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The
Quest for the Holy Grain
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The Boneyard |
Alas, nothing lasts forever. Bye and bye, and for various reasons, some of our favorite establishments are forced to close their doors. This then is a page both nostalgic and melancholy, devoted to our Best Brew Pubs, Beer Bars, and Beer Retailers that are no longer with us.
Note: In some cases, the bar could still be open, just not brewing beer.
Old Dominion Brewpub You are not going to stumble upon Old Dominion Brewery by accident...you have to be looking for it. Which is a good idea. They offer 22 different taps, just about all of the beers made here at the brewery. They carry both the Old Dominion labels and contract brews. They also have some bottles. Just about all styles are represented. The bar seats about 20, with a spacious dining area of tables and booths....Wait a minute! Not any more it doesn't! On August 25, 2008, Old Dominion Brewpub closed its doors. According to ownership, as quoted in Mid-Atlantic Brewing News, "the business wasn't there." The Brewery will remain open and public events at the site will continue. |
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Kevin pulls a cold one |
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Kelly Cole's Improper
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Rocky Run Tap & Grill All locations of Rocky Run are fun places that have good, quenching beers and a reasonable menu. Rocky Run specializes in Canadian ales, and usually have their 5 standards available. Don't look for odd, complex beers here...the brews are all good, if a little similar...yada, yada, yada... |
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Johnstown Brewing Company Johnstown BC is an interesting place. The upstairs is a dining room with a small bar, the downstairs is a bar with a small eating area. Both have outside seating. The upstairs bartender was very generous with samples. After we ordred our lunch, he disappeared. The server boy got us our next drinks, and the tab. The price and amount of pub grub were what we expected. However, my angus burger tasted like breakfast sausage, and my heap of fries were the worst fries I have ever had; hard on the inside, and soft and slimey outside. The brewing setup is in sight,and is "upside down", in that the lauter and kettle are downstairs, and the fermenters are upstairs. The young brewer has been there a month, coming from John Harvard in Philadelphia. There are 9 beers on tap, as well as Miller lite, and what we had was tasty.
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Dr. Dremo's Taphouse Housed in the facility that used to be Bardo Rodeo, Dr. Dremo's occupies that niche between beer bar and brew pub. Dremo boasts about 40 draft beers and some half-dozen bottles. They also feature seasonal brews, such as their Chocolate Donut Beer. This is a particular favorite of one of our unnamed Charter Questors, who is taking the idea and running with it. We just don't know where. You may view this Donut Stout below, if you dare. Dremo's house beers are brewed by Shenandoah Brewing Co. of Alexandria, VA. Dr. Dremo's has been described as an "abandoned warehouse" with "minimalist ambiance." The establishment is also known for their music, pool tables, and happy hours. Sad News - Dremo's closed its doors on January 27, 2008. Property is being developed. Dremo's is hoping to open at a new location.
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Ludwig's Garten In a town that boasts of it's Belgians and rapidly moves it's microbrews, Ludwig's is an oasis of outstanding German draft beer. The bier menu features about 20 taps and maybe 40 bottles, including such noted names as Jever, Engel, Spaten, Schneider, Franziskaner, and many others of German and Austrian origin...there were |
even a few Belgians. Styles included Bock, Schwarzbier, Kolsch, Lager, Weisse, Hefeweizen and Pils. |
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Blob's Park 8024 Blob's Park Road Blob's Park is a cavernous dining, dancing, and beer hall located between Baltimore and Washington. It was started by Max Blob in the 1930's as a place for he and his German beer-drinking buddies to congregate. Blob's is not really a "bar" in that it is only open on weekends and charges a $5 admission since there is music. But they do have about 70 kinds of beers with about 10 drafts...many German and European. Ach! Du meine gute. On January 1, 2008, Blob's Park played its last polka, and poured its last beer. The land is being developed. Blob's was truely one-of-a-kind and will be missed. Auf wiedersehen, Max. |
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Capitol City Brewing Company As of September, 2007, Capitol City in Baltimore has closed it's doors. Check the other locations. |
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Four Sons Brewery We reviewed the Four Sons Brewery and Restaurant two years ago, and found it to be an intriguing brew pub with good beers and helpful staff. Unfortunately, the establishment closed in January, 2007. |
