We visited this new brewery the other day. Positives: They have a wide selection of food that is surprisingly good. I definitely was not expecting that from a brewery/Bar. And the prices were very reasonable. And for those that do not drink or just want a soda with their food, they have a Coke Fountain with free refills available for $2.50. This is a MAJOR highlight for my wife who does not drink.
I ordered 3 of their beers Double IPA Hazy IPA Imperial Stout. I tried all of the rest that they had through sips from my friends glasses. (Rona be darned) They were all three absolutely amazing! I won't rate the beers individually here but they were all extremely good. And I'm picky about my beers.
Negatives: I called an hour before arriving and asked if they had beer flights. I was told yes they did. But when I arrived an hour later the bar tender and hostess could not get their stories straight about why they were NOT serving beer flights. Some of the reasons I received were: because they stop serving flights after 1pm because of the crowds. Which is bogus because there was all of 20 people there while we were there. Or because it was a last minute decision for the day but they usually offer them just not today.
One of The gentleman serving at the bar was unnecessarily rude when I asked about a beer on the menu that was not available on this particular evening. He told me it was currently in the tank then walked away before I could order an alternative drink. And I had to call him back to order a beer. I assume he was the owner or brew master and not typically a server because he acts like all the owner/brew masters I've ever met. Sad but true. He makes awesome beer but not good with the customers.
But knowing this going in to a 2nd visit I'll make sure I order from one of the other, more polite, bar tenders. Because other than these 2 negatives it was a very nice place... hence the 4...
Read morePicture this. 50+ people are coming from all over the US to attend their 30th high school reunion at Southernside Brewing Co. 30 MINUTES prior to the event, we show up to set up and are met with a piece of paper taped to their "welcome" sign outside the front door. The sign was less than welcoming....it was notifying customers that they were closed on a fall Saturday for a private event. This was surprising to us because when we previously called to make a reservation for OUR private event, we were informed that a reservation wasn't necessary. We were told they had plenty of room and to just show up prior to our event to pick out the area where we wanted to be. We clarified several times that this was indeed the situation, and the employee assisting even confirmed with his manager that this was their "policy." As if the last minute notification that they were closed wasn't frustrating enough, when we shared with the employee at the door that we had a high school reunion there for 50+ people and that we had previously called to schedule this, the employee could not have cared less. Since this all transpired right before the event was to begin, we weren't able to spread the word to all of our guests, so when people arrived at Southernside, they were rudely informed that there was no reunion there that evening, and made no offer to help direct them anywhere else. Fortunately, we were able to relocate to a very accommodating facility right across the river, and the reunion ended up being more successful thanks to the impeccable service we...
Read moreI've been here with a large group several times. Therw are multiple options for seating any number within a party, big or small. We have never had a problem seating ourselves comfortably. They have picnic tables with umbrellas, seating under the awning, and inside seating. You can play corn hole, billiards, or Jenga.
One of the best things about their location is that there is plenty of parking. They are right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail, so it's a perfect spot to start and end a bike ride with friends. I have akways Fe safe leaving my vehicle there while I ride away and then back to have a beer, food and a chat with my group. Also, I have never chained up my bike while enjoying time here and my bike has always been there when I returned. There are a couple bike racks for those who need them. It's an easy walk to Unity Park from here or a quick stroll over to The Commons if needed.
I have ordered the Belgian beers, their chicken fingers, which come with fries, and a Bloody Mary. I've also tasted their Club Sandwich. All have been great and reasonably priced. Service is friendly and I have never had to wait too long to receive my order.
I have been very satisfied with each visit, had never had a bad experience here. Others in my group all have had the same positive things to...
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