La Trappe
Categories: Bars, Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill800 Greenwich St
(between Jansen St & Mason St)
San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 440-8727
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: No
72 reviews
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
"Went here for my first yelp event this past friday. The bartenders are awesome. Super friendly and sociable. Megan is probably the best…" read more »
110 Reviews for La Trappe
I have so much love for La Trappe! I just had the rehearsal dinner (with approx 20 guests) for my wedding in the bar/lounge area downstairs. They did a kick ass job at everything - the service, food, drinks - we were so impressed. They designed menus for the event, happily explained their huge beer selection a ton of times for all of our guests, and promptly brought out additional appetizers when we ran out. Try the grilled shrimp by the way - everyone's favorite. Once the dinner was over about 30 more guests showed up to meet us for drinks. It really was the perfect place for the event.
Great beer selection in a cool downstairs bar.
We got there for happy hour on Friday after work, there were a few empty tables, so we just ducked into them. Apparently they are for people eating, which kinda sucks. But we went to the bar, and ordered a few more beers.
The half litre Hacker for $6 is pretty damn good. The other selections are amazing, well worth a trip. Saw this reviewed in 7x7 and it really lived up to expectations. If they can open up the tables for drinkers and stop being such snobs, this could be a favorite.
I can see why people like this place. Great beer, good food, charming cellar bar location. But it's not all good.
Unfortunately, the organization has it's issues. We were seated after a 15 minutes wait but then waited for more than 25 minutes before wrestling a passing waiter to the ground and demanding he serve us. (He said he would help us out as our waiter seemed to be "tied up" - but we didn't saw "our" waiter for at least another half hour.)
What happened next may show why there was such slow service.The waiter seemed to go to the bar, try to get one of the overwhelmed bartender's attention, and then wait while the the barman actually poured our beers. Surely the waiter had something better to do other than wait?
The best things about the service were the bus boys - there seemed to be two of them constantly filling glasses with water. Seemed like overkill to me - people are not here for the water - they are here for the beer! Someone should have given those guys a tray an had them delivering our drinks.
From this point of view, I should award La Trappe just one star. But the food was good and the beer was excellent and well priced, so guess two will do for now.
I hate to write a bad review. I will have to return when it is not quite so busy - maybe they can win another star or two.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I believe La Trappe is Flemish for "Cool little bar with a wide range of good beers to choose from." That may seem a little long, but the Belgians are renown for saying a lot with very few words.
My girlfriend and I went this weekend with four friends to celebrate my birthday after dinner and a few beers at Rogue. The beer selection was spendy in comparison to popping out for a PBR, but reasonable if you've priced bottles Belgian beer at BevMo, the City Beer Store or wherever it is you buy your beer.
We ordered dessert and I had a Belgian Waffle that was really well done. My girlfriend had the four layer chocolate mousse which satsiated her chocolate cravings for at least the day. Lesser desserts have failed at doing so in the past.
The best part about it though was the environment. The area we were in had nice padded chairs that could be moved about to suit the mood of your party. We set back and had something you really can't have in most bars-- a nice conversation.
The downside is that you're not in for a cheap evening if you hang out here. My one beer ran 8 bones, after all. But it is a very enjoyable place for those moments you decide to splurge.
Four Stars - lets see, if you consider a joint with a good beer selection that does not require preparation of any sort, then I'll agree, however, when my buddies and I made a trip to La Trappe last night, it was far from 4 stars. To start, we were seated fairly promptly and then placed our orders for Beer and apps. The beer (Brasserie De Roc, Saison Dupont, and Affligem) delivered and were quite yummy. The apps (smoked trout in endive cups and the salad were mediocre.
Then we placed our orders for dinner (2 orders of the mussels and fries, 1 S.F. Burger, and 1 Portobello w/ Polenta) which didn't make it to our table for close to an hour. Given the fact that there were only 7 other tables with people and 3 cooks upstairs, that was unacceptable.
The Food: mussels were small and had little taste to it. There was a lack of broth, which would have helped retain some of the flavor. The fries that came with it was rather dry and didn't have much over say.. McDonald's fries. The buddy that had the burger was extremely disappointed with what was brought onto the plate. The burger was dry, tasteless, overcooked (he ordered medium and the meat looked a dark grey) and the Portabello and Polenta was undercooked.
