One of the best things about Kolkata’s popular gastro-pub Monkey Bar is its location. Snug on the ninth floor of Fort Knox building on Camac Street, it is not only far from the urban din but the long window offers a panoramic view of the city. By day, you will see a green vista dotted with some very notable landmarks while at night you will catch the city draped in fairy lights. And when the pub opens a ‘Beer Mrkt’ to run through the season (until Sep 29), you know where to go to beat the monsoon blues.
Highlights of the Beer Mrkt includes seven signature beer cocktails and a menu of fun fries and zesty wings. You can try mash-ups like – The Peach Trip- a concoction brewed with beer, Jim Beam, peach syrup and Angostura bitters. Or try the Monkey Mule, a brew made of beer, vodka, house made ginger cordial, lime and mint. Feeling adventurous? Get yourself a Bloody Roman with beer, tomato juice, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, black pepper and salt or simply taste the thunder with a chilled Beer Bong a heady combination of beer and dark rum. The Beergarita, the pub’s version of the classic Margarita, consists of Beer, Tequila and lime juice.
Monkey Bar has also concocted some fancy eats to go with your tipple. The range of hot and crispy French Fries with a choice of fun toppings include Mexican Chili Cheese Fries topped with baked beans, melted cheddar cheese and Pico de Gallo or the Ham & Cheese Fries with cheese sauce and a helping of grilled ham or the Pizza Fries baked with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of oregano and basil. Or, you can try the Poutine– its French fries topped with cheese sauce, mushroom gravy, bell peppers and caramelized onions with an additional helping of chicken, if you fancy. The Beer Mrkt’s Chicken Wings come with a choice of sauces, including Caribbean Jerk sauce, Honey Mustard Sauce, Sticky Korean Gochujang or the Hot BBQ Sauce. For those who want something of everything, there is a Basket Combo with a choice of any two options of fries and two options of wings.
The Beer Mrkt is open from Sunday to Thursday, 12 noon to 12 midnight; Friday & Saturday, 12 noon to 1am. Guests below the age of 21 are permitted only till 6pm. At the Beer Mrkt, Signature Beer Cocktails are priced between ₹250 and ₹400; fries and wings priced between ₹180 and ₹280. A Basket Combo with any two fries and two wings is ₹800. All prices mentioned are exclusive of taxes. Monkey Bar is located on the ninth floor of Fort Knox building, 6 Camac Street, Kolkata 700017; tel: 033 4060 6446.