Yes, I’m a little late to the party in trying the fine food and atmosphere at Belmont Brewerks at 15 South Fourth Street in Martins Ferry. Mine reasons were my own, but I felt like I could no longer ignore the good reports I kept hearing about the food.
So early Friday evening, the gf and I decided to swing through and see what all the high praise was about. It was about halfway there that the realization that Belmont does brew its own house beers that it further amped my anticipation.
I am far from a beer snob, but if I’m going to spend multiple dollars on a beer, I want it to taste better than something excreted from a yak, if you catch my meaning. I want it to taste like beer. So, whenever I can find a local eatery that also brews its own combination of barley, hops, and water, I’m in.
Let’s stick with the booze for a second. We’ll get to the food later. Belmont Brewerks listed five house beers on the menu: lager, ale, stout, wheat, and a purple elephant, which is the house wheat mixed with a blueberry flavor shot.
With the exception of fine German beer, for which there is no substitute, I prefer my beers top fermented, which means ales, stouts, and porter are the drinks of the day. I wanted to try more than one, but seeing as I was driving, that’s a no-no. But what’s this? A flight of beer, for just $7? Sign me up. Four little glasses of different beer styles were brought out to me on a plank.
I chose one of each, minus the lager. The purple elephant was different. It wasn’t bad at all, but not my speed. The stout was definitely quality and robust, with plenty of roasted malt flavor. I also enjoyed ale and wheat varieties, but think upon returning, I’ll get a full pint of the stout.
Then again, if I’m not driving next time, I think I’ll partake in the bourbon flight. Good whiskey is a thing of beauty and being able to select what I deem the four top whiskeys, in house, for a sampling, would go nicely with my meal.
We will certainly be back. The food quality we’ll get to, but the variety also caught my eye. There are a number of different dishes I want to try here. There are a couple of wing flavors that look really tasty, enough to make me wish they offered a wing flight. They also serve gyros, which I’ve really began enjoying in the last year or so. Finding a good one, however, can be a challenge. So, we’re both hopeful on that account.
But alas, those will have to wait for another day. A brisket blended burger, with beef provided by Jacob & Sons in town. Like gyros, an excellent burger is equally a rare find.
chicken tenders, fries, and fried pickles. 
The Belmont Burger (highly recommended) with fries.
The Food
I saw the Belmont Burger’s description and knew immediately that was the burger for me. Meat, bacon, and beer cheese by itself is enough, but when paired with crispy onion straws, I knew this was the one for me. It came with seasoned fries which were tasty enough to not need dunking in ketchup. That’s always a plus.
But the burger itself? It was really good. I’d say second best I’ve tasted locally, just a shade back from 360 Burger in Cambridge. Seeing as Ferry is a bit closer than Guernsey County; I think I’ve found my new burger place when staying hyper local.
She, like me, saw multiple items on the menu she wished to try, but decided this time to go with the chicken tenders and fries. Seldom will you see her clearing her plate, especially when we (read her) also ordered an appetizer of fried pickles.
There were a few fries left over and one chicken strip, both of which were polished off the next late morning at home. That’s as good as sign as any.
Next time, I’ll be selecting the appetizer, and an order of the soft pretzel and beer cheese will be on the docket.
It’s a nice atmosphere in Belmont Brewerks that pays homage to the past whilst still providing a modern experience. There’s also something to be said about being to eat in a downtown as opposed to a, mall or plaza setting. It was a bit chilly out, so we opted for a high-top, two-top in the front of the restaurant, though I’ve seen loads of people dining outside on the “turf” when warmer weather hits. I’ll have to try that too.
As stated, I waited a while for my first trip to Belmont Brewerks. The second won’t take nearly as long. So, if you’re driving through the Purple City, or even near it, it’s definitely a worthwhile stop to check it out and see for yourself.