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Summit Station Summit Station was sold in 2006, closed down, and was re-opened as Growlers. The brewer is the same and the beers are still good Summit Station is an old brick building located in a nice, quaint part of Gaithersburg. A great place to put a brewpub. There were about 8 styles on tap at the time of my visit. Their beers have won medals, which is no surprise, as those that I tried were very good. The India Pale Ale started out good, but as it warmed up, became superb. They also carry about 5 macro bottles for those who...well, I don't know who would want a macro with all these fine beers on tap. The barmaid was friendly, knew her stuff, and didn't mind serving samples.The crowd at about 2 in the afternoon seemed to be a bunch of beer cronies with whom I enjoyed talking. Most belonged to the mug club, knew their beer, and were there to get a head start on Happy Hour which starts at 4 PM. I will return to Summit Station when I am anywhere nearby
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Jackie Blue
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Sean Bolan's Irish Pub 1236 Light Street Sean Bolan's is most definitely one of Baltimore's top 3 beer bars. With about 12 taps and well over 50 bottles, the selection is well-cared for and well-chosen. Ken is the beer man, and will be glad to chat about the various brews. Nearly half of the taps rotate and a firkin is tapped on Thursdays. Ask about getting on their email list. The chalkboard lists the beers with ABV's, the food is excellent, and the peanuts are free. Yikes - this came as a shock. In October, 2005, Sean Bolan's closed its doors. They still have the place in Bel Air, but the Federal Hill site is gone! It was a great one. Thank heavens for the likes of Mahaffey's, Frisco Grille, and Growler's. |
Taps listed on chalkboard
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DeGroen's Grill 104 Albemarle St. |
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Poster from the Last Days of the BBC |
DeGroen's Grill, also known also as The Baltimore Brewing Company has been called the "cornerstone of local craft brewing." BBC brews some of the best German-style lagers around. Brews include Pils, Weizen, Dunkel, Marzen, and always a seasonal, including their famous Doppelbock. Pool tables - bar menu BBC Closes-See Below |
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Requiem for a Brewpub DeGroen's Grill, or the BBC, closed it's doors for good on Friday, Feb. 25. Although there are a lot of great bars in Baltimore; most are long and narrow, having formerly been rowhouses. Beloved as they are, many are of similar architectural style. The BBC was a true beer hall. People were attracted to the BBC for more than the beer, although that would have been reason enough. There was a sense of community and camaradie among the customers.The Mug Club drew both locals and those from the suburbs looking for good conversation and German style lagers. You were certain to meet freindly and interesting people from all walks of life. I first learned about Oktoberfest at the BBC... and recall festive annual celebrations with Hans und Heidi. Hans would stand on a table playing his bass, leading toasts, and doing the Chicken Dance. The BBC also played host to brewfests of Maryland beers. The last few years saw management changes and an inconsistency in beer quality, but the regulars remained loyal. The Mug Club may even outlive this tragedy and gather at another venue. I've heard things. But there will never be anyplace quite like the BBC,and Baltmore beer lovers are in mourning. |
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Ryleigh's Brew Pub & Raw Bar No Longer Brewing Beer 32-36 E. Cross St. Federal Hill This building has gone through several incarnations since it was Sisson's...Baltimore's first brew pub. People seem very pleased with the way it is now. Still brewing their own beer, Ryleigh's makes 5 standard brews, but will only have about 3 at any one time. There is also always a seasonal on tap. In addition, there are 5 other "guest" taps, and about a dozen bottles, but these could stand to be a little more diverse. Stick with Ryleigh's beers. The bartenders are always helpful, and some really friendly. There is another bar upstairs with a pool table and there are huge TV's. Ryleigh's is a nice blend of cozy brew pub, sports bar, and fine dining establishment. Achtung! Ryleigh's closed their brewing operation in the summer of 2005. We understand that their beer is being contract-brewed elsewhere. A shame...Ryleigh's, then known as Sisson's, was Baltimore's first brewpub.
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Ryleigh's Brew Board |
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Uncle Tucker's 68 Exit 46 • Well, here's something we don't usually do at Quest for the Holy Grain...review a brewpub after it has closed down. We were there on the last day, Nov. 1, to say farewell to this cozy pub in an historic building. This is the at least the third Maryland brewpub to cease brewing in 2005, and Uncle Tucker's 1810 Brewhouse will be missed. You can check out their website if it is still up. |
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Barnful of Beer in Glen Burnie |
The Loft The Loft/Barnyard Wine and Spirits The Loft is a diamond in the rough for beer lovers. The liquor store features 600-700 different imports and microbrews crammed into a tiny area. Not only 6-packs, but hundreds of individual hard-to-find bottles can be located. They have a small, mix-a-sixpack shelf. Staff is courteous and helpful. Whoa! Our sources tell us that as of 2/07, The Loft/Barnyard is CLOSED! What a loss! We'll continue to check it out. |
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"Life is Uncertain. ...Lagunitas Brewing Co.
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