Tapps Brewpub and Steakhouse (OUT OF BUSINESS)

May 22, 2007 [ Updated May 23, 2007 ]
The location couldn’t be better, right on the busy main street and just across from the City Market and the NB Liquor Corporation (state liquor store); alas, that’s all this grubby English pub/sports bar has going for it, unless the food is better than it looked (I had mediocre mozz sticks but won’t rate based on that). The service was perfunctory, the prices high, the beer essentially terrible, although the brown ale was surprisingly drinkable. Pretty sad when you think that the entire province has little more to offer the serious beer drinker than this.

August 8, 2006
This typical English-style pub appeared run-down on our summer visit: poorly maintained furniture, covered in worn carpets, poker machines in the corner, a huge "For Sale by Owner" sign near the front door, a somewhat depressed waitress trying to get through the day, and definitely no upkeep in the bathroom for quite a while. The 2 beers we had were boring at best, not infected, but not flavorful at all; faint shadows of their advertised styles. The food was okay, but was obviously put together without any care. There was nothing overtly disgusting about the place, but all those disappointing details amounted to more significant disinterest. Pretty depressing that this is one of the few "craft" beer places in New Brunswick.

April 28, 2006
Cozy spot. Sort of a sports bar slash pub. Beer was adequate but somewhat underwhelming. Decent plate of fries. Little bit underwhelming but it was nice enough. I was basically the only patron on a quiet afternoon.

November 25, 2005
Good spot but I found the IPA to be a bit on the light side for aftertaste, lots of flavor that had little to no finish. Similarly the other beers I tasted seemed to lack that little extra kick you should get from a brew pub. That said it was still better to drink than the 4-5 styles of Mooshead that are only available in NB. Definitely a must do if you like a craft brew as this is the only place I am aware of in St. John.

August 17, 2005
Not a bad spot. A nice little bottle collection & small bar. Beer selection is okay with some cool seasonals popping up here & there. As mentioned before, the beer has been improving, I was very impressed with their latest Port City Porter. Service is friendly & food is not spectacular but passable pub-style food. One of the better spots in SJ for sure.

March 21, 2005 [ Updated July 25, 2005 ]
Finally made it back! An Irish style pub atmosphere next to the bar, with a more restaurant type feel in the adjoining room with a view of the tiny brewhouse. Food is pretty good, and the beers are on their way up thanks to the new brewer, whom I had the chance to meet with. The sampler paddle included the four beers that were on (they usually have five I believe) in at least 8 oz. samples.