These two beers chains have just recently came onto my radar, and since I love craft beer, I was excited to try each establishment. I visited the locations near Daytona Beach, Florida–BJ’s on the famous International Speedway, and World of Beer in nearby Port Orange.
BJ’s Brewhouse, Daytona Beach
BJ’s Brewhouse is a microbrewery that serves up to nine of its own beers on draft–eight regular options like their BJ’s Brewhouse Blonde, a traditional German Kolsch style, and BJ’s Jeremiah Red, their Irish Red Ale version, plus usually one seasonal option. We tried the BJ’s PM Porter and their brown ale, the Nutty Brewnette, and both were on the light side of the flavor spectrum within their respective style of beer. Their brews are available in 5 ounce tasters, four-to-eight taster flights, by the glass, or by the pitcher. The menu even offers food pairing advice with their beers. However, nearly 30 other domestic and import drafts are available, along with an extensive bottled beer menu featuring a variety of styles, most notably a large Belgian beer selection with unique finds like Scaldis and Petrus Oud Bruin.
The impressive beer menu is complemented by a large, full American cuisine menu known for its flat bread and deep dish pizzas, fun appetizers like the Avocado Egg Rolls and crispy buffalo or Thai wontons, and specialty burgers. The upscale interior is designed with large wood accents, exposed ceiling, and huge painted murals indoors and out showcasing workers harvesting barley. Although several TVs are placed throughout the restaurant, if you are coming to watch sports, sit at the bar where a large screen displays four games simultaneously. The TVs located in the dining area are place high near the ceiling and somewhat awkward to watch.
Final take? Great restaurant for lunch or dinner when you’d like to pair a few good beers with your meal, or perhaps stop by for appetizers and drinks. However, not a bar or pub atmosphere.
World of Beer, Port Orange
World of Beer bars are beginning to pop-up outside of their home state of Florida which has nearly 20 locations and several more being slated to open in 2012. The many-paged beer menu offers flights so you can sample several of their beers on draft, or select from the even bigger bottle menu. The goal here is to really explore some unfamiliar brews and stretch your palate to find new beers and styles that you like. Happy hour deals and daily specials vary by location, so check the individual website of the location you plan to visit for specifics. Live music on the weekends and an open floor plan make this a lively setting great for a night out with a group.
For the adventurous beer drinker, a loyalty program has been established. For only $15, you receive a card, two drafts, and goodies like a koozie, plus additional discounts and reduced fees for special events (may vary by location). Even cooler is that by having a card, the beers you consume are tracked, and you earn points towards fun gear like mugs, t-shirts, plaques, and the ultimate reward, a party with a complimentary $250 bar tab. At any point after you have purchased your loyalty card, you can ask for a record of the beers you have tried which is fun if your goal is to try new beers or you just want to brag about your number.
The atmosphere is somewhat industrial, with lots of black accents and several TVs. However, the central focus is on the large beer coolers and selection of taps behind the bar.
Final Take? Great for the beer enthusiast; make sure to go on a full stomach since they don’t have a food menu (and many of the craft beers have a high alcohol content).