Look what the Tiger dragged in

What do you get when you put together 1. an unstoppable collection of interesting and tasty microbrews; 2. a few cask pulled ales; and 3. a seemingly unending list of bottled eccentricities from brewers across the nation and around the world?

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that these three things spell:
S-A-U-S-A-G-E-F-E-S-T.

The Blind Tiger finally reopened a couple doors down from Rio Rancho. Last night the crew took a field trip over there to check it out. Indeed, there were many male patrons and the collection of personalities were as diverse and eclectic as the choice of beer. To each his own, I suppose the saying goes.

The bar is actually pretty well laid out, with round tables and stools collected around a wood burning hearth and then tables lining the far wall. The bar is a double-L shape that ensures the disinterested bartender will take at least 15 minutes to see you, even if you're the only one there.

The food was marginal. We had runny deviled eggs, olives, grilled cheese on sourdough, and a tiny, uninspired pulled chicken panini with buffalo sauce and a blue cheese dipping sauce. The table next to us had the better idea: pick up a pizza from John's and bring it in.

I imagine the clientele was comprised of regular beer afficianados **shudder**, some NYU grad students, curious neighbors who have read too much on nymag.com NOT to come check it out. I'm not sure how this fits into the portfolio of choices here in the 'hood. The service is definitely lacking, and isnt' that the main reason you repeatedly patronize a local establishment?

This is a place I'll bust out for a late afternoon pint when an out-of-town guest who brews his own beer comes in for a visit. Otherwise, go over to Hercules and let him upsell you on some Belgians and then get some John's take-out.