Beware of bears... making beer that you're going to love!
Big Bear Brewing Co. in Coral Springs is the brewery you imagine tucked away deep in the mountains making small batches of witches' brew in ceramic drums. Okay, not really... but after a couple 7.5% alcohol Kodiac Belgian Dubbels it's fun to pretend.
In the area for over
fifteen years, it's home to locals when
they're looking for a pint of something crafted with kick, taste and
"two more of these," because it's damn good beer. And going by the number
of personal mugs hanging above the bar,
it's apparent
there's a parade of regulars making this their after-work hideaway. And
why wouldn't they? Of what I saw, the staff came across as fun and
friendly, the brewmaster was willing to give tours to anyone ambitious
enough to ask, and I even spotted the GM running plates and serving
tables. I was impressed... and this was before I had anything to drink.
Though tempting to dive into everything on draft, I ordered the
small
sampler of all eight home-brewed beers. It was like looking into eight
parties at once and knowing each one offers the possibility to make you
dance like you never knew you could. I two-stepped my way into the first one,
their Brown Bear Ale. It was all you deem a good brown to be; medium
bodied, deep-amber color, a hint of nut and a full malt flavor. Pair that
with some manchego cheese or The Bear Burger ($12) and you might melt away into a
craft-brewed coma. "Can I order one of these to-go?" I thought to
myself. If you were wondering... no, you cannot take beer to-go. I asked, twice.
From there I hopped around hops, taking bites of the other two notables,
Grizzle Bear Red
and Seasonal Ale (currently peach) all while wondering how I'd
eventually pry myself away
from the bar. I assumed if I drank everything real quick and just ran
away I might be free, but then my wood fire pizza arrived ($10) and I
wasn't moving. The mix of meats in The Big Bear Pizza were chunky and
cooked just right and the crust had a perfect amount of crisp. It was a
tad over-oiled for me, but in reality that just helped me eat it
quicker (the $10 lunch version is on the smaller side. My advice: go for the $13, bigger one).
Undoubtedly beer is the staple of this restaurant, but the well
managed service and good food also play their part in holding together a
great atmosphere. If I'm ever in the Coral Springs area this is without
a doubt the place I want to drink water at get brutally drunk off of the best beer in the county.
Who: You and your taste buds.
What: $1 off all beer and 2-4-1 wines and well drinks. Half off pizzas for beer club members.
Where: 1800 University Drive
Coral Springs,
FL
33065
When: Mon-Fri 11:30am-7pm
How: With a ROARRRRRR.
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