Big Bear Brewery

July 8, 2008
Big Bear makes some good brews and some that arent so great. The offer a 8 beer sampler...4 oz pours...for a total of $8...great deal. The service is usually pretty good and you HAVE to try the pretzel encrusted chicken. Best dish on the menu.

May 14, 2008
In a strip mall but not so nasty because Coral Springs retains an aura of pleasantness. Brewmaster’s name is printed on the door, indicating some appreciation and pride. Likewise, the beers are described well on the menu and Southern Brewing News is available here. The new seasonal pils is 40IBUs, or so says the menu, and was impressive as is the Pale. Large patio outside. Decent grub, good service. Worth the trek.

May 7, 2008
Strip mall brewpub in the outer suburbs of glorious Broward County, but worth the trek. First thing I see when I walk in is the Southern Brewing News - I like that. The beers have the predictable bland lineup, with a regular pale and dubbel, plus three seasonals, for a total of 8. The Hibernation Pale is especially good - it has to rank as one of the top beers in the state. Food is made from scratch, a nice touch, and the Cajun red bean soup was solid. The seasonal pilsner was good, even the blueberry ale was good for the type. I look forward to checking in every now and again.

March 2, 2008
A good drive from Miami area, but still easy to find from the street. They offer a sampler with 8 beers. I was only able to get 7. Inside is dark and intimate seating. All of the brewing vessels are visible at the entrance. Beautiful place, good food, and very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff.

May 18, 2007
Great little brewpub. The brews are all drinkable, with some being quite good (especially their Hibernation Pale Ale and the bourbon barrel aged double IPA). They also brew an excellent root beer - something I am always happy to find at a good brewpub. Service has always been superb and food is great too, especially their Beer Meunster soup. Atmosphere is very relaxed - I have always end up having great conversations with people I meet there. Definitely worth a visit if you are ever in the Lauderdale area.

April 10, 2007
Went their for dinner - down the road from my best friends place - very nice atmosphere! Decent appetizers - skipped the dinner - decent Brown Ale. Didn’t stay long but did enjoy - nice place!

March 12, 2007 [ Updated January 14, 2008 ]
The very dark yet classy interior is no match for the terrace, even though the latter overlooks the parking lot. The weather is so nice in Florida, a few well-crafted pints in the warm shade cannot be frowned upon. They have 3 seasonals and 5 regulars, styles stretching out from American to Belgian to German. In their 5 regulars, the Hibernation Pale Ale is by far my favorite. So far, we have never had a full meal here, but we have tried the spinach and cheese tortilla dip as well as the Brie pillow, and loved both as the huge and filling appetizers they are. Service was prompt, friendly, and professional both times I’ve been. Although there haven’t been any homeruns in the beer range so far, I have to say I was thoroughly satisfied with my two visits so far (March 2007 and January 2008).

March 12, 2007
I really enjoyed my experience here. Tried their entire, solid line-up of beers. The seared tuna made for an excellent, generously portioned appetizer. Ordered half a chicken with black (or red?) beans and rice. Wonderful! Great, fun atmosphere! The place is nicely put-together and the beer, as stated, although not world-class, is solid. Not too far from the Sawgrass Mall... for those who like to shop.

February 5, 2007
Very nicely decorated, upscale, but cozy with intimate booth seating and very toned down lighting. I didn’t eat, but the beer was pretty decent and the brewmaster, Matt was a very nice guy. The Dubbel was my favorite, but the Brown Ale was fairly decent. There was a bock, dry-hopped cask IPA, Pale Ale and a few others as well. Fairly solid if not outstanding brews. Fairly expansive lineup with about 9 beers in total.

August 29, 2005
Having spent 12hrs working outdoors in mid-August I probably wasn’t too hard to impress when entering, but I rellay enjoyed my visit. Of the real brewpubs in South Florida this is the one I liked the best. While the lighter beers fialed to impress the more bold and brash ones were spot on, as was the servise.