John Russell Brewing is a renowned craft brewery that prides itself on delivering exceptional beers paired with a thoughtfully curated menu. Located in the heart of the city, this brewery blends traditional brewing techniques with innovative flavors to create a unique drinking experience.
Whether you’re a casual beer enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, John Russell Brewing offers something to tantalize every palate.
The menu at John Russell Brewing is designed to complement their diverse beer lineup. Crafted with fresh, local ingredients, the food options range from classic pub fare to gourmet small plates.
Every dish is created to enhance the tasting journey, turning every visit into a memorable experience.
“At John Russell Brewing, we believe that great beer deserves great food. Our menu is an extension of our brewing philosophy — authentic, quality-driven, and full of character.”
Signature Beers
The backbone of John Russell Brewing is its impressive collection of signature beers. Each brew is crafted to tell a story, balancing complex flavors with drinkability.
Below is a selection of their flagship brews:
| Beer Name | Style | ABV | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell’s Red Ale | Irish Red Ale | 5.4% | Malty sweetness with caramel undertones and a crisp finish |
| Hopstone IPA | India Pale Ale | 6.8% | Bold citrus and pine aromas with a balanced bitterness |
| Midnight Stout | Oatmeal Stout | 6.0% | Rich roasted coffee and chocolate flavors with a smooth mouthfeel |
| Golden Wheat | Wheat Beer | 5.2% | Light, refreshing with hints of citrus and clove |
| Seasonal Harvest Lager | Lager | 5.0% | Crisp, clean, featuring subtle notes of toasted grains |
Food Menu Overview
John Russell Brewing’s kitchen offers a diverse menu that is perfectly suited for pairing with beer. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients combined with bold flavors.
The menu is split into several categories including appetizers, mains, shareables, and desserts.
Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to complement the brewery’s beer styles, enhancing both the food and beverage experience. Seasonal specials also rotate regularly, allowing guests to explore new and exciting flavor combinations.
Appetizers
Start your meal with a selection of appetizers designed to awaken your taste buds. These plates are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a cold pint.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Beer-Battered Pretzel Bites | Soft pretzel pieces fried to golden perfection, served with a house-made beer cheese dip | $8.50 |
| Spicy Jalapeño Poppers | Jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and bacon, lightly breaded and fried | $9.00 |
| Bruschetta Trio | Three varieties: tomato basil, mushroom garlic, and smoked salmon with dill | $10.50 |
| House-Smoked Wings | Half-pound of wings smoked and tossed in your choice of sauce: BBQ, Buffalo, or Honey Garlic | $11.00 |
| Charcuterie Board | Selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and artisan bread | $14.00 |
Main Courses
The main courses at John Russell Brewing are hearty, flavorful, and designed to pair beautifully with their craft beers. From robust burgers to fresh salads, there’s something for everyone.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Burger | Grass-fed beef patty, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and house sauce on a brioche bun | $15.50 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Marinated chicken breast, avocado, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo on a toasted ciabatta roll | $14.00 |
| Portobello Mushroom Stack (V) | Grilled portobello, roasted red peppers, goat cheese, and arugula drizzled with balsamic glaze | $13.50 |
| Fish & Chips | Beer-battered cod served with crispy fries and tartar sauce | $16.00 |
| House Salad (GF) | Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a lemon vinaigrette | $9.50 |
Shareables & Sides
Perfect for groups or to complement your main dish, shareables and sides bring additional layers of flavor and texture to your meal.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Truffle Parmesan Fries | Crispy fries tossed with truffle oil and parmesan cheese | $7.00 |
| Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites | Bite-sized fried mac and cheese balls served with spicy ketchup | $8.00 |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts (GF) | Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic and a balsamic reduction | $7.50 |
| Onion Rings | Thick-cut onions battered and fried until golden and crispy | $6.50 |
| Seasonal Veggie Medley (V, GF) | Fresh seasonal vegetables sautéed with herbs and garlic | $7.00 |
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with a selection of desserts that pair wonderfully with both stouts and lagers. These desserts are crafted in-house daily to ensure freshness.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Stout Cake | Rich chocolate cake infused with Midnight Stout, layered with cream cheese frosting | $8.00 |
| Apple Crisp | Baked apples with cinnamon and oats, served warm with vanilla ice cream | $7.50 |
| Lemon Tart | Tart lemon custard in a buttery crust topped with fresh berries | $7.00 |
| Beer Float | Golden Wheat beer topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel | $6.50 |
| Seasonal Sorbet (V, GF) | Refreshing fruit sorbet made with seasonal ingredients | $6.00 |
Beer & Food Pairing Recommendations
One of the highlights of dining at John Russell Brewing is the expertly suggested beer and food pairings. These recommendations enhance the flavors of both the dish and the beer, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.
| Dish | Recommended Beer | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Burger | Hopstone IPA | The hoppy bitterness cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese |
| Fish & Chips | Seasonal Harvest Lager | Light lager complements the crispy batter without overpowering the fish |
| Portobello Mushroom Stack | Golden Wheat | Wheat beer’s citrus notes brighten the earthiness of the mushroom |
| House-Smoked Wings (Honey Garlic) | Russell’s Red Ale | Sweet maltiness balances the sticky honey garlic sauce |
| Chocolate Stout Cake | Midnight Stout | The stout in the cake complements the beer’s roasting and chocolate flavors |
Special Dietary Options
John Russell Brewing understands the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs. The menu includes several vegetarian (V), vegan (VG), and gluten-free (GF) options clearly marked for easy identification.
The kitchen is also happy to accommodate allergies and special requests when notified in advance. Their commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal alongside their favorite brews.
Seasonal & Limited Edition Offerings
In addition to the core menu, John Russell Brewing regularly features seasonal beers and dishes that highlight the best of each season’s ingredients. These limited-time offerings provide exciting opportunities to explore new tastes and celebrate local flavors.
Recent seasonal brews have included a Pumpkin Spice Ale in the fall and a refreshing Cucumber Mint Lager during summer months. Seasonal food specials often pair with these beers, creating a dynamic and evolving menu.
“Our seasonal offerings are an expression of the ever-changing landscape of craft brewing and cuisine. They invite guests to embark on a fresh tasting adventure with every visit.”
Beverages Beyond Beer
While craft beer is the star at John Russell Brewing, the beverage menu also features a variety of other drinks to satisfy all preferences. This includes a curated list of wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
The cocktail menu often incorporates house-made infusions and local spirits, designed to pair well with the brewery’s food selection. Non-alcoholic choices include artisanal sodas, fresh-pressed juices, and mocktails crafted with the same care as their alcoholic counterparts.
Private Events & Catering
John Russell Brewing offers private event spaces and catering services for groups of varying sizes. Whether it’s a casual gathering, corporate event, or celebration, their team works closely with guests to create a custom menu and beer selection.
With access to their full menu and exclusive beers, events held at John Russell Brewing promise a memorable experience marked by excellent food, drink, and service.
Conclusion
The John Russell Brewing menu represents a perfect marriage of craft beer and culinary craftsmanship. Their dedication to quality ingredients, bold flavors, and thoughtful pairings makes it a destination for those seeking more than just a drink — an experience.
Every item on the menu has been designed to showcase the brewery’s commitment to authenticity and innovation. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, a full meal, or a tasting flight, John Russell Brewing ensures that every visit is a celebration of great taste and good company.
