The Lucky Monk is a great place to stop before or after a movie for some good eats and a cold beer. They can get pretty crowded on the weekends and parking will be a challenge. You should be good if visiting during the week though. My friend and I were seated at a table in the bar area. I was going through a healthy kick at the time I visited so I ordered a Waldorf Salad (but not before munching on some cheese curds - not exactly healthy). The Waldorf Salad was actually amazing and the blueberry cider I had (they had it in tap at the time that I visited) was surprisingly great. So catch an early movie and head to the Lucky Monk!
(4)
Juan G.
While working for a week in Schaumburg I made a visit to The Lucky Monk. Walked in and was promptly greeted by the hostess. Took a seat at a high table near the bar. My server greeted me (He resembled Jason Segal by the way) and I had already seen the menu online so I knew what I was looking for. HOWEVER. I was sadly disappointed when I went to order a beer. They said due to a busy week they didn't have any of their beer available. Only one. I opted for what they had. I was slightly disappointed. But nevertheless IF I ever make it back out to Illinois, I will stop by and give it another try
(3)
Liz G.
This place is delicious! I planned a party of 20 for a Friday night, and they were extremely accommodating! They were able to seat everyone at one table, provide separate checks and had multiple wait staff helping our group. The food and drinks were wonderful! We had a great time. Thank you, Lucky Monk!
(5)
D. C.
Average, forgettable experience--I couldn't even remember the name of the place by the time I got home. Everybody and their dog does froofy burgers/pizza/rotisserie chicken these days so I'm not getting the appeal here. Is it the beer? I don't do beer and even the man (who does) agreed that his house brewed oatmeal stout wasn't that good--bitter like black coffee with an oddly sour tang to it. I had the BBQ rotisserie chicken with cheese grits and tumbled crispy onions, which was good, but nothing to write home about. And at $16, it feels like you're helping foot the bill for their decor (which is nice and all, but I'm not there to chow down on a lighting fixture no matter how nice it is). The man's Over Easy looked good, but at $11 it's still just a meat patty with some lettuce, tomato, onion and an egg with what looked like a pretty small yolk. And what is up with that pedestal they put it on and the dainty cup of ketchup for a pile of fries? Definitely not a place to go out of your way for and, personally, I would rather try some place else if I were ever in that area again.
(2)
Jose A.
The atmosphere in this place was killer, a great place to chill with a few friends and grab a drink. However their beer was not very good, it was to mellow for my tastes, not a whole lot going on, 5-6% a beer which equals not a lot of ibu's and not a lot of taste. The food was ok, pretty standard gastro-pub stuff...if i lived out in the burbs of chicago near this place i'd go back, i've definetly had better tough.
(3)
Paul M.
Still a fan - the food is still quite great - but noting that our last outing here was marred by HORRIBLE service. Inattentive. Friendly, sure, but that doesn't do any good when you rarely see a server. Our refills were slow in coming, and our waitress didn't check on us - not once. In fact once we placed our orders, we didn't see her again until the very end of our meal. Ooof. It seems that when the service is off here, it's really off. And there have been two occasions in recent memory when it's been off, which is about two more than there really should be.
(3)
Gerri H.
My husband and I decided to try The Lucky Monk due to good yelp reviews and we happened to be in our old neighborhood. Hamburgers (and fries) are indeed my favorite food, so I just had to try this place. I can't believe I've passed this restaurant numerous times on my way to South Barrington 30 not knowing what deliciousness lay inside. We started out with the pretzel trio, which came with three different sauces. I thought the pretzels were very good; warm and chewy. However, I wasn't a major fan of the sauces. Heck, the pretzels were so good, who needs the sauce! I also ordered the standard chili, which wasn't so standard, as it was served with cheddar, onions, and sour cream. Delicious! We finally started on our burgers (the farm house?) which was essentially a bacon cheeseburger. The burgers were very good, not my favorite, but the best I've tasted in the suburbs. I think I will try the burger next time without bacon to fully appreciate the burger itself. Both the regular and truffle fries were very good, but the truffle taste was not so distinct. Also, you get more fries if you order them plain. The dining room is nice looking, but not the most comfortable. The excess space in the center of the room kind of threw me off for some reason. I felt the space should be more filled in to make the room more cozy. Overall, I highly recommend everyone give this restauarant a visit.
(4)
Marvin A.
I went here with a friend for a late lunch/early dinner. -Service- I was impressed with the service and waiter. He was extremely helpful when he found out it was our first time here. I also appreciated his insight in picking the best homebrew beer that suited my taste. High markings for service. -Food- I had the hothead burger (it was huge!) and was a bit disappointed. Perhaps it was the name of the burger or the description of pepperjack cheese and jalapeno tomato pico, but it did not have any type of spiciness or kick to it... not even a tiny hint. The fries were crispy and the burger, although not what I had expected, was juicy and decent. Moderate marking for the food. -Libations- The beer was delicious and was pleasantly surprised that the waiter was able to help me pick this certain brew out. I had the Tritica Wheat ale immediately went through it within seconds. High markings for libations. I was deciding whether or not to give this place a 3 star or 4. Although I was disappointed at the burger, I was more disappointed in what I read to expect. The beer was exceptional and decided it to be a factor within the meal. The outstanding service also helped elevate this 3 star ruling to 4. I would not go back for the food solely, but for both the food and homebrew.
(4)
Dan S.
After visiting for my 3rd time, this place deserves a review. The layout of the place is great, hostess station right as you walk in, going left takes you to the dining room tables with a more elegant approach, going right takes you to the bar area for a more laid back atmosphere. I wanted to watch Monday Night Football so naturally the bar was my choice. The waiter was good, attentive & checked up on us regularly. I wanted to try the pretzel trio appetizer since it came so highly recommended & for good reason, they were fantastic! I knew they would be amazing as soon as I picked up the first pretzel, very soft & tasty, I could've eaten them plain had it not been for the delicious dips that came along. You get cheese, tomato & parmesan, and some honey mustard butter, both of the dips were great, but the honey mustard butter was passable. I'd like to consider myself a fanatic for burgers, so my standards can be high at times. I was really trying to be a tough critic & find the flaws but to my delight, there weren't any! The patty was juicy all the way through but not so juicy where it drips all over the plate whenever you take a bite. The fries are fresh, hand cut & delicious, I'll have to try the parmesan truffle ones next time. The only thing keeping me from giving a 5 star rating was the beer price. I'm a simple guy that likes to drink Bud Light, but for $4.50 per bottle I will stick to water & buy a 6-pack on the way home for the same price. I saw a couple pizzas being brought to other tables & they looked very good, I will definitely try that on my next visit which will be sooner than later.
(4)
Katy S.
This is one my favorite restaurants. I've always found it clean and the servers we've had have always been friendly. My husband is a beer man, and he loves coming for the beer sampler, which has six samples. The warm pretzel trio is delicious, I would be happy getting it every time. Their burgers are large and juicy, their flatbreads have the perfect amout of toppings so they don't get soggy, and are nice and crispy. There's only two things I'd change, the fries often taste overcooked, and the parking is atrocious during peak times. But I'll certainly be back!
(5)
Dj Nightwolf ..
I like beer, down in my tummy, yum yum yum! The Lucky Monk has some really good craft beer brewed carefully by brew master Anthony. Don't bother asking me which beer I liked because I liked all of them and drank like a jerk, which led to me eating like an a$$hole. Here's a quick breakdown of what took up some of the space in my tummy that was marked "Reserved for BOOZE" Truffle fries = A Truffleicious WIN! Actually, in all honesty, I still can't decide if they're better than the ones at Rockit, but they are still truffleiciously deeeeeeefawkinglicious! Deviled eggs = Deelish! Seriously, great presentation with a tasty chili sauce drizzled over them. Me likey! Hot Head burger = Great, but it could be awesome. It's a great burger, it's just not an awesome burger. I was expecting a real kick of heat and felt a little disappointed when the chili ketchup and pico de gallo didn't destroy my mouth. :-/ Overall, I'd have to say that this is a solid 4 star joint. The food is good and the service is on point. I like the ambiance and feel of this place, it's nice. The area I was in had big comfy couches and could probably provide somewhat of an intimate atmosphere if it were dark outside. All I know is that I can't wait to go back when it's nice out so I can chill out on the patio and have a beer or two by the fire! Holla!!!â„¢
(4)
Eric M.
Have you been doing curls? If not, you may want to before visiting as these burgers are HUGE. Before I get into these monsters, let's talk the beer. They brew some great stuff here. Make sure to ask whatever is seasonal but their wheat and stout are both very good. If you only order one thing you need to get the pretzel trio appetizer. It sounds simple, but the dough used on these pretzels and the three dips provided (beer cheese, marinara, and mustard butter) are crazy good. Now the burgers. They are huge. You can customize to your hearts desire. And when you saw medium rare they cook medium rare. It'll be messy but it's worth it.
(4)
Chante R.
I already knew this place was a burger spot even though I knew that I wanted something that's not-a-burger..lol I was crossing my fingers for a good diverse appetizers menu. The ambiance is cool...the off-key singing almost killed the mood but the food made up for it quite well. I had the buffalo wings (these were the real deal!) and seasoned-to-perfection fries. Definitely will be back...preferably when open mic is not going on..haha
(3)
Gigi Y.
I absolutely LOVE this place!! Great beer, great food - Their margherita pizza is fantastic! Nice & light - and you'll have enough to drink some more beer without feeling full. I do not recommend the turkey burger -- unfortunately, i found that it was very mushy, and the bread was soggy because of it. If you like Blue Moon's, you'll enjoy their Trittica Wheat Beer. Try the sampler - the glasses are enough for you to taste a little bit of everything! The warm preztel trio is AWESOME - and it's great that they give you 3 different dipping options!
(4)
Nari H.
Normally I'd rate this a 4. Came here with a group of friends and overall had a good time. The food was pretty good and the truffle fries are a must-have. I had the fish and chips which I thought could have used a little more flavor, but it didn't feel heavy. I also had the oatmeal stout beer which was divine if you like super dark, smooth beers. But three things that weren't the greatest and here's why I'm giving it a 3: We had miscounted our group (our bad), and had to re-arrange some tables (which some of the other waitstaff were helpful with) but our server really gave us attitude about it, esp in the beginning. Secondly, I felt like she barely stopped by our table throughout the dinner. Granted, it was a busy Saturday night and perhaps she was miffed by how things started off, but a little better (and more) attention would have left me (and my group) happier. I've been in the restaurant industry, so I understand, but still. But seriously. We were not a low-balling group of diners that night. Several of us got beers and appetizers along with our entrees, and she was making a huge killing on our group that night. I needed some hot sauce and with the way things were goin in the evening, I never got a chance to really ask for it, which left me a bit unhappy with my fish and chips. So please, if we're gonna spend our hard earned money, a little better service, would be a little more helpful. Lastly, one of the glasses for my friend broke while he was drinking his beer. That's not cool either. She replaced it and apologized. Overall, I'd say the food and beer (depending on what you get) are excellent. Service should be good, give or take a few miscounts, and I would recommend this place as overall, looks to be a very good (and bumping) establishment. So I encourage you to check it out, but pray for a good server and a lucky parking spot if you come in on the weekends. Tips: - Make reservations. We almost didn't get ours in bc they get busy. - If you get the tacos, they will be very small. - Parking is crowded on weekends. You may find yourself parking at the movie theaters next door, so be prepared to walk if you can't find parking. - They don't seat until at least 50% of your party is here. - If you get Fish and Chips and know you will need a little more flavor, ask for hot sauce at the beginning. - They don't really do much for birthdays, so if you want a song, you will have to sing it yourself. - Lastly, try a beer. Don't come to this establishment, and not get a beer. But note that "thin" pours are still 16 ounces.
(3)
Lawrence M.
My wife and I went there and they have the best selection of beers out there. There grilled cheese burger is humongous and is one of the best burgers I had in a while. If you go there better be hungry huge portions.
(5)
Laura C.
Good food and service. They brew their own beer which is always fun to sample!
(3)
Nadeem P.
This place is pretty good, I've been here a few times and was pleased with their burgers, which I ordered both times. Their presentation here is stellar, and their truffle fries are delicious. The chicken sandwiches looked great too, maybe next time I find myself in this neck of the woods I will have to give their chicken a whirl...
(4)
Terrence B.
So my car club is very much creatures of habit and our monthly meetups have revolved around the same places for the past decade. So for our meetup last night I suggested we do dinner and drinks at lucky monk and a movie at AMC (Fast n Furious 5)... Its a group of 10 and they can be rather picky about things. We showed up without reservations and were promptly accommodated. Our waiter was on the ball, extremely knowledgeable about their beer lineup (which is easily one of the best in the area), and flawlessly handled divvying up our bills for our large group. Good or bad, service was not rushing us at all so definitely plan a bit of wiggle room if your going to a show afterwards. The decor of the place is exudes quality. When you walk up, its hard not to notice the sultry firepit under the patio trellis silhouetting couples sharing drinks. Walking inside you are greeted by the bar and lounge area that is draped in hanging hand blown incandescent light bulbs (the same lighting setup at the bristol downtown). The group seating area is a bit more standard fair. Since our meetup wasn't until later in the night, I had already eaten dinner and was only interested in a pre-show drink and some small bites. I ordered the deviled eggs which were a standard presentation but the plate was drizzled with a very spicy chili sauce. It was fantastic.... Everything that came out had a great gourmet flair of presentation, more so than I would have expected. I was drooling over my buddy's order of pretzels and soon found myself placing an order for them as well. 10 minutes later, I was dining on the pretzels myself, and they were straight out of the oven. They are not heavily salted or crusted with anything, quite simple actually but really well done. The three dipping sauces they came with fell a bit short (a whole seed mustard, a cheese and a marinara ). Most of my group ordered burgers and they looked amazing, and I heard zero criticism. It had been a while since I had last been here and I was VERY impressed by their house beers, so I ordered myself the beer sampler. I remembered being very impressed and that this is a worthy destination for any beer snob. Their beer is more malty than hoppy so unlike alot of recent trends, everything is very palatable to the average person. Specifically their Weiss beer is very noteworthy as it has rather strong banana undertones which is something I could drink all night long. While I normally shy from stouts, I know a superb one when I have one. Supposedly what they had on tap last night was a bourbon barrel aged stout , but I wasn't detecting any hints of that. If you are planning a dinner (or even just drinks) and a movie, this is a must try location. They hit it out of the ball park.
(5)
Todd C.
Our favorite restaurant in the Northwest suburbs. The warm pretzel trio is a spectacular appetizer. The burgers are gigantic and amazing...brought out on their own mini-stage, making them appear even larger. Chicken salad sandwich is also gigantic, to the point where it can't be eaten without scraping some off. You won't leave hungry...and we've yet to have a bad experience.
(5)
Chelsea L.
Preface: I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I didn't try to the house brews, but a friend of mine did and claims that they are excellent. We went to Lucky Monk on the recommendation of a friend; and it's location right near the AMC 30 in South Barrington was a definite plus. It made rolling our over-fed butts into our plush movie seats an easy task, for sure. Being a Saturday night, the place was pretty jumpin' when when showed up; our wait for a table was quoted at a respectable half hour, but I'm sure that we were seated faster than that. Because it's such an open floorplan and it was busy, the noise level was a little on the high side, but we acclimated and it all worked out OK. The service was pretty good, our waiter (Tom?) was attentive without hovering, friendly, and had good suggestions for beer and burger fixin's. I opted for the chicken instead of the beef, though the two burgers at the table looked and smelled amazing. My sandwich was great; if I had one complaint, it would be that the roll was inexplicably greasy, but otherwise tasty. I do have to say, however, that the fries were pretty awful. Maybe it was an off night or something, but they seem very proud of their fries, made in-house, yada yada yada, and we just weren't impressed. Drowned in cheese and chili, you don't really notice, but by themselves they're overdone, super greasy, and weren't all that appetizing. Since they're the default side with everything, and substituting anything healthier costs $2 more, they're a big part of why this is a three star review instead of a four star. Speaking of $ - I was pleasantly surprised at the relatively low costs of the entree selections, but they get you with the appetizers and beverages. ($5 for a bottle of hard apple cider? really? and it only goes up from there.) Overall, I would recommend it as a good group-date night sort of place (that's why we were there), but would warn anyone looking for lighter fare to be really careful about what and how your order off the menu. I would like to go back and explore some of the other options myself.
(3)
John K.
This was a three star meal, but I may be back to try other things. I really wanted to like this place because it has a lot of good looking things but the execution when I went just wasn't there. I started with the fried pickles. They came out hot, and you got a decent amount but by themselves I couldn't really taste the actual pickle, I don't really remember what I was tasting exactly. Dipping them in the sauce on the side brought out the pickle flavor for some reason, but then I didn't really taste much of the sauce. Also a small nit-picky thing was that they were greasy. I know they are fried but if they just tossed them on a towel before serving them it would have helped I think. A plus is that they were crispy. Probably won't order them again. I then got my burger the farmhouse, and upgraded my fries to truffle fry-dom! The fries were average, didn't blow me away with the truffle flavor but it was there. Wasn't pleased that the cheese was sliced on instead of grated as it made it complicated to eat with the fries. I prefer David Burkes Prime House truffle fries over these. The burger came out on a little pedestal which I thought was unnecessary given that it was already huge, and it just took up space on the plate. It had two thick slices of bacon (that surprisingly didn't have a whole lot of flavor). I have had better bacon cheeseburgers before where you could actually taste the cheese and the bacon. With this burger I was just trying to eat it fast because it became a mess very quickly. I cut it in half so it would be easier to work with and it was a perfect medium. VERY JUICY. I have never had a burger this juicy before. Therein lied the problem though. The bottom bun got so soggy so fast it was just not fun to eat. They really need to fix that issue because if anything keeps me from coming back it is that. I may be back though, I am kinda interested to try the fried egg burger (but I can do that at home, with a better bun) and it is right next to the AMC movie theater so it is a decent dinner right before a movie. I'd say give it a try, just don't go into it with too high of expectations.
(3)
Stephanie S.
Great food and beer! The pretzel trio appetizer is spectacular. The service was also good considering it was a friday night at 7 pm when I went into the lucky monk. Didnt have to wait too long for a table either which is always nice. I will definitely be back.
(4)
diana t.
Turkey parmesan burger, juicy and delicious! They make their turkey burgers from scratch, and with the Confessional IPA, it was a perfect lunch combo. I will be back for more.
(5)
Melissa H.
This place can be very busy on weekends, but I'm definitely a fan of the Lucky Monk on weekdays. You can often get a table on weekends, but the acoustics here are a little awful; you might find yourself yelling to make yourself heard to your table mates. They've got a super selection of beer and wine, and lots that's not even on the menu. And they've got...drumroll...Raspberry framboise! Ask for it, and thank me later. Service is good, and the appetizer's I've tried have been great as well. They've got really good french fries here with a unique blend of seasoning. Their fried pickles are amazing as well (which is an automatic star addition for me). Overall a great place. I recommend solidly.
(4)
Larry R.
The Burgers are great, service left nothing to be desired. My wife loves the salads at the Lucky Monk. Fried pickles or as they are called "pickle fries" are definately worth trying. Refreshingly different, but nothing you would want to have every time you visit. Just had the Chipolte Chicken and it was outstanding...The Chipolte Mashed potatos that came with it were the best ! But, the "Corn Casserole they served up with this otherwise great meal was horrible! It looked old nnd tired and tasted even worse than it looked.......What were they thinking. Order the Chipolte Chicken, but tell them to throw the Corn Casserole out back behind the parking lot! Enjoy the outdoor seating while the weather cooperates. Watch the sunsets over the movie theatre. The only thing that would make it a 4 star is if they offered a little more variety on the menu. Pizza, Burgers, Beer, Salad....
(4)
Collin P.
Tried going to Lucky Monk last night at 9:15. Apparently the hostess at the entrance thinks that is too late for her to be out working. When we entered, we didn't get a hello, but "umm.. ya you can sit in the bar" followed by a quick head turn then "ya... theres no tables left in the bar." We then said.. "well.. is your dining room closed, because your sign says 12 midnight on it." She gave a grimacing look...they we explained why we were not going to eat at this new establishment. We were floored that some kid hostess had SUCH an attitude. We walked right back out the revolving door and will not be recommending Lucky Monk. In the car, my girlfriend felt it necessary to tell a manager about what at happened. When she called, she was put on hold for 10 minutes. The music that was playing was frankly, offensive. They need to watch out for that. The N-Word, F-Word, Slut, Bitch, etc. is NOT appropriate for hold music. When somebody returned, all she had gotten was the "bar manager" who gave a few "Huhs?" and that is about it. Not a good way to gain customers from the local community.
(1)
Daniela T.
Pizza was good. Beers are reasonably priced and tasty, however I wouldn't steer from what they are known for, pizza and burgers. I got their roast beef pasta dish and it tasted like hamburger helper...it wasn't very good. However my date ordered the pizza and loved it.
(4)
A J.
This was our 2nd visit to Lucky Monk (once on a weekday afternoon, once on a Sunday afternoon) My husband & I both enjoyed the beer selections. The beer flight/sampler is fun! Food was pretty good - I like the variety. I had the chipotle chicken chili, which was very good. Chicken enchilada soup was good, as was the burger. The fries were awesome. And the S'Mores dessert was out of this world!! The chocolate cake was just ok. Our server was Tiffany, and she rocked. She was fun & seemed to get a good read on her customers & how to treat them. A good server can make or break the entire experience. On a previous visit, our bartended was Candy, and she was also very cool. Lovely outdoor patio, although it was closed for a private event :( I'll be sure to call ahead next time, because I really wanted to sit out there. We live near Ram Brewery, but the food here is definitely superior.
(4)
Andrew J.
I love the Lucky Monk. Basically, it's a super trendy microbrewery and restaurant that serves some of the best beer and gourmet bar food I've had. I've gone to the Monk many times, and the service has always been notably awesome. The people seem to enjoy their jobs, probably because it is easy to sell awesome food and beer to people who are looking for awesome food and beer. Some of the menu items are surprisingly great. The hummus and pita appetizer is the best hummus I have ever had. They also have really tasty fish n chips and absolutely glorious burgers. The home brewed beers make up only a small portion of the beer menu- there is a great selection of Belgian ale, a frambiose lambic, and more. If you're looking for a great meal before or after you head to the movies, or if you're just in the area, this place is totally worth checking out.
(4)
jan l.
We went today due to the extreme heat. We were going to go eat and to a movie, but the theater was mobbed!!! I have been on the hunt for years for the great fried pickles in the south. And disappointed over and over. The batters too thick, they're spears, they're burnt etc etc. Ordered them today, and good Lord, they are wonderful!!!!! My husband said he could never understand my love for fried pickles, but after eating those he certainly did!! We split a patty melt with truffle fries. The patty melt was cooked perfectly, medium rare. It was delicious as were the truffle fries. Our chuckle of the day. The hostess said there'd be a 10 min wait, at 2 in the afternoon. The restaurant was busy, but by no means full. During this time, about 12 people left. She then said it would be a few more minutes because she was trying to let the servers catch up. Who tells that to a waiting customer! Overall, it was one of the better experiences we've had eating out for a while. Go order the nirvana called fried pickles ;-)
(5)
Rachel J.
I called in a reservation, knowing they may not accept them---especially on a Friday night. Not only did they take them, they did so with a smile. They also placed a courtesy call the day of to verify everything. The six of us got here 15 minutes early, and we were offered the table. Way to keep your word on reservations! Our server was fast to take our drink orders, and was able to get my questions answered.........for example, BU = bitter units. The pretzel appetizer is very good---not your typical dried out, once frozen catastrophe with driveway salt on top.....nope; these were hot, fresh, soft and free of all things carnival. The dipping sauces were thoughtful compliments. To make things easy on ourselves, we all had individual pizzas. For 10 dollars, you get 12 inches of NY style hot n fresh in about 20 minutes. My Marghartia pizza was bubblin' with fresh mozzarella, adorned with bright tomato, and fragrant from the fresh basil shreds. Oh yes lawd...........!!! Everyone at the table had different toppings. Nobody was disappointed, nor was anyone available for comment. This fast pizza eating was followed by food comas all around. But of course........we ordered dessert. To share. The Key lime pie is quite tart, but so good. The smores skillet is a sticky mess, and quite rich. Totally brought me back to age 7 for a few moments. The hot apple skillet was very reminiscent of the McDonald's apple pie. The service was perfect. Could not have asked for a better experience in that respect. In the immortal words of Ah-nold.......I'll be back.
(5)
Jon-Rachel Y.
By comparison to the many mundane chain restaurants surrounding the area, this microbrewery is a definite sleeper out in the remote western suburbs. And thanks gives to Mattox for taking us out here. The lively atmosphere and the modern American decor with stone walls provides a great arena for your dining experience. The menu display items that can satisfy both pub-style cravings and traditional American fare. There are two major seating sections; the main area with booths or tables and the bar area. The service was attentive and helpful. The draw backs are the wait time so call in advance for reservations and the parking is somewhat sufficient. As for the food, the hamburgers are flavorful and moderately portioned served with a side of fries. And the microbrews are fantastic, but don't be surprised to see your bill squeeze every penny from your ATM cards after a few beers. Have not tried the other dishes What I ordered: - Farmhouse burger - Fried pickles - recommend - microbrews When we went: - week night @ 7:00 PM Will I return: - yes
(4)
Katie K.
Used to work here and have been dying to go back! So glad I made a reservation on Open Table because it was busy and on a wait when we arrived. Not a huge surprise but it was a Tuesday night so very happy to see this. Host staff all greeted with huge smiles. Was seated promptly with Donato upon my request. I got a Woodchuck and my husband got a Cardinal Sin (his favorite). We noticed some changes in the menu and wanted to try a few. I noticed the St. Louis Cut Spare Ribs and was very intrigued. Donato highly recommended them saying they were extremely good and worth a try. My husband got the Lake Perch and I went with one of my favorites because I missed them, Peppercorn Ranch burger with Cheddar and bacon added to it. The ribs were incredible. We loved the soy glaze. My husband loved the perch and the butter was to die for. My burger was perfect and reminded me why i miss eating here!
(5)
Alan R.
A great place for a good meal and excellent cerveza. I had the beer flight to drink and ordered the chicken poblano chili and the ipa brew nuts. The nuts were amazing, but I was very disappointed in the chili. I had to send it back because it was too cold. My parents and grandmother all had the burgers, my wife ordered had a chicken sandwich and my sister and brother in law had pizza. My mom did not finish her burger, so I brought hers home and had it the next day for lunch. Even a day old it was amazing. The chicken my wife had was also very good, while the Pizza was pretty average and basic. In retrospect, I wish I had also ordered the soft pretzel. The one at Goose Island is amazing. Its a staple for most pubs/microbreweries. If I am out in the Barrington area again, I hope to try Lucky Monk another time. I wish the North Shore had more places like that.
(4)
Paul Y.
This has become my favorite burger place. Very tasty and the right size (large). The rest of the menu is also outstanding. The beer selection is excellent, and their home brews are good, but not great.
(4)
kevin s.
I really enjoy the beers and food here. I've only been here with my kids too (3 and 8 years) and they both loved it. nice outside dining, and their beer flight is great!
(4)
V Y.
Review based on two things: 1. Service - Great service as I arrived right a closing last night. Bar staff very willing to check with kitchen to ensure I could order dinner after late flight arrival and long drive to suburbs of Chicago. I ordered takout, and was impressed with their attention to detail when I opened the bag back at my hotel to find plenty of napkins, utensils, condiments. 2. Food - Wide assortment of "casual" fare on menu, including salads, burgers, hand tossed pizzas, classic entres, appetizers galore, and very wide range of beverages. 3. Location - Right off I-90 and near the Hilton Garden Inn where I was staying. 4. Atmosphere - plenty of nice, modern pub, indoor seating complimented by a very nice outdoor, fire pit, shaded seating. When back in Hoffman Estates, IL I will be back at Lucky Monk. Say hi to Andrew H at the bar for me. Great guy.
(4)
Amelia W.
Good, but didn't live up to the hype for me. I've heard so many good Yelp reviews and word of mouth -- I had to check it out. THE PROS: Their own beers were very good and reasonably priced. I enjoyed the ambiance, even in a very large space, including the outdoor patio with the firepit. THE CONS: Pretty limited selection of beers outside of their own, which surprised me for being such a beer-focused place. Pretty limited menu as well, I thought. We made reservations but still had to wait. OVERALL: I'd go back, but I'm not going out of the way.
(3)
Dale H.
Big improvement over Brass! Completely redesigned and much more fun. The same brew master was kept. His beer was pretty good previously, but he needs to offer more variety. If I want the same microbrew all the time, I can go across the street to Millrose where they have brewed the same boring beer for 20 years.
(5)
Robb R.
The Lucky Monk is a welcome break from chain dining in South Barrington and a beer lover's dream. They have an excellent selection of beers between their guest craft and microbrews, as well as their own beers, which are very tastefully crafted. The food menu is well inspired and the dishes are expertly executed. Their burgers are world class and their pizza is otherworldly. Atmosphere is comfortably casual-chic; comfortable seating, relaxed quiet dining room and great upscale sports bar. Service is prompt and knowledgeable- I've been lucky enough to have Patty as my server twice, she is quick to highlight the new beers on rotation as well as offer food pairing suggestions, and was happy to bring me tasters of the new beers on their tap. The food, drink and atmosphere are great, and Patty's attentiveness and recommendations took the whole experience over the top. I would recommend The Lucky Monk to anyone, and can see myself becoming a regular.
(5)
Michelle N.
I've only eaten here once, but it's a far cry from the former establishment (name used to be BRASS Brewery). The food was excellent (highly recommend the truffle fries - HELLO calories!), though I seem to recall that the menu contained mostly burgers. The staff was very attentive and helpful, willing to make recommendations, and it was affordable. If I were to make one recommendation, I would say that they should expand their beer selection. I know these brewery joints like to push their homegrown beers, but not everyone loves those. My girlfriends and I did a flight/selection of the house beers, and a few of them were hard to swallow... Overall, great experience at Lucky Monk. I would recommend it.
(4)
Pree N.
Love the ambiance and classy sports bar atmosphere. Pizza is great. Love their truffle fries. Came here on two different occasions, food, drinks, and service were stellar both times.
(5)
Steven L.
The burger so juicy. Pizza is ok. I am not that impress with the pizza. They have their own brew of beer which I find pretty good. I will go back next time and try more dishes.
(4)
Ling L.
I didn't think The Lucky Monk will work effectively in that location as it has Jerseys, a sports bar offering similar fare as pizzas, burgers and beer, a short distance away. However, The Lucky Monk takes it a few notches higher with its microbrews and entree offerings. We went twice and sat in both the dining room and bar respectively. The experience at the dining room was stellar. Granted, it was a slow Tuesday night. Service was attentive and we didn't have to wait long for refills or checks. However, the weekday after the long holiday week at the bar was frustrating. We had given ourselves plenty of time to grab dinner and a movie after at the nearby AMC 30. But our server was inattentive and barely made eye contact in the last 30 minutes, didn't pack up our leftovers and provided a check. We missed our movie and I was not a happy camper. For a restaurant to locate itself so strategically close to a popular cinema, it is a crime to not take into consideration that some of its clientele may be taking in a meal and a movie that day. I almost felt that it would behoove the servers to ask every diner if they were going to see a movie, and adjust their service accordingly. Short of that snafu, the food at The Monk is of good quality. Between 2 opportunities, we had the burger, chili combo, roasted chicken and baby back ribs. The burger is cooked medium, and comes with well-seasoned handcut fries. There are 2 sizes to the burger (6oz and 9 oz), and served on a block, giving the illusion from afar that it is one of those stack-em-up burger that you have to open your mouth trice as big to fit all in. But not so. The chicken was wonderfully moist while the ribs was a tad too sweet for me. Best of all was the brew pub chili. In our first trip, we had the chili combo, but were not bowled over by the chicken-poblano chili, which is the consistency of soup. In our 2nd trip, we had the brew pub chili solo. Still one of the best options in that neighborhood (following Penny Pub down Penny and New Sutton closeby). Of course, a trip to a microbrew will be incomplete without tasting their brews, even for a very occasional drinker like us. Their strongest ale was not overly indulgent that I couldn't finish it. For a light drinker, I find their palest ale to be too light. All in all, we are lucky to have The Lucky Monk close by.
(4)
John M.
I've been driving by it for a while - I didn't notice that the name had changed. It used to be Brass but that went under (and with good reason based on past experience there). My wife actually went there first for lunch with the people she works with. She came home raving about the burgers so we had to go. We both had the 6oz Farmhouse burger ($8.95). She had hers well done and I had mine medium. Both were a little under-done but within reason for our tastes. The Farmhouse burger comes with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, cheddar cheese and 2 strips of bacony goodness. It was wonderful! The burger doesn't have the normal burger taste. I don't know how to describe it, but it's just better! It comes with a decent quantity of hand cut french fries. Although we didn't try any of the beer they have, they do have a good selection. It's also right next to a movie theater so it is convenient for a night out. Service was great too. Stephani was attentive but not overly attentive, friendly and knew the menu. We'll be back to try more items on the menu!
(5)
steve p.
I've been here several times now. The pretzel trio, burgers, and cookie skillet are all amazing. The pepercorn ranch burger was a bit overpowering however. The more basica varieties are the way to go. Pickle fries and sweet potato fries were awesome too. Service was quick, even on busier nights.
(4)
MARK R.
Its like yuppies just figured out burgers and beers go great together. Haha. Seriously though, the place was good, I have just never made a reservation for a burger before. The in house brew was pretty good but their bottle selection was better. Try the pretzel trio as well.
(4)
Sherry D.
I have visited this restaurant three times. Once, for a cocktail at the bar after a show at the AMC theaters next door. Second time, took my in-laws for mom's birthday. Everyone like their food. Server was very friendly and knowledgeable. I had the skirt steak which came with a cauliflower mash, which was nice for a lo-carber. Husband and daughter had different tacos, both liked them, although the portions were small. Mom and Dad had burgers and they looked great. Third time - stopped on a Monday night to watch the Blackhawks so asked for a table by the bar. Server never hurried us. They have a special... artisan pizza (12") and a pint of house brew for $10. It's a steal . Three in our party and we all tried different pizzas and all three were delicious. Nice, thin artisan crust, unique toppings. The beer was good and our server was fabulous. We may make Monday nights our new pizza night. The menu isn't very huge, sandwiches, apps, pizzas, burgers and maybe 6 or 7 entrees, but they all look good. We will definitely be going back!
(4)
Scott B.
This is as good as it gets for a microbrewery type of place. The food is incredibly good, the beer is outstanding, the service is excellent, and the ambiance is comfortable, even a little bit upscale. Very very good in every respect.
(5)
Jay P.
While in town for business noticed this on Yelp as being under new ownership with a few reviews, all positive, so two of us gave it a try. We were not disappointed! We started with the Chili combo which was a nice starter, regular and chicken chili, yum! Both of us had one of their burgers for the main course and we both were very pleased with them. These are definitely high quality burgers and not your run-of-the-mill variety. Unfortunately, we had no room whatsoever for desert! The service was very professional and our waiter did a great job explaining their offerings and was a very effective spokesman for the venue. The atmosphere was top notch, including the roaring fire outside on the patio. If you are in the area and have an appetite, check this place out.
(5)
Michael D.
I was able to get back and sample a few beers and additional food options. I was very happy with the beers, really excited to get back this fall and sample the porter, stouts. Still a huge fan of the pretzel app. It's a must. Also sampled the fried pickles new favorite. I want to try the pizza, I ordered the "Fresh Spinach" pizza and was disappointed to see it actually came with a towering pile of "Fresh spinach". I ate it and enjoyed it, but next time I'll try something else.
(4)
Kim S.
I have always past by this place and wondered how it was. I had a great experience here. The waiters and waitresses were super friendly. The food didn't take very long at all. The burgers are huge an delicious and everyone needs to try their truffle fries...so yummy. The only thing I could say that I didn't like about it this place was that it was a little to dim in there, a little harder to read the menu and look around. Looking forward to this place again!
(5)
Michael S.
This place is great!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starters ---- Had Spinach and feta Pizza VERY GOOD Burgers are great. I love that they have two sizes 6oz and 9oz. The fries are great.
(4)
Kathryn J.
There are many micro-brews, but one with great food to match? Found it. My parents, sister and brother-in-law are regulars at another micro-brewery downtown Palatine. Good beer - GREAT beer dinners.. but on a daily basis, the menu is bland and offers nothing for food lovers. Now, another option: The Lucky Monk in South Barrington. Great burgers, huge salads... and the warm pretzel trio with its mustard butter, tomato parmesan sauce and Wisconsin cheddar beer fondue is a very nice surprise. This team is crafting some great beers - and knows food. Keep it up!
(4)
M. L.
I LOVE The Lucky Monk. It is by far my favorite restaurant in the area. It is perfect for a small family celebration, date night, or cocktails with a few friends. The food is by far the highlight of the restaurant. The only thing I would stay away from is the onion strings. It sounds like they would be "onion rings" but in fact they are kind of like shoe string fries, but made with onions. Very difficult to eat, and not very tasty. Everything else is delicious! The service is always good, I've never had an issue with my food orders. A few waitresses that I have had seemed disconnected, didn't really check up on us. But it depends on how busy they are. Overall, awesome place to eat. Definitely my favorite!
(4)
Doug M.
So today I returned to the Lucky Monk. I had visited previously for a Yelp Event and liked it very much. To start with we had the fried onion straw-type appetizer, and the chicken poblano chili. The onions were nicely done and served along with some rockin' wasabi ranch sauce. The wasabi gave a nice twist to the ranch but was not overpowering. The chicken poblano chili was every bit as good as I had remembered from the Yelp event, served nice and hot, with a spoonful of sour cream in it. One of the first things you notice is the nice, pungent cilantro. This is one fantastic chili. I had the farmhouse burger with cheddar cheese and applewood-smoked bacon, which was done to perfection. Piled high with shredded lettuce, and slices of red juicy tomatoes, it was a sight to behold. She had the loaded baked potato soup which was sprinkled with crumbled bacon on top and was very delicious. Their french fries were the fresh cut type and were great without being greasy. The saltiness was just right and ketchup wasn't really needed. To wash it all down she had the freshly squeezed lemonade, while I indulged in the beer sampler which had 5-6 different craft beers. Two of those I had sampled last time, the IPA and the Stout, were great and the rest were also very good, but the first two really stick out in my mind. The server did a great job explaing all of the various beers and things like bitterness units, etc. , and how the grains are roasted to give more flavor and character to the stouts. Subtle hints of chocolate or coffee can be detected and linger on after you've swallowed. Being a Tuesday evening, it was not crowded at all and the service was wonderful. If I could give half-stars I would rate this visit at 4.5, it is very good but not quite a fiver.
(4)
Byron M.
The decor, service and food were all above average. We enjoyed our dinner and intend to go back.
(4)
Nicole R.
I went here Monday with a co-worker and the food was awesome. We got the fried calamari for an appetizer. We also got two martinis which both were excellent. The chicken sandwich I got was amazing and she liked the burger she ordered. I will definitely be returning.
(5)
Sabrina W.
I went to The Lucky Monk a few weeks back with my fiance. We have been eyeing it for awhile as we frequent the AMC 30 movie theater almost weekly. After many months of driving by and saying we should check this place out we decided to stop in for a couple brews after an afternoon Sunday matinee. We sat at the bar and ordered a few samples of their offered microbrews. Both of us were pleased with our selections and agreed that we needed to come back to try the truffle fries. I gave The Lucky Monk four stars because they advertised a Sunday $4 special on a pint of their house brew and the bartender overcharged us on our order. We told the bartender and they corrected it on our bill right away but I was still annoyed that I had to point it out.
(4)
Rich G.
I took my family to this restaurant for dinner. The decoration was good and atmosphere was more likely a bar and grill type. We got seated right away and thanks to Yelp for reservation. A waitress didn't come around for five minutes. We were wondering for the whole time. When she finally came around, she recommended house beers for drinks. One of my daughters didn't bring the ID although she was over 21. The waitress was rigid about not having ID which was totally understanding. However when we share beer, she had the third degree look on all of us. Nasty look and we didn't appreciate the treatment she was giving. We ignored it and proceeded with dinner. Hamburgers were ok. but the fries were greasy and oily. Some fries were burned with black tar on the skin. Didn't enjoy much about that. After dinner, we took out a very small chocolate cake (from Deerfield Bakery) with two candles for my daughter's belated birthday. The waitress came over and told us that they would have to charge for bringing the desert from outside. According to her, it was the policy to charge $1 for each cut. We were eight people and it would be eight dollars for bringing own food. It wasn't so much about the policy but the attitude that just ruined our celebrating mood. We packed and left. Wait, they weren't shy about charging 18% of tip included in the bill. As far as I know, she didn't deserve it. And I wonder what justifies automatic tipping system of18% when the server provides bad service. It was like " I don't have to provide a good service to you since your bill has tips already included." Sad and bad business. This restaurant is not a typical friendly neighborhood restaurant. It is located in South Barrington as if it is one of the wealthy upscale restaurant. The fact is that it is NOT. It is ok decoration, ok beer and food. Nothing spectacular but the attitude is high up. It is not for regular person or regular families like mine. Definitely NO to this restaurant. If you look for better beer and food, go to Millrose right across the street. It has better food, drink and more importantly better service. I WILL NOT go back to Lucky Monk, which should really have been Greedy and Nasty Monk.
(2)
Collette Y.
I went back to Lucky Monk last week because there was lack of good places to go at the last minute while I was in that area. Again, I had a burger and it was soooooooooo good. Not salty like the last time. AND service WAS TERRIFIC this time. The young waiter really was attentive. He was so sharp I asked him if he's in school but he said he was out of school and awaiting an opening as a firefighter. I always like being able to substitute a fresh vegetable instead of having fries and I was easily able to do that here. All was so tasty I'm salivating now as I think of it!
(5)
Gus E.
We stumbled here after viewing a movie next door. The menu was short and sweet, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Our waiter was great and very attentive despite the room full of large groups. We sampled some of their microbrews and found them all to be good. My girlfriend found her BBQ salmon to be cooked perfectly, the flavor was delicious. The Roasted Chicken I ordered especially hit the spot on this cold night with a pint of Gr'ale. I would highly recommend this place to friends and the next time we see a movie in the area we'll definitely stop by.
(4)
Todd L.
Really good food and great atmosphere.
(4)
Anita M.
Friendly & quick service. The waitress explained that everything on the menu is fresh and made from scratch. Our table of 7 ordered a variety of foods. Pizza- thin crust, hand-tossed, homemade sauce- very good! Burgers were huge! 100% Angus beef, delicious! Steak tacos had just the right amount of spice. Fish sandwich was white cod fried to golden brown. All good. Hope to come back when we're back in town.
(4)
Mary M.
The food at lucky monk is great. I've tried the goat cheese appetizer, cheese curds, and pretzels, all delicious. only comment is goat cheese appetizer could use either a smaller portion or more things to dip in it. I love the spent grain burgers amazing for those who are vegetarian or enjoy a good veggie burger. Their fries are ok sometimes a tad soggy or burnish looking, over all they taste good. I tried the cookie dessert with gooey caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. It was very hot and the ice cream was a tad difficult to eat becaus it rolled and melted and didn't want to be friends with the spoon. Overall food is great. I'd highly recommend trying the beer flight if this is your first visit or you enjoy beer. Fallen angel is my fave, they do have something for everyone who enjoys a good brew. The outside is great for conversation, you get a nice view, but be warned it is by a pond so bug spray is a must if you get eaten alive by mosquitoes like I do. I recently ate inside and it was very loud difficult to hold a conversation. I will say the servers inside are really on their game, if you sit on the patio prepare for a bit of a wait.
(4)
Kailey G.
Service and food was wonderful! We ordered pretzels as our appetizer and the two of us are all 4 pretzels. They were so good. The burgers are huge and delicious as well as the pizza. Great place for a date night.
(4)
Jenn L.
We celebrated an anniversary at The Lucky Monk on Saturday evening. Had to wait about 20 minutes for a table, but it was worth it. Our first visit so we weren't sure what we were going to get,but all-in-all it didn't disappoint. We started with a trio appetizer that included onion straws, fried pickles,and truffle fries. The onion straws were mild and went great with the chipotle sauce. I'm not a pickle fan, but these weren't half bad, and my boyfriend enjoyed them the most. He also started with a beer flight. Unfortunately, this is what prevents us from giving it a full 5 stars. Let me say, the beer flight is under 9 bucks and you get the equivalent of about 3 beers- so it is a really good value. Unfortunately, my boyfriend was hoping to be wowed by them, and only one did it for him- the oatmeal stout. I'm not a fan of stouts, but I also LOVED this beer. The others though were kind of lack luster. Not bad, just not amazing- which is what we were hoping for. For dinner, he had a burger and I had pizza (was thinking about the pulled pork but wasn't down for being messy that night). I had food envy with that burger he ordered! OMG- huge, first of all, and he said the best burger he's had in years. Pizza was good, nothing special, so next time, I'll get a burger or the pulled pork and try that. (Yes, we are planning to visit again!) Also on our list to try is the pretzle appetizer. We finished off with dessert. He had the bread pudding (H.U.G.E. portion! 2-4 could share this thing), and I went with the brownie a la mode. Both were really tasty! Looking forward to carrot cake next time. Our server was Jessire and she was AWESOME! We were there on a very busy Saturday night for about 2 hours, taking our time and enjoying ourselves, and we NEVER ONCE felt rushed for our table. Jessire was attentive without being disruptive to us, and very polite. I'll be requesting her next time. Bus service was also great- plates were never left on the table for more than a minute before being cleared away. As far as the ambiance goes, we loved the decor. It seemed loud when we were waiting for a table, and even though we were seated in the bar, it was quiet in our little corner, and we didn't have to yell to hear one another. Can't wait to go back! Thanks for making our anniversary dinner enjoyable.
(4)
Nick B.
Let's talk good: delicious food, great beers, good atmosphere, nice location! Now the bad: horrible service which is something I hope they change. We were in there for the 2nd time last Friday (previous time was 3 stars - again service issue) and the place was at 20% capacity yet we waiting 10 minutes before getting a drink order. The bus boys didn't even bring us water! Everything after came slow: slow water refills, slow main course, infrequent check-ups, slow to get bill paid. We felt like we were held there in jail after waiting over 25 minutes to get our bill (had to ask another waitress) and return will our run credit card after needing to ask again!!!! Not acceptable. The food was awesome, though, which saves it from a dreaded single star. Honestly, for the good food and booze you can get it across the street at The Assembly so they best get it together. It's a perfect stop pre or post a movie and have a great atmosphere to meet friends so let's just hope they get there servers in gear. If it's ever the designated place for me to go I will bring cash to avoid part of the problem and if the service doesn't improve it will be my last.
(2)
Kevin M.
Had the monk burger and one of their newer pizzas. The best brewpubs around (Emmett's and Duke's ale house) have figured out that the best way to draw a broader crowd is to actually have good food in addition to the beer. They need a better chef, plain and simple. Service was extremely slow. I won't be going back.
(2)
Kathy F.
Make a reservation through open table! The first time we went my husband and I did not make a reservation and I had a headache so sitting in the bar really was not an option and we ended up elsewhere. Tonight was great! The pretzels and three dips appetizer is unbelievably yummy. At first I was leery of the spicy mustard dip but it balanced the cheese and marinara quite well. I had the market tomato salad for my entree, pretty much caprese salad, but tasty. My husband has a burger and an IPA that became "better" as it warmed up. As I do not believe IPA's to be drinkable, I will take his word for it. Not a hoppy gal (but I loves me a nice Belgian or Stout!) Pleasant dinner, topped it off with the warm chocolate chip cookies which were perfection. Prompt service, too.
(4)
Russell W.
Went there for lunch with my wife after a movie. Location is great, right by the theater. I had the BBQ chicken pizza, she had the fish and chips. Both were good. The fish was pretty great, actually, but the grease-ball mess of fries served with it was pretty disgusting. The pizza was as expected. I go the beer sampler and was very disappointed. They serve 6, which is great, but only 2 were worthy, in my opinion. The stout and the IPA were prety good, especially the stout. Not much flavor for teh rest, and the hefe must have gone bad, ther was a distinct smell/taste of sulfer. I wanted to love it, a micro-brewery so close to my home, but it just didn't work out.
(3)
Ruth Ann M.
The pizzas and flat breads will make your heart sing with their perfectly flavored, perfectly crisp crust and gourmet toppings. The atmosphere is classy enough to host your clients and fancy out-of-town relatives yet casual enough to feel comfortable. The patio is warm and inviting with a central stone fire place. The prices are awesome. Really, you can't go wrong at the Lucky Monk.
(4)
Anthony V.
We heard all the reviews and wanted a burger so we decided that we would give The Lucky Monk a try. It's conveniently located next to the AMC 30 movie theater, so it's perfect if you want a movie and a meal. We tried the Caesar salad and home brew chili for appetizers. The salad was fresh and the chili had that homemade taste with a little zip to it. We both had the burgers which were very good and large portions as well. The dessert menu has what they call "angel bites", which are small little portions which are just enough. We did not try their home brew beers; however they have several choices available. The server was very pleasant and accommodating as we received an alternative drink for the very sweet lemonade. The prices are reasonable and there was ample seating. Overall, it's a great place if you would like to get a nice burger and fries. Definitely worth giving it a try!
(4)
Julie P.
Dan and I tried this place out before seeing Due Date last weekend. I loved the decor and the ambiance inside and we were sat right away even though the parking lot was packed and we thought we would have to wait. Our waiter seemed a little distracted and his timing was way off, we sat for a while before he came by to greet us and take our order. The menu was a lot smaller than I was expecting, with many burger options but only 3 variations of a sandwich and few entrees. The truffle parmesan fries were very good, but they were served in a dish that seemed like you were getting a lot more fries than there actually were. Our food took a really long time to arrive, and we had only ordered a chopped salad and a burger. I realize that it was busy in the restaurant, but our server seemed to disappear and I was about to flag down a manager to see what was going on. Turns out I would have to flag a manager down a few minutes later for a totally different reason....our food finally arrived. Dan's burger came sitting on top of a round plastic thing that made the burger look a lot bigger than it really was...not sure what the point of that is exactly. I was enjoying my salad when I found a lovely surprise in the form of a dead black bug. We immediately asked for a manager who came over and seemed less than concerned about what had happened. She said that their lettuce was shipped in, as if that's an excuse. I'm sorry but I work in the industry too, and expect a lot more than a lame apology when something like this happens. She asked if I wanted a new salad and I vehemently declined, at this point I felt ill. She did comp our meal but I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I couldn't decide whether or not to write a review because I realize that this type of thing is damaging to an establishment's reputation, however I could not justify keeping silent. I really wanted to like this place but it just wasn't in the cards I suppose.
(2)
Alex G.
As the Great 2010 Burger Quest comes to a close, we were fortunate to stop by Lucky Monk on Saturday. As others have noted, the burgers come on little wood platforms that make them look huge when they are brought to the table. Not quite sure what the purpose is. We thought maybe the platforms were heated but nope. The burgers were very good and the fresh cuts fries outstanding as well. I got the version with Tilamook cheddar and bourbon stout onions. The cheddar had a nice bite to it and worked well with the burger. I'll even go so far as to praise the use of shredded lettuce which I prefer. The service was a little in-attentive (empty drinks, add'l condiments needed) but the manager helped out when she stopped by to check on our meal. Everyone thought the burgers were very good and the pizza got good reviews as well. The menu is a little limited but everything is done well so better to excel at a few things (like the chocolate chip cookies). Noise level was not too bad but the vibe seemed to hint that this is more of a late night place. Plenty of bar bites available for late night munching. Carry out window as well. And they offer small dessert options (like $.75 ice cream) which makes more sense when you just want a little something sweet. We'll be back......
(3)
J P.
Meh. The ambiance is nice, the band played awesome music. I really wanted to like this place but I couldn't. For one, we had to freaking Valet our car because their parking lot is the size of my living room. Are you kidding me? When you see this place and the vast amount of space around it, and the tiny parking lot, it just makes no sense. The food: Thank God I ordered the Hummus - which was a winner. The other appetizers were entirely too fried and sopping oil and disgusting. The brews were okay..we sampled them and we did like 1-2 of them. The apple crisp..what I waited all night for, turned out to be a dud. The crust was so buttery and gross, it ruined what could have been a first ballot hall of fame winner. Do people actually like this food and finish their meals? Beer + Oil = my summary of this place. It just screams obesity. Again, Thank God for the Hummus.
(2)
Scott K.
The atmosphere here was awesome, as was the beer selection. The beer is definitely pricey but cmon, you're in South Barrington. I had the Duble. Actually, my friend and I had three of them and called it a 'triple duble.' Either way, it gave is a really good buzz on our way to go and see True Grit at the AMC. Also, the pretzel plate with the different sauces was really good.
(4)
Bob D.
This restaurant is delicious and we primarily frequent with out of town guests. Every meal must start with the warm pretzel trio, by far the best warm, soft pretzels ever! With 3 dipping sauces, melted cheddar, Dijon mustard and tomato sauce so creamy and delicious - like a thick tomato bisque. The mushroom pizza is my favorite meal, paired with the lavender unfiltered ginger ale, can't go wrong! My husband has tried a few of their burgers and likes them!
(4)
MARGARET B.
A Monday night and the place was slammed- we waited 20 minutes for the waiter to get drink orders and another 20 minutes of drinks to arrive at the table. Dinner was ordered at the same times as the drinks and did not arrive until 75 minutes from the time we sat down until the time we were served. Our waiter was not apologetic but seemed put out that the restaurant was that busy. The only saving grace was the food was decent. I have to say the side salad I ordered was not served in a chilled bowl and seemed wilted as a result. We waited for our food and the food waited for us- fries were luke warm. A manager never came around asking how our dinner was but he probably would not have like what we would have told him. I am not sure we will even give this another try...
(1)
Len T.
The food was excellent. Tried the trio. Excellent. Burgers were great. The only reason I'm rating them 3 stars is because of the drinks. For $8 & $9 Margherita and Monks Punch, there was hardly any alcohol in it. We felt cheated on the drinks.
(3)
Laura A.
I can't even describe how much I LOVE The Lucky Monk. Admittedly I've never eaten any of their entrees, but their appetizers are absolute manna from heaven. If you go, definitely get the whipped goat cheese appetizer -- it changed my life -- especially if you love goat cheese. But even if you don't, it's incredible. Also the pretzels are good, not too salty and just firm enough but soft in the middle, plus they come with a kind of mustard butter that will clear out your sinuses (in a good way!). I went recently with some friends who had the Proscuitto-wrapped scallops, and apparently those are amazing as well. And of course, who doesn't love a great beer selection, including microbrews made on-site? If it's your first time the tasting platter is a really good deal, and I highly recommend the wheat beer (Tritica). I've heard their IPA is incredible as well, but IPA is not to my taste so I haven't had it outside the tasting sampler. Highly recommend!! Probably a good idea to make a reservation though, especially on a Friday/Saturday night. Sometimes they have live music too which is a draw for some people but I think it's the only downside to the place.
(5)
Jeanne Y.
My family and I love this place. The food is really good and the menu diverse, but I can't have wheat gluten so I'm always limited wherever I eat. When I go there I just tell the waiter who confers with the chef to see if what I would like can be made gluten free. The chef can often accomodate my dietary restriction by modifying something but if it alters the dish too much they have also been able to suggest something else. They are very nice about it and have never acted put out by having to tailor my food a little. The wait staff has always been very helpful to me by telling the chef to be sure there is no gluten in what I order and I really appreciate that because a lot of things have gluten that one can't recognize by looking at it. Another nice thing is that they never rush us out the door after we are done eating. The atmosphere is really nice and conducive to lingering for a while, maybe over coffee or a drink. One other thing I want to add...my daughter went there with a friend and left her debit card on the tray by accident. Days later she realized it and they had been holding it for her in a safe. The employees were all very nice and helpful and she happily got her card back. I give Lucky Monk five stars for the service, the food, the atmosphere and honest employees.
(5)
Mike U.
Great atmosphere - did not get a chance to cehck out the outdoor patio and fire pit. Service was outstanding. Food was good, but nothing that blew me away. I would definitely make the trip down there again.
(3)
Erin E.
Went there for my better half's birthday with his family. I wasn't expecting much (mostly bad chains in this area- not good restaurants way out here in the burbs) but I was pleasantly surprised! They make home brewed iced tea and lemonade which we had. Really great service, friendly, clean, and good food. We had meat eaters and vegetarians in the group yet everyone was happy with their meals. I'd go back again and was glad to see they're even doing some organic choices as well. Not many but hope they add more organic fare soon!)
(4)
Joseph P.
A Wednesday noon may not be the most relevant time to review this place - there were no crowds at all, so we can review just the food and the service. Didn't try the beer. To me this place is a lot like the RAM restaurants, but without the menu polish. The prices are a bit high - about $12 for the typical burger. They say they are "Prime", but the tasted just average. At lunch they add a few items at the $10-11 price point. I had the Patty Melt. Oddly, the "melt" part was a cheese SAUCE (!!), not like real cheese. Cooked right, it still was just passable. The "natural" fries were ok, but soggy and a bit cold. My friends each had the Combo half sandwich and salad. Very small salad - served in a 3 inch tall ramekin. They said the sandwich was ok. Soft drinks are also a bit high at $3. Our waitress was a pro of the "bar circuit" - very friendly and efficient, even as we stayed for a few hours just talking and drinking. Maybe at night this place has an atmosphere, but as a restaurant it is a "no real reason to drive here" place.
(2)
Annette G.
We've been a couple times, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich both times, and have yet to finish it, which is just fine with my husband. The have a small kids menu, pasta, pizza, chicken nuggets - but they serve them with veggies if you choose, and bring out carrot sticks with ranch dressing for them to munch on. We tried the nacho fries last time - a total waste :( the plain ones with the meal were much tastier. And as many others have noted - service is very slow.
(3)
Chris P.
Love this place! Great burgers, atmosphere and beer. Try the fried pickles.
(4)
Lisa P.
Love the bar area, it has comfy seating for chatting with friends. The appetizers are soo goood. The atmosphere was perfect for a get together with friends, a date night, or just a nice meal. Service could have been better. We noticed the manager had a staff meeting right in the bar area. We had to wait to get our drinks.
(4)
Andre L.
If you are looking for a burger and beer, this is as good as I've found. Food was excellent. Try the pretzel appetizer as others have suggested. I upgraded my fries to the truffle fries also excellent. I'm a beer snob and this place has a very good selection of imports including the Belgium's I love. I got a complimentary taste of their seasonal in-house which currently is a Belgium style dubbel which was great. Nice ambiance with live music. I'll be back!
(5)
D. T.
I dont know how to rate this place. Food was decent, I had the Tacos. Its one of those places thats not really memorable. You eat here and then you dont think about it again for... ever.
(3)
Jay V.
Love the food, always friendly service. Try the burgers, they are awesome!
(4)
Vick C.
Good burger and beer! very nice interior and super friendly service, I will def go again!
(4)
Little Miss L.
actually, i am going back and forth over this place. we've been here twice...so i feel that is enough to write a decent review, right? both times we had the great fried pickles. (the second time they were better) first time there we had the monk burger and a pizza, (short-rib and "farm" egg--whatever that means) cause this is what they're known for. the pizza was just meh. maybe it was a bad choice, i dunno. the burger, which we ordered medium-rare, came out close to well, but it was good. good fries too. this time we all had burgers, they were cooked more correctly this time--closer to medium, but it was good. the issues i have with the place is that it is slllloooooowww...it took a solid 25-30 minutes after we finished our appetizer to get our main courses. both visits. as you know, that seems like a life-time when you have nothing in front of you. our server came to our table twice to let us know our food was coming, so obviously he knew it was going a little long...come to think of it, the same thing happened the first time we went. i made for the ladies room, and didn't know where it was, so i asked the hostess. she barely looked up from her nails to mumble and point the direction for me. gee-thanks. later, we noticed she did have a personality because she was chatting with her co-workers. btw, the bathroom was a wreck, so that's a tell-all too... our servers were both decent, the buss team is good and i saw who i think was the manager busily running food and running around. never got a table visit from him, so i can't attest to his personality. lastly, i think its dirty there. fruit flies were all over the place. which gives me the heebs. and there was a moth or something stuck between the plastic and the paper on the menu. when i showed our server, he was mortified and he replaced the menu right away apologizing like crazy. all in all, the food was good--wish the restaurant was cleaner and the food came out in a more timely manner... can't win them all. i'd like to be able to go back there, but i'll try to find another good burger around my new house...
