How about a Pint of TailGate and Honky Tonk Brewery News?

Two of Nashville's newest breweries,

and

, have been busy upgrading their equipment and adding some simple but inventive food offerings for visiting patrons. First at

over in West Nashville on Old Charlotte Pike, owner Wesley Keegan is proud to show off his new brewing system during weekend tours.

The small 3-barrel system is paired with both 3.5- and 7-barrel fermentation tanks to allow the brewer a lot of flexibility to single- or double-batch new recipes for the taproom and for other retail outlets around town. Previously, TailGate was mainly known for just two beers that they brew under an agreement with a Minnesota-based brewery for retail distribution in cans across the country and internationally.

But on a recent visit to TailGate, I was delighted to discover no less than seven small-batch beers in addition to their flagship Sorta IPA and Black Top Blonde. Even if you're not interested in trying the rotating seasonals like Orange Wheat, Grapefruit IPA or Peanut Butter Milk Stout, TailGate still offers a bevy of other local beers, plus ciders and even a root beer for the kiddies on their other taps.

Overseeing the new brew system is Adam Bickers, who was previously the head brewer over a much larger brewhouse at Mayday Brewery in Murfreesboro. “Brewing great beer is our No. 1 priority. Having a team of great people makes that happen,” says Keegan. “Bringing in someone like Adam and his wealth of professional experience is invaluable. The fact that he fits our team and culture so well, is just incredible. I always tell new people, 'if you care about your job and your co-workers, we can teach you anything.' In this case, Adam will be doing the teaching. We're very lucky to have him onboard.”

TailGate has also expanded their food offerings to include a menu of clever paninis. Initially, TailGate had planned to use food trucks to feed patrons and encouraged folks to bring their own grub. But drinkers kept clamoring for something to eat with their beer, so Keegan set up a simple kitchen to pump out pressed sandwiches to feed the masses. As a result, the brewery now discourages bringing in outside food.

The array of panini ranges from a basic grilled cheese to a Reuben or Rachel. I sampled a delightful Cuban served between slices of Sweet Dutch Crunch bread. If you've got a sweet tooth, TailGate also offers a Nutella version of their panini with hazelnut spread, bananas and candied pecans on cinnamon bread. It's exactly as decadent as it sounds.

Over in MetroCenter, Honky Tonk Brewing Co. founder Scott Swygert has quietly been making waves ramping up production at his brewery. In just a few months, Honky Tonk has developed a reputation for his IPA and Amber beers, and now they are attracting even more people to the spacious taproom with a new food menu.

Following a similar path to TailGate, Honky Tonk mostly food items that are grilled, pressed or waffle-ironed, but in general breweries don't want to be considered as competition for their primary customers, restaurants and bars. So it makes sense that their menus are simple and convenient for both the kitchen and patrons.

Honky Tonk's menu has a nice sense of fun behind it, and it looks like something I might just have to check out soon:

Waffle Iron Specials (Served with any beer for $10)

No Trash in My Trailer, $7.50 — Grilled pimiento cheese, deli-sliced smoked turkey and shaved Black Forest ham served on waffled whole wheat. Sliced tomato on request. Comes with chips.

Donde el Bano, $7.50 — Grilled quesadilla stuffed with barbecue pork or chicken, jalapenos, side sour cream and red or green salsa. Black beans on request.

Pile it On Potato Plate, $6.50 — Grilled tater tots, loaded with choice of pimiento or Mexican cheese, bacon bits and chives. Served with side of sour cream, red or green salsa. Jalapenos on request.

Weekly Specials (Expect two of these in rotation each week)

Waffled Margarita Pizza

Cornbread Waffle stuffed with smoked barbecue and green chilies

Polenta Waffle with sausage, spinach and goat cheese

Falafel Waffle with tzaziki sauce, olives and side salad

Stuffed biscuit waffle with smoked beef brisket, pimiento cheese and jelly on the side

A la Carte

“Waffled” Grilled Cheese, $5 — Sliced whole wheat with choice of pimiento or Mexican cheese. Add sliced tomato, $1.

Scrambled Egg “Waffles,” $5 — Two scrambled eggs cooked in a waffle iron with choice of pimiento or Mexican cheese, bacon bits, side of red or green salsa.

Waffles & Sweets

Waffle, $4.50 — Hot waffle with choice of chocolate chips or pecans.

Waffle Brownie, $4.50 — Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for $1.50.

It looks like Swygert is doing his part to answer this age-old question.