Why: Barrel Mountain Brewery in Battle Ground offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for enjoying some local brews and made-from-scratch menu options. On the weekends, they have live entertainment.
The brewery produces four brews on-site and also smokes the meat used in menu items. Barrel Mountain is family-friendly and leashed dogs are welcome outside on the patio.
What I tried: My dining companion and I tried the roasted baby beets, the Pig Sprouts, roasted edamame and the Adult Mac n Cheese. For dessert, we had the roasted apples foster.
All the portions were generous. Although the edamame was in the pods, the flavorful and somewhat spicy Aleppo pepper seasoning, lime zest and sea salt on each pod found its way onto the beans in the process of extracting them for eating. They were a bit messy to eat, but worth it.
Dining Out Review: Barrel Mountain Brewery
Hours: Noon to 11 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Hoppy Hour is 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Telephone: 360-342-8111.
Where: 607 E. Main St., Battle Ground.
Health score: Barrel Mountain Brewery has received a pre-opening inspection, for which a score was not available, and is scheduled for a routine inspection in the near future. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
Web: The brewery can be found on Facebook.
The beets were roasted to a semi-firm texture and combined with arugula, pickled red onions, smoked bacon, toasted hazelnuts, chevre cheese, olive oil, sea salt and balsamic glaze, all topped with fresh green sprouts. The result was a richly sweet appetizer. If you like beets, don’t pass this up.
The Pig Sprouts consisted of Brussels sprouts mixed with pork belly bits, hazelnuts and shaved Parmesan, topped with fresh green sprouts. The Brussels sprouts were cut lengthwise and cooked to an appetizing consistency. The other elements in the dish complemented the sprouts and tamed the somewhat bitter cabbage-like profile often associated with them, transforming them into a savory dish.
Orecchiette pasta was used for the macaroni and cheese, which was made with white cheddar and Brie cheeses. Pork belly pieces, chopped asparagus and garlic confit were mixed in. The dish was topped with a stack of deep-fried shoestring onions and adorned with a single flower. In all, the Adult Mac n Cheese is a viable entree for a hearty appetite.
The apple dessert was a layered combination of honey-roasted apples, rum sauce, rosemary sugar and maple-nut ice cream served in a piping -hot dish. In the time it took to eat, the dessert evolved into a sweet, creamy soup of sorts — no less scrumptious than how it began. The temperature of the sugar almost reached the hard stage, providing contrasting textures and interest to this delicious dessert.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: The Washington Wedge Salad sounded interesting. It combines grilled romaine hearts, smoked bacon, blue cheese, Granny Smith apples, onion, sunflower seeds, blue cheese dressing and balsamic reduction. You may add meat to the salad as well. Barrel Mountain Trail Mix is made with salt-roasted peanuts, cashews, marcona almonds, dark chocolate chips, brewing grains and dried cranberries and blueberries. The steak medallions served with seasonal vegetables, rosemary garlic fingerling potatoes and whipped veal butter sounded delicious. A smoked salmon and artichoke dip is listed on the Hoppy Hour menu. Kids menu items include soft pretzel sticks and a grilled honey and orange-marmalade sandwich. Other brews are available in addition to the four house-made ones. Ciders and wine are on the menu as well.
Atmosphere: Barrel Mountain is basically covered with wood, inside and out, accented with metal siding. It felt somewhat like a wood cave filled with memorabilia — everything from an airplane propeller to a boat’s chair. The restaurant is street side; outdoor dining is offered with a year-round tent that provides cover from the elements. The live entertainment stage is out back, and just beyond that is the brewery.
Other observations: The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. Although the restaurant is new, it had a well-established feel because of the atmosphere. If you live in Vancouver, it’s worth the drive to Battle Ground to check this place out.
Cost: Appetizers cost $5 to $20. Sandwiches are $7 to $13. Salads are $8 (add steak bites for $7, chicken thighs for $4 or broiled halibut for $10). Burgers cost $12. Wings come in servings of 1-pound for $9, 2-pounds for $16 and 3-pounds for $23. Kids selections cost $4 to $6.
