As someone who has become obsessed with craft beer after a life changing visit to Portland in 1992, I wanted to love the new Bridgeport. I wanted my memories of the warm, pubby atmosphere, the laughter, the families, the inviting light, the smell of fresh baked pizza, and the funky charm of the pre-chic establishment to seem dated, an embarrassment. I wanted to be taught how crass my sensibilities were in the face of the inevitable gentrification of the neighborhood. Instead, I want to cry after visiting Bridgeport for the first time since the ""renovation."" The character and families are gone; black surfaces, surly staff members, creepy patrons, and a somber, hipster mood are in. The place is as inviting as the Viper Room in Hollywood. Bridgeport would have carved a wonderful niche for itself by remaining the same -- a timeless reminder of the ""old"" Pearl in a sea of sterility. Instead, it ""reinvented"" itself into blandness. They don't even offer their barleywine on tap (let alone cask) anymore, and laughed when I asked about it. The last time I had it was before the ""remodel,"" and it was the only time a beer was amazing enough to make me cry. No joke. Now their focus on beer is gone, and a brewpub without a passion for its product is nothing more than another restaurant. Such a sad and terrible loss for a wonderful city. The ownership says the change was inevitable; I say hogwash--go check out Edgefield for a bit of education.
Pros: Blue Heron is still a great pale ale
Cons: Everything else--terrible atmosphere, horrible staff, awful food, no soul
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