Overall this is how the scores stacked up:
Beer - 4 Stars Weighting Factor 20%
Atmosphere - 4 Stars 20%
Food - 1 Star 50%
Service - 1 Star 10%
OVERALL - 1 1/2 STARS 100%
So, I would come back to grab a beer but not eat any of the food, if you can call it that!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
No this is not the location of Rommy's vagina. It's a small restaurant/lounge/bar that has an amazing list of Belgian brew. Don't make the mistake of thinking that Chimay Blue is only $4 for a 24 ounce bottle like one person in our group though. You are looking at the table of contents and Chimay Blue is listed on page 4 at $18. Still a good deal for a bottle of beer that will have you swerved with a quickness.
People thought this was:
Useful (21)
Funny (19)
Cool (23)
In case you wondering, I am a rad ex girlfriend. Yep. Date me, dump me, then let me take you out to a nice dinner for your birthday. I'm that nice. I could have chosen Taco Bell or some equivalent, but no, I chose an amazing restaurant with an incredible beer selection for my former lover's birthday.
Everything* about this place I love. The ambiance is perfect. Love the cave for private parties (hi phil!), the checkerboard tables, the speakeasy feel.
The food was top notch. We had the pancetta wrapped shrimp, pork in a beer reduction with amazing brussel sprouts, and the rabbit stew. For dessert we had some chocolate hazelnut pudding thing with raspberry sauce. Every bite was delicious.
The beer was incredible. I always forget how fruity the blondes can be. (and no I'm not talking about me. or my faux date ex boyfriend). Having such a wide selection we took our time with the beer list. Everything we picked was great though. And our waitress had fun trying to teach us how to say them properly. I tried the whole point and say the one part of the beer you think you know, and she'd reply, "Oh? you mean the crazyforeignicantrememeberwhattocallit beer? You'll love it, it's got a great bite." Uh... yeah. What she said.
The worst part of the meal, besides the whole staring into the eyes of the man who broke my heart thing, was this woman dining a few tables away. OMG. SHUT UP. I DON'T WANT TO HEAR YOUR IMPERSONATION OF MIKE MYERS IN SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER. YOU HAVE THE LOUDEST SHRIEKIEST VOICE I HAVE EVER HEARD AND MY EAR DRUMS LITERALLY HURT FOR THREE DAYS. HOW DO YOU HAVE FRIENDS? Seriously. SHUT UP. Conversation was extremely difficult having to wait between shrieks and it's a bit hard to put the fork in your mouth when you have to plug your ears. Bonus points to the waitress for making fun of her and apologizing to us about her ambiance-ruining abilities.
*The reason for 4 stars and not 5 is three things. And they are minor and easy to fix.
First - when I ask for my food to be boxed up, I meant all of it. Not just part of it. I purposely saved half of my brussel sprouts so that when I heated up the pork I would have something to go with it. Also, please include the sauce. Every chef should know that when reheating moisture will be lost, so all that sauce sitting at the bottom of the plate, please pour it over the pork so I'm not chomping at a dry piece of rubber the next day. Having the meal taste good the next day just reminds your customers of how great it was the first time and brings them back.
Second - Please print more menus. There aren't enough for every table so we couldn't keep the beer list with us the whole time even though it was one of the big things we were looking at and talking about during dinner. We are HUGE beer fans so we like to compare and contrast and find the ones we haven't had. It is likely to be a passion of a lot of patrons, so having lots of beer lists will only benefit you.
Third- Make a real host stand at the entrance. Being greeted by the chef and a waiter picking up food is great but I think people immediately feel lost when walking in.
These minor complaints aside. I absolutely love this place and can't wait for another ex to have a birthday.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (5)
Cool (7)
Cool basement of a cafe+bistro+bar with an echo, so it makes you feel like you're in a beer cellar or tavern. Great selection of Belgians. Too bad it closes at 12 every night. Didn't get to try anything past our first round. So we'll see what we come across to next time.
Totally unassuming Belgian joint in the middle of the hustle and bustle of North Beach. A huge selection of Belgian beers for a pretty penny--but the Chimay was only $4?! Is Chimay to Belgium as Bud Light is to the US?
Anyway, I've only been to the cavernous basement area and totally enjoyed it. The lighting is dim and it's pretty chill for its location, at least when I was there. Great place to go if you just want to relax, have a beer and chat it up.
