November 5, 2009
OK ambiance. Kind of stuck at a crossroads between family join, brew pub and sports bar. The music is hit or miss. One Friday, they had a pair of acoustic guitars that were great. The next Friday was some Borat looking guy playing the super sounds of 70s and doing so poorly. We actually left that night because the music ruined the whole atmosphere. The service is OK. First waitress I had was great. She clocked out and the replacement was horrid. My beer was empty for 10 full minutes before she even looked my way. The next time I took my wife, it took forever to get our food. Waiter said the kitchen was backed up with tickets, but the place was less then half full. Beer selection is average. 2 or 3 house beers on tap, and a few guest beers. From a brew pub, I’d expect 10+ craft beers. The food is excellent. While it’s nothing high end, their classic bar food is exceptional. The Reuben was amazing and the nacho chips were made in house. Beer prices were ok. Growlers were super expensive, 50% higher then Three Floyds. Food prices were on par with any family dining establishment. This place has a lot of potential. If they’d pick a personality and commit to it, they could do well. The staff is knowledgeable, but very hit or miss. This place is close, and I was wishing for a homerun. Hopefully they’ll get it together.

October 11, 2009
Soft opening, still work on the building in progress: Located in the heart of downtown Hobart in an old Furniture building. The space is pretty wide open with both table and booth seating and of course a large bar area with two TV’s. The place is pretty dark inside honestly and a bit rustic. It is too quite and needs either the TV’s turned up or some background music. I guess there is a live band on Thursday which could help. They still have a limited beer selection at this point but also have a fair amount of guest taps including New Holland and Sun King. Growler prices are okay. Now the biggest issue I had is that the beer is served far too cold and will be served in frosted pint glasses unless you ask in advance to get a room temp glass. IMO, the jury is out if this place will succeed. Got a lot of work in the brewery and will the beers to make it somewhere I will want to visit in Lake County.(I did not have the food but it looked good and I will try if i go back).