- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Moan & Dove
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 3 pm - 1 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Moan & Dove
Review Highlights
Loading...
52 reviews in English
-
Review from Half P.
Northampton, MA
Going to M & D regularly makes me love the place even more. This past summer and fall, a group of us from Northampton started biking here on Sat/Sun afternoons. This place is wonderful in the early afternoons when they've just opened. Unlike some evenings when it gets too crowded to find a spot or is too loud to talk to the person sitting next to you, the early afternoons are perfect. You have your pick of seating. Plus, you can bring in a meal or order delivery from places nearby. Once I saw two men who brought in a great spread of veggies, cheese, and bread.
I can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit so we can start our bike rides again.
BTW, I am someone who pretty much didn't drink beer before moving to the Valley/going to places like the Moan, yet I've completely changed my tune now.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/24/2009
The Moan and Dove wins where the Dirty Truth loses. Though they cater to a similar audience, the… Read more »
-
11/24/2009
-
Review from William D.
Greenfield, MA
Out of the way but on a bus route,and basked in the neon of a nearby gas station, the Moan and Dove is the best beer bar in Amherst and a dog-friendly establishment pouring delicious craft beer and offering free peanuts in a dimly lit atmosphere.
The staff, polite but aloof, are knowledgeable about beer. 13 tap rotate through the menu, with an extensive bottle collection on reserve. A cask option is available during the week but usually kicked before the weekend.
There is a T.V. but it's only on during a Boston sporting event.
Though there is no in house food, except for the peanuts, there are plenty of local options that deliver right to your booth: Chinese take-out next door and Mexican 'round back to Paninis and pizza across the street.
The place can get packed by 8 or 9 on a weekend, but I think the best time to go is on a weekday afternoon, drink from the chalkboard draught menu and play some cribbage while your dog lays on the floor beneath your table, licking up the stray peanuts that fall to his feet. -
Review from Dhruv K.
San Francisco, CA
Dimly lit, free peanuts, snobby 5 College hipsters.
However, a really great selection of beer from US and Europe. Go there if you like pretentious beer. -
Review from Q. C.
Trumansburg, NY
Love Moan and Dove. First off, it delivers what it promises times ten and no more. You came for the beer (or cider) and they have it---from the local to the exotic. The single room environment that is cozy and neighborhoody for even those of us who travel through town. There is no promise of food--but they have no problem with people bringing in whatever they want to eat or even having a pizza delivered. I spied a dog quietly sleeping under a table. No biggie.The services is attentive, friendly but not in your face to either be your friend or sell you something. We had a perfect evening sampling beers and watching the world go by. We will return.
-
Review from Kevin K.
I don't know of any other dive bars where the regulars read poetry. I really don't consider this place a dive bar. Amazing beer selection on tap. This is truly a place for beer geeks and snobs. They have cask beer too. They also allow well behaved dogs. I agree with other reviewers this place does have an eclectic mix of clientele. I see why Beer Advocate loves this bar. Plus you can bring in your own food!
-
Review from Raoul C.
Boston, MA
This place was incredibly dope, plain and simple. I came here on a Wednesday night with a group of six Cantabrigians looking for a watering hole to soak our tired brains.
Moan & Dove didn't disappoint! A scoop of salted peanuts at the door and (moments later) drinks in hand, our souls were rejuvenated. The beers represented all parts of the globe, and single pours of Maker's Mark for $6? Heck yeah!
The atmosphere was groovy too - I love hip-hop, and they were cranking the RZA all night. M&D, you have set the bar high for other pubs. Kudos. -
Review from Andrew G.
Brookline, MA
Snotty bar tenders and a dull atmosphere. For the prices they charge you might expect friendly service, but this us nit the case.
The only saving grace is the peanuts. Other than that, a dark smelly place. -
Review from Sean M.
Amherst, MA
I love this place! Its a beer bar. Don't expect to show up and drink $7 Bud Light pitchers and you'll be alright. If you want to drink some delicious draught and bottled beer from around the world, with a focus on US craft brews the Moan and Dove is the best place in Amherst.
