By Ariel
Slippery Rock? What kind of name is that? All my out-of-town friends and family have asked me that once or twice (a visit). Not only do we have a town in rural Pennsylvania called Slippery Rock, it also boasts my college Alma Mater.
But let's be honest here. No one comes for the educational atmosphere.
(photo credit tripadvisor.com)
On main street (pretty much the only street!) stands a fully functional brewery. You would think that a place where beer is made would be a serious mecca for all the serious college drinkers, and while you wouldn't be entirely wrong, this establishment has managed to stay low-key and relaxed, even when class is in session.
The beers are phenomenal. If beer isn't your thing, the restaurant also carries many different types of (all local) wine. You really should try the beer, though.
(Photo credit: visitbutlercounty.com)
You can order 13 samples of what's on tap for a reasonable $13.00. If you've never been here before I HIGHLY suggest you try this route first. This is how I discovered my love of their fruit bowl beers, which changes every time I'm there. You really have not lived until you've had a blackberry microbrew.
If you wanted to, I don't know, actually eat something, the food is also great. What makes this place unique is that while they offer the normal local grass-fed cow burgers, they also offer any of their burgers in the bison variety. My husband is a huge (epic, crazy) fan of the Leroy Brown burger, which is topped with beer-based bbq sauce and fried onions. I mostly come for these:
(Photo credit: me)
For the love of all that is beer-battered, these pub pretzels are the best you will have anywhere. You get two, which is perfect for a date night out, and they come with a spicy mustard sauce and a cheese sauce with a little kick. I like to shamelessly double dip my piece in the cheese and then the mustard.
By the time we're done with the pretzels, it's time for another round.
(photo credit: me)
That's a raspberry beer, if you were curious. As far as other food goes, I've never been disappointed. They have the general pub fare that goes good with whatever you're drinking and the atmosphere cannot be beat. Another nice thing about the food is that the've recently introduced a gluten-free menu, which is actually unheard of around here. We are not that hip and still fry everything in bacon grease.
The building itself was built in the early 1800's (and was, at once point, a funeral home and then a furniture store!) and has been completely renovated to reflect a wonderfully rustic atmosphere.
(photo credit visitbutlercounty.com)
It's like an old-world pub, right out of the history books. Obviously we are not as huge and boisterous as, say, those Texans (ha!), but if you find yourself in the Pittsburgh area and want to impress your friends this is the place to drink and be merry!
This place looks awesome. I really want to try that 13 beer sampler.
Posted by: Jesabes | July 11, 2012 at 01:01 PM