The Muddy Pig

Froth

Minnesota

4.6/5  rDev +7.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$$

This is an exceptional place, one that anyone should feel lucky to have in their hometown/place of residence. The atmosphere is quite fitting for the neighborhood and the city - it is perfect for sampling the wide variety of offerings. Favorite recent experiences include some limited availability regional brews: Furthermore's Thermo Refur and Lift Bridge's Minnesota Tan. On any given visit, there are at least eight intriguing options to try (with such limited time and $ to do so). The Belgian Beer Fest last September was phenomenal, and I believe they plan a repeat performance this year.

07-07-2009 01:05:25 | More by Froth

kbaker91

Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 3 | $$$

I have yet to have a bad experience in this establishment. The Pig has an incredible tap & bottle selection, rotated often. The staff, while sometimes coming off as pretentious, really know their beers and are always ready to suggest a new selection according to your tastes. The clientele also adds to the atmosphere, as most customers of this establishment pride themselves as being Advocates of tasty beers. A bit pricey, which limits my ability to frequent this place, but worth the money in terms of selection. The food I have had there has been standard pub fare, but good and of course a little pricey.

Overall one of, if not the, best beer selections in MPLS/St Paul.

02-05-2009 19:35:48 | More by kbaker91

tconboy

Minnesota

3.8/5  rDev -11%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4 | $$$$

Ok, I don't know where places get off charging 7 bucks for a freaking decent beer, but this is rediculous. I mean in Europe I could get better quality beer for the same price as a soft drink.. but I digress. Ok, so although I felt like I got ripped off in this place, I guess I can't really complain about what I did get. The buffalo wings were very good, and they did have a nice selection of beers. I tried a Lefthand Warrior and a Rush River Lost Arrow Porter, which both were enjoyable. Well, at least this place has a fantastic selection of beer, but the prices here and at the Gnome are killing me.

01-24-2009 06:10:58 | More by tconboy

lhaqq

California

4.45/5  rDev +4.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$$

Wish this place was closer to my house or school and would have gone a lot more if it was. Nevertheless, I try to go here when I can. They have a comfortable, small place with a good pub atmosphere. There is also a small wooden porch that I like to sit on in the summers. Curious what it would be like on a Friday night, given the size. There is a huge selection of beers on tap and bottled. The food I've had there is good, though I think I've only eaten there once. But they definitely have a good selection. I think $$$ is apt; some of the beers are a bit pricey--but they are also really good beers. Comparatively for other places serving the same quality of beer, the prices are fine.

01-05-2009 03:47:08 | More by lhaqq

Beerking721

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +17.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

I recently visited this fine purveyor of excellent beer and food. If I had to sum up a response in one word, it would be "wow!"

Let's start with atmosphere. Upon approach and entry, one is greeted with anticipation because this bar is located in really cool, historic looking brick building with a nice assortment of neon signs in the windows (which were lit as I visited at night). Once inside, this place has warm colors of dark stained wood, black and deep red accents, and nicely padded booths where we sat. The bar is amazing with perhaps more tap handles configured with fine beers that I've ever seen. The menu features beer before food and provides tasting notes for each beer served by category.

Service was provided by a gentleman who was friendly and attentive. He offered us samples of a couple beers to help us in our efforts to choose and was happy to answer questions.

Selection was off the charts. These are connoisseur level beers (we enjoyed Surly Darkness, Kwak, and a lambic). The only macro on the menu I saw was Miller Lite.

The food was excellent. The nachos were some of the best I've ever had. The spicy chicken sandwich has an amazing chipotle BBQ sauce, and the pizza was loaded with sausage, ham, onions, and mushrooms. It was delicious.

Value was superb! All of the above and two hours of excellent atmosphere and service for $70.00 including tip! We will definitely be back. Many thanks.

11-13-2008 15:46:54 | More by Beerking721

Nightfalke

Minnesota

4.35/5  rDev +1.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5 | $$$

The Muddy Pig is one of the best beer bars in the Twin Cities. Period. My only complaint is that the food menu selection is limited, and a bit pricey.

The Pig has a wonderful selection of beers. A great selection of local brews, along with a very wide selection of US and imports (I think there are 36 or 48 taps there!). The beer is typically a good value as well. Some of the bottles can get pricey, however.

