Review: Baerlic Brewing Co.

What's the vibe here?
Baerlic feels more like a café than your standard brewery. The long, tunnel-shaped space is awash with light wood furniture, creating a bright, modern vibe that's aided by a wall of windows on one side. The bar is small, a window opposite the front door has a few seats, and guests are spread out with pints and board games.

Who can we expect to see here?
Folks on a bar crawl or groups of friends who live in the neighborhood.

What should we be drinking?
Baerlic looks to the past to inform the present; the beers here are rooted in the simplicity of malted barley, water, and hops, though they're no means bound by that. Although there's the occasional unconventional beer on the menu, most will be recognizable and straightforward: a super-dry IPA, a Northwest-style pilsner, an imperial stout, or a classic pale ale, all made with consideration and aplomb.

What do they have for food?
There's no kitchen—just nuts and pretzels. But there are plenty of options in the area, from burritos and bánh mì on Division to the Hawthorne food carts.

And how's the service?
It's almost always friendly, informative, and whoever you're talking to is happy to recommend their favorites.

So what would you recommend Baerlic for, and why?
The laid-back vibe, bright space, and well-made familiar beers make Baerlic an excellent place for a get-together with friends after a long week. It's also a perfect kick-off point for a bar crawl or brewery tour.