Brew Kettle and Hoppin' Frog questions...

Never had the food at Hoppin' Frog, but the beer is amazing! Their new tasting room just opened up over the summer. If you are a fan of their beer, then the it is worth the trip, IMO.

As for White Rajah, it seems to be in EVERY grocery store lately, even down in the Akron area where Hoppin' Frog is located. Not sure if TBK increased production or not.

 

They have amped up the White Rajah production lately (at least it seems like it).. I would imagine you would be able to score a 6pk or more at TBK (not 100% positive, but you should call them ahead of time just to make sure).. most beer stores and even grocery stores should have it, so it shouldn't be a wild goose chase..

I can't speak on Hoppin' Frog's food..

I would recommend checking out Fat Head's.. it's 5-10 minutes away from The Brew Kettle.. they have good food and great beers on-tap always..

 

Heinens always seem to have it in stock now. It doesn't sit around though. At times it is sold out. But for the most part its available. Call ahead to find out.

I can't comment on Hoppin Frog as I haven't been yet. Other than to say check their hours first before driving there as they typically don't open most days until after 5 PM.

 

Fat Head's has great sandwiches. The Southside Slopes is delicious.

 

Hoppin' Frog food is excellent--not bar food by any means. They post their menus and often carry vegetarian choices or can accommodate. Beers can be had in smaller increments than pints so you are able to try many different brews and still drive. Plus you can buy their bomber with a case discount. Should have BA Doris left.

 

It's been around for awhile, so it's not really new. They have their food menu on their website and they also update their taplist daily.

http://fatheadscleveland.com/

 

I think they are referring to the Fat Heads Tap house. Yes, that is new. It opened in October. They seem to update that on their Tap house Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/FatHeadsBeer

 

Oh ok.. I was just thinking about their brewpub/saloon..

 

Not really. While the taphouse is closer to the freeway overall its maybe 5-7 minutes closer than the brewpub. Even if it took you an extra 7 minutes each way to visit the brewpub (lets say 15 minutes total) its well worth it. If I had my choice I would sacrifice the 15 minutes for the brewpub.

 

Hoppin' Frog menu is posted on Facebook.

 

What a coincidence, I'll be heading from Chicago to Pittsburgh and was going to make a stop at the Brew Kettle on the same exact day and was trying to find this same thing out. Also, was trying to figure out if they have growlers too, didn't see anything on their site.

 

Brew kettle only fills their beer in growler. Fat heads will fill anything on tap.

 

From the Brew Kettle, try stopping at Circle A Beverage. It's only 5-10 minutes away from there. They are a relatively new store so you may find some really special beers sitting on the shelves. I know they had Revolution Deth's Tar for the last month or so just sitting on the shelf. They also seem to hold on to Three Floyds an extra day or two more than most stores. Their singles selection is strong as well. The way those coolers are organized isn't as intuitive as it first seems, so make sure to take your time. You may find something special hidden in there.

As for Hoppin' Frog, their food is outstanding. Due to their big, high alcohol beers and their well above average food, I would be hesitant to just pass through without an escape plan or a place to stay. I know you said you are at least slightly vegetarian, but their duck was one of the best meals I've ever eaten.

If you do happen to stop there then head north towards Brew Kettle, make sure to stop at Lizardville in Copley right off of 77N. It's a bar/bottle shop that sells everything in singles. Well worth the stop.

Keep an eye out for Wulver from Thirsty Dog as it just started hitting the shelves again in the area. It may just be the best overall beer in the Midwest.

 

I made the same trip in October. Hit Brew Kettle on the way back. Food was excellent. They've got a smokehouse. Had smoked wings and pulled pork. They have sample size pours of their drafts too, which was great. White Rajah on draft was outstanding. As good as Zombie Dust in my opinion.

 

Heinens on rt 82 off I-71 has a great selection!

White rajah is ore available because The Winking Lizard is no longer hogging it all. They had a contract that expired in the last year which is why you are seeing more in stores.

The brew kettle has mostly bar-b-que but their perch is pretty solid! You can also get growler fills at Heinens. They have rotating taps.

Heinen's in Strongsville. http://www.heinens.com/sales-specials/store-specific/beer-picks/

 

Since I am an Akron boy, I will have to vote for visiting Hoppin' Frog....beers are delicious and food not bad at all (although not that "veggie" oriented)....would also suggest visiting either 101 Bottles of Beer in Kent (great selection), only about 15 minutes from HF, or Acme # 1 in West Akron for your White Rajah fix....large selection there as well....enjoy!