Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Csendes (Budapest) 25/02/13


"Our Bar"

Attendees: Ben, Di, Lauren
Price: 500ft pint,  750ft palinka (local firewater)
Location: Ferenczy István Street 5, Near Kálvin tér
Distance: 3min stroll from our international guardians.
Ambience:  Intimate space to take a date with enough privacy to share a chat (or a pash as many locals will do without hesitation). The side-street location gives it a certain obscure/local charm.
Character: Typical Budapest neo-classical style with high ceilings and large windows facing into the street. The same rugged quality seen in other 'ruin bars' but with a greater sense of optimism rather than pure grime.
Decor: A haphazard mixture of deformed children's toys strung up, scribbled graffiti on the walls and a menagerie of charmingly mis-matched chandeliers gives the place a casual yet edgy cool.
Comfort: The main area is densely filled with tables and wooden chairs which could be a little more comfy but also add a nice amount of chaos to the surroundings. With table service you won't need to get up much so it's not too much of an issue. Seats at the bar for the budding Hungarian conversationalist.
Patrons: Very 'couply' the night we visited with generally smaller groups matching the small table type configuration. A welcome deterrent for the drinking & tourist crowd.
Staff: Attentive table service goes against the local standard of 'service with a scowl'. Floor staff speak English and can help you choose a suitable flavour of palinka, a fruity local liquor that legally at least 37.5% alcohol and often much stronger. Cute guys at the bar mostly speak Hungarian.
Selection: Extensive drink and cocktail menu with some nibbles. Standard selection of local and regional tap beers. Exceptional local type lemonade served in a jar with ice - highly recommended. Daytime cafe menu
L.S.R: DJs on the weekend, however tonight we're struggling through some Hungarian pop-rock styles - a missed chance to match the atmosphere with something a bit cooler. The chandeliers definitely do a better job of setting the tone.
Amenities: A bit small and cramped. However, a duck toilet seat features in the ladies. Ken and Barbie doll arrangements to show m/f.
Top Suggestion: A couple of meal options on the food menu would make this the perfect place to begin a night out!
Field Notes: An early closing hour is slightly disappointing but helps steer the atmosphere away from the more boozy tourist bars that can be found around town. As well as being a bar and cafe, Csendes also includes 2nd hand clothes shopping during the day.
Memorable Quotes: "It's got a great flavour!" (LMS, tasting palinka) which one did you get? "I have no idea!"
"An orgy of headless barbies!" DL

Arbitrary Score: 87
With a lively social atmosphere and a great choice of drinks (sadly the Hungarians aren't a beer-loving nation so you'll have to excuse that), Csendes manages to create a whole greater than the sum of it's parts. A great returnability factor will make you want to remember the address for your next foray into Eastern-Central Europe


Friday, 11 January 2013

Hirsch (Berlin) 07/01/13


"Schnitz B.E.E.R.S"

Attendees: Ben, George, Bronte, Jane
Price: €3.30 500ml tap beer, €7.50 Schnitzel
Location: Kopernikusstr. 3, just off Warschauer Str. in Friedrichshain, Berlin
Distance: A short stroll from our somewhat un-glamorous hostel digs.
Ambience:  Easy chats 
Character: Shows some age and history with some well worn timber around the place and rendered brick walls.
Decor: Classic beer posters and a vintage wooden cigarette machine add a classic touch with some interesting details like the "power plug & socket" men's & ladies toilet symbols.
Comfort: A smaller closed in area for smokers keeps the dining experience pleasant. Tables or booths let you spread out or take a stool at the bar.
Patrons: None of the grimy Berlin crowd we've become accustomed to, a more presentable mixture of mid-20s and older here. Less of the general "unemployed & proud" scene here. Still relaxed and unassuming though!
Staff: Helpful & cute local gents, they'll charm into an impulse pancake purchase with ease. Prompt table service goes a long way.
Selection: Basic range of good tap beers with plenty of bottled options to round out the mix. The glühwein (mulled wine) on the specials board proved too tempting to resist.
Outdoor Area: Seperate smoking area
Specials: Some food and drink specials available. Full food menu with some great German style options.
L.S.R: A very "jack be nimble" style candlestick holder on each table and some interesting overhanging lampshades made out of tin cans create a warm atmosphere, somewhat offset by the disappointingly obvious pop rock playing on the stereo. Some more careful music selections could compliment the mood better.
Amenities: Standard, clean enough. Ladies' room mirror is not optimally placed for short people.
Top Suggestion: Changing the music to something a little less poppy - maybe some twangy blues - could continue being different enough from the Berlin standard while still complimenting the mood.
Field Notes: Quality schnitz! Slightly pricey as compared with the local kebab shop but well worth a look for the döner-weary traveller in want of some more traditional German-fare.
Memorable Quotes: "They MASH the potatoes" BK
"What's German for schnitzel?" GK
"I couldn't say no!" BK, after ordering pancakes from cute waiter guy