One of Northbeach's best spots! I reluctantly walked in this place to get a beer on some random night. I was suprices by the atmosphere and the beer. They have an extensive beer list with some very rare beers. I have developed a taste for belgium beers and they have a ton. If you get a chance to talk to the owner do it, He is a chill dude and knows everything about belgian beers and exactly what flovors are in them.
The service here was great and the food was simple but perfect. I love that kind. I had the steak and frittes and it was one of the best steaks I have had in a long time. I have gone back there to start a weekend off and this is perfect for that. Try beers that you never knew existed. A small place perfect for a date (make sure she drinks beer).
This place is awesome and I can't wait to go back ASAP. It was my b-day and some friends suggested it....I was so pleasantly surprised when I got to the basement! The ambiance is awesome! I love the dimness and the cave-like candlelit room with comfy seats and brick walls. Be careful though when going to the restroom - those mirrors are not one-way! ; ) I will definitely be back. The beer selection is fantastic and the staff was very friendly and more than helpful.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
We walked in and the street-level room was totally empty. The boyfriend and I looked at each other, wondering where the people were, but when the kitchen staff saw our puzzled expressions, they suggested we go downstairs. We descended the winding staircase and was so pleasantly surprised by a lovely little subterranean dining room, complete with water fountain and a crowd of people. I felt like I was in a speakeasy. The food was good, the fries especially are amazing, complete with multiple dipping sauces. And the beer. Fantastic.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Being a fan of Belgian Wit Bier (and belgian styled beers in general), I was excited to FINALLY come here last night for the introductory special monthly event featuring a tasting menu with belgian beer pairings.
This was an INCREDIBLE deal for the amount of food and drink. The food and drink was ridiculously amazing for the price.
The ambience of this place is amazing: Dark like a Trappist Abbey on a seven storey mountain in Brugges. Underground waterfalls, dim candlelight and gentle spotlighting for a stone dining room with adjoining bar and casual lounge. Could be very romantic on a slow night.
1) Pre dinner drinks
Hitachino Nest Belgian-style White Ale
La Caracole Saxo Belgian Ale
The $65 Prix Fixe menu was as such:
2a) Appetizer
Moules a la Biere
Mussels served in Gulden Draak dark beer sauce
Beer Pairing: Bruegel Amber
2b) Appetizer
Smoked Trout & Endive salad cups
Belgian Endive adorned with grapefruit, avocado, smoked trout and balsamic reduction
Beer Pairing: Ephemere Apple
3a) Soup
Cream of Ginger Carrot
Beer Pairing: Rader Blond
3b) Salad
Calimari Salad
White tuscan beans, capers, lemon and fresh herbs served over butter lettuce
Beer Pairing: Affligem Blond
4a) Entree
Grilled Pork Chop (All organic Marin Sun Farms pork)
Double cut Pork Chop served with Brussel sprouts and apple lambic reduction
Beer Pairing: Monks Cafe
4b) Entree
Chicken Waterzooi - Ghent Style
Traditional Belgian Chicken Stew finished with a light cream sauce and fresh herbs
Beer Pairing: Ertvelds Wit
5a,b,c) Side dishes
Endive au Gratin with Panko Crust and Bacon
Sauteed Local baby carrots and baby zucchini
Vlaamse frieten (Belgian frites)
6a) Dessert
Belgian Liege Waffle
Beer Pairing: Cherish Raspberry
6b) Dessert
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Beer Pairing: Biere Du Boucanier Dark
Food was much better than anticipated, the beers were amazing. We got to taste a very diverse range of the Belgian palate of ales, blonds, lambics, and of course Wits (my favorite).
I'm definitely coming back next month for this. I had a great time...
and I haven't eaten since (almost 24 hours and counting).
People thought this was:
Useful (11)
Funny (4)
Cool (9)
After the shit experience at magnet, walked down to LaTrappe. now finally had a glass of brew. The food was not great at all, but the 3 different belgians I had were cold and fresh.
The owner is running around like a chicken with his head cut off, he really needs to hire some good people to run the show, but all in all, its a nice place.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Me and a few friends stumbled into this place around 10? 11? I have no idea. I live right by here and had no idea there was a downstairs that was packed. I would always walk by at street level and feel bad for the place.
Downstairs was crowded, but we were immediately seated and ordered beer, fries and sliders. Really great waitress and really good fries and beer. We were right by the water fall thing so it smelled a little antiseptic but I am still def coming back.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Brilliant Belgian beer brothel --I mean, bar.
