When we get in the car and Ted says we’re going to a place because someone he knows recommended it, there’s usually an audible groan.

To understand why, we have to go back about 10 years, to the place that gave us the thrilling experience of trying tarter toast and non-sweet bean salad.

RIP Gus’ Chalet.

Clearly we still hold a grudge when it comes to Ted’s inner circle recommendations.

But in this case, we’ve all been anxiously awaiting our first trip to this place ever since we first saw the building being constructed. Richfield Brewing Company officially opened at the end of 2024, but of course we wanted to give it a little bit to work out the new restaurant kinks before we showed up for an official review.

And we may not have been the only ones with that same plan, as it was pretty busy for a random winter Wednesday night. The friend of Ted’s who recommended it had said he had visited during the week, and told Ted he thought that a Wednesday shouldn’t be too busy. Surprise! I think we were all silently agreeing that if we hadn’t been able to get a table it would’ve been that guy’s fault for cursing us.

Fortunately the space is pretty big and open inside, so even when it’s busy it doesn’t feel like walking into a typical crowded bar. The aesthetic reminded us of something between a church and a German beer hall. A crossover that really should be made more often, no?

The beer list isn’t huge, which is a bit surprising given they are, well, a brewing company. They do offer the option for a flight – four 4oz beers for $12 – but truthfully I couldn’t find four on the small list that I was super excited about enough to try.

So I just went with a glass of the raspberry porter. 

Ted decided to give the flight a try, choosing two IPAs, the raspberry porter and the red ale.

As soon as I tried my raspberry porter I warned him how fruity it was (shocking given the name literally is a fruit, I know) because given his non-love for super fruity beers he said if he would’ve saved it to last he would’ve been very disappointed.

I didn’t mind it. It wasn’t my favorite beer ever as it was a little heavy, but it was definitely drinkable. 

Ever the adventurous beer drinker, Shane opted for a mule.

Which seems a good time to mention that they do have a full bar in addition to beer, so if breweries aren’t usually your thing know you can order liquor or mixed drinks too.

The menu is a bit limited, especially if you’re looking for basic burgers and sandwiches. There are a lot of items fancier than you would anticipate for a brewery. Like Kimchi. And Smash burgers made with vegan meat. The section for actual dinner plate meals (like salmon, pasta, steaks, etc)  seemed to take up more menu space than handhelds or salad options. 

The dessert menu is almost as big as the sandwich menu, if that gives you any idea. Which, I mean, don’t think I didn’t contemplate just having the s’mores as my meal. Tempting. 

Ted got the meatball with angel hair pasta.

I think calling this a meatball is a severe understatement. Kind of like saying the Old 96er steak is a light snack. Or suggesting you “may” need a jacket when it’s -20 outside.

To quote Shane, “that’s a full meatloaf on your pasta, Ted.”

Hope you’re hungry.

But he did get the coveted “good choice” stamp of approval from the server when he ordered, so that’s promising.

Getting in the St Patrick’s Day spirit a bit early, Shane chose the Reuben.

I got the pancino sandwich. Which, if it’s unclear, is a fancy way of basically saying a sausage sandwich.

And the verdicts?

All good, fortunately. In fact, Ted joked that this may be his new favorite Italian restaurant in the area. He was a little hesitant about ordering pasta because he’s pretty picky about it – but this dish definitely won him over. The pasta was tasty, and that brick of meat on it was certainly a meal all in itself.

My sandwich was good. I had to eat it in pieces with a knife and fork a because there was zero way to pick that up and eat it gracefully – hello, there’s a reason they serve those in aluminum foil wrapping at county fairs, people. So I didn’t get the full effect of all the flavors together, but separate they were still excellent. I have a weird thing about the texture of soggy beads, so I abandoned the hoagie at one point ans and basically just ate the sausage – but can’t say I’m mad about that choice.

Yes, I hear the jokes in my head. I’m just not writing them here.

Shane said there was a lot going on with his sandwich, but it worked. The pickles might’ve been his favorite part. Or the sauce which was some sort of a horseradish? He wasn’t sure, but he said all of the flavors really worked together to make a great meal.

If I could offer one complaint, it’s the options for a side. There’s fries, or macaroni salad. Hmm. Neither of those really offer a lighter option to offset a somewhat heavy sandwich. Personally I would’ve preferred an option like a side salad or coleslaw or something a bit more vegetable heavy.

But all in all this is a solid choice for an evening out. The food is a bit on the pricey side, with dinners being around $20-$30 each and sandwiches $15-$20 each. And again, if you’re looking for a basic burger or chicken sandwich you won’t find it here. But if you’re willing to be a little adventurous you won’t be disappointed.

Picked by: Ted