Broadway Pub
540 Avenue Broadway
Shawinigan, Quebec, G9N 1M3
Canada
(819) 537-0044 | map
broadwaypub.net
Recent ratings and reviews.
Reviewed by Goldorak from Canada (QC)
3.8/5 rDev +5.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
3.8/5 rDev +5.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
I find it hard to believe that a small town (somewhere between 30 to 40K people) like Shawi, with only a fledgling tourist industry and a few aging factories can support two brewpubs. And I must say that Trou du diable is one of my favorites in Quebec, so I had my apprehensions about Broadway pub.
The location is split in two, on the left is the actual pub, a very typical sports bar atmosphere, with a few giant screens and a pool table. We sat on the other side, which turned out to be a club. Now I vaguely remember discussing with friends over a few pops that combining a dance hall with a brewpub would be a great idea, since not everyone gets their kicks from spending 3 hours or more sitting at a table, not to mention the significant others or friends who arent into Beer or just feel like dancing, at least if theres a dance floor theyll have something to do while the Beer nuts can geek out. What I really dont understand is that even though the crowd was mainly kids in their late teens, the music was mostly early 90s dance hits. A nostalgia fad, I suppose. It was a bit loud, but we were seated in a little alcove that had really comfortable leather sofas so it wasnt that bad. Another noteworthy piece of furniture is the massive wooden sink in the bathroom. It looked great, but the hot water tap wasnt working
The main bar was in this section and the brewing equipment was right behind it, protected by plate glass windows. I understand that this ambiance isnt for everyone, in fact if they didnt serve any craft Beer I wouldnt patronize this establishment myself, being 30, in a relationship and not inclined to get down with my funky self, but I must admit its an interesting change of pace from the same old brewpub scene. Even though I love Johnny Cash, if I hear some again at another brewpub Im going to scream. No chance of that happening here, so Im giving this place originality points.
Turns out my friend who invited us for the night knew the brewmaster, so I got to chat with him for a while. He learned the ropes at Unibroue and at Brasseurs RJ, and did some extensive traveling before landing this gig in his hometown. His setup was clean and well laid out, you could tell that he puts a lot of pride in his products. It pays off, because every Beer I sampled were good, similar quality-wise to his neighbor from a few streets down. Both brewpubs had a tripel on tap, on a head-to-head I liked Broadways better, a little more attenuated and more drinkable IMHO. His interpretation of Trois Pistoles was really nice too, I ended up having seconds of that one. Other styles offered included an Alt, a Bock, a Weizen and a Helles. If memory serves they had 8 taps. They just ran out of their X-mas Beer unfortunately. I find it cool that the owner seems to have given him carte blanche to brew whatever he likes. The Beers were explained on a menu card with a few tasting notes, but didnt have the complete lineup. The list of Beers currently available was on a blackboard over the bar.
All Beers were served in pint glasses, even the strong Belgians, which may not be optimal but you sure get your moneys worth. They were a little cold but its no big deal for me, I drink slowly anyway. Prices were reasonable, for a club at least. They had a good selection of cocktails if youre so inclined, but those were more expensive, but apparently quite good, judging by the flushed faces of my lady friends.
My expectations were low for this place, so Im glad to have been pleasantly surprised. Next time Im in town, Ill probably stop here first before the music gets too loud and the crowd too large, then head over to the Trou to finish the evening off in a more relaxed setting. I guess they can pull off having two brewpubs in the same town, since the atmosphere from one place to another is completely different and do not attract the same clientele.
Feb 27, 2007The location is split in two, on the left is the actual pub, a very typical sports bar atmosphere, with a few giant screens and a pool table. We sat on the other side, which turned out to be a club. Now I vaguely remember discussing with friends over a few pops that combining a dance hall with a brewpub would be a great idea, since not everyone gets their kicks from spending 3 hours or more sitting at a table, not to mention the significant others or friends who arent into Beer or just feel like dancing, at least if theres a dance floor theyll have something to do while the Beer nuts can geek out. What I really dont understand is that even though the crowd was mainly kids in their late teens, the music was mostly early 90s dance hits. A nostalgia fad, I suppose. It was a bit loud, but we were seated in a little alcove that had really comfortable leather sofas so it wasnt that bad. Another noteworthy piece of furniture is the massive wooden sink in the bathroom. It looked great, but the hot water tap wasnt working
The main bar was in this section and the brewing equipment was right behind it, protected by plate glass windows. I understand that this ambiance isnt for everyone, in fact if they didnt serve any craft Beer I wouldnt patronize this establishment myself, being 30, in a relationship and not inclined to get down with my funky self, but I must admit its an interesting change of pace from the same old brewpub scene. Even though I love Johnny Cash, if I hear some again at another brewpub Im going to scream. No chance of that happening here, so Im giving this place originality points.
Turns out my friend who invited us for the night knew the brewmaster, so I got to chat with him for a while. He learned the ropes at Unibroue and at Brasseurs RJ, and did some extensive traveling before landing this gig in his hometown. His setup was clean and well laid out, you could tell that he puts a lot of pride in his products. It pays off, because every Beer I sampled were good, similar quality-wise to his neighbor from a few streets down. Both brewpubs had a tripel on tap, on a head-to-head I liked Broadways better, a little more attenuated and more drinkable IMHO. His interpretation of Trois Pistoles was really nice too, I ended up having seconds of that one. Other styles offered included an Alt, a Bock, a Weizen and a Helles. If memory serves they had 8 taps. They just ran out of their X-mas Beer unfortunately. I find it cool that the owner seems to have given him carte blanche to brew whatever he likes. The Beers were explained on a menu card with a few tasting notes, but didnt have the complete lineup. The list of Beers currently available was on a blackboard over the bar.
All Beers were served in pint glasses, even the strong Belgians, which may not be optimal but you sure get your moneys worth. They were a little cold but its no big deal for me, I drink slowly anyway. Prices were reasonable, for a club at least. They had a good selection of cocktails if youre so inclined, but those were more expensive, but apparently quite good, judging by the flushed faces of my lady friends.
My expectations were low for this place, so Im glad to have been pleasantly surprised. Next time Im in town, Ill probably stop here first before the music gets too loud and the crowd too large, then head over to the Trou to finish the evening off in a more relaxed setting. I guess they can pull off having two brewpubs in the same town, since the atmosphere from one place to another is completely different and do not attract the same clientele.
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