Scooter's Bar Journal » Craft Beer Bar

Gravel Bar @ Wanderloo Lodge

scooterj — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:11:00 +0000

(Eureka Springs, AR)

Scooter’s 1847th bar, first visited in 2025.

Came here after the brewery so that the rest of the group (who were betting massages) could have a chance to get something for lunch too.

I had a Natural State Porter by Bentonville Brewing Co.

216 W Van Buren
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
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Brews Taproom & Java Joint

scooterj — Fri, 23 May 2025 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Eureka Springs, AR)

Scooter’s 1833rd bar, first visited in 2025.

A combination coffee shop and craft beer bar. Also offered at least some cocktails — my wife got a margarita here. The inside seems a little more geared to the coffee house aspect, as the beer counter has only two stools. But the alley seating is great regardless of what style of drink you are here for.

We came here as a waiting area while various members of the group waited for their massage appointment start times at a hotel half a block away. I enjoyed both halves of the menu: I started with a mocha latte, then had a Mysterious Gap 2025 (Belgian Tripel) by Gotahold Brewing, and finally a Natural State Porter by Bentonville Brewing.

2 Pine St
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
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+14792441663
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Parkville Wine House

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Parkville, MO)

Scooter’s 1830th bar, first visited in 2025.

This wine bar (which also features a curated set of craft beer) opened in 2024 in a converted house right at the edge of downtown Parkville. We stopped to check it out on our way home from running some errands.

There are multiple rooms and there were stairs leading up, but we sat at the bar and didn’t explore much.

There’s a limited menu of light eats, including flatbreads which is what we had.

I was original planning a wine flight but then I saw they had Liquid Spiritual Delight (imperial stout) from 2nd Shift Brewing so I went with that instead.

305 Main St.
Parkville, MO 64152
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+18167052938
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The Back Lot

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1821st bar, first visited in 2024.

We were looking for someplace to get lunch, and I was charged with finding a place, but no one could come to agreement on what we wanted.

“Okay, how about a place that has a bar and a courtyard filled with all kinds of food trucks?”

SOLD!

Among the four of us we ended up getting items to share from all 7 of the food trucks. As for beer I had a Bellaire Brown by Short’s Brewing Company.

425 Michigan St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
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+1 (231) 881-9933
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Legs Inn

scooterj — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Cross Village, MI)

Scooter’s 1820th bar, first visited in 2024.

This historic tavern is a must-see tourist destination at the end of the Tunnel of Trees scenic highway. It was built by a Polish immigrant in the 1930s with the primary building materials being local stones, timbers, antlers, and animal bones. Keeping with the traditions of the founder, the menu focuses on Polish food.

The inside is mostly restaurant space spread across multiple rooms and both covered and fully-exposed outdoor areas. The grounds, which overlook Lake Michigan, are expansive and decorated with sculptures created by the original builder. There is a gift shop in the main building plus another one across the street. The bar consists of a big square bar counter on the northeast side of the building and an adjoining room with a poo, table and benches built into the walls.

I ate kielbasa and drank a Nightswimmer Stout by Stormcloud Brewing Company. Then for “dessert” I had a cocktail called Pączki & Cawa.

6425 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Cross Village, MI 49723
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+1 (231) 526-2281
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Tap30 Pourhouse

scooterj — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1818th bar, first visited in 2024.

Since this was right next door we decided it was a must-visit before heading out of downtown. Most of the group had cocktails, I had a Bad Elmer’s Porter by Upland Brewing Company

422 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
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+1 (231) 881-9572
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Mitchell Street Pub

scooterj — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1817th bar, first visited in 2024.

We had parked a couple of blocks away and shopped and a candy shop and a clothing store. I took all the purchases back tot he car while everyone else left for the bar. After putting the items away I got distracted by a pet store, so by the time I made it to the bar I expected everyone to be halfway through their drinks. Instead, I found none of my group there. So before I ordered anything to drink I messaged the rest of the group to make sure I was at the right bar. After several minutes one of them finally responded that I was in the correct place but that they had also gotten distracted by a shop along the way and would join me shortly. So I finally was able to get a drink and grabbed a table big enough for all of us.

This is a quintessential neighborhood dive-ish bar, only missing true 100% dive bar status due to the good selection of craft beer. The floor is covered in peanut shells, and there’s fund stuff to look at in every direction. They do serve food, I think we got some sort of appetizer to share but I don’t remember for sure.

I had a Horny Monk (Belgian Dubbel) by Petoskey Brewing

426 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
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+1 (231) 347-1801
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Pink Pony Bar & Grill

scooterj — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Mackinac Island, MI)

Scooter’s 1814th bar, first visited in 2024.

Our visit to Mackinac Island was kind of a spur of the moment decision. Upon arrival we had a great breakfast at the Chuckwagon, then rented bikes and rode the loop around the island. Afer that we were ready for drinks and a snack.

The bar area was completely packed so we had to sit over on the restaurant side. We had appetizers (I mainly snacked on the whitefish fingers) and a round of cocktails. I chose the beer barrel old fashioned.

7221 Main St. #103
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
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+1 (906) 847-3341
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11Worth Station Brew House

scooterj — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 1807th bar, first visited in 2024.

Came here as the first stop on a belated birthday bar crawl for my youngest brother. They do brew their own beer, but they were completely cleaned out by an event at Ft. Leavenworth so only had guest beers available today. I had a Bulldog Stout by Three Rings Brewery and a an Eagle 5, the Oktoberfest beer from Pathlight Brewing.

305 Cherokee St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
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Republic Bar

scooterj — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(MSP Airport, St. Paul, MN)

Scooter’s 1806th bar, first visited in 2024.

Though I had another long layover at MSP, this time I decided to not leave the airport and instead wandered around until I found a bar that wasn’t too busy. Though I’d just eaten a shrimp basket at the Sioux Falls airport less than 2 hours earlier, I was already hungry again and got myself some fish & chips. I washed it down with a Mudpuppy Porter by Central Waters Brewing Company.

4300 Glumack Dr
St. Paul, MN 55111
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Würst Beer Hall

scooterj — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:22:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1782nd bar, first visited in 2024.

Because of its early closing time, this place wasn’t originally on my itinerary. But it was on my if there’s somehow enough time list.

At this point, a smart me would have just returned to my hotel room. But I’m not always a smart me, and when I noticed it was basically right across the corner from where I’d just eaten dinner being dumb was too easy a decision to make.

I was expecting a German beer hall with primarily German beer. The actual vibe seemed more like a mashup of craft beer and sports bar with some German food.

I had a Burning Skye Scottish Ale by Empyrean Brewing Co.

630 1st Ave N
Fargo, ND 58102
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+1 (701) 478-2437
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Blarney Stone

scooterj — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1781st bar, first visited in 2024.

If not for the fact that I hadn’t eaten since 11:30am I would have gone back to the hotel at this point, but I knew I needed to eat something and I knew Blarney Stone had food.

I had the Kilkenny Cod for dinner (Flour dusted, pan sautéed cod with a light white wine and lemon-garlic sauce nestled on a bed of wild rice. Accompanied by house vegetables and served with a lemon) and it was absolutely delicious. I had Guinness with my meal.

101 Broadway N
Fargo, ND 58102
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+1 (701) 478-8888
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Harold’s

scooterj — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Moorhead, MN)

Scooter’s 1776th bar, first visited in 2024.

Originally I didn’t plan to come here because of the late opening time, but because it took me so long to get an Uber to Junkyard Brewing, this cocktail bar was just opening as I finished at Junkyard. On paper is was a short walk, but road construction + heavy traffic + a pair of train tracks made for a rather unpleasant very short walk.

I considered getting some pizza here but they didn’t have any offerings suitable for just one person. So I had a cocktail (Fairway Smash — description in photos), then decided to get an Uber to the next place, since the much longer walk would return through the same construction zone and cross rail tracks again.

Restroom identifier:

1330 Main Ave
Moorhead, MN 56560
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+1 (218) 233-3477
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Beer & Fish Company

scooterj — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1772nd bar, first visited in 2024.

After I spent some time walking around downtown (and in particular Robert’s Alley) looking at the various sculptures and murals, I decided it was time to try to eat something. Fish & chips sounded good. Accompanying my meal was a Fargo Original Lager Beer by Fargo Brewing Company.

230 Roberts Alley
Fargo, ND 58102
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+1 (701) 532-1342
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Front Street Taproom

scooterj — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1765th bar, first visited in 2024.

My next stop was supposed to be a highly-recommended dive bar named Duffy’s, but after I got dropped off and my driver left I found it was closed. (I later learned the bartender had had a stroke earlier in the day.) Rather than try to get another ride I decided to just start walking toward downtown since that’s where the rest of my planned stops for the night were located.

Along the way I came across Frost Street Taproom, which had originally been on my if there’s time list. Since I was right here and had missed Duffy’s, now there was time.

Because the building is so skinny it makes the bar area itself feel a bit cramped, and though I took my pictures in such a way as to try not to include any people the bar counter was full.

In the back half of the building there’s mezzanine-level seating, and there’s also a deck in the back that overlooks the alley.

I had a Fallen Angel Sweet Stout by Empyrean Brewing Co.

614 Main Save
Fargo, ND 58103
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+1 (701) 566-7226
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Railway Winery & Butler Creek Distilling

scooterj — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Eureka Springs, AR)

Scooter’s 1759th bar, first visited in 2024.

Technically closer to the town of Beaver than to Eureka Springs, we had driven by this place many times in recent years before finally stopping in this past weekend.

There is a small amount of indoor seating, with considerably more seating outdoors under three covered areas. Due to state licensing requirements one of these outdoor seating areas is where you must sit if you plan to order from the distillery menu, but the entire complex is available for wine service. They also serve a handful of brews from Bentonville Brewing.

The patios are dog friendly and water bowls are provided. There is no food, but crackers and popcorn are available to cleanse the palate.

