Fitger's Brewhouse

Date visited: Friday, June 22

Some people might have marked the beginning of summer on June 21, and that's fine, I guess, since the calendars say it's so. I officially kicked off summer one day later at Fitger's Brewhouse (600 E. Superior St., Duluth; 218.279.BREW).

Fitger's became a summer tradition a few years ago when a friend suggested it as a meeting place to launch a weekend of camping, and now whenever I go camping anywhere near Duluth a Fitger's stop is in order. Why? Because I love their microbrew, they have nalgene "adventure" growlers (perfect for camping) and they offer a vegetarian/vegan friendly menu (and their wait staff knows the difference between the two). I love their wild rice veggie burgers (which are vegetarian, not vegan), but I've never been unhappy with my order.

On our latest stop, my camping companion and I split an order of cheese and black bean quesadillas and ordered a side of fresh veggies with ranch dipping sauce (simple, yet tasty). We also filled up the growler with El Nino Double Hopped IPA, which made for a fun Saturday evening at the camp site. If you like your beer with a little less hops, try the Apricot Wheat (it's even good warm, but it doesn't make good instant oatmeal -- don't ask) or the Starfire Pale Ale. Yea for summer!