Broadway Brewery

[Anthony Harvey]

I'm interested in anyones thoughts of the place. I went last Friday and must say that I was not impressed. I'm still working on my write for an online review, but I'm interested to hear about your experience.

From the beer, to the food and the service, lets hear it all!

[Jamie Smith]

I actually deleted my response because I realized you had changed your original post regarding the pro/bro comment (after it was too late to edit mine). There was nothing meant in my reply though, I was just confused as to what you were saying. I don't consider myself a pro, as I think all homebrewers are on a learning curve including myself (hell, there are a handful of pro brewers who are on the same learning curve).

I also should note that I probably should have said that (like Jeff) I typically prefer American to English IPAs. My review above should have said that 'if I had a choice between a glass of the BB IPA and FB IPA, I would prefer the BB'. I also probably should have left FB out of my original review, their two separate breweries with different audiences. I think the BB has potential (it has improved in just a few weeks since my first visit) and once all of the kinks are worked out, I think it will be a nice addition to downtown's beer scene. I would like to get into both more often, but life dictates those decisions. I also think we should talk with Walker and company about putting on a CBE tasting there soon, maybe in the new year when things have calmed down.

The one thing I left out of my review regarding the BB that I should have added was that I enjoyed the atmosphere last night for two reasons: 1) The bar is top notch, a great design for talking with others; 2) they only have one TV in the place (that I noticed) and even with a World Series game on - the TV was off, with only music playing in the bar.

Jarrett Crader said:

Jamie/zac-
I didn't take it personally and I didn't mean for it to seem literal. I was just clarifying that there is a difference. I have had similar conversations along these lines a lot recently. I know you know the difference and I do respect your opinion. Our opinions run along the same lines regarding most things beery. My reply was just in the interest of education. Also, I meant to type 'homebrew BROS' not pros. As in homebrew brothers. Because people see us out and all we talk about is brewing and beer and it's like we're attached at the hip sometimes. I have tasted plenty of fine beers from your hands and they are delish. I consider YOU a homebrew pro because you make good beer, period. Simple typing error. And again I wasn't calling anyone out in particular regarding frequenting establishments. I'm in the business so I'm in attendance at a lot of bars regularly and I forget that it is way more difficult for those of you with children to get out as often. No offence was intended. If anything I'm maybe too much of a barfly sometimes. Cheers! I meant no heat here. I've been a cheerleader for BB since Walker told me about his plans two years ago. I want 6 breweries in town by the end of 2012! /defense

[Jarrett Crader]

I agree with the tvs. It is nice to have the option and not have it shoved in your face right over the bar. It makes you make eye contact with people instead of just drifting away. I'm guilty of that if there is a tv nearby.

Jamie Smith said:

I actually deleted my response because I realized you had changed your original post regarding the pro/bro comment (after it was too late to edit mine). There was nothing meant in my reply though, I was just confused as to what you were saying. I don't consider myself a pro, as I think all homebrewers are on a learning curve including myself (hell, there are a handful of pro brewers who are on the same learning curve).

I also should note that I probably should have said that (like Jeff) I typically prefer American to English IPAs. My review above should have said that 'if I had a choice between a glass of the BB IPA and FB IPA, I would prefer the BB'. I also probably should have left FB out of my original review, their two separate breweries with different audiences. I think the BB has potential (it has improved in just a few weeks since my first visit) and once all of the kinks are worked out, I think it will be a nice addition to downtown's beer scene. I would like to get into both more often, but life dictates those decisions. I also think we should talk with Walker and company about putting on a CBE tasting there soon, maybe in the new year when things have calmed down.

The one thing I left out of my review regarding the BB that I should have added was that I enjoyed the atmosphere last night for two reasons: 1) The bar is top notch, a great design for talking with others; 2) they only have one TV in the place (that I noticed) and even with a World Series game on - the TV was off, with only music playing in the bar.

