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Minnesota Bar Review: The Herkimer Pub And Brewery

This German-inspired brewpub is a definite gem in the Uptown district of Minneapolis. Located on the corner of Lake Street and Lyndale Avenue, The Herkimer has quite the selection of handcrafted bar fare and German beer made in house. As seen in the several brew kettles, The Herkimer takes pride on the local beer it creates. Celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary, The Herkimer pub is no stranger to awards. Boasting a Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival and securing the "Best Fried" and "Best Burger" awards from the City Pages, this brewery and pub is a staple establishment in Uptown.

From the outside, The Herkimer Pub and Brewery looks like any other hole in the wall bar. From the street, it looks like any other dive bar on the block, but once inside, it's a whole different story. The brew kettles are immediately in sight when first entering the eclectic bar. You know when they show off their own brewing devices they are damn sure of their product. The oversized, wraparound bar takes up most of the middle space in the area but seats are all around the restaurant as well. But, I was fortunate to get a prime stool by the taps so I could further study the pint I was going to get.

The Herkimer offers 19 different varieties of beer on their menu. All ranging from light, crisp pints to dark, full-bodied brews, each offers a unique palate pleasing taste. The Dunkel Weiss was a strong pint that went down with ease. The cloudy, reddish color of the ale added to the smooth aroma of the hops. Having tasted several other beers, this wheat ale was by far my favorite. The Handy's Lager was a simpler, light beer with a refreshing after taste. It was definitely a pint I could drink more than one of.

A glance at the menu showed some very different choices than I was used to as normal bar food. Szechuan green beans, pub pretzels and fried pickles are just a few oddities listed in the menu. Seeing the sweet potato fries were voted "Best Fries," I had to try them. And, the award was justly given as the crispy, well-cooked fries paired perfectly with the zesty, delicious chipotle ketchup.

The Herkimer has a very welcoming atmosphere with an array of patrons surrounding its bar. The bartenders are very knowledgeable when it comes to the beer brewed in the kettles and are more than happy to let you know which are the best pints. The Herkimer Pub and Brewery has happy hour seven days a week from 3 to 6 p.m., with 2-for-1's on beer, well drinks and wine and discounted food. A late night happy hour is available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., with $3.50 beer, well drinks and wines and discounted food.

The Herkimer Pub and Brewery
2922 Lyndale Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-821-0101
Hours: Mon- Fri 12 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat- Sun 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Website

--Emily Buss is a music journalist from Minneapolis and author of On the Rechord blog. On the Rechord is a music site dedicated to the local music scene in the Twin Cities. Emily writes concert and album reviews, band and artist profiles, and provides information about local shows. A college graduate with a degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis on Journalism, Emily has been professionally writing for newspapers and online outlets for six years. You can find Emily at www.ontherechord.com , on Facebook at On the Rechord and on Twitter @TheEmilyB.

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