Restaurant Review - Beer Run, Charlottesville, VA

After our hike this past weekend in Shenandoah National Park, we ventured down to Charlottesville. I had wanted R to try, Beer Run (http://www.beerrun.com/), a place Julia and I had visited together last March based off a recommendation. I had long raved about the beer selection and knew R would enjoy it. The drive from Shenandoah to Cville was not long at all - maybe 30 minutes. We got to Beer Run around 5:30 and were able to snatch up a table outside under their covered patio. Beer Run offers a large variety of beer and wine inside their store and on their menu. Inside the shop, it reminded me of the huge selection and prices that you can get at Total Wine. Each week, they change up what they have on tap. It was perfect timing for us to visit as they had the Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale American Wheat Pale Ale on tap, which is a new favorite in the Kelley household. I had picked up a 6 pack of this several months ago when it was advertised at Total Wine (we try to pick up new selections each time we go. I tend to pick beers based on their ratings as I don't know a ton about beer - I know...not the best way to pick, but it has worked out for the most part!) Anyhow, I digress. The Lagunitas Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale was even more fantastic on tap. The great part about Beer Run is that you can get their beers on tap in 3 different sizes (oz). I got the Allagash White Belgian from Maine (have had it many times before and it is great in the bottle, but even better on tap).

For dinner, I ordered the Rock Barn Brats (probably the best brats I have ever had - they are local, so next time we are down that way, we plan to pick some up) with apples and onions with pureed parsnip and sweet potato mash. It was delicious, but it does seem like a menu item that would be more suited for Fall weather. It didn't stop either of us from practically licking the plate. R got the Bison "Crunch" Burger. It was served on their homemade pretzal roll and topped with bbq potato chips and a chipolte sauce (I think). I love that we always order different things so we can switch half way through.

Finally, for dessert, we had talked about sharing the "Red Velvet," which is a blended beer of a bourbon barrel stout with Lambic Framboise. We purchased a bottle of the Williamsburg Bourbon Barrel Porter so we can recreate this drink at home. Alongside, we got a slice of the Guinness Chocolate Cake...super rich, moist, and flavorful cake. The cake and "Red Velvet" were a great combination - highly recommend!

Between service, wine/beer and food selection, and atmosphere, we would give Beer Run an 8/10. We will be back! :-)