Restaurant Spotlight

RANTS AND RAVES BY KRIS SMITH

So, what makes for a fun and relaxing place to eat, drink and be merry?

Start with a welcoming atmosphere. Add in plenty of seating, make sure the establishment is

both children and pet friendly, and don’t forget enough screens for people to gather and follow

their favorite sports. Then, throw in a fun game room with pool tables, skee-ball, darts, and old

school video games. Did I forget anything?

Of course I did! If you’re a Brewery you should have plenty of beer styles and if you serve food,

it had better be tasty. Well, surprise, Rant & Raves Brewery checks off all the boxes. Located at

308 Jackson Street in Moscow, ID. It’s a great place to sit, and choose a nice cold brew made

right on premises. They have everything from a Huckleberry Wheat Pale Ale to a Session IPA to

a Belgian-style Saison to an Anniversary Stout to a Barley or Wheat wine or two. I highly suggest

you try a few of these well-crafted styles. Some personal favorites I’d suggest: the Huck Yeah

Bud Wheat, Anonymous IPA, Cowpoke Porter and the R&R Anniversary Barley Wine. Not a beer

drinker? Not to worry, they have wine selections by the glass or bottle, many produced right

here in Idaho, The Clearwater Canyon Cellars Lochsa Chardonnay is refreshing by the glass and

the Clearwater Canyon Cellars Carmenere by the bottle is a great value too!

Lest we forget, turn your attention to a great pub menu with some not so predictable

appetizers, small plates and entrees. Burgers headline and they even have a crabby patty made

with lobster and crab. For my money, it’s hard to beat the Hell’s Canyon Burger: angus beef,

fried egg, thick cut bacon, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, siracha mayo and Oregon blackberry jam.

Pro-tip: add pepper jack for some extra cheesy heat! Great sammies abound, there are nine,

yes, 9 to choose from. If you’re not in a sharing mood and like spicy full flavors go with the

Dragon Hunter Melt: Roast beef, cheddar and pepper jack, tomato, green chile and siracha

mayo on sourdough. Salads are available, switch it up a little with the Kale Cranberry Pecan

salad. Amongst the small plates they have cod or pulled pork tacos and Irish nachos made with

potato wedges (no surprise). But if you want unique, try my favorite, Lobster Dippers. In-house

made lobster salad, melted Havarti and pita chips. Pro-tip: ask the kitchen to make sure its hot!

Real lobster people, legit. Appetizers are fun and varied, go with the Honey Glazed Pork Belly

but try, try, try them all. They also have a Beer Lover’s delight on the dessert menu: Porter

Float, self-explanatory. Adult F-U-N!

In closing, if you’ve never been or haven’t been in a while, go! They are gearing up for more fun

featured beers and events. There’s no time like the present to surprise yourself, family and

friends by coming in and getting a taste of what’s going on at Rant & Raves Brewery. You’ll be

pleasantly surprised if you do.