When a man reaches a certain age, he must begin to think more carefully about what drinking on a Thursday night does to his body on Friday morning. Last night I met a friend for beers and something to eat at Heartland Brewery (the place you go when no one wants to make a decision as to where to go), and while it was far from a raging party my body kind hurts in that annoying way it does after I exercise. Since when is 3 beers enough "exercise" to make my joints sore? FML.
Anyway, I've been known to be sour on Heartland over the years, with my primary gripe being along the lines of "if you're a brewery, your beer shouldn't suck, and if it does the food better be damn good". And the food wasn't. However I do have to say that they redeemed themselves (to some degree) last night. The IPA flowed really nicely. It's one of their standards and always on the menu; I'm not big into "seasonal specialty" beers but their "Not Tonight Honey Porter" sign made me chuckle. All the pints are $6.95, and a seven-dollar beer is not that bad in the city. Service at the bar was friendly and attentive, and we had no trouble getting a table for something to eat. Comment on the economy that they have tables open at 730?
Maybe I was too busy hating on them to notice the menu, or maybe it really has changed over the years, but in either case dinner did not disappoint as in years past. I had the Pan-Seared Salmon (Pineapple citrus salsa and grilled polenta, served with frisée and radicchio salad and chipotle mayo 15.50) while my friend got the Grilled Cheese (I think it was on special - if so, bonus points for putting grilled cheese on the menu!). I can't speak for his but mine was pretty damn good, the salsa not overpowering the salmon. Overall Heartland Brewery worked themselves up to "acceptable, not exceptional" from "hell no" on my list - your results may vary.
