Barreling to Lunch
What could be better than a pizza and a pint to get you through the work day ... provided you can get past the boss without her smelling the Hefeweizen on your breath. The BarrelHouse Brewery in Over-the-Rhine offers a tasty alternative to the usual business district lunch spots for a casual lunch meeting or an end-of-the-day pick me up.
Even though many of the Over-the-Rhine restaurants have seen a decrease in dinner business since the riots last April, most retain a solid lunch crowd. Several eateries offered lunch specials during a successful "Munchin' on Main" promotion last summer. Although the promotion has officially ended, the Barrelhouse has kept up the busy pace with its midday patrons.
Tables fill up quickly during the work week although, when I've visited, I've been able to grab one before noon. Choices include above-average bar fare -- Nachos ($5.99-$7.99) and Quesadillas ($6.99-$7.99) -- plus fresh salads, sandwiches and pizza. I've enjoyed the Buffalo Chicken Salad ($7.99) -- slices of chicken soaked in buffalo wing sauce on top of iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar and lots of ranch dressing.
On my most recent visit, I liked my Vegetarian Calzone ($6.99), a mix of peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms and lots of gooey cheese, rolled up in homemade pizza dough, and served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. My guest thought his hearty bowl of New Mexico Steak and Black Bean Chili ($2.99) could have sufficed as a meal all by itself (it's served with lots of tortilla chips). But he had no problem munching on an order of soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese ($2.99) on the side.
It's tough to resist a pint, but if you do have to return to the office, the Barrelhouse brews its own rich vanilla cream soda -- a suitable substitute.
Parking is a challenge. If you must drive, watch for meters along 12th Street or south along Jackson Street. BarrelHouse Brewing Company. 22 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-BEER. Open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday.
