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Name: Monti’s
Address: 4757 N Talman Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
Telephone: (773) 942-6012
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.39

Monti’s

4757 N Talman Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625

(773) 942-6012
Store is closed

Monti’s Menu

Starters

Boneless Buffalo Tenders

Jumbo Wings

Soft Pretzel Nuggets

A Healthy Starter

Fried Calamari

Coconut Chicken
Soup And Salads

Daily Cup Of Soup

Caesar Salad

Wedge Salad

Society Hill Salad
Philly Cheesesteaks

Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Wit

Cheesesteak Hoagie Wit

South Side Johnny

Pizza Steak

The Rocky - It Packs A Punch!

Niko The Greek

Where's The Beef
Hoagies (cold) And Grinders (hot) - Hoagies

Italian

Turkey

Meatball Sandwich
Hoagies (cold) And Grinders (hot) - Grinders

Roast Pork Loin

Roasted Turkey
Main

Egg On A Roll

Cup Of Soup And Half Sandwich

Side Of Fries

Pizza
Desserts

Italian Water Ice

Ice Cream Sandwich Sundae

Tastykakes

Healthy Meal suggestions for Monti’s

Starters

Boneless Buffalo Tenders [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jumbo Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soft Pretzel Nuggets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

A Healthy Starter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coconut Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soup And Salads

Daily Cup Of Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wedge Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Society Hill Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Philly Cheesesteaks

Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Wit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheesesteak Hoagie Wit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

South Side Johnny [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pizza Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Rocky - It Packs A Punch! [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Niko The Greek [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Where's The Beef [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Hoagies (cold) And Grinders (hot) - Hoagies

Italian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turkey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meatball Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Hoagies (cold) And Grinders (hot) - Grinders

Roast Pork Loin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Turkey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Main

Egg On A Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cup Of Soup And Half Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side Of Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pizza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Italian Water Ice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ice Cream Sandwich Sundae [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tastykakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Angela R.

Great authentic food and service to boot!
(5)
Tiffany T.

I'm always open to trying Philly cheese steaks and I seen on yelp that this place had 4 stars in a half so I wanted to try it. The place is nice but my waiter was kind of tipsy and kept slurring his words and told kept asking the same question over, like he didn't understand me. But he was very nice so it didn't bother me. But the phillys was not the best or the worst I feel like susiez has a much better philly. It was also small and price wasn't worth it. I wouldn't mind coming back to try something else though.
(3)
Robert D.

Nice atmosphere and great music playing. We ordered 2 salads and we split the special philly steak, a mexican themed cheesesteak called AlPastore. The salads arrived without the goat cheese, so they had lettuce, walnuts and dried cherries and dressing. Forgettable salads not made with much care. When they took salads back to add the goat cheese on them, it seemed from a can instead of soft goat cheese. The sandwich was okay. The roll was great!! The filling was okay. They brought the sandwich while we were still eating the salad and didnt care that I objected to this. Unsure its gonna survive when its so forgettable.
(2)
Justin N.

great food! absolutely amazing beer selection. so far I've had the rocky and the south side johnny. both are amazing. you can tell they want to keep the authentic philly flavors! i intend on going twice in one week! don't tell my trainer...
(5)
Katie P.

I have been to Monti's a couple times on Friday evenings when they have $5 martini's and have definitely enjoyed my drinks, the service and the atmosphere. My roommate and I decided to go by yesterday (on a Tuesday) evening for a martini. I did not think to ask there martini prices on a regular night, since I assumed it would be no more than $10. We were shocked when our bill came out listing that our martini's were $11.75 each. While we obviously should have checked on the price before ordering (as they are not listed in the menu), paying almost $12 for what is listed on the recipe as "Rasp Stoli". I mean, if you're going to charge me $12 at least don't tell me you also gave me the cheapest vodka out there. I'm sure I'll return (though probably not as frequently), but I definitely won't be ordering the martini's any other night than Friday.
(4)
Matt G.

I REALLY wanted to like this place. So much so that I sat tight and waited while we sat with menus for about 10 minutes and NOBODY helping us. I'd read the reviews and hoped that the food would live up to the billing. So let me take this with balance: The Good: The cheesesteaks are AWESOME. So were the fries that I had. I could have eaten one more, easily. I had the Southside Johnny and my wife had the Gyros sandwich with salad. We all liked our steaks. The Bad: And it was AWFUL... the service. I cannot think of a meal where we consistently were ignored or not served. Employees would come by other tables and we'd have to flag them down for more water or to take our plates. Just bad bad bad service. The ice cream sandwich sundae was just one of those little ice cream sandwiches with a pile of can sprayed whipped cream and a cherry. Really a sad finale to a very poor experience with great food. So what to do... do I give them another chance or do I realize that there are THOUSANDS of restauranteurs in the city who might also want my business. I shall ponder this for a while. For you, if you dine there, maybe sit in the FRONT of the restaurant and keep your hands moving.
(3)
David B.

My friend, Dean, knows I love a good Philly Cheesesteak, and when he told me that Monti's has, " the best Philly outside of Philly" I was expecting the BEST of the BEST. After devouring there classic Philly with fries and a coors light, I was in fact convinced that Monti's Philly Cheese Steak is the best in the city and outside of Philly. There homemade cheese sauce, perfect hoagie roll and tender steak all served piping hot made the experience very enjoyable. I want to go back to not only get there cheese steak, but also try the wings, pretzel bites and other treats that they had on there menu! 5 stars!
(5)
Mary Ann C.

Yummmmmmm......On my "to do" list for dining for a long time. Tucked just off of Lawrence is a cute and cozy spot serving Philly's most delicious treats! We were greeted by black and red decor, and warm, friendly staff. The original cheesesteak was superb. Decent fries. A stellar kids meal of chicken and fries. My five year old was a huge fan of the rainbow italian ice (in fact, she devoured it). Great beer list. Guns N Roses playing..... We will return!
(4)
Sabrina I.

This place is great! Been here multiple times. The food is a Yum for flavor and fresh ingredients. Their cheesesteak is wonderful, it was my first, and let me tell you there is no way it can get any better than Monti's in Chicago. I've had their breaded calamari, which is cooked to perfection. Their pizza is flavorful and unique. Their server Joe is friendly and fun, and very kind to an indesisive person like me. Natalie is super helpful and efficient. I've had the honor of meeting Monti and she is one of a kind, and hard not to like. It is a hidden gem, right off of Lawrence after California. The ambiance is loving. Makes you feel like you're really wanted there. It seems to be good for kids and groups. 5 reviews because you have to give it a try. I wish I lived closer to Monti's so I could stop in more often. Definitely becoming a reoccurring costumer. Try it, it would take a catastrophe to be disappointed. I LOVE MONTI's.
(5)
Shawn V.

I was looking through my yelp account and I remembered this order because of how the owner responded. I thought I would post some of the detail because it was a truly unique experience. I was messaged by the owner and threatened that if I didn't adjust my yelp review that they were going to reinstate charges to my credit card. Plus she would report me to the delivery service. What a joke. I actually for some strange reason edited my review to put exactly in detail what happened, what I was refunded and what I was not. Didn't apologize just assumed I was another order and made a threat. I thought some people could find this useful or maybe funny. One of the worst service experiences I have ever had. If anyone else has been threatened similarly by the owner please message me. Here is one of the full unedited version, spelling mistakes included of the first message to me from the owner. In her last message she said "Look, the fact of the matter is...it's just food. ". Just what I want to hear from a restaurant owner. "Just tracked you down. Check your Grub Hub account. We refunded you $17.45 on $20.65 order. I also tracked you down thru delivery and have confirmed you received your order in one hour the confirmed delivery time. Adjust your yelp review or I will notify grub hub that you refused our refund and reinstate the charge. I will also flag you with our delivery service. Restaurants are not perfect but when we screw up we admit it and try to correct it. We offered to deliver a correct order free of charge or offered a refund. It is grossly unfair of you to take the refund and then misrepresent what happend on yelp."
(1)
Carolyn M P.

I went here with my sister. I had a taste for chili since it was so cold out. So I had a cup of chili with pieces of steak inside this chili and a side of French fries. I was too spicy for me so we asked for melted cheese on the side. Then my mouth was really burning . Still looking for something to stop the burning our waitress mentioned ranch dressing. And that stopped the burning. I LOVED YOUR FRENCH FRIES. So much that I poured a little of the chili on the French fries then topped with the cheese then ranch dressing. And the heat finally left my mouth. Yeah. Those French fries really hit the spot they are seasoned just right not too salty. and they stayed crunchy & hot. My sister had there 8 inch Meatball Sandwich = Black Angus meatballs and marinara sauce & mozzarella cheese. Plus she kept stealing my French Fries, I found out that they taste better with the ranch dressing. The bartender was talking way to loud to his customers that I couldn't hear the Bull's game.
(4)
Hailey K.

I usually use Talman Avenue on the way to my office nearby and have always wanted to grab a bite there. I am not the type to enjoy a meal solo so I went there with my fiancÃ©e last week to sample their much talked about and reviewed meals. There's street parking and we were able to find a lot soon enough, within a short distance. We had been to Philly a year back and decided to go with the imported the Amoroso rolls from Philly while I settled for the Cheesesteak Hoagie with a few veggies. It tasted so good and the best part of it is that you can't tell the difference between an original one in Philly and Monti's. My fiancÃ©e loved her rolls and we split a Rocky which was spicy and worth every bite. The prices are reasonable and the service exceptional. We will be going back soon.
(5)
Natan Y.

I had the pleasure of moving into the neighbor hood this "vinter". Cruising home after another epic gym session I had a life changing thought. As after any victory I treat myself to something I love. My love of beef sandwichs has led me to the yelpverse .Initially the place was not easy find. Waze had me confused. The bar was trendy and nice. The ambiance was casual. As I sat for at the bar and patently awaited my precious beef sandwich I couldn't not resist the temptation of an nice glass of whisky. I had the pleasure of consuming the 12" Southside Johnnie! Need I say more. A lovely patron whom went out of her way one upped my story about developing a leak in my brand new crib. told me that I should get spicy mayo for my fries...Thank you, you are truly an angle from foodie heaven! I also heard the barkeep say how the owner apparently Flys in bread from Philly.I truly enjoyed my meal the and good company was worth the 10$ whisky. Well done, montis. In the words of the Govenator "I'll be back"!
(4)
Phil J R.

This place is a true hidden gem, most will never venture west of western, this place is worth the trip. The Philly was delicious the option for a gluten free version appeals to many as well. Have not tried the pizza but it smells great but the Philly is the best I have had in a long time. Good beer, staff is great and the place has a great feel. Skip the traditional square and go to this place it's one of the best!
(4)
angela h.

Can't believe I haven't written a review yet! I guess I'm always walking away too delirious with all the tastiness that I keep forgetting to Yelp it. I've been indulging in Monti's for a while now, bringing friends with me, spreading the word that this is THE place to get a sandwich that will rock your soul. Every time I take that first bite I want to get up and do a happy dance. Awesome food, great beers, super friendly service. If you haven't eaten here yet your life is seriously lacking.
(5)
Maria M.

I recently tried Monti's for the first time. As a big fan of Philly Cheesesteak, I was pleasantly surprised! The staff was super friendly and attentive and they had a great selection of liquor and beer. I had the authentic Philly Cheesesteak and my husband had the Niko the Greek. Both were super tasty. The side salad was a little lacking (literally just lettuce with some dressing on it), but the sandwiches more than made up for it! Their soups are also all homemade, so I'll be back to try them out. You should definitely check out Monti's if you're a Philly fan!
(4)
Jack P.

If, when you think of Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, you think of those orange and yellow formica, self-service charhouses, or the hole-in-the-wall Italian takeout joints, fuggettaboutit, 'cause this place has clay-ess. It's new, it's a comfortable pub-style setting, and it features quality Philadelphia original cheesestaeks, hoagies, grinders and thin crust pizzas, and a full bar with good bottled beer choices. It is tucked into the former "Cinner's" space, kitty corner from Harvestime in Lincoln Square. The Monti's, Mr. & Mrs., have brought their industry expertise from The Phil Stefani group and Rockit Bar and Grill, and wedded it with a passion for their hometown Philadelpia specialties. And they are sharing the love with us Chicagoans. Subs are "Hoagies," hot or grilled subs are "grinders,"(8" for $8.95 or 12" for 12.95, with chips) and they are accompanied by a variety of cheesesteak choices. Along with the regular cheesesteak(8" for $10.95, or 12" for $13.95), there's a veggie variety made with soy sausage, a pizza steak, a veggie choice called "South Side Johnny" with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, and horseradish cream sauce, and a "Niko The Greek" with gyros meat, onions, feta onion and tzatziki sauce. Grinders(8" for $8.95 or 12" for $12.95) include Roast Pork Loin, Roasted Turkey, Italian sausage or egg on a roll. Hoagies are Italian, Turkey, or Black Pepper Ham. Priced the same as grinders. Pizzas are thin crust and can be ordered with gluten-free crust, in sizes 11" ($11.95) or 16"($16.95), with a variety of choices to order of cheeses, meats, veggies and seafood. (add $5 for the anchovies or Lobster!.) There are starters, soups and salads as well, all of them original and made with high quality ingredients like Angus Beef or Philly style bread made on the premises. I know I don't mind paying a little more for great flavor and quality. I had the small version of The Authentic Philly Cheesesteak which was delicious. A good portion with tender, tender strips of beef in a restrained (portion-wise) au jus with melted provolone cheese. No onions, No green peppers, as is usually the case with a Chicago Philly Steak. The fries were crispy and fresh and dusted with a little celery salt, a little lip service to Chicago style. I washed 'er down with a couple of bottles of Negra Modelo. Service was friendly and delightful. From the bartender Chippie to the server Carl, who to me seemed like the more charming and handsome son of Eddie Haskell, each of them was passionate, welcoming and just plain fun to be around. Monti's is a great new neighborhood addition for casual get togethers with friends or family (kid's menu available) and for high-quality original and healthy takeout, something which can only enahance and improve our Rockwell Crossing restaurant scene. Open seven days for lunch and dinner, starting at 11 A.M.
(4)
Good E.

Not all that great. Either the meat is 2 salty or too bland, the "imported rolls & cheese" are just.ordinary. they skimp on the fries, and are way overpriced. I get better at Great Steak Escape. Not worth the money.
(1)
Mike N.

Was here to try the cheesesteak tonight. I got the original with provalone; it was delicious and absolutely an authentic Philly! I'll be back!
(4)
Jeremy T.

Come for the Philly. Stay for the wings. Monti's is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Good beer? Check. Delicious food? Double check. Philadelphia is one of my favorite cities in the world. The bad living about living in Chicago is that you can't get good East Coast food here. Well, that's what I thought until I discovered Monti's. Hands down they have the best cheesesteaks this side of the Appalachian Mountains. I've had both the regular and the Rocky. I highly suggest getting the Rocky if you like extra kick to your meals. I guarantee that you will not be let down with their food. Sure Monti's has the best cheesesteaks in Chicago, but they have the best wings in the city. Their wings are large and smothered in delicious house made BBQ sauce. I wish they still had their Spicy BBQ Wings. I still have dreams about them. Sadly, they don't have many beers on tap. However, they do have great selection when it comes to there cans and bottles. And the beer prices aren't ridiculous like most places. So just go to Monti's and enjoy some fantastic food!
(5)
Jackie O.

If you like a good Philly - then get your ass over here. It's awesome. Review done. Now for the rest of us - this is a small little bar with a menu that has a little something for everyone. No more, no less. Short but sweet beer menu. Staff seemed shorted and over-tired. Looks like they can use an extra hand over there. Service was a little slow - but everything else was great. This would be a cool place to go for a sports game. Actually.... I wonder if they have brunch? Hmm...
(4)
Brian W.

This is my go to spot for a Cheesesteaks in Chicago. The owners are from Philly and having not been there myself I'm going to have to give them the benefit of the doubt for authenticity. Either way the flavor is there. They are well packed with meat and they don't skimp on fries. My standouts are the South Side Johnny and The Rocky. One thing to note is that the hot peppers on The Rocky seem to be way hotter during the winter, so fans of heat check it out. Need for heat? You can ask for a bucket of hot sauces; there's a nice variety of heat levels and flavors. The service has always been very solid. Always helpful and enthusiastic about their service The only knocks are very minor. During the summer the AC tends to blow down on a number of seats. Also, the stools can be a little hard to maneuver when trying to sit at their tall tables. Overall, a great place you need to check out.
(4)
Chris H.

Fantastic authentic Philly cheesesteaks! Small neighborhood feel. Great customer service. My fiancÃ© and I come here a few times a month. They also have a full service bar with TV's for sports games and $1 fireball whiskey shots everyday.
(5)
Thomas C.

Philadelphia Cheeseteak!!!!!!! I LOVE Philly Cheesesteaks and Monti's does them right (although they forgot my onions) and will definitely go back. Been going to Philly's Best, which is also good, but Monti's has the advantage of a GREAT beer menu which makes it more gastro pub then just a place to grab a sandwich.
(4)
David R.

I keep forgetting/procrastinating to write an update. I always think "Well, I'm going to go back next month and try something new, so I'll hold off." Well, now I shall delay no longer. Besides the cheesesteaks, guess what else at Monti's is exceptional? The pizza. Seriously, some of the best on the north side. I have to confess that I did not care for the pork loin grinder. Whether by accident or design, there was a dearth of roasted peppers (two meager strips) and an overabundance of broccoli rabe. That upset the balance of the sandwich and made it too bitter. A minor disappointment was the chicken cheesesteak, kind of bland compared to the beef version. Don't bother trying to eat healthy that day and just get the "real" one. While you're at it, try the pretzel nuggets, especially dipped in the accompanying cheese sauce. Delicious. So--cheesesteaks, pizza, calamari, fries, pretzel bites, the occasional TastyKake or italian ice (depending on the season), all outstanding. I can make myself very happy choosing from those top-notch options on every visit. No Phillies playoffs this season...maybe next year. :(
(5)
Tim H.

Great philly cheese steak. Soft bread that I heard they get from Philadelphia. High quality ribeye meat that is well seasoned. I was a pretty big fan of their steak sandwich. The problem is speed of food. I came when they opened on a Sunday and it took me more than 1.5 hours to finish my meal. I eat fast so this meal should not have taken more than 45 minutes!
(3)
Lily R.

My home town is Philly, needless to say I was hesitant about trying Monti's. My sister introduced me to the restaurant and was convincing enough for me to try it. Of course I had to read a few reviews before I made the trip. I took my daughter with me and it was definately a great choice. The second time I went I took my husband who is very familiar with Philly Cheesteaks and he also loved it. It was nice to enjoy a little bit of home. By the way, Monti's staff was excellent!!
(4)
Zach J.

I was very impressed here. The service was excellent and friendly and really fast. We ordered the Rocky which is served with a very spicey cheese sauce. The waitress warned the sauce was really spicey but we did not care, we orded the 12 inch with no fries. What was great was the fact that the waitress brought us out the sandwhich already cut in two, that was cool. This sandwhich was bliss as I bit into it and the sauce was incredible tasting and yes, it was really spicey. The meat was delicious but the sauce was the huge attraction. I really need to order it on garlic bread the next time, and I will order the standard Philly since that is what everyone raves about. This place is excellent for Phillys of all different styles and sauces. I will definately be back here!
(5)
Diane G.

The Cheesesteak is awesome. Love it!!! We had the tomato basil soup this weekend and it was fantastic. Can't wait to have it again.
(5)
Carol J.

I have never had anything bad here. Never had anything "ok" here. Everything is great. The beer and cider list is small but high quality. All food is amazing.
(5)
Bart S.

I like Monti's, been two times now..Went after the Hungry Hound on ABC 7 did a piece on the place, made me want to try the Philly Cheese Steak. Brought a friend back a few days later who is an East Coast dude, who knows all about the real deal served on South Street in Philly (where all the Hippies meet, South Street, South Street) My friend was absolutely blown away that Monti's flies in the Amoroso bread several times a week. Now that is a Phlliy Cheese Steak my friends... This is NO Chicago Italian Beef. This is The Philly Cheese Steak, there are a few variations on the menu, I went with the basic version, It was GREAT! They offer any of their pizza toppings on the french fries, which I found unusual but I went ahead and had bacon and cheddar cheese on the fries. Just what I didn't need, but did it anyway, and liked it. The fries could have been warmer, they had been sitting out before they were served on my 2nd visit, the first visit, they were hot and great. (no topping that time) This is not fast food, and the place gets busy, so there can be a short wait, suggestion to the owners, there were two Monti's wi-fi connections my Iphone picked up in your place, unlock one of those connections..
(5)
Jacob T.

Located on a pleasant side street, this is a great place to stop off on the way home and get a cheesesteak sandwich. They're always hot, full of meat, and great flavor. The service is always great too!
(4)
Nida O.

This place is AWESOME. Period! The guys that work there are really nice and the food is amazing.
(5)
Arthur M.

Had dinner with our friend Meghan. The pretzel tots were warm and salty with melty cheese and tangy mustard. The buffalo tots were spicy and balanced by the creamy blue cheese dip. Meghan got a Southside Johnnie beef with swiss, horseradish cream and sauteed mushrooms. I got the standard beef 12 inch with the chile mayo from the Rocky. Etta snatched half of my mayo and applied it to her cheesesteak hoagie, which was already slathered with mayo and melted American cheese. To drink they had Uncle John's from Michigan, well carbonated and dry hard cider.
(5)
Stephanie C.

It is as good as they say. They have amazing cheese-steak hoagies, what looks like amazing cut fries, and great beer to wash it all down. And all the while, a Blackhawks game in the foreground. I can't ask for more, well besides the Blackhawks winning their last game.
(5)
Jeremy G.

I want to start off by saying Monti's philly cheeses are awesome. Only other place I've had better is Carl's in Manhattan. Thought we'd order out tonight and this is usually a half hour decision...we agree Monti's will be the place. Pick up the phone, rings a good 15 times, no pick up and no answering machine kicks in. Odd, I call back...another 15 rings with no answer or machine. Tried one more time, no answer and gave up. I can tolerate a lot of things when it comes to dining, but this is the one thing that drives me bananas. Understood people go on vacation and need to close, but buy an answering machine, set it to go off after the second ring and say "we'll be closed from x to y for the holidays" or mention it on the website. Costillo's on Lincoln is really bad about phone service. This won't fully keep us away because the food is good, but it's disappointing when a couple indecisive people like us get set on something the get shanghaied with no explanation.
(3)
Jay N.

This is a pretty good restaurant/bar on the north side amongst a variety of restaurant styles in the area - Vietnamese, Korean, Yugoslavian, etc. Obviously, it's located just off of Lawrence so it's easy to miss. Parking isn't that difficult since the other establishments in the area aren't heavy street parking users and some nearby stores have their own parking lots. It's a little bit dark inside, but you can easily find your way around and read the menu easily. The wait staff is nice and pretty attentive. There are a few tvs around if you want to catch the latest Flyers or Sixers game. There were some pennants from St. Joseph and Penn State, but my bosses from LaSalle and Villanova would have been disappointed! The menu is pretty straightforward. I think the cheesesteaks are pretty good versions of the original. The amoroso rolls have that light cornmeal bottom while it soaks up any juices and sauce and gives a little resistance when chewing. Instead of the parts being spread out in the bread, they roll it up tight for carry out orders, which made it a little more dense than I'm used to. The flavor was pretty solid, though. I also had a Rocky which definitely brought the heat, but not just adding hot sauce. The chilis hit you at different levels and were a good touch than just normal bell peppers. The bay fries were great and came in a paper bag separate from the cheesesteaks so you can enjoy them without getting soggy. It's definitely a place to come back to try some of their other menu items.
(4)
Vanesa B.

You do NOT want to play around with the Rock It Philly cheese stake sandwich! Unless you have a Mexican ethnicity like me or you're crazy for scotch bonnet! The little problem for me is that I don't really like the whole shredded meat, but I love the onions! Have I mentioned cheese sauce? Yum! I love their Philly cheese stake sandwich (although the meat and the onions get confused) and if you don't have a problem with that go for it! I give them 5 stars because of the flavor, their bar, they're service and the fries. Oooh the fries!! I could really write a whole book about them! lol they are delicious!
(5)
T W.

First time at monti's. Great food and atmosphere. A real, authentic neighborhood restaurant!
(5)
Bill M.

I don't drink, if I did I might be a fixture in Monti's. They have lots of nice stuff to drink. I go for the food. Good food. This is not 'exquisite' food. It is damned good food. Look at their menu. If these items appeal to you, then you will probably enjoy the food, because it is done right. It is not super fancy, but it is made the right way using good recipes, good ingredients and proper cooking. The place is 'neighborhood nice,' casual but not a dump. Lots of TVs for sports that are properly adjusted to show actual HD, not just stretched SD. Staff is friendly, attentive. I did not find service to be slow, but I also did not expect fast-food-joint speed. I would say food service was faster than most restaurants and slower than fast-food joints. Kind of between the two. Which is fine. Only thing is, they close the kitchen too early for my tastes, usually 10 or 11 PM. I am a night owl. Quite often I want dinner at midnight, and they usually stop serving before that. Well I can't expect them to stay open till the wee hours if that doesn't work out business-wise. After all, I want them to succeed so I can have their food for years to come.
(4)
Carl G.

Thought this place was going to be more of a counter order spot, but really glad that it turned out to be a sit-down place. Actually it's more like a bar than anything - but with good, regional specialty food. the bar was set up well, with a few seats, and good tables. Definitely a place to spend some good time having a beer or two and some good food! The service was great, both of the main people working there were busy but attentive, and they did a good job of spacing the order so that it cam out in the right way. We got our appetizer first, and just when we were slowing down, the meal came out. Great operational work. We also didn't have to linger, they were appropriately quick with the check, and never pushing. The food was very good. We had the some chili as an appetizer, and it was everything I think chili should be, meaty, thick, and a little bit spicy. It was a quite steep for the portion you get, but it was good. We also have the buffalo bites. breaded, which was a surprise, and actually I liked them a lot more. The cheese steak I had was really great. Just got the authentic, to try it out, but would definitely be interested in trying other ones. The meat was appropriately chopped, the cheese was nice and cheesy, and the bread was fantastic. Everything I want in hot sandwich. I definitely didn't need to finish it all, but somehow it disappeared! In addition, the fries were great - nice and crispy and very well seasoned (not just salt, but other spices also)! We also had the meatball sandwich - good marinara, well flavored balls, same bread as the philly. Prices were a little high, but the food was really good. I'll definitely be back. In addition to the food - they also have what looks like to be a great beer list..something to try when it's not noon on a sunday!
(5)
Mohammed K.

Best Phili Chesse steak sandwiches in Chicago so far.
(4)
Josh J.

Found a delicious cheesesteak in Chicago. And a block from my house. Tried the Balboa and it cleared every sinus in my body. Spicy!!!! Being from Tejas, I usually love the spices and this did not disappoint. Local beer selection was awesome as well. 3 thumbs up
(5)
Raji V.

I came here for the Philly cheesesteak. In comparison to other ones I've had specifically (phillys best) it was no where near my standards. The waiter was nice and the environment is upbeat.
(2)
Frank D.

Great high qualit meat nice gravy on it.... Ingredients.bread.everything great.top .of the.line AWESOME serviceawesome steak
(5)
August B.

Let's cut to the cheese. You could do worse, you could do better but overall, "yay! I'm a fan." I stumbled in here one night after some hardware store shopping. i felt so blessed to have such a place in the area. Really the meat is solid, fries fresh and beer cold. The trifecta of what i'm looking for in a joint.
(4)
Nick A.

I'll admit, I've only been to Philly once, but I fell instantly in love with the Philly cheesesteak while visiting. I probably had five of them in the course of a four day visit. As soon as I hit the ground in Chicago back from vacation I started my quest for a cheesesteak that could live up to the real thing. Many cheesesteaks later I pronounce Monti's the clear winner, in my mind. I get the 12" authentic Philly cheesesteak with aged cheddar. It's big, it's awesome, and it's authentic. Atmosphere is great and they even accommodate our little one who's under a year old. Note, I've never checked out the bathrooms so I'm not sure if it's child friendly with a changing table, but I'd classify it as a place that's ok to take well behaved kids or sleeping infants to. They have a full bar which is great addition, but it's not the type of place where folks get rowdy, just good food & drinks. Also wait staff is top notch, very attentive & friendly. I highly recommend Monti's to anyone looking for an awesome Philly cheesesteak in Chicago.
(5)
Karmin A.

Came here with my husband a few days ago. Service was AMAZING..very nice young lady, and very helpful and sincere. We ordered the coconut shrimp chicken for an appetizer, so good! I had Authentic Philly Steak with provolone cheese and my husband had the South something steak. Loved it! :) We'll be back! :)
(5)
Kristen W.

Good food! Loved the Rocky. Great sandwich. Loved the cheese fries. Also -kudos for having different sizes of sandwiches! perfect! Very good craft beer selection however the beer was not cold. In fact it was approaching lukewarm. MANY points deducted. We would have ordered more if the beer was cold :( Restaurant definitely needs help with lighting, as do so many others. The corner in the back is too dark with only the dimmed overhead lights- we couldnt' read the menu. You need eye level lighting in addition to the overhead lighting which is always either too dim or too harsh. The mid-level lighting helps, please consider this. It will make the place seem cozier and we'll be able to read the menus to order more stuff!
(3)
John S.

I have been wanting to try this place for a while now, I finally tried some thanks to the reviews on yelp, so I had the sampler, my three were niko the greek, cheesesteak hoagie and south side johnny. My favorite would probably be south side johnny with cheesesteak hoagie coming in a strong second. The cheese steaks were good indeed. it was so much food, enough to feed two people, alot of fries all for like 18.00 bucks, i think it was a good deal, and i loved the decor, food was good all around.
(3)
Chet M.

I'm just saying $42 out the door for 2 sandwiches and 1 beer is kind of pricey. And I don't believe there were 6 full bonafide slices of cheese on my sandwich. Maybe 6 thin half slices? A good sandwich, fries/chips and drink for lunch should be about $10 a head out the door. Unless there is crazy to die for meat on it like at Perry's or Manny's Deli, then maybe $12 for the sandwich. Anything more than that, you're talking dinner money or a bucket of chicken!
(3)
Aja G.

My only regrets are not coming sooner and not being there right now. So why do I love this place: The cheesesteak meat is sliced perfectly The cheesesteak roll maintains its soft flaky texture the entire eating experience The fries are well seasoned The soup is homemade and is so much more than stock and broth The bathroom is clean ( clean bathroom means a clean kitchen, so my mom claims) They deduct cost when you don't get fries ( that's right you pay for only what you get) They have tastycakes My boyfriend says the wings were delicious ( he wasn't kind enough to share) What I don't love: They are so far from my apartment They didn't have my favorite tastycake I'm not there right now. Sure it was more than you would pay in Philly, but considering all the money I've wasted on sinful imitations of the real thing in Chicago, I consider this place a savings. You can take the girl out of jersey, but you'll never separate jersey and the girl nor the girl and her cheesesteak.
(5)
Bree O.

Now that we've lived across the street from Monti's for over a year (and we've probably been here once a week since last summer!), I figured it was time to update the review. Monti's is still amazing. The servers are top-notch and so friendly. The food is delicious. It's a bit pricey, yes, but the price definitely matches the quality and freshness of the food that they serve. Everything we've tried on the menu is delicious. We've brought countless visitors to eat/drink here and everybody is always so impressed! Pro tip - the pretzel nuggets and the buffalo nuggets are TO DIE FOR. We just absolutely love Monti's. :)
(5)
Michael K.

Excellent, Excellent food. This is the best Philly Cheese Steak i've ever had. The meat was extremely tender and very well seasoned and the way they spread the cheese on it really made a difference. It was a great atmosphere, it is definitely neighborhood spot and has a very good beer list. The wait staff was friendly and the co-owner herself came to our table and talked to us. It was a great outing with my wife. I will definitely return and this time I will get the 12" Cheesesteak.
(5)
Pam D.

Tonight I had my very first Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and I loved it. The meat was flavorful and tender. The bun was very good. Mom and I split the 12 inch sandwich. I added on fries for us, because I was not sure if the sandwich would be enough for 2 people. The sandwich, with a very small order of cheese fries, (there was like 20 fries in the order) came to $14.45. Holy crap!!!! I ordered a smaller sandwich for Christopher and that came to over $10.00. I got him an order of soft pretzels, mom had a ginger ale and we got 2 tasty-cakes. With tip and delivery, it came to $50.00. Now, I loved the sandwich, the fries were soggy, but ok. The pretzels were not very exciting. Of course we loved the tasty-cakes. If the prices weren't so high, we'd order from here again. As it is, we just did not get any bang for the buck. From reading other reviews, I gather this is a nice neighborhood spot and I do recommend the Cheesesteak, but I doubt we will order delivery from Monti's again.
(3)
Daniel F.

The Best Philly Cheesesteak you are going to find in Chicago is here. Finish it off with some tasty cakes and you have a true Philadelphia experience. Highly recommend this place
(5)
Andy M.

Monti's is the best new restaurant I have visited in quite a while. What makes this Utopia of Philly-Steak so good? The answer is simple. The food, the vibe and the great people who run this place make it a fabulous, top-notch eatery. I have never found a place in Chicago that can replicate the Cheese-steaks found in Philly. It took two people from the City of Brotherly love to bring the taste of Philly to Chicago. Not only does Monti's offer authentic, Artery clogging Philly-steaks, they offer east coast pizza as well. The Cheese-steak's at Monti's are awesome. They are just like the one's you would get out east. They offer a 8" and 12" version. The sandwiches are a generous helping of chopped steak, their own special cheesewhiz and grilled onions. This was a table knocking-good sandwich that had me drooling for more. The food was so good that I had to give Monti (the owner) a hug on the way out. Yes folks!! This place is that good. If you love delicious, high quality bar food and haven't stopped in to see the good people at Monit's, what the hell are you waiting for? This is a dining experience that's too good to pass up.
(5)
Amy H.

The owner was super friendly and they have a tasty selection of ciders. I guess TimeOut recently gave them an award for the best wings in Chicago and I agree! I craved their buffalo wings for 3 days after I ate them and am craving them again now thinking about them. Be sure to not eat too many though because you'll want to have room for one of their delicious cheesesteaks. Not that I'm a connoisseur of that particular variety of sandwiches but it was the best one I've ever had. Not greasy in the slightest, soft yummy bread, very flavorful overall. We'll be back for sure....just hopefully not often enough to break the pocketbook. Btw, the 12in sandwich and some wings was enough for two to share. Perfect weekend lunch!
(5)
Basil H.

The cheesesteaks are meaty and cheesy! What's not to like? Also, if you check in, you get a sorbet, which was good! My friends and I shared it.
(4)
Ken K.

I went to Monti;s for the second time a few weeks ago. Since everyone was working during the day, my wife asked what I was going to do on my birthday. I immediately responded, heading to Monti's". My second visit there was as good as the first. The bartender/server at that time was Tiffanie, who was very nice. James stopped over and asked what brought me there. After I told him, he had Tiffanie bring me an ice cream sandwich creation that could have easily fed three people dessert. Everyone I've met there has been wonderful. Great cheesesteaks. I have to rate them the best I've had, and I've been to Philly many time and tried all the big names. My only complaint is that Monti's is a pretty good drive for me. According to James though, that should change in the future, as they're opening more locations in the area. Great atmosphere, great employees, and best of all, great cheesesteaks! Their beer selection isn't too shabby either. Great restaurant/bar! Keep up the good work Jennifer and James.
(5)
KC F.

Loved this place! The pretzel nuggets, cheesesteaks, and water ice (check-in on Yelp for free ice!) were all soooo good. The decor and menu options made me feel like I was back home in PA. Only gripe- no Yuengling!?
(5)
Adam B.

I'm a native New Jersey guy, despite living in Chicago for 15 years. Even though my ties are much closer to New York than Philly, I'm still a huge fan of cheesesteaks. So I was heading to Lincoln Square for a Mindy Smith concert and found Monti's through Yelp. Since Philly food is one of the hardest cuisines to find when you're away from Philly, I decided to give it a shot. The decor is decent enough with Philly sports pennants and Rocky posters and city shots adorning the dark red walls. I expected to to be a little more divey, but no real complaints. I sat at the empty bar and got an iced tea to drink, only to immediately replace it with Coke. If it ain't fresh brewed, I ain't drinking it! But let's get to what matters, the food. I ordered a foot long steak with provolone, mushrooms, and onions. First and foremost, they import the Amoroso rolls from Philly. That is so huge for me. I have had so many "Philly cheesesteaks" that were served on a boring generic roll and it compromised the rest of the sandwich. But there's just a certain texture and crust and freshness to this roll that when you bite into it, you know it's the real deal. The thinly sliced ribeye was juicy, and the cheese was melted against the roll and underneath the steak and veggies, which is the traditional method. I had absolutely no issue wolfing down the entire sandwich. I also liked the fries (which are complimentary) as well, they had a just a little extra seasoning salt on them; that was a nice extra kick. The staff was pretty friendly with me too, always very appreciated. $14.00 was a little more than I'd like to spend for the sandwich, so I'm taking one star off for that. But make no mistake, I would definitely return, since it has such a unique menu, especially for the Midwest. Next time, maybe I'll go for the roast pork and some pretzel nuggets?
(5)
Dan H.

Monti's had been on the "gotta try" list for a while. Finally got a Groupon and that was enough to get us through the door. Really wished we hadn't waited so long, but oh well. First experience was good. Our server was very helpful getting the Groupon to work on my phone. I went for the Cheesesteak Hoagie, because you know adding lettuce & tomato to a cheesesteak makes it HEALTHY! She went with the plain sandwich. Both had a nice serving steak. I thought the fries were really good. I think the ice cream sandwich sundae is brilliant. I mean what's not to like about an ice cream sandwich covered in Rediwhip & chocolate sauce? The Lemon Ice was also very good. Second trip was over the weekend, basically a repeat order except for dessert. Again, service was good, food was good. Bottled beer selection is impressive. I wish they had a bigger draft selection though, they only have 1 tap. Maybe that's all they were able to install when they moved in? I don't know, if that's the biggest complaint I have, that's pretty good. As we were getting ready to leave Saturday the server walked by with a plate of wings, which REALLY smelled good, but we were already pretty full with yummy cheesesteak goodness. Maybe next time
(4)
Jonathan H.

Everything is amazing. I highly suggest the wings & chili if they have it. All their stuff is made in house. Get on it
(5)
Moe T.

Great spot with cool music and a good atmosphere that serves up delicious cheesesteaks. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Michael S.

Wow... This place is legit. Learned about this place because of Ed Lakin's (Edzo's) tweet and I am really glad I had the chance to eat (and drink) here. Monti's reminds me of Pat's and Geno's, BUT much, much better. I had the Rocky which was pretty hot, but not so much where it wasn't enjoyable. I would have to say though that it does more than pack a punch as my tolerance of spicy is much higher than most people. Fries were really good as well. Love the celery salt on them. Monti herself was there and was very friendly along with her chef husband, James Gottwald (look him up if you need to see his pedigree.) Lucious, the bartender was very amiable as well. Will definitely be back again and again... Maybe after buying groceries from Harvesttime Foods across the way.
(5)
Mary K.

Great food, wonderful atmosphere, and their beer selection tip the scales from a four- to a five-star.
(5)
Bill M.

Monti's is a new place just off of Lawrence in a remarkably diverse area (within a block are Bosnian, Greek, Vietnamese and Italian dining choices). The diversity is now heightened with this pilgrimage site for Philly cheesesteak fanatics. Upon walking in, the place looks more like a bar with seats for dining too (I was expecting more of a takeout joint). I ordered the straight "Authentic" Philly Cheesesteak to go, and I expected not to finish the 12" version in one sitting (I did not). The beef is black angus rib-eye and is quite tasty in itself, but when accompanied with pieces of grilled onion, mushroom and provolone it's a yummy and not-too-greasy ensemble. I've never heard of the Philly amoroso roll, but this bread is soft and chewy and sturdy at the same time. You get a side of fries with this, and it's almost a relief that the pile of fries is not a humongous greasy bag of soggy potatoes. The fries are again not too greasy, though definitely a supporting player to the star that is the sandwich. It's not exactly fast food (takes 15 minutes, and not that cheap) but it's very tasty and hearty. The bar that surprised me actually looks like a good place to hang out, and my server was a very pleasant young lady. Monti's location is not obvious for everyone (not too far from the Rockwell Brown Line station), but it's worth the trip and easier to get to than Pennsylvania.
(5)
Lee R.

Just look at the photos. You have my assurance that this is the real deal. Now go. Good beer selection. Also a pretty good cider selection, which one of the kind co-owners was telling us she is working on building out. The 8inch should be more than enough. I had the 12 because I ate light all day in preparation -- sue me. It was astounding and enormous. The beef is just right in every way -- down to the peppered taste. This is one of the best three cheesesteaks I've ever had, and I've had a lot of them! It's a good thing I am well out of delivery range of this place. Parking is really easy, since it's just outside the Lincoln Square hot zone.
(5)
Michelle M.

This place was awesome! Cheese steak was incredibly delicious. And I found my new favorite beer here!
(5)
Beth R.

Selective-vegetarians in the hizzy reprezent! ... Right. So, I don't dig on meat unless it's in the form of a feathered friend or a friend from the sea. And even those categories have sub-categories which I won't touch (dark meat, duck, goose, pheasant, poultry sausage, pÃ¢tÃ©; crustaceans, bivalve molluscs, coleoidea, eel). If you are asking yourself what I was doing in a place like Monti's, what with my highly developed sense of food selectivity, the answer is, accompanying my favorite person on a dinner date. So what the H did I eat? Well, a plain cheese pizza, which was a three-star selection. Oh, and I had a bottomless unsweetened iced tea. I also had some fries off the aforementioned companion's plate, which were salty and good. So Beeeth, why the fourth star?? Because for me, a place like Monti's is less about the fact that I can count on one hand the things I can eat, and more about the personality that comes through in the experience. I obviously peeped the menu online before agreeing to go, and the "About Us" section has a photo of the husband and wife owners. I didn't think anything of it until after we'd been there awhile and I recognized the Mrs. talking to the people at the table next to us. I figured they were family friends, because she was very warm and gave their little girls some Tastykakes on the house. But then she came by and chatted with us - not in an annoying way, but about our appetizer (which my husband lurved) and why they prepare it the way they do. Then later she checked in and even confided which day of the week they get their Tastykakes (not telling, yo), It occurred to me that you don't have to know the owners to be treated like you know the owners. It was like she was the best kind of hostess - upbeat, wanting guests to have a good time, and really proud of her business. It was actually uplifting, if I may be so uncool. I imagine we will be back, since Mr. R. liked it so much. They have a turkey grinder (side note: can't we have a less medieval name to describe a sandwich that has merely been toasted?) that I will try sometime if I'm feeling particularly adventurous. Adventures come in all sizes, man. [It was brought to my attention that Tastykake is spelled Tastykake, not Tastycake. Who knew? -Ed.]
(4)
Dave S.

Went to Monti's again on Sunday because I was craving another Philly Cheese! This time I got the foot long and went with the fries instead of salad...awesome fries, seasoned perfectly! Same server, excellent service again, delicious sandwich. Someone, I believe it was probably the owner, Jennifer, came over and said hi and asked if everything was good and it definitely was. That's always nice. Still want to try the wings and pizza, a few people I've mentioned this place to in the past week have mentioned that they have awesome wings and pizza, and gluten-free pizza if that's your thing. I still want to stop in without the family, sit at the bar, have a few beers and a bite to eat and just relax. I'm sure I will at some point this summer, nice that I can walk here from my house. Nice job again guys, great place to eat and chill out!
(5)
Melanie S.

On evenings when I am too lazy to cook, don't want to do takeout, but also don't want the more formal dining-out experience of hearing about the specials or being asked if I want still or sparkling water, a fast-casual restaurant like Monti's fits the bill perfectly. My bf and I grabbed dinner here last night. He spent years in Philly attending graduate school (and lived just blocks from the famed warring factions of Geno's and Pat's), so he was anxious to see how Monti's would compare with the "real thing." We arrived on the late side (about 8) and were greeted enthusiastically and given menus. They have a nice selection of beers and cocktails, and of course, many variations of cheesesteaks. We started with the calamari and we each ordered fairly classic cheesesteak sandwiches, an 8-inch for me, and a 12-inch for my bf. I ordered mine "hoagie style," which comes with lettuce, tomato and mayo, but opted out of the mayo. You can get your choice of white american, provolone, or aged cheddar sauce. I don't think they offer Cheez Whiz (nor am I brave enough to eat that), but apparently, that is what makes a cheesesteak "authentic." The calamari was really good and came with sliced fried lemons and banana peppers which added a nice contrast to the calamari. Good stuff. Our sandwiches arrived soon after and came with a heaping pile of crispy fries. We both really enjoyed our sandwiches. The steak was tender and flavorful and all the other ingredients (provolone and grilled onions) were balanced perfectly. My bf was highly impressed that they used genuine Philly Amoroso rolls. I could only eat half my sandwich as four inches is plenty for me (wait, what?!) but my bf scarfed down the entire thing. We were so full that we had to pass on dessert, but we'll be sure to save room next time. They offer italian ice (one of my faves) and Tastykakes (another beloved Philly thing). Instead we just relaxed and watched the end of the Hawks game as the owner and his adorable son watched at an adjacent table and we exchanged commentary. Monti's is a great addition to this part of town. I'll be sure and bring my mom (who lives just down the block). She's a vegetarian so she can enjoy the soy sausage sandwich while I devour a cheesesteak. Keep up the good work, Monti's!
(4)
Jason S.

I'll start by saying this is a worthy 5. The place in a word is delicious. I've never been to Philly and never had an authentic cheese steak. However, Monti's makes no bones about it as it openly advertises its Philadelphia roots, therefore, I have to assume this is as good as it gets. I ordered the South Side Johnny which comes with grilled onions, mushroom, Swiss, and a horseradish cream sauce. I swapped the Swiss for provolone and had them put the sauce on the side so I can get as close to an authentic as possible even though it had mushrooms. My brother got the original with the cheddar cheese sauce. We did a split and both of us were pleased. The meat is quality angus and very tender. The bread is perfectly soft yet strong enough that the sandwich doesn't fall apart and get sloppy. The cheese was delicious but didn't steal the show at all. The fries were fresh cut and seasoned well. If I did have to knock it on something it would be one thing stood out. It was a Robert De Niro moment from Casino, when one muffin had more blueberries than the other as my brothers sandwich was significantly bigger than mine and the two other patrons we were with. Price wise I can see some people being a little taken back by paying $14 for a foot long. I paid 20 with tax and tip for a 12 inch which comes with fries and a lemonade (free refills). However, I don't know what the going rate in Philly is for one of these bad boys. But I personally thought it was worth every penny.
(5)
Ryan L.

I was saddened to hear Cinners closed, but I wondered how long a niche restaurant would last in a mostly residential area. When I heard this joint was replacing it, with a cheesesteak concept, I annoyed everyone around me until I was able to obtain said cheesesteak. I came here last Saturday night with the nephew and rest of the fam in tow. It says the place is good for kids - I will say it kinda is. Separate kids menu with crayons, but the mood, candles, and ambience strikes me more as a casual place. Still, since it was not too crowded the kid was fine. The cheesesteak did not disappoint. The best part is that the bread isn't soggy and are actual Amoroso rolls. Thus it wasn't messy. I got the classic Philly since I figured if they messed this up, the rest of the menu would be bunk. It definitely was good. I added bell peppers then realized they come on the South Side Johnny. You fooled me, Monti's! Next time I know what to get. We also ordered the Ice Cream Sandwich Sundae thing (don't remember the actual name), and it was pretty good. They also have Tastycakes if you're into those. Beer prices seem to have come down a little bit after it was noted in previous reviews that some drafts were going for $9. It's progress, I think we paid no more than $6 for our Daisy Cutters. Service was friendly and attentive. The waitress let us know right away that we could add any pizza toppings onto our fries for $ .50/per topping. I added bacon and cheddar cheese, with a side of shamefulness. But it was damn good.
(4)
Laura A.

I love everything on the menu. The homemade soup and wings are really tasty and the Rocky is super spicy and delicious. They even make their own ranch dressing which is really good. Great beer selection, too. And it's walking distance. A little pricey but definitely worth it!
(5)
Alin A.

2004: Our best cheesesteak experience happened once upon a drunken stupor in New York City, where my wife and I lived during my dental school career. Granted neither she nor I have ever had an authentic cheesesteak sandwich from Philadelphia, it was THAT place (Carl's near 33rd and 3rd) which we held as the gold standard of cheesesteak sandwiches. Fast forward to July, 2013. My wife is very pregnant and is ready to kill for a Philly cheesesteak. We ended up Yelping Monti's and assumed that any place with 200+ reviews should be a sure shot, no? YES! We became instant Friends on Facebook! She and I ordered ours with the cheese sauce. If you're reading this, ORDER THE FRIGGIN' CHEESE SAUCE! We asked for chicken tenders (it's gross calling them "fingers") and pizza for the kids. We figured our boys don't have a sophisticated-enough palate for a cheesesteak. They'd just mistaken it for Polish ham since that's the only other meat they eat aside from chicken (our nanny is Polish). Both of these meals were fantastic, very delicious at any age. My wife and I both ordered the "Authentic Philly Sandwich" and we absolutely loved it. The bread is very fresh, the meat tender and soft and the cheese...I am weeping as I type "cheese." Hey Jennifer Monti, I know you're reading this, "Thank you!" PS: I'm the dentist that came by for a pick-up order. Since you lost my business card, I'll drop another off at our next dine-in experience. :D
(5)
Casey M.

The new faÃ§ade at this frequently changing store front in the outskirts of Lincoln Square has become a brighter, much cleaner and overall more welcoming place. Monti's has put a lot work into this place and after tasting their delicious Philly Cheesesteak I know Monti's is here to stay. After a warm welcome from the bartender I bellied up to the bar to talk shop. The bar is bright and fun with a few kitschy knickknacks thrown about. This place is very homey. Even the bathrooms got a fresh makeover. The bartender who was friendly and informative went through the menu and their array of alcoholic beverages with me. Everything looked good, but I really just wanted a beer and a cheesesteak. I ordered a Daisy Cutter draft, it was a steep $7 a pint, but the owners have informed us that they are working on changing the prices of their beer. The pour was perfect and accompanied my meal quite well. I ordered the Coconut Chicken as an app and,of course, I ordered the Authentic Philly Cheeksteak with both White American and the Aged Cheddar Sauce. While waiting for the food to come both the owners/chef chatted it up with me at the bar. They are very warm and friendly. Since I work the cooking industry, Chef even gave me a tour of their new very polished and sparkling kitchen. What a great use of such a small space Chef. And after a few minutes my Coconut Chicken arrived. It consisted of delicious all natural juicy chicken strips freshly battered and serve crisp with a wonderful sweet, tangy and slightly bitter housemade horseradish yuzu marmalade. A great accoutrement to the chicken strips. I devoured those Coconut Chicken strips. And a few minutes later the PiÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance, the Philly Cheesesteak, came out. Oh my! Juicy, Tender Black Angus Rib-eye quickly cooked on a flat top served over gooey melted White American Cheese and Aged Cheddar Sauce and perfectly caramelized onions all on a soft Philly Amoroso Roll. Does it get any better than this? No. I do not know if I even took a breath while devouring that delicious Philly Cheese. It is everything a good sandwich should be. I had a very good time at Monti's. So good I stayed there a whole three hours chatting it up and drinking beer. I even ran into some friends who were checking out the new joint. Monti's you are a keeper. I have never had a cheesesteak in Philly, but after having the cheesesteak at Monti's I have no reason to ever have to venture out to Philadelphia.
(4)
Nicholaus H.

Simply put, this place rocks!! From the extraordinary service of Natalia to the spot on cheese steaks, to the great home made soups. This PA native has found his spot for a samich in the Chi !!! Monti and James are great hosts and fun people. $1 fireball shots don't hurt either. My favorite is the cheese steak hoagie! Get the foot long you'll be glad you did. I also love the Rocky, it's got a nice kick!
(5)
Danielle K.

Just went last week with a groupon I had purchased. We went around lunchtime so it wasn't busy at all. Service was fast. Food was great and portions are large so I had plenty to take home and enjoy again the next day! The steak and bread really stand out here so make sure you go up north and check this place out!
(4)
Ross W.

Great place with great food. I am from SE Pennsylvania and Monti's is spot on. All they're missing is a Temple U pennant :-) The steak was incredible and the fries with celery salt were a real treat.
(5)
J. S.