Jarrett Crader said:

Jamie/zac-
I didn't take it personally and I didn't mean for it to seem literal. I was just clarifying that there is a difference. I have had similar conversations along these lines a lot recently. I know you know the difference and I do respect your opinion. Our opinions run along the same lines regarding most things beery. My reply was just in the interest of education. Also, I meant to type 'homebrew BROS' not pros. As in homebrew brothers. Because people see us out and all we talk about is brewing and beer and it's like we're attached at the hip sometimes. I have tasted plenty of fine beers from your hands and they are delish. I consider YOU a homebrew pro because you make good beer, period. Simple typing error. And again I wasn't calling anyone out in particular regarding frequenting establishments. I'm in the business so I'm in attendance at a lot of bars regularly and I forget that it is way more difficult for those of you with children to get out as often. No offence was intended. If anything I'm maybe too much of a barfly sometimes. Cheers! I meant no heat here. I've been a cheerleader for BB since Walker told me about his plans two years ago. I want 6 breweries in town by the end of 2012! /defense

[Seth T]

Wait...is this turning into a "bash TV thread'??? I believe TV...blah, blah, blah, blah.

I love the fact that we have two brewpub options. Hooray beer!



Jarrett Crader said:

I agree with the tvs. It is nice to have the option and not have it shoved in your face right over the bar. It makes you make eye contact with people instead of just drifting away. I'm guilty of that if there is a tv nearby.

Jamie Smith said:

I actually deleted my response because I realized you had changed your original post regarding the pro/bro comment (after it was too late to edit mine). There was nothing meant in my reply though, I was just confused as to what you were saying. I don't consider myself a pro, as I think all homebrewers are on a learning curve including myself (hell, there are a handful of pro brewers who are on the same learning curve).

I also should note that I probably should have said that (like Jeff) I typically prefer American to English IPAs. My review above should have said that 'if I had a choice between a glass of the BB IPA and FB IPA, I would prefer the BB'. I also probably should have left FB out of my original review, their two separate breweries with different audiences. I think the BB has potential (it has improved in just a few weeks since my first visit) and once all of the kinks are worked out, I think it will be a nice addition to downtown's beer scene. I would like to get into both more often, but life dictates those decisions. I also think we should talk with Walker and company about putting on a CBE tasting there soon, maybe in the new year when things have calmed down.

The one thing I left out of my review regarding the BB that I should have added was that I enjoyed the atmosphere last night for two reasons: 1) The bar is top notch, a great design for talking with others; 2) they only have one TV in the place (that I noticed) and even with a World Series game on - the TV was off, with only music playing in the bar.

Jarrett Crader said:

Jamie/zac-
I didn't take it personally and I didn't mean for it to seem literal. I was just clarifying that there is a difference. I have had similar conversations along these lines a lot recently. I know you know the difference and I do respect your opinion. Our opinions run along the same lines regarding most things beery. My reply was just in the interest of education. Also, I meant to type 'homebrew BROS' not pros. As in homebrew brothers. Because people see us out and all we talk about is brewing and beer and it's like we're attached at the hip sometimes. I have tasted plenty of fine beers from your hands and they are delish. I consider YOU a homebrew pro because you make good beer, period. Simple typing error. And again I wasn't calling anyone out in particular regarding frequenting establishments. I'm in the business so I'm in attendance at a lot of bars regularly and I forget that it is way more difficult for those of you with children to get out as often. No offence was intended. If anything I'm maybe too much of a barfly sometimes. Cheers! I meant no heat here. I've been a cheerleader for BB since Walker told me about his plans two years ago. I want 6 breweries in town by the end of 2012! /defense

[comoprozac]

I took no offense. I've probably learned more about beer on this discussion board than anywhere else. I love reading these discussions.

[Jade]

After being there twice, I think the beer is improving a lot (from the APA and Rye the first visit to the Nut Brown and Porter the second time) and the menu will continue to improve. Even on a packed night with understaffing issues, (the table next to us almost got up and left) our waitress made an extra effort to get us our food quickly when we told her we were on the way to a movie. I will continue to support BB (and FB and Sycamore...) as time and money allow me to. I have mentioned it to many coworkers and friends so they can try it and decide for themselves.

