Schnitz Ale Brewery blends Old World and new in Parma

👋 Sam here. The best place I went this week was Schnitz Ale Brewery in Parma.

Catch up quick: Schnitz Ale became the first brewery in Cleveland's largest suburb when it opened in late 2021.

• I'd tried a number of its beers — a Polish release for Dyngus Day; an easy-drinking collab with the Cleveland Crunch — but never set foot inside the brewpub on Pearl Road.

Vibe check: Alpine lodge meets Bourbon Street Barrel Room.

• It was popular in 2022 and it's popular now. On Saturday evening, my wife and I waited 30 minutes for a table in the bustling dining room.

What we ate: We ordered a starter (brisket poutine) and a Schnitzel dinner to share, to keep things on brand.

• And I couldn't resist the temptation of a piping-hot tomato soup with shaved parmesan and croutons.

Verdict: Not exactly old-school Eastern European fare.

• You can certainly get a Schnitzel or a sausage platter, but the menu leans contemporary American, with an array of pub-grub appetizers — pulled pork egg rolls, anyone? — salads and meaty handhelds.

And don't forget the beer. I tried a flight of Schnitz Ale's recent award-winners, including the velvety "Copy and Pastry" stout.