Cantillon Event at Monk's

I have to admit I've always been confused by the back bar/front bar thing at Monk's. When I get a table I just order whatever, but I've been hesitant to ask a bartender from one bar to get me beers from the other.

 

Got to Monk's around 11:30 and all of the draft was gone. Oh well, maybe next time.

 

What tables? That is the point, they were all filled other than the largest two tables that they would not seat just a party of two at? What does the response have to do with what beers Philly gets or not. Monks is way small when you consider the popularity of certain events like this and Funky Buddha. If you are not sitting at a table, there is precious little room where you can comfortably stand at. Glad that you enjoyed yourself.

 

there were 2 big tables, and about 3 2-person tables in the middle section that were empty for about 1/2 hour, maybe even more, after 5:00pm.

 

Can't hurt to ask. They almost always will go from bar to bar. Obvious events like the Funky Buddha debacle, it's not gonna happen, but most of the time they don't have a problem with it. Yesterday once the noob mass moved into the back, there were like 5-10 people up front for a while, so it's not like she was swamped with people ordering De Ranke Bitter. I do love the Scottish girl at the front bar, she's one of my favorite bartenders anywhere.

 

also (as you predicted earlier i believe) the crowd had died down significantly by around 7 or so. there's always an initial crush during the first hour+ of these events, and the same thing happened for the last 2 cantillon and RR events there.

we only really had a problem getting our first beers at about 530, and i think it took about 15 minutes. i'll wait 15 minutes for a pour of fou foune and mamouche any day of the week.

 

When I got there at about 5:25 the only tables that were not occupied we're the large round table when you enter and one of the largest behind it. I asked if the two of us could sit there until a lager group arrived and was told no. So, I got a beer and scooted. Not complaining and not sure why I can't give my opinion without being told to "stop complaining" but it's cool whatever.

 

In case anyone is wondering, I saw Monk's tap list for today (Wednesday) and there's no Cantillon listed so I'm assuming (not suprisingly) that the 5 kegs kicked last night. On a positive note, there are two wonderful beers from de la Senne on the list today.

 

The hostess was incompetent, our server was greedy, my sandwich was crap, the people in the back smelled funkier than the beer, but because of the beer, I'd do it all again! The Lou Pepe Framboise 2007 was probably the most sour beer I've ever had. It blew my mind!

 

next time you're there, order a bottle of the LP Framboise '05... if you think the '07 is sour

 

My gf and I shared an '05 before the Funky Buddha event and it was exquisite! Not for the faint of heart, for sure, but a phenomenal lambic for those of us who enjoy ulcer-inducing sourness