First time to Monti's was great. My sister and I traveled from the northern burbs. We both had 8" philly steaks with onions and provolone. I've been to Philly and it's the real deal. Perfect bread and steak seasoned just right. The food comes out piping hot. I love that. Wonderful lightly salted fresh cut fries that come with each sandwich. I talked with owner James and I was impressed with his attitude that if something doesn't fit with our Chicago market it may get changed or adjusted. Nice people, just don't change the steaks!!! Our server was excellent. He started with 2 tables around noon and wound up with about 8 tables soon after. Very attentive and pleasant. It's taken us a long time to get here and we're so happy to check it out.
(5)
Bill S.

As good as it gets in Chicago. Brought my son and had 12" cheesesteaks provolone, with. Tasted great. The meat was good quality, not gristly or greasy. They do a nice job cooking in the onion and cheese. They prepare the meat with the chopped up method. I found out that they will cook it in strips if you ask ahead. That's how I like it, so next time I will try it that way. The Amoroso's roll put it over the top. I can't wait to try a hoagie with one these rolls. Service was very attentive. Quick to refill drinks. Staff was very friendly, that part was not authentic Philly.
(5)
Rokey T.

Went here because I saw something on tv about this place and was really hungry at the time. I went on a cold day and got a table in the back. The waitstaff and owner were really nice and chatted us up. We ordered two cheesesteaks which come with fries. I felt that they took REALLY long, about 20 minutes to hit our table. The fries are seasoned with celery salt. Normally I am a fan, but this really wasn't tasting right. The two cheesesteaks were really off. Mine tasted super funky. I didn't finish mine because of this. My friend finished his. We both were really sick from this food. Not even 10 minutes later we were sick. Even the thought of it makes my stomach churn. I don't know what happened here on this day, but it was not a good experience at all. _______________________________________ *** In response to Jennifer's unprofessional and angsty note: Firstly, there is a trend which anyone can recognize. Any slightly negative comment is attacked with a barrage of negativity from Jennifer of the establishment. In an attempt to give an honest review complimenting the wait staff, and even the manger/owner chatting with us, I was bombarded with a nasty and inaccurate response from Jennifer. While you claim you cannot get sick from food immediately after consumption, you are only referring to food poisioning, in which case you are right. You did not account for the fact that perhaps contaminants (feces, chemicals...) could have been present, in which case, you could easily feel sick right away. Rather than acknowledge that the customer might be right, you go on a ego trip accusing me of not alerting anyone else. Sorry, Jennifer, I was too busy rushing home to use MY bathroom. Thanks though, for the concern. Yelp is a place for people to voice their opinions and thoughts on their personal experiences of places. While some people are here to hurt businesses, I am not. I tell my experience. I did say positive things about your establishment, but you refuse to acknowledge those. It's really sad and unprofessional the way you handle customers. BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 101... take these reviews as a way to improve, not rip apart the people who don't say what you want them to. Your handling of this post was so inappropriate, but I see that you treat anyone who writes a remotely negative review that same way.
(1)
Joseph M.

Im a big fan of cheesesteaks as my family is from the east coast and i grew up having them a couple times a year as a treat. For whatever reason, Chicago just couldnt duplicate them. Its weird, because they cant make Italian Beefs in Philly too. I gave up looking for a good steak here in chicago a few years ago. But then Montis opened and i never hearf of it until last week. It had great reviews and the pics on yelp looked pretty legit. I went today, had a lg steak and fries. Honestly, same or better then anywhere in Philly. I will be back for sure.
(5)
David J.

The absolute best cheese steaks in all of Chicago. I love this place and can't get enough of the chicken cheese steak. My daughter and I go here almost every other weekend and its one of our favorites. The wait staff could not be friendlier and the food is pretty affordable. The classic rock playing in the background and the hockey games on TV make this an awesome spot to dine in at. My one and only gripe is that they need to provide mustard in the same type of bottles that ketchup comes in, cause mustard packets are too big of a messy hassle.
(5)
Claire S.

I love Monti's! It's a little off the beaten path, but right by my apartment, so that's why I first tried it out. As a pescatarian, I appreciate that they have a meatless option on their menu, which is also delicious. The "Where's the Beef?" scores major points (soy sausage, sautÃ©ed wild mushrooms and white american cheese), their fries are good, pretty decent beer selection, and wonderful for take-out. I've had Philly cheesesteaks in Philadelphia several times before (both veg. and non-veg.), but am not feeling comfortable enough making a judgement about how well Monti's cheesesteaks adhere to authenticity standards. I just know that I get tasty eats at Monti's. They're serving up good food and service!
(5)
Brent B.

Awesome cheese steaks that are better than cheese steaks from Philly (in my opinion). While in Philly I tried Johns, Jim's, and Pats. Pat's "whiz-wit" was the best if the 3, but Monti's is just superior as is Chicago in general
(5)
Carmella M.

Great spot to hang with a friend after work, or first date. Nestled around the corner off lawerance ave. has great sandwiches here amazing naked chicken wings flash fried. Healthy choice. Friendly service , fast, and great prices
(3)
Richard H.

Awesome Cheesesteaks. Great service by friendly employees. They are nothing like those "holes" that work in the kitchen at that cheesesteak joint on Belmont. The food is much better here anyway. The food is served so hot and fresh that you need to let it cool before ingesting. Can't wait to try the pizza. Looks great, but it is so hard not to order one of those scrumptious sandwiches. A must try.
(5)
Cindy K.

I love that it's close to home, my husband loves that it's a Philly bar, and the ambience and service was great. The food, however, was a bit disappointing for me. I would return because it's convenient and fun, but more to drink and chill than for an awesome meal. With all the positive reviews, I was expecting better from the food. I think some of the more critical reviews were spot on. We ordered the original cheesesteak with cheddar and the one with jalapeno mayo sauce. We also tried the wings. The wings were pretty good albeit different from traditional wings. The batter was lighter, but the wings tasted almost buttery. We all liked it in our group of 8 people. The Italian ice was pretty tasty and it came free with our Yelp check in. If Monti's worked on the following, I would bump up a star or two: 1) The meat in the cheesesteak was a notch too salty. I thought maybe it was because I always find restaurant food too salty, but after we left we all agreed they could have laid off the salt. 2) Not very cheesy. My husband is from Philly and said Monti's fell flat with the cheese. He prefers the cheese whiz type cheese. I actually don't even recall tasting the cheese, although the server said it's in there. Somewhere. 3) Price. 8-inches costs $12. Eeek! I guess I wouldn't mind if I thought it was amazing, but since it was more on the average side, the price seemed steep. The bread was close to what you'd find at Pat's or Geno's but otherwise, it definitely wasn't on the same level. The service was great, everyone was very friendly. The beer selection was good and the place is clean. A nice venue to hang out in the neighborhood. I just wish the food tasted better. Then this could be a place that I would return to again and again.
(3)
Mariam K.

For anyone that loves Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches... this is the BEST place in Chicago. I went with a couple of people and they were already talking about going there to eat again next weekend. Im usually not a fan of Philly Cheesesteak... however I got the 'Rocky' and it was unbelievable and extremely spicy - which I love... so be prepared! For appetizers we got the pretzel nuggets... which were soo addicting.. I couldn't stop eating them! Service was also great... I will definitely be coming back here soon!
(4)
Draenna J.

AMAZING! I went here for my birthday. If you're on a ketogenic diet, this place is your heaven! We got a meat and cheese tray to start, which was very good. It came with these spicy pickle chips, sweet pickles, two cheeses, and two meats. A+. Then the cheesesteaks came. I'm not a huge cheesesteak fan, but Monti"s has converted me. They even honored my request to have no bun. They brought it in a dish, with lots of cheese. Yay! Best cheesesteak I ever had in my LIFE. A++ .My husband and I were stuffed. And for all that, it was about $40. I'll be back. I'll take friends. I'll shovel meat into my face. And I'll be thrilled.
(5)
Megan K.

Monti's surprised me in the best way possible on a Monday afternoon lunch trip on MLK Jr day. After moving to the Lincoln Square area last May, I had heard great things about Monti's and was looking forward to giving it a try when I wanted to carb load on a delicious sandwich and fries. Luckily for me, they were offering a Groupon a few days before my visit, which was an amazing deal that I couldn't pass up! For $22 my boyfriend and I each got a beer, a 10 inch sandwich, fries, and a dessert. We arrived around 12:30 pm to a bustling lunch crowd, which I wasn't expecting given the fact that it was a Monday afternoon and it was freezing out. For some reason I pictured the atmosphere at Monti's to be more like Philly's Best in the Lakeview neighborhood where you simply walk up to a counter and order your food. Monti's, on the other hand, has an incredibly friendly waitstaff and gives off more of a bar/pub vibe than a quick lunch or dinner spot. The restaurant is incredibly cozy with comfortable booths, tables, and hightop tables which can probably seat around thirty people or so. Upon being seated, we were greeted by a male server (sadly I didn't get anyone's names) who saw that we had a groupon and walked us through the deal. We were able to choose *any* of the beers that they were offering, which was an impressive offering of craft brews for the establishment. We quickly put in our beer order as we decided which of the sandwiches to choose. Here's a breakdown of our delicious choices: 1) Authentic Philly Cheesesteak with grilled onions and aged cheddar sauce: I absolutely loved everything about this sandwich. It came out piping hot and slathered in a respectable amount of their aged cheddar sauce, all nestled into a fresh and flavorful Amoroso roll. Before placing my order I asked specifically about the cheese sauce, which the waitress told me was house made and not the "typical" cheese-whiz type sauce you can find on other Philly Cheesesteaks. This sauce was fantastic and really brought the sandwich together. I'd get this again, and again, and again. 2) South Side Johnny: sautÃ©ed mushrooms, grilled onions, swiss cheese, horseradish cream sauce: Thissandwich was also quite tasty, the mushrooms were perfectly cooked, meaning they weren't mushy or rubbery. All of the flavors came together and was nicely topped off with a slight punch from the horseradish. Again, no complaints here at all. 3) Fries: These fries seemed fresh cut and freshly prepared for our order, which gets high marks in my book. They were seasoned, but not overly salted, and were a great side to the sandwich. Dessert 1) Ice Cream Sandwich Sundae: This sundae was a throwback to my childhood and I loved every guilty bite of indulgence. It's as simple as the name lends itself to be--a chocolate ice cream sandwich topped with freshly made whipped cream, two cherries, and a generous portion of hot fudge. This could easily be split between two people, but my boyfriend and I each polished off our own. I will definitely be back to Monti's in the near future as the quality of food is fantastic, even at the non-Groupon value. The staff is incredibly friendly and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a place I wouldn't mind spending a fair amount of time in. Monti's, until we meet again!
(5)
Peter O.

Trust all the four and five star Yelp! reviews this time, folks. Some seriously good, fresh cheesesteaks here, and many varieties from which to choose. (Note: mixed melted aged cheddar and spicy mustard taste great when coating chewy pretzely nuggety appetizery goodness and washed down with cold bottled and canned beer or their one rotating tap craft beer) During our most recent visit we shared the Sampler Platter, three varieties, and took a third of the meal home. The portions are huge! True Philly style rolls barely enclose rich and hefty helpings of your favourite ingredients. One's mouth waters in remembrance. Fries do not get much better too, if you ask me. You're reading this. You're asking me. Though find out for yourself! Please. Right now. You'll see. Hey, even their chili kicks some serious ass, and I never thought Chicago chili would take a backseat to Philly chili, even though it rhymes. Or maybe because it rhymes. Sadly, Chicago doesn't rhyme with any food. Does it? Yes! Sacrebleu! Escargot is a food and rhymes, but it's French and it's snails. Monti's cheesesteaks are better.Take that, Frenchys! You and your damned weird snails. HAH! The Philly cheesesteaks served in Chicago by a native Philadelphian win! Go listen to a mime. James is a charming, gracious hoot and a half host, cook and sometimes bartender who makes one of the city's best Maker's Manhattans. We've not had the sure delight of meeting Jennifer (Monti) though James always speaks very highly of her and we sincerely look forward to having that pleasure. We and our friends like her namesake restaurant a whole lot. Such good food and drink. ~Peter O. and S.
(4)
Jeff G.

philly cheese pretty decent ad good fries, quaint little kid-friendly spot that is 1/3 bar 2/3 tables. house salad on the side was a joke. literally mixed greens in a tray with nothing else my wife said she go back and so would i
(4)
Elizabeth W.

So after talking to Jennifer (and confirming with the spouse that the chicken nuggets are, in fact, really good--and organic, made-when-ordered, not frozen!), I have to update the review. This is customer service at its finest, and we will absolutely be returning to give the menu another go around.
(4)
MTML D.

Great cheese steak. Premium cut beef and bread that melts in your mouth. Do not complain about the price of over $10 bucks for a cheese steak. This comes with fries as well. I have spent $20 bucks on sandwiches and fries that did not come close to tasting as good as Monti's. I can't wait to try the rest of their menu. This is FOR-REAL cheese steak. Real rib eye, real bread, real food. Just go get it.
(4)
Boon K.

Hidden on a side street and totally unexpected bar. Very friendly staff and I wanted to do take out as my mom try a philly cheese steak. I ordered a philly cheese steak, a chicken cheese sandwich, and a tastykake. Well I wish I didn;t order a tastykake and should have asked what is was before ordering it. Well, it was a version of hostess cakes philly style. It was too process for me so i threw it away. Both subs are really good and tasty and I just wish it was little cheaper, it was a lot of food but a little price for.
(3)
Kim W.

I found out about Monti's via Groupon (awesome deal) at the end of February, which came at a perfect time since I was lamenting with the bf about finding a place with decent Philly cheesesteaks. I am not an expert on cheesesteaks but the ones I have had in the past have not cut it. But Monti's sure does! The authentic Philly cheesesteak was delicious! I chose to have it with the aged cheddar sauce that didn't overwhelm the meat. The steak itself was very juicy, well-seasoned and fulfilling. And that roll was the perfect vessel to get all that in my mouth. The fresh cut fries with celery salt were also a nice treat to accompany the meaty goodness. BF had the Rocky and felt it was spicy in all the right places. Also had the pretzel bites, which came out nice and hot and also accompanied by the aged cheddar sauce...which can go on almost everything. Even the small selection of desserts were fantastic including the ice cream sandwich and the Italian Water Ice (mmm rainbow!) Unfortunately, they were out of Tastykakes that night but that didn't ruin my experience whatsoever. The craft beer selection was pretty darn good and definitely will have me coming back again. For those who need to read about the atmosphere...low key, comfortable and not too loud. The service was good but I imagine that is because we were the only ones in there on a Sunday night. Either way, I will be back and recommend you go, too!
(5)
Andrew K.

My friend introduced me to this place a few nights ago, and I have to say it was the best Philly Cheesesteak I've had in Chicago, hands down. . No fake cheese whiz or low quality meat here. Had the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak wit aged cheddar sauce and grilled onions. I got the 12" and apparently devoured it with the fries within about 5 minutes. . My friend was in such shock and amazement, and was concerned I had been starving myself as of late, that he slid over his other half of his cheesesteak, and I proceeded to eat 6" of the Authentic with Provolone as well. . 18" of cheesesteak and I didn't blink an eye because it was so tasty. . Great service, great food, low key vibe. Will definitely be back to try out some more of the food selections!
(5)
Andrew P.

GREAT SERVICE. FANTASTIC FOOD. GOLDEN MONKEY ON TAP. I would highly highly recommend trying this place. The Rocky is my all-time favorite cheesesteak. It can be VERY VERY hot so be careful. The prices are a little high but after you try their food, you won't complain and you'll probably be back for more. It's a little annoying to find the place because Talman is a one way street, but parking is not difficult to find. There are indeed many great places to eat in and around Lincoln Square, but Monti's is definitely one of the best in my humble opinion and shouldn't be missed.
(5)
Bridget K.

I lived in Philadelphia for a year so I consider myself very knowledgeable about cheesesteaks. For example when I lived in Philly my roommates and I had a bucketlist shaped like a cheesesteak of all the famous and not so famous places we had to try. It's hard to find a legit Philly cheesesteak outside of Philly and Monti's comes close. The biggest thing missing is the sweet peppers. The place is nice and located off of Lawrence so it's easy to get to. There is a decent amount of seating so you don't have to wait for a table which is nice when you're hungry. I'll be back when I need my cheesesteak fix since it's not far from my place.
(4)
Joanne W.

I'm in love! I've been to Monti's twice now and have been thoroughly satisfied each time. I've gotten the South Side Johnny per a recommendation from a fellow Yelper (you know who you are). It's served with sautÃ©ed mushrooms, grilled onions, swiss cheese and a horseradish cream sauce. Oh my.... yum. On my second visit, I felt it was my duty to order the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak with grilled onions and the aged cheddar sauce. I've been to Philly but never had the opportunity to get a cheesesteak. If this is even close to what I've been missing, I'm really sad because this sandwich is right up my alley. The sandwiches are chock full of tender black angus ribeye and served on Philly Amoroso Rolls. If you are watching your calories, this place is not for you. I am not watching my calories and will be back for the calamari...and The Rocky. Yo, Adrian! I did it!!
(4)
Brad M.

By reading all the great reviews I guess I could say I was expecting more out of montis. I thought the location was a little odd and I was assuming it would be a bigger restaurant with more of a dining room. Anyways, the service was decent, nothing spectacular but also wasn't bad. Since it was my first time I figured to try the authentic with white American. Pretty good sandwich, a little greasy and the bread seemed like it was toasted...but it was a generous portion that came with fries. Next time I will go with the 8 inch sandwich and less salt on the fries. It's ashame I don't live closer to this place. It was quite a drive for me. Oh well, it was worth the experience. I'll have to add that nothing hits home like a cheese steak from actual Philadelphia though. There's something about the history of philly steaks and the atmosphere of pats and ginos battling right across the street from each other for so many years.
(3)
Chris O.

I can't believe all the rave reviews about their Cheese steak here. A friend and I love going to Philly's Best and everyone compares this to them or say it's one of the best. We went in on a very slow Sunday afternoon, there was only one other couple sitting at the bar and the restaurant was empty. I got a classic philly cheese steak. What I received was a crumbling piece of bread with dry beef bits and very little cheese. This place isn't worth the time or money.
(1)
Becky H.

This is one of our absolute favorite restaurants! Being celiac with lots of allergies, Monti's makes my food so I can eat it! The owner comes over and checks on our table every time we are there (which is kinda often) and makes sure everything is ok. We've used Monti herself as an example of amazing customer service to show our children how to treat people. Our kids love the place and so do we!!!
(5)
Anesha A.

This is a 3.5 star review. I wanted to love Monti's. I was so excited to have my first cheesesteak in years that I bypassed a planned weekend detox to partake. My cheesesteak hoagie was pretty good. I too requested sweet peppers and the server had no idea what I was talking about (google: San-Del Sweet Peppers). When the server approached us about dessert we were ready for our Tastykakes only to be told "oh, we haven't had those in months". Not cool.
(3)
Patrick B.

Monti's is a great addition to the neighborhood. I went with a friend and my girlfriend for dinner. We each had a different cheesesteak and all thought they were excellent. I ordered the Rocky, a tasty and spicey cheesesteak with a variety of hot peppers, quality meat and even the bun was great. I would order it again, and yes it does pack a punch. It brought my friend to tears when she sampled a bite. She ordered the Pizza Cheesesteak and she loved it. My girlfriend had the original Philly cheesesteak with provolone cheese and can't wait to go back to get it again. They all included fries, and my only complaint would be that I would love to see a cheaper option with just the sandwich. I would be tempted to get one to go all the time. We're just not big fans of fries. They also have a great beer selection as others have mentioned. I had a Daisy Cutter on draft ($6) and my girlfriend had an Allagash White in a bottle ($7). The prices were a little cheaper than others had said, but still a little too pricey to have more than just a drink or two with dinner. The staff were all very friendly and did everything they could to make sure your experience was the best it could be. One of the owners even came by to talk with us and she mentioned they will be adding delivery service soon.
(5)
Eugene C.

Overall good, authentic Philly cheese steaks and then some. My experience with true cheesesteaks hails from Geno's or Pat's in Philly. This place is the closest you can get to getting that quality of cheesesteak and more. This is definitely better than the Philly's Best franchise all around Chicago. Started out with the wings app and it was deep fried and tasty. Then I had The Rocky Cheesesteak and it had a variety of peppers on it which were amazing! The side of crispy fries were dusted with some celery salt, giving it that nice Chicago connection. Nice touch. One critique about this place is that their Daisy Cutter on draft is a bit steep for 7$ a pint. Places in the area have it cheaper for $5 but that is a minor issue. Aside from that, the service was great, the atmosphere was nice with good music and the food was delicious. It's definitely a local spot on my list that I will be visiting more often.
(4)
Jose B.

Simply amazing. Cheese steaks are top notch, and the beer selection is really good. I will definitely be back!!!!
(5)
Kaitlyn P.

as philly transplants we were in search of a great cheesesteak place! this one hit the spot! super delicious, thanks!
(5)
Gary K.

Best cheesesteak (period). I have had many (probably too many) a cheesesteak in philly. This one beats them all. I got the cheese wit cheddar sauce- I can't imagine getting it with any other cheese!- topped with jalapenos. Spicy awesomeness.
(5)
Justin R.

Friendly service and delicious sandwiches in a bar/pub atmosphere. The Philly Cheesesteaks are among the best I've had.
(4)
Mark M.

Monti's has made me a believer in the cheesesteak! My girlfriend is from the Philly area, and she and I went with another friend from the Philly area to "try" the cheesesteaks. Oh. Man. They were delicious. Monti's has Amoroso rolls flown in multiple times per week from Philly, which I would argue make the sandwich, in addition to their high quality meat. I ordered mine with the provolone, hers as a hogie, and our friends with their homemade Wisconsin cheddar cheese sauce. After having tried my steak with both provolone and cheese sauce, I prefer the provolone, however, the cheese sauce goes great with the pretzel nuggets. (For those with Glutten issues, they have a glutten free roll also.) For dessert, they have a variety of Tasty Kakes, a Pennsylvania/east coast treat. Think Hostess, but way way better. Will I go back to Monti's? YES! Hands down the best Cheesesteak outside of Philly. In fact, planning to invite a crowd there in a few weeks for my girlfriend's birthday party (her choice!). Go to Monti's. Eat Cheesesteak. Feel the brotherly love. :-)
(5)
J. Chuck K.

Came here with the Groupon last month and had an even better experience than my first 5 star one...Because the deal was amazing. Not only did I get to sink my teeth into their delicious cheese steak sandwich, but I also got to try their dessert. I've been here three times and still can't wait to try more of their menu.
(5)
Al I.

Great service, great cheesesteaks. It's worth going out of your way for. I had an "authentic" with aged cheddar sauce (no whiz wit here) and I loved it. Is it like going to Geno's or Pat's King of Steaks? I don't know about that. The grill is probably cleaner here and the cheese sauce is fancier. But it is darn good stuff. As far as appetizers, we tried both pretzel nuggets and coconut chicken. Both really good. Our server was very upfront that they add a gratuity automatically for groups of six or more. We were appreciative that there were no surprises on that front. Can't wait to go back, this place was awesome.
(5)
Majid M.

i think they have the best philly cheese steak in Chicago. great atmosphere,,, check in on yelp and get an awesome desert for free! i had a steak sandwich with mushrooms, american cheese and provolone cheese topped with lettuce and tomatoes. that's all you need folks!
(4)
Chip H.

Awesome!!! The Pizza steak was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had!! The chicken wings are amazing!! Great beer selection. Can't wait to come back!!
(5)
Double L.

Great Cheese Steaks. Great local bar and worth traveling to if you don't live in the area for the cheese steaks. Lots of T.V.s to watch games. Friendly staff. Decent beer selection but only one draft. We got the Rocky and another one, whcih I forget the name of. Rocky is great, really spicy but not over the top. Fries were good and I like you can put toppings on them.
(4)
Jim F.

We went to Monti's for the first time on a Groupon and just had our 4th dinner there last night since January. Every time has been great, there is a variety of cheesesteaks to choose from. I picked up a taste after spending time in Philly and I've had different entries each time (but watch out for the scotch bonnets on "The Rocky" -- wow (spicy) but I couldn't put it down! The calamari is great and for the last two visits, we started out with coconut chicken (think coconut shrimp with chicken fingers). Oh, and there's a salad option as opposed to french fries. Nice drink specials -- reasonably priced, but also made well. This is a small neighborhood place. We went there a week ago and enjoyed the coconut chicken, but asked for a 2nd serving of the sauce. When we came this week (last night), our waitress/bartender asked us as we sat down if we wanted coconut chicken and then brought it with two sauces. It's a small thing, but it is endearing to be "recognized",.. The Southside Johnny and the Rocky were our 'steaks this week, both 5-stars -- and the martinis evaporated as well. One of these (next) visits, I want to branch out and try the pizza. Monti's is conveniently located to the Brown Line, we're coming over from Lakeview. HOWEVER, if you're following Weight Watcher points, know that 1/2 an appetizer, a couple of martinis and a 12" sandwich is almost 2-days worth of points (sigh). a good reason to take half of it home :-)
(5)
Gary C.

There was a rumor that philly cheesesteaks would be invading Lincoln Square soon..and then, it arrived. I'm not gonna lie, one of my favorite sandwiches is the philly cheesesteak and I get really upset when I have a bad one. Trust me, you don't want to see an upset Gary after eating a bad cheesesteak; I start oozing cheez whiz and tearing off my clothes, storming the streets back to my fave philly spot to make up for crappiness. But after eating at Monti's, I soon realized that I wouldn't need to ooze the whiz, rip perfectly good clothing, or head back to just one philly spot. No, I have found another. I have only been there once, so far, and I have to say that it's quite good. Had the 8-incher Authentic Philly. Filled with black angus ribeye, overflowing with aged cheddar sauce, this gorgeous sandwich made it into my stomach in record time. It's meaty, for all of you who have had cheesesteaks that flake out on the -steak part. It's cheesy, with a choice of melted or cheese sauces (ideal for any cheese connoisseur). It's filling, for those worried about having enough to eat. 8-inches is a lot (insert giggle), but if that's not enough for you, there's always the foot-long. The awesome part is that there are other variations of the cheesesteak, and from what I hear, the kitchen does an amazing job with all of their sandwiches. Open late on the weekends (TR-Sat until 12AM), Monti's is sure to become a Lincoln Square fave. See you there!
(4)
Adam H.

Great service. Ambience is perfect for date night. Even though Im from Pittsburgh, I've always had a soft spot for Philly Cheesesteak. This place is the best I've had in Chicago. Plop this place in Philly and it would hold its own.
(5)
Seosamh D.

VERY good service (GREAT waitress) and nice looking place. However, VERY overrated food and VERY overpriced food. By way of comparison, I think Susies on Montrose west of Elston makes far better steak sandwiches and for about half the price. I didn't think the food was anything special at all. In fact, I thought I coulda made a better sandwich at home and I'm not a stellar cook. I''d go elsewhere............
(2)
Cat H.

After hearing such great things about Monti's I was super excited to try this place out. Even more so when I found out they had soy sausage philly cheesesteak ('m a recent pescatarian). Ordered one to go before work and I really was digging the feel inside. Friendly service. Beautiful bar. I was also quite impressed with the craft beer selection. But the sandwich itself was SO incredibly salty. I'm not sure if the "meat" was supposed to be that much doused in salt/whatever sauce it was or if I just got a bad order but I couldn't continue to finish eating it after the first few bites. It was pretty disappointing cause I reallywanted to like this place. Not sure if I'd be back for the food, but might return for some drinks.
(3)
Daniella B.

This place is bad ass period. Amazing cheesesteaks, service and beer. Careful of the Rocky it is not for the faint hearted--but it's my favorite! You also can't beat an Authentic here, complete with homemade cheddar sauce. The hubs and I also love their pretzel bites and their wings. The beers used to run my bill up, but it looks like they may have adjusted their beer pricing. Score.
(5)
NoÃ«lle C.

Delicious! My husband loves philly cheesesteaks and after a failed first attempt at a different unnamed Chicago cheesesteak restaurant, we fell in love with Montis. The service is great and quick. The restaurant is clean and the staff are friendly. The food is delicious and according to my husband the Phillys are legit.
(5)
Frank Y.

I like Monti's. It is all about the cheesesteaks at this Lincoln Square spot. When my wife and I went there, Monti herself was behind the bar. The atmosphere is great. 80's music is playing in the background, which is... totally awesome, like TOTALLY. There is a good lively vibe, with plenty of hipsters and locals. There is an excellent selection of locally crafted beers. The steaks are good. The classic is an above average version of this iconic sandwich. The steaks at Monti's would not stand up with the likes of Pat's or Geno's in Philly, but they are certainly capable of teleporting any Philly transplants back home within the first bite. For a different spin, try the South Side Johnny, which has mushrooms and horseradish sauce. Authentic? Maybe not. Tasty? Absolutely! The fries are also quite good. I am still partial to Philly's Best for authentic cheesesteaks, but if you want better atmosphere, a good beer, and friendly owners serving you, then Monti's is the place.
(3)
Matt B.

The short: quality Philly cheesesteak at Chicago prices. The food is amazing, but I can't go to five stars because an 8" cheesesteak is $10.95, a 12" is $13.95, each about $2.00 more than I would pay back in Philly. As such, Monti's is an enjoyable, but rare experience for me. If Monti's could manage to get a sandwich and drink special for under $10, I'd probably eat there every day.
(4)
Parker L.

I loved this place. I never knew it existed and I live just around the block. Cheesesteaks were fabulous. Service was good and the overall environment was inviting. I would definitely go back. My only complaint is that it was crowded with a wait, and we had limited attention to refilling drinks. We had to flag someone else to get us a drink. It was almost intentional because the place is so small, they want to turn over tables quickly. Would have liked to linger for a few beers. Other than that loved it.
(4)
Sera H.

I recently moved to the neighborhood and have been on the lookout for good eats within walking distance. I'm SO glad I came across Monti's! It's exactly what I look for in a casual, comfortable neighborhood joint with stellar food. I may not be from Philly but I can still appreciate a great cheesesteak when I eat one and Monti's does it right. I've heard that they ship the bread in fresh daily from Philly which might help explain why those more familiar with the art of the cheesesteak tout Monti's for its authentic taste. They offer six different cheesesteak sandwiches. So far I've had the Authentic and the South Side Johnny, both of which were delicious, and I plan to try them all. Their fries are perfect with just the right amount of crispness. I've also heard great things about their pizza and wings. Monti's has killer grub, a relaxed, friendly environment and a nice beer list--you really can't go wrong! Something else to keep in mind if you live in the neighborhood: THEY DELIVER. I'm in trouble. I'll apologize in advance to my arteries.
(4)
mike h.

Cheesesteak is where its at! I went with the classic style, with white american and a gluten free bun. didnt even notice the gluten missing. For me this is the best one Ive had in the city. Slightly better than Phillys Best for sure. Also tried the chicken wings...big and meaty, but sauces were just OK. nothing Nuclear about the nuclear sauce, just warm at best if you ask me. Ill be back for the Philly! And pretty good service too. Nice little hidden neighborhood spot.
(4)
Charlie B.

Really good cheesesteaks. But, its pricey and just a decent sandwich. I could see myself ordering if I am hard up for a cheeseteak.
(3)
Mare C.

This was exceptional! Probably the best Philly cheesesteak sandwich I've ever had, even compared with what I had in Philly...which in actuality wasn't all that great to begin with. To start with, the bun was exceptional, fresh tasting and crunchy and rounded at the ends, they get it directly from a bakery in Philly called Amarosa, according to the owner, Jennifer Monti. Then there were the toppings, smoked provolone and onions, nice upgrade from the typical offerings you usually get with a cheesesteak. Then there was the beef, in this case it was rib-eye, juicy and perfectly seasoned. Everybody seems to mention price, which I agree is kind of expensive, $10.95 for an 8" & $13.95 for a 12". I'd definitely go back, but not quite as often as if it was a little cheaper. My only mistake was not getting the fries...only because I thought they were extra!!! My mistake, not theirs! It was so memorable I'm thinking of already going back today! Another thing I liked about this place was how friendly everyone was, from the owner Jennifer to the bartender, both treated me like family. Wish more restaurants were like that....are you listening Kuma's Corner??? Less attitude, more customer service. Since it wasn't very busy I ended up eating at the bar, a rarity for me, had a spirited conversation with both of them on just about everything from Chicago politics, crime, food, etc. This is the place to go NOW for a real Philly cheesesteak!
(4)
Selena R.

Best Philly I've ever had!
(5)
Cindy R.

My husband had a cheesesteak and i had the chicken version. Both were very good! We live close by and will be back. My only request - to every restaurant where cheese is an important ingredient - is to have a vegan cheese option for the lactose intolerant! I ate mine with real cheese... but man, I paid for it later.
(4)
Shakeia T.

Tried Monti's for the first time this weekend with a friend. Loved The Rocky [with chicken]. If you like spicy, this one's for you! The fries were also quite tasty! Customer service here is stellar. Our drinks were refilled without asking. We were asked how we were doing more than once. I ordered a 12 inch and half of my sammy got cold while I was eating the other half and they reheated it for me! FTW! Plus, I noticed, they already have regulars. That's a very good sign. Looking forward to going back to Monti's. Maybe tonight. Mmm. Drool.
(4)
Scott M.

Hands down best Philly cheesesteaks. Got the Sample platter to try 3 different ones all good. Football fireball an excellent deal for a dollar. Fries were good. Soft Pretzel nuggets good. All in all excellent food excellent service thank you. Will be making the ride to be back agian
(5)
Anthony J.

Prologue: Restaurants are a bit like porn stars: some just aren't even trying, just taking a pounding with dead eyes. Others are into it, acting like they're really getting off on it, but they can't shake that thousand-yard stare. The very best are those that really try, try so hard it seems effortless. They make you believe they don't just like the sex, they need it, and you should feel privileged just to be watching on your smartphone on the red line at rush hour. One hand on the phone and one hand... steadying yourself on the handrail of course. Don't wanna accidentally lean against that homeless guy do ya? Gross! But enough about me, my point is that Monti's is that last type - they care about quality and doing things right. And not in a prepackaged, TGIFridays bullcrap way where some smiling server brings you frozen food whilst dying a little inside with each faked bit of sincerity. No, they do things right: fresh ingredients, craft beer selection from real beer geeks, not poseurs, and that small-business working-class sensibility that should warm the cockles of even the most jaded diner's heart. But is this the prologue or the posy of a ring? Yeah, I know, tis brief. As woman's love. What was I saying? Oh yeah, been there thrice, real good food every time. First time I had a standard cheesesteak with sharp cheddar sauce. Not some rubbish yellow plastic cheese sauce either, this was real cheese. Quality. Second time around I felt brave and tried the Rocky. The warning about it packing. a punch was on the money. Damn tasty, but Balboa did knock me in the mouth, spicy style. Third time I had the South Side Johnny, slathered with buttery mushrooms - yum! Also of note is their devotion to fresh, homemade soups. Those I've tried include a tortilla soup with hunks of carnitas-esque pork, a corn chowder, and avgolemono, greek egg lemon soup. Good stuff. Also dig the celery salt fries. Epilogue: So is it good? Positively pornographic. Food porn, the purest form know to man (besides tentacle, of course). Like the rest of the real pros out there, they do it for love of the craft, and they do it right.
(5)
Matt K.

Fantastic. I heard enough positive word of mouth about Monti's to make the trip and see what all the fuss was about. I've never stepped foot in Philadelphia and therefore have never had a truly authentic Philly cheesesteak. But the first thing I noticed was how high-quality the beef was and how this was the first cheesesteak I'd ever had where the meat seemed to be the star of the show. The cheese acts as a complement instead of overwhelming the sandwich which is the case with most, and up until now I didn't know any better. I see lots of complaining about the price but it seemed about right to me (and was worth it). One annoyance. I was here on a Saturday in the late afternoon and ate at the bar since I came in solo. After I finished my sandwich and beer I wasn't checked back up on for probably 20 minutes while the two bartenders -- one male, one female, who also acted as servers for the tables -- and who I assume was a deliveryman stood in the corner talking to each other while I was waiting for my check so I could pay and leave. I'm typically used to this since I live in Lincoln Park but given how proactive Jennifer M. is on this site I quickly figured out that these were not the owners. I hope to meet them next time around!
(5)
Megan G.

I didn't even think I liked cheesesteak. My boyfriend had a Groupon for Monti's so I gamely tagged along, hoping, at best, to not leave starving. Needless to say, my expectations were far exceeded. On our first visit we decided to start with the society hill salad (a little something healthy to offset the coming grease wave). This is actually the most disappointing thing I've had at Monti's - it's absolutely nothing special and , at $7.75, I felt it overpriced. That mild disappointment was immediately whisked from my mind with the arrival of my cheesesteak. I've ordered both the original and the South Side Johnny - both are great but I give the slight edge to the Johnny for the addition of sauteed mushrooms and horseradish cream. The meat is delicious and not fatty and the rolls are perfect. I love these sandwiches. Love them. The side of fries, which could have been an afterthought, have some kind of awesome spice that makes them absolutely delicious. Oh, and side note: you can ask for a side of peppers for your sandwich and they'll ask you how hot you want them. I'm a wuss, so I always get the mildest. The boyfriend is more adventurous and has ordered most of them. He wants me to warn you all that the Rocky peppers are super hot and you should exercise caution while eating. We've also had the ice cream sandwich sundae dessert. And yes, this is just as simple as it sound (ice cream sandwiches, whipped cream, cherry) and yet somehow the whole is greater than the sum of the parts - it's wonderful. I've been impressed with Monti's servers on both of our visits. They've always been really friendly without being obsequious and are more than happy to bring anything we request. Monti's also has a fairly decent beer selection and if I lived in the area, the bar looks like a cozy place to hang out. There's ample parking, I've never had to wait for a table, and they frequently have coupons (which worries me, actually). Go now!
(5)
Alison R.

Monti's is a top-notch dining establishment. I recommend the homemade soup of the day to start and the buffalo chicken nugget appetizer. The Philly is quality, black angus beef that packs in the flavor. Besides the food... Monti's always greets with a smile and has friendly regulars.
(5)
Laura P.

Sandwiches are awesome, drinks are great and staff very friendly!
(5)
Marina F.

From the first time we went into Montis we were hooked! Being from the Philadelphia area, both my boyfriend and I miss what Philly is known for, the cheesesteaks. Of course we both have out favorite Philly spots, but Montis might have scooped in and taken the top! Upon watching "Always Sunny" and watching Frank make a hoagie in his mouth (which isnt all together pleasant) our mouths started to water for Italian hoagies. I was at the doors as soon as they opened today and ordered my food. Holy crap have I missed a real hoagie! So good! Every meat eater who's ever wanted a taste of Philly can just head over to Lincoln Square and get it there!! They get Amoroso rolls shipped in from Philly and always have a variety of Tastycakes to choose from. Amazing!! Now if they only could open a Wawa my life in Chicago would be complete!
(5)
Patty F.

The soft pretzel nuggets were delicious (soft and doughy on the inside with a light shell on the outside) and the original Phillie cheesesteak was perfect. No cheese wizz product and grilled nicely. The service was very friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was fun and wasn't pretentious. It's a great place to go to chill out, eat comfort food, and chat with friends.
(4)
Comensal A.

It's nice to have a place like Monti's in town offering Philly cheesesteaks. We dropped in recently and enjoyed our sandwiches. My classic Philly cheesesteak was delicious. The shaved ribeye (piled high on the bun) was tender and tasty, and the roll was perfectly soft yet chewy. I opted for cheddar chesse, which turned out to be a thinner sauce than I had imagined; as a result, the sandwich was rather messy to eat. Fries were pretty good. My companion's pork hoagie was not as spectacular, but good nonetheless. We started with a Society Hill salad, which was underwhelming due to skimpy greens and a sharper-than-I-like balsamic vinaigrette. We were too full for dessert, but I think we'd have gone elsewhere if we were in the mood. Why go elsewhere for dessert? Well, Monti's is all about cheesesteaks, for me. It's not a comfortable place: seating is at the bar or at high tables/stools except for a a couple of low tables tucked in the dark recesses at the back of the room (if it were my place, I'd put the low tables in the window, with the high tables to the rear). The high tables present a challenge to petite diners, like my companion (and, I imagine, to older or mobility-impaired customers). And then there's the noise: between the music and the customers, this is not a conversation-friendly venue when it's busy. It's a nice neighborhood tap, but not the kind of ambiance I prefer for a leisurely dinner. The staff gets high marks for congeniality and helpfulness, and the food came quickly (a mite too quickly, since our sandwiches arrives halfway through the salad ). There's a nice selection of craft beers and ciders in bottles (no room for more than one tap, I was told) and a few martinis, but no wine. I encourage everyone to stop in for a cheesesteak - and if you like the ambiance, you may just discover a new neighborhood pub for your list!
(3)
Maria T.

Love the atmosphere (upscale quick service), and the food is excellent! Comfortable seating, clean tables, friendly service, great TV's to watch the game - but well placed so they don't dominate the room... Good music - just the right volume... Recommended for anyone and everyone to check out!
(5)
Amy K.

Gluten-free cheesesteak! I was excited by the prospect of a new, clean, non-disgusting, non-creepy bar within walking distance of my apartment, so I stopped in for a drink, and ended up ordering food. As I mentioned above: gluten-free cheesesteak! Well, gluten-free rolls, available for any sandwich, for an extra $2.50. That's more than I feel is reasonable, but I'm still glad it's available. Oh, and tasty, too. :) Food is solid, space is clean, and as of now, it's not too popular or too crowded. It's not big enough to be a trendy Lincoln Square spot, and it's on a residential side street and draws a mainly neighborhood crowd, so it may just retain its friendly, low-key feel. Four stars, instead of five, because they're just a smidge pricey for a neighborhood place.
(4)
Matt M.

A haiku: Amoroso rolls That's right, these cheesesteaks are on Amoroso rolls
(5)
Gina F.

I've been back a few times (sitting there right now, in fact!) and have enjoyed all my visits. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They have a great salad called the society hill and a soy sausage sandwich, in addition to a few veggie apps, so are pretty veg friendly. I'll try the soy sammie one day. I've been enjoying my creation: all the veggies sauteed up together with cheese and hot peppers. Yum! Gluten free people: My husband had been by a LOT. Seriously, we need to cook more. He loves the gluten free sandwiches. They also have buffalo nuggets that aren't breaded and an admirable cider selection.
(4)
Jaime G.

Had high expectations of this place but Monti's Phili Cheesesteak place is just ok. Tried the original with aged cheddar and it was dry and a little salty. Also tried the turkey grinder with cheddar and coleslaw and it was also just ok. Wings are good but the sauce is a little over the top on the butter. Best thing about this place is actually the drinks. Had a bourbon drink on the rocks that was awesome. Beer selection is also very good and offer a ton of local brews. Maybe I tried the wrong sandwich or came at the wrong night but Monti's was a bit is a disappointment on food but would come back for a drink.
(3)
Chris M.

I'm not a cheese steak expert by any means. I've never been to Philly but would definitely love to go and try all of the cheese steak joints. My only previous experience with cheese steaks were at the Hoagie Hut up in Highwood (Now closed) and Phillys Best, a fast food joint that doesn't specialize in the cheese steak. Monti's, on the other hand, does. And they do it fantastically well!!!! I like the coziness of this place, has a very good vibe with the exposed brick walls and high ceilings. My buddy and I each got the biggest size sandwich and split them. We went with the original and the Rocky. I am glad I dug into the original first because it was delicious but also bc the Rocky had some serious heat to it!! I LOVE spicy, but even for me I took a couple deep breaths and long sips of iced tea in between bites. I'd go with 4.5 stars for Monti's. Not 5 stars bc it's just a tad bit pricey. 34 bucks for two large cheesesteaks, two fries and two drinks. Eh, I'll still be back whenever I'm in the area!!!! It was delicious!
(4)
John K.

My only previous cheese steak experience was in downtown Philly years ago. I've passed on so many cheese steak options in Chicago because they always feel the need to add things that aren't necessary, use different bread, or prepare the meat differently. I was told Monit's had an authentic cheese steak and was not disappointed. I might echo the minor complaints about the amount of cheese if not for the fact that when I ordered in Philly I accidentally ordered mine wit' Whiz AND provolone. A delicious mistake for sure. We also ordered the buffalo nuggets and those were also spot on. I'll definitely be stopping in again!
(5)
Mike S.

Monti's is as good as a restaurant gets! Me and GF used a Groupon today and were very happy with the results! I had a South Side Jimmy and she had an original. I asked to have mine upsized to 12" and it was no problem, but I couldn't finish it. They boxed it up no problem! Olivia was our server and was fantastic! Always have a great time when we come here, and this time was no exception! If you want a good Philly Cheesesteak, you need to be here! They also have a great beer/cider selection if you're into that!
(5)
Pierre W.

WOW!!... I wnet back to Monti's and had THREE steaks this time....If I could finish them all I would have because they were that good!!! The atmosphere in the establishment is a proper compliment to the food. I hope that this business establisment flourishes. They deserve it,and I believe they will if they keep the same quality to the Cheesesteaks as they have now.The owners are WONDERFUL people!! The Chef,and the hostess are a cute couple,and their son is a wonderful Matre 'D..Two visits and I love 'em!!(smile) Please trust me...You gotta try them!! They are SO tasty!!!! If they were a block away...I'd be in trouble(smile)...
(5)
Kara O.

Super friendly awesome staff! The owner is super cool and really passionate about cheese steak! I am also really passionate about cheese steak on days when I am hungover and can only walk the block to get to to Monti's. For some reason, this place has the BEST Coca-Cola I have ever experienced in any corner of the world, they must mix it with extra sugar/love/real cocaine. Come for the cheese steak, stay for the friendly banter and cavities!
(5)
Sarah F.

Dude, this place is stellar. Placed an order for a coupla sandwiches; not thirty minutes later they arrived piping hot, almost too hot to eat right away. 'Nuff said.
(5)
Sean F.

I've never been to Philly so I can't speak to authenticity, but as sandwiches go this was solid. Amazingly the half I brought home warmed up well in the microwave so I'm pretty sure the bread is made by sorcerers. The celery salt on the fries is a neat touch that catches you off-guard. You know something tastes different about the fries but you're not sure what. Bonus points to the waiter for not slipping in service at all when I told him we had a Scoutmob coupon. Some servers definitely get twitchy about anything they think might lower their tip (we're not bumpkins, we know to tip on the original bill). Definitely will try again.
(4)
Amanda M.

The boyfriend and I tried this place about three weeks ago. He lives just down the street so I called ahead and placed an order to go. They said about 20 minutes, we got there in 25 or so. While waiting at the bar for our food, the bartender offered us water while we waited. Very friendly lady! Got our food in maybe 5 minutes, brought it home and devoured it as if it was the first time we ate in a month. SO GOOD. SO TASTY. SO COMING BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN. You guys are great. Thank you!
(5)
Dave R.

I love this place. The cheesesteaks are the best in town and I really like the water ice, too. Location is a little inconvenient and the parking can be tough but it is worth the trip.
(5)
Patrick H.

Great ownership, service, and cheesesteaks enough said.
(5)
Pamela C.

Food was delicious, served quickly and hot. Service was very pleasant. The Rocky was tasty but a little too spicy for my husband. Then the waiter tells you it's hot, believe him!
(5)
Heather R.

YUM. They bring in the bread from Philly and it's worth the trip. A taste of home for anyone who misses Pat's or Gino's.
(5)
Hondo S.

What a gem this place is. Excellent beer selection, tasty cheesesteaks & Tasty Cakes. Doesn't get a whole lot better for a solid lunch, a low-pressure date or night time drinking & a snack. To add cherry on top, Monti is super-friendly & it's always nice to put a face w/ a name. Definitely check this place out - you shan't be disappointed.
(5)
Gwen R.

I don't see how this place gets anything less than a five star review--we go all the time and it's delicious every time. It's a small place, but has a great vibe and the service is always spectacular. The person below that's complaining about a 20 minute wait for food? Wow, you must live life at warp speed because in my world, that's pretty standard and hardly worth griping about...but, I digress. We always get Philly cheesesteaks, and they are always AH-MAZING, and the fries are perfect. I've seen several pizzas delivered to nearby tables during my visits and they always smell wonderful and look very appealing....maybe I will order one soon. This is a great addition to the area--excellent food, reasonable prices and great service. Check it.
(5)
Kendall D.

I am not someone who goes around sampling Philly Cheesesteak to find the best one around, but I'm pretty sure if you are, your quest will come to an abrupt end at Monti's. First of all, they have an awesome option of the "Mini Platter." If you're in a group of three, you can order two platters (which comes with three of their "mini" cheesesteaks) and sample one of each of the cheesesteaks they have on the menu. And all for the price of three of their regular-sized cheesesteaks, so you're paying the same amount either way. We, however, decided to order three sandwiches on our own. My friend got the 12" Rocky, and he devoured it. I got the Authentic Philly with Provolone and split it with my friend, who got the Philly hoagie with aged cheddar sauce. Both were unbelievable, but I would have to say the Authentic Philly was my favorite. Food comes out quick, which is great, and the atmosphere is laid back and welcoming. They only had one beer on tap, but they have plenty of bottle and can options. I highly recommend!!
(5)
Erica I.

I don't think I ever really ate a cheesesteak until I came to Monti's. They just never sounded appealing to me. But since this place is close by, I wanted to check it out. It turns out that cheesesteaks are SO yummy, and Monti's is a really nice, low-key hangout. I am already wanting to go back and eat another cheesesteak, and maybe have a few drinks while I'm at it. And service was great!
(4)
scott k.

pretzels nuggets were yummy. love the spicy mustard & cheese dipping sauces. fries were fresh cooked perfectly. philly sandwich. roll was excellent, steak wit onion and provolone were good just wish they had a bit more flavor, was looking for that pop sensation but it was missing. that being said I don't think I've had a better philly in Chicago.
(4)
Brian B.

Just finished lunch here with a friend of mine from the neighborhood. We could not be happier to have this place as neighbors. The owners, James and Monti, greeted us as soon as we walked in the door, and Monti talked to us for a few minutes about their backgrounds, their concept and how they've changed the space since the demise of the somewhat-missed Cinner's at the same location. They did a nice job making the space more inviting and brighter than it was before while still keeping things casual. We both got the cheesesteak hoagie, mine "wit" onions, white american cheese and sans tomato. It was perfect- juicy without being overly greasy, and with a great beefy, steak flavor. The fries were a perfect portion, a nice complementary size. I liked the flavor of the celery salt but wouldn't have mind if they were cooked a minute or two more. As stated above, service was excellent. We talked for a few minutes with Monti and James about their family, previous experience in the industry and James gave us a tour of the small but very impressive and clean kitchen, including the great looking stacked Blodgett stone pizza oven. Might have to try some pizza next time if I can possibly resist the other beefy, oniony, cheesy enticements. I look forward to enjoying this new addition for years.
(5)
Steve R.

My son and I have had a recent ongoing discussion about the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. I had a cheesesteak at one of the most highly rated stands in Philadelphia, and was very unimpressed. I posted what I thought was wrong about the sandwich construction in my blog (trustforce.wordpress,com), and made the statement that I did not think there was a good example of the "true" Philly cheesesteak sandwich to be found. About the Philly cheesesteak sandwich itself, I was definitely wrong. There is a commercially available Philly cheesesteak sandwich that belongs in the realm of iconic sandwiches. It is found here in Chicago, at Monti's in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. It deals with every problem that I had with the Jim's sandwich (Jim's Steaks Philadelphia jimssteaks.com ), and the result is spectacular. I talked with Jennifer Monti, who with her husband Jim, own Monti's. I explained the tastelessness of the sandwich I had in Philadelphia. Jennifer thought that I might have had bread right out of the package, and it would have been too soft. They tried to duplicate the Amoroso hoagie roll here with local bakeries, but were not able to reproduce the exact taste profile that they wanted. They import the Amoroso rolls par-baked, and finish them in their pizza oven. The result is greatly improved over the squishy roll I had in Philadelphia, as there is a nice crust bite to the outside, with a soft crumb inside. The meat is Black Angus Ribeye, seasoned with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. It has a wonderful taste on its own, not too dry, but mixes well with the choice of either a domestic provolone (with a nice bite to it), or the house cheddar sauce (made with Wisconsin cheddar cheese and water). Mushrooms are sautÃ©ed from fresh, as are the onions. The result is a truly excellent sandwich, one that would please a resident of the City of Brotherly Love as well as the residents of the City of Big Shoulders (or anywhere else for that matter). Jennifer was so sure of her product that she stated if I didn't like it, the sandwich was on her. It was a very safe bet on her part! I will have to return to Monti's to try their other offerings: grinders, pizzas, Italian water ices. But, try the Cheesesteak, it made a believer out of me.
(5)
Stephanie B.

