WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND

 

Inside an inconspicuous one-storey red brick edifice across from TF Green Airport on busy Post Road, DAVE’S BAR & GRILL competes favorably with nearby neighborhood joints, Shannon View Inn and Track 84. An affable beer-centric sportsbar, Dave’s is geared towards the local Blue Collar working crowd with its fine pub fare, multiple draught taps and casual atmosphere.

 

On St. Patrick’s Day ’13, my wife and I grab a table next to the sheet metal-based, granite-topped rectangular bar and grab a robust cornbeef and cabbage sandwich. Multiple TV’s regale the entire space while New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, Red Sox and Celtics paraphernalia line the busy walls. A billiards table in the front and several centered booths are packed to the hilt with patrons dressed to the hilt with green Irish clothing, fake tattoos, face paint and top hats. While the large back bar features 60 craft, international and macro brew taps, the front side smaller bar contains a few more taps and TV’s.   

 

I settle into local Massachusetts libation, Pretty Things American Darling Pale Lager, a stylishly complex medium body crowding zesty lemon peel bittering next to dark floral perfumed hops and mineral-grained herbal notions.

 

A few weeks later, we reconvene late at night to try the sales-priced bottled version of Harpoon UFO Pumpkin Ale while watching Major League Baseball’s opening day showcase squaring off the Houston Astros with the Texas Rangers. Several craft brew enthusiasts imbibe Mayflower IPA, Narragansett Summer Ale and Newport Storm Hurricane Amber (indigenous New England offerings). We take advantage of the free popcorn before heading out.

 

Ate fish and chips plus Greek pizza during dinner time stopover, June ’13, trying sessionable ESB-like Red Hook Audible Ale (with its peated malt earthiness and honeyed lemon tea likeness) for first time.

 

Those looking to sample a few brews should check out the 5-ounce servings of any four draughts for a reasonable price.