Meet me at Iron Hill
Written: Oct 15 '04 (Updated Oct 15 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: good beer, great atmosphere, good staff
Cons: a bit on the pricey side, but worth it
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a nice place for dinner and a beer (or want to impress a date), Iron Hill is a perfect choice.
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| martytdx's Full Review: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant |
Recently, a project group I worked with decided to have an afternoon celebration at the end of the project. I would have gone anyway, but when I learned we were going to the Iron Hill Brewery in Wilmington, I was psyched. I'd visited 3 of their other restaurants but this was my first visit to the mini-chain's newest edition.
[• in the BEGINNING... •]
Iron Hill Brewery was started in Newark, DE in 1996, the first brewpub in the hometown of the University of Delaware Blue Hens. The pub opened a bit higher class than most of the other bars/restaurants in town, but proved popular, particularly for parental visits. The Sunday jazz brunches also proved to be a good time, and caught on quickly.
In 1998, the West Chester, PA location opened at the corner of High and Gay streets, a great location near West Chester University and the West Chester business district. Again proving to be a hit, it gave the owners the impetus to open another location in Media, PA's revamped business district in 2000 to rave reviews. They opened the North Wales, PA location in 2002, and finally created the Wilmington Riverfront restaurant in 2003.
[• meet me at IRON HILL •]
As I said, I've visited the Newark, West Chester and Media restaurants in the past, and I've been happy with the restaurant and service every time. The older three restaurants were decked out in almost identical fashion - a nice wrap-around bar in the front, within quick site of the beer-making equipment, copper kettles and mashers and the rest. The West Chester and Newark locations had patio seating along the front of the restaurant, as well. If you make it past the bar, you found a very nicely-appointed restaurant. The seating and walls are done in a nice, dark-wood (cherry, I think), with beer posters and a few knick-knacks thrown in. The benches and tables are all remarkably comfortable and there's enough space to sit COMFORTABLY - this is a brew pub with class. The entire decor has a country-club feel to it, but without the pretentiousness, and makes you feel welcome as you take your seat.
The Wilmington restaurant is set up slightly differently, with a larger entry, the bar set further back on the ground floor and a second floor with another bar and games. They may have seating along the riverfront in back, but it was raining when I went so I never checked. All of the restaurants have the finer things a brewpub should - very nice pool tables and associated games. The number of additional games depends on the location - Wilmington had a separate room for pool, foozball and the arcade, while the other locations have them just past the main seating area.
[• iron in the water MAKES IT GOOD •]
One thing I've always liked about Iron Hill is the menu. Not satisfied with your typical pub fare, they elevate it to a higher level.
As I do at every brewpub I visit, I have tried the second most important piece of the brewpub puzzle (after the beer) - the wings. They use a 'fiery chipotle sauce' or the classic buffalo, both of which are good although the chipotle sauce is a unique version that I haven't had elsewhere. They are a little pricey at $8.50 for 10, but definitely worth checking out. The Baked Artichoke and Cheese Dip ($7.95) is also usually fantastic, made with their homemade beer bread to dip. The Tex-Mex Egg Rolls ($7.50) - filled with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, cheddar cheese and avocado cream - were good, but the shells were pretty greasy. They also offer some other departures from the norm with appetizers like Buttermilk Fried Calamari ($8.95) and Pepper Seared Ahi Tuna Tataki ($10.95)
While I enjoy their apps, they really shine in their entrees, which continue the departure from the norm. I've had a variety of dishes, but the best was a trout special that they had one day at the West Chester restaurant - perfectly cooked and lightly breaded and buttered, it was a delicious complement to my beer ... I mean, the other way around. But since they probably won't have that when you visit, I would suggest the Jamaican Jerk Pork Porterhouse ($16.95) which comes out with a great rubbed jerk seasoning finish that is spicy, although I would have enjoyed it a little spicier. I didn't think that I would like the fresh golden pineapple salsa on the side, but I have to say that it was good, despite my aversion to mixing my meats and fruits. The Penne Carbonara ($13.95, add $3 for grilled chicken) was also good, using a healthy amount of Pecorino Romano to mix with the roasted peppers and cream sauce. Although it says it uses prosciutto in the recipe, I'm fairly sure they used the cheaper prosciuttini, but it was still good.
