18's Final, from the Target's notebook.

"It's not a Christmas party. It's a non-denominational holiday mixer, more inclusive."  -Office Christmas Party
The town's tree lights up the Atlantic. Streets of Berlin, 12/19/2018.

    This was to be our last hurrah of 2018, our final Christmas celebration. We headed to Drummer's Café, a repeat stopover to the Atlantic Hotel's bistro. A joint decision to finish in Berlin, MD for the second straight year. An upscale establishment with linen table cloths and a more refined atmosphere than most of the places in Berlin, the lineup at Drummer's was pretty crowded.

Lit up Atlantic.

Fortunately, the opportunity arose and we were able to snag three seats in a row. Though a woman came back for a half empty drink in our spot at the bar, there did not appear to be any dropping in on position. The room was full of small groups of locals enjoying the holiday season. Being such a small bar there was a very limited selection of beverages and brews on tap. Still, the lone barkeep was friendly and active, and he soon set our beverages of choice in front of us. The Island Mahi Tacos- Cuban Style, and Crispy Fish and Chips came highly recommended by our Man behind the Stand.

While myself and LWatt were a bit hesitant, Wattman made the decision on the fish and chips in addition to the tacos. Of course, our holiday festivities would not be complete without the Twin Kabobs of Filet Mignon. The Tacos, served on homemade soft shells, were very good, however just missing being top of the line.

They needed something, though I was not sure what. While the Kabobs met our expectations as for being cooked medium-well, they seemed to be better on our visit last year. The Fish and Chips were very crispy, but there were no fireworks. Like our average knee to thigh high surf sessions no thrill ride here, but Wattman still dove in and they disappeared in no time flat anyway.

 A single screen graced the bar for our viewing pleasure, and while conditions were tight when we first arrived, the lineup cleared out when Happy Hour ended. No music, just the drone of the surrounding chit-chat. Clearly, this was not a sports bar...more of a social scene for those networking or drumming up tomorrow's contacts. As our evening drew to a close, we paid our rather hefty tab. In addition, the Watts finished up the holiday gift exchange giving me a new ornament. I planned to place it in prime location, mid-tree at home. Christmas is a time to reflect and enjoy friendship. For the month of December, we left no doubt. The Crew is built on friendship, caring, and good times. This tri-fecta has always been something we have made a point to share at all times. Mele Kalikimaka from The Crew!

THE RATINGS-
Island Mahi Tacos: B
Crispy Fish and Chips: B-
Steak Filet Kabobs: B-
Beer: C+
Atmosphere: B-
Value: C
Overall Score = 2.58

"Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou"
(Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)

Lost 'n Found, from the Target's notebook.

Chest plus swell with a west wind clean-up graced the lineup this week. Dusk along the OC's coast, 12/14/2018.

  -T. Layton photo 

   Its week two December, a return to cool-town Berlin, and we had voted this week to do a repeat of the Globe Theater. My early arrival Thursday evening, afforded me primo parking directly in front of the restaurant.  The Watts were on their way, and as I waited I considered the Shore's mild start to the season. Air has been in the 40's and 50's. A couple dips below freezing at night put the Atlantic's waters into the upper 40s. The Watt had lost his opportunity for any more surf. Speaking of, much to his chagrin, conditions had improved with surf in the chest to head range over the next couple of days. Ah, but this is the fate of our sessions this time of year.

   Watt's late arrival forced him to park down the dark recesses of the city's backstreets, but not before dropping off LWatt in front loaded with fresh homemade chocolate-chip cookies. Upon their arrival we entered the Globe and hooked us three seats at the copper laden bar. This establishment has a special ambience any time of year, however during Christmastide the place really shines. It had been four-plus years since the three of us have been to the Globe. That night we found what had become one of the gold standards on which we measured all other food offerings for some time. I had to wonder if a repeat performance was possible. As the season dictated, I went with a Stella which arrived in its signature glass. If only it had been iced it would have been perfect. Wattman had decided to drink local from the ample selection on tap. The Globe has quite a following, so even a mid-week crowd was not unusual, however the single barkeep was able to keep everyone happy. We placed our orders for the famous Tuna Taco, the Cowboy Burger special, and a Filet and Smoked Gouda Hash combo on the suggestion of the Barkeep.