There is no other cheesesteak place that tops this one in Chicago...NO OTHER!! They are a bit pricey (I paid $10 for an 8" sandwich) but boy oh boy is it worth the money...and the drive (I came from the south suburbs during rush hour traffic and it was still worth it!) I heard about this place a few years on ABC 7'sHungryHound and I am definitely a cheesesteak lover. So years later I tried them out and I'm mad I waited so long. This place is a great spot. Small but intimate. Quick service, great selection of beers and hard cider and amazing food! This isn't for the dieter, but we all need a cheat day right? Well, make Monti's your cheat day meal, you won't regret it. I had the Authentic Philly cheesesteak 8" with an Angry Orchard hard cider. I did see someone order their buffalo wings and they smelled delicious but I didn't have any. I only wish they were open later, so after clubbing I could head here instead of Jew Town. Will definitely go again!!
(5)
Jay H.

Very welcome addition to the hood. Casual, quality food in a comfortable exposed brick, full-bar setting. Cheesesteak used high quality meat and had a grown up quality of preparation. Not fast food, just casual comfort food. Server happily subbed a salad for fries. Great weeknight option for reasonable fooding and boozing. TV near bar for games.
(4)
Michael S.

This review had been a long time coming. It's way overdue. I went to Monti's several months ago. A friend suggested I go there because I am from the Philadelphia area and I love a good cheesesteak. I went there and anticipated a decent cheesesteak and didn't get that. Instead I got a spectacular cheesesteak. After I started to eat it I came to the conclusion that I died and went to cheesesteak heaven. By far it was the best cheesesteak that I have eaten in Chicago. The cheesesteak from Monti's is neck and neck with Jim's on South Street. I met the owner because I had to tell her that their cheesesteaks are fantastic!!! She was very friendly and we shared our Philly experiences. I love the fact that they have Philly stuff hanging on their walls. If it was possible I would give Monti's ten stars. I only wish that they had onion rings and Yuengling. In a couple of weeks I am going to get some people from my Chicago Philadelphia Eagles group to meet up for dinner. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
(5)
C B.

We just discovered Monti's, and it was amazing. I recommend starting with the pretzel bites, they were the best part of our meal. They come with both mustard and a melted cheddar sauce. As far as the cheesesteak, get the traditional, and get it with provolone. While the american melts better and the cheddar is delicious as well, you'll miss the standard flavor combination that makes a cheesesteak a Philly. 8" is big enough for most anyone, and the fries are piled high. They promote themselves as a bar, but beware, they only have bottled beer and a limited selection of other items. Think of it more as a sandwich shop that also sells beer, which isn't a bad thing, and you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Mike Y.

This is the place I go for the best Philly Cheese Steak in Chicago.
(5)
Torry H.

Pretzel bites!!! Love living two doors down. The cheese steaks are delish. They had some growing pains and annoyed me a few times when they wouldn't take carryout orders. They are so responsive on Twitter and I really appreciate that. I am excited to see them going strong one year in to being open!
(4)
Joanna M.

Okay... I don't even know where to start... I have to say definitely the best cheesesteak this side of the east coast!!! I am from Jersey and it makes me happy to find something that reminds me of home. I am sooooo going to be going there once every other week for sure!!! Monti was a sweetheart and everyone was extra sweet!!! Ill be there again next week for sure...
(5)
Laura S.

I was creepin on yelp one night for all things cheesesteak related when I stumbled upon Monti's. Can I say how absolutely THRILLED I was to discover that there was a new cheesesteak place so close by to where I live? I went in the very next day because I'm pretty much cheesesteak obsessed. Monti's did not disappoint. There was no one in the restaurant at the time but I did not see this as a bad sign as the place had just opened for business maybe 2 weeks beforehand. (Yes, I've been procrastinating writing a review...better late than never I suppose) I felt immediately welcome. The girl behind the bar went over the menu with me and while I sat waiting for my take-out order they offered me water. I thought that was a really nice touch. I chatted with both her and the owner and they were both incredibly friendly and nice to talk to. The owner told me they have the rolls flown in twice a week from Philly. This got me pretty excited...hey, it's the little things/thrills in life. I've been to Philly and have been searching ever since for a cheesesteak as equally delicious as the ones I put in my mouth hole when I was there. I was happy to hear they deliver too. Yaaay! Food was excellent. I got the authentic philly cheesesteak with the aged cheddar sauce and pretzel bites. You can't really screw up pretzel bites (or can you?) but the sandwich was DELICIOUS. Oh NOM NOM NOM (Yeah, I said it. Deal with it) Only reason I haven't returned yet is I've been too busy. This is no good excuse but it's the only one I have. Trust me, it's not from crap food or service. I am a fan. Now I'm hungry after writing this. Maybe I need to return today.... Thank you Monti's for gracing our hood with your presence!
(5)
Mike H.

One of the best and most authentic Philly cheesesteaks in Chicago. I wish it was closer to my apartment, because I would go more often. The service was A+
(4)
Matt W.

As a Philly cheese steak enthusiast I have searched Chicago far and wide. This is hands-down the best cheese steak in Chicago.
(5)
Anthony P.

Wow am I in South Philly or Chicago? I am confused because of the wonderful restaurant that I found OMG didn't even have to twitch my nose or click heels . Monti's has the best of the best of Philadelphia specialties. Cheesteaks like you could not imagine that are here in Chitown,great pizza and other great items to order Yes they even have Tasty cakes (yum) Jennifer Monti the owner is special makes you feel like family and back home you know this is my new stomping grounds. BRAVO!!!!!! Tony Pino
(5)
Lucus K.

Monti's had a very delicious, authentic cheesesteak sandwich - I'm glad I ordered the 12", 'cause it was definitely worth the extra to enjoy that much longer! I asked the waitress for a suggestion on the beer, and she came through - she recommended "a little somethin' somethin'" (no, that's the name of the beer!), which was a little hoppy and sweet, a nice change from the newcastle and killian's that I tend to order (they had newcastle on the menu, but if there are new beers to try, I'm going to try them!) The only reason I'm docking a star at all was that the beginning of the meal was rocky. I got in, was told to sit anywhere, and so I did - and proceeded to wait nearly ten minutes before being presented with a menu and an opportunity to order a drink. It turned out that my waitress had to take a phone order - no big deal, these things happen - but there were other staff members sitting at the bar who did not even acknowledge my presence. Another table, who entered just before I did, were sat and had their drinks before I'd even received a menu. That said, after the phone order ended, the service was great - very attentive, but not hovering. I've eaten my fair share of Philly Cheesesteak, and I can honestly say that this was one of the best I've ever had. Don't let my rocky start dissuade you from trying them out!
(4)
John B.

The sandwiches are overpriced and underwhelming. Very small for what you pay for $12 for an 8" and $15 for a footer (incl. tax)? On top of that, they're thin and the flavor just wasn't there. I'd like to go back, but I would rather spend my money at about 14 other locations in Ravenswood/Lincoln Square.
(2)
Ernesto R.

Went there to check out their Philly cheese steak and would say that it is average at best. 20+ dollars for a sandwich fries and drink is too much for fast food. Ill stick to cheaper places for the same type of food as their food is nothing special. Save your money and go to regular old fast food joint because that's what this place is an overpriced fast food joint.
(1)
Victor V.

I thought that this place was a great experience top to bottom. I liked the decor as well as the food and service. I thought it tasted great and my only set back was that it is a bit more expensive then I anticipated. Other than that I have no complaints because the Philly I had with fries was wonderful.
(4)
Jay L.

AWESOME PHILLY CHEESE!!!!! - MONTI's HAS THE TYPE OF SANDWICH YOU DO NOT WANT TO END!!! Wife and I saw this on diners and dives, decided to give it a shot, and were blown away....The staff is extra helpful, but the sandwiches were overly delicious, this is a MUST HAVE PLACE..... Pretty pricey, but TOTALLY WORTH IT, good quality meat, and it is the Enjoy
(5)
Jasmine L.

The only drawback to eating at Monti's is that you'll be craving it all the time afterward and eating it every day probably isn't good for your arteries. I, so far, haven't deviated too much from the cheesesteaks, because I can't imagine ordering food at Monti's and not getting a cheesesteak. It's their signature and it's amazing. I am not from Philly, so I can't attest to the authenticity of the sandwiches, but I'm guessing they're pretty legit, since the owners and the bread are both from Philadelphia (according to the Monti's website). The fries are great on their own. The beer selection is not Hopleaf-huge, but still respectable enough for those of us who hate having to pick between only Bud Lite and Miller Lite. While the location might not bring in a lot of foot traffic, this neighborhood is a hidden gem in Chicago and it's great to have a good restaurant addition like Monti's. I hope they don't go the way of Cinners, because the Rockwell Corridor hood needs to support great small businesses in the area. I know I'll keep on being a customer both because their sandwiches are fantastic and I like supporting a local place that does it right. The extra incident that made me give Monti's five stars: My dining companion ordered the Rocky and, though scoff as he did at the warning of its strength, was struggling through it. Our waitress noticed his battle and brought him a shot of milk to ease his pain. I love a place that will give its customers that kind of consideration.
(5)
Caset J.

This is a nice upscale Philly cheese joint. The place has about 50 seats including the bar and most of the clientele we saw were couples. We ordered take out. I had the authentic with the cheese sauce, and my other had the Southside Johnny. We both thought they were good, but messy to eat. I have to agree with others that $11 for a Philly cheesesteak is pricy. Cheaper in Philly. I do understand that Monti's has added non Chicago premium meat, non-Chicago bread, and non-Chicago cheese, etc....so you would expect a premium price. Oh I did spy a Chicago beer that was available for consumption. This is a nice clean establishment located off Lawrence, and you can tell that Monti cares about the business as she responds to every review she gets. When an owner does that it shows that they take pride in what they produce.
(3)
Sarah B.

When the Monti's red awning and neon signs went up in the old Cinner's space, my husband whined, "There's a CHEESESTEAK place opening up at Cinner's." He expected it to be a greasy lunch counter, no bar, no atmosphere. But when he was handed a menu the week of its opening, he couldn't wait to have a cheesesteak dinner date. So we did. Food & Drink: I had a South Side Johnny, my husband had the Roast Pork Loin grinder, and we shared the hummus appetizer. Everything was absolutely delicious! The fries were perfectly crisp and salty, and the portions were great. I only wish they would pit their kalamata olives. I was disappointed by the complete lack of dark beers and had to settle for a Blue Moon. I have a feeling their selection will grow with time; I would love to see a cider among the options. Service: The service was friendly; the bartender chatted us up for a while, since the place was still pretty empty when we arrived. I think there are a few kinks yet to be ironed out-- plates for the appetizer, putting out condiments with the sandwiches--but our server was attentive and we got anything we asked for within a couple minutes. Prices: While the prices matched the quality of food you get, it does not quite match up to the upscale-hole-in-the-wall decor, which may be the reason people are complaining. An upgrade in furniture and bar top would probably even out expectations. $8.95 (price for a 12" cheesesteak and a pile of fries) is exactly what most people would pay for a hamburger anywhere else. I'm pretty positive we didn't pay $9 for our beers. Overall, we liked the place, and we're looking forward to our next cheesesteak date.
(4)
Andrew R.

been here twice. im no cheesesteak expert but i cant imagine a cheesesteak better than the one i had here.drinks are overpriced, just stick to the food. try the outstanding ice dessert,its awesome!!!!
(5)
Sarah L.

I really am torn here. I went in with extremely high hopes. I saved my review for after dining in and also taking out. The food is great. The staff beyond friendly. The rolls truly make the cheesesteak, but is that what is triggering the price? $9.95 for an 8in authentic cheesesteak is a bit overpriced considering it isn't at a ballpark or stadium and doesn't come with a side (fries start at $1 extra and a salad, which is just a cup of mixed greens, is $2). Our takeout dinner for two, which included two 8in authentics, a side salad, and an order of the pretzel nuggets came to $33. That is a bit much considering the neighborhood it is situated it and the food. While I haven't tried the pizza, they are at least average price and they offer an extremely satisfying range of toppings (as an East Coaster I am really excited that they offer lobster as an option). I know they are new and will hopefully work the business-end kinks out. Either include a choice of a side with the current cost of the sandwich, or drop the 8in down to a more fiscally palatable $7.95. I say this because a dinner of cheesesteak sandwiches, no matter how good, should be an easy go-to, and not hit your wallet as much as a sit down dinner with full entrees and drinks.
(4)
Ryan H.

The food was good and I really have no complaints about that. A $9 Allagash White? That is crazy. I actually left a little upset about this... I can get over their weak beer selection but I feel pretty ripped off. A previous reviewer felt they paid too much for their Daisy Cutter and I think he paid 6 bucks. If you just want a tasty meal I recommend this place. If you want to pair it with a good beer then go elsewhere. Also, ask for the price of the beer before you order it. They seem to vary in price quite a bit. EDIT: Thanks for the response, Jennifer. I look forward to coming back. I'm glad you are taking the feedback seriously and I'd be happy to raise the review up to 5 stars. :) Glad to have you guys in our 'hood!
(4)
Nate C.

Been here twice and it definitely fixed my craving for cheese steaks....I won't have to go all the way to Philly anymore. It is a lil pricey but so worth it. Huge sandwiches and great beer and also closer to home. I'll definitely go again especially if they have another Groupon.
(4)
Dalia H.

My friend found this strictly using Yelp by searching 'restaurants for large groups'. Let me start by saying this place isn't the best choice for large groups. Thank goodness, the rest of our group couldn't come! We were 11 and 3 kids. That's probably the best you can do, unless you sit at separate tables. And they wouldn't let us split our bill; another reason why it's not good for large groups. And speaking of kids, again this place says it's good for kids, but definitely is not. From the reviews, we were expecting a family friendly, well lit, type of atmosphere. But it's more for single people or couples or even friends going out. It's not well lit, it has a music lounge type of aura. But they accommodated us very well and were so friendly and the interior design is very well done. They've only been open a week, by the way. Now, I gave this place 5 stars for their food and service. This was the best Philly I've every had. I had The Rocky, it's made with different hot peppers. WARNING: it's very very very spicy! I eat very hot food, but this was off the chart, the kind that makes you sweat, but it was still amazing. We also had the pretzel bites, so good. Beware, the salad, in our case the Society Hill, is a little bit bigger than a side salad anywhere else. It was $8.75. Overall, we had a great time and great food and will definitely try to return. (I'm from the suburbs)
(5)
Steven B.

Really good cheesesteaks and service; plus good microbrews.
(5)
Gabriel L.

Just moved to the neighborhood and not only that, but right upstairs from the place, so you know I had to check it out. Before even having the opportunity to dine at this establishment, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner who just so happened to be outside when I was walking my dogs. Genuinely a nice cool guy. Finally had the pleasure of dining there last night for the first time with some friends. I was by no means disappointed. Besides, having an excellent bottled beverage menu (beers and ciders) and a fully stocked bar, the place just felt cool and relaxing. The food, delicious and the restaurant staff was super friendly. Whatever seasonings they use on their fries makes them highly addictive, watch out! Needless to say, this will be an easy choice next time I'm hungry and looking for a quick awesome bite!
(5)
Jeff D.

Wow. As good as, or actually, way, way better that Pat's or Geno's. Staff is great. The ambiance is cool, darn fine beer list, and they are doing a lot of take-out too. WORTH IT!
(4)
Reginice C.

It was delicious. A lot of meat! Fresh fries.
(4)
Adam K.

One of my favorite neighborhood places. Food is great. Tastes fresh and tastes like Philly. Even if you don't live close by this is a great place to seek out. The pizza is great as well.
(4)
Tracy D.

Finally got around to checking out Monti's yesterday... Read about the opening on Urban Daddy and was immediately pumped about perfect hangover food within walking distance from Albany Park - YES!! After my experience there yesterday, they are so much more than that! Went around 7 p.m. on a Wednesday and had my choice of table... glad to see the place quickly started filling up a little after 7. The interior is quaint and stylish, just enough seating area. My bf and I tried a new micro-brew on suggestion from our server - loved it. We then started with coconut chicken and split the South Side Johnny. Couldn't have been happier with the food - the chicken app comes with a sweet horseradish marmalade... nearly licked that little sauce bowl dry it was so tasty! The fries that accompany the cheese steaks are perfectly seasoned. The 8" cheese steak along with a starter app was the perfect size meal split for 2. I can't wait to come back and experiment more with the menu... but honestly the best part about this place seems to be the service! Our server was so friendly & attentive, he stopped by several times to ask how our food was and if we were happy with everything; and the owners were walking around, seating people and checking on tables just as much! The chef & owner James made sure to stop by our table and confirm that everything was just right :) You can't get better service than this... especially in this neighborhood. Granted the place was not packed, but the service was top notch nonetheless. As business grows, Monti's will thrive as long as they keep the warm, inviting & friendly service the same. I did ask about drink specials since it was a Wednesday - but our server advised that they're not offering specials just yet since the place just opened in March - totally understandable. I'm really hoping this place attracts enough foot traffic to remain a permanent neighborhood bar! For Albany Parkers, Lincoln Square bars are walkable... but Monti's is even closer and away from that crazy intersection. I did make a suggestion to our server that with time they should work on offering a Sunday brunch w/Bloody Marys... if that happened I might consider moving across the street :)
(5)
Dave S.

I walked to the new Monti's the first week it was open and pulled up a chair at the bar. The restaurant is clean and server was friendly. I ordered the pizza philly cheese steak with mozzarella cheese on the fries. The cheese steak awesome! I ordered the 12'' sub and I had to wrap it up. The restaurant will do very well. It's in a great location and the staff was friendly, and most importantly the food was great!!!! I will go back several times!!!!
(5)
Brandon B.

A good place for a cheesesteak, if not a little pricey. All the ingredients they use are of high quality. Their menu even accommodates vegetarians and those with gluten intolerance. Once thing that was different is that they use celery salt to season their fries. Staff is extremely cordial and attentive. I'll be back.
(4)
Tom P.

My friend heard about this place due to its reputation of having the best Philly cheesesteak in the city. All I will say is that I wasn't disappointed. I got the rocky cheesesteak sandwich which had jalapeno, spicy mayo, grilled onion, etc. Very tasty and leaves a very good aftertaste in your mouth for hours. The owner and chefs are from Philly so its proof you are getting the real thing. I highly recommend coming here. The beer list is really good too.
(5)
Demetrio P.

Tried Monti's with a buddy recently, and overall the food was good. We split two sandwiches since I wanted to try different ones. We ordered the South Side Johnny (my fave so far) and the Rocky. The Johnny had mushrooms, onions, swiss, and a nice horseradish sauce. The horsetrading wasn't too overpowering, but just good enough to compliment the sandwich well. The Rocky was a nice and spicy sandwich with onions, cheese, Jalapeno, Serrano, and Scotch Bonnet peppers. The spiciness slowly builds as you keep eating the sandwich and gets hotter as you delve further in. This sandwich is not for the faint of heart, but it's not overly spicy where you'll just say "I'm done with this!" Prices are a tad higher, I believe, for the area but the beef is of high quality, and the service was great. So I believe the prices are substantiated. One note...I liked how we can sub our fries for a small side salad. Great option for those who want are trying to count calories, knowing that you're eating a steak sandwich as well. Overall, good food, good service, okay prices. Will definitely return again to try more sandwiches.
(4)
William B.

A Philly native who has been in Chicago for years, I've always went to Philly's Best to get my cheesesteak fix. And while that had been an all right sandwich, my biggest "beef" has always been the roll they use. Finally Monti's has fixed that by bring Amoroso rolls to Chicago! Great cheesesteak and great fries. I might go easy on the onions next time, but that is a personal preference. Good service with friendly waitstaff as well. The beer gripes in other reviews are legit, but it seems like Monti's is taking steps to fix this. I would give this more stars if not for the prices. $11 for an 8inch and $14 for a 12 inch cheesesteak is a little high. I understand there is a higher cost for shipping the rolls in, but I really think that these prices might cost some business. Maybe forgoing the fries and dropping the price might help. But I know at these prices I won't be frequenting as much as I'd like to. One other minor thing that a lot of transplanted cheesesteak places seem to get worng. There is no substitute for Cheese Whiz on an authentic Philly cheesesteak. While aged cheddar sauce might be a more "quality" ingredient, you wouldn't find it in a legit place in Philly. All in all, I am exicted for this place and plan on leaving in a minute to have another, but I hope as they work out their kinks the prices might come down a bit. 2 hours later..... Just bumped it up a star after have a Pizza Cheesesteak. They are some damned good.
(4)
Daniel B.

Went there last night for the first time ... will NOT be the last. The food and service were both outstanding. Plus, they have a great list of craft beers and ciders!
(5)
Tom Q.

Having been born and raised in Philly, it is next to impossible to find a good cheese steak outside the tri-state area. Well Monti's come as close to a Gino's, Pat's, Tony Luke's or Jim's as I have found. You know a good cheese steak when the meat is falling out of the roll, they dont skimp on the meat. The only suggestion I would make is dont toast the roll so much. I am used to a fresh roll, not a toasted crunchy one for a steak sandwich. Also they were out of tastycakes and only had watermelon ice. Cherry and Lemon are a staple of any philly establishment.
(4)
Joe T.

Rokey I couldn't agree more with you, I've seen this on a tv show and I guess that they wouldn't say the place was bad when it is. I went in there and I have to say that I loved the layout of the place and thought it would be a great local bar if I lived around there. The staff that were working were extremely friendly and I could see having drinks there and talking to the staff and customer's. But that's where the nice comments end. I unfortunately ordered the Philly cheese steak and they came with the fries. Unfortunately I ordered mine to go other wise I would of said something to the owner even though I don't think they could of corrected anything. I live in the northwest suburbs (luckily I was in the area for monties other wise they might not of gotten the 1 star for me driving out of my way). I couldn't even finish the sandwich or the fries and the smell was making me sick and I had to pull over to throw out the garbage (food) before I got to the highway. Going there for drinks would be ok if I was in the area and everyone was friendly but I don't think I could stomach the food. It was a real shame seeing how this tv show rated how good it was and it definitely seemed to have been their speciality. There is a greek restaraunt in Palatine named Chiggy's that have great philly cheese steak sandwiches and that's not even their speciality. Sorry to the owners but your food is not worth the trip or write home about, but you guy's were friendly...
(1)
Jeremy B.

another 5 star for Montis. only even sliver of a complaint is its kind of pricey, but hey its cheaper than a flight to philly but the quality of the food warrants the price. will be back as often as i can!
(5)
Stephanie A.

Thank god I found this place. Growing up around Philly I have been craving the cheesesteaks and, let's face it, those super large grinders that the city is also known for. Well imagine my surprise when I come across Monti's. Their grinders and cheesesteaks seriously rock my world. The grinders are no joke; they are packed so full it's almost impossible to close the bread around it, let alone your mouth. And while I love me some carbs, I am actually gluten intolerant (tear). But that isn't a problem at Monti's! You can get gluten-free breads and pizzas here! That's a big win in my book. And the pretzel bits are pretty tasty too (mmm...spicy dijon dip). Another win: Friday's is $5 martinis! Heck yes I'll be there. Their caramel martini rocks my world and the bartender that works on weekends is super nice. This place is a big winner and I'm ready for another weekend filled with Monti's.
(5)
Jennifer R.

LOVE this place! Cute atmosphere and DELICIOUS food! I had the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak with American Cheese one time and the South Side Johnny the next. Both SO good. I think I liked the Authentic just a little better. My girlfriend is a vegetarian. You can get any sandwich with soy sausage instead of real meat. It was also delicious. The fries were really good too. You can tell they were fresh cut. I hope that everyone tries this place. You will not be sorry! We need restaurants like this in the hood. I just hope that enough people support them so they are able to stay open.
(5)
Layne S.

Best Philly cheesesteaks and probably best cheesesteaks in Chicago. I lived in PA for years and visited Philadelphia a few times yet the only thing I remember from those cheesesteaks is that I don't like cheez whiz and that I like white american cheese best. So the only thing I have to compare these cheesesteaks to is Philly's Best on Belmont. The meat at Philly's was always legit, yet the bread had its ups and downs. I havent eaten at Philly's Best in years so maybe it got better. By comparison the meat and bread at Monti's are the real deal. On it's own the "Authentic Philly Cheesesteak" on the menu is delicious. The bread is solid and chewy and delicious and holds the meat and cheese well. I tasted the aged cheddar cheese sauce and the white american cheese versions of the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak and as I expected I like the white american cheese version better. So yeah the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak is great. We also got the pretzel bites which were plentiful and good, yet may not be worth the cost. The fries are delicious - crispy and meaty and seasoned with celery salt. Overall this place is a great addition to the neighborhood and a great place to eat great food.
(5)
r a.

been back to Monti's at least once every two months, as good as it gets even though i don't get the juice / dip ? on my sandwich, have to watch the salt
(5)
Sam H.

I love this place probably too much. I've stuck to the Philly and its variations (South Side Johnny, extra mushrooms is my favorite!), you seriously can't go wrong. Super nice staff, great prices on drinks, my only selfish wish would be for their sandwiches to be slightly less expensive, but I am totally in love so I'm still here once a week or so. They've got some new specials coming to sweeten the deal even more, I hear.
(5)
Karen J.

Came here on the recommendation of a friend. The best cheesesteak I have ever had. Calamari appetizer with spicy banana peppers and lemons fried too! Really delicious twist. Excellent service as well.
(5)
Nick B.

Finally - a REAL cheesesteak in Chicago. After going to college in Philadelphia I have been looking for something close to the Philly steak for years. Monti's gave me a true "whiz with" - it was phenomenal. Great service and great food. Easily the most authentic cheesesteak in Chicago. The service was great. I spoke to the owner for quite awhile, as she is from Philly (obviously). Philadelphia memorabilia is all over the walls which is a great add (besides the St. Joe's pennant - needs to be replaced with a Villanova). Atmosphere and service are all top notch. For those who are unfamiliar with TastyKakes, make sure to try some out. Also, awesome fries that are similar to Chickie and Pete's crab fries - I highly recommend trying them out!
(5)
Adam H.

Called in an order for a pizza at 7:25, they said 20-25 min would be ready to pick up... at 8:30 was told it needed another 10 (you can do the math), pizza still not in hand by 8:45
(1)
William K.

The cheesesteak was great! Since I've never had one in Philly I can't speak to it's authenticity, but great is great, so there. Had the pizza and liked it a lot, but the cheesesteak will be my raison d'etre when I'm at Monti's. The calamari was tasty & fascinating as it had batter fried pepper rings & lemon slices in it, proving an axiom of my hillbilly forefathers that you need only to fry something to make it delicious. Dessert was an Ice cream sandwich with chocolate sauce and whipped cream... oddly enough I liked it more than almost any dessert I've ordered in fancier restaurants. The salted carmel martini was something I wanted to try and it was so good that I shall never have another. I refuse to be a "carmel martini guy" despite my new found proclivities to such. No! A thousand times NO! Unless, of course, it's a special occasion.
(4)
Matt S.

That Rocky sandwich is no joke. I love spicy food and I wasn't expecting it to be as hot as it was. Caught me off guard but I was pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Melisha S.

I just tried Monti's for the first time and really liked it! I have never had the sandwich before and couldn't care less if it's authentic, but they won me over with the fantastic bread and tasty beef. Service was good, portions were sizeable. We tried a turkey grinder as well, which wasn't as good as the beef, but was still good. (I don't think turkey would ever win in a fight against beef though.) The wedge salad was fresh as well, and the owner was really accomodating with special requests. I will be back and bring friends.
(5)
Megan S.

I have never been to Philly and had a real cheesesteak. According to my boyfriend, who has eaten there multiple times, I am not missing a thing compared to this superior restaurant. We went on Friday, and to my surprise it was $5 martini night. Bonus! We each got a sandwich, my boyfriend opted for The Rocky and I got the classic with chicken. SO good. The Rocky made my boyfriend sweat like nobody's business (and we eat a ton of spicy food). This sandwich is no joke. Def spicy, but def yummy. I told him to ask for milk, and he was too embarrassed, but was more than glad to take it when the waitress offered (who was fantastic, btw). I got the chicken option over the beef, because I am always leery eating beef products at new places. I was so wrong. The chicken was great, and a nice alternative, but after eating a bite of The Rocky made with beef I was sorry I didn't get the beef option myself. This is real beef, not some gross minute steak in a bucket. It was tender, well seasoned, and not fatty. I would definitely rather pay a couple bucs more for quality over cheap gross meat. And I don't understand why people say the prices are so high. I got a sandwich with fried for $11 and two martinis at $5 each. A quality sandwich with two cocktails for $21 is a steal in my mind. It isn't McDonalds people. Grateful to have them in the neighborhood. Trying the pizza tonight and I expecting great things! P.S. As someone who works in the neighborhood and sees clients all day, I have heard nothing bad about Monti's, only how much people love it. Seriously. And I will continue to recommend it.
(5)
Dmitry B.

It was pretty good. I got it delivered, and it took a little bit of time and the charge is kind of expensive (5 dollars). I ordered the "Rocky" cheesesteak and it was SUPER HOT, but really good. I would definitely eat from there again.
(4)
Jennifer B.

Loved it! Food was fabulous, ambiance and decor were cool, and owners are fantastic! Like others, I was expecting more along the lines of a takeout joint so I was definately pleasantly surpised by the "coolness" of the restaurant itself . Also, to those complaining about the price, I thought the prices were far more than reasonable as they are serving high quality food...its not your greasy sandwich joint. Bread is fresh from Philly and the meat is black angus cooked perfectly. Owners have alot of culinary experience and you can tell there is a great amount of detail that went into all of their menu items. Salted caramel martini was tasty and nice selection of beers also. Really enjoyed Monti's!
(5)
Jack H.

I've been to Monti's twice now and am happy to say this place is starting to become one my fave places in Lincoln Square. Great cheesesteaks, pizza, apps, and beer selection. I actually got the greek sandwich last time and it was awesome. The service is top notch...the people are super friendly. The Tastycakes are a nice little touch.
(5)
Magnum J.

Wow. This was an awfully good cheesesteak. I'm hesitant to call it the best or the greatest, but it was damn good. Good onions, good cheese. I can't complain about it. The meat lacked a little crispness to it which I like, but that would be the only negative. Perhaps the lovely gooey cheese sauce dampened the crispness. I'd definitely go back for another. I look forward to it. I also had the nuclear wings. So-so. Big wings, but not worth the price (6 wings for $7.50). They had the soggy like breading which I'm not a fan of. If you call it nuclear, they better make you sweat. Which they didn't. They had some heat, but not not enough for you to want a drink of water. The fries were slightly above your normal offerings, but the salt (celery as another reviewer stated?) pushed them up a notch. It was nice little touch that made them much more enjoyable to eat. I didn't even need to use ketchup! Beware, you'll need a ton of napkins. Everything was a mess to eat...which is a good thing, of course. Good chows.
(4)
Jan C.

Cheesesteaks and pretzel nuggets A+. Love the pizza! Coconut chicken and marmalade is an amazing appetizer. On a quest to try everything on the menu. Monti is very nice and Clayton is so charming.
(5)
Donald A.

Great place. Enjoyed the 8" Authentic Cheese Steak for lunch and enjoyed the friendliness of the staff. Next time I'm in Chicago would like to try other menu items.
(4)
Eddie S.

Went there for a gathering, great food, good beer and friendly service! My kind of place affordable and a good value!
(4)
Lori M.

Great food, good pricing, great atmospere, attentive staff.... What a great addition to the neighborhood! And the celery salt on the fries is genius!! I woke up today craving what I just ate there yesterday!! Well done!!! I WILL be back!!!!
(5)
N R.

Very friendly staff, great selection of beers, and truth in advertising for a very spicy sandwich!
(5)
Katy S.

I found Monti's on grubhub last night, and their hoagies looked so good I just had to give them a try. The food that arrived on my doorstep was delicious and appropriately (perfectly) portioned. The only problem was that I had ordered an Italian hoagie and ended up receiving a turkey hoagie. It was all so delicious, I didn't really mind, but my husband called just to let Monti (the owner) know about the mixup. He noted that the turkey hoagie was cheaper than the Italian, so he just wanted to get the difference back. Not only did Monti immediately apologize and refund the money, but she spent time on the phone with my husband asking him about the food, relating her own experiences, and being genuinely interested in our input. We told her it was DELICIOUS, and after the awesome customer service we got, we will absolutely be coming back. If she cares that much about how we feel about the food, we can't wait to frequent Monti's as she works to establish herself in the neighborhood.
(4)
Collene W.

Hooray for Monti's! We've been in a few times now, but even the first time we felt like regulars due to their incredibly friendly vibe. I'm probably not qualified to compare their cheesesteaks with Philly's, but the owners are natives and are most definitely doing them justice, because every sandwich I've tried is outstanding. I actually want to thank them for having a really tasty vegetarian cheesesteak option. I was blown away by how good it was. They have a great beer and cocktail selection as well. Go find Monti's! They're on a side street off of Lawrence, but don't let out of sight be out of mind, or you'll be missing out!
(5)
Billy F.

The second I read the description and saw that they were actually making authentic cheese steaks I looked at my girlfriend and said "this is it, we have to go today". Well, we went and It was great. Born and raised in Philadelphia I am very picky about my cheese steaks, since moving out to Chicago I have been looking for a comfortable place with great food,a warm atmosphere and great service to watch my Eagles, Sixers, Flyers and Phillies while enjoying some great food! I am hooked! The couple that own it are extremely nice and authentic people. Love having some Philly Phan's out here! I highly recommend going to Monti's for food! Oh also, on my way out I found out they make Buffalo chicken pizza! Ill be seeing you guy soon! Thanks again!
(5)
Mike B.

First time I've had a Philly cheesesteak and it was delicious. Saw Monti's on "Chicago's Best" and had to try it that same day, and as I write this, I am getting hungry. Bartender was really nice and I got to chat with one of the owners while they made my lunch. Cool place and a great Philly cheesesteak!
(5)
Kimberly B.

As a Jersey girl, I give Monti's 5 stars! Authentic, delicious, great service, great beer, and tasty cakes! If you want a good cheesecake, this is the only place to go. They get their bread from Philly which makes a huge difference.
(5)
Bob G.

Food and service both outstanding @ Monti's. You can get that all over the City. What separates them is their genuine interest in their customers. That's hard to bottle.
(5)
Martin S.

As a long-suffering Philadelphian-in-exile, I was ecstatic when Monti's first opened in the Spring of 2012. Since then, I've become a bit of a regular - especially for Eagles' games on Sundays. Monti's is - without question - the best cheesesteak you will find in Chicago. The "eats" are authentic, with Amoroso's rolls flown in on a regular basis and local favorites like scrapple whipped up for special occasions. Now it's true that it's a bit pricey for a cheesesteak joint - I've never gotten out of Monti's for less than $20 per person. That said, I'm willing to pay for high-quality food. Ditto for beer, and they've gotten much better about pricing alcohol fairly since football season began. I'm particularly pleased by the $5 pitchers of Rolling Rock, though the alcohol prices still leave me somewhat confused. That said, I'm inclined to give Monti's the benefit of the doubt, since pretty much every aspect of the joint has seen drastic improvement since the Spring of 2012. It's a great little neighborhood joint, and I couldn't ask for much more - other than to live closer!
(5)
Frank G.

Authentic Philly steaks all the way! Shaved rib-eye steak with grilled onions and an aged cheddar sauce! It was sooo good! They have a lot of pictures of Philly up in the restaurant. They will even serve the cheese steaks on a gluten-free bun if you choose. I will FOR SURE be going back here!
(4)
Tom B.

tiny sandwich, huge price!!!!
(1)
Kimberley D.

This is by far the best Cheesesteak we've ever had. Great service too. Thanks for bringing this to Chicago.
(5)
andrea l.

Sooo delicious. Love the cheddar sauce with the pretzel nuggets. The cheesesteak was awesome. All of the employees were super helpful and genuinely nice. I wish I lived closer!
(5)
Andrew S.

born and raised in NW Philly. This place makes the best Cheesesteak outside of the 215 area code.
(5)
Michael S.

One of the best sandwiches I've ever had.
(5)
Tracy C.

Good food. Nice place, Kera was great, salted caramel martini was tasty,philly cheese steak was good. Ceasar was good. Coconut chicken was good, not very coconutty but good. Pretel bites-yummy. Fun place, will be back, literally 3 blocks from home! Bonus! 1 super minor critique, my fries were over done, only miss to whole meal. Really great food and service, just a wee bit expensive, $100 for dinner for cheese steaks, Ouch!
(4)
steve f.

went here tonight withe my wife and we absolutely loved this place. had the pretzels as an appetizer and she had the turkey cheesesteak and i had the rocky cheesesteak. Food was fresh and hot and the owners were great and really care about the place. so nice to see a family run business that has owners who are really nice people. we will for sure be back. place is awesome. oh and the fries were tasty and perfectly crispy.
(5)
Michael D.

We live a few blocks away and noticed a new place on the block. We took our two kids (2 and 4) and decided to give it a go. You can tell they are still getting things sorted out, but the food and service was excellent. We started with the pretzel things which were really nice. The kids split a pizza which was very good. Nice thin crispy crust and perfect size to split between two little ones. I had the traditional philly cheesesteak and it was REALLY good. Reminded me of the beer and chedder sandwich at Morseland up in Roger's Park. Good meet, good cheese, good bread. Awesomely good. My wife had the soy sausage cheesesteak and I tried some of the 'meat' and I have to say, that was really good as well. If you don't eat meat and are tired of lame veggie options, then run, don't walk to try this one. Fries were good as well and all the staff I talked to were really nice and very professional. Good addition to the neighborhood. Worth a try. We will be back!
(5)
Christie R.

A group of friends all went out to try something new and we were very impressed with Monti's! It's comfort food with a gourmet twist. I especially loved the 'Rocky' - really packs a punch, please pardon the pun. The ambience was welcoming with great flair. I really enjoyed the fun, friendly staff. Anyone who wants a true taste of Philly, incredible Chicago pizza or just a good neighborhood joint to have a drink, should go - and often!
(5)
brian c.

Stopped on in walking by and enjoyed it a lot, and a welcoming addition to the neighborhood. Had the cheesesteaks and they were great... thanks for coming Monti's!
(4)
Jenn H.

The first time we went to Monti's, I had an Italian hoagie -- I think I was just so excited to see "hoagie" on a menu in Chicago from folks who know what the word really means! But last night the hubs and I went back and I finally tried the cheesesteak and I must say, that's where it's at. The hoagie was good, but the cheesesteak was THE BOMB! Best I've had in Chicago and even better than the one I had recently at Jim's (my favorite cheesesteak place in Philly, and I'm from there...). I find "Phillys" in Chicago to be overly seasoned (with oregano or something - blech!) and this one was perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper. Was also pleased to see a decent crowd in there on a Tuesday night for dinner. Folks, do yourself a favor and check this place out. It's not cheap, but they have a charming interior, a nice selection of beers, they use real Angus beef (but appropriately converted into cheesesteak size pieces) and they fly in Amoroso's rolls! Just think, it's a lot cheaper than a flight to Philly!
(5)
Jason L.

The have GF options! My wife is gluten intolerant, so we usually have to avoid any places that are sandwich-centric. I'm not gonna chow down a burger in front of her while she settles with a (usually) lame salad. So when I found out that Monti's has GF bread options we went. The menu is simple, and focused on Philly (Cheesesteaks, hoagies, grinders, etc) food, with some bar type apps and salads. While the menu may not be huge, there should be enough for anyone, plus they have a full bar as well. And the food-it is far better than you would expect. Their Philly Cheesesteak was not overly greasy,but also not dried out, as some can be. My wife's turkey on a GF roll was also nice. I had fries, nice-hot, crisp, and seasoned just right. As we left , one the owners came up to us and checked in. She explained that as my wife is GF, next time just ask, and they can bake the fried (no gluten from the breaded items that use the same deep fryer as the french fries) as well as their wings being GF as well. She was so friendly, we will be back. I wish I could've given 4.75 stars. The space is small, and all but two of the tables were high-tops with bar-stools. I know I am a crotchey old man, but I just don't like sitting with my feet dangling for an hour or two.Fun at 5, not so much any more. But otherise, go. Get a cheesesteak.
(4)
Julie R.

The fact the owner responds to all yelp reviews is pretty awesome! Just proves the quality establishment they run. Thanks Monti's!!!!
(5)
Daniel A.

This place... What can I say? I feel what ever I say won't do the food justice.. but for the sake of the internets and whoever is reading this, I will try my best. The Cheesesteaks here are (F-Bomb)'N AWESOME!!!!! I mean, HOLY, UNADULTERATED, PLEASURE ON MY TASTEBUDS.... I'm sure all my tastebuds smoked cigarettes after this meal or maybe it was the spiciness of my meal. I've been here twice and both times I've ordered The Rocky cause its spicy deliciousness and burns so good. How good, you ask? Well I have this saying.. (That I made up; I'm cute and clever) You know spicy food is good and spicy when it burns 3 times. First in your mouth.. Secondly in your tummy, and Third when you... well, when you're on your Throne. The meat is tender and juicy, the bread is soft, and the sandwich has the right amount of cheese! This place always has a great selection of craft beers to quench your thirst. If you're a cider drinker, even better, cause it also has a great selection ciders too. I'd also recommend my favorite cocktail, "The Nutty Fig" its their take on a Moscow Mule and is gingerly superb! The service is friendly, attentive, and the environment is relaxed, but beware it can get busy really fast. (Disclaimer: I have never had an authentic Philly Cheesesteak from Philadelphia) Why is this important? I dunno, cause haters gonna hate. Why hate, when it is so much better to love and eat good food... and thats what you will find at Monti's.
(5)
Dan D.

Monti's has probably the best cheese steak I've ever had. It's amazing. Their pizza, buffalo bites, salads, and everything is delicious! I really wish more people knew about Monti's because then maybe they'd stay open later. I highly recommend eating and drinking here if you live in the area. Don't listen to your friend about going somewhere else, he/she's an idiot. Come to Monti's.
(5)
Dan G.

Their cheesesteak is basically a block of salt. But because of all the positive reviews I might have to give it a second chance.
(2)
Michael D.

I've gotten take out from Monti's in the past and thought it was time to eat in and the cheesesteaks might be better when you dine in! I also turned my wife on to Monti's turkey grinder and she loved the fact a gluten free roll was an option. This is a GREAT neighborhood spot!
(5)
Scott T.

I have had a lot of great, authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and this place is the real deal! Setting- went on a Sunday afternoon. Tucked away on side street off of Lawrence. Small restaurant with a bar and a few Flat Screens. Beer- Had a great selection of Local and Craft beer Menu- consists of a selection of Apps like soft pretzels with cheese and Wings etc Soups, salads, Hoagies and Grinders, pizza And of course the main attraction: Philly Cheesesteaks! They had a handful of specialty cheesesteaks and array of different toppings and cheeses. They also use an authentic Amoroso Roll to hold all that cheesesteak goodness! Bonus! What I really liked was the Cheesesteak Sampler platter where you can choose 3 different cheesesteaks as mini's. Great option if you want to try different things. I had the Authentic Cheesesteak WIT White American. I also got some spicy mayo and some JalapeÃ±o Scotch Bonnet relish on the side. That relish really brings the heat and was awesome if you like HOT. (Which I do... And it delivered) came with great fresh cut fries. Very tasty and cooked well. (Meaning not soggy) We also had the Soft Pretzels with cheese and mustard which were really good as well. Service- service was attentive, polite, and accommodating when asked for things. Would I go back? Umm hell yes! In fact it's been a few hours as I write this and I am contemplating going back for another it was so good. I will be back for sure and will tell anyone to do so as well. Really enjoyed the food and experience. Check this place out!
(5)
Jeffrey Z.

I had been meaning to try this place for a while and finally got the chance to go with a friend a few weeks ago. We started off with the pretzel nuggets, which were probably as good as pretzel nuggets can be but nothing special. The most disappointing thing during our visit was surely the cheese sauce. It was awful and very off putting (my friend, a chef, agreed). I don't usually have a problem with cheese sauce (Portillo's is great), but this one was a huge let down, especially from a Philly place! Maybe it was just an off day based on some of the other reviews... My sandwich was very good, and luckily I decided to get it with white cheddar. The bottom portion of the sandwich, where the cheese was, was delicious and moist, while the top portion was very dry. Perhaps they could add another piece of cheese on top to combat the dryness. The fries were good, the service was friendly, and the decor, atmosphere, and music were all great. Despite the dryness issue, this was one of the better Phillys I've had in Chicago, and I will go back if I'm in the area again.
(4)
Spank W.

So good! Very knowledgeable staff.....I go for the gluten free rolls for the Philly cheese steaks and they know how to make other menu items as gluten free as possible (I have celiac but sometimes I roll the dice on reacting from cross contaminated stuff like fries fried in the same oil as breaded stuff...I know.) I've been coming here for a year or so and I will continue to come here. Always a friendly atmosphere, always a good place for a meal and a drink. I've gotten a philly to go as well and they hold up on the way home pretty good too. .....now I really want a Philly cheese steak.
(5)
Lisa H.

Everyone who has tried Monti's insisted that this place has the "best Philly cheesesteaks" in Chicago. After seeing their appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, I knew I would have to try these cheesesteaks for myself. So I grabbed a couple of my friends and made our way here for dinner. Monti's is tucked away on a quaint neighborhood side street, so there is ample free parking. It is pretty laid back with a local barlike feel. My table started off with some fried calamari: crispy fried squid with lemon wheels and hot banana peppers served with marinara sauce. The calamari was nothing too unique, but the marinara sauce was delicious. The sauce was warm and hearty, definitely made this dish. For my cheesesteak, I tried "The Rocky" minus the onions. The cheesesteak was topped with provolone cheese, spicy mayo, and a mixture of scotch bonnet, jalapeno, and charred serrano. This cheesesteak definitely packs a punch, so if you can't handle the spice I would recommend you not ordering this or have the mixture of hot peppers on the side. But to me, this was one of the most delicious Philly cheesesteaks I have ever tried. The cheesesteak was huge (even for a mini) because it was loaded with moist rib-eye steak and topped off with the perfect amount of cheese. To finish off my meal, I tried a rainbow Italian water ice (free with a check-in on yelp.) I loved the consistency and how refreshing it was, but wasn't too fond of the flavor (tastes like a rocket pop.) I'll probably stick with lemon next time. The food is delicious and the service is quick and friendly. There is nothing more you can ask for in a restaurant. I just wish they weren't so far from the city and slightly bigger. But either way, you will definitely see me coming back up here again to satisfy my cheesesteak cravings whenever I'm in the area.
(4)
Anne W.

Monti's is delicious and wonderful! I actually just went to Philly this past weekend and I found that Monti's was even better than the one that I got in Philly! The cheesesteak here was overflowing with all of that delicious rib eye steak and just the right amount of cheese. The fries here are actually pretty tasty also! Street parking was pretty to easy to find also. It's a little bit pricier than I would like which is why it gets a star docked off. Otherwise Monti's is great!
(4)
Janet W.

Great for Celiacs! Fabulous pizza steak! Wish I could have the fries though. I'm a Philadelphia native, so it's gets my recommendation :) Service could be a little quicker though, since we ate here twice on our lunch hour.
(5)
Kelly H.

THE best cheesesteak in the city!!!!!! Absolutely no competition anywhere outside of Pennsylvania. The Amoroso rolls are a crucial element. Natalia's hospitality is fantastic, Monti is very personable, they carry Sailor Jerry (my favorite thing to drink) and there's easy parking. We loved it so much, we went twice this week and will definitely be making a weekly trip up here.
(5)
Lee P.

At the risk of sounding totally redundant, I'd like to agree that this place is awesome. Super friendly staff and really concerned owners. That said, I wouldn't hand out 5 stars for service alone. The food was outstanding. First time there, so I got the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak wit*. The bread was perfect for a philly (soft and spongy, yet held up to the meat and cheese sauce), aged cheese sauce knockout and the ribeye was delicious. Also, you can get tons of toppings on your fries for 50 cents a piece (which were really good plain - crispy, not limp, and seasoned to perfection). Only wish they had outdoor space so I could chill out there w/ my pup and down a philly and some beers. Definitely will be back.
(5)
Justin P.

Great beer and cider selection to compliment the fantastic CHEESESTEAKS!!! I had the Authentic with Cheddar and White American and it was a beefy cheesy carby handful of everything I wanted in a Cheesesteak. The Rocky was also excellent and surprisingly spicy considering most restaurants these days are afraid of making mouths water and foreheads sweat. The people who run the place are also awesome at what they do- you can tell they love what they do and the food they serve. I'll be back to try the rest of the menu soon. Soooooon.....
(5)
Lautius W.

I've been looking for an authentic traditional Philly Cheesesteak in Chicago for 18 years. All I've ever found are hoagies and grinders advertised as Phillies. I used to get the real deal at a place outside of Philly called Township Line Pizza. I haven't had one of those for about 26 years. Until now. Monti's nails it. I got the mini sampler: 3 small Phillies - 1 with White American Cheese, 1 with Aged Cheddar, and 1 with Provolone. These were the real deal. Can't wait to bring my Dad here. Thanks, guys!!!
(5)
Mori J.

Monti's is the real deal. Original cheesesteaks on real cheesesteak bread from Philly. I am from South Jersey and can vouch for the fact that Monti's delivers a quality cheesesteak that rivals many in the Philly metro area. You have to get it "wit" onions if you want the real thing. Great bar and cozy booths towards the back. Run don't walk over to Monti's today!
(5)
Josh R.

I love two subs ,the Italian and the steak and cheese. I tested many of both in Chicago and Monti's Authentic is the only steak and cheese I have found that is worth going back to have another. Sorry for any offended anyone with "Steak and Cheese"
(5)
Paddy O.

Montis is so good,
(4)
Helena I.

Let me start off by saying I've had many a cheesesteak in many a traditional Philly joints--Geno's, Pat's, Jim's, etc. I've also had many a cheesesteak at places outside of Philly. Cheese, meat, and bread usually make a good combination any day ending in Y, but that doesn't make it a cheesesteak. I couldn't believe how authentic the cheesesteaks at Monti's were. At first I was skeptical that the aged cheddar sauce wouldn't really be as good as whiz like I'm used to getting. But, I was totally wrong. The meat is also just like you would expect on an authentic cheesesteak. The real star of the show is the bread though. I think the key to making any sandwich lies in the bread and at Monti's their traditional hoagie is what pushes their cheesesteak over the top. I'm glad I can now get a true cheesesteak without having to travel 800 miles.
(4)
Suzanne C.

I forgot to post my review??! I was at Monti's a few weeks ago... saw the Friday special $5 martini's (starting at noon) posted on Lincoln Square's website. Now let me tell ya... I should have been raised in the East Coast but I grew up on the southside in Bridgeport and Taylor st areas. Basically this is pretty close to coming from Jersey as far as food and slang accents go. I fancy myself to be somewhat of an expert in pizza and sandwich joints. That's some about me, now for the sandwich... OH THAT SANDWICH!!! I just had to get a South Side Johnny (well, duh!) with fries (if you skip the fries your sandwich is a $1 less but the fries w/celery salt somehow are a wonderfully suttle accompaniment. The sandwich was more than perfect and altho I knew better, I ate the whole thing!! I actually sat there til I had more room in my tummy so I could finish the sandwich!! It was THAT GOOD!! The sliced/shaved beef was oh-so-tender and flavorful, perfected caramelized onions, the horseradish sauce, THE BREAD FROM PHILLY!! Can't wait to go back and try the boneless wings which smelled divine and the soup looked awesome. My ONLY qualm is that the $5 martini's are made with well vodka. I wasn't paying attention until my last French martini when I noticed the off brand. Ok, no biggie right... the drink still tasted good but I had a headache like horrible the next day. I would've preferred to pay an additional buck for the Friday dealio to upgrade it to at least Absolut. The atmosphere, owner (we talked to the male half of Monti's), the bartenders, the FOOD, all was great!!!! I know some think it is expensive but for the quality and freshness of the ingredients you are getting your money's worth. It's not dollar menu quality or something you just eat. You seriously need to sit and enjoy. and I'd definitely eat in instead of taking out
(4)
Joey C.

Oh my.... I already need another Cheesesteak...it's salty, cheesey, oniony, happiness on a fantastic (and authentic, from what I hear....though I haven't been to Philly) roll. I'm totally craving it! I split the Cheesesteak and a pizza with my friend. I was really impressed with both, and I could tell the pizza was hand-crafted. The pretzel nuggets were fun and super tasty. I did try a couple of the specialty cocktails, and they were darn good :-) All in all, for stumbling into a restaurant (on what turned out to be their opening night!) I was SO incredibly happy with the outcome! Folks, it's time to head west of Western and experience some REALLY good eats. Great job, Monti's!
(5)
Amber B.

Delicious vegetarian cheesesteak and fries. Very prompt and polite service. Nice beer selection. I'm definitely a fan.
(4)
Catticut P.