I sampled all of the wines except the Strawberry Trainwreck (I don’t like strawberry) and in a rare situation for me when it comes to wine, I liked nearly all of them. I also had the complete distillery flight, and finished off with a pour of the Hills and Hollers amber lager from Bentonville Brewing.

We bought 5 bottles of wine to take home, and when we asked about a good place nearby to get firewood the owner directed us to a tree he’d recently cut down behind the vineyard and had us load up whatever we wanted.

We’ll definitely be back!

4937 State Hwy 187
Eureka Springs, AR 72631
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+14792447798
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The Depot Pub & Grille

scooterj — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Mitchell, SD)

Scooter’s 1748th bar, first visited in 2024.

We stopped in here for dinner after setting up camp, after checking online menus and determining this looked like our best option. The food was surprisingly good, who’d have ever through that one of the best orders of fish & chips I’ve ever had (walleye) would come from a bar in a small town in South Dakota?

There was not any outdoor seating at the time of our visit, but the opening of a new patio was imminent so I went ahead and marked this as having outdoor seating as it is probably open by now.

In addition to my meal I had a SUPERCOW (imperial milk stout) by Look’s Beer.

210 S Main St
Mitchell, SD 57301
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Char Bar – Parkville

scooterj — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Old Town at Creekside, Parkville, MO)

Scooter’s 1746th bar, first visited in 2024.

A new additional location for the original Char Bar (the original located in Westport). In addition to the wide variety of drinks and BBQ, his iteration includes covered and uncovered outdoor seating, pickleball courts, various outdoor games, a large outdoor fireplace, and even dog park of sorts.

15348 Old Town Dr
Parkville, MO 64152
US
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+18166229600

Brewer’s Kitchen

scooterj — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:10:00 +0000

(Hyde Park, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1745th bar, first visited in 2024.

Decided to check this place out for a late breakfast before we headed to a lawn and garden show. I had a couple of cocktails with my meal.

There is a separate bar/lounge attached named Brewer’s Corner, but that didn’t open until later in the day.

3107 Gillham Rd
Kansas City, MO 64109
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+18167751274
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Whiskey River

scooterj — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 18:10:00 +0000

(Old Town at Creekside, Parkville, MO)

Scooter’s 1744th bar, first visited in 2024.

Whiskey and craft beer bar with all sorts of high-end spirits, and creative cocktails. Also serves some pretty good pizza and burgers. I’ve since been several times and have had all sorts of the drink offerings.

There is a speakeasy hidden behind a bookcase. I haven’t yet asked what its ours are or how to get access.

15425 Old Town Dr Suite 116
Parkville, MO 64152
US
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+18168929302
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Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery

scooterj — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Peoria, IL)

Scooter’s 1731st bar, first visited in 2023.

We decided to pick this place for dinner because it had a good menu and looked pretty. The bar area was pretty crowded (in part due to a Christmas pop-up bar operating in the back) so we wait in the covered entryway next to the fireplace.

I had fish & chips and a Brasserie Noir (2017) by Goose Island Beer Co. — Bourbon County Brand Stout aged in Brasserie Noir red wine barrels.

619 Southwest Water Street
Peoria, IL 61602
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+13096736000
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21 Taps

scooterj — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Cape Girardeau, MO)

Scooter’s 1727th bar, first visited in 2023.

This is one of those self-service beer wall establishments. I wasn’t 100% sure it was still in business because it had a realtor sign out front and was dark and locked each time I walked by throughout the afternoon, but I happened to notice the lights on when I walked by again trying to find one more place to go.

Unfortunately, at least on this day, several of the taps were out, Of those that were left, a couple were duplicates and a couple more were boring standard mass-produced domestics. So for all practically purposes it was really more like “10 Taps” for my visit. (They do have food, though.)

I had a Cinnamon Maple Stout by Six Mile Bridge Brewing, and a Vanilla Porter by Breckenridge Brewery.

36 N Spanish St
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
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+15738032777
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Ebb & Flow Fermentations

scooterj — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Cape Girardeau, MO)

Scooter’s 1725th bar, first visited in 2023.

My next destination turned out to be a nice, relaxing places to sip on some really good libations.

The bartender told me that some of the items were brewed with a yeast strain the brewmaster developed and named after his cat. (Or something like that, I was pretty buzzed by that point.)

I had the Esoteric Arcanum Vol. IX (Mead finished on vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and plums) and the Complicated Game (imperial stout).

After the list of all their items brewed in-house, Stag as the only guest tap cracked me up.

11 S Spanish St
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
US
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+15738031611
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St. Andrew’s Pub

scooterj — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Benson, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1711th bar, first visited in 2023.

This is a separate sports bar attached to and affiliated with Beercade is Beercade. Though both bars share the same POS (so you can open or close your tab in either bar), the tap lists and it appears even the hours differ.

We played Tetris here, and I had a Shake Chocolate Porter by Boulder Beer.

6102 Maple St.
Omaha, NE 68104
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+14029323392
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Beercade

scooterj — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:11:00 +0000

(Benson, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1710th bar, first visited in 2023.

After lunch we still needed to kill some more time before other bars would be open, so we walked over to Full House for some dive bar time. I had been there before, my friend hadn’t.

Once we finished there, more places were open and we were able to continue on to some more new places.

Beercade is an arcade bar, mainly focused on pinball. We spent a good amount of time here trying out most of not all of the machines.

I had a Gigantic Nitro Stout by Gigantic Brewing Company.

Attached to and affiliated with Beercade is St. Andrew’s Pub, which is naturally where we went next. Though both bars share the same POS (so you can open or close your tab in either bar), the tap lists and it appears even the hours differ.

6104 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68104
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Bärchen Beer Garden

scooterj — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Benson, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1709th bar, first visited in 2023.

We arrived in the Benson neighborhood before most places were open, and this was the more interesting looking of the places we found open that also served food.

The menu is primarily German food & beer, but when it came to the food we both got nervous and went with “safe” picks. My friend got kebobs (which turned out to me more like wraps instead of the skewers he was expecting) while I went safer still with chicken strips. Beer-wise I had a Hofbräu Dunkel / Dunkel Gold by Staatliches Hofbräuhaus München.

It was too cold to enjoy the beer garden itself so we stayed inside. But it’s a pretty impressive patio.

6209 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68104
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+14025029902
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Atwater Brewery

scooterj — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Romulus, MI)

Scooter’s 1701st bar, first visited in 2023.

We got dropped off at the airport and were at our gate 6 minutes later, so we had well over and hour to kill before it would even be time to start thinking about keeping an eye on boarding time. We picked this spot since it had traditional breakfast food.

Since I’d already had plenty of Atwater beer at the main brewery, I went with my airport standard of Coffee & Bailey’s here.

Romulus, MI 48242
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+17349413726
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Orion Boat House

scooterj — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:14:00 +0000

(Lake Orion, MI)

Scooter’s 1699th bar, first visited in 2023.

After taking a break for most of the afternoon, we went back out in the evening to find a place where we could sit outside with a view of the sunset while having appetizers and cocktails.

This was a bit tricky to find, the car’s GPS led us to two incorrect parking lots before we found it.

In addition to pizza, I had an Espresso Martini, a Leeway (rittenhouse rye / heering cherry / sweet vermouth / cherry bitters / walnut bitters), and a Chicken & Waffle Old Fashioned.

256 S Broadway St
Lake Orion, MI 48362
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McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar

scooterj — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Corktown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1697th bar, first visited in 2023.

And another great bar! We love Detroit.

We stayed here for quite a while, sharing several plates of appetizers while playing shufflepuck and having a few rounds of drinks.

The bar counter works its way up a few steps, continuing around the corner from the bar room into the main dining area. There is also a big, well-decorated patio in the back.

I had a Dragonâ€™s Milk Reserve: Coffee Chocolate (2023) by New Holland Brewing, an O.C.P. (Oatmeal Creme Pie) (brown ale) by Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, and whatever shots were ordered.

This trough appears to have bene custom-made to fill 100% of the available space.

1460 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48216
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Vivio’s Food & Spirits

scooterj — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1693rd bar, first visited in 2023.

Our first stop after getting picked up at the airport. We were looking for someplace that would have brunch food + drinks and thought this would fit the bill, but it turned out to be more seafoody than we were ready for.

We were seated on the upper level.

In addition to my food (I think it was a burger) I had Delirium Tremens by Delirium – Huyghe Brewery and a Fresh Squeezed (IPA) by Deschutes Brewery

2460 Market St.
Detroit, MI 48207
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+13133931711
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District Pour House + Kitchen

scooterj — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Shawnee, KS)

Scooter’s 1690th bar, first visited in 2023.

Since my brother wasn’t into the food truck BBQ at the last place, we came over here for burgers instead. I had a couple of bottles of Three Blind Mice (brown ale) from Mother’s Brewing.

11101 Johnson Dr
Shawnee, KS 66203
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+19132838585
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Tin Mill Restaurant

scooterj — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1687th bar, first visited in 2023.

After dinner we were supposed to go to Hermann WurstHaus to pick up all kinds of delicious meats, but they closed over an hour early!!!! Easily missed out on a few hundred dollars in sales to our group.

Since it was pouring down rain and we still had just under an hour to wait for our train, our choices were to wait outside under the train station awning or go across the parking lot for one last round of drinks.

I had a Barrel Aged Manhattan (pictured below). I believe there was one other drink — possibly a round of shots — but I don’t remember for certain.

315 E. 1st St.
Hermann, MO 65041
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+15734865546
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Hermann 1837 Cellar Bar

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1681st bar, first visited in 2023.

This historic bar (lots of memorabilia) is located in the basement of a downtown hotel (the Hermann Crown Suites). There is also a courtyard at street level and food available from a grill on the opposite side of the courtyard. Live music was happening in the courtyard this weekend but performers also sometimes play inside.

