The Pour House at Grand Central

Trying something different today. Rather than give another list about something historically rocky rolly, or end my temporary movie post hiatus (still stuck on what to write about Casino), I'm going local. Dat's right, Flavor Flav goin' local.

I'm lampin' I'm lampin' I'm col' col' lampin!
I got loowies boy, I'm not trampin!

WTF is a loowie?

Over the weekend, I tried a new bar here in Tampa called "The Pour House." For starters, it's located in the midst of many-a-condo near Tampa's Channelside district, a place in Tampa I've never been (and of course, until Saturday, there was never a reason). It's got a pool table, electronic darts (obviously not as cool as regular darts) some sofas and well, lots and lots of good beer (and wine, but not much).

Now, we were there around 5ish-8ish on a Saturday so the fact that it wasn't crowded at all could be due to that, or due to the fact this place is only a few months old. I'm not a crowd person, so the space and relaxation was most welcome and led to a phenomenal time. No waiting for beer, not obnoxious meatheads showing off their Affliction shirts, and no stupid Florida Gator fans making tomahawk chops ... naturally, all 3 of things easily could happen there, but didn't. The music sounded like someone had stolen my Ipod, so that was great. Heard a new MIA track (one of the few "good" ones on her new album), "Drunk Girls" by LCD Soundsystem, some new Black Keys and Arcade Fire ... really couldn't ask for more aside from maybe a quick "Gimme Shelter" or something from the Stones, but I don't think this place is trying to appeal towards the middle aged man set.

Now for the beer. Their list constantly changes, so I suggest looking on line (link provided) before you go. They have a bunch of stuff. What's great is, the paddle. The paddle was basically straight out of Dazed and Confused and held 4 tiny glasses so you could sample 4 beers. With all the decisions to be made, this was not only necessary, but quite refreshing. I'm not going to get into all the beers or rankings, or what not, but let me just say I'm now fond of a Belgian White (The Bruery's Mischief) and a beer from the Avery brewing company (The Maharaja).

The only downside was they don't have food. They had free popcorn which is great to change your pallet when mixing beers, but after that nothing. I like food. Also, for those who hate fancy beers and don't like it when your friends decide to go to places that specialize in this sort of thing, they did have Bud Light, in a bottle.

I've never really reviewed a restaurant or bar before and I'm not sure how often I'll do this, but I'm giving this place an A-. I can't wait to go again. It may become a permanent fixture after watching movies at Channelside.