We've been meaning to try this place since it's so close to us and I pretty much ride my bike past it every day, but nothing about cheesesteaks really called my name. But tonight it seemed the perfect option (Pizza Art was closed), so we headed on down to test it out. I wasn't really in the mood for drinking, so asked for a Pepsi - the bartender stated he was a mixologist, and said something about not trusting a skinny chef (which we heard him repeat at a table near us ten minutes later - spiel = not so good), and basically asked what my poison was - I said "gin + citrus". He dashed off and soon returned with a cocktail, stating proudly that it was chock full of gin and that he'd mastered the art of "masking the alcohol". I was kinda horrified, but The Husband assured me it was a Chicago trait - strong drinks, ghost of alcohol, all with the intent of getting you drunk quick and easy - point being, I come from a place where I don't want or need the alcohol 'masked' and the drink tasted oddly of...pineapple. It was tasty, but The Husband called it a Cruise Drink. Okay, the food - these guys serve the BEST buffalo wings I've ever eaten. Ever. And I fucking LOVE buffalo wings. I will return based on these alone, and eat them with my entire face. I mopped up the sauce with my cheesesteak. I told the lovely waitress how much I dug them, and she said it was because they were organic - they should seriously mention this shit on the menu, because that's a big selling point. Get the buffalo wings. I'd never had a Philly cheesesteak, so I told the mixologist to Bring It On. He brought it, and it was...boring. But please keep in mind I don't know cheesesteaks, so I could be talking out of my arse. Fries were good, but a small portion. It wasn't bad, but I wish I'd spent the night eating all of the buffalo wings instead. The Husband had a sausage, mushroom and pepperoni pizza, and he loved it. Very savoury, pretty tasty. Not overly cheap for what we got (in fact, the bill gave me a bit of a fright), but the drinks themselves were oddly well-priced. Staff were lovely. I know this seems a harsh review, but I'm kinda torn on this place. We'd become regulars in a second if it weren't for a few niggling issues - but the buffalo wings and friendliness/efficiency of staff will warrant a second return. ** ETA (5/27/2013) Was just considering giving this place another try, and decided to browse the reviews made since mine back in mid-2012. I see that Jennifer of Monti's is still leaving passive-aggressive--or just plain aggressive--responses to any reviews that are less than favourable, even if only a few slightly negative notes are mixed in with some raving commendations. I've actually never seen this type of owner/manager/representative response to reviewers on Yelp (outside of Kitchen Nightmares, that is). Combative, arrogant, sarcastic--makes you wonder how she treats the people around her. It's incredibly off-putting, and a complete disservice to those who work at Monti's, and the areas in which the establishment shine. I honestly don't ever want to hand over $ to anyone who conveys this type of attitude and complete inability to take customer criticism, regardless of how amazing their buffalo wings are. I'm deducting another star just for this.
(2)
Stephanie O.

I love going to Monti's for their Gyro Philly Cheese Steaks. They also have these awesome fresh pretzel bites.
(5)
Tanya N.

Great place for cheesesteaks. My husband and I are from the Mid-Atlantic region having been to Philadelphia a number of times for authentic Philly cheesesteaks and he's taken more than 1 drive specifically just for them, so we were searching for a cheesesteak here in Chicago and had yet to find a quality one, but the search has finally been successful. Easy street parking, yes, the one-way streets might make it a little tricky to get there your first time but Google Maps was on the spot. Really good wings, love the crunchy exterior. I got the Authentic Philly with Provolone and onions, he got the Philly hoagie and we were both pleased. Impressive beer list - I had the Original Sin cider, perfect for an 80+ degree April day. Would definitely come again and recommend to friends.
(5)
Ed C.

One of the better cheesesteaks I had in chicago and they have a good craft beer selection.
(4)
Melissa K.

This place is just tops. All around awesome. The atmosphere is really comfortable yet chic. Servers are beyond friendly, knowledgeable, and are very helpful: attentive when you want them and they'll leave you alone when you don't. The food is fan-freaking-tastic. Best cheese steaks around. Period. The owners are from Philly so they actually care about what they're giving you. I haven't been disappointed with a thing I've gotten there. The coconut chicken is amazing, don't be thrown by the description of the sauce because it is actually very sweet and complimentary. Their deserts are also rockin. Lots of craft beers and signature drinks. They're always adding and creating things based on what customers suggest. The price? TOTALLY reasonable. You get, what I believe the technical term is, shittons of food and awesome drinks for a price I'm beyond willing to pay (and I'm a student, so I's poor). It's sad that it's right by my gym because I work out then go drink and eat my face off. Meh, oh well. I love Monti's!
(5)
maria n.

After seeing Montis being featured on 190 North we decided to go the very next day on NYE...we were not disappointed! The cheesesteaks were awesome! And Jennifer and James were so cool and laid back like they were one of your buddies from college. I would recommend this place for good cheesesteaks
(5)
Louis C.

Came in with the wife and our oldest little guy on a Friday night. A nice lady behind the bar greeted us and let us pick our own spot. Let's cut to the chase. I spent a number of years in Philly in the 90s and had cheese steaks at Jim's, Geno's and Pat's. These things were a staple of my diet when i was there so I know them pretty well. The steaks at Monti's are truly outstanding. They are certainly the real deal. The large proportion of ribeye on my steak was perfectly seasoned and the cheese perfectly placed under the meat. The secret weapon for this sandwich is the bread they use. I think they said they were Amoroso rolls but whatever they are, they are incredible and provide that perfect crusty chew you need on a steak. My wife had the wedge salad which was perfectly executed with fresh, cold iceberg, blue cheese dressing and thick cut bacon pieces. My son ordered the thin crust pizza which was also impressive The only drawback was that the toppings were a bit sparse but it was of little consequence in light of the epic cheese steak high we were experiencing. The crust was clearly homemade and had a nice chew to it. Don't forget to order the pretzel nuggets for a nice starter and the water ice and tastykakes for dessert. On a final note, this place had a nice choice of beers. We had the Allagash Belgian White which is one of our faves that we don't see very often in restaurants or bars. Thanks Monti's...we will be back.
(5)
Josh G.

So I'd heard about this place and really wanted to try it out. I have to say it has to be the best cheesesteak I've ever had. The meat was quite flavorful, too be honest I never realized why when I ordered from a small local cheesesteak chain that will remain nameless ::cough:: Philly's Best :: cough:: I always get extra cheese. I know now, their meat isn't very good. That's not the case here. The only thing I didn't care for and this is a more personal preference was the celery salt on the fries. (and why I can't give a full 5 stars) My girlfriend said she didn't notice it but I could sure tell. Next time I'll just get a side salad. One other nice thing is one of the owners came over and talked to us for a couple of minutes which gives this place a nice neighborhood feel. Will be back very soon!
(4)
Kevin G.

Wow! That is the first word that came to mind when I bit into the Philly cheese steak. My girlfriend and I came here on a Sunday afternoon and immediately found a table. We started off with the Coconut Chicken. I was expecting thin chicken tenders, but they actually were large portions of chicken. It tasted pretty good, but the horseradish sauce that came with it was not very good. We both had the Authentic Philly Cheese steak with provolone cheese and fries. I have never been a big fan of Philly cheese steaks...probably because I have never had a good one at other places. The Philly cheese steak at Monti's was absolutely outstanding. The steak had a lot of flavor and was very juicy. The provolone cheese helped enhanced the great taste. After I finished it, I wanted to lick the plate. The fries were also very good and were not overly dry. This is a great place for cheese steak. I cannot wait to go back and try the other versions that they have.
(4)
Katherine P.

This place is by far my favorite place to go in the 'hood. The beer is good, the owners are awesome, and the South Side Johnny is the best sandwich in Chicago (I prefer it with the creamy American cheese instead of the Swiss.) The only problem with Montis is how close it is to my house. I. Can't. Stop. Eating. There.
(5)
Brigid R.

Monti's has been a favorite of my husband and mine's for some time. We have a one- year-old so unfortunately we can't spend tons of time there, but we often find ourselves getting take-out or a quick lunch during the week. I have always loved the society hill salad and for some reason my husband dreams about the Rocky sandwich, beware, you must like spicy to enjoy the rocky - I mean, really, really spicy, which he does. The food is very good, and I think their philly sandwiches are amazing even though I often get the salad, which tells you they can do all types of food. That being said, the service and owners are by the far the best! I thought about leaving a review of this place for some time, but I am so busy with my baby and life I never got around to it, but after tonight's service I had to make my voice heard "Monti's is GREAT!!" Today is my son's first birthday. My husband and I decided to celebrate one full year of being parents by having a good meal at one of our favorite spots. We came in with a big obnoxious stroller and I expressed how he sits better in the stroller then in a high chair, the owner (I'm pretty positive it was the owner, but if it was the manager, still great!) was so accommodating, very "no big deal!". I then explained it was his birthday and not only did he get free sherbet at the end of the meal BUT when we left we forgot his ONLY sippy cup - and she RAN down the street to ensure we got our cup. It was above and beyond. That being said, not only is the food very good but the service honestly goes above and beyond and made our son's birthday one of the best!
(5)
Doug M.

The best things about Monti's is that the ingredients are excellent, the beer (et al) selection is better than many places three times Montis' size, and the french fries. The only "bad" thing about Monti's is that you have to pretty much be looking for them in order to find them - but if you are, they are easy enough to get to - a couple of blocks from the Rockwell stop on the Brown line. Did not get the Philly Cheese Steak first time around. Hadda go for the Roast Pork with brocolli rabe and cheese. It was excellent, also excellent was the turkey breast with pepper jack and banana peppers. Some excellent beers (Lagunitas, Five Points, Half Acre) and a full bar but you might have to watch a Phillies game. The prices are not so small (about $14 for a 12" with fries, I think) but the sandwich was worth it based on the overall taste and dedication to quality ingredients, and the fries were excellent. Monti's is worth the trip and the neighborhood is far from being in the middle of nowhere (despite some other reviews that seem to consider Lincoln Square as urban pioneering). There is plenty of zone-free parking available and the neighborhood is ridiculously gentrified (i.e. safe to walk in). And Lincoln Square is just a few blocks away for after Monti's closes. I hope this place works... a year ago this location was CInners - a Cincinatti bar that specialized in chili and Little Kings. I shudder to think what would be next if Monti's doesn't make it. Dubuque? Indianapolis? St. Louis? Wheaton?
(4)
Lynn H.

First visit yesterday. After reading some good reviews, bought a Chicago Reader Deal and drove 12 miles to try it out. It's near where I run every weekend so I was excited about finding a possible new post-run place for my gang to eat. Just in the door I realized I forgot to print out my coupon. Pulled it up on my phone and asked if they could take it, and the owner said no, she needed the hard copy. I totally understand that. She was sitting at the bar with an ipad and I asked if I could email it to her and she print it for me. She first said yes, but then had trouble printing it. I asked if she could just screen shot it and print it from that, and her comment was "That's a lot of trouble for me to go to". Hey, ya know what? It was also a lot of trouble for me to drive 12 miles to check out your restaurant. Sandwich was pretty good. Bread was great. Decent beer selection. But I would expect a little more customer-oriented attitude from the owner. Also, don't go if you don't like cheesesteaks, there's not much else to eat there.
(2)
joe t.

Philly's Best?? More like Philly's Worst now that this place opened!!! Moved back to Chicago 7 years ago and was on a quest to find a Philly like I had, well at Pat's in Philly. Tried the "best" and was grossly disappointed. Went 6 years without one in Chicago until this years Ribfest! Met the super upbeat Monti gave it a try and wasn't damn bad considering it was a street fest. And learned about their actual shop. Talked about it for 2 weeks to the missus and finally she gave and said ok already. Man were we shocked, the place is super cool inside, clean as hell, chalkboard full of craft beers, full bar and then the food. I seriously had the best Philly since Pat's and I dare say it may have just been a bit better!! The missus had a turkey hoagie which was MASSIVE. and the baby had the pretzel bites, well who are we kidding we all had them. The fries were awesome as well, seasoned perfectly. You may look at the menu and say woah that's expensive but it really isn't for the size of the sandwich and fries its worth every penny!!! Well done Monti! Welcome to the neighbourhood, you have a few more loyal customers as of today!!!
(5)
Javier B.

Solid place! I had never been to the chili place that was in this space before. In all honesty, I forget that there is a restaurant at this location. Not a very visible spot. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised as to how nice the space is. Small, but nice. Good beer list, very strong service and really enjoyed the cheese steak sandwich. It is slightly pricey, but still a good overall value. I will definitely be going back.
(4)
S t.

Food is great, bread is wonderful...service is so-so and we were one of 3 tables there. But overall the food is delicious and although I wouldn't know if it is authentic, it is good. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Evan H.

Another great experience at Monti's last night! I tried the roasted pork loin snadwich, and while it was good, I'll probably stick with steak next time. I just ate the other half of my fiance's Southside Johnny that she brought home. Didn't even bother re-heating it and the sucker was still choice! Great food, great service, great addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Anne W.

Fantastic food, friendly staff, fabulous fries, who could ask for anything more?
(5)
Norwood G.

The best cheese steak hoagie I've ever had! Great atmosphere and a friendly staff. When ever I visit my son I have to get me a Cheese Steak Hoagie.
(5)
Dee S.

I've never been to Philly, but I feel like I just took a trip there... The cheese steak at Monti's is incredible, perfectly chopped black angus ribeye, aged cheddar, soft amoroso roll..I definitely will be back to try a few of the others they have as well.. I wasn't feeling the fries too much, they tasted kind of odd and there were 2 different cuts, one was battered and one was regular cut. I also got the wings, which were a weird shape and not much breading, but had good flavor. I will stick with the cheese steak from now on.
(4)
Maria V.

I ordered the Original philly. They forgot the added green peppers. I ordered cheese fries & they forgot the cheese. The cheesesteak was good, hot and fresh but I prefer Philly's Best. Just underwhelmed. I did do delivery so maybe that is the reason.
(3)
Fannie L.

The people are pretty pleasant. Thy gave us free dessert. It was hard putting it down seeing as we were so full. I ordered the pork loin and the bf had the cheese steak sample platter and hot wings (too hot for me). With his platter he got three minis..the rocky (hot!!!!), the authentic and the cheesesteak hoagie. Everything was just..uh.. great. Pork was tender, the rolls were delightful. But the best part for me was the fries and the Ketchup they have. It stole the show and I couldnt get enough.
(5)
Amy W.

I loved this place! It had been on my to-try list for a long time and yesterday I finally gave it a whirl. So good. Now, I've never been to Philly for an authentic cheesesteak so I can't speak to the authenticity of Monti's cheesesteaks, but I will say it was definitely the best cheesesteak I've ever had and I've had a lot. I went with the basic cheesesteak. The other options sounded good and I may try them eventually, but I wanted to see what they did with the original cheesesteak. The meat was sliced very thin and chopped into small pieces, which I loved. There's nothing worse than taking a bite out of a sandwich and having a big long hunk of meat pulled out of the sandwich that just dangles out of your mouth onto your chin. Take my word for it, not a good look no matter who or where you are. That will never happen with this cheesesteak! I went with the provolone cheese, which was great, but I would have been happy with a little more cheese. I love cheese. And the bread was great, too - very soft and easy to bite into. It wasn't tough at all. The bread is from Philly so I would assume that part is definitely authentic to a cheesesteak you'd get in Philly. As for the fries, so great. Honestly, some of the best fries I've ever had. I love fries and am usually not too picky about them. I don't really have any favorites so to speak, but these were really great. I'm not sure what makes them better or different. I just know they were some of the best I've had. They were all very crispy (no limp fries here), but it was more than just that. As you can see, I'm not really food critic material! My descriptions leave a little to be desired. With that said, the food I had at Monti's was really good. I will definitely be back. I think they also deliver via one of the delivery services in the city, but I'm not sure which one.
(5)
Diva G.

After reading the reviews I could not wait to try their philly cheesesteak and fries, but I was very disappointed. The cheesesteak was completely flavorless and the fries tasted like they were fried in old oil and had been sitting under a heat lamp for awhile. Thd server, Natalie, was nice. The ambiance of Monti's is a casual neighborhood bar with televisions. Unfortunately, I will not return. I continue my quest for a great tasting philly cheesesteak in Chicago...
(1)
Ha Le P.

I love how it's a wonderful hidden gem in the neighborhood! The cheesesteak sampler platter was amazing (The Rocky one is VERY spicy. I love spicy food but I couldn't handle the heat! The waiter did warn us) My favorite was the Southside Johnny. Fries were seasoned to perfection, calamari was lacking some seasoning.. I guess I was just WOWed with everything else that I had high expectations :) but overall the food was just out of this world! And there's a bar? Sold! Only thing I would recommend is better or retrained waitstaff, there was only two tables dining in and the gentleman was very lacking in checking on us... Even the BUS BOY asked if we wanted boxes to wrap our food up because he saw how much time we were waiting to get his attention. We were being very patient but he just looks very timid and new to the food industry which I will let it slide because of the amazing cheesesteak! Will be back again!
(4)
Alyssa B.

I just moved into the Lincoln Square area and Monti's was the first place I checked out and it is already my absolute favorite. I got the greek cheesesteak and it was the best I've ever had! Im usually not a fan of cheesesteak in general but this was phenomenal! My boyfriend and I stopped by for the blackhawks game a few weeks ago. The staff was very friendly and the bartender was super nice to us! Plus they had my favorite kolsch beer and $1 fireball shots! Cant get any better. It was a very fun welcoming place and will definitely go back soon.
(5)
Tone K.

Really good gut busting food coma causing food. I had the sampler. The traditional , hoagie , and Rambo. Rambo was different and great. If you're not a lover of mayonnaise make sure you let them know. I have never seen so much mayo on a sandwich in my life.
(4)
Phantom D.

Monty's advertises itself as having "authentic Philly cheesesteaks" and I do not agree. The size and portion is huge. You definitely receive a large fat sandwich. It is just not a true Philly cheesesteak. First, the bread was not the normal Philly style which is critical for the appropriate meat to cheese balance. Monti's uses some local Chicago supermarket available option that is just not a good substitute. The steak does not have the Philly flavor and lacks the char from being chopped on the grill. I was in Philadelphia a few days after my visit to Monti's and I went to Abner's cheesesteaks on Chestnut. This place is the real deal. I was even able to bring one back on the plane and it made the trip with flying colors. Monti's is decent but I will not go back again. Also, the fries are bland and boring. I
(2)
Kyle P.

Wow this was really good. I had the pick Three minis. The hot one its really hot. Really good but it is hot. Original with provolone was excellent as well. The mushroom one was good but i don't think i like mushrooms enough to order again. Checked in on Urkooo and got Italian ice water....it was really good as well. Try this place if you are up there. Oh the bread was almost the best part
(5)
Adam P.

This is definitely the best cheese steak that I've had in Chicago. There are some other good places, but so far, Monti's tops them all. I have to admit, I really need to branch out and try some other items there. Every time I go in, the staff is friendly, knows me by now and knows exactly what I want... 12" authentic. I love the cheese sauce, and it's a bit different than anything else you get in Chicago. I know in Philly they use "whiz" and this is not exactly the same (plus I've never tried that in Philly), but as far as Chicago goes, their cheese sauce is the way to go. The portions are huge and a cheese steak always comes with a bunch of fries that are pretty good too. I met a couple of people at a friend's party who are big Monti's fans and mentioned that there are other amazing things on the menu (such as the wings) so one of these days I am going to have to venture off and try them, or try my regular and a little something new. Very glad to have lived close by and that my new place will be too
(5)
Mar B.

Cheese steaks and hoagies are so good. I crave this place all the time. With great service and reasonable prices what more could you ask for!?
(5)
Michael B.

I may be from Florida, but I love a good Philly cheesesteak. Monti's did not disappoint. After much deliberation, I decided to go with the Rocky because I also love a good kick. The sandwich was spicy but amazing. The quality of the meat, cheese, and bread was apparent. I hadn't eaten all day before I came, but the 8" was plenty for me. Beyond the food, the service was friendly which is just as important. If I lived in Chicago, I would be back for more.
(5)
Joe L.

Another great sandwich added to a huge win over the Blackhawks. Makes me miss Philly, forgot to ask for tastycakes
(5)
William K.

Monti's came highly recommended, and I was worries it wouldn't live up to the expectations. I never had a Philly cheese steak and didn't know if I'd like it. What a ridiculous worry, Monti's sandwiches were pure bliss, so savory and salty with high grade meat. I walked out the door wishing I had places an order to go, I've been dreaming of it ever since. Good selection of beers too. Staff was great, they even gave us free shots!
(5)
Errol B.

The meat on the philly cheesesteak is superb. Provolone cheese is good. Bread is great. Eating a cheesesteak from here made my day.
(4)
Eva J.

i loved it my family and i had a great time we really enjoyed ghe the food that was served to us and it s ag a great location god bless amen thanm you to this bar
(4)
Jimmy B.

I don't know how I haven't written a review of Monti's sooner. My all time favorite sandwich is the Philly Cheesesteak, and I had a craving for one, so I googled for a new place to try out, and the google gods smiled upon me that day because I discovered Monti's! Their Cheesesteaks are the best I've had in Chicago, it is just so good! The sizes are perfect, since they have multiple size options, the price is right on, and the beer selection is fantastic. Huge plus for me is that Hella's bakery (amazing bakery) is next door so I like to get some baked goods for later on the way out... My wife and I generally get cheesesteaks, a couple beers, and the pretzel bites, which are like crack good. One of these days I'll try the wings, because those looked really good on the table next to us the other day, but till then all I can say is YUM! I can't say enough good things about this place. The people are all super friendly, they always have a game on the TV to watch, and it's just a great atmosphere to be in. We're actually moving in month just a few blocks from there. Not saying Monti's was a deciding factor (at least not that I'm willing to admit to my wife), but I'm so excited to be within walking distance to one of my favorite restaurants in the city!
(5)
Sahil A.

Go to Monti's for the cheesesteaks (beef or chicken) and you won't be disappointed. The boneless buffalo chicken appetizer was alright (4 stars), but as the first sentence suggests, its all about the cheesesteaks. These start with the bread, which is allegedly flown in from Philly on a weekly basis - its amazing. Much better than anything you'd find otherwise in Chicago. I'm an expert - trust me. The authentic is delicious, but the other versions are also fantastic. I highly recommend the Rocky, but be forewarned, it is as advertised and does "pack a punch." A great beer selection pairs well with the sandwiches. minus half-a-star bc they don't take Amex. What sort of traditional American institution are they?!
(5)
Chris H.

Im an a born and bred NYer and have a great love for anything that even comes close to a decent Philly . Im 'wit' some of the other reviewers and am more the happy with the quality of the food and service here. Now, there is NO place like Philly to get your grub on when it comes cheesesteaks but they do it justice here with good portions and good flavors (beats out the others in town as far as im concerned) . A bit pricey ...Yes.. but no one said you have to eat there everyday or at all for that matter ;oP
(4)
Susie E.

Stopped in with no knowledge of this place! Groupon purchase urged us to go. Surely glad we did as the experience was delicious! This funky neighborhood joint was cozy and friendly! The Philly Cheesesteak sammich was awesome and yes will bring us back for more!
(3)
Dustin S.

I hold Cheesesteaks in high regards on my list of sandwich power rankings, and Monti's does not fall short. One of the best cheesesteaks in the city, and even tops in the sandwich genre as a whole. Well worth my relative "hike" to indulge.
(5)
P M.

OK, so I'm from Pennsylvania about 2 hrs west of Philly so I'm thinking I'm gonna get a taste of the east coast. Not so much... First of all, since when does a cheese steak sandwhich cost $15? I've tried 3 so far and the flavor is not bad but also not authentic from what I remember. So I'm thinking , let's try the pizza. My memory of east coast pizza is thin, doughy, crispy crust, giant slices with lots of cheese. Well, I guess you could call it doughy(or chewy or rubbery) but the bitter, sour sauce was so heavily applied that it squished out and burned my mouth and the dry bitter oregano is still stuck in my teeth. Not good! I really wanted to love this place because I live so close but it's expensive and not so great. I'll be going to Pizza Art Cafe and Spacca Napoli for my over priced za in this area.
(3)
Adele H.

A great little neighborhood place that has consistently delicious food and great drinks. They have the BEST buffalo chicken sauce I've ever had, hands down! You simply must check them out!
(5)
Nicole S.

My husband and I came here for the first time last night and thank goodness we did. This place is a hidden gem. The parking in the area isn't that great because the restaurant is located on a residential side street but for the food they serve there, who cares. We got the Authentic Cheesesteaks and it was absolutely delicious. Flavor was perfect, just enough cheese. Definitely worth the price. Fries were good as well. We will definitely be back there again.
(4)
Vince O.

Take it from a Philly transplant, in Chicago, Monti's has the best cheesesteaks, hands down! Enough said!
(5)
Vicky A.

My friend and I wanted to go somewhere for a drink and chose this place randomly. Great decision. The Philly cheesesteak and fries (got the mini size) that I ordered where very tasty. Some people at the table in front of us ordered dessert and it looked excellent. Very good service. I noticed the people working here were very attentive. I plan to come here again. I will also choose restaurants randomly again. I highly recommend Monti's. They have sports games on a few TVs and it seems like a chill spot. It's nice to come here to watch some games.
(5)
Khris L.

I went here because my friend told me they had the best philly cheesesteaks. He was right. We ordered a couple cheesesteaks and chose 4 beers from their big list of craft beers. Everything was delicious, and the basket of hot sauces they give you on request is awesome. The service was pretty decent. The server girl could have been a bit more friendly, but other than that, the food came out quick and hot. The ambiance inside was like a typical mid-scale bar, with dimmed lighting and decent decorations on the walls. I would stop by again if I was nearby.
(4)
Daniel M.

Being from Philly, I grew up knowing authentic cheesesteaks and I can certainly tell the difference between an authentic and a "not so authentic". Monti's does a great job on their cheesesteaks. Excellent quality meat, bread is just like I am used to back home and the service was pretty good. Waiter was a tad bit slow but it isn't anything to be scared off about. The one thing that takes the 5th star away is the amount of cheese on the sandwhich. 6 slices of cheese was supposed to go on the steak but I didn't see nor taste it. There was certainly cheese on there, just not 6 slices. I alerted my waiter to get some more cheese on it and they were tentative in doing so. Very polite about it and got it taken care of for me. Another thing, the price! I am used to paying $8.50 for a cheese "wit" onions but it is a tad bit more expensive here. 3 people dining in was about $55 so it's a bit high up there in price. But remember kids, you get what you paid for and I feel I did get my money's worth. All in all, this place earns 4.5/5 stars. If there was a bit more cheese and if the price was less expensive, good 5 star restaurant. Ambiance is excellent, everyone seems nice and I was very happy with my dining experience. I will certainly recommend this restaurant to anyone, whether you know cheesesteaks like I do, or not. Oh, and remember... NO KETCHUP on your cheesesteaks! It's illegal.. well.. it should be.
(4)
Brian C.

Best Philly cheesesteak in Chicago! Just ate one in Philadelphia and this comes pretty darn close. We ate the "authentic" and the "Rocky". Both were great. Rocky was a bit spicy so make sure you're OK with that if you order it. If the Groupon is available, hit that up. $28 for 2 sandwiches, 2 fries, 2 beers, AND 2 desserts! Whatta deal! Cool dark space that feels like the hidden gem that it is. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Brian W.

THEE best Philly cheesesteak sandwich I have ever had! NOTHING else comes close! The only thing I can criticize are the fries. They tend to be under cooked, so ask for them to be well done. I like all 3 cheeses, so try them all to find your fave.
(5)
Jake F.

I found Montis after doing a recent philly cheese steak search on Yelp. Not many choices in Chicago. I've tried Phillys Best, it was pretty good. However, I noticed Montis was given an avg of 4.5 stars / nearly 300 reviews. That said, my expectations were set pretty high... Fries were perfectly cooked, light and crispy. I tried the 3 minis, your choice. The authentic style and Swiss/mushroom subs were excellent. The star sub in my opinion was the spicy cheese steak...definitely my favorite.
(5)
Phil G.

Monti's is great! A smidge hidden off of Lawrence--but that makes it an awesome find. Nice cozy atmosphere. The Authentic Philly Steak sandwich was delicious. The fries had a nice outer crunch. Our waiter was friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. One minor criticism, and it was clearly a one time mistake: my side salad didn't come with any dressing, despite having chosen one. Nevertheless, the mixed green side salad was fresh. I eagerly look forward to my next visit to Monti's and enthusiastically recommend it others.
(5)
Robert H.

Well, I thought I was going to love it here based on the reviews I'd read but I have to say I wasn't too impressed with the food. Before I get into the food portion of the review though I want to give kudos to the young man (well, young compared to me anyways) behind the bar when I stopped in this afternoon. He was friendly and knowledgeable and made a very good first impression on me. I see from reading the reviews here on Yelp that the owners read these reviews frequently so hopefully they'll see this and find a way to either give him a raise or at least a verbal pat on the back for being such a good front man for their company. Ok, first off I'll be the first to admit that I am not from Philly and until about a year ago I had never eaten a Philly cheesesteak. Normally I get mine from another place that specializes in them and if I could rate theirs 7 stars Yelp's scale of 1 to 5 stars I would. Out of respect for the owners of this establishment I won't mention that places name here though. I ordered a 12" authentic Philly cheesesteak (I think that was what it was named on the menu) and an order of the pretzel bites. As far as the cheesesteak goes it was a good sandwich, but not anything that I would ever go back for because I was craving it. The only seasoning I could taste in it was a fairly heavy salty flavor. As far as the pretzel bites go they were good and came with 2 dipping sauces one was a cheese dip and the other was a Dijon mustard (or something pretty similar). I wasn't a fan of the cheese one but the mustard was a nice complement to the pretzel bites and I'm glad it was included or I would have been disappointed. You might think from reading my review that I won't be going back here. Actually I do plan at some point on going back and trying some other items on the menu since they have so many other things that sound really good. After I try Monti's again and try some other options who knows maybe I'll update my review and bump up the rating a star or two. While I may not be a fan of their Philly cheesesteaks it's entirely possible that some of those other items on the menu may be enough to turn me into a regular here. My 3 star review is obviously lower than most peoples reviews so go ahead and stop in and try Monti's. The odds are you'll probably enjoy it a lot more than I did. I believe their cheesesteaks probably are as good as everybody says, but for me personally they just fell short of what I prefer mine to taste like. Oh well, no restaurant can please every single diners taste preferences so I guess I'm the exception to the rule here. P.S. I love the oldies music they play here. I don't know if it's the regular type of music that plays here, but if so that's another good reason for me to back and try a couple more things and have a couple drinks.
(3)
Kim B.

I first heard about Monti's on an episode of The Great Food Truck Race. It was mentioned that the owner gets bread delivered from Philadelphia and serves the most authentic cheese steaks around. I finally got around to trying one the other day. I assumed Monti's was a casual eatery and was surprised when I walked into a bar/sit down restaurant. I ordered a "mini" cheese steak combo which includes a 5" sandwich and fries. The food came out pretty quickly and I enjoyed my sandwich. I can't really compare it to a "real" Philly cheese steak but they use quality ingredients and it's cooked to order. It's honestly not something I'd travel here for but if you're in the area and craving a cheese steak, this is the place to go.
(3)
Sean U.

So I was jonesing for a Philly cheesesteak. After looking online and asking a friend I found that Monti's kept coming up. Living in Old Town I was looking for something in walking distance but found that the Brown line drops of a block away and decided to check it out. I got there and even before having the cheesesteak I found the place to have a great feel and different from your normal Lincoln Park, Old Town, River North bars; a very welcomed change. The two people working were extremely nice and could tell that they were genuine; again another welcomed change from the usual places. To the food. I had the Authentic Philly with provolone and it was legit. Quality bread from Philly and high quality rib eye. Solid. As it is so convenient from the Brown Line I will definitely be back for the Philly and to hangout.
(5)
James M.

I actually avoided this place for a while because I thought $13.50 was a little too expensive for a sandwich. I couldn't have been more wrong! I have not had a sandwich like this since the Chx Parm at Ricobenes, just outstanding. Now, if they could only deliver!
(5)
Chas S.

Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is one of America's classics, and this is as good as I remember them being on South Street. Excellent food, just don't know how I'm going to explore the menu because the sandwich is too good to pass up! The atmosphere is very nice, kid-friendly and always such a good thing when the owners take time to talk to you. East walk from the Rockwell Brown line station, and just across the street from Harvest Time Foods.
(5)
Linsey R.

With all the great yelp reviews, we were so excited to try Monti's. The employees were super friendly, the ambiance was just right, the food sounded delicious...Everything was perfect until we got our food. It was just ok. The Philly Cheesesteak was lacking in flavor. The cold cuts on the Italian were sliced too thick for an authentic italian sandwich. The fries were nothing special. I wanted to make this a regular stop, but I don't think I'll be back again.
(3)
Parul D.

My husband lived in the Philly area for a bit as a child and has been searching for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak for decades. He found it at Monti's. The meat was delicious, the bread was spot on and the toppings were perfect. I don't have a frame of reference myself as to authenticity, but it was one of the tastiest sandwiches I have ever had in my life. I also tried the coconut chicken which was juicy, crispy and delicious. We also tried a turkey grinder that was amazing. The quality of the ingredients is what makes all the food here so tasty. This is a real gem of a place.
(5)
Daniel C.

Outstanding Best Cheese Steak bar none Definitely one of my Favorites You will not be disappointed
(5)
Patrick M.

A friend suggested we try this place as he had heard good things and I must say we were impressed. The place is a little hard to find the first time since it's on a side street but look for the bright red awning and you're set. They had great cheese steak and the server was friendly / attentive.
(5)
Jay S.

Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and other bar food. Nice vibe to the place, I go with my wife and kids, but there are a lot of singles that go for the food and the bar. It isn't health food, but it is reasonably priced and good quality. I don't order the larger sandwich because it is very filling. Service is good and is really a nice place to go if you want some hearty food without spending a ton of money. Better yet, Dad can have a beer and see the game on the TVs.
(4)
Chris P.

Delicious Philly cheesesteak! Best I have had since leaving Pennsylvania. Service is great and price is very reasonable for quality of ingredients
(4)
Keisha S.

Everything was fantastic my son and I loved the Food and I will definitely be returning soon
(5)
Kathleen C.

This is a review for take out. It was take out that I'd love to have again! I hadn't heard of Monti's until recently and within a week of hearing it's praises sung, I was able to try it. I had the sandwich with mushrooms - wow! Juicy and tender and the right amount of mushrooms and cheese. The entire messy meal was awesome in it's deliciousness. They're friendly and I can't wait to stop in for a sit down meal as I'm sure I'll want to eat there again soon!
(5)
Megan A.

Ordering wings from a place known for cheese steak seemed risky to me, but Monti's did not disappoint. The jumbo wings were juicy, crispy, and well flavored. I thought the wings needed more sauce so I ordered a side and everything was great! Any of the pizza toppings can be put on cheese fries. The cheese is cheddar and absolutely delicious-- especially with bacon and jalepenos on top! What really made Monti's come full circle was the amazing service and environment. The place is really clean and plays great music. The service was quick and friendly. They also had a long list if ciders to choose from.
(4)
Josh H.

This place is hands down the best place to go in the Lincoln Square area. The service is super friendly, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the food is just fantastic. Get the buffalo tenders if you're looking for a filling meal at a bargain price. They're phenomenal and will have you coming back for more.
(5)
Chris F.

Heard they had amazing philly cheese steak sandwiches. I was thinking Geno's nothing beats Geno's. My question is where is the cheese whiz??? The sandwich wasn't bad but not something I would come back for. The spicy ketchup was pretty cool. The only thing keeping it from less stars was the lemon Italian ice which was quite good, creamy and tasty.
(3)
Jon C.

I'm very happy that my barber sent me down here today. I had 'The Rocky' which was a lot spicier than I had anticipated, but it was great. My sister loved her traditional. Probably the best cheesesteak I've had since I've gotten to Chicago.
(5)
Erik P.

Monti's is my favorite neighborhood bar in Lincoln Square. I'm not a Phily-Cheesesteak fan but I hear theirs is pretty good. Monti's has a good craft beer selection and draft specials. If you're a Fireball fan they have them for a dollar. Their "starters" are pretty amazing and the prices are reasonable. My personal favorites are the Boneless Chicken bites and the Pretzel Nuggets. I found this place when I got locked out of my apartment and I've been coming back ever since.
(4)
Kimberly L.

Parking was easy, the staff was nice, and the food was great! We ordered the sampler platter (the Rocky, Southside Johnny, and Niko the Greek) with fries and pretzel nuggets. By far, my favorite was the Rocky. The spicy mayo is amazing. If you like spicy food, you MUST try the Rocky. Niko the Greek was my second favorite but the Southside Johnny was just too plain for me. The pretzel nuggets were very good but I didn't really like the mustard that came with them. I will definitely be back for another Rocky!
(5)
Ben C.

Hands down the most authentic Philly place in Chicago! I love it. They actually have amoroso buns instead of the fake 'hoagie' rolls. The only critique I have is the super cheap napkins they have. This is my pet peeve. I hate places that have cheap napkins...you need 10 just to wipe your face! It's like toilet paper.
(4)
Kasim F.

Holy sh*t! Amazing! I visited Philadelphia seven years ago with a few of my friends from college. I grabbed a Philly cheesesteak the moment we arrived. Since leaving, I have dreamt of finding the meaty and cheesy goodness in the Midwest ever since. I have finally found it and it's at Monti's! An incredible Philly cheesesteak that is reminiscent of the one I enjoyed seven years ago. The sandwich is awesome! Definitely check it out!
(5)
Allen P.

This place was better than I expected. I looked this place up on Yelp because I was feigning for a philly cheese steak. I came here finding out that the WINGS are definitely worth coming back for! Please.. if you are a wing lover, please order the Buffalo Wings here... From my understanding.. their wing recipe won 1st place in 2012 or 2013. They're kind of breaded like hooters, but with a wetter and tangier sauce. Also, these wings are huge! I had a hoagie bun philly and it was ON-POINT. It tasted so good. I really liked how they brought out the wings first..then when they saw that we were almost done.. we then got the phillys out hot and fresh. Our server was very friendly and attentive to our needs. FOOD 5/5 Customer Service 5/5 Place was also very clean, laid-back, and comfortable to sit in. If I was in Chicago now, I'd definitely come back. REMEMBER: BUFFALO WINGS. GET THEM.
(5)
Shahzad S.

My favorite sandwich is the Philly cheesesteak. By far, it is the tastiest I've had in Chicago. The bread is crispy with right amount of moistness, the beef is seasoned perfectly and the fries are thick cut, with a little salt. This is a perfect meal
(4)
Chris W.

I come here almost too often and crave it constantly. I usually get the Rocky (taster) with chicken, but I've had a good chunk of the menu and everything has been great. Portions are quite large so make sure you're hungry if you get a full Sando! ***the fries are addicting and their spicy natural ketchup is highly recommend.
(5)
Mark S.

Once you've had Monti's you will have a hard time going somewhere else in Chicago for Philly cheesesteaks. Decadent and delicious, they use high quality ribeye steak and season it perfectly. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu but the Cheesesteak Hoagie is my favorite. The French fries are superb! The owners are from Philly but there is a nice Blackhawks neon sign in the window.
(5)
Justin B.

Not bad. Dropped by tonight to use up a Groupon at Monti's, and a number of things were decent here: the meat in my cheesesteak (I went with the plain Jane on the menu, the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak), the service, the side of fries, the fresh rolls that the sammies were served on. But, there were a few other things that left me wanting: 1. Not nearly enough cheese or cheese sauce on the cheesesteak. Like, I wants me some melted cheese baby! 2. The meatballs in the meatball sub were average. Eh. 3. It's really, really dark in the back of the restaurant at the low-top tables, especially as daytime turns into dusk. I had a hard time seeing my wife from across the table! 4. If someone said to you, "Dessert will be an ice cream sandwich sundae", you'd think that was going to be amazing, right? Well, at Monti's, it wasn't....I still can't figure out what went wrong in there! Glad I checked it out, and if I'm back in the hood checking out Nhu Lan or another spot close by, I will give this a look.
(3)
Allisa L.

Very good philly. Waitress was very kind. I also like how they give you free 'mango ice' when you check in...it was delightful! :) I would recommend this place :) the ranch was surprisingly delightful too!
(4)
Tad D.

Turns out the piZza is quite good, too. The staff was super friendly again. Thanks guys!!!
(5)
Desiree M.

I can't believe I forgot to review this place. I went a month or 2 ago and, just wow. They are so good. The atmosphere is cute, our server was so nice and attentive, and everything we had was great. We started out with the pretzel bites, which they serve with an excellent mustard and their cheese sauce. The mustard, pretzels, and cheese were a perfect combo. For the entrees we had philly cheese steaks, of course. They let you add whatever veggies or extra toppings you want, so I had onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, as well as their house made cheese sauce. This cheese sauce is not cheez wiz, by the way. It is real, someone is sitting in the kitchen making a creamy vat of this, cheese sauce. And it is worth getting. The meat and veggies are quality too. Everyone was happy with their sandwich. My friend and I also had their bloody mary drinks. We were going to ask for them extra spicy, but we ended up not having to. They make a great spicy bloody mary. They were delicious. This place is now my go to philly cheese steak place.
(5)
Michael C.

Monti's is true nom nomz. I haven't had a cheesesteak in over a year now, and don't think I've ever had a true philly cheesesteak before, but if Monti's is authentic, then they are damn good. I convinced a couple friends to venture north enough to the rockwell stop, and none of us were disappointed by journey's end. Each table was filled on a Saturday at 7, but luckily there was no wait. There are some cool, comfy looking wall seats. When my friend sat down, it looked like she was sitting on a small throne. We started with a few drinks and found they only had one beer on tap, but featured quite a few special brews priced at around $6 a bottle. For food, I ordered the rocky cause I love food with a kick. The "charred serrano and scotch bonnet" sounded terrifyingly spicy, but luckily you can order their hot pepper mix on the side. I was glad I did because I only ended up using about half of it on my sandwich. Tasting the pepper mix alone, I found it to be so hot, I didn't really taste anything--my tongue just hurt. The cheesesteak itself was delicious and had good balance; the bread was soft but crispy on the outside while the meat was juicy, tender, and falling out with every bite. The service here is great! Our waitress was nice, joked with us, and came to check up on us enough throughout our meal. Hope to come back sometime in the future.
(5)
David Z.

I just wrote a review for Shake Shack where I talk about how most things from the East Coast are over-rated (and yes, Shake Shack is over-rated). However, I am suspending that belief for the Philly Cheesesteak from Monti's! My first ever Philly Cheesesteak came from Monti's, and it left me wanting to go to immediately to Philadelphia to see how they do it over there. Monti's has great food, reasonable prices, and outstanding service. A good beer list too. For people with gluten allergies, they also seem to have some great gluten-free options as well. Monti's is a little off the beaten path (at least for people that are used to hanging out on nearby Lincoln Ave.), but it is definitely worth a side trip. After you're done, head across the street to local gem HarvesTime grocery store to finish up your day of shopping local!
(5)
David P.

After reading review after review about their cheesesteak I am going to go down that often-avoided cobblestone road and talk about their wings. A hidden oasis of LARGE, juicy, succulent, scrumptious, tender, moist, meaty ( enough adjectives?) wings. I have been here 6 or 7 times and all but one I have had the wings. These wings are some of the best wings I have ever had and I consider myself a wings aficionado. If you don't believe me they were listed in Timeout Chicago's Top 4 list in 2014. Chicagoist had them in their Top 7. The Chicago Travelor had them in their Top 13. Even more importantly they are #1 on my list. I have also heard their Nuclear Wings have won awards. Unfortunately I wont be trying those as Im a pansy when it comes to heat and I don't usually eat things with the word "nuclear" in it. I just don't get radioactive like that! Anywho, these wings are beast-mode and so flavorful I could eat 1000 of them. They are not crispy like many other wings which I think throws some people off, its more "soft"? However you describe it they are the best hands down. They are a little pricey $7.50 for 6 but they use top quality ingredients and Im willing to pay a premium for the best wings I've ever had. Their service has been Impeccable. I ordered 24 of them for the Super Bowl as well as last years Super Bowl and both times they were done right and on time. Natalia took my order as she did last year, she even remembered me. She was polite and very knowledgeable. She is an absolute boss when it comes to my Super Bowl order! Overall great little neighborhood place that makes the best wings ever! Apparently the word has not gotten out on their wings. Keep doing what you guys are doing! I will be back and I will eventually try the cheesesteak. Lets not forgot the $1 Fireball shots heh!
(5)
Vanessa R.

Adorable neighborhood bar and restaurant serving authentic Philly Cheesesteaks! As someone who has to eat gluten free, I thought this place was off limits for me until I saw they offered several gluten free items on the menu, including gluten free hoagie rolls! Dropped by with my husband in the early afternoon on a weekend and plenty of seating - good for large groups or small. I like that they have both high topper tables, booths, and plenty of seating at the bar and its wheelchair accessible too. Our server was super friendly and knowledgeable and service was fast. I ordered The Rocky cheesesteak which I was warned was super spicy. Our server was super attentive and even offered to put all of the "spicy" ingredients on the side. I was up for the challenge but just opted to skip the spicy mayo but loved how accommodating they were. Our server informed me that the fries unfortunately are fried with other gluten items so they are not gluten free, so I got the side salad instead (probably for the best!). My cheesesteak was SO good. Spicy, juicy, and best of all the gluten free hoagie roll was warm and crispy on the outside and soft of the inside. Loved that the roll was sturdy enough that my cheesesteak did not get soggy. Yay! I noticed they also have a gluten free pizza crust available too - will definitely try this some other time. They also have a TON of drinks and I was particularly excited that they offered several ciders which are naturally gluten free in addition to a lot of martinis, tons of beers, and mixed drinks. Oh yeah, and free refills on soft drinks! Great experience - will definitely return! TIP: Check in on Yelp and get a free Italian Water Ice for dessert! (I saved mine for next time :).
(5)
Angela P.

I don't remember how I heard about Monti's, but when my friend planned her birthday at a bar nearby, Monti's was an old bookmark of mine and happened to be only a few blocks away. When you're a suburbanite, you don't pass up these opportunities. The cheese steaks are super filling. A lot of the reviews gripe about the prices, but you don't NEED a 12" sandwich for $15 anyway. The 8" left me feeling stuffed, and I was borderline hangry when we arrived. I really liked my sandwich, but I opted to order it without onions. Unfortunately, that left the meat tasting kind of flavorless. I still enjoyed my cheesy, meaty sandwich though. My husband had the "sampler," which is three smaller cheese steaks (although they were STILL massive). His favorite was the hoagie, which is like a traditional cheese steak, but with lettuce and tomato. The pizza cheese steak looked like a hybrid between a cheese steak and a chicken parmesan sub - mozzarella for miles! I ordered a raspberry cider, but only after debating between several on their lengthy cider menu. I've never seen so many options for cider! This made me very happy. The rest of the beer list has lots to offer too. With a Yelp check-in deal, we had a free Italian ice. Our options were rainbow or lemon. Obviously, we went with the rainbow, which was the perfect texture and almost creamy without any ice chunks. Like a steak aficionado with their ribbon of fat, I was mesmerized by the beautiful rainbow marbling. I did feel that we paid a smidge too much for our meals, but Monti's uses quality ingredients, so you have to keep in mind that, yes it is a sandwich, but the steak, bun, and cheeses are quality.
(4)
Eric P.

Montis is legit, not just a bar but has amazing food. The cheese steaks are phenomenal, juicy steak, amazing bread, so flavorful. My wife and I prefer it with provolone than cheddar. The wings are amazing as well, we had the spicy one with hot peppers. Those peppers are killer in taste and heat! Perfectly crispy wings. Love it all. Do yourself a favor and try this joint! I'm coming back!
(5)
Nick R.

Probably one of the best Philly Cheese Steaks you will have in Chicago. The steak is lean yet tender and of great quality. Does not feel fatty and gross like others. My wife usually goes for Chicken phillys but she tried the steak and loved it. The fries are pretty good and the italian ice is really good too! The location is small yet cozy and the staff is very friendly. I imagine there may be a bit of a wait to get a table on weekends but its worth the wait. I will definitely be coming back and am looking forward to trying more items from the menu.
(4)
Jim B.

Cool little place, nice and clean. I had the Chili (hard to eat of out the cup) but was great. Also had the Mini Gyro Cheesesteak, it was great. The bread was fantastic. Service from Val was great. Ill be back.
(5)
Rachel H.

When I want a gut bomb take out cheese steak (and let's face it, sometimes I do), I'll go to Philly's Best. When I want something a little less quick and dirty, I'll head to Monti's. For some reason, Monti's has me running for my Tums a little less. Here comes grandma, talking about her Tums.... Monti's cheese steaks aren't necessarily the cheapest on the block, but like I said, less need for Tums purchase later, and they really do give you a lot for your dollar. The 8" is plenty or do what I do and get a cup of their delicious chili and the 10" and then save half your sandwich and fries for lunch tomorrow. Your coworkers will be super jealous. Monti's has a good selection of beers, great service, great chili and great cheese steaks. And they even have a veggie version for my companion. Yay.
(4)
E C.

Love this place - ALWAYS great food, drinks, service & atmosphere! You can't really go wrong with anything on the menu, the beer on tap is spot on. Go on Mondays as its $1 off beer!
(5)
Dani M.

Great spot in Lincoln Square. I've been here several times with my ex's family who have spent a significant time in Philadelphia. All of them agree that this is the best cheesesteak they've eaten outside Philly. My favorite is the southside johnny because I'm a horseradish fiend. His family has ordered pretty much the rest of the cheesecake menu on our several visits. Their favorite seems to be the cheesesteak hoagie for the grilled onions. Although the sandwiches themselves are filling you have to order the fries too as they are perfectly crispy on the outside while not overly so as it retains its pillowy potato texture inside. Can't go wrong if you decide to add on a side of the cheddar sauce for the fries too.
(4)
Zan B.

Great atmosphere. Talked to an owner! She was an absolute delight. Fantastic food! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Sean S.

Great sandwiches and good beer selections. My favorite is the Rocky. If you like spicy food it is a must try.
(5)
Andre W.

Cheesesteaks Cheesesteaks & Cheesesteaks!!! My buddy has been telling me about this place since he moved near it about a year ago. He was telling me how they make all their stuff in house. We came over to watch the 2014 baseball playoffs (Tigers got killed in the 8th inning) and it wasn't too full which was cool. I knew I wanted the cheesesteak as my buddy raves about it...I went with the Authentic 8 inch philly with everything on it. It was very good, so good that I ordered the same thing but a mini this time around. What can I say, I had a huge appetite that day...lol Service was very nice as they came by on a regular basis to check on us. Good spot!
(4)
H S.

Love this place.! Food and drinks are always amazing.! Beer list is great good choices of ale ciders and ipa but the sandwich are the best close to the house love it.!
(5)
Jim K.

I spent some time with my son in Chicago today and when the conversation turned to lunch, we both agreed that Monti's was the place to try. Close to where he lives, we were both ready for a cheesesteak fix. The room was nice and cozy with several patrons already enjoying their lunches when we arrived. We were greeted immediately by the friendly hostess and chose to sit at one of the high top tables. There are also several regular tables too, as well as seating at the nice looking bar. So, cheesesteaks it was, and, take it from this born and bred Jersey Boy, they were the real deal. Amoroso's rolls made them great, but the focus on the meat was what made this sandwich shine. It was excellent. A side of fries for me and a salad for my son, and we were two happy diners. Monti's has a large craft beer menu and the hostess was very knowledgeable about it and libations in general. Next time I'm in the neighborhood, Monti's is on my list.
(5)
Laura S.

As a Philly girl in Chicago, I've been on a continuous quest for a proper cheesesteak, only to come up empty-handed. Philly's Best? Get outta here. So imagine my surprise when an impromptu Groupon search led me straight to Monti's. Not ONLY do they import Amoroso rolls, but they're a straight shot down Lawrence from my apartment! I was there the next day. I was the first customer in the door, and Tiffanie was delightful to chat with as I waited for my guy. She told me about the restaurant's history and the owners, and we talked industry for a bit. As the customers began to flow in, she never lost her charm or attentiveness. Onto the food! I ordered the "whiz" wit (you can also choose white cheddar or provolone). But there's no molten orange goo here; instead, they make their own aged cheddar sauce. Just one bite and I felt like I was home. My guy ordered a chicken steak with provolone, and it was just as delicious. My one quibble, which is so minor I probably shouldn't even mention it: I'm used to cheese sauce being served on top of the meat, and here it was placed in between the bread and the meat. The sauce was wonderful, but even the mighty leak-free Amoroso roll started to cave. Next time - there will be MANY next times - I might try the other cheese options to see how they compare. Thank you, Monti's, for giving this girl a much-needed taste of home.
(5)
John C.

Had the Rocky 1/2 hot, perfect spice & flavor for my taste. Did ask for & received a side of their hot pepper "paste" That is the bomb. Great, quick, service, server was very nice. I'll be back if I'm in neighborhood.
(4)
Angela G.