(3)
Louis P.
Best turkey burger I've ever had. Have to try the fried pickles as well. Solid home made beers too.
(5)
Brenda V.
Big, clean and stylish ambiance, nice menu, excellent service and VALET.. woot woot.. perfect before heading to the AMC theatre.. I highly recommend the salmon and for dessert, the bread pudding. Yum!
(4)
S. P.
I came here for dinner before catching a movie at the AMC theaters a couple of weeks ago. My friend and I were actually planning to eat at the Streets of Woodfield (at Big Bowl) but there was an hour and half wait time on a Saturday night at 6:30pm! So instead, we thought to try The Lucky Monk as it was next to the AMC theatres. The wait time was only 30mins. I was impressed by the ambience and the selection of food choices. I had the butternut squash ravioli and was very pleased! My friend and I sat in an area near the bar and we were able to watch some college basketball games as well have our own personal conversations without any difficulties hearing each other. Overall, it was a great place, and with the long wait times in the Woodfield area, I felt this to be the perfect option if you want to do dinner and movie... Will definitely come back again!
(4)
Don B.
Good atmosphere and staff. The Lucky Monk is large and open inside. The decor is dark wood and rich feeling...kind of like Shaw's Crab House or The Clubhouse...if you've ever been to those places. The wait is always short, even on a busy Friday night. They have live bands Beer selection is large and features Lucky Monk's own house brews, a bunch of specialty beers from around the country, and your standard variety of domestics. Menu is not very expansive, but has choices for all tastes. Food is good overall. I have been there several times and recommend the pickle fries as an appetizer. They come with a chipotle ranch dip and are awesome. Burgers are good, juicy and flavorful, although very messy. Cedar-plank BBQ salmon was also very good. If you plan on drinking water with you meal, be aware that it tastes pretty awful...must be well water. Live bands play there on Fridays and keep the volume acceptable as not to drown out conversation. Crowd tends to be 35-50 year olds, but all age groups are represented. Prices are moderate, bathrooms are clean, and Lucky Monk is definitely a place worth checking out.
(4)
Amy C.
Great food, prices are decent for the area and the pretzel bread appetizer cannot be beat! We love hanging at Lucky Monk for lunch or dinner, and their facebook fan page offers various drinks, specials and promotions to watch. Their salads are generous but not gigantic, burgers are great and the flatbreads are interesting. Great dinner and a movie place if you're headed to AMC afterwards. Get reservations if you're hitting them for a weekend dinner.
(4)
Mark G.
I had lunch here last week and it was great. Atmosphere is incredible! I didn't get a chance to go to the outside patio, but I will definitely be back to have a few beers out there! I had a burger and fries (The Monk) I believe and they were both great. I also had the fried pickles and a shared pizza as an appetizer. I recommend The Lucky Monk for great food, atmosphere and service!
(5)
Brian W.
Fried pickles are awesome. Good beer selection. Could use more on draft. Good burgers. Good service.
(4)
Chuck B.
My wife and I stumbled upon this place when we were in the 'burbs and we are very lucky that we did. The atmosphere is nice, but laid back. The service was very good. Our server knew the menu and had very good recommendations. I had a prime bacon cheeseburger and the truffle fries. They were outstanding. The burger was cooked perfectly and the truffle fries were done nicely. I also had a house beer that was crisp and refreshing. All in all, I would strongly recommend you stop by if you want a burger and a beer.
(5)
Kristin B.
Great ambiance, great service, great food. We liked the fried pickles, wings, and pizza. The fries were okay....should have been better. The desserts are giant. The apple crisp was excellent! We also had the brownie ala mode- was pretty good compared to most restaurant brownies. The beer and sangria were absolutely perfect. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Justin D.
Just visited The Lucky Monk. I have to say, I was pretty happy with the quality of food and beer. Not the best burger I've ever had, but it was definitely a good quality burger. I tried their spinach and ricotta pizza and it was very good. The spinach really stood out. I had the Holiday Bock and it was great! This place is solid. Oh and our waitress, Jenni, was extremely friendly. I have no complaints at all. I will be back.
(4)
Jim J.
Great Santa De Chicken salad. Enjoyed the Cardinal Sin pilsner. The service was timely but not over bearing. Nice atmosphere.
(5)
Pam K.
The food is delicious and the portions are huge. We went for a family gathering for my son's birthday. The service was excellent. Everyone agreed the sandwiches were big enough for two people. It was a fun birthday dinner!
(4)
Robert C.
My new favorite restaurant, seriously!
(5)
Shannon M.
Came here for drinks last Saturday with some friends. They were really busy and we had a reservation, but were seated about 20 minutes after our reservation time. The food was awesome, their roasted vegetable salad is out of this world! Great beer selection, and a great atmosphere for hanging out. The only problem is that they don't have a lot of parking, I had to park in the AMC lot and walk over. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Chester R.
nice place...went for lunch and had a goat cheese pizza with tomatoes and spinach...and a 20oz belgian ale. both were quite nice. the pizza crust was professional. upbeat atmosphere, looks like it would also be a good place for a lively dinner. i would go back, so long as i could expense it.
(4)
Janice R.
Love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is great and so is the atmosphere. Im usually not a burger fan but, everything from the salad to the truffle fries were great! Usually,it's a wait but its worth it!
(4)
Joni M.
we've only been here one time for lunch, but based on how awesome the food was, I feel I can give it a review and a solid 5 stars. It's conveniently located to the theaters, and the decor is great. Really modern, dark-but-not-dank vibe. Our server was great. We started with the fried combo appetizer, which was onion straws, pickles and truffle fries, plus sauce for each for dipping. The presentation was really cute, but the taste was A-Maz-ING! I thought the truffle fries were really good, but OMG, the fried pickles. Where have you been all my life!! The drinks were good, and we both got burgers. The good thing is, they offer two sizes of burgers. We got the smaller, and good thing, since we couldn't even finish those. The presentation on the burgers was great also, they put them on a little wooden pedestal. They obviously know that you eat with your eyes first. we will definitely be back to this place, I wish I lived closer to it!
(5)
Tes S.
This place is great. The service is always fantastic, and the food is spectacular. Although they have a limited menu, they really execute their dishes well and it keeps me coming back. It's a great atmosphere, and also seemed family friendly. They have some of their own brews and although I didn't try them, a friend of mine that was there with me swears by them! Great place!
(4)
Sam S.
Good food good beer fair to good service.
(4)
Christy P.
Been waiting for a place like this in the culinary wasteland known as Barrington. Must say I was not disappointed and will definitely come back. I ordered one a salad while my squeeze had a burger, he loved his and i really liked what I had....
(4)
Beth T.
My burger was undercooked, my husbands meal was good...what is going to bring us back to try them again was the serivce. I know there were not busy at the time but I have gotten horrible service before when the staff had time to hang around. Here they were attentive and keeps the drinks full! They deserved a second try.
(4)
Bill M.
Only a monk could serve such heavenly food. I know, that's really bad, but this food was delicious. First off, the burger. This is one of the few restaurants that will serve a fried egg on top of your burger, except this place doesn't break the yolk allowing it to flow everywhere when you bite it. It's a good thing. Of course you don't realize the mess the yolk made since the burger it dripping with grease. You can't help but keep eating once you start since your hands are covered. Plus they'll actually cook your burger medium rare, which is quite a rare find indeed. I know, sorry. Anyway, I'd say it's one of the best burgers I've ever eaten. Also keep in mind this is a microbrewery inspired by Belgian monks. Needless to say, their beer is impressive. I suggest the Original Sin. It is a fragrant pilsner with a bitter finish. On my first visit, I got the sampler (read: flight of beer). The waitress was very accommodating and let me sub-out the pale ale. The overall beer selection large enough for everyone (over 21, of course) to find something they like. I should note hear that while I did not even look at the salads, my friend says they are quite good. After my second visit, I was ready to give this place a great review, until my waiter asked if I would be interested in some key lime pie. I didn't think this place could get better, but it did. Now, the pie was more creamy than most key lime pies I've had, but it still had enough tart to it to satisfy my tongue. My friend thought it was a little sweet, but I think that was mostly the graham cracker crust shining though. Overall, as you might have guessed the Lucky Monk I'd a great restaurant. I will definitely be going back again and again.
(5)
Sarah P.
We were staying at the Hyatt on the other side of the freeway and found this place close by with lots of decent reviews on Yelp, so we tried it out. Pretty good - a fascinating water delivery system, thin-crust pizza, and my sister loved the wacky burger she ordered. I got pizza, which was NY style right down to the greasiness and giant pepperoni. I'm Mormon so I can't speak to the beer, but they fixed my soda when it was watered down, so woohoo. The service was pretty good, over all, and while kids were clearly welcome and had appropriate accommodations, the place didn't have running and screaming. I definitely recommend trying it at least once.
(4)
Paul W.
This place was near my hotel and had some good reviews so I checked it out. I was expecting more of a pub on my arrival, and was surprised to see such a large building dominated by the dining area. Anyway, the pub looked like more fun (although it wasn't busy on a sunday), but my company wanted to sit in the restaurant. Seating wasn't cramped. Server was polite and helpful. Decor was decent. Atmosphere was a little bit more family than expected, but certainly no crying/loud/annoying kids. With those things out of the way, we can talk about food. Their "specialties" are burgers and pizzas. Most of my group had the burgers, and they were delicious. I had a spicier one involving monterey jack cheese...can't remember what it was called...but I threw some avocado on there and it was amazing. I also had some of the chili and it was decent but not spicy enough for my taste. Key lime pie for dessert was above average. The highlight of my night was trying their beer sampler. It comes on a platter with 6 small glasses of different beers. I really enjoyed them all. The beer is actually what brought me to this place but I ended up being surprised by an enjoyable dining experience and some good food. Everything is reasonably priced. I'd give this place 4.5 if I could. Very much recommended if you are in the area. I hear this location has had a lot of different restaurants trying to give it a go over the years, so I really encourage people to check it out as I think it's worth keeping around...
(4)
Liz B.
I had dinner last night with my friend and totally over indulged, it was worth it at the time but today I'm paying for it. We started off with some appetizers, the truffle fries and the hummus. The fries were beyond decadent and the hummus platter was delicious and fresh. For dinner, we split the margherita pizza; very thin crust with fresh tomatoes and basil. Don't worry, we didn't forget their very big beer menu-that's where the over indulging came in. I recommend the Allagash White Ale and the Cardinal Sin. Service was good, a little slow but she was very nice. The Lucky Monk is a fun place to go with your friends and family.
(4)
Sean M.
Enjoyed this place. this is a brewery, the beer is better than average. I had the Gumbo soup which was not very good, but the Spinach & Ricotta pizza was really good. Service is very good.
(4)
Joe M.
Pretzel trio skirt stake with fresh broccoli and service is top notch
(5)
M I.
Overall it was a very good experience. The place looks very nice inside. Our server was very good and attentive. Everyone really enjoyed the food. We had the warm pretzels and dips and parmesan fries which were both good. My wife's burger was very good and I had the short ribs which had a lot of flavor and were very tender by just a bit dry. I still like the ribs a lot, but if they were a little more moist they would have been outstanding. We tried a few of their craft beers and they were good too. Overall a very nice place with good food. The prices were reasonable and the place was full. I'd recommend reservations especially right at dinner time. I'd have no problem recommending this place.
(4)
Mark M.
This place is excellent every time! Yes, it is a little pricey, but for the most part, the portions are immense and the quality of the food is beyond tasty. I was a little disappointed this time with the Poutine (fries, and gravy and cheese curds, oh my!). It tasted a little bland and they don't give you nearly as much as you'd expect for $8. However, the burger totally saved the day! I get a burger every time here and they are usually outstanding. Today I tried "The King" and it was one of the best burgers I have ever had in my life!!! The King combines bacon, peanut butter and bananas. It sounds weird, and I was worried if it would all work together, but it totally does. The sweetness of the melty peanut butter with the bananas added an interesting touch to the super soft, lean burger. Then the bacon does what bacon does - kicks major behind!! The fries were perfect as usual, the upgrade to pickle fries were yummy as well and the service was great. You need to try this place out!!!!
(5)
S S.
Beautiful location, good food! The worst service ever!!!! We were there to celebrate a birthday the wait staff forgot. Had to look for him to order more drink. Food took forever, because he forgot to place the order. He tried steeling money from people who had to leave and left money on the table. He was a nightmare. Wrote a letter to the GM and never got a response, and based on that I will not return as I'm apparently not important.
(1)
Cam S.
Modern decor with plenty of tables and booths. Nice, warm atmosphere. Service very good. Food excellent with nice variety of gourmet burgers, pizza and entrees. Had Burger ($12) and Skirt Steak ($16) - both were excellent. Craft beer very good (Fallen Angel). Nice location for movie theater. Plenty of parking.
(5)
Mary P.
My first time at the Lucky Monk and it was a hit. The pretzel trio - absolutely delicious! The pretzels are hot and fresh with 3 dipping sauces. The burger is huge, moist and cooked to perfection. The chopped salad is fresh, large and filling. The carrot cake is awesome in flavor and size. Definitely a great place to eat. Plenty of families were inside and the atmosphere was pleasant.
(4)
Jessica W.
My fiance and I went to The Lucky Monk for dinner tonight. We had tried to visit a different place earlier and were faced with a 1 hour wait, so we decided to try TLM instead. Thinking that we might have a somewhat shorter wait, we were surprised to hear that wait time was 2 hours. Really? Come on. But the hostesses welcomed us to try full service at the bar or lounge if we could find a seat. With 5 degree weather outside and few choices in the area we decided to try the lounge. I'm glad we stayed because we had a really great time. We had a couple of appetizers, and a pizza and fish 'n chips for dinner. I was really surprised that the beer and food were actually good. The place itself has a good vibe going on, but that doesn't always mean that the food will be good. In this case, the food was worth writing about. We ordered the hummus with pita and truffle oil fries with Parmesan. The fries were a bit on the overly salty side, but in general, MMMM. Their New York style pizza was respectable for Chicago (though to be fair, this is coming from a native New Yorker) and the fish 'n chips were flavorful (tasty fish, and perfectly golden coating, not burnt like some places). Our server (Raphael) was super nice. He was friendly and very attentive even though the place was super busy. Overall, the atmosphere was fun, but relaxed. It has a modern feel to it, but isn't too trendy, or too casual. The bathrooms were super clean (though they just opened up about a month ago, so we'll see how that pans out in another few months). I would definitely go back to this place. I'll be moving to the burbs from the city soon and I'm trying to find places that will help me not miss the city (why oh why can't the burbs have more happening places? It's not like people aren't looking for things to do, places to go...) I think this place will make my list of favorite local places to visit when I don't feel like driving downtown. And to any TLM owners and staff that might be reading this: I love it when new places like yours open up and get sad when they fizzle in effort after 6 months. So please, please, please keep up the good work!
(4)
kit k.
Sometimes I like the food here and sometimes the half the food is good and half is terrible. I have been here alot and lost night my salad was horrible and so was my pizza but others in my party loved there food. I have had that salad before and it has been good...The server did not even ask how my food was...crazy. But this is a good place just wish they get it together.
(3)
Jeremy D.
This place is awesome! First of all, the beer is excellent. The food might even be better. The outdoor patio is beautiful. I highly recommend the beer sampler for only $7.50 and the burgers. We also had the soft pretzels and they were heavenly. Very impressed! The service was great too. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Abraham P.
Their appetizers are delicious, the main course was delicious, and the dessert was delicious. Good decorations all over the place. Flat screens with sports on was great. Good price to. Pretty cheap in my opinion. Probably make a trip back there again
(5)
Steve K.
There are to love about the Lucky Monk and things that absolutely keep me away...those negatives keep the Monk from being my #1 local hangout. I was here the week they opened and excited that a new restaurant with lots of energy opened in my backyard.....I still visit often (maybe 40 times since they opened), but my visits are now rare because of the negatives. What I love: - The food is really top notch for what is essentially an upscale sports-bar menu. The truffle fries, burgers, pizzas and chili(s) are all very well executed. I have not had anything on the menu that was not outstanding. The burgers are still my go to item here although when they first opened, they had a smaller size burger option which was just right for me. - The place itself is really well designed and comfortable. It's a fun place to go sit at the bar if you are alone and want to watch a game (GREAT television setup). The tables and atmosphere is good throughout, including a comfortable outdoor space with a fire-pit. They also have a pool table room off the bar which is a good extra diversion. Lots to keep you occupied here. - The beer tastes great and they have a good selection of their own brews as well as better than average micro brews. The selection and quality has dropped off a tiny bit since they opened (in the beginning they really cared about what was on tap and now the tappers and selection seem a bit lee thought out) but still the quality remains high. What I REALLY dislike: - My biggest issue here is the price of drinks. I like to drink beer when I come here, and I noticed somewhere along the way my bar tab seemed to run sky high in a hurry. The reason? A pint of beer here will cost you near $7.00. I challenge you to find anywhere with higher priced beer, from the Gold Coast to the suburbs. The problem is "how" they price...on the menu a pint is $6.00, which is already pretty sky high, but they add tax on top of that for a total per beer charge of about $6.75. Maybe I am old school here but a local sports bar opening in a down economy without live music or strippers can't be charging these prices for beer. Join the rest of the bar world and please quote your drink prices including tax- or reduce the price of drinks to be somewhat in line with the competition. - The service: They opened with an all star staff of servers and bartenders who were really invested in the menu and the concept. Clearly the staff was well trained and cared for. Enthusiasm and service were 5 star. Not so anymore: the help has all turned over at least once in a very short time and you are not likely to get served by anyone who really cares, in my recent experience. Is it terrible service? No, not usually...but the service is far from engaged and fun. - I dislike the fact that they are contracting on their offerings rather than expanding. I understand tweaking a menu with adds and subtracts as time goes by but the Monk had reduced both their food and beer offerings since the day they opened. To me it feels like they are already running out of energy, less than two years after opening. That's it. My advice- If you are going to the movies at AMC this is a nice place to stop with a date for a bite before or after. But don't come too often unless you hit the lottery lately or are on a business expense budget for your movie dates. (Does anyone still have a business expense budget???) And especially don't come if you like to drink beer while watching your favorite team.
(2)
lynn s.
My husband & I usually stop at the Lucky Monk after a movie at the nearby AMC. The restaurant was very busy for a Wednesday evening. My husband ordered the burger & fries while I tried the fish & chips. Both of our meals were very good. We also like the beer selection offered. The prices are fairly reasonable and the restaurant has a very nice atmosphere. It is nice to see a restaurant that is actually busy during the weekday. The service was very good even though I was initially brought the wrong dinner. My server apologized and the problem was immediately corrected. We have recommended to other friends and will continue to come back. The menu has a nice variety of burgers, pizza, sandwiches and even a few entrees.
(4)
Kim W.
Great decor and space. Beer was good. Both burgers at our table were cooked wrong (well instead of medium rare). Should have sent them back because it ended up making what should have been a great burger just so-so. Truffle fries were ok, not quite the treat everyone raved about. S'mores dessert was yummy. I'll give this place a 2nd try but it's on some thin ice.
(3)
nicole h.
As soon as I was seated I was sure I'd love this place. Every employee we encountered was flawlessly professional. And our server--Stephen-- was nothing short of a stand up comedian. Our party of 6 trusted his recommendations and ordered accordingly. The appetizer pretzels with various accompaniments for dipping were good...but the dips didn't exactly rock my world. The fried pickles were amazing. Per our server's advice, I ordered the macadamia crusted tilapia with jasmine rice and banana reduction. I see what they were going for in their execution of this tropical dish, but it fell short. I like to "eat the rainbow" and there simply weren't enough colors, textures, and veggies on the plate. I think a plantain rather than a banana would have put the dish on a whole different level. The rest of the food was just ok...and the beers were just ok too. But the atmosphere and the service are top notch.
(4)
Mike I.
Surprisingly good food, and with a great beer list!!! I dined here two weekends ago and had a pleasant all around experience. Our server was attentive and never did our party feel like we had to wait for another round of drinks or to place our food order. The beer selection was very good too: Westmalle Dubbel, La Fin du Monde, Chimay Blue, and a few other import "gems" were available. I did try their own brewed (they make their own beer there) oatmeal stout and it left a lot to be desired. This is, of course, because I'm comparing it to Sam Smith's version which is one of my all time favorite beers. On to the food: We split the pretzel appetizer with dipping sauces. It was very good and definitely a re-order for a future visit. I went with the Chicken sandwich with bacon which was full of flavor (seems like an oxymoron for a chicken sandwich, but it was)! I upgraded to the garlic truffle fries as a side and let me tell you: they were friggin' outstanding. I would go back just for beer and fries next time, they were that good! Other things ordered amongst the group were flatbread pizza (good, not great), pizza (very good), and burgers (great).
(4)
Ke R.
We've been here twice, and both times have been a very good experience. The wait staff in very knowledgeable, attentive and informative. The beer is terrific (a few too many Belgians this last visit, but the varieties are always changing), and the food excellent. The short ribs with pasta were tender and flavorful (though the portion was small in comparison to everything else I've had there.) They serve a burger that's layered between two grilled cheese sandwiches (with bacon!) that is a heart attack waiting to happen - but delicious. Salads are excellent. We really love the pretzel appetizers. Terrific fish and chips. We've never made it to dessert, but based on the level of everything else we've tried, they're probably just as good.
(4)
Rich C.
I wish I could rate this place on it's food, service, or anything else, but it never got that far. Went on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Only two other people in the bar, but it was so loud from the tvs to the point we couldn't even hear the what the bartender said about the drink specials. When we complained about the volume, I thunk the bartender said there was nothing they could do, but I can't be sure since I couldn't hear her, the volume was bone rattlingly loud, and carried all the way to the door. This is with hardly anyone in the place. It's a shame because it looks like a nice place, but they make it impossible to be heard by your dinner companion when the place is empty. A real shame.
(1)
JoJo N.
We have given Lucky Monk a chance several times due to its location and outdoor seating. The beer is great and the atmosphere is enjoyable, but the food is horrible. I have tried over 5 entrees here and have not enjoyed any of them. The menu is very limited and the food doesn't taste good at all.
(1)
Sean T.
I loved this place! They have a wide selection of microbrews, great appetizers (we had the pretzels with the different sauces) and burgers were great. I was sad first when Brass closed down, but Lucky Monk is a MUCH better Restaurant and the Bar is at least the same.. I moved to Crystal Lake so I'm not in the area as much, but I miss Lucky Monks.. Try the Beer sampler as they have many tasty brews..
(4)
Kathleen R.
I love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is fantastic, family friendly yet perfect for girls night or date night. The outdoor patio is just beautiful and the huge fire pit is great touch. The food was very good. We had the soft pretzels for appetizers and burgers for dinner. The burgers are gigantic and some of the best around. I also had the seasonal beer brewed on location which I really enjoyed. The only reason I gave Lucky Monk 4 stars rather than 5 is because of the service. We were a table of 4 there on a Saturday evening and it didn't seem particularly busy as there were open tables, but the wait staff walked by us several times before finally taking a drink order and the same thing happened when it came time to order food and get the bill. That being said, I will definetly be back but will allow extra time.
(4)
Suzanne M.
The burgers are top notch! Both portobello burgers and hamburgers are scrumptious! The beers on tap are also great and the fried pickles are completely addictive. This resto/bar is definitely needed in the NW burbs!
(5)
Candyce P.
the hubby works 2mins away from "the lucky monk" and went with his coworkers for lunch there last week. he raved about the burger he had and wanted to go back. so friday rolled around and i was super lazy to cook dinner, so after suggesting portillo's (my lazy go-to), he suggested we go to "the lucky monk" instead. so fine, i got ready and he picked me up. we got there around 5:45, and the place was about half full. but upon entering, the only thing i thought was that it was a beautiful restaurant. nothing overly done up, just simple lighting, nice pieces of art and great color scheme that made the place feel super cozy and nice. our server was mikayah (spelling?), and she was awesome! they've obviously trained their staff well, because she could explain anything we asked and give great recommendations. (thinking about it now, i should've taken notes because their menu isn't available online yet). anyhow, for drinks, we went with their house-brews. i tried the 6-beer flight, and the hubby had one of the darker brews. overall, they were good. i definitely found that i love lighter, wheat beers over darker ales. so the hubby had my darker ones and i finished the rest. we had the grilled shrimp as an appetizer. there were 6 shrimp, and instead of them being crusted with the breadcrumb mixture, there was a dollop of the mixture set in the middle of each shrimp. then the shrimp were set on some sauteed spinach and a light tomato broth. really, really good. so this place is trying to be know for beers, burgers and pizza. so to keep with that theme, the hubby ordered a pizza, i ordered a burger, and we shared. i got the smothered burger, with caramelised onions and gruyere cheese. the hubby got the margherita pizza. the pizza is neopelatin style pizza, so the crust is nice and thin, but still chewy and bubbly. however, while that was very well-made.... the burger... oh, the burger... {drool} it was a perfect burger. not only are the patties house-made, but they are seasoned and cooked perfectly! it also had the perfect amount of onions and cheese to accompany it and not overshadow the delicious burger patty. i asked to sub the parmesan-truffle fries, and they gladly obliged. i said it was ok if that cost a bit extra, but i don't remember seeing a charge for it on the bill. yay! anyhow... the fries. the hubby adored them. but i am going to go out on a limb here... and admit that i think i don't like truffles very much! (eeek!) but, they were pretty good still. for dessert we had the smores skillet. it was too sweet for me, and i have a huge sweet tooth. we also got the "scratch-made" chocolate chip cookies on the house... and i would recommend ordering those. they're a simple dessert, but really delicious. we left the restaurant having had a great meal along with matching service! will definitely go back and take friends and family too! also - it's right next to the AMC theatres, so maybe a cute date night?
(4)
Michelle F.
I have been to The Lucky Monk several times and have always had a great experience. The atmosphere is very nice and feels upscale while still being casual and comfortable. The food is very good and executed well and their house brewed beers are great as well! I would only have one suggestion for the menu, to add a pretzel roll to the burgers. The burgers are amazing, they just need a bun that can hold their own next to it!
(5)
Gin Y.
Truffle devil eggs delicious; apple and bacon flatbread tasty, buffalo wings very meaty, flavorful. Server / service excellent.
(4)
Margie D.
great ambiance, delicious food; the whipped goat cheese appetizer was outstanding and the crispy fish tacos were excellent and it's stone's throw away from the AMC Theaters.. highly recommend, we will definitely be back, Tried it thanks to the positive Yelp reviews..thanks Yelp!
(4)
Tom C.
I love brewpubs and The Lucky Monk is exactly what I was looking for. The hostess and server were attentive and friendly. The Belgian Pale Ale was a delicious balance of floral and fruity flavors. The Stout was creamy and rich. The burger was excellent and actually medium as ordered. The chicken sandwich was delicious with avocado, bacon and a brioche bun. Only room for improvement was that the fries were a little too salty. But the salty fries were easily forgivable considering the quality of the beer and food at their reasonable prices. The Lucky Monk further exceeded our expectations with good music like Elliott Smith and Fleet Foxes. Nice ambiance for family or friends. Highly recommended.
(5)
rita l.
went to the lucky monk for a change, sat down in the bar ,the bartender was our waitress, got there about 1:00pm on a sunday. listened to the bartender swear at the food runner because he brought food out for another table when they just had been served appetizers{not a pretty site when you have a kid with you}. she came to our table and we ordered two miller lites and a coke never got menus. waited 5 minutes and she never came back. when she did come back she asked what we would like to order, still did not have menus, she gave us two and said she would be back with a third menu, never came back.when she did come back we had had enough by this time and asked for the check.asked to talk to the manager and was told he was to busy. took our business to millrose restaurant across the street and had a great experience. never going back to the lucky monk. what a disapointment
(1)
Bobbie D.
We went for a Friday night dinner, made a reservation about 2 hours before. Got there, no parking....didn't look good for us, but a full lot is always good for them! Waited a few minutes for someone to leave, our table was ready, near the bar, which was really loud. I am not a fan of high bar tables. We asked if we could be moved and we were told not a problem. We were reseated in a quieter area. The service was outstanding!! After our last restaurant outing, this was a true pleasure. Our server was pleasant, knowledgeable and friendly without being plastic-smiley-faced. We all ordered burgers, they were cooked perfectly. They were delicious. The fries - meh - not sure they hadn't been sitting around and were a bit too cooked and brown. But the burger, ah, it was so good, that combined with our great service, made up for that shortfall. Desserts sounded good, but we were too full. We will go back, and have told many people about it! Great job training your waitstaff!!
(4)
Jane P.
update: food still excellent (fantastic pickle fries) surpassed only by service (shout out to neal who made our evening). only suggestion would be to figure out a way to balance the restaurant's popularity with care + concern for customers who are waiting for tables. a crowded foyer with a beeper doesn't equal the experience, and the location leaves few options.
(4)
Kelsey K.
We were pleasantly surprised by this place. It was decent. I'd definitely be back because I'd like to try the spent grain burger.
(4)
Veronica L.
I drive about an hour get to this place, it's well worth it! Their burgers are the best!
(5)
John B.
Went there on the 'sampler' plan. Beer sampler was fun and most were drinkable. Cheese curds appetizer - eat'em hotl; Sandwiches were good; never met an onion straw I didn't like; truffle fries - not sure what the fuss is about. Wanted to do desert but couldn't find room. Will be back if I get to the area. Thought it was a good value.
(5)
Lindsay B.
My husband and I had a great experience at The Lucky Monk- definitely lived up to the hype and all of the difficulty getting into the location. I would highly recommend making reservations if you do not want to wait a long time to be seated- particularly on a weekend. We were seated within 3 minutes of walking into the restaurant due to our reservation, and the wait time for everyone else was about 45 minutes. My husband tried one of the lucky monk brews- the seasonal offering- and enjoyed it a lot. I tried two different cocktails- the triple berry lemonade and the paloma- both delicious. We started with the trappist trio- a guilty pleasure of deliciousness that included cheese curds, truffle fries, and fried pickles- heaven in a trio. We both enjoyed delicious burgers for our meal- and had some food to take home. We skipped the fries with our meal due to eating them with our appetizer and had beer cheese soup instead- fantastic- and had some of that to take home too. I would definitely come back to The Lucky Monk to try other items on the menu because many more things look delicious. Great experience overall!
(5)
Lukas S.
We came here twice and each time had a great experience! The first time we came on a Friday and had to wait about 30 minutes for a table, but that wasn't too much of a shocker being a weekend. The second time we made reservations and got seated immediately. The food is great and the atmosphere is fun and vibrant. There's a lot of unique and fun items on the menu! You could try the burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches, for instance! It's a definite place we'd go back to! The downfall for us is the wait on weekends...but...that's not the fault of the restaurant that so many people want to eat there!!
Traveling thru and stopped by. It was pleasantly surprising that it was so good. We enjoy it alot and if it was closer to our city we would go back. It was clean, service was good, and management was visible.
(5)
Carolina B.
I went to this restaurant before seeing a movie at the AMC 30 in south Barrington. It is a brewery/ restaurant that specializes in burgers, I would definitely recommend it, especially if you are seeing a movie at the theater, it is basically the only nearby restaurant unless you want to spend a lot of money or want Chilli's. I made a reservation for 4 people at 4:45 on a Saturday, I was surprised to find that I actually needed a reservation so early. I requested a booth and got one which was nice. If you are going on the weekend I would suggests making a reservation. As I said, they are known as a brewery and offer many beers for all tastes, my friends both got beer samplers which were great. 6 different beers with explanation sheets, and they were not too expensive. I don't drink beer often and they had a pretty good drink and martini menu. I ordered the botanical fizz martini and it was great, light and refreshing. For dinner, I ordered the chicken poblano chili and the fresh tossed spinach pizza both were excellent. The pizza was cooked perfectly and had all the right flavors, ricotta, mozzerella and bechamel sauce, I also added sausage. I would definitely suggest this place, even if your not in the mood for a burger or going to the movies!!
(4)
Edward M.
Had a wonderful evening here. The hamburgers are definitely the thing to go for. I had the grilled cheeese burger which is two grilled cheese sandwiches as bread and then a hamburger in the middle. The grilled cheese comes with bacon bits as well. They were very crisp. This was just a fun thing to order but was way too big to put in my mouth. The fries that came with it are hand cut and excellent, crispy on the outside, just right on the inside. The service is also excellent.
(4)
Chelsea D.
My favorite burger place ever! It is definitely the burgers that keep bringing me back here and the sweet potato fries. Though the service isn't always the best - the host stand could be friendlier and the servers could be more attentive with keeping drinks full, coming back to check on how it's going, etc. I've only checked in here a few times, but I've been here at least 7 or 8 times now.. One time I can recall waiting 45 minutes for a burger. It was a Thursday night in August and the place wasn't full. We actually sat outside, but our waiter was always MIA. It seemed as though he had tables inside too. I felt like his table assignments were off that night or too much for him to handle. My favorite burger is the "bourbon stout" with Tillamook cheddar, stout braised onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and they also give you a house condiment. The "monk" is always a good choice. It's basic. And the "sunrise" comes with a sunny side up egg.
(4)
Meghna S.
We have been there many times with friends and family and everyone loved this place.. We are vegetarian and most of the places have only one type of veggie burger but this place has all varieties of burgers they can make vegetarian. Their beer samplers are pretty good. great ambience.. Good service Good choice of appetizers.. Fries trio platter is the best..
(4)
Gloria B.
Went there today with two girlfriends after a movie. We tried the deep fried dill pickles with the smoky dipping sauce for an appetizer. They were definitely five stars - YUM! I got the spent grain burger (vegetarian) made from grains used to brew their beer. It was very good - almost TOO good - like "what's in this exactly - is it really vegetarian, LOL?" It held together much better than most veggie burgers I've had. Their fries, as always, were good. Our server was very attentive, so no complaints there. I've been there a number of times and have enjoyed their pizza on other visits. And their desserts are pretty yummy and giant too. So overall, I'm a very happy customer. It's a great after movie treat.
(4)
Ann C.
Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. Two adults, an adult teen (what do you call an 18 year old? She is technically an adult, but still a teen.... I digress) and a 9 year old. We were seated right away. Great service. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, but not overly attentive. Hubby ordered a beer flight. He enjoyed it. I stuck to a coke product because I do not like beer. We ordered poutine... it was fantastic. The curds were so good, I had to arm wrestle my 9 year old for the last one on the plate. The adults ordered the cheese soup. I do not think any of us liked it much. As a matter of fact, the young adult (ha! That's what she is!) and I did not finish ours. The hubs ordered the grilled cheese burger. Holy huge! He enjoyed it. The young adult ordered the chicken salad sandwich. She said it was good but was full from the poutine and soup. She ate the rest for lunch today and said it was pretty good. I had the rueben. It was very, very good. I would order it again. The 9 year old had the cheese pizza with fries. He devoured it. Kids meals come with a cookie and chocolate sauce. He devoured that too. It was a bit pricey for 4 people for lunch but I would go back for the poutine. It was that good.
(4)
Michael M.
Going to keep this short, sweet, and to the point. I don't write a whole lot of reviews but I find myself just having to after eating here at The Lucky Monk. The atmosphere of the place is terrific and appearance is very nice but once you take your seat all of that begins to fade away. The waitress was good but the food I couldn't serve at a homeless shelter. I can not recommend this place and be able to sleep at night I am sorry. If you are just going to sit at the bar and watch a game you're going to be just fine just don't order any food.
(1)
Andrea M.
The burgers here are out of this world, as are the sweet potato fries. They were happy to seat us early for our reservation. They brought out a veggie appetizer for the kids in the party, and they got cookies and milk for dessert! They have a nice wine selection too. This is a great place for families!
(5)
Bob R.
Date night! We saw a movie at the AMC next door. We've tried to eat at the Lucky Monk in the past several time, but the waits to get in were way too long. This time, we used Opentable to make a reservation ahead of time. We saw a 3:45 movie, so made a reservation for 6:15. And, like always, the place was packed. As I understand it, the wait was about 45 minutes, but we were seated right away. As you might expect, with the crowds, it is noisy in there. The crowd is diverse, from young couples with small children to old folks like us. The server greeted us shortly after we were seated, then took a drink order - I ordered a martini. From then, we waited. The poor waiter seemed to have about 15 tables and was running to keep up. But, it got a little frustrating when we finally flagged him down about 15 minutes later to place our order. I did say something about it, and from that moment on the service was great. Their menu has a broad selection. But, boring me, I ordered a burger.. At least Kerrie got a Waldorf Salad. But, I have to admit, the burger was really good. I ordered it medium, and it was perfect. They are large (1/2 pound) and they serve it on a one in round piece of wood. So, it looks even bigger when delivered. Not sure what they spice the meat with, but it was tasty. The fries are serve are hand cut, and were also very good. No room for desert, but I did take 1/2 of the burger home. We'll be back.
(4)
Raeni 3.
Waitress was very friendly and helpful. Hamburgers are juicy and ginormous! Only complaint, the fries did not taste fresh nor were they hot. Definitely will go back!
(3)
Ericka A.
Eating here kinda blows my mind each time and leaves me speaking in Doge. Such poutine. Amaze. Much craft. Such selection. Very delicious. Wow! We've come here about a handful of times and expect to make many future visits. This craft brew bar is practically in the same parking lot as AMC South Barrington 30, so we often grab a bite to eat before seeing a show. The downside: Long waits (typically 30-45+ min each time we've shown up), somewhat slow service (though not atrocious), sometimes a bit of a mix-up on orders (they're apologetic and correct it), and I think their fries are pretty weak. The upside: If it's just two of us then we've usually been able to grab a seat at the bar relatively quickly and you can order food there, our servers have all been very gracious, their poutine is pretty decent (even if the fries suck, IMO), the burgers are great (I highly recommend the Grilled Cheese Burger and The King), and they have a handful of their own beers, a great selection of other craft beers, and there are typically a couple hard ciders on tap. Their bottled beer choices are varied and extensive as well.
(4)
Jorge C.
This place never fails to deliver! I make it a point to find the little hole in the wall places for a mean burger and beer. This place has been my staple and high water mark for years! Short of going to Wisconsin, the cheese curds here are second to none!
(5)
Nina K.
I love the food and beer at this place. There's not much else to say! Get the appetizer trio, very yummy.
So delicious. I was here last week on a double date and it was splendid. We started our meal off with The Pretzel Trio and it was amazing. My beau ordered the Monk Burger, and I ordered the BBQ Burger with a vegetarian patty as a substitute for their traditional party. Unfortunately they were out of vegetarian patties but our server alerted me of this right after our order was placed and I ordered the Fish n Chips. Our food arrived hot and perfectly cooked. I wish we would have saved room for dessert! Maybe next time. Will definitely visit again.
(5)
Daniella D.
Stopped in at 2:00 on a fri. Nice crowd but easily seated at the bar. The atmosphere was modern and comfortable. It's along the lines of a granite city or rock bottom but better. Our server Becky was also the bartender. She did a great job the whole time we were there. She had a great knowledge of the menu and the beers which was refreshing as so many people know nothing about the food or drinks where they work. She also was also attentive. The food that we had was really great. We started with the cheese curds which rival any WI establishment and we agreed were the best we've ever had. They were lightly breaded and crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside. They come with 2 dipping sauces that pair well. We ordered 2 pizzas to share, the spinach & margerita. They were both good though we each preferred a different one. We got the beer sampler which included 6 beers. 5 if the brews they normally keep on tap & 1 choice/ seasonal. Our 6th beer was an extra IPA this time. It was just under $9 for the sampler. We thought the beers were pretty good overall. We each chose a different beer to order after having the sampler and liked the ones we ordered. But we decided against a growler fill because nothing really blew our mind. Keep in mind we are really into craft beer and so it takes something special to really impress us. This place is definitely top notch and worth checking out.
(4)
Jeffrey K.
My wife loves the joint. I like it. It's good food. The prices are a bit high for what you get though.
(4)
Rose D.
Well, The Lucky Monk, perhaps you aren't so lucky anymore as I'm knocking you down a star. Perhaps you are getting too big for your britches? Over the years since we've been coming here the food has been mostly quite good, but the service has been seriously slipping. I'm not saying every time we've come here, but enough occasions out of the overall to make me write this update. The attentiveness & friendliness (I don't mean slather it on, but just basic server niceties) has been lacking on multiple occasions. Since it hasn't been every time and since the food, for the most part, has been great, I've only knocked them down to 3-stars for now. I will say I most recently tried the Spent Grain "burger" which is a quinoa/grains patty and while the flavor was good it was the mushiest quinoa patty I've ever had. It was impossible to eat it like a burger, it fell completely apart the first time I picked it up so I just ate it with a fork. I've had them elsewhere, and while they are usually on the softer side, it is possible to make them so they stay together to eat on a bun. Oh well.
(3)
Nathan S.
My first impression of Lucky Monk was, wow this place has a cool look and vibe. The building is nice and open with up to date decorations. Our server came out and I feel like we were rushed, even though the dinning room was pretty open. We ordered a couple flights of their beers, I cant remember all of the names so i will not really review them. One was great and I didn't really care for the rest. The group at the table all ordered a burger of some type and while they were all good burgers, the price was ridiculously high for them. I will not likely be back, only because the price, the food was good, atmoshper was nice, and the service was alright.
(3)
Abby K.
We went to the Lucky Monk for our rehearsal dinner. They had no problem reserving us a table for 20 people in the dining room (vs. making us reserve a private room). When we arrived, we were immediately seated in the dining room. The service was fast. We ordered drinks, received those quickly and put in our appetizer and food order. The in-house beers were good. You are able to order a flight of beer, which several on the table did, which gave us a chance to try all the different beers before picking one to go with our dinner. The food came out quite quickly and looked amazing. The burgers were big, the salads were huge and the portions were great, especially for the price. Many people weren't even able to finish all the food they ordered! Everyone at the table complimented the dishes they'd ordered. The service was fast and overall it was a good experience and a nice, informal place to hold a relaxed rehearsal dinner. I'd definitely go back, if i am in the area again! The bar area is very nice as well. There is plenty of room to stand or sit and enjoy drinks. We spent a few hours at the bar after dinner and the service again was great!
(4)
Matthew M.
The burgers, twisted chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries are all very good. Solid 4 stars. I'm not a huge fan of their beers. Although I wouldn't necessarily take my advice on that. I'm a food expert, not a beer sommelier. I'm usually very disappointed by craft breweries/gastropubs food. I almost always find the food to be way over rated. This isn't the case at The Lucky Monk.
(4)
Dale R.
Not often 5-Stars come around for me. But I really enjoyed this place. All the beers were great from the sampler, some just not to my liking. I'm not into bitter hoppy beers. He Weiss beer may have been my favorite, Monks Choice and Oatmeal stout were pretty good. For Dinner I had The King. I've had a similar burger named after Elvis and this was one was right there with it. What a great different kind of burger... You might thing gross peanut butter and banana on a burger? Don't knock it until you've tried it! Their fried pickles are some of the best I've had anywhere.
(5)
Kristyn L.
The fish tacos. Get the fish tacos. Perfectly crisp, right amount of toppings, I think it comes with 5 or 6(?) perfectly bite sized tacos. In love, one of my new favorite places for tacos, and that's saying a lot
(5)
Danni G.
Our waitress heather last night too 20 minutes to get our drink order. The didn't even ask if we were ready to order food or had questions. Waited another 10 minutes for our food. My cousin asked for a new glass of water because the regul tasted metallic and our server scoffed at us Also it is not really acceptable for your waitresses to have their longer than shoulder length hair not tied back. Especially when they play with it at the tables and flick it around food. I counted at least three with half-down-the-back hair. I've been in service for 14 years and this is unacceptable. The food was mediocre, the attitude and health code issues will keep me from ever coming back. I will spread the word. Promise.
(1)
Renaud S.
Had quick lunch here with colleagues and we had a great time! I had the Macadamia Crusted Tilapia, which tasted absolutely wonderful. The fish was ideally cooked, crunchy on the top, and the caramelized bananas were delicious. The Bourdon and Stout Glazed Chicken looked very good as well. For drinks, we just had their beer sampler, which gives a nice overview of different beers they have, all being very tasty of course. Nice staff as well. Great food experience!
(4)
Mary H.
We wanted to go beer tasting and have lunch so we decided to try this place. It's big, spacious, with plenty of parking. They had numerous tasting sizes to fit your mood. The beer was good and the menu had a nice variety of options. I went with the steak mini tacos... They looked sooo good. But they were sooo salty! It made me drink my beer faster along with a couple glasses of water. The calamari was crispy and just as salty. I guess that was the going theme of our lunch. Staff was friendly and attentive. Maybe it was my food choice.. I would try this place again, later...
(3)
Katie Y.
The hostess staff ruined my surprise party! My family and I enjoy the food at Lucky Monk, so that was why I decided to host my husband's surprise 40th birthday party here. I was in communication w/the event coordinator, but there was a definite communication break down w/the rest of the staff. The 3 hostesses had no idea that my party was a surprise even though they should've known. They proceeded to ask my husband (guest of honor) if he wanted to go back to the party room. After I quickly shooed my husband to take my son to the bathroom, I told the hostesses about their mistake. All 3 hostesses looked freaked out and muttered apologies. I asked the hostesses to please bring my husband back to the party room after he came out of the bathroom, but then none of them were to be found leaving my husband and son to just wander back to party room on their own. Even after their blunder, no manager ever came to find me to discuss the staff's oversight. I know the manager knew about the blunder because the manager told the event coordinator what happened and the event coordinator told me the next day when I called to complain. The food was delicious, and the 2 waiters that served during the party were nice and attentive. However, the waiters over charged me for the wrong party package, so now I have to go back to sign for my credit card refund. The room was freezing and I asked for the temperature to be raised but the room never warmed up while we were eating our tiny portions of the $2 upgraded ice cream cake. Overall, I would still go back for the food, but if you're looking for a place to host a SURPRISE birthday party, I would try elsewhere. **update, 2 star review dropped to 1. I spoke w/general manager who was apologetic, but left a real bad taste in my mouth w/ his antagonizing comments. Tips for general manager...1) learn customer service! Your employees messed up. Don't make the customer feel like crap by insinuating that I would use employees names unfairly in a yelp review...I don't roll that way. 2) don't antagonize me by saying you were hoping "we could've worked something out before" I wrote a review. I didn't call to get a free gift card; I called bc your guys messed up and you didn't initiate a call to apologize. 3) don't give excuses and tell me my party is no more important than any of the other parties that have been at your restaurant. When anyone spends hard earned money for a party, that person has every right to expect that their party is a priority for that day and time. Needless to say, I'm very disappointed by this whole situation, and I will NEVER patron this restaurant again!!
(1)
Abraham K.
My previous experience at Lucky Monk was better than when I went there the other day. The service was on point. Our waitress was funny, informative, and met all our needs. But as for the food, it didn't really leave anything special behind. Your typical restaurant I guess, I would recommend trying White Chocolate instead. I remember last time visiting here feeling happy and satisfied, now leaving here thinking man what happened. I ordered the Margarita Pizza. The taste of this pizza seems lower than Mariano's Margarita Pizza. However, the donuts redeemed the place. I remember last time I visited it was superb, and again they were on point. I would recommend getting the donuts.
(3)
Tim W.
Oops, don't take it personal by only getting three stars and not five. The ambience of this place is great. Decour is nice. Beer selection is good. As well for the mixed drink list. Staff welcoming and friendly. But the food was not something to really brag about. My burger was a bit on the salty side. The sweet potato fries not the best I've ever had. Cheese curds good. Truffle fries 50/50, pickle chips - different. Steak tacos - ok. So the only thing I can say is that I am glad I stopped by and tried this place. I cannot really say I will be returning. because it wasn't the most appealing to my taste buds. But to each its own. Would not steer anyone away from trying this at least once.
(3)
Sandra Y.
Went here today with some family & friends for dinner for my grandma's bday. We ordered Moscow mules & monk-aritas. The Moscow mules were ok, nothing special. The monk-arita was better. For appetizers, we had cheese curds & calamari. Both were hot & fresh & good. For entrees, we ordered a grilled cheese burger, n'awlins chicken sandwich, a patty melt, & 2 BBQ burgers. Everyone said their burgers/sandwich/melt were good. I ordered the grilled cheese burger, per the server's recommendation. It was ok. I guess I expected more considering it sounded so amazing on the menu. I liked that it had pieces of bacon in the grilled cheese & then in the actual burger. My biggest problem was that I ordered it medium rare & it was almost completely well done. Not good esp since the server suggested med rare over rare, saying that they do it really well here... Still, I had a good time here. The place is lovely, the food is decent, the server was nice. I just wasn't that happy with my burger. Everyone else liked theirs, so maybe it was just mine. I think I'd still come back though. It's cleverly located right next to AMC movie theater so it's easy to come grab dinner & watch a movie after :)
(3)
Stephanie L.
I've eaten a lot of burgers in my life and these are easily some of the best. They are always so juicy and flavorful. I'm glad the patty melt is now a full time option instead of a lunch specialty. The only issue I've ever had here is that the water tastes funny. Even the pop does because of this.
(5)
Christina L.
I came here on a Saturday night with my bf. We arrived at 5:30 and waited about 20 minutes. We already knew what we wanted and ordered the Trappist trio, beer cheese soup, monk burger, and poutine fries. First off, our appetizer came within 4 minutes which was kind of suspicious considering how packed the place was. My boyfriend, who is in the restaurant business, explained exactly how he thought the appetizer was under a heat lamp for quite some time. The cheese curds were not chewy and the fries were drenched in truffle oil. The burger was pretty good but the bacon was hard and reminded me of a dog treat. The soup was not what we were expecting and rather disappointing. We didn't even bother dessert because this place was just an overall disapointment. The good reviews are definitely for the beer selection.
(3)
Ryne R.
Great atmosphere. The food is good. The fried pickles, pretzel trio, hummus are all great apps. The fish tacos were greatness. The nwaulins chicken doesn't disappoint. You can add all the fixings to your burger or sandwich. The beers are good. This place is just a fun time.
(5)
Megan Z.
I've always love a fresh, hand-packed, juicy burger. Cooked to a juicy medium rare. There is nothing better than an ice cold micro-brew with said burger. If you're looking for craft burgers and micro-brew beers, this is the place for you. The Lucky Monk offers an expansive menu of burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and signature entrees. I always come here for their excellent craft burgers and brewed in-house beers! The atmosphere in the restaurant is very modern and contemporary. However, don't feel out of place, it is VERY comfy and intimate. The bar area is excellent to catch the game. However, I prefer the spacious and comfy booth! We started off with an order of their Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The curds were plated elegantly with a tomato-marinara and a slightly spicy chili aioli. The breading seasoned, robust, and light. The cheese inside was melty and gooey! To quench our thirst, we ordered the Confessional IPA. It had a spicy kick with accents of refreshing citrus. The large glass runs about $5.50. Totally worth it for the price. The quality is impeccable. Service here is top-notch. Our server, Donato V. did an excellent job recommending meal items, as well as the excellent IPA. They truly take customer service here to a whole new level. We were able to space our order out and never felt rushed. Next, we decided to both order a craft burger. Their burger selection is top-notch and you can customize the burger exactly how you want it. You have a choice of a sesame seed bun, brioche bun, or dark rye bread. The cheese selection is wonderful as well. Tillamok Cheddar, Gruyere, Merkts Cheddar, and Pepperjack are among the choices. You can add a fried egg, avocado, whatever your heart desires! They have an excellent patty melt, (will try next visit) as well as a burger where the buns are TWO bacon grilled cheeses! The burgers are served on a neat pedestal, showcasing the true beauty of a fresh, craft burger! The hand-cut fries are hands down the best I've had! You simply can't go wrong! If you thought I was done, think again! I knew I had to order dessert when Donato recommended the House-Made Sticky Donuts! They come out piping hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar. The donuts are glazed in a sweet, delicious glaze. With the donuts, you are treated to a raspberry, caramel, and chocolate dipping sauce. They are sinfully delicious and well worth saving room for! I can't wait to come back to try out the highly recommended "Don't Call Me" patty melt and the fresh, hand battered fish and chips! Unlike other places, they don't use frozen fish! The Lucky Monk prides itself on fresh, never frozen meats and fish. Additionally, none of their items are "pre-made" or frozen. This is as good as it gets folks! If you love their beer, they have a little cooler filled with beer to take home! If you want excellent burgers, beer, and ambience...check it out for yourself! You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Andrea H.
I really just love this place! First of all it's super close to my work so it's convenient, but even if it wasn't I would come here as much as I could! It's just a nice, well managed restaurant. I've been here more than 5 times and the food has always been great and I've always gotten a beer or cocktail and haven't been disappointed. Every waiter and waitress I've had has been knowledgable and patient and they seem to actually like their jobs which I feel like makes all the difference in your experience anywhere. The Parmesan truffle fries are awesome, burgers are huge and served on this platter that makes them look even bigger! It's a little terrifying till you realize that it's not that humongous haha I've had people ask me what's good place for a date, or for a group or to grab a drink or good for families and I've recommend The Lucky Monk every time for all those occasions. It's a well rounded restaurant. Had a great experience at the bar the other night too! Our bartender was really nice to my friend and I. The bar had slowed down at that point so there wasn't much excitement happening so it was good to have a server that made us feel welcome! Keep up the good work, I'll be back soon! On busy nights though, make a reservation. This is a good restaurant and it shows, don't get angry when they tell you it's a two hour wait and you couldn't take the time to make a phone call. Quality is worth waiting for!
(5)
Edward P.
Food is great. Been here plenty of times now. The parking lit is always packed so if you have a reservation show up extra early just to park. I thought a $2 upcharge for coleslaw instead of fries was ridiculous, i think for another $2 you should get both. Doesn't make sense, honestly plating coleslaw in a side dish can't be more labor then deep frying fries.... Anyways, the drinks aren't very good and mixed drinks are pretty weak. Lots of beers on menu not in stock. If you got a lot of $ to blow go for it. Patty melt & ribs are awesome & that pretzel app is delicious too. But seriously for $75 for 2 people its a little ridiculous for not even getting desert.
(3)
j s.
I really don't want to give this place 2 stars but I need to. Came here one night with my boyfriend we made reservations since they are almost needed, it's a popular restaurant. We decided to go with the burgers since that's what they are known for. I had a bbq burger which was great however, my boyfriend had the two grilled cheese burger which sounded good BUT sadly he got food poisoning from it. it was a upsetting night a few hours later for him. For that reason they only get two stars.
(2)
Somchai S.
Some been here twice now and enjoy the ambience. But I think the food is good, had the bbq salmon and Margarita pizza. My favorite thing is the fried pickles. The service could be better. The last time we went our waitress was less than attentive and she also spilled sauce on my friend. She was not very apologetic for it either.
(4)
Sarah H.
Just visited for the first time last Friday. Fantastic! The trio appetizer was fantastic & I'd like to go back and order that as my meal. Our waitress was great (can't say the same for the ditz who seated us...she asked if we wanted any kids menus, we said 1, she turned to grab one, but somehow never left it on the table?).
(4)
Tyson T.
A family member recommended this place after spending the day near the Schaumburg area. Unfortunately, the food/beer was just average and no better than a RAM. The white truffle parmesan fries were just ok (needed more cheese). I was a bit disappointed in my burger since they promote themselves as a "burger specialty destination". I ordered the Smokin Daddy BBQ and while it had decent flavor, the patty tasted no better than the frozen section at your local grocery store. They get additional points for service since the waitress was extremely friendly, kept our drinks filled and brought a chocolate desert for our son's birthday at no charge. I probably would not go back.
(3)
Nic Z.
Lucky Monk, I am a fan! The place has a great vibe and is full of life, lots of seating, and an even more expansive menu. Good luck choosing! We sipped on a Moscow Mule and Monk's Island Punch (essentially a mai tai) and ordered the Chicken Poblano Chili and Santa Fe Chicken Salad. All of it was great. Had we not been completely stuffed (late brunch the day after Thanksgiving...smart), there were a dozen other items calling our names; pizza, sandwiches, and the Pretzel Platter which also happened to land on a neighboring table... Hello! Three pretzels the size of our heads would be a chore, though, haha. I can easily see myself coming back and this being a 5. (I like to reserve my 5 star reviews for places that consistently deliver excellence or truly blow me away.) P.S. This is yet another restaurant where OpenTable failed me. It showed the earliest opening as 7:30, so we went without making a reservation thinking we'd just sit by the bar until we got a table. Lo and behold, we were seated without a wait upon arriving at 5:45 (Friday night) and the place was 1/3 empty.
(4)
Yuvika S.
What's not to love here ! From the in house beers to the calamari to the huge burgers ! Everything was perfect I wish I had place for dessert but alas the portions were too big mayb next time !!
(5)
Matt I.
I have been here many times. NEVER disappointed. Awesome menu and their beer is very tasty. The outdoor seating on a nice day/night makes for a perfect combination with the very friendly staff and great food. My brother and I have come here many times with friends and have just sat outside enjoying beer and conversation. I will continue to come back again and again.
(5)
Houston E.
Bun of burger was beyond soggy. Beer was alright. Still waiting on the check........ So still waiting on the check.. It's 10:40pm on a Friday. Not sure if they are short staffed or what.
(1)
Dave M.
Beer Flight was great, Big fan of the Wheat beer with hints of banana bread and caramel And I went big, Got the grilled cheese burger!! Almost too big to handle but I took it down with some cheese curds The GF had the Cedar Plank Salmon and that was delicious!!!!!
(5)
Christina S.
I have been wavering between 3 and 4 stars for The Lucky Monk. To be fair, if I was a beer aficionado, I'd probably be more definitive in my rating. But for now, it's really a 3.5. I don't think everything is a winner, and last visit, the server seemed a little surly (we all noticed). But typically, our servers have been friendly and knowledgable in the past. I do love the ambiance. It's a large restaurant with a nice aesthetic, and can be kind of romantic at night with it's dim lighting. ;) The food is mostly hit, but there have also been some misses for me. The truffle fries and cheese curds are delicious. I have a harder time turning down the fries than the curds, surprisingly. They used to have a ratatouille dip appetizer served with flat bread, a favorite of mine, but they have taken it off the menu, disappointing. The burgers are pretty solid. Juicy and thick, and always mouthwatering. Salads are good but nothing special in my experience. What I found soooo delicious, and it will be hard for me not to order it again (carbs), was the beer-braised short rib pappardelle. So freaking good! They are somewhat light on the meat (which is ok by me), and it's $17 which seems a tad overpriced a la carte, but man is it good. Perfectly cooked, cascading, delicate pasta, yummy sauce. It's surprisingly light, though I purposely only ate half. #willpowertested My biggest complaint is the pricing I think. One night I spent $50 for an app, hot toddy type cocktail, my pasta entree, and a side salad. Only the pasta was a standout. I don't know, maybe I'm cheap but I wasn't wowed so it's hard to justify the cost. But, The Lucky Monk is just a fun destination for me. My friends and I always look forward to going and trying out different menu items. The burgers are for sure the highlight for most people. But I will dream of that pasta for quite some time...
(4)
Peter N.
The Lucky Monk has a great atmosphere. As soon as you walk in, you can see the lounge area's hanging Edison lights and the back of the bar. It is appealing and friendly. It is routinely quite busy, but I don't think that my girlfriend and I have ever waited more than 30 minutes to be seated when we've gone with no reservation. The wait staff are all very friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The food is standard bar food, with a few exceptions. I've tried nearly every burger variant that they make, and have not been disappointed. Also, their appetizers were fantastic. They offer some interesting mixed drinks as well as in-house beer specials. Everything is good, though as some mentioned, it can be a little pricey if you order drinks or order more than just main courses. Overall, this is a great place for a medium sized party, or just to have a drink before going to a movie. I would highly recommend it.
