A NY State of Mind...

With other North West Jersey beer business on my agenda, I did a run up to Skyline Drive in Pompton Plains, hit 511 and turned on Sloatsburg Rd. I came out on Rt.17 and found myself at a fantastic pub I reviewed here a while back.

Rhodes North Tavern has been a favorite biker stop for decades. It's a typically classic pub with Good Beer, Great Food and Good People. And one of those people is the owner, Tyler Rhodes. His biker customers are the "good "ones, as he will not serve any biker groups wearing "colors." His affable manner belies his toughness, because he brooks no nonsense. It's his place, and he's gonna run it as he sees fit. If you don't like it, GTFO. Which is what he once told some 1 %-er biker babes who were using the wrong restroom.

With that kind of pedigree, I decided that Rhodes North would be the first out-of-state pub to receive the coveted P.A.P. Seal of Approval, and, as I slid into a bar seat, I asked lovely Nicole if a manager was available. She told me that the owner himself was on the premises, so I gave her my card and told her that I came bearing gifts of free publicity and great distinction. She went in search of him.

Little did I know that meeting Tyler Rhodes would be a gift to me. When he came in and clapped me on the shoulder, it took me only sixty seconds to know that this guy was the "salt of the earth." Apparently, lots of other folks already knew this, because his pictures, awards and plaques from multiple Police and Firemen's organizations hang in prominent places --underneath a huge American Flag in the foyer.

It was a sign out front that spurred me to go in in thew first place a month or so ago, and that sign said simply, "Police Lives Matter." This was my kind of place. And Tyler is my kind of American.

He was excited to get the PAP Seal when i told him about it, and he quickly pasted it up next to several special police stickers, then told Nicole to buy me a beer. the beer I got was a damned fine saison, and it was made locally in Florida, NY by Glenmere Brewing Company in Orange County.

Made with Centennial hops and Pilsner, Vienna and Pale Wheat Malts, this beer rang in at very respectable 7.5%, on the high side for a saison. But so well balanced was it, that the alcohol was virtually undetectable--and that makes it dangerous. Though I only had one because I was on two wheels, I will definitely go back for another, and so should you.

And the beer accompanied an outdstanding BLT and a YUUUUGE plate of fries. the food was another reason I gave this place such high marks in my last review.

Tyler has a big shindig planned at Rhodes North for tomorrow, September 11, and the place, a labyrinthine one with various rooms and off-rooms, will likely be packed.

But if you can get in, look for the PAP seal. It tells you that this is a quality pub.

And look for Tyler Rhodes, who's a quality guy.