I've been here a number of times and after visiting Philly this past weekend and I must say, Monti's has it going on - it's the real deal. The people at Monti's clearly have taken the best elements of the sandwich and presented here in Chicago with some stellar and delicious variations. I like the Rocky best, since it packs a punch. Highly recommend this place for lunch; only downside is that you'll wish you didn't have to go back to work.
(5)
Carmela S.

The Philly cheesesteaks are unparalleled. There's no need to try anything else. Fries & pretzel pretzel bits are delicious, too. This is a wonderful neighborhood gem.
(5)
Ernesto R.

Went there to check out their Philly cheese steak and would say that it is average at best. 20+ dollars for a sandwich fries and drink is too much for fast food. Ill stick to cheaper places for the same type of food as their food is nothing special. Save your money and go to regular old fast food joint because that's what this place is an overpriced fast food joint.
(1)
Victor V.

I thought that this place was a great experience top to bottom. I liked the decor as well as the food and service. I thought it tasted great and my only set back was that it is a bit more expensive then I anticipated. Other than that I have no complaints because the Philly I had with fries was wonderful.
(4)
Jay L.

AWESOME PHILLY CHEESE!!!!! - MONTI's HAS THE TYPE OF SANDWICH YOU DO NOT WANT TO END!!! Wife and I saw this on diners and dives, decided to give it a shot, and were blown away....The staff is extra helpful, but the sandwiches were overly delicious, this is a MUST HAVE PLACE..... Pretty pricey, but TOTALLY WORTH IT, good quality meat, and it is the Enjoy
(5)
Jasmine L.

The only drawback to eating at Monti's is that you'll be craving it all the time afterward and eating it every day probably isn't good for your arteries. I, so far, haven't deviated too much from the cheesesteaks, because I can't imagine ordering food at Monti's and not getting a cheesesteak. It's their signature and it's amazing. I am not from Philly, so I can't attest to the authenticity of the sandwiches, but I'm guessing they're pretty legit, since the owners and the bread are both from Philadelphia (according to the Monti's website). The fries are great on their own. The beer selection is not Hopleaf-huge, but still respectable enough for those of us who hate having to pick between only Bud Lite and Miller Lite. While the location might not bring in a lot of foot traffic, this neighborhood is a hidden gem in Chicago and it's great to have a good restaurant addition like Monti's. I hope they don't go the way of Cinners, because the Rockwell Corridor hood needs to support great small businesses in the area. I know I'll keep on being a customer both because their sandwiches are fantastic and I like supporting a local place that does it right. The extra incident that made me give Monti's five stars: My dining companion ordered the Rocky and, though scoff as he did at the warning of its strength, was struggling through it. Our waitress noticed his battle and brought him a shot of milk to ease his pain. I love a place that will give its customers that kind of consideration.
(5)
Caset J.

This is a nice upscale Philly cheese joint. The place has about 50 seats including the bar and most of the clientele we saw were couples. We ordered take out. I had the authentic with the cheese sauce, and my other had the Southside Johnny. We both thought they were good, but messy to eat. I have to agree with others that $11 for a Philly cheesesteak is pricy. Cheaper in Philly. I do understand that Monti's has added non Chicago premium meat, non-Chicago bread, and non-Chicago cheese, etc....so you would expect a premium price. Oh I did spy a Chicago beer that was available for consumption. This is a nice clean establishment located off Lawrence, and you can tell that Monti cares about the business as she responds to every review she gets. When an owner does that it shows that they take pride in what they produce.
(3)
Pamela C.

Food was delicious, served quickly and hot. Service was very pleasant. The Rocky was tasty but a little too spicy for my husband. Then the waiter tells you it's hot, believe him!
(5)
Heather R.

YUM. They bring in the bread from Philly and it's worth the trip. A taste of home for anyone who misses Pat's or Gino's.
(5)
Hondo S.

What a gem this place is. Excellent beer selection, tasty cheesesteaks & Tasty Cakes. Doesn't get a whole lot better for a solid lunch, a low-pressure date or night time drinking & a snack. To add cherry on top, Monti is super-friendly & it's always nice to put a face w/ a name. Definitely check this place out - you shan't be disappointed.
(5)
Sarah B.

When the Monti's red awning and neon signs went up in the old Cinner's space, my husband whined, "There's a CHEESESTEAK place opening up at Cinner's." He expected it to be a greasy lunch counter, no bar, no atmosphere. But when he was handed a menu the week of its opening, he couldn't wait to have a cheesesteak dinner date. So we did. Food & Drink: I had a South Side Johnny, my husband had the Roast Pork Loin grinder, and we shared the hummus appetizer. Everything was absolutely delicious! The fries were perfectly crisp and salty, and the portions were great. I only wish they would pit their kalamata olives. I was disappointed by the complete lack of dark beers and had to settle for a Blue Moon. I have a feeling their selection will grow with time; I would love to see a cider among the options. Service: The service was friendly; the bartender chatted us up for a while, since the place was still pretty empty when we arrived. I think there are a few kinks yet to be ironed out-- plates for the appetizer, putting out condiments with the sandwiches--but our server was attentive and we got anything we asked for within a couple minutes. Prices: While the prices matched the quality of food you get, it does not quite match up to the upscale-hole-in-the-wall decor, which may be the reason people are complaining. An upgrade in furniture and bar top would probably even out expectations. $8.95 (price for a 12" cheesesteak and a pile of fries) is exactly what most people would pay for a hamburger anywhere else. I'm pretty positive we didn't pay $9 for our beers. Overall, we liked the place, and we're looking forward to our next cheesesteak date.
(4)
Andrew R.

been here twice. im no cheesesteak expert but i cant imagine a cheesesteak better than the one i had here.drinks are overpriced, just stick to the food. try the outstanding ice dessert,its awesome!!!!
(5)
Sarah L.

I really am torn here. I went in with extremely high hopes. I saved my review for after dining in and also taking out. The food is great. The staff beyond friendly. The rolls truly make the cheesesteak, but is that what is triggering the price? $9.95 for an 8in authentic cheesesteak is a bit overpriced considering it isn't at a ballpark or stadium and doesn't come with a side (fries start at $1 extra and a salad, which is just a cup of mixed greens, is $2). Our takeout dinner for two, which included two 8in authentics, a side salad, and an order of the pretzel nuggets came to $33. That is a bit much considering the neighborhood it is situated it and the food. While I haven't tried the pizza, they are at least average price and they offer an extremely satisfying range of toppings (as an East Coaster I am really excited that they offer lobster as an option). I know they are new and will hopefully work the business-end kinks out. Either include a choice of a side with the current cost of the sandwich, or drop the 8in down to a more fiscally palatable $7.95. I say this because a dinner of cheesesteak sandwiches, no matter how good, should be an easy go-to, and not hit your wallet as much as a sit down dinner with full entrees and drinks.
(4)
Ryan H.

The food was good and I really have no complaints about that. A $9 Allagash White? That is crazy. I actually left a little upset about this... I can get over their weak beer selection but I feel pretty ripped off. A previous reviewer felt they paid too much for their Daisy Cutter and I think he paid 6 bucks. If you just want a tasty meal I recommend this place. If you want to pair it with a good beer then go elsewhere. Also, ask for the price of the beer before you order it. They seem to vary in price quite a bit. EDIT: Thanks for the response, Jennifer. I look forward to coming back. I'm glad you are taking the feedback seriously and I'd be happy to raise the review up to 5 stars. :) Glad to have you guys in our 'hood!
(4)
Chas S.

Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is one of America's classics, and this is as good as I remember them being on South Street. Excellent food, just don't know how I'm going to explore the menu because the sandwich is too good to pass up! The atmosphere is very nice, kid-friendly and always such a good thing when the owners take time to talk to you. East walk from the Rockwell Brown line station, and just across the street from Harvest Time Foods.
(5)
Linsey R.

With all the great yelp reviews, we were so excited to try Monti's. The employees were super friendly, the ambiance was just right, the food sounded delicious...Everything was perfect until we got our food. It was just ok. The Philly Cheesesteak was lacking in flavor. The cold cuts on the Italian were sliced too thick for an authentic italian sandwich. The fries were nothing special. I wanted to make this a regular stop, but I don't think I'll be back again.
(3)
Sean F.

I've never been to Philly so I can't speak to authenticity, but as sandwiches go this was solid. Amazingly the half I brought home warmed up well in the microwave so I'm pretty sure the bread is made by sorcerers. The celery salt on the fries is a neat touch that catches you off-guard. You know something tastes different about the fries but you're not sure what. Bonus points to the waiter for not slipping in service at all when I told him we had a Scoutmob coupon. Some servers definitely get twitchy about anything they think might lower their tip (we're not bumpkins, we know to tip on the original bill). Definitely will try again.
(4)
Amanda M.

The boyfriend and I tried this place about three weeks ago. He lives just down the street so I called ahead and placed an order to go. They said about 20 minutes, we got there in 25 or so. While waiting at the bar for our food, the bartender offered us water while we waited. Very friendly lady! Got our food in maybe 5 minutes, brought it home and devoured it as if it was the first time we ate in a month. SO GOOD. SO TASTY. SO COMING BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN. You guys are great. Thank you!
(5)
Dave R.

I love this place. The cheesesteaks are the best in town and I really like the water ice, too. Location is a little inconvenient and the parking can be tough but it is worth the trip.
(5)
Patrick H.

Great ownership, service, and cheesesteaks enough said.
(5)
Gwen R.

I don't see how this place gets anything less than a five star review--we go all the time and it's delicious every time. It's a small place, but has a great vibe and the service is always spectacular. The person below that's complaining about a 20 minute wait for food? Wow, you must live life at warp speed because in my world, that's pretty standard and hardly worth griping about...but, I digress. We always get Philly cheesesteaks, and they are always AH-MAZING, and the fries are perfect. I've seen several pizzas delivered to nearby tables during my visits and they always smell wonderful and look very appealing....maybe I will order one soon. This is a great addition to the area--excellent food, reasonable prices and great service. Check it.
(5)
Kendall D.

I am not someone who goes around sampling Philly Cheesesteak to find the best one around, but I'm pretty sure if you are, your quest will come to an abrupt end at Monti's. First of all, they have an awesome option of the "Mini Platter." If you're in a group of three, you can order two platters (which comes with three of their "mini" cheesesteaks) and sample one of each of the cheesesteaks they have on the menu. And all for the price of three of their regular-sized cheesesteaks, so you're paying the same amount either way. We, however, decided to order three sandwiches on our own. My friend got the 12" Rocky, and he devoured it. I got the Authentic Philly with Provolone and split it with my friend, who got the Philly hoagie with aged cheddar sauce. Both were unbelievable, but I would have to say the Authentic Philly was my favorite. Food comes out quick, which is great, and the atmosphere is laid back and welcoming. They only had one beer on tap, but they have plenty of bottle and can options. I highly recommend!!
(5)
Erica I.

I don't think I ever really ate a cheesesteak until I came to Monti's. They just never sounded appealing to me. But since this place is close by, I wanted to check it out. It turns out that cheesesteaks are SO yummy, and Monti's is a really nice, low-key hangout. I am already wanting to go back and eat another cheesesteak, and maybe have a few drinks while I'm at it. And service was great!
(4)
scott k.

pretzels nuggets were yummy. love the spicy mustard & cheese dipping sauces. fries were fresh cooked perfectly. philly sandwich. roll was excellent, steak wit onion and provolone were good just wish they had a bit more flavor, was looking for that pop sensation but it was missing. that being said I don't think I've had a better philly in Chicago.
(4)
Pierre W.

WOW!!... I wnet back to Monti's and had THREE steaks this time....If I could finish them all I would have because they were that good!!! The atmosphere in the establishment is a proper compliment to the food. I hope that this business establisment flourishes. They deserve it,and I believe they will if they keep the same quality to the Cheesesteaks as they have now.The owners are WONDERFUL people!! The Chef,and the hostess are a cute couple,and their son is a wonderful Matre 'D..Two visits and I love 'em!!(smile) Please trust me...You gotta try them!! They are SO tasty!!!! If they were a block away...I'd be in trouble(smile)...
(5)
Mike Y.

This is the place I go for the best Philly Cheese Steak in Chicago.
(5)
Brian B.

Just finished lunch here with a friend of mine from the neighborhood. We could not be happier to have this place as neighbors. The owners, James and Monti, greeted us as soon as we walked in the door, and Monti talked to us for a few minutes about their backgrounds, their concept and how they've changed the space since the demise of the somewhat-missed Cinner's at the same location. They did a nice job making the space more inviting and brighter than it was before while still keeping things casual. We both got the cheesesteak hoagie, mine "wit" onions, white american cheese and sans tomato. It was perfect- juicy without being overly greasy, and with a great beefy, steak flavor. The fries were a perfect portion, a nice complementary size. I liked the flavor of the celery salt but wouldn't have mind if they were cooked a minute or two more. As stated above, service was excellent. We talked for a few minutes with Monti and James about their family, previous experience in the industry and James gave us a tour of the small but very impressive and clean kitchen, including the great looking stacked Blodgett stone pizza oven. Might have to try some pizza next time if I can possibly resist the other beefy, oniony, cheesy enticements. I look forward to enjoying this new addition for years.
(5)
Steve R.

My son and I have had a recent ongoing discussion about the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. I had a cheesesteak at one of the most highly rated stands in Philadelphia, and was very unimpressed. I posted what I thought was wrong about the sandwich construction in my blog (trustforce.wordpress,com), and made the statement that I did not think there was a good example of the "true" Philly cheesesteak sandwich to be found. About the Philly cheesesteak sandwich itself, I was definitely wrong. There is a commercially available Philly cheesesteak sandwich that belongs in the realm of iconic sandwiches. It is found here in Chicago, at Monti's in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. It deals with every problem that I had with the Jim's sandwich (Jim's Steaks Philadelphia jimssteaks.com ), and the result is spectacular. I talked with Jennifer Monti, who with her husband Jim, own Monti's. I explained the tastelessness of the sandwich I had in Philadelphia. Jennifer thought that I might have had bread right out of the package, and it would have been too soft. They tried to duplicate the Amoroso hoagie roll here with local bakeries, but were not able to reproduce the exact taste profile that they wanted. They import the Amoroso rolls par-baked, and finish them in their pizza oven. The result is greatly improved over the squishy roll I had in Philadelphia, as there is a nice crust bite to the outside, with a soft crumb inside. The meat is Black Angus Ribeye, seasoned with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. It has a wonderful taste on its own, not too dry, but mixes well with the choice of either a domestic provolone (with a nice bite to it), or the house cheddar sauce (made with Wisconsin cheddar cheese and water). Mushrooms are sautÃ©ed from fresh, as are the onions. The result is a truly excellent sandwich, one that would please a resident of the City of Brotherly Love as well as the residents of the City of Big Shoulders (or anywhere else for that matter). Jennifer was so sure of her product that she stated if I didn't like it, the sandwich was on her. It was a very safe bet on her part! I will have to return to Monti's to try their other offerings: grinders, pizzas, Italian water ices. But, try the Cheesesteak, it made a believer out of me.
(5)
Kara O.

Super friendly awesome staff! The owner is super cool and really passionate about cheese steak! I am also really passionate about cheese steak on days when I am hungover and can only walk the block to get to to Monti's. For some reason, this place has the BEST Coca-Cola I have ever experienced in any corner of the world, they must mix it with extra sugar/love/real cocaine. Come for the cheese steak, stay for the friendly banter and cavities!
(5)
Stephanie B.

There is no other cheesesteak place that tops this one in Chicago...NO OTHER!! They are a bit pricey (I paid $10 for an 8" sandwich) but boy oh boy is it worth the money...and the drive (I came from the south suburbs during rush hour traffic and it was still worth it!) I heard about this place a few years on ABC 7'sHungryHound and I am definitely a cheesesteak lover. So years later I tried them out and I'm mad I waited so long. This place is a great spot. Small but intimate. Quick service, great selection of beers and hard cider and amazing food! This isn't for the dieter, but we all need a cheat day right? Well, make Monti's your cheat day meal, you won't regret it. I had the Authentic Philly cheesesteak 8" with an Angry Orchard hard cider. I did see someone order their buffalo wings and they smelled delicious but I didn't have any. I only wish they were open later, so after clubbing I could head here instead of Jew Town. Will definitely go again!!
(5)
Jay H.

Very welcome addition to the hood. Casual, quality food in a comfortable exposed brick, full-bar setting. Cheesesteak used high quality meat and had a grown up quality of preparation. Not fast food, just casual comfort food. Server happily subbed a salad for fries. Great weeknight option for reasonable fooding and boozing. TV near bar for games.
(4)
Michael S.

This review had been a long time coming. It's way overdue. I went to Monti's several months ago. A friend suggested I go there because I am from the Philadelphia area and I love a good cheesesteak. I went there and anticipated a decent cheesesteak and didn't get that. Instead I got a spectacular cheesesteak. After I started to eat it I came to the conclusion that I died and went to cheesesteak heaven. By far it was the best cheesesteak that I have eaten in Chicago. The cheesesteak from Monti's is neck and neck with Jim's on South Street. I met the owner because I had to tell her that their cheesesteaks are fantastic!!! She was very friendly and we shared our Philly experiences. I love the fact that they have Philly stuff hanging on their walls. If it was possible I would give Monti's ten stars. I only wish that they had onion rings and Yuengling. In a couple of weeks I am going to get some people from my Chicago Philadelphia Eagles group to meet up for dinner. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
(5)
C B.

We just discovered Monti's, and it was amazing. I recommend starting with the pretzel bites, they were the best part of our meal. They come with both mustard and a melted cheddar sauce. As far as the cheesesteak, get the traditional, and get it with provolone. While the american melts better and the cheddar is delicious as well, you'll miss the standard flavor combination that makes a cheesesteak a Philly. 8" is big enough for most anyone, and the fries are piled high. They promote themselves as a bar, but beware, they only have bottled beer and a limited selection of other items. Think of it more as a sandwich shop that also sells beer, which isn't a bad thing, and you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Dalia H.

My friend found this strictly using Yelp by searching 'restaurants for large groups'. Let me start by saying this place isn't the best choice for large groups. Thank goodness, the rest of our group couldn't come! We were 11 and 3 kids. That's probably the best you can do, unless you sit at separate tables. And they wouldn't let us split our bill; another reason why it's not good for large groups. And speaking of kids, again this place says it's good for kids, but definitely is not. From the reviews, we were expecting a family friendly, well lit, type of atmosphere. But it's more for single people or couples or even friends going out. It's not well lit, it has a music lounge type of aura. But they accommodated us very well and were so friendly and the interior design is very well done. They've only been open a week, by the way. Now, I gave this place 5 stars for their food and service. This was the best Philly I've every had. I had The Rocky, it's made with different hot peppers. WARNING: it's very very very spicy! I eat very hot food, but this was off the chart, the kind that makes you sweat, but it was still amazing. We also had the pretzel bites, so good. Beware, the salad, in our case the Society Hill, is a little bit bigger than a side salad anywhere else. It was $8.75. Overall, we had a great time and great food and will definitely try to return. (I'm from the suburbs)
(5)
Steven B.

Really good cheesesteaks and service; plus good microbrews.
(5)
Gabriel L.

Just moved to the neighborhood and not only that, but right upstairs from the place, so you know I had to check it out. Before even having the opportunity to dine at this establishment, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner who just so happened to be outside when I was walking my dogs. Genuinely a nice cool guy. Finally had the pleasure of dining there last night for the first time with some friends. I was by no means disappointed. Besides, having an excellent bottled beverage menu (beers and ciders) and a fully stocked bar, the place just felt cool and relaxing. The food, delicious and the restaurant staff was super friendly. Whatever seasonings they use on their fries makes them highly addictive, watch out! Needless to say, this will be an easy choice next time I'm hungry and looking for a quick awesome bite!
(5)
Jeff D.

Wow. As good as, or actually, way, way better that Pat's or Geno's. Staff is great. The ambiance is cool, darn fine beer list, and they are doing a lot of take-out too. WORTH IT!
(4)
Reginice C.

It was delicious. A lot of meat! Fresh fries.
(4)
Adam K.

One of my favorite neighborhood places. Food is great. Tastes fresh and tastes like Philly. Even if you don't live close by this is a great place to seek out. The pizza is great as well.
(4)
Kelly H.

THE best cheesesteak in the city!!!!!! Absolutely no competition anywhere outside of Pennsylvania. The Amoroso rolls are a crucial element. Natalia's hospitality is fantastic, Monti is very personable, they carry Sailor Jerry (my favorite thing to drink) and there's easy parking. We loved it so much, we went twice this week and will definitely be making a weekly trip up here.
(5)
Nate C.

Been here twice and it definitely fixed my craving for cheese steaks....I won't have to go all the way to Philly anymore. It is a lil pricey but so worth it. Huge sandwiches and great beer and also closer to home. I'll definitely go again especially if they have another Groupon.
(4)
Angela R.

Great authentic food and service to boot!
(5)
Lee P.

At the risk of sounding totally redundant, I'd like to agree that this place is awesome. Super friendly staff and really concerned owners. That said, I wouldn't hand out 5 stars for service alone. The food was outstanding. First time there, so I got the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak wit*. The bread was perfect for a philly (soft and spongy, yet held up to the meat and cheese sauce), aged cheese sauce knockout and the ribeye was delicious. Also, you can get tons of toppings on your fries for 50 cents a piece (which were really good plain - crispy, not limp, and seasoned to perfection). Only wish they had outdoor space so I could chill out there w/ my pup and down a philly and some beers. Definitely will be back.
(5)
Justin P.

Great beer and cider selection to compliment the fantastic CHEESESTEAKS!!! I had the Authentic with Cheddar and White American and it was a beefy cheesy carby handful of everything I wanted in a Cheesesteak. The Rocky was also excellent and surprisingly spicy considering most restaurants these days are afraid of making mouths water and foreheads sweat. The people who run the place are also awesome at what they do- you can tell they love what they do and the food they serve. I'll be back to try the rest of the menu soon. Soooooon.....
(5)
Lautius W.

I've been looking for an authentic traditional Philly Cheesesteak in Chicago for 18 years. All I've ever found are hoagies and grinders advertised as Phillies. I used to get the real deal at a place outside of Philly called Township Line Pizza. I haven't had one of those for about 26 years. Until now. Monti's nails it. I got the mini sampler: 3 small Phillies - 1 with White American Cheese, 1 with Aged Cheddar, and 1 with Provolone. These were the real deal. Can't wait to bring my Dad here. Thanks, guys!!!
(5)
Mori J.

Monti's is the real deal. Original cheesesteaks on real cheesesteak bread from Philly. I am from South Jersey and can vouch for the fact that Monti's delivers a quality cheesesteak that rivals many in the Philly metro area. You have to get it "wit" onions if you want the real thing. Great bar and cozy booths towards the back. Run don't walk over to Monti's today!
(5)
Josh R.

I love two subs ,the Italian and the steak and cheese. I tested many of both in Chicago and Monti's Authentic is the only steak and cheese I have found that is worth going back to have another. Sorry for any offended anyone with "Steak and Cheese"
(5)
Paddy O.

Montis is so good,
(4)
Anne W.

Fantastic food, friendly staff, fabulous fries, who could ask for anything more?
(5)
Helena I.

Let me start off by saying I've had many a cheesesteak in many a traditional Philly joints--Geno's, Pat's, Jim's, etc. I've also had many a cheesesteak at places outside of Philly. Cheese, meat, and bread usually make a good combination any day ending in Y, but that doesn't make it a cheesesteak. I couldn't believe how authentic the cheesesteaks at Monti's were. At first I was skeptical that the aged cheddar sauce wouldn't really be as good as whiz like I'm used to getting. But, I was totally wrong. The meat is also just like you would expect on an authentic cheesesteak. The real star of the show is the bread though. I think the key to making any sandwich lies in the bread and at Monti's their traditional hoagie is what pushes their cheesesteak over the top. I'm glad I can now get a true cheesesteak without having to travel 800 miles.
(4)
Suzanne C.

I forgot to post my review??! I was at Monti's a few weeks ago... saw the Friday special $5 martini's (starting at noon) posted on Lincoln Square's website. Now let me tell ya... I should have been raised in the East Coast but I grew up on the southside in Bridgeport and Taylor st areas. Basically this is pretty close to coming from Jersey as far as food and slang accents go. I fancy myself to be somewhat of an expert in pizza and sandwich joints. That's some about me, now for the sandwich... OH THAT SANDWICH!!! I just had to get a South Side Johnny (well, duh!) with fries (if you skip the fries your sandwich is a $1 less but the fries w/celery salt somehow are a wonderfully suttle accompaniment. The sandwich was more than perfect and altho I knew better, I ate the whole thing!! I actually sat there til I had more room in my tummy so I could finish the sandwich!! It was THAT GOOD!! The sliced/shaved beef was oh-so-tender and flavorful, perfected caramelized onions, the horseradish sauce, THE BREAD FROM PHILLY!! Can't wait to go back and try the boneless wings which smelled divine and the soup looked awesome. My ONLY qualm is that the $5 martini's are made with well vodka. I wasn't paying attention until my last French martini when I noticed the off brand. Ok, no biggie right... the drink still tasted good but I had a headache like horrible the next day. I would've preferred to pay an additional buck for the Friday dealio to upgrade it to at least Absolut. The atmosphere, owner (we talked to the male half of Monti's), the bartenders, the FOOD, all was great!!!! I know some think it is expensive but for the quality and freshness of the ingredients you are getting your money's worth. It's not dollar menu quality or something you just eat. You seriously need to sit and enjoy. and I'd definitely eat in instead of taking out
(4)
Torry H.

Pretzel bites!!! Love living two doors down. The cheese steaks are delish. They had some growing pains and annoyed me a few times when they wouldn't take carryout orders. They are so responsive on Twitter and I really appreciate that. I am excited to see them going strong one year in to being open!
(4)
Catticut P.

We've been meaning to try this place since it's so close to us and I pretty much ride my bike past it every day, but nothing about cheesesteaks really called my name. But tonight it seemed the perfect option (Pizza Art was closed), so we headed on down to test it out. I wasn't really in the mood for drinking, so asked for a Pepsi - the bartender stated he was a mixologist, and said something about not trusting a skinny chef (which we heard him repeat at a table near us ten minutes later - spiel = not so good), and basically asked what my poison was - I said "gin + citrus". He dashed off and soon returned with a cocktail, stating proudly that it was chock full of gin and that he'd mastered the art of "masking the alcohol". I was kinda horrified, but The Husband assured me it was a Chicago trait - strong drinks, ghost of alcohol, all with the intent of getting you drunk quick and easy - point being, I come from a place where I don't want or need the alcohol 'masked' and the drink tasted oddly of...pineapple. It was tasty, but The Husband called it a Cruise Drink. Okay, the food - these guys serve the BEST buffalo wings I've ever eaten. Ever. And I fucking LOVE buffalo wings. I will return based on these alone, and eat them with my entire face. I mopped up the sauce with my cheesesteak. I told the lovely waitress how much I dug them, and she said it was because they were organic - they should seriously mention this shit on the menu, because that's a big selling point. Get the buffalo wings. I'd never had a Philly cheesesteak, so I told the mixologist to Bring It On. He brought it, and it was...boring. But please keep in mind I don't know cheesesteaks, so I could be talking out of my arse. Fries were good, but a small portion. It wasn't bad, but I wish I'd spent the night eating all of the buffalo wings instead. The Husband had a sausage, mushroom and pepperoni pizza, and he loved it. Very savoury, pretty tasty. Not overly cheap for what we got (in fact, the bill gave me a bit of a fright), but the drinks themselves were oddly well-priced. Staff were lovely. I know this seems a harsh review, but I'm kinda torn on this place. We'd become regulars in a second if it weren't for a few niggling issues - but the buffalo wings and friendliness/efficiency of staff will warrant a second return. ** ETA (5/27/2013) Was just considering giving this place another try, and decided to browse the reviews made since mine back in mid-2012. I see that Jennifer of Monti's is still leaving passive-aggressive--or just plain aggressive--responses to any reviews that are less than favourable, even if only a few slightly negative notes are mixed in with some raving commendations. I've actually never seen this type of owner/manager/representative response to reviewers on Yelp (outside of Kitchen Nightmares, that is). Combative, arrogant, sarcastic--makes you wonder how she treats the people around her. It's incredibly off-putting, and a complete disservice to those who work at Monti's, and the areas in which the establishment shine. I honestly don't ever want to hand over $ to anyone who conveys this type of attitude and complete inability to take customer criticism, regardless of how amazing their buffalo wings are. I'm deducting another star just for this.
(2)
Stephanie O.

I love going to Monti's for their Gyro Philly Cheese Steaks. They also have these awesome fresh pretzel bites.
(5)
Tanya N.

Great place for cheesesteaks. My husband and I are from the Mid-Atlantic region having been to Philadelphia a number of times for authentic Philly cheesesteaks and he's taken more than 1 drive specifically just for them, so we were searching for a cheesesteak here in Chicago and had yet to find a quality one, but the search has finally been successful. Easy street parking, yes, the one-way streets might make it a little tricky to get there your first time but Google Maps was on the spot. Really good wings, love the crunchy exterior. I got the Authentic Philly with Provolone and onions, he got the Philly hoagie and we were both pleased. Impressive beer list - I had the Original Sin cider, perfect for an 80+ degree April day. Would definitely come again and recommend to friends.
(5)
Ed C.

One of the better cheesesteaks I had in chicago and they have a good craft beer selection.
(4)
Melissa K.

This place is just tops. All around awesome. The atmosphere is really comfortable yet chic. Servers are beyond friendly, knowledgeable, and are very helpful: attentive when you want them and they'll leave you alone when you don't. The food is fan-freaking-tastic. Best cheese steaks around. Period. The owners are from Philly so they actually care about what they're giving you. I haven't been disappointed with a thing I've gotten there. The coconut chicken is amazing, don't be thrown by the description of the sauce because it is actually very sweet and complimentary. Their deserts are also rockin. Lots of craft beers and signature drinks. They're always adding and creating things based on what customers suggest. The price? TOTALLY reasonable. You get, what I believe the technical term is, shittons of food and awesome drinks for a price I'm beyond willing to pay (and I'm a student, so I's poor). It's sad that it's right by my gym because I work out then go drink and eat my face off. Meh, oh well. I love Monti's!
(5)
maria n.

After seeing Montis being featured on 190 North we decided to go the very next day on NYE...we were not disappointed! The cheesesteaks were awesome! And Jennifer and James were so cool and laid back like they were one of your buddies from college. I would recommend this place for good cheesesteaks
(5)
Jay S.

Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and other bar food. Nice vibe to the place, I go with my wife and kids, but there are a lot of singles that go for the food and the bar. It isn't health food, but it is reasonably priced and good quality. I don't order the larger sandwich because it is very filling. Service is good and is really a nice place to go if you want some hearty food without spending a ton of money. Better yet, Dad can have a beer and see the game on the TVs.
(4)
Chris P.

Delicious Philly cheesesteak! Best I have had since leaving Pennsylvania. Service is great and price is very reasonable for quality of ingredients
(4)
Keisha S.

Everything was fantastic my son and I loved the Food and I will definitely be returning soon
(5)
Louis C.

Came in with the wife and our oldest little guy on a Friday night. A nice lady behind the bar greeted us and let us pick our own spot. Let's cut to the chase. I spent a number of years in Philly in the 90s and had cheese steaks at Jim's, Geno's and Pat's. These things were a staple of my diet when i was there so I know them pretty well. The steaks at Monti's are truly outstanding. They are certainly the real deal. The large proportion of ribeye on my steak was perfectly seasoned and the cheese perfectly placed under the meat. The secret weapon for this sandwich is the bread they use. I think they said they were Amoroso rolls but whatever they are, they are incredible and provide that perfect crusty chew you need on a steak. My wife had the wedge salad which was perfectly executed with fresh, cold iceberg, blue cheese dressing and thick cut bacon pieces. My son ordered the thin crust pizza which was also impressive The only drawback was that the toppings were a bit sparse but it was of little consequence in light of the epic cheese steak high we were experiencing. The crust was clearly homemade and had a nice chew to it. Don't forget to order the pretzel nuggets for a nice starter and the water ice and tastykakes for dessert. On a final note, this place had a nice choice of beers. We had the Allagash Belgian White which is one of our faves that we don't see very often in restaurants or bars. Thanks Monti's...we will be back.
(5)
Josh G.

So I'd heard about this place and really wanted to try it out. I have to say it has to be the best cheesesteak I've ever had. The meat was quite flavorful, too be honest I never realized why when I ordered from a small local cheesesteak chain that will remain nameless ::cough:: Philly's Best :: cough:: I always get extra cheese. I know now, their meat isn't very good. That's not the case here. The only thing I didn't care for and this is a more personal preference was the celery salt on the fries. (and why I can't give a full 5 stars) My girlfriend said she didn't notice it but I could sure tell. Next time I'll just get a side salad. One other nice thing is one of the owners came over and talked to us for a couple of minutes which gives this place a nice neighborhood feel. Will be back very soon!
(4)
Kevin G.

Wow! That is the first word that came to mind when I bit into the Philly cheese steak. My girlfriend and I came here on a Sunday afternoon and immediately found a table. We started off with the Coconut Chicken. I was expecting thin chicken tenders, but they actually were large portions of chicken. It tasted pretty good, but the horseradish sauce that came with it was not very good. We both had the Authentic Philly Cheese steak with provolone cheese and fries. I have never been a big fan of Philly cheese steaks...probably because I have never had a good one at other places. The Philly cheese steak at Monti's was absolutely outstanding. The steak had a lot of flavor and was very juicy. The provolone cheese helped enhanced the great taste. After I finished it, I wanted to lick the plate. The fries were also very good and were not overly dry. This is a great place for cheese steak. I cannot wait to go back and try the other versions that they have.
(4)
Katherine P.

This place is by far my favorite place to go in the 'hood. The beer is good, the owners are awesome, and the South Side Johnny is the best sandwich in Chicago (I prefer it with the creamy American cheese instead of the Swiss.) The only problem with Montis is how close it is to my house. I. Can't. Stop. Eating. There.
(5)
Tiffany T.

I'm always open to trying Philly cheese steaks and I seen on yelp that this place had 4 stars in a half so I wanted to try it. The place is nice but my waiter was kind of tipsy and kept slurring his words and told kept asking the same question over, like he didn't understand me. But he was very nice so it didn't bother me. But the phillys was not the best or the worst I feel like susiez has a much better philly. It was also small and price wasn't worth it. I wouldn't mind coming back to try something else though.
(3)
Robert D.

Nice atmosphere and great music playing. We ordered 2 salads and we split the special philly steak, a mexican themed cheesesteak called AlPastore. The salads arrived without the goat cheese, so they had lettuce, walnuts and dried cherries and dressing. Forgettable salads not made with much care. When they took salads back to add the goat cheese on them, it seemed from a can instead of soft goat cheese. The sandwich was okay. The roll was great!! The filling was okay. They brought the sandwich while we were still eating the salad and didnt care that I objected to this. Unsure its gonna survive when its so forgettable.
(2)
Brigid R.

Monti's has been a favorite of my husband and mine's for some time. We have a one- year-old so unfortunately we can't spend tons of time there, but we often find ourselves getting take-out or a quick lunch during the week. I have always loved the society hill salad and for some reason my husband dreams about the Rocky sandwich, beware, you must like spicy to enjoy the rocky - I mean, really, really spicy, which he does. The food is very good, and I think their philly sandwiches are amazing even though I often get the salad, which tells you they can do all types of food. That being said, the service and owners are by the far the best! I thought about leaving a review of this place for some time, but I am so busy with my baby and life I never got around to it, but after tonight's service I had to make my voice heard "Monti's is GREAT!!" Today is my son's first birthday. My husband and I decided to celebrate one full year of being parents by having a good meal at one of our favorite spots. We came in with a big obnoxious stroller and I expressed how he sits better in the stroller then in a high chair, the owner (I'm pretty positive it was the owner, but if it was the manager, still great!) was so accommodating, very "no big deal!". I then explained it was his birthday and not only did he get free sherbet at the end of the meal BUT when we left we forgot his ONLY sippy cup - and she RAN down the street to ensure we got our cup. It was above and beyond. That being said, not only is the food very good but the service honestly goes above and beyond and made our son's birthday one of the best!
(5)
Javier B.

Solid place! I had never been to the chili place that was in this space before. In all honesty, I forget that there is a restaurant at this location. Not a very visible spot. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised as to how nice the space is. Small, but nice. Good beer list, very strong service and really enjoyed the cheese steak sandwich. It is slightly pricey, but still a good overall value. I will definitely be going back.
(4)
S t.

Food is great, bread is wonderful...service is so-so and we were one of 3 tables there. But overall the food is delicious and although I wouldn't know if it is authentic, it is good. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Doug M.

The best things about Monti's is that the ingredients are excellent, the beer (et al) selection is better than many places three times Montis' size, and the french fries. The only "bad" thing about Monti's is that you have to pretty much be looking for them in order to find them - but if you are, they are easy enough to get to - a couple of blocks from the Rockwell stop on the Brown line. Did not get the Philly Cheese Steak first time around. Hadda go for the Roast Pork with brocolli rabe and cheese. It was excellent, also excellent was the turkey breast with pepper jack and banana peppers. Some excellent beers (Lagunitas, Five Points, Half Acre) and a full bar but you might have to watch a Phillies game. The prices are not so small (about $14 for a 12" with fries, I think) but the sandwich was worth it based on the overall taste and dedication to quality ingredients, and the fries were excellent. Monti's is worth the trip and the neighborhood is far from being in the middle of nowhere (despite some other reviews that seem to consider Lincoln Square as urban pioneering). There is plenty of zone-free parking available and the neighborhood is ridiculously gentrified (i.e. safe to walk in). And Lincoln Square is just a few blocks away for after Monti's closes. I hope this place works... a year ago this location was CInners - a Cincinatti bar that specialized in chili and Little Kings. I shudder to think what would be next if Monti's doesn't make it. Dubuque? Indianapolis? St. Louis? Wheaton?
(4)
Lynn H.

First visit yesterday. After reading some good reviews, bought a Chicago Reader Deal and drove 12 miles to try it out. It's near where I run every weekend so I was excited about finding a possible new post-run place for my gang to eat. Just in the door I realized I forgot to print out my coupon. Pulled it up on my phone and asked if they could take it, and the owner said no, she needed the hard copy. I totally understand that. She was sitting at the bar with an ipad and I asked if I could email it to her and she print it for me. She first said yes, but then had trouble printing it. I asked if she could just screen shot it and print it from that, and her comment was "That's a lot of trouble for me to go to". Hey, ya know what? It was also a lot of trouble for me to drive 12 miles to check out your restaurant. Sandwich was pretty good. Bread was great. Decent beer selection. But I would expect a little more customer-oriented attitude from the owner. Also, don't go if you don't like cheesesteaks, there's not much else to eat there.
(2)
joe t.

Philly's Best?? More like Philly's Worst now that this place opened!!! Moved back to Chicago 7 years ago and was on a quest to find a Philly like I had, well at Pat's in Philly. Tried the "best" and was grossly disappointed. Went 6 years without one in Chicago until this years Ribfest! Met the super upbeat Monti gave it a try and wasn't damn bad considering it was a street fest. And learned about their actual shop. Talked about it for 2 weeks to the missus and finally she gave and said ok already. Man were we shocked, the place is super cool inside, clean as hell, chalkboard full of craft beers, full bar and then the food. I seriously had the best Philly since Pat's and I dare say it may have just been a bit better!! The missus had a turkey hoagie which was MASSIVE. and the baby had the pretzel bites, well who are we kidding we all had them. The fries were awesome as well, seasoned perfectly. You may look at the menu and say woah that's expensive but it really isn't for the size of the sandwich and fries its worth every penny!!! Well done Monti! Welcome to the neighbourhood, you have a few more loyal customers as of today!!!
(5)
Evan H.

Another great experience at Monti's last night! I tried the roasted pork loin snadwich, and while it was good, I'll probably stick with steak next time. I just ate the other half of my fiance's Southside Johnny that she brought home. Didn't even bother re-heating it and the sucker was still choice! Great food, great service, great addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Justin N.

great food! absolutely amazing beer selection. so far I've had the rocky and the south side johnny. both are amazing. you can tell they want to keep the authentic philly flavors! i intend on going twice in one week! don't tell my trainer...
(5)
Katie P.

I have been to Monti's a couple times on Friday evenings when they have $5 martini's and have definitely enjoyed my drinks, the service and the atmosphere. My roommate and I decided to go by yesterday (on a Tuesday) evening for a martini. I did not think to ask there martini prices on a regular night, since I assumed it would be no more than $10. We were shocked when our bill came out listing that our martini's were $11.75 each. While we obviously should have checked on the price before ordering (as they are not listed in the menu), paying almost $12 for what is listed on the recipe as "Rasp Stoli". I mean, if you're going to charge me $12 at least don't tell me you also gave me the cheapest vodka out there. I'm sure I'll return (though probably not as frequently), but I definitely won't be ordering the martini's any other night than Friday.
(4)
Sarah F.

Dude, this place is stellar. Placed an order for a coupla sandwiches; not thirty minutes later they arrived piping hot, almost too hot to eat right away. 'Nuff said.
(5)
Daniel B.

Went there last night for the first time ... will NOT be the last. The food and service were both outstanding. Plus, they have a great list of craft beers and ciders!
(5)
Tom Q.

Having been born and raised in Philly, it is next to impossible to find a good cheese steak outside the tri-state area. Well Monti's come as close to a Gino's, Pat's, Tony Luke's or Jim's as I have found. You know a good cheese steak when the meat is falling out of the roll, they dont skimp on the meat. The only suggestion I would make is dont toast the roll so much. I am used to a fresh roll, not a toasted crunchy one for a steak sandwich. Also they were out of tastycakes and only had watermelon ice. Cherry and Lemon are a staple of any philly establishment.
(4)
Jennifer B.

Loved it! Food was fabulous, ambiance and decor were cool, and owners are fantastic! Like others, I was expecting more along the lines of a takeout joint so I was definately pleasantly surpised by the "coolness" of the restaurant itself . Also, to those complaining about the price, I thought the prices were far more than reasonable as they are serving high quality food...its not your greasy sandwich joint. Bread is fresh from Philly and the meat is black angus cooked perfectly. Owners have alot of culinary experience and you can tell there is a great amount of detail that went into all of their menu items. Salted caramel martini was tasty and nice selection of beers also. Really enjoyed Monti's!
(5)
Tracy D.

Finally got around to checking out Monti's yesterday... Read about the opening on Urban Daddy and was immediately pumped about perfect hangover food within walking distance from Albany Park - YES!! After my experience there yesterday, they are so much more than that! Went around 7 p.m. on a Wednesday and had my choice of table... glad to see the place quickly started filling up a little after 7. The interior is quaint and stylish, just enough seating area. My bf and I tried a new micro-brew on suggestion from our server - loved it. We then started with coconut chicken and split the South Side Johnny. Couldn't have been happier with the food - the chicken app comes with a sweet horseradish marmalade... nearly licked that little sauce bowl dry it was so tasty! The fries that accompany the cheese steaks are perfectly seasoned. The 8" cheese steak along with a starter app was the perfect size meal split for 2. I can't wait to come back and experiment more with the menu... but honestly the best part about this place seems to be the service! Our server was so friendly & attentive, he stopped by several times to ask how our food was and if we were happy with everything; and the owners were walking around, seating people and checking on tables just as much! The chef & owner James made sure to stop by our table and confirm that everything was just right :) You can't get better service than this... especially in this neighborhood. Granted the place was not packed, but the service was top notch nonetheless. As business grows, Monti's will thrive as long as they keep the warm, inviting & friendly service the same. I did ask about drink specials since it was a Wednesday - but our server advised that they're not offering specials just yet since the place just opened in March - totally understandable. I'm really hoping this place attracts enough foot traffic to remain a permanent neighborhood bar! For Albany Parkers, Lincoln Square bars are walkable... but Monti's is even closer and away from that crazy intersection. I did make a suggestion to our server that with time they should work on offering a Sunday brunch w/Bloody Marys... if that happened I might consider moving across the street :)
(5)
Dave S.

I walked to the new Monti's the first week it was open and pulled up a chair at the bar. The restaurant is clean and server was friendly. I ordered the pizza philly cheese steak with mozzarella cheese on the fries. The cheese steak awesome! I ordered the 12'' sub and I had to wrap it up. The restaurant will do very well. It's in a great location and the staff was friendly, and most importantly the food was great!!!! I will go back several times!!!!
(5)
Brandon B.

A good place for a cheesesteak, if not a little pricey. All the ingredients they use are of high quality. Their menu even accommodates vegetarians and those with gluten intolerance. Once thing that was different is that they use celery salt to season their fries. Staff is extremely cordial and attentive. I'll be back.
(4)
Tom P.

My friend heard about this place due to its reputation of having the best Philly cheesesteak in the city. All I will say is that I wasn't disappointed. I got the rocky cheesesteak sandwich which had jalapeno, spicy mayo, grilled onion, etc. Very tasty and leaves a very good aftertaste in your mouth for hours. The owner and chefs are from Philly so its proof you are getting the real thing. I highly recommend coming here. The beer list is really good too.
(5)
Demetrio P.

Tried Monti's with a buddy recently, and overall the food was good. We split two sandwiches since I wanted to try different ones. We ordered the South Side Johnny (my fave so far) and the Rocky. The Johnny had mushrooms, onions, swiss, and a nice horseradish sauce. The horsetrading wasn't too overpowering, but just good enough to compliment the sandwich well. The Rocky was a nice and spicy sandwich with onions, cheese, Jalapeno, Serrano, and Scotch Bonnet peppers. The spiciness slowly builds as you keep eating the sandwich and gets hotter as you delve further in. This sandwich is not for the faint of heart, but it's not overly spicy where you'll just say "I'm done with this!" Prices are a tad higher, I believe, for the area but the beef is of high quality, and the service was great. So I believe the prices are substantiated. One note...I liked how we can sub our fries for a small side salad. Great option for those who want are trying to count calories, knowing that you're eating a steak sandwich as well. Overall, good food, good service, okay prices. Will definitely return again to try more sandwiches.
(4)
William B.

A Philly native who has been in Chicago for years, I've always went to Philly's Best to get my cheesesteak fix. And while that had been an all right sandwich, my biggest "beef" has always been the roll they use. Finally Monti's has fixed that by bring Amoroso rolls to Chicago! Great cheesesteak and great fries. I might go easy on the onions next time, but that is a personal preference. Good service with friendly waitstaff as well. The beer gripes in other reviews are legit, but it seems like Monti's is taking steps to fix this. I would give this more stars if not for the prices. $11 for an 8inch and $14 for a 12 inch cheesesteak is a little high. I understand there is a higher cost for shipping the rolls in, but I really think that these prices might cost some business. Maybe forgoing the fries and dropping the price might help. But I know at these prices I won't be frequenting as much as I'd like to. One other minor thing that a lot of transplanted cheesesteak places seem to get worng. There is no substitute for Cheese Whiz on an authentic Philly cheesesteak. While aged cheddar sauce might be a more "quality" ingredient, you wouldn't find it in a legit place in Philly. All in all, I am exicted for this place and plan on leaving in a minute to have another, but I hope as they work out their kinks the prices might come down a bit. 2 hours later..... Just bumped it up a star after have a Pizza Cheesesteak. They are some damned good.
(4)
Jack H.

I've been to Monti's twice now and am happy to say this place is starting to become one my fave places in Lincoln Square. Great cheesesteaks, pizza, apps, and beer selection. I actually got the greek sandwich last time and it was awesome. The service is top notch...the people are super friendly. The Tastycakes are a nice little touch.
(5)
Joe T.

Rokey I couldn't agree more with you, I've seen this on a tv show and I guess that they wouldn't say the place was bad when it is. I went in there and I have to say that I loved the layout of the place and thought it would be a great local bar if I lived around there. The staff that were working were extremely friendly and I could see having drinks there and talking to the staff and customer's. But that's where the nice comments end. I unfortunately ordered the Philly cheese steak and they came with the fries. Unfortunately I ordered mine to go other wise I would of said something to the owner even though I don't think they could of corrected anything. I live in the northwest suburbs (luckily I was in the area for monties other wise they might not of gotten the 1 star for me driving out of my way). I couldn't even finish the sandwich or the fries and the smell was making me sick and I had to pull over to throw out the garbage (food) before I got to the highway. Going there for drinks would be ok if I was in the area and everyone was friendly but I don't think I could stomach the food. It was a real shame seeing how this tv show rated how good it was and it definitely seemed to have been their speciality. There is a greek restaraunt in Palatine named Chiggy's that have great philly cheese steak sandwiches and that's not even their speciality. Sorry to the owners but your food is not worth the trip or write home about, but you guy's were friendly...
(1)
Jeremy B.

another 5 star for Montis. only even sliver of a complaint is its kind of pricey, but hey its cheaper than a flight to philly but the quality of the food warrants the price. will be back as often as i can!
(5)
Stephanie A.

Thank god I found this place. Growing up around Philly I have been craving the cheesesteaks and, let's face it, those super large grinders that the city is also known for. Well imagine my surprise when I come across Monti's. Their grinders and cheesesteaks seriously rock my world. The grinders are no joke; they are packed so full it's almost impossible to close the bread around it, let alone your mouth. And while I love me some carbs, I am actually gluten intolerant (tear). But that isn't a problem at Monti's! You can get gluten-free breads and pizzas here! That's a big win in my book. And the pretzel bits are pretty tasty too (mmm...spicy dijon dip). Another win: Friday's is $5 martinis! Heck yes I'll be there. Their caramel martini rocks my world and the bartender that works on weekends is super nice. This place is a big winner and I'm ready for another weekend filled with Monti's.
(5)
Jennifer R.

LOVE this place! Cute atmosphere and DELICIOUS food! I had the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak with American Cheese one time and the South Side Johnny the next. Both SO good. I think I liked the Authentic just a little better. My girlfriend is a vegetarian. You can get any sandwich with soy sausage instead of real meat. It was also delicious. The fries were really good too. You can tell they were fresh cut. I hope that everyone tries this place. You will not be sorry! We need restaurants like this in the hood. I just hope that enough people support them so they are able to stay open.
(5)
Layne S.

Best Philly cheesesteaks and probably best cheesesteaks in Chicago. I lived in PA for years and visited Philadelphia a few times yet the only thing I remember from those cheesesteaks is that I don't like cheez whiz and that I like white american cheese best. So the only thing I have to compare these cheesesteaks to is Philly's Best on Belmont. The meat at Philly's was always legit, yet the bread had its ups and downs. I havent eaten at Philly's Best in years so maybe it got better. By comparison the meat and bread at Monti's are the real deal. On it's own the "Authentic Philly Cheesesteak" on the menu is delicious. The bread is solid and chewy and delicious and holds the meat and cheese well. I tasted the aged cheddar cheese sauce and the white american cheese versions of the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak and as I expected I like the white american cheese version better. So yeah the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak is great. We also got the pretzel bites which were plentiful and good, yet may not be worth the cost. The fries are delicious - crispy and meaty and seasoned with celery salt. Overall this place is a great addition to the neighborhood and a great place to eat great food.
(5)
r a.

been back to Monti's at least once every two months, as good as it gets even though i don't get the juice / dip ? on my sandwich, have to watch the salt
(5)
Sam H.

I love this place probably too much. I've stuck to the Philly and its variations (South Side Johnny, extra mushrooms is my favorite!), you seriously can't go wrong. Super nice staff, great prices on drinks, my only selfish wish would be for their sandwiches to be slightly less expensive, but I am totally in love so I'm still here once a week or so. They've got some new specials coming to sweeten the deal even more, I hear.
(5)
Karen J.

Came here on the recommendation of a friend. The best cheesesteak I have ever had. Calamari appetizer with spicy banana peppers and lemons fried too! Really delicious twist. Excellent service as well.
(5)
Nick B.

Finally - a REAL cheesesteak in Chicago. After going to college in Philadelphia I have been looking for something close to the Philly steak for years. Monti's gave me a true "whiz with" - it was phenomenal. Great service and great food. Easily the most authentic cheesesteak in Chicago. The service was great. I spoke to the owner for quite awhile, as she is from Philly (obviously). Philadelphia memorabilia is all over the walls which is a great add (besides the St. Joe's pennant - needs to be replaced with a Villanova). Atmosphere and service are all top notch. For those who are unfamiliar with TastyKakes, make sure to try some out. Also, awesome fries that are similar to Chickie and Pete's crab fries - I highly recommend trying them out!
(5)
Adam H.

Called in an order for a pizza at 7:25, they said 20-25 min would be ready to pick up... at 8:30 was told it needed another 10 (you can do the math), pizza still not in hand by 8:45
(1)
William K.

