Prison Brews Microbrewery in Jefferson City, Missouri

Pizza Ovens

If you visit the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, take the time to visit Prison Brews Microbrewery and Restaurant just a couple of blocks away at 305 Ash. (Phone: 573-635-0678)

Its uniqueness hits you when you walk in the door. The prison bars speak of fun and relaxation in this setting - totally opposite of the prison tour experience. Menu items are named appropriately for the prison setting: like the Prison Reuben, the Prison Break Burger and Jail-House Fries.

The bar behind bars

Prison Brews boasts seven beers ranging from Go-to-Jail Ale to Rapsheet Raspberry and Big House IPA. With six people in our group, we ordered two beer samplers. I liked the Rapsheet Raspberry, Everett liked the Go-to-Jail Ale and the Jailhouse Java Stout, Sarah preferred the I Ain't Your Honey Wheat.

We all sampled some appetizers: the Jail-House Fries, Spinach Artichoke Dip and Beer-Battered Onion Rings. For dinner, several of us ordered salads. Everett ordered a Cranberry-Walnut Salad that he really enjoyed. Since pizza is their specialty, I ordered a Pepperoni Pizza and was pleased with my choice.

At Sarah's suggestion, we shared a dessert - aptly named the Shawshank Redemption Pie - with lots of cocoa fudge, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Needless to say, we all forgot our diets for a little while!

Restrooms

We ranked every food item very good. While the owners may have fun with menu item names, they're serious about quality food and excellent service. Prison Brews is a great way to spend a relaxing meal-time adventure.

Oh, yes. I forgot to mention that the restrooms carry a unique name. Almost makes one nervous to use the facilities!