Historic surroundings and an extensive menu do much to make the Brewmaster's Tavern a noteworthy destination.
The Brewmaster"s Tavern at 4 Main St. in Williamsburg.Historic surroundings and an extensive menu do much to make the Brewmaster's Tavern in Williamsburg a noteworthy destination. Add in freshly brewed beers and some attractive off-peak menu deals, and it's not hard to understand why the restaurant has prospered.
We're always a bit wary of operations that have encyclopedic bills of fare, since too often such variety means tradeoffs involving quality and freshness. That's not the case, however, at Brewmaster's Tavern; our dining experience exceeded our expectations.
Dinner possibilities include light options like Shepherd's Pie ($10.99) and Beer Battered Fish and Chips ($12.99).
Heartier presentations range from Lemon Chicken ($16.99) and Braised Lamb Shank ($18.99) to an Old Fashioned Turkey Dinner ($17.99) and Roast Prime Rib ($24.99).
Starter choices don't stake out much new territory. Instead, they're restricted to the likes of Mozzarella Sticks ($8.99), Fried Potato Skins ($8.99) and Cherry Pepper Calamari ($10.99).
We decided to preface our main course with an order of Gorgonzola Garlic Bread ($6.99).
"Adequate but not exceptional" was our assessment; the bread (in actuality, a split grinder roll) had been spread with garlic butter and Gorgonzola crumbles before being toasted under the broiler. A dish of the house marinara, a hefty sauce with intense tomato paste flavor, was provided for dipping purposes.
A Petite New York Sirloin ($16.99), prepared just as we'd ordered it, offered plenty in the line of red-meat enjoyment. Served with mashed, skin-on potatoes and a vegetable selection, the plate suggested that the Tavern's "Lighter Fare" might be more than adequate for most appetites.
Prepared with a traditional cracker and paprika topping, the Baked Scallops ($20.99) were just fine, thank you. Cooked 'till translucent and full of from-the-sea sweetness, the scallops did justice to our shore dinner cravings.
Much the same could be said of the Baked Stuffed Shrimp ($23.99) and the Grilled Maple Glazed Salmon ($19.99) we ordered. In both instance the marquee ingredient was fresh and appealing; the preparation, skillful.
We appreciated the subtle kiss of maple the fish had been afforded; the shrimp were cooked just enough and featured a buttery crumb stuffing.
As we've noted before, restaurants locally seem to observe a predictable calendar of vegetable offerings. In the spring it's usually asparagus that's in vogue, with a zucchini-summer squash medley making widespread appearances around July first.
When cold weather arrives, butternut squash takes over the local veggie limelight, and Brewmaster's kitchen proved to be right on schedule in implementing that changeover. Lightly sweetened and delicately spiced, the mashed squash was altogether enjoyable.
"Hearty" dinners at Brewmaster's also include a choice of soup or garden salad.
The greens were just fine, and the split pea soup being offered the evening we stopped by had an appealing, slightly smoky flavor profile.
Owned by the same business interests that operate the Opa Opa Brewing Company, Brewmaster's features that organization's malt beverages. A wine list of about two dozen bottlings is available as well.
Among the homemade dessert selections the menu discusses (all are priced at $5.99) are Jack Daniel's Corn Bread Pudding, Hot Apple Crisp a la Mode, and a Brewmaster Brownie Sundae.
The Triple Chocolate Cake, fashioned from devil's food layers spread with dark and milk chocolate ganache, was an exercise in dark, sweet intensity,
Infused with mellow boozy goodness, the restaurant's Bailey's Irish Cream Creme Brulee elevated that commonplace favorite to a whole new level of indulgence.
In addition to its dinner offerings, Brewmaster's is prepared to serve sandwich selections such as a half-pound Brewmaster's Burger ($9.99), a Monte Cristo ($9.99), and a Fried Oyster Po' Boy ($10.99).
Pizza now had a place on the agenda, with possibilities including custom creations as well as assembled-to-order pies.
Serving breakfast on weekends until 2 p.m., Brewmaster's serves up an extensive list of morning food creations -- omelets, egg platters, pancakes, and the like.
The restaurant itself features a traditional decor that's a mash-up of historically authentic and country-cutesy. Seating is available in both booths and at tables.
Name: The Brewmaster's Tavern
Address: 4 Main St., Williamsburg
Telephone: (413) 268-7741
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Entree prices: $10.99 - $32.99
Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs
Reservations: Accepted