Saturday, May 16, 2009

The Coffee District


Hello to all and welcome to another installment of The Daily Pint!
Some people scour the globe in search of great beer bars. To many, the allure of the wonderful bars in Belgium call their names. For others, it is the local, home grown spots that evoke the most passion. While someday I intend to make the holy sojourn to the awesome bars in Belgium or the vast bier gardens of Germany, for now I am content in perusing the local scene here in South Florida.

Recently I found myself at a very nice little place in downtown Delray Beach. Tucked away in the Pineapple Grove area off of Atlantic Ave. is an excellent beer bar called The Coffee District. As you walk through the doors you will catch the scent of fine coffee drinks and baked goods wafting through the air, but for us that is not what brings us into this fine establishment. Don't be fooled by the name of the joint. Coffee District has a selection of brews on par with the best beer bars in the region. The proprietor of the venue is a mysterious little guy known only as Cheung. He is a devout follower of great beer and makes sure that anything new and exciting to come his way is available at the District.

When I arrived late in the evening on a Thursday, the place was buzzing. An open mic night was in full swing and there were many an artist reveling in beer and music. I sallied up to the small bar to the left of the room and perused the tap selection. Only four beers were on that night, but the coolers were stocked to the brim with lots of tasty stuff. I ordered a pint of Stone Ruination. That's right, a pint! At around 9% abv this is perhaps a beer best doled out in smaller proportions, but hey, whatever amount you want to give me I will gladly enjoy. Sipping my brew I was engaged in conversation by some of the local musicians. We had a nice chat about the merits of the banjo and the glory of a well made IPA. As the evening progressed, and a local poet began to perform, I found myself in the mood for another beverage. After ordering a St. Bernardus 12, I was handed a small tasting glass with a wink from Cheung himself. That was my cue. The Coffee District has a group of regulars who are wise in the ways of good beer and many nights bring their own bottles in to share. I followed the crew outside and was presented with several bottles of Japanese craft beer that I had never seen before. We sat out in the humid night air and sipped and discussed beer for quite sometime. To me, this is what a good beer bar represents. The coming together of like minded people discussing passionately the merits of this beer or that. Even some of the artists who were new to the beer scene came out of this experience with a new respect and interest in good beer. Eventually the late evening became early morning and I was forced to head for home.

I enjoyed a lovely night at The Coffee District and will make it a point to return whenever I can. If you find yourself looking for a new spot to try some tasty brews, make the trip up to Delray and check this place out. Good beer and good friendship are always around. Happy trails and happy drinking!

Joey Beers