3 Floyds Brew Pub

My Wife - "The kids are away Saturday night, would you be interested in checking out 3 Floyds?"
Me - "Hell yes."

Date night was on.

We made the trip down to Munster, IN, approximately 75 minutes from South Bend.  In the heart of an industrial park sits 3 Floyds (or FFF to some) brew pub.  To avoid long lines and get back home at a reasonable time, we left at 2:30 and arrived just before 3 local time.  Our plan to avoid lines didn't work, as there were already 15 people waiting before us, the parking lot was full and cars lined the narrow street.  In most restaurants, this line would have move quickly, but not here.  We found that once people get in, sit down and start receiving their beer, they don't want to leave!  We waited in line for about 45 minutes, something I would never do for most places, but this was different.

The heavily tattooed and pierced doorman finally permitted entry.  We made our way into the dimly lit pub and to our table with a window view of the brewery.  The overall atmosphere of this place is really cool, with punk/metal themed artwork filling the walls and random flags hanging from the ceiling.  Unlike most pubs which would be playing some sporting event, FFF was showing a Bruce Lee movie.  Their menu was far less stylish and much more straight to the point, with beer occupying roughly 2/3 of it.

I was a kid in a candy store... With so many beers to choose from, how could I be expected to pick just a few?  There were some favorites you can find around here such as Gumball, Dreadnaught and Alpha King, as well as many you can't.  In the mood for my favorite style, I went with Cortez, a single hop (El Dorado) Pale Ale with 45 IBU and 7% ABV.  There is no room for beer judging on date night, I didn't even take notes.  With that being said, this was a mighty fine brew, crisp, clean and refreshing.  As good as this was, the next choice was even more important.  Knowing that I have to drive, and the trip was fairly long, the next selection would have to be my last.  Next up, Robert the Bruce, a scottish-style ale with 6.5% ABV and 24 IBU's.  This was another really solid beer, with roasted malts and a full body.  If you are in the mood for something different, they also have a lengthy list of guest brews, both on tap and in the bottle/can.  Much to my surprise, they had PBR... I hope that was a joke.

An hour and a half later, our meal and beer finished, it was time to go.  You didn't think I would call it quits with just two beers did you?  I was sure to pick up a growler of Pride and Joy, a mild session ale, on our way out.  Overall, I was impressed with 3 Floyds and thoroughly enjoyed my time there.  The Beer Is Good, the atmosphere was unique and although slow, the service was great.

Although I'm no restaurateur, I suppose a few of you care about the food... it was good.  You're not going to find roast duck or foie gras, just really good pub food.  The pizza I ordered rivaled that of many NYC pies I've had, and my wife had an incredible roast beef sandwich.  If you can convince a designated driver to accompany you, I'm sure they'll be satisfied with the food.

After this experience, I will undoubtedly be there on April 30th for Dark Lord Day!   

By the way...

If you plan to tour the brewery (which I had hoped to), call ahead to reserve your spot.  Tours were given at 1, 2:30 and 4, unfortunately I was unable to see any of them.