.JPG) |
| The entrance of Brother Jon's Alehouse in downtown Bend. |
It's always a delight to return to Bend and find new craft beer venues in town. Brother Jon's Alehouse is one that caught my eye as we drove into town. Our first stop was to Dechutes Pub to check out the new expansion. After a great meal and a few pints, we decided to head across the street to pay a visit to the Alehouse. It was so jam packed we decided we'd come back at another time.
 |
| The Alehouse features a full bar 14 rotating beers on tap. |
We returned the next day in mid-afternoon to avoid the lunch crowd. Although only in business for four months, it's clear this pub has already developed loyal patrons. It features 14 beers on tap, mostly from local and other northwest breweries, and IPA influenced. They also include a German favorite, Weihenstephan Hefeweizen, and a Belgian red ale. They have a full bar and serve some fine Oregon wines.
 |
| Three of the great beers on tap. |
Our friendly server recommended the local Boneyard RPM IPA, which is considered one of the best in the area. I had to agree. I also had a half pint of the Deschutes seasonal, Red Chair, which has IPA characteristics without the bitterness and, coincidentally was not available at Deschutes Pub when we visited the previous evening. Our server told us it was the last keg in town.
 |
| Perhaps the best bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado sandwich ever. |
The food at the Alehouse is a notch above usual pub fare. According to our server, the owner's philosophy is to use the highest quality local ingredients and offer menu items at great value. They definitely succeeded. We shared several dishes including the BLTA, a traditional BLT with avocado featuring the best bacon available in Oregon, a blackened wild Coho salmon and goat cheese fritter salad, and an Alehouse brat marinated in local IPA beer. I get hungry just thinking about this meal.
 |
| We all had a great time at the family friendly Alehouse. |
There are lots of great places to drink beer in Bend, but I'm betting that the Alehouse has the winning formula to stick around for a long while. The great downtown location, excellent beer selection and memorable food will keep folks coming back. I know I'm one of them.
