It seems as if there is a new restaurant opening in Shaw every other day! I’m definitely not complaining. The newest addition to the scene is Takoda – a rooftop beer garden with a modern American menu.

What’s in a name? TAKODA is a Native American name that means “Friend to Everyone” – and that’s what they are aiming to be and based on my first experience there, I am definitely happy to be their friend!

The space is split into 2 levels with dining and a bar on one level (the second floor) and a 3rd floor open rooftop, which is where you will be finding me! Especially since it will be open year-round! The rooftop has a U shaped bar, and full length windows that can be opened up on all sides. There is also a small deck if you want to be completely outdoors.

The bar program offers a number of draft beers (24+) with a good mix of local and general favorites, and a number of seasonal options. Basically anything from a Bud-Light to more uncommon Belgian Tripels, and anything in between. The whiskey list is no joke either – over 50 American whiskeys are available, with a monthly rare acquisition.

There’s also some innovative stuff going on in the cocktail space – I tried a “Takoda Old Fashioned” which is made with a beer syrup instead of a simple syrup. The beer syrups also rotate with a different beer each month – currently made with an IPA.

Takoda is not just a bar though. Chef Damian Brown, one of the youngest executive chef’s in the city, offers a menu with American classics with a Southern leaning twist. The pretzels are deliciously soft, nicely salted and pair well with the accompanying beer cheese. Plus, they are enormous so do well to soak up all that beer (or drink of choice!). I was intrigued by the PB&J wings – now, I am not into whole PB&J American thing, but these wings were pretty interesting – almost like a sweet bbq sauce due to the Jelly. Do you lean more peanut butter or more jelly in your PB&J? Feel free to have an extended conversation about this with Chef Damian (who is more of a jelly guy) while enjoying those wings. Other popular appetizers at the table were the Old Bay wings, skillet Mac and Cheese (made with beer cheese and SO good!), creamy artichoke dip, and rosemary tots. OH, and the brisket sliders – which were delicious and my favorite!

For dinner, I got the shrimp and grits which came with 4 large perfectly cooked shrimp and creamy grits. Shrimp and grits is one of my many weaknesses, and this hit the spot. The fried chicken with sweet potato waffles was another decadent but delicious dish that I will probably have to get the next time! For all vegetarians, there is a veggie burger loaded with pimento cheese! Sold! In addition, a number of salads are also on the menu, but I’m not the type to guzzle beer and eat a salad.

Whatever you eat, save room for dessert. I am not the biggest fan of cheesecake, but the orange creamsicle cheesecake was light, fluffy and tasty, it was hard to stop eating. The molten chocolate s’more is great for a chocolate lover. Everyone at the table loved the salty and sweet deep fried oreos, but I prefer my Oreos un-fried, thank you. I’ve lived in the US for 14 years, but I still don’t get some things about this country – deep fried oreos are a prime example of that! But hey, each to their own!

Overall, this was a resoundingly good meal which I was not expecting to have in a place that has the words “beer garden” in its name. I’m looking forward to trying more items from the menu again and wash it all down with beers on the rooftop!

Beer. Whiskey. Rooftop. Food. All things good!

Takoda is open for dinner daily from 5pm-11pm. Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday 5 -7pm with daily specials. Bar open later and a late night menu is available from 11pm-1am.

Check out their website HERE for more details.