Excellent food and fantastic beer! The house smoked pastrami was unbelievable, I also got to try some of the pepperoni pizza. The crust was raised in house and the pepperoni was fantastic and locally sourced. Most brewpubs either have good beer or good food. This place crushes both out of the park. Great stuff!! I WILL be back!
(5)
Brice C.
There are few expectations of Solon, Iowa as a center for cuisine. A small unassuming town in Eastern Iowa has fostered a gem. The refined palette meets backyard grilling sensibility. Have the boys (or girls) over to knock back a few and put something in the Weber kind of feel. But peel back that preconception and dive into the complex flavor palette the head chef is bringing. I haven't had anything in the menu that makes me reconsider the decision. From burger to pork sandwich, from pizza to salad. This is Midwest fare at it's best. Comfort food well conceived and beautifully executed. The soundtrack from our evening included: The XX, Radiohead and The Boss. In the immortal words of an Austrian which I hold no love for...."I'll be back..."
(4)
Kara C.
I loved the atmosphere. The server we had was super knowledgeable and was more than happy to explain the menu. I was pleased to hear about all the local food. We really enjoyed our visit!!
(5)
Donald Y.
This is a brewery I have heard a lot about but being from central Iowa I don't really get many chances to make it over to eastern Iowa. However the opportunity presented itself and Big Grove was on top of my list of must visits. Nestled away in the small town of Solon, IA, which is basically halfway between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (about a 10-15 minutes drive from both), is Big Grove Brewing. They have a very nice looking spot in the old downtown area. I parked on the street but I think there is a private lot as well. While walking in I noticed a nice patio area. Inside was nice as well. Typical brewpub type environment. I stayed on the bar side and bellied up to the rail. Couple of TV's behind the bar were turned to sports stations. My only beef here is that for some reason their WiFi was not working well that day. I could connect but it was running at super slow speeds and I was only getting one bar of cellular service. Not a huge issue but an annoyance. The food I ordered was absolutely fantastic however. I got the hand breaded chicken sandwich dipped in their Korean BBQ sauce. It was extremely sloppy but I didn't care. The sauce was phenomenal and my mouth is watering just thinking about it right now. I didn't get a picture of it but I think there is one on here. I will be back just for that alone. The beer was also top notch. At the time they were releasing their barrel aged imperial stouts. They had three in particular called Richard the Whale. One was the standard aged stout and the other two were the base aged stout one aged with coffee and one aged with hazelnuts. Honestly they were very reminiscent of some of the rare highly touted barrel aged beers like Bourbon County Brand Stout and Kentucky Breakfast Stout. I was super impressed. Their core line of beers were also very good, especially the IPAs. Service at the bar was great but it was a Thursday afternoon at 1:30 when I got in so it was pretty slow inside. However one of the brewers came by and had a lengthy beer conversation with me. It's always great to pick their brains. Overall, Big Grove jumped up to the top of my list for brewpubs in the state. Great food, great beer and a solid atmosphere make this place a must visit.
(5)
Molly C.
Wonderful food, wonderful and fun atmosphere. They serve quality American classics like Mac n cheese, tater tot casserole, burgers, and their fried chicken (gasp) fogetaboutit! They use all fresh ingredients, and I believe the bulk of it is locally sourced too, though I could be wrong about that. Service is good too AND they have a really nice outdoor seating area for nice summer nights in rural Iowa.
(5)
Mike M.
So I finally managed to get up there and check out the place with some friends who had also been wanting to check it out. The short and simple version of this review is 5 stars for the beer, 3 stars for the food, so 4 stars overall. I do love their beers and beer always tastes better at the brewery. I will admit that I was a bad beer drinker since I started off with their Arms Race pale ale, then drank lighter beers like their Que Sera Berliner Weisse, finished off by their kolsch. Totally wrong order, but they were still good. The kolsch is one of the better versions I've had and is a great beer for outdoor drinking on a warm day. Bartenders are knowledgeable and can definitely help you pick something out based on your preferences. Unfortunately, the food was hit and miss for us. The deviled eggs were a definite hit. The only problem with them was that there was 5 of us and only 4 eggs. Oh well, we'll know better next time. Korean BBQ wings were both a hit, and miss. On the hit side, the wings were big and there was plenty of delicious sauce. Small wings and a lack of sauce annoy me with wings, these hit the mark. On the miss side though, the sauce had a bit of an odd, grainy texture. It was still good, just was an odd texture. The pretzel was a miss. It was lacking salt, flavor was just ok, and the texture was off. The side of mustard was good, but the cheese sauce was quite runny. Olives were a definite hit with the rest of the table. Olives aren't my thing, but everybody else loved them. Charcuterie plate and cheese plate was pretty good. The bread was solid, cheeses that day were good as was the apricot mostarda. That day we had salami and prosciutto, the prosciutto was good, the salami was merely ok. The hit of the plate though was the baby dill pickles. Definitely will be back, and trying other food items. Don't let the 3 star rating for food scare you off though, it's well worth a try.
(4)
San N.
Service - Decent Food - Ok. A little adventurous but sometimes it doesn't pay off. 1. Garden Salad - Different but in a good way. 2. Pork Belly BLT - The flavors just didn't work. Merchandise - We wanted to buy a t-shirt but I think $25 is a bit pricey for free advertisement. If you want your name out there, you should be marketing the t-shirts for $15.
(3)
Lauren W.
The food and atmosphere are excellent. Lots of good options for vegetarians, with great sides. Service attentive and friendly. Really, it's worth the drive! Only bummer is it is very busy at times and wait can be long. Recommend call ahead seating for weekend evenings.
(4)
Cory C.
Great place to come and grab a great beer! It is usually busy but fairly large and good at accommodating larger party's and groups. There is usually a wait but it's well worth it. Server was very tentative and informative in helping us make our beer selections. I had the Korean chicken sandwich and found it to be the best chicken sandwich I have had in awhile. Nice big juicy chicken breast,Very crispy breading smothered in Korean sauce. Very tasty and the fries are what I would call above average. Overall I say the prices here are a great value. Can't wait to return in the summer and use the large outdoor beer garden. All in all this place is a great spot to take your large group, relax and drink great beer!
(4)
Andrew B.
High marks for both the beer and the food! I tried tasting-size glasses of several beers, and especially liked the dry stout. It tastes a lot like Guinness, but with a slightly toastier note. The pretzel had a nice crispy crust, and came with a sharp spicy mustard, and the roasted beet salad was fresh and tasty. I don't write five-star reviews often, but this place was a pleasant surprise, and when you find a place like this in a little town like Solon, IA, it definitely deserves five stars!
(5)
Robert J.
Thursday. Happy Hour. Game day. Very busy... Amazingly fast and excellent service. Good beer. Great food. Had the BGB burger, fried Brussels sprouts, and a chowder. All excellent!
(5)
Keith G.
I don't write long reviews but I came here from out of town, and it was amazing. The beer is great (I recommend the Arms Race). The wings are the 3rd best wings I've ever had and I'm a wing snob so that is some legit wings. Get the wings and the Pastrami sandwich. Pizza is also recommended by my co worker. Service is good and there is outside seating so I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Leann C.
Really loved the house special...chicken and biscuit..we also had the Brussels sprout appetizer..that was amazing look at my pictures.service was good..
(4)
Erica H.
I've been here twice, and the food, drinks and service have been excellent. We were seated promptly, the server was knowledgeable about the menu, we were offered samples of beers on tap. They do appear to have some kind of lumbersexual/hipster thing going on with the staff, but they were all very kind and efficient. My only ding is the noise. They need some kind of acoustic buffer or something, it's almost impossible to hear each other speak in there. The menu, the drinks, all the wood, you want it to feel cozy and relaxed, but the noise makes it really difficult.
What an addition to the area! We finally made the trip up to this gem and were seriously blown away by the entire evening. Parking is plentiful in the lot across the street and on the streets surrounding the place. The building is phenomenal with a great set of fire pits outside. Upon entering through some spectacular doors that were reclaimed from a church, you're greeted by some wonderful decor - a great combination of warm and rustic. Four of us stopped in and shared a number of appetizers and a pizza - all of which were phenomenal. The White Sausage pizza was excellent. Solid thin crust and really good sauce. The appetizers were awesome! We shared an order of Korean BBQ wings and they may have been the best wings we've ever had. Crispy and with some excellent kick, but not so much that you don't go back for more. The ham and biscuits was a great shout out to the South. The biscuit was brilliant and the ham with pepper jelly was just right. A little different from what you're used to, but well worth trying. Next, we had the parm fries - not bad, but nothing to write home about. The potted pig was a throwback to the grandparents and was one of the more unique dishes we've had in a long time. Only way it would have been better is if it was served warm (rather than room temperature). Well worth trying either way. Finally, the tater-tot casserole was another dish reminiscent of midwest living. Nothing better than some crispy tots washed down with some good beer! The selection of beer was solid with plenty of good options brewed on site. Great variety ranging from IPAs to stouts. While we were there, we had a chance to chat with the owner and one of the chefs. Quality folks who are excited about bringing both familiar and new dishes to the area. The head chef is from an unreal restaurant in the Seattle area. The guy knows his stuff and will certainly be bringing some incredible culinary prowess to the area. At the end of the day, I can't sing high enough praise of Big Grove. The newest in a growing number of places in surrounding communities that are absolutely worth discovering! I'm excited to see the dishes they'll be introducing in addition to those that are already available. Setting the bar high and on par with only a few places in the region, Big Grove is worth checking out and worth waiting for if it's busy!
