T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ Rube’s Steakhouse in Montour opened The Woodshed Tap Room inside its eatery this week. It offers eight local craft beers on tap and signature craft cocktails, as well as bar bites. On the first Thursday of every month, a guest tapper will be brought in, sharing information about his/her beers and then tapping a keg of a featured beer. It is open daily at 5 p.m.

MONTOUR — Since 1973, Rube’s Steakhouse, located at 118 E. Elm St. in Montour, has offered diners locally sourced meat, will hand-cut premium steaks grilled by the customers themselves. This week, the eatery officially opened its new tap room, called The Woodshed, offering locally brewed beers on tap and bar bites.

“We wanted to round out the experience by putting in a tap room, and embrace the craft beer scene,” said Rube’s Director of Operations Deann Savage. “The space used to be a tavern, and we remodeled it for dining purposes, so now it’s more all-inclusive.

The tap offerings consist of eight local craft beers and signature craft cocktails. On the first Thursday of every month, a guest tapper will be brought in, sharing information about his/her beers and then tapping a keg of a featured beer. Iowa River Brewing Company’s oatmeal stout and caramel pale ale are offered, with the other beers coming from companies in Knoxville, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Okoboji.

“The tap room will offer guests the opportunity to dine on bar bites, such as pretzels with craft beer cheese, meatballs in a homemade sauce, loaded Rube’s potato chips and a charcuterie selection of fine meats and cheeses,” said Danielle Hardon of Rube’s public relations department.

Savage said the eatery is open to expanding The Woodshed’s hours as it grows in popularity.

In addition to The Woodshed Tap Room, Rube’s has relocated its meat market to inside the restaurant. Previously, it was located across the street. A variety of meats, seasonings, grilling gear and Rube’s merchandise is sold there. The meat market is open from Saturday through Tuesday, 5 p.m. to close, and Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to close.

“Adding The Woodshed and putting in the meat market really allows for the full experience to happen under one roof,” Savage said.

The Woodshed and Rube’s restaurant both open daily at 5 p.m. To learn more, the establishment may be reached at 641-492-6222.