Engine 15 Brewing Company

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.97/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$

One of the best places I have been to in Florida solely owing to (mostly local) beer selection, though I also liked the patio. In a strip mall near the coast. A long bar, with knowledgeable staff who knew the beer reasonably well. Decent house beers, with some very good guest taps. Fast to give tasters. Good sized samples. An effort to have many styles, with a bias toward saison a Florida favourite. Friendly people. Safe, relaxing, reasonable prices.

01-17-2013 03:29:28 | More by northyorksammy

Anaom

Massachusetts

2.08/5  rDev -47.9%
vibe: 2 | quality: 1 | service: 1 | selection: 4.5 | food: 2 | $$$

First off, this only gets two because they have a decent beer selection. If you can get by with being overcharged and horrible service, then read on.

OK. Traveling for work and was dying for a beer bar in JAX Beach. Low an behold I find this establishment. Upon entrance, the place is somewhat crowded for a Wednesday @ 5:30. Sit down at the bar and then proceed to wait 20 minutes for a beer. I'm desperate at this point and don't have the energy to go elsewhere. They have over 30 draft lines and I settled on a nice IPA. I asked about happy hour and was informed the prices were 1$ off all drafts. So I start drinking my beer and start perusing the limited menu to find something to munch on. I try to attract the bartenders attention to place my order numerous times, only to get brushed off. The only time she came by was when my beer was empty. Food was decent for what it was (don't expect anything CLOSE to gourmet) which was sad as alot of beer bars I've been to in my travels have decent eats.

That being said the service is Horrible. If they didn't have beers that I couldn't find in New England I probably would have left. So I ask for my tab and upon review noted the 1$ off all my drafts was applied but the price on the reciept for 2 of my beers was wrong. The board clearly said 5.50 and they charged me 6.50. I grabbed the bartender (another 10 minutes to attract her) to let her know and she went to who I can only assume was the manager to explain. She then comes back and tells me the price in the computer is correct and the price on their chalk boards is incorrect. She gives me this dumb look and I proceed to ask her if they expect me to pay the 6.50 and she says yes. I tell her no based on what I'm looking at. She goes back to the manager who then stands on two kegs to change the board before giving me my 'revised' check. He then comes back to me, throws it down and says 'you'll see multiple charges because I had to change it". I then look down to see its the same price. Disgusted, I just sign and leave as they clearly have no clue. The couple next to me asks what happened and when I tell them (they apparently are regulars) they say its not the first time they have seen this happen.

Bottom line. Beer selection is great. Pay with a credit card to protect yourself. Service is better in a third world country. Oh and check your bill as they will try and pull a fast one on you and expect you to pay for their mistakes. They put the "ass" in class when it comes to running a business.

I'd rather drink BL in a can than return to this place.

09-13-2012 03:10:31 | More by Anaom

stakem

Pennsylvania

2.28/5  rDev -42.9%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 2 | selection: 3 | $$$

I was in Jax for the week of the 4th of July visiting family. They told me there was this new place that popped up since my last visit that I should check out. Based on the name, I thought I had been there before but as we pulled into the parking area for this small shop-like brewery in a strip mall I knew this was a location that I would have remembered being at. Certainly, I was never here before and my pending experience proved that I would never return.

From outside, the first thing you notice is the 2-3 parking spots that they have built a wooden fence around to let patrons outside to drink/smoke. Going inside, the place is small and was packed to the gills with patrons on a random Monday/Tuesday evening. Regardless, I was here to try their house-made beer so I pressed on. The fellow with me was not big into beer so he made a random selection from the menu. I walked up to the bar, ordered our beers and watched as he filled them. When he placed the beers infront of me, he no longer knew which was which. Luckily I was paying attention to see the difference since both beers were similar in style and identical in appearance.

As far as their selection goes, they have 50 draft choices to pick from but it is disappointing. I am from PA and looking to try some local stuff. Imagine my surprise to see more beers from my home state being offered on draft than anything else (including their own beer which only occupied 3 of the taps.) Their rye beer that I tried was not that good. It had a yeasty finish that reminded me of dirty lines. Not pointing fingers here, just saying my thoughts based on initial impression. If I was at home, I would have drain-poured it. However, since my host for the week drove me out of the way, I manned up and chugged it down just to get rid of it. I was ready to leave after that but considering my partner in crime was outside smoking, I ordered a cigar city brew. 8$ for a snifter, what a kick in the dick. I should have just went and purchasd a 750ml bottle for slightly more.

As if all the above isnt enough, lets talk more about the atmosphere of this place. I am 30 years old. Ive been to college not too long ago and ive had my fill of parties that are associated with playing a college sport and how roudy/loud they can get. This place quite frankly made me uncomfortble. Between the drunks screaming and the DJ yelling over the obnoxious loudspeaker, I had a headache within minutes. This place is a fucking hangover before the party even starts.

07-09-2012 14:58:39 | More by stakem

boldcity2008

Florida

2.55/5  rDev -36.1%
vibe: 1 | quality: 2.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 2 | $$$

Wow strip bar a narrow place that gets worse as you try to go find the restroom. We had to try this place as it got such high ratings. Well its a decent place section beer wise. I do not think its a great value. Tried a few of the bar snacks, not impressed.