Arbitrary Score: 69
Great service and food, but lacks a certain "ich weiß was nicht" - some kind of memorable quality that makes you want to come back.


Friday, 30 November 2012

Pllek (Amsterdam) 28/11/12

"Wharfie B.E.E.R.S!"

Attendees: Ben and Sarah
Price: €2.50 250ml tap beer
Location: Tt. Neveritaweg 59, NDSM Wharf, 10min ferry north from Amsterdam Centraal Station
Distance: It takes a bit of effort to get there but well worth the giddy feeling of finding somewhere cool and tucked away.
Ambience:  Casual afternoon crowd with the usual peaceful effects of the water views slightly thrown off by some noisy ongoing construction works.
Character: Constructed from a "U" shape of double-stacked shipping containers with the large central area roofed over, Pllek has a pretty unique and DIY style appeal right from the start. The enormous river facing windows let in plenty of light and provide a spectacular view.
Decor: Coffe tables are made from stacked forklift palettes. Tasteful flower and candle arrangements add a homely touch and bring it back from being too over the top "industrial". A giant disco ball is a funky centrepiece to the room.
Comfort: Couches face outwards to the water while a myriad of chairs and tables on the main floor could easily seat 100+ people. More seats line the side areas and a second level atrium style deck as well. There's also some benches out the front for the warmer months.
Patrons: A quiet crowd on a wednesday arvo ranging from some older retirees enjoying lunch to younger local types sharing a beer or coffee. All welcome.
Staff: Friendly service and as always in Amsterdam, no troubles ordering in English. "Dank U" or "Bedankt" will get you far.
Selection: A couple of standard tap beers and bottled options aren't too much to get excited about but a cut above Carlton Draught nonetheless.
Outdoor Area: Bench seats with some weird old tram carriages lying around and an above ground skate bowl add plenty of interesting areas to poke around.
Specials: Turntables set up in the corner suggest some nighttime or weekend DJs.
L.S.R: The south-facing windows have sunlight streaming through them until late in the afternoon when it begins to get dark. Some quiet grooves waft in the background giving a friendly cafe quality to the space.
Amenities: "L" shaped container arrangement houses some cubicles. A little cold - not the spot to stop and ponder the universe.
Top Suggestion: Stay open until we come back! NDSM is a quickly growing area with some very interesting galleries and spaces around. Give it a couple of years and we're sure Pllek will be pumping.
Field Notes: Since Amsterdam changed it squatting laws recently, the artist community has been driven out of the city and forced to find new areas. NDSM Wharf is one such place and is definitely worth checking out - a welcome respite from the madness of the city centre. It was a real shame we didn't visit until our last day - it would have been great to come back and check it out after hours. "Pllek" is simply Dutch for "place".

Arbitrary Score: 84
A laid-back dining hall with a grand vision for the future - we're sure all the seats will be filled before long! Well worth checking out to see where Rembrandt and van Gogh's modern counterparts are setting up shop today.

Cafe van Leeuwen (Amsterdam) 25/11/12


"Jazzy B.E.E.R.S!"

