Our Local Beer Scene – Post No Bills Craft Beer House

Disclaimer: Merideth and I helped with the opening of Post No Bills.

Ever since the demise of Ol’ Factory Cafe, local beer geeks have waited for a replacement beer haven. What drew many people to OFC was not only the best beer selection on the Monterey Peninsula but the relaxed, casual atmosphere in which to enjoy these brews. A little over eighteen months later, Post No Bills opened this week down the street from the old OFC location. Situated on the ground floor of the Design Center Monterey Peninsula, Post No Bills made a positive showing Monday night toward filling that missing niche.

Post No Bills is a taphouse/bottle shop along the City Beer Store model. Customers can choose from a draft selection of 14 beers or an extensive array of bottled/canned brews in the coolers. The packaged selections can be consumed on premise or taken home.

The theme of Post No Bills is graffiti art and two colorful works dominate the room. The stainless steel covered bar centers the cozy space with most of the seating at high tables made from reclaimed redwood. For more relaxation, a couple of couches and a lounge chair rest in the corner. The Beer coolers fill the wall by the entrance.

Both Merideth and I were behind the bar opening night. The trickle of people at 3pm turned into a deluge of customers within a few hours. It was quite chaotic as Merideth and I, along with manager Paul kept the beer flowing. Neither a wonky dishwasher nor learning how to use the cash register (thanks Marcus) could stop us. Nothing like learning on the fly under pressure. Big thanks to all the customers who displayed the utmost patience.

First night customers were treated to wonderful brews on draft, including Magnolia Kalifornia Kölsch, Ninkasi Spring Reign, Uncommon Brewers Golden State, Lagunitas Wilco Tang Foxtrot, Firestone Double Jack and Drakes 1500. The big crowd pleaser (and my personal favorite) was Highwater Hop Riot IPA, making it’s Monterey Peninsula debut.

Perhaps due to the limited bottle selection at opening, it took people time to embrace browsing the coolers. Half way through the evening, though, an increasing number of customers came up to the bar with bottles in hand to drink right away. Over the coming weeks, as the coolers get filled with more beery treats, I’m sure that customers will spend more time perusing the non-draft selection.

Obviously, Post No Bills is a work in progress, but the positive feedback from the crazy opening night is encouraging for good things in the future.

View all the images from the evening