(5)
Jake B.
The food is definitely good here!! I've only had one bad experience and that is when me and about 10 other people from work went here after for some food and drinks. The waitress was very rude and seemed rushed. I did speak to the manager about her and he must have said something bc after that she was decent and not giving us attitude for wanting to order a drink.
(4)
Yanja B.
Really great burgers, and there is a huge variety of different food. So if you are not a burger person-weird- BUT there is something else on the menu for you. Let me forewarn you portion sizes of appetizers are huge! My boyfriend and I were surprised when they brought over our appetizer.
(4)
Meg F.
Be sure to make a reservation because this place can be very crowded. When we arrived we had to wait for less than 5 min (score one for Open Table!) but others had to wait for 30 min (and it was late on a Sunday night). The restaurant was very open and there was plenty of room to move around al you didn't feel squished in. We started off with drinks and then it took the waiter 20 minutes to come back and take our order. Not a good start for a first impression. We had a Trappist Trio for apps and it was AWESOME. BF had pork shanks and I had a salad for our main course. We both agreed that the food was high-quality in taste and presentation. We were too full for dessert but there were some yummy-sounding choices. Overall, the food was great but the service stunk. We'd go back and hope for a better experience.
(3)
Christine B.
We love lucky monk! The atmosphere and food are great! My only complaint is they changed their soft pretzel appetizer and they are not good... Which was disappointing because they used to be amazing!
(4)
Billy O.
Excellent, good presentation. Good service, great selection what more do you need ?
(5)
Josh L.
Food is very good and is a great place to hit before a movie at AMC 30. Lots of great apps.... Don't look too much into it, it's not Gibson's you Fucking beatoffs. Enjoy
(4)
Kristina G.
I was in Illinois for business -- wish there was a Lucky Monk in California, I want to go back just for the mashed potatoes!! Great, laidback atmosphere, friendly staff, and all around reliably good food (all my other coworkes' dishes were delicious as well)
(5)
Jae K.
The service is always great. The food is fine but doesn't stand out to me. Our group doesn't usually go there because as my friend, who's a mother, have said that it 's "pretty expensive when you have kids."
(3)
Mark G.
Usually when someone says "our specialty is burgers" you think, sure whatever. Here they're actually telling the truth. Got the smothered burger and brought it back to my hotel that I'm at for business and it was even great not fresh off the stove top. Oh and did I mention the beer? I love going to breweries when I visit cities and got to kill two birds with one stone. Their house IPA is most excellent. The staff was courteous and informed, especially my bartender Kenny. He knew what to recommend and was knowledgeable in the history of this wonderful brew pub. I usually prefer to try new things but next time Im in the area, you'll see me at the Lucky Monk!
(5)
Amanda L.
We went to the Lucky Monk last night and were super impressed. The atmosphere and decor are really classy...kind of a laid back vintage vibe. Lots of dark wood and leather, old time light bulbs, but it wasn't dingy or depressingly dark, it felt warm and comfortable. The wait staff was friendly and quick. The place was clean and we were seated right away, but it got really busy the longer we were there. I don't know if they take reservations, but it might not be a bad idea to find out if you're planning on going before a movie or on the weekend. My husband had the Peppercorn Ranch burger, and he said it was the best burger he's had. My husband considers himself a "burger connoisseur," and usually eats his burgers plain (meat and bread only), but with this burger he kept the onion strings. Still, I think that his review should speak volumes, because he recognizes the flavor of the meat better than the rest of us who might be more focused on the toppings. However, my burger was the epitome of topping-importance. I decided to take a risk and order "the King," which was a burger with bacon, peanut butter, and bananas. The waitress said it was a hit and I have to admit, it was incredible. I was apprehensive, but I've never seen anything like it before, and had to take the chance. It paid off. The combination was really great, and I know if we go there again, I wouldn't hesitate to get the same thing. The peanut butter wasn't overwhelming, it perfectly balanced the burger, and the salt from the bacon matched the salt form the peanut butter, and then the peanut butter added something sweet that the bananas blended well with. It's hard to describe, but if you like the ingredients by themselves, you'll love this burger. The burgers are enormous, by the way. You can upgrade the normal french fries (which were great) to a few other options, including cheese curds, pickle fries, onion strings, and a few other french fry options. I got the truffle and parmesan fries, and they were fantastic, although I felt like I only tasted the truffle flavor a few times. It's $2 for the additional upgrade. We didn't drink but they brew all their own beers, and the list was extensive. We'll definitely go back to the Lucky Monk next time we head to the Barrington AMC.
(5)
Alex G.
The service was great but the food was not at all what I expected. I ordered the "smothered" burger and had a few beers with it. The beer by the way was par at best. I say this having been to a plethora of microbreweries in Colorado and I would say par or slightly above par. I tried every beer they brew in the sampler. The appetizers were good. All in all I would not return as the food gave me a very sour stomach along with a few others in my party.
(3)
Phill C.
I regret not having tried the Lucky Monk earlier. It's just one of those places I've passed by many times and didn't think much of it, since there have been several restaurants come and go in it's place. Well I hope they stay put, since they have good beer and a tasty food. They serve wine and cocktails, but the beers are the drink of choice here. They have a nice selection craft beers, with the likes of Lagunitas, Three Floyds, and Dogfish Head. But they brew their own beers, so make sure to give their house brews on tap. I've tried their Fallen Angel - very smooth, not bitter, and an all around great beer. There's about 7 house brews on tap, but they also have guest beers on tap. The food overall was solid. The beer battered Cheese Curds were tasty, but the Breakfast Burger was finger lickin good! A half pound of USDA prime beef, juicy and packed with flavor, which is topped with a fried egg and a sweet bacon marmalade. Mmmm mmmm was that good! It was a bit messy, but was definitely worth it. I recommend upgrading your included side to the White Truffle Parmesan Fries for only an extra buck.... because I said so and who doesn't like truffle fries? They also have pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees, but I'll be back to try one of their other burgers. Their Grilled Cheese Burger sounds really interesting. Just picture a meaty burger, remove the buns, and replace them with bacon grilled cheese sandwiches. Yah it sounds very unhealthy, but also sounds amazing at the same time. Great food and tasty beer - what's not to like?
(4)
Abhinav S.
This place is a good hangout with nice ambience. The beer sampler is what I like the best. I recommend this place if you want a nice relaxing evening.
(4)
Sarah K.
Beer selection was fantastic and our server was very friendly! The fried pickles were fantastic. My boyfriend had the grilled cheese burger and oh man was it so much food! The hot head was delicious for someone who enjoys spicy food
(5)
Justin Z.
The most delicious burger I've ever had! This burger had grilled cheese sandwiches as the bun and delicious tomatoes and bacon on it as well. The service was very prompt and our waitress kept our glasses full the entire time. We tried two samplers of beer and enjoyed most of them. Overall, this was a great experience, and we will definitely return soon!
(5)
Brian S.
I have an iron stomach but something really did me in here. I had the soup and a burger and got some wicked food poisoning. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Kathleen M.
I am no where near being a Monk but I am sure cognizant that I was damn lucky to have eaten here! My sister is soclose to finishing the 30 best Sandwich list from the Chicago Tribune and this was her 26th stop on her quest. Lucky indeed! I liked the feel of the restaurant, the comfort, the noise level and the unhurried way we were able to peruse, order, savor and linger. My sister had the requisite Portobello Mushroom sandwich and I got to taste it, scrumptious! It was like a burger but it was a mushroom. YUM! I had a short rib pizza with an egg on top. Sounds kindof funky but the taste was superb! I drove 90 minutes to get here. (Yes, I do love my sister) and it was worth it! If you are lucky enough to live close, go on over and enjoy, you don't have to be a monk.
(4)
Shannon P.
We returned about 10 months after having had an awful experience here, and had a much, much better experience. The food is really great, I think we just got a bad server the first time and that was what really ruined it for us. This time we had a much better, more experienced, personable server, and that made all the difference. My husband had the ribs and I had a burger, both were awesome. We had the brownie and ice cream dessert and it was amazing too. Call ahead for a table, as they are often very busy. You have to let them know if you don't want to get seated in the bar area.
(4)
Leslie W.
All the food is good. The apps are great, the burgers are great, and they have a great beer selection. The kids menu has a lot of variety, and kids meals come with the best dessert ever - a chocolate chip cookie with a milk and chocolate sauce. I wish I could get a kids meal, too; there's never any part of the dessert left for the grownups. I highly recommend making a reservation even if you think they won't be busy. You can reserve through open table, so it's really easy.
(4)
Clint D.
Stellar burger selection! Pretzels and cheese are amazing! Oh yea their IPA is one of my favorites!!!
(5)
Joe J.
The King is a great burger! Tried a few of the beers but nothing super appealing to me. Can't wait tobtry the other food items.
(5)
M L.
I love the Lucky Monk! It's both the food and the price that make this establishment a winner for young and older folks alike. I also like the live band that seems to be played a volume that is just about perfect, but not too intruding that you couldn't hear what your dining mate is saying. Superb job, guys!
(5)
Ross P.
Great atmosphere, good food, a little pricy. I like the beer selection a lot but their in house beer (like Brass before it) lacks. Good burgers and appetizers. This and The Assembly down the road both make fantastic burgers, but this is where we go on date night.
(4)
Jessica A.
First time at The Lucky Monk. It was toward the end of the night when I went with some friends. They told us the fire was not lit outside and outside area was closed but we really wanted to sit outside and they let us. We ordered a drink each at the bar and a few appetizers. They had a good selections of beers on tap as well. We asked if they would bring our food outside so we didnt have to wonder when it would be ready for us at the bar and they happily did. We ordered Pickle Fries - beer-battered thinly sliced pickles, with chipotle ranch ($7.50) and Classic Hummus starter- warm flat bread, sweet red pepper, cucumber, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes ( $8.95). Both were very tasty. The flat bread seemed to be made in house and there was enough there to share with a few of us. Overall a good experience. I would go back again.
(4)
Simon K.
Three visits, three great experiences with the food. There were a few issues with the ambiance of the restaurant but let's get back to those at the end of the review. First things first, the food: Burgers: Amazing burgers that crumbles into your mouth when you bite into it. I'd ask for them medium for the best textures. - Hot Head: It's supposed to be spicy but I could have used a little more heat on it. I did like the chipotle ketchup which added a tiny hint of spice. - Green Chile Queso: A weird combination turns out to be my favorite burger so far. The roasted green chiles actually add a nice kick (maybe even more than the hot-head) and the pork shoulder+pineapple makes this taste like two meals in one. You might need a fork and knife for this one. I just wish there was some kind of sauce to accompany this burger. Truffle fries: Holy cow. Definitely my favorite thing about Lucky Monk. Full of flavor and taste like they have been freshly cut/cooked. Fish 'N Chips: The texture of the fish is ridiculously soft. The batter is a nice crispy golden brown which adds a texture to the whole dish. I just wish the fish had been seasoned a little. Margherita Pizza: Thin crust, check. Fresh ingredients, check. Perfect balance of dough, sauce and topping, check. A great pizza although it may be slightly overpriced. Beer Braised Short Rib Pasta: Short ribs were delicious but I wasn't a huge fan of the pasta. But then again, I'm not a fan of pasta in general. The short ribs are packed full of flavor and are reason enough to try this dish. S'mores: If you like marshmallows, order this dessert. If you like any other part of the s'more, you might be disgusted by how much marshmallow is in one dessert... So the food gets a solid 4.5 stars. As for the ambiance, here's what went wrong each of the three times I went: 1) Seated outside: the waiter stopped by maybe once after we ordered our food. It took forever to get refills or additional napkins or condiments. 2) Seated in the restaurant area: apparently they have live music on certain nights and I chose to go on one of those nights. If you are looking to have conversation, don't go on one of these nights. We were seated in the area furthest from the musician and we still couldn't hear each other over the music. 3) Seated in the bar area: We were seated in the back corner and it was right next to a window that I thought was open because the draft coming from it was freezing! Overall, a great place to grab some food and hang out especially since it's open pretty late for a suburb location. I'd recommend any of the dishes I've ordered or to try something new!
Visited the Lucky Monk on a Thursday night for dinner. Had a reservation through Open Table at 7pm, arrived a little early. Was greeted by a friendly pair at front desk and seated quickly. Love the interesting items on menu like fried deviled eggs, fresh pretzels with dipping sauce and fries with gravy and cheese curds -should add some short rib meat and call it Elvis Fries, (hint, hint). Server was polite, attentive and kept our drinks full. I had the Lake Perch and my darling wife had the appetizer pretzels for dinner, (I guess this is what she was hungry for). The meals were good and the mint chocolate chip ice cream was a good finish to our meal. Maybe next time we should try the outside eating patio? Overall, we enjoy this restaurant with all the unique menu items. (PS-consider the Elvis fries for a special item )
(4)
Natasha R.
The Lucky Monk has been on my to do list for forever now, so I can't express how upset I am with my less than stellar experience. We got in with no problems on a late Sunday afternoon, which was nice since I thought this place gets pretty packed. Our server (forgot his name) is probably my main reason why I am rating this 3 stars, rather than 4. We are not huge beer fans, but once in awhile it's a great thing to throw down a cold one. Since we are both inexperienced in this department, I was relying on my server to lead us in the right direction (it worked in Ram and Yard House). We both wanted a sweeter, lighter beer so we asked for suggestions. He was kind of stuck and didn't have an answer for us. Shouldn't they know their beer if that's one of their main attractions? He "suggested" The Cardinal Sin which was not close to anything I described. It's not the end of the world, but it's def a huge minus for me. Aside from the beer, the service was painfully slow the entire time and we had other servers do his work for us. I also had leftover salad which I wanted to take home, but a few minutes after he took my plate away, he came back and told me that someone just took the plate out of his hands and threw it out. At that point we just wanted to go home but he ended up having the kitchen make me a new one (that was nice) but I would have rather have it taken off my bill since it was not that good and had a bland taste. Aside the Chopped salad, we also had Wisconsin Cheese Curds and Crisp Calamari. Both of these side items were DELICIOUS and I would gladly order them again. I've ordered Calamari from a bunch of places, but these came with Parmesan and a few other toppings like marinated carrots and peppers that gave it so much flavor. Since The Lucky Monk is in the same parking lot as the movie theater, I am sure I will come back here to give it another chance. Their burgers look amazing and with so many positive reviews, I am sure we just had a onetime bad experience.
(3)
Carl F.
Another Yelp success story here... thanks fellow Yelpers for pointing me to the Lucky Monk. I don't make it to this area often thus not very familiar with the restaurants, thereby I promptly pulled up Yelp for some help. After a quick read of several places the Lucky Monk quickly came to the top of the pile considering the menu was fitting the desires of our taste buds. The ambiance of the restaurant itself is very nice. Clean, spacious, and nicely decorated. The wait staff are nice, proficient and leave you with a good experience. As the Luck Monk has several home brewed beers, the staff were very helpful in narrowing down the choices for me. I personally liked the Cardinal Sin brew. For the appetizer, we went with the pretzel and dip trio. When reading the description, I was thinking the trio part was the three dips they serve, but when the platter came out there were also three pretzels! The bad thing here is, the dips and pretzels were so good that we ended up eating all three pretzels! For the main meal, I had a burger, with blue cheese, onions and jalapenos. What a great mix this was. The burger came out just as I asked, medium. Also, what I though was a good idea is the burger sat on a little round wooden pedestal. Just high enough to keep it out of any grease run off and out of the fries... a simple yet cool idea. They clearly used quality meats and condiments. The roll was outstanding too. Pile all this into one package made this a great burger! The fries were good too, not overly crusty, yet not limp either. On my plate they gave a hefty portion of fries, but kind of overdoing it with the pretzel, I didn't have much room for the fries. In the end, I was very pleased with all aspects of the Luck Monk and will be sure to stop in again when in the area.
(4)
Alicia G.
I heard a lot of good things about this restaurant so I was looking forward to taking a party of 8 there. Nice space & atmosphere for a Saturday afternoon. Spicy buffalo wings were great but the fish & chips were very greasy - they were not traditional chips that usually come with fish, just greasy american fries. The batter on the fish was way too greasy to eat. Others in my party ordered burgers and pizza and said they were good. We were not offered any dessert or coffee, just given the bill. I will try The Lucky Monk one more time - the menu has interesting options, I'll just make sure not to order anything we had last time. Hope to be able to give it 5 stars next time!
(4)
Cathy B.
Love the brugers and snadwiches here.Good Salads as well. The weekends are busy, busy, busy. I prefer takeout then wait for seating.
(4)
Kasia K.
THIS REVIEW IS CONCERNING THE VALET AT LUCKY MONK After a long week at work and a stressful Friday, I drove to Lucky Monk to meet up with my family for dinner. As I drove into the parking lot there was absolutely NO parking, being Friday and all but then as luck could have had it there was a spot towards the front that was empty. Score! I thought to myself as I drove towards it. Boy was I wrong. As I started to pull in, I saw the valet running towards me waving his hands saying that I can't park there. I asked why, in response he said - "don't you see these cones by the spot? This is a valet spot." I said ok, knowing that there was complimentary valet parking I told him that I'd pull in my car and he can hand me a ticket that I'd stick on my dash since I was already by the spot and didn't want to hassle him. In response to this he said - "no I have to park your car somewhere else, this spot is only for cars that are $100,000 and over and yours isn't". I am so sorry I drive a Subaru 2013 and that it doesn't meet the criteria for parking standards at Lucky Monk. I was so pissed off by that comment, how do they know how much I'll spend inside? Maybe an average joe who drives a Honda goes there to dinner with his wife and kids and spends $120 on a meal and then a guy that drives a Range Rover comes in by himself and orders a meal and cocktail and he spends $35. Who do you profit off more? Simple math, don't judge a person by their car. Best ending to this story, right after I pulled out of the spot because my car wasn't deemed worthy enough a Jeep Liberty parked there instead. Last time I checked that wasn't a $100,000 car. Do your math Lucky Monk, your parking rocket science totally ruined my entire experience and I've been to your restaurant many times before.
(1)
Graham B.
The Lucky Monk has always been a favorite of mine. With great service and great decor how could it get any better. The beer selection is extensive and there own brewing they do on site produces great beer! The food is amazing, burgers are massive and great, cooked the way you want it. The pizza is really great, thin with fresh ingredients, and the desert is fresh but man is it heavy. In short you should go and try everything on the menu, enjoy the beer, enjoy the service. It's a great place to go for a wonderful evening!
(5)
Kevin H.
I can save you readers a bunch of dough.......simply go to the grocery store, buy yourself a carton of salt, and pour the contents down your throat.
(2)
Krunal P.
very nice place stopped by after a movie for quick bite. I was surprised how good food and beer was. I'm definitely coming back to try more beers and food.
(4)
Nicole B.
Visiting from FL. Plenty of healthy menu options and fair pricing. I had the smothered burger (added avocado and mushrooms), which I highly recommend, w/ sweet potato fries. Burger was cooked perfectly medium. Fries were crispy and hot. Service was wonderful. Server even brought my 4 year old nephew a drink when he woke up from his nap even though he said he didn't want one.
(4)
Grace P.
When my husband and I get an opportunity to go out to dinner (just the 2 of us- kid free!) this is our go-to place. Excellent food, service and beer! My favorites are the goat cheese, spinach, mushroom and red pepper pizza and the skirt steak tacos. Will definitely try the pickle fries next time, based on a friend's recommendation! There seems to always be a wait at dinner, but we don't mind because it's always worth it.
(5)
Jennifer I.
Here for 23 anniversary with hubby -craft beers were flavorful, especially like the stout with desert. Ordered trio app, smothered burger to share with trio desert. Better get here before 6pm to sit at the bar if you don't have reservations.
(5)
Erin C.
Ate here with my husband on a Saturday night. Arrived around 6:30, without a reservation, and was told the wait would be 25-30 minutes. It was probably closer to 15 minutes. It was a beautiful night so we asked to be seated out doors, not knowing what the patio was even like. Glad we did. It is a beautiful 2 level patio with lots of space and beautiful flowers everywhere. Our server was Ryan. He was super friendly. He didn't seem at all annoyed with my million questions about the menu and was very knowledgable about ingredients and how items are prepped and cooked. We ordered the goat cheese dip appetizer, a margherita pizza, and a burger. Everything was amazing. The goat cheese dip app was the highlight. The bread it was served with was so soft and warm. And my husband thought the burger was one of the best he has ever had. We will definitely return soon and recommend this place to anyone and everyone.
(5)
Kristen W.
How does this place not have 5 stars? This is our go-to restaurant. I have been here a good 20 times and can tell you I have never had a dish, a drink, or a server that was not fantastic. I am disappointed that they took my favorite dish off the menu recently (a short rib pizza with fried egg), but there are so many other amazing choices that it doesn't really matter. Burgers are so good, that I rarely bother going to any other place for a burger. Short rib pasta is amazing. The Trappist trio is a great place to start, the cheese curds are the best I have ever had. Even their warm pretzels are awesome- the mustard butter is such a treat. I think we have tried every dessert on the menu, all perfect. It is always clean, and even though it is quite the hot spot, I don't think we have ever waited more than 20 minutes.
(5)
Kirsten M.
Absolute favorite date night spot. The beer selection is good and everything I've ever had on the menu had been delicious. I particularly like the tacos and the nawlins chicken. The boyfriend loves the grilled cheese burger. Also, the service is spectacular! The only problem I have is they're so busy that same day reservations can be difficult and with no reservation you have expect to wait. Obviously a good problem for the restaurant to have and a good sign that it's worth the trip.
The food here is amazing. They have in house micro brewery here too...try the in-house beer, it's the best. Great serves. I have no complaints. Love going here after a movie.
(5)
Tom C.
This place was recommended to me by a fellow beer enthusiast friend, and it did not disappoint! Great food, great service, and great environment. You must get the burgers, and the pretzel trio is especially good if you have three or more people to share it with. They also have really cool beer can glasses that look like beer cans! A must buy for only $10 with a drink included!
(5)
Kay M.
This is the first time Yelp led me astray. Service: Server was friendly and helpful, although it took a while to get our bill. Beer: I tried the sampler. Usually I like a couple beers in a sampler, and this was no different. I liked the beer. Belgian, lager and the special were my favorites. I would recommend them. Food: here's where our experience was lacking. The pretzel trio was a good appetizer although the pretzels weren't particularly amazing. Deviled eggs were gross... Flavors were off and the breading wasn't cooked through all the way. My husband had the perch and the fish itself was probably good but it was overly breaded in what he describe as "cheap Betty Crocker boxed breading". For $18, we expected way more from that dish. Unfortunately, we won't be returning.
(1)
Michael N.
Friday night at Lucky Monk for a friends birthday. 12 people. Never been here before, but from the reviews it looked really good and I had concerns about how we were going to get a table for 12. Then....we noticed the "couch lounge." Oh yes, this is our area. Screw the bar or dining room, we will be eating delicious food while our feet rest on ottomans. I noticed the "grilled cheese burger" on the website before we got here. The description confirmed that this is what I would be ordering. Lucky for me, and everyone else who orders it, there are no nutritional facts on the menu. I usually feel bad for eating one grilled cheese sandwich. You want me to eat two now? Wait...you're putting bacon in them? Hold the F on....you're putting a half pound burger between the sandwiches? Game on. My girlfriend had about three bites and could eat no more. I couldn't let the party down. Feeling the burn of a full stomach (I already ate 8 BBQ rib appetizers), and two beers, I pushed on. Bite after delicious bite. I've heard myths of the fabled Krispy Kreme burger, but this burger was something I actually enjoyed. A friend ordered a regular burger and only ate half, and I finished hers as well. If I ever stop my active lifestyle, I will put on 50 pounds in no time.
(5)
Buddah T.
Wanted to see what all the lines and huge wait is all about. Went to an early movie so stopped in around 4 pm for an early dinner. Short wait, sat us in the bar, no big deal. Waitress showed up and took order for drinks, 10 min later got the drinks, and actually came back to take order 10 min after that. Food took forever, over 25 min, to get. The burger was rare not medium well, the meatball sandwich was basically 2 meatballs cut up flat and place between bread, poor value. Their in house beer was good however, but did not live up to anywhere near the hype. Maybe just a bad waitress set the mood.
(3)
Jay M.
Warning, they don't clean their grill. Everything cooked on the grill tastes like burnt burger even the chicken. Same issue with the toasted buns, yuck Not cheap and expect more. Also, bar staff not very friendly or attentive. Stingy with condiments as for extra ketchup or tartar sauce and they act like you are a pest! Unacceptable!
(2)
Represent the P.
Very pleased all around. Great wine and beer selection. Had the cheese curds made with white cheddar, and the quinoa burger was fantastic. Bartender was attentive and friendly.
(4)
Jamie W.
My husband and I went there for the first time this past weekend. Our server, Dan (but I think he said people know him as Red), was fabulous--best server we've had in awhile and definitely left a nice tip. We started out with the appetizer trio then go the the pizza for our meal. Everything came out fantastic!! The beer was delicious as well!
When i go to a restaurant that is suppose to have great burgers then I expect just that... and also would hope the burgers were cooked as we requested......BIG Disappointment...the kitchen left our burgers bloody when we specifically asked for just a little pink in the inside....ambience is nice, and fries are good.....that is why they are getting even the two stars.....
(2)
Stephen R.
Went here for lunch a couple says ago. Got seat right away, no wait at all. Service was very good, had no problems or instances were I had to visually track down the server, she was always right there! I ordered the Grilled Cheese Burger and my Mom and Dad ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, respectfully. The food was amazing. You get massive portions, I never mind that because then I have an extra meal for the next day, and it was just as good. The price was very reasonable. You could go here for a date or just a group lunch, it's not extremely formal at all but it still nice and very very clean! I will be back for sure!
(5)
Taylor M.
I went here after a movie since the parking lot is literally connected to South Barrington AMC it felt like a no brainer. So after our movie we headed over for a snack and a beer (well cider for me). When we got there the valet was done for the night. Apparently. they stop taking cars at 10 pm. So we parked and walked in. There was no hostess at the front. We waited for a little bit and then decided to walk out to the patio area and seated ourselves. The waitress seemed a little thrown off by this, but when we explained the situation, she apologized and got us menus. The service was top notch after the confusion. We quickly ordered drinks of the pretty large beer list. I got the seasonal Woodchuck that said it had hints of ginger and orange in it with a yellow label. It was really good! For food, we just wanted something to munch on since it was getting late. We ordered the fried pickles and an Al Pastor Pizza. I wished I was hungrier so I could have gotten one of the burgers, but I knew I couldn't finish it!! We really enjoyed the fried pickles, the batter was different from what I was used to. The Al Pastor Pizza was fantastic! It had spicy pulled pork and a pineapple relish. Truly amazing. But, next time I am totally getting a burger. Oh and the patio is beautiful, if you have a chance sit there!
(4)
Terri J.
I met a friend for dinner at the Lucky Monk last night, and really enjoyed my experience. The food, and atmosphere was great. Atmosphere - I really liked how clean the place was. Despite some clear wear on the booths, it was obvious they spent a lot of time keeping the place spotless. My friend and I were there for hours, and throughout that time, I saw staff sweeping the floors, and cleaning the tables. I also liked that the place was large, and they didn't jam pack tables next to eachother. It was nice to be able to hear my friend talk across the table, and not be distracted by other tables' conversations. Food - SO GOOD. We started with an order of Cheese Curds, and were not disappointed. I loved the light, fluffy, batter they were fried in. I ordered the cheeseburger, and substituted pickle chips for my side. Everything was really delicious. We finished it off with the skillet cookie. I was stuffed to the brim, and really glad we chose this place to meet at! I will definitely be bringing my husband back!
(4)
Mister M.
Very fresh and well-prepared food at reasonable prices in a very upscale setting. . .wait staff could be more attentive but suitable service for the price. I will go again and would highly recommend others pair this place with a movie at the nearby Barrington Theatre!
(4)
Stef M.
Great fish n chips, pleasant adult atmosphere, excellent location with lots of parking, and closest restaurant to AMC Barrington 30 movie theater. Good for groups large and small.
(4)
Brad E.
Destroyed my "diet" in the best way possible. Found this joint on a fellow yelper's best burger list, and she did not lead me astray! First off, if you come here on a Friday, like I did, make a reservation. The restaurant is massive, but the people around us were "enjoying" a 30 minute wait. Having taken a look at the beer menu previously, I ordered a Tritica-Wheat as soon as we sat down, and man was it good! If you are a fan of Two Brother's Ebel's Weiss (or hef's in general), then you will certainly enjoy this clean, clovey goodness. Even though I am not much for appetizers (remember: "diet"), I couldn't resist ordering the pretzel trio. It came out in about 3 minutes (yay!) and was huge! The app easily could have been enough for 3, but it was so good that the two of us quickly polished it off. The warm, soft pretzels are served with mustard butter, parmesan marinara, and a beer-cheese fondue - all were great. For my main course, I ordered the Bourbon Stout burger, which is served with Tillamook cheddar (yum!), braised onions, and a pickle - simple, but delicious. I upgraded my fries to sweet potato fries, which come sprinkled with chipotle cinnamon. They were both great, but the massive pretzel app really sapped my appetite. Overall, the Lucky Monk was a great experience - good food; great drink. I definitely see myself returning here to destroy another "diet" in the future.
(4)
Corinne Y.
Every time we go to The Lucky Monk we have great service and great food. The menu is not too extensive but there are many things that I want to try! This is a great place to try something new rather than the same old hamburger. It has a really nice atmosphere and, despite being busy, never feels too crowded.
(5)
Derek N.
Both times here the food and drafts were very good. Service was good too. Had the cardinal sinn drafts both times.. good stuff. The waitress the second time was great, she actually saved the night. I think her name was Julia. Good food recommendations and answered all our questions honestly. She brought out the wrong beer for my brother and when we told her, she politely apologized and brought the correct beer promptly. I left her a good well deserved tip. But the reason I am probably not going back is one of the hosts. There were two last night (8-1-2014). One was African American and the other appeared to be Hispanic (this one I'll call Bub).. So I come in first and am not greeted by Bub and am waiting for my friends. A couple before me come in and ask Bub to be seated at the bar area, Bub seats them at a booth at the bar big enough for my party. When my friends arrive we ask Bub to be seated at the bar.. he said there would be a wait although it did not look busy. One of my friends was hungry, she didn't want to wait too long.. I asked about the area behind the host area which was between the bar and the regular dining area. There were a few tables taken and maybe 9 open, 2 of which were next to the bar which would have been nice because we also wanted to catch the sports that were on... Bub said that section was closed.. i asked "why is it closed? there's almost 3 hours left till you close..." Bub says "That's the policy..." Whatever... we sit and Julia takes good care of us, but later we notice the 2 tables next to the bar that I asked about were taken by 2 other parties that came in 30 to 60 minutes after us.. then maybe an hour later Bub and several other employees were sitting at a table in that middle section just eating, drinking and laughing.. i stopped another waitress walking by and asked why they closed that section off to us.. she said sometimes the host Bub and other employees do what they want... we were pissed that there were a lot of tables open in that section near the bar, but we are denied a request to sit there, yet Bub allows two other parties after us to sit there and then openly sits there with his employee friends to eat and drink. A good manager or owner would not allow things to be run that way... we will probably not be coming back
(1)
Courtney W.
Luckily this place isn't too far away from my mom's house because I wouldn't really be able to enjoy it much if I stayed in the city. This location has been so many things, I didn't think anything could last. I'm so glad Monk has proved me wrong! The beer here is great, as is the service. The peppercorn ranch burger is also outstanding and blew my mind! I sat at the bar which was also beautiful and quite modern as well. The beer selection here is also decent, make sure to taste some of their signatures. From careful study of the menu, you can't go wrong here with anything! Be prepared to wait on the weekends and on game nights.
(4)
Ashley A.
ordered the flight of beer, which included six Lucky Monk brews. I liked the amber style ones and the stout was ok. also ordered the Trappist Trio, which was good. I like the decor of the place. I would go back, especially to try seasonal brews.
(4)
Scott R.
One word to sum my experience at The Lucky Monk: "Pathetic" When we arrived the hostess said that they had a lot of reservations due to Father's day and that we should take a pager and wait thirty minutes. Well 40 minutes later, the hostess says, Oh you're still waiting, what is your pager number. Another 10 minutes goes by and the hostess has no update. I walked over to the bar area and noticed the three vacant tables and two tables that haven't been cleaned off. I asked to be seated at the high tops and the hostess copped an attitude and says "whatever you want." Order: I order the "hot head" burger medium-rare, 35 minutes later the burger arrives overcooked to medium-well. I cut the burger right down the middle to show the waiter and he agreed the burger was overcooked. There was no juiciness to it / no red at all. Finally, 15 minutes after I sent the burger back the manager comes over to say "the kitchen looked at the burger and they saw red". I said "please show me what you're seeing because the burger was clearly overcooked." Instead of offering an apology and expediting my order, I get a manager who wants to argue with her customer. Our server informed us that the manager is comping our entire lunch however, after another 10 minutes and still NO food, we got up and walked out the door. I did tip the server $10.00 because I didn't want to penalize the waiter because of an incompetent cook and unprofessional manager. Total time from walking in the front door to leaving without eating: 2 hours and 05 minutes! To give you a perspective on how bad the food, service and overall experience was; this is the first time I have ever felt so strongly about something that I actually felt the need to write an online review about it to maybe help other's from making the same mistake my wife and I did. Bottom line: The staff at The Lucky Monk lacked the experience and class that the atmosphere and price dictated.
(1)
J. Chuck K.
This my third time coming here, but first time trying their burgers. First off, it seems the beer has kinda gone downhill. When it comes to being a restaurant, Lucky Monk is decent, but a first rate brewpub they are not. While other breweries are starting to put out their Oktoberfests, Lucky Monk doesn't have one and the seasonal beer they offered was a golden ale...Which isn't even really a summer seasonal beer. On top of this, the waitress didn't have much knowledge about beer. When I asked a question, she simply responded with an offer to bring me a sample and I can taste for myself. Being out of one your signature beers isn't too awesome either. On to the burger....I got the Sunrise, which has a fried egg and bacon marmalade. I thought the marmalade had an awesome flavor, but the egg was way over cooked. Instead of biting into the burger and expecting to see the yolk spill over, I saw dried yellow crumbles fall out. The bun was obviously too small for the half pound burger, resulting in a sloppy eating experience. Even more so for my brother's stout burger. Overall, the place is a fine enough restaurant, but leaves a lot be desired from a brewing aspect. They're light years behind brewpubs like Revolution, Piece and even Haymarket. I think Solemn Oath in Naperville would do a better job than Lucky Monk if they opened a pub.
(2)
Adam K.
Really tasty burgers. I mean REALLY! :) I've been here three times and left delirious with food coma bliss each time. If on death row I'd consider making their spinach and goat cheese burger my last meal. Have not tried their brews yet...will.
(5)
Kate H.
I always enjoy myself at this restaurant. It is decorated in a trendy but casual way. It feels like a classy place to bring friends to just hang out, enjoy good food, homemade beer and good company. I really like their flatbread pizzas...especially the one with the fried egg on top. Their burgers are so tall, you might sprain a mouth-muscle trying to eat them, but they are really good! I also like it because you can bring your kid(s) here without feeling like a bad citizen! Haha. The big booths are pretty nicely contained to keep your kids corralled. :) Honestly, I don't have a single bad thing to say about the Lucky Monk!
(5)
Kamilah S.
My family and extended family came here after my nephew's christening and we had amazing food and excellent and attentive staff. The burgers, the fish and chips, the fried pickles, the onion strings, the wine, the tacos. We also received 3 complimentary bowls of ice cream because we were celebrating 3 April birthdays. I believe everyone left stuffed.
(5)
Matt J.
The el rancho is one of the best pizzas I've ever had in my entirety of living. I don't know what I would do with myself if they ever took it off the menu. SO DAMN GOOD!
(5)
Jenny V.
NOOOM NOOOM very nice inside!!! and the burgers are AMAZING! really really good. i had the farmhouse burger, it was delicious, a little messy but that doesnt bother me. the regular fries are really good, but i upgraded to loaded fries, it was nothing special, all the cheese was at the bottom! my boyfriends mom got the monk burger, standard cheeseburger, she said her's was really good, she doesnt eat the bun (watching her carbs, hasnt she heard of the carb lovers diet??) so she loves the burger itself! that must really mean its a good piece of beef. i definitely will be coming back here, its clean, the staff is friendly and the place is gorgeous inside!!
(5)
Pam D.
This is the kind of place I could drive by a million times and never think to stop. It is large and nice looking, but there is not curb appeal or warmth to the place. Fortunately several of my Yelp friends wrote glowing reviews, so we actually made it our destination, sight unseen. What I really liked about the place was the quality of the products they served. The Bourbon Stout Burger I had was made with really good quality beef. Christopher had the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich on the special list and it was also really quality stuff. We both loved the crispy onion appetizer and the fries that came with the meal. I got pretty schnockered on the margarita I ordered and it tasted very good, so that is a plus. Christopher tried one of their house brews and enjoyed it too. It is very noisy. The floors are carpeted and the booths have fabric, but it just isn't enough to absorb the noise. I would not want to be in there when the place is really packed. It would be impossible to carry on a conversation. The service was very good and the bathrooms were clean and roomy. I would not go out of my way to return, but if I am ever back in Barrington, I might consider a stop, at least for a margarita and an appetizer. The place is not cheap, but heck, it is in Barrington.
(4)
Lisa M.
Our group of 3 ladies had a great experience. Service was excellent. We made reservations for a Sat. Night. Started with the pretzel trio with 3 dipping sauces. My friend had 2 of their beers, Fallen Angel and a stout with a coffee after taste...both very good. I had their Monk drink with the Malibu= yummy. Other friend enjoyed a pomegranate martini. We ate fish tacos= delicious with a kick. A cheeseburger was great. We also enjoyed the twisted chicken. So glad we tried this place.
(5)
Jun K.
"AaaaaaaaallllllllrrriiiiiiiigghhhtttyyyyyTHEEEENNÂNNN" as Ace Ventura chants in the beginning of When Nature Calls, i believe? Anyways, second time here and I am indeed a fan. Burgers. Done. I kid, but for seriously, large and delicious. Truffle fries? Yes please. Even though the place was packed and we had to wait 30-45mins for lunch on Sunday, I didn't mind. The service was still great. Now the only issue I had was we had a table of seven. Few burgers and some other stuff. I would have liked my fries to have tasted more recently fried if that makes sense. An essence of heat lamp somewhat lingered on my tongue from the semi warm fries. No problem though. All was forgiven by the end of the meal. Like burgers? Like big burgers? Big, delicious, juicy... Just check this place out.
(4)
Eugene W.
Used to be a solid four stars. Better than average beer and good food quality and selection. The daily promos (which most brewpubs and brewpub wanna b's have) gave them the extra star. Visited a couple weeks back to learn they got rid of all of their daily special promotions when we tried to get the pizza and pint special.
(3)
Jeff S.
Good food, and great service. The prices are a TAD high, but the food is worth it. I would recommend the sandwiches.
(4)
Eileen D.
Ammmmmmmazing!!! Not certain how to sum up our night other than to say how amazed we were with every aspect of our experience. The staff was fantastic, our waiter was funny, prompt, attentive, and just overall great. Food was out of this world. My 16 year old nephew for the grilled cheese burger and ate it ALL in about 10 min. It was a sight to see.... All in all a great night. Beer was phenomenal, cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Dee C.
Oh the drinks are oh so good here!! I had the Purplelicious martini- three olives purple vodka and 3 olives bubble vodka, a little sweet and sour, and a splash of grape fanta The drink was fantastic. Food was good and desserts were ok also. I'm sure I will be back sometime in the future.
(4)
Laura M.
Bad service after long wait.Food not as good as expected.Pass on this one if you can.
(1)
Michelle F.
My husband and I LOVE the Lucky Monk. It is definitely in our top three restaurants to go. We have been with large groups, with small kids, and I have been with the girls. It is our go-to place because it's so delicious and there are so many different things we like about it. First of all, I recommend reservations. They never hurt! We have arrived around 6 to no wait (we did have a reservation, but there wasn't anyone in the lobby waiting) and when we left, there were a bunch of people waiting for tables. The waitstaff is AMAZING! I have never had a dirty dish sitting on my table for more than a minute before someone came to take it away! The waiters and waitresses are really, really good and they are always good for a recommendation! They are knowledgeable about their menu and their beers. On my most recent trip to Lucky Monk, I was with two other girls, and our waitress was Sim. She was SO accommodating. I was asking her a lot of questions about the two different kinds of chilis (chicken poblano and the black bean) and she brought me out two samples to try so that I didn't waste my money if I didn't like it. We ordered a sampler off of their special list--it came with parmesan truffle fries (to DIE for. I would bathe in these fries!), friend pickles, and shoestring onions. All of those plus the dipping sauce were amazing. For my meal, I ordered the Turkey burger--it was amazing, and their regular fries were delectable as well. My friends ordered the chicken sandwich (which she seemed to enjoy) and my other friend had the goat cheese pizza, and she didn't have enough nice words to rave about it! They both ordered a few glasses of wine, so that must have been good, too :) Just to sum up the night, we ordered the skillet smores. I highly HIGHLY reccommend these. You will not regret it! I bet I ate half of it myself! I have since ordered this to go since it was that amazing. Overall, one of the best dining experiences I've ever had, and they continue to set the bar high for other restaurants!!
(5)
Carl M.
Their in house brewery has a lot of good options. My favorite being the wheat beer. Also the menu has a wide variety of different meals.
(5)
Kara Z.
Wow! Thanks, Yelp, for leading me here- you did not disappoint! We went on a Saturday evening at about 5:30 and there was no wait. By the time we were done the restaurant was full with people waiting for tables. It has a nice ambiance inside (cool lighting) and our waiter (Ryan N) was awesome. He was friendly, down to earth, helpful and attentive. The pretzel appetizer was AMAZING! At first I thought three big pretzels would be too much but they were lighter than expected, the three dips (honey mustard, tomato parmesan and cheese) were incredible, and the four of us polished them off within minutes! Wow- best appetizer ever. For some reason everyone with me ordered the brat, which came with grainy mustard and fries. I got the peppercorn burger- wow!!! It had peppercorn seasoning, ranch, tomato, lettuce, pickle, crispy onions and I added bacon. It was huge and juicy and SO delicious. I had to cut it in half with a knife. Good thing they give you big napkins- it was pretty messy. The beer was a hit as well. And the broccoli cheese soup. We are definitely going back again- I LOVE it when we find a new favorite restaurant! (3-6-11- You HAVE to try the Scandalous Chocolate Torte with raspberry sauce- wow- delicious!!! You can take it home if you don't have room after your meal- it travels well. Wow!!!)
(5)
Drew S.
I've been going to Lucky Monk semi-regularly since they opened. My boyfriend and I even met there for a few dates; it was a favorite spot to meet, have a beer and share an appetizer - the outdoor patio is great in the summer. Over the last year I've noticed a drastic drop in service and quality, to the point I'm actually surprised to still see so many high reviews. Their beer is great, no doubt. But the last SEVERAL times we've been, our food has taken 45 minutes or more to come out (in most instances without any explanation) and has clearly been sitting under a heat lamp for an extended period by the time it gets to us. It's not like we're ordering well done steaks - I'm talking simple burgers and salads taking 45 minutes or more. On our most recent visit, it was my boyfriend, mother and I. We ordered two burgers (medium rare) and a salad. It took 45 minutes for the food to come out, the fries were soggy, the buns were crispy and the meat not hot - evidence of sitting under a heat lamp too long. Since this seems to be a trend every time we go now, I have to say I won't go back to Lucky Monk until they start kicking up their kitchen and wait staff service. Sorry.
(2)
Ellen W.
My husband and I used to dine here once a week. But they changed the menu and took off our favorite items so we rarely go there anymore. We miss the beet and goat cheese salad, short rib tacos, and the short rib pizza with a fried egg :(
(3)
Christian W.
Another great experience here! Whenever I am in town on business, I always try to eat here at least once. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, even when I have been in large groups at the table, the servers treat each diner as though there are only 2 at the table. Great burgers and beer of all kinds. With so many choices you cannot go wrong.
(4)
Jasmin V.
Came on a Thursday night & seated right away. -Monk's punch served in a martini glass. Not on the menu. Very yummy & fruity! -Pretzel trio. So soft! I would definitely get again!! Three big pretzels & three dips. -Farmhouse Burger with loaded fries. Good. Average burger. Fries okay. -Smothered Burger with white truffle Parmesan fries. Way messy. Bun broke apart on me. Amazing fries! -Upgrade fries for $1 -Tons of house brewed beers. I wish they had a mixed drink menu with more martinis. Also they need some pretzel buns!!!
(4)
Bob K.
Accommodated our group of 20 on a Saturday night for dinner with excellent service and food.
(4)
MesmerEyes G.
Ambience is really nice, I would give that b/t 3-4 stars but the food I just found to be a little above average but maybe it's bc I think the whole "gastropub" concept has become played out. Had the peppercorn burger and was not really impressed but the meat or burger flavors overall. The steak tacos were good though and the chopped salad had a really nice combo of textures and I'd recommend.
(3)
Maggie M.
I love the Lucky Monk. Great food! Sometimes service is a little slow, and it's always just a dollar or two over priced, but other than that it's very good. Goat cheese/spinach burger is my favorite!
(4)
Irene Z.
First visit to the Lucky Monk two weeks ago on a busy Sunday night, though I used to come here often when this establishment was Brass. Gotta say, I like the Lucky Monk much better. It has a nice upscale yet casual feel to it. My cousin and I arrived earlier in the evening, around 6:30pm. It was crowded and we were shown to a very nice, roomy booth in the area right behind Reception after a 10-15 minute wait. I had to do a quick walk-around because of the life of me, I couldn't remember what the place looked like when it was Brass. Seems the overall layout is pretty much the same, but doesn't really matter since I like how thte Lucky Monk has furnished and decorated. Wood paneling and fireplaces, warm ambiance. Kira was our server and she was great. She was busy this night but made sure to check on us several times throughout our meal. The food, is nothing short of magnificent. I ordered the short rib & egg pizza. It was awesome - generous chunks/cuts of short rib, but.....they forgot the egg. It came out a few minutes after the pizza, and they offered to spread the egg around the pizza, but I opted to do it myself. The egg only added to the deliciousness. The short rib was seasoned well and matched well to the thin pizza crust. My cousin insisted on the fried pickles...I've had fried pickles in the South, and I can honestly say that Lucky Monk's fried pickles hold their own to those. My cousin also insisted on the truffle fries and while I enjoyed them, they were a tad greasy for me and a little too garlicky. My cousin had her usual - fish & chips. It looked good and she said it was. A couple of snafus: The truffle fries were supposed to be our appetizer, but came out after our entrees. We'd let Kira know we were still waiting on them (after the food came out), and within minutes of our telling her, she had them sent out to the table. I already mentioned the egg on my pizza, no biggie, but still. And, we waited over 30 minutes for our check because of a glitch in the system. To be fair, we were here to catch up, talk a while, and weren't in any rush. We assured Kira we were fine to wait and she did check on us frequently (and was apologetic). After the initial 30 minutes, though, we were ready to go. They had to ask us what we'd ordered again so that they could re-enter it into the system. Luckily, I'm patient and so is my cousin. I'd also ordered a Sunrise Burger to-go for my hubby and because of the 30+ check waiting, it was soggy by the time I brought it home. It was still a good overall burger (in his opinion). We'll have to see what it tastes like without the sogginess. He was more impressed with my leftover pizza and pickles. Great, relaxed place to catch a pre-post movie and/or just to hang out and have a beer or two. Happy with this first visit and looking forward to more.
(4)
Glenn K.
I've tried many different dishes on this menu and haven't found any that are lacking. Would definitely recommend the skirt steak as a very good deal and the pizza is quite good bar pie too.
(5)
Katie S.
Tried it for Easter Brunch and it was not very good; we were so disappointed. Tater tots, chicken fingers, a taco bar, over cooked pasta, and soggy salad were just a few if the items we were surprised to see. Food has been good here in the past but I would never do brunch here again.
I visited Lucky Monk for the first time for lunch today. I had no idea what to expect. What I found was a large, airy dining room with high ceilings, nicely decorated, in a brewery theme. While not oppressively dark, the lighting is somewhat subdued. I guess that keeps with the theme. One side of the establishment is a bar with two large TV screens. There are no screens on the restaurant side. The restaurant specializes in craft beer and has a selection of their own beers as well as some from other small batch breweries. The beer descriptions sound interesting, but I'm not one to have alcohol at lunch so they will have to wait for another visit. But the menu features items that use these beers in the recipes. The menu is somewhat limited, but there are beef, chicken, pork and fish entrees and sandwiches. There are also a good variety of salads. You will find something that suits you. I was with a group of 10 people. We had reserved a table and were easily accommodated. The dining room was busy, but we didn't feel crowded and we were definitely not rushed to order. Service for a group this the the was adequate. The crowded dining room was a bit noisy. And the noise level did not really diminish much as the tables emptied. If you want a quiet place for conversation look elsewhere. I ordered the Cape Cod fish sandwich. It was a wonderfully prepared, delicious pair of lightly battered fillets on a soft bun. This was really twice as much fish as expected. I disassembled the sandwich and ate one fillet plain and the other as the sandwich. This was really too big a lunch, but it was delicious! I can't write a review without mentioning the physical menu. If you are an older guy like me make sure you bring your reading glasses. The print is kind of small and hard to make out in the limited light.
(4)
Kimsy S.
I braved the Polar Vortex to come here. Congratulate me. No, really. Congratulate me. I need my ego stroked. No? Well, fine, I guess I'll just talk about the food and service: I came to Lucky Monk after reading so many wonderful things about it on Yelp. I came for the burger, but I noticed that they have poutine (called Poutine-Montreal Style) as an appetizer! This made my day, especially after hearing that BadHappy had closed (boo!!!). I definitely ordered it, as well as a Monk burger. The Poutine is a close contender to the one I've tasted at BadHappy: salty, plenty of gravy, and lots of gooey cheese curds. A hypertensive's nightmare, but so what. It was delicious. And the Monk burger is AMAZING! I'm glad that I chose it for my first burger here, because I could really taste the beef, which was well-seasoned and prepared. I love lots of crazy toppings as much as the next burgerphile, but sometimes I just need some lettuce, tomato, and cheese to be set. The service was excellent. My server was very helpful and patient with me as I asked a bunch of silly questions, and made sure that I was happy and taken care of. I wish I caught her name. :-( I am looking forward to returning for more Poutine, burgers, craft beers, and happiness!
(4)
Sopla R.
While in the burbs, it's hard to find places to eat that we haven't already tried or heard of (chains) I was also looking for something with a patio to enjoy.. so we opted to try this place.. We sat outside by the pond and just enjoyed the scenery. which is a pond and some greenery. It's a nice setting all in all. We shared the Trappist Trio appetizer the breading was light enough that you didn't feel like it was too heavy. Good for 3+ people to share. Then the burgers and fish n chips! All really good. I'd pass up any of the those other brew pub type places and come here if you've never been. Nice beer flight selections.
(4)
Rick R.
First time here. Nawlins chicken sandwich is very good and the fresh fries are great. I only wish I hadn't stopped drinking beer. With that said the bartender, while busy, was still on point and kept serving my vodka & soda on time. All in all, cool place. Definitely recommend and will return!
Decent food but a little over priced. Calamari and mini tacos were pretty decent. Beer cheese soup was nothing special. Would have been nice to get it before the meal as requested, not after the meal was delivered and only after asking what happened to the soup. Still don't understand the bs excuse we were given. Watch your bill! Gave waitress my bill and it was returned with someone's more expensive. Waitress totally didn't care. Nice manager was very apologetic.
(3)
Kate B.
This place is great! Their brew master is one of the best I've ever encountered. They change beers often which makes them interesting and not repetitive. The good is high quality and always fantastic! Atmosphere is fun for a quiet dinner or a rowdy get together at the bar. They accommodate large groups easily. This place is a nice replacement for the location. The pretzel app is better than you think, and it's worth a try. Burgers, pizzas, atmosphere, and beer. Seriously, what more could want!?
(4)
Jill O.
I'm never disappointed at the Lucky Monk. I always make sure to make a reservation because they can get slammed, particularly on game days. I love the cheese curds, and everything else I've tried from the burgers/sandwiches to the pizzas were all good. Making a healthy choice here is challenging because they have so many good fatty choices, oh well!
(4)
Bob H.
Food is always great. One if the best turkey burgers anywhere. You also can't go wrong with their personal pizza and the fish fry also delicious. They do get busy so be prepared to wait.
(5)
Angel F.
4 stars for the food.
(4)
Ronald S.
Their hours say they are open till 11, got there at 10:30 and the kitchen was closed, that's a weird thing to close when you are a restaurant. Staff was already mopping the floors and not interested in customers. Poor service, won't go back.
(1)
Katie F.
The service is the only thing that brought this down a star for me. Our waiter was attentive to every table but ours (like we watched him do it) and did not give my son everything that was included in his meal. Also, getting a table feels like disney world style-you have to have a reservation. I think they could make better use of their space to have a couple more tables too. I did over hear someone talk about making reservations online, so I may do that next time. Now on to the food. I have never tasted anything here that I did not like, but the appetizers are the best. I would prefer to order a bunch of these than any thing else on the menu. Especially the pretzels! I am not a beer person, so can't really speak to that (I did get a small glass last time and did not particularly enjoy it). So I guess my real feedback is: GO!, but make a reservation first
(4)
Summer L.
I've only been here once and loved it! They have a great variety of food. I got the steak tacos and they were delicious. We also shared the sampler appetizer platter with fired pickles, cheese curds, and fries and everything was phenomenal! The group I was with loved their food as well. I'll definitely be going back soon.
(5)
Jasmine M.
This restaurant is just flawless. The atmosphere is modern and inviting, the staff are very friendly, and the food is 100% perfect. I had the signature Monk burger. It was delicious and perfectly cooked. If you come here, you must have the cheese curds. They are pillowy and perfect. The ice cream cake is also Devine. How can a place be so perfect?
(5)
Meagan M.
The food is good, the service is pretty good as well. If you're expecting to have a place to eat, drink and talk for hours - this is not the place for you. However, it's perfect if you want to grab dinner before a movie.
(4)
Shane E.
The Lucky Monk was packed last Friday, to the point that we couldn't find a parking spot for approximately 20 min. I came to understand why that was the case. Highlights: -Awesome Service: our server knew the menu like the back of his hand, and allowed us to sample four different beers before ordering -Solid food and absurd portion sizes: Burgers were respectable and monstrous
(4)
Daisy G.
Eh OK. Had the fish and chips they weren't amazing by any means. Also had the fruit loops drink which was a bit too orange-y. Other people in my party loved it. Had the burger, fish tacos and patty melt. Very crowded & loud
(3)
Molly L.
I have been to dinner here many times, but not for the past few years. I went tonight with a friend and we ordered the same burger, the goat cheese and spinach one. The burger was delicious! The fries were also good and the portions were generous. The wait staff leaves something to be desired... We had to wait way too long for an appetizer we ordered and we ended up with the wrong one and were overcharged. Service was slow, but not horrible. The food will have me coming back for more, though!
(3)
Belda K.
The manager Kevin is unbelievable. It's packed in here and he always finds the time to say hello and to make sure we are enjoying our drinks and food. Jared does a great job too. The atmosphere here is wonderful and the love from our family here for the past year has been great. Jeremy...Phil....keep up the great work. You have a great team here. Thank you for a great first year. We look forward to many more. Also if we haven't thanked everyone at The Lucky Monk for making our wedding day a day to remember. We love you all. Cheers!!!
This is a PUB, and for me and our guests, we enjoyed the the food, ambiance, and the micro brew they make. Our server was very knowledgeable, and pleasant. If you want a good burger, and beer, this is the place. Salads were nice size and the Western Pizza, is outstanding, (if you like BBQ). We have been here several times, and it never gets old. The staff always makes you feel "You are the Customer" and that along with the food, makes you wanting to come back. Oh, and for desserts, they have plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth.
(5)
Arlin B.
This is the "GO TO" place to eat and enjoy some very tasty beers with some friends! They are a Burger, Pizza and Beer place but I would argue they are a Beer, Beer and more Beer, Burger and Pretzel Place :-) Beer~ they are a 10 barrel brew house with a pilsner, some ales, IPA, and a stout. My faves are the Fallen Angel lager, the Grale amber ale and the Confessional American IPA. All are very good! You can order a sampler if you would like to try several of them. Restaurant~ it's very clean and inviting. Plenty of room around their bar and in their dinning for small and larger parties. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They keep your drinks filled and they know their menu very well. Food~ you must start every meal at the Lucky Monk with an order of pretzels with cheese and mustard sauces and an order of cheese curds :-) You can't beat their burgers. The Monk is a good go to but if you're adventurous try the Sunrise with a fried egg, or the Peppercorn and Ranch is awesome or for the really, really hungry-and-I-plan-to-spend-an-extra-30 minutes-in-the-gym, then try their Grilled Cheese Burger. It's a burger stuffed between two bacon filled grilled cheese sandwiches!! SERIOUSLY?! As a heart attach waiting to happen :-) I heard it was very tasty. They also have some great pizzas, salads, fish and chips too. But this review is getting too long and my beer is getting warm, so like with all good things this review must come to and end. Again, this is a great place to go especially with a family or friends. I make this a regular stop when visiting the Hoffman Estates ~ South Barrington area. I'm looking forward to trying their seasonal winter ales and lagers on my next trip. I hope to see you there.
(5)
Alyssa K.
I've been here twice for dinner with girlfriends and both times my experience was great. I'm kind of on a mission to try every brewery within 30 miles of me and so I was able to check another of the list. I ordered the sampler tray so I could try all the beers. I wasn't a fan of the lighter beers but the oatmeal stout was smooth and delicious. If you enjoy trying different beers the sampler is the way to go! I've had the smothered burger here and I loved it. Plus they served the burger on this little pedestal, so it has to be amazing, right? The best decision I made here though, was to upgrade to the pickle fries. Yes, it costs $2 more and yes it probably shortened my life by 2 years but they were so good. Salty, crunchy pickles fried in batter. The truffle fries were delicious too but I don't think they hold a candle to the pickle fries. I've also had a chicken sandwich and the pretzel trio appetizer. Those were also good but I would skip ordering the chicken in the future and go back to the burger. You get a ton more food for the price. The parking lot sucks though. The first time I visited here I had to park back across the side street in the bank parking lot. Which would have been less of a big deal if it had been warmer than 15 degrees that night. I expected the wait time to be really long with the parking problem but I was seated within 20 minutes. The parking lot was even packed on the Thursday night I visited as well and then we were seated right away. So I'm taking away a star for the crappy parking situation. Make your lot bigger!
(4)
Smitty J.
Our waitress Jillian was great. The fries were hand cut and were delicious. Great craft beer. The tomato goat cheese fondue was very tasty and served with a very tasty baguette for dipping. Bar and a restaurant Nice upscale place will definitely be back.
(5)
Kirsten T.
Overall you can't do wrong here, everything I've had on their menu has been great. Last night we started with the fried cheese curds, they melted in your mouth with goodness! I will go back just for that fried heavenly cheese. I had the sausage, onion & pepper pizza, it was crisp & delicious, could've used a little more cheese, but a great, flavorful pie. The other half had the fish fry and he said it was very good. The real winner here is the service, walked in two hours before our reservation & we were seated immediately! That was wonderful and our waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and drinks, five stars to her! I highly recommend the place if you are looking for a great meal & service.
(5)
Jon F.
