Top of the Monk — Restaurant in Asheville

I had been warned ahead of time by a local friend that they rarely let bachelorette parties in, but we were admitted to the bar after having to wait a little bit. We had just come from dinner and no one had had a drink yet, so everyone was completely sober. We didn't have any obnoxious sashes, blow-up dolls, or other items that some parties take around with them. There were only seven of us, including the bride-to-be. I was surprised at how small their "capacity" is for the bar, seemingly around 30 people, although it could fit up to 100 if they wanted to. We looked over the menus, ordered one round of drinks, and then sat on the patio for a little under an hour before leaving. The two female bartenders on Saturday, August 5th, 2017 were very rude to us the entire time we were there. One girl in our party asked if they had any drink specials and the bartender's response was "we don't have any, I could make something but it wouldn't be free" spoken in an overtly condescending tone with particular emphasis at the end of her sentence. A few moments later the other bartender said "you all must have been pretty well-behaved because they don't usually let bachelorette parties in" (also spoken condescendingly) and then proceeded to explain how the previous weekend a party came in with a life-size male blow up doll. I did not appreciate bearing the weight of all previous obnoxious bachelorette parties and being treated so poorly. We never raised our voices, never asked for special treatment, and never infringed on the personal space of any other patrons. I knew patrons are supposed to receive a key for the snack mailboxes after ordering a cocktail, but I had to ask for them because they were not initially given. The first bartender that I mentioned picked them up and tossed them at my friends without making eye contact.

I was so disappointed in our treatment and the service we received, however I will note that the bouncer was kind to us and made polite conversation while we waited. We had been planning this weekend for months and all of us were most excited about visiting the bar. Not only do I not recommend it to bachelorette parties, but I do not recommend it to anyone. Their behavior was completely unwarranted and we should not have been treated according to potential behaviors based on prior party's actions. The staff should not treat patrons differently no matter their reason for visiting the...

update I appreciate the Josephine Butler quote, but unfortunately this doesnt clarify why their reference to Black Mariah being anything but scary is appropriate. I hope change will come in this context and wish the establishment all the best and the sincere opportunity to grow in what it takes to be an ally or welcoming to people of color.

past review This is not an establishment welcoming to people of color. The menu boasts a particularly saddening menu item “the black mariah” “that is anything but scary” to perpetuate the angry black woman racial bias. When the bartenders were asked if there was any meaning behind it the response was “it refers to mariah carey before she dated nick cannon” and burst out laughing and later another bartender joked with him about turning away from my friend and I. Which is even more disappointing given the menu boasts a reference to Josephine Butler - which i sincerely hope has a form of positive intent but unlikely given the lack of allyship. For those who are more comfortable following the county’s mask the bar tenders dont wear masks (i.e. dangling on one ear or chin). Great cocktails but will not be comfortable with a third visit nor comfortable being a customer of any thirsty monk...

Stefan totally ruined the experience. He wouldn't talk to us about the cocktails or answer a single question himself or offer suggestions. It wasn't that busy and he was about 7ft away relaying answers through a very friendly and helpful staff member who just wasn't familiar with all the liqueurs, etc. And then he accused us of being picky after saying we'd drink anything, when 1) we said no such thing and 2) asking what is in a cocktail isn't being picky. The nerve! So condescending. Completely incapable of being friendly or helpful or jiving with the patrons. Totally arrogant and dismissive. Pretentious. And, pretty elementary at his craft. He also accused us and other guests, as well as his help, of being the problem everytime he screwed something up. We went to Top of the Monk because it was rated well, but if he's there, stay away: he does NOT deserve a...