ØL Beercafe and Bottle Shop - Walnut Creek

[Robert Lauriston]

Trappist spinoff, but in style and atmosphere closer to City Beer or Beer Revolution. Bare-bones, somewhat sterile modern space. Great selection of beers on tap, huge bottle selection.

-----
ØL Beercafe and Bottle Shop
1541 Giammona Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

[j mather]

Yes, this is a great place and a welcome addition for "beer nuts" in Walnut Creek. I've been particularly enjoying their selection of Norwegian microbrews, which aren't widely available. Don't go expecting to get a meal, though.

[adrienne156]

But, they do allow you to bring food in.

[chefj]

When i went about a 2 months ago they had at least a cheese plate and I think a Charcuterie plate as well.

[Spatlese]

I keep meaning to check this place out, since I'm a diehard regular at the Trappist already, and figured it'd be interesting to compare/contrast the two. I think I need some other reason to make the trek out to Walnut Creek so it isn't just a schlep for different taps...

[Robert Lauriston]

If I lived nearby I'd be in there all the time, but I did not find it nearly as appealing a place to drink as the Trappist, or even as Beer Revolution. More like City Beer.

[chefj]

Agreed
They were very understaffed the day I was there as well, long waits for beer.

[chuckl]

Robert, are you referring to City Beer before or after the expansion. I havent been to the new OL yet, since its not on any of my regular beer routes. I've been digging Monks Kettle quite a bit recently.

[Robert Lauriston]

I haven't been to the expanded City Beer.

Monk's Kettle has some good beers but feels more like a restaurant than a bar to me.

[Spatlese]

The expanded City Beer is pretty much just that - expanded, so they can pack in more drinkers than ever before - but the overall ambiance is pretty much the same.

As for Monk's Kettle, they've certainly got some choice beers available at any given time, and the food's pretty good - but jeebus, why is their beer so damn expensive? Even by the admittedly-higher-price-point set by places like the Trappist and OL, Monk's routinely charges a premium for their offerings.

-----
The Monk's Kettle
3141 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

[j mather]

If you need another reason to go to the WC, Robert just posted about this place is just around the corner (literally) from Ol:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/702354

[shanghaikid]

the "bar" seats only about 5 people. others have to sit in the main dining room out front.
draught beer selection is about ten, mostly imports. don't expects pint pours. looks 6-8 ounces for a hefty price. (8?)

bottled beer is pricier than bewmo. if you drink it there, it's $2-3 more. beer revolution has a bigger selection.

they also serve peanuts and beef jerky...

[Robert Lauriston]

I believe it's like the Trappist, the pours vary with beer type. IPAs and other American- / British-style beers come in pints, Belgian styles in 25 or 33cl glasses. Prices vary from $5 to $10.