A little more fancy than I expected, but they didn't sit us in the dark corner when a couple of friendly bikers walked in. We stared off with a couple of beers - The IPA was great... I'm not sure if I'd travel across state lines for it, but it was tasty. I hear the stout is great too, but i didn't have an opportunity to taste it during this trip. We started off with the cheese curds which were fantastic. They are fried just right with little pockets of tastiness and the included dipping sauces were tasty as well. For our main course my SO got the truffle fries appetizer. They were delicious! If you are ordering a burger you can sub them in for $2, and i think thats probably very worth it. I had the Grilled Cheese Bacon Cheeseburger and added fried onions on it. The onions helped the size, but this thing was massive! It was a little undercooked for the requested medium, but was tasty none the less. Were the Lucky Monk a little more divey I might have considered sending it back, but it would have been a feat to recreate that sandwich. The regular fries were A-OK, but just some fries. Our friend had the Plank Salmon which looked pretty good as well. Overall I had a great experience! The staff was very helpful and friendly and the food was great!
(4)
Natalie A.
each and every time i go, this place is amazing. they brew their own craft beer and the staff/food is always amazing
(5)
Amira E.
This was a great place to dine with friends and eat some great food. The burgers are the best! I also had their sweet potato fries which where delightful. I had a nice crafted cider to top off the meal. I enjoyed my experience and the waitress and staff served our large party like a pro!!
(5)
Chris H.
Excellent service, great beer knowledge from the bar staff and food was very tasty. Do the donuts if you have a sweet tooth.
(5)
Cherie S.
Unfortunately had to give this place a one star. From my check in review I would like to add that our celebration was cut short. The GM quickly assumed a person from our party was drunk after his chair tipped back with a heavy purse hanging from it.... So it is more than safe to say we will never return. And NO there is nothing you can do to change it Kevin Chorsempa
(1)
Donnie L.
Awesome food nice location...burgers n beers n more. I would suggest using open table to make your reservation
(4)
Melanie D.
There are just enough items on the menu for variety, but it isn't overwhelming either. They have all your typical items like burgers and fries but with a nice twist to each. So far, everything I've tried has been delicious, from salads to burgers. I love their pretzels with the different cheese dips. It's a place that's friendly enough for the family and also fancy enough for a date. There's a bar area too for a night out with friends. The beer sampler is fun for that! It's right by the AMC theater so grabbing a bite there before or after a movie is convenient. Though they have valet, the parking lot is quite small and on a weekend night, it's inconvenient.
(4)
Laura C.
We are Lucky Monk Society members and visit at least 12 times a year. We have become friendly with Jory and Anthony, the brewmaster. We went in last night to grab something quick before we donated some time to a very good cause. We met Tony at the bar. He is absolutely AMAZING. I ordered tritica before I saw the blueberry cider on draft at Tonys suggestion. He gave us a sample pour of the session ale. Had plates and dining utensils out as soon as we placed our order. Our food is always amazing but the excellent service had us talking about Tony for days. Looking forward to visiting again this month for the latest Monk Society tasting..
(5)
Danielle W.
Wonderful place! Knowledgable servers, beautiful dark wood dining room, great alcohol selections (even for cider drinkers like myself!) and good food. The parking lot is large so don't worry about parking, it wraps around the back of the restaurant. Hard to see from the road so it gives the impression of no more room but it is there ^.^ Our server was good, a bit inattentive but we took a long time to order do I don't fault him. The only problem I had was that I ordered fries and instead of having the ketchup on the table it was brought with my food in a little bowl. 0-o Weird right? So I had to keep asking for more to finish my fries. I had the Fish and Chips, my companion had the Asian Fusion salad, no complaints from either. My fish were battered well and the actual fish was good, not falling apart or anything like that. I would recommend and will definitely go back
(5)
Frank L.
Great atmosphere with very attentive servers. Had a great selection of beers. Huge portion sizes, steaks were done perfectly. Definitely a great local spot in Hoffman Estates.
(4)
Marios D.
Convenient spot for a quick lunch or dinner in the area. Lunch was standard bar fare with the salad being relatively fresh and the size Midwest large. Steak was a fun size with a LOT of potatoes as the bed.... Comfortable place
(3)
LJ D.
Had a great birthday dinner for my Dad who turned 66 on January 2nd! Thank you Lucky Monk for a great meal and good family time!
(5)
Dan M.
This is a great place all around. Very comforting atmosphere and everything I have eaten here has been really good. Try the burger with the peanut butter on it. Don't knock it till you try it! It's good!
(5)
Dave W.
Drove up from Addison to try the deviled eggs and the short rib pasta (based on yelp). Order the eggs. ...15 minutes later I find out they're out. ... boo I don't drink, so I couldn't sample the beers. Emails and banking :-( Ordered a sampler. Fried stuff. . Should have gotten the hummus. The flat bread looked really good. Now I'm waiting for the pasta. And waiting. The bartenders timing is off for us 'non-drinkers'. Way too much time for a single customer. Short rib pasta saved the day. Skip the fried crap and go right to that. ... Unless you drink. There is a ton of the rib meat and a lot of pasta. The flavor is a touch bland, but overall that would be a high 3 or 4. The rest 2-3.. Probably rates higher with a group and if you have the beers.
(3)
Gary O.
I love the Lucky Monk! The service and food are always top notch. They have great sandwiches and burgers. The truffle fries are amazing. The steak tacos are phenomenal as well. I've tried several of their brews which they have on rotation all of which are usually very tasty. If you sample their brews and don't find one you like, they have a nice list of other craft brews to choose from like Lagunitas and SOB. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Kat A.
I came here for lunch with my coworkers. Service was great. There is a unique selection of burgers- including the King burger, aptly named after Elvis and his love of peanut butter, bacon and bananas. I had the Senor Sanchez burger with truffled, parmesan fries. The burger was really good, but the fries were slightly soggy and had almost no parmesan flavor.
(3)
melissa r.
The worst plate of food ever!! My meatball sandwich was cold as were the fries. The coronas are way over priced... Good thing I don't live in Chicago but when I stop by again I will make sure not to come here
(1)
Eric T.
I'm a fan! Came here for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. Always overlooked the restaurant outside AMC but this time I'm glad I didn't. My overall thought is of this place is that it gives you the bang for your buck. The sandwiches are around ~10 here but they are really big and tasty. I ordered a meatball sandwich and upgraded to truffle fries for 2 extra. I saved half the sandwich for home and was stuffed. The meatball sandwich was pretty fancy with arugula, creamy tomato sauce and peppers with crispy, buttered toast. And you can't go wrong with truffle fries. The hint of truffles is heavenly. My friend ordered the skirt steak and for 17 it was very impressive as well. Steak was tender and soft too. Decorations, building, and ambiance were nice. Really liked how they set up lighting here. Atmosphere is just more upscale, but I wouldn't say romantic or anything. Will be back!
(4)
Mary S.
This is one of the prettiest restaurants I've ever been to. Eat on their patio if the weather is good. GREAT southwest chicken salad.
(5)
Drew T.
Nice place to eat. Service wasn't so great of an experience, but food made up for it. I believe that service makes or breaks your experience. Food was great I have to say.
(3)
Patricia W.
I heard and read all the rave reviews, but this is not a place that I will return to. Not good. Service is good, but I found the place to be kinda not too clean for me.
(1)
Aly N.
It's always a challenge to find a decent place to eat in the "country" (I say that out of sheer respect for the beautiful, natural landscape of South Barrington). TLM is a cool brewpub that is appropriate for a broad clientele that all share the same mission: good food and brews. We heard that the burgers were the thing to get, and to my pleasant surprise, they had an option for a gluten-free bun. Try the Classic Tommy turkey burger and sub in their wonderful side salad. I was also happy to find a list of gluten-free beers -- wow, they were really thinking here with the menu planning -- and had to get a Two Brothers brew. Service was friendly and our server knew the menu inside and out. So nice to find an eatery with high quality food and great service in this neck-of-the-woods.
(4)
Rachel B.
Meh, was not impressed. Service was slow, burger was over cooked and bland. Overrated if you ask me.
(3)
A K.
Great place. Went there many times with family. Food was always good, service was friendly.
(4)
A A.
The wife and I have been here 4-5 times. Overall it's a good meal! I definitely like the fresh cut French fries. I miss the pizza burger that used to be on the menu. It was really good. To me the best burger on the menu. Try the cheese curds. We always order them when we go here.
(4)
Dave B.
Would give 4 stars for food. Awesome eats! Burgers are great puts to shame our local former favorite the assembly complaints would be service not the best, and last visit our server was Kristin and she is terrible. Bad attitude like we didn't exist. I usually tip big but shouldn't have left her even 10%. Other complaint is the drinks they are WEAK. So poor that I will not order a cocktail again here. Even martini, pure alcohol is very small Great food though will be back & ask for Stacy a great server
(3)
Brian M.
The pretzels were incredible. The burger was not very good and they charged $13 for it. If you're mainly looking for food rather than drinks, I'd recommend checking out Eddie's in Arlington Heights or Smash Burger instead.
(3)
Eric H.
Food was good, beer was great, service was lacking. Both times I've been there the service was bad. I like like the food enough that I will be back but hopefully they have retrained some staff
(3)
Sherwin C.
Like Cooper's Hawk, The Lucky Monk has a very spacious restaurant with nicer than normal decor. The food is served at a decent pace although service can be a bit spotty at times. Overall, the food is good but not spectacular. It's similar to what you'll find at other restaurants in this price range around the Schaumburg area. Warm pretzel trio - The best item I tried. Hot pretzels served with cheddar beer fondue, tomato parmesan sauce, and grainy mustard butter. All 3 dips were great and matched well with the fresh pretzels. The serving size is pretty generous so this could really be a meal in itself. Chicken parmesan - The texture and flavor were alright although I wasn't a huge fan of the parmesan crust. This comes in a generous serving with tons of spaghetti. Monk burger - Cooked exactly to specifications that i asked for (medium rare), this is probably the best entree I had. Simple but done well without being overseasoned. Fish 'n' Chips - Fish was very fluffy and crunchy. Great texture and temperature throughout. The fries were a little too moist otherwise very good overall. Beer braised short rib pasta - Good flavor on the beef and good texture on the noodles, a bit salty but done better than most other local restaurants that serve this dish.
(4)
Shauna J.
Great food and beer selection! I always get the craft beer sampler to try out both their golden oldies and their new tasty concoctions. As well, the environment cannot be beat. During the summer time and when it starts to get chilly in the fall they have a fun bonfire pit outside where you can sit around and relax.
(5)
Nathan K.
awesome beer hand crafted by Anthony the brew master. Awesome food get the King Burger
(5)
Lauren M.
Stellar service, food, drink, and atmosphere. I left here too full but I would do it again! The grilled cheeseburger- yummmmmm! As a side, the fried pickles were some of the best I've ever had. I got a flight- great way to introduce myself to their beers- and the Weiss was my favorite but all were delicious. The waiter, can't remember his name, very personable and knowledgeable. Great experience.
(5)
Mark F.
Our first time here was delightfully memorable, wonderfully delicious and our service was outstanding. When we visited the host stand, we were kindly told that our wait would be an hour to an hour and a half (ha, um no, thanks). So, we adventured to the bar rail to see if we could scrounge up 2 open bar stools. Luckily, we found to spots at the back end of the bar and the rest of the night went straight up from there. If you find yourself at their bar - ask for Cassie. She was incredibly friendly, very patient and didn't make us feel rushed. She allowed us to sample a couple of brews we were hemming and hawing between. It was nice - she made us feel welcomed and we were able to relax and take our time. The food was pretty good. No major complaints. If you like sweets - the donuts were incredible. We'll go back and we may skip the dining area and head straight for the bar! :)
(4)
Paul W.
Can't find any reasons why this wouldn't be a five star restaurant. Great food, great service, clean great atmosphere and fair prices. My family has been here three times and the it's been consistently good. Killer pretzel appetizer, tasty burgers come with a mound of good fries, mini tacos taste great and the servers make sure your drink is always full. On busy nights the wait is long so make reservations. This place gets packed fast.
(5)
Avinash K.
Loved the ambience of the place. Did have a decent variety of food. I had the crab bisque which was really good and came in a big portion - oh my god, had just finished it. We had the picked fries which were great as well. Fried calamari was so-so.
(3)
Holly H.
So good. Expensive but a wonderful place for a special night out. Everything is amazing.
(5)
Vishal B.
Many of these restaurant/breweries are starting to look alike. Then you have The Lucky Monk. The menu is a refreshing change from the usual bar food. We did opt for a fried app - the trio which was a bit of a guilty pleasure since i love fried pickles! They try to be a burger and pizza specialist and succeed. I say this because we tried their sandwich as well as margharita which in my mind is a yardstick pizza.. i use to measure apples to apples. very nice thin crust and flavor! the fries were the best part! the truffle oil parmesean garlic fries to be exact! Let me highlight that their house brewed beer comes in flights, or 9 oz glasses which is fantastic at 3 bucks each when you want to try more than a shot of beer, but not commit to a full glass. loved both the white and IPA! (confessional, i think the name was).. at the end of it all we got the cookie sizzler thing with ice cream on it! great way to end a belt busting dinner! You will feel like such an American walking out of this place!
(4)
Nathan S.
Lucky Monk is our go-to place for great burgers, great beer, and great service. Never had a bad meal there.
(5)
Christina A.
Went back last night for dinner. Service was awesome this time. However, I thought the burger was only so so. A little dry. The cookie skillet and beer were still incredible. Will I go back? Probably, but I'll probably order something other than a burger.
(4)
ChicagoGuy O.
Love this place must check it out if you haven't already they have hands-down some of the best hamburgers I've ever tasted in my entire life their food is all quality they're very clean great atmosphere and a wonderful list of all different types of beers great place to chill out in the summertime they have an open patio with a fire pit.if you enjoy beer and good food check out the Lucky Monk
(5)
Lauren M.
Great place!! Delicious food, attentive staff, the beer is great (recommend the beer flight)! Perfect for dates, nights out with girlfriends, or family affairs. I'm sure this is a given by now, but the perfect spot for dinner or drinks before or after heading to AMC for a movie. Can't wait for their outdoor patio this summer. They have warm cozy fireplaces to sit around overlooking a pond. If you haven't been, I highly suggest!
(5)
Mike L.
Where the old Brass used to be. This follows the business philosophy of the chain brewpubs, ie Ram, a few house beers along with a good selection of others and a focus on pub foods. It works and the food is good it just seems a little to processed for me. When they bring your burger out your first thought when you see the server carrying it out is wow that is a huge burger. When they set it down you see that the burger is setting on "hockey puck" which once removed your burger is now normal. So before you are thinking "THAT IS A $12 BURGER" and once they set it down you think "oh, I just paid $12 for this". I had the Sunrise with an over-easy egg and I could not taste the yolk at all. The bacon marmalade was to sweet and lacked saltiness.The pretzel apps were large and very good, the 3 dipping sauces were underwhelming. For a party of 7 the food took a very long time to come out, even the first side salad. I understand that if they are serving drinks you want to get more drinks out of a group but 20+ minutes for a side salad is excessive when the restaurant is not at capacity. The food was good and the service was good if not just a little bit scattered.
(3)
Krystal L.
New manager?? We've been here a few times and had great experiences. Tonight we went to the lucky monk with some friends after the festival. We were told there was a 20 minute wait, an hour later they finally had us sit in an area where there were 4 other tables EMPTY. The rude hostess then informed us it was the managers fault that he didn't want to use that area of the restaurant. What?? Manager finally comes over after we had to ask for him and he was a total jerk. I was so embarrassed because my husband and I were the ones who suggested going here. He says "I'll look into it" which didn't make any sense when we told him how upset we were with the hour wait and just getting told over and over 5 more minutes and thrn walking into an empty area! He then never bothered to come back to our table. They gave us a percentage off of the bill but not until we all complained to the waitress who's fault none of this was. Just a really crappy experience. Now we won't go back for a while if ever.
(2)
Chrissy F.
Drinks: had the pilsner and it was great! Not too hoppy and had a very smooth finish. Dinner: most of the people in our party had the burgers and turkey burgers. The turkey burger was excellent, moist and hand made, which is a rare find. The sweet potato fries rocked! Make sure you get a side of their ranch dressing to dip them in--they have the best 'leaky' ranch, which is my favorite kind. Overall a great experience. We had a fussy 1 year old with us that just wanted to eat. The waitress came out with carrots and ranch to help is out. Great service and attentive to what was going on. The Kids menu had great selections and came with milk, cookie and chocolate syrup for dessert. The kids thought it was so cool!
(5)
Theresa S.
We came to lucky monk because of all the great reviews however for my husband and I we were let down. I would have given it a 4 star because the craft beer was really good and the food had potential, however, the service was horrible. Our waitress was more interested in disappearing then serving. We even noticed the other tables she was serving a little irritated by her inattentiveness. We ordered a "egg on top" pizza and I had the fish tacos. I know it's know for it's pizza and burgers but the waitress said the fish tacos were their best seller other then burgers so I took her opinion, huge mistake. The pizza had a lot of potential but they over seasoned it. Now my husband loves salt on everything and in my opinion a little too much salt. With that being said, he couldn't eat more then a slice because they over seasoned it with salt! Now my fish tacos had no seasoning and fell apart. It was soggy and just plain nasty. I love fish tacos and here is not the place to get them. I will give them a second chance because the manager was extremely friendly and maybe next time I'll stick to a burger.
(3)
Derek H.
Nice selection of house beers - and also several guest taps with many local selections.
(4)
Kimberly M.
These guys make some incredibly juicy and flavorful burgers. I substituted the sauteed veggie side for french fries and that side was a little wimpy. The truffle fries we started out with made up for it though. Those fries are dangerous! Our server told us they are known for their pizzas, but I had a slice of two different kinds and I really wasn't that impressed. Service was a little slow at times, but our server was funny and charismatic, so we forgave her. I was a fan of the $5 Wine Wednesdays! The four of us had to wait 40 minutes for a table at 7:30pm on a Wednesday night, so I highly recommend making reservations before you go. This is a great restaurant to bring a group to because everyone will find something they like, prices are reasonable, and it's a fun environment.
(4)
Shyna H.
Absolutely love the place. Excellent food the sandwiches, fish tacos, tumbled dry onion fries and an excellent collection of beers. The burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads are also really good. Can't go wrong !
(5)
William L.
It seems like brew pubs like Lucky Monk are popping up all over the place, and this place is near the top of the charts for me. My better half and I met here for a "we don't feel like cooking" night and this may be one of our regular stops in the future. We split the pretzel appetizer which consisted of three huge Bavarian pretzels, two dipping sauces and a fantastic mustard. The burgers we had (Firehouse and Peppercorn Ranch) were both awesome as well. The sweet potato fries are the bomb dot com. Good golly were they delicious and crispy. For brews, we tried the house IPA and hefeweizen. The IPA was decent, but a little off. The citra hops weren't very evident in the nose or taste, but it did taste better as it warmed. The hefe was really, really good. Lots of banana bread flavor with a touch of spiciness. The decor of the place is nice and inviting, but it can be a little loud when the place is busy.
(4)
Valerie W.
At the suggestion of my dad, I chose the Lucky Monk as the location for my graduation lunch. I graduated at the Sears Centre, so I wanted something that was nearby, but also far enough away that my 1000 fellow graduates would not be taking up all of the space! I easily made a reservation for 15 on opentable two weeks before the day. I checked out the menu ahead of time, and was really excited for a big juicy burger, which they are known for. For some reason, the day of I decided on a pizza instead, which was fine, but next time, I'm trying a burger. The service was outstanding. Our server, whose name I've since forgotten, was well versed in both the menu and beers, was ready and willing to make suggestions, and had no problem handling our rowdy party of 15. We had lots of yummy things on the table, the sweet potato fries, hummus, and apple bacon flatbread were awesome. The pizza fell a little flat for me, probably because I should've gone with my gut on the burger. The home brewed beer tasted amazing, I tried the confessional IPA and the Fallen Angel. The flavors were great, but unfortunately, like so many places before (why do I forget?) I ended up with a terrible migraine because of the beer! I don't know what preservative these microbreweries put into their beers, but they KILL me. I literally had a headache by the time I got home, and spent the rest of the night (from 4pm to 2am) wanting to die, lying in bed with no light, no sound, and a cold towel on my head. So, the food makes me want to return, but I'll stick to the bottled stuff. My mom had a pear cider that was bottled that I tasted and was good, so maybe that next time.
(3)
Mariam K.
I don't live anywhere near this place... however me and my husband decided to go to IPic to watch a movie and we were looking for restaurants around the theatre and came across this place and read a lot of good things so we decided to eat here. Be sure to make reservations before coming here... it was chaotic when we came on a Friday night... luckily we made reservations! We ordered the fried pickles, cheese curds (similar to mozzarella sticks but a million times better and come with 2 really good dipping sauces), and truffle fries. Everything was amazing and the portions were really big. I ordered the hot head burger, it came with fries. Everything about the burger and fries was delicious... I was really full but I still couldn't stop eating my food. If I were to ever come back to South Barrington, I would definitely come back here!
(4)
George R.
When some people mention "The Lucky Monk" they think microbrews. While that's certainly a primary draw for this burger, pizza and beer restaurant, when I hear "The Lucky Monk" I immediately think of their Chicken-Poblano Chili with white beans and cilantro. It's that good. On more than one occasion, and certainly on cold winter nights when I'm in the mood for chili, I seriously consider driving across the northwestern suburbs to TLM in South Barrington. Since I tend to lean toward chicken-based entrees, I typically choose the chicken-poblano chili for my meal. They do have a red bean chili too, which is also hearty and tasty. Either way, match that up with a decent side salad and I'm good to go. When I'm not too full from my meal, I naturally look at the dessert menu. TLM doesn't disappoint here either. Their warm apple crisp is pretty good. Their S'mores are very sweet, maybe a bit too much even for a sweet tooth like myself. Definitely split the S'mores order with someone else if you want to try it. And as much as I really want to try their Cookie Skillet (chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce) my willpower has allowed me to resist this beckoning dessert (for now). But one of these days, I may just grab a spoon and go to town on that dessert option, after eating a good healthy TLM salad of course. Service at TLM has been excellent each time I've stopped in. I've sat at the bar, lounge tables in the bar area, and at dining tables in the main restaurant area. All across the board, service is very good and friendly. Warm woods, neutral grays, natural stones all make this a cozy environment to enjoy dinner, drinks or a quick game on TV at the bar. Weekends will get pretty busy, especially with the AMC 30 Theatres next door. So try a mid-week visit to avoid the crowds and wait times.
(4)
Konrad W.
Awesome place! Great food, beer and atmosphere. Definitely recommend this place! Great variaty of food and ever changing beer selection.
(5)
Helen L.
This is one of our all time favorite restaurants! The food is excellent, the libations are abundant and the ambiance is a lot of fun! Every time we go here, the staff is prompt and attentive. I don't think that we've ever been left sitting for more than 5 minutes without someone coming over to check in with us. One thing - it gets very loud, so if you don't like noisy, active restaurants, you won't like this. For us, it doesn't matter as long as the food is good. We have never had a bad experience here and we've gone more times than I can count.
(5)
Jeff G.
Went to the monk last night had a great time and great food... Sam was rocking the bar and did a great job!
(5)
R.J. V.
This place has amazing burgers. I especially recommend the grilled cheese one. It is a hamburger sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. I also recommend bacon and topped off with an egg. The parmesan truffle fries are also very yummy, The loaded fries aint bad either. I also recommend you try some of their craft beers. Buy one with the the beer can glass and keep the glass. Its a neat little souvenier. The staff was great and facilities were beautiful.A great place to take the family or a date.
(4)
Chuck D.
So I was looking up to see if the Wild Monk in St. Charles was open and Yelp pulled up the Lucky Monk instead. It had fantastic reviews AND it was open 4 hours earlier then my original search. It was a long drive, but seemed worth it. The service and food were really quite great, the beer was just pretty good. We tried all of their beers and really only liked a couple out of the six (the IPA and the Tritica). The rest were just ok. They had a pretty good bottled selection, though, which I might drink from more on a second visit back. We ordered a sampler for the appetizer - Cheese Curds, White Truffle Fries, and Fried Pickles - all were very good. Full on fried food, my husband and I split the Green Chili Queso Burger which was absolutely delish. You can choose your side from nearly any of their apps, but since we just had three of them we stuck with the regular fries...which were good but just fries in the end. I'll definitely be back for their food and craft brew list. They need to step up their game on their own beers to earn that 5th star, though. Maybe they will... who knows.
(4)
K S.
I've been here a few times and it's a nice place to go for a meal. The burgers are not that great but the beers are what will bring me in if given a choice. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find parking if it's a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. I had a reservation for early evening and not one spot was available and we waited for the free valet, but no one came out. We went in to say we will need to cancel the reservation due to no parking available and the 4 hosts just stared and said.. "yep.. we're busy". Darn...
(2)
Terri D.
Good service. My husband did not care for the house vodka in his dirty martini. I liked the Mark Pinot noir. We had the calamari for an appetizer - excellent! I had the top tip sirloin with truffle fries. Sirloin was well cooked. The truffle fries complimented well. My husband had the cedar plank salmon without the BBQ sauce! Salmon was well cooked, but unevenly seasoned. The mashed potatoes were too buttery and the fries he substituted were bitter with the skins left on. The prices were excellent and the scoop of vanilla bean ice cream with Belgian chocolate sauce was great! But it was topped with canned whipped cream, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, not the worst eating experience but not the best. If we chose to return, it might be to try a burger.
(3)
Susanna M.
I love this place they have a great selection of beers and their Spinach goat cheese burger is outstanding!! I just love their truffle fries! I've been there twice and will be going back again!!! I will have to try other things, but it's hard to deviate from something so good like the spinach goat cheese burger mmmm!
(5)
Pattie U.
Great selection of craft beers. I had the sampler of their own brews. 7 flights for $9! An outrageously good deal! I love their beer. Their pretzel appetizer is OUT OF THIS WORLD. I don't even really like soft pretzels, but I LOVED this. Lastly, what drove it home for me is that they have the option of MERCK'S CHEDDAR for their burgers. So so so so crucial in my eyes. I wanna go back right now.
(5)
Debra R.
We regularly visit this place. Hooked on the Fallen Angel and often try others especially the featured brews. My husband cannot get enough of the pretzel trio- and has finally duplicated the grainy honey-mustard butter for at home. My son's favorite salad ever is their Waldorf salad. I really like the Derby Turkey sandwich- who can resist turkey wrapped in bacon? Their burgers are good (My standard is the Assembly- so these are below that) and we have had several other things that are quite yummy. It is always busy- which in the burbs- if you pull into a restaurant on a Friday evening after 5 PM and it's not busy- then something is wrong. The staff has always been nice and usually gives great service, too. It is a regular once a month visit at least for us.
(5)
Lindsay K.
I do not like this place, not one bit. The food was mediocre. I think it was all frozen, not fresh. The restaurant was dirty and the decor didn't really deliver upon entering. The worst part of the experience was the service, our waitress was horrible, barely saw her. The manager we saw, was about the same. We had given him some very dirty utensils, that had food stuck to them (that were in our napkin roll) and he said he would be right back with new ones and we never saw him again. Finally, I tried their beer...and honestly I've had better. I love craft beer and this place isn't really that great in the beer area either. We had come here in between movies on a Saturday and next time we will be going somewhere else.
(1)
Val A.
Meh nothing special in my opinion. Went here with my boyfriend who likes sampling beers. I drove around the parking lot for a solid 10 minutes waiting for a parking space to open (way too small of a parking lot). I would've went somewhere else but we had a reservation, speaking of a reservation, they did promptly seat us when we got there which was great (some restaurants still make you wait). We started off with the big soft pretzels and they were nothing special, the dips were ok with them. Then I had a pulled pork sandwich with parmesan fries. The pulled pork was bland. The fries were perfectly cooked. My boyfriend had the mini tacos with steak and he was raving about them so I'm glad he enjoyed his meal more than I did. We finished our meal with the skillet cookie which I must say, that was delicious. Now onto the beer. My boyfriend said everything tasted "ok" but nothing was special or memorable. His favorite was the IPA but even that wasn't the best IPA he's ever had, wasn't even in his top 5. Would I go here again? Maybe, but not for a while.
(3)
Bernice R.
Burgers... BOOM. These are way better that your average run of the mill burgers. Beautiful is what they are. Positioned on a small wooden platform, its like it's about to receive a metal for deliciousness even before you bite into it. haha. Great flavors, good sized burger, and tasty fries... no complaints. We also shared a flight of beers. I'd say its a good value and great way to sample their brews. I recommend their oatmeal stout! :) I've also tried their pizzas... and just like their burgers, you can't go wrong! This is a fun place to hang out with group of friends or go out on a date!
(4)
Maria R.
"What Maria Did This Summer" Series Review TWO! :) ----- The Lucky Monk, what can I say about this restaurant smack dab next to the AMC South Barrington 30 theaters. This restaurant used to be a similar-themed craft brew-pub type restaurant before, but I do not recall the name. The Bronze something or other....anyway, I digress! The current restaurant, The Lucky Monk, is your typical, trendy craft beer, burger, and pizza pub(oh, they have wine too, btw!) with fairly typical, but unique pub fare on the menu. We first went here after, you guessed it, seeing a movie at the AMC South Barrington theaters. It was date night for my husband and I and it was late and they were open. We had wanted to try this place ever since the restaurant changed from its previous incarnation to this one. We were seated almost immediately as it was towards the end of their day. The dining areas were full of dark woods, which I love, and spacious booths. They had a few TVs, but not a whole lot to take away from the casual, yet trendy atmosphere. There was quite a selection and my husband tried one of their craft beers, which he enjoyed quite a bit. Then, he had another beer, also good. I'm not a craft beer or wine gourmand, but it seems if you really enjoy craft beer, you'll enjoy coming to The Lucky Monk. We started off with the White Truffle-Parmesan Fries, naturally! I love me some truffly-cheesy goodness! :9 OMG they were soooo good, but quite filling! :) They have a fair number of other unique appetizers like the Shrimp and Grits, Wild Mushroom Risotto, and Pickle Fries. Oh, I gotta try the pickle fries next time, they are apparently pretty awesome! My husband had their Hot Head burger, which is apparently pretty popular, it has pepperjack cheese, lettuce, jalapeno-tomato pico, and chipotle ketchup. It is kind of a messy burger, but the presentation is quite awesome as the burger it placed upon a wooden pedestal as if you must bow to it and go "We're not worthy to consume you, oh almighty burger of awesome!" :) I had their Fish 'N' Chips because I was not in a "burger mood" It was crispy, not too greasy and you got more than enough fish for a meal and leftovers. Since we had fries for an appetizer, my husband opted for a side of broccoli and I went for their Wild Mushroom Risotto. I was expecting a creamy, mushroomy-cheesy goodness that is the risotto I love, but was kinda let down with a not-so-cheesy and bland mushroom flavor. Suffice to say, I did not order that the second time I went. Service was pretty quick at this time of the night and the noise levels were quiet. Fast-forward to yesterday, our second time to The Lucky Monk, and this time WITH KIDS IN TOW! The place was PACKED, lots of cars in the parking lot, it was Saturday Night at about 7:30pm...PRIME dinner hour. We THOUGHT we were going to have to wait at least 30minutes to an hour, but we ended up only waiting about 10 minutes. Awesome! We were seated right away and had our orders taken pretty readily by our server. The Lucky Monk was a bit louder than the last time, naturally, and a lot more busy! We started off our meal with one of their Appetizer Specials, Fresh Guacamole with Chips. When it came out, it was probably 15-18 chips with a small taco salad bowl of guacamole in the middle. Nicely presented and it was a good portion that would not overfill us. The guacamole was good too! The kids had the chicken fingers and fries and the pasta with tomato sauce. My daughter kept complaining it was cold, but I didn't think it was. The kids chicken fingers were apparently pretty good since my son ate them all, which is not typical for him. The kids meals had a "appetizer" of about 5 baby carrots and a small bowl of ranch to dip them in. Nice healthy touch, sadly, my kids didn't go for it, so, my husband and I ate the carrots and ranch dip instead. :) I ordered the Farmhouse Burger this time around with a fried egg on top with the White Truffle-Parmesan Fries as an upgrade to their regular hand-cut fries. My husband ordered the Hot Head Burger again with the White Truffle Parmesan Fries upgrade as well. All the food was awesome. Again, the burgers were a bit messy, and I ended up having to ditch the bun as 1/2 lb of burger meat is NO JOKE! :) BUT, it was very yummy and nicely presented! The white truffle parmesan fries on the side were not as spectacular as they were in their appetizer form...hmm, need more truffle and parmesan? Yes, please! The kids' meals had a cool dessert that came with the meal, a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie and a small glass of white milk with a little dish of chocolate syrup to use to make the milk chocolate and/or to dip the chocolate chip cookie into for more added chocolatey goodness! Kids enjoyed themselves quite a bit....ate most if not all their meals. Overall, it was a good meal out with the family. Would I go again? You bet!
(4)
Emma F.
I don't expect much from suburban restaurants situated by a mega-plex. I've often found them to be chain restaurants, even if I'm unfamiliar with the name. But we needed food, and it was close. Good Gracious! I was so pleasantly surprised! You can see above the menu items, but let's take a very long and sumptuous detour...their new spent grains patty. This is what happens when you use the best part of the beer in the best way possible. (I'm not a native beer drinker.) I've had so many veggie patties, in so many formulations. They've been dry, or salty, or bland...but this was really good. The grains used in the brewing were processed at a low temperature (according to Kevin, the GM) so their nutritive qualities were intact. The patty held together well, no crumbling, and the texture of the smaller grains was pleasant to chew through, soft and yielding without being gummy. The flavor was robust and warm, with a hint of nuttiness, a distant muskiness, and slightly sweet. There was a thorough coating of the tongue with this flavor, it lingered nicely without overpowering the palate. "Umami" is the right description, with all the health benefits of being vegetable matter. The fact that I had it sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches just made me that much more happily gluttonous. I respect Lucky Monk. They work hard for their flavors and it shows. I've also had the deviled eggs (not what you expect...TRY THEM), hummus, pizza, doughnuts, chocolate cake, 6 brews (I liked two, a miracle for me) and everything was well crafted, well presented, and served by knowledgeable, friendly staff. Today Dan (Red) and Jeff took really good care of my family, and Keven stopped by both times to chat. The clientele are friendly, too, chatting with us and laughing over the audacious, but delicious foods. Sadlly, I expect tomorrow to be my last visit for a while. My event in the deep dark subburbs is coming to an end. My biggest hope is that I'll be the Lucky one and Lucky Monk will come to Chicago soon.
(5)
Levent T.
Beer *much* better this time around...good head and perfectly chilled. The burgers were cooked perfectly and even the egg on top of one was *not* overdone but cooked "soft" with just the right amount of runny goodness! Fried pickles hit the spot *again* and make sure you order extra dipping sauce. Also, tried the fish tacos and for the price point they were satisfying, however, I would give the fish and chips a try if I had the chance to do it over. Nevertheless the Monk is a consistent place to drink and indulge in salty, fatty foods and your favorite spirits.
(4)
Don Z.
The Lucky Monk is still a solid choice for some good beer in a typical suburban setting. It is not my favorite beer, but if I am in the area and looking for some lunch and a beer, I can always find something I like. I have a previous review, so this is just an update. On my latest visit, I sat at the bar and Tiffany the bartender was cool and took good care of me. It was a quiet time of the day. Anthony the brew master walked up and noticed our beer themed attire. We chatted about beer. I am a dedicated beer enthusiast, but I am by no means any kind of expert. I enjoyed the conversation. After hearing what I liked he even shared a free sample, which was cool. The Confessional IPA and Solitude stout were tasty. The stout was very creamy with a nitrogen pour. I am still irritated by the burger heightening scandal and therefore I always get the pizza.
(3)
Maciej G.
I've been to The Lucky Monk a few times, and it's one of the few places where I keep wanting to go back to try more of their menu because everything is just top-notch for a very reasonable price. It's got a nice atmosphere without being too dark but also not really crazy in its design. I feel cozy and comfortable each time I'm here. I'm a big fan of stout beers, and their in-house brewery serves up one of the best ones I've had in a long time. I promise to try their other offerings, but I just cannot say no when it comes down. I tend to avoid alcohol with my meals but not here. I ALWAYS get the buffalo wings. ALWAYS. They're just perfect in both flavor and tenderness. There's nothing more to say about them other than they're perfectly cooked and juicy on the inside with the sauce being a perfect balance of spicy and tangy and sweet without an out-of-place note of flavor. My only gripe is that they don't offer a wing plate as a main course, but I guess I can always just keep on ordering them... Thinking about it, I would go here just for their wings and flirt with this idea every now and then. Recently, I had their loaded fries, and I was very pleased and surprised at the subtle things which set these apart. Sure, you're going to get fries and cheese and bacon and scallions and sour cream. What's most interesting about these is the cheese. First off, it's either pepper-jack or a Swiss-style cheese with jalapenos or similar peppers diced in. Secondly, IT DOES NOT CONGEAL instead remaining creamy and easily applied to fries. We ordered a second batch of regular fries after finishing the loaded fries and greedily sponged up the leftover cheese. *PIZZA* I'm trying to set this section apart because, for their pizzas alone, The Lucky Monk needs to be applauded. The bread and crust are how a pizza should be: soft but crunchy, thin but substantial, subtle but flavorful. Of the several which I've tried, I can't honestly pick a favorite. Each one becomes the one which I like most. I don't know how or why this place has the pizzas it does, but I wish EVERY restaurant served these kinds of pizzas. The world would be a better place.
(5)
Amelia I.
I LOVE this place!! We had is this past saturday before seeing a movie at AMC. I didnt know how HUGE the trio appetizer was but boy was I happy!! The cheese curds are amazing, and I even liked the fried pickles! The Parmesan fries are also good but a BIT salty x.x I def needed a few refills on my diet coke! We got a reuban (amazing on brioche bun), and a smothered burger (also looked amazing...mmm caramelized onions!) The portions are HUGE for the price which was good. I ate all my foods but the boyfriend only ate half his burger which he took home. And we took the appatizer home too because it was that big! So basically an entire second meal from the size of the food! AND I couldnt not get dessert :) We had the home made friend doughnuts. HOLY CRAP. They were amazing!! I ate most of them :) and the chocolate sauce was mmm mmm goooood. For all the food we got the bill was around 50 bucks? Not cheap BUT you get a lot of food for what you pay. Boyfriend also had one of those angry orchard apple cider things so that was like 6 bucks. I will def be going back before we hit up the movies! I'm craving to try the bbq burger! AND the wait staff was super friendly and well versed in the menu. They asked right away if we'd been there and when we said 'no' he explained everything. Burger was cooked perfectly medium rare too!
(5)
Thaddeus C.
I've grown a bit disenchanted with this little eatery. I have been to The Lucky Monk several times and every time I sat down for a meal I felt less and less "into" the food. Sure, there are some constant winners-like the white truffle oil sweet potato fries. But beyond that the food is absolutely average, especially for the prices they're charging. It might be a nitpick simply because I haven't found "my meal". I noticed that when others go there they tend to order about the same thing each time, I've tried experimenting and so far I haven't found something that has left me satisfied beyond their appetizers., especially considering the price tag. I hope this doesn't dissuade too many people from going-it is really a conclusion you should come to for yourself. The food isn't bad enough to berate and not good enough to praise, it is all around average. So enjoy this middling review and your middling meal.
(3)
Joyce A.
It is too late to tell everyone about the awesome hamburgers and incredible toppings- this place is crowded most times between 6:00 PM and 8PM! BUT, they do take reservations- so if you want to go for dinner (especially Friday, Saturday or Sunday- I recommend you make them. It makes a good pairing to go to the movies after dinner - the AMC Barrington is just up the street. I really enjoy sweet potato fries - and the Lucky Monk sure knows how to make them! But, that said, I have been told that management has removed them from the menu- they are by request only. SO, if you like sweet potato fries, please request them and leave a comment about putting them back on the menu!!!!!
(4)
Shauna D.
"Have you dined with us before?" I'm generally inclined to fib when asked this dreaded question. For some reason servers tend the think if its your first time that you require some kind of hand-holding as if you don't know your way around a menu. Unless the dining experience requires me to cook my own food or submit my order in a paper airplane, I think I can handle it. I do appreciate recommendations, by all means let me know what you're known for but lets keep my Orientation to a minimum. Burgers here, Beer list here, got it. Thanks. I was a lot hungrier after my briefing, so I went with a burger since that is their specialty. The Peppercorn Ranch burger comes piled high with onion strings and I had them throw some bacon on there 'cus I mean, what are we doing here? Let's go whole hog. They look pretty intimidating when they come out, but at closer look you'll see they stand on little platforms, which is a nice signature that really does add to the presentation. The burger was amazing, like 'undo the top button because I'm not leaving anything behind' amazing. And the Parmesan Truffle fries are a thing of beauty.
(4)
Jennifer W.
My husband and I went here for date night on a Sunday. We made a reservation ahead of time, which was a good idea since it got pretty busy throughout the night. The ambiance was great for a fun date night, but also worked for families too since it isn't a quiet restaurant. I had a Bay Burger, which was delicious and my husband had the Hot Head, which he liked as well. The only negative comment I have was that my husband is a fan of IPAs and they were out of their house IPA, as well as the only other one that they had on tap. A brewery should really never be out of their own beer. Other than that, it was fantastic.
(4)
Jared W.
I've actually edited my original review, because after going again after over a year, I have a much different opinion. First, the truffle fries are fantastic, and this is one place that actually had the burger cooked just right. I always ask for medium, but most places don't get it quite right. So kudos to whoever grilled my burger last night! They do brew their own beer in house, which is usually a big plus for me, but I was pretty heavily disappointed in their beer. I had the flight, so was able to sample their 6 year round brews, and wasn't all that impressed by any of them, and the IPA was downright bad. On the second visit, I stuck with the "guest taps," and was really happy. They have some really good beers on guest tap. I will have to give the in house brews another try sometime soon though.
(4)
Chloe H.
I went here for my birthday with my parents and boyfriend. I had seen the restaurant in passing AMC multiple times, and I was curious to try it. We made reservations, and we got in right away. The booth we sat in had ample space. A waiter came up to us fairly quickly (about 5 minutes). My dad ordered one of the in-house brews (I can't remember which one), but he very much liked it. It was a full-bodied ale with a touch of nuttiness to it. ("It's a bit nutty"). My parents ordered the pulled pork and fries, my boyfriend ordered the grilled cheese burger and fries, and I ordered the smothered burger and cheese curds. All came to our table within a reasonable time frame as well. Of course, coming in I didn't expect this place to be a health-conscious joint; but after looking what lay before us, I told my mom, "this spread is a cardiologist's nightmare". Despite the gargantuan fantasy of having a burger between two grilled cheeses and bacon, my boyfriend didn't like it. It's a fun concept (something that you may see on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, although this place is none of the three), it just doesn't execute well. The whole thing was extremely thick and even pressing down to thin the sandwich still made it about 3 inches thick. My burger was OK--the bun went from crispy to soggy very quickly so I stopped eating it. My parents liked the onion strings on the pulled pork, but they took most of it off and there was a good pile almost equivalent to the side of fries. The cheese curds were OK; the cheese seemed a little dry inside, but otherwise I ate them all. A nice feature was the sandwiches placed on a terra cotta-like disk to make it easier to pick up the burger instead of it slopping all over the plate in an attempt to take the first bite. I left feeling full and a bit guilty for attempting to put my body through a coronary, but I don't eat gastro-pub burgers that often (maybe once or twice a year). I'd go again if someone I knew had the urge to go, but I probably won't have the drive to go again.
(3)
H S.
Great burgers! Really delicious and the truffle fries are pretty good. Their brews are average as is the service (took us an hour to get our food at 5pm, when it was practically half empty)
(3)
Tony H.
Just how lucky is a monk? Well, considering that certain sects of monks have their own trademarked beer, I'd say pretty darn lucky. Unfortunately, my last visit to the Lucky Monk would have benefited from a bit more luck and magic in certain parts of the service and food. First off I gotta say I thoroughly enjoy their goat cheese and tomato sauce appetizer. The accompanying bread is crusty, slightly buttery, and compliments the goat cheese well. I decided against a house beer and went with a Bell's Cherry Stout. Only one for me, thanks. That served as side dish and dessert very well. The first glass I got with the beer was hazy and loaded with fingerprints. I asked for a new one and our server Chris took it without a word otherwise. The second one I got was slightly better, but the appetizer had arrived by then, so I just went with it. For dinner I ordered the Al Pastor pizza. It's supposed to be a take on tacos "al pastor", which are usually made with spicy marinated pork shoulder, onions and cilantro, sometimes with pineapple, and usually a little elf sprinkling magic and sexiness. Or not. This pizza had a bland "pork belly" meat, cotija cheese, green onions and a tomato sauce. I can't describe the crust as anything else than uninspired. It was a vehicle for the rest of the toppings, and it just didn't work. Pub food meets flub. Now I know better. Service was adequate. Not a whole lot of conversation, but the company made up for it. I only meet up with friends here; certainly wouldn't make the trek otherwise.
(3)
Lekecia U.
Visited The Lucky Monk for my son's (who believes he can subsist solely on burgers and pizza) b-day. We made a reservation since I read on yelp that Friday nights are really busy. Despite having a reservation it still took us about 25 minutes to get seated. We started with the warm pretzel bread which was okay but a little too salty. The trio of dips that came with the bread were pretty good. Everyone had a burger which was pretty tasty but not especially memorable, as I can't recall which burger I ordered. I tried the truffle fries and wasn't impressed at all. I love love love french fries so I was disappointed. My son really enjoyed his burger so maybe we'll give this place another try but I'll steer clear of the truffle fries.
(3)
N D.
My first time was yesterday at the barrington location I got there at 8 they said there was no wait according to the one female hostess and then when my other party got there at 8:15pm there was a 10 min wait ( keep in mind the same hostess standing right there next to the guy checking people in who said there was no wait) we sat Down ordered a soup and salad and water and soda at 8:30pm we got our drinks right away but when 9:15pm came around and there was still no food, ( keep in mind just soup and salads ) no server in sight with a update so we asked another server how long it takes for soup and a salad and he was going to check and when he came back he said the salads are just coming up 5 more min go by no salad or soup in sight so one of my friends tesla the hostess she was supposedly getting the manager and that was another 5 min..... never got to see the manager we had to leave because the service was so bad no one apologized for the wait ......nothing .......we offered to pay our drinks and the 2 hostesses said I don't know how much they were and that they were not keeping us there! Seriously ?! This was the worst first experience at Lucky Monk! I do not recommend it they did not care about the customers at all! I will never go back!!
(1)
Andrea H.
I now officially love this place. I don't make it out that way often, but I now have something to look forward to after the long trek out to the Willow Creek mother ship. It's on the way back to the highway and, since I can make a reservation on Open Table, we can bypass the crowds and get to the table right away. This is huge since we normally have a hungry 3 year old in tow. Yay! The first time we stopped by, we decided to share the parmesan crusted tilapia and the bourbon stout burger. Both were delicious and the Monk's Choice beer that day, a smoky bourbon stout, was the perfect accompaniment. I also felt that the kids menu was a pretty good deal. At $5.95, the little one got carrot sticks, a burger with veggies and a cookie and milk. I'm not too familiar with kids menus these days but it seemed like a lot of food for not too much. The second time, we decided to share again. This time we opted for the beer braised short rib pasta and the green chile queso burger. The pasta was solid but pretty standard. The burger, on the other hand, was awesome. And the fries are terribly difficult to stop eating. So good. The Monk's choices this night were a cherry bourbon stout and a brown ale. Of course I had to try both. The cherry was very interesting. Rich cherry flavor without being too sweet. The brown ale was more my speed. Nutty and delicious. I still enjoy how they put their burgers on a pedestal. They say that their specialties are the burgers and pizzas. I have yet to try the pizzas but the burgers seem pretty worthy of that pedestal. It seems like they also have great specials throughout the week. I'm still trying to figure them out, though, because house beers are supposed to be $4 on Sunday but I guess the Monk's Choice doesn't count for that. It's cool, though, I appreciate the fact that they switch up their offerings regularly. Every time we go, the service is friendly, the atmosphere is warm, and I always leave wishing this place was closer to home.
(4)
Erin R.
No matter what the occasion, Lucky Monk is going to deliver. I have eaten here many times; I never had a bad meal or service that was not excellent. Recently had an event here with 60+ people on their patio. The servers went above and beyond my expectations. I could not believe the extent their team went to to make sure everything was perfect. Truly, Lucky Monk should get 10 stars. Thank you, Lucky Monk!
(5)
C. M.
The burgers are huge and very good. I took one star off because it seems a little overpriced. Great food if you like burgers. Try the truffle parmeaean fries.
(4)
Bry P.
I've been here twice, and both times I LOVED it! Everything I've tried here has been FANTASTIC. There is literally nothing on this menu that is not declicious... I recommend this place to ANYONE and everyone!
(5)
Josh N.
This is really a 4.5 great burger amazing cheese curds...
(4)
James M.
Great place. Food is bar food but with a twist to make it fun. Beer is really good and service has always been excellent! I've now become a member of the "lucky monk society." It costs $11/month but you get a free bomber every month and expedited seating even when there is a big wait to get in. I have a family of six... So that helps a ton!! Love "The Confessional."
(5)
Esther C.
Let me start off by saying I have never given a 2 star review for any product or place- even for the 99cent ipod case look-alike I got in college that disintegrated in my hands after opening it. My husband and and I live in Chicago so we're used to the occasional bad service and truth be told we still go back to those places just because the food or the atmosphere otherwise is good enough. I honestly can't say that about this place. I have never had a waitress snap back at me before. It wasn't just at me but other members of the party. I was flabbergasted, shocked and offended, especially when we had come to celebrate a happy occasion. The thing is even with the right amount of chairs we were already sitting on top of each other. Additionally, I was surprised our waitress brought out a cracked beer glass to our table. It actually broke at at the table. Another horrible gesture was the waitress's refusal to split the bill after she got upset our party was bigger when prior to this she promised to be accommodating. I guess I don't blame her because without combining our bills and forcing us to pay gratuity for a large I personally would have left her no tip. I don't want to generalize to the whole staff because one of the other bellboys was really helpful My only regret is that I didn't talk to the manager onsite that night cause I didn't want to hold up the group. emailed the manager By the way, count on parking at the amc. There's not enough on-site parking for the guests. A 2 and not a 1 cause the food itself was alright and some of it unique but if you really good beer and American food there are so many other places in the burbs to go to. I wouldn't ever come back here for the experience we had.
(2)
Phil C.
The King burger with banana, peanut butter and bacon is incredibly weird and delicious. Chase it down with a pint of Fallen Angel and your golden!
(3)
Jie H.
Burger is OK but the beer sampler is GREAT!
(4)
Kate T.
Waited over 45 minutes for our mediocre burgers. Very disappointing! Been frequenting for years, and management and service seem to be going downhill. Server never came back after food was finally delivered. We sat with empty, dirty glasses on our table and absolutely nothing to drink for the duration of our meal. The server never brought the kids' cookies that are supposed to come with the meal. Not going to be returning! Too bad!!
(1)
Lauren R.
Food is very good but I was turned off by the service cause I felt like I was being rushed during lunch. I came to enjoy my friend's company and I had three different bussers come to my table asking if they can take my plate. I had 75% of the food still not touched. Common sense says no I am not done with my food. Also I didn't need three of you to come and barge and keep asking. Please have a chat with your staff, and don't make us feel like we need to leave asap.
(3)
Jean Z.
I kinda dont want to write a review of this place because I'm afraid that you will all jump in and I'll never get the fast seating, awesome service, and perfectly loved-on food that we did the night I came here. Four of us each had an entree, and sodas and two appetizers and the bill was under a hundred with tip.
(5)
Cassandra L.
Unfortunately South Barrington is a little out of the way for me so I can't visit The Lucky Monk as often as I'd like to, but I'm definitely planning to go back! We went for lunch and beers. I was with some friends and we had some free time, so we tried every beer they make. I ordered a Tritica Wheat Ale first, which ended up being my favorite, and I think everyone else liked it too. There were a couple others I really liked too. They offer a lot of other beers too if none of their originals sound good to you. After some pretty filling appetizers (I'd recommend the pretzel trio w/ tasty dipping sauces) I ALMOST only ordered a side salad as my lunch, but then I couldn't resist trying their grilled portabella sandwich, called the Saint. I'm soooo glad I gave in! The burger was delicious. It comes with fries, or you can upgrade for another side. The fries were fine (good but nothing super special); I'd like to try the sweet potato fries next time. Besides discovering a great new beer and eating tons of yummy food, one more reason for my 5-star rating was our server. She was super nice, friendly, and helpful!
(5)
Marshall S.
We had our first visit to The Lucky Monk last night. We had reservations for seven and were seated immediately. The wait for a similar sized table would have been at least 30 minutes without the reservation, so keep that in mind if you're planning on dropping in on a busy weekend night. We say on the terrace which was really beautiful. From a drinks perspective we tried a few if their beers and found all of them to be very, very good. We tried the pickle fries and the white truffle Parmesan french fries - both were terrific. For our entrees we had burgers and pizzas (their specialties) and everyone was very happy with their choices. Lastly, our server (John) was very friendly and happy to help. I'd gladly go back again or recommend to anyone who likes good beer and brewery food.
(5)
Jason T.
The beers here generally let me down, but I keep coming back for the food. I like the truffle fries, fried pickles, goat cheese, and pulled prom sandwich, though everything else we've had here has been pretty good too. I go back to the beers here though- they come close but they just don't quite do it for me.
(3)
Chris C.
This place was pretty large inside and also had a large outdoor seating area. I sat at the bar which had lots of room and seemingly TVs at every angle. For beer they had a great selection of both their own brews and others. As you could guess by the name the selections were pretty heavy leaning towards Belgians, but they had more traditional ones as well. The prices were average for all the options. I had one of the burgers with the truffle fries. The burger was a total monster and I barely finished it. They really layered on the toppings and you certainly need two hands to eat it. The fries were good, but not nearly as truffley as I was hoping for.
(4)
Daphne L.
During an excursion thru Barrington/South Barrington, we stopped at The Lucky Monk. It was pretty early on a Saturday evening (6:00-6:30) and the place was chock full of Barrington-ites. We managed to get seats at the bar and tried their house brews, which were pretty good. The food, on the other hand, was pretty abysmal, or maybe we ordered the wrong things. We got the Trappist Trio, which was 3 huge bowls of fried items: pickles, fries, and cheese curds. It wasn't bad, it was just bland. I wish we'd gone with the whipped goat cheese, or a salad. Everyone around us was eating burgers, which should have been a clue to order that, rather than the Wild Mushroom Risotto...HUGE mistake. The description of the risotto on the menu reads: "parmesan, wild mushrooms" and that's it. you can order short rib or chicken, if you like, to top the dish. I don't know what possessed me to order risotto at a burger and beer place. It was indeed very busy that night, but, I waited a ridiculously long time for my food to come out, so long that I assumed they'd forgotten about it. When it did come out, I was immediately disappointed because there were stewed tomatoes in the risotto. I'm admittedly very picky about risotto, but I think that if stewed tomatoes are part of the dish it should be listed on the menu. Am I wrong? I never would have ordered the dish had I known it was going to be served that way because I HATE warm, cooked, mushy tomatoes in risotto. To top it off, this dish was just so utterly bland and tasteless I found it hard to believe they added any seasoning or herbs. Blah. The bartender was really nice, felt terrible that it took so long to come out and that I didn't like the food, which accounts for the 3-stars. The bartenders were really nice, especially given the throngs of people. I guess this is a decent place for the area, mostly due to the beer, but hope there are better options in Barrington. I wouldn't go back unless I happened to be in the area, and if I do, I'm getting a burger.
(3)
Gerry A.
Very nice piece of S. Barrington Real Estate, well run with above average help so why NOT charge $11 for a LARGE half pound hamburger? Considering the entire package, limited well done menu and above average staff I think it is a good value. Lucky Monk pretty much has it all including a view of a pond and HUGE parking, just be sure that you at least wash your old car so you aren't totally shamed parking there. You CAN split the half pound burger and you will be glad you did, what are you other options, EAT it all or have a hamburger leftover? Nice avacado nacho appetizer, and pay the extra $1 for the truffle fries with your burger so that you won't have to do that again. Very tasty $9 beer sampler, even better the second round, and interesting wine menu with enuf by the glass options. Busy Friday night included some live entertainment inside but we never felt hustled out, and the fireplace pit looks very inviting. Creative dessert choices but no contest versus a half price blizzard something at Culver's and then home to have our arteries pumped out. We are fans. Update: Went AGAIN on a Friday night and that parking lot gets pretty small around 8pm. Had the mushroom pizza, very tasty AND had some leftovers so ONE pizza can feed two if you take a breath. The fried onion tumble something appetizer, that you will regret eating ALL of unless there were at least 4 people working on it, was yummy. This is a great way to eat and walk (ie the FULL parking lot) to catch a movie reasonably if you don't drink your dinner.
(4)
Patrick K.
First off, you've got to try their beers. The oatmeal stout was flavorful and creamy, but not heavy at all. The season Oktoberfest was good as well, but I preferred the stout. Second, the food. If you go there, you MUST try the pickle fries - think of them as slices of pickle perfectly deep fried. The wings were good as well - had an interesting cheesy component to the flavor. Finally, the burger was quite tasty, though it is quite a tower of a sandwhich when it comes to the table. All in all, quite glad we tried the Lucky Monk out - I can see more visist in the future.
(4)
John A.
Great menu with upscale bar food and nice presentations. Had the Hot Head Burger with truffle fries. Burger and fries were good, but was still hungry afterwards. We also had the fried pickles that were decent. Had a bite of the wife's Monk burger and wished I had ordered that instead. Can't wait to go back and try some other appetizers and more truffle fries. I would had given 3 stars based on my experience, but have faith that other things on their menu are outstanding. Also had the Cardinal Sin Pilsner beer was tasty and would buy in the store if available. Based on the crowds you can tell this place will be around for awhile.
(4)
Jason K.
Still horrible. The host was rude and didn't look like she wanted to be there. Understaffed and the management is a joke. Like last time, our food took forever even though it didn't seem that busy. My soup was cold but my friend's burger was cooked correctly and my salad was great. I asked to speak to a manager and I was waiting for about 10 minutes for the manager to come over on my way out. After waiting I gave up and left. This was Sunday night(3/3/13). Horrible management. When a guest asks to speak with you if you're going to make them wait at least come up to them and tell them it might be another minute.
(1)
Erin S.
After parking in the adjacent movie theater parking lot (b/c their lot was out the gills full) & a little table confusion (tried to seat us w/ another party).... the meal went off w/o a hitch. Really enjoyed the goat cheese & crab cake appetizers! Of course we got the beer flight & burgers- love, LOVE the "hot head" burger! Their stout was very coffee forward. Fun atmosphere & good food, bring a friend and enjoy the microbrews.
(4)
Suzanne T.
Always delicious food and super service. You can't go wrong with the food. Yes, there is a wait at times. Fish tacos, burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizzas--all good! The variety of beers is nice too :)
(4)
Sarah M.
This is one of my favorite area restaurants. We went here on a whim after seeing a movie over at AMC. The menu had a surprising amount of choices - we ordered Wisconsin cheese curds for an appetizer, being from WI, I can say they were legit. They also make their own beer which I was surprised about and it was good. I had tacos for my entree, they were small, but just the right portion. Yum. The service was also great, this place is better than a lot of the other chains out in the surbarbs, can't wait to go back sometime.
(4)
Dave C.
I was really disappointed this time, slow service, undercooked burger, where's the flavor in my peppercorn burger?
(2)
Nikki S.
My family and I love Lucky Monk. The kids' meals come with carrots and ranch first , and end with a fresh baked cookie. My fave "grown up" meal is the peppercorn ranch burger, upgrade to the truffle fries for sure, and I like the Framboise to finish it off. Highly recommended.
(5)
Allison C.