-
Review from Johnna M.
I did my homework here every Monday. I have since spent quite some time debating what it says about my college experience that I studied at the nearest bar. I can only conclude that the Moan and Dove is quieter, more peaceful, and full of more intellectually stimulating people than most five college libraries. Oh yeah, there is beer too. Good beer.
In all honesty, their beer selection is amongst the best I have seen anywhere. There is a giant chalkboard that lists the beer on tap and the bartenders are more than happy to answer questions. These guys really know and love their craft. My favorites are the Left Hand Milk Stout and the Centennial IPA.
You can serve yourself peanuts from a jar and bring in takeout if the delicious peanuts don't suit you. They are always playing interesting, if somewhat pretentious, music and people are always having interesting, if somewhat pretentious, conversations.
Oh yeah and there are dogs. All the time. Just chilling on the floor. I like that. Moanin' Monday, I miss you.Listed in: The Pioneer Valley
-
Review from Melanie H.
Boston, MA
The Moan and Dove is one of my favorite places to go for a beer in the Pioneer Valley.
It is best on a week night or at happy hour. This place is very very low key, so I wouldn't suggest it for a rowdy night out. The lights are kept very low and they have simple non-distracting music in the background- and not so loud that you can't hear yourself talk. I would say the crowd is about mid-20's and up. The beer here is amazing- they always have about 10 different beers on tap and rotate their list every month or so. The bar is removed from the main bar scene in Amherst and everytime I have been there, there are always plenty of places to sit. They have unlimited peanuts, which is an added bonus.
Everytime I head out to the Pioneer Valley I try to stop in for a beer. I always look forward to trying something new on tap. I highly suggest the Moan and Dove if you out in western Mass.
Overall Rating- 5 out of 5. WOOHOO! -
Review from Matt C.
Amherst
The closest thing to a thinking man's bar in the pioneer valley. I was first recommended this place by a UMass polisci professor, which in itself is awesome, but it did not disappoint. Its dark, indie and really cool inside, and the sheer number of rare high quality beers on tap and in bottles is amazing. Me and a buddy went to try a special on cask and it was epic. I also tried my first hard cider on tap and it too way awesome.
The moan and dove is not a place to bar crawl, or get "wasted" at (unless you are really rich) Its a place for people who love beer. Thankfully, I am in that group and I will be returning. -
Review from Ryan M.
Toms River, NJ
Every time I go to the Northampton area, I take the extra drive to Amherst to go to Moan and Dove.
I first went when it was named the Best Beer Bar In America by http://BeerAdvocate.com and I've been a fan ever since.
AWESOME beer selection. It's the best place to have a few great beers.
Perfect atmosphere. Great crowd. I've never had a problem with assholes in this place. Just about everyone I've encountered is friendly, intelligent and there for good beer.
The only possible detraction is the lack of food. But you came here for beer. Not food. Eat ahead of time.
If you like good beer or are interested in trying good beer, you owe it to yourself to check this place out. -
Review from Elisabeth Y.
Philadelphia, PA
Wonderful beer selection, with a ton of beers I'd like to try from all over the world, and great atmosphere, but for a gal who's used to Philly prices, this place ain't cheap.
-
Review from Peter M.
Amherst, MA
The Moan and Dove is perhaps the Pioneer Valley's most important cultural institution.
It brings together people of all forms and walks of life - college students, construction workers, lesbian couples with cute dogs, people that work at the Hess gas station next door...
That's because the bar is dark without being dingy and plays cool music without being "hipster-y". And the staff have a never-ending knowledge of beer. They are super friendly and seem to genuinely enjoy and respect their jobs, which means they'll never make someone feel uncomfortable just because they know nothing about beer.
All of this makes the bar worth returning to over and over again. So if you do...
