By Nicole June
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Strawberry Alley Ale Works is the latest locally-owned restaurant (and brewery!) to take up residence in downtown Clarksville, and it is truly a welcome addition.
The restaurant at 103 Strawberry Alley boasts a wide array of options during lunch, dinner, and boozy brunch, as well as several beers brewed in house and a selection of wine and cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a place to hang out with friends or a local spot to bring out-of-town visitors, you’ll likely be impressed by what they have to offer.
During my first visit, I was initially struck by the interesting blend of modern and historic decor inside the building. The original brickwork is paired with cool light fixtures to give the space a sleek edge while still maintaining a comfortable, hometown bar feel. As soon as you walk through the front doors, you get a glimpse of the innards of the brewery through glass windows.
My companion and I were seated near the rear of the building next to one of the bars. Our server, who was also tending bar, was friendly, knowledgeable, and didn’t hesitate to make suggestions when it came to the menu. We decided to order a flight of beers to get a feel for which ones we would like best. The beer menu includes four house brews and six seasonal/rotating beers. I personally preferred the Park & Rye’d Pale Ale and Joe B’s Brown Ale, but none of them were disappointing.
We ordered the southwest egg rolls ($9.95) as an appetizer to complement the beer tasting based on the suggestion of our server…and he was absolutely right. The egg rolls were hot, fresh, and flavorful. The roasted jalapeno ranch sauce really put them over the top and I wished we had ordered a second serving.
For dinner I considered the beer cheese soup (sharp cheddar, house-brewed 1820 kölsch – $4.95) and the local burger (locally-raised Barker Beef, local cheese, local bun, peppercorn mayo, lettuce, tomato, house-made pickles – $12.95), but instead I decided on the blackened fish tacos (blackened fish, blue corn tortilla wrapped with a flour tortilla, pepper jack, pico de gallo, lettuce, cotija cheese, black beans, rice, jalapeño remoulade, black beans, rice – $13.50). The beer cheese and burger will definitely have to happen next time, because just reading the description again makes me hungry.
The fish tacos were served in metal holders that made the eating process a lot less messy, especially for someone like me. The hint of pepper jack was good, but I would have preferred a little more spice. Overall the tacos were excellent and very filling.
My companion ordered the chicken piccata (chicken, white wine, butter, capers, farro, roasted vegetables – $14.95) and after trying a few bites I was jealous. The dish itself was huge and the vegetables were seasoned perfectly. I had never tried farro before (a grain somewhat similar to quinoa), but now that I’ve tasted it at Strawberry Alley Ale Works I’m hooked. It had a pleasant texture and went well with the chicken. The chicken was also covered in a buttery cheese sauce, which you really can’t beat.
We loosened our belts to order dessert and we both chose the peanut butter pie mason jar (chocolate, peanut butter cream – $2.50). The creamy, pudding-like dessert is served in a teeny mason jar glass with a chocolate crust on the bottom. You can also order the banana pudding mason jar or key lime mason jar. The chocolate and peanut butter option was decadent and just the right size for one – not for sharing.
The overall experience was great and Strawberry Alley Ale Works is definitely worth a try. I know that I will personally be going back to try the lunch and brunch menus and sample new seasonal beers as they rotate.
For more information about the restaurant, catering packages, or booking private events, visit the official website.
