In the old City Hall building a block off Bridge Street is Brickhaven Brewing Co. A local brewer and restaurant known for its live music and hand crafted beer.

I stopped by the other day to check out the scene. I've been there before for Chamber mixers and such but never to actually enjoy the food, environment, and to check out one of their signature beers.

Per their Facebook event post the band Exit 86 was playing and this started at 6:30 pm. I decided I'd go.

I walked into the main front door. It was packed. Had to sit on the far left side as the tables in front of the band playing were choc-a-bloc of people. The band played a mixture of 60s, 70s, 80s, and early 90s music.

When I sat at the table, I picked up the menu and looked over what they had to eat. I wasn't hungry, but I wanted something to check out the service as I was doing a review of the place after all.

Being unfamiliar with how this place runs, I didn't realize that you had to go to the bar to order food. So I sat at my table for nearly 10 minutes waiting for a server to approach me. In fact, I saw the owner, Ed Huston, walk past me several times…though in fairness, the place was absolutely slammed and he seemed focused on keeping things running.

I was starting to wonder what the deal was when something told me to look around…and I did.

I found a sandwich board on the floor, not quite in my line of sight, that said "order at the bar." Ah! Mystery solved.

I ordered my food and beer from the counter. I got the PBLT sandwich with apple slaw. I enjoyed the music (yes, singing along) as I ate my meal and chatted with the couple at the next table over.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves…The band was getting the crowd engaged, especially when they played Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline." Ba Ba Ba…So Good! So Good! (I bet I got that song in your head now hahaha)

My food arrived in reasonable time, delivered by a young lady who seemed to be having a rough shift.

The sandwich was good. Nothing to write home about, but solid bar food. The bacon was very crispy—honestly a bit too crispy for my taste. I prefer mine with a little chew left in it.

The beer, though? The beer was very flavorful. Now, I'm not a beer drinker. I'm more of a Bud Light kinda guy. This had a fruit flavor which I can't quite place, and only a hint of bite. I really liked it.

After I ate my fill, I listened to the band for a few more minutes, just enjoying the vibe of the place.

Then I said goodbye to my table neighbors and left.

The food was exactly what you'd expect from a solid brewpub—good bar fare.

Despite the bacon being a little overcooked for my liking, the sandwich hit the spot.

The apple slaw was very good, though I would have loved just a touch more seasoning to make it pop.

The beer was absolutely the highlight of the meal, and something that I would get again.

The vibe was infectious. I really liked the band. And the crowd was lively.

I really feel this would be a great place to bring your significant other and some family and just have a good time, unwind and relax.

Have a nice evening out, or come grab a meal and a beer, then hit the movies.

A little clearer signage about the bar-ordering system would help first-timers like me, but once you know the drill, it's smooth sailing.

I give it 4.2 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