The beers on tap, which are constantly changing and range from $4- about $14 dollars, are a good place to start. You could spend at least a month trying everything they have to offer. However, while it's always nice to have a tap beer, don't pass up the menu of over !!!200!!! bottles that are very reasonably priced. If you're feeling adventurously classy, make sure to try their whiskeys which are often overlooked even by bar regulars. But regardless of whether you drink the whiskey, you're sure to leave this place feeling warm and fuzzy.
There are TWO negatives about "The Moan" - or "The Dove" according to some (weird) people: It can get pretty crowded around 8 or 9 as the weekend approaches. That being said, I think this is the kind of bar that is perfect for a late-afternoon beer, not a night of raunchy partying. The second problem is that I always leave feeling salty as I can never stop eating the peanuts they serve. -
Review from Tony D.
North Reading, MA
This is good place but it is not a dive bar. I love dive bars and this place smells too normal to be one.
-
Review from Selina L.
Flushing, NY
Love, love, love this bar.
They have an absolutely amazing selection of delicious beers, there's always good music (they tend to play full albums rather than random songs, which I appreciate. Helps set the mood) and the atmosphere is really relaxed and comfortable. I come here every week or so; the selection is so immense it would take ages to sample everything once (but that doesn't mean I can't try).
Minor complaint: I'm from NY, and I've been refused service for having an out-of-state ID (despite having my backup school ID, and the fact that I'd been there before). It really depends on the bartender, but if you're not from MA it doesn't hurt to bring a copy of your passport with you just in case. It's just cruel to face that awesome selection only to be turned away on a technicality. -
Review from Stephanie S.
East Watertown, MA
If I could declare a second hometown it would be the Moan & Dove.
It's a feel good, comfort haven. Not for everyone --- thank God.
I like this place because they're no "I'm going out to the bar(s) tonight, I have to get ready." There aren't people getting wasted (at least visibly), there's no dance floor or keno, the floors don't get sticky as the night wears on, there aren't "YA DUDES", popped collars and sparkly outfits.
But it's a place where you can bring your well behaved dog and it'll lounge on the floor while "dove go-ers" shower him with affection. You wear your regular clothes, drink beer that may be out of your comfort zone and probably like it, eat free peanuts by the barrel full and when the peanuts aren't enough order food and from across the street and delivered to your table. You don't go bar hopping when you're a regular here either; there's no other place better to bar hop to.
I'm proud to say I'm a Mug Club Alumni (inducted in November 2006) and since I've moved the two hour drive from Boston is always worth.Listed in: When I'm back in Western Mass
-
Review from Peter G.
Boston, MA
Oh, Moan and Dove how I miss, miss, miss you so! Just down the street from my alma mater. Where I could go and drink my senior thesis sorrows away and watch my Res Life bosses get dizzy. This place is all about the beer, baby. BEER!
They may not have any food (for that try The Dirty Truth in NoHo), but they are happy to lend you a menu so you can order in. Its nice...like a home away from home only with strangers.
P.S Remove the "Dive Bar" label. Just because it serves PBR doesn't make it a dive bar. However, the only reason to drink PBR should be as a palate cleanser between trying selections from one of the best beer collections in the U.S. -
Review from Buxton B.
Amherst, MA
Awesome. Bring your take out. Eat pnuts. They've added a little whiskey to the menu as well. Couple great bottles. The beer selection can not be beat.
-
Review from Kylie H.
Beverly, MA
Ohhh how I miss the Moan and Dove. Definitely holds a special place in my heart and every time I come home to visit Western Mass this is a definite stop on my list.
I have to admit I was extremely beer ignorant the first time I visited and my friend and I (newly 21) asked for a nice girly mix drink. The bartender told us if we wanted a drink like that go down the street to another bar!!!!
At first I was semi insulted, but I decided to give this place a chance and found that it is very much a community. I am thankful for the Moan and Dove's beer snobbery because it has really allowed me to develop quite a taste for GOOD beer.
Wonderful and respectful vibe, no college jerks trying to hit on me. The best music played in a bar ever. I have discovered so many great music artists from drinking at the Moan and Dove.
I have not been able to find any bar like this in Boston!
