Gardner Ale House

Occasionally during the summer, often on a Thursday, I’ll go on a drive after work and have a relaxing dinner at an interesting pub somewhere. This week, I decided on the Gardner Ale House in Gardner MA, on Rt 2 in the north central part of the state.

I’d been there once before a few years ago and enjoyed it, although I’d honestly forgotten how noisy it can get. There’s an outdoor seating area somewhere in the back, but I haven’t been there in good enough weather (i.e. it’s been either too hot or too rainy) to check it out. Inside is nice, though:

This is the dining room side; the openings in the wall would take you right into the bar area with its own tables were you of a mind to jump on through.

All of their beers are from Moon Hill Brewing, located on the premises and the owner of the pub. Not only do I appreciate the wide variety of styles they offer, but both 12 and 16 ounce pours are available.

I started off with the beer you see in the photo, and you’d never guess that it was a Kolsch from the looks of it! It’s called Summer’s End, is sufficiently potent at 4.9%, and is absolutely delightful. It was difficult to move on, but variety is the key! Number two was called A Month of Sundays, a 3.9% English Bitter. To be honest, it looked a lot like a Boddington’s Pub Ale in the glass, but the Boddington’s has a slight edge in taste. But don’t misunderstand me — I don’t regret ordering the AMoS!

The final was a 12 ounce pour of Smokanut, a cocoanut smoked porter at 4.5%. I was a little apprehensive of this one but really wanted to give it a try, and much to my surprise — given that I’m not fond of cocoanut in beers — I totally loved it. I wish I’d made a pint of this one #2 and finished with a short pour of AMoS, in fact.

And the food? That was a bit disappointing to start with as the menus on their website don’t match what they actually offer (and some of the prices were definitely old). But a special of the day tempted me — a double cheeseburger with “boom boom sauce” (sort of a chipotle-like flavor) and it was very good. I’d definitely go back more often if it weren’t 1.5 hours away …