Pikk's Tavern & Hot Shotz Update

Well, I've been to Pikk's about four times since they've opened and I'm a big fan. The first several times they didn't have their taps installed and they were running two taps out of a cooler set up. We went back with some friends and sat in the dining room (not at the bar for the first time) last Friday and they had their full tap list available (word of warning - their tap list on their website wasn't current as of mid week last week).

The chef came out and chatted with us once while we were sitting at the bar and I was very impressed. He hails from a steakhouse background but wanted to do more creative cooking. In this all from scratch kitchen he gets that opportunity. I'd say the menu is a bit random (seems like they're trying to please everyone by offering a little bit of everything), but I haven't had anything that I didn't like. The mufaletta sandwich was awesome and the pork chops were the best I've had in Indy. That, along with a killer beer selection, will make Pikk's a top destination for me. They also have great specials during the week. I don't remember all of them, but I know on Monday they have $1 canned beers (nothing exotic - PBR, Old Style and one other I can't remember - Schlitz, maybe?) and $0.50 mini-burgers (which are awesome). I'd say if you're in the area you should check it out.

On the other hand I went into Hot Shotz last night to check out the new scene. If you're looking for a beer mecca, I'm not sure this is it. The tap list was good, but the bartender was clueless about beer. I was happy to see they had quite a few people in the place (and a lot of employees working to get up to speed). I don't know that I'll be going to Hot Shotz very much - while the food was OK, they seem to have moved away from their gastropub offerings and are going with more standard bar fare. Not necessarily a bad thing, but they've lost some of the magic they had in their old space.

Anyone else been to either place? I'd love to hear your thoughts

HotShotz and Scotty's Update

Well, hat tip to Generik , it looks like I was wrong about HotShotz. They're not done - they're just done at their old location. I drove by the old Bennigan's site at 1-69 and 96th (very close to Fry's), and sure enough there was a now hiring sign out front, HotShotz logo'ed notes on the door and workers inside. Not sure what an open date will be, but it looks like they're trying to make a go of it in a new location. They'll need to wrap some serious PR around that location. The good thing is that there are a few hotels right in the area that will feed them some business and if they do some lunch specials there are quite a few businesses that can help drive their daytime revenue.

Also, I was at Scotty's this weekend and my memory wasn't quite correct (see previous post). No Rogue beers on tap (hopeful thinking on my part). They did have Magic Hat #9 (mmm...good stuff), Three Floyds Alpha King (tap was dry, and had been for a few days....that means they're selling more than anticipated, hopefully. That also means they'll be willing to try more unique beers that you can't find elsewhere). They had a few other new ones, including Abita Turbodog and Shiner Bock. Good food and an increasingly good selection of craft beer? Count me in!

Three Floyd's Brewing Company - Behemoth Barley Wine

What: Three Floyd's Brewing Company - Behemoth Barley Wine
Style: American Barley Wine
Vessel: Tulip Glass
Price: $4.50 (ish - I didn't see a detailed receipt)
Where: Hot Shotz Gastropub
When: May 3, 2008
Rating: 2
Comments: I had time to grab a quick lunch, and decided I was close to Hot Shotz, so why not get a good beer with lunch. I had a great burger, and a great beer. I'm normally not a huge barley wine kind of guy, but I enjoyed this one. It didn't have an overpowering alcohol flavor and it was nice. I'd say give it a try. I wasn't going to until Chris, one of the owners, offered me a free taster of it (and a couple of other beers). That's the benefit of getting there before any crowd starts arriving. I really need to add this place into the rotation. They've got great food, beer and service.
Ratebeer Link:http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/three-floyds-behemoth-barleywine/6055/