Richmond can add a new accolade to its recent “Best River Town” nod.
Mekong, a nondescript Vietnamese restaurant on West Broad Street, was named the best beer bar in the United States by voters on CraftBeer.com, a website run by the Boulder, Colo.-based Brewers Association.
Mekong owner An Bui said that he was happy to get the recognition and that the news has already spread.
“Everybody is excited,” he said. “We have a lot of people in the restaurant right now.”
The restaurant, which has been open for 17 years, is known across town for its beer selection. Mekong’s website boasts more than 100 beers ranging from $3 for domestics to $16 for a more obscure Belgian. And the restaurant has T-shirts and a facebook page that say, “Mekong is for beer lovers.”
Julia Herz, publisher of CraftBeer.com, said about 30,000 people voted in the site’s first Great American Beer Bars contest.
“We’re still surprised by the incredible groundswell of support,” Herz said. “Not just from your community, but anyone who was aware of the reputation of the bar was voting and put it over the top.
“It’s really become a destination now. I’m serious — I want to go check it out now.”
Voting ran from Sept. 13 through Sept. 20, Herz said. More than 3,000 bars were nominated, and the field was whittled to 200 based on votes. Mekong beat out the other 199 bars in the final round to take the top honors. Hopcat in Grand Rapids, Mich., took second place; the Thirsty Monk in Asheville, N.C., took third.
Herz said the site plans to make the contest an annual event.
Richmond can add a new accolade to its recent “Best River Town” nod.
Mekong, a nondescript Vietnamese restaurant on West Broad Street, was named the best beer bar in the United States by voters on CraftBeer.com, a website run by the Boulder, Colo.-based Brewers Association.
Mekong owner An Bui said that he was happy to get the recognition and that the news has already spread.
“Everybody is excited,” he said. “We have a lot of people in the restaurant right now.”
The restaurant, which has been open for 17 years, is known across town for its beer selection. Mekong’s website boasts more than 100 beers ranging from $3 for domestics to $16 for a more obscure Belgian. And the restaurant has T-shirts and a facebook page that say, “Mekong is for beer lovers.”
Julia Herz, publisher of CraftBeer.com, said about 30,000 people voted in the site’s first Great American Beer Bars contest.
“We’re still surprised by the incredible groundswell of support,” Herz said. “Not just from your community, but anyone who was aware of the reputation of the bar was voting and put it over the top.
“It’s really become a destination now. I’m serious — I want to go check it out now.”
Voting ran from Sept. 13 through Sept. 20, Herz said. More than 3,000 bars were nominated, and the field was whittled to 200 based on votes. Mekong beat out the other 199 bars in the final round to take the top honors. Hopcat in Grand Rapids, Mich., took second place; the Thirsty Monk in Asheville, N.C., took third.
Herz said the site plans to make the contest an annual event.
WOW !!!
Great beer selection, but don’t discount the food. Mekong has been open for 17 years for a reason, and that reason pre-dates the well-deserved honor of being selected as best beer bar….
Non descript my arse! The food is incredible there. One of the best restaurants I know of. Congrats for this honor but its second to the dining!
Congratulations to An, Liem, and the rest of the great people that make Mekong a Richmond institution. Truly the most unique and diverse beer offering, in one great restaurant.
Not much on beer but I concur about the food. Best Vietnamese on this side of the River. Always slammed and the food is consistantly yummy. I have heard they have a great happy hour with an eclectic mix of people…must be for the beer!
“nondescript”? Pray tell what you would consider a ‘descript’ restaurant? That place is packed!!
Perhaps it was poorly worded. Nondescript from the outside. Thanks so much for reading!
I’ll give you that the exterior is non-descript. I have been for food several times and always been happy. Don’t get out for drinks much anymore but have friends who still do and they are enthusiastic about the beers there.
Congratulations An and staff!
Mekong is one of my favorite places to go for beer, food, friends and music! Thanks to An and his fabulous staff for always making our visits so special! U da best!