There’s Plenty of Fine Beer On Tap at The Brew Kettle

One key word comes to mind when talking about : Beer.

Let me say it again, b-e-e-r.

If you're looking for a lot of brew on tap, and I really mean a lot of brew, then this is your place, located at 8377 Pearl Road.

Take a roomy seat in one of their many inviting wooden booths, then scour the back of the paper place mat that's in front of you and you'll find 30, yes 30, choices of brewskies on tap. The list changes daily, if not even quicker, so be sure to double check that your choice is still listed on the large chalkboard behind the bar. I've had it happen on more than one occasion that my first choice was tapped out.

Still, I wouldn't get a frowny face if that happens, as there's plenty more to choose from. Mixed in with the assortment of foamy delights from all around the universe are a few offerings marked with a "TBK." That's the restaurants very own brand and I often just pick one of those. Trust me, they're good, especially the Copperhead Red. (Urp. Excuse me.)

With so many beverage choices, you may find it hard to make up your mind, so pick your top five or more and try them in sampler sizes. If you want, you can even brew your own special vintage as The Brew Kettle was Ohio's first brew-on-premises microbrewery. I have several friends that love to brew here. So, if you ever dreamed of brewing your own batch (and what guy hasn't?) and don't want to invest in the equipment at home, you now have a chance.

They have over 70 recipes to help you out in crafting that perfect beer. Do note that one session of brewing will create six cases of beer. So, just give me a call when your batch is ready. (Urp again.)

Close friends brought The Brew Kettle to our attention several years ago. They recommended the barbecued spaghetti (smoked pork tossed in pasta) but the moment they told me the Kettle was noted for their pulled pork sandwich, I was there. I love a good pork sandwich.

They place their tender pork in a large, toasted kaiser roll, slathered with a rich, flavorful barbecue sauce. There's extra sauce on the side, but not for long on my plate. I can never have enough barbecue on my pork sandwich. The messier, the better is my motto. I also appreciate the sliced tomato, pickle slices and chopped lettuce that accompanies the dish.

Most of their sandwiches are served with two sides. Of course, there are potato choices, which includes french fries. I swear our country would fall apart if restaurants stopped serving fries.

Still, don't be quick to pick those prized fries as the Kettle puts extra effort in their potato du jour which usually starts with a rich, creamy redskin dish with added ingredients to vary the daily choice.

As for me, I'm bored with potatoes so I love to order their baked beans and coleslaw. They also have fiesta corn, seasoned rice, broccoli and mac and cheese.

The Brew Kettle offers a very good assortment of appetizers, too. My wife always orders their "big soft pretzel" which is served with some very, very, very hot mustard called Charlie's Crazy Hot Mustard. Hmm, it is so good . . . and "crazy" hot, so be careful when dipping.

We both agree that the best appetizer hands down is the buffalo chicken dip, served with chips and celery. It is so creamy, so flavorful; it will certainly delight any crowd. If it were me, I would serve this great dip with just the crispy celery sticks. It is such a fresh-tasting combo.

Without a doubt, my favorite item in the whole menu, the one thing I can't skip when I visit, is their sausage and beer gumbo. I'm in pure heaven when I'm quickly slurping down a spicy bowl. I don't know why, but they also offer this delicious soup in a cup but, seriously, get the bowl, it is major goodness.

I love my fatty meat, so I used to order their Saturday Night Special, which is a big slab of prime beef offered in a 16 oz and 24 oz cut. Unfortunately, their quality isn't consistent here and I've gotten some nice tender cuts as well as some chewy ones with way too much fat, even for this meat-loving guy.

The Brew Kettle's business is booming, so much so that they recently took over the paint store that was next door. They're building a bigger kitchen and adding a few more much-needed seats. That will be a welcomed relief for folks looking for a table on a crowded weekend night who are often told that it'll be a two-hour wait. At least there's a Walmart right behind them to help kill the time.