Review: Alcatraz Brewing Company, Indianapolis

Note: This also appears with my reviews over on Yelp

Overall Impression:
Somehow Alcatraz Brewing Company manages to be generically over the top. The space is Costco-like vast and on the day we were there it was decked out with Colts blue and white balloons, a la a car dealership during a sizzlin' summer sale. What it lacks in authentic charm, though, it makes up for in convenience. Very close to the dome, which probably means this is a little money minting factory.

I was only here for two beers prior to heading over the the RCA Dome for "Super Bowl XLI 1/2", so my review won't go into the usual depth but rather just hit a couple of key points.

Atmosphere - Definitely a little crazy for pre-game. Crowded with Colts fans. Made for some slightly uncomfortable areas near the bar, but it was early enough that people weren't too drunk or surly about bumping into each other.



Service - Our waitress wasn't thriving on the energy. She seemed overwhelmed. Well-intentioned, but over matched by the crowd. Again, it was still early so I don't think her demeanor was a result of dealing with a string of over served a-holes, but rather just being swamped. Servers in this kind of atmosphere can either embrace it and begin counting the money of they can wilt. Ours wilted a bit.

The Beer - This was the bright spot. Standouts were the October Bock and the Pelican Pale Ale."

Review: St. Elmo Steakhouse, Indianapolis

Note: This also appears with my reviews over on Yelp

Overall Impression:
St. Elmo is an old school steakhouse serving some very good food. The place is massive. Capacity has to be north of 400 people with all the different rooms. It is also pricey, but they deliver on the quality end of the equation, so it is worth what you layout. The vibe is traditional, with semi-formal service and a comfortable clientele (at least on Colts Sunday afternoons where Manning and Harrison jerseys are badges of cool no matter where you are).

Highlights / Lowlights:

What was great

Food - I had an excellent filet mignon, getting the 10oz. medium well. They say they cook it a little light, so medium well still has some pink in the center. I found it perfect for my tastes. Still juicy, flavorful and not butterflied, which I often see with filets ordered medium well. Nicely done. Also good was the tomato, onion and bleu cheese salad with vinaigrette dressing. Add a couple of pints of Guinness and yes, I am getting ready for some football.

Atmosphere - If you like old school joints, you'll love St. Elmo's. They do the same walls-of-fame photo arrangement that you tend to see at most steak places. I don't know if it was because I didn't expect it here in Indianapolis or because they just do it better than other places, but I was amazed by both the number and variety of pictures on display. e.g. A young Lee Corso from his Indiana days, or local legend 'Dick the Bruiser'. Hundreds of others I can't recall. Over their ~100 years of service they have certainly accumulated an impressive array of star shots. You dine at St. Elmo's and you join the long line of storied guests who have also polished off a fine steak at these tables.



What wasn't great

Sitting downstairs - While still nice enough, the downstairs dining area definitely has a kids-table-at-Thanksgiving kind of feel to it, especially after you trek through a couple of the spiffy upstairs rooms on your way there. We were there on a high volume day, as it was Patriots - Colts game day, so we didn't have a lot of room to negotiate on table choices.

The Scorecard:

Two Critical Questions

Would I eat there again?
Sure, but I would definitely want to be upstairs.

Was it good value?
It is pricey. 10oz. fillet is $36. But it was a damn good fillet. So the value for money is there. But it didn't hurt that this was a business related lunch and was therefore expensable.

Essentials

Food - Excellent

Service - Good. Random note: Waiters are in tuxedos and apparently the Colts game day tradition is blue bow ties. Kind of corny with a prom-like feel, but nice show of school spirit, right?

Amenities

Decor - Classic.

Private party room - While downstairs I glimpsed what appeared to be a set up for a bunch of big hitters to watch that day's NFL schedule in a small room with a table set for 8 or 10 people and a flat screen TV on the wall. Not a bad way to spend a special Sunday, I suppose.

Review: Brgr, Manhattan

Note: This also appears with my reviews over on Yelp

Overall Impression:
I wish Brgr would open in my neighborhood. I found it accidentally while venturing out for a burrito during a business trip. It is right next to Chipotle on 7th Ave. and I'm glad I passed on the burrito. Chipotle I can get any time. Who knows when I'll have another crack at Brgr.



Their creative take on the burger is refreshing - making an everyday kind of item feel special. And the space has a cool feel. I have no real idea what a loft apartment in Oregon might look like, but I picture it being something like the interior of Brgr. Another way to describe it would be a blend between Urban Outfitters and a wine bar ... in Oregon (something about the exposed brick walls and wooden beam ceiling keeps the Oregon theme in my mind - or maybe Vermont).

Highlights / Lowlights:

What was great

Food - A creative variety of menu options. I had the veggie burger with brie and caramelized onions with sweet potato fries on the side. Really nice flavor combination. One thing to note is that the veggie burger isn't especially patty-like. It's somewhat loose - somewhere between patty and sloppy joe-esque form. You need to be a little careful to not have it all over yourself. But the taste was excellent. They have a range of beef, turkey and veggie burgers, so it's likely you will find something to suit your tastes.



Atmosphere - The exposed wooden beam lattice-type structure halfway up to very high ceilings produces a nice effect. Airy, yet snug. Combine that with the right lighting levels and a soundtrack that hit both the Clash and Cee-Lo during the few minutes I waited for my to go order and it is definitely a pleasant place to hang out for a burger.

Beer - I didn't partake on this visit, but there is Spaten and Sam Adams on tap. At a burger place. Nice.



Logistics - When you order you get a metal stand maybe a foot and a half tall with a numbered card on it. This lets them find you when your order is ready. No random shouting, no confusion. Brilliant simplicity.

What wasn't so great
- N/A - I had a good experience

Scorecard:

The Two Critical Questions

Would I eat here again?
Yes - regularly if I had the chance.

Was it good value?
I think so. ~$12 for a good sized, above average tasting burger and a generous side of sweet potato fries doesn't seem bad at all here.

Essentials

Food - Very good. Creative, tasty - I wish I could try more of their offerings.

Service - Helpful, efficient, pleasant.

Amenities

Decor - Very good. Clean, nice flow, comfortably lit.