The best part about the Upstream Brewing Company is stated in the title. Brewing Company. Nebraska has very few commercial/small batch breweries and in my opinion, Upstream is currently the top one on the list. The brew, combined with two unique restaurants, top notch food, and spot on service are the reason Upstream is a place I visit often.
As M.C. Hammer would say "Break-It-Down!"
The space (Legacy Location) First of all, this place is huge! There is main floor dining with a bar area, upstairs dining with another bar area, along with several rooms on this level that are available for private parties. Add on top of that a basement that has another large area available for rent and you have yourself a serious restaurant. Seating is available in booths and tables with the tables set up so that they can easily be put together for large parties.
Old Market: Think old brick building, exposed beams, wood floors, etc... Everything you would expect for a former warehouse district. Not quite as much space as the Legacy location but still has the flexibility for large and private parties.
Both locations offer billiards, but the Legacy location has only one table (that I know of.)
The Beer: As I mentioned above, Nebraska as a whole only has a handful of breweries (Empyrean Ales, Nebraska Brewing Company, Thunderhead, Lucky Bucket (new,) and Spilker Ales to name a few.) Upstream offers variety just like the other brewers but their beer in my opinion is the top dog. Why??? Why ask Why? People enjoy certain beers "just because." This place just happens to be my top pick. It is like wine samples... Why is the $40 bottle better than the $9 bottle? All a personal opinion.
Food: Upstream offers a wide variety of food on their menu from Steaks to Pizza. All of the food has a gourmet touch to it (and that is reflected in the price a bit.) I have yet to find a dish I was unsatisfied with (and I have tried a bunch.) Personal favorites include, Artichoke-Asiago Cheese dip (appetizer or meal (waaay better than your typical spinach artichoke dip,)) Smoked Gouda and Blonde Ale Soup, Reuben Sandwich (homemade 1000 island dressing is out of this world,) Fish And Chips (homemade tartar sauce is amazing.) Order a pub salad to try one of their house made dressings too.
Don't be afraid to try their daily specials. They seem to come up with some interesting food combinations. All of the specials are done well and priced nice.
Service: At Upstream they tend to run a heavy staff and it shows in the service. Drinks and food arrive in a timely manner. Even better is that empty plates are taken away quickly and drinks are refilled without asking. The wait staff is large so it is unlikely you will get the same server each time. Despite that, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and the beer.
Tips: Check out their weekly specials when you stop in. They seem to have some budget friendly days to eat and drink (like Pizza and Pint night on Wednesdays.)
Take beer to go. Upstream does sell growlers of their beer to go. They even have a small refrigerator stocked up so you can grab and go (small "deposit" for first time growler buyers.)
They have a growler club. Buy enough beer from them and get a free growler.
Conclusion: If you want some nice upscale "pub grub" with great beer this is your place. If you want a great steak and some higher end food (along with great beer or wine) this is your place. The Upstream is a solid local eating and brewing establishment that should continue to thrive in the years to come. A true blessing of great food and great beer all in one place.
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