Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus (November 2010- Date Night)
Over the years, I have heard rumblings about the Elevator Haus (161 N. High Street, Downtown, Columbus, 614-228-0500) and how it has historical significance to Columbus and how good the food is, so I thought, why not venture downtown? I was able to make a reservation on the website (http://www.elevatorbrewing.com/. The website also provided lots of historical information and also said that the restaurant may be haunted! After making a few trips around the block trying to figure out where to park, my husband finally listened to me and we used the valet parking. Valet was only $5! The bar area is all original decor and the long wood bar counter was impressive as were the tiny floor tiles and stained glass windows. We decided to get a brew at the bar first before dining. I ordered, the Three Frogs India Pale Ale (IPA) and Brian had the X-tra Lager. The IPA had a bit of a flowery bitter overtone, which I can appreciate, but if you do not like a floral smell when you drink beer, I would make another selection.
On to the food and main dining room. After sitting in the impressive bar area, the main dining room was very drab with flat screens mounted to the walls everywhere and cheap iron tables and chairs with dingy carpet. Quite a let down. Our server was a bit swamped with a 12 top table, so our service was slow. Menu selections were "bar food" meets a "culinary artist" and becomes a menu option. A couple of appetizers did catch our eye! I wanted the homemade sauerkraut balls and Brian wanted the Wedge Salad. So we ordered more brew and the appetizers, BUT I was told I could not order the sauerkraut balls because they needed to make sure they had a enough for their 3 course special. I referred to the specials page and decided I did not like the main entree or dessert offered. The server was firm and said that I could not order the appetizer. I personally thought it was a bunch of hogwash! It's on your menu, put the order in! So I opted for another appetizer, deep fried pieces of bratwurst, served with whole grain mustard on a bed of sauerkraut. The appetizer, was pretty good but very large.
Now for the main course, I ordered the Pork Tenderloin, with a pomegranate sauce and a side of creamed red cabbage. The pork serving was very large, but I thought it smelled wonderfully seasoned. The pork turned out to be VERY dry and overcooked, but the dry rub seasonings were a good combination. The creamed red cabbage was a homerun in my book. It was the best thing I had all night, not counting the IPA brews. Brian was also underwhelmed by his choice of the Spicy Tuna Tartar. We finished our brews and opted not to get dessert at the Elevator. For our dessert and coffee course, my hubby surprised me and took me to my fav, Cup a Joe in German Village! That was definitely extra points for him!! Overall, I will not return to the Elevator, UNLESS, I only sit in the bar and I ONLY want a BREW~
SMAC not approved for food, only brews!
SMAC not approved for food, only brews!
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