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Style Magazine

Grist Beer Hall in Folsom

Jun 27, 2017 04:43PM ● By Style

Chicken and Waffles

Lots of surprises await those who decide to try Folsom’s new gastropub Grist Beer Hall. What struck me initially was its location—a “beer hall” in a high-end retail setting. The next thing that caught my eye was a digital beer menu displaying 50 selections just above the concrete bar, and 50 tap spigots protruding from the stainless steel and white tile backsplash. A beer lover’s nirvana, indeed.

The epicurean bill of fare continued the trend of twists. Seldom, if ever, would you find chicharones, poutine, bahn mi, and chicken and waffles cohabitating on the same menu. For those keeping score, that’s one each for Mexico, Canada, Vietnam and the American South.  

I started with the chicharones—made to order with a dusting of orange coriander salt. Perfectly crunchy and not oily, adding a splash of hot sauce and a crisp, cold beer officially triggered the salivation mechanism. 

Next up was the aptly named Big Ol'Board—an artisically presented smorgasbord of cured meats, artisan cheeses, house marmalade, mixed olives, spiced nuts, hoppy pickles and rosemary focaccia—that's perfect for a party of two. 

Out of the norm and into the realm of gigantic came the chicken and waffles. The plate—large enough to easily feed three—featured savory Belgian waffles, house-cut and breaded chicken breasts, fiery Tabasco maple syrup, apple-bacon jam and spiced honey butter. Yes, it’s a lot of competing flavors, but if its too much, leave one out—they’re served on the side. The chicken was crispy, juicy and the perfect complement to the herbed waffle. 

Last but not least was the crispy poutine—something most Folsomites should have no idea about since its origins and popularity hail from the very North and very East. The twist here was the stout beer gravy. Rich with a hint of sweetness, I could have gulped it out of a pint glass. The white cheddar cheese curds and crisp fries smothered in that gluttonus gravy would be a perfect dish to share while watching a hockey game…eh!

Just a couple other things of note: The omnipresent pigeon you’ll see is part of their branding (the amazing mural was done by local artist Raphael Delgado) and there’s a story behind it, but I’ll let you find out when you stop in. 

Hours:  11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Sunday-Wednesday), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Thursday-Saturday)

Try This: Big Ol'Board, Crispy Poutine, Chicken and Waffles, Spinach and Arugula Salad

Alcohol: Beer and wine

Tab: $$

Heads Up: Happy Hour (3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday); 5 oz. pours and beer flights available; 50, constantly rotating craft beer taps; kids’ menu available; communal-style seating

Grist Beer Hall
310 Palladio Parkway, Suite 713, Folsom, 916-693-6480

By Lorn Randall   //  Photos by Dante Fontana