Mainstay Independent

 

 

There's a lot to say about this new brewery. First of all, the brewmaster is Brian O'Reilly, perhaps best known for being the namesake of Sly Fox's O'Reilly Stout. Secondly, the brewery itself is housed in the building which once was Yards, before they moved on to Spring Garden. But Mainstay has reimagined the space here, and turned it into something much more than it was. Now it is "Craft Hall," a brewery experience for the whole family. When you walk in, you see a lounge area, then a huge bar. Lots of nice woodwork. Further back is a split-level downstairs area which houses a second bar, and something I've never seen in a brewery before: a playground. Yes, are you tired of people bringing their annoying kids to breweries? Well sorry, because I do that all the time (except my kids are well-behaved and know how to respect other peoples' property, but that's beside the point). But anyway, now there is a specialized area for the rugrats to romp around and be out of everyone else's way. In addition to the kiddie section, there are pool tables, tetherball, and a few NES minis set up as well.

There is a good selection of beer, though mostly standard stuff and flagships. A little something for everyone. Service is fine, with a lot of staff to handle the larger crowd. I did not sample the food. So in the end, this is a big, fun place, and worth checking out.