Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant - Loudon
Near the lakeA craft brewery and restaurant built into Loudon's old train depot, where the setting does half the work and the beer and food do the rest.

The building is the first thing people mention. Monkey Town's Loudon location occupies the old train depot, a structure with enough age and character to make a decent backdrop even before you sit down. A real train still runs by outside. There are books in the front room, ice cream, and a bar with a long draft list. The atmosphere lands somewhere between historic and unpretentious, which is hard to pull off and they manage it.
The beer is brewed on-site. Flights are the recommended way to sample the range; the selections cover light lagers, IPAs, and a variety of styles. The kitchen runs from classic pub fare to more refined dishes including steak, fish, and poultry. The jumbo pretzel with beer cheese is a frequent first order. Potstickers and mac and cheese get called out. The Reuben has fans. Shrimp and grits with properly cooked grits and well-seasoned shrimp is a strong plate. The Antipasto salad with roasted tomatoes and burrata has its own following. The Cubano gets mentioned repeatedly. The Irish nachos are not the consensus strong point on the menu; the burgers have also gotten mixed results. Stick to the more distinctive items and the kitchen shines.
Service is variable. On a good shift with an attentive server the experience is smooth. On a stretched Saturday the kitchen can slow down and the floor can feel thin. Plan for a longer evening on busy weekends.
Loudon is about 10 to 15 minutes from the water depending on where you are launching from. This is a reasonable dinner destination after a day on the lake, not a marina-adjacent lunch stop.
Tips
- Order a beer flight to work through the house brews before committing.
- The pretzel with beer cheese and the potstickers are the most reliable starters.
- Shrimp and grits and the Reuben are both strong main options.
- There is wheelchair ramp access, but it is described as a long walk around to the level entrance; accessible bathroom stalls are limited.
- Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
What people love
- The historic train depot setting, which gives the place genuine character.
- The craft beer list and the flight option for sampling.
- The pretzel with beer cheese, the Cubano, the shrimp and grits, and the Reuben.
- Staff who know the menu and make recommendations.
- The room, which is animated without being loud on a normal weekday.
What to know
- Closed Monday through Wednesday; open Thursday through Sunday only.
- Weekend service can be slower when the place is full.
- The kitchen is stronger on specialty plates than on the burgers and nachos.
- The accessibility ramp exists but the route is long and bathroom stalls are not fully accessible.
- Loudon is 10 to 15 minutes from most lake access points, so factor in the drive.
Best time
Thursday or Friday is the most comfortable experience. Weekend evenings are lively but busier.
First visit
318 Angel Row in Loudon, in the old railroad depot near the tracks. Parking is available on the street or in the nearby lot. The front room with books and ice cream is the first thing you will see; the full bar and dining room are beyond.
How to get in
Walk-in, no reservations needed. Expect a wait for tables on busy weekend evenings.
With kids
The train setting is a natural kid draw, and a train actually passes by outside during the day. The menu has enough non-bar-food options to work for families.
Signature items
- Jumbo Pretzel with Beer Cheese
- Reuben
- Shrimp and Grits
- Cubano Sandwich
- Antipasto Salad with Roasted Tomatoes and Burrata
Location
Frequently asked
When is Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant - Loudon open?
Open Thursday through Sunday only. Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Is Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant - Loudon good for families with kids?
The train setting is a natural kid draw, and a train actually passes by outside during the day. The menu has enough non-bar-food options to work for families.
How do I get to Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant - Loudon?
318 Angel Row in Loudon, in the old railroad depot near the tracks. Parking is available on the street or in the nearby lot. The front room with books and ice cream is the first thing you will see; the full bar and dining room are beyond.
Does Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant - Loudon take reservations?
Walk-in, no reservations needed. Expect a wait for tables on busy weekend evenings.
What should I order at Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant - Loudon?
The signature orders are Jumbo Pretzel with Beer Cheese, Reuben, Shrimp and Grits.
What should I know before visiting Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant - Loudon?
Closed Monday through Wednesday; open Thursday through Sunday only.
Last updated: April 30, 2026