Caps N’ Taps turns out top-notch nosh

Why: Caps N’ Taps has been in business in downtown Camas since 2013. This month marks the one-year anniversary for owner Michelle VanTassel. Caps N’ Taps offers a mellow, comfortable space to enjoy any of its 20 rotating taps or a variety of other alcoholic beverages accompanied by a light bite.

Atmosphere: Walls are painted a pleasant brick-red and tan and are decorated with a variety of beer-related signage and old-timey photos. A tall bar counter is located at the back of the space. Both tall and standard-height seating fills the floor between the entrance and the bar without feeling crowded. A leather sofa and club chairs are arranged by a front window for a more homey experience. Large TVs provide entertainment and there are a few board games on hand if you prefer more nostalgic entertainment. A popcorn machine is situated between two refrigerated coolers, which hold bottled beverages. An assortment of lighting brings a warm glow, and ceiling fans circulate the air.

What I tried: My dining companion and I tried the Wendy and Erica cheese and charcuterie platter and the pulled pork sliders, which are available in classic, Thai and Buffalo flavors.

The Wendy and Erica included Drunken Goat cheese and Humboldt Fog goat cheese, fig spread, Molinari spicy salami and drop peppers along with crackers, cherries and pickled vegetables. Everything was top notch and tasty. The pickled vegetable medley consisted of cauliflower, bell pepper, carrots and celery. The flavors were interesting and appetizing. Both of the cheeses were delicious. My favorite was the Humboldt Fog, which melted in my mouth. I paired it with some of the fig spread on a cracker and it reminded me of a favorite caramel made with goat cheese. The salami was not as spicy as I had anticipated and the drop peppers are always a delight. We tried all three slider options. Each of the sliders was true to its flavor description. The Thai and the Buffalo were quite spicy. The slider buns were fresh and airy. I thought they would have been perfectly suited for the sliders if they had been toasted.

Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Snacks include hummus served with pita, cucumbers, olives, house brine-pickled vegetables and carrots; Buffalo chicken and cheese fondue with chips for dipping; nachos, to which pulled pork may be added; and chips with salsa or cheese sauce. Cheese and charcuterie options all come with Croccantini rosemary crackers, dried cherries and house pickled vegetables. Each of these options has a different selection of additional items, which include cheeses, salami, olives, Marcona almonds, prosciutto, drop peppers and fig spread. Tap options focus on local breweries.

Other observations: 2019 Craft Ambassador Mug Club Memberships provide several special benefits. Among them are $2 off standard-size pours during happy hour, as well as $2 off crowler fills and $4 off growler fills, plus a free beer on your birthday and 10 percent off merchandise. There are also two banks of coolers that hold bottled alcoholic beverages. Outdoor seating is available.

Cost: Cheese and charcuterie platters cost $13. Snacks are $5 to $10.50. Wine (red and white) is $7 to $8.50 per glass or $23 to $29 per bottle. Draft kombucha is $5.50 for a pint, $11 for a 32-ounce crowler and $17 for a growler. Cocktails range from $7 to $9.50. Spirits range from $6 to $15 (based on a 1.5-ounce pour). Brews on tap are priced for 10-ounce pours and range from $6 to $10.