We started to come here Friday night but it was too crowded and noisy, tonight it was a somewhat more relaxed environment.

I don’t remember what the cocktail was that I got, and unfortunately I didn’t snap a pic of the menu so I might never know what it was.

The lat/lon given here (map marker) is the location of the stairs down to the cellar bar.

403 Market St.
Hermann, MO 65041
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+15734862662
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Pak’s Backyard

scooterj — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Port Austin, MI)

Scooter’s 1662nd bar, first visited in 2023.

Another place where they wanted everyone outside, at least today was a nice day instead of the rain we had at our previous two places.

In the mornings, this is a coffee shop. I had already been here for coffee before returning today for drinks.

I had a Vanilla Java Porter by Atwater Brewing.

119 E Spring St
Port Austin, MI 48467
United States
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(989) 341-3350
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Bird Creek Farms

scooterj — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Port Austin, MI)

Scooter’s 1660th bar, first visited in 2023.

I almost didn’t count this as a bar, but we ended up seated in the outdoor bar area and had a few rounds of drinks, so it’s valid!

It was pouring down rain, and though the patio was covered the roof did have quite a few leaks, so it seemed a little odd that they were seating everyone outside. But we loved it here. We absolutely destroyed every plate of appetizers that was delivered to our table,m and the drinks were fantastic.

I had a Michigan Amber by Big Lake Brewing, and a maple-pecan old fashioned.

There were more before we ordered our appetizers.

282 Grindstone Rd
Port Austin, MI 48467
United States
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+19895536444
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Hangar on the Wharf

scooterj — Thu, 11 May 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Juneau, AK)

Scooter’s 1647th bar, first visited in 2023.

The name is quite literal, it’s one of several restaurants & shops located inside a former aircraft hangar built right on the wharf. It features large plate glass windows looking right out onto the harbor.

In addition to halibut & chips, I had a Quilter’s Irish Death (strong ale) by Iron Horse Brewery.

2 Marine Way #106
Juneau, AK 99801
United States
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(907) 586-5018
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Griz Bar

scooterj — Thu, 11 May 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Juneau, AK)

Scooter’s 1646th bar, first visited in 2023.

We started out trying to go to Red Dog Saloon but it was closed. My wife wanted to buy something at the Harley-Davison store, and we came across Griz Bar right next door to that.

This is an entirely outdoor bar, mostly covered, with firepits at most if not all of the tables. From what I understand, it opened during the COVID lockdowns and for a while was the only bar able to operate in Juneau during that time.

Food is provided by a permanently-parked taco truck right next to the patio.

The adults all had a round of their signature Bear Fart shot, which I chased with a Chuli Stout by Denali Brewing.

210 Admiral Way
Juneau, AK 99801
United States
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+19077233273
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Hi-Lo Diner

scooterj — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 17:11:00 +0000

(MSP Airport, St. Paul, MN)

Scooter’s 1638th bar, first visited in 2023.

As I was heading to the airport my online boarding pass showed my flight departing from concourse G, so I picked out a bar there to grab some lunch and hang out at.

By the time I got through security that had changed to a gate in concourse F. Having not done any advance research into F, I went and found my gate first, then saw this place right across from it. A perfect spot to grab some lunch and a drink while keeping an eye on my gate.

They were out of a lot of food items, but they did have chicken tenders and fries. I was feeling a bit beered-out so I got a drink called Minnesota Goodbyes — a coffee-based cocktail.

After I finished my drink and lunch I was considering ordering a beer. I glanced over at my gate to see how things were looking, and now there was a different city on the screen! I checked my boarding pass, and now it had a new gate again, this time way over in Concourse C! So I had to close my tab and speedwalk, reaching the new gate with just minutes to spare before boarding.

4300 Glumack Drive
St. Paul, MN 55111
United States
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(786) 810-9350
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Yoerg Brewing

scooterj — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:11:00 +0000

(Dayton’s Bluff, St Paul, MN)

Scooter’s 1617th bar, first visited in 2023.

I put this brewery on my list due to its age (founded 1848), making it the oldest brewery in Minnesota. What I didn’t know until I got here is that it also has an astounding inventory of well-curated European beers.

There was a bit of a communication breakdown when I tried to place my order. Before I even arrived I had already pre-selected two beers I wanted to try, as I was trying to keep it to 2-3 5-oz pours per brewery in order maintain my liver through today’s itinerary. But as soon as I said “5 ounce” the bartender (who I think was also the owner) shut me down and made me get a complete flight because he didn’t want to keep making me 5oz pours despite my protest that the two I had asked for were all I wanted. Oh well, the beer was all good, so I decided to go with it and find someplace else later to drink less beer to offset this requirement. (Spoiler alert: that never happened, I drank my full allotment or more everywhere.)

I had the Yoerg’s Beer (their flagship lager) and the Black Forest Lager (dark lager), and also added the Yoerg’s Picnic (pilsner) and one of their guest European beers, the Pays d’Erpigny by Brouwerij Alvinne (barleywine) to round out the flight.

378 Maria Ave
St Paul, MN 55106
United States
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(651) 330-2076
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Lyon’s Pub

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1615th bar, first visited in 2023.

Since I now had a second wind, I decided to Uber over to a small cluster of bars I enjoy downtown. I considered Kieran’s Irish Pub since I hadn’t been to the “new” location yet but it was already closed, and debated Gluek’s next, but ultimately chose Lyon’s Pub since it was one I had not been to yet.

This was a lovely English-style pub. The bartender was very friendly, and steered me toward the Lyon’s Lager (brewed for this bar by Schell’s Brewery) as opposed to one of the traditional more commonplace beers I was about to order instead.

On advice of the bartender, after I was finished here I walked around to the block behind the building to see the Bob Dylan mural.

And since that in turn put me in the right direction to do so, I decided to revisit two other bars that I had visited the first time I came to Minneapolis in August 2006. The first, Brass Rail, was already closed quite a few hours ahead of its posted closing time. No worries, though, I could see the lights were on at Loon Cafe so headed there next. Door locked! Also a couple hours ahead of closing time. It was thunderstorming by this point so that possibly killed business, but still. This ruined my mood and I decided to stop wasting time walking around looking for something open and went ahead and got an Uber back to the hotel to call it a night.

16 South 6th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
United States
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(612) 333-6612
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Bricksworth Beer Co

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1612th bar, first visited in 2023.

I had picked this place out for dinner weeks before this trip because the pizza looked good and because of its location.

Along with my pizza I had the Trick Question, a DIPA, brewed by Bricksworth Beer. I didn’t even know until I saw it on the menu that they had their own beer.

BTW if you visit here immediately after 13 beers at 6 prior breweries and you get up to go use the restroom, leave a trail of breadcrumbs because the restrooms are not in the restaurant but elsewhere in the building and I got so lost coming back.

Apologies for the terrible patio photo — while I was having my dinner the weather changed form light rain to downpour and I couldn’t get water to stay off the lens.

305 N 5th Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55401
United States
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(612) 886-1848
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Stockyards Brewing Co.

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1605th bar, first visited in 2023.

Had some BBQ and a FoxTrotter Scottish Ale while waiting for my flight to board.

1 Kansas City Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64153
United States
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Grand Trunk Pub

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1596th bar, first visited in 2022.

After leaving Detroiter Bar we called to check on our companion who was getting some much needed sleep back at the hotel. She didn’t answer, so we decided to wander around and do some sightseeing.

About thirty minutes into our walk we came across a bar that the rest of the group (minus me) had visited a few years earlier but it was extremely busy and they left after 40 minutes of being unable to get anyone to take their drink order. And I had wanted to visit ever since based solely on their pictures.

We peered inside and saw that it wasn’t too terribly busy, and there were enough open seats at the bar for us to sit together. So we went on in, and this time got served right away!

This bar was originally a rail station. There’s a separate room off to the side of the bar room that’s all table seating, and a mezzanine with additional table seating.

I had an Old Shuck (English porter) by North Pier Brewing.

After one round we decided our sleepy companion had napped long enough so we began making out way back to the hotel to wake her — albeit with quite a bit more sightseeing along the way.

612 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13139613043
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Elephant Room

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1594th bar, first visited in 2022.

We knew our companion would still be needing some more nap time at the hotel, so we headed on over to the next open bar that we saw.

This is an elegant cocktail bar with an unnecessarily upscale men’s room (see photos) — I believe this is the first place I’ve ever used a black urinal.

The random “Prison Mike” sketch above the hallway from the restrooms was a nice touch.

I had a Stroh’s since I’ve never had that before, then a cocktail that I think was a honey-lemon “Bee’s Knees” type of drink.

439 E Congress St
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
[launch map]
+13134624889
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Too-Ra-Loo

scooterj — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Rochester, MI)

Scooter’s 1591st bar, first visited in 2022.

A sports bar with pizza, Italian food, and 80 beers on tap. I had two cocktails (one was a chocolate martini, I forget what the other was) and a Coffee Donut Porter by One Well Brewing.

It should be noted that the outside of the building doesn’t usually look like this picture. The downtown Christmas lights had just been turned on for the season.

139 S. Main
Rochester, MI 48307
United States
[launch map]
+12484535291
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Ale Mary’s Beer Hall

scooterj — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Royal Oak, MI)

Scooter’s 1589th bar, first visited in 2022.

This was a bonus spot that a customer at Gusoline Alley told us about, and he led the way. I went a little bit crazy here and ordered some of the most expensive beers on the list. I feel like I may have been manipulated into it a little by the bartender but what the hell, it was all good stuff and I was on vacation.

I had an Olde School (barleywine) by Dogfish Head, a Harvest Ale (Matured In Lagavulin Whisky Casks) by JW Lees and Co, and a House Ale by Traquair House Brewery.

I also sampled some Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout (2021) by Dogfish Head, offered to me by the same guy who led us here.