(5)
Thaddeus N.
Homemade hamburger bun tastes like a pretzel bun from Germany. BGB IPA has great Hoppy aroma German finish and strength. Recommend
(5)
Clarissa M.
I love Big Grove. It has a woodsy and inviting feel, like you are visiting close friends in a cabin for the weekend. The food is fresh and menu items are very unique. You can't go wrong with a made-from-scratch pizza - the roasted mushroom was amazing. I could have eaten the mushrooms by themselves, though the fontina cheese put it over the top. Wash it down with the light wheat ale and all is good.
(5)
Kimberly S.
The beer was refreshing and tasted great. Food was flavorful and a reasonable price. A little loud but definitely worth the trip!
(5)
Daryl C.
It's about time that the Iowa City area got a legit, top-notch brewery. Big Grove is about 20-30 minutes outside of Iowa City, in the small town of Solon, but well worth the drive for the quality. First--and most importantly--the beer. I've sampled most of their offerings and have been consistently impressed. Personal favorites include the Arms Race pale ale (dominated by the citra hop, which gives it a nice citrusy kick) and the McNair the Welder double IPA (made in homage to a certain beer that happens to be one of the best in the world). Their collaboration double black IPA with Confluence is also tasty. There's a reason that they already have opened collaborations with Confluence Brewing in Des Moines and Bell's Brewing in Michigan. And that this place is always packed whenever we visit. People like good craft beer, and reward quality. Second, it's worth driving out to Solon for Big Grove's food. I cannot get enough of the brussel sprouts appetizer, with honey, soy, and sriracha glaze. Literally, as I type that my mouth is starting to water. The deviled eggs, cauliflower app, and margherita pizza are also well worth it. Only suggestion would be to have more vegetarian-friendly options. But the quality of the food competes with anything in Iowa City, to the point where it's becoming as much a destination restaurant as a brewery. And the customer service has always been great. My wife and I have brought our toddler here multiple times--this place can accommodate that well, balancing the fine line between casual and upscale--and we've been welcomed warmly each time. For instance, last night the owner asked us about our meal, and had fun talking to our toddler. That's customer service that brings people back.
(5)
Mark G.
This is a wonderful place. A very nice brewery that gives you a great dining and drinking experience. They really did a nice job with the overall concept, design, and execution of this restaurant. I have had both the buffalo and Korean wings, they both sauces are delicious and the wings are fried just right. Really like these to start off with. The potted pig appetizer is a must try, it is a pork spread that is in a little bottle. Trust me this is unique and delicious. We were told to mix both the mac n cheese and the tater tot casserole and they were right on this one. They both taste great together, this isn't your cafeteria casserole, very gourmet stuff. The adobe pork sandwich was my main dish, its is slow-braised pork shoulder, housemade bun, caramelized onion, IPA mustard, radish, cilantro. Loved every bite of it. To finish I had the apple cobbler, which held up the delicious streak of dishes. Solon is not a big town, but this place will put Solon on the foodie map for sure!!
(5)
Cindy R.
I've eaten here twice. First time was the Tomato & Eggplant Caponata. Very flavorful and it was delicious. Second time was the BCG Burger. I was very disappointed. I did not like the texture of the meat, and there was very little aioli sauce. I asked for more sauce and it was delivered, but I was charged $.50 for it on my bill. That is cheap! Real cheap! To charge more for the sauce you put on it is not right. So between the taste/texture of the burger and the extra charge, I am not real interested in going back. But I will.....
(3)
Wendy L.
The smoked salmon chowder was incredible. Paired with the beet salad, this was the best meal we've had in Iowa since we moved here 20 years ago. The service was the cherry on top. Thank you so much. Can't wait to return for another incredible meal. Larsons from Shueyville
(5)
S L.
Big Grove is a great place to eat! They clearly care about the quality of the food and the beers, and the new building is pleasant without being fussy. The bar area is very busy during the 2-for-1 happy hours, and it gets really noisy -- too noisy for my family. We'll definitely look for a table in the main dining area the next time we visit. My sons ordered the cheeseburger and the shredded pork sandwich. The burger was great, and the pork would have been good with a lot less mustard - though some may like the extra kick. The salmon was fantastic, as was the tomato bisque. We haven't tried any desserts, so I can't comment on that part of the menu. On a different visit, we tried the pizza margherita since I'm a fanatic for simple wood-fired pizza. If you can tolerate pizza with a few charred sections of crust, you will love these pizzas. One of the pizzas we ordered was perfect, while the other had a bit too much charring for our tastes. Each wood-fired pizza seems to be a unique creation, and you'll love these pizzas if you revel in this degree of individuality. We'll be visiting Big Grove again soon, hoping to make new discoveries on the menu.
(5)
Bill B.
Food was good choices were limited and the service was iffy. The place was loud on a Friday night.
(3)
Maureen A.
We were not impressed. Iowa city prices for food without the quality. "Pan seared chicken" had grill marks and had probably never seen a pan. Mashed potatoes were an extremely small serving which was fine because they were instant and the texture of pudding. Mac and cheese was probably made with Velveta and just served in a little skillet. No special cheese or under the broiler for a bit. The roasted beet salad seemed more like canned beets in a bed of really soggy greens. The salad had radicchio, but it was so soggy and tough that it was nearly unrecognizable. We will not be going back. I feel the menu did not correctly explain the food. Draw beer was cheap. Happy Hour draws were 2 for $4.
(2)
Nan K.
Perfect! 2 for 1 happy hour, amazing wings, amazing pizza, and amazing atmosphere! Sat out on large out door patio watched a chef cut fresh herbs growing in pots on the patio. Must get here early it fills fast for obvious reasons.
(5)
Mic M.
Stopped in on memorial day. Ordered a Moscow Mule. Watched them make it with well vodka an some cheep ginger ale. Was charged $9 each....really for well vodka and ginger ale? A friend had a martini and 2 bush lights $24. Thought I was in New York City...nope just Solon IA. Ridiculous will not be back
(1)
Jeff W.
Wow. Stupid busy on a nice early April saturday afternoon. Grabbed the last bar stool and flagged one of 3 busy tenders for a pint. The long bar being full and the servers hustling, it took a minute to get my pint but, given the hustle, I was happy. Excellent beer. Plenty of other brew on tap besides the great stuff made here. Full bar and wine to meet just about any need. Every hand was moving fast to keep the full place happy. It's hard to explain just how busy they were and how quickly they served everyone. This challenge has been met. My perch was close to the kitchen, getting an eyefull of the constant flow of food prompted an order of tater tot casserole which was great. The menu is well thought out and nothing I saw would have gone back unfinished. My only regret is that I have but one stomach and a limited budget - it all looked delicious. Place was packed, the service was still stellar, and the brew and BEER are top-notch. Go early, call ahead (1 hour table reservations) or expect a wait.
(5)
Mary L.
We recently came here again - we do try it every year to be fair. The outside seating area is nice - esp nice here in Iowa where our options on that are very limited for understandable reasons. So kudos to their dining al fresco. Now alas onto their food. Starting with the good: their dinner salads are lovely - beautiful greens and a subtle dill dressing make this one of the really really good salads around. We began with some apps - the deviled eggs come four to a plate for $4.00 with no garni - too bad they are so not worth the money - way too heavy on the Dijon - it is all you can taste - bleh. The buffalo wings have a gloppy sauce - hard to describe but would not order again here, there are much better wings elsewhere. I don't think in all the years we have been going out and ordering buffalo wings that we have ever left wings on the plate (not even wanting to take them home) but we did here. :( The pastrami sandwich has a strange too smoky taste and is not akin to anything you would find at a good deli - I left half of it on the plate. The curried chicken salad sandwich comes on a pita and was decent but not great. Just being honest. If you care to just come and drink their beers then by all means, do that. There are many choices to choose from and they have cocktails and some wines also. Sit outside, sip their beer and enjoy the weather.
(2)
Connie C.
Took way too long for drinks...once there quenched our thirsts. Pull pork and tomato bisque...per husband was very good. I had some comfort food...tater tot casserole. Overall it was good..could have browned meat more and been hotter. Will go back to sit outside and sip.
(4)
Jim S.
Went in today for lunch customer service was very poor the staff seemed very put off by the customers took forever to get very average food beer was good as usual a local and have frequented for lunch and diner ...starting to go downhill ...too bad was a needed addition to the town.
(1)
Michael U.
