We like beer. Yet despite being big beer advocates, we don’t necessarily go wild at the idea of brewpubs making their own beer and food. Yes, it’s good in theory, but the beer doesn’t always turn out well, and food is often an afterthought. None of that is true at Forbidden Root. This is an example of a brewpub done right, both the beer and the food.

Forbidden Root calls itself a “botanical brewery,” which is a flowery and sweet way of saying they use a bunch of plant combinations to craft delicious beers. Think of it as a fancy brewery, so it’s nicer than your average bar, but still a brewpub at the end of the day. They have a few staples, like a classic Root Beer (the alcoholic kind) and a Sublime Ginger Wheat Ale with strong hits of key lime and ginger. Plus there are always interesting items on their rotating taps, like a cherry amaro ale or chili stout. It’s why Forbidden Root is one of the few places it’s acceptable to get a beer flight. And we actually suggest getting a beer flight if you want to try a lot without getting super drunk.

But you’re not coming here just to drink. At least, that doesn’t have to be the plan. Forbidden Root executes everything from simple bar snacks, to small plates, to bigger entrees really well, and the beauty is it accommodates a few needs. Looking to grab drinks but want the option of a few snacks? No problem. Forbidden Root doesn’t back you into the corner of overpriced fried calamari. Post up at the center bar and dabble in chili popcorn, lamb jerky, or n’duja sausage spread for $4-$7.

Looking to grab a real dinner? That works too. Come with your friends or even a date and grab a table on either side of the bar. The burger is delicious, but you can also order more complete entrees like skirt steak, salmon, or a mushroom pot pie. It’s all good, particularly with a well-paired beer, and will make for a fun time.

So the next time your looking to grab drinks and get something to eat, don’t settle for the same old things on tap and bad food. Have yourself a bit of a nicer outing for the quality atmosphere, homemade beers, and food at Forbidden Root. And if you’ve never had a Beer 30, keep it that way.

Food Rundown

Gochugarou Chili Popcorn

Great for snacking.

Forbidden Root Lamb Jerky

Add some lamb jerky to go with your chili popcorn and beer to really pick things up.

N’duja Sausage

Now we’re stepping into more substantive food items. A n’duja sausage spread with pickled mustard seeds, honey, and toast. The sausage has a bit of a kick and we’re very into this bar snack.

Cheese and Crackers

An aged cheddar spread that comes with a sleeve of Ritz crackers. It’s homemade Easy Cheese for adults. That means it’s good.

Root Chips

A mix of sweet potato, red beets, parsnip, and taro root chips. Less greasy and lighter than potato chips or fries. Great for snacking on their own, but you can get them with some of the entrees as well.

Cranberry Bean Hummus

A generous portion of cranberry hummus on toasted bread topped with dried fig, parsley, and sumac. Have at it.

Burger

Sometimes you just need a really good burger, and this is a really good burger. It comes with giardinera mayo, aged cheddar, and bread and butter pickles on a brioche bun. We encourage you to take a seat at the bar, get some beers, and one of these.

Milk Brined Pork Schnitzel Sandwich

A massive piece of fried pork schnitzel hangs over a bun along with pickled beet mayo and slaw. Pretty good, although we’d opt for the burger instead.

Wild Mushroom Pot Pie

We wouldn’t call this light, but it’s at least free of meat. A wild mushroom pot pie with a flakey curst and heavy mushroom inside is pretty good.