Prelude to a Stroll (Kelly's Brew Pub)

Tonight is the annual Nob Hill Shop n' Stroll- when Central is closed down to traffic and stores are open late to tempt holiday shoppers to peruse their wares. I thoroughly enjoy this tradition, though I don't often purchase anything. I'm more than content to have a good dinner and then wander around Nob Hill (in many layers of warm clothes) people-watching, window-shopping, listening to carolers, and stopping somewhere for a warm drink. While there are numerous Nob Hill restaurants that I like, I've been craving a turkey burger all week...so we'll be eating at Kelly's Brew Pub (on Wellesley).

Kelly's is well known around the area for decently priced, delicious beer that's brewed on location. They have a huge list to select from, and for the weirdo in the group, there are also bottled beers you can order, as well as wine. (Side note- Kelly's offers a "brew it yourself" party where you can brew your own special beer and have it bottled...cool, right?) I like all types of beer, but from Kelly's I especially like their apricot ale. Even better is half a glass of apricot ale mixed with half a glass of hard cider (they call this the Fruit Basket).

Now here's the part that you may find surprising: I don't particularly love the food at Kelly's. With the exception of a few things, I've found myself disappointed in the menu. That said, I do think that their turkey burgers are the best in town, and I can't ever seem to get enough of their sweet potato fries. If you're a person who likes wings, they have a good wings appetizer. The burgers are also good, but you have to specify done-ness if you don't want a patty of overcooked meat to show up in front of you. Other than these offerings, I wouldn't suggest you stray. It sounds harsh, but I tried a lot of things on their menu before I found the turkey burger...and had it not been for the good beer, I'd have given up on them long ago.

I suppose that it's worth mentioning that the beer also makes up for the service at Kelly's. Yes, there have been a couple of good servers there...but that seems like such a long time ago. I can overlook bad service once my beer is in front of me, but if they are terrible from the get-go, I'm never thrilled. This is something you just have to be aware of if you go.

However, even with the negative aspects, I'm still looking forward to my Kelly's dinner tonight...and the merriment that will no doubt follow.