Garden City, ID, has been a bit of a “hotbed” of craft beer activity for about 20 years now. Comings and goings over the years, starting with the craft beer explosion in the early 2000’s, have included a dozen or more establishments. Some have gone by the wayside, and some others are still with us, if maybe in a new location. I’ve written here before about some of the reasons that Garden City has been an attractive area for breweries. Particularly for smaller start-ups.
Having just celebrated its 1st anniversary, Belmont Brew House is quietly tucked into a modest strip mall in East Garden City. Between 38th and 39th, the taproom has established itself as a new addition to the Boise area “brewniverse.”
Changing of the Guard
Owners Bob and Chris Belmont come from long stints in the corporate world, with years of restaurant and franchise management. Most recently at TGI Fridays’, where they were part of the fallout of that company’s recent Bankruptcy and subsequent “downsizing”. Ready to retire, but still wanting to “do something”, they discovered the recently vacated Twisted District site. The idea of opening a taphouse had been on their mind, and this opportunity worked out. They had family in the Boise area as well, kids and grandkids. They are both often on site, making friends and staying involved and plugged in with friends and guests, and are always glad to say hi.
The location’s former occupant, Twisted District, was a brew-on-premise facility. Belmont is more strictly a taphouse. The inherited brewing equipment is still there, and it is getting tuned up for more regular production. Last month’s “Never Late than Better” lager was a big hit, and the several kegs that were produced flew out of the taps. This beer will make a comeback soon, as well as an Amber down the road a bit.
Menu and Taplist options
Belmont has its tap list posted online on their website and via the DigitalPour app. Which is handy. They offer\ N/A beverages, as well as custom-made seltzers and a decent wine list. Most taps are available via 5-oz “tasters”, flights of 2-6 different beers, standard pints, or 64-oz “growlers”. The latter for if you want to take some home. I’m typically getting the shorties as I am usually looking for something that I don’t recognise.
The dining area is mostly high tables, a dozen seats at the bar, as well as a small patio out front and back. Even a few sofa/coffee table areas for a comfortable chill zone. A few TV’s are visible, but they’re not obnoxious, and there is always a great soundtrack on the muzak. A full menu of apps (including something called “Totchos”), sandwiches, salads, and a great pizza selection.
Relaxed laid-back vibe
The “vibe” is a casual, slightly commercial production feel with the high ceilings, exposed ducting, and cement floors. But it lends to a friendly, relaxed environment that is easy to be comfortable in and have a couple of pints with friends.
Belmont quickly became one of my regular stops as it is on my westbound, afternoon commute track. I’m always a sucker for the variety that comes with a big tap list, and a lot of what I’ve tried at Belmont has been great finds from local and regional breweries. Every now and then, there’s something on that I’ve not seen anywhere else. Bob seems to have a good eye for what’s new and available.
In my recent conversation with Bob this past week, I asked whether there was anything he wished he had done differently now that he is a year into the venture. Regarding mistakes or strategy, he said nothing significant came to mind. However, in hindsight, he wished he had been able to get the inherited brewing equipment operational sooner. He encountered several issues that had to be resolved before its inaugural brew. Aside from that, he mentioned that the day-to-day variability and unpredictability of customer traffic can make it difficult to staff appropriately at times.
Bob is usually there helping the rest of the staff and is always good for a laugh and an update on what is coming on tap soon. A couple of samplers, maybe a pint or two, a snack or dinner, Belmont is a great end of the workday for me.
-Cheers
