2,453… hardly a number to sneeze at. Impressive when you consider that it is the number of mug club mugs that currently hang on the ceiling and walls of EagleMonk Pub and Brewery in Lansing, Michigan.

One of a kind pottery mugs run from the front door throughout the entire taproom and into the back game room. Some of them simply have names and numbers on the bottoms, and some have more embellishments added by the lifetime members.

While we were impressed by the mugs all around, we especially enjoyed visiting and hanging out with Dan and Sonia Buonodono, the owners of EagleMonk. All of the delicious beers are brewed by Dan and have been since EagleMonk opened twelve years ago. Dan, like many brewers/brewery owners, began as a home brewer where he honed his brewing skills before opening his own place. Sonia runs the front of the house, coordinating rotating art shows from local Lansing artists, live original music, and a variety of group meet ups such as a Knitting/Crochet/Cross Stitch/Craft night and weekly Bingo. There’s a little something for everyone! We were so happy to spend time with them and hear their stories. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again and again – the relationships that we make through TagaBrew mean so much to us!

Russ and I both sampled some of the brews on tap, and I really enjoyed the Irish red ale. Something else that I thought is cool about EagleMonk is that they make their own sodas and have four taps on the side of the little fridge. Dan brought me some cream and orange sodas that I promptly mixed to make a creamsicle drink to go with my food…oh yes, that’s right they also have food. It’s not just any old food either, but honest to goodness homemade, delicious food! I scarfed down the spinach and artichoke dip and chips while Russ noshed on a personal pizza. Later that day, I found myself wishing I had brought an order of that dip home with me – it was THAT good!

Stay tuned for an event here this spring/summer (Sonia and I will be putting our heads and calendars together soon). I forgot to get photos of the beer garden out back – it’s huge and will be fun to host an event in.

To recap, EagleMonk has friendly and hospitable owners, a cozy/charming atmosphere, fantastic beer and great food. So what could possibly be missing??? I know, it’s you!