Finding a hidden gem in this increasingly growing craft beer world can be quite rewarding.  It seems that almost every bar and restaurant are including craft beer on their menus now and days.  But when you can find a relatively new place that craft beer is their business and they know it well is a true treat.

For a few months I have been told that next time I head up to the Martin County area I have to check out A Picky Gourmet in Jensen Beach.  I was told they had a nice selection of bottles to go with their gourmet food in this small store.  Well needless to say I didn’t get a chance to head up there through much of the times told.  But a few weeks ago I was told that they had moved into a bigger space in their plaza and had actually expanded into a bar as well and adding the name The House of Brews to the establishment.

Being off this past Friday I took the opportunity to finally head up and visit.  The plaza they are in is really small and looks rather new to boot.  Less than a mile from the Treasure Coast Square Mall it is pretty easy to find just east of US 1 off Jensen Beach Blvd.  Inside is a very nice and clean space.  Gourmet foods to the right (with a killer hot sauce selection) and bottled beer to the left.  And right in front of you a good sized bar that looks like it can seat probably 12 – 15 people.  There we 12 taps and I was happy to see that 11 of them were Florida breweries with beers from Cigar City, Tequesta, Swamp Head and Dunedin.

Brent, the owner, is a great guy with a great vision in the place.  They offer half and even quarter pints of the draft beers so that you can try to sample a number of the offerings.  An awesome complimentary snack mix (more bars need this).  They plan to have growlers shortly and even want to have home brewing supplies in the future as well.

So if you find yourself in northern Martin County or southern St. Lucie County you really have to stop by The House of Brews/A Picky Gourmet.  Have a few beers, hang out and then peruse the bottle section for something to take home.  I have a feeling it won’t be long before this hidden gem is well known and becomes a go to beer spot on the Treasure Coast.

The House of Brews/A Picky Gourmet
3311 NW Main Ave.
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
http://www.thehouseofbrews.com/