The food at Lucky Monk RULES! It's bar food done really well...homemade pizza, burgers, fresh cut fries, frizzled onions, etc. It's a microbrew, and their locally brewed beers are great. I had my rehearsal dinner here. Claudia Ruiz, sales manager, is very sweet and great to work with. She's also flexible, she allowed me to substitute BBQ Pizza with Pizza Margherita on the private party menu. We were on the upper patio outside by the fire pit, the view of the pond and sunset was gorgeous. At first, service was slow. Nobody took my beer order for quite some time (and isn't it customary to serve the bride first?) I had to ask waitstaff to order a beer, and they said they'd have to come back to me. We were all standing around for quite awhile before they brought out the appetizers. My guests were getting hungry and drunk on empty stomachs. I had to ask to have the apps brought out twice. Considering we had a clear start and end time, it would've made more sense to start with drinks and apps immediately, and then ease into dinner. Additionally, our party had to meet a food/beverage minimum. It was crazy that night, so the shift manager asked if I had a problem seating some restaurant guests in the unused tables in the upper patio. I asked him if he would reduce our food/beverage minimum if we allowed this, and he said no. So I passed him off to my mother in law, who made the rehearsal dinner. Staff did not waiver on the minimum, so my mother in law told him, rightfully so, "we contracted for a private party and this whole patio, I'm not going to give to you if you won't give back." The restaurant would've received a windfall if they got our whole minimum AND extra orders on the patio for other diners. Lucky Monk would've made more money if they took our final bill as is (which was very near the minimum anyway) AND sat additional diners. Once we got seated, service picked up considerably. The waitstaff was much more attentive and personable. They also added the tip to the final bill, which made figuring it out much easier. We took some growlers home with us (to meet the minimum). My guests (and myself) had a great time at the rehearsal dinner, the setting is gorgeous. I would definitely eat at the restaurant again, it's delicious. My biggest recommendation for private parties is to stand firm, don't allow restaurant guests in your area unless the minimum is flexible, and plan a schedule with the sales coordinator regarding when appetizers and food go out.
(4)
Colleen B.
Great place. Great food. Ambiance is awesome. Service was ok. The place was busy. They really hustled to accommodate a large group.
(4)
Sean D.
Went here for a Yelp event. I wouldnt generally even be out this way for any particular reason other than said yelp event, however I did enjoy my time here. We were catered to a tasting, and given a private tour of their small but sufficient brewery. The brew master was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful when it came to history of the place and brew making expertise. I was able to have some amazing deviled eggs (although for the price there could have been a few more). The burger was good, not over the top. However the TRUFFLED FRIES=EXQUISITE. The beers were ok in my opinion...but then the brewmaster busted out the bourbon barrel aged stout....yes please this aging of their standard stout really added a ton of flavor, putt it on your must try list if you come the the lucky monk.
(4)
Vicky R.
I hate to have to update my review to a 2 Star. Don't you hate it when you try a place out at first and it's the bomb. Your so excited you enjoy a restaurant near home that you can go to and over time just something changes and every time you visit and order it just gets worse and worse that you find yourself critiquing it in a negative way every time you go. That just sucks. So, the last handful of times I have been to this place not only have no been up to standards but we have also thrown a party for a shower here and had not the best service. None the less, the event Mgr I spoke with understood why we were unhappy and made it up by a gift card and that's great and all but having it done right the first time is what counts most. First impression on people is what counts and people left that party with not the best impression. Besides the details of the party I wont go into that since I worked it out with the event mgr. I have to share how annoyed I am at the dishes. Lucky Monk carried this persona as a place you want to go to to get good foods and drinks. This review is on today's order. Lucky Monk was on our way home today and decided to place a order for my hubby & I. He and I ordered the Mushroom Risotto and Skirt Steak. We waited in carry out for about 20 mins and drove home with our food. We split the dished and here is what I think. 1) The Risotto stated it was a Parmesan & Mushroom and we requested to add the chicken on it as well which did not happen and but thankfully they didnt charge us for it either. I hate it when you pay for a upgrade and you dont get it. But this dish was far from what I would imagine a Mushroom Risotto. It had giant chunks of tomato in it. I was truly disappointed, if the description would have stated tomato in it than I would have never ordered it. It didnt taste good either nor is it comparable to a risotto. That dish needs help. As far as the skirt steak, the steak was a bit on the small side but still cooked well. What bothered me the most about this dish is it comes with a side of mashed potatoes that barely exist! I thought my hubby took all the potatoes but they just werent there. It was like they added them and than took them back out so all was left was just the scrapings. C'mon now, your paying about $30 for these meals you expect to get your moneys worth at the least. And the greens served with it isn't the best selection, cant remember what it is but its not really common or all that great. Really bummed, after our meal we were still left hungry. The meals besides the steak itself werent good. And why in the world doesnt the Monk offer a soup or salad w/ meal. I just dont think I am going to dump money into this place anymore EXCEPT if I want to go for a good burger. I know what I am getting and they are great burgers!
(2)
Jacob J.
I'd been looking forward to checking out this spot after hearing so much about it, so often. Suburbanites would often praise this as a premium burger establishment. I say it's a premium burger establishment still in the making. Reluctant to make the long drive out to Hoffman Estates, I eventually happened over this way and decided to try them out. It was a surprise to find them in the space once known to me as "the Brass brewery". I'm told ownership of the Monk is at least partially shared by the old owners of the Brass. There was a time when I would be at the Brass almost weekly for their happy hour specials, often inviting a client over for a business lunch or celebrating a birthday meal with a coworker. Same darkened woodsy interior with lush amounts of wood tones throughout the dining space. Comfortable seating whether in dining booths or bar area table tops. We visited recently, there were a few outside having a smoke and a fire was going. A scenic look as you drive up to their restaurant. Inside was warm and lively, enough to sit and enjoy the time for hours. No median ages, there were couples in their late 40's plus and singles 20's and higher. This space / restaurant has always maintained a way of inviting a select few. I think it's mainly because of the exterior appearance which causes most to think it's a "hoity toity" spot which could cost an excessive amount of dough. It's a quaint spot, whether you want to impress a date or have a drink and a decent meal with the guys. Their burgers have the makings of a great burger, but just not there yet. More options are needed and Tilamook cheddar is not it. Shredded lettuce is ridunkulous. You've got this pastry bun, burger so big it's ridiculous how large it sits atop so much topping and all this shredded iceberg lettuce which clumsily falls and scatters all over your fingers and lap. Eating is a hassle, rather than a luxury. Still trying to decipher whether the burger meat had a flavor of it's own to comprehend. All this aside, Monk has got a pretty good menu going with many other offerings which are taste inspiring. A menu which adapts and tries to offer more as the year had gone on, I'm told they recently started offering steaks; (not shown on their on-line menus). A year under their belt and I'm sure things will only get better. I may send this review off to management; I'd like to have a burger built better in the future. Great space and excellent wait staff.. I'm looking forward to next time. At the Brass I could look forward to specials on their food and booze. Alike that old place, the Monk has got the same offerings. For the beer lovers, flights are offered. One to two of those and most would be good for the night, a cheaper alternative to getting a buzz on and by way of premium beer.
(4)
Carey F.
We went there, spur of the moment, before going to a movie. I had the goat cheese and spinach burger, my wife had the Santa Fe salad. Both were delicious. Our server was efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. They have a wide selection of beers. Reasonably priced. Two beers, two entrees and tax came to $35. 4 stars.
(4)
Jennifer J.
can we say.. BURGER? YUMMMM! Worth every calorie.
(4)
Amy K.
I have been to the Lucky Monk many times and always enjoy it. For staters, they have great beer. The Cardinal Sin is my favorite. I am typically more of a light beer kind of girl, and this one has a stronger taste to start. However, a server recommended it because of the smooth finish, and that is my favorite part. I can't strand strong beer after-taste. The food has never disappointed me. My favorite has got to be the warm pretzel appetizer. You will not be disappointed. I've had several versions of their pizza (potato, spinach, and artichoke pesto) and have enjoyed every one. On my most recent trip, I was very disappointed in the service. My drink was empty for quite some time, and I finally had to flag the waiter down myself to order another. This experience was my first negative one, so I did not mark this great place down. I highly recommend making a reservation.
(5)
David L.
Extremely busy, but open late. Probably the best value for money restaurant in the Hoffman Estates / South Barrington area. Always good service and great food and excellent prices. Location to AMC makes it a great after-movie dinner/dessert spot.
(5)
William B.
Started with the fries- excellent. Had the BBQ chicken pizza. i guess it tasted good, but i don't think the crust was made in house; probably a frozen crust. I think I can geta comparable BBQ chicken pizza from the freezer at the grocery store. Decent beer, though. Will probably go back, but will probably try the burgers, instead.
(3)
Laurin G.
Based on the great reviews here on Yelp, I went to The Lucky Monk for a late lunch/early dinner with my family on a Sunday afternoon before the Bears game. The decor and atmosphere was very nice. The place was pretty empty and we had excellent, very attentive service from our server (Norman). We started out with an appetizer of Chili Cheese fries. These were tasty, but the portion size was really small--I'd guesstimate about 35-40 skinny fries for $6.25. I had the smothered burger (caramelized onions and gruyere cheese) and it was divine! Very juicy and flavorful. My husband tried a bite--and then begged for several more bites. He had the fish & chips, which he said was excellent, but he also said that next time (and there WILL be a next time!) he will get the smothered burger. I got the truffle oil and parmesan fries for the $1 upcharge. They were good, but my order seemed to be lacking in the truffle oil department. My husband got the loaded fries (Merkt cheddar cheese sauce, bacon, sour cream and green onions) and it was the bomb diggety! I will definitely get that next time with my burger. My daughter got the Farmhouse burger, which is Tillamook cheddar and bacon. She loved it and proclaimed it one of the best burgers she has every had, and possibly THE best. Our son got the sausage pizza and didn't say a word through the entire meal (because he was busily chowing down and enjoying his pizza!) Yum! We'll be back
(4)
Chris F.
My fav place. Burgers are awesome, but the Crusted Tilapia is to die for!!! A must if you love real burgers, great beer and just plain awesome food! UPDATE: Okay I use to give them 5 stars but I had to downgrade to 4 stars on 1/30/12 because they no longer carry the bottled natural (REAL) gingerale. It was amazing and I always went there just to have that with my meal. Now they have just high fructose fake from the fountain ginger ale. Crap! I want them to bring back the bottled all natural REAL ginger ale they had. Also, they got rid of my FAVORITE. The Macadamian Tilapia, now it is a peppercorn or parmesan cheese. Yuck. The macadamian was the BOMB along with the corn salad or rice they had, cant remember it was amazing. GONE AS WELL Well my two favorite things are gone, but they still have some other great items on the menu. The Burgers are the best of course. But Oh How I will miss my top two favs. BRING THEM BACK! -Chris
(4)
Miguel V.
Ordered the chili and twisted chicken and both were bland and served cold. Only good thing I can say about this establishment is that the wait staff was polite and quick.
(2)
Lisa S.
Dear Lucky Monk, I want to love you. I really do. But i just find you OK. Your food is not bad, but you are too loud and too crowded. Also you may want to ease up on the salt in your chicken poblano chili. Sincerely, Lisa W.
(3)
Denise J.
Thisnis one of my favorite Places to eat but this experience was not a good one. I went with a friend for dinner and some drinks before leaving on vacation. The bears were playing so we thought it would be crowded, we were very excited when it was not, however with the service we received younwould have thought they were packed!!! It took our server 10 minutes to come get our drink order and another 10 mins to bring us our drinks.......so you can guess I was annoyed by this poit. We ordered our food, which you can guess took forever and when I did finally get my food it was cold and tasted horrible. I ordered the turkey burger that I get every time I go to lucky monk, this DID NOT taste good. The burger was mostly green onion and not actually a lot of meat......if you want to eat an onion burger then order this, but I doubt you do!!! The s'more skillet did make up for the lack of my meal though, I highly recommend ordering these:) After this experience it will be a while before I go back to eat here!!!
(2)
Joe S.
This place scores the trifecta in a casual dining experience that is a cut above: cool indoor and outdoor upscale ambiance, an expansive menu of Belgian style craft beers done right to suit discriminating beer enthusiasts, and a solid bar menu with the legendary bigger than life burgers, varied and original appetizer selections and a broad dinner menu. May be pricier than your average pub but you get what you pay for and if you want an all around solid place that you will return to and bring your friends head there now
(4)
Elle M.
I've been to the Lucky Monk twice, and while neither time was terrible, I've had better. Today's visit left a particularly bad taste in my mouth. I've got to give them credit- their pretzel appetizer is delicious. The pretzels are big and beautiful and warm and the dipping sauces are okay. Though the beer cheese doesn't have much flavor. Whatever, my issue isn't with the pretzels. Order those and you won't go wrong. I ordered a burger. Usually a pretty solid bet, right? I don't think I've taken this much issue with a burger since I grossly overpaid for a cheeseless one a few weeks ago. And I'm usually pretty easy to please when it comes to my burgers. First of all, the burgers comes on this little round piece of wood, of which I just don't see the point. I get that it makes them seem more impressive, but it really just takes up room on the plate. Second, the damn thing was piled so high that even when I put the lid on and pushed it down, it was almost un-eatable. Yes, un-eatable. In the sense that when I picked it up it completely fell apart in my hands because there was too much stuff on it. But both of those are minor offenses, the most glaring error of my burger was the fried egg on top. And by fried I mean hard cooked. The point of getting an egg on your burger is to have the lovely runny yolk drip all down the middle, and that doesn't happen when the yolk is a dry, solid, sulfuric puck. I hate hard cooked eggs. A lot. And if that wasn't bad enough, the burger itself was overdone. And the caramelized onions were underdone. The whole thing was just a mess. An overdone, underdone mess. Also, our waitress forgot to take boyfriend's dad's order and then later brought boyfriend a drink he didn't ask for. If there's a next time, I'm sticking to the pretzels.
(2)
Angela M.
I went here recently with my husband and my mom and brother, who stopped to stay with us on their way from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh. I had a LivingSocial voucher expiring soon and the place is super close to our new house. After asking if we preferred to sit in the bar or the dining area, and us saying we didn't have a preference, they seated us at a table in the very corner of the bar, near the entrance to the kitchen. Hmm... if you're offering us an option, you presumably have several open spots... why put us in the worst possible option? The beer IS good, I'll give them that. Unfortunately, they were out of the porter my husband wanted to try. Bummer. I had a cup of white chili, which was decent but not great and a beet & goat cheese salad which was overdressed. My brother had a peppercorn burger, which he actually really liked, so I was happy that he at least had a good experience, as our out of town guest. My husband had the steak and spicy mashed potatoes and thought they were pretty terrible. So... not great food + not great service + usually pretty crowded means we likely won't be back any time soon.
(2)
Nicole M.
So on my most recent trip to Lucky Monk I tried the four cheese pizza and my boyfriend go a burger. We sat outside and Our waitress was super nice. I got my pizza it was not what I imagined it to be... I thought it would be crispy but it wasn't, it was soggy! Looked almost like a microwaved pizza. I ate it and it tasted alright not the best... Then I took another bite and saw a hair, I'm not one to make a big stink, I was just over the pizza. My boyfriend said his burger was decent but over cooked. Sad because our experience was soo good last time we went to Lucky Monk! Maybe it was just an off day.
(2)
Shelby A.
I just ate here today for a send-off meal, and I must say, it was surprisingly good. The interior was beautifully decorated for having a sports bar in it. We ate in the dining room though, to get over the future shame of the Bears losing to the Packers. An obvious loss. But anyways, we started off with the Loaded Fries. Ugh! Best part of the meal all together! The melted cheddar cheese was fantastic! Everything about that appetizer was to die for. For an entree, we split the Hand-tossed spinach pizza, which I was disappointed in. I figured the spinach would be cooked in the pizza but it was just spread all over the top. I mean, it wasn't a big deal, but I couldn't really eat it with the pizza because it kept falling off. The pizza's crust was just fine, it reminded me of Sbarro's crust. I loved the cheese! For dessert, I had the creme brulee. Aside from it being a bit liquidy for my taste, it was still delicious. I definitely would like to come back here again and try more of their pizzas and appetizers!
(4)
Faith D.
Tried it on a Sunday night of a holiday weekend so felt like a Saturday night. Got there early - not crowded at all. Took about 12 minutes for a server to stop by. Overall experience was mediocre. Service was lousy. Burger was no big deal. I asked for medium rare and it came medium well. I mentioned to server who took it to have it redone. Came back medium. The manager brought my redone burger and it still wasn't med rare but I said "never mind". He apologized and took it off our bill. Burgers are WAY better at Sullivan's and Winberie's. Very pretty restaurant but they REALLY need to work on the service, etc. Not sure I would go back unless pushed. So-so. You know me -- I don't lie about food and/or restaurants.
(2)
Candice H.
My husband and I love this place! The beer is good and they carry more than their own. The burgers are awesome and the warm pretzel trio is delicious! I would also recommend the giardineria calamari and the trio app with cheese curds and pickle fries. I am a huge fan of the bourbon stout burger and I substitute a turkey burger for the meat. I have also tried and liked the spinach and goat cheese and smothered burger the same way. My husband eats his the regular way and has the Hot Head as his favorite. The sweet potato fries are excellent! We tried the spinach and goat cheese pizza this past weekend and weren't impressed. My suggestion would be to leave off the mushrooms, MAYBE add onion. Beer- I personally like the Confessional when it comes to beer because I like IPAs. I am also impatiently waiting on their next round of bourbon stout. Service- Its pretty good and friendly. We only had one bad experience where the server kept screwing up my order and the kitchen was off that night. Oh and it took the server about 15-20 min to bring us one round of beers the other night. She said that someone must have grabbed ours but I didn't believe her.
(4)
Mark B.
We had a craving for a good burger. Friends had mentioned Lucky Monk several times and we decided it was time to dive in. We split an appetizer of fried pickles. I've had these before elsewhere and they always seem like a better idea than they really are. I've been corrected. Lucky Monk does these tasty morsels right. The batter is more like a tempura batter, so they were light, crunchy and not greasy. And, the deep fried pickles were complemented by a chipotle sauce that was the perfect accompanyment. I tore into a standard Monk burger done medium rare/rare with cheddar. Excellent burger. Good size, juicy, done just right with a bit of additional flavor from whatever they use to season it. The bun and the veggies were fresh as well. My only complaint was the key lime pie. We brought a piece home to enjoy later that evening. While the filling was ok, definitely lime, but not really key lime in flavor, the crust had an odd flavor to it. It was almost a burnt butter flavor. I couldn't tell if the crumb had been over cooked, if the butter had been burnt or if it was a combination of the two. All in all, we will be back to try the rest of the menu at Lucky Monk, including another shot at the Key Lime Pie.
(4)
Neal C.
Ate here and Emmett's on back-to-back nights. While both were good experiences, I would give the Lucky Monk a slight advantage if I was having dinner as they have a better variety of non-house beers, but Emmett's the nod if I was hanging out with friends as the atmosphere at Emmett's was more energetic. I would give 4.5 stars if I could, but it's not quite at the 5 star level. As a first visit, I went with the sampler of the house brews. Had a very good server, he did me a favor and allow me to substitute the standard stout for the seasonal bourbon barrel aged stout. It was a solid pour. The bourbon gave an almost sweet flavor that didn't overwhelm the palette. The sampler size was perfect for me. The other highlight was the Confessional IPA (but I do like me some IPA's). The Belgian Ale was also top-notch. If I was just ranking the beers, I would be very close to handing out 5 stars. My green chili cheese burger was very good and close to being great. The meat was cooked perfectly, the cheese was perfect, but the green chili's were fairly bland. They just weren't like the ones that you get in Albuquerque. If you've never had green chili's in New Mexico, than you might be happy. That being said, I still really liked my burger. The truffle fries were disappointing. I could barely taste the truffle oil. This is one thing that Emmett's did much better. Maybe it was just because I had dinner early and they had a wine special, but while the restaurant was fairly full, it was also fairly quiet. I would definitely come back here for dinner/drinks.
(4)
Jaclyn H.
Our first experience was amazing. We sampled beers to find the ones we liked (on the house with their own brews) and had great burgers. Second time? Whew. Everyone's dish was so unbelievably salty. Salty enough that we haven't been back since. Not sure who the heavy handed chef was that night, but a consistent product retains customers, it's as simple as that.
(3)
Mike K.
Love the burgers here. They are one of my favorites! Staff is a little shady.. but what can you expect from a bar.
(4)
Cary H.
Great atmosphere, kid friendly. Loved the La Colombe coffee here. They also have a great selection of beer. Staff was very accommodating.
(4)
Nicole S.
Alright, so i came here not knowing what it was, i didn't even know the name. My boyfriend said someone said it was good so we decided to check it out. it was a little bit of drive from where i lived but no biggie. It wasn't crowed because it was a week day and early about 3 or 4. We were seated and our waiter was fantastic! I wish i could remember his name because he was such a nice guy. So i got the sunrise burger( i'm not sure if thats what its called but its the one with friend egg on it and bacon. and it was fantastic and HUGE! like when they brought the burger out i was in awe because it was gigantic! the fries were excellent as well. I couldn't eat the entire thing so i took it home. The only thing i didn't like about this place was it was freezing! like i should have brought a winter jacket some gloves and a hat. but i got over it. Check this place out. also they brew their own beer :D always a plus.
(4)
Jaime C.
Awesome amazing ginormous greasy (the good kind!) heavenly mouth watering burgers ever!!!!! Not to mention the cheese curds which are Heart attack heaven!! And don't get me started with the beer selection! Great food great beers! definitely going back!
(4)
Kristen S.
This is one of our favorite local restaurants, both for the delicious food and great beers/drinks! This would be a 5 but on this visit we all felt our server was forgetful and unfriendly. Hopefully just not her best day, but it did mar the experience a bit. Fortunately the food was great as usual :) Our table had: Bourbon stout burger-lots of cheddar, beer braised onions, a bourbon glaze.. this was really good! we upgraded to the pickle fries and they were awesome as well Rueben- loved the dark rye, thought the meat had kind of a sweet flavor I didn't love but others did -came with fries which were perfectly crispy Nawlins chicken sandwich- two thumbs up, nice spice, flavor and crunch King burger-peanut butter, bananas and bacon-sounds odd but so good Skirt steak tacos-come w a spicy cheese sauce, avocado, and sour cream, very good! Cookie skillet and warm brownie desserts.. both delicious and rich, split among several people! Tips- definitely make a reservation on a weekend, try their house brews, get a side of ranch for the fries (if you're into that), the entrees are huge so apps aren't needed but you could make a great meal of apps n desserts, try the pickle fries or truffle fries, get there a little earlier than your reservation, parking is crazy and you'll still have a 10 min wait or so
(4)
Robert G.
Four stars for the food. Plus one star for dealing professionally with what was by far the loudest table in the restaurant. My cousin was having a baby shower, which meant the guys had to go someplace. "Someplace" ended up being The Lucky Monk, which appears to be a bar and craft brewer. Far from the only one in the suburbs, but the menu! I walked in on a bunch of appetizers. I had a few pieces of calamari, which were nice and crispy, and then moved on to the truffle oil fries, which, though likely not made of real truffle (this is true, Google it) was still exercise-inducingly addictive. This came with pickle chips and a ranch-based sauce of some sort, which was surprisingly good and not altogether greasy. We were then piled on some more with giant, soft pretzels served with three sauces - honey mustard being the one I remember and liked the most. I rolled the dice on a chorizo torta, which was okay; I tend to forget that chorizo can be pretty one-dimensional if there isn't enough spice in it, and the torta fell in that category. But I'm still glad it was on the menu, and equally glad that I had it. So the food overall was quite good, but I was happy to hear that the staff was entertained by our 3-hour, beer-filled stay. Involving endless arguments about whether LeBron or Michael is the best basketball player, and whatnot. Undoubtedly, we annoyed the other patrons, but they didn't care and treated us well, and they deserve credit for that.
(5)
Nabeel S.
We arrived early for a movie at AMC 30 and had about 45 minutes to kill. Among three of us, we ordered one pizza, one burger and three beers. We told the waiter that we had a movie in a short while and they expedited the order and got us out in perfect time. The beer selection was good, they have their own brew and carry common beers as well. I had the Belgian Wit, which was excellent. The pizza was also good. Will come early for a movie again.
(5)
Janni V.
Parmesan truffle fries for a starter. Bourbon Stout burger (with sweet potato fries). Solitude Oatmeal Stout. (And we were supposed to go for a motorcycle ride after this, lol.) Sometimes, you just need a really nice burger. This was actually one of the first things I ate after recovering from some sort of stomach bug. Good thing my stomach was nice and empty -- I needed the space. I still can't believe I managed to eat the whole thing. That burger was ginormous -- but super, super tasty. I'm picky about cheese on burgers. Most of the time, I'm fine without it. But if I have it? I want good cheese. Not crappy cheese. TLM uses nice Tillamook, which has some flavor and body to it. It was also cooked perfectly. The Solitude Oatmeal Stout was quite tasty. Perhaps if I'd written this review closer to when I actually drank it, I could give you more details. I will say that I don't recall anything particular standing out about it, except that it was quite enjoyable. Then again, I'm a stout fan. It's not the best ever, but certainly good. We went around 2pm on a Saturday, so while there were some people there, it wasn't crazy busy. I'm not sure I'd want to go when it was -- not a big fan of the crowded, rowdy brewpub experience. But the food and beer were good enough that I'm happy it's a nearby option.
(4)
Laura F.
I am shocked that a few reviews down there is complaint was that this place was too expensive to take the kids, especially since the reason I was drawn to write a review was because of how much I loved their kid experience. For only $6.95 my children were served a delicious multi coursed meal (appetizer, main, side, drink and desert). The place lives up to their hype on the burgers. They were amazing and I was honestly most skeptical of the beer, but it was actually really good. As my husband put it... "it surprisingly exceeded my expectations." It will be our go to place whenever we are in the area. Only complaint would be the time it took us to get our food. There was a pretty long wait between appetizers and dinner. Our servers were very attentive so I will not blame it on them. Perhaps they need a larger kitchen as this seems to be a common issue.
(4)
Victoria L.
Average. 5 stars for beer, 2 for the food. We got the beer sampler which gives you a great variety if you're indecisive. Ordered 2 appetizers and 3 entrees. The server mentioned they've been known for their pizza so we got that as a part of the 3. It was very average and not unique/special in any way. Ribs were decent but overcooked. The braised beef pasta was all pasta no beef, so basically $15 for a plate of pasta. One of the appetizers was sent back completely. Service was good. I wouldn't go back unfortunately.
(3)
Amy M.
I've been to Lucky Monk many times and have always had great experiences. Their food is delicious and their staff is professional and friendly. I've been pleased with everything I've ordered off of their menu. Their burgers are delicious and I'd definitely recommend getting the loaded fries as a side. My husband and I even hosted our rehearsal dinner for our wedding there. The staff was helpful, friendly, and professional throughout the planning process which made my job a lot easier. The night of the dinner was a success as well. Everyone in our party really enjoyed the atmosphere, drinks and food. Service was great.
(5)
James R.
We hit the lucky monk a couple of weeks ago to start off our 2013 new brewery tour. When looking for a brewery in the Chicago are that I hadn't visited yet I found The Lucky Monk. I hadn't been there and it was conveniently located right off interstate. The restaurant area is nice. It's a casual feeling, but more upscale than most brewpubs one visits. Since I was mostly interested in the beer we sat at the bar where I could get a good look at the fermenters and other equipment used. Even though I went here for the beer, this is not a review of the beer itself. I will say they did have some very nice ones that were really good. My wife and I decided to get something to eat. The menu listed many items that sounded delicious. We ended up getting a burger and splitting it because it was half a pound and neither of us wanted to eat that much. We ended up getting the Bourbon Stout burger with a side of Tumbled Crispy Onions. The burger was fantastic. Thick (half pound burger!), juicy, cooked to a perfect medium as requested. The tumbled crispy onions were also fantastic, what really set them apart from other places was the wasabi-ranch dipping sauce. That sauce sent my taste buds into a sensory overload. The wasabi flavor was good, but it wasn't as spicy as one associates with wasabi. It had the flavor with only a mild burn to it. Wow, just wow. I'd go back just for these. The restaurant itself was clean, well maintained. The service was okay, we did have to flag down the bartender a couple of times. The bartender we had wasn't exceptionally helpful. I asked questions, but his responses were more of a bored disinterested variety. Not something that one looks for at a brewpub. Overall, I'll definitely stop in there again.
(4)
Dan S.
Their burgers are delicious, and there's many to choose from. Get the beer flight and try all their beers too! The monk club is so worth it, front of the line and a new bomber of brew every month!
(5)
Sarah D.
Great burgers with Gluten Free buns! The Monks special cheeseburger is the best. If you've been searching for the former Jan's Grill fries you had in EGV in the 80's-your search is over! These are the best. My friend got the fried pickles instead and they were crisp and came with a spicy dipping sauce Location is on the drive of the Barrington 30 movie theater with a cool outdoor seating area with a firepit. Get there early!
(5)
Dan W.
Exceptional service and great food. Only improvement would have been a tripel or quad local beer.
(5)
Mrs. B.
The beer selection is fab, food is yummy, and service/atmosphere is great! I recommend this place and try the pretzels!! :D
(5)
Katie M.
A good establishment for a good drink and a great burger. I've tried the spinach and goat cheese burger and the another burger, and both we're yummy! Definitely spring for the special sides, especially the sweet potato fries and fried pickles. Their fried pickles are perfection!
(4)
Kelly E.
favorite! make a reservation otherwise the wait can be long...
(5)
Joseph R.
Great ambiance, beautiful decoration, tv's, clean bathrooms. I had the bbq salmon; really good: soft & tasty. Service was good.
(4)
HG C.
I've returned a few times and my experience has been much better. Service was great both times. Foods decent and prices are fair. The fries suck:(
This is one of our favorite places to go when we have a night off...we love the parmesan fries and I like the chicken kabobs while my husband loves their burgers...great presentation of food (and a lot of it)...one of our favorite servers is danato...even when he isn't our server he always stops by to say hi to us. I can't believe I almost forgot...their cookie skillet is amazingggg one of our favorite desserts!
(5)
Tim H.
Every meal is fantastic! I have never had a bad meal there. Fish fry is delicious! The staff are so friendly & prompt. Last night I forgot a gift box on my table by mistake, while outside waiting for my car, a server came running outside to give them to me! So kind of him!! Check this place out, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Dennis O.
Their burgers are USDA prime beef. The sear they put on the outside is amazing! Definitely a contender for the best burger I've ever had. The menu is very diversified. I called for a reservation earlier that same day. I lucked out (no pun intended) as the place was a madhouse! I look forward to returning.
(5)
Stephanie H.
I love this place! It's always lively and the service is stellar. The drinks are delicious and the beer is the best around. The food is fresh and made from scratch which is apparent from the taste. It's great for families, date night or an evening with your friends, they definitely made sure to cover all of their bases and succeeded in doing so. I'll be back time and time again! If you haven't tried this place yet you're missing out!
(5)
Joann J.
First time here and we loved it. We started out with the beer sampler and the deep fried egg- wonderful appetizer. The beer sampler was a good way to taste the different beers sine I really don't know that much about beer. We were a party of four and all ordered different burgers with different sides- the patty melt was the biggest hit. Sides were ( in order of faves). Fries with gravy, deep fried pickle chips, cheese curds and Parmesan truffle fries. Our waiter was super great and we had a good time sharing all of our food. Will definitely return.
(5)
Diana F.
Good food, the servers are informed. Everything went well. The food was tasty and prepared well. Overall good experience. The kids were fine and treated well.
(5)
Charity T.
This is a solid, good beer and burger place with a rustic upscale interior. The tacos were great. Always a good choice to go here.
(4)
Amy S.
Beer paddle is great for sampling their drafts! Fried pickles and truffle fries are delicious. Meals are above average, but the five star rating comes from their excellent service and beautiful outdoor seating!
(5)
Doug P.
Ordered the grilled cheese / burger. 1/2 premium beef surrounded by 2 grill cheese sandwiches Melanie had the smothered burger now for desserts. Guess there goes the diet
(4)
Jenny T.
This place is a decent place to grab a burger and a beer. The beer is made in house which a plus. However if you are looking for really good beer, then you may find this place a little disappointing. The beer is just average at best it catered to the average Joe. So if you are a beer aficionado then you may want to steer clear.
(3)
Sarah S.
I went to The Lucky Monk last night with my BFF post a movie at AMC. I've gone by a million times when going to movies but never actually stopped in...what was I thinking!? They surprisingly have a big beer selection including a favorite of mine I've had at many Yelp events, Crispin. Gotta love that 5% hard cider. We went about 7pm last night and there was a 30 minute wait. They do take Open Table reservations but had no openings last night. We opted to sit at the bar with no wait and I'm glad we did. We grabbed a couple of corner stools and had a lovely time. Instead of ordering entrees, we decided to get a buffet of appetizers and some beers. Not only did the orders come out quickly but they were huge! We felt like beasts with 4 apps between the two of us. The bartender said we had a castle of plates. :( I'll have you know, judgmental bartender, we took most of it home but it was great to get to try a variety of items. hehe :D Warm Pretzel Trio $9.95 - These pretzels were great but be sure to eat them right as they come out & are still toasty warm. They come with a warm grainy mustard butter (loved it), wisconsin cheese beer fondue (loved it) and tomato parmesan sauce (could have skipped it). Crispy Eggs $7.95 - 6 Deep fried deviled eggs with bacon marmalade, truffle oil, chitpotle aioli, and everything good. This was a very close second favorite of the appetizers we got last night. The crispiness was well balanced out by the soft hard boiled egg. I loved the contrast in textures. I loved the surprising flavors in each bite. I found these to be packed with flavor and would get them again in a heartbeat! Whipped Goat Cheese $7.95 - Not what i was expecting at all! This appetizer comes with two mini loaves of bread and a tomato marinara sauce with goat cheese in the middle. The goat cheese was phenomenal, but poor ignorant me thought this would be a dish...not a bread with dipping sauce. The bread was quite dry and super hard, tough to cut off. Even when we tried to rip it with our hands it was rough. I would pass on getting this dish again. Wisconsin Cheese Curds $7.95 - We both agreed this was our favorite appetizer of the night. Beer battered goodness in the form of cheese balls. Honestly, these were the best deep fried cheese curds I've ever had. I've had a thing for cheese curds since getting them fresh from the Glenview farmer's market every weekend as a kid growing up so whenever I see them on the menu, I gravitate towards them. The breading on these curds was light and delicious plus the curds inside were soft & fresh. The Lucky Monk has a fantastic craft beer selection plus they concoct their own brewskis! The cool thing with the beers is that they pair the right glass with your blend and don't just give you the run of the mill standard cup. My friend got a goblet with her tasty bubbly brew! It's such a chill space inside, plus they have a great patio. After our chowing down and drinking, my friend and I took a seat on the patio next to the fire pit to tell ghost stories ;). They have huge comfy chairs outside which makes for a relaxing, chill atmosphere. I absolutely loved everything about The Lucky Monk.
(5)
RALPH C.
Chopped salad was good. Bbq wings were ok. Pizza was good, the only thing was that we ordered sausage pizza and the sausage was spicy. They should put spicy sausage pizza on the menu. We had to ask for water. And our waitress seemed in a hurry all the time . not much conversation.
(2)
June Y.
The food here is great, but I have to say, as a fan of sweet potato fries, the Lucky Monk had the BEST sweet potato fries I've ever had.
(5)
Lois C.
I swear I thought I reviewed this place!! Well here we go! I've been to Lucky Monk twice now with 2 bigger size groups. The first time I went, I had the hot head burger with pickle fries. The hot head was good but not as spicy as I would have liked. I asked for extra jalapenos but they said it would cost extra so I opted to not have it. My oh my, those pickle fries are something I dream of on a daily occasion. They were seriously so good and I could literally eat them everyday. My friends had the truffle fries and cheese curds as well. Cheese curds were pretty good but you have to eat them hot or else the cheese hardens and its not as tasty. The truffle fries were alright, but really I'd opt for the regular fries and save $2. I didn't think they were all that great, really didn't taste much truffle. The second time I went, I just had to get the hot head again. But this time my husband was with me so we shared the fish tacos as well. I hate beans, but I eat them since I know they're "healthy". Not sure if Lucky Monks is all that healthy but it was so tasty! It seemed to be mixed with meat and it was so flavorful, I could have licked the plate if I wasn't so full. Fish tacos were really good and I would comment on the rice but my daughter ate it all before I could have a bite, so it was definitely toddler approved. My husband and I also shared the beer sampler and I would definitely recommend it. I personally liked most of the beers and we both decided on the Cardinal Sin. Everyone that I went with raved about the food so I would highly recommend going there. But a fair warning, be careful with the water because sometimes it taste like metal. The first time we went the water was disgusting and we asked our server about it and she stated that it was a normal thing. Second time I went, I warned my friends and we all tried the water and it tasted just fine. Not sure if its a regular thing but definitely something to be weary of since I wouldn't drink or allow my family to drink the water that tasted like metal. Oh and one more thing. They do have private rooms for events and their pricing seems pretty reasonable for what they offer. How can you go wrong with good food and private dining? I'm thinking of an event to have JUST so I can go back to Lucky Monk and enjoy their food and beer.
(5)
Lauren S.
Amazing food, they brew great beer, and excellent ambience and service. Sweet potato fries are definitely worth the upgrade. Nawlins chicken sandwich is my favorite, but the burgers and really anything else are good too. Family friendly but great for a date night too.
(5)
Dre M.
Love their house beers, which are pretty reasonably priced, as well as their pretzels with dipping sauce...just beware as the place gets pretty crowded on the weekends!
(4)
Stephen H.
The burger was one of the best I've had in a long time, and I'm old! I can't remember the name of the beer, but was exceptional as was the service - we sat in the bar.
(5)
Katie G.
My boyfriend and I went here on a whim and it was amazing! Service was great fast and friendly! They were super nice about accommodating my meal to gluten free options and the beer picks were great! We left so satisfied!
(5)
Mike O.
A friend suggested this place and, since the lady and I wanted to see a movie, thought this would be a good place to try and then see a flick. My friend said their pickle fries and cheese curds were great, better than Stonewood Ale House's Freckles and mozzarella sticks. I'm a big Stonewood fan, so I had to give both a try. We shared the pickle fries and I agree with my friend and other reviews...pickle fries are good. They come with a ranch-like dipping sauce. I had the Luigi Burger (hold the Giardiniera) and $2 swapped fries for Wisconsin curds. Burger was great and the curds were awesome...like Culver's but softer & not as fried. My gal got the steak tacos & she shared a bite, pretty good too. The friendly waitress let me try their current speciality beer, not bad. She mentioned they have a new speciality every 6 weeks, so more than one a season. Need to bring some work buddies over to try their homemade brews. All in all, very nice. Cool decor too, modern meets wooden beer lodge. I'll be back!
(4)
Michael Z.
The hour wait only took about 35 min on a Thursday night. First impression was really nice. I like the decor and the couch like feeling of the booths on one side of the tables. I ordered the white bean chili with chicken which was awesome as well as the pepercorn ranch burger. The wait for our food was quite long; I think it eneded up taking about 45 min to get it. Everyone ordered burgers or an appetizer. One thing I didnt like was having the burger appear to be bigger than it was by placing it on a "puck". I would prefer it not be dummied up to appear larger than it was. Service wasnt all that great. Initially our table didnt have enough menus or napkins with silverware and she didnt get anymore so everyone would have one. We had to go to the next table to get additional napkins. One of us asked for hot sauce that he never had gotten either and my water wasnt replenished regularly as I would have hoped for. Overall, it was alright. A little pricey. Some of us were shocked at our bills. If the service was better and the food would have come out quicker, it probably would have gotten another star.
(3)
Anthony R.
It's really hard not to say that the Lucky Monk serves one of the top 3 tastiest burgers I've ever had. Substituded for Merkts cheddar cheese with bourbon grilled onions....wow! Fried pickles and amazing cheese curds for app and really enjoyed their beers. A bit pricey but that burger is priceless.
Excellent food and beer! Family friendly atmosphere with dessert that is to die for.
(5)
Steve B.
Excellent selection of beers and amazing food. The burgers are especially great. This place has become one of my favorites.
(5)
Angela R.
Awesome burgers, cheese curds, salads and buffalo wings.... call for reservation especially on the weekends. Our family loves it here!
(5)
Sarah B.
Yay! I'm a fan! We Went to the Lucky Monk with another couple and had an awesome time. We started with the pretzel app, which had an awesome cheese sauce and mustard butter. I got the beer sampler since I couldn't decide on a beer. The BF and friends BF had IPA's that were barrel aged in Makers Mark barrels. They loved them. Friend had the Red Appeal and it was delicious. For noms, I got the short rib tacos and they were great. The BF had the steak tacos and I liked them even more than mine. Friend got the cheese pizza and it was surprisingly yummy. Friend's BF got the grilled cheese burger and it looked amazing. The boys got another round of IPA's and friend got a cocktail. I decided on the Cinnamon Sidecar, because Sidecars = fav drink ever. It was awesome, I'm skipping the beer next time even though the beer was pretty tasty too. We got two of the homemade donut desserts. They were sooooo good. Still warm and chewy, plus the homemade sauces were freaking amazing. I couldn't pick a favorite. Our waiter was super attentive and really nice. My only sad moment was when I couldn't order mix n match tacos, you have to pick only one kind :-( We spent probably 2+ hours there and can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jennifer S.
We've been to The Lucky Monk a few times now and I think we are officially fans! Most recently, my dad and step-mom decided to take us for an anniversary dinner (married four years already...holy moly!!). Anyhow, dad and I coordinated the evening. The location is great for us. Them coming from Carpentersville. Us coming from Bartlett. It's right off the Route 90, so although they traveled a little further, it was highway miles which makes it a-ok. We went on a Monday night and they were packed, but we arrived early and a table was ready by the time the rest of our party arrived. Beer flights, lagers and ciders all around. It was a celebration and the drinks were great! We split a sampler of cheese curds, fried pickles and truffle fries. The cheese curds reign supreme! I'm still trying to count my calories, but this past month has been kinda meh, if you know what I mean. So, I ordered fish & chips. I ate all of the fish and a little less than half of the chips. A year ago, I easily could and would have finished all of my food. The portion is a nice size, but there were a lot of fries. The love of my life, the apple of my eye, the ying to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly...my hubby, ordered a burger. Honestly, I have no idea which one he went with, but he ate most of it and didn't complain, so it had to have been good. I recall spice and cheese. I'm guessing it was the Hot Head. Dad also went with a burger, but at our waitress' suggestion, he tried the peppercorn ranch. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Dad is fairly easy to please which makes me wonder how I became so picky...uh, such a connoisseur of things. ;-) My step-mom seems to really enjoy a nice meal out. She is quite the cook and I've noticed that she tends to order things that she doesn't make at home. This only makes sense. Mushroom risotto with chicken was on her agenda that night. No complaints from her and I believe her leftovers even went home with her for lunch the next day. Some more thoughts: I don't like the acoustics in here. Sadly, it is difficult to carry on a conversation. It's loud and the sound travels funny. I don't know how else to explain it. Our server has been fine every time we've been here. Fine, but not memorable. These reasons keep The Lucky Monk at four stars for now.
(4)
Dana R.
This place is hard to get into! On our second attempt at visiting, we finally scored an 8:45 reservation. It seems a little late to eat, but it was SO WORTH IT! There was about 5 of us, and we noshed on the fried deviled eggs. They were crispy, crunchy and creamy all at the same time and were a perfect way to start the evening off. The conversation flowed smoothly as it often does with friends and we placed our orders. Friend on my right ordered "The Grilled Cheese Burger" with a side of the "Wisconsin Cheese Curds", I had "The Smothered Burger" with a side of "Pickle Fries" and my honey on my right had "The Monk Burger" with a foreignly delicious side of hand cut fries "Poutine-Montreal Style." That is smothered in gravy with cheese curds. How could you not resist? Even the name sounds exotic in a weird bathroom-humor-way. I didn't really catch what our friends across from us ordered, except that it was a burger and a meatball sandwich maybe? I wasn't really paying attention to their food, but they seemed to enjoy it. The benefit of sitting in the middle of such deliciousness is that I got to nosh off of everyone's plate. Whether they wanted me to or not is a different story, but we all shared in the end. The "Grilled Cheese Burger" looked massive! The friend who ordered is an EMT/Firefighter in training, so there was a lot of jokes about cardiac arrest and picture texting going on. He could barely wrap his mouth around the mammoth, but he managed. I sneaked a few of his sinfully delicious cheese curds too. My smothered burger was an angel sent from above. Picture a beautiful burger with wings floating above my head (kind of like cupid) and you get the idea. The deliciousness of the gruyere, and carmelized onions was almost too much to take. Sadly, it was SO good that I was the first one done. You know when something is so good that you gobble it up immediatley? Yeah, this was it. My pickle fries were wondeful as far as pickle fries go. They were a nice size chip that was perfectly fried. Not too soggy and not too crisp, the salt was just right. A pickle chip goldilocks if you will. My love wasn't over the moon about his monk burger, but enjoyed it for what it was. A good burger. He was however contemplating moving to Canada after tasting the dish they call Poutine (Pronounced Poo-teen). The Lucky Monk does Poutine right (and if they do it wrong, I could care less) hand cut fries smothered in a beef gravy with pops of hot cheese curds floating throughout it. Can I get a Campbells "Mmm, mmm good"?! Of course no one had room for dessert, but I ordered "The House Made Sticky Doughnuts" anyway. It was a perfect portion. 5 Pillowy doughnuts drizzled in a sweet vanilla glaze, stacked on top of each other in a mason jar. They came with dipping sauces of caramel, chocolate and raspberry. They were so finger-licking good, that I almost wanted to order another to go and eat them in bed later. Our drinks were phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed my dirty, filthy martini, and they guys really dug the beer selections. We left happy and with a new meeting spot that fit the distance equally for everyone.
(5)
Al D.
A very nice restaurant very good service good food good staff family friendly good prices
(4)
Ashley W.
We stopped in here on a Saturday for a late lunch around 3:00. No wait, but they were still pretty busy given the time of day that we were there. Our waitress had at least 5 tables that we counted, including one larger party. I was a waitress back in the day, and 5 tables can be a lot to handle at one time. She did a great job keeping up with everything including drink refills so kudos to her. This was our first time here, so we started with the Trappist Trio so that we could sample a few different options that so many Yelpers had mentioned; the cheese curds, truffle fries, and pickle fries. We loved the cheese curds and the pickle fries, but the truffle fries were just okay. They tasted a little bit too garlicy to us. The chipotle ranch was the favorite sauce out of the two. We were already starting to get full after polishing off the trio, so we decided to share a burger instead of each ordering one. Warning - the burgers are HUGE! We went with the Peppercorn Ranch burger, medium, and paid $2 extra to order a salad in place of the fries (we had already indulged in plenty of fried goodness for our appetizer!). Sharing a burger after finishing that trio for our appetizer was a good idea, it was the perfect amount. While it's not the best burger I've ever had, it was still pretty darn delicious. If you're coming here for the first time I'd highly recommend the cheese curds and the pickle fries, and you can't go wrong with a burger.
(4)
AJ B.
I have been here many times in the last three years and am always impressed. My company is located less than a mile away so we host a lot of lunches here. Service and food are always great. Burgers are huge and delicious, the white chili is good as are most of the main courses. Unlike most places I usually try something new every time I am there and have yet to be disappointed. They also have their own craft beer which is good as well. Something for everyone here - would recommend to all.
(5)
Leonora B.
Awesome place!!!! Love the fallen angel... my hubby love the stout!!!! Wish there's one in san francisco.... we'll visit soon!!!! Perfect ambience... get there early because they get packed and busy... call ahead and reserve.... love the truffle fries and hot head burger... missed my lucky monk so Much....
(5)
Melissa A.
Mmmm burgers! I love burgers and I have to say the burgers at The Lucky Monk are pretty darn tasty. So far I've had the Spinach Goat Cheese burger and the Smothered burger. The Smothered came with Gruyere, pickles, and caramelized onions. Can you say delicious?! The staff are all friendly and helpful. The first time I came to The Lucky Monk, I had made a reservation for 14 people one day in advance and they were able to accommodate me easily. I will be back next time to try their beers since I hear they're pretty good!
(4)
Marcin B.
We live 5 minutes from the placy and I have never had a chance to visit the place until last month. We got there 2 times already and we will definitely visit again in the future. I can simply say they have very good burgers and I mean it. When you order medium it is medium and pink inside not like other places when your ordered medium turns to be close to well done. They have pizza which is average in my opinion but I think they use fire wood oven so it might get better. Lastly they brew their own beer which is very fresh and tasty, they have Lager,Wheat and Porter/Stout so everyone can choose a favourite one. Bar is also definitely worth the visit with wide variety of alcohol drinks.
(4)
Chad S.
I enjoy the selection of beers here and the food was pretty good. Everything they serve is made in-house and the handmade pretzels are amazing with 3 dipping sauces. The burgers are good, not the best I've had, but pretty decent and I love the N'awlins Chicken sandwich. The atmosphere is great if you want to hang our with friends at the bar and watch a game. Haven't tried their entrees. I recommend
(4)
Pete L.
We've eaten at dozens of burger restaurants over the last two years... a different place nearly every Tuesday night. We've had burgers from Kuma's Corner, The Gage, Brauer House, DMK and dozens of other places that specialize in burgers. The Lucky Monk has a fantastic selection of burgers, the meat is specially blended for them and they take great care creating perfection in a burger. It's so good that we created a new category in our rating system ... "Top Dog", and Lucky Monk is the sole occupier of that spot. While the burgers are in a league of their own, their beer selection is not only extensive, but the beers they brew on site (at least the two we had) were excellent as well. Our server (Erin) was perfect: friendly and fun without being "too friendly", too intrusive, too talkative or too frequent. Really delightful in all respects. We will be back and are excited to learn that there may be a new Luck Monk coming to Downers Grove by the end of the year. It's very popular and busy. I'd stay away from a Friday or Saturday night. We went on a Tuesday evening (of course) and were seated within two minutes of arrival. But the place was full at 7:15 when we got there. If you haven't been to the Lucky Monk, do yourself a favor and get there... but make a reservation first.
(5)
Jackie B.
Great food...amazing selection of beer but the music is a little too loud..had a hard time talking to the people I was sitting with.
(4)
Bnilla R.
The Lucky Monk was delicious. My husband had the fish and chips and I had The King burger. We both highly recommend these dishes. Try the beer sampler! The waitress was absolutely fantastic and took great care of us.
(5)
Esteban S.
A huge fan of this establishment; great food, I enjoy the craft beer's, and friendly staff. I will be coming back soon.
(5)
Danielle S.
Finally, finally I came here after hearing about it from so many people! Where to start?! First off, this is a total guys place. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, and women are more than welcome here. But the vast amounts of beer and meat, and the lounge like atmosphere are perfect for a guys' night out or a great place to take that special man on a date. We ended up sitting outside - awesome choice! There are plenty of seats/tables outside. There are even chairs to just sit and lounge/have a drink in without tables. There isn't a lot of shade, so come prepared (sunglasses, sunscreen, and cooler clothing). They have an awesome beer selection - I honestly couldn't decide what to get! I would love to come here and try a different beer every time! And if you don't like beer, no worries. They have an awesome mixed drink selection (my friend got one and said it was great). There is something on the menu for everyone - I got the Twisted Chicken Sandwich with fries. It was very good! My friend got the Grilled Cheeseburger - this is a MUST try at some point. A burger between 2 grilled cheeses? What? That's awesome. It isn't good for you, but it tasted amazing. No regrets! The only downfall was the service. We waited a long time to get a second round of drinks, water refilled, condiments, and our checks. The servers were very nice - don't get me wrong. And they were busy. It isn't going to keep me from coming back!
(4)
John S.
Went here for my sisters birthday. Place was packed so was glad we had a say I am impressed because there were lots of people. The service here was also top notch. Our waiter was excellent with refills and very friendly. For dinner I went with a burger. My burger was a great size and cooked perfectly. The fries here were also very good. For bar food The Lucky Monk is quite good and I would go back.
(4)
Catherine P.
I remember why we don't go here. And after a recent visit, I'm not in any big hurry to go back, sadly. While the atmosphere is great, the service is mediocre. The food is good but the pricing kinda stinks. They don't really have any real economical options. All the burgers are $10+. I would rather go to Kuma's Corner for a $10+ burger. Main entrees are approximately $14. Sandwiches all about $10. I really just think i was turned off by the service. We had the trio app and swapped out the onion strings for cheese curds which were amazing. The 25 minute wait for our app was what upset me. The quality was there. That's the part that kills me! The fried pickles were surprisingly good. The cheese curds were some of the best I have ever had. I have to give them props for this! Our server, while friendly, only stood at our table twice the entire evening while serving us. We were seated in a far corner in the bar area and next to their computer/order entry station where he stood and yelled to us to discuss our order, additional refill requests, etc. It really was very unprofessional. Don't yell to me, come to our table to talk. He was entering other orders from other tables while talking to us. It was weird and very unprofessional. Big turn off. My fiance liked his sandwich but it wasn't very hot when it was served. The plate was hotter than the food. Not a fan. I think I have decided that this place is great for apps and cocktails. And stinks for dinner. It's just too costly for what it is.
(3)
Lindsey S.
I finally got to check out the Lucky Monk for a late dinner. I'm so glad I did! Amazing food, really pleasant staff. I'm not a drinker but my boyfriend was really happy with the selection and enjoyed the house beer they brew. If you like beer battered stuff, try anything fried there. For me, I don't enjoy that but I do enjoy an awesome burger. They also have the best truffle fries! It was a nice, comfortable atmosphere as well.
(4)
Rita B.
This is probably my fifth time here. The restaurant changes their menu often. The server even confirmed that last night. Busy place. 30 minute wait but not bad for a Saturday night. My friend and I ordered the mini steak tacos with the salsa on the side. Not what we were expecting. We knew mini would be small but when we got our plates we looked at the tacos and were kind of wondering how they can make tacos so small. They were VERY small. Came served with rice with carrots and black beans refried. Taste of tacos: delicious! Everything was perfect about them except the size. Flavor was right on. The salsa was so the best. Just the perfect amount of heat. Rice was ok. Needed salt. Carrots were tough. Dry. Refried black beans not my thing. Had one taste and had enough. Staff was alright. Nothing to rave or complain about. However, the bartender was on top of her game. Made sure our drinks kept on coming. Yes, that's part of her job....she did it exceptionally well. Truth is I'll probably end up coming back here sometime again next year because its so close to AMC. Give it a try.
(3)
Nick M.
Great beer, great burgers, and friendly on point service! Definitely will be back!
(4)
Mark N.
Great gastropub type restaurant with a laid back, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Perfect place to watch the games. Our server was way cool and took the time to breakdown the menu for us newbies. We started with the goat cheese app which was great. The goat cheese was served in a large bowl accompanied by some marinara that added a lot of dimension to what could other wise be a very one dimensional dish. Entree was the luigi burger. I was surprised to see all their burgers use prime grade beef and it was great! Though the bun was a little too thin and fell apart and the Parmesan fries were straight up mushy. Crispy fries and I would have given them 5 stars.
(4)
Bill M.
Decor - nice, clean, slightly sophisticated. Service - above average. Attentive and pleasant. Food - Mediocre. I got the steak tacos. While I never eat black beans / refried beans anyway, I must say they looked TERRIBLE on the plate! Dried out and almost like asphalt. The tacos and rice I would put at about a C+. I did not drink any of the beer selections but they looked decent. Coke over Pepsi products is a plus. Probably not a bad place to grab dinner before a movie or a drink afterward.
(3)
Benjamin L.
AMAZING burgers and beer!! Will give them another try...
(3)
Michael C.
Love this place for food and beer and bartenders. The waitresses are a bit bitchy and act like you are bothering them, but the fish tacos and IPA make up for it.
(4)
G D.
We really enjoyed our meal here. Great atmosphere and very attentive service and generous portions. We had the beer sampler which was fun for the adults at the table to try. Our table ordered burgers and all were excellent. Between our group of five we ordered two portabello burgers, the grain burger, a chicken sandwich and a hamburger. I would go back again when in the area.
(4)
Kelly O.
I am in love. My sister and brother in law recommended this place to me (and after raving about it to friends this week-- every single person I know that has been there says OMG I LOVE THAT PLACE.....) and they were spot on. IDEAL location next to the big Barrington Theater. HUGE outdoor patio deck area on the water--- I mean, not just a deck -- it's decorated and landscaped optimally. The mood is awesome. Inside is very big and expansive with a huge bar area and lots of open seating-- we sat outside. HUGE craft beer selection almost too much to choose from, not really. ;-) I had Fallen Angel and my man had Cardinal Sin. We felt sinfully happy. The menu- OMG. You'll want everything- we got fried pickles-- HEAVEN!!! And although I wanted the Reuben, they did not offer the option to do it Rachel style with turkey (surprised me frankly) so I got steak tacos -- very good- they do them small like palm sized. My man got a hujazz burger and polished it off completely. We could not attempt dessert but what we saw go by was amazing looking. Staff is attentive and knowledgeable and friendly but not invasive. I cannot say enough good things about this spot and will go back infinity.
(5)
Nicole M.
The beginning of the service was amazing. We made a reservation for 4 and we got seated right away. We had an additional guest so a total of 6 people and we got moved immediately to a bigger table. The waiter was helpful with telling us which beers were on tap and what was popular. He was really funny and nice!! We ordered our food after a little bit of waiting. The appetizers came out promptly. We ordered the calamari and the cheese curds. I definitely RECOMMEND the cheese curds! After some time we were able to order our meals. The waiter was busy but it did take a little too log to get our food put in. On top of the wait. We had to wait even longer for our food. Okay, so my short rib tacos were great! The BBQ burger was good but it was slightly overcooked and dry. It needed a bit more sauce. My friend ordered the cheese pizza. The portions were quite small. Here is where it went downhill. We were waiting for a LONG time for our meal as is. But the pizza didn't come out. The manager came out and told us 30 seconds. It's took TEN MORE MINUTES. Now don't get me wrong. I understand the food industry. I work at an upscale pizza restaurant in Los Angeles and I know how it is. But still... It just kind of sucks because I had higher expectations! Our waiter JAKE was super accommodating. He was very upbeat and helpful. He told us exactly what was happening so it made it better. Overall the manager and Jake made things much better. The food was good. I'll come again next time and give them another chance!!
(4)
Candice G.
Why, oh why, didn't I get the pickle fries? Regret. Remorse. But it's okay, I know I'll be back to resolve this sad pickle situation. I came in for lunch, which I think is an important piece of information because some places are just better for dinner than lunch, and vice versa. I think Lucky Monk is good for both, but the atmosphere leans itself to be more comfortable for a dinner setting as my party of two was sat at a rather regal booth that could have easily sat 6-8 people. It'd be fun for a dinner group, but for a business lunch it was kind of like the equivalent of sharing a bunk bed with your boss, but without any kind of creepy feeling because you're boss is pretty rad. I've been a real lame-rod lately so I didn't get anything boozy to drink, but Nicole W gave the thumbs up to their IPA paired with an absolutely massive burger. And though I technically am giving hearsay information by saying this since I didn't partake in the beer or a burger, I feel confident in saying that between the sight, smells and glistening burger juices on that plate, that there is no way that burger wasn't the best thing ever. When I first looked at the menu, I was between a few things, namely the truffle fries, loaded fries or pickle fries (I'm a fry-guy), but then I saw the Trappist Trio where you get truffle fries, cheese curds, pickle fries and two kinds of sauces and nearly jumped for that had it not been for the all-too-real of the time my boss gifted me with a one pound bag of cheese curds and chocolate bars on a business trip and like a dummy I ate it all in one night after drinking and then ended up being grossly backed up for, oh I don't know, the entire four days leading up to a shared flight back to our home state. Awkward. So after some deep thoughts on what I wanted to get vs what I should get, I opted for the veggie tacos "Chihuahua style" with zucchini, corn, mushrooms, squash, chipotle and cotija cheese. The dish came with three tacos, a side of beans and I think I remember some rice in there too, but if there was I ate it way to fast to even describe what it tasted like. The presentation on the tacos was fine, though they weren't very hot and the inside was a weird blend that looked like it was probably mixed together at another time and just reheated for the plate, but I feel like that's the story for a lot dishes on larger lunch menus are restaurants, and honestly, I was just excited that they had a nice veggie option on the daytime menu. The tacos were decent, a bit mushy, but I had no problem swallowing them whole. I won't be raving about them and I wouldn't steer anyone in the veggie taco direction unless they weren't in the mood for a whole lot of flavor, but they weren't bad, just not great. The next time I go back I'll defo get a dish that's more bar-food or pub-style than veggie tacos, because honestly, every dish that involved frying or grilling something and serving it with a sauce looked (based on other tables) and smelled insane, and I think that's the type of food they really excel at, though I've heard good things about their pizza as well. I'll be back, and that fry trio won't even know what hit it.
