As you’ve probably figured out by now, the Four State Food
Critic likes beer. I’m especially fond
of trying out new and unique microbrews, as these are a welcome change from
the mass-marketed options peddled by the big breweries. Over the holiday, the FSFC and some friends
got to visit Benny’s Pub/Antietam
Brewery & Restaurant in Hagerstown, MD – a location I’ve been angling
at getting into for quite some time.
(Image Credit
– www.mattfortese.com)
The restaurant is in the Weis Market Plaza along the Dual
Highway and Eastern Boulevard intersection (right next to Five Guys Burgers and
Fries). I really had no idea what to
expect, and was pleased to open the door to a pleasant pub atmosphere, complete
with several gleaming brewing tanks stationed along long brick walls – exactly
as a brewpub should look.
Since we were there to try the beer, we immediately ordered
two sampler flights, which consisted of 6 beers currently being produced at the
brewery. Each was well crafted and tasty
– not a clunker in the bunch (which was also a pleasant surprise). We tasted the “General’s Golden Ale” (brewed
with hops from America and New Zealand), “Kelly’s Red River IRA” (an Indian Red
Ale with a big burst of citrus), “Otto’s Orchard Series” (which had subtle
whispers of blueberry), “Pickett’s Porter” (which had nice notes of chocolate
and coffee), a Winter Ale, and a Milk Stout.
It is great to see a local brewery taking such pride in the product they
produce, and the FSFC would definitely recommend any offering on the beer menu
to the beer enthusiast.
What goes well with beer?
Pub food, of course! The FSFC had
“The Benski” – stacked roast beef and cheddar topped with bacon, tomato, french
fries (yes, on the sandwich), BBQ sauce and horseradish. The sandwich was very good and a great
accompaniment to my beer tastings.
Others in the FSFC party ordered the “Benny’s Burger”, a ½ pound patty
topped the way you wanted, along with some tasty sweet potato fries. My friends ordered their burgers medium-rare
and I am happy to report the kitchen got it just right (a welcome change from
most places, which tend to cook everything “well” no matter how you ask for
it). The kitchen even cut one burger in
half and served it separately for two in our party who were sharing (a nice
touch – kudos to our server for paying attention). The table also shared some crab pretzel
appetizers, which were also met with approval.
Service was provided by an attentive bartender/waitress.
The menu also offers several appetizers, soups, salads,
wings, and even baby back ribs and pizza.
Multiple sandwiches were also available and the menu listed quite a few
dinner entrees such as clams, shrimp, steaks, and lasagna. A different special was listed for each day
of the week, and Benny’s/Antietam offers live entertainment on the weekends.
The FSFC was finally glad to check Benny’s Pub/Antietam Brewery & Restaurant off of his “to do”
list, and judging by my first encounter with the food and beer offerings – I’ll
definitely be back.
The Four Star Food Critic Review
(Each category has a possible “best out of 5” rating)
Atmosphere: 3.75
Food: 3.75
Price: $$-$$$
Service: 3.75
Overall: 3.75
Benny’s Pub/Antietam Brewery &
Restaurant is open daily at 11:00 AM Mon-Sat and at 09:00 AM on Sundays.
49 Eastern
Blvd N
Hagerstown,
MD 21740
(301) 791-5915
Check them
out at www.antietambrewery.com
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