Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton, FL..

I had their IPA and porter and they were solid examples of the style. The place is pretty awesome, very big and has a really cool outdoor area with bocce, corn hole and a putting green.

My problem with the place was their service. They basically don't allow you to order from the bar but instead of have floating waiters with iPads to take your order. The bartender then fulfills the order and the waiter has to go pick it up. With all of this happening, in addition to the bar being horribly set up (the bartender picks up the printed order at one end, goes to the other end about 30 feet away to fill the beer, then delivers it back to the first end) it took a really long time to get orders.

At the end of all that, we were charged $7.50 for the pint glass+beer! And they didn't let you fill your pint glass up for a second order, so we walked out of there with 6 pint glasses (which I don't need, nor want, but was forced to take) and about $50 cheaper.

I thought their beers were good and would go back, but not until they can sell their beers normally and at a normal price. If they sell their beers normally at $7.50 a pint I will not return.

 

Yeah, I chalked it up to being new also, but I'm really not a fan of their system. I'd much rather order my beer at the bar then sit anywhere I want and move around freely.

I'll definitely be back, that was just my first experience. That outdoor area during the summer is going to be awesome.

 

Beer was very decent. Service was horrible though. Rude and unfriendly bartender. Waited 20 minutes outside before going in and getting our own beers. Heard the bartenders telling the older couple next to me that Old Rasputin was a "Double Bock, in the German Style". The saving grave here was the beautiful outside area. Worth the wait though I wish it hadn't gotten my hopes up as a brewery and just served good local beers. Also, extremely limited parking and in a very dubious neighborhood. Don't take any short cuts in that area! Am I the only one that gets the vibe that they are going for the "car show" crowd with this place? They had food trucks but nothing interesting. I have had several friends go and have the same experience. It is early though. I will give it a couple months and definitely try again. I actually had a friend that was going to have his birthday party there with several dozen local beer afficianados and family but after his experience there we are just bar hopping instead.

 

i've been meaning to swing over and check it out, since i live in b-town anyways.

i'm feeling less enthused to do so now....

 

I feel the same way. Friend of mine went right after it opened and his experiences mirror what has been said. Lots of potential but need to work out some kinks. He said parking is going to be an issue as well especially if it is crowded.

I think I might wait a couple of months before I try.

 

I have been once and had pretty good, quick service at the bar on a quiet night. The facility is amazing. When I was there two weeks ago they were not selling their products because they did not have the capacity to brew it fast enough, so until they get their tanks set up, it will be samples only. That being said, their tap list and environment are great. The owners will have a good operation despite some growing pains. They are driven people who expect excellence, so poor servers will not survive with them. I look forward spending time in the beer garden.

I also look forward to Little Giant opening up. Michael Wagner is getting closer and hopefully will open up this year. He is a beer first kind of guy and will have excellent products.