"I ordered a $5 pretzel with mustard, paired with a refreshing and crisp Odell's Sippin' Tropical. While I awaited my order, I noticed the bar's coppery aluminum tabletop, covered with a thick layer of wax that beautifully reflected the overhead lights, enhancing the bar's inviting atmosphere.
After a short wait, my pretzel arrived on a large, recycled brown paper plate, stretching across its entire surface and accompanied by four mustard packets. The price of $5 seemed almost too low for such a hefty snack. The pretzel itself had an ochre to medium-brown color, visibly lacking the ideal mahogany tone. Its outer crust was sprinkled with salt, offering a nice crunch without being overly tough, which complemented the soft, chewy interior.
However, I found the flavor of the pretzel to be quite bland, which in itself is a noteworthy achievement. The absence of a buttery coating meant I had to rely on all four mustard packets—two of Gulden's Spicy Brown and two of classic French's Yellow—for added flavor. As I reached the center of the pretzel, the combination of carbs and salt left me working through my pint quickly, almost jeopardizing my meal. Luckily, the thoughtful bartender provided me with an unsolicited glass of ice water, which helped me finish the pretzel.
While enjoying the pretzel took some effort, I appreciated the warm atmosphere and hospitality of Congress Park Taproom even more. I would rate the pretzel a 3 out of 5 and the overall experience a solid 4 out of 5 stars."