316 S. Main
Royal Oak, MI 48067
United States
[launch map]
+12482681939
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Gusoline Alley

scooterj — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Royal Oak, MI)

Scooter’s 1588th bar, first visited in 2022.

A craft beer dive bar, decorated like a service station, with a pinball machine. I’ve had a t-shirt with their logo for years but never realized I’d actually wind up here.

I had a CEO Stout by Right Brain Brewing and a Java Vanilla Porter by Atwater Brewing. I believe shots were involved as well.

309 S Center St
Royal Oak, MI 48067
United States
[launch map]
+12485452235
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Lumin Sky Bar

scooterj — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Columbus, OH)

Scooter’s 1584th bar, first visited in 2022.

This cocktail bar sits atop the AC Marriott Hotel and has studding views of the Columbus skyline. A large patio lines the east side of the bar offering about 210 degrees or so of view.

I had a steak dinner, a couple of cocktails, a shot, and a Phase 2 (American IPA) by Nocterra Brewing.

517 Park St.
Columbus, OH 43215
United States
[launch map]
+16146075960
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Our House KC

scooterj — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1579th bar, first visited in 2022.

Awesome restaurant/bar/coffee shop/bakery with year-round rooftop seating. Since we were here for breakfast, I had an Irish coffee.

1815 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
United States
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+18164428569
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West Bottoms Whiskey Co.

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1574th bar, first visited in 2022.

We didn’t know this even existed until the bartender at 9th & State mentioned it was the source for the whiskey used in their cocktail called The Murdock. (Murdock, as it turns out, is the nickname of the bespectacled figure in the West Bottoms Whiskey logo.)

There’s picnic table out front and a seating area inside just past the bar. There’s also a cozy sofa seating area in the loft above the bar.

I had a coffee-based cocktail called The Whiskey Waker. My wife, not a fan of whiskey, opted for a glass of wine.

1321 W 13th St.
Kansas City, MO 64102
United States
[launch map]
+18162390520
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Stagger Lee

scooterj — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1563rd bar, first visited in 2022.

We had decided to get out of this neighborhood and walk back toward out hotel, but then we staggered across a spot that seemed a little calmer and more our speed. And I wish we’d taken some time to explore because I found out later that here were other cool areas in here besides the main bar where we sat.

I had a Disco in the Panic Room (IPA) by Meanwhile Brewing, a brewery we had meant to visit right after Pinthouse but completely forgot to do so.

87 Rainey St.
Austin, TX 78701
United States
[launch map]
+15122209007
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Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden

scooterj — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1562nd bar, first visited in 2022.

This place had come with so many recommendations, so we decided to head over here next.

And in better circumstances, we probably would have loved it.

Though I was beginning to feel better, my stomach was still too upset for me to order any sausages. My friend was beginning to get a headache. There was live music outside that was crazy loud, and instead of the chill environment Rainey Street had been sold to us as, it was completely overrun with people and far crazier than East 6th had been for us so far.

Plus so… many… college kids.

Nonetheless, I accomplished what I came here to do. I had the highly-regarded and recommended Pecan Porter by 512 Brewing, the only place I had found it mentioned in an online menu that we were going to be able to get to on this trip. I also had a Black Masses (imperial coffee stout) by Brash Brewing.

79 Rainey Street
Austin, TX 78701
United States
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+15123861656
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theChive HQ

scooterj — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1560th bar, first visited in 2022.

After a long-ish walk from Friends Bar (made longer with a side trip to CVS to buy a forgotten toothbrush) our main planned activity for the day was a 3:00 tour of the corporate headquarters of theChive.

The tour begins at the company bar, where you get a drink to take with you on the tour. I chose an Electric Jellyfish (NE IPA) by Pinthouse Pizza. I had no idea yet (would find out at our next venue) that this is Pinthouse’s flagship beer. It would also turn out to be my undoing for the day, as everything after drinking it was a struggle due to stomach volume.

The tour was awesome, but since this is a bar blog I won’t spoil the fun of the tour.

After making a complete circle through both floors of the building, the tour ends at… the bar! This time I had a Rosé Cider from Austin Eastciders, which turned out to be a fortunate selection because our plan to later visit Austin Eastciders fell through and I happened to pick a flavor I had not tried before.

98 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
United States
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+15125273500
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Maxine’s Tap Room

scooterj — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fayetteville, AR)

Scooter’s 1544th bar, first visited in 2022.

I was supposed to visit this place back in 2019, but after visiting every brewery from Bentonville to Fayetteville in a single day I just didn’t have any stamina or sobriety left. Finally made up for it today.

I had an Oatty Stout by Fossil Cove Brewing, and a cocktail made with red bell peppers that I can’t remember the name of and isn’t on their online menu. (It was in the printed menu, which I didn’t take a picture of.)

107 N Block Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72701
United States
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+14794429601
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The Rambler

scooterj — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Humboldt, Portland, OR)

Scooter’s 1519th bar, first visited in 2022.

This wasn’t intended to be our first stop in Portland but the first place on our list, up the street, was already closed. This nearby spot had food and drinks so won our business instead.

I had a Chocolate Stout by Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery

4205 N Mississippi Ave
Portland, OR 97217
United States
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+15034594049
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Outlaw Cigar & Brewery

scooterj — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1513th bar, first visited in 2022.

A massive cigar lounge featuring a full bar and several of their own craft beers brewed on site. If you’re OK with cigar smoke, the beer is pretty good.

I had a flight featuring the Double Barrel IPA, Black Bart Porter, Black Powder Stout, Perdition Chocolate Wheat Stout, and Blind Squirrel Brown

309 E. 10th Ave
North Kansas City, MO 64116
United States
[launch map]
+18165695118
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Alma Mader Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1509th bar, first visited in 2021.

Though I’ve had their beer several times at other bars, this was my first visit to their actual location.

I had the Tall Tales base beer (imperial brown) and the Tall Tales (Coffee//Cinnamon).

2635 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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+18169452589
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City Park Grill

scooterj — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1504th bar, first visited in 2021.

Came in here for lunch as our camper caravan was migrating from Munising to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

I had something fish-related for lunch, and a Serendipity Porter by Beards Brewery.

432 E Lake St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
United States
[launch map]
+12313470101
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Duck Pond Eatery and Beer Garden

scooterj — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Christmas, MI)

Scooter’s 1500th bar, first visited in 2021.

This was an awesome vacation find for my 1500th bar! We had some nice appetizers and they had a really great beer selection.

In addition to the snacks, I had the Ore Dock Brewing porter and the Bellaire Brown (ale) by Short’s Brewing.

7974 W M28
Christmas, MI 49862
United States
[launch map]
906-387-1689
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Apogee Coffee & Draft

scooterj — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 17:13:00 +0000

(Olathe, KS)

Scooter’s 1498th bar, first visited in 2021.

Yoga studio, rock climbing gym, coffee shop, and craft beer bar all under one roof! Of course I was here for only one of those things, but my brother made me order pizza and then he ordered a platter of cookies as well.

One cool aspect, the green wall in the photos is real miss that gets all the moisture it needs to stay alive from the air.

Beer-wise, I had the Mornin’ Latte Nitro by Toppling Goliath Brewing Company.

670 N Central St
Olathe, KS 66061
United States
[launch map]
+19134904455
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Enoteca

scooterj — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Crescent City, CA)

Scooter’s 1493rd bar, first visited in 2021.

We thought this was a cocktail bar based on pictures we saw in Google reviews, but beer and wine only. We had some snacks here as a band played at the other end of the venue.

I had an Irish Coffee Cream Stout by Fall River Brewing.

960 3rd St
Crescent City, CA 95531
United States
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+17074642909
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Sarah’s On The Hill

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1487th bar, first visited in 2021.

We were taking some out of town friends around for drinks when my wife noticed this on the map and wondered if it was the place an older friend of hers had opened. We decided to stop in, and it turned out it was!

We had just eaten so didn’t get to try the food, we just got a round of drinks. I had the Boulevard Berry Noir.

612 N 5th St
Kansas City, KS 66101
United States
[launch map]
+19136085801
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Catalyst – Kitchen, Taproom, Patio, & Brewing Co.

scooterj — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Lincoln, NE)
Formerly Local Kitchen + Patio

Scooter’s 1483rd bar, first visited in 2021.

This big restaurant/brewery with a big patio is located in a relatively new shop[ping center in a suburban-like section of Lincoln. There are actually three brewery taprooms in this shopping center, so I visited all three before leaving town.

They have quite a few of their own brews, plus an extensive guest tap list. I stuck with their own beer, having the New Beginnings (American IPA), Sticky Knife Peanut Butter Porter, and Old Fashioned Barleywine.

5730 Hidcote Dr
Lincoln, NE 68516
United States
[launch map]
+14022617588
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V’s Arcade Bar

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 17:25:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 1482nd bar, first visited in 2021.

I tried to come here twice earlier on this trip. Both times the door was locked even though I was well within posted business hours. Come to find out I was using the north door that my GPS led me to. Apparently they don’t use that entrance even though it’s well-signed and well-lit. But after a few hours of recovery at my hotel room, I was ready for one more spot while I waited for a pizza I’d ordered to be ready. Eventually I stumbled across the unlocked eastern entrance to this basement arcade bar.

I didn’t really have any time for games, just a quick drink. I at the Flat Roofin’(porter) from White Elm Brewing.

247 N 8th St
Lincoln, NE 68508
United States
[launch map]
+15315005599
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The Happy Raven

scooterj — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 1466th bar, first visited in 2021.

Away from the more crowded sections of downtown Lincoln, this place is well known for its great selection of craft beer.

I had Massive (Cognac Barrel Aged) (2019) by Gigantic Brewing Company, Massive (Rye Barrel Aged) (2019) by Gigantic Brewing Company, Big Luscious by Founders Brewing Co., and Rye On Rye (2021) by Boulevard Brewing Co.

