Not every service animal handler is well-versed in the federal and local laws surrounding service animals. By the way, our waitress was shocked to learn that there were two German Shepherds under the table! She had no clue until she saw us leaving! We recognize the difficulties businesses face dealing with fake service animals. This fact, however, should never result in discriminating, insulting, humiliating, embarrassing, or causing anxiety for those with disabilities! Frankly, it was the worst experience I’ve ever encountered since receiving Chloe in 2017. This owner needs to hear from the blind and disabled community that this behavior will not be tolerated. Please note, that upon leaving, we spent some time with the owner, not only reiterating what the requirements are under the law, but offering free training for the staff. We also let them know how horrific the experience was for us, and that the situation never...

**2024 update at bottom

Went here with a friend when they first opened (that first year). We see each other not so often and usually pick a place in between Bridgeport and the bronx. I convinced her to drive further though so we could try it out. Inside the decor was very laid back with picnic bench style seating. Menu was simple, beer and pizza. We're tried a mash potato pizza and a half veggie/half meat pizza and a Cesar salad. We ordered the sampler of beers,I recall. I remember loving the beers! I remember not being crazy about the pizza. It just was nothing special. Also they ran out of romain lettuce for our Cesar salad, so subbed it with spring lettuce. Not very good. Spring lettuce and caesar dressing don't go together. Lol... all in all, I was sorry I had suggested the place. But again, their beer game is on point! But I can't go there just to drink (maybe if they had sports TV, which they didn't to keep it a family eatery atmosphere, and not a sports bar place...I get it) I might have to try them again. This time with the kids. I always like to give local places 2 tries!

Note to owner who responded: As i stated in my review, my visit was within the year you opened. I'm not talking about a recent visit with all the covid shortages. That being said, I wasn't upset about the lack of lettuce, I was just mentioning it as it was part of MY experience there, and thus part of my review. In case anyone else decided to sub out one lettuce for another, I give warning that they should not. I'm sure you are doing your best - lot's of local eateries are suffering after a year of covid so that you are still up and running - kudos to you Brewport! That means I will have my opportunity to try you again. And i look forward to it.

2024 update: finally went back. They changed a lot. For instance when I went the first time, there were picnic tables that you sat family style. So to your left or right would be, well basically, strangers. Now there are small tables and booths for 4. There's a big bar in the middle of the room with ample room for about 28 I think I counted. We ordered a small veggie and a small meat. And a family size caesar salad. I also got a double iPa. The beer, still is top notch. I'm writing this as I'm sitting at the table and I'm contemplating buying a 6 pack to go. I also need to find out if I can purchase the beer glasses. The salad.. well it was better than the makeshift one we had years ago when they ran out of romain, but the dressing was bland. Needed some sodium! That seemed to be the running theme bc the pizza needed some salt too... not a lot of cheese, not a lot of sauce... it was okay, but cheese and sauce add the pop and it wasn't there. My nephew liked his meat.. probably had more flavor. I think a little s&p on the veggies would have done the trick. That being said, would i come back? Yes, but I'd ask for extra sauce or something...I don't know. I'm just leaving disappointed again. I live a block away, so I really wanted an overall positive experience. Everybody's taste buds are different. So I'm not and will never say the pizza was bad, just not for me.

Also, keep in mind if you go on a Sunday, you gotta order beer to go BEFORE 6PM. so order it when you order your meal if it's...

Poor Customer Service:

Ordered pick up and received wrong pie. Pizza is supposed to have sauce on it, or I should at least be asked over the phone red or white.

I exressesd that I was in a rush to bring pizza to family at the hospital with limited time for visiting hours and was already running late.

When I brought the pizza to the hostess I knowingly asked if my pizza was more expensive than a red pie and was told they are the same, when I asked to see the menu I was told there is actually a $2 difference. (Not about the money, more principle)

I first requested a free 4 pack of beer to call it a day. I felt it was fair for the inconvenience, and cheaper then having them refund the pizza. She said she could not do that so I asked for the $2 back as I didn't have time to waste and she said she needed to get the manager and would get me sauce to go for the pizza missing it. (very nice of her)

She returned with the manager and a cup of ice cold sauce. After seeing that I had the wrong pie the manager was insistent on making me a new pie (again nice of him) but did listen to the fact I was already late and did not have time to wait 5-10 minutes for his teams mistake.

So again I requested the same free 4 pack and to disregard the $2. The manager laughed like it was an obscene request and proceeded by stating we don't have four packs. So I said ill take a six pack then, to which he again refused. (8 oz difference to most pint 4 packs... barely a difference)

I asked for the $2 "out of principle" which he smirked and remarked its only two dollars when he pulled it out of the register. I took my unwanted pizza in a rush to feed everyone waiting on me.

Moral of the story was displeased with service and hope you will make this right. I also would like to note that not one employee apologiesed for the inconvenience.

Solid New Haven style Pizza. Easy to get to and fun atmosphere with great beer. Trivia and other events are worthwhile. Only downside is custom pies can get expensive.

Overall review: 3.2 Pizza: 4 Atmosphere: 5 Price: 2 Beer: 4 Service 1 (room for improvement)

Also pretty sure that is not Illegal... If it is, could have credited the pizza in full or just for the amount to the six pack which is cheaper. (That's why I offered it). Spending $50 on unwanted pizza...