Said Tuna Tacos, that we had considered the best we have ever had in our many travels, did not disappoint. True sushi grade tuna, properly prepared, with a nice backing of fixings made these tacos something special. The Cowboy Burger, hand pattied, was above average which we all enjoyed. But, it was the steak filet and hash combo that was the eye opener. The beef filet was only slightly over cooked yet the hash itself was great.

We stayed for a while just enjoying the atmosphere... well placed flatscreens and piped in music that was not overpowering... then moved out of doors. I for one am not a big Christmas present person. I have found the investment in time and effort you show someone throughout the year is the best present you can give or ever receive. This year I made an exception. A token for LWatt... a plant to brighten her kitchen window this winter as she had brightened the Crew with her addition to our membership. To Wattman I gave several replacements of my picture that had mysteriously disappeared during the move back from Chicago. He could hardly contain himself. I could tell. Speaking of difficult containment, it would be very difficult for me to contain myself on the trip home with those cookies the Watts had given me. With a successful critique in the books, the delivery of gifts, and the evening temps dropping, we said our goodbyes and headed out into the night. Next week was set as our final session of the year.

THE RATINGS-

Tuna Tacos: A-

Cowboy Burger: B-

Filet & Smoked Gouda Hash: B+

Beer: B

Atmosphere: B+

Value: C+

Overall Score = 3.04

Epiphany, from the Target's notebook.

Early December low rollers, 60th Street. 12/4/2018    

Santa don't bring me any toys,

Just bring my baby and a bottle of joy.

Maybe just a taste for Uncle Roy,

We all know Santa is a good ole boy.

       -Brian Setzer Orchestra, "Hey Santa"

   December had brought the flatties out on the water. November chest-plus conditions had now given way to thigh or less. For those sitting out in the line-up and waiting, even the lightest winds would be brutal. It was raw cold. Wednesday, and it was the day before the Berlin Christmas Parade. The streets were pretty much empty, which is why we were in town the day BEFORE the parade. As I waited for the Watts I had a bit of a yuletide epiphany. What I felt would be a real tribulation for the big Man in Red. I planned on soliciting for Wattman to be punctual at least 50 percent of the time in the upcoming year. I realized this would be somewhat of a miracle performance for Mr. Claus, but tis the season for delusionary petitions to come to fruition. But, once again, I digress. Continuing our Berlin circuit, we were headed into a small Italian restaurant where none of us had previously been. A newbie for the Crew, and that was an achievement considering small town America. Watt insisted it would be a first rate joint. I got to say, I had my doubts. One of three locations on the Shore, DiFebo's was actually larger than it looked with a second floor for parties and a bar that seated twelve along with booths and tables. The place was decked out nicely for the season but not overly done. As we grabbed our spots at the end of the near loaded bar I was initially worried about the level of service we'd be receiving as the barkeep didn't seem too attentive to our arrival or needs. However, as the night wore on his friendliness overshadowed his one speed, and his seasonal courtesy led to all at the bar enjoying his company.  

   With Christmas music spinning in the background, I found my perfect opportunity to order the perfect holiday brew... Stella. Served in it's perfect Stella glass, Wattman went for the local brew served in it's standard shaker glass. Both could have only been more perfect if the glasses would have been iced. This was when our barkeep stepped up his game and talked LWatt into a Pear Martini. This thing was dangerous with a sugar-candied, house vodka-infused pear that must have been 100 proof all by itself. The restaurant featured Italian dishes with a wood fired pizza oven as the dining area's anchor. You can watch it from any seat in the place. The evening's chow started with a trio of Veal Meatballs that were fantastic. Covered in just the perfect amount of sauce, they were garnished with smoked mozzarella and ricotta cheese.

As the Wood Fired Pizza was one of DiFebo's stars, we ordered the Margarita with Basil and Chicken. At first glance the chicken looked overcooked but it had a great flavor that added to an already good pizza. Less pub and more upscale, so there was just one TV over the bar. The crowd dropped off exponentially as the hour passed. Typical for a weeknight anywhere on the Shore, probably more so for Berliners. Before long it was just us, two old timers at the opposite end of the bar. and a couple at one of the tables. It was our queue to head out into the night. Finalized with dessert at Island Creamery. Difebos was a definite epiphany for the Watt in his job of determining our destinations. I am sure it will be on tap for another Crew patrol.

