Editorial Datebook Review: Juice Editorial Review: Two Drinks at Rock Bottom

Two Drinks

By Chris Weishaar

Special to Metromix

September 3, 2008

The Look

Rock Bottom has a nice, clean design. The house brews are proudly displayed on the wall, and kegs hang from ceiling, but little else clutters the look. The interior is largely brick and dark wood, with subdued lighting. Brewery equipment is visible through glass walls scattered throughout the restaurant.

The Crowd

The late dinner crowd consisted mostly of middle-aged men winding down after a long day's work. Talk centered around work, baseball and Olympic coverage on TVs behind the bar. The crowd in the bar area tended not to stick around too long, which brought in a lot of fresh faces.

The Two Drinks

If you've never been to Rock Bottom, investing in the beer sampler is worth the $6.29. Rock Bottom's brews have a solid range, and there was even an extra brew, the Happy Pils, that packed a kick. Our bartender, Erica Devine, introduced us to the Muy Caliente Martini, one of the place's specialty drinks, made with the bar manager's own infused tequila (a strawberry-rhubarb vodka was also available). As my friend described, the Muy Caliente tastes "just like a spicy Bloody Mary." The spices were definitely strong, but not overwhelming, and the drink went great with our kettle chips. Devine then sat a pomegranate martini in front of us, which was a little sugary for my tastes, but should please those with a sweet tooth.

The Grub

I went in craving appetizers like chicken strips and fried pickles. And while I didn't find anything that simple on the full restaurant menu, I did find good food that didn't disappoint. I started with a bucket of the kettle chips, which could have arrived a little warmer, but were plenty crispy and salty. For my main dish, I ordered the Mac 'n' Chicken - pasta, cheese and chicken breast. The dish was hearty and filling. A full menu is served until 10 p.m.

The Verdict

With the earlier hours, Rock Bottom probably won't be your last stop of the night, but it is a good starter bar, with plenty to offer in the way of food and some beers and drinks you won't find elsewhere.