Red's Alehouse in North Liberty, IA

**Cybyassociation** · 01-09-2011, 03:07 PM

Ate/drank there last night. I was incredibly impressed. In short for those of you who just stuck your nose into the thread to see what it was about: Medium sized restaurant with good, non bar food and incredible beer selection on tap. I dont recall seeing any "typical" domestics on tap.

The website:

http://redsalehousenl.com/

The Beer List:

http://redsalehousenl.com/our-beers/draft-beer

Now more in depth:

Went there last night for my Uncles 50th birthday. He owns a bar and is real into trying new beers, so he took us to Red's. Upon walking into the front door, I thought it was just your typical Iowa family owned restaurant. Once I turned the corner to grab a drink from the bar, I immediately noticed what set this place apart. Where most "fancy" restaurants have their daily menu, Red's has their beer list (see above). They have zero typical "domestics" on tap. If you want a Bud, Miller, or Coors, you'll get it in a bottle.

The beer was pretty reasonably priced IMO. Most of the draft beers they have, have kegs that cost a fortune. Red's manages to keep the draft prices down so that the typical curious beer drinker can afford to try a few.

The food menu was alright. Reasonably priced. Good service. The food came out in good time and no one in our party of 15 had any complaints, which is rather rare with this group.

What set this place off to me, and what makes me want to take a return trip (aside from the beers) was the atmosphere. Indoors, there is a fireplace (gas) to keep patrons warm. Outdoors during the summer and fall, there are firepits. I think that is a fantastic and different business idea to set a mood and to set the venue apart from other restaurants.

The downside:

They aren't exactly Cyclone friendly. North Liberty is only 20 minutes outside of Iowa City, so I suppose that is reasonable.

**Hawkcigar** · 01-09-2011, 03:19 PM

Yeah, it's a good place to go and the outside patio area is really nice. I think Red's is owned by the people who used to have Sluggers in Coralville before the flood.

**erikbj** · 01-09-2011, 04:22 PM

went there this fall and was very impressed with the food / prices.

**Judoka** · 01-09-2011, 05:20 PM

Red's is great. The food is decent but nothing to write home about, but the atmosphere is great and the beer selection is second to none in the state. I live nearby and I probably go there at least once a weekend.

I've never gotten more than a lighthearted ribbing from anyone for wearing Cyclone stuff in there, though I've never tried getting them to put on a Cyclone game, so I don't know if they'd be willing to do that.

**Nixxxxxxxxxxxxx** · 01-09-2011, 08:15 PM

I've always had a good time there as well.

**cardsandgold** · 01-09-2011, 08:38 PM

... good place for food...

... GREAT place for beer and a taxi...

... if I could bathe in grapefruit and hops... Boulevard Tank 7 gets my vote everytime...

**Cybyassociation** · 01-09-2011, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by cardsandgold

... good place for food...

... GREAT place for beer and a taxi...

... if I could bathe in grapefruit and hops... Boulevard Tank 7 gets my vote everytime...

Tried this and the Bell's Expedition Stout which was interesting to say the least.

**cardsandgold** · 01-09-2011, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by Cybyassociation

Tried this and the Bell's Expedition Stout which was interesting to say the least.

... I'm more of a pale ale "hopper", however, for a stout , it's pretty decent and would probably go good with BBQ ribs and ice cream......IMHO...

... and you really don't want to drive the taxi home after 5+ of those....

**ferdnand1** · 01-09-2011, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Cybyassociation

Ate/drank there last night. I was incredibly impressed. In short for those of you who just stuck your nose into the thread to see what it was about: Medium sized restaurant with good, non bar food and incredible beer selection on tap. I dont recall seeing any "typical" domestics on tap.

The website:

http://redsalehousenl.com/

The Beer List:

http://redsalehousenl.com/our-beers/draft-beer

Now more in depth:

Went there last night for my Uncles 50th birthday. He owns a bar and is real into trying new beers, so he took us to Red's. Upon walking into the front door, I thought it was just your typical Iowa family owned restaurant. Once I turned the corner to grab a drink from the bar, I immediately noticed what set this place apart. Where most "fancy" restaurants have their daily menu, Red's has their beer list (see above). They have zero typical "domestics" on tap. If you want a Bud, Miller, or Coors, you'll get it in a bottle.

The beer was pretty reasonably priced IMO. Most of the draft beers they have, have kegs that cost a fortune. Red's manages to keep the draft prices down so that the typical curious beer drinker can afford to try a few.

The food menu was alright. Reasonably priced. Good service. The food came out in good time and no one in our party of 15 had any complaints, which is rather rare with this group.

What set this place off to me, and what makes me want to take a return trip (aside from the beers) was the atmosphere. Indoors, there is a fireplace (gas) to keep patrons warm. Outdoors during the summer and fall, there are firepits. I think that is a fantastic and different business idea to set a mood and to set the venue apart from other restaurants.

The downside:

They aren't exactly Cyclone friendly. North Liberty is only 20 minutes outside of Iowa City, so I suppose that is reasonable.

looks like a great place. thanks for the heads up, since i'm 20 minutes away.

There are cheaper deals--Fieldhouse in CR has daily 'beer of the day' 3-6 pm for $2 pint/$3 large mug

I ordered a Hoegaarden white belgium wheat, and a Boulevard last time. excellent prices...best around

Mondo's 'Saloon' in downtown IC has similiar beer specials

**Judoka** · 01-09-2011, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by ferdnand1

There are cheaper deals--Fieldhouse in CR has daily 'beer of the day' 3-6 pm for $2 pint/$3 large mug

This would require going to the Fieldhouse though. It might be cheaper, but unless you're 18 and trying to pick up drunk freshman girls, Red's is a vastly, vastly superior experience.

**cardsandgold** · 01-09-2011, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by Judoka

This would require going to the Fieldhouse though. It might be cheaper, but unless you're 18 and trying to pick up drunk freshman girls, Red's is a vastly, vastly superior experience.

... THIS...PLUS THE NATIONAL DEFICIT... even as much as I love HOEgaardens

**BlackHawk** · 01-09-2011, 09:58 PM

I'm surprised they have Bell's Two-Hearted. It finally just came back to Chicago within the last year and was pretty sure it wasn't being sold in Iowa. Awesome IPA. Will have to check this place out next time I'm back in Iowa.

**Judoka** · 01-09-2011, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by BlackHawk

I'm surprised they have Bell's Two-Hearted. It finally just came back to Chicago within the last year and was pretty sure it wasn't being sold in Iowa. Awesome IPA. Will have to check this place out next time I'm back in Iowa.

Dirty John's grocery in Iowa City does their beer. And if there is one place in Iowa City that I am willing to support with no reservations, it is Dirty John's.

**cardsandgold** · 01-09-2011, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by Judoka

Dirty John's grocery in Iowa City does their beer. And if there is one place in Iowa City that I am willing to support with no reservations, it is Dirty John's.

... Yes... by far the best selection in IOWA... hands down and sideways... AGREED !!!