When Hitting Rock Bottom is Good

Don't get me wrong. I know this place is tired and has a certain low-class feel and stigma in this town, but I enjoy it greatly.

Now, if you happen to be the average Indy diner person you have been to the Rock downtown, which has its merits (A cracker jack management team for instance). But if you want a greater experience on the whole, you must try the north side location. First off the service staff is awesome. (If you have the chance, request Bill, Sarah, Christina, George, Lindsay, Lydia or Megan). They are all very intelligent and very good at their jobs, and easy to talk to.

The brew master at the North side location is hand over fist better as well. Not afraid to make a full bodied beer with a punch, the stuff down town is too astringent, too hoppy or too weak. Up North its near perfect every time.

So, for tonight. I went, sat in my normal booth in the corner of the bar. And as luck would have it, the lovely Sarah was my server, just as good at her job as she is easy on the eyes, and quite friendly without being soft. The beer of choice was the Treehugger ale. Very nice, very earthy, a touch of sweetness, with a easy malty character with a bang of hops on the finish, splendid.

Now, as for the food. Word of the wise, stick with the old standards. I had the Club, its superb. Great balance of meats with a bold mayo and crisp veggies, served hot with choice of sides. I went with the slaw, which is quite unique with a caraway seed dressing and apple chunks, and I did fries, which I knew was a bad idea, but I did it anyway (The fries are always soggy, old and cold, at all locations I've ever been to). Things to avoid in this restaurant? The meatloaf, anything with a "new" logo, and anything that is just oddly standard for the otherwise unique menu (Wings, for instance). Oh and if you're in the appetizer mood, ask for the nachos, with pulled pork, not the carnitas crap, the actual pulled pork from the sandwich. And don't let them tell you it's the same, they're lying.

I will always enjoy this restaurant, and will always put the North Side location 100 miles ahead of the Downtown branch, which has notoriously bad service and arrogant, unfriendly bartenders, who apparently feel they are doing you a favor.

I'll be back

I enjoy just sitting at the bar and swapping stories with the bartender. They are always friendly and able to brew up something to quench the thirst. Summer time is great when you can sit out on the patio and have a cocktail. I've had their club sandwich and the Bourbon burger - both excellent choices. If you like carrot cake - OH BY FAR they have the BEST.

Downtown's red headed step child

Lacks the charm and excitement of the downtown location. Just another suburban brewpub.

Not as good as the original

It just tries to be something its not. And its costs to much in the process. Every time i go there they seem to mess something up to, which doesnt help their cause. I like good beer, but at the same time id like some good food to go with it. But they dont deliver. Good Beer, Bad Service, Bad Food.

Not great food!

Ok for beer drinkers who care more about their beer versus their food. Lots of great beer choices... No good food choices.