For groups, fries with dipping sauce are terrific. Belgian waffles with cream and berries are delicious. The beer, say no more.
The downstairs lounge is a great space to hang out in, too. Love the slanted walls, corrogulated ceilings, and dim lighting.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
La Trappe is definitely worth 5 stars and the honor of being my 100th review. The underground Trappist Lounge is superbly cozy, very peaceful thanks to the fountain, and has incredibly nice staff. I have no idea how many Belgian beers they have, both on tap and bottled, but the beer menu is pretty thick! There's everything from light witbiers to dark brews weighing in at over 12% alcohol. Can't say I've tried their food yet, but as a place to unwind with a good Belgian beer, La Trappe can't be beat.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (2)
When I asked for the Nostradamus, our server jumped up with glee, clapped her hands and scampered off to the bar. I double-checked the menu, assuming by her reaction that I had just ordered an 80 dollar pint, but when she returned with my beer, she explained that she was just about to recommend the same libation and was just so thrilled that we synced so well.
Mussels and fries for $16 is a steal, and I will admit that after a few strong trappist brews, I felt compelled to count my empty shells and though I can't trust my math from that particular evening, I counted 35 mollusks in my order and the cone of fries was comparably large. The two dipping sauces were like metallic mayo and caustic catchup, which was the only thing I found unpleasant about La Trappe. Our server was an absolute doll, checking on us regularly, patiently returning because we were never ready to order and dutifully recommending beers.
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (6)
Cool (7)
Didn't try any of the food, but they have a great selection of delicious belgian beers. The downstairs portion where the bar is located has a really great ambience. Lot's of natural wood, dim lighting, and outward angled walls. It's also not absurdly loud, so it's a great place to drink and actually have some good conversation. Great bar!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I must say the variety of belgian beers at this place was the best part of the night. As i perused the menu of beers the only thing catching my eyes was the column telling of alcohol content. I have never in my life seen so many beers with 11-12% alcohol content. I heart Belgian beer.
The food was excellent from what I recall(mind you, I was into my third or fourth glass of the 12% beer at this time). The mussels and frittes(fries) is a steaming pot of mussels placed in front of you and a cone of fries on the side. The steak was not bad but it wasn't memorable either. The rabbit stew was the highlight of the night. The meat just melted in your mouth and they plate it over polenta which I found excellent. I've never liked polenta by itself but with stew I found that it is one of those pairings that was meant to be like pb/jelly, spaghetti/meatballs, corned beef/cabbage, chitlings/ducks blood?!... I am so used to the american way of plating stew with mashed potatoes that the polenta at La Trappe was such a refreshing new take on stew. It feels lighter and carried more texture than your typical mashers that can feel like an anvil in your stomach.
And since this was a belgian restaurant, theres not a better way to end the night but with a plate of belgian waffles, strawberries and whip cream. A little too sweet for my taste but none the less fulfilling.
Price and ambiance is a bargain for the area. The beer was the only thing out of whack at $8 a glass but then you come to realize that the 12% makes up for it. There were just as many people sitting and eating as there were drinking and hanging out at the bar which was all in one room in the basement. It was a nice mixture that didn't get too intrusive to either groups.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I loved this place, and I really want it to do well, but I was really really disappointed with our service.
We walked in and waited at least fifteen minutes before a single person greeted us. We ordered, and I asked to keep the wine list so that i could order more, and they didn't have enough for us to do so. Someone else brought us our drinks and then we waited with empty waters and empty drinks while our apps came. The food was very good. Not excellent, but very good. Our server walked past us several times. Finally I stopped her and asked to see a wine/beer list. She brought it ten minutes later, but didn't bother to stop back and take our orders. We ordered more to drink, and continued to wait for our entree. It never came. 45 minutes later I stopped our server again. She thought our meal had come. She went to check on it and nobody had even put the order in. She asked if we still wanted it. We had to get to a show, so we said no, could we just have our check. 15 minutes later we got our check. Another 15 minutes later she came and picked it up, and didn't bring it back for us to sign for awhile. Seriously. OVER two hours at the place and we had each had two drinks, an app, and not received our entree. Boo.
We REALLY liked the place, though. The food was great, the beer was great, the atmosphere was great. But the server should have PROFUSELY apologized and comped us either drinks or our apps or something. This was a HUGE mess up and she didn't really care. That was very lame. We'd like to give it another shot because it's such a great place, but it's gonna have to d a whole heck of a lot better than that.
