Also called Middle Villa Garden Restaurant and Microbrewery

This was a short drive from Holland and when we pulled into the parking lot we didn’t think we were going to like it here.  We were sure surpised once we got inside.  They have a 16 lane bowling alley, resturant, microbrewery, 3 banquet rooms and an outdoor patio, which overlooks Dad’s pond.  (click here or on picture for more pics) 

Abbey waited on us and she was very pleasant to talk to.  We were also introduced to Jessica, who is the brewer’s daughter.  Jessica told us that some Canadians came over and set up the brewery and showed her Dad the brewing process.  They have been brewing here for about a year.  Arriving at 11:00 a.m. we were hungrey and decided to have the Stuffed Portobella Mushroom (bacon, cheese and scallions) and a Panini Sandwich – Portobella Panini (sauted red peppers and onions) served with homemade chips.  Abbey said that they also have excellent Mexican food.  The food was very good.

We ordered a sampler and tasted:  Beatle Bug Light (classic Canadian light pilsner), Toad House Ale (Scottish Ale, amber in color with a malty character), Down N Dirty (light brown color Porter, lighter than what we are use to, but a good malt flavour), and Harvest Wheat (a North American Wheat).  We were very pleasantly surprised with the beers – all were very good to our tastes.  We preferred the Toad House Ale and got a growler of that.  The growler is just plain brown so you know we will have to put our own label on it.  They also make their own rootbeer.

Based on our personal preferences, yours may vary.

We then drove the 25 minutes to Schmohz, which use to be Robert Thomas.  When we came to Grand Rapids 3 years ago Robert Thomas did not open until 4:00pm and it was out of the way to come back later, so we never had a chance to check them out before they closed.

Based on our personal preferences, yours may vary

Our last stop in Grand Rapids brought us to the Hideout.  We were here 3 years ago when this use to be the Hair of The Frog Brewery.  Ken and Laura are the owners and Ken does the brewing - at this time they are renting the equipment from the former Hair of The Frog.

The outside seating area around the old pool out back was no longer accessible.  You’ll see more pictures by clicking here or the picture above. 

The place still looks close to the same, although they have added some paint and have a prohibition theme with pictures.  You can see some of those pictures on their website.  On their growler is printed, “I think this would be a good time for a beer” President Franklin D. Roosevelt Dec. 6^th 1933.  Cheryl just loves this growler as it is clear with purple logo and printing (her favorite color).

Erin waited on us and to sample we tried:  Purple Gang Pilsner (crisp golden ale, balancing sweet malt with spicy, floral Czech Saaz hops), Crusaders’ Weizen, Oktoberfest (a marzen style lager with a slight hop finish), Bootleg IPA (amber in color and not too hoppy), FDR’s E.S.B. (english style with full bodied malt), Nitro Cement Shoe Stout (dark black ale and very good), and Smuggler’s Hazelnut Stout (rich and hearty black ale conditioned with Schuil’s hazelnut cream coffee).  Erin also had us try the Mead (a traditional semi-sweet sparkling honey wine at 8.2%), which is almost like an Asti wine.  Cheryl tried the Cider (a dry, tart sparkling hard cider with Granny Smith flavor at 8.2%).

We were having a lot of fun talking with Erin and local patron Dan (whose sister Brenda Cooke writes articles for Michigan Beer Guide).  Dan is in one of the pictues posing with Cheryl.  While we were there another couple came in and we had a nice time talking with them and telling about our web site.  Cheryl didn’t want to leave yet so she had a glass of the Mead – you wouldn’t want to drink too many of these.  We had the growler filled with the Smuggler’s Hazelnut Stout and Todd got a pint glass for his collection.

They just started serving a very limited food menu 2 weeks ago.  Things like chips and salsa, crackers and cheese, and soft pretzels to mention a few.  Pizza is also available for delivery. You can check them out at www.hideoutbrewing.com.  They also feature some live entertainment.

See the previous Grand Rapids link for previous info.

Based on out personal preferences, yours may vary

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