Attendees: Ben and Sarah
Price: €4 330ml tap beer. We went for a delicious dark porter, perfect for winter.
Location: Kaizersgracht 711, on the corner with the very charming Utrechtesstraat, south side of Amsterdam. Boutique retail with a pleasing lack of tourist hordes & a little more laid back than the "9 Streets" area.
Distance: It's in Amsterdam. Chances are you can walk, ride or tram there from anywhere in the city.
Ambience: Cozy lounge room atmosphere with a friendly conversational buzz. Easy to meet and chat with fellow patrons. Every Sunday there is live jazz starting at 5pm which creates an amazing vibe in such a small and intimate space.
Character: Traditional Amsterdam with no space wasted. Small without being claustrophobic and plenty of polished wooden charm. The very large windows on both outward facing walls (its on the corner) maximise the often cloudy daylight. Not too showy and easy to pass by on the street.
Decor: Very basic yet effective. Large diffuse overhanging lights and strategically placed candles add plenty of warmth to chase away the winter chills. The stage is a compact riser at the end of the room and the band is clearly the main feature with no-one's view getting blocked.
Comfort: Grab a stool at the bar or sit back on the heaters below the large windows. Plenty of options for the generally small amount of people the place can accommodate.
Patrons: A mixed local crowd with a couple of edgier jazz types, older gents and a group of friends sharing a few drinks. Everyone gets into the music and there's plenty of interaction in between tunes (you might need to know a little Dutch to decipher it).
Staff: A typically tall Dutch guy with a snappy haircut and a friendly manner, happy to recommend a good beer and provide a sample tasting of the tap options.
Selection: A couple of great local beers on tap and a few more bottled options. Basic but hits the spot.
Outdoor Area: Nothing outdoors (at least during winter) however there is an upstairs dining area for lunch.
Specials: Live jazz every Sunday beginning at 5pm through til around 9.
L.S.R: These musicians are a great representation of the local interest in jazz and really know how to play together and create an atmosphere. Expect to hear heavy, groove laden licks with a couple of virtuotic solos thrown in. Top marks.
Amenities: Take the incredibly steep spiral stairs down to a smaller basement area with some clean and tidy toilets. A candle on the sink is a classy touch.
Top Suggestion: A coat hook by the door would do wonders, we stripped off quite a few layers from walking around in the cold weather outside.
Field Notes: While it might be a tiny bar on a typical street, this is a great spot to relax, catch up with a friend, see some jazz or even just read a book. The lack of tourists is extremely encouraging - they probably got caught up in a coffeeshop somewhere up the street!

Arbitrary Score: 85
With plenty of traditional Amsterdam charm, Cafe van Leeuwen keeps it simple and offers a genuine local drinking spot with killer local jazz to boot.


Thursday, 4 October 2012

Beat Geeks @ Monarch (Berlin) 02/10/2012

"Hiphop B.E.E.R.S!"

Attendees: Ben and Cam
Price: €3 500ml tap beer. Free entry
Location: Skalitzer Str 134 near Kotbusser Tor, Kreuzberg
Distance: 4 min walk
Ambience: Super relaxed and cruisey Tuesday night crowd, even though it is jam packed. Popular local hangout that is not known by tourists. Hiphop/beatfreak culture of music appreciating Berliners and expats.
Character: Wall length windows overlooking busy intersection and train line. Bar is situated in the second floor of a derelict building above a kebab shop. Unassumingly gritty, but not grungy.
Decor: Sparse apart from a few choice lamps and chandeliers. The disco ball above the dance floor takes pride as the centrepiece of decorations. Near the entrance is a 'gaming area' with "knockers" (fusball) and a pinball machine.
Comfort: The whole venue is lined with couches, stools and tables providing a lot of comfortable seating options providing you can commandeer one. Great use of limited space—there are a lot of seats compared to the size of the venue, yet still leaves ample area for the d-floor. Stools at bar are a great vantage point for scoping out the room and DJs.
Patrons: Motley crew of hiphop nerds, beat geeks and uncool, cool people. People do not care what they're dressed like, nor about anyone else, just there to listen to good music and have a good time. Wearing a cap, flat cap, or hoodie will make you feel at home amongst peers.
Staff: The coolest people in here. Tattoos, big guns, big boobs.
Selection: Standard beer and liquor selection, but having a tap beer is a massive positive. Bottled beers are classily served in fancy glasses.
Outdoor Area: N/A
Specials: Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month Beat Evolution presents Beat Geeks, a Hiphop Producer night hosted by Suff Daddy and LeBob. Different types of gigs on most nights, catering to all music tastes.
L.S.R: Disco ball, soft lighting and banging beats make a fantastic combination.
'A Tribe Called Quest' eloquently summarises, "I like my beats hard like two-day-old shit."
Amenities: Compact, with no wriggle room to speak of, but relatively high cleanliness considering the number of users.
Top Suggestion: Suggest it to your mates! Nothing we can think of to improve this place.
Field Notes: No bullshit, have a good time on your own terms. Even though you can see the bar pumping away on the second floor, the entrance is very obscure, our first time here we had to stake out the entrance and wait to follow people in. Once you're in there, you feel part of a fun, music-loving culture that congregates fortnightly to enjoy banging tunes.
Memorable Quotes: "Did you know bar hubbub sounds the same in every language?" BH
"Except in Asia, it's about an octave higher." CLG
"Black is a shit biro colour, end of discussion." BH

Arbitrary Score: 91
Special mention has to be made to the fact that Monarch pumped us enough to get into the Berghain for a truly unforgettable night/morning.


Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Barbie Deinhoff's (Berlin) 01/10/12

"Terrorist Barbie B.E.E.R.S!"

Attendees: Cam & Ben
Price: €2.80 500ml Berliner, €1 for the DJ
Location: Schlesische Str 16, Kreuzberg
Distance: 22min stroll (including now regular ice-cream stop)
Ambience: Tea candles and lamps takes the edge of a somewhat punk inspired atmosphere. A satisfying palette of red, pink and orange lighting sets a relaxed tone.
Character: Fairly basic in the architectural sense. A large pink neon sign out front lets you know where to go.
Decor: A contrast between colourful charm (Barbie) and punky artwork (Deinhoff). A feature wall is adorned cardboard placards printed with song lyrics beginning with "Don't". The door is draped with a curtain giving a certain mystique upon entering. Interesting tables collaged with some intriguingly explicit cutouts.
Comfort: Stools at the bar create a familiar patron / staff interaction. Plenty of couches, chairs & tables to pick from and a quieter, darker back room for more privacy.
Patrons: An all embracing mix, think straight friendly gay bar rather than vice versa. Black clothing is a must, piercings recommended.
Staff: See above.
Selection: Good range of cocktails and liquor with a standard bottled beer selection. No tap beer.
Outdoor: On street seating
Specials: 2 for 1 drinks Tuesday nights. DJ most nights.
LSR: A subdued mix to accomodate a relaxing midweek drink. Most likely picks up on the weekend. The garage / punk tunes help set this bar apart from the typical house & techno heard most places.
Amenities: Broken urinals, generally run down & grotty.
Top suggestion: Push the theme & decor a bit further and make the weirdness stand out more. Top suggestion for patrons: wear black.
Field notes: The name "Barbie Deinhoff's" is apparantly a combination of the owner's fascination with Barbie dolls and the Baader-Meinhof militant faction group. If it's what you're into, enjoy a respite from the more typical Berlin scene. However if you're a tourist you might feel a little out of place with the locals here. Don't let the bartender's permanent "pissed off" face throw you off.

Arbitrary Score: 66
While something of an institution in the local gay & alternative scene, this cruisy little bar gets by more on the reputation of it's patrons than by it's own unique qualities. Worth checking out but not if you're pressed for time in Berlin.


Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Club der Visionaere (Berlin) 25/09/12

"Berlin B.E.E.R.S. begins!"

Attendees: Herr Houghton & Herr Louis-Gleeson
Price: €2 entry, beers from €2.50, €8 pizza
Location: Am Flugtraben 1, Alt-Treptow, along the canal.
Distance (from Castle Kreuzberg): 25min walk (including ice-cream stop - highly recommended)
Ambience: Tuesday night relaxed crowd with bouncy house grooves keeping the vibe positive. Canal-side deck with moody lighting and overhanging willow creates a unique setting and atmosphere.
Character: This former boat shed cum bar / nightclub shows its origins with worn out timber construction and plenty of dark nooks and crannies. Circular portholes add nautical flavour while the views over the water bring it all together.
Decor: A handful of grimy couches, copious spider webs and a bunch of interesting metal sculptural pieces give a haphazard approach to decorating. Along with the funky red lighting the decor creates an unpretentious, late-night ambience for those just starting their night or those finishing it.
Comfort: Plenty of seating options, none particularly comfortable however. A plush couch would seem right out of place here though. A winner is sitting on the deck dangling your feet over the water.
Patrons: Laid-back Berliner crowd ranging from young hipsters to old leather-daddies.
Staff: Cool babes. Friendly and happy to take your order in a range of languages or politely smile at your pitiful German.
Selection: Standard range of good German beer. Mixed drinks and a couple of cocktails as well.
Outdoor: Canal-side open air deck is the most unique part of the venue.
Specials: DJs every night, pizza bar upstairs.
LSR: Optimal. You can get away with anything with this amount of dim red lighting. LSR adjusted to match party levels as the night wears on.
Amenities: Pretty grotty
Top suggestion: Move the DJ booth away from the bar service area to face the dancefloor more.
Field notes: A bit of a mismatch but the unpretentious approach of the venue rubs off on everyone and creates an easygoing atmosphere where you can share a drink with friends or make some new ones.
Memorable quotes: "I'm glad I didn't fart too hard or I might have sharted." - BH
"How do you pronounce Kreuzberg?" "Like Russell Coight, with an R" - BH