We made the trek from Iowa City up to Solon just to try this place out. The building is beautiful and they have a cool outside area that would be perfect in the spring/fall (there are little fire pits). Service was top notch and the food was excellent! We got a five appetizers and a pizza for four hungry adults. It was a bit much, three appetizers and a pizza would have been enough, but I'm excited for these leftovers! The Korean BBQ wings are honestly some of the best wings that I've ever had...and I'm a wing guy! The ham and biscuits were delicious and I would highly recommend. The "potted pig" was also a pretty good. I had never had potted meat before - which is a little bit different, but very good. It is served with bread that was delish! The parm -garlic fries were good, but were our least favorite of the appetizers. The tater-tot casserole is a delicious tradition version of what you may have had before. They also have a good selection of beer. I had their stout, which was excellent! This is what a five star restaurant should be like! You need to try this place!!! You won't be disappointed!
(5)
August S.
The Big Grove IPA is delicious and quite possibly my favorite IPA. And, you can't go wrong with Big Grove's pizzas, they are quite simply spectacular!
(5)
Ashley B.
Amazing service! Amazing food! Amazing beer! This is a great stop for anyone traveling along I-80 in Iowa. Highly recommend the brown ale for any hop head out there. I ordered a pizza & when it came out it was too well done. Not only did they offer to replace it immediately, they went the extra mile to make sure my husband and I left happy. So amazing. So good!
(5)
John S.
Beer and food are well thought out, burgers and meat are great-but the grilled cheese falls short, could be awesome with some better bread and more cheese. Patio and bar are the best places to sit, booths and tables are nothing special. Happy hour is great, 2for1s on everything, beer and liquor-except select top shelf items
(5)
Alexandria N.
Came here for the first time after a day of fishing with my boyfriend. We ordered the Mac and cheese and tator tot casserole.. Finominal! Food came out fast, service was great.. And the gluten free cider was also very enjoyable.
(5)
Cameron J.
Couldn't have been more pleased with this place. The service was excellent (they kept the beers coming). I tried their IPA which was phenomenal. I highly recommend it. They also do mini beer samplers which looked really great. Didn't try any of the food but the people at the table next to us ordered a pizza and it looked really good. The place is very clean and has an awesome atmosphere. Highly recommend if you are in the IC/Coralville area.
(5)
Matt I.
The food is awesome and always changing to be locally available with the seasons. I am told by brewers that their beer is excellent. Hands down a great place to stop at in Solon!
(5)
Derek J.
The pizza here was as good as it gets. Not even joking. One of the pizzas had 3 eggs over-easy on top. We popped the yolks and smothered the yolky goodness all over the pizza. It was to die for. One of the owners came over as well (I think one of the pizzas was named after him, actually), really nice guy. The beer they make here is a really great selection. I had the lower ABV Stout and really liked it. I'll definitely be back, can't wait to have the porch opened up for the spring!
(5)
Chris M.
This place is the real deal! Had the ham biscuits they are amazing, sweet salty deliciousness. The pork spread was awesome porkyness, the beet salad was large and very tasty. The deviled eggs were good but a little too mustardie for my taste. Every thing was fresh! Only complaint is more ham on the biscuits and less dressing on the salad. Can't wait for a return trip to try the entres. Oh and the beer is the reason I went there in the first place, the dipa is awesome!
(4)
Christopher B.
Dynamite beer, food and service!!!! couldn't be more pleased!! Strongly recommend the Korean barbecue chicken wings and the Caliente!!
(5)
Jennifer K.
While visiting my hometown of CR from Chicago over Thanksgiving, I decided to check this place out. Iowa's craft beer scene is growing and as a big craft beer fan I needed to see what was happening here. We stopped by around 2 on Black Friday. Space - cool and well laid out. Beer - Really good overall, found a few I really liked. Even the ones I didn't like were good beers, just not my taste. I was disappointed you have to buy larger "half pours" and they don't offer a sampler tray. Was almost $20 to try everything on tap and if you didn't like something you were stuck with a half pour going to waste. I left with a growler of one I absolutely loved. But it was NOT cheap. $30 for a growler is WAY pricey (and you're talking to a Chicagoan here). A growler holds less than 6 beers, would you pay that much for a 6 pack? I know the beer I chose was a higher ABV but ouch. I really liked the beer and since I'm not local I caved. When I ordered it I asked the bartender if they seal their growlers. Her response "oh of course, the beer will be good for about 2 weeks". Apparently her version of a "seal" is putting a cap on it. I cannot believe a place charging this much for a growler and you don't even seal it up right? That's just disrespectful to the beer. Staff - When we arrived the bartender on duty was pleasant, spoke well about the beer and stayed busy. If she wasn't helping a customer she was washing glassware, etc. After we were there for a bit she went on break and another girl came on. As soon as she hit the floor she was complaining and getting in arguments with other staffers and was not pleasant from a customers perspective. She spent a lot of time hobnobbing with the "regulars" and you could hardly get a beer otherwise. The kicker was when we left I asked her to charge the bill to my credit card even though my sister had given hers to open the tab. I gave her my card, she brings me back a receipt to sign, which I do and we are on our way. The next day after I've already returned to Chicago my sister realizes the almost $100 bill was charge to HER CARD!! Not good! Food - we didn't eat much but did try the garlic fries which were excellent and a generous portion. Overall, there's enough positives for me to go back, but I wouldn't mind a step up in their game a little bit. (Though I'm not a local so maybe they don't give a hoot about my two cents :))
(3)
Jaquel S.
Big Grove is legit! I live in Cedar Rapids where I have numerous restaurants at my disposal. Big Grove is hands down my favorite. Last night marked my second experience at BG and once again, they didn't disappoint. They know what they're doing and it shows. Everyone works together like a well oiled machine and they don't miss a beat. I have had the New York Strip on both of my visits (outstanding). Others at my table last night had Lobster Risotto (mouth watering delicious), Pork Belly (fantastic) and an Adobo Pork Sandwich with Parmesan-Garlic Fries (amazing flavor explosion). Let's be honest, you're going to be satisfied with anything you order, I promise you that. I really can't say enough about how amazing BG is. Heck, the building itself is enough to make you want to visit! The environment is so versatile. You could stop by for one of their exceptionally brewed beers and watch a game, bring a date for a romantic dinner, sit on their patio around the fire pit with friends, or even stop by on your snowmobile to warm up and grab a bite (witnessed this last night). That's what's so rad about BG, they're so happy you stopped by! No matter why you're there, they welcome you and treat you like you're part of the family. And, if you're fortunate enough, you may also have the pleasure of running into the Christian Mingler (ask the staff to point her out if you don't see her). Ultimately my favorite aspect about BG is I could literally taste their passion in every dish I have devoured and witnessed their passion in everything they do. You don't find that at many places and when you do, you recognize it, appreciate it, tell your friends about it and keep coming back for more.
We visited this restaurant last night and it left a lot to be desired. Atmosphere is great, service was excellent in a very crowded dining area. Margarita Pizza was not edible and the chicken wings were swimming in sauce. I could've eat them they were so messy steak tartare average. Don't think we will return
(1)
Lane H.
Something has happened in Solon! What was once a quiet town, whose claim to fame was Jonesy's tenderloins, has become a thriving "hipster" spot. Okay. Maybe my use of hipster isn't a 100% the definition of hipster but this is what it feels like when you take an old standard and throw something different into it and say, "Trendy!" Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the food at Big Grove. But I am tired of paying a premium price for a "gourmet" addition. Yes, putting that trendy ingredient on my fries, on my pizza or whatever is always worth paying $5-10 more. It seems like a lot of their menu has been taken over by trendy. Really, give me proof that my burger was once a black angus steer grazing in the pasture. Alright, my vent is over. The decor: Nice. Very clean and trendy. The beer: Cold and very trendy. The food: Friend had the chicken sandwich and it looked great. She enjoyed it, but getting charged extra for the bbq sauce for it wasn't so special. Plus, it was too spicy for her and she didn't use it. Husband had the pastrami. The meat was good but the one side of the sandwich was really over toasted. Of course, that was the side the cook placed down. Husband pulled the burnt bits off. I had the BGB black angus burger. Two patties meant that it was sliding off the bun and with those patties being thin it was hard to get that medium rare cook I had asked for. Fries kicked butt. Loved them. We also ordered an appetizer; wings. They came with the meal. We kept them anyway and they were really good. Just wished they had come out as the appetizer. The Service: Sat at the bar, so we had pretty good service. I will be back.
(4)
Jane K.
Brewery in middle of no where in Solon Iowa. OMG. Drive out of your way to eat here! Fabulous progressive menu. Pork shoulder appetizer was awesome! Cheese and meat tray generous portion and so good.
(5)
faye s.
I took my daughter and her boyfriend to dinner at Big Grove last Saturday night for her birthday. Coming from the San Francisco area, I can be a bit picky and hard to please with regard to restaurants. The ambiance is very nice and our server was friendly and accommodating. My daughter ordered the duck breast, her boyfriend had the chicken and andouille sausage and I ordered the risotto. We started with the most delicious brussel sprouts I've ever had! The house marinated olives were a hit too. Their meals were both outstanding, but my risotto was disappointingly mushy and not al dente as risotto should be. The manager was very pleasant and let me replace my meal with the chicken andouille dish which I absolutely loved. The combination of flavors on the plate were exquisite and went together perfectly. My daughter ordered the chocolate/red wine dessert and it was also delicious (delivered with a lit candle). We were so delighted we came back the following Friday night with my brother and sister-in-law who had traveled from Florida. Once again, Big Grove did not disappoint. The food, service, beer, and ambiance all were outstanding. Kudos to the chef, kitchen staff, brewer, management and servers for that level of excellence. I cannot wait to return.
