| Baker Street Brewery's founder and head brewer Art Hannemann takes you on a journey to find the ales. Catch the train for Arty's ride to the New Jersey suburbs in search of, what else, great beer! It's going to be a fun trip as Arty reviews and rates a new stop each month as he takes the rails to the ales.....and beyond! |
| Take The Rails to The Ales to... Here we go off the tracks again. Get a designated driver and go for it! ------- High Street Grill 64 High Street Mount Holly, New Jersey (609) 265-9199 Warm dark woods highlight the attractive decor featuring exposed brick on the wall with large TVs at each end of the bar. There are nicely spaced high tops in the bar area and a quieter dining area towards the back. The atmosphere says "upscale" but there remains a welcoming vibe. The bartenders seemed knowledgeable about some but not all of the offerings which included several brews from local brewery Carton, Lagunitas IPA, and Founders Red Rye PA. The entire list was solid but nothing that isn't available in most craft beer bars. To their credit High Street Grill does have a hand pump which is sadly uncommon in most parts of the state. Beer was fresh, glassware was clean and appropriate to the beer style being served. I didn't eat there but in checking the menu noticed that it seemed a bit pricey perhaps indicating they are a restaurant first and craft ale locations second. Still they do not short change the beer drinking experience. Not a true destination stop but no real shortcomings. I rate them 3 out of 5 engines. ……………… Verona Inn 183 Riverside Avenue Red Bank, New Jersey (732) 842-5990 This is not the Verona Inn that boasts of being in business for 65 years. This is a new building about a mile from the original location. The decor however is light years removed from that spot. Modern and very attractive the inviting bar stretches across one wall with high top tables facing it. In the back there is a small but inviting outdoor patio, and a separate dining area with booths and tables on the far side. There are nearly 30 taps with 5 being wasted with the likes of Bud Light and its equals. Still, a solid list remains highlighted on my visit by Leffe Brune, Anderson Valley IPA, and Bellhaven Scottish Ale on nitro. The bartender was polite, polished, and friendly with a decent understanding of the beers. Large TVs face the bar giving every seat a perfect view of the variety of games they were showing. Food menu prices are moderate to high with standard burger in the $9 range (no fries included). Overall another bar with standard craft offerings but in a fun, modern setting. I rate them three engines with a bonus 1/2 for the bartender not only explaining but offering samples of beers we had questions about. Good initiative is not seen often enough in today's pubs. I give them a total of 3 and 1/2 engines ------------------------------------- Pig & Prince 1 Lackawanna Plaza Montclair, New Jersey (973) 233-1006 Located in a beautifully redone train station featuring exposed brick walls, arches, and even a few actual station artifacts this place has an upscale vibe and prices to match. Service at the bar was a bit brusque with the bartender bordering on being condescending since I was only having beer and not one of their expensive wines/cocktails. Still, the place brings an elegant note to drinking quality beers from their six taps along with a solid bottle list. I had an Allagash Black, Fort Collins Red, and a Brooklyn There Will Be Black each priced at $7 for what looked like a less than pint glass. To their credit there is no Bud/Coors/Miller on tap. Didn't eat there but the menu had items (and prices) you'd expect at an semi-upscale restaurant catering to a Manhattan style crowd. I rate them three engines. ---------------------------------------------- ============== Hope you get a chance to stop in at my new restaurant in the Bradley Gardens section of Bridgewater NJ. Bring your own great beer and enjoy my great food! Neil's All American Grill, 85 Old York Road Bridgewater NJ. 908-300-8658. Chicken Specialties, Sloppy Joes, Subs, Falafels, Burgers Cheesesteaks, Salads, Vegetarian Menu, Italian Specialties and All kinds of crazy stuff. BYOB ! Stop in if you are in the area and mention you read my column! =================================== *********************************** Here's some good info on planning your own Rails To Ales trip. First step go to www.njtransit.com web site. Then click on train schedules. Next click on "use our map to plan your trip." Now select your train station on the map. And next select your destination on the map. A new page appears and you want to select weekday, holiday or weekend accordingly. A new page appears with your schedule of departing times and length of travel time. Print this up and then go to the bottom of the schedule and it will say click here for return schedule--click away. Now print this page up as well and you have all the info you need to plan your trip. Remember to allow walking and drinking time. And of course if you go off the rails like I often do but sure to have a designated driver! Gotta catch my train back-- see you at my next stop! Remember to leave the car at home and......Take The Rails To The Ales !!!! Arty Hannemann |
Rails to Ales........and beyond ////////////////////////////////
by Arty Hannemann
by Arty Hannemann
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| Arty's Ratings Five engines= the very best Four engines= excellent Three engines=good Two engines= fair One engine= bad news Zero engines=stay away |
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For the complete listing of all Rails to Ales click HERE |
