Tom Jedlicka

Review of Guinness Brewing North America

This may be a little long-winded, but the place ha...

This may be a little long-winded, but the place has a lot to offer, so I'm going to cover everything. The long and short of it, if you like beer, and you like Guinness, and you are looking for something new to do or see, it would definitely be on the top list of things to do in the area. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could, because we have had issues with disappointing food (which they've comped or re-made) but the effort and genuine care that they've shown us as customers have earned them the 5 stars.

For the 1817 restaurant upstairs, we have been several times for dinner and the food has always been excellent. It is a bit pricey, so if you're looking for someplace cheap, stay downstairs at the bar. However, if you want to treat yourself, the food is worth it. Most non-chain restaurants in this area are overpriced, and sometimes aren't very good, so if you don't mind paying a little more for the atmosphere and draw of the brewhouse, definitely check out the restaurant.

For the bar downstairs, it's great for happy hours or a cheap dinner. You order through the bartender, so sometimes you may have to wait in line a little while. Food is also ordered through them and you get a pager to let you know when to go pick up the food. Most of the food is like 'elevated' bar food, or snack style, and it has all been good. I think here, the food is very reasonably priced.

For weekend brunch, we've been a few times. The first time wasn't great, but we were in a group. So we went back and it still wasn't great (overcooked/undercooked eggs, hard bread, cold cinnamon rolls). We let them know that we were disappointed, and they not only paid for the food we ordered (including the food that WAS good), but they invited us back again on them. Weird, a place that genuinely cares if you have had a good experience! We weren't looking for a handout, and felt bad that they were bending over backwards for us, but it showed us a level of customer service and appreciation I haven't seen in a long time. That being said, some of the food for brunch has been fantastic, and some has been unseasoned/overseasoned, so your mileage may vary for brunch. However, great atmosphere, and if things work out, it will be one of the best brunches you've had.

Lastly, for the place as a whole, it's a brewery, but it's so much more. You can take a guided tour, take a self-guided tour (not as much background but still lots to see), have a few beers, enjoy the live music and cornhole games in the summer, come for Octoberfest celebration, or any other number of special events they host. They have the great Guinness beers we know and love, but also lots of experimental beers with new flavors or collaborations that can be fantastic. Flights are available, so why not try anything that looks good to you? Basically, if you have some time to kill and want something to do, put it on the list. Driving by it, just stop in for a beer and some pretzels.

To sum up, the pros: great location, plenty to do and see while you're here, especially for special events or during the summer. Great food for the most part, even in the bar. Beer is great and reasonably priced, and rotating options gives you reasons to return.
Cons: If you don't like beer, they don't have any other liquor/wine options to choose from. For happy hour, not everyone wants to drink beer, so it may not suit everyone. Food in the restaurant is *a little* pricey for what you get, but that's not unexpected for the location, and still better than a lot of other options in the area.