June 3, 2023

We were in a celebratory mood, because dear friends had come for a visit.  One of them is a beer aficionado, so we decided it was time to return to Eastern Front Brewery, which we had last been to in 2019.  When we arrived, we discovered that they were also in celebration mode, hosting the opening of an artist’s exhibit.  Lindsay Lange, the artist, had set out huge bowls of chips, and, she confessed, been “up all night baking” some of the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve had.  Woohoo!

We settled down at a table and proceeded to make steep inroads in a bowl of potato chips while we tasted our flights of beer.  By the way, one flight is more than enough for two people to share, and we didn’t even finish all of ours.

Eastern Front’s flight consists of five beers, two of which are regulars, and the other three vary according to season and the whims of the brew master.  A flight only costs $12. 

The tasting room is small, though it is augmented by some outdoor tables, and tends to be noisy, even with not many people there.  They often host live music, so I would go there for music only if I could sit outside, since I tend not to like places that are too noisy.

They don’t usually have free chips available, but they do allow outside food, and I discussed with our server various options.  Right across the street is Meats Meat barbeque (only open Thursday-Sunday), and in the comments you’ll find my recommendation on which beer to sip with their ribs, pulled pork, and/or brisket.  Then, literally across the parking lot, is Lucia, which says it serves “Spanish” cuisine; which, we were informed, is mainly Salvadoran, with the pupusas being heartily recommended.  Just a few doors down is a pizzeria—so no lack of good food-to-go-with-beer options.

•  Fat Old Sun American Lager        5.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

My first comment is that it “smells like a frat house,” and my friend has a similar reaction.  This is a crisp, light beer, which she characterizes as “an immature beer for immature people.”  Well, to each his own.

• Bob’s Pale Ale                    5.8%

This is one of the “regulars,” a rather typical pale ale, with a touch of sweetness to counteract some spiciness, and a funky, grainy taste.  We think it would go well with a Meats Meat pulled pork sandwich, especially if you add in their hot sauce.

• Love Lane Lager                5.8%

I’m sorry to note that this is not a regular, since it is our favorite so far.  My friend says to her it seems more like an English brown ale than like a lager.  It is balanced, with a touch of nuttiness and sweetness, and very drinkable.  I fantasize sitting in a pub and sipping this, and that seems just right.  It is also the best choice to go with Meats Meat, especially the brisket (which we had the last time these friends visited us).

• North Shore Irish Red Ale             6.3%

Ooh, I like this one even better, and so does my friend.  It is another regular, always on tap.  I may have to stop in and get a growler of it one of these days.  It is nicely bitter, with subtly piney hops.

• Belgian Strong Ale           9.5%

“This is good,” I assert after the first sip, and my friend notes that it is a very “me” beer.  She adds that it has all the flavor of a heavy beer without the heaviness.  It is complex, with notes of clove and brown sugar.  Yummy.

Reasons to visit:  good brewery with a changing roster of beers; you can bring in food, including from some very local places; dogs are allowed; they often have live music and art exhibitions; the Love Lane Lager, the North Shore Irish Red Ale, and the Belgian Strong Ale.