(Started drinking cider in London and the Moan and Dove happened to carry the same cider on tap, however I am very disappointed it has been discontinued. My girlfriends still request it!!) -
Review from Elizabeth R.
Kennesaw, GA
There's just really no fathomable reason to give the Moan and Dove anything less than five stars. It really doesn't even warrant a review, either. It is simply in a class all its own. In fact, the simple truth that I'm not there at this very moment imbibing a delicious beverage can only be explained by my living 300 miles away. And for that, I am simultaneously saddened and deliriously happy for having the chance to experience the Moan and Dove for a few short visits.
Being from Philly, where there is certainly no shortage of decent beer bars, I hadn't expected to be introduced to such a gem of gems in this area. I never realized how delicious it is to be proven wrong. A plethora of beers, all begging to be tried, and poured lovingly into their proper glassware by knowledgeable bartenders? How is this possible? I'm so thankful that this rare breed of establishment exists...and that I know about it.
Don't tell my hometown, but I think this place has stolen my heart. -
Review from Marina W.
Brooklyn, NY
This bar taught me the difference between an ale and a lager, and gave me a few lectures on poetry and a ton of free peanuts. It was here that I learned to love Greenflash and Allagash White and Victory Pilsner. Long live the amazing selection of this place.
Also, they do have two dollar beers, but bartenders here will raise eyebrows if you order Lindemann's Peche, let alone cocktails. This is a beer bar. For wine, visit its popular, shinier younger sibling, the Dirty Truth.
You see, in addition to having an awesome beer menu, this bar has a mug club. The deal is that you and your wallet can get down to the Moan and Dove a LOT and try lots of things including some things that are warm and flat, and if you make it through the whole beer obstacle course in less than a year, you read a poem to the bar and then get a mug with your name on it, for life. And then, after that, every time you order a beer, you get even more beer for your money. It really only makes financial sense if you are a long-term resident, but damn is it awesome. -
Review from Cait G.
Washington, DC
There is absolutely no bar that compares to the Dove. I know, I've looked, and I've never found one that's even remotely come close. My friends and I have been going here for years, so maybe I'm biased; but I've never found a place that even remotely comes close to the Dove's ambiance, character, bar staff, or crowd of regulars. Even the year that I moved to Boston, I still came back most weekends and hung out with my friends there.
The bar staff is amazing. They are awesome people to talk to, about beer or otherwise. Most importantly, though, they know beer like none-other. They are always more than happy to pass on this knowledge - especially if you're getting your mug.
Actually, if you're getting your mug, you had best damn well pay attention to what you're drinking, and the subtle nuances between each beer that you're enjoying. Joining the Mug Club is a rite of passage that deserves the respect that being a Mug Clubber carries. Yes, we're snobs about it; but appreciate that any person with a mug should be able to recommend beer to you by the time that he or she has completed the list. (Just don't fall off your stool after giving your speech, especially if you're holding a full mug of Guinness.... But who would do that, anyway?!)
While it's true that there are a select few other bars in Massachusetts whose beer selection is comparable to that of the Dove, what makes this bar truly unique is its ambiance. The crowd that goes there is generally not comprised of the sparklewhores who populate Club Sidewalk every Thursday - Saturday, which is great for those of us who got over going to college bars a while ago. The regulars are all wicked awesome; a few of us were sitting around with one of the bartenders recently, talking about how the Dove regulars are almost like a family, where it's nice to know that you can go there by yourself and always find someone to talk to. Or, it's cool to sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders, or do your homework. (Again, who does that?) It's one-of-a-kind; the Dirty Truth pales in comparison, for so many reasons.
Simply put, it is the Greatest Bar in the World (necessary usage of capitalization). -
Review from Mark F.
West Springfield, MA
This was my place during college and the few years I lived in Amherst. When I became 21, I started to consistently go to this establishment for beer. By far, Moan and Dove has one of the best beer selections I have seen in a Massachusetts establishment. I loved the atmosphere: nice and calm, cool music, and not loud enough to drown out conversations. Loved the fact that a bottomless pit of peanuts. It can get crowded at nights, but never too crowded. I could always grab a chair at the bar no matter how busy they were. I made great friends at this place and any time I am in Amherst, I am tempted to visit. I hope many more college students and professionals try this place out in Amherst.
