Inside: Backstreet Brewery

(Credit: Taya Gray)

Photos:

There's just something about being a beer lover that allows you to enjoy two viewpoints at one time, that of an elitist and a common man.  Unlike other alcoholic selections beer feels so much less pretentious than scotch or wine --not that I don't like either of those.  It's just that regardless of the setting and particular brew, two people at a bar, each sipping a beer, stand on common ground.

The brews:  Decisions, decisions. Sure, it's tough to decide between smooth ale or dark, heavy lager, but it just so happens that Backstreet Brewery offers a six beer sampler. On the night I dropped in, the brews poured for me were: Rita's Red Ale, Heritage Hefeweizen, Chava Lager, Pacific Pale Ale, Cove, and Cream Ale.  I enjoyed the Cream Ale and Pale Ale the best.  These appetizing brews just seemed to have a little more distinction from others with rich and authentic flavors. Of course, the other four were well crafted, and I can assure you that I'll be sampling more in the near future.

The atmosphere: The stained wood bar is surrounded by shiny fermentation tanks and filtration tubes, the true mark of a microbrewery.  High top tables line the west wall and a host of big screen TVs broadcast highlights from the big game.  The Brewery is coupled with a pizzeria, but the name really says it all.  It's a laid-back, beer lover's paradise.  There's really nothing fancy inside, just a slew of tables and more beer than you could ever drink.

Insider tip:  The temptation of having a brewery inside a pizza joint may seem like an irresistible combination, but resist.  There's likely a reason why there aren't more places like this.  Most businesses are best served by sticking with one specialty, and by trying to be two places at once, they may have cut themselves short on both. The beer and food are delicious, but the service isn't great.

Bottom Line:  If you like tasty beer (the kind crafted at a higher standard than the flavorless brews that flow down rubber tubing and funnels at frat parties) then Backstreet Brewery is your place.

Add a comment