Tapping into Kirkwood Brewhouse

As one of sports’ highest holy days approaches, fans have a new place to gather for the big game: a bar with big screens on one side and a kid-friendly restaurant on the other.

Kirkwood Brewhouse recently began offering fans and families a place to grab a cold beer and a warm meal. Formerly occupied by Winfield’s Gathering Place (and not associated with the similarly named Kirkwood Station Brewing Company), the space has retained some key elements of its predecessor’s décor, but it's paving its own way.

As for the menu, think bar foundation, but elevated. The sure-to-be signature dish pops out immediately: a candied bacon hamburger. The patty itself is juicy, cooked exactly as requested, and the bacon is crispy and has a distinctive maple taste without being too sweet. The beer cheese and caramelized onions make the burger shine. And the pretzel bun comes with pickle chips stacked on top. (Tip: If you’re getting a sandwich, order a side of KB’s dill dip to turn those fried pickle chip garnishes into a mini side.)

Kirkwood Brewhouse also serves up fresh salads, as well as a hearty strip steak. But every section of the menu (absent desserts) offers at least one dish featuring a house-smoked meat.

The Cuban pulled pork doubles down with the smoked pork and ham. The smoky flavor is distinct, but subtle enough to avoid overwhelming. The kitchen lightly dresses the sandwich with an interesting sauce (jalapeño barbecue and spicy mustard) that it could stand a little more.

Balancing bold flavors is key to the restaurant's mix. The name “Creole gumbo,” for example, might make you think twice about the spice, but a cup certainly won’t have you wiping your brow. At most, it will send samplers for another brew.

Though not a “brewhouse” in the traditional sense (it has no on-premise brewing), the restaurant offers a drink menu with broad appeal, including upwards of 25 beers on tap and another 10 by the bottle, plus wine and a full bar. Drafts cover a national portfolio of go-tos and highlight Missouri craft beers.

And the space will boast an even greater draw soon: The restaurant plans to add a covered patio and bar this spring—just in time for baseball season.