The cheesesteak was great! Since I've never had one in Philly I can't speak to it's authenticity, but great is great, so there. Had the pizza and liked it a lot, but the cheesesteak will be my raison d'etre when I'm at Monti's. The calamari was tasty & fascinating as it had batter fried pepper rings & lemon slices in it, proving an axiom of my hillbilly forefathers that you need only to fry something to make it delicious. Dessert was an Ice cream sandwich with chocolate sauce and whipped cream... oddly enough I liked it more than almost any dessert I've ordered in fancier restaurants. The salted carmel martini was something I wanted to try and it was so good that I shall never have another. I refuse to be a "carmel martini guy" despite my new found proclivities to such. No! A thousand times NO! Unless, of course, it's a special occasion.
(4)
Matt S.

That Rocky sandwich is no joke. I love spicy food and I wasn't expecting it to be as hot as it was. Caught me off guard but I was pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Melisha S.

I just tried Monti's for the first time and really liked it! I have never had the sandwich before and couldn't care less if it's authentic, but they won me over with the fantastic bread and tasty beef. Service was good, portions were sizeable. We tried a turkey grinder as well, which wasn't as good as the beef, but was still good. (I don't think turkey would ever win in a fight against beef though.) The wedge salad was fresh as well, and the owner was really accomodating with special requests. I will be back and bring friends.
(5)
Megan S.

I have never been to Philly and had a real cheesesteak. According to my boyfriend, who has eaten there multiple times, I am not missing a thing compared to this superior restaurant. We went on Friday, and to my surprise it was $5 martini night. Bonus! We each got a sandwich, my boyfriend opted for The Rocky and I got the classic with chicken. SO good. The Rocky made my boyfriend sweat like nobody's business (and we eat a ton of spicy food). This sandwich is no joke. Def spicy, but def yummy. I told him to ask for milk, and he was too embarrassed, but was more than glad to take it when the waitress offered (who was fantastic, btw). I got the chicken option over the beef, because I am always leery eating beef products at new places. I was so wrong. The chicken was great, and a nice alternative, but after eating a bite of The Rocky made with beef I was sorry I didn't get the beef option myself. This is real beef, not some gross minute steak in a bucket. It was tender, well seasoned, and not fatty. I would definitely rather pay a couple bucs more for quality over cheap gross meat. And I don't understand why people say the prices are so high. I got a sandwich with fried for $11 and two martinis at $5 each. A quality sandwich with two cocktails for $21 is a steal in my mind. It isn't McDonalds people. Grateful to have them in the neighborhood. Trying the pizza tonight and I expecting great things! P.S. As someone who works in the neighborhood and sees clients all day, I have heard nothing bad about Monti's, only how much people love it. Seriously. And I will continue to recommend it.
(5)
Dmitry B.

It was pretty good. I got it delivered, and it took a little bit of time and the charge is kind of expensive (5 dollars). I ordered the "Rocky" cheesesteak and it was SUPER HOT, but really good. I would definitely eat from there again.
(4)
Magnum J.

Wow. This was an awfully good cheesesteak. I'm hesitant to call it the best or the greatest, but it was damn good. Good onions, good cheese. I can't complain about it. The meat lacked a little crispness to it which I like, but that would be the only negative. Perhaps the lovely gooey cheese sauce dampened the crispness. I'd definitely go back for another. I look forward to it. I also had the nuclear wings. So-so. Big wings, but not worth the price (6 wings for $7.50). They had the soggy like breading which I'm not a fan of. If you call it nuclear, they better make you sweat. Which they didn't. They had some heat, but not not enough for you to want a drink of water. The fries were slightly above your normal offerings, but the salt (celery as another reviewer stated?) pushed them up a notch. It was nice little touch that made them much more enjoyable to eat. I didn't even need to use ketchup! Beware, you'll need a ton of napkins. Everything was a mess to eat...which is a good thing, of course. Good chows.
(4)
Jan C.

Cheesesteaks and pretzel nuggets A+. Love the pizza! Coconut chicken and marmalade is an amazing appetizer. On a quest to try everything on the menu. Monti is very nice and Clayton is so charming.
(5)
Donald A.

Great place. Enjoyed the 8" Authentic Cheese Steak for lunch and enjoyed the friendliness of the staff. Next time I'm in Chicago would like to try other menu items.
(4)
Eddie S.

Went there for a gathering, great food, good beer and friendly service! My kind of place affordable and a good value!
(4)
Lori M.

Great food, good pricing, great atmospere, attentive staff.... What a great addition to the neighborhood! And the celery salt on the fries is genius!! I woke up today craving what I just ate there yesterday!! Well done!!! I WILL be back!!!!
(5)
Mike B.

First time I've had a Philly cheesesteak and it was delicious. Saw Monti's on "Chicago's Best" and had to try it that same day, and as I write this, I am getting hungry. Bartender was really nice and I got to chat with one of the owners while they made my lunch. Cool place and a great Philly cheesesteak!
(5)
Kimberly B.

As a Jersey girl, I give Monti's 5 stars! Authentic, delicious, great service, great beer, and tasty cakes! If you want a good cheesecake, this is the only place to go. They get their bread from Philly which makes a huge difference.
(5)
Bob G.

Food and service both outstanding @ Monti's. You can get that all over the City. What separates them is their genuine interest in their customers. That's hard to bottle.
(5)
Martin S.

As a long-suffering Philadelphian-in-exile, I was ecstatic when Monti's first opened in the Spring of 2012. Since then, I've become a bit of a regular - especially for Eagles' games on Sundays. Monti's is - without question - the best cheesesteak you will find in Chicago. The "eats" are authentic, with Amoroso's rolls flown in on a regular basis and local favorites like scrapple whipped up for special occasions. Now it's true that it's a bit pricey for a cheesesteak joint - I've never gotten out of Monti's for less than $20 per person. That said, I'm willing to pay for high-quality food. Ditto for beer, and they've gotten much better about pricing alcohol fairly since football season began. I'm particularly pleased by the $5 pitchers of Rolling Rock, though the alcohol prices still leave me somewhat confused. That said, I'm inclined to give Monti's the benefit of the doubt, since pretty much every aspect of the joint has seen drastic improvement since the Spring of 2012. It's a great little neighborhood joint, and I couldn't ask for much more - other than to live closer!
(5)
Frank G.

Authentic Philly steaks all the way! Shaved rib-eye steak with grilled onions and an aged cheddar sauce! It was sooo good! They have a lot of pictures of Philly up in the restaurant. They will even serve the cheese steaks on a gluten-free bun if you choose. I will FOR SURE be going back here!
(4)
Tom B.

tiny sandwich, huge price!!!!
(1)
Kimberley D.

This is by far the best Cheesesteak we've ever had. Great service too. Thanks for bringing this to Chicago.
(5)
andrea l.

Sooo delicious. Love the cheddar sauce with the pretzel nuggets. The cheesesteak was awesome. All of the employees were super helpful and genuinely nice. I wish I lived closer!
(5)
Andrew S.

born and raised in NW Philly. This place makes the best Cheesesteak outside of the 215 area code.
(5)
Michael S.

One of the best sandwiches I've ever had.
(5)
Tracy C.

Good food. Nice place, Kera was great, salted caramel martini was tasty,philly cheese steak was good. Ceasar was good. Coconut chicken was good, not very coconutty but good. Pretel bites-yummy. Fun place, will be back, literally 3 blocks from home! Bonus! 1 super minor critique, my fries were over done, only miss to whole meal. Really great food and service, just a wee bit expensive, $100 for dinner for cheese steaks, Ouch!
(4)
steve f.

went here tonight withe my wife and we absolutely loved this place. had the pretzels as an appetizer and she had the turkey cheesesteak and i had the rocky cheesesteak. Food was fresh and hot and the owners were great and really care about the place. so nice to see a family run business that has owners who are really nice people. we will for sure be back. place is awesome. oh and the fries were tasty and perfectly crispy.
(5)
Michael D.

We live a few blocks away and noticed a new place on the block. We took our two kids (2 and 4) and decided to give it a go. You can tell they are still getting things sorted out, but the food and service was excellent. We started with the pretzel things which were really nice. The kids split a pizza which was very good. Nice thin crispy crust and perfect size to split between two little ones. I had the traditional philly cheesesteak and it was REALLY good. Reminded me of the beer and chedder sandwich at Morseland up in Roger's Park. Good meet, good cheese, good bread. Awesomely good. My wife had the soy sausage cheesesteak and I tried some of the 'meat' and I have to say, that was really good as well. If you don't eat meat and are tired of lame veggie options, then run, don't walk to try this one. Fries were good as well and all the staff I talked to were really nice and very professional. Good addition to the neighborhood. Worth a try. We will be back!
(5)
Christie R.

A group of friends all went out to try something new and we were very impressed with Monti's! It's comfort food with a gourmet twist. I especially loved the 'Rocky' - really packs a punch, please pardon the pun. The ambience was welcoming with great flair. I really enjoyed the fun, friendly staff. Anyone who wants a true taste of Philly, incredible Chicago pizza or just a good neighborhood joint to have a drink, should go - and often!
(5)
brian c.

Stopped on in walking by and enjoyed it a lot, and a welcoming addition to the neighborhood. Had the cheesesteaks and they were great... thanks for coming Monti's!
(4)
Jenn H.

The first time we went to Monti's, I had an Italian hoagie -- I think I was just so excited to see "hoagie" on a menu in Chicago from folks who know what the word really means! But last night the hubs and I went back and I finally tried the cheesesteak and I must say, that's where it's at. The hoagie was good, but the cheesesteak was THE BOMB! Best I've had in Chicago and even better than the one I had recently at Jim's (my favorite cheesesteak place in Philly, and I'm from there...). I find "Phillys" in Chicago to be overly seasoned (with oregano or something - blech!) and this one was perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper. Was also pleased to see a decent crowd in there on a Tuesday night for dinner. Folks, do yourself a favor and check this place out. It's not cheap, but they have a charming interior, a nice selection of beers, they use real Angus beef (but appropriately converted into cheesesteak size pieces) and they fly in Amoroso's rolls! Just think, it's a lot cheaper than a flight to Philly!
(5)
N R.

Very friendly staff, great selection of beers, and truth in advertising for a very spicy sandwich!
(5)
Parul D.

My husband lived in the Philly area for a bit as a child and has been searching for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak for decades. He found it at Monti's. The meat was delicious, the bread was spot on and the toppings were perfect. I don't have a frame of reference myself as to authenticity, but it was one of the tastiest sandwiches I have ever had in my life. I also tried the coconut chicken which was juicy, crispy and delicious. We also tried a turkey grinder that was amazing. The quality of the ingredients is what makes all the food here so tasty. This is a real gem of a place.
(5)
Daniel C.

Outstanding Best Cheese Steak bar none Definitely one of my Favorites You will not be disappointed
(5)
Patrick M.

A friend suggested we try this place as he had heard good things and I must say we were impressed. The place is a little hard to find the first time since it's on a side street but look for the bright red awning and you're set. They had great cheese steak and the server was friendly / attentive.
(5)
Joey C.

Oh my.... I already need another Cheesesteak...it's salty, cheesey, oniony, happiness on a fantastic (and authentic, from what I hear....though I haven't been to Philly) roll. I'm totally craving it! I split the Cheesesteak and a pizza with my friend. I was really impressed with both, and I could tell the pizza was hand-crafted. The pretzel nuggets were fun and super tasty. I did try a couple of the specialty cocktails, and they were darn good :-) All in all, for stumbling into a restaurant (on what turned out to be their opening night!) I was SO incredibly happy with the outcome! Folks, it's time to head west of Western and experience some REALLY good eats. Great job, Monti's!
(5)
Amber B.

Delicious vegetarian cheesesteak and fries. Very prompt and polite service. Nice beer selection. I'm definitely a fan.
(4)
Joanna M.

Okay... I don't even know where to start... I have to say definitely the best cheesesteak this side of the east coast!!! I am from Jersey and it makes me happy to find something that reminds me of home. I am sooooo going to be going there once every other week for sure!!! Monti was a sweetheart and everyone was extra sweet!!! Ill be there again next week for sure...
(5)
Katy S.

I found Monti's on grubhub last night, and their hoagies looked so good I just had to give them a try. The food that arrived on my doorstep was delicious and appropriately (perfectly) portioned. The only problem was that I had ordered an Italian hoagie and ended up receiving a turkey hoagie. It was all so delicious, I didn't really mind, but my husband called just to let Monti (the owner) know about the mixup. He noted that the turkey hoagie was cheaper than the Italian, so he just wanted to get the difference back. Not only did Monti immediately apologize and refund the money, but she spent time on the phone with my husband asking him about the food, relating her own experiences, and being genuinely interested in our input. We told her it was DELICIOUS, and after the awesome customer service we got, we will absolutely be coming back. If she cares that much about how we feel about the food, we can't wait to frequent Monti's as she works to establish herself in the neighborhood.
(4)
Collene W.

Hooray for Monti's! We've been in a few times now, but even the first time we felt like regulars due to their incredibly friendly vibe. I'm probably not qualified to compare their cheesesteaks with Philly's, but the owners are natives and are most definitely doing them justice, because every sandwich I've tried is outstanding. I actually want to thank them for having a really tasty vegetarian cheesesteak option. I was blown away by how good it was. They have a great beer and cocktail selection as well. Go find Monti's! They're on a side street off of Lawrence, but don't let out of sight be out of mind, or you'll be missing out!
(5)
Billy F.

The second I read the description and saw that they were actually making authentic cheese steaks I looked at my girlfriend and said "this is it, we have to go today". Well, we went and It was great. Born and raised in Philadelphia I am very picky about my cheese steaks, since moving out to Chicago I have been looking for a comfortable place with great food,a warm atmosphere and great service to watch my Eagles, Sixers, Flyers and Phillies while enjoying some great food! I am hooked! The couple that own it are extremely nice and authentic people. Love having some Philly Phan's out here! I highly recommend going to Monti's for food! Oh also, on my way out I found out they make Buffalo chicken pizza! Ill be seeing you guy soon! Thanks again!
(5)
Andrew K.

My friend introduced me to this place a few nights ago, and I have to say it was the best Philly Cheesesteak I've had in Chicago, hands down. . No fake cheese whiz or low quality meat here. Had the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak wit aged cheddar sauce and grilled onions. I got the 12" and apparently devoured it with the fries within about 5 minutes. . My friend was in such shock and amazement, and was concerned I had been starving myself as of late, that he slid over his other half of his cheesesteak, and I proceeded to eat 6" of the Authentic with Provolone as well. . 18" of cheesesteak and I didn't blink an eye because it was so tasty. . Great service, great food, low key vibe. Will definitely be back to try out some more of the food selections!
(5)
Andrew P.

GREAT SERVICE. FANTASTIC FOOD. GOLDEN MONKEY ON TAP. I would highly highly recommend trying this place. The Rocky is my all-time favorite cheesesteak. It can be VERY VERY hot so be careful. The prices are a little high but after you try their food, you won't complain and you'll probably be back for more. It's a little annoying to find the place because Talman is a one way street, but parking is not difficult to find. There are indeed many great places to eat in and around Lincoln Square, but Monti's is definitely one of the best in my humble opinion and shouldn't be missed.
(5)
Bridget K.

I lived in Philadelphia for a year so I consider myself very knowledgeable about cheesesteaks. For example when I lived in Philly my roommates and I had a bucketlist shaped like a cheesesteak of all the famous and not so famous places we had to try. It's hard to find a legit Philly cheesesteak outside of Philly and Monti's comes close. The biggest thing missing is the sweet peppers. The place is nice and located off of Lawrence so it's easy to get to. There is a decent amount of seating so you don't have to wait for a table which is nice when you're hungry. I'll be back when I need my cheesesteak fix since it's not far from my place.
(4)
Carmella M.

Great spot to hang with a friend after work, or first date. Nestled around the corner off lawerance ave. has great sandwiches here amazing naked chicken wings flash fried. Healthy choice. Friendly service , fast, and great prices
(3)
Richard H.

Awesome Cheesesteaks. Great service by friendly employees. They are nothing like those "holes" that work in the kitchen at that cheesesteak joint on Belmont. The food is much better here anyway. The food is served so hot and fresh that you need to let it cool before ingesting. Can't wait to try the pizza. Looks great, but it is so hard not to order one of those scrumptious sandwiches. A must try.
(5)
Joanne W.

I'm in love! I've been to Monti's twice now and have been thoroughly satisfied each time. I've gotten the South Side Johnny per a recommendation from a fellow Yelper (you know who you are). It's served with sautÃ©ed mushrooms, grilled onions, swiss cheese and a horseradish cream sauce. Oh my.... yum. On my second visit, I felt it was my duty to order the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak with grilled onions and the aged cheddar sauce. I've been to Philly but never had the opportunity to get a cheesesteak. If this is even close to what I've been missing, I'm really sad because this sandwich is right up my alley. The sandwiches are chock full of tender black angus ribeye and served on Philly Amoroso Rolls. If you are watching your calories, this place is not for you. I am not watching my calories and will be back for the calamari...and The Rocky. Yo, Adrian! I did it!!
(4)
Brad M.

By reading all the great reviews I guess I could say I was expecting more out of montis. I thought the location was a little odd and I was assuming it would be a bigger restaurant with more of a dining room. Anyways, the service was decent, nothing spectacular but also wasn't bad. Since it was my first time I figured to try the authentic with white American. Pretty good sandwich, a little greasy and the bread seemed like it was toasted...but it was a generous portion that came with fries. Next time I will go with the 8 inch sandwich and less salt on the fries. It's ashame I don't live closer to this place. It was quite a drive for me. Oh well, it was worth the experience. I'll have to add that nothing hits home like a cheese steak from actual Philadelphia though. There's something about the history of philly steaks and the atmosphere of pats and ginos battling right across the street from each other for so many years.
(3)
Chris O.

I can't believe all the rave reviews about their Cheese steak here. A friend and I love going to Philly's Best and everyone compares this to them or say it's one of the best. We went in on a very slow Sunday afternoon, there was only one other couple sitting at the bar and the restaurant was empty. I got a classic philly cheese steak. What I received was a crumbling piece of bread with dry beef bits and very little cheese. This place isn't worth the time or money.
(1)
Becky H.

This is one of our absolute favorite restaurants! Being celiac with lots of allergies, Monti's makes my food so I can eat it! The owner comes over and checks on our table every time we are there (which is kinda often) and makes sure everything is ok. We've used Monti herself as an example of amazing customer service to show our children how to treat people. Our kids love the place and so do we!!!
(5)
Patrick B.

Monti's is a great addition to the neighborhood. I went with a friend and my girlfriend for dinner. We each had a different cheesesteak and all thought they were excellent. I ordered the Rocky, a tasty and spicey cheesesteak with a variety of hot peppers, quality meat and even the bun was great. I would order it again, and yes it does pack a punch. It brought my friend to tears when she sampled a bite. She ordered the Pizza Cheesesteak and she loved it. My girlfriend had the original Philly cheesesteak with provolone cheese and can't wait to go back to get it again. They all included fries, and my only complaint would be that I would love to see a cheaper option with just the sandwich. I would be tempted to get one to go all the time. We're just not big fans of fries. They also have a great beer selection as others have mentioned. I had a Daisy Cutter on draft ($6) and my girlfriend had an Allagash White in a bottle ($7). The prices were a little cheaper than others had said, but still a little too pricey to have more than just a drink or two with dinner. The staff were all very friendly and did everything they could to make sure your experience was the best it could be. One of the owners even came by to talk with us and she mentioned they will be adding delivery service soon.
(5)
Shawn V.

I was looking through my yelp account and I remembered this order because of how the owner responded. I thought I would post some of the detail because it was a truly unique experience. I was messaged by the owner and threatened that if I didn't adjust my yelp review that they were going to reinstate charges to my credit card. Plus she would report me to the delivery service. What a joke. I actually for some strange reason edited my review to put exactly in detail what happened, what I was refunded and what I was not. Didn't apologize just assumed I was another order and made a threat. I thought some people could find this useful or maybe funny. One of the worst service experiences I have ever had. If anyone else has been threatened similarly by the owner please message me. Here is one of the full unedited version, spelling mistakes included of the first message to me from the owner. In her last message she said "Look, the fact of the matter is...it's just food. ". Just what I want to hear from a restaurant owner. "Just tracked you down. Check your Grub Hub account. We refunded you $17.45 on $20.65 order. I also tracked you down thru delivery and have confirmed you received your order in one hour the confirmed delivery time. Adjust your yelp review or I will notify grub hub that you refused our refund and reinstate the charge. I will also flag you with our delivery service. Restaurants are not perfect but when we screw up we admit it and try to correct it. We offered to deliver a correct order free of charge or offered a refund. It is grossly unfair of you to take the refund and then misrepresent what happend on yelp."
(1)
Carolyn M P.

I went here with my sister. I had a taste for chili since it was so cold out. So I had a cup of chili with pieces of steak inside this chili and a side of French fries. I was too spicy for me so we asked for melted cheese on the side. Then my mouth was really burning . Still looking for something to stop the burning our waitress mentioned ranch dressing. And that stopped the burning. I LOVED YOUR FRENCH FRIES. So much that I poured a little of the chili on the French fries then topped with the cheese then ranch dressing. And the heat finally left my mouth. Yeah. Those French fries really hit the spot they are seasoned just right not too salty. and they stayed crunchy & hot. My sister had there 8 inch Meatball Sandwich = Black Angus meatballs and marinara sauce & mozzarella cheese. Plus she kept stealing my French Fries, I found out that they taste better with the ranch dressing. The bartender was talking way to loud to his customers that I couldn't hear the Bull's game.
(4)
Hailey K.

I usually use Talman Avenue on the way to my office nearby and have always wanted to grab a bite there. I am not the type to enjoy a meal solo so I went there with my fiancÃ©e last week to sample their much talked about and reviewed meals. There's street parking and we were able to find a lot soon enough, within a short distance. We had been to Philly a year back and decided to go with the imported the Amoroso rolls from Philly while I settled for the Cheesesteak Hoagie with a few veggies. It tasted so good and the best part of it is that you can't tell the difference between an original one in Philly and Monti's. My fiancÃ©e loved her rolls and we split a Rocky which was spicy and worth every bite. The prices are reasonable and the service exceptional. We will be going back soon.
(5)
Natan Y.

I had the pleasure of moving into the neighbor hood this "vinter". Cruising home after another epic gym session I had a life changing thought. As after any victory I treat myself to something I love. My love of beef sandwichs has led me to the yelpverse .Initially the place was not easy find. Waze had me confused. The bar was trendy and nice. The ambiance was casual. As I sat for at the bar and patently awaited my precious beef sandwich I couldn't not resist the temptation of an nice glass of whisky. I had the pleasure of consuming the 12" Southside Johnnie! Need I say more. A lovely patron whom went out of her way one upped my story about developing a leak in my brand new crib. told me that I should get spicy mayo for my fries...Thank you, you are truly an angle from foodie heaven! I also heard the barkeep say how the owner apparently Flys in bread from Philly.I truly enjoyed my meal the and good company was worth the 10$ whisky. Well done, montis. In the words of the Govenator "I'll be back"!
(4)
Phil J R.

This place is a true hidden gem, most will never venture west of western, this place is worth the trip. The Philly was delicious the option for a gluten free version appeals to many as well. Have not tried the pizza but it smells great but the Philly is the best I have had in a long time. Good beer, staff is great and the place has a great feel. Skip the traditional square and go to this place it's one of the best!
(4)
angela h.

Can't believe I haven't written a review yet! I guess I'm always walking away too delirious with all the tastiness that I keep forgetting to Yelp it. I've been indulging in Monti's for a while now, bringing friends with me, spreading the word that this is THE place to get a sandwich that will rock your soul. Every time I take that first bite I want to get up and do a happy dance. Awesome food, great beers, super friendly service. If you haven't eaten here yet your life is seriously lacking.
(5)
Jeremy T.

Come for the Philly. Stay for the wings. Monti's is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Good beer? Check. Delicious food? Double check. Philadelphia is one of my favorite cities in the world. The bad living about living in Chicago is that you can't get good East Coast food here. Well, that's what I thought until I discovered Monti's. Hands down they have the best cheesesteaks this side of the Appalachian Mountains. I've had both the regular and the Rocky. I highly suggest getting the Rocky if you like extra kick to your meals. I guarantee that you will not be let down with their food. Sure Monti's has the best cheesesteaks in Chicago, but they have the best wings in the city. Their wings are large and smothered in delicious house made BBQ sauce. I wish they still had their Spicy BBQ Wings. I still have dreams about them. Sadly, they don't have many beers on tap. However, they do have great selection when it comes to there cans and bottles. And the beer prices aren't ridiculous like most places. So just go to Monti's and enjoy some fantastic food!
(5)
Jack P.

If, when you think of Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, you think of those orange and yellow formica, self-service charhouses, or the hole-in-the-wall Italian takeout joints, fuggettaboutit, 'cause this place has clay-ess. It's new, it's a comfortable pub-style setting, and it features quality Philadelphia original cheesestaeks, hoagies, grinders and thin crust pizzas, and a full bar with good bottled beer choices. It is tucked into the former "Cinner's" space, kitty corner from Harvestime in Lincoln Square. The Monti's, Mr. & Mrs., have brought their industry expertise from The Phil Stefani group and Rockit Bar and Grill, and wedded it with a passion for their hometown Philadelpia specialties. And they are sharing the love with us Chicagoans. Subs are "Hoagies," hot or grilled subs are "grinders,"(8" for $8.95 or 12" for 12.95, with chips) and they are accompanied by a variety of cheesesteak choices. Along with the regular cheesesteak(8" for $10.95, or 12" for $13.95), there's a veggie variety made with soy sausage, a pizza steak, a veggie choice called "South Side Johnny" with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, and horseradish cream sauce, and a "Niko The Greek" with gyros meat, onions, feta onion and tzatziki sauce. Grinders(8" for $8.95 or 12" for $12.95) include Roast Pork Loin, Roasted Turkey, Italian sausage or egg on a roll. Hoagies are Italian, Turkey, or Black Pepper Ham. Priced the same as grinders. Pizzas are thin crust and can be ordered with gluten-free crust, in sizes 11" ($11.95) or 16"($16.95), with a variety of choices to order of cheeses, meats, veggies and seafood. (add $5 for the anchovies or Lobster!.) There are starters, soups and salads as well, all of them original and made with high quality ingredients like Angus Beef or Philly style bread made on the premises. I know I don't mind paying a little more for great flavor and quality. I had the small version of The Authentic Philly Cheesesteak which was delicious. A good portion with tender, tender strips of beef in a restrained (portion-wise) au jus with melted provolone cheese. No onions, No green peppers, as is usually the case with a Chicago Philly Steak. The fries were crispy and fresh and dusted with a little celery salt, a little lip service to Chicago style. I washed 'er down with a couple of bottles of Negra Modelo. Service was friendly and delightful. From the bartender Chippie to the server Carl, who to me seemed like the more charming and handsome son of Eddie Haskell, each of them was passionate, welcoming and just plain fun to be around. Monti's is a great new neighborhood addition for casual get togethers with friends or family (kid's menu available) and for high-quality original and healthy takeout, something which can only enahance and improve our Rockwell Crossing restaurant scene. Open seven days for lunch and dinner, starting at 11 A.M.
(4)
Good E.

Not all that great. Either the meat is 2 salty or too bland, the "imported rolls & cheese" are just.ordinary. they skimp on the fries, and are way overpriced. I get better at Great Steak Escape. Not worth the money.
(1)
Mike N.

Was here to try the cheesesteak tonight. I got the original with provalone; it was delicious and absolutely an authentic Philly! I'll be back!
(4)
Jackie O.

If you like a good Philly - then get your ass over here. It's awesome. Review done. Now for the rest of us - this is a small little bar with a menu that has a little something for everyone. No more, no less. Short but sweet beer menu. Staff seemed shorted and over-tired. Looks like they can use an extra hand over there. Service was a little slow - but everything else was great. This would be a cool place to go for a sports game. Actually.... I wonder if they have brunch? Hmm...
(4)
Brian W.

This is my go to spot for a Cheesesteaks in Chicago. The owners are from Philly and having not been there myself I'm going to have to give them the benefit of the doubt for authenticity. Either way the flavor is there. They are well packed with meat and they don't skimp on fries. My standouts are the South Side Johnny and The Rocky. One thing to note is that the hot peppers on The Rocky seem to be way hotter during the winter, so fans of heat check it out. Need for heat? You can ask for a bucket of hot sauces; there's a nice variety of heat levels and flavors. The service has always been very solid. Always helpful and enthusiastic about their service The only knocks are very minor. During the summer the AC tends to blow down on a number of seats. Also, the stools can be a little hard to maneuver when trying to sit at their tall tables. Overall, a great place you need to check out.
(4)
Chris H.

Fantastic authentic Philly cheesesteaks! Small neighborhood feel. Great customer service. My fiancÃ© and I come here a few times a month. They also have a full service bar with TV's for sports games and $1 fireball whiskey shots everyday.
(5)
Thomas C.

Philadelphia Cheeseteak!!!!!!! I LOVE Philly Cheesesteaks and Monti's does them right (although they forgot my onions) and will definitely go back. Been going to Philly's Best, which is also good, but Monti's has the advantage of a GREAT beer menu which makes it more gastro pub then just a place to grab a sandwich.
(4)
David R.

I keep forgetting/procrastinating to write an update. I always think "Well, I'm going to go back next month and try something new, so I'll hold off." Well, now I shall delay no longer. Besides the cheesesteaks, guess what else at Monti's is exceptional? The pizza. Seriously, some of the best on the north side. I have to confess that I did not care for the pork loin grinder. Whether by accident or design, there was a dearth of roasted peppers (two meager strips) and an overabundance of broccoli rabe. That upset the balance of the sandwich and made it too bitter. A minor disappointment was the chicken cheesesteak, kind of bland compared to the beef version. Don't bother trying to eat healthy that day and just get the "real" one. While you're at it, try the pretzel nuggets, especially dipped in the accompanying cheese sauce. Delicious. So--cheesesteaks, pizza, calamari, fries, pretzel bites, the occasional TastyKake or italian ice (depending on the season), all outstanding. I can make myself very happy choosing from those top-notch options on every visit. No Phillies playoffs this season...maybe next year. :(
(5)
Tim H.

Great philly cheese steak. Soft bread that I heard they get from Philadelphia. High quality ribeye meat that is well seasoned. I was a pretty big fan of their steak sandwich. The problem is speed of food. I came when they opened on a Sunday and it took me more than 1.5 hours to finish my meal. I eat fast so this meal should not have taken more than 45 minutes!
(3)
Lily R.

My home town is Philly, needless to say I was hesitant about trying Monti's. My sister introduced me to the restaurant and was convincing enough for me to try it. Of course I had to read a few reviews before I made the trip. I took my daughter with me and it was definately a great choice. The second time I went I took my husband who is very familiar with Philly Cheesteaks and he also loved it. It was nice to enjoy a little bit of home. By the way, Monti's staff was excellent!!
(4)
Zach J.

I was very impressed here. The service was excellent and friendly and really fast. We ordered the Rocky which is served with a very spicey cheese sauce. The waitress warned the sauce was really spicey but we did not care, we orded the 12 inch with no fries. What was great was the fact that the waitress brought us out the sandwhich already cut in two, that was cool. This sandwhich was bliss as I bit into it and the sauce was incredible tasting and yes, it was really spicey. The meat was delicious but the sauce was the huge attraction. I really need to order it on garlic bread the next time, and I will order the standard Philly since that is what everyone raves about. This place is excellent for Phillys of all different styles and sauces. I will definately be back here!
(5)
Diane G.

The Cheesesteak is awesome. Love it!!! We had the tomato basil soup this weekend and it was fantastic. Can't wait to have it again.
(5)
Carol J.

I have never had anything bad here. Never had anything "ok" here. Everything is great. The beer and cider list is small but high quality. All food is amazing.
(5)
Bart S.

I like Monti's, been two times now..Went after the Hungry Hound on ABC 7 did a piece on the place, made me want to try the Philly Cheese Steak. Brought a friend back a few days later who is an East Coast dude, who knows all about the real deal served on South Street in Philly (where all the Hippies meet, South Street, South Street) My friend was absolutely blown away that Monti's flies in the Amoroso bread several times a week. Now that is a Phlliy Cheese Steak my friends... This is NO Chicago Italian Beef. This is The Philly Cheese Steak, there are a few variations on the menu, I went with the basic version, It was GREAT! They offer any of their pizza toppings on the french fries, which I found unusual but I went ahead and had bacon and cheddar cheese on the fries. Just what I didn't need, but did it anyway, and liked it. The fries could have been warmer, they had been sitting out before they were served on my 2nd visit, the first visit, they were hot and great. (no topping that time) This is not fast food, and the place gets busy, so there can be a short wait, suggestion to the owners, there were two Monti's wi-fi connections my Iphone picked up in your place, unlock one of those connections..
(5)
Jacob T.

Located on a pleasant side street, this is a great place to stop off on the way home and get a cheesesteak sandwich. They're always hot, full of meat, and great flavor. The service is always great too!
(4)
Nida O.

This place is AWESOME. Period! The guys that work there are really nice and the food is amazing.
(5)
Arthur M.

Had dinner with our friend Meghan. The pretzel tots were warm and salty with melty cheese and tangy mustard. The buffalo tots were spicy and balanced by the creamy blue cheese dip. Meghan got a Southside Johnnie beef with swiss, horseradish cream and sauteed mushrooms. I got the standard beef 12 inch with the chile mayo from the Rocky. Etta snatched half of my mayo and applied it to her cheesesteak hoagie, which was already slathered with mayo and melted American cheese. To drink they had Uncle John's from Michigan, well carbonated and dry hard cider.
(5)
Jay N.

This is a pretty good restaurant/bar on the north side amongst a variety of restaurant styles in the area - Vietnamese, Korean, Yugoslavian, etc. Obviously, it's located just off of Lawrence so it's easy to miss. Parking isn't that difficult since the other establishments in the area aren't heavy street parking users and some nearby stores have their own parking lots. It's a little bit dark inside, but you can easily find your way around and read the menu easily. The wait staff is nice and pretty attentive. There are a few tvs around if you want to catch the latest Flyers or Sixers game. There were some pennants from St. Joseph and Penn State, but my bosses from LaSalle and Villanova would have been disappointed! The menu is pretty straightforward. I think the cheesesteaks are pretty good versions of the original. The amoroso rolls have that light cornmeal bottom while it soaks up any juices and sauce and gives a little resistance when chewing. Instead of the parts being spread out in the bread, they roll it up tight for carry out orders, which made it a little more dense than I'm used to. The flavor was pretty solid, though. I also had a Rocky which definitely brought the heat, but not just adding hot sauce. The chilis hit you at different levels and were a good touch than just normal bell peppers. The bay fries were great and came in a paper bag separate from the cheesesteaks so you can enjoy them without getting soggy. It's definitely a place to come back to try some of their other menu items.
(4)
Vanesa B.

You do NOT want to play around with the Rock It Philly cheese stake sandwich! Unless you have a Mexican ethnicity like me or you're crazy for scotch bonnet! The little problem for me is that I don't really like the whole shredded meat, but I love the onions! Have I mentioned cheese sauce? Yum! I love their Philly cheese stake sandwich (although the meat and the onions get confused) and if you don't have a problem with that go for it! I give them 5 stars because of the flavor, their bar, they're service and the fries. Oooh the fries!! I could really write a whole book about them! lol they are delicious!
(5)
Jeremy G.

I want to start off by saying Monti's philly cheeses are awesome. Only other place I've had better is Carl's in Manhattan. Thought we'd order out tonight and this is usually a half hour decision...we agree Monti's will be the place. Pick up the phone, rings a good 15 times, no pick up and no answering machine kicks in. Odd, I call back...another 15 rings with no answer or machine. Tried one more time, no answer and gave up. I can tolerate a lot of things when it comes to dining, but this is the one thing that drives me bananas. Understood people go on vacation and need to close, but buy an answering machine, set it to go off after the second ring and say "we'll be closed from x to y for the holidays" or mention it on the website. Costillo's on Lincoln is really bad about phone service. This won't fully keep us away because the food is good, but it's disappointing when a couple indecisive people like us get set on something the get shanghaied with no explanation.
(3)
Nick A.

I'll admit, I've only been to Philly once, but I fell instantly in love with the Philly cheesesteak while visiting. I probably had five of them in the course of a four day visit. As soon as I hit the ground in Chicago back from vacation I started my quest for a cheesesteak that could live up to the real thing. Many cheesesteaks later I pronounce Monti's the clear winner, in my mind. I get the 12" authentic Philly cheesesteak with aged cheddar. It's big, it's awesome, and it's authentic. Atmosphere is great and they even accommodate our little one who's under a year old. Note, I've never checked out the bathrooms so I'm not sure if it's child friendly with a changing table, but I'd classify it as a place that's ok to take well behaved kids or sleeping infants to. They have a full bar which is great addition, but it's not the type of place where folks get rowdy, just good food & drinks. Also wait staff is top notch, very attentive & friendly. I highly recommend Monti's to anyone looking for an awesome Philly cheesesteak in Chicago.
(5)
Karmin A.

Came here with my husband a few days ago. Service was AMAZING..very nice young lady, and very helpful and sincere. We ordered the coconut shrimp chicken for an appetizer, so good! I had Authentic Philly Steak with provolone cheese and my husband had the South something steak. Loved it! :) We'll be back! :)
(5)
Kristen W.

Good food! Loved the Rocky. Great sandwich. Loved the cheese fries. Also -kudos for having different sizes of sandwiches! perfect! Very good craft beer selection however the beer was not cold. In fact it was approaching lukewarm. MANY points deducted. We would have ordered more if the beer was cold :( Restaurant definitely needs help with lighting, as do so many others. The corner in the back is too dark with only the dimmed overhead lights- we couldnt' read the menu. You need eye level lighting in addition to the overhead lighting which is always either too dim or too harsh. The mid-level lighting helps, please consider this. It will make the place seem cozier and we'll be able to read the menus to order more stuff!
(3)
John S.

I have been wanting to try this place for a while now, I finally tried some thanks to the reviews on yelp, so I had the sampler, my three were niko the greek, cheesesteak hoagie and south side johnny. My favorite would probably be south side johnny with cheesesteak hoagie coming in a strong second. The cheese steaks were good indeed. it was so much food, enough to feed two people, alot of fries all for like 18.00 bucks, i think it was a good deal, and i loved the decor, food was good all around.
(3)
Chet M.

I'm just saying $42 out the door for 2 sandwiches and 1 beer is kind of pricey. And I don't believe there were 6 full bonafide slices of cheese on my sandwich. Maybe 6 thin half slices? A good sandwich, fries/chips and drink for lunch should be about $10 a head out the door. Unless there is crazy to die for meat on it like at Perry's or Manny's Deli, then maybe $12 for the sandwich. Anything more than that, you're talking dinner money or a bucket of chicken!
(3)
Aja G.

My only regrets are not coming sooner and not being there right now. So why do I love this place: The cheesesteak meat is sliced perfectly The cheesesteak roll maintains its soft flaky texture the entire eating experience The fries are well seasoned The soup is homemade and is so much more than stock and broth The bathroom is clean ( clean bathroom means a clean kitchen, so my mom claims) They deduct cost when you don't get fries ( that's right you pay for only what you get) They have tastycakes My boyfriend says the wings were delicious ( he wasn't kind enough to share) What I don't love: They are so far from my apartment They didn't have my favorite tastycake I'm not there right now. Sure it was more than you would pay in Philly, but considering all the money I've wasted on sinful imitations of the real thing in Chicago, I consider this place a savings. You can take the girl out of jersey, but you'll never separate jersey and the girl nor the girl and her cheesesteak.
(5)
Bree O.

Now that we've lived across the street from Monti's for over a year (and we've probably been here once a week since last summer!), I figured it was time to update the review. Monti's is still amazing. The servers are top-notch and so friendly. The food is delicious. It's a bit pricey, yes, but the price definitely matches the quality and freshness of the food that they serve. Everything we've tried on the menu is delicious. We've brought countless visitors to eat/drink here and everybody is always so impressed! Pro tip - the pretzel nuggets and the buffalo nuggets are TO DIE FOR. We just absolutely love Monti's. :)
(5)
Michael K.

Excellent, Excellent food. This is the best Philly Cheese Steak i've ever had. The meat was extremely tender and very well seasoned and the way they spread the cheese on it really made a difference. It was a great atmosphere, it is definitely neighborhood spot and has a very good beer list. The wait staff was friendly and the co-owner herself came to our table and talked to us. It was a great outing with my wife. I will definitely return and this time I will get the 12" Cheesesteak.
(5)
Pam D.

Tonight I had my very first Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and I loved it. The meat was flavorful and tender. The bun was very good. Mom and I split the 12 inch sandwich. I added on fries for us, because I was not sure if the sandwich would be enough for 2 people. The sandwich, with a very small order of cheese fries, (there was like 20 fries in the order) came to $14.45. Holy crap!!!! I ordered a smaller sandwich for Christopher and that came to over $10.00. I got him an order of soft pretzels, mom had a ginger ale and we got 2 tasty-cakes. With tip and delivery, it came to $50.00. Now, I loved the sandwich, the fries were soggy, but ok. The pretzels were not very exciting. Of course we loved the tasty-cakes. If the prices weren't so high, we'd order from here again. As it is, we just did not get any bang for the buck. From reading other reviews, I gather this is a nice neighborhood spot and I do recommend the Cheesesteak, but I doubt we will order delivery from Monti's again.
(3)
Daniel F.

The Best Philly Cheesesteak you are going to find in Chicago is here. Finish it off with some tasty cakes and you have a true Philadelphia experience. Highly recommend this place
(5)
Andy M.

Monti's is the best new restaurant I have visited in quite a while. What makes this Utopia of Philly-Steak so good? The answer is simple. The food, the vibe and the great people who run this place make it a fabulous, top-notch eatery. I have never found a place in Chicago that can replicate the Cheese-steaks found in Philly. It took two people from the City of Brotherly love to bring the taste of Philly to Chicago. Not only does Monti's offer authentic, Artery clogging Philly-steaks, they offer east coast pizza as well. The Cheese-steak's at Monti's are awesome. They are just like the one's you would get out east. They offer a 8" and 12" version. The sandwiches are a generous helping of chopped steak, their own special cheesewhiz and grilled onions. This was a table knocking-good sandwich that had me drooling for more. The food was so good that I had to give Monti (the owner) a hug on the way out. Yes folks!! This place is that good. If you love delicious, high quality bar food and haven't stopped in to see the good people at Monit's, what the hell are you waiting for? This is a dining experience that's too good to pass up.
(5)
Amy H.

The owner was super friendly and they have a tasty selection of ciders. I guess TimeOut recently gave them an award for the best wings in Chicago and I agree! I craved their buffalo wings for 3 days after I ate them and am craving them again now thinking about them. Be sure to not eat too many though because you'll want to have room for one of their delicious cheesesteaks. Not that I'm a connoisseur of that particular variety of sandwiches but it was the best one I've ever had. Not greasy in the slightest, soft yummy bread, very flavorful overall. We'll be back for sure....just hopefully not often enough to break the pocketbook. Btw, the 12in sandwich and some wings was enough for two to share. Perfect weekend lunch!
(5)
Basil H.

The cheesesteaks are meaty and cheesy! What's not to like? Also, if you check in, you get a sorbet, which was good! My friends and I shared it.
(4)
Ken K.

I went to Monti;s for the second time a few weeks ago. Since everyone was working during the day, my wife asked what I was going to do on my birthday. I immediately responded, heading to Monti's". My second visit there was as good as the first. The bartender/server at that time was Tiffanie, who was very nice. James stopped over and asked what brought me there. After I told him, he had Tiffanie bring me an ice cream sandwich creation that could have easily fed three people dessert. Everyone I've met there has been wonderful. Great cheesesteaks. I have to rate them the best I've had, and I've been to Philly many time and tried all the big names. My only complaint is that Monti's is a pretty good drive for me. According to James though, that should change in the future, as they're opening more locations in the area. Great atmosphere, great employees, and best of all, great cheesesteaks! Their beer selection isn't too shabby either. Great restaurant/bar! Keep up the good work Jennifer and James.
(5)
KC F.

Loved this place! The pretzel nuggets, cheesesteaks, and water ice (check-in on Yelp for free ice!) were all soooo good. The decor and menu options made me feel like I was back home in PA. Only gripe- no Yuengling!?
(5)
Adam B.

I'm a native New Jersey guy, despite living in Chicago for 15 years. Even though my ties are much closer to New York than Philly, I'm still a huge fan of cheesesteaks. So I was heading to Lincoln Square for a Mindy Smith concert and found Monti's through Yelp. Since Philly food is one of the hardest cuisines to find when you're away from Philly, I decided to give it a shot. The decor is decent enough with Philly sports pennants and Rocky posters and city shots adorning the dark red walls. I expected to to be a little more divey, but no real complaints. I sat at the empty bar and got an iced tea to drink, only to immediately replace it with Coke. If it ain't fresh brewed, I ain't drinking it! But let's get to what matters, the food. I ordered a foot long steak with provolone, mushrooms, and onions. First and foremost, they import the Amoroso rolls from Philly. That is so huge for me. I have had so many "Philly cheesesteaks" that were served on a boring generic roll and it compromised the rest of the sandwich. But there's just a certain texture and crust and freshness to this roll that when you bite into it, you know it's the real deal. The thinly sliced ribeye was juicy, and the cheese was melted against the roll and underneath the steak and veggies, which is the traditional method. I had absolutely no issue wolfing down the entire sandwich. I also liked the fries (which are complimentary) as well, they had a just a little extra seasoning salt on them; that was a nice extra kick. The staff was pretty friendly with me too, always very appreciated. $14.00 was a little more than I'd like to spend for the sandwich, so I'm taking one star off for that. But make no mistake, I would definitely return, since it has such a unique menu, especially for the Midwest. Next time, maybe I'll go for the roast pork and some pretzel nuggets?
(5)
Dan H.

Monti's had been on the "gotta try" list for a while. Finally got a Groupon and that was enough to get us through the door. Really wished we hadn't waited so long, but oh well. First experience was good. Our server was very helpful getting the Groupon to work on my phone. I went for the Cheesesteak Hoagie, because you know adding lettuce & tomato to a cheesesteak makes it HEALTHY! She went with the plain sandwich. Both had a nice serving steak. I thought the fries were really good. I think the ice cream sandwich sundae is brilliant. I mean what's not to like about an ice cream sandwich covered in Rediwhip & chocolate sauce? The Lemon Ice was also very good. Second trip was over the weekend, basically a repeat order except for dessert. Again, service was good, food was good. Bottled beer selection is impressive. I wish they had a bigger draft selection though, they only have 1 tap. Maybe that's all they were able to install when they moved in? I don't know, if that's the biggest complaint I have, that's pretty good. As we were getting ready to leave Saturday the server walked by with a plate of wings, which REALLY smelled good, but we were already pretty full with yummy cheesesteak goodness. Maybe next time
(4)
Jonathan H.

Everything is amazing. I highly suggest the wings & chili if they have it. All their stuff is made in house. Get on it
(5)
Moe T.

Great spot with cool music and a good atmosphere that serves up delicious cheesesteaks. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Michael S.

Wow... This place is legit. Learned about this place because of Ed Lakin's (Edzo's) tweet and I am really glad I had the chance to eat (and drink) here. Monti's reminds me of Pat's and Geno's, BUT much, much better. I had the Rocky which was pretty hot, but not so much where it wasn't enjoyable. I would have to say though that it does more than pack a punch as my tolerance of spicy is much higher than most people. Fries were really good as well. Love the celery salt on them. Monti herself was there and was very friendly along with her chef husband, James Gottwald (look him up if you need to see his pedigree.) Lucious, the bartender was very amiable as well. Will definitely be back again and again... Maybe after buying groceries from Harvesttime Foods across the way.
(5)
Mary K.

Great food, wonderful atmosphere, and their beer selection tip the scales from a four- to a five-star.
(5)
David J.

The absolute best cheese steaks in all of Chicago. I love this place and can't get enough of the chicken cheese steak. My daughter and I go here almost every other weekend and its one of our favorites. The wait staff could not be friendlier and the food is pretty affordable. The classic rock playing in the background and the hockey games on TV make this an awesome spot to dine in at. My one and only gripe is that they need to provide mustard in the same type of bottles that ketchup comes in, cause mustard packets are too big of a messy hassle.
(5)
Bill M.

Monti's is a new place just off of Lawrence in a remarkably diverse area (within a block are Bosnian, Greek, Vietnamese and Italian dining choices). The diversity is now heightened with this pilgrimage site for Philly cheesesteak fanatics. Upon walking in, the place looks more like a bar with seats for dining too (I was expecting more of a takeout joint). I ordered the straight "Authentic" Philly Cheesesteak to go, and I expected not to finish the 12" version in one sitting (I did not). The beef is black angus rib-eye and is quite tasty in itself, but when accompanied with pieces of grilled onion, mushroom and provolone it's a yummy and not-too-greasy ensemble. I've never heard of the Philly amoroso roll, but this bread is soft and chewy and sturdy at the same time. You get a side of fries with this, and it's almost a relief that the pile of fries is not a humongous greasy bag of soggy potatoes. The fries are again not too greasy, though definitely a supporting player to the star that is the sandwich. It's not exactly fast food (takes 15 minutes, and not that cheap) but it's very tasty and hearty. The bar that surprised me actually looks like a good place to hang out, and my server was a very pleasant young lady. Monti's location is not obvious for everyone (not too far from the Rockwell Brown Line station), but it's worth the trip and easier to get to than Pennsylvania.
(5)
Beth R.

Selective-vegetarians in the hizzy reprezent! ... Right. So, I don't dig on meat unless it's in the form of a feathered friend or a friend from the sea. And even those categories have sub-categories which I won't touch (dark meat, duck, goose, pheasant, poultry sausage, pÃ¢tÃ©; crustaceans, bivalve molluscs, coleoidea, eel). If you are asking yourself what I was doing in a place like Monti's, what with my highly developed sense of food selectivity, the answer is, accompanying my favorite person on a dinner date. So what the H did I eat? Well, a plain cheese pizza, which was a three-star selection. Oh, and I had a bottomless unsweetened iced tea. I also had some fries off the aforementioned companion's plate, which were salty and good. So Beeeth, why the fourth star?? Because for me, a place like Monti's is less about the fact that I can count on one hand the things I can eat, and more about the personality that comes through in the experience. I obviously peeped the menu online before agreeing to go, and the "About Us" section has a photo of the husband and wife owners. I didn't think anything of it until after we'd been there awhile and I recognized the Mrs. talking to the people at the table next to us. I figured they were family friends, because she was very warm and gave their little girls some Tastykakes on the house. But then she came by and chatted with us - not in an annoying way, but about our appetizer (which my husband lurved) and why they prepare it the way they do. Then later she checked in and even confided which day of the week they get their Tastykakes (not telling, yo), It occurred to me that you don't have to know the owners to be treated like you know the owners. It was like she was the best kind of hostess - upbeat, wanting guests to have a good time, and really proud of her business. It was actually uplifting, if I may be so uncool. I imagine we will be back, since Mr. R. liked it so much. They have a turkey grinder (side note: can't we have a less medieval name to describe a sandwich that has merely been toasted?) that I will try sometime if I'm feeling particularly adventurous. Adventures come in all sizes, man. [It was brought to my attention that Tastykake is spelled Tastykake, not Tastycake. Who knew? -Ed.]
(4)
Dave S.

Went to Monti's again on Sunday because I was craving another Philly Cheese! This time I got the foot long and went with the fries instead of salad...awesome fries, seasoned perfectly! Same server, excellent service again, delicious sandwich. Someone, I believe it was probably the owner, Jennifer, came over and said hi and asked if everything was good and it definitely was. That's always nice. Still want to try the wings and pizza, a few people I've mentioned this place to in the past week have mentioned that they have awesome wings and pizza, and gluten-free pizza if that's your thing. I still want to stop in without the family, sit at the bar, have a few beers and a bite to eat and just relax. I'm sure I will at some point this summer, nice that I can walk here from my house. Nice job again guys, great place to eat and chill out!
(5)
Melanie S.

