Thistle And Mirth

I didn't really like the lighting at TnM, it seemed like bad, too bright track lighting. Maybe cuz it was the end of the night and everyone was being informed that last call was in 10 min (early at 11:00). Lots of beers and most are $5 so that's good for beer drinkers.

There's no longer any food from Brix since they're closed  now. I've tried to inform the Yelp people but found out from the bartender at TnM that the owner changed the name/style for a short time and then just closed it all together. Obviously a lot happened between Aug. and Nov. Too bad, it looked like a decent place.

I love Thistle and Mirth, which doesn't surprise me because it's right next to (and owned by the same person as) Brix.

The interior is dark and simple but packs a surprising amount of ambiance. It's nicer than a pub but welcoming and unpretentious. I'd classify it as a mix between upscale speak-easy and old world pub.

The beer selection is quite large and written up on a huge blackboard behind the very long bar, with some descriptions next to various brews, which range from locally made seasonals to internationally imported types. The bartenders are very friendly and knowledgeable and can match a beer to any taste, including challenging requests like beer mixes (Black and Blues have nothing on some of the awesome combinations bartender have come up with for me).

For food, it's a very abbreviated menu delivered right over from the kitchen of Brix next door. Poutine, burgers, sandwiches, and chips but it's all hand made, gourmet, and tasty as hell.

There's a great little sitting area in the front with comfy couches and games piled nearby if you feel like just hanging out, something I've only seen done in hookah lounges but that I absolutely adore, and there are smaller tables along the walls if you don't want to sit at the bar and would rather a more intimate way to hang out with another person. Whether as the destination for the night or just a stop over for a few cool drinks or two before heading on to your dinner reservations, Thistle and Mirth is sure to please.