I think most that review this place are drunk when they review it and of course they only ever been out of town to see the Gators play. It's a typical dive bar really, seats are hard as rocks. Music is way to loud. The beer was served in standard shakers pints and some special glasses. You can brew beer here. Once the double the size we rereview the place, if that ever happens.

as it is its a local hangout that is very close nit. If they know you and like you it could be a nice place, if you can afford it.

03-02-2012 21:55:41 | More by boldcity2008

macster

Florida

4.85/5  rDev +21.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

The Engine is an absolute gem of a beer bar here in the Jax Beach area. One NOT to be passed over if you are a fan of quality craft beers.

Has a friendly neighborhood bar feel to it. Small place overall, but expansion to the vacant adjacent store coming soon. Luch, the owner, is a Seibel Institute grad and knows the brewing process and beer scene inside and out. Barkeep staff is also quite knowledgeable of the nuances of the beers they are serving. Live music on occasion (mellower stuff), sports on the tube and good eclectic tunes being played otherwise.

Draft beer selection is ALWAYS superb. Well balanced with something for all tastes and desires. Everything from the lighter Pils and Lagers to the big Barleywines and DIPA's. When they run out of a draught they always seem to be replacing it with something even tastier!! Recently I have enjoyed Stone Double Bastard, Weyerbacher Double Simcoe and Sweetwater Festive Ale. In addition, their house brews are also fantastic!!

The food menu continues to grow and improve. Also the food prices are VERY reasonable.

Love this place!! Great folks and great beer. Couldn't ask for more!!

11-26-2011 05:31:34 | More by macster

kylehay2004

Florida

4.35/5  rDev +9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

The atmosphere is decent. It is kind of small and the chairs are a little uncomfortable. The people seem to be your average beer lover and its a nice place hang out. The beer selection is excellent, both bottles and taps. The prices are excellent and you can pay $5 for a 4, 4ounce sampler of anything they have on draft for those wanting to try more beers. Their own brews are very good as well and I imagine they will just get better. The food choices are good for a brewpub. The flatbreads are excellent as are the gyros. Service is decent. They are fairly attentive and nice people.

10-07-2011 01:50:57 | More by kylehay2004

Redrover

Illinois

4.14/5  rDev +3.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $$

I was able to stop by here during my latest visit to Jacksonville. It is located in the same strip mall as Mojo BBQ, which makes a good one-two punch.

They have a small patio in front as you enter. The bar is to your right and I would guess it seats about 15. There are several picnic type tables to share. The brewing equipment is back and to your left.

They are still working out their permits to serve house beers, but you can brew your own on premise. A couple of guys were doing that during my visit and they were getting some expert instruction from the staff.

The bartender was quick and had good knowledge of their rotating taps. She is the type of tender that you hope to get at a good beer spot.

They offer 30+ taps with some really nice local and not so local options. I had a nice beer from Cigar City and a unique smoked lager from Germany. They offer several flights and give you the option to design your own flight. I though the prices were very reasonable. They offer a limited bottle selection stored in a cooler at the end of the bar.

I did not try the food this time, but in looking at the menu, I did see several things I will try during my next visit.

07-29-2011 16:07:33 | More by Redrover

PlayHarderTours

Florida

4.9/5  rDev +22.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

This is my home base for beer drinking in Jax! The best Pub in town. You can't beat the friendly atmosphere. The staff is always willing to share their expertise, and offer samples to a thirsty customer.

Engine 15 has a varied selection of beers on tap, including domestic craft brews and imports from Belgium, Germany, and Cezch Republic. The list changes often and the beers are always fresh.

I would strongly recommend Engine 15 for both Jax locals and visitors to our beach city. Engine 15 has everything you could ever want in a pub... See you there!

06-05-2011 14:59:10 | More by PlayHarderTours

unclejimbay

Florida

4.55/5  rDev +14%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

1/18/11
Update. This place is solid and keeping up with my original review. Brew On Premise service fired up last week, and things seem to be running smoothly. They plan to brew on Tuesday and Sundays, appointment is required in advance. This is a must visit beer destination in the Jacksonville area.

7/28/10
A new local beer bar in the beaches area for all things beer geek. ~30 taps that stay full, fresh, and newly rotated as of about 4 weeks after opening. Seems 3-4 new taps every visit once a week or so. The lines are clean and they plan to stay this way as the staff/owners are homebrewers going brewpub/pro.

The food is enjoyable and they do a good job for what they offer. Menu is limited but seems appropraitte if you need some viddles. FYI this is mainly a beer bar. It's supposed to be a Brew On Premise also, but the permit is pending >90 days of opening. More details to follow from others once this happens.

I will report on this place in a few months to see if they have maintained what seems to be the best/new beer bar in the beaches possibly jacksonville area. (...with kickbacks as the Florida as The Mecca of variety and an exception to this statement at this time...)

More details to come once they start up the Brew On Premise services also.

05-26-2011 19:58:30 | More by unclejimbay

Schwarzwald

Tennessee

4.78/5  rDev +19.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

I visited Engine 15 last month and was very impressed with it. What a great selection of tap beers that you normally only see in the bottle. The owners are great and are very knowledgable about their brew. I ordered a gyro and their must have beer nuts. Awesome food! The gents at Engine 15 will offer some brewing station enabling you to basically "home brew" at their establishment. They will ferment and you can bottle. Very cool idea! Stop by and have a look at this German infused restaurant/bar. What a find and what a comfortable place.

01-13-2011 15:39:01 | More by Schwarzwald