In Buffalo, there are the brilliant front patios that everyone can see for miles around, such as Cecelia’s, Larkin Filling Station, Pearl Street and [coming] Black Swan (formerly Cozumel). Then there are the hidden gems, such as La Tee Da, Coco’s, Left Bank, Tappo (elevated), Fat Bob’s, Phoenix, Cantina Loco and Resurgence (beer garden). After scouting around, I have come to find one of my new favorites in Blue Monk. Everyone pretty much knows that the front patio of Blue Monk is constantly packed with craft beer loving aficionados, but there’s an even better outdoor beer garden style romping ground in back.
Recently Mike Shatzel made embarked upon some serious upgrades for Blue Monk’s back patio, making it one of the city’s best outdoor drinking and dining destinations. I stopped in over the weekend to settle into a couple of brews and snap some photos. As I was snapping away, I happened to run into server Brett Benson who took a few minutes to give me the low-down on the Blauwe Monnik Biertuin (the name of the “beer garden”), the menu, and the changes that had been made to the beer garden-esque area.
First of all, the most significant update is the addition of food and beer service. In the past, you had to go inside, order at the bar, and then huff it back out to the patio. While there is a limited food menu, the #1 draw at Blue Monk is the beer. For those looking to spread out, there are plenty of attractive tables and chairs that can be moved around in order to accommodate smaller and larger parties. I also like the Americana-feeling road sign effect that gives the place a “lived in” sort of feeling.
The “beer garden” behind Blue Monk has a nice energy. In the past I often forgot that it even existed, mainly due to presence of the hustling and bustling front patio facing Elmwood. For those who are looking to get away from the fray and the frenzy, grab a beer and enjoy a game of cornhole, this place is open every day until 11pm. Definitely one of the nicer outdoor spots in the city to relax and enjoy the company of others.
Blue Monk | 727 Elmwood Avenue | Buffalo, NY 14222 | (716) 882-6665 | See food | See beer