TapStation

TapStation is a relatively new brewery and eatery in a historic gas station/garage at the edge of the Apex downtown historic district. It's an eye-catching two story building that's been nicely renovated and is surrounded by outdoor picnic tables and games, kids' play equipment and even some putting greens. It has a nice, family-friendly vibe, with a mix of families, senior citizens and young professional patrons on the evening that I visited for dinner. The interior is simple, with wide open views of the brewing equipment. There is also a second story that I did not climb to, but I could see from the outside that the upper outdoor patio features an antique flatbed truck with a dining booth built into it.

The beer menu features 23 taps that are all dedicated to beers made at this location and at what the menu calls their "other brewery", Mason Jar Lager Company in Fuquay-Varina, NC. There was a decent variety of styles to choose from, everything from a sour lager to brown ale, tripel, IPAs and a Jalapeno Pale Ale. The two beers I tried were OK, but not up to the quality or style-accuracy I've become accustomed to in North Carolina breweries today. The food, on the other hand, was fresh and delicious. The menu was sandwich-heavy, but had a few other options and my group enjoyed every food item we tried. The service was also very good. We had a very attentive waitress as well as another waiter or host who checked in with us several times to ensure we were not kept waiting for anything.

Overall, this spot was enjoyable for a laid-back meal in an interesting and fun environment, but the beer was a bit disappointing.