February 8, 2012
I can only hope to be present in such an acclomlished establishment again in my life. The food is done right from it’s origins to the presentation of the plate. The food menu reads like someone very passionate is behind it, and it shows in the final product. The beers were all served at great temps and in fantastic and appropriate glassware. From sours to ipa’s to stouts to lambics and gueuze to Belgian strongs and vintages all around, WOW have they gotcha covered! A comfortable place where you might want slap one of the staff on the bottom, but you won’t because you’ll want to return for sure. Enjoy the professionalism and passion of these fine people. Cheers to the Armsby Abbey.

February 6, 2012
What a great place. Stopped in for brunch after EBF. Food was top notch and reasonable (they smoke their own bacon, have changing menus based on local ingredients and what the chefs feel like making...o and the food tastes great). It was fairly quiet when we went around 11:30 but it quickly filled up, they still had 5 LA beers on tap including Sinners 10, Duck Duck Guava and CdT. Also had bottles of Cantillon (which I understand is not so usual in the US) along with many other tasty offerings. Staff was very friendly and quite knowledable, and it was a great place to hang out. Wish this was my local watering hole...although then I would be broke...

January 3, 2012
Unfortunately missed the Hill Farmstead weekend, but was able to catch the tail end of it on Monday. They still had the Foster, Motueka, George, and James on tap. They offer paddle tasters of 4, so I was able to try all 4 during lunch without falling off my bar stool. They were all spectacular, but the George was my favorite. The bartender was very knowledgeable and friendly, and there is obviously a great relationship between Armsby Abbey and Hill Farmstead (supposedly a pseudo-release party for MA). The decor was nice and cozy compared to its restrained exterior. A long bar on the right probably serves 15 people, with tables on the left and a communal bar top in the middle with stools. Food was very good ranging from specialty pizzas to a varying list of cheeses from all over. I found the prices to be quite reasonable, especially the Hill Farmstead. Definitely a new destination for me.

October 10, 2011
Smaller craft beer bar that looks very discrete from the outside, but once you get inside, you can see why it is well known. A good amount of beers on tap and huge bottle list. Some extremely rare beers on bottle and a great selection of local and more common good beers on tap. Prices are a bit steep but they can command the price with a selection like they have. Staff knew what they were doing and were very friendly. I talked to them about the CBS release and the last dark lord day. Fellow beer enthusiasts through and through.

August 29, 2011
I live an hour+ from here, so I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to check it out. What an amazing place. Incredible tap list. Incredible bottle selection. Food menu is limited, but very good. Everything is organic and from local farms. They tell you on the menu what farm it’s from. Everything is delicious. The waitress we had was attentive, without being a pest, and knew her beer. Ya, it’s a bit pricey, but if you want high end, you got to be prepared to pay for it.

June 2, 2011
This is the standard by which all elitist beer bars should be measured. Armsby consistently has the rarest offerings on Earth,draft and bottles. This is obviously a life’s passion for the owners. We just had bottles of Brussels Calling from De La Senne, 2009 Duck Duck Gooze from Lost Abbey and a 2006 Founders KBS on our last visit. Also a Guineau Riner on draft from Spain which was mind blowing!. A 2.5% super bitter IPA! The entire staff under goes long, rigorous training to insure that they know all about what they serve, be it beer, food or spirits. We know because we’ve witnessed the trainings during the middle of the afternoon on several visits. We’ve learned a lot just by eaves dropping. The cocktail program alone would make this place world class never mind the beer. All hand distilled spirits, house made mixers, tinctures, juices and garden to bar philosophy make these concoctions works of art. The food is a constant, passionate expression of whats seasonal, local and inspiring to the kitchen. Every time we go (which is 2 per week) there is something different on the menu. Spectacular job Chef Alec Lopez. You and your crew keep it inventive, inspired and down right delicious! I have been to beer dinners all over the world (I’m in the industry) and have never seen anyone out do Armsby Abbey. If you have a chance to go to one of their dinners don’t delay, they typically sell out in a day or two. This is simply because they are the best at what they do. Even Garrett Oliver was quoted as saying Armsby Abbey is the new standard for gastro pubs! I could go on for ever about this place because I couldn’t be happier that this is in my town. Like I said i travel all over and this is as good as it gets! Bravo Armsby Crew! You deserve all of the awards you’ve won and more!

May 21, 2011
Very pricey, not very knowledgeable. good food and beer.

April 29, 2011
A pretty cool little restaurant with a good beer selection. Had two of Struise’s Damnation series here, so that speaks to the good selection. It seems like their bottle selection may be lacking a little though. The service was very good, but I’m not really sure of their beer knowledge. They knew the products they had. The food was awesome - lentil and lamb soup. A little pricey overall though. Worth a visit.

April 17, 2011
Was there for stoutfest 2011, any bar that can get founders CBS,KBS, black biscuit, 5 struise stouts, etc... is a perfect bar. Can’t wait till I go again when they have their regular beers on tap. Delicious!

February 2, 2011
An amazing number of beers on tap and even more in the bottle. Also keep an eye out for beers they personally age. No TVs, service with a smile and the food is exceptional even if there aren’t a lot of options.