Big Tide Brewing Co.

 

 

Decent food, pleasant service, beers good but not exceptional.

 

 

 

This is a small, friendly joint one level below the street. Mostly standard bar food, but there is perogy night...a cool accompaniment to beer. Good quiet music. Comfortable space. They're just growing, so more knowledgeable staff would be welcome. But it's a nice place already, and they're making a few good brews, too. Definitely worth it for the money.

It's 5:20 p.m. On a Thursday night. My wife and I are joined by one other patron. There's a back room but I haven't seen anyone go back there. This is a shame, because the place is friendly and the beer is decent (but limited on the self-brewed stuff).

Saint John is a semi-depressed city. We had to walk many questionable people to get here. The bar is located below street level. The brewery equipment sits behind glass in the back of the room. The floor is dinged up as are the chairs and tables. It doesn't quite make "dive" status.

The service was prompt and the food menu was offered (we didn't partake). Everyone is friendly.

Stopped in from cruise ship for lunch on a Tuesday. We were the only customers, but got immediate attention. Server was helpful with food and knowlegable about beer.

Sampler: I liked the Confederation Cream ale, and the blueberry was very good -- flavorful without being overdone. Benedict Arnold Special Bitter was interesting, not bad but probably a style I'm not very used to. Indian Nut Brown ale is a good choice for a session beer--a lighter, mild taste than usual for a nut brown in my experience. In short, all were worth a stop if I were in the neighborhood again and I'd be interested to try some of their other offerings next time.

I stopped by Big Tide on a Wednesday night for an appetizer and was happy I did so. Big Tide is one of the more interesting spaces I have been to for a microbrewery. Once you take the stairs down, there is a big open room with a bar and few tables. The walls are plaster with paintings. There is a relaxing back room as well. I know my description is not doing it justice, but the vibe was just really nice. A couple of blocks off the main drag, and filled with locals—several of which were there for trivia. I felt very at home here. The waitress was attentive but not overbearing, and knowledgeable. We ordered the poutien which was amazing. Nice twist with sweet potato fries being added in. The beer was slightly above average. I tried the hemp and summer ale. While I could sip on these, I would not rush back to them. They did have two other homemade brews on tap. That said if I am in the area, Big Tide is a good place to start or end a night. A relaxing nice time away, just not one that I will spend the full night at.

Always a great place for an excellent lunch or dinner with an amazing brew.
As Saint John's only brewpub it serves as a mecca for beer lovers looking for atmosphere and an amazing selection of fresh brews; Spanning from local favorites to seasonal specials, there's always something new to try.
Sitting at the bar you're met with a glorious tower of mugs each reserved for members of the steiners club; an annual membership granting each member a level of exclusivity and an extra free 5oz per mug. (awesome deal!).
If you're visiting Saint John make sure to check out Big Tide!