Big Wood Brewery

Nondescript from the outside, but more scenic on the inside. Expansive outdoor patio has a privacy fence shielding it from the adjacent parking lot. Open sheet metal and girder ceiling, lots of wood and stone on the walls, and a patterned concrete floor. Center rectangular bar with stained glass panels above. Other seating at high tables and lounge nooks. Small performing stage in one corner. Windows on two sides. View of brewing equipment through windows to the north. Sixteen taps of the standard styles. No TVs. Cooler has cans to go. Cordial staff. Rather isolated in a northeast suburb, with lots of details that reference the "wood" theme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very cool atmosphere, nice service and great variety in beers.

Enjoyed myself and really liked the Maibock, Belgian Pale Ale and Imperial Smoked Ale a lot! Servers were educated on beer selection, friendly and ready to answer questions about varieties and willing to converse about other topics too. Especially enjoyed the laid back environment: patrons brought in their own food, ordered in or just enjoyed their Big Wood beer without a care.

Growlers, t-shirts, glassware and stickers available too! Cash and credit cards were welcome.

All in all, I see Big Wood as a very promising brewery for the White Bear Lake area and broader North Suburbs. I compliment Big Wood's charm and craft innovation! Keep it up!