| 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... Boonton and Jefferson, NJ ------- Sharky's West 108 Boonton Ave Boonton, NJ 07005 When I walked into Sharky’s just a few yards off the main street of Boonton, I was more than a bit worried since I saw signs touting $1.50 drafts and $2.50 “select imports”. I like a bargain as much as the next guy but those prices usually mean bad beer from top to bottom. I was to be surprised however. It's a neighborhood bar with a nicely appointed interior with many TV’s all showing sports. There's a friendly looking bar behind which is a blackboard listed 25 or so taps with a decent selection of the usual suspects of craft beer. I ordered their three best beers (in my opinion) - Ruckus Hoptimus Prime, Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut Down, and Keegan Ales Mother's Milk . There were a few more good offerings but nothing truly special for the serious beer geek. My bartender was competent and friendly. She also gladly offered samples to taste and poured enough liquid for a fair evaluation something not done often enough at beer bars. The menu looked good; I opted for two snacks (pretzels and poppers) both of which were well above average. Prices were fair with the most expensive pint being $6.50. And it’s kid friendly as I noticed some video games and a photo booth. All in all, you will feel comfortable here and be able to enjoy some solid craft brews. In my book you can't go wrong with a visit to Sharky's. Now if only they would have a few great beers. Oh well. I rate Sharky's West 4 out of 5 engines ……………… Taphouse 15 75 State Route 15 S Jefferson, NJ 07885 (862) 437-1300 Some might remember this place as the New Orleans Steak House, well, it's now totally redone into a quite attractive sports bar/ gastro-pub. The decor is eye catching with a wonderful mix of seating options from quieter areas, spots to watch a sports game on TV, and of course a bar area. Ouch - speaking of which all the bar stools are just that - seats without a back of any sort. Note to management - even a cushioned bleacher set is uncomfortable. Anyway, onto the beer. They have 24 taps; all craft and all good with a general price of around $7. I went with a Founders Mango Magnifico followed by a Captain Lawrence Palate Shifter Imperial IPA. I finished with a bottle that was slightly out of date which reminded me to always check before having the bartender open it. I didn't eat but the menu had some interesting items but seemed priced on the high side. Overall this is a beautiful place with a very good beer list that will impress most except the beer hunter looking for a special gem. Based on beer and decor this place would get 4 1/2 engines however I'm deducting a 1/2 engine for the sore back I had because of the bar stools and the outdated bottle. I rate Taphouse 15 four engines ============== 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 Hannemanna |
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 |
