Redlight Redlight

Firkin Around...Orlando, Florida.

Still in "O"-town and getting a thirst for some craft beer. I went checking on a hunch from some internet chatter, about an out-of-the-way joint that, as it happens, isn't so outta the way. GPS programmed, our destination was found with ease. Pulling into a small parking lot next door, you observe a small, squat, rectangular building. It might have been missed had it not been for the trusty GPS.

It didn't look like much from the outside, but with the prospect of good beer, in we went. Inside, the bar and barback sit midway between two basic seating areas. The interior is dimly lit, but the bright spot of bar lighting draws your attention. And then it hits you as to why you came. The beer! There are easily 20 tap handles scattered in three regions of the front and back of the bar. There are an additional 2 beer engines that dispense cask drawn ales, installed inbetween the two front tap stations.

I sallied up to the bar, opened one of the three-ringed binders and let my eyes dance over the pages. Quickly, I counted over 100 bottled beer selections along with meades and wines. This bar may have appeared wee on the outside, but it turned out to be mighty on the inside. Brent, the barkeep and host, quickly fetched my selection. We struck up a friendly discussion about the bar and beers in general. While he served some other guests, I spied a large chalk board that listed "New & Awesome" and "Super Cheap" selections.

Great beer, great music, great conversation.

While listening to some great indie tunes, I noticed the bar's interior was devoid of televisions. That didn't seem to bother any of the guests. They were involved in discussions with one another, just as in any proper pub environment. No blaring sports or news, no one texting. Just plain talk amongst beer lovers. Imagine that...the art of conversation without the interruption of electronic media. That being said, they did have WiFi, which allowed me to take notes on a PDA. And while the patrons were few when I arrived, a sizable group created a great buzz in no time at all. Then, another friendly and beer knowledgeable bartender named George, appeared. The 7-8 o'clock happy hour was in full swing!

There is a spot in one corner for local bands to ply their trade. Half way through this visit, a band set up and jammed out some great blues tunes for our listening pleasure. Additional items of note include outdoor seating (no smoking indoors), a tile topped bar, plenty of tin beer signs, specialty beer glassware for proper serving and lots of neon beer signs. Oh, and after all this, I almost forgot to mention the prices for beers and ales are very reasonable.  All in all, there's a lot packed in under this little roof. Make Redlight Redlight a "stop" on your list.

Firkin great!

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