One more review to add to the mix:
http://comowhineanddine.blogspot.com/2009/11/wheres-wheat.html

[comoprozac]

I was going to post the same link. Did you notice that the author said that the IPA was too malty for her? Really? That's like the time when someone told me they didn't like hoppy beers like Boulevard Wheat. Ugh.

Jade said:

After being there twice, I think the beer is improving a lot (from the APA and Rye the first visit to the Nut Brown and Porter the second time) and the menu will continue to improve. Even on a packed night with understaffing issues, (the table next to us almost got up and left) our waitress made an extra effort to get us our food quickly when we told her we were on the way to a movie. I will continue to support BB (and FB and Sycamore...) as time and money allow me to. I have mentioned it to many coworkers and friends so they can try it and decide for themselves.

One more review to add to the mix:
http://comowhineanddine.blogspot.com/2009/11/wheres-wheat.html

[Anthony Harvey]

All in all, the 5 of us that went last Friday have all decided to not go back.

The location is nice, and having a decent (but overpriced) bottle list is nice as well.

The service was horrid. All of beers took at least 15 minutes from the time we ordered them from our waitress to the time she would drop them at our table(Most of the were closer to 20 minutes, and even longer when she would forget what beer we ordered and would come back to ask). But lets focus on the beers for a minute.

I understand only having 4 beers of your own on tap. What I don't understand is the lack of information about your beers or the lack of knowledge from your waitresses about your beer. But I'll look past that and focus on the beer itself.

The APA.
Unbalanced and a tad sweet. Great hop flavor but not enough hop bitterness to help balance the malt sweetness. Aroma wasn't too bad, but if anything was underwhelming. All in all I'd rather have a SNPA.

The IPA
More of the same, but worse. The malt sweetness and hop bitterness was so unbalanced I really struggled to finish my pint. A slight hint of diacetyl and very cloying sweet. Again a very underwhelming beer.

The Porter
Nice beer! Nice roastiness flavor and a very solid beer. I'd love to see you play with this a bit, maybe offer a seasonal. A vanilla bourbon oak Porter would hit the spot during December/January.

The Stout
Your server wasn't very helpful with this beer, so I'm not sure if I should be judging this as a Dry Irish Stout or a Sweet stout,etc. But overall I wasn't impressed with this one, but I'd drink it before I would order another APA/IPA.

Now onto the food. I ordered a $9.50 plate that came with 4-5 small pieces of salami. 6-7 very small slices of cheese. Sliced tomatoes, green peppers and some stale bread. There were supposed to be some fruit slices but they didn't come and asking the waitress proved to be a waste of time.

I have no idea what this food item was supposed to be, but for the cost and the end result of the amount of food that came with it, I was very disappointed. And didn't even consider ordering an entrée.

All in all a very bad experience and we all have sworn not to go back. I will give it one more chance, maybe after the first of the year. But in my honest opinion BB is trying to a very upscale place and so far are failing. Just my 2cents.

[Seth T]

My 2 cents. Trying a new place once is not a good idea. Trying a new place on a Friday is also not a good idea. The service always sucks at new places for quite awhile at new places, especially on the weekends.

I am a BeerAdvocate.com addict and it's all about being open-minded to new experiences/beer. I would never give up on a brewpub after one visit unless the beer actually tasted like piss. The beer is good, could be better and will be better after they get their feet wet. This town killed Grindstone Brewery in less than a year and it never had a chance to improve upon its beer/brewing operations.

The CBE is about supporting the beer culture in Columbia. If we bury a place that has been open for a month or two, then we are failing as an organization. I am no way affiliated with Broadway Brewery, but I recommend that we all continue to do are best to see that it succeeds and makes the beer scene in Columbia the best that it can be.

End soapbox....maybe its the duganA talking but I felt I had to say something. No offense intended. I just want the beer scene in CoMo to kick ass!

Anthony Harvey said:

All in all, the 5 of us that went last Friday have all decided to not go back.

The location is nice, and having a decent (but overpriced) bottle list is nice as well.

