RT Rogers Brewing, Co. — Restaurant in Sierra Madre

I'm not that knowledgable about beer, tend to like Stella and Heineken, so I'm not beer-educated enough to make comments on that end. I can't discern different hops or grains, but I love the beer here. However, what makes this brewery something special is the family that runs it and the brewer. A true passion for what you do always shows and makes this brewery a real gem. The decor shows a real eye for ambiance, I want to curl up in a corner with a book and a glass of beer and spend the whole day here. Also this is the kind of place where children can feel comfortable-even welcome, so I can bring my kiddoes to learn about the art of making beer. I love the idea of them knowing how there can be real craftsmanship in production of their food and drink. Even if they don't get that, at least they can look at the shiny fermenter. A terrific family outing, and nice for mom and dad to have a glass together too! What a welcome addition...

I've been a loyal visitor to RT whenever I'm in town in Sierra Madre, and it's always been a go-to spot for me. The bartenders are fantastic, and the atmosphere—especially the outdoor patio—has an amazing vibe. I used to rave about their beer selection to everyone, particularly their key lime beer, which was my absolute favorite. However, my recent visits have been disappointing.

Recently, when I stopped in with my girlfriend, we decided to try a sampler of all the beers. Unfortunately, we couldn't even finish it. Something was definitely off. It felt like either the lines haven't been cleaned, or they've changed the recipe. The beer had the same taste you’d expect from someone who’s just started brewing in their garage—watery and flat.

I know RT is a cherished neighborhood bar, and I imagine the locals might be hesitant to voice concerns. But I'm willing to step up and say it—something...

A nice little local brewery. It's more of a tasting room than a brewpub. They serve beer and house-made soft drinks, but their food is limited to packaged snacks. They do allow outside food, though, and there's usually either a food truck or at least a food cart in the parking lot. The beers are all brewed in-house, and they clearly represent what the owner feels like making. It's more like hanging out with your friend the dedicated home brewer than a homogenized place that's hoping to be bought out by one of the multinational brewers. The beers may not all be to everyone's taste, but they all reflect an individual's passion for the craft of brewing rather than a marketing...