It was six on a Saturday evening. In true North Carolina fashion, we’ve been granted a reprieve from winter weather and if you’re looking to go beyond the well beaten path of Whole Foods and Midtown for dinner, then the First Street Draught House could be exactly what you’re looking for. Located on, you guessed it, First Street , this bar and grill is a great break from the typical Wake Forest fare. First Street Draught House makes no pretences, what you see is what you get. I counted twenty beers on tap (though the sweet tea is excellent if that’s more your thing), and the menu is extensive with everything from chips and salsa to deli sandwiches and exotic pizzas. For those with health food in mind, there is also an extensive salad selection and hummus available for appetizers or a light dinner.

I had a shrimp poboy (which was also consumed by a male in my party who had just returned from Mardi Gras in New Orleans and he said it stood up well in comparison) served with mixed fruit on the side. To my pleasant surprise the fruit was not just melon- there were pineapples and grapes as well. Grapes! And for those of us on a budget, the prices ranged from three dollars to ten- we are talking great food at affordable prices, a concept foreign to on-campus dining.

The only down side to the First Street Draught House is it is not the best choice if you and say, ten of your nearest and dearest want to enjoy a meal together. I went with a group of eight, and the standard bar seating is not really conducive to large groups, unless you hate facing people in your party. We ended up splitting into two groups of four at opposite corners of the bar.

The service is quick and friendly- which is no small task for a Saturday night. They were patient with menu indecisiveness and a large group of eight becoming two small groups on opposite ends of the place- after taking their orders. Our food and drinks came out quicker than any of us thought they would.

There are two large TVs on either side of the bar, which were airing sports and Entertainment Tonight on this particular Saturday evening. Their clientele is just as diverse, so don’t expect to see everyone from ‘the bubble’ hanging out. Which, let’s face it, is kind of refreshing every once in a while. This is the perfect place for good food and a couple of beers with a couple of friends- or maybe that rare casual date.