Sit around for an hour, talking about football, rum drinks, and everything in between….it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it, right? That’s why Poppa Bear and myself ventured out to the other side of Mount Juliet to cover the new gastropub in town, Catch 22.
I first heard about this place from friends who had seen people mentioning it on that shit-show “Hip Mount Juliet” Facebook page. The MJ area is truly lacking in the craft beer department, so this is something I immediately thought could work. Cadbury and I have talked in the past about how something like Tailgate’s Charlotte Pike location would be PERFECT for Mount Juliet. But, for whatever reason, it’s like we could only get chain restaurants like Logan’s and O’Charley’s in town. So, it’s refreshing to see an establishment like this pop up in the area.
You notice the “craft vibe” as soon as you walk in. The bar is cozy, the decor is simple, and the welcome was warm. It immediately feels like the type of place you can just come hang out at.
I got started with a Hutton & Smith Crux-mas Ale. Something nice and wintry for the cold night. But, I loved the organization of their beer list. It was sorted by style of beer, and numbered so that you could just say, “I’ll have the #14.”
As far as appetizers went, I had to get started with the wings. As a dude who grew up in the south drinking Cheerwine, their Cheerwine red pepper sauce was a no-brainer for me.
For my main course, I went with the southern BLT with a side of bacon potato salad. Poppa Bear got a dozen wings – six Cheerwine red pepper, and six Carolina BBQ wings, with a side of their herb fries. The BLT was out of this world – bacon a little crispy for my liking, but it didn’t subtract from the thick, rich slices of spent grain bread. I’m a sucker for fried green tomatoes, and this sandwich had ’em in plenty. The sandwich was too big for me to finish (could’ve been the half a dozen wings I ate before it arrived). The bacon potato salad is a must-try, but that’s assuming you’re a potato salad fan.
Next trip, I have my eyes on the wasabi slaw, green chili and white cheddar grits, and a burger. Poppa Bear did not that a fellow patron’s fish and chips looked “to die for.” At one point, homeboy said to me, “everything here sounds good.”
Ratings
Food: 8/10. I’m ready to say Catch 22 has edged out The Goat as the greatest meal in Mount Juliet. Outside of the Butcher & Bee, it’s the highest food grade I’ve given since we started these Nashville reviews. This is a place that belongs among the blossoming Nashville restaurant scene.
Beer list: 7/10. It’s an excellent list full of the best stuff from regional breweries. If beer’s not your thing, then they have a good whiskey selection, too.
Atmosphere: 7/10. One of the strengths of this place is its “craft” charm, and you feel that in the environment. The bar is a cozy small setup where you’ll feel comfortable sitting for as long as it takes to get the job done….whatever that job may be is up to you. Or, if you prefer a table, they have you covered there, too. Plenty of televisions, but not enough to scream “sports bar.” It feels like a place where you can connect with people.
Value: 6.5/10. Tip included, I spent $30 on the dot for a beer, wings, sandwich and side. If you’re just going to go have a meal, that’s fine. But, if you aim to grab dinner and then spend the night there drinking, you’re going to spend some serious dough. Poppa Bear and I had ourselves a nice little casual experience. But, if you’re trying to get LIT, I’d recommend getting dinner here and heading elsewhere to get sloshed. You could always do what Poppa Bear and I have been known to do – eat a meal somewhere and then pay the Lyft driver to stop by the gas station for beer on the way home.
Overall: 7.125/10. This all averages out to a respectable 7.125/10 – it’s rare you get a “beer place” that has such a knockout menu. The Cheerwine red pepper wings are an absolute must-get. I can’t speak for the rest of the team, but personally, I can’t wait to head back once the weather warms up and enjoy that patio. Catch 22 has definitely earned a spot in my regular restaurant rotation now.
“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick couldn’t make it out last night, but he was one of the first of us to try Catch 22 out and was happy to provide his thoughts:
The inside has a chill vibe to it and the bar looked cool, but I only saw it from afar. When I got down to eating, I went with the House Burger that had sriracha-up, cheddar and some fantastic bacon jam on it. It comes with grilled onions too – but to hell with those! As good as the burger is, their herb fries are even better. They have the right kind of flavor that gives them a terrific taste. I dare say don’t even use ketchup on these (but I did). All of this was washed down with a Blonde Ale that I don’t know the name of, but was refreshing to say the least. Catch 22 has all of the right stuff to keep you coming back for more. Like those f’n fries!
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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