Beard Wizard and Sarina Visit Iron Spike Brewing Company

We have been talking about going on beer adventures for awhile now, and finally made our first official outing to explore small craft breweries in our area. Up first is Iron Spike Brewing Company in Galesburg, Illinois.

Founded in 2014, in an old firehouse that was active up until 1970. Built in 1905, the fire station is a unique place for a restaurant. The main dining area is spacious, with high ceilings and large windows that look out onto a quiet side street in downtown Galesburg. Floor-to-ceiling windows separate the dining hall from the brewing area, so you can see where the beer you’re about to drink is made. The place has a comfortable, homey feeling, almost like you’re having a drink at a friend’s place. The staff was fantastic, friendly, prompt, and helpful.

So, these are our beer adventures, but first a word about the food. Not every brewery has food available, but Iron Spike does and what we had was great. I had the fish and chips, which was three large strips of cod filet in a delicious crunchy batter served with good fries and some of the best tartar I’ve had. Julie got the white walker flatbread, a chicken and spinach pizza with alfredo sauce. Admittedly this is the second time I’ve eaten there, and both times have been great. The menu has a lot of options with unique and creative dishes.

Now, onto the beer. Julie had their special summer cocktail, and a Cider Boys after. But, Iron Spike is a brewery so we have to talk about their beer. I got a flight to maximize the experience. Their flights are a choice of five beers, served in decently-sized glasses and the price was decent. I got the Light Rail, Deadman’s Double (by mistake), the Hand Car Hefe, Hopeful Hops, and the Peach Mango Kettle Sour.

So, there’s a little story there. I wanted their outmeal stout, but they were out of it. I saw the Deadman’s Double on the menu and didn’t listen to the server who recommended one of their other stouts. I thought the Deadman’s Double was a stout. I was wrong. It was a dreaded IPA.

Overall the beer was good. The standout beers were the Hand Car Hefe, which was a great wheat beer, and the rich amber Hopeful Hops. I ordered another glass of the amber I enjoyed it so much. The Light Rail was decent, if a little bland, and the peach sour was interesting. I don't usually drink sours. The IPA will not be mentioned again.

To wrap this first beer adventure review up, Iron Spike is definitely a place you need to visit if you are into great food in a fun, warm environment, and delicious locally made beer. They have a full bar if beer isn’t your thing, and the food is good enough to justify a visit if you aren’t a drinker at all. The prices are good, especially with the quality of what you get. And, if you find a beer you like, you can buy some on the way out and take it home with you. The only disappointment we had is we don’t live closer.