Craft & Commerce

I've been wanting to try out C&C for a while now, but every time I walk by, it's packed. Today, on the final lazy day of a three day weekend, I got a chance to make the scene and see what all the fuss is about.

The first thing that stands out about this place is the ultra-hip vibe. The interior is mostly wide-plank wood with cryptic scrawl decorating strategic locations within the bar. The staff looks like they came straight from playing a early 90's punk/SKA gig (think Mighty Mighty Bosstones), decked out in gaudy plaid shirts and suspenders.

The beer selection is solid. I went with a couple glasses of the "Older Viscosity", a barrel aged version of its less-old namesake. This is a good brew for the fans of the dark stuff. For dinner, I started with the "Devils on Horseback". A trio of items (dates, apples, and asparagus) wrapped in bacon. All in all pretty good. I think the dates worked the best, followed by the asparagus. You get six pieces in total (two of each) so it's a good-sized appetizer.

For the main course, I went with their Heritage Burger. The burger was OK...the flavor actually reminded me more of a meatloaf than a burger. They put the LTO on the side, which I really liked. The bun is fresh and a heap of shoe-string fries rounds out the plate.

C&C is a nice little spot, although I dare say it packs a bit more style than substance (at least in terms of the food). This place is defined by its hipster-atmosphere and the patrons (present company excluded) reflect that. Worth a go if you're nearby and like a good brew.

Craft & Commerce attracts literati, happy hour revelers, hipsters and eternal students under the banner of outstanding mixology and high-bar setting bar food.

Few restaurants have a vegetarian burger option that's as good (maybe superior) to their standard burger, but C&C comes through. For the omnivore there's much to appreciate in many creative applications of salty smoky bacon wrapped, bacon flavored, or bacon enhanced dishes. "Devils on Horseback" is worth return trips combining the favored swine strips with the tart (apple slices), the earthy (asparagus) and the soft sweetness (dates with blue cheese).

From the drinks menu, I could not get enough of the "Up In Smoke" which pits peaty smokiness of an Islay Scotch with the hoppiness of a blonde ale and the tartness of crisp apple.

Definitely a recommend, definitely will return.

Craft & Commerce has a unique vibe, welcoming literati, hipsters, happy hour revelers, and deep thinkers around a comfort-food with benefits kind of menu. Not many bar scene restaurants have a vegetarian burger option that is as good, maybe better than their solid gourmet burger. It may be possible to over-emphasize bacon on a bar menu, but the bacon wrapped trio of Devil's on Horseback balanced the salty/savory with the tart (apple), earthy (asparagus) and soft sweetness (dates w/blue cheese) that made me want to see what else they could pull off with the favored swine strips.

C&C also has an excellent drink menu - couldn't get enough of the "Up in Smoke" which crosses the peaty smoky flavors of an Islay scoth with the hoppiness of a blonde ale and the tartness of apple.

Your server knows they are bringing you the good stuff, and although it's difficult to maneuver, and can get overwhelmingly busy, they keep a friendly, relaxed "It's all good" feeling in the air.

Worth a try, worth a return trip to try more.