THE RATINGS - 

Veal Meatballs: A-

Wood Fired Margherita Pizza: B+

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: B+

Value: B

Overall Score = 3.10

Always watching...

Frosted Again, from the Target's notebook.

"All right, you're a reindeer. Here's your motivation: Your name is Rudolf, you're a freak with a red nose, and no one
likes you. Then, one day, Santa picks you and you save Christmas. No, forget that part. We'll improvise... just keep it
kind of loosey-goosey. You HATE Christmas. You're gonna steal it. Saving Christmas is a lousy ending, way too commercial. ACTION!"     -Jim Carrey, the Grinch

   Its been a tradition  for Watt and myself to visit the OC Winterfest for these many years. But, our tradition has had a serious down side. It seems no matter what day Wattman chooses it has always been sooooo f*#^ing cold we have limited enjoyment of the magic before frostbite sets in. Last year was the rare exception; a milder stint. That being said, I must confess the year I had to attend by myself while the Watt was still in Chicago it was a freezing cold day and I went during the afternoon. As I climbed into my car to start the journey to OC I made sure I had an extra layer of clothing in anticipation of the night's chill. The evening's plan was to start at Harpoon Hanna's on the Ditch in Fenwick, DE. Arriving just in time to see several emergency vehicles head over the small bridge...it was Wattman's luck that an accident had closed Rt. 54 in sight of the restaurant. Now Watt claims he should have gotten credit for being on time since he had no control over the road being closed. But, since he had a choice of routes (and chose unwisely), and I had to wait 30 minutes while he backtracked to Rt. 90, I thought otherwise. There was a saving grace. The extra time allowed the restaurant to slowly clear out. A 1/2 Price Lobster special had the place packed through Happy Hour. Thankfully, by the time the Watts arrived HH was done, and the bar area had opened up.

   First order of business was to put drinks in hand. Our barkeep read off a list of beer on tap and as none appealed I went with a Miller Lite. It wasn't until after that we discovered that my Summer Shandy was still available. This was just the beginning of the lack of attention we received from any of the three barkeeps. By now there were only eleven patrons (including us) in the bar area. We repeatedly had to ask for menus, refills, condiments, even the bar tab took forever in the end. But I digress. We ordered from a pretty decent menu choosing the Sweet & Spicy Wings, the Seafood Skins, and of course, the 1 lb. Lobster Special. The special included fresh homemade muffins which were enjoyed by the three of us. The lobster was disappointing; not real meaty and a bit tough, but it was nice to try something different.

It would have been even better if our barkeep had any tips on getting the most out of a lobster. Instead she commented on how she didn't like seafood and left us to  shredding the shell, like so many of the thigh high waves of this season. The wings looked good but lacked punch. Neither spicy nor hot, the best we could say was that they were meaty and well cooked. The surprise of the night were the seafood potato skins.

 All three potatoes were large and over flowing with crab, shrimp and even some lobster in an imperial cheese sauce. Very rich, to the point that a single skin was almost a meal in itself. As LWatt finished the last skin, we had become the leftovers of the bar. Our only entertainment for the night was watching the bar staff determine if the village drunk had paid his tab or not. After 10 minutes trying to get someones attention to pay the bill, we caught the end of a college basketball game and listened to unforgettable on-hit classic rock. It had been a number of years since the Crew's last visit to Harpoon Hannas, and it may be several more before the Patrol passes by again. For the balance of our evening, we were off to the lights...

THE RATINGS-

Lobster Special w/Muffins: B-

Sweet & Spicy Wings: C+

Seafood Skins: B

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: C

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.38

Welcome to OC's 2018 Winterfest of Lights

   As mentioned earlier, we were were frosted again, resuming what now seems the requisite frigid tour of Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights. This year seemed to have more indoor displays than in the past.

The tent was a good thing, as we were able to extend our stay by splitting time between a heated tent and the exterior tundra. Even caught up with the Big Man in the Red Suit. Speaking of suits, did I mention how cold it was? If I had been thinking far enough ahead I may have borrowed the Watt's rubber suit. Surprised he wasn't wearing it. I could only imagine trekking into the Atlantic this time of year. If there had been any type of precipitation at all, it would have been called for.

As it was, a clear night and the Patrol made the most of our rounds no matter how brief the conditions made 'em. Another tour in the books. So as the song says:

Good master and good mistress,
As you sit beside the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Who wander in the mire...

