NYC, East Village. Located just down the street from McSorley's, this bar does not meet my usual pre-1900 criteria for this blog. But it is one of the coolest places to enjoy a great European beer in the city. It features mostly Belgian and German beer. It refers to itself as a "temple for the worship of beer" and that it is. On the wall behind the. bar is a sign saying "No Loud Talking Allowed - Only Whispering", and they will let you know when you are not adhering to this request. Gregorian chants are played softly in the background. Beautiful murals featuring monks adorn the walls. It is a great place to have a great beer and contemplate life as we know it.

I enjoyed a taste of the Allagash Curieaux (wow!), a yummy fruity Kastell Rouge, and finished with a a very full bodied Gouden Carolus Dark while I had a nice quiet conversation with Francesca the bartender. A fantastic finish to a lower East side pub crawl.