All of you beer nerds out there already know about the International Tap House. This post isn't for you. This is for the non-beer drinkers, like me. The people who soured on beer after drinking too many warm, stale Natty Lights in college.
I admire dedication to a concept, and the folks at International Tap House (1711 S. 9th, 314-621-4333) take dedication to a whole new level. Beer is the focus here, and the folks at iTap don't let you forget it; they pretty much club you over the head with it. Wine? Nope. Cocktails? Please.
At first glance this joint might seem like a last resort to the non-beer drinker, but it pushes you out of your comfort zone. And at iTap, pushing your beer boundaries is actually quite pleasant.
Beer, you will find when you start sampling, can really delight and surprise. I had a cherry lambic. With it's gentle fruit and light effervescence, this was more reminiscent of a sparkling cider. I will be mainlining this stuff on their patio this summer.
ITap has no food to offer, but that doesn't mean you can't eat here. It's BYO. And right next door is the brand new Epic Pizza & Subs (and burgers!).
ITap has a scrillion beers, around 500 bottles from 25 countries. And with all the bottles on display in a huge case that runs the length of the bar, walking in evokes that sense of Christmas morning delight. The passport club (drinkers collect stamps as they sample) is a win-win for owners and patrons. A clever marketing tool for the former and a chance at bragging rights for the latter. You may not have ever left the state, but by golly you've had beer from Kenya and Sri Lanka.
Tuesday nights pay homage to local brewers, to the tune of $3 a bottle.
This place is no secret, so expect crowds especially after 8 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, live music starts at 8.30 p.m.
ITap has a location in Chesterfield too (161 Long, 636-537-8787), and word on the street is another is set to open in the Central West End in the long-vacated Pasta House space.