...Love and joy come to you
 And to you your Wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year

Slip Slidin' Away, from the Target's notebook.

You know the nearer your destination, the more you're slip slidin' away...  -Paul Simon
Facial spray off the lip, PM clean-up before the clouds open. Malibu Beach, 8th Street. 11/15/2018

   It was a classic Eastern Shore transition. Autumn slip sliding away. Yeah, I realized we were still in November, but the weatherman was on the money this time around. Much of the time the Atlantic gives hint of what's to come. In the afternoon the offshore gusts held up chest to head plus swell enough to create some fairly clean A-Frames of which a few hearty souls took advantage. Not us. Work. Chores. By the time it was our time it would be a somber dusk and the sky would be collapsing. Tis the season we are in. A front was moving through bringing with it a sudden burst of cold air including the wind, rain, and more rain. Times like these you didn't want to leave the house unless it was of significant importance. So for the Crew, each of us debated within ourselves, "do we cancel and stay home in our warm, dry envelop, or does the prospect of spending a brief amount of time with friends and critiquing some unsuspecting watering hole lead us out the door and into the night?" As I drove towards Berlin in a torrent of wind and rain I guess I had answered my own question. Apparently so had the Watts. We arrived one after the other to our drenched destination, Blacksmith Bar & Restaurant. While the parking lot seemed full once we entered the restaurant I noticed it was a small crowd. With the current conditions outside, I was not surprised and we were able to choose among the ample seating at the small bar. 

   For Wattman and I, it was a return visit from several years ago. However, it was LWatt's first time and she was taken by the eclectic décor of the place. Small tables and couches, a metal-worked bar, overseen by a distressed, tin paneled ceiling all gave the place a comfortable smithy character. While not exactly the beverage selection I was used too, a properly presented beverage in a chilled glass made both Watt and I immediately impressed. Course any chilled beer makes Wattman happy. LWatt went for a Pomegranate-Sage cocktail that was professionally prepared by our attentive barkeep for the evening. But, we came for the food and Blacksmith advertised itself as a farm to table type of place. The selection while small, was upscale and local. In addition to having their famous House Burger and Lump Crab Cake we also ordered...wait for it...wait for it...a Stacked Crispy Eggplant with Shaved Parmesan.

 Starting with the eggplant; since it was something I would never normally order, I moderated judgment. LWatt of course, enjoyed the eggplant the most while Wattman ate his portion without much comment. I can say the sauce was pretty good. Our burger once again, was well cooked and had a nice overall flavor but it was just lacking that special add-on to make it pop. To all of us the crab cake was a disappointment.You could see the crab meat and taste the crab, but it was overall, rather bland. Even the tarter sauce and capers on top lacked punch. Like I had mentioned before, the place went for upscale.

Their food was the feature. No TV, just basic background music. As we were finishing off our meal, the rain finally stopped. Good conversation eventually faded, and there was no reason to linger. The attentive staff and warm atmosphere always makes Blacksmith a nice place stop, just gotta bring our wallets. Thus, we headed off into the night. The Thanksgiving holiday was upon us. Our next inquest will be the annual Winterfest foray. The Patrol, as always, will be in the Spirit! 

THE RATINGS-
Stacked Crispy Eggplant: B
House Burger: B-
Lump Crab Cake: C
Beer: B
Atmosphere: B-
Value: C-
Overall Score = 2.54

              

Empty Streets, from the Target's notebook.

Morning flight, Rt 90 Bridge over Isle of Wight Bay. 11/8/2018.

   After a late spring heat-up of some choice surf. After a summer of wind and humidity that brought out the flatties. After an off-season of hurricane and nor'east coastal storm driven wind swell. We have come to the sunset of our season. More like the "hit the wall" part of our season...Standard Time. The signal to start our annual tour of Berlin. It was a quiet weeknight in town as the empty streets saw temps much colder than we've been used too, a chill I got to personally experience as I awaited the Watts arrival. Wattman had chosen the Burley Café for the week's culinary appraisal. A former coffee shop, it was a small space located directly behind the historic Atlantic Hotel. A sidekick to the Burley Oak Brewery, the joint featured the brewery's beers and the local Rise Up Coffee as well as brew pub type grub. Upon arrival we grabbed a table near the bar. The place was small, very small really, maybe sat 50 max.

