Brick & Mortar

Are you a hipster? If not, do you enjoy being ignored by tattooed, pierced Jack-arses that should pick careers that don't involve dealing with people? Then this is your nirvana. If not - avoid. Ugh.

Expensive beer & food, bad service if you aren't a regular. But hey, what do I know...the place is always packed.

 

Brick & Mortar sits above Central Kitchen in what was once The Enormous Room. It can be a tough place to find if you're not in the know; there's no signage so one must look for "that door to the left of Central Kitchen's."

It's a historic-looking place, aptly comprised of exposed brick walls with dim lighting and a beautiful copper bar. There are some long bar tables both against the walls and freestanding with lots of stools. Both times I've been here old records spun on a turntable behind the bar, lending to a somewhat timeless atmosphere. It can be a comfortable place to hang with friends, but can also get loud when full (sound bounces around in here). Oh, and I saw no TVs.

The beer selection, perhaps 8 draft and 2 bottled, wasn't anything fantastic on both of my visits, but what they offered is high quality and suits the food and vibe (and fairly priced at $6). There is an emphasis on regional beers (Pretty Things, Smuttynose, Cambridge Brewing), along with a few beers from farther afield. Don't want a beer? There are several cocktail choices, which I've heard are quite good.

The food options are comprised of small plates, sides, and apps. A lot for the omnivore to choose from, and appears to be reasonably priced what it is, where it is. I've only sampled the vegetarian items (Polenta fries, handmade chips, broccolini, etc.), and found them to be tasty, of good value, and complimentary to the beer options.

Service has been good. The bartenders and waitstaff have been friendly and prompt. This is new favorite spot in Central.