(5)
Natalie L.
My husband and I ended up here on accident after a failed attempt to eat at the Salt Fork on his birthday. We had the buffalo wings to start. They were crispy and the sauce was really good! My husband had the white sausage pizza and I had the smoked pork sandwich. We also had a couple of their beers. Everything was really flavorful. The service was great and the outside seating is nice. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Phillip M.
Myself and a friend stopped through not terribly long ago on our way to Iowa City. We'd been meaning to stop in for a while and finally decided that it was the correct time. The establishment itself is lovely. Clean, well constructed exterior (also, very deceptive. It looks smaller than it is from the outside.) and a lovely, rustic interior (which seems to be "in" these days.) Lots of stained wood and polished metal, etc. The booth we were seated in was comfortable and spacious, and it wasn't pleasantly cool inside. First thing we ordered were, of course, a flight of all the house beers. All in all, the beers were very tasty. One or two left a bit wanting, but all in all very much worth the coin, and the ones that stand out really stand out. A refreshing start to the afternoon. For food I ordered the Smoked Laotian Pork, my compatriot got the Tater Tot hot dish. (I'm from Minnesota, I say "hot dish." Deal with it) Now, I'm gonna start this off by pointing out I usually avoid most pork products. I don't care for the taste of ham/pork chops/etc, and it often disagrees very aggressively with my stomach. However, I hate having a third of the meat world closed to me, so I always look to try things that might overcome my aversion. This thing did. It was a wonderful level of spicy and sweet, the pork didn't taste particularly "porky", it was filling, tasty, and well prepared. The tater tot hot dish (I stole a spoon full) was well made, if a bit on the crumbly/greesy side (It IS billed a soup or some reason, so it's kind of to be expected.) The food, as far as we tried, was excellent. Now, if you've read my reviews, you know these criteria would normally net a place at least a four. Unfortunately, while I try to avoid reviewing based on quality of food and ambiance, sometimes I can't avoid bringing up the service. And that is where this place really suffered. When we walked in (I want to say around 2 pm, but it's been a bit and I can't completely remember) we mistook the place for a "seat yourself" establishment. We weren't greeted by anyone, and it wasn't until I noticed the sign that we waited until someone directed us to a booth. Unfortunately, it didn't get better from there. We sat for a good solid fifteen minutes before even being acknowledged. Waiters would walk by, give a brief glance our way, then keep on moving. This happened at least half a dozen times. The place was more or less empty, too. If it had been busy, that'd be one thing, but no one seemed to care we were sitting at an empty table. It wasn't until my friend stood up and started somewhat obviously peering over the top of the booth (something of an "annoying customer" trick that we normally avoid doing at all costs) that SOMEONE finally acknowledged we existed. The person wasn't even our correct waiter. After asking if we had been helped, us explaining we'd been waiting quite some time, and hearing a rather awkwardly delivered joke about us "at least being in happy hour now" and a list of explanations that didn't quite add up, were our drink orders taken and we were introduced to our waiter. Granted, I'm an awfully weird looking guy, and unfortunately, I'm no stranger to being treated as such in restaurants, but seriously, I'm a paying customer just like everyone else, and that doesn't mean I LIKE the treatment. In the end, they comped our drinks, but the mood was somewhat soured by it all. A wedding party made its way in about the time our drinks arrived and food was ordered, so we wonder if it was somehow related to that. That being said, the food is great, the beer is good, and I always approve of supporting small town businesses, and I DO strongly recommend this place on those merits. But, I wouldn't be a half decent review if I didn't at least bring up the issues we ran into. So, please, check it out. But at least be aware.
(3)
Gwen S.
Last night I made my second venture down to Big Grove Brewery, along with my group of colleagues. Both times I have been there, once on a Friday night last month, and last night (Wednesday), the place has been busy, with lots of folks who eating, drinking, and enjoying their time at the brewery. Last night was a little bit more special as we were able to get a tour with the brewer of the brewery aspect. With it being a staff celebration, they wined and dined us and the food was excellent. Our night began with their happy hour - two for ones. I sampled the Que Sera Berliner Weiss. It was a nice, slightly sour beer. They offer raspberry syrup and another syrup flavor which is eluding me at the moment, but syrups which help to change the flavor. I enjoyed it, but wasn't looking for a beer quite that crisp. I've been trying to expand my palette towards hoppy beers, so I ended up going with the Winter IPA they had on tap and it was great. It was hoppy, but not as hoppy as I was expecting and the beverage was greatly appreciated. Next up, we enjoyed a little amuse bouche from the chef, who gave us smoked salmon with some crisp fried fish skin, dill, and a sauce (can't remember what was in it). I don't generally eat fish, but also trying to increase fish consumption, this was a delicious little treat for our mouths. At the table we ordered appetizers - the Wings with Korean BBQ sauce, Parmesan Fries, and Charcuterie and Cheese Board. They were passed along and gobbled down. I think everyone enjoyed their order. For dinner, we ate a variety of foods. I had the Adobo Pork Sandwich and would definitely get it again. Other folks ordered pizzas (the roasted mushroom pizza was a big hit), mac and cheese, the cod sandwich, tater tot hotdish, amongst other tasty items. Even with a crowd of 19 people, our food was all out within a couple moments of one another's, the meal was fantastic, and service was key. All of this mirrored my previous experience with only two of us in attendance. Beer is good...they bring out different kinds all of the time, so I'm looking forward to making my way down the list of possibilities throughout the next few months. I'll look forward to eating here again soon and am thankful for a great restaurant without driving to Iowa City.
(4)
Bruce W.
Great pizza and fantastic brewery. Happy hour is fun and offers 2 for 1 craft beers. Awesome cheese burgers and salmon was delicious. You won't be disappointed. Summer wheat ale was great. They sold out quickly. Brewery on site should have more soon.
(5)
Katherine P.
The short ribs were amazing. They were served on a polenta. Soft and tender. The brussel sprouts appetizer is fantastic. The beer selections here are always fresh and changing. Never have been disappointed by a great tasting beers.
(5)
Ann D.
This place is a game changer. Every other restaurant in the area will have to step up their game to stay in the league. What a great addition to the restaurant scene in the "Creative Corridor". I feel we are lucky they chose to open here. Wait was long and not particularly comfortable (it was a Friday night) but after being seated and served, it was like giving birth, you completely forget what it took to get there. Then just sit back and enjoy. Everything was spot on. I can't wait to go back and try more items on the menu. And thanks again to all involved. This is truly a hidden (not anymore) gem in the Iowa countryside.
(5)
Katie J.
This is a great brewery and restaurant! Very close to Iowa City and not too far from Cedar Rapids - it's well worth the trip for the beer, the food, and the atmosphere. This place is definitely both a brewery and restaurant - the food they serve is delicious, and there are a lot of options, including some tasty vegetarian dishes. I highly recommend their stir-fried brussel sprouts!
(5)
Caylene B.
New gem of Solon!!! We stopped here by chance, but will definitely be back!!! Their home brews are terrific, especially Dirty Little Secret! The food is complex, but not too out there. Really like how they buy food local every chance they get. You gotta try the Korean wings!!!! Beautiful decor. Great place to watch the Hawk eyes.
(5)
M C.
Wonderful waitress, couldn't be better. Bad, bad food. Should check your product before it leaves your kitchen. We'll try it again since it's new. If it wasn't for the wait staff, wouldn't come back again. The co-owner was great and very attentive. Ran out of the wine we wanted, but the substitute was ok. Hire a chef who knows what he's doing. With some tweaking will be the place to beat in reviews in the future. Lots of charm and ambiance here! Also, quit burning anything that comes out of your brick oven. My husband had the ham and biscuits and they were completely burned/inedible. Check your oven temps before sending those out of the kitchen.
(3)
Pete P.
Great beer, great food, great atmosphere. My only complaint is that it's always too full of people which leads to long wait times - but that's just because it's so popular.
(4)
Jake M.
Very good food, wings have a similar breading as Graze's chicken lips. I had a hard time finding a beer that interested me. A little loud in the dining area. I am sure it has an excellent atmosphere on the patio. Save your 4 bucks on the olive appetizer.
(5)
DeAnna O.
Burger is one of the best I have ever had. We will definitely be back on a regular basis.
R A J.
Excellent food and fantastic beer! The house smoked pastrami was unbelievable, I also got to try some of the pepperoni pizza. The crust was raised in house and the pepperoni was fantastic and locally sourced. Most brewpubs either have good beer or good food. This place crushes both out of the park. Great stuff!! I WILL be back!
(5)Brice C.
