If you’re from the Buffalo area, then you probably know about this gem on Elmwood Avenue in the heart of the Elmwood Arts District; if you’re not from Buffalo, then this is the gastro-pub to scope out while visiting the Queen City. Decorated from top to bottom with European beer posters, menus and memorabilia, the lower level of the establishment offers a similar atmosphere to what I’ve experienced in Brussels, Belgium, Dublin, Ireland and Auxerre, France. Be it from the continually changing 32 varieties on tap or the numerous bottled choices, the Blue Monk boasts an overwhelming selection of European beers and American craft brews.
Though you can order food on either level, I’d recommend eating upstairs for a bit more intimacy/forego the constant elbow-nudges in the back. The menu has been created with the beer-on-the-brain as many of the items are made with beer or offer suggestive pairings. I have to admit that I am in love with their Duck Frites (fries cooked in duck fat) dipped into the Roasted Garlic & Sea Salt Mayo and the Mac-n-Cheese. Just thinking about it makes me salivate like a Pavlovian dog. I practically went into a food orgasm when I first paired prosciutto with bleu cheese and dried cranberries, but apparently you can no longer get a meat-cheese platter. As a recommendation to the chef, as a woman, I can tell you we prefer one of each as opposed to just a charcuterie plate or just a cheese plate…it’s all about the balance.
Honestly, I love this place. During the winter it was my mid-week treat as I was going practically every week just to try something new. The prices are a little bit steeper than normal but you’re also getting quality European and American craft beers (this isn’t a $4.99 20 piece chicken nugget deal – gross). Typically holding a sizable crowd, the bar (wo)men hold up well as they are interested in seeing you served what you want. Not sure what to drink? Ask for a sample or a recommendation. The bar (wo)men will gladly shell out their knowledge and opinion of the beers.
I used to hate beer. I thought it all tasted the same and I couldn’t down anything that made my face twist. Granted, I was used to the nasty cheap crap we’d buy in college as we didn’t have the money or knowledge to know any better. After some getting used to, I’ve found that beer is just as exciting as wine (or any kind of alcohol for that matter) with its differences and subtleties making each one unique. I’m not going to say I love all beer or would choose it over a glass of Chablis, but I have come to appreciate it.
Here are some of my favorite beers typically, if not always, offered at the Blue Monk: St. Bernadus, Chimay Blue, Delirium Tremens and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout. Have at it!
For more information on the Blue Monk, search their website.
Though you can order food on either level, I’d recommend eating upstairs for a bit more intimacy/forego the constant elbow-nudges in the back. The menu has been created with the beer-on-the-brain as many of the items are made with beer or offer suggestive pairings. I have to admit that I am in love with their Duck Frites (fries cooked in duck fat) dipped into the Roasted Garlic & Sea Salt Mayo and the Mac-n-Cheese. Just thinking about it makes me salivate like a Pavlovian dog. I practically went into a food orgasm when I first paired prosciutto with bleu cheese and dried cranberries, but apparently you can no longer get a meat-cheese platter. As a recommendation to the chef, as a woman, I can tell you we prefer one of each as opposed to just a charcuterie plate or just a cheese plate…it’s all about the balance.
Honestly, I love this place. During the winter it was my mid-week treat as I was going practically every week just to try something new. The prices are a little bit steeper than normal but you’re also getting quality European and American craft beers (this isn’t a $4.99 20 piece chicken nugget deal – gross). Typically holding a sizable crowd, the bar (wo)men hold up well as they are interested in seeing you served what you want. Not sure what to drink? Ask for a sample or a recommendation. The bar (wo)men will gladly shell out their knowledge and opinion of the beers.
I used to hate beer. I thought it all tasted the same and I couldn’t down anything that made my face twist. Granted, I was used to the nasty cheap crap we’d buy in college as we didn’t have the money or knowledge to know any better. After some getting used to, I’ve found that beer is just as exciting as wine (or any kind of alcohol for that matter) with its differences and subtleties making each one unique. I’m not going to say I love all beer or would choose it over a glass of Chablis, but I have come to appreciate it.
Here are some of my favorite beers typically, if not always, offered at the Blue Monk: St. Bernadus, Chimay Blue, Delirium Tremens and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout. Have at it!
For more information on the Blue Monk, search their website.
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