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Front Street Brewery
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Pubs, Restaurants [Edit]
208 E River DrDavenport, IA 52801
(563) 322-1569
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
35 reviews for Front Street Brewery
Review Highlights
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"I had the stout and cherry ale." In 3 reviews -
"The FSB burger and sweet potato fries are hard to beat." In 3 reviews -
"The fish tacos were excellent." In 4 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Lianne N.
Bettendorf, IA
2/9/2012
Good beer-- I tried the Stout and the Hefe Weisen. The stout was very smooth and had a coffee taste to it. The Hefe Weisen was good too... very light and somewhat citrusy.
Good soup-- could've been hotter, but it had a nice flavor.
Good sausage-- it reminded me of sausages I had in Germany.
Appetizing menu.
Nice waiter. SLOOOOOW service though... poor guy had to handle all of the tables in the basement. And on that note, I do not recommend letting them seat you in the basement-- it was like being in the basement of a pizza parlor. You lose ALL the ambiance of the pub-like feeling of the main part of the restaurant. The only way I'd sit in the basement again is if I was with a party-- it's a good room for a big group to gather in. The main part of the restaurant had some interesting character, but it was crowded. This is definitely not the place for a romantic or quiet evening.
The location is perfect if you are going to the Adler Theater or you are staying at the Radisson. There is a parking garage nearby, as well as a lot across the street. -
Review from Bob K.
Normal, IL
2/20/2012
Nice waiter. SLOOOOOW service though.
Parking can be a challenge. -
Review from Gary R.
2/18/2012
Just along the river front on the Mississippi, the Front Street Brewery is serving up some good local brews and food. The venue is an open, high exposed ceilings and exposed brick walls.
The Old Davenport Gold is an everyday light, drinkable beer. It is perfect for summer. They also have a good Hefeweizen.
You are in Iowa, so it's a must to have a chop. The Iowa Pork Chop, a 12 oz. grilled pork chop served with red skin mashed potatoes, and drizzled with a maple-ale glaze, is excellent! The Carolina pulled pork sandwich was also tasty.
They have growler options to take some brew home. Always a great option! -
Review from Cheri M.
Moline, IL
5/16/2012
A consistent & comfortable spot to get some of the best food in the Quad Cities. Always great beer, always great food with a variety of selections to please any palate. Try the steak salad, the pulled pork nachos & the fish tacos!
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Review from Farrah R.
Bettendorf, IA
4/22/2012
Service was a little slow but I loved the pulled pork nachos!
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Review from TN B.
Rock Island, IL
3/20/2012
Visited as part of a large group with a reservation this past weekend (around 12 on a Saturday following the St. Pat's parade). Good food and good beer, but some of the worst service I've had in the area. Our waitress was very unfriendly and had to be asked 3 times to take an order for some of the members of the group. Food and drink service were both very slow, and the restaurant seemed to be understaffed for a holiday weekend.
Overall grades:
Food: A
Beers: B
Service: D
Pulled pork nachos, cheddar ale soup, curried chicken pita, and fish and chips were hits within our group, as were the Cherry Ale and the Brewmaster's Special, which I can't recall the name. -
Review from Scott S.
West Branch, IA
I've eaten here several more times since my initial review. I'm maintaining four stars, but will note that the kitchen can sometimes be uneven -- for example, the second time my wife ordered the curried chicken pita it was served to her with none of the curry spices that it was supposed to. The wing special is very good from 3 to 6 pm, half price. The sausage and cheese platter was okay but was overpriced for the quantity. The pulled pork nachos are quite good and can probably feed four, my wife and I got half way through them and were stuffed.
The brewpub will be expanding in the next six months to the Freight House down the street to increase production capacity, so it should be an exciting time!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/3/2011
The kitchen here is great. Had lunch here on a warm Saturday a few weeks ago, bar was pretty quite,… Read more »
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Review from Bill H.
Winnetka, IL
2/5/2012
Just confirmed that they no longer serve sweet potato fries. Deal breaker!
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Review from stephanie y.
Davenport, IA
9/24/2011
So I went here last week with a couple of girlfriends. I had yet to try this place even though I've been here a year. Full disclosure - I don't drink beer so my review will be only based on service and food.
I ordered the special - it was an smallish piece of Salmon with asparagus. It was billed as having a horseradish sauce for the salmon. What I received was covered in horseradish. That's OK by me as I like it, but it could be off putting for some. The fish was cooked perfectly, if I had to rate just on that meal I'd have given this place three stars....
