Cuisine:

• Bar
• Brew, Pubs, Microbreweries
• Pub
• Bistro
• Others
• Contemporary

Monkland Taverne Description:
The space it too small for the number of tables it holds, and with a long bar running down the length of one wall, the place looks more like a polished hipster bistro than a barroom. Among the many patrons, there's a predominance of young singles mingling. The menu is brief with lots of pasta dishes and too many pretentious fusion trimmings. Almost all of the dishes have some kind of candied fruit reduction or are served with Brussels sprouts leaves or something equally affected. But generally, the food is tasty, such as the soup of the day, which can include cream of cauliflower, red bean chipotle or potato-leek. The main course of penne in a light cream sauce with mushrooms and grilled chicken is rewarding. A decorative cylinder of lightly whipped maple cheesecake drizzled with maple cream and dotted with candied walnuts is a nice way to end the meal. Portions are generous without being excessive, and the prices are remarkably affordable. The staff serves and busses with an efficiency born of a perpetually overbooked restaurant.