The bartenders can get a little cranky sometimes, but usually they are very prompt with refills. I also have never had a problem with the waitresses.

Good place to hang out. Can get a bit crowded, and the conversation noise gets pretty loud sometimes. There is no music, thankfully, because that would make conversation near impossible on a loud Friday night. If you are planning on conversing, try to get a table in the back room.

The food selection is a bit lacking, in my opinion. What food they do have, while very tasty, is overpriced. I can't reccomend the nachos or the sausage plate enough, however. Very good food, and probably the best deal in the place.

If I planned every happy hour at my work, they would all be at the Muddy Pig.

11-06-2008 18:26:50 | More by Nightfalke

CHSLBrew

Minnesota

4.85/5  rDev +13.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

I attended the Muddy Pig yesterday and decided such an enjoyable beer bar deserved a review. Having visited this bar several times in the past, it has always seemed to be full of patrons, likely a result of the rediculously diverse number of tap beers available. Although such a selection could seem daunting, the staff has always been able to provide my friends and me guidance and recommendations to drink.

One thing I like about the Muddy Pig is their willingness to host beer-centric events. Last night, they were pouring several one-night-only taps from Lagunitas Brewery, a CA brewer who has now entered the MN market. Also, earlier this year, they hosted a weekend Belgian Beer Fest, featuring seminars and a rotation of a bundle of Belgian taps. This bar is dedicated to BEER.

The food is good. Nothing to write home about, but I wouldn't balk at the idea of eating a meal there again.

The decor is inviting, the lights are comfortably low, and it just feels good being in this bar. The bar is centered in the space, with the draft towers with taps prominently displayed. There are a couple TVs for us sports fans, but not so many that I feel overwhelmed/distracted.

10-23-2008 13:55:17 | More by CHSLBrew

AylwinForbes

Illinois

4.9/5  rDev +14.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$

Dulcie and Aylwin's big beer trip day one takes us to St. Paul. BA indicates that The Muddy Pig is the place in the absence of any breweries open to visit. We can report that the journey could not have started on a stronger note. Devotees of the Map Room or Hop Leaf in Chicago would find the Pig to be a worthy substitute; they may even prefer it given the easy access, lack of crowds and lovely environs.

Choice of sitting outside in an enclosed patio or inside in a couple of rooms. Decor is rich deep wood and paneling. Slight downer is the incomplete ban on smoking; but at least outside it dissipates. Beer selection absolutely top notch: we were there to try local breweries and they were there in force with Summit and Surly well represented, along with other midwestern breweries even from our hometown.

Food is quite decent and well priced, although it would never pass for fine dining.

Service brilliant: a charming girl who even bought us a drink after hearing the tale of our adventure.

I would move to St Paul for the Pig.

08-05-2008 04:43:53 | More by AylwinForbes

DaPeculierDane

Wisconsin

4.14/5  rDev -3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $$

Stopped in for their 6th anniversary party. 50% off all pints was quite a draw. Great atmosphere. Reminded me a bit of the Weary Traveler in Madison. It has a very friendly, neighborhood tavern sort of feel. It's a large place and was packed but despite the miniscule kitchen, it seemed to be turning out some scrumptious looking food. The whole back area smelled of wonderful garlic. Tap selection was wide ranged and consisted of around 60 taps. All, or nearly all, were solid crafts and good imports, mostly from Belgium. The bottle list was large and well chosen. Service was excellent. They really hustled to keep large crowd happy. I would like to go back for a longer visit sometime.

07-15-2008 15:37:05 | More by DaPeculierDane

KeefD

Minnesota

4.44/5  rDev +4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $$$

I recently visited the Muddy pig while at a concert in St. Paul. Excellent tap selection, many of which we cannot get here in Rochester including Rodenbach, which I shared tasting notes with, with a fellow patron and also Urthel Hop-It which I consumed while talking with the owner/operator of 21st Amendment, Sean - one hell of a nice a guy and in the Cities doing business with cold Spring. Selection was outstanding, and I understand that the tap are changed regularly. Service was great, knowledgeable barkeeps, but the prices were just a little high. All in all, a great place to find a great beer.

06-28-2008 21:39:15 | More by KeefD