122 N 11th St
Lincoln, NE 68508
United States
[launch map]
+14027420004
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Grains & Taps

scooterj — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lee’s Summit, MO)

Scooter’s 1462nd bar, first visited in 2021.

This brewery and restaurant/taproom grew from the Grains & Taps home brewing store a few blocks down the street. Features a huge tap list of their own brews.

I tried their Reluctantly Crouched (Barleywine), Dry Stout, Emperor King Comptroller (Imperial stout), Reluctantly Crouched Blackberry, Gullywomp Stout, and Cheeky Mate (English mild)

10 SW 3rd St
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
United States
[launch map]
+18168665827
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Iron Kettle Brewing

scooterj — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Grain Valley, MO)

Scooter’s 1460th bar, first visited in 2021.

New brewery in downtown Grain Valley that did a really nice job fixing up one of the original old downtown buildings. In addition to the indoor bar there is alley seating and a rooftop deck (which was closed the day of this visit.) In addition to their own beer they have a good selection of guest taps.

I had their Ritter Von Pilsner, Archduke Ale, Sea Merchant IPA, O’Connell’s Irish Ale, Merlin’s Magic Amber, Wild Cide”r”, and Friar Matts Golden Rule Mead

508 N Main St
Grain Valley, MO 64029
United States
[launch map]
+18163550069
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World of Beer

scooterj — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 17:11:00 +0000

(Bell Tower, Fort Myers, FL)

Scooter’s 1455th bar, first visited in 2021.

Fun largely open-air craft beer bar in a suburban shopping center. I had GB Porter by Palm City Brewing, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale by Lexington Brewing & Distilling, and Void Shaker by Funky Buddha Brewery

13499 S Cleveland Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33907
United States
[launch map]
+12394372411
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Conrad’s Restaurant & Alehouse

scooterj — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Liberty Triangle, Liberty, MO)

Scooter’s 1453rd bar, first visited in 2021.

Restaurant and craft beer bar that AJ and I dropped into after conducting a Craigslist transaction nearby.

I had The Waldos’ Special Ale by Lagunitas, Imperial Golden Nugget by Toppling Goliath, Boss Taurus by Torn Label, and Treeline by Melvin Brewing

210 North MO-291
Liberty, MO 64068
United States
[launch map]
+18164071717
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Old Chicago

scooterj — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 17:10:00 +0000

(One North, North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1443rd bar, first visited in 2020.

It occurred to me that as many times as I’ve sat at the bar waiting for a to-go order, I ought to count this one. For the date on this I picked the first time it occurred to me to take a picture, though technically I’d been coming here since June.

1920 Diamond Pkwy
North Kansas City, MO 64116
United States
[launch map]
+18169979900
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O’Connor’s Public House

scooterj — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Rochester, MI)

Scooter’s 1436th bar, first visited in 2020.

Another bar that I didn’t really get to experience due to COVID. Apart from slipping in the back door to use the restroom, we entered and stayed on the patio on the back side so I never saw anything inside the bar beyond the restrooms.

I had a Plead The 5th Imperial Stout by Dark Horse Brewing.

324 S Main St
Rochester, MI 48307
United States
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(248) 608-2537
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Afterword Tavern & Shelves

scooterj — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1427th bar, first visited in 2019.

Part book store, part library, part cafe, part bar. I stopped in here for the first time as a last-moment addition to an impromptu walking bar crawl I was doing by myself the Saturday before Christmas.

I had a Thresher Porter by Broadway Brewing.

1834 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
[launch map]
(816) 569-3001
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Lavelle’s Bistro

scooterj — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fairbanks, AK)

Scooter’s 1421st bar, first visited in 2019.

We had started to come here for dinner the previous night, but we were dressed in snow gear and felt uncomfortable about it. We were better dressed for it tonight. It’s a pretty upscale place, located on the ground floor of the Springhill Suites and accessible only through the hotel lobby.

There was a birthday party underway next to us which made things pretty loud initially, but they left about 30 minutes into our visit and after that it was largely empty.

Starving, we had ourselves a full spread of bar appetizers. Beer-wise, I had a Hop Dog IPA by Midnight Sun Brewing.

Note the huge amount of wine offerings…

575 1st Ave
Fairbanks, AK 99701
United States
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(907) 450-0555
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The Library Bar & Bites

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fairbanks, AK)
Formerly Alaska Rag Company

Scooter’s 1417th bar, first visited in 2019.

The name made us think this would be a nice quiet place to get some drinks and a bite to eat. Instead it was the noisiest bar of the entire trip so we didn’t stay very long.

I had a Mat Maid (milk stout) by Bearpaw River Brewing Company. It wasn’t what I had actually ordered, it was so loud in there that the bartender misunderstood me. But I was perfectly fine with this accidental selection.

Apparently they had only opened for business two weeks before we visited!

603 Lacey St
Fairbanks, AK 99701
United States
[launch map]
(907) 457-1141
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Chances Social

scooterj — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Thou Mayest

Scooter’s 1412th bar, first visited in 2019.

We came in here for a friend’s birthday. It’s a combo coffee shop / craft cocktail bar, also has some craft beer. There’s a col patio in back with some swings.

I had a White Russian, which was also one of the best I’ve had.

419 E 18th
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
[launch map]
(816) 666-8777
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Flicker: Bar & Arcade

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Joplin, MO)

Scooter’s 1389th bar, first visited in 2019.

After checking into my hotel I ubered here hoping to play a little pinball, but ended up sitting to watch a band. The change machine was on the fritz so any time anyone needed tokens the bartender had to to open the machine up to get some out.

I kind of felt sorry for the band, as nobody really seemed to be paying any attention to them even through only a few people were distracted playing games.

I had The Great Cobra Scare of ’53 by Mother’s Brewing Company, which in retrospect I should have taken a few more moments to study the list because it’s a wheat bear which is just about my least favorite style. I spent almost as long here as I did having dinner at the last place due to it taking me so long to force down a wheat beer.

122 S Main
Joplin, MO 64801
US
[launch map]
(417) 952-2088
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Oak & Steel

scooterj — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1381st bar, first visited in 2019.

A brand new craft beer/whiskey bar, my first visit was just a few days after it opened. It’s located in the ground-level retail space of a parking garage about a block from the Kauffman Performing Arts Center.

The bar area has ample seating, and there is a large covered patio as well. Note that during the daytime, from the street it can be really had to tell a business is here. It’s on the south side of the garage (north side of 17th).

I had a Black Noise, Port Barrel Aged Black Noise, Black Noise (w/ Blueprint Coffee), Rum Barrel Aged Liquid Spiritual Delight (LSD), and Little Big Hop; all by 2nd Shift Brewing.

120 W 17th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 766-3580
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Independent Ale House

scooterj — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Rapid City, SD)

Scooter’s 1380th bar, first visited in 2019.

“Wait, you picked this place for the beer, not the food!” my wife said, angrily, when we stepped inside.

“Oh my god, this is just about the best pizza I’ve ever had!” she later said after the food came out.

Perfectly-sized gourmet flatbread pizzas and a great beer selection, that’s all I need!

I had a Bluebird Day (IPA) by Great Northern Brewing Company (Montana)

There was a second level (basement level) but we didn’t head downstairs so I don’t know if it was just additional seating or if there was other stuff of interest.

625 St Joseph St
Rapid City, SD 57701
US
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(605) 718-9492
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Kingsmen Ale House

scooterj — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Lethbridge, AB)

Scooter’s 1373rd bar, first visited in 2019.

After spending a considerable amount of time trying to decide between Thai and Indian for dinner, we went with English pub.

The food here was great, and they had a really good beer selection too. I had a Jet Black Heart (milk stout) by BrewDog.

2012 Mayor Magrath Dr S
Lethbridge, AB T1K 2R9
Canada
[launch map]
403-328-0423
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The Block

scooterj — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Great Falls, MT)

Scooter’s 1370th bar, first visited in 2019.

We arrived in Great Falls after most of the restaurants had closed, but this place was open and we stopped in for dinner and drinks. Great sandwiches and great beer selection.

I had a Naughty Irish Red Ale by Black Eagle Brewery and Space Goat by Big Sky Brewing Company.

4 5th St S
Great Falls, MT 59401
US
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(406) 315-1783
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DankHouse Brewing Company

scooterj — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 17:13:00 +0000

(Newark, OH)

Scooter’s 1360th bar, first visited in 2019.

This is a very cool tap room, and in addition to having good beer of their own, they have several guest taps as well.

There was outdoor seating in the back, and a food truck around the side. Interesting discovery: the men’s room is neat and clean while the women’s is absolutely covered in graffiti.

I had their Super Fantastic (IPA) and Super Duper Fantastic (Inperial IPA). From the guest taps I also had Likewise Lager by Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, Nimble Giant (Imperial IPA) by Tröegs Independent Brewing, and Scenario (Porter) by Melvin Brewing

The bar top is made of “All of the buckshot Walmart had available that day.”

161 Forry St
Newark, OH 43055
US
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(740) 915-6413
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Cumming Tap

scooterj — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 17:11:00 +0000

(Cumming, IA)

Scooter’s 1355th bar, first visited in 2019.

Because it’s adjacent to a trailhead for a major bike path (in fact there’s a path blazed from the trailhead directly to the back door) this place is HUGELY popular with cyclists. And though we were the only customers when we arrived, before long the place started filling up with them.

There’s a small patio in the back, a surprisingly decent craft beer selection, and lots of “I love Cumming” merchandise for sale.

I had a Burnout Brown by Firetrucker Brewery.

117 N 44th St
Cumming, IA 50061
US
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(515) 981-5149
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Up-Down DSM

scooterj — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1350th bar, first visited in 2019.

The original location! Though it had recently expanded and taken over a second level, it was originally just the basement bar.

The bouncer tried to photobomb my main photo but he wasn’t quick enough, which was a shame as it would have been a good shot.

