Wednesday's Run

Beer Run

I promised a place for every evening in Charlottesville. And I always keep my promises. Like that promise to eventually finish the Vegas trip. I swear, it'll happen.

Beer Run is a stone's throw from the downtown mall, just as the area starts to get slightly sketchy. But don't let that deter you: this should unquestionably become a monthly, if not weekly, haunt for the college crowd.

True to its name sake, Beer Run has a ton of beer. Hundreds of options are listed at the website (www.beerrun.com) so you can check to see if your favorite is available. Of course, 99% of these are bottles and not draft, so be sure to check to see what's on tap before going. The selections rotate, and it's worth the more limited selection for the quality. Accordingly, everyone there knows beer, and it's worth simply asking what they suggest to pair with your food. We got two beers confused, and someone who hadn't served us knew instantly on sight which were which (despite the identical color).

But this is a food blog, so lets talk food. The menu goes beyond the typical bar food you would expect with beer. Scallops, duck, and citrus smoked pork loin share the list with bison burgers, organic brats, and other twists on the more expected. Our group opted for the burgers, which were perfectly cooked and stacked on a Pretzel Bun. The best burger in Charlottesville yet. Beer run also offers a host of lunch sandwiches and soups. The draw is the deli meats, all organic, no hormones, all that green nonsense that I've never been into (but many people are). So feel good that the pig you're eating only suffered a little? I guess?

Why is Beer Run my Wednesday night pick? Every week on Wednesday is a free beer tasting, of around 4 to 6 different kinds that you might not have tasted otherwise. Friday is wine, also free, but frankly the wine selection just isn't as extensive. Ask to get on their mailing list to see what's being sampled that week, and go before or after dinner.

Beer Run is super casual - eat in or outside, bring a deck of cards with friends, and just hang out and be groovy.

-M.