Arena Tavern
This was my first time here so to be honest I didnt have an expectation other than to get some food because my girlfriend and were starving. We went a little early so the place wasn’t crowded at all. We picked our favorite spot... the bar and engaged with the bartenders as we reviewed the menu for drinks, appetizers and our meal. The selection is pretty good especially for a sports bar. We started off with the Smoked and Fried Ribs... yes you read correctly Fried Ribs. I’ve never had fried ribs so that was a must a must have for me. Surprisingly they were OUTSTANDING!
For the main meals we had Shrimp Tacos and the Cleveland Chubb Burger. I went with that because my girlfriend is from Cleveland not really but it sounded good. The bartender said it was a local favorite so I went with it.
The shrimp tacos were great but the Chubb Burger (I’m assuming names after a popular Bulldog) was off the dayum.m chain! Not only is it huge the mixture of beef and corn beef was a perfect combination. I highly recommend it.
I will certainly be back to enjoy live music and now that football season is about to start I will certainly be there to root on my Falcons. Speaking of.... my only “side eye” to this place is they they don’t have a Falcons flag flying. They say ya falcons fans don’t represent enough for them to fly a flag but the have a Bears and a Steelers Flag flying. My goal is to change that. NOT IN MY TOWN!
City Tap
Exterior
I was in Nashville on business and by the time we were done, I was starving. I asked the hotel staff members for a suggestion and all of them mentioned City Tap. With that many recommendations, I could not go wrong. The greatest thing about the recommendation was City Tap was right across the street.
The restaurant has a fantastic ambiance as it is very spacious, open and has a welcoming feeling. I was greeted by the bar tender and she was extremely friendly (Sorry I don’t remember her name). I asked for a food recommendation becuase it was my first time eating at City Tap and she rattled off several options.
The bar tender walked me to the bar, told me to grab a seat and handed me a menu to finish looking over the food options including the dishes she recommended. While I was reviewing the menu, she asked if I wanted some water or something else to drink. My tradition is to always try the local beer if there is a local brewery and the bar tender recommended Hap and Harry’s so that’s what I went with Larger… GOOD GOODNESS WHAT A BEER!
So after downing one beer and starting on my second beer, I decided to go with the SHORT RIB & KIMCHI BURGER GOOD LAWD! This burger was “ALL THAT” and more! I added avocado, egg and bacon. Now don’t get me wrong… the burger was awesome without the additions but I love egg, avocado and bacon so I add it to almost every burger I get if its an option. The short rib was so tender and seasoned very well. The mix of kimchi and BBQ aioli sauce made my palate crave for more.
I also had a side salad but it does not compare to the burger so I will say it was good but its a salad. If you are ever in Nashville, I highly recommend you stop by and give them a try. I promise you will not be disappointed. If you do stop by, tell them Drew sent ya!
Iron Hill Brewery
List of Different Beer
My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of visiting “Iron Hill Brewery” in Greenville, South Carolina. It certainly was a fantastic experience. Of course if you’ve read any of my blogs or reviews you know the bar is my favorite spot in any restaurant, bar, grill, pub… you name it. If there is a seat at the bar, I’m there! Especially if the bar tender is friendly and can work the bar area having multiple conversations with all of the patrons, drawing us all together as if we’ve known each other for years. Well this time was no different… when we walked in, we met “Jacquelyn” (Sorry if I am spelling it incorrectly.) She was very polite and immediately asked what she could get for us.
Reindeers Revenge and Basil and Tonic (don’t forget the shot of St. Germain
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Since it was our first time here, we were clueless and especially since this was a brewery, I was overwhelmed by the choices of beer. Jacquelyn walked me through the different selections and I was sold on the Reindeers Revenge (American Tirpel). Now this beer was a little different but certainly refreshing. It had a hint of grapefruit, banana as and was filled with hops. Thats no surprise since it had an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of 9%. I used to hate “hoppy” beer but as I get older, I can really appreciate the different and various amounts of hops as it defines the “character” of the beer of choice. I digress… my girlfriend had a “Basil and Tonic” with a shot of St. Germaine. I had a sip and it was certainly good but it was killing my vibe for the beer I selected so a sip is all I needed.
Of course when you partake in adult beverages, you also get hungry so we ordered appetizers… Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Salmon Spring Rolls,
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Hand-Cut Belgian Style Fries (I know its a lot of food… don’t judge me ;-) … If I had to choose my favorite appetizer, the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls by far was my favorite. Don’t get me wrong… all of them were good but I’ll certainly order the Philly before I order anything else. YES!!!! They were that good.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Now as far as the atmosphere, the bar was full of locals and/or regulars who did not waste any time speaking and being friendly. The conversation was so lively around the bar that one gentlemen (never got his name) purchased a round of drinks for everybody at the bar. What a way to start the
Year! Everybody we met that day was extremely nice. Im not sure if people were excited about the new year or that just a testament of how friendly people are in Greenville.
Salmon Spring Rolls
Any-who, I certainly will be back trying another beer, ordering my Philly Cheesesteak and enjoying the ambiance.
Hand-Cut Belgian Style Fries
I think you should stop by and see them. When you do, tell’em Drew sent ya! Ya’ll be easy!
Drew
View of dining area