Glutton Travels: Bitter Creek Brewing Company
If you’ve driven coast to coast across America chances are that you’ve encountered stretches of land where nothing terribly exciting is happening. And if you’ve ever driven on I-80 between Cheyenne and Salt Lake City chances are that the most compelling aspect of humanity or nature you’ve encountered is that of the wind gusts that knock traffic all over the road. Yet, despite the vast expanses of desolateness on this part of the Interstate there are a few towns that keep the fuel tanks heavy and the engines of transportation going.
One such place is the small town of Rock Springs, Wyoming… a coal hub of the Cowboy State.
Now when driving along 1-80, Rock Springs may only seem like another generic and forgettable gas, fast food, and hotel hideaway in the middle of nowhere. However, a slight detour away from the Interstate reveals an older quainter downtown with it’s own identity.
While passing through the area Liz and I were drawn to this revitalized downtown district in search for something other than the “All You Can Eat” tilapia at the local Golden Corral. In doing so we stumbled upon the Bitter Creek Brewing Company and for two people who are always at home in a bar, it seemed like the logical hydrating/refueling station for us in the area.
One of a mere 14 micro breweries in the Cowboy State, the Bitter Creek Brewing Company’s bar offers an ambiance of welcoming light pine, beer inspired comical signage, and the obligatory fermentation tanks of any micro pub. The staff is hospitable and on the surface there is nothing to turn one way from this libation sanctuary in the middle of nowhere.
However, Bitter Creek is a brew pub in the middle of nowhere and not surprisingly the food and beer fail to achieve an overall satisfaction level that most people outside of the realm of Rock Springs might demand.
The beers sampled were juvenile in character and lacking in depth, while the expansive menu is mainly the featured line-up one has come to expect at an American brew pub. That said the sole bright spot when visiting Bitter Creek might be restaurant/pub’s fixation on providing a solid selection of specialty burgers along with home cut fries to remedy the emptiness gain from consuming their beer.
During our visit we selected two of the burgers from Bitter Creek’s menu, the Jalapeno Burger and Garbage Burger. Unfortunately the Jalapeno was served with raw peppers and this combined with the chipotle mayo created an unimpressive burger with the perfumy essence of Febreze (no joke). However, the Garbage Burger saved the day making the trek off the interstate a worth wild one…at least for any red blood American carnivore.
Dressed with an onion ring, pepperoni, pastrami, bacon, cheese, BBQ sauce, and all the fixins the Garbage Burger represents the divine combination of a western bacon cheeseburger and Italian meat sandwich…need I say more gentlemen? And while I can’t speak to the quality of the meat either way, all the flavors meddled harmoniously into a worthwhile high calorie intake of a burger.
And because we’re gluttons we also sampled the chicken quesadilla and standard caesar salad. The quesadilla was a solid filler off the grill top while the caesar was below average with dressing from a bottle and to be avoided.
All in all Bitter Creek is worth the extra five minute drive off the Interstate to avoid the mundanity of fast food available in the area, just make sure to pick your poison carefully from the menu and ask for a sample of beer before committing to a full pint.
Here’s my complete review of the beers sampled:
Red Desert Ale
Brown amber in color, the nose is basically void of an identity except for a hint of hoppiness. Light in body and refreshing, the palate is one of a nondescript hoppy circle filled with a malty center. Dry hops linger on a moderate finish.
Fry your taste buds with the unofficial beer of the Cowboy State.
“WY-P-A” (The unofficial beer of Wyoming)
A joint venture by all 14 of Wyoming’s breweries, the “WY-P-A” is murky burnt golden in color with a balance of tart citrus and sweet malts which play the undercurrent to hops on the nose. Light to medium bodied, sweet malt comes through on the front of the palate at colder than cellar temps. But as the beer warms, the hops come alive occupying the whole of one’s palate. The long acidic finish is filled with notes grapefruit and perfume. Hard to drink more than half a pint without killing your taste buds.
