News > Review: Craftsmen Tap House Takeover

On Tuesday night, I headed to Craftsmen Kitchen & Tap House’s Tap Room Takeover at 12 Cumberland St. for some food, conversation, and of course, beer.  Co-owners Todd Garrigan and Philip Fisher put together a sampler menu specifically for the event, and I was excited to see what they had to offer.

I immediately took a liking to the décor which is rustic with a slightly modern twist.  Shelves decorated with bottles and wooden boxes lined the off-white, exposed brick walls, while globe shaped lights hung from the ceiling.  The lighting was just bright enough to illuminate the shiny copper backdrop of the bar perfectly.

I made my way towards a handful of tables in the back which featured a variety of food choices. Going along with the rustic theme, each platter was accompanied by a simple sign stating what the food was along with a beer recommendation.  The honey roasted tomato flat bread caught my eye, and it tasted as delicious as it looked.  The crust was thin and crispy, and the roasted tomatoes were a tangy compliment to the melted cheese.

I took a seat at the bar, and after skimming over the impressive beer selection, I ordered a Red Hare Long Day Lager.  The taste was crisp and refreshing, just what I had been hoping for. Its mild taste went well with the strong flavors of the flat bread.

After finishing the savory snack, it was time for something sweet.  I tried an orange pecan sticky bun, and paired it with the recommended beer, a Breckenridge Vanilla Porter.  I’m not usually a fan of dark beers, but the sweet flavor notes in this one balanced out the bitterness well. The sticky bun was superb (so good that I helped myself to seconds).

The Taproom Takeover was a great way to get a taste of what Craftsmen has to offer, and I left wanting more.  They host events such as this every month, so keep an eye on their Facebook events page for the next one. Stop by and order some tasty food from their daily features menu, and try out some fine craft beers from the 48 options they have on tap. Maybe I’ll see you there; I know I’ll be returning.

words and images: Daniela Weinapple