Sip your way to gold at Flying Saucer

10.18.2009

You have to step inside the Flying Saucer to truly appreciate its name. Plates cover seemingly every inch of walls and ceiling. Most appear to be of the China variety, except for the 540 (and counting) gold-colored plates with big numbers in their center – one for each time a customer has sampled 200 kinds of beer.
Yes, the Flying Saucer serves that many beers; more, actually. A bank of taps currently serves 82 brews; another 125 are available by bottle. With so many choices, how can you possibly figure out what to drink?
The technically minded can go on line at a computer terminal, pick a name and get a brief description of the beer’s origin and flavor. (Check this out on line at www.beerknurd.com).
The rest of us can ask one of the servers, who really do know their stuff. Assistant manager Jason Causey says that the staff actually takes monthly tests on their beer knowledge.
Not into asking for directions? Begin your own study of beer by ordering a Saucer Flight – five 5-ounce servings based around a theme such as German, Carolinas and “Around the World.”
Another way is to drop by The Flying Saucer on Thursdays for “Tap Night Special.” The Saucer brings in a beer that Causey says is unavailable anywhere else in the area. It was standing room only last Thursday, so come early if you want a good seat. This week’s featured beer is a keg of Sierra Nevada Estate. It goes on sale at 7 p.m. and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
The last way is to seek membership in the U.F.O. club and earn your gold plate on the wall by drinking 200 different beers. Jamie Wood, No. 540, got his plate on Oct. 5. Some club members have multiple plates, including Causey, who is working on his fourth.
Although beer is why most patrons come, the Flying Saucer also is a restaurant. The menu features pizza, fries, brats, burgers, hot sandwiches, smoked salmon, gourmet meats and cheeses …. You know, the stuff that tastes good with beer!
IMPORTANT STUFF
9605 N. Tryon St. in the Terraces at University Place center; open 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays; noon-midnight Sundays; 704-717-8179; www.beerknurd.com


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