Drink Up! It's Howard County Beer Week! And Where Do You Suggest For Happy Hour?

Howard County Beer Week with Lil' Chow

Just as I sat down at this computer, someone left the following comment:  "I'm guessing this is the end of HowChow."

Oh, no!  I'm down, but I'm not out.  Except when I'm out drinking beer in the daytime.

That's right.  Mrs. HowChow's at work today.  Lil' Chow and I hit Kloby's Smokehouse for a red rye pale ale and an extremely healthy lunch of grilled cheese and "nachos" made with waffle fries, cheese, beans, and pulled pork.  It is really a friendly place with pulled pork and housemade sauces that stand out.

Kloby's nachos -- fries, cheese, beans, pork

My friend The Weather Man joined us for Kloby's lunch with his daughter.  Weather Girl is a two-year-old star -- downing a mac-and-cheese sandwich and applesauce and being patient with a little boy still learning to share toys.

It has been really tough to write posts.  We're still figuring out how to handle work and the toddler.  But good food keeps coming in Howard County.  This week, you should be checking out beers.  Chris Mabe of TBonz Grille is running the 2015 beer week with events through next weekend that feature both brewers and restaurants.  These are great places from White Oak Tavern to Ale House Columbia, The Wine Bin to Victoria Gastro Pub.

Kloby's offered lots of $4 drafts yesterday.  I assume there are other specials.  Of course, I had to bring it back here to change a diaper and get a boy to nap.  So now I need help answering a question for Nick.  What happy hours do you recommend in Howard County?  Nick was looking for good deals or especially good food.  Please help him in the comments below.  My DC job and Lil' Chow mean that I can just recommend good beer joints like the ones above -- but not the specific happy hour winners.

Please keep the comments, tips and emails coming.  We're getting more space in our lives.  I am trying to knock of some posts during this nap, and there will be more HowChow!

Jailbreak Is Brewing In Laurel, Shows Sun Video; Remember HoCo Beer Week Starts April 1

Luke Lavoie of the Sun has posted a new video reporting that Jailbreak Brewery in Laurel has started to brew its first run.  They're fermenting six beers.  That follows an earlier Sun video where Justin Bonner, one of the owner, talked about their plans while folks brewed in his backyard.

Jailbreak Brewery and the equally new Black Eyed Susan Brewery in Columbia are taking advantage of new Howard County laws that will let them serve drinkers from their brewing sites.  As I wrote in January, they're both looking for partners to serve food -- probably food trucks or similar folks who can bring some hot stuff that goes well with beer.

This is perfect timing to remind folks that Howard County Beer Week starts on April 1.  If you like brews, there will be a restaurant, bar or liquor store hosting something that interests you.

Tap The Keg: Howard County Beer Week Starts April 1 -- Bars, Restaurants And Liquor Stores

Craft beer takes over Howard County in early April with a week -- actually, eight days -- of special tastings and menus built around interesting Maryland brews.

Howard County Beer Week runs April 1 to 8.  The organizers have recruited a different restaurant every day -- along with liquor stores and some home brewers -- to celebrate local beers.  Go for tastings of rare beers at TBonz Taphouse in Ellicott City or a beer brunch at Kloby's Smokehouse or a special menu at White Oak Tavern.

Check the Beer Week's Web site for all the featured events.  The list includes a cross-section of Howard County's thoughtful casual joints.  These are all places where you'll get unusual, interesting food focused on the great barbecue, great burgers, great burritos part of the spectrum.  And, of course, you'll get great beer.

Howard County is a great place for craft beer.  There are so many great options that my 2012 post about "Liquor In The Suburbs" does a good job, but still misses some new locals like Ale House Columbia.  But you could scan all the HowChow posts about beer or concentrate on checking out the local breweries that should open this spring.