(4)
Gus I.
Good food Great staff that knows THE MENU!! Drinks were good Non franchise!!! Place was busy Keep it up MONK!
(4)
Laurence K.
Still going strong great menu great beers service has improved a bit too.
(4)
Susan S.
Surprisingly, a great place for kids/family! After being tasked with finding a place that we could celebrate and have children attend I chose the Lucky Monk. Though we arrived 15 minutes prior to our reservation, we only waited about 5 minutes to be seated as they readied our table for 12. We were seated in a smaller room off the main dining room which was perfect for the 5 children we had with us. The Lucky Monk has an excellent kids menu which included a choice of entree (about 6 items), a choice of side which included items like fries, cheese curds, fried pickles or fruit and a choice of drink. Included was carrots and dip as well as a chocolate chip cookie and milk for dessert. The waitress was very good at getting the children served right away and they seemed to always have food in front of them. She and the staff that helped her really catered to the children and ensuring that they were doing ok. She did struggle with getting our drinks orders to the adults which is why the 4 instead of 5 stars. However, I am unaware of the service levels the bar area was able to provide. Also, I feel as though the Lucky Monk reduced their menu and took off so very unique items. I would truly recommend the Lucky Monk as a place to take the family where everyone will be able to get what they want.
(4)
Joey B.
Been here three times in two weeks! And I love this place! Atmosphere: You cannot escape how awesome looking the atmosphere is! It is very unique and pleasant on the eyes. You can appreciate all the delicate color coordination and the effort it took to designing this place. Barrels on the wall look authentic, the bar and furniture is well furnished, and the lighting is really pleasing to the eyes! Perfect place for a date! And it is right outside AMC30 movie theatres! The Unique atmosphere is quite upscale and impressive. I'd say this place is very classy indeed! Food: Mouth watering... The food looks as amazing as it looks. The burgers are USDA Prime Beef Burgers! Meat tastes so damn good! I ordered the Sunrise burger, but replaced the marmalade with goat cheese. Every bite was satisfying and great. You could taste the natural meat juices and flavors with every bite if you order medium well! The Fried egg and Bacon were good quality as well! However.... My tongue will forever remember this place for the fries. Sweet Potato Fries made in White Truffle Oil... Perfectly hand cut and fried to perfection. I literally had a crumb descend from a tooth after my meal, and a burst of flavor graced my tongue like a meteor. It was that damn delicious! I haven't begun to explore this place! My body is ready! Service: I had one of the best waiters ever here actually. Big props to Josh! He was the most attentive, humorous, and informative waiter I have ever had. It felt like family was serving me... As weird as that sounds. Other waiters were friendly and attentive too! But I will remember.... The Josh.... Josh, made my day on my first visit to The Lucky Monk! So overall... This has got to be the most well rounded restaurant I have ever been to! I haven't even tried the alcohol or the other menu items yet either! I am excited to become a regular at The Lucky Monk. I highly recommend this place for dates with girls, private parties, or a night out with friends! I am in love!
(5)
Derek C.
the food is awesome here! the beer... ehhh, it's alright... this place is a brewery so of course you have to try the beer here. I'm not a big fan of the brews they got on draft here, but they'll do. Where this place really excels is with the food. it's really good! I've tried the fish and chips, the spinach pizza, bbq salmon and the King burger. all have been awesome. the biggest surprise to me was the King burger... it's bananas and peanut butter with bacon on top of the burger, absolutely delicious! probably one of the better burgers I've had. service is also outstanding here, as the bartenders and servers are very knowledgeable and nice. all in all, this is a great place to have a meal at, but it does get quite busy, and with good reason. so stop by and try a brew and get some dinner.
(4)
Samantha P.
Everything here is great! I have been here for drinks, lunch and dinner and it has always been amazing. It has an upscale bar/pub feel. All of the beer I have tried has been great and the food has always been delicious. I would recommend the Lucky Monk for any occasion!
(5)
Barbara K.
Sadly, our family wedding rehearsal dinner was extremely disappointing. 1) The party room was not arranged as planned and was very constricting to the guests. 2) After requesting several times for a fix, the manager arrived & the guests squeezed into the corners while the room was re-arranged (awkward!). 3) The serving table was not as planned and also had to be re-arranged. 4) The serving pieces we expected (warming trays for hot food) were never provided. 5) The drinks were served with no cocktail napkins, we had to ask for napkins. 6) We were told the kitchen could serve quickly & refresh food quickly. The food was very late. 7) We were told that another group had ordered an unexpected amount of food, explaining why our group was not being served. Our party had been planned months in advance, but we were left waiting. 8) At the end of a very disappointing & embarrassing event, the manager on site apologized and accommodated us by not charging for the patio area which was on our contract. Given that it was raining heavily and LM closed the entire patio and would not have allowed us to use it, that's not much. 9) I sent a highly detailed email outlining even more problems than noted here. The restaurant general manager replied with a cursory email and offered to send a "dining certificate" 10) which never arrived.
(1)
Jasmine N.
Date night with the mister, and he was craving burgers. We ordered the cheese curds, which were made to perfection. Definitely try it.... I'm not a huge cheese fan but equally enjoyed it! We the ordered the bourbon and the hot head with an egg . Both were equally delicious. Medium rare is the way you should always order your burgers. Trust me. If only we lived here, we would be back. The ambience is really nice. You could come here on a date or a group of friends. And our service was spot on!
(5)
Nicole W.
It's been a few months since I first dropped into The Lucky Monk, I've been staring at my review draft thinking of ways and words to describe my stellar experience there. So, while I could certainly make this a novel, an ode or sorts, explaining my adoration for the place, I'll keep it short and snappy. Food: Upscale bar food done right. Appetizers are drool worthy - get the curds, yo. Burgers are fabulous - the traditional monk burger is impressive. Chopped salad is a nice addition to an array of heavy-ish fare. The fries are nicely seasoned and cut fresh! Beer: I was pregnant during my visit so I didn't sample the goods but you can bet I'm making my way back here for a tasting. Even the cocktails looked tasty. Service: Angela is a super fantastic server. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and quick! Ambiance: Comfy booths, nifty lighting and a slick bar that is dressed to impress. In suburbia, it's nice to have a place like Lucky Monk so you can avoid the oodles of Olive Gardens and TGI Fridays. Make a reservation as it can get packed after 6pm!
(5)
Chris M.
Very flavorful cooked to order burgers that are huge. Enough for leftovers. Oh and the pretzels were awesome, a must order. To drink you need to order their beers, so many to choose from. The waitress was pretty good, no complaints there.
(5)
Ray C.
I would give them 5 stars, but I think the menu is too pricey for what you get so I will give them a solid 4. This is definitely one of the best burgers I've tried, they use prime beef and cook them to a perfect temperature. They have good american style tacos if you aren't in the mood for a burger and their salads seem to be pretty well dressed. I hope you check it out.
(4)
Christine M.
Used to be 5 star. Prices have gone up and quality down. For instance, the children's chicken tenders used to be hand battered and cooked in house. Now they are cheap crap you can pick up at a fast food joint, but twice the money. Same with the burgers. Oh well, another suburban restaurant bites the dust.
(3)
Angelique B.
LOVE the Tritica Wheat Ale - it really does have a taste of banana bread!!! I dislike hoppy beers - very light and smooth.
(5)
AJ M.
Saw this place on Chicagos best and had to try it out. Obviously liking belgian beers i preferred the Tritica best (sort of like blue moon). The white truffle fries and pickle fries were good but nothing special. I decided to try something new by getting "The King". Which is a burger with peanut butter bananas and bacon. It was different, the salty and savory flavor it is deff something everyones gotta try once. The chicken sausage pizza was great as well. Overall this place is amazing, great menu, great food with good beer selection. The interior is really nice. I deff will be coming back to try everything else on the menu. Ps great to go to before you head to a movie!
(5)
Nicole M.
On trip back to the city wanted to grab lunch with my children and my mother and had a hard time deciding where to go, just before our exit on 90 I saw the billboard and decided to head there. Location is easy to get to even from home so I am now disappointed that I have never been here before. We arrived prior to lunch and the place was quiet but the staff was ready and waiting. We were seated right away in the area near the bar. My children loved the high table and ability to watch tv while waiting to eat. We ordered an appetizer,the loaded fries. SO GOOD! The children also received their own mini "appetizer" with their meals, small orders of carrot sticks and dip. This is the only place that I know that does this and it is awesome. The waitress was attentive and answered all of my little guy's zillion questions. I ordered a burger that was huge and the fries are so tasty. The kids enjoyed their chicken fingers and to my surprise when the meal was over the kids received their own dessert of a cookie, chocolate dip, and some milk. Overall, this place was good, sevice was excellent and I will be back!
(4)
Todd S.
We like the atmosphere, food and drinks, however, the staff takes care of their friends and treats "customers" as an inconvenience to their social time.
(2)
Marie M.
Loved this place. Excellent food and service! They have wonderful craft beers to accompany their delicious menu. Make a reservation, this place is always busy!
(4)
Susan B.
We have been wanting to try Lucky Monk for a while so a few weekends ago we decided to make it happen. This was our first time there so our waiter explained a few of their new items and mentioned that they are known for their burgers and pizza. Being in a burger mood, we both ordered some meat. The grilled cheeseburger (burger between 2 bacon stuffed grilled cheeses) intrigued me but after coming to my senses, I realized it was probably 5 days worth of calories. Instead, I got the smothered burger (Gruyere and caramelized onions). My bf got the King burger....it must be a guy thing. This burger had peanut butter, bananas and bacon. I took a tiny bite and I really didn't care for it. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that there was peanut butter on my burger meat. He enjoyed it though and a guy at the next table got it and seemed to enjoy it as well. Oh, and I can't forget the pickle fries. We got those as an appetizer and I really like them. They weren't too greasy and the chipotle ranch dipping sauce was great...I just wish that they gave a bit more, the 1 cup wasn't enough. We were there during the afternoon on a weekend and as we were leaving, the front entrance was packed. When we arrived we were seated right away. I guess this place gets pretty crowded so I strongly suggest you make a reservation.
(4)
Lynn J.
Great food. The burger was awesome and cooked to order. Family friendly and good portions. Not sure if they have a kid's menu but many families. This wood be a good place to go before or after a movie at the theater next door.
(4)
Jennifer M.
All this time I thought the name of this place was Drunken Monk. You can imagine my surprise when... We immediately recognized the subtle change in their menu when the appetizer crab cakes & mushroom risotto and the burger w/BBQ sauce AKA our usual orders were missing! It took a few minutes perusing the menu before asking the Server, "What happened?!" She pointed out that the Wild Mushroom Risotto was so popular, that it had become a Signature entree for $10.95. You may opt in chicken for $2.00. Rather than trying another burger, my boyfriend ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich with White Truffle Parmesan Fries for $10.25. The White Truffle and Parmesan Fries would taste better if the flavors weren't overpowered by the taste of potato skin and oil. For the record: Parmesan and Garlic Fries at the Tilted Kilt have a much better balance; but, the Garlic and Butter Fries at the Sub Tender in Forest Park, IL are still the best! Overfall, the micro brew is not the only thing they keep fresh and exciting here!
(4)
Terry L.
juiciest most deeelish burger I have ever had. I really think they have a magic ingredient. amazing. too bad I got super full just from one. going back very very soon
(5)
Jenny B.
Went for dinner and it was delicious! great selection, great tasting beers PICKED FRIES- YUMMY!! BURGERS: Hot Head - if you want a kick to your meal and something a little bit more juicy, id pick this one Ellis- great taste, different flavors, very fresh feeling. one of my favorites! The quality of the meat makes the burger. DESSERT: chocolate cookie skillet- OMG to die for. a little more on the sweet side. shares with 2-3 people Apple jar- share with 2, very good and less sweet.
(5)
Jason B.
food is terrific. its like champps but take it up one notch and they are a whole different level than a champps. its almost like those fancy gastropubs in nyc but not quite the same. this is more of a casual/family feel. jeans: ok by far Order: by waitress
(4)
Charles S.
Ordered the Green Chili Quest Burger and it was a little on the spicy side but overall it was very tasteful! My girlfriend order the Hot Head Burger = delicious. The lighting was a little dim and it was a bit loud. But other than that, it was well worth it! We don't live very close to South Harrington, but if we're back around here I'm sure we'll come back!
(4)
Patrick S.
If you're looking for a good brewpub-type place with OK beer, good burgers, and decent prices this is a great choice. We came here for the first time and were generally happy with the food. We started with the trio appetizer which included fried pickles, truffle fries, and cheese curds. The fried pickes (as many other have pointed out) are probably some of the best I've ever had. The cheese curds, while salty, are also delicious and a perfect accompaniment to the beer. Truffle fries and also the fries that came with the meal were OK but VERY greasy, actually to the point that I had to stop eating them because they were so soaked in grease. The burger I had was VERY tasty and their burgers are huge. Again though, while delicous my burger which only had cheese and onions, was so greasy I started feeling sick. Not that it wasn't one of the tastier burgers I've had in a while... it just felt like if I took another bite I'd have a minor heart attack right there at the table. The beer here is OK. If you are a beer snob, you probably won't be impressed. The service as others have pointed out is ok but I can see why there are so many complaints. Our waitress was very nice but seemed overworked and having a tough time keeping up. She still managed to always turn her frustrated look at the computer to a great smile when she came over to our table. I did see one waitress who literally stood at the bar for 10-15 minutes doing nothing until a manager had to come over and talk to her. I could also notice that the service was slow. Our waitress was doing her best but I noticed one elderly couple looking very annoyed and they waited way too long for their food. We will come back probably to have some beers and appetizers, but likely not again for dinner. Unfortunately this is the best of the bunch in our area.
(3)
Carolyn L.
The Lucky Monk was a great place to grab dinner on Monday night. The food was outstanding. We ordered the Trappist Trio appetizer (pickle fries, truffle fries, and onion strings with a wasabi ranch sauce and chipotle ranch sauce) and it was a lot of fried goodness. I ordered the "Smothered" burger, medium rare (and cooked just right) with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, and a fried egg on top. The meat was delicious, the toppings flavorful, and the bun soft and golden! The fries were also crispy and hand-cut. So yummy. Finally, I ordered their American IPA, Confessional, home brew and it complimented the meal very nicely. My friend ordered the Farmhouse burger with Applewood smoked duroc bacon, Tillamook cheddar, and all the fixins. His looked awesome and we both left stuffed and happy. I'd love to go back!
(5)
Dean K.
I have been waiting to come here for quite awhile. The reviews are great so I had been anticipating. We went on a Saturday night about 6:15. The wait was quoted at 45min to an hour. It ended up being 1 hour. The place is extremely loud and we were placed right next to the bar which was probably the loudest area. The service was good and we were able to order quickly and get our food quite quickly. I had the Sunrise with Bacon marmalade. I tasted a sweet flavor more than I tasted bacon. But, it was pretty good. My wife and daughter had a hamburger with bacon grilled cheese sandwiches in place of regular bread. We all agreed that the food was good. I would go back when it is not so crowded. For those that have been to Kuma's Corner, I think Kuma's is better. I also think Bulldogs of Wauconda is better and their burgers are less than $8. The experience is totally different though. This is all about the taste.
(4)
Jon F.
Well done Lucky Monk. Food was fantastic. I had the Poutine and the chili and loved them both. It it not often you find a restaurant in Illinois that serves poutine and also does it well. The atmosphere is awesome and the house IPA was great. Will be back for sure.
(5)
Kim H.
Patty was a great server! Very helpful with selections on menu! Although she is a buckeye!
(5)
Dan H.
Wow. I have been here twice now and absolutely love this place. Service is always excellent. Great decor. Now let's get to the food. For appetizers, their cheese curds are some of the best I've ever had. We also get the warm pretzel trio, also excellent. I think it's the variety of dipping sauces that come with these appetizers that really take them to the next level. Entrees - burgers are fabulous! Na'wlins Chicken, just as fabulous! VERY flavorful, cooked just right. Beer- I always get the Tritica Wheat Ale. It has a slight flavor of banana bread. Normally I am skeptical of fruit flavored beers, but this one is great! If I could sum up my experience at the Lucky Monk in one phrase, it would be "Explosion of Flavor!"
(5)
Scott F.
The burgers are amazing and served on a little wooden "stage" so they look bigger than they are....whatever, it tastes good and they manage to get the whole "Medium" thing done perfectly. The downside- The drinks, even on special are pricey. Downtown prices should be saved for downtown. Also, they told me they have WELL WATER, thats why the water tastes like a rusty tool box. After I found this out (after a huge gulp) I asked for a bottled water, which they gladly gave me at an INSANE price. IF you have WELL WATER at your NICER bar, you may want to get a Hinkley and Shmitt thing going or some other form of non FOUL tasting water to serve with your great burgers! DUH? The place has improved greatly, I blow some serious coin in the place and it's nice and close...
(4)
Ang C.
This one of our favorite places to go for a casual date night or to meet up with friends. They have a nice beer selection and the food is great, especially the pizza (that arugula covers the whole pizza!), salads (so fresh and not doused in dressing!), cheese curds (yay dipping sauce!), new ice tea (passion fruit is the best!), sweet potato fries (hello cinnamon and cajun seasoning) fish tacos and tilapia (the banana reduction sauce is where it's at!). They have live music on some nights as well.
(5)
Brittney N.
Visited on a Saturday night and it was super crowded! We had made a reservation though and we're seated on time. Awesome selection of beers, with a full list and description on the menu which is helpful. Also, the server was able to make recommendations. Our table of 4 all had burgers, which all looked delicious! I had the classic tommy turkey burger, but added mozzarella, it was amazing! The only reason for four starts instead of five is because they were out of a couple of beers and we felt rushed by our server before the said that we would be visiting and catching up for a while.
(4)
Josh M.
Fried pickles! I'm fairly sure that my friend wanted to take them home and make sweet sweet love to them all night long. Too bad he ate all of them... That being said that wasn't the only good thing to be had there. The truffle fries were ok - not as good as everyone was hyping them up to be. The sweet potato fries were so much better. But the burgers were killer - we tried the peppercorn ranch, the hot head, and the farmhouse. All of which were cooked perfectly and seasoned well (I hate an under-seasoned burger). The service was a little hit or miss. The server didn't do the best job of recommending some of the mixed drinks. She didn't care for cucumber so that led to passing on the cucumber pomegranate mojito that was very good. I had the beer sampler that was missing the oatmeal stout due to the brewmaster getting to drunk at a beer expo earlier in the day (ill let that one slide :p). I went with the Confessional IPA that was nice and hoppy but not too over the top. We finished the night outside next to the fire pit which was amazing and it was a beautiful night. Moral of the story sit outside and get yourself some fried pickles and a good beer - to be honest all of them were pretty good.
(4)
Ryan H.
I have been here at least 50 times. Gets a bit crowded on the weekend, but have never had an issue with the service. The manager Neal is awesome. Food: everyone raves about their burgers, but the best pick is the Nawlins Chicken. Drink: any of their house or featured beers (my favorite being the Tritica), also the Pom-Cucumber Mojito
(5)
Aimee M.
Our service was wonderful. Aubrey was on point, helpful and friendly without any hovering. For 3 gals that needed to de-stress and just have an enjoyable evening, it was nice to have a server that anticipated our needs. The menu has a nice selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, steak, ribs, chicken and flatbread/thin crust pizza and salads. I opted for the Monk Burger--basically a cheeseburger with Tillamook Cheddar and the usual fixings of lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions. The burgers come with fries and I opted to "upgrade" my fries for a $1 and chose the Truffle Parmesan fries. I'm drawn to truffle fries like a moth to a flame so if it's on the menu, I'm ordering it. They also have a Truffle Fries appetizer for those that can't get enough of them. The burger was delicious. Juicy and well made. Fresh ingredients and a pretty big serving. It was one of those kind of burgers that I had to cut in half first before trying to take a bite. The Truffle Fries were just what the doctor ordered--so delicious. Crispy fries, subtle aroma and flavor of truffle oil (not overpowering at all) and nice sprinkle of Parmesan. So, so, sooooo good! There's a nice list of beer--domestic and craft. Check out their house brews as well-they offer a tasting/sampler option. I had tried their Stout when I was here for a Yelp Elite event and really liked it. (This from a girl that likes her beers light). We also opted for desserts. They were good, not great. We shared the warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and the carrot cake. I'm not a carrot cake fan, but liked the cake better than the apple crisp. I found the cinnamon in the apple crisp awfully overpowering and the ice cream couldn't calm it down. The carrot cake was moist and the cream cheese frosting was sinfully rich.
(4)
Erik H.
So I've been to The Lucky Monk about a dozen more times since I wrote my first review and I can say, without any embellishment or fanfare, that it is my favorite restaurant in the northwest suburbs, bar none. First the burgers: I've tried The Monk, Peppercorn Ranch, Bourbon Stout, Smothered, Grilled Cheese & Green Chile Queso Burgers, and they are all just gorgeous. Beautifully plated and always cooked perfectly medium rare, they are all winners, but especially the ones that rely on the strengths of the burger as opposed to bursts of flavor from its toppings. Thus the Monk Burger (Tillamook Cheddar + pickle), Bourbon Stout (Tillamook Cheddar + stout braised onions + pickle) & the Smothered (caramelized sweet onions + Gruyere + pickle) really excel, with the proteins taking center stage. Then the beers: The Lucky Monk is a brewpub and you won't find their beer in any local stores, which is unfortunate because it's pretty damn good. I prefer fruitier, less hoppy, fuller bodied ales and stouts and so I tend to consistently order their Solitude Oatmeal Stout, Gra'le, and Tritica Wheat Ale when I want something particularly sweet. I'll admit I'm not a big fan of their other regulars, but their seasonals have so far been above par, from the powerful Bourbon stout to the refreshing Maibock. They also have multiple guest taps that trend pretty good. Don't forget the sides: The Lucky Monk's secret weapon has to be its sides. The burgers and beer may get you in the door, but don't even pretend it's not the truffle fries, sweet potato fries, fried pickles or chicken poblano chili that are keeping you here. The sides are nothing short of miracles in potato/chicken/soup form, and that's not even counting the appetizers (giant pretzels with three kinds of sauces perhaps, or maybe deep fried cheese curds yes please?) And just for funsies I've ordered or tasted many of the other menu items including the butternut squash ravioli, fish tacos, al pastor pizza, apple-bacon flatbread & BBQ pulled pork sandwich. They've all generally been hits over misses (the pizza's a little dry though), but I just can't help getting a burger, fries and a beer; they're miles above the competition.
(5)
Eman A.
The food here is fantastic. I came once on my own, once with a large group and once with my husband. Everytime I got awesome service and the food was great. Great place for burgers. Pizza was good. The pretzel bread is amazing. And the fried pickles are to DIE for.
(4)
Shawn K.
AMAZING BURGERS AND FRIES!!! Kids always choose this place to celebrate their birthday. Almost always jammed, so make reservations. Food is always very good. Very nice wait staff.
(5)
Kim M.
Been here a handful of times either for Yelp events or just to enjoy one of the best burgers around. The burgers are consistently juicy, to the point that I feel like I'd be better off wearing my napkin as a bib. They have great pizzas both for appetizers and meals. It doesn't look kid friendly, but it is if you are there early enough in the evening. The service here is consistently good. You won't be asking your server for anything because they come by enough times. The beers are also great. Summary? If you are a beer drinking burger lover, check this place out. And maybe bring a bib.
(4)
Jimma J.
Lucky Monk is a really nice place for an Ale House. First off, their home brews are all amazing! They have a brew for all kinds of beer lovers. I highly recommend trying the sampler, but my personal favorite is the Fallen Angel Amber Lager. Aside from the home brews, they also offer a selection of microbrews to satisfy any beer craving you may have. The bar area is usually packed and there are several TVs if you want to catch a game and have some drinks and bar snacks. But there is a substantially large dining area that isn't loud if the bar scene isn't your thing. Every so often they do have live entertainment which is a nice change of pace. When it's nice outside, the outdoor dining area is really nice epecially at night. As for the food, it's great! many of the dishes are playful and really work with their local brews. Try the goat cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and red pepper pizza! Their burgers are great, fish tacos are great! I loved the N'Awlins Chicken Sandwich! This place is definitely worth a try and a perfect location for a dinner/movie date since its right next to the AMC. What more could you ask for!?
(5)
Alex A.
Good craft beers and great burgers. I hope they stay in business because when you pay cash the servers stick the cash in their pockets and apparently do not take it to the register.
(4)
Cristina G.
My last experience here was pretty awkward and I didn't even get to try the food. I finally had a chance to come back today and actually eat. My best friend and I walked in around 7 and it was pretty busy. We waited about 15-20 mins and were seated. The actual restaurant is very nice. I love the decor and the bathrooms are super clean, which is always great. Our waitress was attentive and was great with keeping up with refills on our pop. Despite being busy it seemed like that staff worked well under pressure. I ordered the Peppercorn Ranch burger and added cheddar cheese. It came out fairly quickly. The actual burger was pretty big. It was cooked perfectly and it had a good amount of toppings on it. The seasoned fries it came with were amazing. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Yum! For dessert we ordered the Peanut Butter Brownie Mason Jar. Oh my glob! So amazingly good. It comes in a small mason jar, but its big enough for two people to share. If you're in the area I'd definitely recommend stopping here to try one of their burgers. You'll love it.
(4)
Melissa Z.
We love this place - mostly for the beer selections. They have good food, but their microbrewery is what draws us in and we simply stay for the food. The Confessional IPA is my favorite. My husband is a fan of the Grail. They even have a Sam Adams Chocolate Bock on their guest tap right now (that beer is worth going for alone).
(4)
Katie W.
My boyfriend found Lucky Monk on yelp, so we decided to check it out this weekend. Great find! I am in love with their Tritica-Wheat ale! We made reservations a few hours before we wanted to go. We arrived early, and were seated right at our reservation time. This place gets crowded, so I would definitely recommend a reservation. We both ordered the Tritica Wheat Ale, and I have to say it is now one of my favorite beers. I would order the sampler next time to try all their beers. For an appetizer, we ordered the warm pretzel trio. I loved it, and EACH of the three dipping sauces it came with (tomato-parm, mustard, and cheddar-beer fondue). The appetizer was three huge pretzels, and we devoured it all. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich for my entree. I really loved the pulled pork. It had just enough BBQ sauce and an awesome, smokey flavor. I would definitely get this again. It was better than my bf's burger, in my opinion. I chose the sweet potato fries, and really didn't like them. They came with a chipotle cinnamon, which sounded right up my alley. I am a sweet potato fry lover, but they were just too sweet for me. I didn't get any of the chipotle flavor at all. My boyfriend did like them, however. So if you like really sweet, then these may be for you. The service was great and fast. Can't wait to go back for the food and beer!
(4)
Brittni R.
My experience here was pretty good, but I want to go back and try more of the appetizers and beers. This is a typical microbrewery, they have a ton of beer to choose from and some really interesting menu items. I was not that hungry when I went, so I went for the mini fish tacos, which were really good. My mom had the steak tacos which she claimed were not that great. My dad had a salad.. We did not take full advantage of the menu because we just stopped in for a light simple dinner. The burgers looked amazing though, and some of them were really interesting and different. Would def go back.
(4)
Arlene G.
went here a few weeks ago on a sat. early evening with about 12 people in our party. i cant even remember everything we ordered cuz we ordered so much food! everything was super delicious! i would definitely come back for the food but the only reason i gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was the miscommunication between the manager & the person in our party who made the reservation. we got charged with some type of private party fee but we were sitting in the main dining room with other guests. the manager lady spoke to us about it & we worked it all out but i still find it a but shady that they considered our seating area a private party. its not as if we were in a complete different room with no other guests besides people in our party. we had a waiter that was a waiter for other tables as well and even forgot to bring out a few items we asked for on the 1st request. he was really nice so i didnt hold it against him since it was a busy night and there were a lot of people in our party. however, i still disagree with the wording of our "private party" seating and the fee they charged us.
(4)
Ben C.
This was our second trip to The Lucky Monk. The four of us arrived early on a Sunday evening. The place was busy, bu we were seated quickly and proceeded to start our dining experience with a taste of several house beers. Pros: nice atmosphere, decent food..we all ordered specialty sandwiches Cons: very slow service, it was almost a half hour before we were served our first beers, the house beers were mediocre, lacking character and substance. ..watered down representations of the styles they tried to imitate. Thank goodness for the guest beer selections. We were able to finish up with a couple of fine beers from Lagunitas Brewing.
(2)
Angela P.
I was invited here for a rehearsal dinner. The interior was much more posh than I expected, so I get why people like this place. You can drink tap beer in what looks like a shiny, L.A. ritzy bar/restaurant. In the 'burbs of Chicago. Had a burger and didn't even finish it. And I was starving! The pretzels are just pretzels, people. The key lime pie tastes funny. Drink refills take way too long.
(2)
Virl S.
Great ambiance here along with a great menu. When it's warm out, try to sit in the outdoor deck as the view is beautiful. Their food is excellent, some of the best burgers in the burbs. Staff is friendly and their house beers are solid. The confessional IPA is one of the best local IPAs. Great place to watch sports, eat and drink. If you come here often enough, you may want to consider joining their beer club
(5)
Jen R.
WARNING... Use caution when ordering & Eat Responsibly. I ordered WAY too much food. I had to unbutton my pants upon leaving, sit uncomfortably through movie because I was so full, and interrupt the movie (TWICE) to use the facilities because I sampled too many beers. Great beer selection (I LOVE framboise!!!), fantastic fries, juicy, flavorful burger. Delicious apps. Overall, phenomenal experience. The service was outstanding, and our server went beyond! Absolutely would return, despite my inability to stop stuffing my face. Know your limits.
(5)
Mike S.
FYI they sell Cheese Curds here (For those who know) and they are the best I've had in IL thus far.
(5)
Rob W.
Pizza and burgers are there feature food. I have yet to try the pizza, but burger-wise, I wasn't impressed. Nice presentation, but he presentation isn't where the flavor is at. For all the hype about the burger, I was disappointed. Decent selection of beers. Convenient location for me for many places I go to, but it's just not that good. I might go back there some day, but wouldn't regret it if I don't.
(2)
Ryan H.
I have been to The Lucky Monk twice, and both times I had a great time! The first time I went there with my family. I tried all of their craft beers that they make right in the restaurant, some hits and misses. I do have to say that their vienna-style lager, The Fallen Angel, is the best lager I have ever had. It is lighter than most lagers and is not bitter at all! Back to my first time there, I ordered their steak medallions, they were delicious but according the waiter they did not look like they should had. I ate them anyways because they were so good and before I knew it the manager had brought me a whole new plate of steak medallions. That is good service, wanting your customers to have only the best! Before my second time attending I called ahead to speak with the brew master because I was having a party and wanted to order a keg. He suggested a seasonal beer I had never had before so I told him I would come in later that night to taste it along with the original beer I wanted so I could compare the two and decide which would fit best. Well he did one better than that, he personally served myself and a good friend of mine a lot of their craft beer for free, even refilling some of the beers so we could taste them again. Long story short I actually ended up going with his recommendation over my original choice. P.S. Their fish and chips are delicious, tastes very fresh!
(5)
Sam M.
Absolutely great burgers, I'm also a big fan of their in-house brewed beers. I was on a business trip to the Barrington area and this place ended up being my nightly stop. Their burgers are top notch and the three different in-house brews I tried were all excellent beers; I highly suggest their stout and IPA, with the stout being my favorite. If you're feeling extra decadent, they have this awesome creation of a burger that has for its bun a pair of bacon stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches. I definitely had an overwhelming feeling of shame and guilt after consuming one of those, but it tasted so good......I want another!! They also have a really good jumbo pepperoni pizza. The peperoni's are about the size of most salami slices and the sauce has just the right mixture of seasonings. As for the waitstaff, they were all absolutely fabulous. I sat at the bar almost every night I went there and they treated me (a tourist of sorts) like a local. I almost forgot, always upgrade your fries to truffle fries, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Ken K.
Met my wife here (when it was Brass) so The Monk will always have a special place....the BEST beer Sampler I ever had, cozy environment, friendly people, good food....it's in our once a month rotation!
(5)
Ashley S.
Came here for a friends birthday last Friday night. They had live music, which was pretty good, but the Main Attraction was definitely their "Grilled Cheese Burger!" Oh man, where do I begin...this is a quarter pound, juicy cheeseburger surrounded by two grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with bacon...Not so great on the heart, but amazing on the taste buds!!!!! By far the best cheeseburger I've had! The atmosphere is really cool too, lounge-y, relaxed and the service was fantastic! I will definitely be going back for that burger!
(5)
Jason H.
I recently made reservations here for my wife and I, her parents, and my parents. We all arrived in the parking lot only to discover that there was no parking at all! People were driving around like buzzards looking for a spot to park. The only option was valet parking, which apparently uses a separate lot that's for valet only. But that was not an option for me as I drive a sweet sports car, and I'm not going to let anyone drive it but me, so I high tailed it out of there along with my wife and both sets of parents. So anyone with a nice car, has to either bang it out with the other buzzards searching for a spot, or throw chance to the wind and hope the valet guy is nice to your car. Both options suck, and I'm sorry I can't offer any review on the service or food, because the food really looks good here.
(1)
Andrew L.
Prices here are a little high for the quality of the food, which wasn't too much of a problem because the ambiance was really nice and our server was spectacular. Soft Pretzel appetizer was THE BOMB, and may have been the highlight of the meal. Well, the highlight of the food part at least. Had three different beers, the only one of which I can remember was their Bourbon Stout. I don't usually enjoy drinking bourbon by itself (I'm lying) or drinking stout by itself (also lying) because both of them have flavors associated with them that make drinking them unpleasant. They mixed the two together, got rid of all the bad, and left only the best of both drinks. The bourbon flavor masked the unpleasant feeling of getting punched in the face most stouts have, and the beer was super smooth. Took a growler of their pilsner home, which was delightfully crisp. Nothing too fancy with the flavors, but a nice flavor, and good drinking. Wish it was closer to home, I've thought about making the drive up a couple of times, but if I'm ever in the area again, I have to stop by for at least a beer.
(4)
Tiff B.
I live no where near The Lucky Monk. I mean, it's not even remotely close to any place I ever need to go. Yet I've still made my way there a few times because the burgers and beer are just that good. Get a beer flight, truffle fries and any of their burgers and you'll understand why it's worth a drive from Chicago to South Barrington. Extra points for the super friendly wait staff, tons of tvs near the bar for sports watching and the fact that they take reservations. The hot pretzels and cheese curds (the dipping sauces that come with them are to die for) are pretty amazing too. I've never been disappointed with anything on the menu and their microbrews are unique and really good too.
(5)
Dan D.
It's really all about the beer, isn't it? And that is pretty damn good. Had the sampler, and enjoyed all except the pumpkin offering, which wasn't a house brew. The pretzel appetizer was really good, and really BIG. We enjoyed the pizza, too. Expected the sauce to be overly sweet, and was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't. The only real issue we had was that the service seemed a little indifferent, especially considering how few people were there. We'll definitely be back, at least for the beer!
(4)
Pierre D.
I've been saying this for a while, it would be great to have a establishment near AMC 30 that is not Millrose Brewery and it's more than an establishment it's a good place and a place I'd return to. First let's start out with the finger food, they have some pretty awesome truffle fries, I recommend to try some. Next, drinks are great, from mixed to beers, they had a very good double bock when I was there, not sure if it's a seasonal . Moving on to main courses the menu seemed to be heavily into the burgers...Kind of a turn off for me but hey if it's your thing cool...I think they have an opportunity to introduce a lot more items there... Lastly, deserts are good, we had a brownie and it was defiantly enough for the two of us. Overall, good place and glad it's here. I'll be back to see the Monk.
(4)
R S.
I'm not a beer drinker... Or a drinker of any alcohol for that matter. But my husband is a beer connoisseur. So we went to lucky monk and he loved everything he's tried. I even tried the blueberry cider and the strawberry beer--thoroughly enjoyed them! And we ordered the hot head burger and fries--best burger we have had!!! And the truffle fries? Talk about flavor boost!!! We went on a Saturday night which was a long long wait. Bar was filled, waiting area filled. My only recommendation is for more waiting space or chairs... I understand why the wait is long. The food and drinks are amazing!!! We just need a place to wait before we get a table to order our delicious food. But I highly recommend this place... You cannot go wrong!!! Love the food, love the drinks!
(4)
A M.
My wife and I were happy to try The Lucky Monk, since we saw it get good Yelp reviews. TLM brews its own beer and they make great burgers. We recently went and I head the Bay burger with cheese curds and the cardinal sin pilsner beer. The burger was okay, the meat part was cooked excellent and it was juicy. I just expected more out of the accompanying ingredients to make for a great burger. The cheese curds were really good and the beer was excellent. My wife had the bourbon burger with fries. I should have ordered the bourbon burger instead. I just wanted to be different from her. Serves me right for trying to be too adventurous. Definitely would consider coming back.
(4)
Kaeley K.
Loved it! Came here with my girlfriends on a Friday after work for dinner & drinks. Food was outstanding! Try the truffle fries! We sat outside on the patio and had a blast. Will definitely be back and have told many friends and family to check it out.
(5)
Franklin D.
Quite tasty! A bit on the expensive side ($11 for a burger) but seems like they're using the higer end ingredients ans making everything with a lil extra love, so.... yeah I'll pay a bit extra. Atmosphere is great, soooo many beers listed, food was outstanding. I will be back for sure.
(4)
Lindsay M.
My review is based solely on the baby shower that we threw for my sister-in-law because it's actually the only time I have dined here. The management was extremely helpful and gave us a great price on a private room and food. We were able to get pizzas, salad, and other hors d'oeuvres for the ladies to munch on throughout the day. The room was nicely set up and the service was awesome! Everyone had a drink in hand at all times and the servers even helped clean up after games and gifts which I would never expect them to do. Working in a brewery, I am a bit of a beer snob and found their brews to be alright but nothing great. I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is throwing a bridal shower or baby shower. Jorie was the manager in charge and was great!
(4)
Elizabeth A.
Smothered Burger is delish. Ask the bartender to make you a sangria, too!
(4)
Tom C.
This place is going downhill. I used to come here a lot after it first opened. The food was pretty good but they have changed some of the recipes. Recently my wife had one of the dinner salads and the greens were not fresh. I had a turkey burger which was very average. t came with a plie of cold wilted fries. Ick! I ordered a glass of La Crema Pinot Noir wine. It was $15 a glass. What a rip off! We won't be coming back again.
(1)
Chuck G.
The Lucky Monk is a popular and trendy brewery restaurant near a giant movie theater gogo-plex in South Barrington. That is the only thing I don't like about it. It is most crowded based on movie times so beware. The beers are excellent and being both a beer and wine guy, I am surprised at how good the wine list is. The menu is not extensive, but if you know ahead of time that you can basically either get a pizza or a burger with your great beer then that shouldn't be an issue. The pretzel and fried pickles appetizers are probably the two biggest hits. They also offer sandwiches and a couple of fish and pasta dishes. The service is very good. I've been there recently with groups of ten-plus people and both times had no problems with the service. Even at its most busy times the service does not suffer. I recommend reservations on weekend nights after 5pm.
(5)
Donna R.
I have found a new obsession and it is the delectable appetizer of Fried Pickles. I know its very Snooki of me, but let me tell you.... these pickles are one of the best things I have ever had. You can taste everything from the flaky batter.. the bitterness of the pickle.. and the awesome chipotle ranch dip. And there was a TON of them. My bf and I were practically full after finishing this feast of fried goodness. OH! And don't let me forget their fantastic aioli dipping sauce for their fries, I could dip anything in that sauce and be happy. I LOVE this place and I'm so glad I gave it another try.
(5)
Cathy G.
A couple of my friends and I went to The Lucky Monk before seeing a movie at the AMC Barrington and to celebrate one of my friend's birthdays. Normally we head to Woodfield because of the plethora of great restaurants around there, but the show times there just did not work for us this time. Anyway, one of my friends came up with the Lucky Monk as a dining choice for movie day at AMC Barrington and I'm really glad she did. First of all, it was really difficult to make a choice for lunch because this is one tempting menu. From reading reviews on Yelp we sort of knew we had to try at least one burger and one pizza. One friend and I decided to split these while our other friend, who was trying to eat a little lighter, went for the chicken breast entree. Yowza, this was some seriously good food. The spinach and goat cheese burger was heaven on a bun. It was literally served on a pedestal and deservedly so! Messy, meaty and so delicious. Best burger I have had in a really long time. And the fries were excellent, hot and crispy. Make sure to ask for the aioli dipping sauce (no extra charge). Garlicky and great with the fries. As for pizza, we went for the arugula, proscuitto and potato. Though I had expected the potato to be thin slices, they were actually mashed, making the pizza extra creamy. The crust was thin and crispy and pretty much perfect. And WAY too much pizza for the one serving it claimed to feed. No problems, it heated up like a charm. Excellent flavor, hot, great crust and leftovers too. Who could complain? I did not sample the chicken breast dinner, but my friend said it was very flavorful and moist, and the spoonful, of mashed potatoes I tried were excellent. I have focused on the food, but the service was extremely attentive and friendly, the booths were especially comfy and roomy, and the atmosphere was a nice change from your typical chains. Once you sit at your table, you don't feel rushed and the other tables kind of blend into the background. Great place to hang with friends. Sorry, Woodfield, I'm pretty sure I will be making the Lucky Monk my restaurant of choice for movie day from now on. At least until I try the pretzel appetizers, the chicken wings, the cheese curds,a whole lot of pizzas and burgers....you get the point.
(5)
Jackie G.
My new favorite place in the area! I've been here for lunch with a manager, drinks with friends, and a dinner with a guy. It fit all occasions. My manager suggested the place and the pretzel trio appetizer. I've gotten it each time I've gone. You get three large, warm pretzels with three dipping sauces - well, really not sauce - a honey mustard with butter consistency, their tomato bisque, and beer cheese fondue. I highly recommend it! I also got the bourbon burger (messy) and paid a little extra for the truffle fries - both tasted very good. Another time I tried the goat cheese beet salad (only complaint - couldn't find arugula in it the salad!) I've done the beer flight and enjoyed trying their brews. Aside from the fare, I've been pleased with the service each time. I've dined close to closing time and never felt rushed. Also, been with a group of people who just wanted drinks, and the waiter was still friendly and didn't seem to mind that. Servers also haven't minded charging the bill on multiple cards. They play good music and hours are good. I'll be back.
(5)
Nichole C.
This is my third visit to The Lucky Monk and I always feel the same when I leave: Full, half-lit, but half-annoyed. Let me explain. I really like the food here. It's traditional American fare with a twist to try and make it 'different' (you know, presentation is contemporary, there is truffle oil and fancy sauces, etc.). I have gotten the burgers twice and the fish and chips once...all are good. I am a big fan of meat coming out the temperature you ask for so that's a plus here. You ask for a medium burger and you shall receive. (Keep that in mind if you are temperature challenged individual. I know you people are out there, now you have fair warning.) I also really like the fries and the fried pickles are delicious (truly, most places have me at "fried pickle"). Beer. Oh man, do I love a good microbrew. I am a HUGE fan of having the crappy beers OFF the tap so the good shit can be had. The Lucky Monk provides. Yes, there is still a pilsner and a couple of low IBU ales for the sissies...no worries. If you enjoy a fuller bodied, malty, or hoppy beer, they have you covered here too. My two faves made in house are the Confessional IPA and the Solitude Stout (NOT THE BOURBON BARREL AGED STOUT THOUGH! That is SERIOUS if you are not a Bourbon fan.) The Confessional IPA is a maltier pale ale with a good hoppy aroma and citrusy hoppy finish. It is stronger so it tastes almost like an imperial, but not as rough. The Solitude is a creamy and dark stout with a strong coffee finish and a nice lacy head. Both are pretty good. I also really like that they have a flight so you can sample each brew to see what you like. The only thing this restaurant has going against it is the wait and the service. You really never know what you are going to get, but the three times I have come here on a Friday or Saturday night they have been packed. Even at 8 or 9 at night. The movie theater is right there, so I am sure that has a lot to do with it. Your best bet is to sit at the bar, at a table around the bar, or in the "living room" and get a cocktail waitress to serve you. My annoyance with the service is that it has never been GREAT. I don't need you to bow down to me or anything, but it would be nice to have someone who a) knows what they are doing/talking about and b) is friendly (I'm looking at you, crabby hostess!).
(4)
Paul K.
Beer flight sampler really impressed. Had two appetizers which were outstanding. This is a potential five star when I return for a full dinner. So far, highly recommended!
(4)
Meghan T.
Perfect for a date night or with a group of friends. Has a great bar area with enough flat screens to catch a game without an overwhelming sport's bar feel. Out door seating is also great when the weather is nice. The dinning room is lively and has a warm vibe. They also have a good mix of booths versus tables and the host are happy to humor me and my special "short table not high top" request. Service is always friendly and efficient. They're helpful with suggestions and accommodate special orders. Last time I had a gnarly crack in my water glass and my server brought me a free drink on the house. I've only ever had the peppercorn ranch burger when I've been here but I've had a bite of the N'awlins chicken sandwich as well. Both are solid sandwiches and from what it seems are paired with a specialty craft beer from Lucky Monk's brewery. Five stars for cleanliness too! Last time I saw they do a promotion with the AMC located next store so that'd be a fun promo to take advantage of. I always look forward to coming back and am looking forward to visiting in the summer months.
(5)
L Z.
I would find it hard to NOT give them five stars because there was nothing bad about our experience (except maybe the calorie intake!). Our server was Andre who was fun, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. We had the Sunrise burger and the King burger ..... WOW! Giant, juicy, cooked to perfection are just a few descriptive terms. The fries are outstanding in their own right. I've never seen such unique, risk-taking, creative burger selections. We'll have to get back and try a few more as well as their pizza.
(5)
Ericka L.
Came here with my boyfriend for a late Sunday night dinner and the restaurant was almost empty...no biggie, that means we got faster service and more attention!! For starters, I had a cup of their chili and it was awesome, just as I remembered it (tried at a recent Yelp event), meaty, saucy, and satisfying. For my main course I had the Farmhouse burger that came with cheddar and bacon slices. I chose to add some sliced avocado on top to give it that wonderful creamy texture. The burger was delicious, juicy, and just right in size (I got the 6 oz, as opposed to the 9 oz that my boyfriend got). Don't think a restaurant can really screw up a burger (unless they bring it to me still quivering...then we have problems). I didn't care too much for their fries, but I had enough to focus on already with that fab burger... We also tried the brew sampler which consisted of 6 mini glasses of their best ale. All beer tastes the same to me so, meh...but the BF was impressed and even sent a pic to his friend. Overall, a cool, chill spot that we would keep coming back to. Next time, we'll check out the ambiance at the bar by having a meal/drink there...
(4)
Marina M.
Delicious burgers :)
(4)
Megan O.
I needed to update my review and share with the Yelpers that the Spinach and Goat Cheese burger is by far one of the BEST burgers I have ever had. The cheese made it so creamy and the garlic infused spinach made it seem like it was healthy... I took a vow to not eat burgers for at least half the year (I mean I don't eat them everyday, I just wanted to see if I could do it), but then realized my love for them is too strong and I couldn't resist deliciousness from Lucky Monk. That burger was worth breaking my vow.
(5)
Jane K.
So the night started out: Let's just say its 9:30pm and we had reservations for 8:45 and we are still not seated. What is the point of making reservations? After finally being seated, the night turned for the better. The food was awesome (I recommend their burgers..mmmm) And they make their own beer! (love the strawberry beer they have) waitress was very nice and helpful. I would come back to this place again. I live in Chicago and the drive for me is kinda long so I will be hesitant to make reservations there (hopefully that one time was a not so common issue they have)
(2)
Yvette C.
One thing I miss very much from living in the Schaumburg area is my Lucky Monk! Love love love Lucky Monk. Their beers are fantastic, the food is always great & service is super friendly! When I come back to visit I will for sure need to stop in for a Cardinal Sin!
(5)
J S.
Went on a Friday night at 6:45pm. Service was horrible. Our server had NO personality and seemed as if we were bothering her by sitting in her section. Went with a group of 6 and told the server ahead of time we would be doing 3 separate checks. For the most part the food was good except I asked for the "Half Chicken: mashed potatoes, bacon cornbread dressing, natural juices". This seemed a relatively healthy option once I substituted the potatoes for veggies with no oil/butter. The dish came out with FRIED chicken and veggies with butter/oil. I asked the server if the menu said "fried" and she said "yes, but in a round about way". What in the description mentions it is fried? A learning experience for me for sure as from now on I will ask specifically how things are prepared if it does not state. But how hard is it to not put butter/oil on veggies? Additionally, when we were closing out the server took FOREVER to bring the bills and she said it was because she had to figure out all the separate bills (we told you in the beginning there would be separate bills). Do it right from the beginning. Will not go back again. Not impressed at all.
(1)
dante M.
Keep coming back for a favorite.... Fresh spinach pizza... And very tasty Carne asada tacos..
(4)
Andrew M.
Went here for an early dinner with my 6 year old and ex wife who brought her too see me at work. We shared the pretzels - heard they were great and we all concluded that they were indeed fantastic! Good dipping sauce as well. The menu is small but everything looks delicious and our food was no exception. I ordered the Nawleans (sp) Chicken sandwich with parmesan truffle fries. The sandwich was excellent - tender, juicy and full of flavor. The bun was also perfect - soft and warm and just barely able to keep the onion crisps and lettuce in. The fries were okay - nothing to write home about but that is okay because I want to try the sweet potato fries and next time I will - knowing that I am not missing much by passing on the truffle parmesan fries. The ex nabbed some sort of beat salad with arrugala - I am a man so I am not supposed to know the propper spelling of that so who cares? Anyhow according to her it was very good and she did not complain once or send anything back. Our daughter grabbed a simple buttered pasta with parmesan cheese. It was pretty good but hard to mess that one up. The service was excellent. After our water came my ex asked me if I thought the waitress was cute and I said of course. By the end of the meal she had made it evidently clear that she was scoping things out for me that I had to step in and nab the check... Not that there is anything wrong with that but like I said - I'll be back and next time without the ex or my 6 year old ;-)
(4)
Keith C.
Great food and drink menu! A perfect place to have dinner before heading to see a movie at AMC Barrington!
(4)
Haylee V.
I love this place. The people who work here are so cool and the food is always so good! Their caesar salad is fucking awesome. I cant put my finger on why, but just try it. I go here all the time and never want to order anything else. I also love the chicken chili. Great service, great food, young fun atmosphere, and great location. Love you, Lucky Monk!
(5)
Erika S.
It has a cool brewery atmosphere and good food, also conveniently located near the movie theater. The service is definitely the downfall for this place. We have been here several times on different days of the weekend different times of day and the service is always lackluster. Hostesses are less than attentive and on occasion, rude, as if you are bothering them by coming in. Servers are just ok. They take orders and bring food but no real effort to make it a great guest experience. We come back for the food and beer and just deal with the rest.
(3)
Mary B.
I really don't have anything bad to say about this place. I had the BEST pineapple steak tacos I've ever had here and for that, I suppose I'm giving it five stars. I've been here three times. The first time was to get a little drunk before the midnight show of Thor (which was awesome by the way) and then the other two times I had dinner here. I have yet to be disappointed by their food or beverages. I believe I had some sort of fish the first time. Tilapia maybe? Sure. Regardless, I remember liking it. My brother, sister and mom said all of their food was satisfactory too. My brother is big into the craft brews so he was a tad nitpicky about their beer. I don't really know what I'm talking about when I discuss beer but I tried a few and I didn't mind them at all! The third time is when I had those amazing pineapple steak tacos. I was there for a friends birthday and with all boys. They ALL ordered the grilled cheeseburger. They later gave me crap for being the only one who didn't order it but I'm sorry, when I see pineapple and steak together? I just go for it. The boys were all very pleased with their burgers and ate the entire thing. It was actually super impressive considering the burgers are definitely not small. Basically they have a great menu. It'd be hard for you to not choose something from it. There has got to be at least something on there! It's a tad pricy but I think you really get your money's worth when you go there. The service was great too! Very friendly! I plan on stopping by more... be it dinner or pregaming before a movie!!
(5)
Gate K.
nice place
(4)
Rosa D.
Love love love the patio. Soooo cute!!! I can't wait to go back and eat again or just go for drinks!!! They have a two story deck overlooking a pond which includes a seating area with a fire pit. It's great! Food was really good. Had the chopped salad with a few substitutions, which was great because there was no hesitation from the waitress! I am picky sometimes and they were great to switch cheeses and dressings etc We also had margherita pizza!! It was pretty yummy! And I am a pizza fanatic!!!! My Italian off the boat mother even liked it!! I am def going back and have to order a burger. Other tables around me did and they looked Ahhmazing!!!!
(5)
Peter R.
After reading the good reviews on the Yelp Brew n' Burgers Elite Event, I had to give this place a try. This place is right by the AMC 30 South Barrington which makes it easy to find. We came in on a early Saturday afternoon because I was in the mood for a good burger. The space has a very nice layout. When you walk in, there is a lounge area straight ahead, the bar area to the right, and the dining area to the left. It has a very pleasant vibe inside, and the booths are plenty comfy. Our server Nicholas gave us the lowdown on The Lucky Monk, telling us that they specialize in burgers, and thin crust pizza (NYC style). This place gave me the impression that it would be a good place to go after work to grab some "brew n' burgers" (get it???...oh you crazy Elite Yelpers and your titles for events). I perused the menu and decided on the 9 oz. Farmhouse burger, because it had BACON in it. It's a fact that the word "Bacon" is the most beloved word in the English dictionary...go ahead look it up. There was plenty of burger choices, and also a good variety of pizza and appetizers. Oh, I almost forgot...I ordered a cup of the "Brew Pub Chili" and two words come to mind. "HOT" and "DAMN." Yea, it was that good. OK, back to the main course. The chef recommends the burgers ordered medium, and I think the chef knoweth what he thinketh. The burger was very good, it was juicy, and made my taste buds tap dance with joy! The fries are adequate, but the burger made me do a double fist pump. I will have to try the other burgers at this place, but we are off to an excellent start. I can imagine the potential of a place like this. It's a brewery, and they have 6 house brews, which I didn't get to sample...but I will. They are basically banking on three things that people love to eat/drink. Burgers, Pizza, and beer. I say they formulated a good plan. The execution is good, and only time will tell if this place can thrive. Give this place a try next time you head over to AMC 30 South Barrington. Come for the Burgers, pizza and beer...stay for the movie.
(4)
June P.
For me, this four-star rating means that I would go back to this place over and over and it would be worth it every time, but it's not one of my all-time favorites (my five-star ratings are few and far between). For me, the Lucky Monk is the quintessential upscale-ish bar. The environment is casual yet clean and inviting, and I can always expect quality, satisfying meals when I go. The Lucky Monk's menus is full of your all-American classics, some with a few trendy twists (think sweet potato fries and prosciutto-wrapped scallops) and some that are true classics/staples (think margherita pizza and a good selection of burgers). The pizzas have great fire-baked flavor and the burgers are interesting yet not overly fanciful. The menu also includes a few random toss-ins, such as an al pastor pizza, wisconsin cheese curds, and butternut squash ravioli (my girlfriend was in heaven with this dish). The service is great, and the food is always good. It's a great place for a casual dinner, and many are drawn in by the beer selection (take home a growler!) With generous portions and reasonable prices, the Lucky Monk is a great local joint for American cuisine.
(4)
Debbie F.
Had a wonderful dinner with friends on the patio! Great service and very good food! Burgers were great! Everyone was very happy with their food choices. Inside, the restaurant had a great casual but upbeat vibe. Went for the outside dining experience but will definitely be back in the colder months for the food, service and atmosphere indoors!
(4)
Cindy E.
I have been back to Lucky Monk five times since my initial review and I have been pleased more and more each time!! They have changed their menu a bit, have added a couple more burgers & upscale pizzas as well as more taco options & a couple appetizers! I've now had the spinach and goat cheese burger, which is messy but amazing!! I have also tried the whipped goat cheese appetizer which is just phenomenal! My favorite pizza, which was added when they changed their menu, is the short rib and farm egg pizza, I can't even find words to tell you how good it is, just try it, trust me you won't regret it! My mom had the short rib pasta as last time we were there & it was out of this world! The service continues to be impeccable and I've really yet to be disappointed by any experience I've had here! Do yourself a favor and try The Lucky Monk!
(5)
Christina F.
This is a go-to lunch spot for coworkers and me. It's got good food, decent prices, fast service and a great outdoor patio to eat on. Did I mention they have a great selection of beer? That too. My favorite things to eat there include fried pickles served with a yummy sauce, parmesan truffle fries and their salads are huge and delish! I've never had a bad experience at The Lucky Monk. Definitely give it a try if you're in the area.
(4)
G E.
Everything I have had there has been good. The burgers and fries are excellent, but the best thing on the menu is there fish and chips.
(5)
M. H.
There is NOTHING on this menu that you WON'T like! The food, atmosphere ... beer ... mmmm beer. For those who aren't beer lovers - their beer will certainly change your mind! The service unfortunately is a little lacking in more ways than one: the servers generally forget about you and/or are slow and the hostesses are bland and snobby. And if it's a rainy day, or you are wearing really high heels - opt out - because you'll end up parking far away at the movie theatre (parking is lacking). But then again, it's worth the walk. Truthfully though, that would generally bother me a lot, but the food and atmosphere make up for that beyond a doubt! Everything from the appetizers (I swear they spike the dips and sauces with something ... because they are so delicious) to the burgers and entrees to the heavenly desserts - you will be sure to leave with a smile on your face (and perhaps some food still in the corner of your mouth). The Lucky Monk is a great place to be. All you need is a little patience (and perhaps someone to drop you off at the front door so you don't have to walk forever).
(4)
L H.
If you enjoy a bad hostess, bad managment and your dinner and conversation with the table next to you, then this place is for you. Seating is over capacity and food subpar
(1)
Russ W.
Literally no parking. We parked on the lawn and walked. Food was A-ok. I was hoping for more, but I thought the Friday's Jack Daniels burger actually had more flavor than mine did. This is not a "regular" spot to eat by a stretch. It made for a great date night or special occasion but I don't know if we'd fight for a parking spot again to come back. btw...The side salad was great and the beer was tasty, I had the spinach and goat cheese burger which was ok. Give it a whirl.
(3)
Katelyn C.
Four stars, because 'Yay! I'm a fan"!!! I do love the burgers here and everything about the place is just cool, calm, and fun for a quiet date. I really can not remember one thing I loved, or hated about the place, so this is going to be a short review. Definitely worth a try though.
(4)
Al C.
Love this place! The best burgers and microbrews in town. Get the Goat Cheese as an appetizer!
(4)
Richard C.
good food, good service, ok-price. but i had a bad experience with this place with food i had soggy fries and too much fat on pork. otherwise other food we had were pretty good. i hope my experience was just one time. but price is ok, food tasted homemade, beer was good recommended to try out for yourself. ----EDIT----- i think i was drunk when i wrote this review. this place has REALLY GOOD pizza and decent selection of beer - if i remember correctly. fancy-looking restaurant with good food that are not too pricey. overall, i will come here for both casual date or get-together to get drunk with friends.
(4)
Gino D.
3 time and still a charm!!!! I at Lucky Monk again tonight with the family. The kids and wife really enjoy the food. Parents, they do a great job with kids menu and give the kids some carrots and a cookie at the end.It is a nice touch. The food is very good and the service is great. All three times have been outstanding.
(4)
Paula D.
