The scene: Located in the historic Saddlery Building in the Court Avenue District, Court Avenue Brewing Company is Des Moines’ original brewpub. The patio is a quaint fenced-off area lining the sidewalk of Court Avenue and accessed through the bar. It houses nine tables and two oversized umbrellas, which on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon struggled to provide shade for the patio diners.
What I ordered: Because Court Avenue Brewing Co. brews its own beer, we first tried one of the core brews, the Belgian White. The $4 pint is a refreshing wheat beer that’s brewed with coriander and curacao orange peel which results in a fruity and refreshing brew that served as a perfect choice for a steamy afternoon on the patio. After lusting over our neighbors’ drinks, served in copper mugs smothered in condensation, I followed up my brew with a Moscow Mule. The mixture of vodka, ginger beer and lime was a refreshing, and practically harmless, daytime drink.
What I saw: Sundays are days of rest in the Court Avenue District. After packing in a bevy of eaters, drinkers and farmers marketers on Fridays and Saturdays, Sunday afternoons are full of peace and quiet with families and couples out for leisurely lunches. The patio remained about half full even after 1 p.m., and no one seemed in a hurry, including our server, who waited 20 minutes to check back after delivering our bill. A couple had sat at a dirty table for 10 minutes, and we watched as they took a rag from the service station just inside the door and wiped down their own table. They didn’t seem to think it a big deal.
Why you should go: Court Avenue Brewing Co. offers a chance to take a break from the usual onslaught of mass-produced beers. And with mostly shaded tables lining Court Avenue, the scenery is reason enough to give this patio a visit.
Court Avenue Brewing Co.
Court Avenue Brewing Co.
Find it: 309 Court Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday
Info: 282-2739, courtavebrew.com
Patio highlights: A great view of the Court Avenue District.
Best for: Handcrafted beers and a menu that often features fresh and local ingredients.
