Why: Sproos (pronounced “spruce”) Tap House & Wine Bar is in Woodland and offers a tapas style menu to pair with 31 rotating beers, ciders and meads on tap in addition to a Northwest wine menu. There is also a bottled selection of beers you may purchase to-go and growler fills.
What I tried: To start, my dining companions and I settled on the pretzels and fondue. I had the housemade beer chili topped with cheddar cheese and diced red onion served with baguette slices. My dining companions tried the brat caprese and the Woodland Wrap. Both came with barbecue potato chips, and the wrap also came with a side of au jus for dipping.
The chili was very tasty and contained several different types of beans, onions and bell peppers in a smooth chili base, which had a medium kick of heat to it.
The beer brat was cradled in a ciabatta bun, which was topped with Roma tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. The brat was then topped with shredded basil and drizzled with a dill, olive oil and balsamic concoction. My dining companion thoroughly enjoyed the creation and liked the blend of flavors.
Dining Out review: Sproos Tap House & Wine Bar
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Happy Hour is 3 to 6 p.m. daily and all day on Sundays.
Where: 236 Davidson Ave., Woodland.
More information: 360-841-8695 or www.sprooswoodland.com
Health score: Sproos Tap House & Wine Bar received a score of 10 on July 8. Zero is a perfect score. Restaurants that have a score with 75 or more red violation points may be subject to closure by the Cowlitz County Health Department. For more information, call 360-414-5599.
The Woodland Wrap was stuffed with roast beef, pepper jack cheese, chipotle cream cheese, mixed bell peppers and red onion before it was heated on the grill. The combination of flavors resulted in a one-of-a-kind wrap experience that was enhanced by dipping in the au jus. My dining companion especially enjoyed what the pepper jack brought to the wrap.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: The menu often changes to reflect creativity and local ingredients. During my visit, there was a meat and cheese plate, a fall salad, macaroni and cheese and a “margherita panini.” Kids choices included a PBJB (peanut butter, jelly and banana) sandwich, a grilled cheese sandwich and a hot dog made with a brat. Sides included housemade potato salad and kimchi.
Atmosphere: The bar is made with repurposed wood from a barn in Woodland. Metalwork accents the space nicely and adds to the historical vibe. Seating consists of tall wood tables and barstools. Food preparation takes place behind the bar because there is no formal kitchen. There are picnic tables on a street side patio for dining outside. TVs provide some entertainment.
Other observations: Sproos is not a very large place, but the use of the space is efficient and it doesn’t feel crowed with a full house. The staff was friendly and attentive. The food had a fresh, premium quality with made-to-order appeal. Sproos does not have a deep fryer or freezer, so you will not find any of those types of foods on the menu. I noticed a warming lamp on the top shelf with a cob web on it — a good sign. The tap choices are plentiful and varied, offering a wide range to satisfy an assortment of palates.
Cost: Lunch options range from $3 to $10. Dinner options are $2 to $10.
