god has given us a reason to visit New Brighton: Barley John's Brew Pub

I have a feeling this may be the only blog post I write about the staid grid work of county roads, strip malls, and crusty suburbia that is New Brighton, MN. OK, there are two reasons to visit this city: 1) buy some kickin' frames at the truly exceptional Spectacle Shoppe (caution: website is brutal); and 2) drink some tasty microbrews and eat at Barley John's Brew Pub. Set one foot inside this small, cozy nook of a bar/restaurant and the effects are not unlike that of entering a worm hole, or a tear in the space time continuum. Here are the facts:

1. I'm there right now. They have a solid wifi connection and a sturdy pine bar, which I'm using to craft this post.
2. I'm drinking their seasonal Schwarzbier, a traditional, German-style black lager. It will change your life, and give you good reason to reconsider your outlook on New Brighton.
3. You can buy growlers.
4. They have good food. I just polished off a stuffed, roasted portobella mushroom appetizer (half price @ $4.00 during happy hour) and my pizza is in the oven. They serve palette-bending personal-sized pizzas here, including quality ingredients atop a homemade, cracker crust.
5. They have at least 5 of their own beers on tap at any time, and a host of purposefully chosen "guest taps," such as Tripel Karmeliet and Three Philosophers.
   
6. The staff are friendly, and they wear cool black shirts and ties. They also have tatoos and earrings, which makes them tuff.
   

Here's a map of how to get there. I'll be here until by battery dies, or longer if the barman has an extra outlet.