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Welcome to BeerFM, your source for beer news, tips, and reviews and I’m your host Andy. Today I’m going to talk about The Lucky Monk brewpub and restaurant located in South Barrington, Illinois.
A few weeks ago my girlfriend and I stopped in after lunch to try flights of beer and this weekend we celebrated our 3 year anniversary there for dinner. We regret not getting there when it used to be Brass but we found out it was going to reopen when we met Anthony the brewmaster at Barrington brewfest last summer. My memory about the later part of the brewfest is a bit foggy but from what I remember he had two beers, one being a vintage ale, and both were good. We all, my girlfriend included, talked each other’s ears off for quite some time.
A review of this magnitude requires two parts; The Restaurant which is this podcast, and the beer which is to come later. I’d like to start the restaurant review with the design and vibe written by my girlfriend Tricia who is an Interior Design senior at the Art Institute of Schaumburg.
“Upon arriving at the Lucky Monk, one would think the interior space would be rustic from the all stone façade; not at all. The Lucky Monk is an urban gem within the suburbs of South Barrington. You enter at the hostess stand and get an expansive view of the entire space. The floor plan is well configured by keeping the space open allowing your eye to appreciate the details throughout. The industrial ceiling is kept intact but toned down by being painted black and ceiling panels being hanging above according to the seating. The ceiling panels bring softness to the ceiling while housing organic lighting fixtures. In the center lounge there is a built in banquet seating area below a stone wall. The lighting in this area brings back the industrial feel with simple bulb pendants hung at various lengths. Lounge seating, low tables, and ottomans bring the urban feel home. This section creates an intimate area for either couples or groups of friends to relax and socialize. Your interest is kept with the amount of textures used within the restaurant. From the stone wall in the lounge, to the brick which makes an appearance throughout the space as well as wooden barrels sporting the logo protruding from a few walls. The brewery is open to the public, showcased through glass walls along side the bar. As one of the main attractions of The Lucky Monk, it is a treat for the public to be able to get a glimpse behind the scene. There is a large rectangular bar offering ample seating as well as a few booths and tables surrounding it. Above the bar there is an architectural ceiling element composed of hardwood. It houses the lighting for the bar as well as sheet metal details to play up the urban feel of the restaurant. Off of the bar a side room offers some lounge seating alongside a pool table. Through that room is the hidden gem…the outdoor patio which is placed off the south end of the building. A trellis covers the entire space allowing the sun to shine through but give you the protection you need to be comfortable. In the center is an oversized fire-pit which is unique to the area. It’s a relaxing and cozy environment for you to gather around a fire on a spring/summer night to truly enjoy the weather. Glass panels fence-in the area reassuring the open feel to the space. Overall The Lucky Monk is one of the best designed restaurants in the area. The earth tones and organic textures create a relaxing environment to enjoy a night out with family and friends.”
Thanks to Tricia for that detailed description! And not only was the atmosphere awesome, but the service was fantastic at both visits. Our first visit consisted of two beer flights of the Lucky Monk beers, one for each of us. Like the beer geek I am, I asked for each beer separately and poured into a pint glass rather than a small snifter. While I generally feel like an ass requesting this of bartenders, Jessica obliged with no problem but asked what the reason for the strange request. I told her it was because it was my first visit to The Lucky Monk and wanted to review the beer. I never mentioned this podcast however. About halfway through the tasting the Bar manager came over and asked how everything was tasting, how we liked the area and if we were interested in food as well. Both Jessica and the manager Scott were very hospitable to us as well as others around the bar. Since it was a Saturday afternoon it wasn’t too busy allowing us to relax for a good hour and a half.
Just this past Friday we went during the dinner rush at 7. Scott the bar manager was just inside so we talked to him briefly. We were then seated with decent haste after getting a beer at the crowded bar and enjoying it by the fire on the patio. Scott brought samples of the newly brewed IPA over to us and told us it was a new recipe. Our server Dan came by offering suggestions for appetizers and Trish chimed in hearing the Warm Pretzel Trio was fantastic for $9.95. Sure enough, she was right. Three warm large-hand sized pretzels which virtually melt apart are served with Wisconsin cheddar beer fondue, tomato-parmesan sauce, and a deliciously zippy honey mustard butter. Each dunking sauce was significantly different from the next but all were mouth-watering and will be a must-have for every one of our visits.
We cleansed our palates with tap beer while we decided on our main entrée. I went with a 6 oz Bourbon Stout hamburger which features stout-braised onions, Tillamook cheddar, lettuce, which was regrettably shredded, not one leaf, tomato, and pickles. I enjoyed the flavor combinations going on but overall was unimpressed with it. The bun seemed squished and soggy which, in conjunction with the stout-braised onions, led to the majority of it falling apart. With a stiffer, toasted bun it could be a real winner. The fries were nothing to write home about but were enjoyable nonetheless. Either way, it tastes good and for $8.95 it’ll fill a stomach right up.
Trish picked their Twisted Chicken sandwich which came on a bun similar to mine; a bit soggy on the bottom and a little small in proportion to the whole package. Both were served on these little wood circle puck-like things on the plate. I wonder if that has something to do with it. I digress. The brioche bun contained bacon, chunky avocado, lettuce, tomato, and herb mayo. Trish liked the flavor combination a lot but for some reason the bite I tried was a little off-putting to my taste. The herb mayo was strong and paired with avocado didn’t do it for me but she loved it. Half that sandwich landed in an aluminum foil take-home box they prepare for you. It was $9.95 and well worth it to her.
We passed on desert on account of being too full. Dan our server was around when you needed him but not enough to be hovering. Also, someone who seemed like a manager came by to ask how everything was and removed empty plates for us.
I also liked that water was served in large, clear swing-top bottles. It added a nice and interesting feel to it. They were left on the table so if the server wasn’t close by, which seldom happened, you could refill the glass yourself. All the employees also come in when new beer arrives to taste it all with Anthony, the brewmaster to learn about them and what they pair well with. The servers are also trained on pouring beer properly which was a wonderful surprise to me.
Overall the service and atmosphere were fantastic. The quality was very good too and I look forward to my next visit to try the pizza they offer. With a middle-of-the-road price-point that’s very fair, it makes for a nice, relaxing night out or a quick meal and beer before or after a movie at AMC just across the expansive parking lot. I’d like to extend a big thanks to the bar manager Scott for his hospitality and genuine caring about the restaurant, beer, service, and food.
When I’m in Illinois The Lucky Monk will be a staple among my visit places, especially in the summer when the patio is lit up by a warm fire. Stay tuned for part two of The Lucky Monk review for my thoughts on the beers they offer!
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Cheers!
-Andy