There are few expectations of Solon, Iowa as a center for cuisine. A small unassuming town in Eastern Iowa has fostered a gem. The refined palette meets backyard grilling sensibility. Have the boys (or girls) over to knock back a few and put something in the Weber kind of feel. But peel back that preconception and dive into the complex flavor palette the head chef is bringing. I haven't had anything in the menu that makes me reconsider the decision. From burger to pork sandwich, from pizza to salad. This is Midwest fare at it's best. Comfort food well conceived and beautifully executed. The soundtrack from our evening included: The XX, Radiohead and The Boss. In the immortal words of an Austrian which I hold no love for...."I'll be back..."
(4)Kara C.
I loved the atmosphere. The server we had was super knowledgeable and was more than happy to explain the menu. I was pleased to hear about all the local food. We really enjoyed our visit!!
(5)Donald Y.
This is a brewery I have heard a lot about but being from central Iowa I don't really get many chances to make it over to eastern Iowa. However the opportunity presented itself and Big Grove was on top of my list of must visits. Nestled away in the small town of Solon, IA, which is basically halfway between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (about a 10-15 minutes drive from both), is Big Grove Brewing. They have a very nice looking spot in the old downtown area. I parked on the street but I think there is a private lot as well. While walking in I noticed a nice patio area. Inside was nice as well. Typical brewpub type environment. I stayed on the bar side and bellied up to the rail. Couple of TV's behind the bar were turned to sports stations. My only beef here is that for some reason their WiFi was not working well that day. I could connect but it was running at super slow speeds and I was only getting one bar of cellular service. Not a huge issue but an annoyance. The food I ordered was absolutely fantastic however. I got the hand breaded chicken sandwich dipped in their Korean BBQ sauce. It was extremely sloppy but I didn't care. The sauce was phenomenal and my mouth is watering just thinking about it right now. I didn't get a picture of it but I think there is one on here. I will be back just for that alone. The beer was also top notch. At the time they were releasing their barrel aged imperial stouts. They had three in particular called Richard the Whale. One was the standard aged stout and the other two were the base aged stout one aged with coffee and one aged with hazelnuts. Honestly they were very reminiscent of some of the rare highly touted barrel aged beers like Bourbon County Brand Stout and Kentucky Breakfast Stout. I was super impressed. Their core line of beers were also very good, especially the IPAs. Service at the bar was great but it was a Thursday afternoon at 1:30 when I got in so it was pretty slow inside. However one of the brewers came by and had a lengthy beer conversation with me. It's always great to pick their brains. Overall, Big Grove jumped up to the top of my list for brewpubs in the state. Great food, great beer and a solid atmosphere make this place a must visit.
(5)Molly C.
Wonderful food, wonderful and fun atmosphere. They serve quality American classics like Mac n cheese, tater tot casserole, burgers, and their fried chicken (gasp) fogetaboutit! They use all fresh ingredients, and I believe the bulk of it is locally sourced too, though I could be wrong about that. Service is good too AND they have a really nice outdoor seating area for nice summer nights in rural Iowa.
(5)Mike M.
So I finally managed to get up there and check out the place with some friends who had also been wanting to check it out. The short and simple version of this review is 5 stars for the beer, 3 stars for the food, so 4 stars overall. I do love their beers and beer always tastes better at the brewery. I will admit that I was a bad beer drinker since I started off with their Arms Race pale ale, then drank lighter beers like their Que Sera Berliner Weisse, finished off by their kolsch. Totally wrong order, but they were still good. The kolsch is one of the better versions I've had and is a great beer for outdoor drinking on a warm day. Bartenders are knowledgeable and can definitely help you pick something out based on your preferences. Unfortunately, the food was hit and miss for us. The deviled eggs were a definite hit. The only problem with them was that there was 5 of us and only 4 eggs. Oh well, we'll know better next time. Korean BBQ wings were both a hit, and miss. On the hit side, the wings were big and there was plenty of delicious sauce. Small wings and a lack of sauce annoy me with wings, these hit the mark. On the miss side though, the sauce had a bit of an odd, grainy texture. It was still good, just was an odd texture. The pretzel was a miss. It was lacking salt, flavor was just ok, and the texture was off. The side of mustard was good, but the cheese sauce was quite runny. Olives were a definite hit with the rest of the table. Olives aren't my thing, but everybody else loved them. Charcuterie plate and cheese plate was pretty good. The bread was solid, cheeses that day were good as was the apricot mostarda. That day we had salami and prosciutto, the prosciutto was good, the salami was merely ok. The hit of the plate though was the baby dill pickles. Definitely will be back, and trying other food items. Don't let the 3 star rating for food scare you off though, it's well worth a try.
(4)San N.
Service - Decent Food - Ok. A little adventurous but sometimes it doesn't pay off. 1. Garden Salad - Different but in a good way. 2. Pork Belly BLT - The flavors just didn't work. Merchandise - We wanted to buy a t-shirt but I think $25 is a bit pricey for free advertisement. If you want your name out there, you should be marketing the t-shirts for $15.
(3)Lauren W.
The food and atmosphere are excellent. Lots of good options for vegetarians, with great sides. Service attentive and friendly. Really, it's worth the drive! Only bummer is it is very busy at times and wait can be long. Recommend call ahead seating for weekend evenings.
(4)Cory C.
Great place to come and grab a great beer! It is usually busy but fairly large and good at accommodating larger party's and groups. There is usually a wait but it's well worth it. Server was very tentative and informative in helping us make our beer selections. I had the Korean chicken sandwich and found it to be the best chicken sandwich I have had in awhile. Nice big juicy chicken breast,Very crispy breading smothered in Korean sauce. Very tasty and the fries are what I would call above average. Overall I say the prices here are a great value. Can't wait to return in the summer and use the large outdoor beer garden. All in all this place is a great spot to take your large group, relax and drink great beer!
(4)Andrew B.
High marks for both the beer and the food! I tried tasting-size glasses of several beers, and especially liked the dry stout. It tastes a lot like Guinness, but with a slightly toastier note. The pretzel had a nice crispy crust, and came with a sharp spicy mustard, and the roasted beet salad was fresh and tasty. I don't write five-star reviews often, but this place was a pleasant surprise, and when you find a place like this in a little town like Solon, IA, it definitely deserves five stars!
(5)Robert J.
Thursday. Happy Hour. Game day. Very busy... Amazingly fast and excellent service. Good beer. Great food. Had the BGB burger, fried Brussels sprouts, and a chowder. All excellent!
(5)Keith G.
I don't write long reviews but I came here from out of town, and it was amazing. The beer is great (I recommend the Arms Race). The wings are the 3rd best wings I've ever had and I'm a wing snob so that is some legit wings. Get the wings and the Pastrami sandwich. Pizza is also recommended by my co worker. Service is good and there is outside seating so I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Leann C.
Really loved the house special...chicken and biscuit..we also had the Brussels sprout appetizer..that was amazing look at my pictures.service was good..
(4)Erica H.
I've been here twice, and the food, drinks and service have been excellent. We were seated promptly, the server was knowledgeable about the menu, we were offered samples of beers on tap. They do appear to have some kind of lumbersexual/hipster thing going on with the staff, but they were all very kind and efficient. My only ding is the noise. They need some kind of acoustic buffer or something, it's almost impossible to hear each other speak in there. The menu, the drinks, all the wood, you want it to feel cozy and relaxed, but the noise makes it really difficult.
(4)Travis O.
Decent food and an amazing set-up.
(3)Scott S.
Note from last weekend- biscuits were overdone and not cooked freshly, but quality of ham forgave that dish for me. Tried the herb Parmesan reggiano fries, great. Potted pig was awesome, something to write home about. Think confit meets pâté with pickled onions and mustard seeds on the side.
(5)Matt U.
What an addition to the area! We finally made the trip up to this gem and were seriously blown away by the entire evening. Parking is plentiful in the lot across the street and on the streets surrounding the place. The building is phenomenal with a great set of fire pits outside. Upon entering through some spectacular doors that were reclaimed from a church, you're greeted by some wonderful decor - a great combination of warm and rustic. Four of us stopped in and shared a number of appetizers and a pizza - all of which were phenomenal. The White Sausage pizza was excellent. Solid thin crust and really good sauce. The appetizers were awesome! We shared an order of Korean BBQ wings and they may have been the best wings we've ever had. Crispy and with some excellent kick, but not so much that you don't go back for more. The ham and biscuits was a great shout out to the South. The biscuit was brilliant and the ham with pepper jelly was just right. A little different from what you're used to, but well worth trying. Next, we had the parm fries - not bad, but nothing to write home about. The potted pig was a throwback to the grandparents and was one of the more unique dishes we've had in a long time. Only way it would have been better is if it was served warm (rather than room temperature). Well worth trying either way. Finally, the tater-tot casserole was another dish reminiscent of midwest living. Nothing better than some crispy tots washed down with some good beer! The selection of beer was solid with plenty of good options brewed on site. Great variety ranging from IPAs to stouts. While we were there, we had a chance to chat with the owner and one of the chefs. Quality folks who are excited about bringing both familiar and new dishes to the area. The head chef is from an unreal restaurant in the Seattle area. The guy knows his stuff and will certainly be bringing some incredible culinary prowess to the area. At the end of the day, I can't sing high enough praise of Big Grove. The newest in a growing number of places in surrounding communities that are absolutely worth discovering! I'm excited to see the dishes they'll be introducing in addition to those that are already available. Setting the bar high and on par with only a few places in the region, Big Grove is worth checking out and worth waiting for if it's busy!
