In short
Awesome newer place, nicer than a dive but open to dive lovers, good food, good bar, tons of games and TVs.
In long
This place took over the spot after a beloved old joint closed up shop due to happy retirement. It was an instant hit, packed all the time--not to say that Muk protects its institutions too fiercely, but that's kinda rare to blow up right away after replacing a popular joint. Good on 'em!
They really do show tons of individual personality while still hitting all the regular marks for a great hangout. Pool, darts, I think pulltabs, pop-a-shot, tons of flat screens tuned to the ballgame. Full kitchen, full bar. Beer and wine are kinda the basics, and they're not trying to knock you out with weird custom cocktails, either--but everything's good, including the prices.
Muk never had a spot like this before. Low key, come as you are, welcome sports fans, bend an elbow and hang out? Nope. There are just a couple clusters of businesses, so there haven't been many entrepreneurs stepping in. National chains, maybe a wine bar here and there. More good spots have opened the last few years, but this is the first casual hang like this. They clearly filled a gaping niche! 20 years ago it seemed like there was barely anything other than the brewery and a little seafood.
We've driven by here dozens of times, and the parking lots always looked completely full. We've circled through the parking lot half a dozen times and, yeah, every spot really was taken.
Yesterday it was oddly only half-full, so we finally got to check it out. They cleaned the place up a fair bit: new paint, new flooring, turned it from a Greek place into a sports bar/tav vibe. Nothing overdone, very low-key. They greet you right away and ya seats yerself.
There are half a dozen booths and a couple dozen barstools along the bar and a couple highboy tables. No tables. We had menus right away and the kid couldn't have been nicer. For as slammed as they always are, he was super relaxed and easy-going. No rush to chatting with him at all, though he hustled every bit of food and drink and all that.
We got a couple cocktails and a couple plates. All showed up right away.
Manhattan
They have a maple manhattan on the menu here, but this drink at most places doesn't need any more sugar. This was easy to enjoy.
R&R
Sweet and creamy drink that was a big hit across the table. Kinda like a milkshake on the rocks for me, but I am not really the target audience here.
Nachos
Very little spice, no cumin or anything to make you think you're eating Mexican food. Kind of wonton chips, white cheese sauce, some veg and such. Not bad but I could go 500% higher on the flavor profile, at least. Still, this is gonna be a hit with most folks who order it. If you're watching the game it's an easy snack to keep nibbling on. I might almost go for the sauce on the side as a dip; these are pretty messy nachos, especially if you're not zeroing in on the dry corner of each chip with your fingertips.
Prime rib dip
Solid sandwich, good flavor to the meat and onions. The jus is not too different at most places--comfortingly familiar for sure. Bread is toasted to the point of crunchiness, which is a nice change of pace. Crinkle-cut fries cooked thoroughly enough to be fluffy inside. Perfect!
For 2 plates and drinks, it was under $60 before tip. Very fair prices. I would happily come back anytime, though it's not a spot I would rideshare to, and they rarely have parking. They always pack it out in here, and it's easy to see why. I hope I end up here again a few times. They really take care to do everything as well as they can and still keeping prices fair. read more