Arbitrary Score: 78
Without having checked it out as a late night spot to kick on or for a lazy summer day session, this understated spot is incredibly versatile and is often open continuously for the entire weekend. For the modest door charge of €2, we'll definitely be paying Club der Visionaere another visit. A great venue for our first international B.E.E.R.S!



Wednesday, 9 November 2011

The Luwow 09/11/11

"Aloha B.E.E.R.S!"

Attendees: Ben, Cam, Paige, Jaffa, George, Ivanka, Michael
Price: $12 - $85. Most cocktails in the $16 range. Or buy a big one to share between 2 or 4! Bottled beer $8
Location: 62-70 Johnston St between Brunwick & Nicholson.
Distance: 15 min walk.
Ambiance: Amazing - you'll feel like you're sipping cocktails after dark on a remote Hawaiian island. Not tacky even if it is totally over the top! Like taking a honeymoon, only in the heart of Melbourne.
Character: Bamboo clad walls and ceiling set the tribal theme, a normal Fitzroy building somehow feels like a beach hut.
Decor: Over the top - huge tiki idols, wooden canoes, masses of palm fronds and colourful lanterns show the amazing attention to detail that's gone into this bar.
Comfort: Vinyl booth seats can stick to bare skin - a little uncomfortable. But the booths themselves work great, giving a great level of privacy for each group. Alternatively, pull up a stool at the bar and watch the fruity cocktails getting assembled.
Patrons: Different groups of people doing their own thing - probably not the type of place to drop in on your own. Come for the spectacle, not an end of day drink.
Staff: A little awkward but they mix a great cocktail. Generous with the garnishes! Could be a little more bubbly & enthusiastic.
Selection: Amazing menu of rum-based tropical cocktails, and not much else. No tap beers and not a great bottle selection.
Outdoor: N/A. A separate room opens up on the weekend to accommodate the larger crowd and any private functions.
Specials: None. Every drink comes with a little finger puppet monster though. Very cool
LSR: Perfect beach bar vibes. Plenty of colourful lanterns and fairly lights and some classic diner type tunes twanging away.
Amenities: Follow the theme, clean & tidy.
Field notes: Definitely appreciate the amount of garnishes that go into each drink. Oversize curly straws, finger puppets, slices of fruit, umbrellas, the works. Be warned though, these cocktails pack a punch! It sounds obvious but the combination of sugar and booze will leave you with a nasty headache if you're not careful.
Top suggestion: Difficult to narrow it down since everything has already been thought through in such detail. Maybe a snack menu or some daily specials to spice things up a bit?
Memorable quotes: "This is the fruitiest B.E.E.R.S we've ever had!" - CLG
"Cam. Cam. Cam. Guess who I am? Crash Bandicoot! Bahahaha" - JW

Arbitrary score: 84
Come along for unique island style experience and some deliciously fruity cocktail concoctions. The key word here is fun, and there's plenty to be had. Highly recommended and the perfect spot to check out with a date or group of friends.


Wednesday, 2 November 2011

St Jude's Cellars 02/11/11

"St B.E.E.R.S"