(5)Thaddeus N.
Homemade hamburger bun tastes like a pretzel bun from Germany. BGB IPA has great Hoppy aroma German finish and strength. Recommend
(5)Clarissa M.
I love Big Grove. It has a woodsy and inviting feel, like you are visiting close friends in a cabin for the weekend. The food is fresh and menu items are very unique. You can't go wrong with a made-from-scratch pizza - the roasted mushroom was amazing. I could have eaten the mushrooms by themselves, though the fontina cheese put it over the top. Wash it down with the light wheat ale and all is good.
(5)Kimberly S.
The beer was refreshing and tasted great. Food was flavorful and a reasonable price. A little loud but definitely worth the trip!
(5)Daryl C.
It's about time that the Iowa City area got a legit, top-notch brewery. Big Grove is about 20-30 minutes outside of Iowa City, in the small town of Solon, but well worth the drive for the quality. First--and most importantly--the beer. I've sampled most of their offerings and have been consistently impressed. Personal favorites include the Arms Race pale ale (dominated by the citra hop, which gives it a nice citrusy kick) and the McNair the Welder double IPA (made in homage to a certain beer that happens to be one of the best in the world). Their collaboration double black IPA with Confluence is also tasty. There's a reason that they already have opened collaborations with Confluence Brewing in Des Moines and Bell's Brewing in Michigan. And that this place is always packed whenever we visit. People like good craft beer, and reward quality. Second, it's worth driving out to Solon for Big Grove's food. I cannot get enough of the brussel sprouts appetizer, with honey, soy, and sriracha glaze. Literally, as I type that my mouth is starting to water. The deviled eggs, cauliflower app, and margherita pizza are also well worth it. Only suggestion would be to have more vegetarian-friendly options. But the quality of the food competes with anything in Iowa City, to the point where it's becoming as much a destination restaurant as a brewery. And the customer service has always been great. My wife and I have brought our toddler here multiple times--this place can accommodate that well, balancing the fine line between casual and upscale--and we've been welcomed warmly each time. For instance, last night the owner asked us about our meal, and had fun talking to our toddler. That's customer service that brings people back.
(5)Mark G.
This is a wonderful place. A very nice brewery that gives you a great dining and drinking experience. They really did a nice job with the overall concept, design, and execution of this restaurant. I have had both the buffalo and Korean wings, they both sauces are delicious and the wings are fried just right. Really like these to start off with. The potted pig appetizer is a must try, it is a pork spread that is in a little bottle. Trust me this is unique and delicious. We were told to mix both the mac n cheese and the tater tot casserole and they were right on this one. They both taste great together, this isn't your cafeteria casserole, very gourmet stuff. The adobe pork sandwich was my main dish, its is slow-braised pork shoulder, housemade bun, caramelized onion, IPA mustard, radish, cilantro. Loved every bite of it. To finish I had the apple cobbler, which held up the delicious streak of dishes. Solon is not a big town, but this place will put Solon on the foodie map for sure!!
(5)Cindy R.
I've eaten here twice. First time was the Tomato & Eggplant Caponata. Very flavorful and it was delicious. Second time was the BCG Burger. I was very disappointed. I did not like the texture of the meat, and there was very little aioli sauce. I asked for more sauce and it was delivered, but I was charged $.50 for it on my bill. That is cheap! Real cheap! To charge more for the sauce you put on it is not right. So between the taste/texture of the burger and the extra charge, I am not real interested in going back. But I will.....
(3)Wendy L.
The smoked salmon chowder was incredible. Paired with the beet salad, this was the best meal we've had in Iowa since we moved here 20 years ago. The service was the cherry on top. Thank you so much. Can't wait to return for another incredible meal. Larsons from Shueyville
(5)S L.
Big Grove is a great place to eat! They clearly care about the quality of the food and the beers, and the new building is pleasant without being fussy. The bar area is very busy during the 2-for-1 happy hours, and it gets really noisy -- too noisy for my family. We'll definitely look for a table in the main dining area the next time we visit. My sons ordered the cheeseburger and the shredded pork sandwich. The burger was great, and the pork would have been good with a lot less mustard - though some may like the extra kick. The salmon was fantastic, as was the tomato bisque. We haven't tried any desserts, so I can't comment on that part of the menu. On a different visit, we tried the pizza margherita since I'm a fanatic for simple wood-fired pizza. If you can tolerate pizza with a few charred sections of crust, you will love these pizzas. One of the pizzas we ordered was perfect, while the other had a bit too much charring for our tastes. Each wood-fired pizza seems to be a unique creation, and you'll love these pizzas if you revel in this degree of individuality. We'll be visiting Big Grove again soon, hoping to make new discoveries on the menu.
(5)Bill B.
Food was good choices were limited and the service was iffy. The place was loud on a Friday night.
(3)Maureen A.
We were not impressed. Iowa city prices for food without the quality. "Pan seared chicken" had grill marks and had probably never seen a pan. Mashed potatoes were an extremely small serving which was fine because they were instant and the texture of pudding. Mac and cheese was probably made with Velveta and just served in a little skillet. No special cheese or under the broiler for a bit. The roasted beet salad seemed more like canned beets in a bed of really soggy greens. The salad had radicchio, but it was so soggy and tough that it was nearly unrecognizable. We will not be going back. I feel the menu did not correctly explain the food. Draw beer was cheap. Happy Hour draws were 2 for $4.
(2)Nan K.
Perfect! 2 for 1 happy hour, amazing wings, amazing pizza, and amazing atmosphere! Sat out on large out door patio watched a chef cut fresh herbs growing in pots on the patio. Must get here early it fills fast for obvious reasons.
(5)Mic M.
Stopped in on memorial day. Ordered a Moscow Mule. Watched them make it with well vodka an some cheep ginger ale. Was charged $9 each....really for well vodka and ginger ale? A friend had a martini and 2 bush lights $24. Thought I was in New York City...nope just Solon IA. Ridiculous will not be back
(1)Jeff W.
Wow. Stupid busy on a nice early April saturday afternoon. Grabbed the last bar stool and flagged one of 3 busy tenders for a pint. The long bar being full and the servers hustling, it took a minute to get my pint but, given the hustle, I was happy. Excellent beer. Plenty of other brew on tap besides the great stuff made here. Full bar and wine to meet just about any need. Every hand was moving fast to keep the full place happy. It's hard to explain just how busy they were and how quickly they served everyone. This challenge has been met. My perch was close to the kitchen, getting an eyefull of the constant flow of food prompted an order of tater tot casserole which was great. The menu is well thought out and nothing I saw would have gone back unfinished. My only regret is that I have but one stomach and a limited budget - it all looked delicious. Place was packed, the service was still stellar, and the brew and BEER are top-notch. Go early, call ahead (1 hour table reservations) or expect a wait.
(5)Mary L.
We recently came here again - we do try it every year to be fair. The outside seating area is nice - esp nice here in Iowa where our options on that are very limited for understandable reasons. So kudos to their dining al fresco. Now alas onto their food. Starting with the good: their dinner salads are lovely - beautiful greens and a subtle dill dressing make this one of the really really good salads around. We began with some apps - the deviled eggs come four to a plate for $4.00 with no garni - too bad they are so not worth the money - way too heavy on the Dijon - it is all you can taste - bleh. The buffalo wings have a gloppy sauce - hard to describe but would not order again here, there are much better wings elsewhere. I don't think in all the years we have been going out and ordering buffalo wings that we have ever left wings on the plate (not even wanting to take them home) but we did here. :( The pastrami sandwich has a strange too smoky taste and is not akin to anything you would find at a good deli - I left half of it on the plate. The curried chicken salad sandwich comes on a pita and was decent but not great. Just being honest. If you care to just come and drink their beers then by all means, do that. There are many choices to choose from and they have cocktails and some wines also. Sit outside, sip their beer and enjoy the weather.
(2)Connie C.
Took way too long for drinks...once there quenched our thirsts. Pull pork and tomato bisque...per husband was very good. I had some comfort food...tater tot casserole. Overall it was good..could have browned meat more and been hotter. Will go back to sit outside and sip.
(4)Jim S.
Went in today for lunch customer service was very poor the staff seemed very put off by the customers took forever to get very average food beer was good as usual a local and have frequented for lunch and diner ...starting to go downhill ...too bad was a needed addition to the town.
(1)Michael U.
We made the trek from Iowa City up to Solon just to try this place out. The building is beautiful and they have a cool outside area that would be perfect in the spring/fall (there are little fire pits). Service was top notch and the food was excellent! We got a five appetizers and a pizza for four hungry adults. It was a bit much, three appetizers and a pizza would have been enough, but I'm excited for these leftovers! The Korean BBQ wings are honestly some of the best wings that I've ever had...and I'm a wing guy! The ham and biscuits were delicious and I would highly recommend. The "potted pig" was also a pretty good. I had never had potted meat before - which is a little bit different, but very good. It is served with bread that was delish! The parm -garlic fries were good, but were our least favorite of the appetizers. The tater-tot casserole is a delicious tradition version of what you may have had before. They also have a good selection of beer. I had their stout, which was excellent! This is what a five star restaurant should be like! You need to try this place!!! You won't be disappointed!
