March 28, 2024

Tap 30 a New Petoskey highlight

Nov. 23, 2014

Time was when a bar might have one or two beers on draft, likely the stalwarts like Budweiser or Miller Lite.

Time was a while ago. Now taprooms and microbreweries have us enjoying dozens of brews.

Tap 30 Pourhouse in downtown Petoskey offers a rotating cast of 30 different beers plus wine and cocktails, along with a menu of engaging foods to complement the libations.

"I hear "˜thank you for opening this place’ a lot," says Steve Steffes. Steffes and David Meikle are co-owners of the business.

THE SCENE

Tap 30 opened in mid-September, and has since become one of the city’s most popular hangouts.

It’s open and inviting. The metal stools, high ceiling and exposed brickwork give it an open, industrial feel, while the large windows bring in plenty of light.

The long tables are welcoming for large groups or people who want to get to know one another.

"We want to encourage social interaction. The communal tables have been well received," says Steffes.

Must be, as business is better than they’d anticipated.

"Already we’re expanding the prep area in the basement," he says.

THE MENU 

With 30 taps, there’s always a variety of tastes available. Many beers are Michigan brews, such as Papa Burgundy from Short’s, Oro De Calabaza from Jolly Pumpkin, Rye of the Liger from Perrin in Grand Rapids, and Kuhnhenn Fluffer from Kuhnhenn Brewery in Warren.

Others hail from in the U.S. or even overseas; Left Hand Fade to Black is from Longmont, Colorado, Green Flash West Coast IPA is brewed in San Diego, Gulden Draak (Dark Triple) is from Belgium, and Belhaven Scottish Ale originates in (of course) Scotland.

You needn’t worry about drinking alone, because the menu also includes a number of foodstuffs, perfect to complement an ale or a stout.

"When we hired Tom (chef Tom Holt), the concept was to have a menu that’s high quality comfort food at a fair price. We wanted everything to be fresh," says Steffes.

The menu features wings, sliders (sandwiches) including Korean BBQ pork, BLT, and burgers, and two kinds of macaroni and cheese.

A selection of pizzas, salads and three kinds of potatoes rounds things out.

THE BEST

The quesadillas are filled with grilled asparagus, chargrilled chicken breast, sweet peppadew peppers, crisp arugula, scallions, bacon and white cheddar, complemented by cilantro aioli and chipotle sour cream.

The buffalo mac and cheese features cavatappi pasta, grilled chicken, house buffalo sauce, jalapeños and peppered bacon, with four cheeses: a white cheddar and smoked gouda cheese sauce and feta and blue cheese crumbles.

For lighter appetites or just something to complement one of the brews on tap, the pretzels are made in-house, brushed with garlic butter and sea salt, and served with a white cheddar/truffle ale dip.

Then there’s the totchos, crispy fried potato tots, all dressed up and ready to go with bacon, pepperoni, smoked white cheddar sauce, scallions, chipotle sour cream, tomatoes and jalapeños.

"The totchos are our biggest seller," says Steffes. "I told Tom, "˜Let’s create a signature dish.’ You’ve got to go to Tap 30 to have totchos."

THE REST OF THE STORY

Tap 30 Pourhouse actually came about as Steffes and Meikle tried to figure out what to do with the building they purchased.

"David owns the building. I’m his real estate agent and contractor," says Steffes.

After purchase but before renovation, the duo had to decide whether to go with retail, residential, or something else. "We said, what does Petoskey need?" says Steffes.

So they decided to try a little of everything. The upper floors are being transformed into downtown condo lofts, while discussions are still underway for the space next to Tap 30.

THE SKINNY

Appetizers start at $7. Sandwiches start at $10, as do entrées. Pizzas and salads both start at $9, and sides at $5. Beers start at $4.50, wine at $7 a glass, spirits at $6.

It is open Monday and Tuesday 11:30 to 11, Wednesday through Saturday 11:30 to midnight, and Sunday noon to 10.

Tap 30 is located at 422 E. Mitchell in downtown Petoskey. Online, go to Tap30.com or visit its Facebook page. Call (231) 881-9572.

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