If you want an extremely accurate review of The Brew I would scroll down to Anna B.'s review below. It is dead on and I'm having trouble finding something to say that she didn't already nail on the head.
I stopped at The Brew because a frustrating 2 hour bout with Comcast just a ways down McLoughlin made me feel as though I need a drink or two, surprise surprise. Comcast: literally driving people to drink since 1969. I wish it would've driven me to drink elsewhere, however.
Immediately upon walking into this bar I wanted to turn around and walk out, but I didn't, partly because I really wanted that beer and partly because it would've been embarrassing. So I had one beer and bolted. Even Charles Bukowski would've thought this joint a little too dodgy and dirty, I think. And if you try to rid yourself of that sticky grime good luck. The faucet handle in the men's room was broken clear off. Something crusty was stuck inside my glass too...
There are dive bars (which I really like) and then there are DIVE BARS (which I avoid at all costs). The Brew is perhaps a perfect example of the latter.