Picture a run-of-the-mill sports bar: a col lection of tiny tables clutter a labyrinth of a floor plan, big-screen TVs blare conflicting games at unbearable volumes, grease on every surface, washed-out colors pollute the view and an assortment of conflicting team apparel screams indifference.
Now forget all that, and instead picture a rustic, open space with a clear emphasis on brilliant brews and a good time for all.
Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Company, located on W. Jones Street in downtown Ra leigh, differs from most breweries in that it is also a full pub, with a dining area, bar and a large game room with pool tables and other activities. It has two locations—Raleigh and Greensboro—and a full production brewery located in Greensboro.
The dining area features a large window, which allows patrons to view some of the brewing equipment used for making beer. The most prominent of this equipment is a giant tank located just behind the entrance.
Because of the giant tank, the establishment feels like a microbrewery, even though it’s a larger company than this feel suggests.
Natty Greene’s has an ongoing roster of regulars and a smattering of seasonal brews that go in and out of rotation. The Natty Greene brewers will also occasionally make experiments and put them on tap only at their breweries.
During my visit to Natty Greene’s, I decided to try both its food and its beer. If you plan to do this, one appetizer is enough to start off a group of four, and though instinct may tell you otherwise, getting two of these monstrous portions is a decision you will immediately regret.
The food itself is high-quality, and Natty Greene’s offers a hefty variety to keep you coming back. Meals offered include barbe cue sandwiches, fish and chips, burgers and salads. The chipotle barbeque sandwich was tasty and complemented the beers quite nicely, as proper bar food should.
As for the beer, the Buckshot Brown Ale had all the typical elements of standard brown ale, with some caramel and toffee flavors com ing in toward the middle/end of the sip. It leaves a warm aftertaste and has a clear, dark brown color.
I also sampled the brewery’s Southern Pale Ale, which, like the Buckshot Brown, doesn’t stray too far from the base recipe it replicates. However, the hoppy flavor is much less preva lent in the initial taste than many pale ales, yet builds into an aftertaste that introduces the flavors prominently back into the mix. Of the pale ales I’ve had, this one is near the top of my list.
Natty Greene’s provides a fun place for friends to get together, play games and enjoy good beer. On top of the typical bar experi ence Natty Greene’s specializes in quality at every turn, from its food to its beer. If you’re interested in the brewery’s happenings, it has an event calendar on its website and also spon sors activities such as poker nights. Its beer can also be found in select stores, for those who prefer to have fun on their own terms.
For more of Technician’s Ricky Hopper about Raleigh-area breweries and beer in general, add him on Untappd (rdhopper), or follow on Twitter (@RickyHopper). Please, always drink responsibly.