But - my soup that came with my entree was dreadful. It was a broccoli cheese soup. Now when you think of this soup don't you think of smooth, creamy soup? Well what I was given was gritty. It was thick and I'm no cook, but my frequent food network viewings tells me one of two things happened: Either they used a cheese that wasn't a good melting cheese or they curdled the melted cheese/milk. It was flat out disguising. You could see the grit in each spoonful. I couldn't send it back as one of the girls at the table was chowing down on it like it was going out of style. WTF? Seriously - I just pushed the practically full cup to the side and prayed that my entree would be better. Luckily it was - see above.
The service was mediocre at best. At one point I had an empty glass of water and girlfriend sitting next to me had a 3/4 empty glass of water. The waitress proceeds to bring us ONE new glass and then puts it in between us. She walked away and I joked that we'd have to cage match to see who got the full glass. The waitress heard us and said she'd bring back another refill - which she did probably 10 minutes later. The service was also slow, but we weren't in a rush so it wasn't a deal breaker.
I'm struggling to find a positive here - I guess the special of the night was tasty and well cooked. That's all I've got folks. -
Review from Amanda B.
Dubuque, IA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a bit thorny to get to Front Street currently because of the construction, but don't let this deter you to quench your thirst.
(Construction should be wrapped up by 1st snow fall.)
Musts:
- Raging River - Not as "hopsie" as ai tend to like, but refreshing nonetheless
- Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts - Salty sweet goodness only a caramelized brussels sprout can provide!
- Mustard Dips - Probably should order the pretzels to go with, but licking off your (or a neighbors) finger is just as good too!
Borderline:
- Pastrami & Swiss on Sourdough - Had higher hopes for the pastrami, because the waiter really talked it up. The sandwich's saving grace: It's preparation, condiments, and hand jarred pickles.
Skip:
- Cherry Ale
Going to try next time:
- The Sausage and Cheese Platter - -
Review from Melanie B.
Milwaukee, WI
7/25/2011
I love their beer and think it rivals some of Milwaukee's best mircobrews up where I live. I grew up in the QC and have always loved Front Street- for food and beer. We went to the Farmer's Market the other day and decided to venture into the old haunt for lunch with some friends who had never been there.
Their beer is still as good as I remembered and they still have the Cherry Wheat, a favorite of mine when I was in college. Now my tastes have changed and I like a much more hoppy beer---their IPA does not disappoint--it was delicious! My husband has the Brewmaster's Special which was also a IPA, just not as hoppy.
I ordered the salmon Cesar and the salmon was wonderful! The salad part though came with whole leaves, as if they just picked it up from the market. I had to do a lot of cutting and would have preferred that they do it in the kitchen, just sayin'. That is why you go out to eat right, so you don't have to do all the work.
All in all, their food is solid and the beer is, oh.so.good!!!
Highly recommend Front Street---they also have a great patio in back.
The street parking is tricky: There are spots designated for Front Street right across the street- go there. -
Review from Eric B.
Chicago, IL
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
The staff are very friendly. The outdoor patio is breezy and relaxing. I really enjoyed the Tom Petty they were playing; very apropos for the setting the day i was there. It was also, from what I could tell, "family" friendly! As an Illinoisan I felt a vibe that said, "Welcome to Iowa!"
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Review from Tyler B.
10/12/2009
My friends and I have a tradition where we pick out brew pubs across this great nation of ours to visit on our way to road Michigan football games that we attend. This year we off to Iowa City for Michigan vs. Iowa, and our brewery of choice along the way was Front Street.
By beer alone this place was top notch. I had several Hefe's and Raging River somethings that were tasty as can be. The happy hour prices were cheap for both the beer and the appetizers that we had to satiate us (the wings were pretty good.)
And I loved the old school bar atmosphere. Front Street is the exact kind of place I imagined a bar to be when I was a kid, and that's a good thing in my mind. Unfortunately I have to ding you a star for your lack of bar games. All good bars need at least a steel tip dart board - and for the record, this is the kind of place that should really have shuffleboard. I may never find myself in Davenport again, but if this place had shuffleboard, I'd consider making a special trip. -
Review from Tim L.
Davenport, IA
7/20/2007 1 photo
If they hadn't gone smoke-free on November 1st, this rating would be 4 stars. The menu has always been very mediocre to me, so the only reason I justify giving it 5 stars is because the beer is excellent. The Bucktown Stout is my favorite followed by the Cherry Ale. Front Street also keeps nice big glass growlers in a fridge for purchase to-go.
The only thing I need to worry about besides the beer are the onion rings and potato wedges(pub fries). I really can't recommend any of the food, because I really do not like any of it. The menu and the preparation of anything on the menu seems half-hearted to me.
Inside the booths are nice and high, the bar is friendly and the South-facing windows allow you to sit and look out at Lock and Dam No. 15 on the Mississippi River . Front Street also has a nice beer garden. -
Review from Rich L.
Sherrard, IL
3/24/2011
Front Street is quite simply my favorite microbrewery. I love English Ales and their Raging River is the best I've had; hoppy and bitter. If you like that style you won't be disappointed.