(5)August S.
The Big Grove IPA is delicious and quite possibly my favorite IPA. And, you can't go wrong with Big Grove's pizzas, they are quite simply spectacular!
(5)Ashley B.
Amazing service! Amazing food! Amazing beer! This is a great stop for anyone traveling along I-80 in Iowa. Highly recommend the brown ale for any hop head out there. I ordered a pizza & when it came out it was too well done. Not only did they offer to replace it immediately, they went the extra mile to make sure my husband and I left happy. So amazing. So good!
(5)John S.
Beer and food are well thought out, burgers and meat are great-but the grilled cheese falls short, could be awesome with some better bread and more cheese. Patio and bar are the best places to sit, booths and tables are nothing special. Happy hour is great, 2for1s on everything, beer and liquor-except select top shelf items
(5)Alexandria N.
Came here for the first time after a day of fishing with my boyfriend. We ordered the Mac and cheese and tator tot casserole.. Finominal! Food came out fast, service was great.. And the gluten free cider was also very enjoyable.
(5)Cameron J.
Couldn't have been more pleased with this place. The service was excellent (they kept the beers coming). I tried their IPA which was phenomenal. I highly recommend it. They also do mini beer samplers which looked really great. Didn't try any of the food but the people at the table next to us ordered a pizza and it looked really good. The place is very clean and has an awesome atmosphere. Highly recommend if you are in the IC/Coralville area.
(5)Matt I.
The food is awesome and always changing to be locally available with the seasons. I am told by brewers that their beer is excellent. Hands down a great place to stop at in Solon!
(5)Derek J.
The pizza here was as good as it gets. Not even joking. One of the pizzas had 3 eggs over-easy on top. We popped the yolks and smothered the yolky goodness all over the pizza. It was to die for. One of the owners came over as well (I think one of the pizzas was named after him, actually), really nice guy. The beer they make here is a really great selection. I had the lower ABV Stout and really liked it. I'll definitely be back, can't wait to have the porch opened up for the spring!
(5)Chris M.
This place is the real deal! Had the ham biscuits they are amazing, sweet salty deliciousness. The pork spread was awesome porkyness, the beet salad was large and very tasty. The deviled eggs were good but a little too mustardie for my taste. Every thing was fresh! Only complaint is more ham on the biscuits and less dressing on the salad. Can't wait for a return trip to try the entres. Oh and the beer is the reason I went there in the first place, the dipa is awesome!
(4)Christopher B.
Dynamite beer, food and service!!!! couldn't be more pleased!! Strongly recommend the Korean barbecue chicken wings and the Caliente!!
(5)Jennifer K.
While visiting my hometown of CR from Chicago over Thanksgiving, I decided to check this place out. Iowa's craft beer scene is growing and as a big craft beer fan I needed to see what was happening here. We stopped by around 2 on Black Friday. Space - cool and well laid out. Beer - Really good overall, found a few I really liked. Even the ones I didn't like were good beers, just not my taste. I was disappointed you have to buy larger "half pours" and they don't offer a sampler tray. Was almost $20 to try everything on tap and if you didn't like something you were stuck with a half pour going to waste. I left with a growler of one I absolutely loved. But it was NOT cheap. $30 for a growler is WAY pricey (and you're talking to a Chicagoan here). A growler holds less than 6 beers, would you pay that much for a 6 pack? I know the beer I chose was a higher ABV but ouch. I really liked the beer and since I'm not local I caved. When I ordered it I asked the bartender if they seal their growlers. Her response "oh of course, the beer will be good for about 2 weeks". Apparently her version of a "seal" is putting a cap on it. I cannot believe a place charging this much for a growler and you don't even seal it up right? That's just disrespectful to the beer. Staff - When we arrived the bartender on duty was pleasant, spoke well about the beer and stayed busy. If she wasn't helping a customer she was washing glassware, etc. After we were there for a bit she went on break and another girl came on. As soon as she hit the floor she was complaining and getting in arguments with other staffers and was not pleasant from a customers perspective. She spent a lot of time hobnobbing with the "regulars" and you could hardly get a beer otherwise. The kicker was when we left I asked her to charge the bill to my credit card even though my sister had given hers to open the tab. I gave her my card, she brings me back a receipt to sign, which I do and we are on our way. The next day after I've already returned to Chicago my sister realizes the almost $100 bill was charge to HER CARD!! Not good! Food - we didn't eat much but did try the garlic fries which were excellent and a generous portion. Overall, there's enough positives for me to go back, but I wouldn't mind a step up in their game a little bit. (Though I'm not a local so maybe they don't give a hoot about my two cents :))
(3)Jaquel S.
Big Grove is legit! I live in Cedar Rapids where I have numerous restaurants at my disposal. Big Grove is hands down my favorite. Last night marked my second experience at BG and once again, they didn't disappoint. They know what they're doing and it shows. Everyone works together like a well oiled machine and they don't miss a beat. I have had the New York Strip on both of my visits (outstanding). Others at my table last night had Lobster Risotto (mouth watering delicious), Pork Belly (fantastic) and an Adobo Pork Sandwich with Parmesan-Garlic Fries (amazing flavor explosion). Let's be honest, you're going to be satisfied with anything you order, I promise you that. I really can't say enough about how amazing BG is. Heck, the building itself is enough to make you want to visit! The environment is so versatile. You could stop by for one of their exceptionally brewed beers and watch a game, bring a date for a romantic dinner, sit on their patio around the fire pit with friends, or even stop by on your snowmobile to warm up and grab a bite (witnessed this last night). That's what's so rad about BG, they're so happy you stopped by! No matter why you're there, they welcome you and treat you like you're part of the family. And, if you're fortunate enough, you may also have the pleasure of running into the Christian Mingler (ask the staff to point her out if you don't see her). Ultimately my favorite aspect about BG is I could literally taste their passion in every dish I have devoured and witnessed their passion in everything they do. You don't find that at many places and when you do, you recognize it, appreciate it, tell your friends about it and keep coming back for more.
(5)Jed M.
We were able to make it back here the week of Christmas and I am very glad we got to give it a second chance. Arrived at lunch time on a Tuesday and grabbed two seats at the bar. Ended up getting a few Que Sera's and also another solid sour and RIS. Had a great server this time who was knowledgeable about the beer and very attentive. Night and day difference in service. Ordered the buffalo wings as an appetizer and they were very good. My fiancé even ate a few and she normally doesn't like wings. Got the sausage pizza and burger for entrees. Burger was cooked perfectly and the fries were crisp and hot. One of the better pizzas I'd had in a while. Nice crispy crust with good char spotting and flavorful toppings. We ended up leaving with a growler of the Berliner and plenty of leftovers. Night and day difference between service on our two visits and we'll definitely try to make it back here next time there is some free time while in Iowa.
(5)Anne E.
We visited this restaurant last night and it left a lot to be desired. Atmosphere is great, service was excellent in a very crowded dining area. Margarita Pizza was not edible and the chicken wings were swimming in sauce. I could've eat them they were so messy steak tartare average. Don't think we will return
(1)Lane H.
Something has happened in Solon! What was once a quiet town, whose claim to fame was Jonesy's tenderloins, has become a thriving "hipster" spot. Okay. Maybe my use of hipster isn't a 100% the definition of hipster but this is what it feels like when you take an old standard and throw something different into it and say, "Trendy!" Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the food at Big Grove. But I am tired of paying a premium price for a "gourmet" addition. Yes, putting that trendy ingredient on my fries, on my pizza or whatever is always worth paying $5-10 more. It seems like a lot of their menu has been taken over by trendy. Really, give me proof that my burger was once a black angus steer grazing in the pasture. Alright, my vent is over. The decor: Nice. Very clean and trendy. The beer: Cold and very trendy. The food: Friend had the chicken sandwich and it looked great. She enjoyed it, but getting charged extra for the bbq sauce for it wasn't so special. Plus, it was too spicy for her and she didn't use it. Husband had the pastrami. The meat was good but the one side of the sandwich was really over toasted. Of course, that was the side the cook placed down. Husband pulled the burnt bits off. I had the BGB black angus burger. Two patties meant that it was sliding off the bun and with those patties being thin it was hard to get that medium rare cook I had asked for. Fries kicked butt. Loved them. We also ordered an appetizer; wings. They came with the meal. We kept them anyway and they were really good. Just wished they had come out as the appetizer. The Service: Sat at the bar, so we had pretty good service. I will be back.
(4)Jane K.
Brewery in middle of no where in Solon Iowa. OMG. Drive out of your way to eat here! Fabulous progressive menu. Pork shoulder appetizer was awesome! Cheese and meat tray generous portion and so good.
(5)faye s.
