Is it just me or have their beers improved? I never thought that they were as bad as some people make them out to be, but they were always just a bit better than average. I just did my once every 6 month stop into the St. Louis Park location for a sample set and was pleasantly surprised by about 75% of what I tried. Still not challenging some of the great breweries around, but maybe realizing that they needed to step up their game a bit. I saw the same think happen at Karl Strauss in CA.
I think you answered your own question. I've never quite understood the disdain for Granite City & you've hit the nail on the head: their beer is consistent, pretty good, & unexciting. Nothing to go out of your way for, but certainly good enough to drink if it's sitting in front of you. I haven't noticed much change in quality in the six plus years I've been going there (Sunday night kids eat free - need I say more?). Their monthly or bi-monthly releases show quite a bit more...variety. Some have been quite good, some have been Bakken Oil-style train wrecks.
The beers at the a Granite City here in Des Moines are below average. I think all they actually do is ferment the beer here though, which is strange. It's mainly just a show piece for people in the restaurant to know that they actually "brew" the beer they are drinking. They see tanks and think its brewed on site, which I don't think is true (for here anyway). Meh....I'll pass. Too many others good legit local breweries.
I've always thought the original in St. Cloud had solid if not better seasonal offerings and solid regular rotation things as well.
The one in St Cloud actually has a brewhouse in it. I don't think they use anymore though. Could be wrong.
That was the only one I ever knew before moving out here. Coincidentally, my GF's dad lives in St. Cloud, so we used to visit there a lot. In fact, I don't think that I have ever been to any locations other than St. Cloud and St. Louis Park. But this last visit really did seem to me like they may have made some changes to improve things.
Last month the Granite City people purchased the two Sunsets in Woodbury and Wayzata. I wonder what they are planning. Anybody heard?
I do tend to stop by there if I know I'll be going by one on a Tuesday with my growler. $6 for a growler fill ain't to shabby and works good when going camping.
I like the HH/lunch menu they have. Idaho nachos are yummy. I do like some of the Seasonals or special beers like the Belgian and the pilsner.
Dean Vlahos (Founder of Champps and Redstone) bought the Wayzata location for sure. Haven't heard anything about the Woodbury location. No connection to Granite City
Love the Beer list on Pub 42s Menu. http://pub42.com/menus/all-items/ Can't wait to try that Third Street Lost Trouble...
Pub 42 has Stone Imperial Stout on tap as well...I've had several there, including one last week. They want to expand their tap list more into craft beer, according to the manager.
