Far from the mill of Ellicott lies a treasure of liquid gold, guarded by magical powers. For those who dare to seek this treasure, you must take the treacherous journey deep into the Enchanted Forest where a grand White Oak is hidden. 

If you are lucky enough to find this magical oak, for the final leg of the journey, you must leave your trusty steed behind and walk to this magical tree and request entry.  If you dare, enter this oak of spreading limbs to discover a world of magic and treasure beyond your imagination. If you ask nicely to the creatures of the oak, they will share some of the oak’s treasures with you.

Okay, perhaps that’s a little overboard. It’s really the White Oak Tavern of Ellicott City, found in the back of the Enchanted Forest Shopping Mall. The “treacherous journey” is the drive up Route 40 and finding a parking spot (although there is usually ample parking). There is no need to request entry, although we called in a reservation ahead of time, but that’s really not necessary.

I do not exaggerate about the treasure inside, though. The knowledgeable staff serves a wonderful assortment of craft beers and farm to table food. The day we visited White Oak, 41 craft beers were on tap or cask – impressive. And the food is great – Howard Magazine has awarded White Oak the best in dining for 2014 and 2015.

Unlike other craft beer establishments, draft beer prices are never more than $7.  If you order a particularly rare and expensive brew, the price doesn’t go up, but rather, the size of the glass goes down, which I like. No surprises at bill time. Tuesday night is pint night, meaning those who drink the featured brewery’s beer receive a free pint glass to take home.   Happy hour is from 3-7 on weekdays and all day Wednesday. Like most craft beer places, they offer a mug club, where you can track your beers and win prizes. An up-to-date beer list can be found on the Taphunter app.

They frequently offer beer dinners, where a brewery’s beers are paired with different courses. This is a nice opportunity to try your favorite brewery’s beers. Better yet, you get a chance to sample the food from the White Oak’s amazing chef. The experience is quite pricey but worth the occasional splurge. I still fondly recall my Heavy Seas beer tasting dinner at White Oak.

I met some friends at the White Oak Tavern on all day is happy hour night (a dollar off all beers). We sampled each other’s drinks, so I got to taste quite a few beers and at happy hour prices!

Here are a few beers sampled:

• Avery Apricot Sour – Tart apricot in lots of bubbles. As Dbear said later, I’m still thinking about this beer 2 days later. Delicious!
• American Brown Ale by Monument City Brewing – Thin bodied red-brown ale. Absolutely no head. Smoky, roast taste with fruity nose and aftertaste.
• Gose by Way Beer – Leather and salt tasting gose. Interesting, unique beer.

As for food, the wings are always delicious and the calamari was scrumptious.

Cheers!

Warren