We were hungry (again) and had some pizza and played lots of pinball. I had a Roxie Irish Red by Boone Valley Brewing Company

From here we went across the street to Locust Tap, but that’s already logged elsewhere in this journal.

500 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 243-4322
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Royal Mile

scooterj — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1345th bar, first visited in 2019.

This is a fantastic-looking English pub right in the heart of downtown. Along with the great interior, there is outdoor seating in the alley.

Upstairs is a Belgian bar that we wanted to go to later but ran out of time/stamina. (It didn’t open until evening and we were here for breakfast.)

In addition to my meat-only version of a traditional English breakfast (bangers and rashers and that’s it) I had a rather large bottle of Querkus Smoked Oaked Porter by Ridgeway Brewing to start off my day.

210 SW 4th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 282-2012
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El Bait Shop

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1344th bar, first visited in 2019.

We returned after nearly an hour and found the place still way too crowded. Absolutely no way of getting a beer outside. We went outside, and found the patio completely full. As we were frustratingly considering giving up, we noticed a second patio with an outdoor bar that had a few seats. We took them. And we soon learned why this section had seating open — it was getting the full brunt of the July afternoon sun.

The brutality of the heat + the gigantic beer volume earlier at Hessen Haus meant this was going to be a shorter visit than I’d hoped for. But in between rounds of wiping sweat off my face I managed to get a few beers in.

My flight consisted of Dolphin Sparkles (imperial IPA)by Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., a Black Prism (sour Berliner Weisse) by August Schell Brewing Company, a Midnight Morning (imperial stout) by Grimm Artisanal Ales, and a Mocha Sombrero (Mexican chocolate stout) by Clown Shoes. I then ordered a taster of Must Kuld (imperial porter) by PÃµhjala out of Estonia, but I was accidentally served a full pour and powered through it like a champ.

200 SW 2nd S
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 284-1970
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Hessen Haus

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1341st bar, first visited in 2019.

Since we foudn foot at Mullets we decided to save Iowa Taproom for tomorrow as originally planned. We checked into out hotel, ditched the car, and started walking southeast. After skipping a couple of places we were saving for later, we arrived here.

This is great German beer hall. Tons of choices in beer, few that I could pronounce. None in reasonably small sizes. What I wound up with was a beer they had just tapped and did not have it on the menu yet. With only the waitresses’s pronunciation to go on, this was a tough one to find and check in: I had a “small” (
20ish oz) Sünner Hircus Malz-Bock by Sünner Brauerei und Brennerei and it was truly delicious.

101 SW 4th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 288-2520
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La Merenda

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 17:14:00 +0000

(Harbor View, Milwaukee, WI)

Scooter’s 1321st bar, first visited in 2019.

As we were wrapping up at George’s we were getting hungry. Our group couldn’t decide between Mexican or Indian. The bartender at George’s recommended a Mexican place nearby at 2nd & National, but he couldn’t remember the name of it.

We, however, accidentally parked at 1st & National, saw La Merenda, and not realizing right away that was Italian and not Spanish, assumed it was what he was talking about.

When we got inside, we had difficulty reconciling the bartender we had just met would routinely go ti a place this…upscale. It wouldn’t be until later that we realized he was talking about a place called Cielito Lindo another block over. But that’s ok, as this turned out to be a fortunate blunder in a couple of ways.

First, this is a tapas bar. Which meant, we ended eating moth Mexican AND Indian style food, as well as a few other styles!

Secondly, the bartender recommended we stop at a place nearby called Shaker’s. None of us had heard of it, so we never would have gone to our next bar had we not gone to this one by mistake!

In addition to getting filled up with delicious food, I had a Thousandfold Stout by Company Brewing .

125 E National Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53204
US
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(414) 389-0125
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Red Lion Pub

scooterj — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Lower East Side, Milwaukee, WI)

Scooter’s 1315th bar, first visited in 2019.

We had prepared well in advance a list of all the bars we wanted to visit in Milwaukee. On our first evening here, we visited exactly zero that were on our list.

We were hungry and had two people from England in out group, so we chose to start off at the Red Lion Pub. Modeled after the traditional English pub, with a food and drink menu matching the theme.

It was rather busy, they put us on the second floor. There are bars on both levels. There’s a fairly large deck behind the second level (the building is constructed adjacent to a bluff) with some outdoor games.

After dinner and drinks karaoke started, so a few members of our group did some songs before he headed out.

I had a Snake Hollow (IPA) and a Gandy Dancer (porter), both by Potosi Brewing Company.

1850 N Water St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
US
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(414) 431-9009
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Iowa Taproom

scooterj — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1313th bar, first visited in 2019.

I tried to visit this place a couple of years ago, but some sort of bike event/street party (not RAGBRAI) made it so crowded I decided to save it for another day.

This craft beer bar has 99 taps, all serving beer only from breweries in Iowa. There is partially-covered outdoor seating available in the alley. They do serve food, but that’s not why I was there.

I could have easily stayed here until close, but alas I only had 45 minutes before I would have to leave to rejoin my group. So I had as many 4oz pours as I could during that time.

What I drank:

Oreo Speed Wagon by Lake Time Brewery (milk stout)

De Olla BA Rye Imperial Stout by Keg Creek Brewing Company

CocO Stout by West O Beer

Rhymes With Orange by Brightside Aleworks (stout)

Electric Banshee by ReUnion Brewery (stout)

Freedom Toast by Madhouse Brewing Company (Jesus Christ, this bourbon maple barrel-aged Wee-Heavy with cinnamon and vanilla stuck with me for two days!)

V.I.P. by Madhouse Brewing Company (imperial porter)

215 E 3rd St
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 243-0827
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Beechwood Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1312th bar, first visited in 2019.

I was walking from Locust Tap to Iowa Tap Room and spotted this place along the way. It looked too inviting to not stop in.

The main level is up a short flight of stairs, the lower level wasn’t open so I didn’t get to see what was downstairs. There’s also a patio around back that I didn’t notice until I was leaving.

Unlike what the outside presents, I wouldn’t quite call this a dive bar. A little too nice, and the beer selection a little too good.

Amenitites that I noticed included a handful of video games (including video slots/poker), a popcorn cart, and an ATM. I have no idea what might have been downstairs.

I had a ChewBOCKa German-Style Doppelbock by Confluence Brewing Company

416 E Walnut St
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 288-2337
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Juniper Bar + Market + Bistro + Bottle Shop

scooterj — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Cody, WY)

Scooter’s 1302nd bar, first visited in 2018.

Cute cocktail/wine/craft beer bar in the back of a bottle shop, with an alley-facing patio. Only a few taps, but they are well-curated.

I had Hunt for Red Oaktober and Rocking Horse Black IPA by Red Lodge Ales, and Russian Imperial Stout by Black Tooth Brewing Company.

1128 12th St.
Cody, WY 82414
US
[launch map]
307-587-4472
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Dott Boss

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1300th bar, first visited in 2018.

This is the hotel bar for the Hotel Indigo, but with a separate street entrance on Baltimore it’s removed enough from the lobby that it doesn’t really feel like a hotel bar.

In addition to a good beer selection and good cocktails, the food is pretty good too and we loved the personalities of the bartenders.

101 W 11th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 283-8000
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Made In KC Cafe

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1299th bar, first visited in 2018.

From the outside, you’d never guess there was a bar in here. All you can see is a coffee shop.

Come inside and wander to the back room, you still would never guess there’s a bar in here. All you’ll see is a coffee shop and a seating area with shelves of KC souvenirs available for purchase.

But then you might notice the red curtain around the corner, that looks like it would lead to an employee-only stock room.

Head through THAT curtain to find the bar — hidden so far back into the center of the block that you will have no phone signal and have to use their free wifi.

The beers are all local KC beers, and there is a limited cocktail menu using liquors that I assume are all regional.

1114 Baltimore Ave
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 585-2459
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Parlor

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1298th bar, first visited in 2018.

This food hall contains 7 restaurants, 2 bars, a covered deck on the second floor, and space for private events in the basement.

1707 Locust St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 875-4813
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Spokes Cafe & Cyclery

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1297th bar, first visited in 2018.

Bike shop, deli, coffee shop, and craft beer bar all rolled up into one.

1200 Washington, Suite B
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 307-2453
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Bar K Dog Bar

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1296th bar, first visited in 2018.

This bar isn’t just dog-friendly, it’s mainly for dogs. The menu even has a section of food and drinks for dogs. While to dogs aren’t allowed in the main building due to restaurant health code ordinances, there is plenty of covered and open-air seating outside on two levels. There are also staff on hand that watch your dogs as they play if you want to spend some time inside.

Gotta love the signs on the restroom doors:

501 Berkley Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64120
US
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(816) 474-2275‬
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Tallgrass Taphouse

scooterj — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Manhattan, KS)

Scooter’s 1294th bar, first visited in 2018.

For some reason I always pictured this as a small place with a rustic unfinished wood interior. It’s the exact opposite.

In addition to dinner, I had their Horror Lake (Strong Ale), and also a Time Portal (Brown Ale) by Kansas Territory Brewing Company.

320 Poyntz Ave
Manhattan, KS 66502
US
[launch map]
(785) 320-2933
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Star Bar

scooterj — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 17:21:00 +0000

(Five Points, Denver, CO)

Scooter’s 1291st bar, first visited in 2018.

My googling turned up a craft beer dive not far away, so we decided to make one last stop for the night.

“Oh! Here’s a beer I’ve never had before!” I said, ordering a Coffee Bender by Surly Brewing Company. Completely forgetting that I had that one on our previous beer trip, which was in Minneapolis.

After we finished up here we walked back to out hotel to call it a night. (Though I would later learn that had we gone a block around the corner, we could have visited the other Great Divide.)

2137 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80205
US
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(720) 328-2420
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Larimer Beer Hall

scooterj — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 17:20:00 +0000

(Five Points, Denver, CO)

Scooter’s 1290th bar, first visited in 2018.