LOOOOOOOOOVE this place! Been there many times. Food is excellent. Everything I've ever ordered was so good. The ambiance is lovely and the staff is very friendly! Lastly, the martinis are AWESOME! Enjoy........ Cheers!
(5)
Scott T.
this is one of the best places in the Chicago area. Pizza is out of this world!!! atmosphere is wonderful outside and in and the bartenders are courteous. a must stop while in Hoffman Estates. ask for Rose.
(5)
William L.
Very accommodating with gluten preferences. I had an open faced "Hot-Head" burger over a bed of Truffle Fries and it was delicious. The pomegranate Margarita was sweet as they come. The rest of the gluten free alcohol options were average with options like Redbridge and Cider. The server brought me a burger with a bun at first, but it was likely my fault for not speaking up more audibly. Would rate 5 out of 5 if the owners picked up a package of Udi's gluten free buns, it'd make a world of difference for your obviously burger - centric menu!
(4)
Dawn M.
Hubby came and took me out to lunch from work - so headed over here, since friend had recently tried and liked it. (Does that mean this review is 2 for 1?) Interior was attractive. Stuff on the table is minimalist - so no visual distractions with mustard/ketchup bottles etc., and it works. Feels very clean - like a monastery. (Condiments are served with each meal, on the side.) This is a micro-brewery, so of course hubby had to try a beer - it was good. Looking forward to going back sometime when I don't have to return to the office and can have more than a sip of hubby's drink. Had burgers - yummy. Comes on a 1" mini platter, and the burger itself is tall - so presentation is great. (You may want mentally prepare yourself for getting messy! My fingers were covered in burger drippings - needed wipes or something.) :-) Fries were great. High praise here - but they were possibly even better than McDonalds. (Gasp! Did I just say that? Do you know how much I crave McDonalds french fries, my guilty pleasure?) Truly, they were good. Limited menu - basically burgers and pizza - so if you aren't happy with one of the other, go someplace else. (I think the menu is perfect - focused on what they are good at.) Wait staff were great - cheerful, helpful, prompt and friendly. Proximity to the movie theater means, as long as they continue to provide a good product, they've got a great audience. (Get it - movie theater, audience...) Should be able to get lunch crowd from surrounding areas, and then before/after movie crowd too. All in all a good experience. Would I recommend: Yes Would I return: Yes - looking forward to trying more of their brews, and their pizza next time.
(4)
Stretch M.
My wife and I dined there recently and among other things ordered the tomato basil soup and a Caesar salad. The soups arrived and we quickly noted that both servings were tepid. Our waiter returned with the now hot soups saying "someone must have turned the heat down". OK, mistakes happen but then my wife's Caesar salad arrived and the salad was room temperature and the romaine lettuce was bitter and rancid. The waiter initially explained that the salad was warm because the soups had to reheat. Hmmmm. That in no way justified the temperature of the salad. If the salad had been left out over night it could not have been warmer. Our waiter informed us that the salad preparer had been chastised and the duty manager notified. It seemed to us that the manager could have put in an appearance, but that did not happen. I can understand an establishment could have an off day but serving a rancid salad indicates a systemic issue. We are fortunate in having a diverse selection of above average restaurants in the area and therefore will not be returning to "the unlucky Monk".
(1)
Jenny S.
Went here last night. I give it 5 starts because of the Sweet Potatoe Fires. WOW. So good lol. I want to go back to get more!! The burger was also exceptional. I got the Bourbon. HUGE portion. I only ate half!
(5)
Anna V.
I organized a surprise birthday party for my husby, and I decided to have it at the Lucky Monk, since he was golfing in South Barrington. I was really impressed with the interior, service, and food. I expected it to be a typical and casual bar food kind of place, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to reserve the Abbey Room, which is really spacious and modern. They have unique light fixtures that randomly hang from the ceiling creating a really cool effect. Also plenty of seating and a lot of room for set up, (we were expecting around 30 ppl). The servers (I forget their names) were super accommodating, and helped with the timing of everything for the surprise. I was able to bring in our own special cake, and our ipod to hook up to their sound system in the room. They also had a flat screen tv that was playing ESPN for the guys. The food was delicious, they brought out these awesome pretzels with various dipping sauces, and truffles fries. I had the burger which was very flavorful and everyone else was really happy with their choices. I would definitely come back, and hopefully check out their patio in the back. Thanks to Lucky Monk for helping me surprise my husby!
(5)
Shaun S.
Overall pretty good. The burger was pretty good, not the best ever but definitely above average. There was a small side if fries which still left me hungry enough to get the pretzel which was very good. I got an amber ale which was very good also.
(4)
Mae H.
We've been here a handful of times. They never disappoint, we've always been given amazing service, food has always been good! I won't lie, I was a little worried about even going there, due to the last restaurant that use to be there. (Bad service, even worse food, very dirty!!) We were very surprised! They have plenty of seating, both inside and outside, you don't feel like you are sitting on top of the table next to you. Very, Very clean, knowledgeable staff. They know their beers. We've had everything from, a pizza, burger, to fired pickles (our favorite) , to a double fudge brownie. We were there the other night with friends, it was clearly closing time. Like most places, the staff, will try anything, to get you go to go, instead, she told us to take our time, and asked if we wanted another round. We sat next to the fire, chatting, around good food, and good drinks. Very laid-back, nice atmosphere. OK, I know this is a little crazy, however; I often judge a place by their bathrooms. This place has some of the cleanest, nicest bathrooms, I've seen in sometime. We were there for about 3-4 hours, I saw someone in there, cleaning, re-stocking, 3 different times. I was impressed! Age group is very wide spread. My boyfriend is obsessed, when it comes to the type of beer he will drink, he loves pretty much every single beer, they brew there. I'm a snot when it comes to the type of wine I drink, I was just a little disappointed, when I saw one of my Favorite wines...was now $10 a glass. Only one downfall, and it's very small, downfall. I wish they had a larger variety of pizza toppings. . Otherwise, we love the place. Not one single thing.
(4)
Maria R.
"What Maria Did This Summer" Series Review TWO! :) ----- The Lucky Monk, what can I say about this restaurant smack dab next to the AMC South Barrington 30 theaters. This restaurant used to be a similar-themed craft brew-pub type restaurant before, but I do not recall the name. The Bronze something or other....anyway, I digress! The current restaurant, The Lucky Monk, is your typical, trendy craft beer, burger, and pizza pub(oh, they have wine too, btw!) with fairly typical, but unique pub fare on the menu. We first went here after, you guessed it, seeing a movie at the AMC South Barrington theaters. It was date night for my husband and I and it was late and they were open. We had wanted to try this place ever since the restaurant changed from its previous incarnation to this one. We were seated almost immediately as it was towards the end of their day. The dining areas were full of dark woods, which I love, and spacious booths. They had a few TVs, but not a whole lot to take away from the casual, yet trendy atmosphere. There was quite a selection and my husband tried one of their craft beers, which he enjoyed quite a bit. Then, he had another beer, also good. I'm not a craft beer or wine gourmand, but it seems if you really enjoy craft beer, you'll enjoy coming to The Lucky Monk. We started off with the White Truffle-Parmesan Fries, naturally! I love me some truffly-cheesy goodness! :9 OMG they were soooo good, but quite filling! :) They have a fair number of other unique appetizers like the Shrimp and Grits, Wild Mushroom Risotto, and Pickle Fries. Oh, I gotta try the pickle fries next time, they are apparently pretty awesome! My husband had their Hot Head burger, which is apparently pretty popular, it has pepperjack cheese, lettuce, jalapeno-tomato pico, and chipotle ketchup. It is kind of a messy burger, but the presentation is quite awesome as the burger it placed upon a wooden pedestal as if you must bow to it and go "We're not worthy to consume you, oh almighty burger of awesome!" :) I had their Fish 'N' Chips because I was not in a "burger mood" It was crispy, not too greasy and you got more than enough fish for a meal and leftovers. Since we had fries for an appetizer, my husband opted for a side of broccoli and I went for their Wild Mushroom Risotto. I was expecting a creamy, mushroomy-cheesy goodness that is the risotto I love, but was kinda let down with a not-so-cheesy and bland mushroom flavor. Suffice to say, I did not order that the second time I went. Service was pretty quick at this time of the night and the noise levels were quiet. Fast-forward to yesterday, our second time to The Lucky Monk, and this time WITH KIDS IN TOW! The place was PACKED, lots of cars in the parking lot, it was Saturday Night at about 7:30pm...PRIME dinner hour. We THOUGHT we were going to have to wait at least 30minutes to an hour, but we ended up only waiting about 10 minutes. Awesome! We were seated right away and had our orders taken pretty readily by our server. The Lucky Monk was a bit louder than the last time, naturally, and a lot more busy! We started off our meal with one of their Appetizer Specials, Fresh Guacamole with Chips. When it came out, it was probably 15-18 chips with a small taco salad bowl of guacamole in the middle. Nicely presented and it was a good portion that would not overfill us. The guacamole was good too! The kids had the chicken fingers and fries and the pasta with tomato sauce. My daughter kept complaining it was cold, but I didn't think it was. The kids chicken fingers were apparently pretty good since my son ate them all, which is not typical for him. The kids meals had a "appetizer" of about 5 baby carrots and a small bowl of ranch to dip them in. Nice healthy touch, sadly, my kids didn't go for it, so, my husband and I ate the carrots and ranch dip instead. :) I ordered the Farmhouse Burger this time around with a fried egg on top with the White Truffle-Parmesan Fries as an upgrade to their regular hand-cut fries. My husband ordered the Hot Head Burger again with the White Truffle Parmesan Fries upgrade as well. All the food was awesome. Again, the burgers were a bit messy, and I ended up having to ditch the bun as 1/2 lb of burger meat is NO JOKE! :) BUT, it was very yummy and nicely presented! The white truffle parmesan fries on the side were not as spectacular as they were in their appetizer form...hmm, need more truffle and parmesan? Yes, please! The kids' meals had a cool dessert that came with the meal, a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie and a small glass of white milk with a little dish of chocolate syrup to use to make the milk chocolate and/or to dip the chocolate chip cookie into for more added chocolatey goodness! Kids enjoyed themselves quite a bit....ate most if not all their meals. Overall, it was a good meal out with the family. Would I go again? You bet!
(4)
Dale R.
Not often 5-Stars come around for me. But I really enjoyed this place. All the beers were great from the sampler, some just not to my liking. I'm not into bitter hoppy beers. He Weiss beer may have been my favorite, Monks Choice and Oatmeal stout were pretty good. For Dinner I had The King. I've had a similar burger named after Elvis and this was one was right there with it. What a great different kind of burger... You might thing gross peanut butter and banana on a burger? Don't knock it until you've tried it! Their fried pickles are some of the best I've had anywhere.
(5)
Juan G.
While working for a week in Schaumburg I made a visit to The Lucky Monk. Walked in and was promptly greeted by the hostess. Took a seat at a high table near the bar. My server greeted me (He resembled Jason Segal by the way) and I had already seen the menu online so I knew what I was looking for. HOWEVER. I was sadly disappointed when I went to order a beer. They said due to a busy week they didn't have any of their beer available. Only one. I opted for what they had. I was slightly disappointed. But nevertheless IF I ever make it back out to Illinois, I will stop by and give it another try
(3)
Liz G.
This place is delicious! I planned a party of 20 for a Friday night, and they were extremely accommodating! They were able to seat everyone at one table, provide separate checks and had multiple wait staff helping our group. The food and drinks were wonderful! We had a great time. Thank you, Lucky Monk!
(5)
Kristyn L.
The fish tacos. Get the fish tacos. Perfectly crisp, right amount of toppings, I think it comes with 5 or 6(?) perfectly bite sized tacos. In love, one of my new favorite places for tacos, and that's saying a lot
(5)
Stephanie L.
I've eaten a lot of burgers in my life and these are easily some of the best. They are always so juicy and flavorful. I'm glad the patty melt is now a full time option instead of a lunch specialty. The only issue I've ever had here is that the water tastes funny. Even the pop does because of this.
(5)
Matthew M.
The burgers, twisted chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries are all very good. Solid 4 stars. I'm not a huge fan of their beers. Although I wouldn't necessarily take my advice on that. I'm a food expert, not a beer sommelier. I'm usually very disappointed by craft breweries/gastropubs food. I almost always find the food to be way over rated. This isn't the case at The Lucky Monk.
(4)
Renaud S.
Had quick lunch here with colleagues and we had a great time! I had the Macadamia Crusted Tilapia, which tasted absolutely wonderful. The fish was ideally cooked, crunchy on the top, and the caramelized bananas were delicious. The Bourdon and Stout Glazed Chicken looked very good as well. For drinks, we just had their beer sampler, which gives a nice overview of different beers they have, all being very tasty of course. Nice staff as well. Great food experience!
(4)
Mary H.
We wanted to go beer tasting and have lunch so we decided to try this place. It's big, spacious, with plenty of parking. They had numerous tasting sizes to fit your mood. The beer was good and the menu had a nice variety of options. I went with the steak mini tacos... They looked sooo good. But they were sooo salty! It made me drink my beer faster along with a couple glasses of water. The calamari was crispy and just as salty. I guess that was the going theme of our lunch. Staff was friendly and attentive. Maybe it was my food choice.. I would try this place again, later...
(3)
Katie Y.
The hostess staff ruined my surprise party! My family and I enjoy the food at Lucky Monk, so that was why I decided to host my husband's surprise 40th birthday party here. I was in communication w/the event coordinator, but there was a definite communication break down w/the rest of the staff. The 3 hostesses had no idea that my party was a surprise even though they should've known. They proceeded to ask my husband (guest of honor) if he wanted to go back to the party room. After I quickly shooed my husband to take my son to the bathroom, I told the hostesses about their mistake. All 3 hostesses looked freaked out and muttered apologies. I asked the hostesses to please bring my husband back to the party room after he came out of the bathroom, but then none of them were to be found leaving my husband and son to just wander back to party room on their own. Even after their blunder, no manager ever came to find me to discuss the staff's oversight. I know the manager knew about the blunder because the manager told the event coordinator what happened and the event coordinator told me the next day when I called to complain. The food was delicious, and the 2 waiters that served during the party were nice and attentive. However, the waiters over charged me for the wrong party package, so now I have to go back to sign for my credit card refund. The room was freezing and I asked for the temperature to be raised but the room never warmed up while we were eating our tiny portions of the $2 upgraded ice cream cake. Overall, I would still go back for the food, but if you're looking for a place to host a SURPRISE birthday party, I would try elsewhere. **update, 2 star review dropped to 1. I spoke w/general manager who was apologetic, but left a real bad taste in my mouth w/ his antagonizing comments. Tips for general manager...1) learn customer service! Your employees messed up. Don't make the customer feel like crap by insinuating that I would use employees names unfairly in a yelp review...I don't roll that way. 2) don't antagonize me by saying you were hoping "we could've worked something out before" I wrote a review. I didn't call to get a free gift card; I called bc your guys messed up and you didn't initiate a call to apologize. 3) don't give excuses and tell me my party is no more important than any of the other parties that have been at your restaurant. When anyone spends hard earned money for a party, that person has every right to expect that their party is a priority for that day and time. Needless to say, I'm very disappointed by this whole situation, and I will NEVER patron this restaurant again!!
(1)
Abraham K.
My previous experience at Lucky Monk was better than when I went there the other day. The service was on point. Our waitress was funny, informative, and met all our needs. But as for the food, it didn't really leave anything special behind. Your typical restaurant I guess, I would recommend trying White Chocolate instead. I remember last time visiting here feeling happy and satisfied, now leaving here thinking man what happened. I ordered the Margarita Pizza. The taste of this pizza seems lower than Mariano's Margarita Pizza. However, the donuts redeemed the place. I remember last time I visited it was superb, and again they were on point. I would recommend getting the donuts.
(3)
Tim W.
Oops, don't take it personal by only getting three stars and not five. The ambience of this place is great. Decour is nice. Beer selection is good. As well for the mixed drink list. Staff welcoming and friendly. But the food was not something to really brag about. My burger was a bit on the salty side. The sweet potato fries not the best I've ever had. Cheese curds good. Truffle fries 50/50, pickle chips - different. Steak tacos - ok. So the only thing I can say is that I am glad I stopped by and tried this place. I cannot really say I will be returning. because it wasn't the most appealing to my taste buds. But to each its own. Would not steer anyone away from trying this at least once.
(3)
Sandra Y.
Went here today with some family & friends for dinner for my grandma's bday. We ordered Moscow mules & monk-aritas. The Moscow mules were ok, nothing special. The monk-arita was better. For appetizers, we had cheese curds & calamari. Both were hot & fresh & good. For entrees, we ordered a grilled cheese burger, n'awlins chicken sandwich, a patty melt, & 2 BBQ burgers. Everyone said their burgers/sandwich/melt were good. I ordered the grilled cheese burger, per the server's recommendation. It was ok. I guess I expected more considering it sounded so amazing on the menu. I liked that it had pieces of bacon in the grilled cheese & then in the actual burger. My biggest problem was that I ordered it medium rare & it was almost completely well done. Not good esp since the server suggested med rare over rare, saying that they do it really well here... Still, I had a good time here. The place is lovely, the food is decent, the server was nice. I just wasn't that happy with my burger. Everyone else liked theirs, so maybe it was just mine. I think I'd still come back though. It's cleverly located right next to AMC movie theater so it's easy to come grab dinner & watch a movie after :)
(3)
Megan Z.
I've always love a fresh, hand-packed, juicy burger. Cooked to a juicy medium rare. There is nothing better than an ice cold micro-brew with said burger. If you're looking for craft burgers and micro-brew beers, this is the place for you. The Lucky Monk offers an expansive menu of burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and signature entrees. I always come here for their excellent craft burgers and brewed in-house beers! The atmosphere in the restaurant is very modern and contemporary. However, don't feel out of place, it is VERY comfy and intimate. The bar area is excellent to catch the game. However, I prefer the spacious and comfy booth! We started off with an order of their Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The curds were plated elegantly with a tomato-marinara and a slightly spicy chili aioli. The breading seasoned, robust, and light. The cheese inside was melty and gooey! To quench our thirst, we ordered the Confessional IPA. It had a spicy kick with accents of refreshing citrus. The large glass runs about $5.50. Totally worth it for the price. The quality is impeccable. Service here is top-notch. Our server, Donato V. did an excellent job recommending meal items, as well as the excellent IPA. They truly take customer service here to a whole new level. We were able to space our order out and never felt rushed. Next, we decided to both order a craft burger. Their burger selection is top-notch and you can customize the burger exactly how you want it. You have a choice of a sesame seed bun, brioche bun, or dark rye bread. The cheese selection is wonderful as well. Tillamok Cheddar, Gruyere, Merkts Cheddar, and Pepperjack are among the choices. You can add a fried egg, avocado, whatever your heart desires! They have an excellent patty melt, (will try next visit) as well as a burger where the buns are TWO bacon grilled cheeses! The burgers are served on a neat pedestal, showcasing the true beauty of a fresh, craft burger! The hand-cut fries are hands down the best I've had! You simply can't go wrong! If you thought I was done, think again! I knew I had to order dessert when Donato recommended the House-Made Sticky Donuts! They come out piping hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar. The donuts are glazed in a sweet, delicious glaze. With the donuts, you are treated to a raspberry, caramel, and chocolate dipping sauce. They are sinfully delicious and well worth saving room for! I can't wait to come back to try out the highly recommended "Don't Call Me" patty melt and the fresh, hand battered fish and chips! Unlike other places, they don't use frozen fish! The Lucky Monk prides itself on fresh, never frozen meats and fish. Additionally, none of their items are "pre-made" or frozen. This is as good as it gets folks! If you love their beer, they have a little cooler filled with beer to take home! If you want excellent burgers, beer, and ambience...check it out for yourself! You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Andrea H.
I really just love this place! First of all it's super close to my work so it's convenient, but even if it wasn't I would come here as much as I could! It's just a nice, well managed restaurant. I've been here more than 5 times and the food has always been great and I've always gotten a beer or cocktail and haven't been disappointed. Every waiter and waitress I've had has been knowledgable and patient and they seem to actually like their jobs which I feel like makes all the difference in your experience anywhere. The Parmesan truffle fries are awesome, burgers are huge and served on this platter that makes them look even bigger! It's a little terrifying till you realize that it's not that humongous haha I've had people ask me what's good place for a date, or for a group or to grab a drink or good for families and I've recommend The Lucky Monk every time for all those occasions. It's a well rounded restaurant. Had a great experience at the bar the other night too! Our bartender was really nice to my friend and I. The bar had slowed down at that point so there wasn't much excitement happening so it was good to have a server that made us feel welcome! Keep up the good work, I'll be back soon! On busy nights though, make a reservation. This is a good restaurant and it shows, don't get angry when they tell you it's a two hour wait and you couldn't take the time to make a phone call. Quality is worth waiting for!
(5)
Edward P.
Food is great. Been here plenty of times now. The parking lit is always packed so if you have a reservation show up extra early just to park. I thought a $2 upcharge for coleslaw instead of fries was ridiculous, i think for another $2 you should get both. Doesn't make sense, honestly plating coleslaw in a side dish can't be more labor then deep frying fries.... Anyways, the drinks aren't very good and mixed drinks are pretty weak. Lots of beers on menu not in stock. If you got a lot of $ to blow go for it. Patty melt & ribs are awesome & that pretzel app is delicious too. But seriously for $75 for 2 people its a little ridiculous for not even getting desert.
(3)
j s.
I really don't want to give this place 2 stars but I need to. Came here one night with my boyfriend we made reservations since they are almost needed, it's a popular restaurant. We decided to go with the burgers since that's what they are known for. I had a bbq burger which was great however, my boyfriend had the two grilled cheese burger which sounded good BUT sadly he got food poisoning from it. it was a upsetting night a few hours later for him. For that reason they only get two stars.
(2)
Somchai S.
Some been here twice now and enjoy the ambience. But I think the food is good, had the bbq salmon and Margarita pizza. My favorite thing is the fried pickles. The service could be better. The last time we went our waitress was less than attentive and she also spilled sauce on my friend. She was not very apologetic for it either.
(4)
Sarah H.
Just visited for the first time last Friday. Fantastic! The trio appetizer was fantastic & I'd like to go back and order that as my meal. Our waitress was great (can't say the same for the ditz who seated us...she asked if we wanted any kids menus, we said 1, she turned to grab one, but somehow never left it on the table?).
(4)
Christina L.
I came here on a Saturday night with my bf. We arrived at 5:30 and waited about 20 minutes. We already knew what we wanted and ordered the Trappist trio, beer cheese soup, monk burger, and poutine fries. First off, our appetizer came within 4 minutes which was kind of suspicious considering how packed the place was. My boyfriend, who is in the restaurant business, explained exactly how he thought the appetizer was under a heat lamp for quite some time. The cheese curds were not chewy and the fries were drenched in truffle oil. The burger was pretty good but the bacon was hard and reminded me of a dog treat. The soup was not what we were expecting and rather disappointing. We didn't even bother dessert because this place was just an overall disapointment. The good reviews are definitely for the beer selection.
(3)
Ryne R.
Great atmosphere. The food is good. The fried pickles, pretzel trio, hummus are all great apps. The fish tacos were greatness. The nwaulins chicken doesn't disappoint. You can add all the fixings to your burger or sandwich. The beers are good. This place is just a fun time.
(5)
Amanda O.
The Lucky Monk is a great place to stop before or after a movie for some good eats and a cold beer. They can get pretty crowded on the weekends and parking will be a challenge. You should be good if visiting during the week though. My friend and I were seated at a table in the bar area. I was going through a healthy kick at the time I visited so I ordered a Waldorf Salad (but not before munching on some cheese curds - not exactly healthy). The Waldorf Salad was actually amazing and the blueberry cider I had (they had it in tap at the time that I visited) was surprisingly great. So catch an early movie and head to the Lucky Monk!
(4)
Anita M.
Friendly & quick service. The waitress explained that everything on the menu is fresh and made from scratch. Our table of 7 ordered a variety of foods. Pizza- thin crust, hand-tossed, homemade sauce- very good! Burgers were huge! 100% Angus beef, delicious! Steak tacos had just the right amount of spice. Fish sandwich was white cod fried to golden brown. All good. Hope to come back when we're back in town.
(4)
Tyson T.
A family member recommended this place after spending the day near the Schaumburg area. Unfortunately, the food/beer was just average and no better than a RAM. The white truffle parmesan fries were just ok (needed more cheese). I was a bit disappointed in my burger since they promote themselves as a "burger specialty destination". I ordered the Smokin Daddy BBQ and while it had decent flavor, the patty tasted no better than the frozen section at your local grocery store. They get additional points for service since the waitress was extremely friendly, kept our drinks filled and brought a chocolate desert for our son's birthday at no charge. I probably would not go back.
(3)
Nic Z.
Lucky Monk, I am a fan! The place has a great vibe and is full of life, lots of seating, and an even more expansive menu. Good luck choosing! We sipped on a Moscow Mule and Monk's Island Punch (essentially a mai tai) and ordered the Chicken Poblano Chili and Santa Fe Chicken Salad. All of it was great. Had we not been completely stuffed (late brunch the day after Thanksgiving...smart), there were a dozen other items calling our names; pizza, sandwiches, and the Pretzel Platter which also happened to land on a neighboring table... Hello! Three pretzels the size of our heads would be a chore, though, haha. I can easily see myself coming back and this being a 5. (I like to reserve my 5 star reviews for places that consistently deliver excellence or truly blow me away.) P.S. This is yet another restaurant where OpenTable failed me. It showed the earliest opening as 7:30, so we went without making a reservation thinking we'd just sit by the bar until we got a table. Lo and behold, we were seated without a wait upon arriving at 5:45 (Friday night) and the place was 1/3 empty.
(4)
Christina S.
I have been wavering between 3 and 4 stars for The Lucky Monk. To be fair, if I was a beer aficionado, I'd probably be more definitive in my rating. But for now, it's really a 3.5. I don't think everything is a winner, and last visit, the server seemed a little surly (we all noticed). But typically, our servers have been friendly and knowledgable in the past. I do love the ambiance. It's a large restaurant with a nice aesthetic, and can be kind of romantic at night with it's dim lighting. ;) The food is mostly hit, but there have also been some misses for me. The truffle fries and cheese curds are delicious. I have a harder time turning down the fries than the curds, surprisingly. They used to have a ratatouille dip appetizer served with flat bread, a favorite of mine, but they have taken it off the menu, disappointing. The burgers are pretty solid. Juicy and thick, and always mouthwatering. Salads are good but nothing special in my experience. What I found soooo delicious, and it will be hard for me not to order it again (carbs), was the beer-braised short rib pappardelle. So freaking good! They are somewhat light on the meat (which is ok by me), and it's $17 which seems a tad overpriced a la carte, but man is it good. Perfectly cooked, cascading, delicate pasta, yummy sauce. It's surprisingly light, though I purposely only ate half. #willpowertested My biggest complaint is the pricing I think. One night I spent $50 for an app, hot toddy type cocktail, my pasta entree, and a side salad. Only the pasta was a standout. I don't know, maybe I'm cheap but I wasn't wowed so it's hard to justify the cost. But, The Lucky Monk is just a fun destination for me. My friends and I always look forward to going and trying out different menu items. The burgers are for sure the highlight for most people. But I will dream of that pasta for quite some time...
(4)
Peter N.
The Lucky Monk has a great atmosphere. As soon as you walk in, you can see the lounge area's hanging Edison lights and the back of the bar. It is appealing and friendly. It is routinely quite busy, but I don't think that my girlfriend and I have ever waited more than 30 minutes to be seated when we've gone with no reservation. The wait staff are all very friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The food is standard bar food, with a few exceptions. I've tried nearly every burger variant that they make, and have not been disappointed. Also, their appetizers were fantastic. They offer some interesting mixed drinks as well as in-house beer specials. Everything is good, though as some mentioned, it can be a little pricey if you order drinks or order more than just main courses. Overall, this is a great place for a medium sized party, or just to have a drink before going to a movie. I would highly recommend it.
(5)
Jake B.
The food is definitely good here!! I've only had one bad experience and that is when me and about 10 other people from work went here after for some food and drinks. The waitress was very rude and seemed rushed. I did speak to the manager about her and he must have said something bc after that she was decent and not giving us attitude for wanting to order a drink.
(4)
Yanja B.
Really great burgers, and there is a huge variety of different food. So if you are not a burger person-weird- BUT there is something else on the menu for you. Let me forewarn you portion sizes of appetizers are huge! My boyfriend and I were surprised when they brought over our appetizer.
(4)
Yuvika S.
What's not to love here ! From the in house beers to the calamari to the huge burgers ! Everything was perfect I wish I had place for dessert but alas the portions were too big mayb next time !!
(5)
Matt I.
I have been here many times. NEVER disappointed. Awesome menu and their beer is very tasty. The outdoor seating on a nice day/night makes for a perfect combination with the very friendly staff and great food. My brother and I have come here many times with friends and have just sat outside enjoying beer and conversation. I will continue to come back again and again.
(5)
Houston E.
Bun of burger was beyond soggy. Beer was alright. Still waiting on the check........ So still waiting on the check.. It's 10:40pm on a Friday. Not sure if they are short staffed or what.
(1)
Dave M.
Beer Flight was great, Big fan of the Wheat beer with hints of banana bread and caramel And I went big, Got the grilled cheese burger!! Almost too big to handle but I took it down with some cheese curds The GF had the Cedar Plank Salmon and that was delicious!!!!!
(5)
Meg F.
Be sure to make a reservation because this place can be very crowded. When we arrived we had to wait for less than 5 min (score one for Open Table!) but others had to wait for 30 min (and it was late on a Sunday night). The restaurant was very open and there was plenty of room to move around al you didn't feel squished in. We started off with drinks and then it took the waiter 20 minutes to come back and take our order. Not a good start for a first impression. We had a Trappist Trio for apps and it was AWESOME. BF had pork shanks and I had a salad for our main course. We both agreed that the food was high-quality in taste and presentation. We were too full for dessert but there were some yummy-sounding choices. Overall, the food was great but the service stunk. We'd go back and hope for a better experience.
(3)
Christine B.
We love lucky monk! The atmosphere and food are great! My only complaint is they changed their soft pretzel appetizer and they are not good... Which was disappointing because they used to be amazing!
(4)
Billy O.
Excellent, good presentation. Good service, great selection what more do you need ?
(5)
Josh L.
Food is very good and is a great place to hit before a movie at AMC 30. Lots of great apps.... Don't look too much into it, it's not Gibson's you Fucking beatoffs. Enjoy
(4)
Kristina G.
I was in Illinois for business -- wish there was a Lucky Monk in California, I want to go back just for the mashed potatoes!! Great, laidback atmosphere, friendly staff, and all around reliably good food (all my other coworkes' dishes were delicious as well)
(5)
Jae K.
The service is always great. The food is fine but doesn't stand out to me. Our group doesn't usually go there because as my friend, who's a mother, have said that it 's "pretty expensive when you have kids."
(3)
Mark G.
Usually when someone says "our specialty is burgers" you think, sure whatever. Here they're actually telling the truth. Got the smothered burger and brought it back to my hotel that I'm at for business and it was even great not fresh off the stove top. Oh and did I mention the beer? I love going to breweries when I visit cities and got to kill two birds with one stone. Their house IPA is most excellent. The staff was courteous and informed, especially my bartender Kenny. He knew what to recommend and was knowledgeable in the history of this wonderful brew pub. I usually prefer to try new things but next time Im in the area, you'll see me at the Lucky Monk!
(5)
Danni G.
Our waitress heather last night too 20 minutes to get our drink order. The didn't even ask if we were ready to order food or had questions. Waited another 10 minutes for our food. My cousin asked for a new glass of water because the regul tasted metallic and our server scoffed at us Also it is not really acceptable for your waitresses to have their longer than shoulder length hair not tied back. Especially when they play with it at the tables and flick it around food. I counted at least three with half-down-the-back hair. I've been in service for 14 years and this is unacceptable. The food was mediocre, the attitude and health code issues will keep me from ever coming back. I will spread the word. Promise.
(1)
Amanda L.
We went to the Lucky Monk last night and were super impressed. The atmosphere and decor are really classy...kind of a laid back vintage vibe. Lots of dark wood and leather, old time light bulbs, but it wasn't dingy or depressingly dark, it felt warm and comfortable. The wait staff was friendly and quick. The place was clean and we were seated right away, but it got really busy the longer we were there. I don't know if they take reservations, but it might not be a bad idea to find out if you're planning on going before a movie or on the weekend. My husband had the Peppercorn Ranch burger, and he said it was the best burger he's had. My husband considers himself a "burger connoisseur," and usually eats his burgers plain (meat and bread only), but with this burger he kept the onion strings. Still, I think that his review should speak volumes, because he recognizes the flavor of the meat better than the rest of us who might be more focused on the toppings. However, my burger was the epitome of topping-importance. I decided to take a risk and order "the King," which was a burger with bacon, peanut butter, and bananas. The waitress said it was a hit and I have to admit, it was incredible. I was apprehensive, but I've never seen anything like it before, and had to take the chance. It paid off. The combination was really great, and I know if we go there again, I wouldn't hesitate to get the same thing. The peanut butter wasn't overwhelming, it perfectly balanced the burger, and the salt from the bacon matched the salt form the peanut butter, and then the peanut butter added something sweet that the bananas blended well with. It's hard to describe, but if you like the ingredients by themselves, you'll love this burger. The burgers are enormous, by the way. You can upgrade the normal french fries (which were great) to a few other options, including cheese curds, pickle fries, onion strings, and a few other french fry options. I got the truffle and parmesan fries, and they were fantastic, although I felt like I only tasted the truffle flavor a few times. It's $2 for the additional upgrade. We didn't drink but they brew all their own beers, and the list was extensive. We'll definitely go back to the Lucky Monk next time we head to the Barrington AMC.
(5)
Alex G.
The service was great but the food was not at all what I expected. I ordered the "smothered" burger and had a few beers with it. The beer by the way was par at best. I say this having been to a plethora of microbreweries in Colorado and I would say par or slightly above par. I tried every beer they brew in the sampler. The appetizers were good. All in all I would not return as the food gave me a very sour stomach along with a few others in my party.
(3)
Phill C.
I regret not having tried the Lucky Monk earlier. It's just one of those places I've passed by many times and didn't think much of it, since there have been several restaurants come and go in it's place. Well I hope they stay put, since they have good beer and a tasty food. They serve wine and cocktails, but the beers are the drink of choice here. They have a nice selection craft beers, with the likes of Lagunitas, Three Floyds, and Dogfish Head. But they brew their own beers, so make sure to give their house brews on tap. I've tried their Fallen Angel - very smooth, not bitter, and an all around great beer. There's about 7 house brews on tap, but they also have guest beers on tap. The food overall was solid. The beer battered Cheese Curds were tasty, but the Breakfast Burger was finger lickin good! A half pound of USDA prime beef, juicy and packed with flavor, which is topped with a fried egg and a sweet bacon marmalade. Mmmm mmmm was that good! It was a bit messy, but was definitely worth it. I recommend upgrading your included side to the White Truffle Parmesan Fries for only an extra buck.... because I said so and who doesn't like truffle fries? They also have pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees, but I'll be back to try one of their other burgers. Their Grilled Cheese Burger sounds really interesting. Just picture a meaty burger, remove the buns, and replace them with bacon grilled cheese sandwiches. Yah it sounds very unhealthy, but also sounds amazing at the same time. Great food and tasty beer - what's not to like?
(4)
Abhinav S.
This place is a good hangout with nice ambience. The beer sampler is what I like the best. I recommend this place if you want a nice relaxing evening.
(4)
Sarah K.
Beer selection was fantastic and our server was very friendly! The fried pickles were fantastic. My boyfriend had the grilled cheese burger and oh man was it so much food! The hot head was delicious for someone who enjoys spicy food
(5)
Justin Z.
The most delicious burger I've ever had! This burger had grilled cheese sandwiches as the bun and delicious tomatoes and bacon on it as well. The service was very prompt and our waitress kept our glasses full the entire time. We tried two samplers of beer and enjoyed most of them. Overall, this was a great experience, and we will definitely return soon!
(5)
Brian S.
I have an iron stomach but something really did me in here. I had the soup and a burger and got some wicked food poisoning. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Kathleen M.
I am no where near being a Monk but I am sure cognizant that I was damn lucky to have eaten here! My sister is soclose to finishing the 30 best Sandwich list from the Chicago Tribune and this was her 26th stop on her quest. Lucky indeed! I liked the feel of the restaurant, the comfort, the noise level and the unhurried way we were able to peruse, order, savor and linger. My sister had the requisite Portobello Mushroom sandwich and I got to taste it, scrumptious! It was like a burger but it was a mushroom. YUM! I had a short rib pizza with an egg on top. Sounds kindof funky but the taste was superb! I drove 90 minutes to get here. (Yes, I do love my sister) and it was worth it! If you are lucky enough to live close, go on over and enjoy, you don't have to be a monk.
(4)
Shannon P.
We returned about 10 months after having had an awful experience here, and had a much, much better experience. The food is really great, I think we just got a bad server the first time and that was what really ruined it for us. This time we had a much better, more experienced, personable server, and that made all the difference. My husband had the ribs and I had a burger, both were awesome. We had the brownie and ice cream dessert and it was amazing too. Call ahead for a table, as they are often very busy. You have to let them know if you don't want to get seated in the bar area.
(4)
Leslie W.
All the food is good. The apps are great, the burgers are great, and they have a great beer selection. The kids menu has a lot of variety, and kids meals come with the best dessert ever - a chocolate chip cookie with a milk and chocolate sauce. I wish I could get a kids meal, too; there's never any part of the dessert left for the grownups. I highly recommend making a reservation even if you think they won't be busy. You can reserve through open table, so it's really easy.
(4)
Clint D.
Stellar burger selection! Pretzels and cheese are amazing! Oh yea their IPA is one of my favorites!!!
(5)
Joe J.
The King is a great burger! Tried a few of the beers but nothing super appealing to me. Can't wait tobtry the other food items.
(5)
M L.
I love the Lucky Monk! It's both the food and the price that make this establishment a winner for young and older folks alike. I also like the live band that seems to be played a volume that is just about perfect, but not too intruding that you couldn't hear what your dining mate is saying. Superb job, guys!
(5)
Ross P.
Great atmosphere, good food, a little pricy. I like the beer selection a lot but their in house beer (like Brass before it) lacks. Good burgers and appetizers. This and The Assembly down the road both make fantastic burgers, but this is where we go on date night.
(4)
Jessica A.
First time at The Lucky Monk. It was toward the end of the night when I went with some friends. They told us the fire was not lit outside and outside area was closed but we really wanted to sit outside and they let us. We ordered a drink each at the bar and a few appetizers. They had a good selections of beers on tap as well. We asked if they would bring our food outside so we didnt have to wonder when it would be ready for us at the bar and they happily did. We ordered Pickle Fries - beer-battered thinly sliced pickles, with chipotle ranch ($7.50) and Classic Hummus starter- warm flat bread, sweet red pepper, cucumber, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes ( $8.95). Both were very tasty. The flat bread seemed to be made in house and there was enough there to share with a few of us. Overall a good experience. I would go back again.
(4)
Simon K.
Three visits, three great experiences with the food. There were a few issues with the ambiance of the restaurant but let's get back to those at the end of the review. First things first, the food: Burgers: Amazing burgers that crumbles into your mouth when you bite into it. I'd ask for them medium for the best textures. - Hot Head: It's supposed to be spicy but I could have used a little more heat on it. I did like the chipotle ketchup which added a tiny hint of spice. - Green Chile Queso: A weird combination turns out to be my favorite burger so far. The roasted green chiles actually add a nice kick (maybe even more than the hot-head) and the pork shoulder+pineapple makes this taste like two meals in one. You might need a fork and knife for this one. I just wish there was some kind of sauce to accompany this burger. Truffle fries: Holy cow. Definitely my favorite thing about Lucky Monk. Full of flavor and taste like they have been freshly cut/cooked. Fish 'N Chips: The texture of the fish is ridiculously soft. The batter is a nice crispy golden brown which adds a texture to the whole dish. I just wish the fish had been seasoned a little. Margherita Pizza: Thin crust, check. Fresh ingredients, check. Perfect balance of dough, sauce and topping, check. A great pizza although it may be slightly overpriced. Beer Braised Short Rib Pasta: Short ribs were delicious but I wasn't a huge fan of the pasta. But then again, I'm not a fan of pasta in general. The short ribs are packed full of flavor and are reason enough to try this dish. S'mores: If you like marshmallows, order this dessert. If you like any other part of the s'more, you might be disgusted by how much marshmallow is in one dessert... So the food gets a solid 4.5 stars. As for the ambiance, here's what went wrong each of the three times I went: 1) Seated outside: the waiter stopped by maybe once after we ordered our food. It took forever to get refills or additional napkins or condiments. 2) Seated in the restaurant area: apparently they have live music on certain nights and I chose to go on one of those nights. If you are looking to have conversation, don't go on one of these nights. We were seated in the area furthest from the musician and we still couldn't hear each other over the music. 3) Seated in the bar area: We were seated in the back corner and it was right next to a window that I thought was open because the draft coming from it was freezing! Overall, a great place to grab some food and hang out especially since it's open pretty late for a suburb location. I'd recommend any of the dishes I've ordered or to try something new!
Visited the Lucky Monk on a Thursday night for dinner. Had a reservation through Open Table at 7pm, arrived a little early. Was greeted by a friendly pair at front desk and seated quickly. Love the interesting items on menu like fried deviled eggs, fresh pretzels with dipping sauce and fries with gravy and cheese curds -should add some short rib meat and call it Elvis Fries, (hint, hint). Server was polite, attentive and kept our drinks full. I had the Lake Perch and my darling wife had the appetizer pretzels for dinner, (I guess this is what she was hungry for). The meals were good and the mint chocolate chip ice cream was a good finish to our meal. Maybe next time we should try the outside eating patio? Overall, we enjoy this restaurant with all the unique menu items. (PS-consider the Elvis fries for a special item )
(4)
Natasha R.
The Lucky Monk has been on my to do list for forever now, so I can't express how upset I am with my less than stellar experience. We got in with no problems on a late Sunday afternoon, which was nice since I thought this place gets pretty packed. Our server (forgot his name) is probably my main reason why I am rating this 3 stars, rather than 4. We are not huge beer fans, but once in awhile it's a great thing to throw down a cold one. Since we are both inexperienced in this department, I was relying on my server to lead us in the right direction (it worked in Ram and Yard House). We both wanted a sweeter, lighter beer so we asked for suggestions. He was kind of stuck and didn't have an answer for us. Shouldn't they know their beer if that's one of their main attractions? He "suggested" The Cardinal Sin which was not close to anything I described. It's not the end of the world, but it's def a huge minus for me. Aside from the beer, the service was painfully slow the entire time and we had other servers do his work for us. I also had leftover salad which I wanted to take home, but a few minutes after he took my plate away, he came back and told me that someone just took the plate out of his hands and threw it out. At that point we just wanted to go home but he ended up having the kitchen make me a new one (that was nice) but I would have rather have it taken off my bill since it was not that good and had a bland taste. Aside the Chopped salad, we also had Wisconsin Cheese Curds and Crisp Calamari. Both of these side items were DELICIOUS and I would gladly order them again. I've ordered Calamari from a bunch of places, but these came with Parmesan and a few other toppings like marinated carrots and peppers that gave it so much flavor. Since The Lucky Monk is in the same parking lot as the movie theater, I am sure I will come back here to give it another chance. Their burgers look amazing and with so many positive reviews, I am sure we just had a onetime bad experience.
(3)
Carl F.
Another Yelp success story here... thanks fellow Yelpers for pointing me to the Lucky Monk. I don't make it to this area often thus not very familiar with the restaurants, thereby I promptly pulled up Yelp for some help. After a quick read of several places the Lucky Monk quickly came to the top of the pile considering the menu was fitting the desires of our taste buds. The ambiance of the restaurant itself is very nice. Clean, spacious, and nicely decorated. The wait staff are nice, proficient and leave you with a good experience. As the Luck Monk has several home brewed beers, the staff were very helpful in narrowing down the choices for me. I personally liked the Cardinal Sin brew. For the appetizer, we went with the pretzel and dip trio. When reading the description, I was thinking the trio part was the three dips they serve, but when the platter came out there were also three pretzels! The bad thing here is, the dips and pretzels were so good that we ended up eating all three pretzels! For the main meal, I had a burger, with blue cheese, onions and jalapenos. What a great mix this was. The burger came out just as I asked, medium. Also, what I though was a good idea is the burger sat on a little round wooden pedestal. Just high enough to keep it out of any grease run off and out of the fries... a simple yet cool idea. They clearly used quality meats and condiments. The roll was outstanding too. Pile all this into one package made this a great burger! The fries were good too, not overly crusty, yet not limp either. On my plate they gave a hefty portion of fries, but kind of overdoing it with the pretzel, I didn't have much room for the fries. In the end, I was very pleased with all aspects of the Luck Monk and will be sure to stop in again when in the area.
(4)
Alicia G.
I heard a lot of good things about this restaurant so I was looking forward to taking a party of 8 there. Nice space & atmosphere for a Saturday afternoon. Spicy buffalo wings were great but the fish & chips were very greasy - they were not traditional chips that usually come with fish, just greasy american fries. The batter on the fish was way too greasy to eat. Others in my party ordered burgers and pizza and said they were good. We were not offered any dessert or coffee, just given the bill. I will try The Lucky Monk one more time - the menu has interesting options, I'll just make sure not to order anything we had last time. Hope to be able to give it 5 stars next time!
(4)
Cathy B.
Love the brugers and snadwiches here.Good Salads as well. The weekends are busy, busy, busy. I prefer takeout then wait for seating.
(4)
Kasia K.
THIS REVIEW IS CONCERNING THE VALET AT LUCKY MONK After a long week at work and a stressful Friday, I drove to Lucky Monk to meet up with my family for dinner. As I drove into the parking lot there was absolutely NO parking, being Friday and all but then as luck could have had it there was a spot towards the front that was empty. Score! I thought to myself as I drove towards it. Boy was I wrong. As I started to pull in, I saw the valet running towards me waving his hands saying that I can't park there. I asked why, in response he said - "don't you see these cones by the spot? This is a valet spot." I said ok, knowing that there was complimentary valet parking I told him that I'd pull in my car and he can hand me a ticket that I'd stick on my dash since I was already by the spot and didn't want to hassle him. In response to this he said - "no I have to park your car somewhere else, this spot is only for cars that are $100,000 and over and yours isn't". I am so sorry I drive a Subaru 2013 and that it doesn't meet the criteria for parking standards at Lucky Monk. I was so pissed off by that comment, how do they know how much I'll spend inside? Maybe an average joe who drives a Honda goes there to dinner with his wife and kids and spends $120 on a meal and then a guy that drives a Range Rover comes in by himself and orders a meal and cocktail and he spends $35. Who do you profit off more? Simple math, don't judge a person by their car. Best ending to this story, right after I pulled out of the spot because my car wasn't deemed worthy enough a Jeep Liberty parked there instead. Last time I checked that wasn't a $100,000 car. Do your math Lucky Monk, your parking rocket science totally ruined my entire experience and I've been to your restaurant many times before.
(1)
Graham B.
The Lucky Monk has always been a favorite of mine. With great service and great decor how could it get any better. The beer selection is extensive and there own brewing they do on site produces great beer! The food is amazing, burgers are massive and great, cooked the way you want it. The pizza is really great, thin with fresh ingredients, and the desert is fresh but man is it heavy. In short you should go and try everything on the menu, enjoy the beer, enjoy the service. It's a great place to go for a wonderful evening!
(5)
Kevin H.
I can save you readers a bunch of dough.......simply go to the grocery store, buy yourself a carton of salt, and pour the contents down your throat.
(2)
Krunal P.
very nice place stopped by after a movie for quick bite. I was surprised how good food and beer was. I'm definitely coming back to try more beers and food.
(4)
Nicole B.
Visiting from FL. Plenty of healthy menu options and fair pricing. I had the smothered burger (added avocado and mushrooms), which I highly recommend, w/ sweet potato fries. Burger was cooked perfectly medium. Fries were crispy and hot. Service was wonderful. Server even brought my 4 year old nephew a drink when he woke up from his nap even though he said he didn't want one.
(4)
Sherry D.
I have visited this restaurant three times. Once, for a cocktail at the bar after a show at the AMC theaters next door. Second time, took my in-laws for mom's birthday. Everyone like their food. Server was very friendly and knowledgeable. I had the skirt steak which came with a cauliflower mash, which was nice for a lo-carber. Husband and daughter had different tacos, both liked them, although the portions were small. Mom and Dad had burgers and they looked great. Third time - stopped on a Monday night to watch the Blackhawks so asked for a table by the bar. Server never hurried us. They have a special... artisan pizza (12") and a pint of house brew for $10. It's a steal . Three in our party and we all tried different pizzas and all three were delicious. Nice, thin artisan crust, unique toppings. The beer was good and our server was fabulous. We may make Monday nights our new pizza night. The menu isn't very huge, sandwiches, apps, pizzas, burgers and maybe 6 or 7 entrees, but they all look good. We will definitely be going back!
(4)
Scott B.
This is as good as it gets for a microbrewery type of place. The food is incredibly good, the beer is outstanding, the service is excellent, and the ambiance is comfortable, even a little bit upscale. Very very good in every respect.
(5)
Jay P.
While in town for business noticed this on Yelp as being under new ownership with a few reviews, all positive, so two of us gave it a try. We were not disappointed! We started with the Chili combo which was a nice starter, regular and chicken chili, yum! Both of us had one of their burgers for the main course and we both were very pleased with them. These are definitely high quality burgers and not your run-of-the-mill variety. Unfortunately, we had no room whatsoever for desert! The service was very professional and our waiter did a great job explaining their offerings and was a very effective spokesman for the venue. The atmosphere was top notch, including the roaring fire outside on the patio. If you are in the area and have an appetite, check this place out.
(5)
Michael D.
I was able to get back and sample a few beers and additional food options. I was very happy with the beers, really excited to get back this fall and sample the porter, stouts. Still a huge fan of the pretzel app. It's a must. Also sampled the fried pickles new favorite. I want to try the pizza, I ordered the "Fresh Spinach" pizza and was disappointed to see it actually came with a towering pile of "Fresh spinach". I ate it and enjoyed it, but next time I'll try something else.
(4)
Kim S.
I have always past by this place and wondered how it was. I had a great experience here. The waiters and waitresses were super friendly. The food didn't take very long at all. The burgers are huge an delicious and everyone needs to try their truffle fries...so yummy. The only thing I could say that I didn't like about it this place was that it was a little to dim in there, a little harder to read the menu and look around. Looking forward to this place again!
(5)
Doug M.
So today I returned to the Lucky Monk. I had visited previously for a Yelp Event and liked it very much. To start with we had the fried onion straw-type appetizer, and the chicken poblano chili. The onions were nicely done and served along with some rockin' wasabi ranch sauce. The wasabi gave a nice twist to the ranch but was not overpowering. The chicken poblano chili was every bit as good as I had remembered from the Yelp event, served nice and hot, with a spoonful of sour cream in it. One of the first things you notice is the nice, pungent cilantro. This is one fantastic chili. I had the farmhouse burger with cheddar cheese and applewood-smoked bacon, which was done to perfection. Piled high with shredded lettuce, and slices of red juicy tomatoes, it was a sight to behold. She had the loaded baked potato soup which was sprinkled with crumbled bacon on top and was very delicious. Their french fries were the fresh cut type and were great without being greasy. The saltiness was just right and ketchup wasn't really needed. To wash it all down she had the freshly squeezed lemonade, while I indulged in the beer sampler which had 5-6 different craft beers. Two of those I had sampled last time, the IPA and the Stout, were great and the rest were also very good, but the first two really stick out in my mind. The server did a great job explaing all of the various beers and things like bitterness units, etc. , and how the grains are roasted to give more flavor and character to the stouts. Subtle hints of chocolate or coffee can be detected and linger on after you've swallowed. Being a Tuesday evening, it was not crowded at all and the service was wonderful. If I could give half-stars I would rate this visit at 4.5, it is very good but not quite a fiver.
(4)
Byron M.
The decor, service and food were all above average. We enjoyed our dinner and intend to go back.
(4)
Nicole R.
I went here Monday with a co-worker and the food was awesome. We got the fried calamari for an appetizer. We also got two martinis which both were excellent. The chicken sandwich I got was amazing and she liked the burger she ordered. I will definitely be returning.
(5)
Sabrina W.
I went to The Lucky Monk a few weeks back with my fiance. We have been eyeing it for awhile as we frequent the AMC 30 movie theater almost weekly. After many months of driving by and saying we should check this place out we decided to stop in for a couple brews after an afternoon Sunday matinee. We sat at the bar and ordered a few samples of their offered microbrews. Both of us were pleased with our selections and agreed that we needed to come back to try the truffle fries. I gave The Lucky Monk four stars because they advertised a Sunday $4 special on a pint of their house brew and the bartender overcharged us on our order. We told the bartender and they corrected it on our bill right away but I was still annoyed that I had to point it out.
(4)
Nicole M.
So on my most recent trip to Lucky Monk I tried the four cheese pizza and my boyfriend go a burger. We sat outside and Our waitress was super nice. I got my pizza it was not what I imagined it to be... I thought it would be crispy but it wasn't, it was soggy! Looked almost like a microwaved pizza. I ate it and it tasted alright not the best... Then I took another bite and saw a hair, I'm not one to make a big stink, I was just over the pizza. My boyfriend said his burger was decent but over cooked. Sad because our experience was soo good last time we went to Lucky Monk! Maybe it was just an off day.
(2)
Michael S.
This place is great!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starters ---- Had Spinach and feta Pizza VERY GOOD Burgers are great. I love that they have two sizes 6oz and 9oz. The fries are great.
(4)
Kathryn J.
There are many micro-brews, but one with great food to match? Found it. My parents, sister and brother-in-law are regulars at another micro-brewery downtown Palatine. Good beer - GREAT beer dinners.. but on a daily basis, the menu is bland and offers nothing for food lovers. Now, another option: The Lucky Monk in South Barrington. Great burgers, huge salads... and the warm pretzel trio with its mustard butter, tomato parmesan sauce and Wisconsin cheddar beer fondue is a very nice surprise. This team is crafting some great beers - and knows food. Keep it up!
(4)
M. L.
I LOVE The Lucky Monk. It is by far my favorite restaurant in the area. It is perfect for a small family celebration, date night, or cocktails with a few friends. The food is by far the highlight of the restaurant. The only thing I would stay away from is the onion strings. It sounds like they would be "onion rings" but in fact they are kind of like shoe string fries, but made with onions. Very difficult to eat, and not very tasty. Everything else is delicious! The service is always good, I've never had an issue with my food orders. A few waitresses that I have had seemed disconnected, didn't really check up on us. But it depends on how busy they are. Overall, awesome place to eat. Definitely my favorite!
(4)
Gus E.
We stumbled here after viewing a movie next door. The menu was short and sweet, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Our waiter was great and very attentive despite the room full of large groups. We sampled some of their microbrews and found them all to be good. My girlfriend found her BBQ salmon to be cooked perfectly, the flavor was delicious. The Roasted Chicken I ordered especially hit the spot on this cold night with a pint of Gr'ale. I would highly recommend this place to friends and the next time we see a movie in the area we'll definitely stop by.
(4)
Todd L.
Really good food and great atmosphere.
(4)
Kevin M.
Had the monk burger and one of their newer pizzas. The best brewpubs around (Emmett's and Duke's ale house) have figured out that the best way to draw a broader crowd is to actually have good food in addition to the beer. They need a better chef, plain and simple. Service was extremely slow. I won't be going back.
(2)
Rich G.
I took my family to this restaurant for dinner. The decoration was good and atmosphere was more likely a bar and grill type. We got seated right away and thanks to Yelp for reservation. A waitress didn't come around for five minutes. We were wondering for the whole time. When she finally came around, she recommended house beers for drinks. One of my daughters didn't bring the ID although she was over 21. The waitress was rigid about not having ID which was totally understanding. However when we share beer, she had the third degree look on all of us. Nasty look and we didn't appreciate the treatment she was giving. We ignored it and proceeded with dinner. Hamburgers were ok. but the fries were greasy and oily. Some fries were burned with black tar on the skin. Didn't enjoy much about that. After dinner, we took out a very small chocolate cake (from Deerfield Bakery) with two candles for my daughter's belated birthday. The waitress came over and told us that they would have to charge for bringing the desert from outside. According to her, it was the policy to charge $1 for each cut. We were eight people and it would be eight dollars for bringing own food. It wasn't so much about the policy but the attitude that just ruined our celebrating mood. We packed and left. Wait, they weren't shy about charging 18% of tip included in the bill. As far as I know, she didn't deserve it. And I wonder what justifies automatic tipping system of18% when the server provides bad service. It was like " I don't have to provide a good service to you since your bill has tips already included." Sad and bad business. This restaurant is not a typical friendly neighborhood restaurant. It is located in South Barrington as if it is one of the wealthy upscale restaurant. The fact is that it is NOT. It is ok decoration, ok beer and food. Nothing spectacular but the attitude is high up. It is not for regular person or regular families like mine. Definitely NO to this restaurant. If you look for better beer and food, go to Millrose right across the street. It has better food, drink and more importantly better service. I WILL NOT go back to Lucky Monk, which should really have been Greedy and Nasty Monk.
(2)
Collette Y.
I went back to Lucky Monk last week because there was lack of good places to go at the last minute while I was in that area. Again, I had a burger and it was soooooooooo good. Not salty like the last time. AND service WAS TERRIFIC this time. The young waiter really was attentive. He was so sharp I asked him if he's in school but he said he was out of school and awaiting an opening as a firefighter. I always like being able to substitute a fresh vegetable instead of having fries and I was easily able to do that here. All was so tasty I'm salivating now as I think of it!
(5)
Andre L.
If you are looking for a burger and beer, this is as good as I've found. Food was excellent. Try the pretzel appetizer as others have suggested. I upgraded my fries to the truffle fries also excellent. I'm a beer snob and this place has a very good selection of imports including the Belgium's I love. I got a complimentary taste of their seasonal in-house which currently is a Belgium style dubbel which was great. Nice ambiance with live music. I'll be back!
(5)
D. T.
I dont know how to rate this place. Food was decent, I had the Tacos. Its one of those places thats not really memorable. You eat here and then you dont think about it again for... ever.
(3)
Jenn L.
We celebrated an anniversary at The Lucky Monk on Saturday evening. Had to wait about 20 minutes for a table, but it was worth it. Our first visit so we weren't sure what we were going to get,but all-in-all it didn't disappoint. We started with a trio appetizer that included onion straws, fried pickles,and truffle fries. The onion straws were mild and went great with the chipotle sauce. I'm not a pickle fan, but these weren't half bad, and my boyfriend enjoyed them the most. He also started with a beer flight. Unfortunately, this is what prevents us from giving it a full 5 stars. Let me say, the beer flight is under 9 bucks and you get the equivalent of about 3 beers- so it is a really good value. Unfortunately, my boyfriend was hoping to be wowed by them, and only one did it for him- the oatmeal stout. I'm not a fan of stouts, but I also LOVED this beer. The others though were kind of lack luster. Not bad, just not amazing- which is what we were hoping for. For dinner, he had a burger and I had pizza (was thinking about the pulled pork but wasn't down for being messy that night). I had food envy with that burger he ordered! OMG- huge, first of all, and he said the best burger he's had in years. Pizza was good, nothing special, so next time, I'll get a burger or the pulled pork and try that. (Yes, we are planning to visit again!) Also on our list to try is the pretzle appetizer. We finished off with dessert. He had the bread pudding (H.U.G.E. portion! 2-4 could share this thing), and I went with the brownie a la mode. Both were really tasty! Looking forward to carrot cake next time. Our server was Jessire and she was AWESOME! We were there on a very busy Saturday night for about 2 hours, taking our time and enjoying ourselves, and we NEVER ONCE felt rushed for our table. Jessire was attentive without being disruptive to us, and very polite. I'll be requesting her next time. Bus service was also great- plates were never left on the table for more than a minute before being cleared away. As far as the ambiance goes, we loved the decor. It seemed loud when we were waiting for a table, and even though we were seated in the bar, it was quiet in our little corner, and we didn't have to yell to hear one another. Can't wait to go back! Thanks for making our anniversary dinner enjoyable.