Wee Bastard (Traditional Scottish Ale)
Clear golden in color, with light sweet (nearly candied) caramelized malts on the nose. Light to medium bodied, the Bastard opens wet and round on the front of the palate. Slightly sweet, though not complex and without any discerning essence, the beer is if nothing else exceedingly smooth.
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The most difficult thing about a road trip is finding the right place to eat. Shame about the beer and that food sounds very hit and miss. If ever in the area, I’ll remember to stick to the garbage burger even though the name is quite off-putting. And were the hand-cut chips any good? xx
Ya, they probably could have chosen a better name for the burger, but it did hit the spot. The fries were fine, yet I expect somewhat some from hand cut…basically they need a tad more seasoning. Hope you’re having a great weekend Charlie!
I agree with Charlie. Unless you pull into a national chain restaurant, you never really know what to expect when you sit down for a meal during a cross-country trip. I’m really surprised about the beer, though. If the offerings were so bad, how can they stay in operation? Are they totally reliant upon hapless travelers from the interstate? Another reason to avoid those micro-beer of the month clubs.
To me it’s really the same sad story that is afflicting the majority of beer pubs in America…the beer they’re are producing really isn’t that great. However the majority of American’s are under the delusion that because a beer is a “micro brew” means it’s good. Therefore these places continue to exist and in some cases thrive.
Not surprisingly I’d classify this as locals place, but what Liz and I are learning is that in Wyoming you have to lower your standards as to what is acceptable or good food from a restaurant. The food revolution hasn’t taken place in the Cowboy State.
What a bummer. We’ve stumbled into places like that, promising but a let down. I was surprised to see it’s still worth the short drive from the highway. Or was this the case mainly due to whatever else is offered out there?
It’s really too bad our highway food (Canada is no different) is sub par, bad food, bad lighting and bad for you! I recall driving through Italy from Venice to Lake Como and coming across a highway restaurant just in time for lunch. Not only did they sell wine and beer (really?) I had the most amazing Caprese Salad! It was lovely!
As I just left in my message to John, Liz and I are learning one really has to lower their food standards in Wyoming. Therefore it’s still worth the drive off the interstate especially if you want something other than fast food.
Oh how I wish both the US and Canada has quality roadside services like that in Italy/Europe. Sorta sad when one comes to believe that the healthiest/safest option in Subway.
Well, the place may have offered mediocre food and beverage, but your review is top notch. The slow pace of Wyoming must suit you, Jed, well written piece (not to infer anything about prior posts). I know what you mean about trying to find something just off the highway when traveling instead of eating fast/chain food–you think you’ve found a shiny penny on the sidewalk, only to discover it stuck there with gum–so much promise, but disappointing.
I look forward to your discovery of what food Wyoming does really well, as every region has a claim to fame.
Thank you very much Judy. Liz and I are planning on having a lot of good and bad experiences finding out what Wyoming is all about.
Excellent, professional review! I don’t plan travelling to this area (or even to this continent
), but I am sure it is very helpful for all those who would find themselves there. Pity the food and drinks weren’t enjoyable.
Thanks Sissi and only once in a while do I ever feel bad about having eaten somewhere. One most experience life to live it.
oh my goodness, that Garbage Burger sounds insane! excellent review, by the way. i almost never review restaurants on my blog because i can never figure out exactly what to say about them. this is a great example of an honest, well-written review – something you don’t see all that often on blogs. well done, friend!
Much appreciated Amy. We’ll see if I can continue the high standard I’ve set.
You know, I’ve actually done that drive before – but it was many years ago. WIsh I’d seen this place – just to try that Garbage Burger. Sorry everything else was lacking.
Well if you ever make it again you’ll know where to stop and what to eat.
I’ve been down that lonesome stretch of road. One time, I-80 was a welcome relief, though, from coming down the horny buck corridor of Highway 191 during the rut at night. I seem to remember there were Rabbits of Unusual Size, as well.