The Fred - "I Love This Bar"

Eric and I’s favorite restaurant/bar chain, Taco Mac, recently opened a small exclusive bar in the basement of one of their stores, called The Fred. It is named after the beer manager for the restaurant group, Fred.

The Fred has a secret entrance, that looks similar to a back alley service entrance. You have to push a red button on the wall that notifies a the wait staff to let you in.

Once you’re in, you have to swipe your Taco Mac Brewniversity card, and have had at least 13 beers at Taco Mac before they’ll let you in any further. (Don’t worry, patrons can bring one guest per qualifying person).

Finally, you are seated at a small table or booth on plush leather seats, with tiny candles, and low tables. Table have curtains dividing them, and booths have ceiling high dividers between them. The walls are wood planked, the bar is small, and the carpet is cheetah-esque. The feel is 1920s speak-easy without the cigarette smoke.

And then there is the beer menu...oh the beer menu. Most of the beers are high gravity with the exception of the local brewery’s seasonal beers (something they promise to always have on tap, how cool?). In addition to high gravity, most of these beers are hard to find - even at the crème de la crème bottle shops. And then there is Fred’s Secret Stash menu, which features $15 and up bottles of beer. Talk about a selection for the connoisseur! And if beer isn’t your fancy, a notable wine and top shelf liquor (including liquors made by breweries!) selection is available.

Did i mention the crab dip? I don’t have to say much other than five kinds of cheese and blue crab meat, toasted and served with warm pita bread. MMmmm!

Needless to say, Eric and I frequent The Fred 3-5 nights a month, rain, snow or shine!