For most of you.....when you hear the word, "Belgian" you think chocolate.....and then can't seem to find it on a map......(It's stuck between Germany, France and Netherlands....for those of you who attended California public school!)
Anyway, enough of that....
I lived in Belgium for 5 years, and as an American living there, (They LOVE Americans BTW) I was blown away by their food, choc late, and BEER!
Keep in mind, this country is a population of 10 Million, and geographically the size of say...LA County...
They have 375+ BREWERIES here....each and everyone unique and BRILLIANT.....They make the Germans look like the Americans when you compare their beers.....
Delirium Tremors (Aptly named BTW)
Stella Artois
Maes
Chimay (there are 3 types)
etc......
La Trappe is like the pub in my village that catered to the locals....GREAT food, HUGE portions, and of course...BEER!
This place rocks.....gave me chills and flash backs of Bruxelles, and Ghent......
Couple that with the overcast weather, chill and dampness of SF and you would swear you were there....
(The "French" fries..BTW, are actually Fritte'.....and was a Belgian invention......)
Now, am off to the gym......if I can find my keys and way there.....I had 3 beers, and think my tolerance may be a little low now days!
THIS PLACE ROCKS! Go....drink...try to find your way home...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Great place with great beer. Weekend nights it's a little overrun with youngsters getting their drink on but the guy behind the bar is tall and saw that I required beer nonetheless.
I'm torn, should I shout from the roof tops that this place is awesome or should I swear myself to secrecy so that it remains a hidden gem in North Beach? Screw it, I'll shout from the roof tops..."this place rocks!!!". They have an amazing selection of beers that would require even an Irish beer drinking champion to make a dozen trips to try them all.
The first time you walk into this place you'll think it's pretty borning, little do you realize that there's a basement bar that is probably packed with beer connosoirs.
We started the night off by drinking a wide variety of Belgium beers and by munching on some fries (with dijon mayo....which was amazing). We then heading upstairs for the main meal and everyone seemed to be raving about the rabbit stew, I personally had the steak and frites, which was also excellent.
I'll definitely be back...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I've only been to the [downstairs] bar, but I'll certainly be back.
1st star -- amazing selection of belgian beers
2nd star -- great selection of seating. want to have a one-on-one with your bff? sit at a small table. want to kick it with six work friends? they have booths. want to mix and mingle with the eight or nine friends/acquaintances you brought, go sit in the loungey area.
3rd star -- it wasn't so loud that i had to yell or strain to hear anyone and most of my friends have accents, so that's really saying something.
4th star -- friendly and helpful bar staff; even if david wouldn't give me my wittekerke until i learned to pronounce it semi-correctly
5th star -- i live about half a block away. assuming i could safely cross columbus, i could stumble home.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Went here a couple weeks back because I was in the neighborhood killing some time before a show at the Purple Onion. Despite it's proximity to the hinterlands of the Marina, I was pleasantly surprised. There is an upstairs and downstairs which is cool, I love separate spaces like that. The downstairs has a dungeon feel, which I totally love. I felt like a Trappist in my beer brewing caves. Or something like that. Anyways, the food was great and prices were reasonable. But the beer selection was slamming. I love beer and I love trying new ones. The staff had great recommendations as well.
Came here for a quick pre-show bite. While sitting on street level and waiting for the food, I went downstairs to use the bathroom and found they have a great basement that was filled with mellow wooden furniture and a small waterfall, warm ambience with chessboard tables, which was a complete contrast to the upstairs bright white table-clothed dinning area. We immediately moved downstairs and enjoyed the two appetizers-- portobello mushroom on polenta that was simple but delicious, and the mussels in white beer sauce that was very mouth-watering flavourful!
They also have one section where only drinks are allowed (no food) with cozy sofa seats.
Definitely a hidden gem to come back and enjoy drinks (they have a great selection of Belgian beer), food and atmosphere!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Who knew this place existed? At a dark end of Columbus, between the bustle of North Beach and the cotton candy kingdom of the Wharf, La Trappe will stun you with an array of Belgian beers you've never heard of. I decided to start things off right with a glass of their Koningshoven, which is brewed by Trappist monks and smacks you in the face with 11% alcohol content.
I particularly enjoyed this bar's rathskellar design. Very classic, makes you want to throw your arm around somebody and belt out drinking songs about sailors. Also, I can't get over that every Belgian brew has its own type of glass with name painted on it. Belgium must be the greatest country in the world that no one cares about. Delightful!
