If the locals like it, it’s often a pretty good sign that visitors will too. Such is the case with Counterpart Brewery in Niagara Falls, Ont., which had barely been open a year when COVID forced the fledgling business to hit pause.
Nevertheless, the Stanley Road establishment (about 10 minutes from the Falls by car) retained a loyal and enthusiastic clientele through the early days of the troubles, not the least Elite Travel’s Nancy Bickell, who wrote us to share her love of the place when it recently re-opened. (We also noticed popular travel industry figure Beth Fleeton giving kudos on the site’s Facebook page).
“The owners and their family had taken the shell of the building they are located in and built and decorated a fabulous space for friends and community to get together,” Nancy wrote.
The Niagara Falls-based travel agent cites the craft brewery and kitchen’s mandate to build community through great craft beer and food. Indeed, the company’s motto is “Beer. Food. Community.”
As for the former, there are multiple vintages brewed on site, the most recent release being Dreamshake (Blueberry Mango), “the second iteration of our rotating milkshake IPA series, this time conditioned on blueberry and mango purée. With additions of vanilla and lactose and dry hopped with mosaic and bru1, this one might even be milkshakier than the first version…”
You get the idea – that the owners take their beer seriously, which also means requisite traditional beers for purists, ranging from IPAs and pilsners to blonde ales and wheat beers, and much more.
Food, often an afterthought in many a pub and patio, gets similarly keen attention and customer raves. Menu items might include the likes of cauliflower tacos, soy-glazed beef brisket sandwich and PEI mussels, but also gourmet takes on less-fussy fare like cheeseburgers and poutine. Again, you get the idea – something for everyone, but it’s no Firkin.
A new addition to the new brew pub is a patio, and while it doesn’t overlook the falls or gorge, Nancy says, “What it lacks in a view it makes up with atmosphere, style, great beef and food.”
She adds that Counterpart has been well received in the community and often was at capacity most nights before the pandemic. Still, she isn’t afraid of sharing her local with visitors. “It’s definitely worth a look (when you’re in town),” she says.
“Let’s hope we can help them get through this rough patch (COVID) and continue to be a gathering place for all ages.”
For more info, check out the company’s extensive Facebook page (web site offers bare minimum details) or Instagram.
With summer in mind – and glass in hand – we at Travel Industry Today continue our seasonal series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues to enjoy during the (hopefully good) weather. Send your suggestions to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com