January 12, 2009 [ Updated March 7, 2009 ]
Always reliable for an assortment of great beers. Unique African atmosphere, and pricing is very reasonable. If Al is around, you can strike up a very enjoyable conversation with a guy who really knows his stuff - makes the experience twice as fun!

November 30, 2008
Visited for Al’s birthday and prior to that, the Darkness release last October 30. This is a cool place that offers loads of surprises. The bar is set toward the front of the restaurant and offers an exotic feel due to the finish and appearance of their decorating. Make no mistake... this is Al’s house and as such, he is committed to offering a number of fine imports and high-end domestics on tap and FRESH! Service is friendly and fast and on top of that, there always seems to be at least one or two fellow BA’s to share some great conversation with. A great place to visit with a commitment to be a leader in the local bar scene. Great job Al!

November 27, 2008
A bit off the beaten track, this is known as Al’s place ("Felociounosmonk"), the Food & Beverage manager who made a stand of commitment to make a craft beer scene in the city. This is a relaxing bar, and a huge one. You can sit on sofas and relax, this is not a metal and glass place. Just missing a fireplace. And you can come for the bar alone, as several people did on a cold Monday night. Roy and Al know their beer, and the selection is good for quality, with the right glass served. The music allows for conversation, and is the world of Black music for around the world, soulful and relaxing. Note: Only open at 4 pm, and extra points for being one of the last places (because of extra kegs) wth Darkness.

November 21, 2008
A very unique place to be a craft beer destination but Al always does a hell of a job of rotating the taps and bottles and keeping the selection fresh. A cozy and (during the days) quiet bar. Guaranteed 3+ Surlys on tap at all time plus a wide range of imports and domestic micros. The crowd and music gets a little loud on the weekends, but nothing a Darkness can’t drown out. Service is average, but when Al is around, always top notch. Excellent special events as well. Top notch Ethiopian food (if that’s your thing). Maybe not a bar for all tastes, but definitely worth stopping by... especially if you’re already on the west bank.

October 17, 2008
It’s about the last place you’d suspect for a good beer bar, but the legends are true. It’s an odd space but a comforting one, with a solid bartending crew offering up a nice mix of locals and American micros (if there’s a Surly or Bell’s brew afoot, they’ve got it) and usually an international offering or two. The bottle list is decidedly more expansive: Tyranena, Unibroue, North Coast, and a good German selection round things out. Well worth the journey.

June 5, 2008
Stopped in for dinner while in MN for business. First time having Ethiopian food and I have to say I enjoyed it. I love hot/spicy foods, so that worked out well for me. Got to meet and spend some time with the Rate Beer loyal bar manager Al. Great guy! Beer selection was solid with three Surly beers on in addition to Southern Tier Hoppe. There was other craft beer on as well and no BMC beers on tap!

February 5, 2008
Not a huge selection of beers, but Al knows his stuff and there is always at least a couple of very tasty things on tap. I like the Ethiopian food, but they have some bar food as well if Ethiopian food isn’t your style.

January 28, 2008 [ Updated August 21, 2008 ]
Finally made it down here, after many failed attempts. The first thing that hits me is the smell, that combined with the decor for some reason took me back to Turkey, or maybe east Africa, but that is not the point. The layout is nice, and Al has some kickin beers on tap. Hopslam, Bells TC Old Ale 06, N’Ice Chouffe, Surly Furious, Surly Mild, Surly Bender, and more that I can’t recal. Good pricing on the beers as well. I only paid $4.50 for the Mild, which compared to some other high end establishments is pretty good, and the high end Belgians were capped at like $8-9. The food was superb as well, and took me back to areas I have not traveled to in a little while. Try the Gosa Gosa (appetizer sampler?) platter if you are aprehensive (my wife is the pickiest eater ever, and she liked it.) All in all a great experience, although the music wasn’t quite my bag. Edit: After a visit for Al’s B-day the score has to go up, as he had Oak Aged Cynic!

January 25, 2008
Went here the day after the Surly Two release so as to avoid the crowd. I went around 9pm on a Thursday and there was no crowd at all, just a few scattered people around the bar. The bartenders were very polite and helpful. The selection, from the menu I was given, was not huge by any means but did have some beers I had not seen on tap at other places (Ommegang Indulgence and St. Bernardus Tripel). The place is very spacious and the decor and atmosphere are relaxing.

October 30, 2007
Stopped by for unveiling of Surly Darkness. Good atmosphere, plenty of room and places to sit. Only had Darkness, but looked like some other good stuff there. Can’t comment much about service as it was incredibly busy when there. Will definitely go back some time.