The service was horrid. All of beers took at least 15 minutes from the time we ordered them from our waitress to the time she would drop them at our table(Most of the were closer to 20 minutes, and even longer when she would forget what beer we ordered and would come back to ask). But lets focus on the beers for a minute.

I understand only having 4 beers of your own on tap. What I don't understand is the lack of information about your beers or the lack of knowledge from your waitresses about your beer. But I'll look past that and focus on the beer itself.

The APA.
Unbalanced and a tad sweet. Great hop flavor but not enough hop bitterness to help balance the malt sweetness. Aroma wasn't too bad, but if anything was underwhelming. All in all I'd rather have a SNPA.

The IPA
More of the same, but worse. The malt sweetness and hop bitterness was so unbalanced I really struggled to finish my pint. A slight hint of diacetyl and very cloying sweet. Again a very underwhelming beer.

The Porter
Nice beer! Nice roastiness flavor and a very solid beer. I'd love to see you play with this a bit, maybe offer a seasonal. A vanilla bourbon oak Porter would hit the spot during December/January.

The Stout
Your server wasn't very helpful with this beer, so I'm not sure if I should be judging this as a Dry Irish Stout or a Sweet stout,etc. But overall I wasn't impressed with this one, but I'd drink it before I would order another APA/IPA.

Now onto the food. I ordered a $9.50 plate that came with 4-5 small pieces of salami. 6-7 very small slices of cheese. Sliced tomatoes, green peppers and some stale bread. There were supposed to be some fruit slices but they didn't come and asking the waitress proved to be a waste of time.

I have no idea what this food item was supposed to be, but for the cost and the end result of the amount of food that came with it, I was very disappointed. And didn't even consider ordering an entrée.

All in all a very bad experience and we all have sworn not to go back. I will give it one more chance, maybe after the first of the year. But in my honest opinion BB is trying to a very upscale place and so far are failing. Just my 2cents.

[comoprozac]

Seth, I think you're right about giving BB a chance to get better. However, from what I understand, Grindstone was its own worst enemy. Besides putting honey in every beer they made, they were terribly mismanaged. Even with their questionable brews, there was room in the market for them to succeed. BTW, 9th Street Deli serves their beer in Grindstone pint glasses.

[Jamie Smith]

I agree that Broadway will get better with time and even said so in my review (as have a few others). The majority of the reviews that I've read thus far are in fact positive in nature (constructive criticism is not always negative), so I'm sure with time the BB will become a permanent fixture in Columbia. Every new establishment takes time, the BB will be no exception. My major issue was how long it took my food to come out, that may have just been because of a short staff that particular night or even a new staff at that (or as Zac noted, 45 minutes is longer when you have a baby in tow). And although I wouldn't (at the moment) say that the beer was great, I do think it was good and think it will get better once all the wrinkles are ironed out. And you're right, the main goal of the CBE is to broaden the beer culture in mid-mo, and I for one will continue to support the local beer scene whether it be to FB, BB, Sycamore, Ragtag or the like.

Seth T said:

My 2 cents. Trying a new place once is not a good idea. Trying a new place on a Friday is also not a good idea. The service always sucks at new places for quite awhile at new places, especially on the weekends.
I am a BeerAdvocate.com addict and it's all about being open-minded to new experiences/beer. I would never give up on a brewpub after one visit unless the beer actually tasted like piss. The beer is good, could be better and will be better after they get their feet wet. This town killed Grindstone Brewery in less than a year and it never had a chance to improve upon its beer/brewing operations. The CBE is about supporting the beer culture in Columbia. If we bury a place that has been open for a month or two, then we are failing as an organization. I am no way affiliated with Broadway Brewery, but I recommend that we all continue to do are best to see that it succeeds and makes the beer scene in Columbia the best that it can be.

End soapbox....maybe its the duganA talking but I felt I had to say something. No offense intended. I just want the beer scene in CoMo to kick ass!

