SteinHaus

Rbald42

Montana

4.03/5  rDev -2.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3 | $

You'd likely miss this place if you were driving by, or just assume it's not harboring much in the way of craft brews based on the somewhat divie exterior, but you'd be dead wrong. This is THE place to head for a beer if you find yourself in Great Falls, which is way below par compared to other Montana cities (Billings, Missoula) when it comes to quality micros. Slowly that is changing, with the new brewery opening soon here.

Atmosphere-wise, it's very average. The place is small, dark, but clean. You'll see a lot of working class, friendly locals drinking here. Most of the guys know the bartenders by name, and will gladly strike up a conversation without knowing you. The bartenders work hard and most know the basic details about the brew they're serving.

This place really tries hard to rep local Montana micro breweries. The tap lines are clean, and you can pick up a growler of whatever you like, or bring in an empty one to be filled. I did have to request a non-frozen mug, but aside from being nitpicky, the quality of the beer is very good. Service is cheap, fast, and friendly. Lots of good conversation to be had here. Some guys can be rough around the edges, but not in an agressive, mean way. One old, weathered, meth'd-the-eff-out fellow (there are MANY in GF) walked in once, and the bartender immediately pointed to the door after having seen enough.Haven't brought kids here, but if you do, they'll hear some interesting conversations from time to time. Keep em home. After all it's a fucking bar, right :)

Being that the selection is almost entirely Montanan, the brews don't carry any hype or much beer geek background knowledge, so trying to pick a good one (there are some subpar Montana micros) can be a challenge. However the staff will always pour you a taster and ask your opinion of what they're serving. They can steer you towards a good beer if you ask. Food is from next door and I find the chicken strips much better than the pizza (Howards will make a turd, but that's about it for me). Check this place out if you've landed in Great Falls.

11-27-2011 08:01:15 | More by Rbald42

zhanson88

California

4.22/5  rDev +2.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | $

Steinhaus is definitely my favorite place to go drink some craft in Great Falls. It's pretty unassuming on the outside, and modest inside as well, with a bar up front and as you move further in, more seating and a big fireplace in the middle of the floor which comes in handy when it's -30F. Mostly quiet, chill atmosphere which is great. Quality is good, they clean their tap lines regularly. Service sets this place apart from everywhere else in Great Falls. Friendly, yes, but they also know something about the beer they serve which is unique in this town. Selection is pure Montana micros (aside from 3 taps for BMC types). Probably around 12 Montana micros, many of which I haven't seen anywhere else. A lot of good ones too. They do serve food there, but it is made by the Howard's Pizza next door (a Great Falls staple food, for better or worse; average pizza). The beer is $4 for a pint, or $3 from 7-10pm, which I consider cheap as hell. If you like beer and are visiting GF, this is the place to come.

11-23-2011 21:10:28 | More by zhanson88