Pretty great, I'd say. The beer list is nothing short of impressive. You are literally presented with a book of choices, and they are not just limited to Belgian. Beware, though, some of those choices are not cheap. Someday I maybe be tempted to drop $40 on a bottle of beer, but not today. The food was pretty good as well. Not astounding, but very hearty and good. And the staff was very pleasant. A good place for a jovial saturday night dinner.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Went here last Thursday night after a big group dinner and we continued the party at La Trappe. This is how I picture a Belgian beer bar to be. Decor is nice with exposed brick walls and some cozy areas to sit in where you can sit and get to know that special someone. Do NOT take someone looking for a strawberry daiquiri or carb fearing friend as I'm not even sure they have hard alcohol. They might just faint at the tasty dark brews put in front of them.
This is where I'm going to be on a cold winter's night when it's raining sipping on some brew with a book I read just to impress people.... not because I really enjoy it.
Of course, being we were all already wasted, we just pulled some tables together sat down and were probably overly loud for the space. Belgian beer selections here are crazy. LOTS and lots of beer! Good Beer! (FYI- many of these beers are 8%+. Of course me being me, I had to select Gouden "Carolus Grand Cru of the Emperor" -- weighs in at a hefty 11%). I spent part of the night just trying to say my beer's full name 10 times in a row. I fail. I now am nicknamed "Mr. Mumbles".
I spent a big part of the night trying to keep a certain someone from telling too many embarrassing stories about me but to no avail. I had to go to the bathroom eventually after drinking so much liquid.
No one tried the food; we were too stuffed from dinner to even consider it so I'll reserve judgment.
Minus one star because they close fairly early.
*BURP*
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (4)
Cool (5)
Here's a little secret. La Trappe is cool.
Here's another little secret. The beer is good.
SHHHHH...I didn't tell you about this place.
I want it to stay hidden, deep, down in the dark dungeon of the restaurant.
You walk into a well lit room with white linens on the tables, decorated with a flowered vase. There's no one here but the waitstaff and cooks.
It's, oh, so quiet shh,shh
It's, oh, so still shh,shh
You're all alone shh, shh
And so peaceful until...
You descend down the flight of stairs into the darkness and...
ZING! BOOM!
The place is ALIVE with beer drinkers and mussel slurpers.
WOW! BAM!
This a great little date place. Benches and tables crammed with patrons celebrating the hard work of Trappist Monks, aka the Belgium beer Gods!
My favorite part is the little room filled with couches, lined with two way windows, disguised as mirrors. It's discrete and intimate. You know how I love me some couches, mirrors and beers on dates- win/win situation!
Found the place, now all I need is the date. Any takers;)?
Shhh, Shhh
It's nice and quiet
Shhh, Shhh
But soon again
Shhh, Shhh
Starts another big riot
http://www.youtube.com...
People thought this was:
Useful (13)
Funny (18)
Cool (20)
I'M THE STUPIDEST PERSON IN THE WORLD
(and here's why...)
MENU
Some Belgian Beer -- 8
Some Belgian Beer -- 8
Chimay Blue -- 4
Chimay Blue Grand Reserve -- 4
Wow. Chimay for only $4? And Grand Reserve at the same price as regular Chimay?! And I thought this place was pricey... I head up to the bar and place an order for the Grand Reserve on my card. (No limit - "You can spend as much as you want," he jokes...) The bartender turns back around and places a huge bottle in front of me.
Him: How many glasses?
Me: *shocked* Uh... just one. (What a deal!)
He rings me up, and I'm starting to suspect I may have ordered incorrectly. I look at the bill: $18. Sigh. Clearly I did something wrong, but somehow I was okay with it (and since it's on credit, I'm not actually spending any money - that's how it works right?)...
La Trappe holds so much intimate beauty and class, I would gladly bring my mom here and, you know, get wasted with her. The underground bar exudes an incredibly romantic ambiance, enhanced by numerous lanterns casting intricate patterns of light upon rustic wooden tables. I hear the food is also fantastic, but it comes with a price. No regrets. Life is good.
Oh... and I looked at the menu when I sat back down, flipping to the section where I originally saw the price, and quickly realized my error...
