Anyone else been here in the past year? The brewmaster used to be Gretchen from Little Dog, but ever since Vic Rallo took over, I have to say, the beer quality has kicked it up a notch. I've had a stout and an IPA from them that was brewery quality. Just tonight I had an imperial IPA, Copia, that was brewed with Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo. For $6 for a 12 oz pour, not bad at all. The food is good too.
He is, but his places are good though. Regardless of his personality... which seems to match the personality of most successful restaurant owners... the beers at Birravino are top notch. Also, not sure what his personality has to do with quality of beer though. He's not the one brewing the beer, but cool, I'm glad my post could humor you?
I stand corrected - it was his. I thought he had purchased it and changed the name from Basil T's to Birravino. But point still stands, regardless of what he is - the beer made here by brewer Travis Coatney is pretty damn excellent.
Would he also then own Artisans another former basil t's, this is one in Toms river, haven't been in a few years as the beer sucked bad but would try again if it changed also
Vic Rallo sold the Toms River Basil T's in 2002. Dave Hoffman, owner/brewer of Climax Brewing Co., also brewed at TR-Basil T's/Artisans for many years. Not sure if that is still the case.
I live about 10 mins away and haven't been there since the Basil T's -> Birravino switch. I was never impressed with Basil T's brews, but willing to swing by to check out the new selection
I used to be in the mug club years ago. The beer was ok, but everything was expensive there and then the beer went down hill. It has really turned around and is the best it has ever been in the past year and a half imo. There are many things being brewed that they havent done before (saisons, citra pils, double ipa, fresh hopped, etc.). Also, house beers are $3 during brewer's happy hour (right now, thats every Thursday from 4-6). I think its previous reputation has kept it from being rediscovered til this point.
@thedirtystayout - I didn't know about the Thursday happy hour. I might check that out very soon. They have some decent pricing for their own beer and actually have three "guest taps" as well. The food is overpriced, I know that much, although it's good, but the beer has been really, really good in the past year.