Attendees: Cam, Ben, Michael, George, Ivanka, Dom
Price: Pints $8 - $14.50. Some cheap options but mainly high-end brews.
Location: 389 Brunswick St, the quieter end (north)
Distance: 8 min walk
Ambiance: Music wasn't quite hitting the mark and the playlist seemed a little inconsistent - genre hopping around. A classy well lit space - vibrant even without much happening.
Character: We're all a sucker for a polished concrete slab floor. Large central wine shelves divide the room in different areas and put the emphasis on the cellar experience. Off-white painted brick walls help add light and airiness to the space and nice textural element as well.
Decor: Open styled cellar. Quite basic on the decor with factory style hanging light fittings and a generous helping of pot plants. Does seem to lack anything particularly quirky or memorable.
Comfort: Plenty of different options here with some large high tables with stools, dining area or more intimate tables for two by the bar. No couches but its not the type of place you go to slob out.
Patrons: Top shelf Fitzroy. An older, high-end crowd that knows their way around a decent glass of red.
Staff: Top notch. Very cool and friendly but still casual. Came and brought menus as soon as we sat down - good service.
Selection: Not a great range of tap beers but an extensive bottle menu.
Outdoor: N/A
Specials: $10 meals - "Guinea Pig" menu for the chef to test out ideas.
LSR: Wasn't quite hitting the mark. Too light and the music selection was simply not right for the atmosphere.
Amenities: Clean, appreciated the seperate unrinals (no risk of rubbing shoulders here). Heater in the ladies. Good all round.
Top suggestions: Sort the music out. Even chuck a jazz trio in the corner - plenty of spare space for it.

Arbitrary score: 76
A quality dining experience but not the most unique or memorable one. Come here to enjoy a classier Brunswick St crowd on the weekend. More for the wine aficionados than the beer drinkers.


Thursday, 6 October 2011

The Raccoon Club 05/10/11

" Executive B.E.E.R.S."

Attendees: Cam, Ben, Michael, Ivanka, George.
Price: $8.80 for all tap beers, $6 for all bottled beers. Great that it is one standard price for good quality beers.
Location: Suburbia! 145 Plenty Rd, in Preston. On the fringe of inner city.
Distance: 27 min tram ride from Wellington
Ambiance: Good background tunes, option to change with a public use turntable.. The bar has a warehouse feel, but they have managed to make what could have been a cold and harsh place into a warm and welcoming bar.
Character: Still maintains its Preston working class vibe, but with an added trendiness. Blends the exposed roofs and concrete floors with nice wooden tables and warm lighting. The bar is refreshingly long, with great bar seating options available.
Decor: Slightly kitsch. Overall is quite good, but some bits seem to be a bit out of place. Although there are some really nice touches like the spray-painted animals on the concrete floor.
Comfort: Even if this place was packed, it would still feel spacious and comfortable. The one long room with the long bar means that you would never feel cramped. Also has a variety of different seating options, with large tables for big groups, down to intimate couches or small tables for couples or for the individual punter there is a number of bar stools to sit and chat to the friendly bar staff.
Patrons: Everyone has their own agenda, as in people come here with their own groups and keeps to them. Not really a place to mingle and meet people, but rather hangout out and enjoy the company of your friends. It is an 'outer-inner city' crowd meaning that people are trendy but not to the extent of your inner city hipster that we normally see in the Collingwood area.
Staff: Very accommodating! Gave us free nuts and nibblies as well as letting us sample some new beers! Very friendly and chatty, seem to know most of the clientele, great place for regulars. The bar is very new so the staff are very enthusiastic and bring a refreshing and friendly bartending vibe that comes with their extensive drinking knowledge.
Selection: Mostly specialty Victorian craft beers with constantly updated beers on tap. Refreshing, but also ballsy considering the area, not to have a crap standard beer like Carlton Draught. Although they do sell Melbourne Bitter longnecks if you feel inclined to get your bogan-ness on!
Outdoor: Ivanka doesn't like the iron railing fence out the front, but it didn't really concern the rest of us. Perhaps it's there to keep some of the Preston riffraff out! It is nice to walk through the beer garden at the front to get into the bar. The beer garden is minimalistic with some token pot plants to jazz it up a bit.
Specials: Free pool, boardgames and cards creates a friendly, relaxed vibe. The fact that you can play your own choice of records, or even bring in your own vinyl is really cool.
L.S.R.: Very good. Nice selection of music and intimate ambient lighting. Although the outside beer garden seems overly bright.
Amenities: Really enjoyed the wall decorations, they have gone to great efforts to completely cover the walls in individual black and white pictures of famous faces. Makes the toilet trip quite an enjoyable experience..
Top Suggestion: Ivanka really wants to get rid of the fence, but for the rest of us...A great addition to the place would be a kitchen that serves good quality meals to go along with the great quality beers.
Memorable Quotes: "A lot less 'ironic' facial hair and a lot more real facial hair." B.H. when comparing the patronage to Collingwood bars.

Arbitrary Score: 78
It's a bit of a trek from Wellington Manor, but it is great bar with fantastic beers, welcoming staff and good times to be had! Well worth a visit.