The Lucky Monk
South Barrington, IL
Founded: 2010
Last visited: December 2019
One of our favorite brewpubs in the area. We belong to the Monk Society, whose benefits include a bomber-size Beer of the Month, and the opportunity to earn points toward dining credits. It also allows discounts on growlers, a Flash Pass to bypass the wait for a table, a free burger on your birthday, and invitations to special events, such as the monthly tapping of a new beer. The membership insures that we will visit at least once a month. They also have private rooms where you can host events at very reasonable prices.
The August member benefit was a barbecue held in the parking lot and outdoor deck. The variety and quality of food were outstanding! As always, beer was included. Perks like these really justify the monthly fee.
They usually have four year-round beers on tap, a seasonal beer, and several guest beers. Favorites are the standard Cardinal Sin Pilsner, the Fallen Angel Vienna-Style Lager, and the Solitude Stout. The beer is only served in-house, not distributed to other bars. Here are a few favorites:
BEER:
Kolsch - 4.50
- Crisp and refreshing German ale; medium body, medium bitterness; great for people who prefer their beer less hoppy
Cardinal Sin Pilsner - 4.50
- Crisp, medium-body lager; malty sweetness most prominent characteristic; noticeable hop bitterness reminiscent of classic German pilsners
Fallen Angel Lager - 3.75
- Excellent example of a Vienna-style lager; roasted malt flavor is evident throughout and gives the beer a robust mouthfeel; malt character dominates hop bitterness, as expected
Solitude Oatmeal Stout - 4.50
- Full-bodied dry stout with lots of chocolate and coffee flavors; if beer could be a dessert, this would be the one
Altbier - 4.50
- Outstanding example of style. Rich and malty, but displaying the ambience of an ale
Session IPA - 3.75
- Smooth, drinkable, IPA. Hop character not overpowering, nicely balanced
FOOD:
The food is always excellent, with burgers so tall you can barely fit them in your mouth, and outstanding fries perfectly seasoned with a spice blend.
Though the menu caters toward comfort food like burgers, pizza, wings and massive pretzels, the health conscious diner can find a variety of choices, including entree salads, and fish. One of our favorite options is the Caesar Salad toped with salmon, burger or steak.
Going toward the other end of the spectrum, the most decadent menu item has to be the Grilled Cheese Burger, two entire bacon-stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches that act as the “bun” for a burger.
