House-brewed beer, hearty fare, and a Jefferson City staple to gather at this fall.
Since opening on Ash Street in 2008, Prison Brews has become a neighborhood favorite and a longtime gathering place for Jefferson City residents. Locals stop in after work and first-time visitors quickly discover why it's a Jefferson City staple. On the historic east side of town, just two blocks from the Missouri State Penitentiary, the locally owned brewpub pairs house-brewed beer with an expansive menu courtesy of manager and chef Steve Whitener, who brings 45 years of culinary experience to the kitchen. Add the relaxed setting, spacious patio, and the fact that Prison Brews is the only restaurant in Jefferson City with outdoor bocce courts, and you have the perfect spot to enjoy a fall evening.
1. Tomahawk Steak
When it appears on the specials menu, the 3-pound, hand-cut Tomahawk Steak tends to steal the show. Served with a baked potato, asparagus, mushrooms, and roasted tomatoes, this impressive off-menu feature is sure to exceed expectations. Guests are encouraged to follow Prison Brews on Facebook to see when it returns.
2. Brazilian Sizzle
Served on a sizzling hot skillet, the Brazilian Sizzle is a shareable dish that features petite beef tenders seasoned, seared rare, and sliced before being paired with shrimp, onions, and peppers for a flavorful meal.
3. Pasta Italiano
Cavatappi pasta is tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce with marinated Italian chicken, pepperoni, and grated Parmesan to create a hearty dish.
4. Double Prison Cheeseburger
Two fresh half-pound steakburger patties are stacked with cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle for a burger that's every bit as substantial as its name suggests.
5. Steak Sandwich
Hand-cut petite filet medallions are topped with grilled peppers and onions and served on a toasted hoagie bun, delivering steakhouse flavor in sandwich form.
6. California Chicken Sandwich
A favorite on the specials menu, the California Chicken Sandwich features grilled chicken topped with creamy avocado, feta cheese, basil pesto, lettuce, and tomato. It's served with sweet potato waffle fries and a cinnamon sugar dipping sauce that has become a Prison Brews staple, making it a seasonal special worth watching for.
7. Beer Flight (not pictured)
The best way to experience Prison Brews' handcrafted beer selection is with a flight featuring four of their signature brews: I Ain't Your Honey Wheat, Prison Town Brown, Lockdown Lager, and Go to Jail Ale. Together, they showcase the brewery's range, from crisp and refreshing to rich and malty.
8. Meat Lovers Pizza
Loaded with Italian sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, and applewood-smoked bacon atop a classic tomato sauce, the Meat Lovers Pizza is a hearty favorite that's perfect for sharing around the table.
