Big Woods Brewery is tucked into an older building just west of campus on grant Street. I recall it most as Django cafe, where I fell in love with nutty noodles! It appears that the building has been added to, as it certainly seems larger than in the Django days - probably the outdoor seating area is an addition.. As far as I could see it doesn't have its own parking so you have to be willing to feed a meter or park in a garage if you drive there. Part of what has been added is a nice ramp, so it appears that the building would be accessible by wheelchair or people with mobility issues. Once inside however, it might be a little too crowded to make way through easily.
When we entered we were greeted immediately by a cheerful hostess, but had to wait standing for several minutes while she took a to-go order. Finally a server came over and seated us. Though it was a Thursday evening that didn't seem to be of any special significance the place was super packed. It was very noisy, which made it difficult to have a conversation, but once we settled on the right volume level for speech and degree of proximity we could discuss our super secret spy talk, without fear of any eavesdroppers.
The beer menu seems extensive, and I can't really give a good evaluation, being my non-beer-drinker self. Thinking about that makes realize that I need to get someone on the crew who is a beer drinker to do this kind of assessment. I will say that I witnessed lots of beer imbibing all around me, so it must be good. The place does sport a full bar with spirits and not just beer. They have sodas which are Coke brand, with just the usual, not a huge variety, but do offer free refills.
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| Veggie Nachos |
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| Every bite gone! |
We went on to order a bowl of "Busted Knuckle"chili and the Classic Poutine from the entrees menu. (I will offer that in my notes I indicated "offered to remove nuts from salad, but didn't know what kind it was" I'm not sure what the "it" refers to). Gluten Free and vegetarian items are noted by a symbol on the menu, there doesn't appear to be a lot of variety in either, but I don't think you'll starve. The chili arrived and it was a surprisingly large serving. It was served very plainly, and could have used a more attractive plating for sure. The taste was rich and peppery.
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| Busted Knuckle Chili |
The poutine was pretty much a mess of brown goo with cold fries on the bottom. I will completely admit that I am FAR from a connoisseur of poutine, but whether or not I know what I am talking about I am sure it should be hot. The gravy that is purported on the menu to be "rich beef gravy" tasted like gravy from a "just add water" packet and was mostly just salty. I see the gravy as a cruel thing to do to what might have been good fries!
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| Poutine |
The Poutine was so bad and not to my taste that I gave up and ordered a grilled chicken and asparagus sandwich to replace it. The sandwich arrived and was the most attractive food we were served that night. It was served open faced and just looked beautiful! I was so excited and relieved. Sad face ensued though when I bit into it. The chicken was stringy and dry and closely reminded me of a type of frozen chicken breast that my mom used to purchase at Sam's club and reheat in the microwave....
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| Chicken Sandwich |
That was the end of all my food adventure that night. I had the server throw away the dismal poutine failure, but I did take home the chicken with me, only to leave it in the refrigerator at work where it either still sits or maintenance has put out of its misery in their alleged weekly cleanouts....
A visit to the bathrooms did reveal nice pretty clean one unit rooms. The "men's" with a urinal and a toilet and the "women's" with a toilet and a changing table. Caregivers I recommend that you feel free to use the bathroom with the changing table! I walked in to check out the men's room with no trouble.
In general the place has a pub-ish atmosphere, which is completely appropriate. As we sampled and discussed we decided maybe you need to be drinking a lot of beer to really enjoy the food! As for me, with my water and soda habits I will probably not try it again, unless I am with a group who really want to do it. If I do end up there again, I will try the fries, but plain and a regular burger - pretty safe bets.
I had high hopes for Big Woods, a local place that does well, but didn't quite live up to my expectations. Have you ever had a place that you expected to be great, but were disappointed? Is there anywhere in Bloomington or nearby to try poutine that is good?
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| These extra limes my companion requested to try as a chili add-on were the most attractive presentation of the evening! |
Big Woods Brewery is at 116 N. Grant St. Bloomington, Indiana 47408.
The website is http://www.bigwoodsrestaurants.com/bloomington/ where the regular menu and a monthly "feature menu" can be viewed.
