Brewers can be a tough crowd to please going into a brewpub. Like most, if it's a new place I will get a flight unless there's one that really stands out. Even then I might be reluctant. I'd rather leave a small sample at the bar than a pint.
That can depend on the brewer and the brewpub. One brewpub in my area in particular when I was starting out homebrewing, I'd pick the headbrewer's (also the owner) brain about anything and everything brewing as he used to be a homebrewer. The fact he had King Crimson playing in the background helped too as we also talked about prog music. He was one reason why I joined the club I'm in now as he was one of the old school members from when it started.
I know all brewpubs are not all like that. I guess if the vibe doesn't feel right, I just order and keep to myself.