While to some, Ebenezer’s Ale House might have approval from Scrooge, with its 20 different micro beers on tap, pub style food, and sparse decor; we are not so sure Marley would approve.
Not quite a party in the West Village, the lack of sophistication makes room for the simplicity of Ebenezer’s. It has its own sense of character- Buffalo character! A character that lends itself to a building tradition in WNY- Beer and great food.
The quintessential beverage, with humble beginnings, WNY has slowly become the metropolitan of the microbrews. From a hometown classic Southerntier IPA or Flying Bison Aviator Red, to a German style Hoegaarden; the list of beer selections at Ebenezer’s is impressive. And while I wouldn’t go to Ebenezer’s for the decor; the atmosphere becomes electric and I find myself wanting to stay and hang out for a while.
The menu itself is simple- which seems to be the theme- but it offers consistently good grub and good prices. I started off my lunch with a frosty beverage, because at this place its almost a sin to order anything else, and an order of their mediterranian platter ($6.99). The platter consists of red pepper hummas/couscous/bruschetta/fresh cucumber/pita and crostini. It’s a great compliment to the many refreshing beers they have on tap.
I next tried the Bavarian Pretzel Sticks ($6.99), which-according to our server- taste great with an ice cold Spaten Marten. Taking my server’s suggestion I gave it try, and lo and behold, she was right! The flavor of the pretzel brought out the wheat flavor of the beer. Knowing full well I was in for a higher cholesterol/higher calorie lunch, I decided to try the Cajun Chicken Salad ($8.99). This salad is a salad of champions; a Michael Phelps portion of iceberg and romaine lettuce, topped with shredded carrots/diced cucumbers/chedder cheese/black olives/tomatoes/green onions and honey mustard dressing. Since I’m not 6’7′ with a calorie burning metabolism of a greek god, I opted to share my salad with the group. The fresh taste of cucumber and crunchiness of the lettuc mixed well with the tangy bite of green onion and citrus honey flavor of the mustard dressing. But by far my favorite thing on the menu is Ebenezer’s Reuben ($8.99/or double decker it for $10.99). This mouth watering sandwich packs a walup of a punch with braised corned beef marinated in Hefe- Weissbier beer/swiss cheese/sauerkraut/thousand island dressing and stacked between double thick cut soft rye bread; served with a pile of sweet potato fries. It’s an explosion of flavors that will feed all five senses. And while I’ve tried many things on the menu, it’s the Reuben I keep coming back for- and the beer of course!
Finishing off my fabulous lunch with one last frosty; I left Ebenezer’s with money in my pocket, a more than satisfied tummy, and a yearning to come back again soon. All great cooking, and the restaurants they’re housed in, are about the fundamentals: great-simple food, good prices, friendly people, and really good beer. And don’t be surprised to see the spirit of Scrooge, tucked into a corner with a pint in his hand, and a smile on his face.
