Anyone?

crossovert · Apr 19, 2012

TMoney2591 said: ↑

Alright, after finally visiting this place, I can say a few things: 1) The place is smaller than I imagined. Not really as much of a knock as it may have sounded, but something that caught my attention at the time. Still, it's comfortable, and we never felt crowded by any stretch. (2) The tap list was relatively long and had plenty of solid options, though nothing that got any of us all that excited (I think the Espresso Oak-Aged Yeti was probably the highlight). (3) No music, so I can't comment on the charge of it being too loud or whatever, but they did play the sound for the Hawks game (during which they also tuned every TV off of baseball, which kinda rubbed me the wrong way). Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed watching the game (until they lost...), but usually bars don't turn the sound on like that. Nothing close to a major detraction here, though, just sayin'... (4) The bottle list is extremely long, with a handful of prizes tossed in for good measure (Hoptimum and Sucaba, for instance), but mostly it resembled the shelf stock of nearby Binny's, DiCarlo's, and Mariano's locations. Again, this isn't really a knock, more of a statement that the rarer stuff isn't the focus (besides, it is rare for a bottle list to really impress that way anyway...normally, a list this long is more than good enough for me). I think I'd like to see some short descriptions in there a la the draft list, but that's a minor thing. (5) The whole fruit thing is more of a personal preference thing, but it's their choice of fruit that just kinda confused my group: One of us ordered a Tucher hefe, and it came with a slice of lemon. Honestly, I've only ever seen an orange in such situations, so it was a bit odd, but nothing remotely close to being worthy of complaint. (6) The staff seem generally knowledgeable, though not as deeply so as the whole "2 week Beer University" spiel would lead us to believe. We got a satisfactory amount of information, though, when we asked questions. (7) We were digging the whole BYOF thing, especially when that involved wings and sushi. I will say, though, the burger one of us got from next door did look and smell pretty good... (8) The atmosphere was generally laid-back, with more of a lounge feel than a beer bar feel, if that makes sense. There was a small contingent of bro-like folk, but no one was loud or obnoxious. Suffice it to say: this ain't a Map Room crowd, but it's also not a Cubby Bear crowd, either.

In summation, I'd give the place generally good marks, if not strong ones. It's not the best option out here, but it's one I wouldn't really ever mind going to by any stretch. It seems targeted toward the border crowd, the one that knows it wants better beer than BMC and wants to explore its options, but also doesn't wanna come off all snooty and whatnot when it comes to its beer (something like that). I'm sticking to my earlier comparison to the Yard House, though this place seems to place itself above them with stronger offerings. I look forward to seeing what rotates in on tap (which clearly means I'll be going back) and in bottles.
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This gives them props in my book, the only sport worth watching is hockey. Though I was busy watching the Wings lose as well on Tuesday. Sounds like it may be worth checking out to watch the SCF or something while getting a decent draft list.

lastb33rcall · Apr 19, 2012

gamwich said: ↑

Different place, you went to http://bier-markt.com/, not http://the-beer-market.com/ the OP is talking about. The Cleveland location for the place discussed in this thread is listed as coming soon.
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whoops!

Well I hope they put one in Cleveland's brewery district. Of course it might get confusing then with the Bier Market, Beer Market, and Market Garden Brewery.. lol

JAYW · May 2, 2012

Still haven't made it there..anybody else care to chime in?

foobula · May 3, 2012

I gave my first impression earlier in the thread. Went back last Thursday for Cocoa Mole. I was there pretty late -- after the Bulls game, and got a seat at the bar easily. There was a guitarist playing and singing (a la Potbelly) on a stage which is actually on a 2nd level above the bar. The volume was low and unobtrusive. Had a nice chat with the bartender and manager-on-duty. The bartender suggested following up the Cocoa Mole with a smoked porter (can't remember the name) which was tasty. Finished off with a Racer 5 IPA -- my first, which I enjoyed. So far my solitary late-weeknight visits have been positive. And as long as they have stuff on tap that I haven't tried before, I'll keep stopping by.

foobula · May 17, 2012

PROTIP: If you're going to have a few and drive home, make sure you can confidently and without reservation take a sobriety test, if unexpectedly asked to do so by law enforcement. This advice is true anytime, anyplace, but particularly applicable to this thread, specifically toward closing time.

Know what will get you over the limit and limit yourself accordingly (usually 3 regular beers in a sitting.) If it will help, download a BAC calculator smartphone app and use it. Especially with CCBW on, let's everyone be safe!

(Yes I have a story, one that thankfully has a happy ending.)

Anyone?

crossovert Initiate (0) Mar 29, 2009 Illinois

lastb33rcall Initiate (0) May 11, 2009 Ohio

JAYW Initiate (0) May 19, 2004 Arizona

foobula Zealot (735) Dec 14, 2009 Illinois

foobula Zealot (735) Dec 14, 2009 Illinois

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