Profile

Nearly hidden behind some shrubbery and a shabby white fence, this unique little monastery-themed bar refers to itself as a "temple of beer worship" and, with 12 draft and 40 bottled beers imported from Belgium, Germany, and Britain, it's hard to argue. The abbey theme is fleshed out by an expertly curated selection, bartenders who occasionally don monk robes, quirky medieval-style murals, Gregorian chants on the stereo, and a serene atmosphere: Placards placed around the wood-paneled, box-shaped room encourage patrons to speak in a whisper. All the better for enthusiastic beer purists and neighborhood regulars to study the selection of brews, most of which clock in at 9 or 10 percent alcohol content. Popular imports like Chimay, Duvel, and Delirium Tremens are served alongside fruity lambics like Lindeman's Framboise and Peche (raspberry and peach, respectively) and Tripel Karmeliet, a heady three-grain blond served in a wine glass. Since Burp Castle opened in 1992 as one of New York's first beer bars, the whisper-only policy isn't strictly enforced anymore, though rowdy crowds are occasionally shushed by the brewist monks whose pursuit of beer enjoyment is devout as ever. — Veronica Cooper

Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, 5pm-6:30pm, bartenders serve complimentary fries from Pomme Frites, located around the corner.