BreweryWerks Brew-Cruise: Redwood Brewing Co.

While in Flint, MI just before Thanksgiving we found an excellent steakhouse / Brewery called Redwood Steakhouse and Brewing Co. Literally walking distance from our hotel (perhaps in warmer weather) this place was truly an unintentional lucky find. The beautiful lodge setting with the glow of shiny copper brewery tanks was welcoming and warm on a cold night as we perused the menu for some great beer and food that would satisfy a long day of driving and appointments.

Satisfaction and then some was exactly what we found at Redwood. The steak, lobster and scallops were all cooked to perfection, and were absolutely mouthwatering good. We tasted several beers, which were delicious, and just sat back and enjoyed the comfortable lodge setting. The shiny copper tanks of the brewery are setup behind the bar... which looks cool... and banners hang over the bar representing all the awards they've won for brewing great beer. At Redwood you can enjoy flights of different craft beers made right onsite or enjoy a tall glass of your favorite.

Redwood Brewery makes India Pale Ales, annual hefeweizens, stouts, porters and more. But that's not all... if wine is more your thing, or you're just in a different mood, you won't be left out; you can try flights of wine or call for reservations at one of their wine tastings. The wine isn't made by Redwood, but they have many tasty options to try. Combined with their presentation, this all lead to a pleasant night out.

If you're passing through Flint Michigan and have the chance, be sure to stop by Redwood Steakhouse and Brewing Co. You can find them online at http://www.theredwoodlodge.com

Brew-Cruise - DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works

Beer batter bacon?! Really?

A mere two hours from Chicago (2 ½ from the West burbs), is a gem of a brewery, DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works, located in Champaign, IL. Our visit started in the bar with a nice view of the brewery in a glassed in room.  DESTIHL has a sweet setup for tasting beer and plenty of great tasting beers to choose from. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting, and if you happen to have Trent or Laura waiting on you behind the bar, you’ll enjoy hearing about the history of the brewery, where it’s headed and all you want to know about the different beers.

A nice change from many brewery tasting bars, DESTIHL gives you the choice of 4oz, 12oz, or 16oz glasses. This is great for anyone looking to try several beers (we tried 10), or for those coming back for their favorite flavor. Prices range from $1.25 to $2.00 for the 4oz. and you can order just one if you like, as opposed to having to buy a flight. Better yet, if you’re really unsure about a beer to try, you can get a 1oz taster.


All this made for an enjoyable evening, but that was only half the fun. After a two and a half hour drive to get to DESTIHL, we were hungry and in the mood for something different. Different is exactly what DESTIHL has to offer. Beer batter bacon… seriously?! This had to be tried. DESTIHL offers dishes that tantalize and challenge your pallet. Our waiter Matt described the menu as eclectic and he was very helpful in explaining our options along with what beer would best complement our choices. Every one of the staff was knowledgeable, the beer and food was great, and the facility offered an interesting and pleasant décor.

Whether you’re local to Champaign or looking for reason to get out of town DESTIHL is worth the trip.