Active Ingredient Brewing Company

Oh man…. I’ve been to Active Ingredient 7-8 times since their original opening. And have recommended this place to at least 2 dozen friends and family. The atmosphere and staff remain top notch, but holy cow the food quality is in the gutter. When they first opened, their food was affordable, stream lined (with the table top QR code ordering), and honestly INCREDIBLE. Anyone willing to listen had to hear about how great the food was at Active Ingredient. Fast forward to my last visit, their staple “Smash Burger” was completely different. Over seasoned, different sauce, no pink (despite ordering it pink). Idk what to say, I didn’t even finish the burger. In the past I’d all but lick my plate clean.

They stopped the $1 wing special they did on Thursdays, which is understandable because it was probably a net negative for profit, but 10 wings are now $22, almost all the entries are $20+. $12 for kids menu “Dino nuggets and fries” which contained literally just 6 chicken nuggets from a frozen bag and a handful of fries.

Prices can’t increase 50% at the same time the food quality decreased more than 50%. It’s been a gradual decline, or id write it off as an isolated event.

Once again, the staff is wonderful. Very kid friendly and pleasant. Brings me great displeasure to write this review. Wish you guys the best of luck.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

I’ve been here twice and had very different experiences. I’d rate my first experience a 5, and the second a 2 overall.

I will preface this by saying I am a dog owner and this bar used to be dog friendly. It no longer (as of December 2024) is dog friendly.

I first went here with my senior dog the week of Christmas 2023 to meet up with long distance family. At that time, the manager was really warm and kind, mentioned they loved and welcomed dogs, and even offered cookies they’d made for dogs (packaged on the counter for dog owners to take). He told me they were making them fresh every day for the season and I would have taken some if my dog didn’t have a prescription diet! I thought this was such a great way to welcome dog owners who want to visit the brewery.

However, my experience this year (2024), was starkly different. I came back to meet with my sister, with my senior dog and puppy in tow. The day bartender made eye contact with me when I walked in and rolled her eyes. As my sister and I took off our jackets and settled into our seats, she greeted and served another group that came in after us. My senior dog was in his stroller and my puppy was in my lap—sitting in the same seats at the left end of the bar as we did last year. After we’d been settled for a few minutes and decided our beers, the bartender came over and told me that both my dogs would have to be in the stroller (which only seats one dog, my senior dog). I 100% understand not having a dog near the bar top and the concerns around that, so i instead asked if we could move to a table away from the bar, closer to the door. She then replied that “technically dogs aren’t allowed, so no.” Well, okay then, haha, that’s one way to respond to someone 😂. Just then, the same manager from the previous came out from the back and gave a half smile. As we put on our jackets to leave, I mentioned my disappointment and confusion, noting that last year they were so dog friendly as to have offered my dog cookies they made and were offering to visiting dogs/dog owners; and the manager didn’t comment, just reinforced that dogs aren’t allowed. Honestly though, whether he said they were allowed or not, the other bartender’s behavior made the visit incredibly uncomfortable and unwelcoming— I already decided, dogs or not, I won’t be back. There isn’t any need to be rude… just tell us (before we got comfy would have been nice) and we’ll be on our way. No harm no foul.

It’s really unfortunate, their food is great and the beers are good. It only takes one bad experience to ruin any chance of ever returning or recommending them.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Beer tasted good - service and atmosphere not so much. Didn't stick around long enough to try the food ..

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

The beer was good, but man… the food is not it, $20 for 10 frozen regular (not jumbo) sized wings. Ordered pretzels and cheese and was given funfetti icing dipped pretzels. Eat before you go and save your money.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Amazing local place with fantastic food and drinks. Kid friendly environment with tvs and games while you wait for your food. Chicken tenders are a go-to for the whole family!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Beer Cheese, Beer Flight, Craft Beer

Love this place! Wide selection of great beers, and the food is really good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Collin and staff are amazing!! If you like football, go here!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Collin, Jenna and staff were fabulous! Best place to hangout in the Malta Area

Parking: Lots of parking too

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Craft Beer

Great beers amazing food and expedient service. If you like beer and food, you need to go!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Loved the Octoberfest! Always a great place to visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Craft Beer

Bartender was rude and seemed too interested in talking with her friend. Place is nice clean has a nice menu .but to the owner you need to hire people that are pleasant and clean looking. That employee is a bad reputation for your business...

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

So great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We sat on the patio and we ended up getting involved in Trivia. It was very fun and the beer was great. Everything is clean, new and nice. The customer service is great too. The beer kept coming and I like how you can order with the QR Code on your table.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Parmesan Truffle Fry Basket

Great beer selection and every beer is top notch. Great ciders as well. Awesome vibes and food to top it off. Beautiful patio to enjoy everything in, too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great beer selection

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 4