[Sanford Speake]

Sycamore was never terrible.

comoprozac said:

I thought the service was good as was the atmosphere. The beer has been mixed and the food just OK. I wrote up my first trip here.

That said with some time to mull it over, I think I'm looking at Broadway long-term. The place is not very good right now, but I think it has great potential. I remember when Sycamore was terrible. Now, it's easily one of my two or three favorites in town. I honestly haven't been back to Broadway in a while. The beer's been a disappointment so far, but I expect it will get better as they get used to the equipment (and the brewer leaves his full-time job).

My bet is that it will be really good in a year. The guys running seem to know what they're doing and this town always allows restaurants time to figure things out. The important thing is that we got another brewery and it's downtown. Now they just have to do their part and produce a better product.

[Anthony Harvey]

Seth,

If you read my whole post you shall see that I said that I would try it again after the first of the year.

Personally, I don't think I was "burying" BB. I gave my review as I saw it.

If any establishment wants my money, they have to earn it. Not the other way around. BB's success doesn't hinge upon us, it hinges upon them realizing their current faults and changing them. And if we don't point out those faults and successes then we are doing them a disservice.





Seth T said:

My 2 cents. Trying a new place once is not a good idea. Trying a new place on a Friday is also not a good idea. The service always sucks at new places for quite awhile at new places, especially on the weekends.

I am a BeerAdvocate.com addict and it's all about being open-minded to new experiences/beer. I would never give up on a brewpub after one visit unless the beer actually tasted like piss. The beer is good, could be better and will be better after they get their feet wet. This town killed Grindstone Brewery in less than a year and it never had a chance to improve upon its beer/brewing operations.

The CBE is about supporting the beer culture in Columbia. If we bury a place that has been open for a month or two, then we are failing as an organization. I am no way affiliated with Broadway Brewery, but I recommend that we all continue to do are best to see that it succeeds and makes the beer scene in Columbia the best that it can be.

End soapbox....maybe its the duganA talking but I felt I had to say something. No offense intended. I just want the beer scene in CoMo to kick ass!

Anthony Harvey said:

All in all, the 5 of us that went last Friday have all decided to not go back.

The location is nice, and having a decent (but overpriced) bottle list is nice as well.

The service was horrid. All of beers took at least 15 minutes from the time we ordered them from our waitress to the time she would drop them at our table(Most of the were closer to 20 minutes, and even longer when she would forget what beer we ordered and would come back to ask). But lets focus on the beers for a minute.

I understand only having 4 beers of your own on tap. What I don't understand is the lack of information about your beers or the lack of knowledge from your waitresses about your beer. But I'll look past that and focus on the beer itself.

The APA.
Unbalanced and a tad sweet. Great hop flavor but not enough hop bitterness to help balance the malt sweetness. Aroma wasn't too bad, but if anything was underwhelming. All in all I'd rather have a SNPA.

The IPA
More of the same, but worse. The malt sweetness and hop bitterness was so unbalanced I really struggled to finish my pint. A slight hint of diacetyl and very cloying sweet. Again a very underwhelming beer.

The Porter
Nice beer! Nice roastiness flavor and a very solid beer. I'd love to see you play with this a bit, maybe offer a seasonal. A vanilla bourbon oak Porter would hit the spot during December/January.

The Stout
Your server wasn't very helpful with this beer, so I'm not sure if I should be judging this as a Dry Irish Stout or a Sweet stout,etc. But overall I wasn't impressed with this one, but I'd drink it before I would order another APA/IPA.

Now onto the food. I ordered a $9.50 plate that came with 4-5 small pieces of salami. 6-7 very small slices of cheese. Sliced tomatoes, green peppers and some stale bread. There were supposed to be some fruit slices but they didn't come and asking the waitress proved to be a waste of time.

I have no idea what this food item was supposed to be, but for the cost and the end result of the amount of food that came with it, I was very disappointed. And didn't even consider ordering an entrée.

All in all a very bad experience and we all have sworn not to go back. I will give it one more chance, maybe after the first of the year. But in my honest opinion BB is trying to a very upscale place and so far are failing. Just my 2cents.