Came here last night with a friend. The place has recently opened but it feels like an old watering hole already. In fact, all the animals were lined up to slake their thirst: the illusive artist all in black, the mustachioed hipster, the longhair plaid shirted type who would look more natural with a PBR in hand. The place was packed. There was barely any room to even lean against a wall.
We were planning to try several beers, but only stayed for one round. Though Mikkeller has surged in popularity recently, polarising popular opinion somewhat due to its hype and rather high prices, we were pleased with our selections. However. The menu differed substantially from what was listed online, and the beer I was most excited about wasn't on tap. Furthermore, prices are high. I paid for 2/3 of a pint what I might pay for two pints elsewhere. Finally, those aforementioned animals flocking to the watering hole sure were making a squawking, hawing, hullabaloo. That, coupled with the way-too-loud music (management: just turn it down! You're not a club!), meant one had to practice one's best actor/singer training to project the voice and be heard by one's conversation partner sitting so close our knees were touching.
I've been a fan of Mikkeller since around 2012, and was happy to try their Pale and their Oregon Hazy with Strawberry. The staff were friendly too. And like any good craft beer bar, they offer tasters so you can try-before-you-buy. But I don't think I'll be back. It was just so loud and crowded that even quality beer couldn't make up for it. read more