We walked over here next and ran into a friend of ours from KC inside! We knew he was visiting Denver at the same time, but still… what are the odds?

I had the Sad Panda Coffee Stout by Horse & Dragon Brewing Company.

2012 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80205
US
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(720) 550-7610
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Mo Brew

scooterj — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1263rd bar, first visited in 2018.

Craft beer bar that borders on both sports bar and five bar. Great staff. Open and airy with seating on both the indoor and outdoor side of the northern half-wall.

I had a a Split Shot by Elysian Brewing, and a Brother Thelonious and an Old Stock Ale (both by North Coast Brewing).

1403 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
816-492-6183
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Smokehouse BBQ

scooterj — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 17:14:00 +0000

(Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1260th bar, first visited in 2018.

We popped in here for an appetizer and one last beer for the day. I had a Helldorado by Firestone Walker.

8451 NW Prairie View Rd
Blue Springs, MO 64153
US
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(816) 587-3337
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Brewer’s Sports Bar

scooterj — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1259th bar, first visited in 2018.

While visiting East Forty I noticed a new place across the street, so we went over to check it out.

I had a Whiskey Barrel Stout by Boulevard.

1120 W. Main
Blue Springs, MO 64015
US
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(816) 295-1802
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Flattop Pizza & Pool

scooterj — Thu, 31 May 2018 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Anchorage, AK)

Scooter’s 1253rd bar, first visited in 2018.

By the time we picked up our rental car we were starving, so sought out something to eat that was still open. This fit the bill nicely. We definitely looked like tourists, though, as we were the only people not wearing shorts.

600 W 6th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501
US
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(907) 677-7665
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Seasalt Alaskan Grill & Bar

scooterj — Wed, 30 May 2018 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Seward, AK)
Formerly Christo’s Palace

Scooter’s 1251st bar, first visited in 2018.

We finished our day in downtown Seward as the very last customers for dinner and drinks. Dinner was absolutely delicious. I almost never clean my plate in a fine dining place but I didn’t leave a scrap here.

I had a Chuli Stout and a Single Engine Red, both by by Denali Brewing Company.

133 4th Ave
Seward, AK 99664
US
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133 4th Ave
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Seward Brewing Company

scooterj — Wed, 30 May 2018 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Seward, AK)

Scooter’s 1249th bar, first visited in 2018.

A relatively new brwery in downtown Seward. I had a flight of their Shark Belly White, Japow (Japanese rice lager), Pinbone IPA, Red 6 Rye, Summer School Session IPA, and Inked Out Stout.

139 4th Ave
Seward, AK 99664
US
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(907) 422-0337
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49th State Brewing Company

scooterj — Mon, 28 May 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Healy, AK)

Scooter’s 1245th bar, first visited in 2018.

The seating area in the very nice main building is a bit small/cramped for the crowds they get, but they tacked on an enclosed/covered tented seating area in front, plus there are lots more places to sit outside on the expansive grounds.

The most prominent feature on their grounds is the actual “Magic Bus” from the movie “Into the Wild”, which should be noted is not the actual Magic Bus, which still sits the meadow 35 miles west.

I had their McCarthy’s Stout, Fallen Comrade (Red Ale brewed for Memorial Day), and Smoked Imperial Stout

Mile 248.4 Parks Hwy
Healy, AK 99743
US
[launch map]
907-683-2739
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Prospectors Pizzeria & Alehouse

scooterj — Sun, 27 May 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Denali, AK)

Scooter’s 1244th bar, first visited in 2018.

In addition to a great pizza, I had Chuli Stout by Denali Brewing Company, High Ridge (red Ale) by Arkose Brewery, and Smoked Porter by Alaskan Brewing Co.

Milepost 238.9, Parks Highway
Denali, AK 99577
US
[launch map]
907-683-7437
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Seattle Beer Co

scooterj — Fri, 25 May 2018 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Seattle, WA)

Scooter’s 1237th bar, first visited in 2018.

Popped in here for a short visit. I wanted to stay longer, but we were full from fish and cookies and still had a few more places we wanted to visit before our flight.

Beer: 9lb Porter by Georgetown Brewing Company

1427 Western Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
US
[launch map]
(206) 249-9858
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Horse and Cow

scooterj — Fri, 25 May 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Bremerton, WA)

Scooter’s 1236th bar, first visited in 2018.

Popped in to this Navy bar for a short visit after driving around to see the placed I lived when I was a kid. Beers consumed: Crux Stoutâ€”Nitro by Crux Fermentation Project, Ballz Deep by 7 Seas Brewing

536 4th St
Bremerton, WA 98337
US
[launch map]
(360) 627-9843
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Atlas Saloon & Brewery

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2018 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1234th bar, first visited in 2018.

Beers consumed: Toasted Lager by Blue Point Brewing Company , Siloam Irish Stout , McClearyâ€™s Scottish Ale, Atlas Brew, Regent Imperial Stout , Sunnyside Barley Wine.

This was intended to be a quick drop-in to pick up a visit to a local dive bar I’d known about for almost 30 years but never visited. Just a quick Bud Light, then leave.

Boy was I wrong.

In a bizarre stroke of luck, today was also the first day of their brewery operation that I had never heard a peep about until this visit, and we wound up being their very first customers! They only had 4 of their own beers ready for sale (Atlas Brew, Irish Stout, Russian Imperial Stout, and a barleywine they’d been working on for near 2 years), but all four of them were hit out of the park. We also got to sample their not-quite-ready-for-sale Scottish Ale (it wasn’t fully carbonated yet) and even being partially-flat it was outstanding.

100 W Broadway Ave
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
[launch map]
(816) 630-9229
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Dubious Claims Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1233rd bar, first visited in 2018.

This new brewery in downtown Excelsior Springs is far more spacious than I was expecting, and they’ve done great work with this old building.

I had a flight of their Elixir Stout, Relief IPA, Pick Me Up Pale Ale, and Therapy Kolsch.

I did not try the food, but I saw several plates bring delivered and it looked great.

451 S Thompson Ave
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
[launch map]
816-900-1882
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Midland Beer Garden

scooterj — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 18:10:00 +0000

(Midland, TX)
Formerly Garden View Nursery

Scooter’s 1217th bar, first visited in 2017.

Quite literally a beer garden, as this craft beer bar occupies several greenhouses at a plant nursery. About 70 beers on tap — mostly craft beer with a good portion local/regional. You can sit outdoors or in one of the heated greenhouses. There are two stages, a handful of games, a kitchen trailer with some pretty delicious offerings, and a pet tortoise that had hunkered down in its burrow for the night so I didn’t get to see it.

Beers consumed: The Temptress NITRO (Lakewood), Trackdown Pre-Prohibition Porter (Idle Vine)

7112 W Hwy 80
Midland, TX 79706
US
[launch map]
(432) 558-0772
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Screenland Armour

scooterj — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1216th bar, first visited in 2017.

Movie theater with an excellent craft beer bar in the lobby.

Beers consumed: Victory At Sea (Ballast Point), Zellige (4 Hands), Liquid Truth Serum (Dogfish Head)

408 Armour Rd
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816)994-7380
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Fringe Beerworks

scooterj — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lee’s Summit, MO)

Scooter’s 1208th bar, first visited in 2017.

Craft brewery that also carries a good selection of craft beer. This is the only place outside of Ninja Moose where I have found Ninja Moose’s beer.

Beers consumed: Doc Myer’s Snake Oil, Madam X, BEER, and Ninja Moose Stiffler’s Mom

224 SE Douglas
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
US
[launch map]
(816) 600-2552
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Draftcade

scooterj — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1206th bar, first visited in 2017.

Arcade bar with large central island bar area. Lots of craft beer selections to choose from.

Beer consumed: New Holland Oak Aged Dragon’s Milk, Boulevard Jam Band

7260 NW 87th St.
Kansas City, MO 64153
US
[launch map]
(816) 759-3474
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HopCat

scooterj — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1204th bar, first visited in 2017.

Mega craft beer bar with lots of taps and a rooftop deck. The bartender was dealing with a clogged drain under the beer taps so have us some goblets for being patient.

Beer consumed: Torn Label Darkest Timeline, Founders Nitro Rubaeus

401 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 656-3439
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Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

scooterj — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1203rd bar, first visited in 2017.

Popped in here for a hangover lunch / some hair of the dog. Zombie themed burger bar. When we first got here it wasn’t terribly busy, by the time we left it was so crowded that when I went to found the restroom I discovered it would have been easier to go outside, walk around the block, and re-enter the building from the other side.

Beer consumed: Cofluence Milk Man

300 E. Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
[launch map]
(515) 244-9292
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Up-Down KC

scooterj — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Hamburger Mary’s

Scooter’s 1201st bar, first visited in 2017.

Technically this should be bar #1109, as I first visited it way back on July 29, 2015. But somehow I forgot to add it to the list, and I really don’t feel like renumbering everything that came after it, so here’s where I’m sticking it.

Split-level arcade bar with a sidewalk patio and a rooftop deck. Features indoor and outdoor games and a nice craft beer selection. Despite being an arcade, it’s strictly 21+.

101 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 982-9455
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International Tap House – Crossroads

scooterj — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1200th bar, first visited in 2017.

The first Kansas City location for the St. Louis based beer bar. 54 beers on tap plus what looks like somewhere between 100-200 more in bottles & cans. Spacious indoor area with lots of TVs, plus garage doors opening to sidewalk seating. And all of this made possible because a bad driver stole a car…

Out of destruction comes opportunity! Two years ago this was an empty warehouse, saved for vintage cars being stored on the upper level. Then this happened, leaving the building on the verge of teardown for a year before iTap came along and saved the day!

403 E. 18th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(314) 621-4333
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Tapcade NKC

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1185th bar, first visited in 2017.