-
Review from Adam F.
Durham, NC
I liked the Moan and Dove during the first few months it was open. After that everyone and their grandmother could be found sucking down the pricey imports they offered.
My wife and I usually found ourselves there on a Saturday afternoon when we had nothing pressing to do. We'd go there right as they opened around lunch time and order a pizza from Sibies across the street. The bar was empty and we just ate our pizza, drank good beer and read the paper.
Before I left Amherst, the Dove was almost always packed even during the week. Then Daniel the owner opened his second venture, 'the dirty truth' in Northampton.
I knew a lot of the original bartenders at the Dove and they were really down to earth and helpful. But I can see where "Black J." above was coming from. The bartenders DO have a snobby attitude. This shouldn't come to a surprise since the bar is run by hipsters.
The best deal was the "Mug Club". I'm not sure if they're still accepting members but the deal was, finish all the beers on this huge list and get a big mug with your name on it. Use the mug to get like 24 oz or something worth of beer but pay the 12oz draft price. Not shabby. Too bad you need to take out a loan to finish all the beers. -
Review from Baer T.
Amherst, MA
No lousy juke box /
No crappy vittles to eat /
Just the hops, baby.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
-
Review from Mats K.
Cambridge, MA
Best dive bar in the greater Umass area.
They have an amazing selection of beers ranging from really good to really cheap (depending on your mood) and a good atmosphere.
The only downsides are the relatively limited seating arrangements and the distance to Umass campus. -
Review from Quade F.
Northampton, MA
One of my favorite neighborhood bars. AMAZING craft beer selection without the pomp, hoity attitude that you get from other beer halls. A great place for those who appreciate great beer, great staff, and if you bring them, great friends.
Try the Left Hand Milk Stout. -
Review from Jonathan L.
Cambridge, MA
Ambience... very dark with candle lighting. Cool. Being that the Moan and Dove is not in Boston, people are a lot nicer in general.
Food... barrel of peanuts near the entrance.
Beer... amazing! We had a Hefeweizen, Eisbock and a wheat wine.
Bartenders... very very friendly guys! This place is much more laid back than the Publick House in Brookline. These guys make great suggestions and let you sample beer before you commit.
Great place. It is worth the 2 hour drive for me - once in a while, anyway. -
Review from Sam M.
Framingham, MA
The bar that introduced me to Belgian beers how can I give you anything less than a 5?
Great beer, bartenders are nice, relaxed atmosphere, plus you can bring food in there if you so please. Would consider giving it an extra star for the peanuts.
If you want to get away from the hustle and crowds of your normal Amherst bars go grab an awesome beer from Moan and Dove. -
Review from Yuri E.
Amherst, MA
Good selection of beer. Good atmosphere. Quaint.
The downside of this place is that it is so tiny. If you have a large group, it is hard to find a place to even stand around.
The people that work there are really nice. I don't usually drink beer, and they were really nice to make cranberry and vodka for me, without making it too strong. You always get to meet really cool people here. -
Review from carly w.
Northampton, MA
The best brews, for sure. I always manage to get in some great eavesdropping and running into professors is a bonus. The selection is too good to be true as are the employees. Bar back Josh is there on the weekends to make sure your glass is clean and your humor satisfied. The bartenders are always friendly and attentive and have never failed at picking the perfect beer for my mood. As mentioned by other reviewers, they're unpretentious and you will learn a lot from them. Oh and I love it when the owner strolls around with a new beer they're trying out and actually cares about customers' opinions on it. Ahh and the greatest was when I went there to pick up the credit card I had left behind the night before, decided to stay for a couple beers, and kept turning around to trays of beautiful appetizers like lox and cream cheese on crackers and figs with blue cheese. it was a lovely surprise. the moan and dove seems to consistently bust out with such pleasantries making it one of my favorite places to hang out.
