Smylie Brothers Brewing Co.

The return bus from out Temperance way dropped me off about a half-block from Smylie Bros. Right on. Starting off poorly, the front door was decidedly heavy, even too much for me to notice that it wasn't locked. Had to be clued in by an exiting employee. Jesus, the state of us. Hit up the bar to the left, most of the space inside taken up by restaurant-style booths and tables and such, a second floor providing extra seating options. The décor is modern steakhouse, plenty of dark woods accented with lighter metals and the like. Higher ceilings than expected, even with the second floor. The range isn't all that wide, the focus seemingly being on the food (which I didn't try, sorry), but there was enough to make me happy with the lay-of-the-land flight. The beers are solid, nothing really all that great, but nothing to recommend the place beyond already visiting. Didn't talk to the staff much, seemed cool, but, again, nothing special here. Pricing is standard for the area. Honestly, overall, I wouldn't make it my business to drop in here for beers unless I was likely hungry, thus necessitating a real food menu. Not bad, mind you, but just so.

 

Evanston brewpub and Texas inspired BBQ smokehouse open for lunch and dinner. They had a selection of 16 diffent beers on tap when I visited. The quality of the beer was average. The service was very good and the food was excellent. We had Belgian Ale Mussels and a wood fired pizza. Both were great. Going back to try the BBQ.

 

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for a great place for food and beer, check out Smylie Bros. We went for dinner and to try their beers and were not disappointed. From the inside, the building looks like the inside of a whiskey barrel.

 

Food was't great, and half their own beers were not available. Guest taps were good, but limited, and frankly, their own beer was almost undrinkable, so the guest taps are your only option. Won't be visiting again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shortly after this spot opened, we despaired. An awesome space with soaring truss ceilings and a cool fireplace area just wasn't cutting it in the beer department. Recently, we gave Smylie another chance and found a much wider, much better beer selection. Well worth the trip.

I found out about this place about 2 days ago. Unfortunately the very 1st time I came in was on a Monday when I found out they were closed Mondays. So I came back on Tuesday 5 minutes before they opened. The staff is very friendly and I helped myself to the bar area. The bartender was very helpful with explaining the 6 styles of beer they currently have to open their new found location. All their beers are good, not up to par like Haymarket, Revolution, or the established Goose Island, but good for an upstart. There were 2 disappointments I have: 1) I could NOT order their BBQ at the bar area? Why? I don't know (just their house rules). 2) Their IPA did not taste like an IPA. The bartender explained their brewmaster didn't put enough hops in their initial batch, but served it anyways. So I had their truffle oil pizza which was crispy and satisfying to say the least. Just so you know, I did have their BBQ on a different day and it was really good (but it was to go though, 2 HOUR WAIT for a seat that's NOT at the bar). Again, I don't know why they don't serve their BBQ at the bar area (this is why I gave them a 3.75 rating on food). Otherwise, this is a good bar with good food and starter beers. I see promising things with this brewpub.