Laura Morris discovered the perfect combination at Brewskis and Grub.

Wandering in, it was immediately evident that Brewskis and Grub, at Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay, was a warm and inviting place. A one-stop destination for eating, chilling, socialising, partying or watching a sports match, and a great social space to catch up with friends. Perhaps you could even do all of these things here in one night!

Not dissimilar to a bustling American bar, the extensive weekly events lineup includes live music, theme nights and, of course, regular and popular Happy Hours with special offers and bargain prices.

Ambient lighting created a cosy atmosphere and it was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves after a busy day. We perched ourselves in a corner, on a long, high table, perfect for a larger group, and could see how this casual social setting was ideal for meeting new people.

As we waited for our food, chilled music played an eclectic mix of favourite hits, bringing an air of familiarity to our visit. The whole place felt homely: the exposed brickwork brought an element of rustic charm, as did the mixed collections of memorabilia and modern artworks that adorned the walls. This casual vibe was perfect for a relaxed evening out and the chilled dress code meant that you could dress up or down, depending on your mood.

Our first sample from the menu was the Fresh Guacamole and Roasted Salsa, which arrived very promptly. The guacamole was creamy and flavourful, with a perfect balance of avocado, tomatoes, onions and cilantro. The roasted salsa was smoky with a nice kick of heat. The accompaniment was homemade tortilla chips – perfect for scooping up every last drop of the dips!

We quickly realised that the menu was both vast and varied, with something to suit every palate or mood. Brewskis’ offerings are generally a mix of Mexican and Californian dishes, with some modern twists and family favourites. They also have a wide selection of vegan options, proving they adapt to the everchanging demographic of people here in Doha. During our visit, we sampled a range of popular dishes, each of which was a personal recommendation from the chatty and knowledgeable staff. When our food began to arrive, we quickly learned that it was designed to be shared: the portions are super generous, so arrive hungry!

With so many dishes to try, I’ve included some popular choices and our favourites from the night. Setting the tone for things to come, was the Brewskis Salad. A refreshing and healthy option, with fresh greens, roasted red peppers, spiced feta cheese, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts and dried cranberries, all dressed with a sweet honey vinaigrette. My perfect kind of salad, the creaminess of the cheese balanced the sweetness of the peppers and oozed freshness. Served up alongside was the Buffalo Chicken Dip. Imad, Brewskis’ American-born owner, told us this dish is inspired by one of his favourite dishes to share with friends. A real crowd pleaser, the dip is creamy from the cheese and packs a warm kick of heat from the buffalo sauce.

The biggest surprise of the evening was the Smoked Avo Tuna Tartare. Served elegantly, this dish has both style and substance. The tuna was fresh and flavourful, and the smoky aroma it arrives with adds a pleasing touch. The avocado base was creamy and rich and the tostadas provided a contrasting crunch with every scoop. This dish is sure to please even the most sophisticated of palates and would not be out of place in the finest of establishments.

Next to sample was the El Diablo Shrimp Tacos. These are crafted with cabbage slaw, cubed avocados and sour cream served inside a soft tortilla with, of course, the main ingredient, fresh shrimp. The shrimp was cooked to perfection, still soft and packed full of flavour. Chunky salsa is served on the side but, take it from me, pour the whole lot on as it really brings some freshness and heat to a dish that we really enjoyed.

Our favourite dish of the night? Without a doubt, the Asian Chicken Wings. The menu warns you that they’ll take 20 minutes as they’re prepared to order. All I can say is, it’s worth the wait! Imad let us in on the secret to their crispy coating: these wings are not fried, but rather baked and then grilled! Not only does this make them a healthier choice, but it’s clear this technique adds a whole new level of deliciousness. We picked them up and ate them with our hands, they were too moreish to worry about sticky fingers! The sweet and viscous Asian-style marinade had a satisfying tang and we gnawed the bones dry.

As full as we were, there’s always room for something sweet, and the Brewskis Cookie Monster did not disappoint. This dish is worthy of the hype! A delicious and decadent dessert: the cookie dough is baked until crisp in a mini skillet pan and served with lashings of ice cream, chantilly, chocolate and caramel sauces and crushed nuts. The cookie itself was sweet and crisp, while the rich, indulgent ice cream is the perfect way to cool things down. This dessert is sure to satisfy even the sweetest of teeth! If that wasn’t enough, we paired this with a Mexican classic: churros. Mouth-wateringly crisp and sprinkled with a generous dusting of sugar and cinnamon, these churros were the perfect end to our evening, and we left full and excited to come back for more.

Our visit taught us that Brewskis and Grub is a great place to not only enjoy a meal with friends or family, but somewhere to be social and join in on the action. There was a buzz in the air: a warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious food and excellent service. I would definitely recommend a visit to anyone looking for somewhere to hang out with friends and sample some of the best bistro grub Doha has to offer. ✤

GO: CALL 4441 2550 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.