Lunch Break: Bunnies and Brewskis
Sampling dishes and diners in and around Miami County
Sometimes the best and only way to cure Sunday scaries or relax in between emails is with a beer and a pizza. The idea of a pie and a brew isn’t new, but it certainly takes on a modern fashion at The Hairless Hare. This adorable brewery adjacent to the Dayton airport offers much more than just a glass or two of your favorite ale. The variety of beverages and a heavenly food selection make it the perfect place to catch up with buddies after a long week. The convenient Vandalia location also creates a hip stop on the way home from the airport that might have your not-so-local friends rethinking their disdain for Ohio winters.
The most prominent part of the Hairless Hare experience is their wide selection of beers, seltzers, and ciders. The most effective way to enjoy as many of these as possible is the beer flight. A modern invention that seems to have originated in the bar scene but adorably makes its way into the brewery, coffee, and even food world. If you haven't had a flight of anything before, think of it as a shot ski without the peer pressure, chanting, and immediate regret.
No, the beer flight is a classy wooden paddle, each with a beer of your selection, toting its own brewing backstory. Now, you could share this flight, but the adorable presentation makes it socially acceptable, in my opinion, to down four beers. As far as anyone is concerned, you are simply refining your palette. Jokes aside, the beverages within the flight that I crossed paths with were each unique in their regard, which is the magic of the beer flight—this, and the fact that they’re brewed right in the home of the Hairless Hare.
You’d be surprised at how many people I know who will diss a seltzer simply because of its, well, “seltzeriness.” In other words, carbonation haters are out there, and they are fierce. Some would consider putting a seltzer first in line on the beer flight bold. But, part of what made the Cranberry Grape seltzer stand out was that it was bubbly, but not enough to drive away any bubble haters. The cute pink beverage could also be described as less cran and more grape, with a refreshing juice-like flavor.
The Ohio Scarlet Ale, however, takes the flight for a complete 180, with a warm, cozy texture and a flavor that melts into your tongue like caramel candy. Now, all of the beers described on the flight were chosen so there would be a different taste in each glass, and upon the third glass, this was apparent.
If you are a fan of dark beers and are feeling a little more distinguished, the Chocolate Raspberry Vanilla Porter has layers of full, rich, and complex flavors.
In comparison, the barrel Aged Stout could be described as liquor adjacent, which I’m sure comes with the aging, and is probably suitable for someone who is into that kind of thing. Maybe not everyone, but that’s the beauty of the beer flight.
Finally, the Orange Creamsicle Cider is an irreplicable work of beverage art. Yes, it could be described as tasting like an Orange Creamsicle, but I would go as far as to say one could only replicate this flavor in a flashback to the best summer you’ve ever had.
It would be a crime not to indulge in one of the drool-worthy pizzas displayed on the hairless Hare’s menu. To satiate myself and to prevent menu-licking measures, I also ordered the Gouda cheese dip while I waited on my carefully picked barbeque pulled pork pie. The appetizer did not disappoint. I coated each tortilla chip generously with a smooth and creamy layer of the rich Gouda dip, complete with cheese chunks sprinkled within. After leaving barely enough room, I excitedly dove into the pizza upon its arrival. Each slice was spicy with jalapenos and smothered in a delicious barbeque sauce, meat, and mozzarella mixture. This delectable treat was only one of the many creative pizzas on the menu.
The Hairless Hare has a pie and a drink suited to everyone’s taste. The adorable local brewery has an unbeatable and diverse menu. Every time you return is a different experience. If you're feeling a little down in the dumps during the dreary grey days of winter, I would definitely recommend a day trip escape.
The Hairless Hare Brewery is located at 738 W. National Rd. Vandalia.