The scene: Court Avenue in the summer should be renamed "Avenue of the Patios." With almost every bar and restaurant on the strip staking out sidewalk space, it's easy to find a spot for some al fresco drinking.
Amid all those options, Court Avenue Brewing Company (or CABCo., as the cool kids call it) stands out with its relatively limited tables (exclusivity points), umbrella shade, and central location, making it easy to see and be seen. Also, love a full menu.
What we ordered: Beers served with oranges. Specifically, the Belgian White and Kaplan Hat HefeWeizen — both refreshing enough to make a Monday night feel like a Thursday night. (As in, we just kept ordering them.)
We also got spinach and artichoke dip served with just the right amount of pita chips, but we were a few minutes too late to get it at its happy hour half price. (Happy hour drink and appetizer specials run 4-6 p.m. on weekdays)
Who we met: I met with some friends who'd staked out a corner table big enough to scrunch five of us around. As the evening wore on, we were perfectly poised to spy some friends leaving a Dos Rios patio date and yell to them while they were at a stop light. My friends also scored some free drinks when another buddy saw them, stopped by and put his round on his tab.
The two- and four-seater tables were pretty busy with a range of ages and diners, from co-workers to a couple to a lone guy who probably had way too much fun listening to our conversation.
Why you should go: CABCo.'s patio is laid-back enough for a weeknight, but is in the center of the action for a weekend. Plus, it's a good place to pre-game. Drop in before a an Iowa Cubs or Barnstormers game and get a free beer when you order a half-pound burger.
What other people are saying...
MegF - July 22, 2009 at 9:30 PM
I love bloody mary's on the patio during court avenue!
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