Places to go, things to see.
(Oh – and also places NOT to go, and things I wish I hadn’t seen!)
Unbiased reviews by The Social Siren. Gotta love that 
REVIEW :
The Pourhouse Bar and Grill 124 E. Fourth St. Loveland, CO
As the former Cipoletti’s Italian Restaurant transforms itself into a downtown Loveland hot spot, Owners Anthony Franco and Robb Wilson – along with Managing Partner Joe Beaman – show that they definitely have their collaborative ‘finger’ on the pulse of Loveland’s burgeoning 4th Street District. The Pourhouse has a distinctive “brew-pub” atmosphere and local feel, with lots of polished wood, 8 unique microbrews on tap, and a menu serving up traditional and non-traditional fare created by Executive Chef Shane Flora and his crew.
The Experience
I arrived ahead of my group, hoping to get a feel for the place on my own and to decide how it felt walking in “solo.” Sitting at a recently-cleared long table in the bar, I noted several happy-looking groups of people as well as couples enjoying date-night, and a few other individuals taking it easy at the polished wood bar. About 2 minutes in to my Pourhouse experience, the service is excellent with my server patiently taking the time to explain the difference between two of three micros I was debating on. And when she offered to bring samples of the two I’d never tried before, I was happy as a clam. (Her suggestion was perfect: I did indeed prefer the one she imagined I’d like. Good call.) Throughout the night – although with a steady clientele on a rainy Saturday night – I had great service. If my server wasn’t nearby, another passing staff-member was always happy to ask if I needed anything (eye contact from ‘not-my-waitress’? Priceless!) However, a nod or shoutout to Joe (owner/manager/jack of all trades) behind the bar can easily get you a refill if you need another pint – or ice water – ASAP.
The atmosphere is friendly, with chatty clientele who aren’t afraid to share a seat or opinion… and make a new friend or two along the way. I was sitting solo for about a half-hour, and never felt out of place while waiting for my friends to arrive, thanks to the attentive wait-staff and chatty patrons.The restaurant area is in the (quieter) back half of the establishment, mostly made up of cozy booths with a smattering of 4-top tables thrown in for good measure. The seating floor is spacious, and it appears that The Pourhouse can accommodate larger lunch/dinner groups if needed. I’d recommend a quick phone call to reserve for groups over 8 as a courtesy to the staff. And if you’re wondering, the much-loved revolving door (a la Cipoletti’s) still remains intact, adding charisma to the 4th street storefront.
The front of the house is where you’ll find the bar: a lively, area built for socializing. The main attraction is the two long pub-style tables, built to accommodate larger groups, or a few smaller parties – who will inevitably get to know each other before the night is through. One of my cohorts likened The Pourhouse to the infamous Cheers-style bar – it felt that comfortable, even for first-timers. And they have TV’s. Granted, almost all of the bars in downtown Loveland claim to air sports events, but few have adequate areas to watch, or TV’s to watch the events on. The Pourhouse boasts several big screen TV’s… the night I was there, some of the crowd was mesmerized by a Rockies game – while others were happy to absorb the live licks from local acoustic talent Branden Sipes.
Music
On deck this evening was the multi-talented Branden Sipes, an acoustic musician who delivers just the right blend of popular mellow Top 40 music. He’s friendly in between sets and exudes authenticity in person, and through his music. Every Friday and many Saturday nights there’s live music at The Pourhouse. Thursdays are Open Mic night – and from what I’m told, there’s a growing crowd heading out to catch this weekly event. As we all know, Open Mic can be hit or miss (talent-wise), but a reliable source tells me that the caliber of undiscovered talent who come out on Thursdays is above-average.
Menu
As always, I’d taken the time to investigate the menu before heading into the venue. The menu posted on the website touts draft beers from smaller local microbreweries and a menu with seafood and burgers. I’d arrived hungry, and was looking forward to possibilities such as the Ultimate Steak n’ Cheese ($9, w/ side), Pourhouse Pizza Pie ($9) and possibly the huge Choczilla cake for dessert ($9, shareable.)
When my party arrived, I decided I was hungry for more traditional pub fare, and was glad to share Loaded Brewcity Fries ($7), Jerked and Honey BBQ Chicken Wings (13 for $8) and Pourhouse Sliders (3 for $6, with Brewcity fries) with my group. The Wings are flavorful and coated unsparingly with the sauce of choice. Sliders were unique, served on a pretzel bun, with House mayo and smoked cheddar: Tasty! The Loaded Brewcity Fries – a twist on cheese fries, of which I am a long-time fan – are possibly my favorite.
Others in my group had the Black Jack Porterhouse Stew (described as “tasty… hearty and home-style”)… a great choice for the incoming fall weather and also available in a bread bowl if you’re totally famished.
Beverage-wise, a selection of 8 Micros on tap – Colorado beers from Lefthand Brewery (Longmont), Avery (Boulder) and Bristol (Colorado Springs), among others. Bottled beer is available for the traditionalists, as is a full bar with all the expected top-shelf choices. I was pleased with my Monster Mug (32 oz.) of Boulevard’s Unfiltered Wheat ($5.25) but also glad to know I can get one of my most recent favorites, Laughing Lab Scottish Ale on tap here, should I so desire.
The Total Package:
I rate my experience Five Stars. You’ll definitely find me dragging my friends there on a future Friday night, for Happy Hour and more Loaded Brewcity Fries!
The Pourhouse Bar and Grill is open Monday – Sunday at 11 a.m. – until the last customer leaves each night. Happy Hour 3-6 Monday through Friday. See the menu and live music online at: www.pourhousebarandgrill.com and on Twitter: @pourhousebar
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