Sophisticated Otter Restaurant & Brewing Co.

I first visited the Otter two years ago, before I was a BA. It was a much better place then. Upon my return visit in mid October 2004, the Otter was no longer a brewpub at all, but just a fairly average (at best) beer bar. The now mothballed brewkettles still sit to the right as you enter the main hall, which looks a lot like a western train station, big enough for maybe 75 people. High ceilings, lots of glass, and a square bar set about 2/3 of the way back in the room. The furniture is reddish wood. There's a nice outdoor seating area, and a second room with live music in the back. A fight broke out while we were there - between a man and a woman. The staff did little to contain the fisticuffs. My wife (used to some pretty rough Moscow locales) was not at all comfortable.

The last of their own beers were served up in early October. Now the selection is fairly poor, with only four craft taps (and that only if Sierra Nevada and Sam Adams qualify). They currently have two North Carolina brews on tap (but the waiter thought one of them was actually from Ireland), and promise more local products in the future. The brews we had (the four craft products) came out with very little head and slightly too cold.

I left the Otter last night in mourning, cognizant of the distinct possibility that I'll never be back. Why bother?

The Sophisticated Otter is a place to go and have a beer, or to see a band. This is not a place of fine dining and it was obvious by the lack of a hostess when you walk through the door. The menu is a veritable "we're out of it" and "it is being revamped and has not been updated". That is a shame since the food was admirable and with better selections there might have been more people eating besides just me!

I met Jay and Keith who were brewing. They have a small 4 bbl system and are putting out some decent beers. They also have 9 guest taps but at least 3-4 of them were BMC. I noticed a bottle cooler in the corner full of sixers of other beers as well.

It certainly was smoky at the bar and the only waitress was the bartender. Nothing beats a bartender swiping off head with her had and then giving a full pour.

Anyway, if you are in this neck of the woods I suggest you stop by. The menu should be worked out and the beers were good and interesting. All that put togehter with a head swipe means and evening of good fun!