High Steel Beer Co. — Restaurant in Shelton

OK, I hate writing negative reviews - especially because High Steel is a small brewery in a small town and without question the owners work hard to make this go.

HOWEVER, I am compelled to make people aware who are making not only purchasing decisions but simply making the effort to stop their travel, pulling off the busy highway as they are traveling to other points...and to counter-balance the 5 star reviews so people can make decisions.

I stopped in yesterday 09/01/24 while traveling to Gig Harbor - the only reason is because of the high Google rating - so my expectations were fairly high.

First the positive - the staff was great - and the set-up was great as well - I liked the digs - super roomy and also comfortable. Therefore, I gave the extra star. Also, the fish and chips was quite good - and I would likely expect the other food as well - based on my limited tasting (this was for my wife...). However, I came for the beer.

I ordered a flight, including both IPAs, the Cherry "Sour" and the BBA Imp Stout.

Actually, the Cherry "sour" while not especially sour but it was refreshing (as the bartender said...). The BBA Stout was interesting - definitely a BBA imperial albeit with a certain taste characteristic that is not my favorite in this category (not sure if it is due to the yeast). I use Breakside, Fort George, Urban Family , Ex Novo and Goose Island products as my reference points. Oddly enough I had written a 3 star review about a taste of this I had a year or so ago at Hops and Hounds.

What was super disappointing were the IPAs - very malty, very unbalanced. I did not finish them.

So if you are there for the IPAs - temper your expectations.

To put in focus - I use Georgetown's Bodi and Fort George's Vortex - as well to Russian River Pliny the Elder as my points of reference. And I was just at Stoup in Bothell where the 5 of of the massive portfolio were all good/very good - and, gasp, maybe one or two were excellent.

OK, there you have it. Maybe these IPAs will suit you - but if you are looking for a clean, crisp, hoppy IPA with...

UPDATED: We stopped going here after they changed the menu. No more fish and chips and they did something to the hamburger that gave it a weird texture (Maybe the sauce??). Regardless, no fish and chips was the deal breaker for us because they were so good. We saw that they were helping the fire fighters working the Bear Gulch fire, which is why I only took off one star. The rest of the review is still good, and we wish them well.

We've been here twice and both visits were really great. Excellent selection of beer and ciders, especially the blackberry blend cider. Really juicy hamburger and, fish and chips. Try the Bahn Meat sandwich - so tangy and not something you can find anywhere else. Although we don't have any kids, this is definitely family friendly with a small indoor toy corner. Both times we were there, there were several families with small kids, and they were well behaved, and having fun, too. There's also a separate bar area with no kids allowed, if that's what you want. Appears to have a lot of space for...

This place is a true gem, found it a few months ago while I was in Shelton doing business, this place is definitely worth checking out! Especially if you’re in the mood for a great one of a kind burger, you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! The portions are great sized, fresh, quick and service has always been one of a kind, they make you feel right at home! Kid friendly, they have a good selection of sodas, and the beer selection is fantastic, something there to drink for everyone. I recommend the Arcadia Amber or the Beastman Porter if you’re into the darker beers. The food is amazing I’ve only had the bridge burger and the blue cheese burger and hands down is the best burger I’ve ever tasted. I highly recommend you make the stop in here and check it out especially for a great burger and a cold beer that tastes really good.

To the staff at High Steel…..whatever you’re doing keep it up, the food, the service and beers are fantastic and the hospitality is one of a kind, keep it up, we will be continuing...