| 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 and beyond 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 more! |
| Take The Rails to The Ales to... Montville, Rockaway, and Jersey City ------- Poor Henry's 8 Main Road Montville, NJ (973) 335-1155 Poor Henry's is just about on the Montville/Boonton border. It's a stand alone building with an unimpressive exterior and an interior that is, to be kind, a throwback in design. It has a local, down home vibe which back in the day would qualify this as the town "gin mill". And no, that's not bad It's a bit dark inside with a few TVs seemingly in awkward places if you're there to watch a game at the bar. But why would you go to watch a game when their beer is so good? When is the last time you've had Fegley's Insidious Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout and gone back a week later to enjoy it's replacement DuClaw Bourbon Barrel Aged Serum? Other beers I enjoyed there were Verhaeghe Duchesse De Bourgogne and a Maine Beer Weez. Guess I've got your attention now. To Poor Henry's credit many of their beers are served in 20oz. pours. In an era when some bars outrageously serve even common craft offerings in 10 or 12 oz. glasses at pint prices, Poor Henry's is what fair pricing is all about. My traveling buddy for the outing was so impressed with this place he returned twice in the next week. And for the record, I went back twice in the next 10 days. I'd say that's putting my money where this review is! At this point I don't know if they turn the beers over quickly but that's just another reason to return. The bartender was knowledgeable and the service prompt and professional. I can't review the food because no one in my group ate, we were enjoying the beers too much. Poor Henry's could use a touch of remodeling which almost cost it 1/4 of an engine but this is a beer review and on that alone it's outstanding; it's a great place for any craft beer lover! (Special thanks to reader John Reid for alerting me about this find). I rate Poor Henry's 5 out of 5 engines!! ……………… Rockaway River Barn 11 Green Pond Rd, Rockaway, NJ 973-453-900 Open less than two years the attractive building is new with a welcoming open design. The bar is large and the beers are plentiful but it's a place that seems to regard Blue Moon types as the height of craft sophistication. Too bad since there are no true great beer places in the area. It reminds me of a nice chain bar with Sam Adams leading the way. Given the circumstances I wasn't surprised to get beer served in chilled glasses by a bartender who knew little about beers not called Bud or Coors. Still, the place had a nice feel to it and might be fine for a cocktail or glass of wine. I had a veggie burger for lunch; it was okay, nothing more, nothing less. My designated driver who turned out not to really be need had a pizza which was quite good. It's a casual family dining place first but maybe management will see that adding good craft beer will bring in even more people (they're popular as is.) I give the Black River Barn 1 & 3/4 out of 5 engines. ------------------------------------- Zeppelin Hall Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 721-8888 A large, nicely appointed outdoor biergarten sits in the rear of an equally large building. With such a great name you might think they'd be on the cutting edge of German imports but sadly that is not the case. On my visit they had three large working bars featuring several of the same beers (yes, the place is that big.) Unfortunately a number of their 40 plus taps are wasted with the likes of Michelob Ultra, Blue Moon, Shock Top, and Sam Adams Cherry Wheat (sorry Sam fans, it's not good.) The majority of the craft offering are standard stuff easily available at most good beer bars. If the weather is nice it's fun sitting outdoors in the biergarten but if you're only looking for beer in Jersey City head over to Barcade or Pints or Skinner's Loft for more serious craft fare. By the way, can get your Ultra in a liter glass here. Guess what age crowd they want? I rate the Zeppelin Hall 2 & 1/2 engines out of 5. ---------------------------------------------- ============== Hope you get a chance to stop in at my new location The Northside Lounge 100 Brooks Blvd, Manville, NJ 08835 (908) 722-7712 A great menu and some of the finest craft beer anywhere! Stop in if you are in the area and look for me in the kitchen or behind the taps and please 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 |
