Madison: Old Black Bear feeds the taproom crowd very well
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Old Black Bear Brewing Company is a downtown taproom that cares as much about the food as it does for its beer, which is why it works for more than a quick pint. The snack tier starts strong with smokey pimento cheese and artisan crackers, then keeps going with a giant Bavarian pretzel with Creole porter mustard and house-made beer cheese.
If the table wants something that eats like a meal, fried green tomatoes come with smoky pimento cheese and hot pepper bacon jam, and the shrimp and grits is a cheesy, rich version that feels right out of grandma’s recipe box. The menu has enough structure to handle both families and groups that are pretending they are only having one drink. —Rebecca Thompson
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