Big Ugly Brewing — Restaurant in Chesapeake

I had the opportunity to try this Chesapeake Brewery thanks to tHRive and the Chesapeake Alliance's Happy Hour event. I normally don't go to breweries or happy hour after work because I am not a social person (at least that's what I keep telling myself) so I was glad to try this out. I'm not much of a beer person either, and I didn't think I would be able to enjoy any of the drinks... BUT! One of the bartenders helped me out so much. I told her that I am not a beer drinker whatsoever, told her that I've only really liked Redd's Apple Ale and this German beer that tastes like "Christmas" since I don't remember the name. Somehow she was able to take my nonsense and turn it into a very good selection for me. I had the Bim's Magic Berlinerbus with a hint of raspberry added to it, and it was absolutely amazing. If you're not a beer drinker like me, and you like something with just a hint of tartness, that's what you need to ask for. I know what I'm ordering the next time around, and hopefully I'll get to stay long enough to finish it! It may take me an hour or so, but hey. Amateur beer drinker here! I'd go back when I'm not on a time limit to be somewhere else. There's also this old school van where some kids where playing and they allowed DOGS! Dogs were a huge plus, not going to lie. Anywhere that's pet friendly automatically gets major bonus points. Only recommendation is to make sure you get there on time, or you'll run out of parking. Or be safe and just take an uber. No drinking and driving!...

My wife and I went to the new location Sunday, It's been quite a while since we've been to Big Ugly. The new brewery is very nice, when we walked in there weren't any seats inside and the bar was full. I was pleasantly surprised by and employee asking if they could help me. In the past I would have to wait awhile to be helped. Usually other people would walk up after me and because they were friends they would help them first. Which is why I quit going. After having two beers I was thinking maybe things had changed, but no when I took our two glasses up to the bar where they were serving walk up's one of the owners was there she was serving an older couple and having a conversation with them. I waited patiently and after a couple of minuets I sat the empties on the counter and she continued to talk, then another guy walked up to the right and crossed his arms and she jokingly said don't cross your arms at me, then asked him if he wanted another IPA. I decided to close my tab and go somewhere else. The owner obviously doesn't care if customers she doesn't know spend their money in their place. Also I know which owner it was I used to buy 1/6 kegs from them and know who all of the owners are. I gave them three stars because the two employees who did serve me were very nice. So unless you know someone there you might want to go to another brewery like Smartmouth where I've always had...

Large location with good drinks (even non-alcoholic house-made root beer if you’re the DD) and often have food trucks on site. Indoor and outdoor seating, with old car fronts, picnic tables, fire pits when it’s cold and a tented area when it’s sunny. Well-behaved dogs welcome (and often sighted!) outside. Apparently sensitive plumbing but a good sense of humor (if you couldn’t tell by the name).

I do wish they would reopen the upstairs loft since my friends and I liked to sit in the old VW bus.

Also, the ordering line can be a little confusing; where it starts/ends, and where to wait for your order. It’s setup better for enjoying your drink(s) than for the initial ordering, but the staff is attentive and I have had multiple people ask me if I have been helped even as one of their coworkers is already pouring for me, so they are ready and waiting to serve, and they do so quickly.

They do have the option as well to open a tab, so that cuts down on the process if you return for more beverages.

Fairly kid friendly- they don’t have a playground or anything, but there is a grassy area to either side. It is on a busy road though, so watch the little ones and the dogs since cars whiz...