The menu is pretty well rounded, too; soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, etc. The FSB burger and sweet potato fries are hard to beat!
It's a very nice atmosphere and the wait staff is friendly and accommodating. It can get pretty crowded on weekends. There is also a patio in back for summer dining and downing a couple ice cold pints. -
Review from M N.
Springfield, VA
4/25/2010 1 photo
The Quad City region is blessed with great, independent breweries, creating multiple nectar's of life, BIER! Within a five mile radius, four independent micro breweries bless the area. Each has its own, distinctive flavor and character. The four independent breweries (NOT chain) in order of my preference are the Great Lake, Front City Brewery, Bent River, and Blue Cat. The cost of the bier was affordable, from $3.75 to $4.00 a pint! I do not know if the citizens of the Quad City realize the how fortunate they are to have so many great independent breweries.
Front Street Brewery has good, tasty, flavorful, handcrafted bier, my IPA was excellent. Friendly atmosphere and décor, I will definitely return. A small kitchen serves food, but I only imbibed in the bier, so cannot comment on the taste.
The bar/bier tender was a chiropractic student at the nearby Palmer School - his buddies were also at the brewery. Great folks to talk to and discuss the flavors of bier among other things.
Located on the road, right across the river from Rock Island, IL, close by (within walking distance) of the casino, it may be a bit difficult to find, but it is well worth looking and finding. -
Review from French C.
9/29/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Great micro brewed beers and ordering the sampler is a must if you're a first time patron. Happy hours are usually pretty crowded any day of the week. Fried-fish tacos are great and wooden booth seating area not so great.
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Review from T D.
Lombard, IL
8/29/2006
Don't miss this waterfront brewery, with a great outdoor patio, in the Quad Cities. Great location, with well average beer, but great food! If you're in the area or visiting friends at Augustana College, make sure you go over to this great little spot. Near the minor league baseball stadium and Casino. Alot happening around this area, with plenty of parking around.
Service is attentive and cheerful, you won't be disappointed. I always look forward to coming here. -
Review from Becky P.
7/28/2010
I give this place 10 stars based on service alone.
The bartender we had was probably the NICEST person we have ever met. We stopped at Front Street for fun, and when we told him we were from out of town, he suggested we visit other breweries in the area as well (his competitors). He even got us a map and drew us walking directions!
The beer was good, and my french onion soup was very tasty. We will definitely be going back! -
Review from Reed N.
4/30/2010
The IPA and Golden were unfiltered gems. Make a meal of them alone.
Wings with Daytona sauce... very tasty and cooked perfectly.
Fish tacos... nice fried then sliced fish and napa cabbage with some chipotle ranch. Flavorful and attractive. No complaints here.
Nice patio out back, too. -
Review from Jeff K.
Baltimore, MD
6/26/2011
Checked this place out with a group of co-workers after reading the reviews. It was good to go. Place was very busy on the Friday night I was there, but still easy to get a beer. Wanted to sit in the beer garden but it was at capcity. Food was solid, but it took awhile to get it. Best part was the price of beer, $5 for 20+ oz glass. Can't argue with that.
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Review from Adrian W.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2008
I will second the stout that Tim L says. Indeed the beer is excellent, coming from a beer drinker that is heavily partial to lights.
Unfortunately, coming here on a Saturday night will find you with the regulars as well as the college frat boys. I was in the minority being by myself and only wishing to pass time essentially.
The atmosphere was conductive to drinking, though they really don't set themselves apart from other places. Yes I can watch sports elsewhere. Yes I can tip other barstaff that shows me their trampstamps and their now-perky-later-saggy tits elsewhere.
The food would get a pass from this guy based on the ridiculously oily onion rings that three napkins later I still felt greasy.
But in this area, I'd still rather come here for a pint and people watch. -
Review from Jesse S.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/4/2010
Well, I ended up back here over the obligatory holiday-oriented visit-to-the-ol'-homestead, just to toss back a few with the old gang on a snowy night.
I have to say the apricot ale was mighty light and tasty, but I'll be damned if it didn't take about an hour to get an order of sweet potato fries brought out.
Apparently the waiter forgot that I had ordered them, or lost the ticket, or both. SO, the fries came gratis, along with another beer (which was a bit shy of the standard pint glass).
Perhaps it was a rough night for this guy, but he successfully juggled the different drink orders of 6 people, while managing to totally biff it on the one food item among them. Seems like a bit of a poor showing, to me.
The atmosphere is fine, not too loud, but they have of course followed the trend of every bar ever having to have TVs airing some kind of sporting event. I realize this is a draw for some patrons, but I'd like to actually interact with the people I came with, rather than absentmindedly oogling closed captioned commercials through approximately 20% of the night.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/25/2009
The beer here was always decent if not top-notch. It's sorta the ideal place to go if you just want… Read more »
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Review from Cassandra R.