I took my daughter and her boyfriend to dinner at Big Grove last Saturday night for her birthday. Coming from the San Francisco area, I can be a bit picky and hard to please with regard to restaurants. The ambiance is very nice and our server was friendly and accommodating. My daughter ordered the duck breast, her boyfriend had the chicken and andouille sausage and I ordered the risotto. We started with the most delicious brussel sprouts I've ever had! The house marinated olives were a hit too. Their meals were both outstanding, but my risotto was disappointingly mushy and not al dente as risotto should be. The manager was very pleasant and let me replace my meal with the chicken andouille dish which I absolutely loved. The combination of flavors on the plate were exquisite and went together perfectly. My daughter ordered the chocolate/red wine dessert and it was also delicious (delivered with a lit candle). We were so delighted we came back the following Friday night with my brother and sister-in-law who had traveled from Florida. Once again, Big Grove did not disappoint. The food, service, beer, and ambiance all were outstanding. Kudos to the chef, kitchen staff, brewer, management and servers for that level of excellence. I cannot wait to return.
(5)Natalie L.
My husband and I ended up here on accident after a failed attempt to eat at the Salt Fork on his birthday. We had the buffalo wings to start. They were crispy and the sauce was really good! My husband had the white sausage pizza and I had the smoked pork sandwich. We also had a couple of their beers. Everything was really flavorful. The service was great and the outside seating is nice. We will definitely be back!
(5)Phillip M.
Myself and a friend stopped through not terribly long ago on our way to Iowa City. We'd been meaning to stop in for a while and finally decided that it was the correct time. The establishment itself is lovely. Clean, well constructed exterior (also, very deceptive. It looks smaller than it is from the outside.) and a lovely, rustic interior (which seems to be "in" these days.) Lots of stained wood and polished metal, etc. The booth we were seated in was comfortable and spacious, and it wasn't pleasantly cool inside. First thing we ordered were, of course, a flight of all the house beers. All in all, the beers were very tasty. One or two left a bit wanting, but all in all very much worth the coin, and the ones that stand out really stand out. A refreshing start to the afternoon. For food I ordered the Smoked Laotian Pork, my compatriot got the Tater Tot hot dish. (I'm from Minnesota, I say "hot dish." Deal with it) Now, I'm gonna start this off by pointing out I usually avoid most pork products. I don't care for the taste of ham/pork chops/etc, and it often disagrees very aggressively with my stomach. However, I hate having a third of the meat world closed to me, so I always look to try things that might overcome my aversion. This thing did. It was a wonderful level of spicy and sweet, the pork didn't taste particularly "porky", it was filling, tasty, and well prepared. The tater tot hot dish (I stole a spoon full) was well made, if a bit on the crumbly/greesy side (It IS billed a soup or some reason, so it's kind of to be expected.) The food, as far as we tried, was excellent. Now, if you've read my reviews, you know these criteria would normally net a place at least a four. Unfortunately, while I try to avoid reviewing based on quality of food and ambiance, sometimes I can't avoid bringing up the service. And that is where this place really suffered. When we walked in (I want to say around 2 pm, but it's been a bit and I can't completely remember) we mistook the place for a "seat yourself" establishment. We weren't greeted by anyone, and it wasn't until I noticed the sign that we waited until someone directed us to a booth. Unfortunately, it didn't get better from there. We sat for a good solid fifteen minutes before even being acknowledged. Waiters would walk by, give a brief glance our way, then keep on moving. This happened at least half a dozen times. The place was more or less empty, too. If it had been busy, that'd be one thing, but no one seemed to care we were sitting at an empty table. It wasn't until my friend stood up and started somewhat obviously peering over the top of the booth (something of an "annoying customer" trick that we normally avoid doing at all costs) that SOMEONE finally acknowledged we existed. The person wasn't even our correct waiter. After asking if we had been helped, us explaining we'd been waiting quite some time, and hearing a rather awkwardly delivered joke about us "at least being in happy hour now" and a list of explanations that didn't quite add up, were our drink orders taken and we were introduced to our waiter. Granted, I'm an awfully weird looking guy, and unfortunately, I'm no stranger to being treated as such in restaurants, but seriously, I'm a paying customer just like everyone else, and that doesn't mean I LIKE the treatment. In the end, they comped our drinks, but the mood was somewhat soured by it all. A wedding party made its way in about the time our drinks arrived and food was ordered, so we wonder if it was somehow related to that. That being said, the food is great, the beer is good, and I always approve of supporting small town businesses, and I DO strongly recommend this place on those merits. But, I wouldn't be a half decent review if I didn't at least bring up the issues we ran into. So, please, check it out. But at least be aware.
(3)Gwen S.
Last night I made my second venture down to Big Grove Brewery, along with my group of colleagues. Both times I have been there, once on a Friday night last month, and last night (Wednesday), the place has been busy, with lots of folks who eating, drinking, and enjoying their time at the brewery. Last night was a little bit more special as we were able to get a tour with the brewer of the brewery aspect. With it being a staff celebration, they wined and dined us and the food was excellent. Our night began with their happy hour - two for ones. I sampled the Que Sera Berliner Weiss. It was a nice, slightly sour beer. They offer raspberry syrup and another syrup flavor which is eluding me at the moment, but syrups which help to change the flavor. I enjoyed it, but wasn't looking for a beer quite that crisp. I've been trying to expand my palette towards hoppy beers, so I ended up going with the Winter IPA they had on tap and it was great. It was hoppy, but not as hoppy as I was expecting and the beverage was greatly appreciated. Next up, we enjoyed a little amuse bouche from the chef, who gave us smoked salmon with some crisp fried fish skin, dill, and a sauce (can't remember what was in it). I don't generally eat fish, but also trying to increase fish consumption, this was a delicious little treat for our mouths. At the table we ordered appetizers - the Wings with Korean BBQ sauce, Parmesan Fries, and Charcuterie and Cheese Board. They were passed along and gobbled down. I think everyone enjoyed their order. For dinner, we ate a variety of foods. I had the Adobo Pork Sandwich and would definitely get it again. Other folks ordered pizzas (the roasted mushroom pizza was a big hit), mac and cheese, the cod sandwich, tater tot hotdish, amongst other tasty items. Even with a crowd of 19 people, our food was all out within a couple moments of one another's, the meal was fantastic, and service was key. All of this mirrored my previous experience with only two of us in attendance. Beer is good...they bring out different kinds all of the time, so I'm looking forward to making my way down the list of possibilities throughout the next few months. I'll look forward to eating here again soon and am thankful for a great restaurant without driving to Iowa City.
(4)Bruce W.
Great pizza and fantastic brewery. Happy hour is fun and offers 2 for 1 craft beers. Awesome cheese burgers and salmon was delicious. You won't be disappointed. Summer wheat ale was great. They sold out quickly. Brewery on site should have more soon.
(5)Katherine P.
The short ribs were amazing. They were served on a polenta. Soft and tender. The brussel sprouts appetizer is fantastic. The beer selections here are always fresh and changing. Never have been disappointed by a great tasting beers.
(5)Ann D.
This place is a game changer. Every other restaurant in the area will have to step up their game to stay in the league. What a great addition to the restaurant scene in the "Creative Corridor". I feel we are lucky they chose to open here. Wait was long and not particularly comfortable (it was a Friday night) but after being seated and served, it was like giving birth, you completely forget what it took to get there. Then just sit back and enjoy. Everything was spot on. I can't wait to go back and try more items on the menu. And thanks again to all involved. This is truly a hidden (not anymore) gem in the Iowa countryside.
(5)Katie J.
This is a great brewery and restaurant! Very close to Iowa City and not too far from Cedar Rapids - it's well worth the trip for the beer, the food, and the atmosphere. This place is definitely both a brewery and restaurant - the food they serve is delicious, and there are a lot of options, including some tasty vegetarian dishes. I highly recommend their stir-fried brussel sprouts!
(5)Caylene B.
New gem of Solon!!! We stopped here by chance, but will definitely be back!!! Their home brews are terrific, especially Dirty Little Secret! The food is complex, but not too out there. Really like how they buy food local every chance they get. You gotta try the Korean wings!!!! Beautiful decor. Great place to watch the Hawk eyes.
(5)M C.
Wonderful waitress, couldn't be better. Bad, bad food. Should check your product before it leaves your kitchen. We'll try it again since it's new. If it wasn't for the wait staff, wouldn't come back again. The co-owner was great and very attentive. Ran out of the wine we wanted, but the substitute was ok. Hire a chef who knows what he's doing. With some tweaking will be the place to beat in reviews in the future. Lots of charm and ambiance here! Also, quit burning anything that comes out of your brick oven. My husband had the ham and biscuits and they were completely burned/inedible. Check your oven temps before sending those out of the kitchen.
(3)Pete P.
Great beer, great food, great atmosphere. My only complaint is that it's always too full of people which leads to long wait times - but that's just because it's so popular.
(4)Jake M.
Very good food, wings have a similar breading as Graze's chicken lips. I had a hard time finding a beer that interested me. A little loud in the dining area. I am sure it has an excellent atmosphere on the patio. Save your 4 bucks on the olive appetizer.
(5)DeAnna O.
Burger is one of the best I have ever had. We will definitely be back on a regular basis.
(5)