Fox & Goose Public House

Fox & Goose Public House is located on R street at the corner of 10th street in a large brick building that looks like it use to be a warehouse at some point in history. Speaking of history, the term Public House is as old as the styles of beers served. For those not interested in the long read, public houses came about in England with the popularity of porters and they served all classes of society. The first bars where you would sit to drink started in public houses.

While the Fox & Goose is known for its breakfast, it should be known for the rare beers they serve on tap - English imports; Fuller's, Samuel Smith's, Old Speckled Hen, and Belhaven. They also serve your more well-known American and European macrobrews and even a few micro like Anderson Valley and Lagunitas.

Beer culture in California tends to be centered around well-hopped, big-flavor brews and Belgian styles. Lost in the current trends are many subtle, well balanced, skillfully crafted beers that haven't changed much in the past few hundred years and might not be as exciting. English ales are a style to be explored for their smoothness and balance of flavor, without being aggressive. Some say its the water, some say its the centuries old brewing techniques. Either way, Fox has a healthy supply of English brews, so check them out.

I like the space. The tall ceilings, English beer paraphernalia, and wood decor remind me of some of the older pubs I've visited across the pond. The bartenders and the doormen who work nights, are always pretty laid back, friendly and fun to talk to.

The place has always been clean, including the bathrooms. There's also two dart boards. I enjoy coming here because it's never that crowded. Even when a band is playing there's usually space. The Fox has some bands playing most nights of the week, which can be either good background music or a good show to see. Covers are $5 on Fridays and Saturdays, its free the rest.

The Fox is out of the way from most of the midtown crowds. At night its neighborhood oriented and a great place to have conversations with friends. Its also close enough to the busier spots a couple blocks down on R street. You should definitely Try It at some point, if just for the English Ales on tap.