BY MIKE PUCKETT

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The Red Brick Tavern is located in historic downtown Conroe. Downtown Conroe has that small-town feel people look for on a weekend getaway or a short trip to Texas. The Red Brick Tavern is the best of both worlds – small-town feel with big city tastes!

The Red Brick Tavern has a casual feel from the moment you walk through the door! They house awesome live music so the stage is to the left. The art and photography that embrace the walls alone is worth the stop. My hat is tipped to the brilliant decorator.

Everyone we had met here in Conroe had recommended The Red Brick Tavern as one of the top spots to visit. When we got there, I could tell why, right away. In Houston and other major cities, there are a number of competitors for the type of cuisine and atmosphere you get here. But in Conroe? This place is as unique as it gets. Gotta love it!

We saddle on up to the bar and order a couple of craft beers. By recommendation, we tried a Stash IPA, which was very similar to the West Coast IPAs I have grown to love. Very clean finish with mad hops! I will take another please…

We ordered some unique starters. Listen to this… Bacon Fried Oysters. Yessir, Fresh, Pan-Fried Gulf Oysters, served with Horseradish Dijon. I could sit here and enjoy these oysters and drink craft beer all night. Literally.

We also sampled the Thai Sweet Chili Wings: delectable wings tossed with Thai Sweet Chili Sauce and Sesame Seeds. Sweet and spicy wings cooked to perfection – just too good to pass up! This is obviously another perfect match with a number of craft beers served here. I suggest you ask the server or bartender for the perfect beer to pair.

The entrees arrived and the table was filling up real quick. We went with a nice selection to get a good feel of the place and, of course, try everything that sounded interesting.

The Zydeko Burger, a large burger with Cheddar, Andouille Sausage, Fried Oysters, Onion Strings, and Remoulade, was definitely a unique spin on a Cajun burger. Different is an understatement. I know some folks just want a traditional burger and I love those too, but this is not that. Ha! If it sounds good to you, then you will be happy!

We decided to pair our pizza with another craft beer. Do we see a trend here? We decided on a Stash IPA, a Top Texas Craft Beer based out of Austin (Independence Brewing).  I can’t wait to pay them a visit as their beer is tops on my list. A great choice if you can get it on tap.

Now for the pizza, my favorite of the night! The Pizza Mignon was built with Basil Pesto, bacon, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, caramelized onion, sautéed beef tenderloin, and a Balsamic Drizzle. Each flavor served its purpose and they all worked together for a rich, yet delicate, result. Pizza and beer… two of my favorite words!

Every time I enjoy meat loaf, I think of my father because it is one of his favorite dishes. As a kid I thought that was hilarious… how could anyone pick meat loaf over a hot dog? Ha! You wouldn’t hear something like that come out of my mouth these days!

Here at the Red Brick Tavern, they are serving up a BBQ Meatloaf topped with Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Tavern BBQ Sauce, and Crispy Onion Strings and served with collard greens. If you haven’t ever had the pleasure of savoring the BBQ Meatloaf, then do try it! The classic comfort food – but with that craft flare. Momma’s cooking on another level!

And now for dessert… yum, yum, yum! Skillet Brownie, baked to order and topped with Homemade Vanilla, Chocolate Bourbon Sauce, and Chocolate Bacon Bark. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO HERE and you can finish the feature with your description. I just think the video speaks louder than any words I can come up with.

I enjoyed the Stash IPA so much that I decided to go with another Independence Brewing Co favorite – the Convict Hill. It’s funny how yummy this Oatmeal Stout tastes when you drop a couple of scoops of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream in it. Convict Hill is the perfect dessert by itself, but with a bit of homemade vanilla ice cream… it becomes  just criminal!

Needless to say, I found a new home away from home. I can’t see myself visiting Conroe without a stop at the Red Brick Tavern to enjoy some delicious craft beers along with an array of good eats. I can’t wait to see what this place looks like on a night when they have live entertainment. Good Eats, Craft Beers and Local Activities. Sound familiar? Red Brick Tavern fits in that exclusive trifecta that defines Good Eats Texas. See ya soon!

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE PUCKETT