Steel City Reviews

"Ray's Steel City Saloon rocks"
Tallahassee Democrat
Thursday, December 13, 2007

Ray’s Steel City Saloon is the new kid on the block.

Make room for it. Plenty of room.

If you care about beer (and I’m assuming that’s a given if you’re reading this), the new restaurant on John Knox Road is one of the best places in Tallahassee to enjoy a pint.

Why? Because there is a beer for everyone at Ray’s Steel City Saloon.

Owners Ray and Keri Fisher clearly care about beer, but theirs is a place where Budweiser fans will be just as happy as beer connoisseurs.

The tap handles are a good example of the Fishers’ commitment to beerocracy. That’s blog-speak for beer for one, beer for all.

There are two rows of draft selections, one at the small corner bar and another tucked away on the wall by the entrance to the kitchen.

The more prominent taps will tickle a beer lover’s heart – particularly a fan of imported ales. When I stopped by the other day the choices were Guinness, Smithwicks, Hoegaarden and Lindeman’s Framboise Lambic. Two Irish and two Belgian.

On the wall going from the bar to the kitchen I spotted mass-produced American lagers: Bud Light, Miller Lite and Yuengling.

But Ray’s isn’t really about draft beer. It’s beer heaven because of the bottle selection.

I lost count somewhere after 40, well before the Chimay Red Cap listed at $8. I particularly liked the list of new beers and seasonals, including Winter Bourbon Cask Ale ($4) and Anchor Christmas Ale ($5).

The only place in Tallahassee I know of with a better lineup is the veritable, smoke-filled Leon Pub. The Leon’s tap selections are far and away the best in the region; its air quality is without a doubt the most threatening.

Don’t let Ray’s price for the Chimay mislead you. It’s the most expensive bottle in the restaurant. The majority of beers, from Franziskaner Hefeweizen to Harpoon IPA, are priced at $4, tax included.

Tallahassee needs more places like Ray’s Steel City Saloon, places where you can try a bottle of something you’ve never had before.

Here’s hoping Ray’s Steel City Saloon is a trailblazer.

posted by Doug Blackburn