So, the live music schedule tonight proved to be interesting. A veritable one man show. Like our combination barkeep/waiter.  Now, as was mentioned, this place was related to the brewery. We expected lots of Burley beer, but to my surprise there was not an alternative in the house. Not a Miller Lite to be found anywhere in the place. How any bar can hold the back the refreshing, fulfilling, the smoothness of a Miller Lite from the people of this world...well...I question it's existence. This is harsh but we, the silent majority, must make a stand against overly hoppy brews that only the likes of the Watt can enjoy. This being said, LWatt ordered a "Build Your Own JREAM," Burley Oak's sour with fruited, puréed add-ins to infuse your own flavors. A much better choice. The menu was limited, more geared to what I would consider breakfast than dinner. Thus, we followed its lead and ordered the S'more Waffle. However, our dinner side needed to be satisfied, so we added the Buffalo Chicken Waffle as well as the BBQ Chicken Flatbread. We all enjoyed the flatbread though the edges seemed a bit crisp. Could have also used more chicken. As to the waffles, they were both small in size but freshly made and looked great. LWatt enjoyed her S'more waffle, though we agreed it was more of a dessert than a dinner. I thought it needed more sweet and less bitter on the chocolate end...just sayin'.

Wattman liked the Buffalo Chicken, I found it acceptable, and LWatt thought it too spicy. No TV's anywhere, and the music spent most of our part of the night eating tacos. The place was quaint and the vibe may have been good when people...and the music...finally arrived. We expedited the close of our meal as LWatt had a business call scheduled. The future for this place in doubt since the number of other options, even in Berlin, are too numerous for a near future repeat for the Patrol. Hence, we returned to the empty streets from whence we came; into the night looking towards next week's target for survey in America's coolest small town.  

THE RATINGS-

S'more Waffle: B-

Buffalo Chicken Waffle: B-

BBQ Chicken Flatbread: B

Beer: B

Atmosphere: C+

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.63

Last Dance, from the Target's notebook.

Conclusion of the dance. Close of DST, 65th Street OCMD. 11/1/2018

I'm so glad you came

I'm so glad you remembered

To see how we're ending our last dance together  

-The Cure

   We called for an extra early session this week. There I was, waiting on an empty street as darkness quickly descended. As I had the time, I pondered this year's "Patrol". We had enjoyed the ending of  the Last Waltz, the Last Lecture so to speak, of each previous season. But, tonight is the Last Surf...the Last Dance of the year. I couldn't help but wonder once again, will this be our last session. With each passing year change occurs, and we have ridden each year's wave no matter the length of the ride. Would this be the end or just our annual break? I had little time to examine this question as the Watts finally arrived. It was low tide again and the supply of rideable waves was limited as the darkness quickly surrounded us. LWatt and I sat back, facing into the last light of day as Wattman had to work to gain position in the lineup. Conditions were semi-clean to choppy with winds out of the south joined by a strong northerly current. The waters of the Atlantic had now dipped into the lower 60's forcing the Wattman into the full rubber cover sans gloves. Between paddling, treading the sandy bottom, and several trips down south across the shore fronting us, Wattman managed to chisel himself a nice hitch from a rambling frontside. Even in the dimming light I snapped the ride with multiple pics, albeit grainy, that provided proof of a successful end of year session. Surprising both me and LWatt, Wattman started to call it a night and headed in. However, with this being the last session of the year we sent him back out into the murk for a little more. Eventually, the sheer obscurity of it all brought the jam to an end. It was bittersweet as we listened to the crash of the waves, pivoting west to exit the beach. For Watt, perhaps a few weekend opportunities to get wet before the water drops below 50. For me, the summer had finally ended...the dreaded winter months bearing down upon us. The next four, five months I will suffer. I can only hope that this time passes quickly and I will once again find myself with toes in the water, ass in the sand, surrounded by friends as once again the boys of summer are back in town.

   Watt had chosen an odd restaurant to celebrate the end of the season. Looking for something more upscale, but the Assateague Diner and Westside Bar was our location for tonight.

Formerly the 19th Hole, Wattman and I visited the spot several years ago. An all season local joint, I would bet no fancy pants, out-of-towners even knew the place existed. We pulled up to the bar with about five dudes who seemed to have been there for some time (dollar beer always brings in a certain crowd). An Internet jukebox provided classic rock and a well placed arrangement of TVs had what we needed...plenty of college football. While the selection of beverages was limited, being served in iced glasses got our approval. We started our order with Westside Wings, a spicy BBQ which we all seemed to enjoy. Just the right amount of sauce and steaming hot always made for a great wing.