On evenings when I am too lazy to cook, don't want to do takeout, but also don't want the more formal dining-out experience of hearing about the specials or being asked if I want still or sparkling water, a fast-casual restaurant like Monti's fits the bill perfectly. My bf and I grabbed dinner here last night. He spent years in Philly attending graduate school (and lived just blocks from the famed warring factions of Geno's and Pat's), so he was anxious to see how Monti's would compare with the "real thing." We arrived on the late side (about 8) and were greeted enthusiastically and given menus. They have a nice selection of beers and cocktails, and of course, many variations of cheesesteaks. We started with the calamari and we each ordered fairly classic cheesesteak sandwiches, an 8-inch for me, and a 12-inch for my bf. I ordered mine "hoagie style," which comes with lettuce, tomato and mayo, but opted out of the mayo. You can get your choice of white american, provolone, or aged cheddar sauce. I don't think they offer Cheez Whiz (nor am I brave enough to eat that), but apparently, that is what makes a cheesesteak "authentic." The calamari was really good and came with sliced fried lemons and banana peppers which added a nice contrast to the calamari. Good stuff. Our sandwiches arrived soon after and came with a heaping pile of crispy fries. We both really enjoyed our sandwiches. The steak was tender and flavorful and all the other ingredients (provolone and grilled onions) were balanced perfectly. My bf was highly impressed that they used genuine Philly Amoroso rolls. I could only eat half my sandwich as four inches is plenty for me (wait, what?!) but my bf scarfed down the entire thing. We were so full that we had to pass on dessert, but we'll be sure to save room next time. They offer italian ice (one of my faves) and Tastykakes (another beloved Philly thing). Instead we just relaxed and watched the end of the Hawks game as the owner and his adorable son watched at an adjacent table and we exchanged commentary. Monti's is a great addition to this part of town. I'll be sure and bring my mom (who lives just down the block). She's a vegetarian so she can enjoy the soy sausage sandwich while I devour a cheesesteak. Keep up the good work, Monti's!
(4)
Jason S.

I'll start by saying this is a worthy 5. The place in a word is delicious. I've never been to Philly and never had an authentic cheese steak. However, Monti's makes no bones about it as it openly advertises its Philadelphia roots, therefore, I have to assume this is as good as it gets. I ordered the South Side Johnny which comes with grilled onions, mushroom, Swiss, and a horseradish cream sauce. I swapped the Swiss for provolone and had them put the sauce on the side so I can get as close to an authentic as possible even though it had mushrooms. My brother got the original with the cheddar cheese sauce. We did a split and both of us were pleased. The meat is quality angus and very tender. The bread is perfectly soft yet strong enough that the sandwich doesn't fall apart and get sloppy. The cheese was delicious but didn't steal the show at all. The fries were fresh cut and seasoned well. If I did have to knock it on something it would be one thing stood out. It was a Robert De Niro moment from Casino, when one muffin had more blueberries than the other as my brothers sandwich was significantly bigger than mine and the two other patrons we were with. Price wise I can see some people being a little taken back by paying $14 for a foot long. I paid 20 with tax and tip for a 12 inch which comes with fries and a lemonade (free refills). However, I don't know what the going rate in Philly is for one of these bad boys. But I personally thought it was worth every penny.
(5)
Ryan L.

I was saddened to hear Cinners closed, but I wondered how long a niche restaurant would last in a mostly residential area. When I heard this joint was replacing it, with a cheesesteak concept, I annoyed everyone around me until I was able to obtain said cheesesteak. I came here last Saturday night with the nephew and rest of the fam in tow. It says the place is good for kids - I will say it kinda is. Separate kids menu with crayons, but the mood, candles, and ambience strikes me more as a casual place. Still, since it was not too crowded the kid was fine. The cheesesteak did not disappoint. The best part is that the bread isn't soggy and are actual Amoroso rolls. Thus it wasn't messy. I got the classic Philly since I figured if they messed this up, the rest of the menu would be bunk. It definitely was good. I added bell peppers then realized they come on the South Side Johnny. You fooled me, Monti's! Next time I know what to get. We also ordered the Ice Cream Sandwich Sundae thing (don't remember the actual name), and it was pretty good. They also have Tastycakes if you're into those. Beer prices seem to have come down a little bit after it was noted in previous reviews that some drafts were going for $9. It's progress, I think we paid no more than $6 for our Daisy Cutters. Service was friendly and attentive. The waitress let us know right away that we could add any pizza toppings onto our fries for $ .50/per topping. I added bacon and cheddar cheese, with a side of shamefulness. But it was damn good.
(4)
Laura A.

I love everything on the menu. The homemade soup and wings are really tasty and the Rocky is super spicy and delicious. They even make their own ranch dressing which is really good. Great beer selection, too. And it's walking distance. A little pricey but definitely worth it!
(5)
Alin A.

2004: Our best cheesesteak experience happened once upon a drunken stupor in New York City, where my wife and I lived during my dental school career. Granted neither she nor I have ever had an authentic cheesesteak sandwich from Philadelphia, it was THAT place (Carl's near 33rd and 3rd) which we held as the gold standard of cheesesteak sandwiches. Fast forward to July, 2013. My wife is very pregnant and is ready to kill for a Philly cheesesteak. We ended up Yelping Monti's and assumed that any place with 200+ reviews should be a sure shot, no? YES! We became instant Friends on Facebook! She and I ordered ours with the cheese sauce. If you're reading this, ORDER THE FRIGGIN' CHEESE SAUCE! We asked for chicken tenders (it's gross calling them "fingers") and pizza for the kids. We figured our boys don't have a sophisticated-enough palate for a cheesesteak. They'd just mistaken it for Polish ham since that's the only other meat they eat aside from chicken (our nanny is Polish). Both of these meals were fantastic, very delicious at any age. My wife and I both ordered the "Authentic Philly Sandwich" and we absolutely loved it. The bread is very fresh, the meat tender and soft and the cheese...I am weeping as I type "cheese." Hey Jennifer Monti, I know you're reading this, "Thank you!" PS: I'm the dentist that came by for a pick-up order. Since you lost my business card, I'll drop another off at our next dine-in experience. :D
(5)
J. S.

First time to Monti's was great. My sister and I traveled from the northern burbs. We both had 8" philly steaks with onions and provolone. I've been to Philly and it's the real deal. Perfect bread and steak seasoned just right. The food comes out piping hot. I love that. Wonderful lightly salted fresh cut fries that come with each sandwich. I talked with owner James and I was impressed with his attitude that if something doesn't fit with our Chicago market it may get changed or adjusted. Nice people, just don't change the steaks!!! Our server was excellent. He started with 2 tables around noon and wound up with about 8 tables soon after. Very attentive and pleasant. It's taken us a long time to get here and we're so happy to check it out.
(5)
Bill S.

As good as it gets in Chicago. Brought my son and had 12" cheesesteaks provolone, with. Tasted great. The meat was good quality, not gristly or greasy. They do a nice job cooking in the onion and cheese. They prepare the meat with the chopped up method. I found out that they will cook it in strips if you ask ahead. That's how I like it, so next time I will try it that way. The Amoroso's roll put it over the top. I can't wait to try a hoagie with one these rolls. Service was very attentive. Quick to refill drinks. Staff was very friendly, that part was not authentic Philly.
(5)
Joseph M.

Im a big fan of cheesesteaks as my family is from the east coast and i grew up having them a couple times a year as a treat. For whatever reason, Chicago just couldnt duplicate them. Its weird, because they cant make Italian Beefs in Philly too. I gave up looking for a good steak here in chicago a few years ago. But then Montis opened and i never hearf of it until last week. It had great reviews and the pics on yelp looked pretty legit. I went today, had a lg steak and fries. Honestly, same or better then anywhere in Philly. I will be back for sure.
(5)
Casey M.

The new faÃ§ade at this frequently changing store front in the outskirts of Lincoln Square has become a brighter, much cleaner and overall more welcoming place. Monti's has put a lot work into this place and after tasting their delicious Philly Cheesesteak I know Monti's is here to stay. After a warm welcome from the bartender I bellied up to the bar to talk shop. The bar is bright and fun with a few kitschy knickknacks thrown about. This place is very homey. Even the bathrooms got a fresh makeover. The bartender who was friendly and informative went through the menu and their array of alcoholic beverages with me. Everything looked good, but I really just wanted a beer and a cheesesteak. I ordered a Daisy Cutter draft, it was a steep $7 a pint, but the owners have informed us that they are working on changing the prices of their beer. The pour was perfect and accompanied my meal quite well. I ordered the Coconut Chicken as an app and,of course, I ordered the Authentic Philly Cheeksteak with both White American and the Aged Cheddar Sauce. While waiting for the food to come both the owners/chef chatted it up with me at the bar. They are very warm and friendly. Since I work the cooking industry, Chef even gave me a tour of their new very polished and sparkling kitchen. What a great use of such a small space Chef. And after a few minutes my Coconut Chicken arrived. It consisted of delicious all natural juicy chicken strips freshly battered and serve crisp with a wonderful sweet, tangy and slightly bitter housemade horseradish yuzu marmalade. A great accoutrement to the chicken strips. I devoured those Coconut Chicken strips. And a few minutes later the PiÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance, the Philly Cheesesteak, came out. Oh my! Juicy, Tender Black Angus Rib-eye quickly cooked on a flat top served over gooey melted White American Cheese and Aged Cheddar Sauce and perfectly caramelized onions all on a soft Philly Amoroso Roll. Does it get any better than this? No. I do not know if I even took a breath while devouring that delicious Philly Cheese. It is everything a good sandwich should be. I had a very good time at Monti's. So good I stayed there a whole three hours chatting it up and drinking beer. I even ran into some friends who were checking out the new joint. Monti's you are a keeper. I have never had a cheesesteak in Philly, but after having the cheesesteak at Monti's I have no reason to ever have to venture out to Philadelphia.
(4)
Nicholaus H.

Simply put, this place rocks!! From the extraordinary service of Natalia to the spot on cheese steaks, to the great home made soups. This PA native has found his spot for a samich in the Chi !!! Monti and James are great hosts and fun people. $1 fireball shots don't hurt either. My favorite is the cheese steak hoagie! Get the foot long you'll be glad you did. I also love the Rocky, it's got a nice kick!
(5)
Danielle K.

Just went last week with a groupon I had purchased. We went around lunchtime so it wasn't busy at all. Service was fast. Food was great and portions are large so I had plenty to take home and enjoy again the next day! The steak and bread really stand out here so make sure you go up north and check this place out!
(4)
Ross W.

Great place with great food. I am from SE Pennsylvania and Monti's is spot on. All they're missing is a Temple U pennant :-) The steak was incredible and the fries with celery salt were a real treat.
(5)
Rokey T.

Went here because I saw something on tv about this place and was really hungry at the time. I went on a cold day and got a table in the back. The waitstaff and owner were really nice and chatted us up. We ordered two cheesesteaks which come with fries. I felt that they took REALLY long, about 20 minutes to hit our table. The fries are seasoned with celery salt. Normally I am a fan, but this really wasn't tasting right. The two cheesesteaks were really off. Mine tasted super funky. I didn't finish mine because of this. My friend finished his. We both were really sick from this food. Not even 10 minutes later we were sick. Even the thought of it makes my stomach churn. I don't know what happened here on this day, but it was not a good experience at all. _______________________________________ *** In response to Jennifer's unprofessional and angsty note: Firstly, there is a trend which anyone can recognize. Any slightly negative comment is attacked with a barrage of negativity from Jennifer of the establishment. In an attempt to give an honest review complimenting the wait staff, and even the manger/owner chatting with us, I was bombarded with a nasty and inaccurate response from Jennifer. While you claim you cannot get sick from food immediately after consumption, you are only referring to food poisioning, in which case you are right. You did not account for the fact that perhaps contaminants (feces, chemicals...) could have been present, in which case, you could easily feel sick right away. Rather than acknowledge that the customer might be right, you go on a ego trip accusing me of not alerting anyone else. Sorry, Jennifer, I was too busy rushing home to use MY bathroom. Thanks though, for the concern. Yelp is a place for people to voice their opinions and thoughts on their personal experiences of places. While some people are here to hurt businesses, I am not. I tell my experience. I did say positive things about your establishment, but you refuse to acknowledge those. It's really sad and unprofessional the way you handle customers. BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 101... take these reviews as a way to improve, not rip apart the people who don't say what you want them to. Your handling of this post was so inappropriate, but I see that you treat anyone who writes a remotely negative review that same way.
(1)
Lee R.

Just look at the photos. You have my assurance that this is the real deal. Now go. Good beer selection. Also a pretty good cider selection, which one of the kind co-owners was telling us she is working on building out. The 8inch should be more than enough. I had the 12 because I ate light all day in preparation -- sue me. It was astounding and enormous. The beef is just right in every way -- down to the peppered taste. This is one of the best three cheesesteaks I've ever had, and I've had a lot of them! It's a good thing I am well out of delivery range of this place. Parking is really easy, since it's just outside the Lincoln Square hot zone.
(5)
Michelle M.

This place was awesome! Cheese steak was incredibly delicious. And I found my new favorite beer here!
(5)
Claire S.

I love Monti's! It's a little off the beaten path, but right by my apartment, so that's why I first tried it out. As a pescatarian, I appreciate that they have a meatless option on their menu, which is also delicious. The "Where's the Beef?" scores major points (soy sausage, sautÃ©ed wild mushrooms and white american cheese), their fries are good, pretty decent beer selection, and wonderful for take-out. I've had Philly cheesesteaks in Philadelphia several times before (both veg. and non-veg.), but am not feeling comfortable enough making a judgement about how well Monti's cheesesteaks adhere to authenticity standards. I just know that I get tasty eats at Monti's. They're serving up good food and service!
(5)
Brent B.

Awesome cheese steaks that are better than cheese steaks from Philly (in my opinion). While in Philly I tried Johns, Jim's, and Pats. Pat's "whiz-wit" was the best if the 3, but Monti's is just superior as is Chicago in general
(5)
Cindy K.

I love that it's close to home, my husband loves that it's a Philly bar, and the ambience and service was great. The food, however, was a bit disappointing for me. I would return because it's convenient and fun, but more to drink and chill than for an awesome meal. With all the positive reviews, I was expecting better from the food. I think some of the more critical reviews were spot on. We ordered the original cheesesteak with cheddar and the one with jalapeno mayo sauce. We also tried the wings. The wings were pretty good albeit different from traditional wings. The batter was lighter, but the wings tasted almost buttery. We all liked it in our group of 8 people. The Italian ice was pretty tasty and it came free with our Yelp check in. If Monti's worked on the following, I would bump up a star or two: 1) The meat in the cheesesteak was a notch too salty. I thought maybe it was because I always find restaurant food too salty, but after we left we all agreed they could have laid off the salt. 2) Not very cheesy. My husband is from Philly and said Monti's fell flat with the cheese. He prefers the cheese whiz type cheese. I actually don't even recall tasting the cheese, although the server said it's in there. Somewhere. 3) Price. 8-inches costs $12. Eeek! I guess I wouldn't mind if I thought it was amazing, but since it was more on the average side, the price seemed steep. The bread was close to what you'd find at Pat's or Geno's but otherwise, it definitely wasn't on the same level. The service was great, everyone was very friendly. The beer selection was good and the place is clean. A nice venue to hang out in the neighborhood. I just wish the food tasted better. Then this could be a place that I would return to again and again.
(3)
Mariam K.

For anyone that loves Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches... this is the BEST place in Chicago. I went with a couple of people and they were already talking about going there to eat again next weekend. Im usually not a fan of Philly Cheesesteak... however I got the 'Rocky' and it was unbelievable and extremely spicy - which I love... so be prepared! For appetizers we got the pretzel nuggets... which were soo addicting.. I couldn't stop eating them! Service was also great... I will definitely be coming back here soon!
(4)
Megan K.

Monti's surprised me in the best way possible on a Monday afternoon lunch trip on MLK Jr day. After moving to the Lincoln Square area last May, I had heard great things about Monti's and was looking forward to giving it a try when I wanted to carb load on a delicious sandwich and fries. Luckily for me, they were offering a Groupon a few days before my visit, which was an amazing deal that I couldn't pass up! For $22 my boyfriend and I each got a beer, a 10 inch sandwich, fries, and a dessert. We arrived around 12:30 pm to a bustling lunch crowd, which I wasn't expecting given the fact that it was a Monday afternoon and it was freezing out. For some reason I pictured the atmosphere at Monti's to be more like Philly's Best in the Lakeview neighborhood where you simply walk up to a counter and order your food. Monti's, on the other hand, has an incredibly friendly waitstaff and gives off more of a bar/pub vibe than a quick lunch or dinner spot. The restaurant is incredibly cozy with comfortable booths, tables, and hightop tables which can probably seat around thirty people or so. Upon being seated, we were greeted by a male server (sadly I didn't get anyone's names) who saw that we had a groupon and walked us through the deal. We were able to choose *any* of the beers that they were offering, which was an impressive offering of craft brews for the establishment. We quickly put in our beer order as we decided which of the sandwiches to choose. Here's a breakdown of our delicious choices: 1) Authentic Philly Cheesesteak with grilled onions and aged cheddar sauce: I absolutely loved everything about this sandwich. It came out piping hot and slathered in a respectable amount of their aged cheddar sauce, all nestled into a fresh and flavorful Amoroso roll. Before placing my order I asked specifically about the cheese sauce, which the waitress told me was house made and not the "typical" cheese-whiz type sauce you can find on other Philly Cheesesteaks. This sauce was fantastic and really brought the sandwich together. I'd get this again, and again, and again. 2) South Side Johnny: sautÃ©ed mushrooms, grilled onions, swiss cheese, horseradish cream sauce: Thissandwich was also quite tasty, the mushrooms were perfectly cooked, meaning they weren't mushy or rubbery. All of the flavors came together and was nicely topped off with a slight punch from the horseradish. Again, no complaints here at all. 3) Fries: These fries seemed fresh cut and freshly prepared for our order, which gets high marks in my book. They were seasoned, but not overly salted, and were a great side to the sandwich. Dessert 1) Ice Cream Sandwich Sundae: This sundae was a throwback to my childhood and I loved every guilty bite of indulgence. It's as simple as the name lends itself to be--a chocolate ice cream sandwich topped with freshly made whipped cream, two cherries, and a generous portion of hot fudge. This could easily be split between two people, but my boyfriend and I each polished off our own. I will definitely be back to Monti's in the near future as the quality of food is fantastic, even at the non-Groupon value. The staff is incredibly friendly and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a place I wouldn't mind spending a fair amount of time in. Monti's, until we meet again!
(5)
Peter O.

Trust all the four and five star Yelp! reviews this time, folks. Some seriously good, fresh cheesesteaks here, and many varieties from which to choose. (Note: mixed melted aged cheddar and spicy mustard taste great when coating chewy pretzely nuggety appetizery goodness and washed down with cold bottled and canned beer or their one rotating tap craft beer) During our most recent visit we shared the Sampler Platter, three varieties, and took a third of the meal home. The portions are huge! True Philly style rolls barely enclose rich and hefty helpings of your favourite ingredients. One's mouth waters in remembrance. Fries do not get much better too, if you ask me. You're reading this. You're asking me. Though find out for yourself! Please. Right now. You'll see. Hey, even their chili kicks some serious ass, and I never thought Chicago chili would take a backseat to Philly chili, even though it rhymes. Or maybe because it rhymes. Sadly, Chicago doesn't rhyme with any food. Does it? Yes! Sacrebleu! Escargot is a food and rhymes, but it's French and it's snails. Monti's cheesesteaks are better.Take that, Frenchys! You and your damned weird snails. HAH! The Philly cheesesteaks served in Chicago by a native Philadelphian win! Go listen to a mime. James is a charming, gracious hoot and a half host, cook and sometimes bartender who makes one of the city's best Maker's Manhattans. We've not had the sure delight of meeting Jennifer (Monti) though James always speaks very highly of her and we sincerely look forward to having that pleasure. We and our friends like her namesake restaurant a whole lot. Such good food and drink. ~Peter O. and S.
(4)
Jeff G.

philly cheese pretty decent ad good fries, quaint little kid-friendly spot that is 1/3 bar 2/3 tables. house salad on the side was a joke. literally mixed greens in a tray with nothing else my wife said she go back and so would i
(4)
Elizabeth W.

So after talking to Jennifer (and confirming with the spouse that the chicken nuggets are, in fact, really good--and organic, made-when-ordered, not frozen!), I have to update the review. This is customer service at its finest, and we will absolutely be returning to give the menu another go around.
(4)
Stephanie C.

It is as good as they say. They have amazing cheese-steak hoagies, what looks like amazing cut fries, and great beer to wash it all down. And all the while, a Blackhawks game in the foreground. I can't ask for more, well besides the Blackhawks winning their last game.
(5)
Eugene C.

Overall good, authentic Philly cheese steaks and then some. My experience with true cheesesteaks hails from Geno's or Pat's in Philly. This place is the closest you can get to getting that quality of cheesesteak and more. This is definitely better than the Philly's Best franchise all around Chicago. Started out with the wings app and it was deep fried and tasty. Then I had The Rocky Cheesesteak and it had a variety of peppers on it which were amazing! The side of crispy fries were dusted with some celery salt, giving it that nice Chicago connection. Nice touch. One critique about this place is that their Daisy Cutter on draft is a bit steep for 7$ a pint. Places in the area have it cheaper for $5 but that is a minor issue. Aside from that, the service was great, the atmosphere was nice with good music and the food was delicious. It's definitely a local spot on my list that I will be visiting more often.
(4)
Kim W.

I found out about Monti's via Groupon (awesome deal) at the end of February, which came at a perfect time since I was lamenting with the bf about finding a place with decent Philly cheesesteaks. I am not an expert on cheesesteaks but the ones I have had in the past have not cut it. But Monti's sure does! The authentic Philly cheesesteak was delicious! I chose to have it with the aged cheddar sauce that didn't overwhelm the meat. The steak itself was very juicy, well-seasoned and fulfilling. And that roll was the perfect vessel to get all that in my mouth. The fresh cut fries with celery salt were also a nice treat to accompany the meaty goodness. BF had the Rocky and felt it was spicy in all the right places. Also had the pretzel bites, which came out nice and hot and also accompanied by the aged cheddar sauce...which can go on almost everything. Even the small selection of desserts were fantastic including the ice cream sandwich and the Italian Water Ice (mmm rainbow!) Unfortunately, they were out of Tastykakes that night but that didn't ruin my experience whatsoever. The craft beer selection was pretty darn good and definitely will have me coming back again. For those who need to read about the atmosphere...low key, comfortable and not too loud. The service was good but I imagine that is because we were the only ones in there on a Sunday night. Either way, I will be back and recommend you go, too!
(5)
T W.

First time at monti's. Great food and atmosphere. A real, authentic neighborhood restaurant!
(5)
Bill M.

I don't drink, if I did I might be a fixture in Monti's. They have lots of nice stuff to drink. I go for the food. Good food. This is not 'exquisite' food. It is damned good food. Look at their menu. If these items appeal to you, then you will probably enjoy the food, because it is done right. It is not super fancy, but it is made the right way using good recipes, good ingredients and proper cooking. The place is 'neighborhood nice,' casual but not a dump. Lots of TVs for sports that are properly adjusted to show actual HD, not just stretched SD. Staff is friendly, attentive. I did not find service to be slow, but I also did not expect fast-food-joint speed. I would say food service was faster than most restaurants and slower than fast-food joints. Kind of between the two. Which is fine. Only thing is, they close the kitchen too early for my tastes, usually 10 or 11 PM. I am a night owl. Quite often I want dinner at midnight, and they usually stop serving before that. Well I can't expect them to stay open till the wee hours if that doesn't work out business-wise. After all, I want them to succeed so I can have their food for years to come.
(4)
Maria M.

I recently tried Monti's for the first time. As a big fan of Philly Cheesesteak, I was pleasantly surprised! The staff was super friendly and attentive and they had a great selection of liquor and beer. I had the authentic Philly Cheesesteak and my husband had the Niko the Greek. Both were super tasty. The side salad was a little lacking (literally just lettuce with some dressing on it), but the sandwiches more than made up for it! Their soups are also all homemade, so I'll be back to try them out. You should definitely check out Monti's if you're a Philly fan!
(4)
Carl G.

Thought this place was going to be more of a counter order spot, but really glad that it turned out to be a sit-down place. Actually it's more like a bar than anything - but with good, regional specialty food. the bar was set up well, with a few seats, and good tables. Definitely a place to spend some good time having a beer or two and some good food! The service was great, both of the main people working there were busy but attentive, and they did a good job of spacing the order so that it cam out in the right way. We got our appetizer first, and just when we were slowing down, the meal came out. Great operational work. We also didn't have to linger, they were appropriately quick with the check, and never pushing. The food was very good. We had the some chili as an appetizer, and it was everything I think chili should be, meaty, thick, and a little bit spicy. It was a quite steep for the portion you get, but it was good. We also have the buffalo bites. breaded, which was a surprise, and actually I liked them a lot more. The cheese steak I had was really great. Just got the authentic, to try it out, but would definitely be interested in trying other ones. The meat was appropriately chopped, the cheese was nice and cheesy, and the bread was fantastic. Everything I want in hot sandwich. I definitely didn't need to finish it all, but somehow it disappeared! In addition, the fries were great - nice and crispy and very well seasoned (not just salt, but other spices also)! We also had the meatball sandwich - good marinara, well flavored balls, same bread as the philly. Prices were a little high, but the food was really good. I'll definitely be back. In addition to the food - they also have what looks like to be a great beer list..something to try when it's not noon on a sunday!
(5)
Mohammed K.

Best Phili Chesse steak sandwiches in Chicago so far.
(4)
Josh J.

Found a delicious cheesesteak in Chicago. And a block from my house. Tried the Balboa and it cleared every sinus in my body. Spicy!!!! Being from Tejas, I usually love the spices and this did not disappoint. Local beer selection was awesome as well. 3 thumbs up
(5)
Raji V.

I came here for the Philly cheesesteak. In comparison to other ones I've had specifically (phillys best) it was no where near my standards. The waiter was nice and the environment is upbeat.
(2)
Frank D.

Great high qualit meat nice gravy on it.... Ingredients.bread.everything great.top .of the.line AWESOME serviceawesome steak
(5)
August B.

Let's cut to the cheese. You could do worse, you could do better but overall, "yay! I'm a fan." I stumbled in here one night after some hardware store shopping. i felt so blessed to have such a place in the area. Really the meat is solid, fries fresh and beer cold. The trifecta of what i'm looking for in a joint.
(4)
Jose B.

Simply amazing. Cheese steaks are top notch, and the beer selection is really good. I will definitely be back!!!!
(5)
Kaitlyn P.

as philly transplants we were in search of a great cheesesteak place! this one hit the spot! super delicious, thanks!
(5)
Gary K.

Best cheesesteak (period). I have had many (probably too many) a cheesesteak in philly. This one beats them all. I got the cheese wit cheddar sauce- I can't imagine getting it with any other cheese!- topped with jalapenos. Spicy awesomeness.
(5)
Justin R.

Friendly service and delicious sandwiches in a bar/pub atmosphere. The Philly Cheesesteaks are among the best I've had.
(4)
Mark M.

Monti's has made me a believer in the cheesesteak! My girlfriend is from the Philly area, and she and I went with another friend from the Philly area to "try" the cheesesteaks. Oh. Man. They were delicious. Monti's has Amoroso rolls flown in multiple times per week from Philly, which I would argue make the sandwich, in addition to their high quality meat. I ordered mine with the provolone, hers as a hogie, and our friends with their homemade Wisconsin cheddar cheese sauce. After having tried my steak with both provolone and cheese sauce, I prefer the provolone, however, the cheese sauce goes great with the pretzel nuggets. (For those with Glutten issues, they have a glutten free roll also.) For dessert, they have a variety of Tasty Kakes, a Pennsylvania/east coast treat. Think Hostess, but way way better. Will I go back to Monti's? YES! Hands down the best Cheesesteak outside of Philly. In fact, planning to invite a crowd there in a few weeks for my girlfriend's birthday party (her choice!). Go to Monti's. Eat Cheesesteak. Feel the brotherly love. :-)
(5)
J. Chuck K.

Came here with the Groupon last month and had an even better experience than my first 5 star one...Because the deal was amazing. Not only did I get to sink my teeth into their delicious cheese steak sandwich, but I also got to try their dessert. I've been here three times and still can't wait to try more of their menu.
(5)
Al I.

Great service, great cheesesteaks. It's worth going out of your way for. I had an "authentic" with aged cheddar sauce (no whiz wit here) and I loved it. Is it like going to Geno's or Pat's King of Steaks? I don't know about that. The grill is probably cleaner here and the cheese sauce is fancier. But it is darn good stuff. As far as appetizers, we tried both pretzel nuggets and coconut chicken. Both really good. Our server was very upfront that they add a gratuity automatically for groups of six or more. We were appreciative that there were no surprises on that front. Can't wait to go back, this place was awesome.
(5)
Majid M.

i think they have the best philly cheese steak in Chicago. great atmosphere,,, check in on yelp and get an awesome desert for free! i had a steak sandwich with mushrooms, american cheese and provolone cheese topped with lettuce and tomatoes. that's all you need folks!
(4)
Chip H.

Awesome!!! The Pizza steak was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had!! The chicken wings are amazing!! Great beer selection. Can't wait to come back!!
(5)
Jim F.

We went to Monti's for the first time on a Groupon and just had our 4th dinner there last night since January. Every time has been great, there is a variety of cheesesteaks to choose from. I picked up a taste after spending time in Philly and I've had different entries each time (but watch out for the scotch bonnets on "The Rocky" -- wow (spicy) but I couldn't put it down! The calamari is great and for the last two visits, we started out with coconut chicken (think coconut shrimp with chicken fingers). Oh, and there's a salad option as opposed to french fries. Nice drink specials -- reasonably priced, but also made well. This is a small neighborhood place. We went there a week ago and enjoyed the coconut chicken, but asked for a 2nd serving of the sauce. When we came this week (last night), our waitress/bartender asked us as we sat down if we wanted coconut chicken and then brought it with two sauces. It's a small thing, but it is endearing to be "recognized",.. The Southside Johnny and the Rocky were our 'steaks this week, both 5-stars -- and the martinis evaporated as well. One of these (next) visits, I want to branch out and try the pizza. Monti's is conveniently located to the Brown Line, we're coming over from Lakeview. HOWEVER, if you're following Weight Watcher points, know that 1/2 an appetizer, a couple of martinis and a 12" sandwich is almost 2-days worth of points (sigh). a good reason to take half of it home :-)
(5)
Gary C.

There was a rumor that philly cheesesteaks would be invading Lincoln Square soon..and then, it arrived. I'm not gonna lie, one of my favorite sandwiches is the philly cheesesteak and I get really upset when I have a bad one. Trust me, you don't want to see an upset Gary after eating a bad cheesesteak; I start oozing cheez whiz and tearing off my clothes, storming the streets back to my fave philly spot to make up for crappiness. But after eating at Monti's, I soon realized that I wouldn't need to ooze the whiz, rip perfectly good clothing, or head back to just one philly spot. No, I have found another. I have only been there once, so far, and I have to say that it's quite good. Had the 8-incher Authentic Philly. Filled with black angus ribeye, overflowing with aged cheddar sauce, this gorgeous sandwich made it into my stomach in record time. It's meaty, for all of you who have had cheesesteaks that flake out on the -steak part. It's cheesy, with a choice of melted or cheese sauces (ideal for any cheese connoisseur). It's filling, for those worried about having enough to eat. 8-inches is a lot (insert giggle), but if that's not enough for you, there's always the foot-long. The awesome part is that there are other variations of the cheesesteak, and from what I hear, the kitchen does an amazing job with all of their sandwiches. Open late on the weekends (TR-Sat until 12AM), Monti's is sure to become a Lincoln Square fave. See you there!
(4)
Adam H.

Great service. Ambience is perfect for date night. Even though Im from Pittsburgh, I've always had a soft spot for Philly Cheesesteak. This place is the best I've had in Chicago. Plop this place in Philly and it would hold its own.
(5)
Seosamh D.

VERY good service (GREAT waitress) and nice looking place. However, VERY overrated food and VERY overpriced food. By way of comparison, I think Susies on Montrose west of Elston makes far better steak sandwiches and for about half the price. I didn't think the food was anything special at all. In fact, I thought I coulda made a better sandwich at home and I'm not a stellar cook. I''d go elsewhere............
(2)
Draenna J.

AMAZING! I went here for my birthday. If you're on a ketogenic diet, this place is your heaven! We got a meat and cheese tray to start, which was very good. It came with these spicy pickle chips, sweet pickles, two cheeses, and two meats. A+. Then the cheesesteaks came. I'm not a huge cheesesteak fan, but Monti"s has converted me. They even honored my request to have no bun. They brought it in a dish, with lots of cheese. Yay! Best cheesesteak I ever had in my LIFE. A++ .My husband and I were stuffed. And for all that, it was about $40. I'll be back. I'll take friends. I'll shovel meat into my face. And I'll be thrilled.
(5)
Cat H.

After hearing such great things about Monti's I was super excited to try this place out. Even more so when I found out they had soy sausage philly cheesesteak ('m a recent pescatarian). Ordered one to go before work and I really was digging the feel inside. Friendly service. Beautiful bar. I was also quite impressed with the craft beer selection. But the sandwich itself was SO incredibly salty. I'm not sure if the "meat" was supposed to be that much doused in salt/whatever sauce it was or if I just got a bad order but I couldn't continue to finish eating it after the first few bites. It was pretty disappointing cause I reallywanted to like this place. Not sure if I'd be back for the food, but might return for some drinks.
(3)
Daniella B.

This place is bad ass period. Amazing cheesesteaks, service and beer. Careful of the Rocky it is not for the faint hearted--but it's my favorite! You also can't beat an Authentic here, complete with homemade cheddar sauce. The hubs and I also love their pretzel bites and their wings. The beers used to run my bill up, but it looks like they may have adjusted their beer pricing. Score.
(5)
NoÃ«lle C.

Delicious! My husband loves philly cheesesteaks and after a failed first attempt at a different unnamed Chicago cheesesteak restaurant, we fell in love with Montis. The service is great and quick. The restaurant is clean and the staff are friendly. The food is delicious and according to my husband the Phillys are legit.
(5)
Anesha A.

This is a 3.5 star review. I wanted to love Monti's. I was so excited to have my first cheesesteak in years that I bypassed a planned weekend detox to partake. My cheesesteak hoagie was pretty good. I too requested sweet peppers and the server had no idea what I was talking about (google: San-Del Sweet Peppers). When the server approached us about dessert we were ready for our Tastykakes only to be told "oh, we haven't had those in months". Not cool.
(3)
Frank Y.

I like Monti's. It is all about the cheesesteaks at this Lincoln Square spot. When my wife and I went there, Monti herself was behind the bar. The atmosphere is great. 80's music is playing in the background, which is... totally awesome, like TOTALLY. There is a good lively vibe, with plenty of hipsters and locals. There is an excellent selection of locally crafted beers. The steaks are good. The classic is an above average version of this iconic sandwich. The steaks at Monti's would not stand up with the likes of Pat's or Geno's in Philly, but they are certainly capable of teleporting any Philly transplants back home within the first bite. For a different spin, try the South Side Johnny, which has mushrooms and horseradish sauce. Authentic? Maybe not. Tasty? Absolutely! The fries are also quite good. I am still partial to Philly's Best for authentic cheesesteaks, but if you want better atmosphere, a good beer, and friendly owners serving you, then Monti's is the place.
(3)
Matt B.

The short: quality Philly cheesesteak at Chicago prices. The food is amazing, but I can't go to five stars because an 8" cheesesteak is $10.95, a 12" is $13.95, each about $2.00 more than I would pay back in Philly. As such, Monti's is an enjoyable, but rare experience for me. If Monti's could manage to get a sandwich and drink special for under $10, I'd probably eat there every day.
(4)
Parker L.

I loved this place. I never knew it existed and I live just around the block. Cheesesteaks were fabulous. Service was good and the overall environment was inviting. I would definitely go back. My only complaint is that it was crowded with a wait, and we had limited attention to refilling drinks. We had to flag someone else to get us a drink. It was almost intentional because the place is so small, they want to turn over tables quickly. Would have liked to linger for a few beers. Other than that loved it.
(4)
MTML D.

Great cheese steak. Premium cut beef and bread that melts in your mouth. Do not complain about the price of over $10 bucks for a cheese steak. This comes with fries as well. I have spent $20 bucks on sandwiches and fries that did not come close to tasting as good as Monti's. I can't wait to try the rest of their menu. This is FOR-REAL cheese steak. Real rib eye, real bread, real food. Just go get it.
(4)
Boon K.

Hidden on a side street and totally unexpected bar. Very friendly staff and I wanted to do take out as my mom try a philly cheese steak. I ordered a philly cheese steak, a chicken cheese sandwich, and a tastykake. Well I wish I didn;t order a tastykake and should have asked what is was before ordering it. Well, it was a version of hostess cakes philly style. It was too process for me so i threw it away. Both subs are really good and tasty and I just wish it was little cheaper, it was a lot of food but a little price for.
(3)
Double L.

Great Cheese Steaks. Great local bar and worth traveling to if you don't live in the area for the cheese steaks. Lots of T.V.s to watch games. Friendly staff. Decent beer selection but only one draft. We got the Rocky and another one, whcih I forget the name of. Rocky is great, really spicy but not over the top. Fries were good and I like you can put toppings on them.
(4)
Sera H.

I recently moved to the neighborhood and have been on the lookout for good eats within walking distance. I'm SO glad I came across Monti's! It's exactly what I look for in a casual, comfortable neighborhood joint with stellar food. I may not be from Philly but I can still appreciate a great cheesesteak when I eat one and Monti's does it right. I've heard that they ship the bread in fresh daily from Philly which might help explain why those more familiar with the art of the cheesesteak tout Monti's for its authentic taste. They offer six different cheesesteak sandwiches. So far I've had the Authentic and the South Side Johnny, both of which were delicious, and I plan to try them all. Their fries are perfect with just the right amount of crispness. I've also heard great things about their pizza and wings. Monti's has killer grub, a relaxed, friendly environment and a nice beer list--you really can't go wrong! Something else to keep in mind if you live in the neighborhood: THEY DELIVER. I'm in trouble. I'll apologize in advance to my arteries.
(4)
mike h.

Cheesesteak is where its at! I went with the classic style, with white american and a gluten free bun. didnt even notice the gluten missing. For me this is the best one Ive had in the city. Slightly better than Phillys Best for sure. Also tried the chicken wings...big and meaty, but sauces were just OK. nothing Nuclear about the nuclear sauce, just warm at best if you ask me. Ill be back for the Philly! And pretty good service too. Nice little hidden neighborhood spot.
(4)
Charlie B.

Really good cheesesteaks. But, its pricey and just a decent sandwich. I could see myself ordering if I am hard up for a cheeseteak.
(3)
Mare C.

This was exceptional! Probably the best Philly cheesesteak sandwich I've ever had, even compared with what I had in Philly...which in actuality wasn't all that great to begin with. To start with, the bun was exceptional, fresh tasting and crunchy and rounded at the ends, they get it directly from a bakery in Philly called Amarosa, according to the owner, Jennifer Monti. Then there were the toppings, smoked provolone and onions, nice upgrade from the typical offerings you usually get with a cheesesteak. Then there was the beef, in this case it was rib-eye, juicy and perfectly seasoned. Everybody seems to mention price, which I agree is kind of expensive, $10.95 for an 8" & $13.95 for a 12". I'd definitely go back, but not quite as often as if it was a little cheaper. My only mistake was not getting the fries...only because I thought they were extra!!! My mistake, not theirs! It was so memorable I'm thinking of already going back today! Another thing I liked about this place was how friendly everyone was, from the owner Jennifer to the bartender, both treated me like family. Wish more restaurants were like that....are you listening Kuma's Corner??? Less attitude, more customer service. Since it wasn't very busy I ended up eating at the bar, a rarity for me, had a spirited conversation with both of them on just about everything from Chicago politics, crime, food, etc. This is the place to go NOW for a real Philly cheesesteak!
(4)
Selena R.

Best Philly I've ever had!
(5)
Cindy R.

My husband had a cheesesteak and i had the chicken version. Both were very good! We live close by and will be back. My only request - to every restaurant where cheese is an important ingredient - is to have a vegan cheese option for the lactose intolerant! I ate mine with real cheese... but man, I paid for it later.
(4)
Shakeia T.

Tried Monti's for the first time this weekend with a friend. Loved The Rocky [with chicken]. If you like spicy, this one's for you! The fries were also quite tasty! Customer service here is stellar. Our drinks were refilled without asking. We were asked how we were doing more than once. I ordered a 12 inch and half of my sammy got cold while I was eating the other half and they reheated it for me! FTW! Plus, I noticed, they already have regulars. That's a very good sign. Looking forward to going back to Monti's. Maybe tonight. Mmm. Drool.
(4)
Scott M.

Hands down best Philly cheesesteaks. Got the Sample platter to try 3 different ones all good. Football fireball an excellent deal for a dollar. Fries were good. Soft Pretzel nuggets good. All in all excellent food excellent service thank you. Will be making the ride to be back agian
(5)
Anthony J.

Prologue: Restaurants are a bit like porn stars: some just aren't even trying, just taking a pounding with dead eyes. Others are into it, acting like they're really getting off on it, but they can't shake that thousand-yard stare. The very best are those that really try, try so hard it seems effortless. They make you believe they don't just like the sex, they need it, and you should feel privileged just to be watching on your smartphone on the red line at rush hour. One hand on the phone and one hand... steadying yourself on the handrail of course. Don't wanna accidentally lean against that homeless guy do ya? Gross! But enough about me, my point is that Monti's is that last type - they care about quality and doing things right. And not in a prepackaged, TGIFridays bullcrap way where some smiling server brings you frozen food whilst dying a little inside with each faked bit of sincerity. No, they do things right: fresh ingredients, craft beer selection from real beer geeks, not poseurs, and that small-business working-class sensibility that should warm the cockles of even the most jaded diner's heart. But is this the prologue or the posy of a ring? Yeah, I know, tis brief. As woman's love. What was I saying? Oh yeah, been there thrice, real good food every time. First time I had a standard cheesesteak with sharp cheddar sauce. Not some rubbish yellow plastic cheese sauce either, this was real cheese. Quality. Second time around I felt brave and tried the Rocky. The warning about it packing. a punch was on the money. Damn tasty, but Balboa did knock me in the mouth, spicy style. Third time I had the South Side Johnny, slathered with buttery mushrooms - yum! Also of note is their devotion to fresh, homemade soups. Those I've tried include a tortilla soup with hunks of carnitas-esque pork, a corn chowder, and avgolemono, greek egg lemon soup. Good stuff. Also dig the celery salt fries. Epilogue: So is it good? Positively pornographic. Food porn, the purest form know to man (besides tentacle, of course). Like the rest of the real pros out there, they do it for love of the craft, and they do it right.
(5)
Matt K.

Fantastic. I heard enough positive word of mouth about Monti's to make the trip and see what all the fuss was about. I've never stepped foot in Philadelphia and therefore have never had a truly authentic Philly cheesesteak. But the first thing I noticed was how high-quality the beef was and how this was the first cheesesteak I'd ever had where the meat seemed to be the star of the show. The cheese acts as a complement instead of overwhelming the sandwich which is the case with most, and up until now I didn't know any better. I see lots of complaining about the price but it seemed about right to me (and was worth it). One annoyance. I was here on a Saturday in the late afternoon and ate at the bar since I came in solo. After I finished my sandwich and beer I wasn't checked back up on for probably 20 minutes while the two bartenders -- one male, one female, who also acted as servers for the tables -- and who I assume was a deliveryman stood in the corner talking to each other while I was waiting for my check so I could pay and leave. I'm typically used to this since I live in Lincoln Park but given how proactive Jennifer M. is on this site I quickly figured out that these were not the owners. I hope to meet them next time around!
(5)
Megan G.

I didn't even think I liked cheesesteak. My boyfriend had a Groupon for Monti's so I gamely tagged along, hoping, at best, to not leave starving. Needless to say, my expectations were far exceeded. On our first visit we decided to start with the society hill salad (a little something healthy to offset the coming grease wave). This is actually the most disappointing thing I've had at Monti's - it's absolutely nothing special and , at $7.75, I felt it overpriced. That mild disappointment was immediately whisked from my mind with the arrival of my cheesesteak. I've ordered both the original and the South Side Johnny - both are great but I give the slight edge to the Johnny for the addition of sauteed mushrooms and horseradish cream. The meat is delicious and not fatty and the rolls are perfect. I love these sandwiches. Love them. The side of fries, which could have been an afterthought, have some kind of awesome spice that makes them absolutely delicious. Oh, and side note: you can ask for a side of peppers for your sandwich and they'll ask you how hot you want them. I'm a wuss, so I always get the mildest. The boyfriend is more adventurous and has ordered most of them. He wants me to warn you all that the Rocky peppers are super hot and you should exercise caution while eating. We've also had the ice cream sandwich sundae dessert. And yes, this is just as simple as it sound (ice cream sandwiches, whipped cream, cherry) and yet somehow the whole is greater than the sum of the parts - it's wonderful. I've been impressed with Monti's servers on both of our visits. They've always been really friendly without being obsequious and are more than happy to bring anything we request. Monti's also has a fairly decent beer selection and if I lived in the area, the bar looks like a cozy place to hang out. There's ample parking, I've never had to wait for a table, and they frequently have coupons (which worries me, actually). Go now!
(5)
Alison R.

Monti's is a top-notch dining establishment. I recommend the homemade soup of the day to start and the buffalo chicken nugget appetizer. The Philly is quality, black angus beef that packs in the flavor. Besides the food... Monti's always greets with a smile and has friendly regulars.
(5)
Laura P.

Sandwiches are awesome, drinks are great and staff very friendly!
(5)
Marina F.

From the first time we went into Montis we were hooked! Being from the Philadelphia area, both my boyfriend and I miss what Philly is known for, the cheesesteaks. Of course we both have out favorite Philly spots, but Montis might have scooped in and taken the top! Upon watching "Always Sunny" and watching Frank make a hoagie in his mouth (which isnt all together pleasant) our mouths started to water for Italian hoagies. I was at the doors as soon as they opened today and ordered my food. Holy crap have I missed a real hoagie! So good! Every meat eater who's ever wanted a taste of Philly can just head over to Lincoln Square and get it there!! They get Amoroso rolls shipped in from Philly and always have a variety of Tastycakes to choose from. Amazing!! Now if they only could open a Wawa my life in Chicago would be complete!
(5)
Patty F.

The soft pretzel nuggets were delicious (soft and doughy on the inside with a light shell on the outside) and the original Phillie cheesesteak was perfect. No cheese wizz product and grilled nicely. The service was very friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was fun and wasn't pretentious. It's a great place to go to chill out, eat comfort food, and chat with friends.
(4)
Comensal A.

It's nice to have a place like Monti's in town offering Philly cheesesteaks. We dropped in recently and enjoyed our sandwiches. My classic Philly cheesesteak was delicious. The shaved ribeye (piled high on the bun) was tender and tasty, and the roll was perfectly soft yet chewy. I opted for cheddar chesse, which turned out to be a thinner sauce than I had imagined; as a result, the sandwich was rather messy to eat. Fries were pretty good. My companion's pork hoagie was not as spectacular, but good nonetheless. We started with a Society Hill salad, which was underwhelming due to skimpy greens and a sharper-than-I-like balsamic vinaigrette. We were too full for dessert, but I think we'd have gone elsewhere if we were in the mood. Why go elsewhere for dessert? Well, Monti's is all about cheesesteaks, for me. It's not a comfortable place: seating is at the bar or at high tables/stools except for a a couple of low tables tucked in the dark recesses at the back of the room (if it were my place, I'd put the low tables in the window, with the high tables to the rear). The high tables present a challenge to petite diners, like my companion (and, I imagine, to older or mobility-impaired customers). And then there's the noise: between the music and the customers, this is not a conversation-friendly venue when it's busy. It's a nice neighborhood tap, but not the kind of ambiance I prefer for a leisurely dinner. The staff gets high marks for congeniality and helpfulness, and the food came quickly (a mite too quickly, since our sandwiches arrives halfway through the salad ). There's a nice selection of craft beers and ciders in bottles (no room for more than one tap, I was told) and a few martinis, but no wine. I encourage everyone to stop in for a cheesesteak - and if you like the ambiance, you may just discover a new neighborhood pub for your list!
(3)
Maria T.

Love the atmosphere (upscale quick service), and the food is excellent! Comfortable seating, clean tables, friendly service, great TV's to watch the game - but well placed so they don't dominate the room... Good music - just the right volume... Recommended for anyone and everyone to check out!
(5)
Amy K.

Gluten-free cheesesteak! I was excited by the prospect of a new, clean, non-disgusting, non-creepy bar within walking distance of my apartment, so I stopped in for a drink, and ended up ordering food. As I mentioned above: gluten-free cheesesteak! Well, gluten-free rolls, available for any sandwich, for an extra $2.50. That's more than I feel is reasonable, but I'm still glad it's available. Oh, and tasty, too. :) Food is solid, space is clean, and as of now, it's not too popular or too crowded. It's not big enough to be a trendy Lincoln Square spot, and it's on a residential side street and draws a mainly neighborhood crowd, so it may just retain its friendly, low-key feel. Four stars, instead of five, because they're just a smidge pricey for a neighborhood place.
(4)
Matt M.

A haiku: Amoroso rolls That's right, these cheesesteaks are on Amoroso rolls
(5)
Laura S.

I was creepin on yelp one night for all things cheesesteak related when I stumbled upon Monti's. Can I say how absolutely THRILLED I was to discover that there was a new cheesesteak place so close by to where I live? I went in the very next day because I'm pretty much cheesesteak obsessed. Monti's did not disappoint. There was no one in the restaurant at the time but I did not see this as a bad sign as the place had just opened for business maybe 2 weeks beforehand. (Yes, I've been procrastinating writing a review...better late than never I suppose) I felt immediately welcome. The girl behind the bar went over the menu with me and while I sat waiting for my take-out order they offered me water. I thought that was a really nice touch. I chatted with both her and the owner and they were both incredibly friendly and nice to talk to. The owner told me they have the rolls flown in twice a week from Philly. This got me pretty excited...hey, it's the little things/thrills in life. I've been to Philly and have been searching ever since for a cheesesteak as equally delicious as the ones I put in my mouth hole when I was there. I was happy to hear they deliver too. Yaaay! Food was excellent. I got the authentic philly cheesesteak with the aged cheddar sauce and pretzel bites. You can't really screw up pretzel bites (or can you?) but the sandwich was DELICIOUS. Oh NOM NOM NOM (Yeah, I said it. Deal with it) Only reason I haven't returned yet is I've been too busy. This is no good excuse but it's the only one I have. Trust me, it's not from crap food or service. I am a fan. Now I'm hungry after writing this. Maybe I need to return today.... Thank you Monti's for gracing our hood with your presence!
(5)
Mike H.

One of the best and most authentic Philly cheesesteaks in Chicago. I wish it was closer to my apartment, because I would go more often. The service was A+
(4)
Matt W.

As a Philly cheese steak enthusiast I have searched Chicago far and wide. This is hands-down the best cheese steak in Chicago.
(5)
Anthony P.

Wow am I in South Philly or Chicago? I am confused because of the wonderful restaurant that I found OMG didn't even have to twitch my nose or click heels . Monti's has the best of the best of Philadelphia specialties. Cheesteaks like you could not imagine that are here in Chitown,great pizza and other great items to order Yes they even have Tasty cakes (yum) Jennifer Monti the owner is special makes you feel like family and back home you know this is my new stomping grounds. BRAVO!!!!!! Tony Pino
(5)
Lucus K.

Monti's had a very delicious, authentic cheesesteak sandwich - I'm glad I ordered the 12", 'cause it was definitely worth the extra to enjoy that much longer! I asked the waitress for a suggestion on the beer, and she came through - she recommended "a little somethin' somethin'" (no, that's the name of the beer!), which was a little hoppy and sweet, a nice change from the newcastle and killian's that I tend to order (they had newcastle on the menu, but if there are new beers to try, I'm going to try them!) The only reason I'm docking a star at all was that the beginning of the meal was rocky. I got in, was told to sit anywhere, and so I did - and proceeded to wait nearly ten minutes before being presented with a menu and an opportunity to order a drink. It turned out that my waitress had to take a phone order - no big deal, these things happen - but there were other staff members sitting at the bar who did not even acknowledge my presence. Another table, who entered just before I did, were sat and had their drinks before I'd even received a menu. That said, after the phone order ended, the service was great - very attentive, but not hovering. I've eaten my fair share of Philly Cheesesteak, and I can honestly say that this was one of the best I've ever had. Don't let my rocky start dissuade you from trying them out!
(4)
John B.

The sandwiches are overpriced and underwhelming. Very small for what you pay for $12 for an 8" and $15 for a footer (incl. tax)? On top of that, they're thin and the flavor just wasn't there. I'd like to go back, but I would rather spend my money at about 14 other locations in Ravenswood/Lincoln Square.
(2)
Kimberly L.