TABLE OF CONTENTS
People thought this was:
Useful (50)
Funny (73)
Cool (49)
Do not be put off when you first enter La Trappe. It may seem kinda quiet upstairs, but that's because all the action is downstairs in the beer cave.
This is a serious Belgian beer bar. A cozy cave of exposed brick and ostrich leather loungers, the perfect accompaniment for idle chit chat and Belgian (or Belgian style) brew. They have at least a dozen beers on tap and almost any bottled beer you could ask for (including my personal faves Westmalle and Rochefert). Served the proper way, each in it's own specially designed glasses, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in Trappist country (minus any monks or stylish Belgians with their eyeglasses).
For beginners or those who just need more guidance in their ordering, there are descriptions of all the beers in the menu to help you choose.
And of course Belgian beer must come with proper pommes frites (which are known in all of Europe as Belgian fries and NOT French fries). In this aspect La Trappe also does not disappoint. Maybe not as good as Frjtz but still damn good. They are thick cut and served in a cone (though with a holder) along with your choice of two dips. Watch out for the spicy ketchup - it is seriously hot.
Bike Parking: street signs outside on Greenwich St.
The atmosphere was great, especially the downstairs 'cavern'. The beer selection was almost a novel. The food was good. Will take more friends next time!
This place is pretty much the best place for Belgian beer and their adorable glasses. I love the atmosphere and the little area downstairs in the back. It's cozy, comfy and clean. The beer book has a huge selection; it can take forever to decide...just close your eyes and drop your finger somewhere. Or just stick to what you know and like. I'm sure they have it.
I've only had the fries, sliders and pancetta wrapped shrimp, and they all seemed a bit bland (loved the spicy ketchup though), but I didn't care much because I was hungry.
If you like Belgian beers, I see no reason to go anywhere else.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
5 stars for beer.
3 stars for food.
if it's crowded it may take a while for a seat and service. But a grab an awesome beer and hang out. Nice people. Beer menu trumps the food menu.
WARNING: please make sure you have on appropriate footwear before reading this review as name-dropping will be involved.
So Jen and I were sitting at bar talking to Mike who is one of the co-owners of La Trappe. (BOOM! POW!! Right off the bat I'm throwin' around names like Naomi Campbell throws phones. I probably should have used a Larry Bird or a sports simile but my first instinct was to go the supermodel route. What does that say about me Dr. Freud??) He was telling us the history of the building which has been in his family for years. During prohibition his family used the basement as their own hidden speakeasy/distillery, and it still has that feeling to it which is fantastic. In fact, from the outside La Trappe doesn't look like much. A small restaurant with a couple of tables... no biggie. It's not til you walk down the winding stairwell that you get to the heart of La Trappe. It's intimate, welcoming, and tastefully decorated.
Enough of that namby pamby interior decorator bullshit... Let's talk beer!! Are Belgium Beer Bars becoming the new Wine Bar?? There's the new Trappist in Oaktown and this spot. If so, I wouldn't mind that trend at all, because the beer we had here was crazy delicious. I wish I could remember the names because they had beer on tap that no one else on the West Coast has... and it was fantastic. Their been menu is slightly overwhelming but the staff behind the bar will guide you to the right choice.
Along with the great beer they have some seriously great food. We split the mini-burgers (the beef they used is from Marin Sun Farms) and the mussles and fries. The mussles came out in the pot they cooked them in and my wife is still talking about the cute presentation... and this was weeks ago. Everything we sampled (including some friend's food) I would have no hesitation in ordering again.
The only bad thing (at least for us) is that La Trappe is located in North Beach which we never visit for some unknown reason BUT the hassle of getting over here and putting up with finding a parking spot is totally worth another visit or three to La Trappe. Honestly, it's probably a good thing that it isn't located down the street from me. That's how much I loved and it...
People thought this was:
Useful (22)
Funny (21)
Cool (25)
TOTALLY MY TYPE OF PLACE.
thanks phil h.
beer menu that rivals most places wine list. check
quirky, fun dining area. check
food cooked a bit on teh salty side. check.
GOOD food cooked on the salty side. check.
MARIN SUN FARMS MEAT cooked on the salty side. check.
i LOVED the artisan cheese platter with dates accompanied with a balsmic reduction. yum.
only issues? parkings a bitch and the service was at times spotty, but nothing to really complain about. i got a really relaxed, chill vibe from the whole place and i loved the food.
People thought this was:
Useful (16)
Funny (9)
Cool (21)