If you aren't in a big meal mood, they also offer wood-fired pizzas with such 'recipes' as Garcia ($10.95 for portabella, shittake, oyster and crimini mushrooms, grilled red onion, fresh herbs and fontina and mozzarella cheeses) and Santa Fe Chicken ($10.50, with roasted poblano and red peppers, sweet onions, monterey, queso fresco and pecorino romano cheeses and cilantro). The latter was delicious sans the onions, I have to tell you. Or get one of their sandwiches which are good but less impressive with their more signature dishes. Expect to pay betweeen $7.75 and $9 for a Cracked Black Pepper Turkey sandwich or the Brewski Burger, a half-pound of Black Angus beef with toppings.
[• pub = BEER •]
Well, since it is a brewpub, I know you want to hear about the beers. Iron Hill satisfies my yen for good beer as well as they do my need for good food. They have a stable of six beers that are standards, plus 2 seasonal brews. They standards:
Loadstone Lager » This is my favorite beer by Iron Hill. A good full-bodied lager, it pours clear but actually has a kick to go with the mild sweetness. Score: 4.25 stars, ABV 4.5, IBU 25
Pigstone Porter » Another good choice that has proven reliable time and again. Darker and stronger than the lager, it carries the bitter finish one would expect with a slightly smoky flavor. Score: 4 stars, ABV 5.0, IBU 40
Anvil Ale » I believe that this was their flagship beer. It's a British Ale style brewed with English hops and sports a decent hoppiness to it without being over the top. Score: 3.25 stars, ABV 4.3, IBU 28
Iron Bound Ale » I've never had this one, but THEIR description is "An American Pale Ale, medium bodied and highly hopped with four American hop varieties. ABV 4.7, IBU 3
Iron Hill Light Lager » I haven't tried this one, but from what I hear it's pretty good for a light beer (I let others guinea pig the light beers). ABV 4.0, IBU 10
Raspberry Wheat » Another one that I haven't indulged in - when I visit, I usually have to limit myself so I don't waste time with the razzy wheats (which will pale in comparison to Avery Razzy Wheat, anyway) ABV 3.8, IBU 20
Over time, I've tried my share of their seasonals, and been mostly impressed. My Wilmington visit gave me a sample of their Abbey Dubbel, a no-brainer for me despite the fact that they had an Oktoberfest on tap, as well. The nose was good and malty, the beer a deep (but very clear) brown. My first sip was oh-so-refreshing after a day at work - wonderfully mixing flavors of subtle sweetness and a malt character. It had just a bit of carbonation and slid down all too easily (4 stars).
As a brewer, Iron Hill's brewmaster (Mark Edelson) has done a fine job creating not only the standards, but throwing in some creative selections for seasonals as well. Among the beers that have graced the bar from time to time are a Maibock (2x GABF medal winner), a Tripel (1999 GABF Bronze medal winner - Belgians), a Barleywine and a Dry Stout. In all, they have won 7 GABF medals for their seasonals - a pretty outstanding tally.
Unfortunately for those of you abroad, you can't get their beers anywhere but at the restaurant. Luckily, us locals CAN get beer for take-out in the form of 64-oz. growlers.
[• beer SPECIFICS •]
• Awards: Loadstone Lager» 2000 GABF Bronze Medal Winner - Munich Helles Category, 1997 GABF Gold Medal Winner – Munich Helles Category;
Pig Iron Porter» 2002 GABF Bronze Medal Winner, 2002 Real Ale Festival Silver Medal Winner
Seasonals have won 7 medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF).
[• young, beautiful and you know beer - WILL YOU MARRY ME? •]
The service at the restaurant has been almost without exception excellent. Every time that I have eaten there, the bar staff has been attentive and even helpful in making decisions (free samples are always appreciated, of course). The waitstaff has been attentive and helpful as well, and they know their menu inside and out. Be sure to ask for recommendations based on your finicky needs (says one from experience). And as a bonus, all of them seem to have to learn about the beers - I know that this seems obvious, but many places don't seem to be as strict about this. At Iron Hill, our server always knows what's on tap and was able to describe it.
[• final THOUGHTS •]
Iron Hill Brewery has done just about everything right that one could ask for. They came up with good beers and matched it with good, knowledgeable service. The interiors of the restaurants have a casual elegance to them, like you're dining in someone's study but you're not worried about spilling the beer. As a whole, my experience has always been good, and if they were closer, I think I would visit more often.
If you are in the Delaware area (oh c'mon, it's not THAT ridiculous a thought) or southern Chester County, be sure to make some time to stop by and take a look. It's well worth the side trip.
[• more INFORMATION •]
Locations » Newark, DE, Wilmington, DE, West Chester, PA, Media, PA and North Wales, PA
website» http://www.ironhillbrewery.com
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
martytdx
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Marty
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 481
Trusted by: 179 members
About Me:
Doing what I can to try new places, restaurants, books and beers.
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