This was my second trip to Red Eye Brewing Company and both times I’ve been impressed with the energy and liveliness of the place. Having just celebrated their 10 year anniversary in 2018, Red Eye has become a staple to the Wausau area and a destination for those of us not lucky enough to live within walking distance. During my first visit, I got the feeling I was about to have an amazing experience when it was an hour wait for a table and the bar was full. I’d never had to wait so long for a beer when there wasn’t some sort of large celebration or major beer drinking holiday. By the time we got seated, I was so glad we waited it out and got a taste of their American IPA: Thrust! I love a good traditional IPA without any frills. The kind that knocks your taste buds for a little ride full of bitterness and piney flavor. If I wasn’t driving that night I would’ve indulged a little more, but its a beer I think about often and makes me want to take regular trips up to Wausa just to have another glass.
My parents came away with the same feeling this past weekend. We had decided to brave the icky slush coming down in Central Wisconsin and head up for a late lunch (their food is to die for) and I had a chance to sample a couple other styles of beer. The most surprising to me was their Campfire Social, an Imperial Stout. Now, I’m not usually a fan of chocolate or coffee in my beers and tend to stay away from stouts and porters. They happen to be my mother’s favorite flavors, though so I’ve had the chance to sip a quite a few of hers over the years, and they just never did it for me. But Campfire Social? It was flavorful and well balanced and I might have stolen more than a few sips from her this time around. Since my father was with us as well, we had to get a pour of their Rye IPA, Kaboom! He loves a good rye beer and we both share a love of IPA. A beautiful hazy red, Red Eye’s rye IPA was both exquisite to look at and drink.
Now as good as the beer is, I can’t write about Red Eye without mentioning their (as mentioned) to die for food. I think what I appreciate most are their Veg/Vegan options that include more than just the house salad. I can even get a burger with their rich Fugi Burger, made from, you guessed it, mushrooms. The broccoli soup my mom had? She’s trying to clone it in the kitchen right now. And the buffalo wings my dad scarfed down? According to him, possibly better than Legend Larry’s sauce in Sheboygan WI. But the best part? The kitchen is open to the seating area so you can watch the very talented cooks whip up your meal.
So there you have it. Amazing atmosphere, beer that is impossible to forget, and food that never disappoints. Our only complaint was that there wasn’t lotion in the men’s bathroom!
Cheers! ~Steph
Mon: 11 AM – ?
Tues: 11 AM – ?
Wed: 11 AM – ?
Thurs: 11 AM – ?
Fri: 11 AM – ?
Sat: 11 AM – ?
Sun: CLOSED
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