The Grouper Tacos were about average. The piece of fish was large and well cooked, but the seasonings and fixin's were kind of bland. We finished with our continued burger obsession and got the Big ASSateague Burger which was the house specialty. Let's start by saying it was indeed big. With pepper jack cheese, ham, bacon, and fried pickles on a well cooked burger you would think it would have been the bomb. But with no mustard or ketchup (or onions for me) offered, it was lacking that special something to take it over the top. Regardless, it was well cooked, juicy, with enough of a party for your mouth that it was worth the gamble. Having finished the food and AC/DC on the 'box, we called it a night and paid our very reasonable tab. Good food with great pricing on everything. A surprise overachiever well deserving of another Patrol drive-by. As for the near future, the "Standard Time" Crew Assessments will begin.

THE RATINGS-

Westside Wings: B

Grouper Tacos: C+

Big ASSateague Burger: B

Beer: B-

Atmosphere: C+

Value: B+

Overall Score = 2.75

"No Surf" City, from the Target's notebook.

You know they're either out surfin' or they got a party growin'. -Jan & Dean, Surf City
Where's the party? No surf zone, 66th and Holidays, 10/18/2018.

   I am waiting as night quickly descends. Tonight it did not matter that the Watts were running late, for the Atlantic was quiet. Upon arrival, Wattman quickly embarks from the Terrain as he had talked himself into putting on the rubber top only and eating the cold for dinner. Temps had dropped over the last few days. Maybe within those last few seconds Watt was hoping to snag a ride before total darkness fell. However, it does not matter. Tonight for the first time this season there was NO surf. What laid before us was a dead calm sea with not much more than a ripple lapping at the beach's edge. While there were no waves, we were able to appreciate the last moments of an incredible sunset as the light silently slipped below the horizon. 

   With no real time spent on the beach we headed over to our dinner destination. Upon arrival at Ironweed Ale Werks it was immediately apparent that this was a business in transition (OC Brewing Company...been there, done that), not to mention the off season as well. I spotted a total of eight people in the entire place. This was formerly the original ES Adkins Lumber Warehouse, cavernous, but with plenty of flatscreen TVs and even a dual indoor Cornhole court. Finding a place at the bar was no trouble at all. Our barkeep was the new GM of the Ironweed. As peeps departed, we became as entertaining to him as he was to us. Ironweed was in the process of taking over OC Brewing and due to all the legal and illegal mumbo jumbo involved, the procedure was full of editorial garbage...we will leave it at that for now.

Still, lots of beer on tap and we took the opportunity to sample a few before making a decision. I will go on the record now: Cucumber beer has no place anywhere in our society. It may have been the sole worst tasting beverage I had ever tried. Meanwhile, Wattman was having a great time sampling their brews, while I dropped back and went with the safe bet...an original Miller Lite. LWatt chose a Sour that we agreed wasn't as good as last weeks representative. From the ample menu we ordered the Brew House Pretzel with Spicy-Sweet Mustard and Beer Cheese to start. The pretzel was average, not much better that your store brought  freezer variety. However, the mustard had a great tang on the back-end we all liked. Our next selection was the Honey Old Bay Wings.

Anytime there's honey we've had a note of concern. It would be very easy to end up with a sticky mess. But these wings featured just the right amount of honey, although the dry-rub Old Bay should have been kicked up a notch. Finally, we split the Smash Burger, a 1/2lb. of angus with provolone and bacon. We have had just an outstanding run of good burgers lately were hoping it would continue. This was again a well prepared burger, good size, but it seemed to lack a pop. While I could not speak for the Watts, it left me wanting. At this point we were the only people left in the place as we continued our conversation with our barkeep. Seemed we had visited just in time as Ironweed would be closing the following week for major renovations and would not reopen 'til Spring. Thus, while it may not be possible to stop by again in 2018, we will definitely put it on the Patrol's list for next year. 

THE RATINGS - 

Brew House Pretzel: C+

Honey Old Bay Wings: B+

Smash Burger: B-

Beer: B+

Atmosphere: B

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.75