The best bar in the world?
Somehow Capone’s (224 West Germantown Pike, Norristown) was named the No. 1 beer bar in the world by the readers of RateBeer.com. That’s the ENTIRE WORLD, folks, above Brussels’ Delirium Cafe, New York’s Blind Tiger, Chicago’s Map Room, San Francisco’s Toronado, and Philly’s Monk’s Cafe…
When I ran into Matt Capone over the weekend, he was shocked. “Maybe they should have voted for me for takeout beer,” he said. Indeed, Capone’s is better known for its back-room bottle shop, not its bar. The bar has just 9 taps, and while Matt runs some very fine special events featuring unusual breweries, I don’t know how anyone with half a brain would put it in the same league as the Kulminator in Antwerp. I don’t even know if it’s the best beer bar in Montgomery County. I mean, it’s a very good joint, but if you ask its patrons, most of them are there for the Italian food, not the beer.
Polls like this are pretty much meaningless, but maybe the plaque will give Capone’s a nice boost. Matt told me he’s adding several more taps, so Capone’s will only get better. And if you haven’t made your way there, yet, it’s worth the trip - you won’t go home empty-handed.
February 1st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Joe a lot of Matt’s supporters/regulars from rate.beer attend every event faithfully. Matt really treats rate.beer-ians and BA’s well. The tireless zeal he has for beer and to please his customers within his niche [restaurant]is his success. A long-time bartender told me last week that a lot of the people coming into Capone’s now regularly, come for the good beers. Cheers for blogging this and cheers to Matt!
April 19th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Capone’s won “Best beer bar 2007″ which means last year the average reviews for that establishment were higher than any other that year. Since Matt started bringing in the good stuff late 06, that should help explain the title.