Davenport, IA
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beer is awesome! Food is ok....Cheddar Ale soup was delicious but not too thrilled with the Chicken Cury Pita. The service wasn't the greatest...it was very busy, but still. I would go back to give it another chance.
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Review from Jeff M.
Canton, MI
1/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great brews, stout, raging river and cherry are all good. No room for food.
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Review from Donald Y.
Norwalk, IA
4/15/2011
First off I commend the place for even being open. The street in front of the business is closed due to high waters from the Mississippi River and if not for a sandbag wall the water would be at their doorstep. I was in town for a tournament and decided to stop by. The beers were decent. I had the Apricot Wheat and another which was an English Ale, both were good but didn't blow me away. The food was excellent however. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and was floored by the flavor. The meat was flavorful and juicy and I loved the Carolina style vinegar based sauce. The sandwich was topped with cole slaw which also amplified the flavor. Definitely a great sandwich. The combination of the food and their steadfast attitude to stay open even in the face of floods gives this place a 5 star rating.
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Review from Dean K.
Saint Louis, MO
12/19/2010
I've eaten at Front Street many times and would love to rate them 4 stars, but I've found the food and beer quality to be inconsistent. The menu is creative pub-grub, with the standard range of salads and sandwiches and hearty entrees. When executed well, the food is very good; the main problem is that the execution isn't consistent enough. As for the beer, the Raging River Ale is very good but the rest of their beer, while drinkable, is less impressive. You may want to request a sample before you commit to a whole pint.
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Review from Andy J.
Big Lake, MN
9/23/2010 1 photo
I have bowl of soup 2 beers, and fish tacos for $19. The soup made me sad because it reminded me of my mom. It was really good and tasted homemade. The fish tacos were excellent. Super crunchy and the sauce really complemented them. The only complain is the fish taco came with chips and salsa which I love, but the chips were pretty busted up in small pieces. The service was also excellent. I had a question on one of the beers and the owners wife( I think) called her husband at home to ask about the beer. The beer itself wasn't the greatest, but it wasn't that bad. I had the stout and cherry ale. If I'm in the area I will certainly visit again
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Review from Roxanne O.
Lyndhurst, OH
7/10/2010
Here's the opinion of someone who didn't have a drop of beer while in the establishment - it's pretty good! I was in town for business and happened upon the brewery after reading reviews online and was pleased with my meal. My co-worker and I shared the fried okra which was served with a delicious chipotle ranch dipping sauce. (although what fried thing dipped in ranch isn't delicious?) We both had sandwiches for dinner and were pretty happy with them. She liked her over-sized steak fries and I was happy to have the option to get a salad as a side. The place was pretty packed for a weeknight, and it seemed like a neat place to grab a beer or 5. (or in our case, sadly sip water while watching LeBron James crap on the city of Cleveland)
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Review from Joan W.
Bethany Beach, DE
9/12/2011
The hamburger and fish tacos were good especially the ranch chipolte sauce on the taco but nothing to rave about. It may be on the front street but the view of the Mississippi is limited. In fact, the outside patio is in the back! Service was friendly but slow and it wasn't even busy.
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Review from Ashley P.
Chicago, IL
6/23/2008
I've been here 5-6 times over the years. It's decent bar food (mostly sandwiches, salads, some chicken dishes) and fresh, cold brews. It's a friendly atmosphere and nice to eat lunch outside on a sunny day.
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Review from Jen D.
Davenport, IA
3/12/2010
Front Street has the best patio in the QCA, IMO. Love hanging out in the hot summertime with a pint after a long ride on the MRT. My one complaint is the sweet potato fries are sweet (brown sugar) not savory (salt, cayenne, what have you). I keep forgetting to ask if they can be dressed differently. Nachos, gyros-esq wrap, patty melt = all delicious, standard bar fare. Somewhat acronym-heavy review, apologies!
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Review from Samantha F.
Chicago, IL
9/21/2009
This place is always a great place to get started, especially if you are hungry for wings, I would go with the "Honey mustard wings"!
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Review from Boomer V.
Gurnee, IL
5/19/2011
My wife and I travel through Davenport several times a year, and we never miss an opportunity to stop in for lunch of dinner. Very good beer selection, consistently good food on a varied menu, friendly and attentive wait staff. We take advantage of the outdoor dining out back whenever we can. Highly recommended.
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Review from Brian F.
Seattle, WA
11/7/2010
Stopped in on my first and only night in Davenport. Great little brewery, but not really anything out-of-the-ordinary. Food was good... I had a ceasar salad and crab cakes. Both were as they should be and the service was very friendly and helpful.