The second location for TapCade. The bar side features a rotating wall of craft beer, the gaming side features pinball, skee-ball, and classic arcade games. The kitchen recently opened, as of this writing calzones are the only available menu item.

1735 Swift
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
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99 Hops House

scooterj — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 17:13:00 +0000

(Argosy Casino, Riverside, MO)

Scooter’s 1180th bar, first visited in 2016.

Craft beer bar with a large, frequently-rotating selection and a great food menu too. Features a self-service beer wall so you can try as little or as much of whatever you like.

777 Argosy Parkway
Riverside, MO 64150
US
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(855) 785-4263
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Colony Espresso & Beer

scooterj — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1175th bar, first visited in 2016.

Coffee shop in the front, craft beer bar in the back with plans to add a brewery operation in 2017.

So far I’ve had Tuberfest 2016 (Marzen) by Lagunitas, S’mores Stout by Big Muddy, Wet Dream (brown ale) by Evil Twin, Black Rype IPA by Martin City, and Snow & Tell (Scotch ale) by Boulevard.

312 Armour Rd
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
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(816) 800-4699
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Nomad World Pub

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:15:00 +0000

(West Bank, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1150th bar, first visited in 2016.

This wasn’t originally on our list but the bartender at The Local (who also works here) recommended it. In addition to a stage in the back, I noticed a bank of pinball machines and a chandelier make of Heineken bottles. They had just opened for the day and I think we might have been the day’s first customers.

They had quite a bit of craft beer to I mark this as a dive with a little bit of hesitation.

I had Sweet Child of Vine (English IPA) by Fulton Beer, and Furious (American IPA) by Surly.

501 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
US
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(612) 338-6424
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Republic

scooterj — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1140th bar, first visited in 2016.

Craft beer bar with a good selection of local beers. I had fish & chips, which were good, but I regretted it when I discovered that the next bar I went to had ghost pepper pizza.

I had the Shake Chocolate Porter by Boulder Beer, and the Rainmaker (red ale) by Steel Toe Brewing.

221 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
US
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612) 338-6146
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The Muddy Pig

scooterj — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:11:00 +0000

(Summit-University, St Paul, MN)

Scooter’s 1139th bar, first visited in 2016.

The oldest craft beer bar in the Twin Cities. It’s hard for be to call it a dive with so many good craft beers available, but in every other sense it does fir the category. The food menu seemed to consisted mainly of German style items.

I had the Dissent Dark Ale by Steel Toe and the Blk Wlf by Able Seedhouse + Brewery.

162 Dale St N
St Paul, MN 55104
US
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(651) 254-1030
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Ruins Pub

scooterj — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly The Bulldog

Scooter’s 1132nd bar, first visited in 2016.

I only add a new bar located on the site of an old bar if it’s an entirely new building or if there’s a very significant change. I’d say the addition of a self-service beer bar aong the back wall counts as a big enough change.

1715 Main
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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816-599-6667
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Yard House

scooterj — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1106th bar, first visited in 2015.

This was the 4th bar and my first new bar on my bachelor party. They are best known for their yard beers, which aren’t literally a yard tall but sure feel like it!

1300 Main
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 527-0952
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Mulready’s Pub

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:22:00 +0000

(Downtown, Emporia, KS)

Scooter’s 1090th bar, first visited in 2015.

We’d expected to see college students all night, but this was the only bar we encountered any at — and they were all here. We were barely able to squeeze in.

This bar prides itself on a large rotating selection of craft beer. There’s a patio in the back.

We ended up hanging out here until we were too buzzed and too tired and ready to get back to our hotel. As it turned out, we should have called for a cab the moment we arrived because it would take a full hour for our cab to arrive.

717 Commercial
Emporia, KS 66801
US
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620-208-2337
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Tapcade

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1074th bar, first visited in 2015.

Officially part of the new Screenland Crossroads theater, this new arcade/bar (just opened the day before our visit) feels more like its own standalone entity. In fact, I was unable to tell where the movie theater portion actually is.

There are numerous beers available on tap, and while I didn’t get a photo the bar counter is completely tiled with bottle caps. The south wall is an amazing homage of movie memorabilia, while classic arcade games line the northern quarter of the space.

At the time of our visit it looked like a sidewalk eating area was in the works.

1701 McGee
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 492-6577
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The Belfry

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1073rd bar, first visited in 2015.

I’ve known about this place since it opened a while back, but bring that it’s in a spot that’s kind of hidden from view I had just kept forgetting to check it out. I finally got a chance today.

Normally I don’t go for places with such a clean (almost sterile) and higher prices, but both of those work here and I found myself loving this place. There is a TREMENDOUS beer selection (as well as scotch & whiskey, which I’m not really into myself), and the bartender was very knowledgeable about all of the products. We ended up spending a lot more time (and money) here than we planned to, and we’re looking forward to a return. The fact that they open at 7am makes me like it all the more.

Note: The address says Grand, but the entrance is actually on 16th Street.

1532 Grand
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 471-7111
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Westport Ale House

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Streetside Records

Scooter’s 1071st bar, first visited in 2015.

The last time I was here, this was Pennylane Records and I was buying cassettes and my first CDs. That’s right, I hadn’t been here in so long I completely missed the entire Streetside Records era of this building.

Today, in approximately the same place I picked up the latest Pet Shop Boys album nearly 30 years ago, I instead picked up a pint glass of a local microbrew.

We sat at the dual-sized island bar, while college sports fans watched games from the tables surrounding us. My friend grabbed a bite to eat, but I’m finicky and couldn’t find anything on the menu I’d eat.

On our way out we noticed there’s a rooftop deck, but it was a chilly day so we didn’t head up there.

4128 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
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(816) 756-5277
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Bier Station

scooterj — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:11:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1069th bar, first visited in 2015.

This fairly recent addition to Kansas City has already leaped to top spaces in multiple lists of the best beer bars in the US.

Lots of seating — indoor, outdoor, and the upper level patio that’s enclosed in colder weather.

A great selection of beer on tap, but the most impressive feature is the self-service wall of bottled beer. Just grab what you want and take it to the bartender to drink on-site or get it to-go.

120 E. Gregory Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
816-548-3870
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Waldo Pizza Tap Room

scooterj — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:10:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1068th bar, first visited in 2015.

It’s been several years since Waldo Pizza opened their Tap Room, but until this particular night I had only been on the restaurant side so I could not count it as a bar.

The Tap Room is a great bar, with an excellent beer selection and terrific food. The only down-side is that it’s pretty much the only bar I can think of where your attempt to peacefully enjoy a craft beer will be punctuated by the shrieks of the multitude of children’s birthday parties surrounding you.

7433 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
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(816) 363-5242
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Germania Club

scooterj — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:13:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
now Grain to Glass

Scooter’s 860th bar, first visited in 2011.

Updated June 2017 –

Now named Grain To Glass, a homebrewing supply store that features a small bar with 5 rotating craft beer taps plus a constantly changing selection of craft beer bottles/cans.

Original post from 2011:

A private club for German-American citizens to celebrate their heritage. Occasionally open to the public for poker nights or special dinners, but always open to the public during the annual Snake Saturday parade on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. German beer available on tap.

1611 Swift
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
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(816) 421-4287
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Crescent Moon Ale House

scooterj — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 669th bar, first visited in 2009.

This place is actually 3 bars in 1, plus a liquor store:

Crescent Moon is the main bar where you first walk in. It has more of a sports bar feel. This was what we visited.

Huber-Haus is a German beer hall in the basement. We tried to go here but it was packed. This section features beer in boots.

Max & Joe’s is off to the site of the main level, it’s a more quiet, laid-back restaurant/lounge.

Beertopia is the liquor store portion. We didn’t see an entrance from the bar area but may have missed it.

3578 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68131
US
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402) 345-1708Ã¢â‚¬Å½
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Homy Inn

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:27:00 +0000

(North Omaha, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 643rd bar, first visited in 2009.

We have a winner! Normally it would be hard for me to pick a favorite bar of each day, but this was it. From the beeer trays on the ceiling, to the wall of cans, to our awesome bartender named Nikki, this place was perfect!

Oh, and did I mention that it serves champagne on tap?

That’s right! See for yourself in the photos. Naturally we passed on beer here in favor of a couple of glasses of the bubbly goodness.

We told Nikki about our trip and she gave us some great suggestions for places to hit up later when we reached downtown. (T Henery’s, Billy Frog’s if they hadn’t lost their license, The Dubliner, and The Maxx)

1510 N Saddle Creek Rd
Omaha, NE 68104
US
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(402) 554-5815

Flying Saucer

scooterj — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 462nd bar, first visited in 2008.

101 E. 13th St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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Flying Saucer

scooterj — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:15:00 +0000

(Addison, TX)

Scooter’s 428th bar, first visited in 2008.

Known for its huge beer selection

14999 Monfort Dr.
Addison, TX 75254
US
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(972) 991-7093
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Charlie Hooper’s Brookside Bar

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:26:00 +0000

(Brookside, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 68th bar, first visited in 2006.

Claims to have the best selection of beer in town.

12 W 63rd St
Kansas City, MO 64113
US
[launch map]
(816) 361-8841

Harry’s Country Club

scooterj — Tue, 23 Sep 2003 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 14th bar, first visited in 2003.

Hands down one of the best bars in Kansas City!

Great tap beer selection including all the local Boulevard favorites, plus an extensive collection of bottled imports. Great food too!

Live music some nights on the outdoor stage. Outdoor patio is a great place to people-watch or drink under the stars in front of the backdrop of the downtown skyline. On chillier nights there may even be a fire going in the outdoor firepit.

The jukebox continuously plays a good mix of classic country, Sinatra, and other gems from a bygone era. A small humidor contains a respectable selection of cigars.

The bartenders are highly skilled and both the bartenders and the servers make an effort to get to know you and remember you. Just an all around great place!

112 Missouri Ave
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 421-3505
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