Parking was easy, the staff was nice, and the food was great! We ordered the sampler platter (the Rocky, Southside Johnny, and Niko the Greek) with fries and pretzel nuggets. By far, my favorite was the Rocky. The spicy mayo is amazing. If you like spicy food, you MUST try the Rocky. Niko the Greek was my second favorite but the Southside Johnny was just too plain for me. The pretzel nuggets were very good but I didn't really like the mustard that came with them. I will definitely be back for another Rocky!
(5)
Ben C.

Hands down the most authentic Philly place in Chicago! I love it. They actually have amoroso buns instead of the fake 'hoagie' rolls. The only critique I have is the super cheap napkins they have. This is my pet peeve. I hate places that have cheap napkins...you need 10 just to wipe your face! It's like toilet paper.
(4)
Kasim F.

Holy sh*t! Amazing! I visited Philadelphia seven years ago with a few of my friends from college. I grabbed a Philly cheesesteak the moment we arrived. Since leaving, I have dreamt of finding the meaty and cheesy goodness in the Midwest ever since. I have finally found it and it's at Monti's! An incredible Philly cheesesteak that is reminiscent of the one I enjoyed seven years ago. The sandwich is awesome! Definitely check it out!
(5)
Allen P.

This place was better than I expected. I looked this place up on Yelp because I was feigning for a philly cheese steak. I came here finding out that the WINGS are definitely worth coming back for! Please.. if you are a wing lover, please order the Buffalo Wings here... From my understanding.. their wing recipe won 1st place in 2012 or 2013. They're kind of breaded like hooters, but with a wetter and tangier sauce. Also, these wings are huge! I had a hoagie bun philly and it was ON-POINT. It tasted so good. I really liked how they brought out the wings first..then when they saw that we were almost done.. we then got the phillys out hot and fresh. Our server was very friendly and attentive to our needs. FOOD 5/5 Customer Service 5/5 Place was also very clean, laid-back, and comfortable to sit in. If I was in Chicago now, I'd definitely come back. REMEMBER: BUFFALO WINGS. GET THEM.
(5)
Shahzad S.

My favorite sandwich is the Philly cheesesteak. By far, it is the tastiest I've had in Chicago. The bread is crispy with right amount of moistness, the beef is seasoned perfectly and the fries are thick cut, with a little salt. This is a perfect meal
(4)
Chris W.

I come here almost too often and crave it constantly. I usually get the Rocky (taster) with chicken, but I've had a good chunk of the menu and everything has been great. Portions are quite large so make sure you're hungry if you get a full Sando! ***the fries are addicting and their spicy natural ketchup is highly recommend.
(5)
Mark S.

Once you've had Monti's you will have a hard time going somewhere else in Chicago for Philly cheesesteaks. Decadent and delicious, they use high quality ribeye steak and season it perfectly. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu but the Cheesesteak Hoagie is my favorite. The French fries are superb! The owners are from Philly but there is a nice Blackhawks neon sign in the window.
(5)
Justin B.

Not bad. Dropped by tonight to use up a Groupon at Monti's, and a number of things were decent here: the meat in my cheesesteak (I went with the plain Jane on the menu, the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak), the service, the side of fries, the fresh rolls that the sammies were served on. But, there were a few other things that left me wanting: 1. Not nearly enough cheese or cheese sauce on the cheesesteak. Like, I wants me some melted cheese baby! 2. The meatballs in the meatball sub were average. Eh. 3. It's really, really dark in the back of the restaurant at the low-top tables, especially as daytime turns into dusk. I had a hard time seeing my wife from across the table! 4. If someone said to you, "Dessert will be an ice cream sandwich sundae", you'd think that was going to be amazing, right? Well, at Monti's, it wasn't....I still can't figure out what went wrong in there! Glad I checked it out, and if I'm back in the hood checking out Nhu Lan or another spot close by, I will give this a look.
(3)
Allisa L.

Very good philly. Waitress was very kind. I also like how they give you free 'mango ice' when you check in...it was delightful! :) I would recommend this place :) the ranch was surprisingly delightful too!
(4)
Tad D.

Turns out the piZza is quite good, too. The staff was super friendly again. Thanks guys!!!
(5)
Desiree M.

I can't believe I forgot to review this place. I went a month or 2 ago and, just wow. They are so good. The atmosphere is cute, our server was so nice and attentive, and everything we had was great. We started out with the pretzel bites, which they serve with an excellent mustard and their cheese sauce. The mustard, pretzels, and cheese were a perfect combo. For the entrees we had philly cheese steaks, of course. They let you add whatever veggies or extra toppings you want, so I had onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, as well as their house made cheese sauce. This cheese sauce is not cheez wiz, by the way. It is real, someone is sitting in the kitchen making a creamy vat of this, cheese sauce. And it is worth getting. The meat and veggies are quality too. Everyone was happy with their sandwich. My friend and I also had their bloody mary drinks. We were going to ask for them extra spicy, but we ended up not having to. They make a great spicy bloody mary. They were delicious. This place is now my go to philly cheese steak place.
(5)
Kathleen C.

This is a review for take out. It was take out that I'd love to have again! I hadn't heard of Monti's until recently and within a week of hearing it's praises sung, I was able to try it. I had the sandwich with mushrooms - wow! Juicy and tender and the right amount of mushrooms and cheese. The entire messy meal was awesome in it's deliciousness. They're friendly and I can't wait to stop in for a sit down meal as I'm sure I'll want to eat there again soon!
(5)
Michael C.

Monti's is true nom nomz. I haven't had a cheesesteak in over a year now, and don't think I've ever had a true philly cheesesteak before, but if Monti's is authentic, then they are damn good. I convinced a couple friends to venture north enough to the rockwell stop, and none of us were disappointed by journey's end. Each table was filled on a Saturday at 7, but luckily there was no wait. There are some cool, comfy looking wall seats. When my friend sat down, it looked like she was sitting on a small throne. We started with a few drinks and found they only had one beer on tap, but featured quite a few special brews priced at around $6 a bottle. For food, I ordered the rocky cause I love food with a kick. The "charred serrano and scotch bonnet" sounded terrifyingly spicy, but luckily you can order their hot pepper mix on the side. I was glad I did because I only ended up using about half of it on my sandwich. Tasting the pepper mix alone, I found it to be so hot, I didn't really taste anything--my tongue just hurt. The cheesesteak itself was delicious and had good balance; the bread was soft but crispy on the outside while the meat was juicy, tender, and falling out with every bite. The service here is great! Our waitress was nice, joked with us, and came to check up on us enough throughout our meal. Hope to come back sometime in the future.
(5)
David Z.

I just wrote a review for Shake Shack where I talk about how most things from the East Coast are over-rated (and yes, Shake Shack is over-rated). However, I am suspending that belief for the Philly Cheesesteak from Monti's! My first ever Philly Cheesesteak came from Monti's, and it left me wanting to go to immediately to Philadelphia to see how they do it over there. Monti's has great food, reasonable prices, and outstanding service. A good beer list too. For people with gluten allergies, they also seem to have some great gluten-free options as well. Monti's is a little off the beaten path (at least for people that are used to hanging out on nearby Lincoln Ave.), but it is definitely worth a side trip. After you're done, head across the street to local gem HarvesTime grocery store to finish up your day of shopping local!
(5)
Megan A.

Ordering wings from a place known for cheese steak seemed risky to me, but Monti's did not disappoint. The jumbo wings were juicy, crispy, and well flavored. I thought the wings needed more sauce so I ordered a side and everything was great! Any of the pizza toppings can be put on cheese fries. The cheese is cheddar and absolutely delicious-- especially with bacon and jalepenos on top! What really made Monti's come full circle was the amazing service and environment. The place is really clean and plays great music. The service was quick and friendly. They also had a long list if ciders to choose from.
(4)
Josh H.

This place is hands down the best place to go in the Lincoln Square area. The service is super friendly, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the food is just fantastic. Get the buffalo tenders if you're looking for a filling meal at a bargain price. They're phenomenal and will have you coming back for more.
(5)
David P.

After reading review after review about their cheesesteak I am going to go down that often-avoided cobblestone road and talk about their wings. A hidden oasis of LARGE, juicy, succulent, scrumptious, tender, moist, meaty ( enough adjectives?) wings. I have been here 6 or 7 times and all but one I have had the wings. These wings are some of the best wings I have ever had and I consider myself a wings aficionado. If you don't believe me they were listed in Timeout Chicago's Top 4 list in 2014. Chicagoist had them in their Top 7. The Chicago Travelor had them in their Top 13. Even more importantly they are #1 on my list. I have also heard their Nuclear Wings have won awards. Unfortunately I wont be trying those as Im a pansy when it comes to heat and I don't usually eat things with the word "nuclear" in it. I just don't get radioactive like that! Anywho, these wings are beast-mode and so flavorful I could eat 1000 of them. They are not crispy like many other wings which I think throws some people off, its more "soft"? However you describe it they are the best hands down. They are a little pricey $7.50 for 6 but they use top quality ingredients and Im willing to pay a premium for the best wings I've ever had. Their service has been Impeccable. I ordered 24 of them for the Super Bowl as well as last years Super Bowl and both times they were done right and on time. Natalia took my order as she did last year, she even remembered me. She was polite and very knowledgeable. She is an absolute boss when it comes to my Super Bowl order! Overall great little neighborhood place that makes the best wings ever! Apparently the word has not gotten out on their wings. Keep doing what you guys are doing! I will be back and I will eventually try the cheesesteak. Lets not forgot the $1 Fireball shots heh!
(5)
Vanessa R.

Adorable neighborhood bar and restaurant serving authentic Philly Cheesesteaks! As someone who has to eat gluten free, I thought this place was off limits for me until I saw they offered several gluten free items on the menu, including gluten free hoagie rolls! Dropped by with my husband in the early afternoon on a weekend and plenty of seating - good for large groups or small. I like that they have both high topper tables, booths, and plenty of seating at the bar and its wheelchair accessible too. Our server was super friendly and knowledgeable and service was fast. I ordered The Rocky cheesesteak which I was warned was super spicy. Our server was super attentive and even offered to put all of the "spicy" ingredients on the side. I was up for the challenge but just opted to skip the spicy mayo but loved how accommodating they were. Our server informed me that the fries unfortunately are fried with other gluten items so they are not gluten free, so I got the side salad instead (probably for the best!). My cheesesteak was SO good. Spicy, juicy, and best of all the gluten free hoagie roll was warm and crispy on the outside and soft of the inside. Loved that the roll was sturdy enough that my cheesesteak did not get soggy. Yay! I noticed they also have a gluten free pizza crust available too - will definitely try this some other time. They also have a TON of drinks and I was particularly excited that they offered several ciders which are naturally gluten free in addition to a lot of martinis, tons of beers, and mixed drinks. Oh yeah, and free refills on soft drinks! Great experience - will definitely return! TIP: Check in on Yelp and get a free Italian Water Ice for dessert! (I saved mine for next time :).
(5)
Angela P.

I don't remember how I heard about Monti's, but when my friend planned her birthday at a bar nearby, Monti's was an old bookmark of mine and happened to be only a few blocks away. When you're a suburbanite, you don't pass up these opportunities. The cheese steaks are super filling. A lot of the reviews gripe about the prices, but you don't NEED a 12" sandwich for $15 anyway. The 8" left me feeling stuffed, and I was borderline hangry when we arrived. I really liked my sandwich, but I opted to order it without onions. Unfortunately, that left the meat tasting kind of flavorless. I still enjoyed my cheesy, meaty sandwich though. My husband had the "sampler," which is three smaller cheese steaks (although they were STILL massive). His favorite was the hoagie, which is like a traditional cheese steak, but with lettuce and tomato. The pizza cheese steak looked like a hybrid between a cheese steak and a chicken parmesan sub - mozzarella for miles! I ordered a raspberry cider, but only after debating between several on their lengthy cider menu. I've never seen so many options for cider! This made me very happy. The rest of the beer list has lots to offer too. With a Yelp check-in deal, we had a free Italian ice. Our options were rainbow or lemon. Obviously, we went with the rainbow, which was the perfect texture and almost creamy without any ice chunks. Like a steak aficionado with their ribbon of fat, I was mesmerized by the beautiful rainbow marbling. I did feel that we paid a smidge too much for our meals, but Monti's uses quality ingredients, so you have to keep in mind that, yes it is a sandwich, but the steak, bun, and cheeses are quality.
(4)
Eric P.

Montis is legit, not just a bar but has amazing food. The cheese steaks are phenomenal, juicy steak, amazing bread, so flavorful. My wife and I prefer it with provolone than cheddar. The wings are amazing as well, we had the spicy one with hot peppers. Those peppers are killer in taste and heat! Perfectly crispy wings. Love it all. Do yourself a favor and try this joint! I'm coming back!
(5)
Nick R.

Probably one of the best Philly Cheese Steaks you will have in Chicago. The steak is lean yet tender and of great quality. Does not feel fatty and gross like others. My wife usually goes for Chicken phillys but she tried the steak and loved it. The fries are pretty good and the italian ice is really good too! The location is small yet cozy and the staff is very friendly. I imagine there may be a bit of a wait to get a table on weekends but its worth the wait. I will definitely be coming back and am looking forward to trying more items from the menu.
(4)
Jim B.

Cool little place, nice and clean. I had the Chili (hard to eat of out the cup) but was great. Also had the Mini Gyro Cheesesteak, it was great. The bread was fantastic. Service from Val was great. Ill be back.
(5)
Rachel H.

When I want a gut bomb take out cheese steak (and let's face it, sometimes I do), I'll go to Philly's Best. When I want something a little less quick and dirty, I'll head to Monti's. For some reason, Monti's has me running for my Tums a little less. Here comes grandma, talking about her Tums.... Monti's cheese steaks aren't necessarily the cheapest on the block, but like I said, less need for Tums purchase later, and they really do give you a lot for your dollar. The 8" is plenty or do what I do and get a cup of their delicious chili and the 10" and then save half your sandwich and fries for lunch tomorrow. Your coworkers will be super jealous. Monti's has a good selection of beers, great service, great chili and great cheese steaks. And they even have a veggie version for my companion. Yay.
(4)
E C.

Love this place - ALWAYS great food, drinks, service & atmosphere! You can't really go wrong with anything on the menu, the beer on tap is spot on. Go on Mondays as its $1 off beer!
(5)
Dani M.

Great spot in Lincoln Square. I've been here several times with my ex's family who have spent a significant time in Philadelphia. All of them agree that this is the best cheesesteak they've eaten outside Philly. My favorite is the southside johnny because I'm a horseradish fiend. His family has ordered pretty much the rest of the cheesecake menu on our several visits. Their favorite seems to be the cheesesteak hoagie for the grilled onions. Although the sandwiches themselves are filling you have to order the fries too as they are perfectly crispy on the outside while not overly so as it retains its pillowy potato texture inside. Can't go wrong if you decide to add on a side of the cheddar sauce for the fries too.
(4)
Zan B.

Great atmosphere. Talked to an owner! She was an absolute delight. Fantastic food! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Sean S.

Great sandwiches and good beer selections. My favorite is the Rocky. If you like spicy food it is a must try.
(5)
Andre W.

Cheesesteaks Cheesesteaks & Cheesesteaks!!! My buddy has been telling me about this place since he moved near it about a year ago. He was telling me how they make all their stuff in house. We came over to watch the 2014 baseball playoffs (Tigers got killed in the 8th inning) and it wasn't too full which was cool. I knew I wanted the cheesesteak as my buddy raves about it...I went with the Authentic 8 inch philly with everything on it. It was very good, so good that I ordered the same thing but a mini this time around. What can I say, I had a huge appetite that day...lol Service was very nice as they came by on a regular basis to check on us. Good spot!
(4)
H S.

Love this place.! Food and drinks are always amazing.! Beer list is great good choices of ale ciders and ipa but the sandwich are the best close to the house love it.!
(5)
Jim K.

I spent some time with my son in Chicago today and when the conversation turned to lunch, we both agreed that Monti's was the place to try. Close to where he lives, we were both ready for a cheesesteak fix. The room was nice and cozy with several patrons already enjoying their lunches when we arrived. We were greeted immediately by the friendly hostess and chose to sit at one of the high top tables. There are also several regular tables too, as well as seating at the nice looking bar. So, cheesesteaks it was, and, take it from this born and bred Jersey Boy, they were the real deal. Amoroso's rolls made them great, but the focus on the meat was what made this sandwich shine. It was excellent. A side of fries for me and a salad for my son, and we were two happy diners. Monti's has a large craft beer menu and the hostess was very knowledgeable about it and libations in general. Next time I'm in the neighborhood, Monti's is on my list.
(5)
Laura S.

As a Philly girl in Chicago, I've been on a continuous quest for a proper cheesesteak, only to come up empty-handed. Philly's Best? Get outta here. So imagine my surprise when an impromptu Groupon search led me straight to Monti's. Not ONLY do they import Amoroso rolls, but they're a straight shot down Lawrence from my apartment! I was there the next day. I was the first customer in the door, and Tiffanie was delightful to chat with as I waited for my guy. She told me about the restaurant's history and the owners, and we talked industry for a bit. As the customers began to flow in, she never lost her charm or attentiveness. Onto the food! I ordered the "whiz" wit (you can also choose white cheddar or provolone). But there's no molten orange goo here; instead, they make their own aged cheddar sauce. Just one bite and I felt like I was home. My guy ordered a chicken steak with provolone, and it was just as delicious. My one quibble, which is so minor I probably shouldn't even mention it: I'm used to cheese sauce being served on top of the meat, and here it was placed in between the bread and the meat. The sauce was wonderful, but even the mighty leak-free Amoroso roll started to cave. Next time - there will be MANY next times - I might try the other cheese options to see how they compare. Thank you, Monti's, for giving this girl a much-needed taste of home.
(5)
John C.

Had the Rocky 1/2 hot, perfect spice & flavor for my taste. Did ask for & received a side of their hot pepper "paste" That is the bomb. Great, quick, service, server was very nice. I'll be back if I'm in neighborhood.
(4)
Angela G.

I've been here a number of times and after visiting Philly this past weekend and I must say, Monti's has it going on - it's the real deal. The people at Monti's clearly have taken the best elements of the sandwich and presented here in Chicago with some stellar and delicious variations. I like the Rocky best, since it packs a punch. Highly recommend this place for lunch; only downside is that you'll wish you didn't have to go back to work.
(5)
Carmela S.

The Philly cheesesteaks are unparalleled. There's no need to try anything else. Fries & pretzel pretzel bits are delicious, too. This is a wonderful neighborhood gem.
(5)
Chris F.

Heard they had amazing philly cheese steak sandwiches. I was thinking Geno's nothing beats Geno's. My question is where is the cheese whiz??? The sandwich wasn't bad but not something I would come back for. The spicy ketchup was pretty cool. The only thing keeping it from less stars was the lemon Italian ice which was quite good, creamy and tasty.
(3)
Jon C.

I'm very happy that my barber sent me down here today. I had 'The Rocky' which was a lot spicier than I had anticipated, but it was great. My sister loved her traditional. Probably the best cheesesteak I've had since I've gotten to Chicago.
(5)
Erik P.

Monti's is my favorite neighborhood bar in Lincoln Square. I'm not a Phily-Cheesesteak fan but I hear theirs is pretty good. Monti's has a good craft beer selection and draft specials. If you're a Fireball fan they have them for a dollar. Their "starters" are pretty amazing and the prices are reasonable. My personal favorites are the Boneless Chicken bites and the Pretzel Nuggets. I found this place when I got locked out of my apartment and I've been coming back ever since.
(4)
Jason L.

The have GF options! My wife is gluten intolerant, so we usually have to avoid any places that are sandwich-centric. I'm not gonna chow down a burger in front of her while she settles with a (usually) lame salad. So when I found out that Monti's has GF bread options we went. The menu is simple, and focused on Philly (Cheesesteaks, hoagies, grinders, etc) food, with some bar type apps and salads. While the menu may not be huge, there should be enough for anyone, plus they have a full bar as well. And the food-it is far better than you would expect. Their Philly Cheesesteak was not overly greasy,but also not dried out, as some can be. My wife's turkey on a GF roll was also nice. I had fries, nice-hot, crisp, and seasoned just right. As we left , one the owners came up to us and checked in. She explained that as my wife is GF, next time just ask, and they can bake the fried (no gluten from the breaded items that use the same deep fryer as the french fries) as well as their wings being GF as well. She was so friendly, we will be back. I wish I could've given 4.75 stars. The space is small, and all but two of the tables were high-tops with bar-stools. I know I am a crotchey old man, but I just don't like sitting with my feet dangling for an hour or two.Fun at 5, not so much any more. But otherise, go. Get a cheesesteak.
(4)
Julie R.

The fact the owner responds to all yelp reviews is pretty awesome! Just proves the quality establishment they run. Thanks Monti's!!!!
(5)
Maria V.

I ordered the Original philly. They forgot the added green peppers. I ordered cheese fries & they forgot the cheese. The cheesesteak was good, hot and fresh but I prefer Philly's Best. Just underwhelmed. I did do delivery so maybe that is the reason.
(3)
Daniel A.

This place... What can I say? I feel what ever I say won't do the food justice.. but for the sake of the internets and whoever is reading this, I will try my best. The Cheesesteaks here are (F-Bomb)'N AWESOME!!!!! I mean, HOLY, UNADULTERATED, PLEASURE ON MY TASTEBUDS.... I'm sure all my tastebuds smoked cigarettes after this meal or maybe it was the spiciness of my meal. I've been here twice and both times I've ordered The Rocky cause its spicy deliciousness and burns so good. How good, you ask? Well I have this saying.. (That I made up; I'm cute and clever) You know spicy food is good and spicy when it burns 3 times. First in your mouth.. Secondly in your tummy, and Third when you... well, when you're on your Throne. The meat is tender and juicy, the bread is soft, and the sandwich has the right amount of cheese! This place always has a great selection of craft beers to quench your thirst. If you're a cider drinker, even better, cause it also has a great selection ciders too. I'd also recommend my favorite cocktail, "The Nutty Fig" its their take on a Moscow Mule and is gingerly superb! The service is friendly, attentive, and the environment is relaxed, but beware it can get busy really fast. (Disclaimer: I have never had an authentic Philly Cheesesteak from Philadelphia) Why is this important? I dunno, cause haters gonna hate. Why hate, when it is so much better to love and eat good food... and thats what you will find at Monti's.
(5)
Dan D.

Monti's has probably the best cheese steak I've ever had. It's amazing. Their pizza, buffalo bites, salads, and everything is delicious! I really wish more people knew about Monti's because then maybe they'd stay open later. I highly recommend eating and drinking here if you live in the area. Don't listen to your friend about going somewhere else, he/she's an idiot. Come to Monti's.
(5)
Dan G.

Their cheesesteak is basically a block of salt. But because of all the positive reviews I might have to give it a second chance.
(2)
Michael D.

I've gotten take out from Monti's in the past and thought it was time to eat in and the cheesesteaks might be better when you dine in! I also turned my wife on to Monti's turkey grinder and she loved the fact a gluten free roll was an option. This is a GREAT neighborhood spot!
(5)
Fannie L.

The people are pretty pleasant. Thy gave us free dessert. It was hard putting it down seeing as we were so full. I ordered the pork loin and the bf had the cheese steak sample platter and hot wings (too hot for me). With his platter he got three minis..the rocky (hot!!!!), the authentic and the cheesesteak hoagie. Everything was just..uh.. great. Pork was tender, the rolls were delightful. But the best part for me was the fries and the Ketchup they have. It stole the show and I couldnt get enough.
(5)
Scott T.

I have had a lot of great, authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and this place is the real deal! Setting- went on a Sunday afternoon. Tucked away on side street off of Lawrence. Small restaurant with a bar and a few Flat Screens. Beer- Had a great selection of Local and Craft beer Menu- consists of a selection of Apps like soft pretzels with cheese and Wings etc Soups, salads, Hoagies and Grinders, pizza And of course the main attraction: Philly Cheesesteaks! They had a handful of specialty cheesesteaks and array of different toppings and cheeses. They also use an authentic Amoroso Roll to hold all that cheesesteak goodness! Bonus! What I really liked was the Cheesesteak Sampler platter where you can choose 3 different cheesesteaks as mini's. Great option if you want to try different things. I had the Authentic Cheesesteak WIT White American. I also got some spicy mayo and some JalapeÃ±o Scotch Bonnet relish on the side. That relish really brings the heat and was awesome if you like HOT. (Which I do... And it delivered) came with great fresh cut fries. Very tasty and cooked well. (Meaning not soggy) We also had the Soft Pretzels with cheese and mustard which were really good as well. Service- service was attentive, polite, and accommodating when asked for things. Would I go back? Umm hell yes! In fact it's been a few hours as I write this and I am contemplating going back for another it was so good. I will be back for sure and will tell anyone to do so as well. Really enjoyed the food and experience. Check this place out!
(5)
Jeffrey Z.

I had been meaning to try this place for a while and finally got the chance to go with a friend a few weeks ago. We started off with the pretzel nuggets, which were probably as good as pretzel nuggets can be but nothing special. The most disappointing thing during our visit was surely the cheese sauce. It was awful and very off putting (my friend, a chef, agreed). I don't usually have a problem with cheese sauce (Portillo's is great), but this one was a huge let down, especially from a Philly place! Maybe it was just an off day based on some of the other reviews... My sandwich was very good, and luckily I decided to get it with white cheddar. The bottom portion of the sandwich, where the cheese was, was delicious and moist, while the top portion was very dry. Perhaps they could add another piece of cheese on top to combat the dryness. The fries were good, the service was friendly, and the decor, atmosphere, and music were all great. Despite the dryness issue, this was one of the better Phillys I've had in Chicago, and I will go back if I'm in the area again.
(4)
Spank W.

So good! Very knowledgeable staff.....I go for the gluten free rolls for the Philly cheese steaks and they know how to make other menu items as gluten free as possible (I have celiac but sometimes I roll the dice on reacting from cross contaminated stuff like fries fried in the same oil as breaded stuff...I know.) I've been coming here for a year or so and I will continue to come here. Always a friendly atmosphere, always a good place for a meal and a drink. I've gotten a philly to go as well and they hold up on the way home pretty good too. .....now I really want a Philly cheese steak.
(5)
Lisa H.

Everyone who has tried Monti's insisted that this place has the "best Philly cheesesteaks" in Chicago. After seeing their appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, I knew I would have to try these cheesesteaks for myself. So I grabbed a couple of my friends and made our way here for dinner. Monti's is tucked away on a quaint neighborhood side street, so there is ample free parking. It is pretty laid back with a local barlike feel. My table started off with some fried calamari: crispy fried squid with lemon wheels and hot banana peppers served with marinara sauce. The calamari was nothing too unique, but the marinara sauce was delicious. The sauce was warm and hearty, definitely made this dish. For my cheesesteak, I tried "The Rocky" minus the onions. The cheesesteak was topped with provolone cheese, spicy mayo, and a mixture of scotch bonnet, jalapeno, and charred serrano. This cheesesteak definitely packs a punch, so if you can't handle the spice I would recommend you not ordering this or have the mixture of hot peppers on the side. But to me, this was one of the most delicious Philly cheesesteaks I have ever tried. The cheesesteak was huge (even for a mini) because it was loaded with moist rib-eye steak and topped off with the perfect amount of cheese. To finish off my meal, I tried a rainbow Italian water ice (free with a check-in on yelp.) I loved the consistency and how refreshing it was, but wasn't too fond of the flavor (tastes like a rocket pop.) I'll probably stick with lemon next time. The food is delicious and the service is quick and friendly. There is nothing more you can ask for in a restaurant. I just wish they weren't so far from the city and slightly bigger. But either way, you will definitely see me coming back up here again to satisfy my cheesesteak cravings whenever I'm in the area.
(4)
Anne W.

Monti's is delicious and wonderful! I actually just went to Philly this past weekend and I found that Monti's was even better than the one that I got in Philly! The cheesesteak here was overflowing with all of that delicious rib eye steak and just the right amount of cheese. The fries here are actually pretty tasty also! Street parking was pretty to easy to find also. It's a little bit pricier than I would like which is why it gets a star docked off. Otherwise Monti's is great!
(4)
Janet W.

Great for Celiacs! Fabulous pizza steak! Wish I could have the fries though. I'm a Philadelphia native, so it's gets my recommendation :) Service could be a little quicker though, since we ate here twice on our lunch hour.
(5)
Norwood G.

The best cheese steak hoagie I've ever had! Great atmosphere and a friendly staff. When ever I visit my son I have to get me a Cheese Steak Hoagie.
(5)
Dee S.

I've never been to Philly, but I feel like I just took a trip there... The cheese steak at Monti's is incredible, perfectly chopped black angus ribeye, aged cheddar, soft amoroso roll..I definitely will be back to try a few of the others they have as well.. I wasn't feeling the fries too much, they tasted kind of odd and there were 2 different cuts, one was battered and one was regular cut. I also got the wings, which were a weird shape and not much breading, but had good flavor. I will stick with the cheese steak from now on.
(4)
Amy W.

I loved this place! It had been on my to-try list for a long time and yesterday I finally gave it a whirl. So good. Now, I've never been to Philly for an authentic cheesesteak so I can't speak to the authenticity of Monti's cheesesteaks, but I will say it was definitely the best cheesesteak I've ever had and I've had a lot. I went with the basic cheesesteak. The other options sounded good and I may try them eventually, but I wanted to see what they did with the original cheesesteak. The meat was sliced very thin and chopped into small pieces, which I loved. There's nothing worse than taking a bite out of a sandwich and having a big long hunk of meat pulled out of the sandwich that just dangles out of your mouth onto your chin. Take my word for it, not a good look no matter who or where you are. That will never happen with this cheesesteak! I went with the provolone cheese, which was great, but I would have been happy with a little more cheese. I love cheese. And the bread was great, too - very soft and easy to bite into. It wasn't tough at all. The bread is from Philly so I would assume that part is definitely authentic to a cheesesteak you'd get in Philly. As for the fries, so great. Honestly, some of the best fries I've ever had. I love fries and am usually not too picky about them. I don't really have any favorites so to speak, but these were really great. I'm not sure what makes them better or different. I just know they were some of the best I've had. They were all very crispy (no limp fries here), but it was more than just that. As you can see, I'm not really food critic material! My descriptions leave a little to be desired. With that said, the food I had at Monti's was really good. I will definitely be back. I think they also deliver via one of the delivery services in the city, but I'm not sure which one.
(5)
Diva G.

After reading the reviews I could not wait to try their philly cheesesteak and fries, but I was very disappointed. The cheesesteak was completely flavorless and the fries tasted like they were fried in old oil and had been sitting under a heat lamp for awhile. Thd server, Natalie, was nice. The ambiance of Monti's is a casual neighborhood bar with televisions. Unfortunately, I will not return. I continue my quest for a great tasting philly cheesesteak in Chicago...
(1)
Ha Le P.

I love how it's a wonderful hidden gem in the neighborhood! The cheesesteak sampler platter was amazing (The Rocky one is VERY spicy. I love spicy food but I couldn't handle the heat! The waiter did warn us) My favorite was the Southside Johnny. Fries were seasoned to perfection, calamari was lacking some seasoning.. I guess I was just WOWed with everything else that I had high expectations :) but overall the food was just out of this world! And there's a bar? Sold! Only thing I would recommend is better or retrained waitstaff, there was only two tables dining in and the gentleman was very lacking in checking on us... Even the BUS BOY asked if we wanted boxes to wrap our food up because he saw how much time we were waiting to get his attention. We were being very patient but he just looks very timid and new to the food industry which I will let it slide because of the amazing cheesesteak! Will be back again!
(4)
Alyssa B.

I just moved into the Lincoln Square area and Monti's was the first place I checked out and it is already my absolute favorite. I got the greek cheesesteak and it was the best I've ever had! Im usually not a fan of cheesesteak in general but this was phenomenal! My boyfriend and I stopped by for the blackhawks game a few weeks ago. The staff was very friendly and the bartender was super nice to us! Plus they had my favorite kolsch beer and $1 fireball shots! Cant get any better. It was a very fun welcoming place and will definitely go back soon.
(5)
Tone K.

Really good gut busting food coma causing food. I had the sampler. The traditional , hoagie , and Rambo. Rambo was different and great. If you're not a lover of mayonnaise make sure you let them know. I have never seen so much mayo on a sandwich in my life.
(4)
Phantom D.

Monty's advertises itself as having "authentic Philly cheesesteaks" and I do not agree. The size and portion is huge. You definitely receive a large fat sandwich. It is just not a true Philly cheesesteak. First, the bread was not the normal Philly style which is critical for the appropriate meat to cheese balance. Monti's uses some local Chicago supermarket available option that is just not a good substitute. The steak does not have the Philly flavor and lacks the char from being chopped on the grill. I was in Philadelphia a few days after my visit to Monti's and I went to Abner's cheesesteaks on Chestnut. This place is the real deal. I was even able to bring one back on the plane and it made the trip with flying colors. Monti's is decent but I will not go back again. Also, the fries are bland and boring. I
(2)
Kyle P.

Wow this was really good. I had the pick Three minis. The hot one its really hot. Really good but it is hot. Original with provolone was excellent as well. The mushroom one was good but i don't think i like mushrooms enough to order again. Checked in on Urkooo and got Italian ice water....it was really good as well. Try this place if you are up there. Oh the bread was almost the best part
(5)
Adam P.

This is definitely the best cheese steak that I've had in Chicago. There are some other good places, but so far, Monti's tops them all. I have to admit, I really need to branch out and try some other items there. Every time I go in, the staff is friendly, knows me by now and knows exactly what I want... 12" authentic. I love the cheese sauce, and it's a bit different than anything else you get in Chicago. I know in Philly they use "whiz" and this is not exactly the same (plus I've never tried that in Philly), but as far as Chicago goes, their cheese sauce is the way to go. The portions are huge and a cheese steak always comes with a bunch of fries that are pretty good too. I met a couple of people at a friend's party who are big Monti's fans and mentioned that there are other amazing things on the menu (such as the wings) so one of these days I am going to have to venture off and try them, or try my regular and a little something new. Very glad to have lived close by and that my new place will be too
(5)
Mar B.

Cheese steaks and hoagies are so good. I crave this place all the time. With great service and reasonable prices what more could you ask for!?
(5)
Michael B.

I may be from Florida, but I love a good Philly cheesesteak. Monti's did not disappoint. After much deliberation, I decided to go with the Rocky because I also love a good kick. The sandwich was spicy but amazing. The quality of the meat, cheese, and bread was apparent. I hadn't eaten all day before I came, but the 8" was plenty for me. Beyond the food, the service was friendly which is just as important. If I lived in Chicago, I would be back for more.
(5)
Joe L.

Another great sandwich added to a huge win over the Blackhawks. Makes me miss Philly, forgot to ask for tastycakes
(5)
William K.

Monti's came highly recommended, and I was worries it wouldn't live up to the expectations. I never had a Philly cheese steak and didn't know if I'd like it. What a ridiculous worry, Monti's sandwiches were pure bliss, so savory and salty with high grade meat. I walked out the door wishing I had places an order to go, I've been dreaming of it ever since. Good selection of beers too. Staff was great, they even gave us free shots!
(5)
Errol B.

The meat on the philly cheesesteak is superb. Provolone cheese is good. Bread is great. Eating a cheesesteak from here made my day.
(4)
Eva J.

i loved it my family and i had a great time we really enjoyed ghe the food that was served to us and it s ag a great location god bless amen thanm you to this bar
(4)
Jimmy B.

I don't know how I haven't written a review of Monti's sooner. My all time favorite sandwich is the Philly Cheesesteak, and I had a craving for one, so I googled for a new place to try out, and the google gods smiled upon me that day because I discovered Monti's! Their Cheesesteaks are the best I've had in Chicago, it is just so good! The sizes are perfect, since they have multiple size options, the price is right on, and the beer selection is fantastic. Huge plus for me is that Hella's bakery (amazing bakery) is next door so I like to get some baked goods for later on the way out... My wife and I generally get cheesesteaks, a couple beers, and the pretzel bites, which are like crack good. One of these days I'll try the wings, because those looked really good on the table next to us the other day, but till then all I can say is YUM! I can't say enough good things about this place. The people are all super friendly, they always have a game on the TV to watch, and it's just a great atmosphere to be in. We're actually moving in month just a few blocks from there. Not saying Monti's was a deciding factor (at least not that I'm willing to admit to my wife), but I'm so excited to be within walking distance to one of my favorite restaurants in the city!
(5)
Sahil A.

Go to Monti's for the cheesesteaks (beef or chicken) and you won't be disappointed. The boneless buffalo chicken appetizer was alright (4 stars), but as the first sentence suggests, its all about the cheesesteaks. These start with the bread, which is allegedly flown in from Philly on a weekly basis - its amazing. Much better than anything you'd find otherwise in Chicago. I'm an expert - trust me. The authentic is delicious, but the other versions are also fantastic. I highly recommend the Rocky, but be forewarned, it is as advertised and does "pack a punch." A great beer selection pairs well with the sandwiches. minus half-a-star bc they don't take Amex. What sort of traditional American institution are they?!
(5)
Chris H.

Im an a born and bred NYer and have a great love for anything that even comes close to a decent Philly . Im 'wit' some of the other reviewers and am more the happy with the quality of the food and service here. Now, there is NO place like Philly to get your grub on when it comes cheesesteaks but they do it justice here with good portions and good flavors (beats out the others in town as far as im concerned) . A bit pricey ...Yes.. but no one said you have to eat there everyday or at all for that matter ;oP
(4)
Susie E.

Stopped in with no knowledge of this place! Groupon purchase urged us to go. Surely glad we did as the experience was delicious! This funky neighborhood joint was cozy and friendly! The Philly Cheesesteak sammich was awesome and yes will bring us back for more!
(3)
P M.

OK, so I'm from Pennsylvania about 2 hrs west of Philly so I'm thinking I'm gonna get a taste of the east coast. Not so much... First of all, since when does a cheese steak sandwhich cost $15? I've tried 3 so far and the flavor is not bad but also not authentic from what I remember. So I'm thinking , let's try the pizza. My memory of east coast pizza is thin, doughy, crispy crust, giant slices with lots of cheese. Well, I guess you could call it doughy(or chewy or rubbery) but the bitter, sour sauce was so heavily applied that it squished out and burned my mouth and the dry bitter oregano is still stuck in my teeth. Not good! I really wanted to love this place because I live so close but it's expensive and not so great. I'll be going to Pizza Art Cafe and Spacca Napoli for my over priced za in this area.
(3)
Adele H.

A great little neighborhood place that has consistently delicious food and great drinks. They have the BEST buffalo chicken sauce I've ever had, hands down! You simply must check them out!
(5)
Nicole S.

My husband and I came here for the first time last night and thank goodness we did. This place is a hidden gem. The parking in the area isn't that great because the restaurant is located on a residential side street but for the food they serve there, who cares. We got the Authentic Cheesesteaks and it was absolutely delicious. Flavor was perfect, just enough cheese. Definitely worth the price. Fries were good as well. We will definitely be back there again.
(4)
Vince O.

Take it from a Philly transplant, in Chicago, Monti's has the best cheesesteaks, hands down! Enough said!
(5)
Vicky A.

My friend and I wanted to go somewhere for a drink and chose this place randomly. Great decision. The Philly cheesesteak and fries (got the mini size) that I ordered where very tasty. Some people at the table in front of us ordered dessert and it looked excellent. Very good service. I noticed the people working here were very attentive. I plan to come here again. I will also choose restaurants randomly again. I highly recommend Monti's. They have sports games on a few TVs and it seems like a chill spot. It's nice to come here to watch some games.
(5)
Khris L.

I went here because my friend told me they had the best philly cheesesteaks. He was right. We ordered a couple cheesesteaks and chose 4 beers from their big list of craft beers. Everything was delicious, and the basket of hot sauces they give you on request is awesome. The service was pretty decent. The server girl could have been a bit more friendly, but other than that, the food came out quick and hot. The ambiance inside was like a typical mid-scale bar, with dimmed lighting and decent decorations on the walls. I would stop by again if I was nearby.
(4)
Daniel M.

Being from Philly, I grew up knowing authentic cheesesteaks and I can certainly tell the difference between an authentic and a "not so authentic". Monti's does a great job on their cheesesteaks. Excellent quality meat, bread is just like I am used to back home and the service was pretty good. Waiter was a tad bit slow but it isn't anything to be scared off about. The one thing that takes the 5th star away is the amount of cheese on the sandwhich. 6 slices of cheese was supposed to go on the steak but I didn't see nor taste it. There was certainly cheese on there, just not 6 slices. I alerted my waiter to get some more cheese on it and they were tentative in doing so. Very polite about it and got it taken care of for me. Another thing, the price! I am used to paying $8.50 for a cheese "wit" onions but it is a tad bit more expensive here. 3 people dining in was about $55 so it's a bit high up there in price. But remember kids, you get what you paid for and I feel I did get my money's worth. All in all, this place earns 4.5/5 stars. If there was a bit more cheese and if the price was less expensive, good 5 star restaurant. Ambiance is excellent, everyone seems nice and I was very happy with my dining experience. I will certainly recommend this restaurant to anyone, whether you know cheesesteaks like I do, or not. Oh, and remember... NO KETCHUP on your cheesesteaks! It's illegal.. well.. it should be.
(4)
Brian C.

Best Philly cheesesteak in Chicago! Just ate one in Philadelphia and this comes pretty darn close. We ate the "authentic" and the "Rocky". Both were great. Rocky was a bit spicy so make sure you're OK with that if you order it. If the Groupon is available, hit that up. $28 for 2 sandwiches, 2 fries, 2 beers, AND 2 desserts! Whatta deal! Cool dark space that feels like the hidden gem that it is. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Robert H.

Well, I thought I was going to love it here based on the reviews I'd read but I have to say I wasn't too impressed with the food. Before I get into the food portion of the review though I want to give kudos to the young man (well, young compared to me anyways) behind the bar when I stopped in this afternoon. He was friendly and knowledgeable and made a very good first impression on me. I see from reading the reviews here on Yelp that the owners read these reviews frequently so hopefully they'll see this and find a way to either give him a raise or at least a verbal pat on the back for being such a good front man for their company. Ok, first off I'll be the first to admit that I am not from Philly and until about a year ago I had never eaten a Philly cheesesteak. Normally I get mine from another place that specializes in them and if I could rate theirs 7 stars Yelp's scale of 1 to 5 stars I would. Out of respect for the owners of this establishment I won't mention that places name here though. I ordered a 12" authentic Philly cheesesteak (I think that was what it was named on the menu) and an order of the pretzel bites. As far as the cheesesteak goes it was a good sandwich, but not anything that I would ever go back for because I was craving it. The only seasoning I could taste in it was a fairly heavy salty flavor. As far as the pretzel bites go they were good and came with 2 dipping sauces one was a cheese dip and the other was a Dijon mustard (or something pretty similar). I wasn't a fan of the cheese one but the mustard was a nice complement to the pretzel bites and I'm glad it was included or I would have been disappointed. You might think from reading my review that I won't be going back here. Actually I do plan at some point on going back and trying some other items on the menu since they have so many other things that sound really good. After I try Monti's again and try some other options who knows maybe I'll update my review and bump up the rating a star or two. While I may not be a fan of their Philly cheesesteaks it's entirely possible that some of those other items on the menu may be enough to turn me into a regular here. My 3 star review is obviously lower than most peoples reviews so go ahead and stop in and try Monti's. The odds are you'll probably enjoy it a lot more than I did. I believe their cheesesteaks probably are as good as everybody says, but for me personally they just fell short of what I prefer mine to taste like. Oh well, no restaurant can please every single diners taste preferences so I guess I'm the exception to the rule here. P.S. I love the oldies music they play here. I don't know if it's the regular type of music that plays here, but if so that's another good reason for me to back and try a couple more things and have a couple drinks.
(3)
Kim B.

I first heard about Monti's on an episode of The Great Food Truck Race. It was mentioned that the owner gets bread delivered from Philadelphia and serves the most authentic cheese steaks around. I finally got around to trying one the other day. I assumed Monti's was a casual eatery and was surprised when I walked into a bar/sit down restaurant. I ordered a "mini" cheese steak combo which includes a 5" sandwich and fries. The food came out pretty quickly and I enjoyed my sandwich. I can't really compare it to a "real" Philly cheese steak but they use quality ingredients and it's cooked to order. It's honestly not something I'd travel here for but if you're in the area and craving a cheese steak, this is the place to go.
(3)
Dustin S.

I hold Cheesesteaks in high regards on my list of sandwich power rankings, and Monti's does not fall short. One of the best cheesesteaks in the city, and even tops in the sandwich genre as a whole. Well worth my relative "hike" to indulge.
(5)
Sean U.

So I was jonesing for a Philly cheesesteak. After looking online and asking a friend I found that Monti's kept coming up. Living in Old Town I was looking for something in walking distance but found that the Brown line drops of a block away and decided to check it out. I got there and even before having the cheesesteak I found the place to have a great feel and different from your normal Lincoln Park, Old Town, River North bars; a very welcomed change. The two people working were extremely nice and could tell that they were genuine; again another welcomed change from the usual places. To the food. I had the Authentic Philly with provolone and it was legit. Quality bread from Philly and high quality rib eye. Solid. As it is so convenient from the Brown Line I will definitely be back for the Philly and to hangout.
(5)
James M.

I actually avoided this place for a while because I thought $13.50 was a little too expensive for a sandwich. I couldn't have been more wrong! I have not had a sandwich like this since the Chx Parm at Ricobenes, just outstanding. Now, if they could only deliver!
(5)
Gina F.

I've been back a few times (sitting there right now, in fact!) and have enjoyed all my visits. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They have a great salad called the society hill and a soy sausage sandwich, in addition to a few veggie apps, so are pretty veg friendly. I'll try the soy sammie one day. I've been enjoying my creation: all the veggies sauteed up together with cheese and hot peppers. Yum! Gluten free people: My husband had been by a LOT. Seriously, we need to cook more. He loves the gluten free sandwiches. They also have buffalo nuggets that aren't breaded and an admirable cider selection.
(4)
Jaime G.

Had high expectations of this place but Monti's Phili Cheesesteak place is just ok. Tried the original with aged cheddar and it was dry and a little salty. Also tried the turkey grinder with cheddar and coleslaw and it was also just ok. Wings are good but the sauce is a little over the top on the butter. Best thing about this place is actually the drinks. Had a bourbon drink on the rocks that was awesome. Beer selection is also very good and offer a ton of local brews. Maybe I tried the wrong sandwich or came at the wrong night but Monti's was a bit is a disappointment on food but would come back for a drink.
(3)
Mike S.

Monti's is as good as a restaurant gets! Me and GF used a Groupon today and were very happy with the results! I had a South Side Jimmy and she had an original. I asked to have mine upsized to 12" and it was no problem, but I couldn't finish it. They boxed it up no problem! Olivia was our server and was fantastic! Always have a great time when we come here, and this time was no exception! If you want a good Philly Cheesesteak, you need to be here! They also have a great beer/cider selection if you're into that!
(5)
Chris M.

I'm not a cheese steak expert by any means. I've never been to Philly but would definitely love to go and try all of the cheese steak joints. My only previous experience with cheese steaks were at the Hoagie Hut up in Highwood (Now closed) and Phillys Best, a fast food joint that doesn't specialize in the cheese steak. Monti's, on the other hand, does. And they do it fantastically well!!!! I like the coziness of this place, has a very good vibe with the exposed brick walls and high ceilings. My buddy and I each got the biggest size sandwich and split them. We went with the original and the Rocky. I am glad I dug into the original first because it was delicious but also bc the Rocky had some serious heat to it!! I LOVE spicy, but even for me I took a couple deep breaths and long sips of iced tea in between bites. I'd go with 4.5 stars for Monti's. Not 5 stars bc it's just a tad bit pricey. 34 bucks for two large cheesesteaks, two fries and two drinks. Eh, I'll still be back whenever I'm in the area!!!! It was delicious!
(4)
Brian W.

THEE best Philly cheesesteak sandwich I have ever had! NOTHING else comes close! The only thing I can criticize are the fries. They tend to be under cooked, so ask for them to be well done. I like all 3 cheeses, so try them all to find your fave.
(5)
Jake F.

I found Montis after doing a recent philly cheese steak search on Yelp. Not many choices in Chicago. I've tried Phillys Best, it was pretty good. However, I noticed Montis was given an avg of 4.5 stars / nearly 300 reviews. That said, my expectations were set pretty high... Fries were perfectly cooked, light and crispy. I tried the 3 minis, your choice. The authentic style and Swiss/mushroom subs were excellent. The star sub in my opinion was the spicy cheese steak...definitely my favorite.
(5)
Phil G.

Monti's is great! A smidge hidden off of Lawrence--but that makes it an awesome find. Nice cozy atmosphere. The Authentic Philly Steak sandwich was delicious. The fries had a nice outer crunch. Our waiter was friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. One minor criticism, and it was clearly a one time mistake: my side salad didn't come with any dressing, despite having chosen one. Nevertheless, the mixed green side salad was fresh. I eagerly look forward to my next visit to Monti's and enthusiastically recommend it others.
(5)
John K.

My only previous cheese steak experience was in downtown Philly years ago. I've passed on so many cheese steak options in Chicago because they always feel the need to add things that aren't necessary, use different bread, or prepare the meat differently. I was told Monit's had an authentic cheese steak and was not disappointed. I might echo the minor complaints about the amount of cheese if not for the fact that when I ordered in Philly I accidentally ordered mine wit' Whiz AND provolone. A delicious mistake for sure. We also ordered the buffalo nuggets and those were also spot on. I'll definitely be stopping in again!
(5)
Matt G.

I REALLY wanted to like this place. So much so that I sat tight and waited while we sat with menus for about 10 minutes and NOBODY helping us. I'd read the reviews and hoped that the food would live up to the billing. So let me take this with balance: The Good: The cheesesteaks are AWESOME. So were the fries that I had. I could have eaten one more, easily. I had the Southside Johnny and my wife had the Gyros sandwich with salad. We all liked our steaks. The Bad: And it was AWFUL... the service. I cannot think of a meal where we consistently were ignored or not served. Employees would come by other tables and we'd have to flag them down for more water or to take our plates. Just bad bad bad service. The ice cream sandwich sundae was just one of those little ice cream sandwiches with a pile of can sprayed whipped cream and a cherry. Really a sad finale to a very poor experience with great food. So what to do... do I give them another chance or do I realize that there are THOUSANDS of restauranteurs in the city who might also want my business. I shall ponder this for a while. For you, if you dine there, maybe sit in the FRONT of the restaurant and keep your hands moving.
(3)
David B.

My friend, Dean, knows I love a good Philly Cheesesteak, and when he told me that Monti's has, " the best Philly outside of Philly" I was expecting the BEST of the BEST. After devouring there classic Philly with fries and a coors light, I was in fact convinced that Monti's Philly Cheese Steak is the best in the city and outside of Philly. There homemade cheese sauce, perfect hoagie roll and tender steak all served piping hot made the experience very enjoyable. I want to go back to not only get there cheese steak, but also try the wings, pretzel bites and other treats that they had on there menu! 5 stars!
(5)
Mary Ann C.

Yummmmmmm......On my "to do" list for dining for a long time. Tucked just off of Lawrence is a cute and cozy spot serving Philly's most delicious treats! We were greeted by black and red decor, and warm, friendly staff. The original cheesesteak was superb. Decent fries. A stellar kids meal of chicken and fries. My five year old was a huge fan of the rainbow italian ice (in fact, she devoured it). Great beer list. Guns N Roses playing..... We will return!
(4)
Sabrina I.

This place is great! Been here multiple times. The food is a Yum for flavor and fresh ingredients. Their cheesesteak is wonderful, it was my first, and let me tell you there is no way it can get any better than Monti's in Chicago. I've had their breaded calamari, which is cooked to perfection. Their pizza is flavorful and unique. Their server Joe is friendly and fun, and very kind to an indesisive person like me. Natalie is super helpful and efficient. I've had the honor of meeting Monti and she is one of a kind, and hard not to like. It is a hidden gem, right off of Lawrence after California. The ambiance is loving. Makes you feel like you're really wanted there. It seems to be good for kids and groups. 5 reviews because you have to give it a try. I wish I lived closer to Monti's so I could stop in more often. Definitely becoming a reoccurring costumer. Try it, it would take a catastrophe to be disappointed. I LOVE MONTI's.
(5)

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Address : 4757 N Talman Ave
Chicago, IL, 60625
Phone (773) 942-6012
Website https://www.ilovemontis.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :12:00 pm - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Monti’s

4757 N Talman Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625

Monti’s Menu

Starters

Soup And Salads

Philly Cheesesteaks

Hoagies (cold) And Grinders (hot) - Hoagies

Hoagies (cold) And Grinders (hot) - Grinders

Main

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Monti’s

Starters

Soup And Salads

Philly Cheesesteaks

Hoagies (cold) And Grinders (hot) - Hoagies

Hoagies (cold) And Grinders (hot) - Grinders

Main

Desserts

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