United Nations of Beer

Bo's Brewery Bistro

by Edward Glass
(Beer Delegate, MI, USA)

Bo's Brewery and Bistro
Pontiac, MI, USA

It's hard to find anything worthy of discussion when talking about the city of Pontiac; the city suffers greatly from its share of economic pitfalls and reliance on the lagging auto industry and the Detroit Lions no longer play at the Pontiac Silverdome, both of which once defined this newly-donned City of Promise.

Yet for those willing to invest the time in rediscovering a city with authentic character, substance, and yes, great promise, I offer Bo's Brewery and Bistro as the can't miss destination.

Bo's (as it's affectionately called by regulars) is both a microbrewery and a full restaurant. It has the feel of local bar without the usual baggage; the staff is friendly when engaged, the decor is anything but pretentious and the environment is congenial: lacking the subversive element common to most "around the way" bars.

As a local bar, Bo's is typically at its best during any local sporting event and noticeably empty at most other times. It is an odd balance to understand, considering that it is located right smack in the middle of downtown Pontiac. Yet for those in the know, it is this duality that draws at the explorer and fills them with unexpected possibility.

Bo's offers a great location for those work-related meetings that must be conducted with a beer in hand; and an optimal atmosphere for a first date where conversation (and the occasional distraction) is a must. It's a subdued place to discuss strategy and a blustering spot to root for the home crowd. It is the blended transition from fast to slow that is needed to escape a crazy, mind-numbing, "I needed that report on my desk yesterday" work day and float into the relaxingly warm embrace of peace and love that typifies home.

Yet location isn't the only aspect that signifies Bo's Brewery and Bistro as a jewel to be discovered. It also has a tasteful menu and an assortment of medal winning beers, all of which are 100% handcrafted and brewed on-site in the custom-designed brewhouse. Located near the entrance behind plate-glass windows, this section houses two copper-clad, 15bbl stainless steel brewing kettles which provide a pleasant aroma of barley and hops during brewing operations.

However, the most interesting part of the brewing process is the product itself. Now granted, tastes are subjective, yet the entire selection of ales are extremely drinkable. They incorporate strong hops with sweet aromas and flavors and finish with a pleasant bite. Links to my reviews:

North 51 Pale Ale

IPA

Nut Brown Ale

Extreme IPA

Overall, the selection at Bo's Brewery and Bistro is particularly intense though well balanced, comprised of rich, full-bodied flavors and delicately smooth background tastes. The perfect complement to such dishes as the Blackened Cajun Chicken Sandwich, Asian Noodle Salad with Salmon, Buffalo Wings, Fish and Chips, Black and Blue Burgers and the BBQ pizza with Cajun crust: the menu's shinning star.

There are several other microbreweries in the area, yet it's hard to name any that's significantly better than Bo's Brewery and Bistro. You must pay it a visit when you're in town. You can find out more at the (somewhat rustic!) Bo's Brewery website.