‘Your input matters.’ How to help this Columbus restaurant choose beers to serve

Big changes are brewing at Darby’s Patrol Base after the popular restaurant announced its plan to roll out beer service, starting in the new year.

In a Facebook update, management revealed they are considering favorites like Miller Lite, Michelob, Coors Lite, Modelo, and Pabst Blue Ribbon IPA as potential options. But before finalizing their menu, the restaurant is asking customers for their input.

“Just like any good mission, we want to hear from the squad before we lock it in,” the post says. “Your input matters.”

Darby Venegas, owner of Darby’s Patrol Base, told the Ledger-Enquirer customer input is a key part to the restaurant’s “homey” feel.

“I want [the restaurant] to be like grandma’s house to where it has a home vibe,” Venegas said. “I want my customers to be a part of the restaurant because we’re nothing without them.”

Venegas said five beer options will be on the menu to start, but she intends to add more.

Over 80 customers left comments on the Facebook post, mentioning local, regional and national brewers.

One customer, Jon Ferrerira, suggested the restaurant “keep it simple,” listing favorites like Miller Lite, Coors, Modelo, Michelob Ultra and others.

Another customer, Christina Gwinn, asked for non-alcoholic beers to be added to the lineup: “Add some non-alcoholic beers, too, for the non-drinkers. Heineken, Blue Moon, and Corona all have non-alcoholic versions.”

Many customers suggested Yuengling to be added to the lineup. Venegas said it definitely will be incorporated.

“[Yuengling] has made it to the lineup. It originally wasn’t on it,” Venegas said. “A lot of people said the same thing, so we’re making it happen.”

The beer service will begin mid-January.

Customers can leave their beer recommendations on the Darby’s Patrol Base announcement on Facebook.

Looking ahead, Darby’s Patrol Base will host a chili cook-off competition to decide a new recipe for the chili offered on the restaurant’s menu. Venegas said customers will be able to vote for their favorite.

“We’re going to have four types of chili, and we’re going to let our customers vote the same way as they did with the beer vote for what their favorite chili is,” Venegas said. “Since we’re doing a menu change, I don’t want it to be overwhelming.”

The chili cook-off will be held in February.

Updates for the event will be posted on the Darby’s Patrol Base Facebook page.