Mikro, features craft beer, many on tap plus a large bottle list. The beer-centric menu of this  gastropub — a small space in a tiny strip mall on Whitney Avenue in Hamden — highlights foods that pair well with beer.

One night my dining companion  devoured the plump PEI Mussels with shallots, chili flakes, oranges and herbs steamed in white ale along with fries ($15).

I tried the pan-roasted Atlantic salmon ($20) with a truffled parsnip puree, spinach, roasted golden beets  a balsamic glaze. Although it was a tad overcooked, it was still tasty and impressive.

On my next visit one friend had the grilled cheese sandwich on whole grain brioche, oozing with Vermont cheddar and fontina cheese, with a smoked tomato relish and fresh arugula ($11), served with a green salad.

Not as good — actually inedible — was their version of fish and chips: The pan-seared potato-crusted Atlantic halibut was as if someone spilled a salt shaker on it! At least the accompaniments of crisp thin fingerlings potatoes and the celery root slaw seasoned with Old Bay aioli were delicious ($25). By the time they offered to replace it, we had no time as we were heading to see “42,” the incredible story of Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) giving Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) the chance to break Major League Baseball’s color line. Don’t miss it.

If you decide to go to Mikro, be prepared to wait — as this hoppin’ place is always packed.

 

– bonnie
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Mikro Beer Bar
3000 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203.553-7676

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