Happy Hour Test Drive: Top of the Monk

Situated at the corner of Patton Avenue and Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville, Top of the Monk is a handcrafted cocktail bar, atop Thirsty Monk Brewery and Pub.  This pre-prohibition, specialty bar combines its cocktail prowess with a classy, relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a happy hour rendezvous.

Top of the Monk
Lounge and Bar area.

With one of the largest spirit collections in the area (120+ whiskeys in stock), Top of the Monk knows their cocktails.  While their speciality is in pre-prohibition cocktails, they can create any cocktail you can dream up.  Each drink is made with only fresh squeezed juices and created with their own, house made bitters, tinctures, infusions, drams, flavored syrups, and shrubs.  Detail matters and it’s evident upon the first sip.

top of the monk
Rooftop herb garden
Hand crafted cocktails

Drinks

The drink menu changes monthly, allowing for local, seasonal ingredients to be curated and showcased.  We opted to try a few classics and a few “surprise me” cocktails.  We started out at the bar, watching the Mixologists carefully craft each drink.  It’s interesting to sit and watch each drink be made in the absence of soda guns and neon colored syrups.  Even the ginger beer is made in house!

Bolt & Screw It
Top of the Monk
Dark & Stormy
Orange Buck
Top of the Monk
Rusty Nail

While there is no kitchen or food menu, every cocktail comes with a key that gets you a complimentary bar snack.  An antique mailbox holds the snacks, with 5 snack options.  We chose our snacks and made our way out to the rooftop patio.

Snack Cabinet

The rooftop view is a no-brainer upgrade to your happy hour.  It’s easy to relish the sights and sounds of the bustling city, with views of the Blue Ridge encircling you.  The scenery inspired conversation and a calming lightheartedness.

top of the monk
Patrons enjoying drinks on the rooftop patio
Cheers to the view!

The Grade

Drinks: Oh my, the freshness!  Notes of lemon, ginger and fresh herbs were infused into each drink, allowing you to savor and enjoy each sip.  They were refreshing, satisfying and dangerously tasty.

Food: The bar snacks were a great pre-dinner, happy hour bite and paired well with the cocktails.

Setting: The patio offered a romantic setting, with views of the city and the mountains, giving you a full spectrum experience while you enjoy your cocktails.

Top of the Monk score an A.  The vibe was relaxed and sophisticated, the drinks were creatively inspired and delicious and the rooftop patio scored high on scenery.

Top of the Monk
92 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Open 7 days a week:
Mon-Thurs 4pm-12am
Fri-Sat 4pm-1:30am
Sun 4pm-11pm

www.topofthemonk.com


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