+ +peanuts
+ +booths
+ +coat hangers
+ +fun people
- - annoying 'indie' music on repeat (think beirut, wolf parade...) -
Review from Jeff S.
Salem, NH
Great place for beer lovers. Excellent atmosphere with a long bar, high tables in the middle and booths along the wall.
-
Review from Derek W.
Melrose, MA
Great beer? Check. Awesome bartenders? Check. Friendly patrons that you can talk to for a couple hours about beer, politics, or anything else? Check. Everything about this bar is perfect to me. From the beers to the staff to the dimly lit ambiance and eclectic music selection. The beers on tap are a great value too and cask options are fantastic. Keep in mind this is a bar next to a Hess where you might see a dog on the floor, so this isn't your average college town hangout (which is perfect for me). The Moan & Dove is a great local find that may masquerade as a dive but is really a fantastic beer bar.
-
Review from Tom S.
Chicago, IL
I can never remember the nice beers I used to get at Moan & Dove but I remember them being hearty and delicious. There is a huge barrel of peanuts-in-the-shell by the door where you fill up your little bowl for snacking pleasure. The bartenders are prompt and play good music. It is nice and dark in here, and feels a little bit like the pub that Frodo and the gang first visit when they leave the confines of the Shire in LOTR. Still one of the best bars in the Valley, hands down.
-
Review from Rue B.
Montague, MA
Go here for the Belgian bottle and draft selections, and gorge yourself on peanuts.
Stay away from the paper beer list's American offerings. The list is mostly overpriced, and rarely changes, and got old around 2005. Buy those beers at Spirit Haus instead, and save $3-6 per bottle.
The owner of this place did a lot of good for the beer scene in the area, but did he get lazy? I can always find something I like here, but almost never anything that's new to me. Same old same old - Anderson Valley, Stone, Avery, Old Rasputin (not often enough), Dogfish, Victory, Rogue, blah blah. Good stuff but not the be-all end-alls of fermentation. At this point I'd rather be paying six-pack price and get a six-pack, instead of six-pack price for two beers.
I'd try to get some Gritty's, People's Pint, Hyland, McNeill's and more Vermont beers in general, more Great Divide beers, Midnight Sun, Dieu du Ciel and Jolly Pumpkin in there once in a while. Get the good ones that come in cans (Butternuts, Oskar Blues). Pull some strings to try and get Sixpoint (Brooklyn) brews up here. Among other beers I'm pretty certain are available to distribution in these here parts. If only Bell's (Michigan) was distributed around here. Now that's a damn good brewery. Get more exploratory with the domestic beer, mr. hipster owner guy!
Can't knock Belgian beer and peanuts though.
Watch out for hipsters. Watch out for bad bartender playlists involving Radiohead (which somehow I don't enjoy drinking to, though a damn good band). And watch out for paying too much for old-hat domestic microbrews.
11/23/2011 - why the hell don't they have more local beers? Blatant and High & Mighty are the only two they generally bother to have. This in a region that has Element, Lefty's, Berkshire, People's Pint, Wandering Star, among others. We live in a state that just spawned eight new breweries just this year. Moan and Dove does a great job, but the local love is severely lacking. -
Review from Stephen K.
Pasadena, CA
Absolutely outstanding selection of beer in a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The staff are pretentious douchebags. You'd think these hipster cocksuckers had cured cancer or something with the way they carry themselves.
-
Review from Emeyes i.
Springfield, MA
Me no drinky beer...but the peanuts were ok...as well as the boob-a-licious artwork.
-
Review from Anderw T.
Northampton, MA
Best Bar!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/9/2009
Obviously the best beer bar in the area, if not the state. The Moan and Dove does nothing but beer,… Read more »
-
10/9/2009
-
Review from Allison M.
Los Angeles, CA
Beer Snobs of the World....enjoy the free peanuts and vast beer menu. The Moan & Dove is a hidden gem in the Pioneer Valley. Drink and be merry.