(4)
Nick B.
Let's talk good: delicious food, great beers, good atmosphere, nice location! Now the bad: horrible service which is something I hope they change. We were in there for the 2nd time last Friday (previous time was 3 stars - again service issue) and the place was at 20% capacity yet we waiting 10 minutes before getting a drink order. The bus boys didn't even bring us water! Everything after came slow: slow water refills, slow main course, infrequent check-ups, slow to get bill paid. We felt like we were held there in jail after waiting over 25 minutes to get our bill (had to ask another waitress) and return will our run credit card after needing to ask again!!!! Not acceptable. The food was awesome, though, which saves it from a dreaded single star. Honestly, for the good food and booze you can get it across the street at The Assembly so they best get it together. It's a perfect stop pre or post a movie and have a great atmosphere to meet friends so let's just hope they get there servers in gear. If it's ever the designated place for me to go I will bring cash to avoid part of the problem and if the service doesn't improve it will be my last.
(2)
Kathy F.
Make a reservation through open table! The first time we went my husband and I did not make a reservation and I had a headache so sitting in the bar really was not an option and we ended up elsewhere. Tonight was great! The pretzels and three dips appetizer is unbelievably yummy. At first I was leery of the spicy mustard dip but it balanced the cheese and marinara quite well. I had the market tomato salad for my entree, pretty much caprese salad, but tasty. My husband has a burger and an IPA that became "better" as it warmed up. As I do not believe IPA's to be drinkable, I will take his word for it. Not a hoppy gal (but I loves me a nice Belgian or Stout!) Pleasant dinner, topped it off with the warm chocolate chip cookies which were perfection. Prompt service, too.
(4)
Russell W.
Went there for lunch with my wife after a movie. Location is great, right by the theater. I had the BBQ chicken pizza, she had the fish and chips. Both were good. The fish was pretty great, actually, but the grease-ball mess of fries served with it was pretty disgusting. The pizza was as expected. I go the beer sampler and was very disappointed. They serve 6, which is great, but only 2 were worthy, in my opinion. The stout and the IPA were prety good, especially the stout. Not much flavor for teh rest, and the hefe must have gone bad, ther was a distinct smell/taste of sulfer. I wanted to love it, a micro-brewery so close to my home, but it just didn't work out.
(3)
Ruth Ann M.
The pizzas and flat breads will make your heart sing with their perfectly flavored, perfectly crisp crust and gourmet toppings. The atmosphere is classy enough to host your clients and fancy out-of-town relatives yet casual enough to feel comfortable. The patio is warm and inviting with a central stone fire place. The prices are awesome. Really, you can't go wrong at the Lucky Monk.
(4)
Anthony V.
We heard all the reviews and wanted a burger so we decided that we would give The Lucky Monk a try. It's conveniently located next to the AMC 30 movie theater, so it's perfect if you want a movie and a meal. We tried the Caesar salad and home brew chili for appetizers. The salad was fresh and the chili had that homemade taste with a little zip to it. We both had the burgers which were very good and large portions as well. The dessert menu has what they call "angel bites", which are small little portions which are just enough. We did not try their home brew beers; however they have several choices available. The server was very pleasant and accommodating as we received an alternative drink for the very sweet lemonade. The prices are reasonable and there was ample seating. Overall, it's a great place if you would like to get a nice burger and fries. Definitely worth giving it a try!
(4)
Julie P.
Dan and I tried this place out before seeing Due Date last weekend. I loved the decor and the ambiance inside and we were sat right away even though the parking lot was packed and we thought we would have to wait. Our waiter seemed a little distracted and his timing was way off, we sat for a while before he came by to greet us and take our order. The menu was a lot smaller than I was expecting, with many burger options but only 3 variations of a sandwich and few entrees. The truffle parmesan fries were very good, but they were served in a dish that seemed like you were getting a lot more fries than there actually were. Our food took a really long time to arrive, and we had only ordered a chopped salad and a burger. I realize that it was busy in the restaurant, but our server seemed to disappear and I was about to flag down a manager to see what was going on. Turns out I would have to flag a manager down a few minutes later for a totally different reason....our food finally arrived. Dan's burger came sitting on top of a round plastic thing that made the burger look a lot bigger than it really was...not sure what the point of that is exactly. I was enjoying my salad when I found a lovely surprise in the form of a dead black bug. We immediately asked for a manager who came over and seemed less than concerned about what had happened. She said that their lettuce was shipped in, as if that's an excuse. I'm sorry but I work in the industry too, and expect a lot more than a lame apology when something like this happens. She asked if I wanted a new salad and I vehemently declined, at this point I felt ill. She did comp our meal but I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I couldn't decide whether or not to write a review because I realize that this type of thing is damaging to an establishment's reputation, however I could not justify keeping silent. I really wanted to like this place but it just wasn't in the cards I suppose.
(2)
Alex G.
As the Great 2010 Burger Quest comes to a close, we were fortunate to stop by Lucky Monk on Saturday. As others have noted, the burgers come on little wood platforms that make them look huge when they are brought to the table. Not quite sure what the purpose is. We thought maybe the platforms were heated but nope. The burgers were very good and the fresh cuts fries outstanding as well. I got the version with Tilamook cheddar and bourbon stout onions. The cheddar had a nice bite to it and worked well with the burger. I'll even go so far as to praise the use of shredded lettuce which I prefer. The service was a little in-attentive (empty drinks, add'l condiments needed) but the manager helped out when she stopped by to check on our meal. Everyone thought the burgers were very good and the pizza got good reviews as well. The menu is a little limited but everything is done well so better to excel at a few things (like the chocolate chip cookies). Noise level was not too bad but the vibe seemed to hint that this is more of a late night place. Plenty of bar bites available for late night munching. Carry out window as well. And they offer small dessert options (like $.75 ice cream) which makes more sense when you just want a little something sweet. We'll be back......
(3)
J P.
Meh. The ambiance is nice, the band played awesome music. I really wanted to like this place but I couldn't. For one, we had to freaking Valet our car because their parking lot is the size of my living room. Are you kidding me? When you see this place and the vast amount of space around it, and the tiny parking lot, it just makes no sense. The food: Thank God I ordered the Hummus - which was a winner. The other appetizers were entirely too fried and sopping oil and disgusting. The brews were okay..we sampled them and we did like 1-2 of them. The apple crisp..what I waited all night for, turned out to be a dud. The crust was so buttery and gross, it ruined what could have been a first ballot hall of fame winner. Do people actually like this food and finish their meals? Beer + Oil = my summary of this place. It just screams obesity. Again, Thank God for the Hummus.
(2)
Scott K.
The atmosphere here was awesome, as was the beer selection. The beer is definitely pricey but cmon, you're in South Barrington. I had the Duble. Actually, my friend and I had three of them and called it a 'triple duble.' Either way, it gave is a really good buzz on our way to go and see True Grit at the AMC. Also, the pretzel plate with the different sauces was really good.
(4)
Bob D.
This restaurant is delicious and we primarily frequent with out of town guests. Every meal must start with the warm pretzel trio, by far the best warm, soft pretzels ever! With 3 dipping sauces, melted cheddar, Dijon mustard and tomato sauce so creamy and delicious - like a thick tomato bisque. The mushroom pizza is my favorite meal, paired with the lavender unfiltered ginger ale, can't go wrong! My husband has tried a few of their burgers and likes them!
(4)
MARGARET B.
A Monday night and the place was slammed- we waited 20 minutes for the waiter to get drink orders and another 20 minutes of drinks to arrive at the table. Dinner was ordered at the same times as the drinks and did not arrive until 75 minutes from the time we sat down until the time we were served. Our waiter was not apologetic but seemed put out that the restaurant was that busy. The only saving grace was the food was decent. I have to say the side salad I ordered was not served in a chilled bowl and seemed wilted as a result. We waited for our food and the food waited for us- fries were luke warm. A manager never came around asking how our dinner was but he probably would not have like what we would have told him. I am not sure we will even give this another try...
(1)
Len T.
The food was excellent. Tried the trio. Excellent. Burgers were great. The only reason I'm rating them 3 stars is because of the drinks. For $8 & $9 Margherita and Monks Punch, there was hardly any alcohol in it. We felt cheated on the drinks.
(3)
Laura A.
I can't even describe how much I LOVE The Lucky Monk. Admittedly I've never eaten any of their entrees, but their appetizers are absolute manna from heaven. If you go, definitely get the whipped goat cheese appetizer -- it changed my life -- especially if you love goat cheese. But even if you don't, it's incredible. Also the pretzels are good, not too salty and just firm enough but soft in the middle, plus they come with a kind of mustard butter that will clear out your sinuses (in a good way!). I went recently with some friends who had the Proscuitto-wrapped scallops, and apparently those are amazing as well. And of course, who doesn't love a great beer selection, including microbrews made on-site? If it's your first time the tasting platter is a really good deal, and I highly recommend the wheat beer (Tritica). I've heard their IPA is incredible as well, but IPA is not to my taste so I haven't had it outside the tasting sampler. Highly recommend!! Probably a good idea to make a reservation though, especially on a Friday/Saturday night. Sometimes they have live music too which is a draw for some people but I think it's the only downside to the place.
(5)
Jeanne Y.
My family and I love this place. The food is really good and the menu diverse, but I can't have wheat gluten so I'm always limited wherever I eat. When I go there I just tell the waiter who confers with the chef to see if what I would like can be made gluten free. The chef can often accomodate my dietary restriction by modifying something but if it alters the dish too much they have also been able to suggest something else. They are very nice about it and have never acted put out by having to tailor my food a little. The wait staff has always been very helpful to me by telling the chef to be sure there is no gluten in what I order and I really appreciate that because a lot of things have gluten that one can't recognize by looking at it. Another nice thing is that they never rush us out the door after we are done eating. The atmosphere is really nice and conducive to lingering for a while, maybe over coffee or a drink. One other thing I want to add...my daughter went there with a friend and left her debit card on the tray by accident. Days later she realized it and they had been holding it for her in a safe. The employees were all very nice and helpful and she happily got her card back. I give Lucky Monk five stars for the service, the food, the atmosphere and honest employees.
(5)
Mike U.
Great atmosphere - did not get a chance to cehck out the outdoor patio and fire pit. Service was outstanding. Food was good, but nothing that blew me away. I would definitely make the trip down there again.
(3)
Erin E.
Went there for my better half's birthday with his family. I wasn't expecting much (mostly bad chains in this area- not good restaurants way out here in the burbs) but I was pleasantly surprised! They make home brewed iced tea and lemonade which we had. Really great service, friendly, clean, and good food. We had meat eaters and vegetarians in the group yet everyone was happy with their meals. I'd go back again and was glad to see they're even doing some organic choices as well. Not many but hope they add more organic fare soon!)
(4)
Joseph P.
A Wednesday noon may not be the most relevant time to review this place - there were no crowds at all, so we can review just the food and the service. Didn't try the beer. To me this place is a lot like the RAM restaurants, but without the menu polish. The prices are a bit high - about $12 for the typical burger. They say they are "Prime", but the tasted just average. At lunch they add a few items at the $10-11 price point. I had the Patty Melt. Oddly, the "melt" part was a cheese SAUCE (!!), not like real cheese. Cooked right, it still was just passable. The "natural" fries were ok, but soggy and a bit cold. My friends each had the Combo half sandwich and salad. Very small salad - served in a 3 inch tall ramekin. They said the sandwich was ok. Soft drinks are also a bit high at $3. Our waitress was a pro of the "bar circuit" - very friendly and efficient, even as we stayed for a few hours just talking and drinking. Maybe at night this place has an atmosphere, but as a restaurant it is a "no real reason to drive here" place.
(2)
Annette G.
We've been a couple times, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich both times, and have yet to finish it, which is just fine with my husband. The have a small kids menu, pasta, pizza, chicken nuggets - but they serve them with veggies if you choose, and bring out carrot sticks with ranch dressing for them to munch on. We tried the nacho fries last time - a total waste :( the plain ones with the meal were much tastier. And as many others have noted - service is very slow.
(3)
Chris P.
Love this place! Great burgers, atmosphere and beer. Try the fried pickles.
(4)
Lisa P.
Love the bar area, it has comfy seating for chatting with friends. The appetizers are soo goood. The atmosphere was perfect for a get together with friends, a date night, or just a nice meal. Service could have been better. We noticed the manager had a staff meeting right in the bar area. We had to wait to get our drinks.
(4)
Jay V.
Love the food, always friendly service. Try the burgers, they are awesome!
(4)
Vick C.
Good burger and beer! very nice interior and super friendly service, I will def go again!
(4)
Justin D.
Just visited The Lucky Monk. I have to say, I was pretty happy with the quality of food and beer. Not the best burger I've ever had, but it was definitely a good quality burger. I tried their spinach and ricotta pizza and it was very good. The spinach really stood out. I had the Holiday Bock and it was great! This place is solid. Oh and our waitress, Jenni, was extremely friendly. I have no complaints at all. I will be back.
(4)
Jim J.
Great Santa De Chicken salad. Enjoyed the Cardinal Sin pilsner. The service was timely but not over bearing. Nice atmosphere.
(5)
Little Miss L.
actually, i am going back and forth over this place. we've been here twice...so i feel that is enough to write a decent review, right? both times we had the great fried pickles. (the second time they were better) first time there we had the monk burger and a pizza, (short-rib and "farm" egg--whatever that means) cause this is what they're known for. the pizza was just meh. maybe it was a bad choice, i dunno. the burger, which we ordered medium-rare, came out close to well, but it was good. good fries too. this time we all had burgers, they were cooked more correctly this time--closer to medium, but it was good. the issues i have with the place is that it is slllloooooowww...it took a solid 25-30 minutes after we finished our appetizer to get our main courses. both visits. as you know, that seems like a life-time when you have nothing in front of you. our server came to our table twice to let us know our food was coming, so obviously he knew it was going a little long...come to think of it, the same thing happened the first time we went. i made for the ladies room, and didn't know where it was, so i asked the hostess. she barely looked up from her nails to mumble and point the direction for me. gee-thanks. later, we noticed she did have a personality because she was chatting with her co-workers. btw, the bathroom was a wreck, so that's a tell-all too... our servers were both decent, the buss team is good and i saw who i think was the manager busily running food and running around. never got a table visit from him, so i can't attest to his personality. lastly, i think its dirty there. fruit flies were all over the place. which gives me the heebs. and there was a moth or something stuck between the plastic and the paper on the menu. when i showed our server, he was mortified and he replaced the menu right away apologizing like crazy. all in all, the food was good--wish the restaurant was cleaner and the food came out in a more timely manner... can't win them all. i'd like to be able to go back there, but i'll try to find another good burger around my new house...
(3)
Louis P.
Best turkey burger I've ever had. Have to try the fried pickles as well. Solid home made beers too.
(5)
Brenda V.
Big, clean and stylish ambiance, nice menu, excellent service and VALET.. woot woot.. perfect before heading to the AMC theatre.. I highly recommend the salmon and for dessert, the bread pudding. Yum!
(4)
S. P.
I came here for dinner before catching a movie at the AMC theaters a couple of weeks ago. My friend and I were actually planning to eat at the Streets of Woodfield (at Big Bowl) but there was an hour and half wait time on a Saturday night at 6:30pm! So instead, we thought to try The Lucky Monk as it was next to the AMC theatres. The wait time was only 30mins. I was impressed by the ambience and the selection of food choices. I had the butternut squash ravioli and was very pleased! My friend and I sat in an area near the bar and we were able to watch some college basketball games as well have our own personal conversations without any difficulties hearing each other. Overall, it was a great place, and with the long wait times in the Woodfield area, I felt this to be the perfect option if you want to do dinner and movie... Will definitely come back again!
(4)
Don B.
Good atmosphere and staff. The Lucky Monk is large and open inside. The decor is dark wood and rich feeling...kind of like Shaw's Crab House or The Clubhouse...if you've ever been to those places. The wait is always short, even on a busy Friday night. They have live bands Beer selection is large and features Lucky Monk's own house brews, a bunch of specialty beers from around the country, and your standard variety of domestics. Menu is not very expansive, but has choices for all tastes. Food is good overall. I have been there several times and recommend the pickle fries as an appetizer. They come with a chipotle ranch dip and are awesome. Burgers are good, juicy and flavorful, although very messy. Cedar-plank BBQ salmon was also very good. If you plan on drinking water with you meal, be aware that it tastes pretty awful...must be well water. Live bands play there on Fridays and keep the volume acceptable as not to drown out conversation. Crowd tends to be 35-50 year olds, but all age groups are represented. Prices are moderate, bathrooms are clean, and Lucky Monk is definitely a place worth checking out.
(4)
Amy C.
Great food, prices are decent for the area and the pretzel bread appetizer cannot be beat! We love hanging at Lucky Monk for lunch or dinner, and their facebook fan page offers various drinks, specials and promotions to watch. Their salads are generous but not gigantic, burgers are great and the flatbreads are interesting. Great dinner and a movie place if you're headed to AMC afterwards. Get reservations if you're hitting them for a weekend dinner.
(4)
Mark G.
I had lunch here last week and it was great. Atmosphere is incredible! I didn't get a chance to go to the outside patio, but I will definitely be back to have a few beers out there! I had a burger and fries (The Monk) I believe and they were both great. I also had the fried pickles and a shared pizza as an appetizer. I recommend The Lucky Monk for great food, atmosphere and service!
(5)
Brian W.
Fried pickles are awesome. Good beer selection. Could use more on draft. Good burgers. Good service.
(4)
Chuck B.
My wife and I stumbled upon this place when we were in the 'burbs and we are very lucky that we did. The atmosphere is nice, but laid back. The service was very good. Our server knew the menu and had very good recommendations. I had a prime bacon cheeseburger and the truffle fries. They were outstanding. The burger was cooked perfectly and the truffle fries were done nicely. I also had a house beer that was crisp and refreshing. All in all, I would strongly recommend you stop by if you want a burger and a beer.
(5)
Kristin B.
Great ambiance, great service, great food. We liked the fried pickles, wings, and pizza. The fries were okay....should have been better. The desserts are giant. The apple crisp was excellent! We also had the brownie ala mode- was pretty good compared to most restaurant brownies. The beer and sangria were absolutely perfect. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Pam K.
The food is delicious and the portions are huge. We went for a family gathering for my son's birthday. The service was excellent. Everyone agreed the sandwiches were big enough for two people. It was a fun birthday dinner!
(4)
Robert C.
My new favorite restaurant, seriously!
(5)
Shannon M.
Came here for drinks last Saturday with some friends. They were really busy and we had a reservation, but were seated about 20 minutes after our reservation time. The food was awesome, their roasted vegetable salad is out of this world! Great beer selection, and a great atmosphere for hanging out. The only problem is that they don't have a lot of parking, I had to park in the AMC lot and walk over. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Chester R.
nice place...went for lunch and had a goat cheese pizza with tomatoes and spinach...and a 20oz belgian ale. both were quite nice. the pizza crust was professional. upbeat atmosphere, looks like it would also be a good place for a lively dinner. i would go back, so long as i could expense it.
(4)
Janice R.
Love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is great and so is the atmosphere. Im usually not a burger fan but, everything from the salad to the truffle fries were great! Usually,it's a wait but its worth it!
(4)
Joni M.
we've only been here one time for lunch, but based on how awesome the food was, I feel I can give it a review and a solid 5 stars. It's conveniently located to the theaters, and the decor is great. Really modern, dark-but-not-dank vibe. Our server was great. We started with the fried combo appetizer, which was onion straws, pickles and truffle fries, plus sauce for each for dipping. The presentation was really cute, but the taste was A-Maz-ING! I thought the truffle fries were really good, but OMG, the fried pickles. Where have you been all my life!! The drinks were good, and we both got burgers. The good thing is, they offer two sizes of burgers. We got the smaller, and good thing, since we couldn't even finish those. The presentation on the burgers was great also, they put them on a little wooden pedestal. They obviously know that you eat with your eyes first. we will definitely be back to this place, I wish I lived closer to it!
(5)
Tes S.
This place is great. The service is always fantastic, and the food is spectacular. Although they have a limited menu, they really execute their dishes well and it keeps me coming back. It's a great atmosphere, and also seemed family friendly. They have some of their own brews and although I didn't try them, a friend of mine that was there with me swears by them! Great place!
(4)
Sam S.
Good food good beer fair to good service.
(4)
Christy P.
Been waiting for a place like this in the culinary wasteland known as Barrington. Must say I was not disappointed and will definitely come back. I ordered one a salad while my squeeze had a burger, he loved his and i really liked what I had....
(4)
Beth T.
My burger was undercooked, my husbands meal was good...what is going to bring us back to try them again was the serivce. I know there were not busy at the time but I have gotten horrible service before when the staff had time to hang around. Here they were attentive and keeps the drinks full! They deserved a second try.
(4)
Bill M.
Only a monk could serve such heavenly food. I know, that's really bad, but this food was delicious. First off, the burger. This is one of the few restaurants that will serve a fried egg on top of your burger, except this place doesn't break the yolk allowing it to flow everywhere when you bite it. It's a good thing. Of course you don't realize the mess the yolk made since the burger it dripping with grease. You can't help but keep eating once you start since your hands are covered. Plus they'll actually cook your burger medium rare, which is quite a rare find indeed. I know, sorry. Anyway, I'd say it's one of the best burgers I've ever eaten. Also keep in mind this is a microbrewery inspired by Belgian monks. Needless to say, their beer is impressive. I suggest the Original Sin. It is a fragrant pilsner with a bitter finish. On my first visit, I got the sampler (read: flight of beer). The waitress was very accommodating and let me sub-out the pale ale. The overall beer selection large enough for everyone (over 21, of course) to find something they like. I should note hear that while I did not even look at the salads, my friend says they are quite good. After my second visit, I was ready to give this place a great review, until my waiter asked if I would be interested in some key lime pie. I didn't think this place could get better, but it did. Now, the pie was more creamy than most key lime pies I've had, but it still had enough tart to it to satisfy my tongue. My friend thought it was a little sweet, but I think that was mostly the graham cracker crust shining though. Overall, as you might have guessed the Lucky Monk I'd a great restaurant. I will definitely be going back again and again.
(5)
Sarah P.
We were staying at the Hyatt on the other side of the freeway and found this place close by with lots of decent reviews on Yelp, so we tried it out. Pretty good - a fascinating water delivery system, thin-crust pizza, and my sister loved the wacky burger she ordered. I got pizza, which was NY style right down to the greasiness and giant pepperoni. I'm Mormon so I can't speak to the beer, but they fixed my soda when it was watered down, so woohoo. The service was pretty good, over all, and while kids were clearly welcome and had appropriate accommodations, the place didn't have running and screaming. I definitely recommend trying it at least once.
(4)
Paul W.
This place was near my hotel and had some good reviews so I checked it out. I was expecting more of a pub on my arrival, and was surprised to see such a large building dominated by the dining area. Anyway, the pub looked like more fun (although it wasn't busy on a sunday), but my company wanted to sit in the restaurant. Seating wasn't cramped. Server was polite and helpful. Decor was decent. Atmosphere was a little bit more family than expected, but certainly no crying/loud/annoying kids. With those things out of the way, we can talk about food. Their "specialties" are burgers and pizzas. Most of my group had the burgers, and they were delicious. I had a spicier one involving monterey jack cheese...can't remember what it was called...but I threw some avocado on there and it was amazing. I also had some of the chili and it was decent but not spicy enough for my taste. Key lime pie for dessert was above average. The highlight of my night was trying their beer sampler. It comes on a platter with 6 small glasses of different beers. I really enjoyed them all. The beer is actually what brought me to this place but I ended up being surprised by an enjoyable dining experience and some good food. Everything is reasonably priced. I'd give this place 4.5 if I could. Very much recommended if you are in the area. I hear this location has had a lot of different restaurants trying to give it a go over the years, so I really encourage people to check it out as I think it's worth keeping around...
(4)
Liz B.
I had dinner last night with my friend and totally over indulged, it was worth it at the time but today I'm paying for it. We started off with some appetizers, the truffle fries and the hummus. The fries were beyond decadent and the hummus platter was delicious and fresh. For dinner, we split the margherita pizza; very thin crust with fresh tomatoes and basil. Don't worry, we didn't forget their very big beer menu-that's where the over indulging came in. I recommend the Allagash White Ale and the Cardinal Sin. Service was good, a little slow but she was very nice. The Lucky Monk is a fun place to go with your friends and family.
(4)
Sean M.
Enjoyed this place. this is a brewery, the beer is better than average. I had the Gumbo soup which was not very good, but the Spinach & Ricotta pizza was really good. Service is very good.
(4)
Joe M.
Pretzel trio skirt stake with fresh broccoli and service is top notch
(5)
M I.
Overall it was a very good experience. The place looks very nice inside. Our server was very good and attentive. Everyone really enjoyed the food. We had the warm pretzels and dips and parmesan fries which were both good. My wife's burger was very good and I had the short ribs which had a lot of flavor and were very tender by just a bit dry. I still like the ribs a lot, but if they were a little more moist they would have been outstanding. We tried a few of their craft beers and they were good too. Overall a very nice place with good food. The prices were reasonable and the place was full. I'd recommend reservations especially right at dinner time. I'd have no problem recommending this place.
(4)
Mark M.
This place is excellent every time! Yes, it is a little pricey, but for the most part, the portions are immense and the quality of the food is beyond tasty. I was a little disappointed this time with the Poutine (fries, and gravy and cheese curds, oh my!). It tasted a little bland and they don't give you nearly as much as you'd expect for $8. However, the burger totally saved the day! I get a burger every time here and they are usually outstanding. Today I tried "The King" and it was one of the best burgers I have ever had in my life!!! The King combines bacon, peanut butter and bananas. It sounds weird, and I was worried if it would all work together, but it totally does. The sweetness of the melty peanut butter with the bananas added an interesting touch to the super soft, lean burger. Then the bacon does what bacon does - kicks major behind!! The fries were perfect as usual, the upgrade to pickle fries were yummy as well and the service was great. You need to try this place out!!!!
(5)
S S.
Beautiful location, good food! The worst service ever!!!! We were there to celebrate a birthday the wait staff forgot. Had to look for him to order more drink. Food took forever, because he forgot to place the order. He tried steeling money from people who had to leave and left money on the table. He was a nightmare. Wrote a letter to the GM and never got a response, and based on that I will not return as I'm apparently not important.
(1)
Cam S.
Modern decor with plenty of tables and booths. Nice, warm atmosphere. Service very good. Food excellent with nice variety of gourmet burgers, pizza and entrees. Had Burger ($12) and Skirt Steak ($16) - both were excellent. Craft beer very good (Fallen Angel). Nice location for movie theater. Plenty of parking.
(5)
Kim W.
Great decor and space. Beer was good. Both burgers at our table were cooked wrong (well instead of medium rare). Should have sent them back because it ended up making what should have been a great burger just so-so. Truffle fries were ok, not quite the treat everyone raved about. S'mores dessert was yummy. I'll give this place a 2nd try but it's on some thin ice.
(3)
nicole h.
As soon as I was seated I was sure I'd love this place. Every employee we encountered was flawlessly professional. And our server--Stephen-- was nothing short of a stand up comedian. Our party of 6 trusted his recommendations and ordered accordingly. The appetizer pretzels with various accompaniments for dipping were good...but the dips didn't exactly rock my world. The fried pickles were amazing. Per our server's advice, I ordered the macadamia crusted tilapia with jasmine rice and banana reduction. I see what they were going for in their execution of this tropical dish, but it fell short. I like to "eat the rainbow" and there simply weren't enough colors, textures, and veggies on the plate. I think a plantain rather than a banana would have put the dish on a whole different level. The rest of the food was just ok...and the beers were just ok too. But the atmosphere and the service are top notch.
(4)
Jessica W.
My fiance and I went to The Lucky Monk for dinner tonight. We had tried to visit a different place earlier and were faced with a 1 hour wait, so we decided to try TLM instead. Thinking that we might have a somewhat shorter wait, we were surprised to hear that wait time was 2 hours. Really? Come on. But the hostesses welcomed us to try full service at the bar or lounge if we could find a seat. With 5 degree weather outside and few choices in the area we decided to try the lounge. I'm glad we stayed because we had a really great time. We had a couple of appetizers, and a pizza and fish 'n chips for dinner. I was really surprised that the beer and food were actually good. The place itself has a good vibe going on, but that doesn't always mean that the food will be good. In this case, the food was worth writing about. We ordered the hummus with pita and truffle oil fries with Parmesan. The fries were a bit on the overly salty side, but in general, MMMM. Their New York style pizza was respectable for Chicago (though to be fair, this is coming from a native New Yorker) and the fish 'n chips were flavorful (tasty fish, and perfectly golden coating, not burnt like some places). Our server (Raphael) was super nice. He was friendly and very attentive even though the place was super busy. Overall, the atmosphere was fun, but relaxed. It has a modern feel to it, but isn't too trendy, or too casual. The bathrooms were super clean (though they just opened up about a month ago, so we'll see how that pans out in another few months). I would definitely go back to this place. I'll be moving to the burbs from the city soon and I'm trying to find places that will help me not miss the city (why oh why can't the burbs have more happening places? It's not like people aren't looking for things to do, places to go...) I think this place will make my list of favorite local places to visit when I don't feel like driving downtown. And to any TLM owners and staff that might be reading this: I love it when new places like yours open up and get sad when they fizzle in effort after 6 months. So please, please, please keep up the good work!
(4)
Mary P.
My first time at the Lucky Monk and it was a hit. The pretzel trio - absolutely delicious! The pretzels are hot and fresh with 3 dipping sauces. The burger is huge, moist and cooked to perfection. The chopped salad is fresh, large and filling. The carrot cake is awesome in flavor and size. Definitely a great place to eat. Plenty of families were inside and the atmosphere was pleasant.
(4)
lynn s.
My husband & I usually stop at the Lucky Monk after a movie at the nearby AMC. The restaurant was very busy for a Wednesday evening. My husband ordered the burger & fries while I tried the fish & chips. Both of our meals were very good. We also like the beer selection offered. The prices are fairly reasonable and the restaurant has a very nice atmosphere. It is nice to see a restaurant that is actually busy during the weekday. The service was very good even though I was initially brought the wrong dinner. My server apologized and the problem was immediately corrected. We have recommended to other friends and will continue to come back. The menu has a nice variety of burgers, pizza, sandwiches and even a few entrees.
(4)
Steve K.
There are to love about the Lucky Monk and things that absolutely keep me away...those negatives keep the Monk from being my #1 local hangout. I was here the week they opened and excited that a new restaurant with lots of energy opened in my backyard.....I still visit often (maybe 40 times since they opened), but my visits are now rare because of the negatives. What I love: - The food is really top notch for what is essentially an upscale sports-bar menu. The truffle fries, burgers, pizzas and chili(s) are all very well executed. I have not had anything on the menu that was not outstanding. The burgers are still my go to item here although when they first opened, they had a smaller size burger option which was just right for me. - The place itself is really well designed and comfortable. It's a fun place to go sit at the bar if you are alone and want to watch a game (GREAT television setup). The tables and atmosphere is good throughout, including a comfortable outdoor space with a fire-pit. They also have a pool table room off the bar which is a good extra diversion. Lots to keep you occupied here. - The beer tastes great and they have a good selection of their own brews as well as better than average micro brews. The selection and quality has dropped off a tiny bit since they opened (in the beginning they really cared about what was on tap and now the tappers and selection seem a bit lee thought out) but still the quality remains high. What I REALLY dislike: - My biggest issue here is the price of drinks. I like to drink beer when I come here, and I noticed somewhere along the way my bar tab seemed to run sky high in a hurry. The reason? A pint of beer here will cost you near $7.00. I challenge you to find anywhere with higher priced beer, from the Gold Coast to the suburbs. The problem is "how" they price...on the menu a pint is $6.00, which is already pretty sky high, but they add tax on top of that for a total per beer charge of about $6.75. Maybe I am old school here but a local sports bar opening in a down economy without live music or strippers can't be charging these prices for beer. Join the rest of the bar world and please quote your drink prices including tax- or reduce the price of drinks to be somewhat in line with the competition. - The service: They opened with an all star staff of servers and bartenders who were really invested in the menu and the concept. Clearly the staff was well trained and cared for. Enthusiasm and service were 5 star. Not so anymore: the help has all turned over at least once in a very short time and you are not likely to get served by anyone who really cares, in my recent experience. Is it terrible service? No, not usually...but the service is far from engaged and fun. - I dislike the fact that they are contracting on their offerings rather than expanding. I understand tweaking a menu with adds and subtracts as time goes by but the Monk had reduced both their food and beer offerings since the day they opened. To me it feels like they are already running out of energy, less than two years after opening. That's it. My advice- If you are going to the movies at AMC this is a nice place to stop with a date for a bite before or after. But don't come too often unless you hit the lottery lately or are on a business expense budget for your movie dates. (Does anyone still have a business expense budget???) And especially don't come if you like to drink beer while watching your favorite team.
(2)
Mike I.
Surprisingly good food, and with a great beer list!!! I dined here two weekends ago and had a pleasant all around experience. Our server was attentive and never did our party feel like we had to wait for another round of drinks or to place our food order. The beer selection was very good too: Westmalle Dubbel, La Fin du Monde, Chimay Blue, and a few other import "gems" were available. I did try their own brewed (they make their own beer there) oatmeal stout and it left a lot to be desired. This is, of course, because I'm comparing it to Sam Smith's version which is one of my all time favorite beers. On to the food: We split the pretzel appetizer with dipping sauces. It was very good and definitely a re-order for a future visit. I went with the Chicken sandwich with bacon which was full of flavor (seems like an oxymoron for a chicken sandwich, but it was)! I upgraded to the garlic truffle fries as a side and let me tell you: they were friggin' outstanding. I would go back just for beer and fries next time, they were that good! Other things ordered amongst the group were flatbread pizza (good, not great), pizza (very good), and burgers (great).
(4)
Ke R.
We've been here twice, and both times have been a very good experience. The wait staff in very knowledgeable, attentive and informative. The beer is terrific (a few too many Belgians this last visit, but the varieties are always changing), and the food excellent. The short ribs with pasta were tender and flavorful (though the portion was small in comparison to everything else I've had there.) They serve a burger that's layered between two grilled cheese sandwiches (with bacon!) that is a heart attack waiting to happen - but delicious. Salads are excellent. We really love the pretzel appetizers. Terrific fish and chips. We've never made it to dessert, but based on the level of everything else we've tried, they're probably just as good.
(4)
Rich C.
I wish I could rate this place on it's food, service, or anything else, but it never got that far. Went on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Only two other people in the bar, but it was so loud from the tvs to the point we couldn't even hear the what the bartender said about the drink specials. When we complained about the volume, I thunk the bartender said there was nothing they could do, but I can't be sure since I couldn't hear her, the volume was bone rattlingly loud, and carried all the way to the door. This is with hardly anyone in the place. It's a shame because it looks like a nice place, but they make it impossible to be heard by your dinner companion when the place is empty. A real shame.
(1)
JoJo N.
We have given Lucky Monk a chance several times due to its location and outdoor seating. The beer is great and the atmosphere is enjoyable, but the food is horrible. I have tried over 5 entrees here and have not enjoyed any of them. The menu is very limited and the food doesn't taste good at all.
(1)
Sean T.
I loved this place! They have a wide selection of microbrews, great appetizers (we had the pretzels with the different sauces) and burgers were great. I was sad first when Brass closed down, but Lucky Monk is a MUCH better Restaurant and the Bar is at least the same.. I moved to Crystal Lake so I'm not in the area as much, but I miss Lucky Monks.. Try the Beer sampler as they have many tasty brews..
(4)
Kathleen R.
I love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is fantastic, family friendly yet perfect for girls night or date night. The outdoor patio is just beautiful and the huge fire pit is great touch. The food was very good. We had the soft pretzels for appetizers and burgers for dinner. The burgers are gigantic and some of the best around. I also had the seasonal beer brewed on location which I really enjoyed. The only reason I gave Lucky Monk 4 stars rather than 5 is because of the service. We were a table of 4 there on a Saturday evening and it didn't seem particularly busy as there were open tables, but the wait staff walked by us several times before finally taking a drink order and the same thing happened when it came time to order food and get the bill. That being said, I will definetly be back but will allow extra time.
(4)
Suzanne M.
The burgers are top notch! Both portobello burgers and hamburgers are scrumptious! The beers on tap are also great and the fried pickles are completely addictive. This resto/bar is definitely needed in the NW burbs!
(5)
kit k.
Sometimes I like the food here and sometimes the half the food is good and half is terrible. I have been here alot and lost night my salad was horrible and so was my pizza but others in my party loved there food. I have had that salad before and it has been good...The server did not even ask how my food was...crazy. But this is a good place just wish they get it together.
(3)
Jeremy D.
This place is awesome! First of all, the beer is excellent. The food might even be better. The outdoor patio is beautiful. I highly recommend the beer sampler for only $7.50 and the burgers. We also had the soft pretzels and they were heavenly. Very impressed! The service was great too. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Abraham P.
Their appetizers are delicious, the main course was delicious, and the dessert was delicious. Good decorations all over the place. Flat screens with sports on was great. Good price to. Pretty cheap in my opinion. Probably make a trip back there again
(5)
Margie D.
great ambiance, delicious food; the whipped goat cheese appetizer was outstanding and the crispy fish tacos were excellent and it's stone's throw away from the AMC Theaters.. highly recommend, we will definitely be back, Tried it thanks to the positive Yelp reviews..thanks Yelp!
(4)
Tom C.
I love brewpubs and The Lucky Monk is exactly what I was looking for. The hostess and server were attentive and friendly. The Belgian Pale Ale was a delicious balance of floral and fruity flavors. The Stout was creamy and rich. The burger was excellent and actually medium as ordered. The chicken sandwich was delicious with avocado, bacon and a brioche bun. Only room for improvement was that the fries were a little too salty. But the salty fries were easily forgivable considering the quality of the beer and food at their reasonable prices. The Lucky Monk further exceeded our expectations with good music like Elliott Smith and Fleet Foxes. Nice ambiance for family or friends. Highly recommended.
(5)
Candyce P.
the hubby works 2mins away from "the lucky monk" and went with his coworkers for lunch there last week. he raved about the burger he had and wanted to go back. so friday rolled around and i was super lazy to cook dinner, so after suggesting portillo's (my lazy go-to), he suggested we go to "the lucky monk" instead. so fine, i got ready and he picked me up. we got there around 5:45, and the place was about half full. but upon entering, the only thing i thought was that it was a beautiful restaurant. nothing overly done up, just simple lighting, nice pieces of art and great color scheme that made the place feel super cozy and nice. our server was mikayah (spelling?), and she was awesome! they've obviously trained their staff well, because she could explain anything we asked and give great recommendations. (thinking about it now, i should've taken notes because their menu isn't available online yet). anyhow, for drinks, we went with their house-brews. i tried the 6-beer flight, and the hubby had one of the darker brews. overall, they were good. i definitely found that i love lighter, wheat beers over darker ales. so the hubby had my darker ones and i finished the rest. we had the grilled shrimp as an appetizer. there were 6 shrimp, and instead of them being crusted with the breadcrumb mixture, there was a dollop of the mixture set in the middle of each shrimp. then the shrimp were set on some sauteed spinach and a light tomato broth. really, really good. so this place is trying to be know for beers, burgers and pizza. so to keep with that theme, the hubby ordered a pizza, i ordered a burger, and we shared. i got the smothered burger, with caramelised onions and gruyere cheese. the hubby got the margherita pizza. the pizza is neopelatin style pizza, so the crust is nice and thin, but still chewy and bubbly. however, while that was very well-made.... the burger... oh, the burger... {drool} it was a perfect burger. not only are the patties house-made, but they are seasoned and cooked perfectly! it also had the perfect amount of onions and cheese to accompany it and not overshadow the delicious burger patty. i asked to sub the parmesan-truffle fries, and they gladly obliged. i said it was ok if that cost a bit extra, but i don't remember seeing a charge for it on the bill. yay! anyhow... the fries. the hubby adored them. but i am going to go out on a limb here... and admit that i think i don't like truffles very much! (eeek!) but, they were pretty good still. for dessert we had the smores skillet. it was too sweet for me, and i have a huge sweet tooth. we also got the "scratch-made" chocolate chip cookies on the house... and i would recommend ordering those. they're a simple dessert, but really delicious. we left the restaurant having had a great meal along with matching service! will definitely go back and take friends and family too! also - it's right next to the AMC theatres, so maybe a cute date night?
(4)
Michelle F.
I have been to The Lucky Monk several times and have always had a great experience. The atmosphere is very nice and feels upscale while still being casual and comfortable. The food is very good and executed well and their house brewed beers are great as well! I would only have one suggestion for the menu, to add a pretzel roll to the burgers. The burgers are amazing, they just need a bun that can hold their own next to it!
(5)
Gin Y.
Truffle devil eggs delicious; apple and bacon flatbread tasty, buffalo wings very meaty, flavorful. Server / service excellent.
(4)
rita l.
went to the lucky monk for a change, sat down in the bar ,the bartender was our waitress, got there about 1:00pm on a sunday. listened to the bartender swear at the food runner because he brought food out for another table when they just had been served appetizers{not a pretty site when you have a kid with you}. she came to our table and we ordered two miller lites and a coke never got menus. waited 5 minutes and she never came back. when she did come back she asked what we would like to order, still did not have menus, she gave us two and said she would be back with a third menu, never came back.when she did come back we had had enough by this time and asked for the check.asked to talk to the manager and was told he was to busy. took our business to millrose restaurant across the street and had a great experience. never going back to the lucky monk. what a disapointment
(1)
Bobbie D.
We went for a Friday night dinner, made a reservation about 2 hours before. Got there, no parking....didn't look good for us, but a full lot is always good for them! Waited a few minutes for someone to leave, our table was ready, near the bar, which was really loud. I am not a fan of high bar tables. We asked if we could be moved and we were told not a problem. We were reseated in a quieter area. The service was outstanding!! After our last restaurant outing, this was a true pleasure. Our server was pleasant, knowledgeable and friendly without being plastic-smiley-faced. We all ordered burgers, they were cooked perfectly. They were delicious. The fries - meh - not sure they hadn't been sitting around and were a bit too cooked and brown. But the burger, ah, it was so good, that combined with our great service, made up for that shortfall. Desserts sounded good, but we were too full. We will go back, and have told many people about it! Great job training your waitstaff!!
(4)
Jane P.
update: food still excellent (fantastic pickle fries) surpassed only by service (shout out to neal who made our evening). only suggestion would be to figure out a way to balance the restaurant's popularity with care + concern for customers who are waiting for tables. a crowded foyer with a beeper doesn't equal the experience, and the location leaves few options.
(4)
Kelsey K.
We were pleasantly surprised by this place. It was decent. I'd definitely be back because I'd like to try the spent grain burger.
(4)
Veronica L.
I drive about an hour get to this place, it's well worth it! Their burgers are the best!
(5)
John B.
Went there on the 'sampler' plan. Beer sampler was fun and most were drinkable. Cheese curds appetizer - eat'em hotl; Sandwiches were good; never met an onion straw I didn't like; truffle fries - not sure what the fuss is about. Wanted to do desert but couldn't find room. Will be back if I get to the area. Thought it was a good value.
(5)
Lindsay B.
My husband and I had a great experience at The Lucky Monk- definitely lived up to the hype and all of the difficulty getting into the location. I would highly recommend making reservations if you do not want to wait a long time to be seated- particularly on a weekend. We were seated within 3 minutes of walking into the restaurant due to our reservation, and the wait time for everyone else was about 45 minutes. My husband tried one of the lucky monk brews- the seasonal offering- and enjoyed it a lot. I tried two different cocktails- the triple berry lemonade and the paloma- both delicious. We started with the trappist trio- a guilty pleasure of deliciousness that included cheese curds, truffle fries, and fried pickles- heaven in a trio. We both enjoyed delicious burgers for our meal- and had some food to take home. We skipped the fries with our meal due to eating them with our appetizer and had beer cheese soup instead- fantastic- and had some of that to take home too. I would definitely come back to The Lucky Monk to try other items on the menu because many more things look delicious. Great experience overall!
(5)
Lukas S.
We came here twice and each time had a great experience! The first time we came on a Friday and had to wait about 30 minutes for a table, but that wasn't too much of a shocker being a weekend. The second time we made reservations and got seated immediately. The food is great and the atmosphere is fun and vibrant. There's a lot of unique and fun items on the menu! You could try the burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches, for instance! It's a definite place we'd go back to! The downfall for us is the wait on weekends...but...that's not the fault of the restaurant that so many people want to eat there!!
Traveling thru and stopped by. It was pleasantly surprising that it was so good. We enjoy it alot and if it was closer to our city we would go back. It was clean, service was good, and management was visible.
(5)
Carolina B.
I went to this restaurant before seeing a movie at the AMC 30 in south Barrington. It is a brewery/ restaurant that specializes in burgers, I would definitely recommend it, especially if you are seeing a movie at the theater, it is basically the only nearby restaurant unless you want to spend a lot of money or want Chilli's. I made a reservation for 4 people at 4:45 on a Saturday, I was surprised to find that I actually needed a reservation so early. I requested a booth and got one which was nice. If you are going on the weekend I would suggests making a reservation. As I said, they are known as a brewery and offer many beers for all tastes, my friends both got beer samplers which were great. 6 different beers with explanation sheets, and they were not too expensive. I don't drink beer often and they had a pretty good drink and martini menu. I ordered the botanical fizz martini and it was great, light and refreshing. For dinner, I ordered the chicken poblano chili and the fresh tossed spinach pizza both were excellent. The pizza was cooked perfectly and had all the right flavors, ricotta, mozzerella and bechamel sauce, I also added sausage. I would definitely suggest this place, even if your not in the mood for a burger or going to the movies!!
(4)
Edward M.
Had a wonderful evening here. The hamburgers are definitely the thing to go for. I had the grilled cheeese burger which is two grilled cheese sandwiches as bread and then a hamburger in the middle. The grilled cheese comes with bacon bits as well. They were very crisp. This was just a fun thing to order but was way too big to put in my mouth. The fries that came with it are hand cut and excellent, crispy on the outside, just right on the inside. The service is also excellent.
(4)
Chelsea D.
My favorite burger place ever! It is definitely the burgers that keep bringing me back here and the sweet potato fries. Though the service isn't always the best - the host stand could be friendlier and the servers could be more attentive with keeping drinks full, coming back to check on how it's going, etc. I've only checked in here a few times, but I've been here at least 7 or 8 times now.. One time I can recall waiting 45 minutes for a burger. It was a Thursday night in August and the place wasn't full. We actually sat outside, but our waiter was always MIA. It seemed as though he had tables inside too. I felt like his table assignments were off that night or too much for him to handle. My favorite burger is the "bourbon stout" with Tillamook cheddar, stout braised onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and they also give you a house condiment. The "monk" is always a good choice. It's basic. And the "sunrise" comes with a sunny side up egg.
(4)
Meghna S.
We have been there many times with friends and family and everyone loved this place.. We are vegetarian and most of the places have only one type of veggie burger but this place has all varieties of burgers they can make vegetarian. Their beer samplers are pretty good. great ambience.. Good service Good choice of appetizers.. Fries trio platter is the best..
(4)
Gloria B.
Went there today with two girlfriends after a movie. We tried the deep fried dill pickles with the smoky dipping sauce for an appetizer. They were definitely five stars - YUM! I got the spent grain burger (vegetarian) made from grains used to brew their beer. It was very good - almost TOO good - like "what's in this exactly - is it really vegetarian, LOL?" It held together much better than most veggie burgers I've had. Their fries, as always, were good. Our server was very attentive, so no complaints there. I've been there a number of times and have enjoyed their pizza on other visits. And their desserts are pretty yummy and giant too. So overall, I'm a very happy customer. It's a great after movie treat.
(4)
Ann C.
Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. Two adults, an adult teen (what do you call an 18 year old? She is technically an adult, but still a teen.... I digress) and a 9 year old. We were seated right away. Great service. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, but not overly attentive. Hubby ordered a beer flight. He enjoyed it. I stuck to a coke product because I do not like beer. We ordered poutine... it was fantastic. The curds were so good, I had to arm wrestle my 9 year old for the last one on the plate. The adults ordered the cheese soup. I do not think any of us liked it much. As a matter of fact, the young adult (ha! That's what she is!) and I did not finish ours. The hubs ordered the grilled cheese burger. Holy huge! He enjoyed it. The young adult ordered the chicken salad sandwich. She said it was good but was full from the poutine and soup. She ate the rest for lunch today and said it was pretty good. I had the rueben. It was very, very good. I would order it again. The 9 year old had the cheese pizza with fries. He devoured it. Kids meals come with a cookie and chocolate sauce. He devoured that too. It was a bit pricey for 4 people for lunch but I would go back for the poutine. It was that good.
(4)
Michael M.
Going to keep this short, sweet, and to the point. I don't write a whole lot of reviews but I find myself just having to after eating here at The Lucky Monk. The atmosphere of the place is terrific and appearance is very nice but once you take your seat all of that begins to fade away. The waitress was good but the food I couldn't serve at a homeless shelter. I can not recommend this place and be able to sleep at night I am sorry. If you are just going to sit at the bar and watch a game you're going to be just fine just don't order any food.
(1)
Emmalee G.
So delicious. I was here last week on a double date and it was splendid. We started our meal off with The Pretzel Trio and it was amazing. My beau ordered the Monk Burger, and I ordered the BBQ Burger with a vegetarian patty as a substitute for their traditional party. Unfortunately they were out of vegetarian patties but our server alerted me of this right after our order was placed and I ordered the Fish n Chips. Our food arrived hot and perfectly cooked. I wish we would have saved room for dessert! Maybe next time. Will definitely visit again.
(5)
Mary M.
The food at lucky monk is great. I've tried the goat cheese appetizer, cheese curds, and pretzels, all delicious. only comment is goat cheese appetizer could use either a smaller portion or more things to dip in it. I love the spent grain burgers amazing for those who are vegetarian or enjoy a good veggie burger. Their fries are ok sometimes a tad soggy or burnish looking, over all they taste good. I tried the cookie dessert with gooey caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. It was very hot and the ice cream was a tad difficult to eat becaus it rolled and melted and didn't want to be friends with the spoon. Overall food is great. I'd highly recommend trying the beer flight if this is your first visit or you enjoy beer. Fallen angel is my fave, they do have something for everyone who enjoys a good brew. The outside is great for conversation, you get a nice view, but be warned it is by a pond so bug spray is a must if you get eaten alive by mosquitoes like I do. I recently ate inside and it was very loud difficult to hold a conversation. I will say the servers inside are really on their game, if you sit on the patio prepare for a bit of a wait.
(4)
Kailey G.
Service and food was wonderful! We ordered pretzels as our appetizer and the two of us are all 4 pretzels. They were so good. The burgers are huge and delicious as well as the pizza. Great place for a date night.
(4)
Bob R.
Date night! We saw a movie at the AMC next door. We've tried to eat at the Lucky Monk in the past several time, but the waits to get in were way too long. This time, we used Opentable to make a reservation ahead of time. We saw a 3:45 movie, so made a reservation for 6:15. And, like always, the place was packed. As I understand it, the wait was about 45 minutes, but we were seated right away. As you might expect, with the crowds, it is noisy in there. The crowd is diverse, from young couples with small children to old folks like us. The server greeted us shortly after we were seated, then took a drink order - I ordered a martini. From then, we waited. The poor waiter seemed to have about 15 tables and was running to keep up. But, it got a little frustrating when we finally flagged him down about 15 minutes later to place our order. I did say something about it, and from that moment on the service was great. Their menu has a broad selection. But, boring me, I ordered a burger.. At least Kerrie got a Waldorf Salad. But, I have to admit, the burger was really good. I ordered it medium, and it was perfect. They are large (1/2 pound) and they serve it on a one in round piece of wood. So, it looks even bigger when delivered. Not sure what they spice the meat with, but it was tasty. The fries are serve are hand cut, and were also very good. No room for desert, but I did take 1/2 of the burger home. We'll be back.
(4)
Raeni 3.
Waitress was very friendly and helpful. Hamburgers are juicy and ginormous! Only complaint, the fries did not taste fresh nor were they hot. Definitely will go back!
(3)
Ericka A.
Eating here kinda blows my mind each time and leaves me speaking in Doge. Such poutine. Amaze. Much craft. Such selection. Very delicious. Wow! We've come here about a handful of times and expect to make many future visits. This craft brew bar is practically in the same parking lot as AMC South Barrington 30, so we often grab a bite to eat before seeing a show. The downside: Long waits (typically 30-45+ min each time we've shown up), somewhat slow service (though not atrocious), sometimes a bit of a mix-up on orders (they're apologetic and correct it), and I think their fries are pretty weak. The upside: If it's just two of us then we've usually been able to grab a seat at the bar relatively quickly and you can order food there, our servers have all been very gracious, their poutine is pretty decent (even if the fries suck, IMO), the burgers are great (I highly recommend the Grilled Cheese Burger and The King), and they have a handful of their own beers, a great selection of other craft beers, and there are typically a couple hard ciders on tap. Their bottled beer choices are varied and extensive as well.
(4)
Jorge C.
This place never fails to deliver! I make it a point to find the little hole in the wall places for a mean burger and beer. This place has been my staple and high water mark for years! Short of going to Wisconsin, the cheese curds here are second to none!
(5)
Nina K.
I love the food and beer at this place. There's not much else to say! Get the appetizer trio, very yummy.
(5)
Andrea M.
The burgers here are out of this world, as are the sweet potato fries. They were happy to seat us early for our reservation. They brought out a veggie appetizer for the kids in the party, and they got cookies and milk for dessert! They have a nice wine selection too. This is a great place for families!
Stopped in at 2:00 on a fri. Nice crowd but easily seated at the bar. The atmosphere was modern and comfortable. It's along the lines of a granite city or rock bottom but better. Our server Becky was also the bartender. She did a great job the whole time we were there. She had a great knowledge of the menu and the beers which was refreshing as so many people know nothing about the food or drinks where they work. She also was also attentive. The food that we had was really great. We started with the cheese curds which rival any WI establishment and we agreed were the best we've ever had. They were lightly breaded and crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside. They come with 2 dipping sauces that pair well. We ordered 2 pizzas to share, the spinach & margerita. They were both good though we each preferred a different one. We got the beer sampler which included 6 beers. 5 if the brews they normally keep on tap & 1 choice/ seasonal. Our 6th beer was an extra IPA this time. It was just under $9 for the sampler. We thought the beers were pretty good overall. We each chose a different beer to order after having the sampler and liked the ones we ordered. But we decided against a growler fill because nothing really blew our mind. Keep in mind we are really into craft beer and so it takes something special to really impress us. This place is definitely top notch and worth checking out.
(4)
Jeffrey K.
My wife loves the joint. I like it. It's good food. The prices are a bit high for what you get though.
(4)
Rose D.
Well, The Lucky Monk, perhaps you aren't so lucky anymore as I'm knocking you down a star. Perhaps you are getting too big for your britches? Over the years since we've been coming here the food has been mostly quite good, but the service has been seriously slipping. I'm not saying every time we've come here, but enough occasions out of the overall to make me write this update. The attentiveness & friendliness (I don't mean slather it on, but just basic server niceties) has been lacking on multiple occasions. Since it hasn't been every time and since the food, for the most part, has been great, I've only knocked them down to 3-stars for now. I will say I most recently tried the Spent Grain "burger" which is a quinoa/grains patty and while the flavor was good it was the mushiest quinoa patty I've ever had. It was impossible to eat it like a burger, it fell completely apart the first time I picked it up so I just ate it with a fork. I've had them elsewhere, and while they are usually on the softer side, it is possible to make them so they stay together to eat on a bun. Oh well.
(3)
Nathan S.
My first impression of Lucky Monk was, wow this place has a cool look and vibe. The building is nice and open with up to date decorations. Our server came out and I feel like we were rushed, even though the dinning room was pretty open. We ordered a couple flights of their beers, I cant remember all of the names so i will not really review them. One was great and I didn't really care for the rest. The group at the table all ordered a burger of some type and while they were all good burgers, the price was ridiculously high for them. I will not likely be back, only because the price, the food was good, atmoshper was nice, and the service was alright.
(3)
Abby K.
We went to the Lucky Monk for our rehearsal dinner. They had no problem reserving us a table for 20 people in the dining room (vs. making us reserve a private room). When we arrived, we were immediately seated in the dining room. The service was fast. We ordered drinks, received those quickly and put in our appetizer and food order. The in-house beers were good. You are able to order a flight of beer, which several on the table did, which gave us a chance to try all the different beers before picking one to go with our dinner. The food came out quite quickly and looked amazing. The burgers were big, the salads were huge and the portions were great, especially for the price. Many people weren't even able to finish all the food they ordered! Everyone at the table complimented the dishes they'd ordered. The service was fast and overall it was a good experience and a nice, informal place to hold a relaxed rehearsal dinner. I'd definitely go back, if i am in the area again! The bar area is very nice as well. There is plenty of room to stand or sit and enjoy drinks. We spent a few hours at the bar after dinner and the service again was great!
(4)
David B.
I visited Lucky Monk for the first time for lunch today. I had no idea what to expect. What I found was a large, airy dining room with high ceilings, nicely decorated, in a brewery theme. While not oppressively dark, the lighting is somewhat subdued. I guess that keeps with the theme. One side of the establishment is a bar with two large TV screens. There are no screens on the restaurant side. The restaurant specializes in craft beer and has a selection of their own beers as well as some from other small batch breweries. The beer descriptions sound interesting, but I'm not one to have alcohol at lunch so they will have to wait for another visit. But the menu features items that use these beers in the recipes. The menu is somewhat limited, but there are beef, chicken, pork and fish entrees and sandwiches. There are also a good variety of salads. You will find something that suits you. I was with a group of 10 people. We had reserved a table and were easily accommodated. The dining room was busy, but we didn't feel crowded and we were definitely not rushed to order. Service for a group this the the was adequate. The crowded dining room was a bit noisy. And the noise level did not really diminish much as the tables emptied. If you want a quiet place for conversation look elsewhere. I ordered the Cape Cod fish sandwich. It was a wonderfully prepared, delicious pair of lightly battered fillets on a soft bun. This was really twice as much fish as expected. I disassembled the sandwich and ate one fillet plain and the other as the sandwich. This was really too big a lunch, but it was delicious! I can't write a review without mentioning the physical menu. If you are an older guy like me make sure you bring your reading glasses. The print is kind of small and hard to make out in the limited light.
(4)
Kimsy S.
I braved the Polar Vortex to come here. Congratulate me. No, really. Congratulate me. I need my ego stroked. No? Well, fine, I guess I'll just talk about the food and service: I came to Lucky Monk after reading so many wonderful things about it on Yelp. I came for the burger, but I noticed that they have poutine (called Poutine-Montreal Style) as an appetizer! This made my day, especially after hearing that BadHappy had closed (boo!!!). I definitely ordered it, as well as a Monk burger. The Poutine is a close contender to the one I've tasted at BadHappy: salty, plenty of gravy, and lots of gooey cheese curds. A hypertensive's nightmare, but so what. It was delicious. And the Monk burger is AMAZING! I'm glad that I chose it for my first burger here, because I could really taste the beef, which was well-seasoned and prepared. I love lots of crazy toppings as much as the next burgerphile, but sometimes I just need some lettuce, tomato, and cheese to be set. The service was excellent. My server was very helpful and patient with me as I asked a bunch of silly questions, and made sure that I was happy and taken care of. I wish I caught her name. :-( I am looking forward to returning for more Poutine, burgers, craft beers, and happiness!
(4)
Sopla R.
While in the burbs, it's hard to find places to eat that we haven't already tried or heard of (chains) I was also looking for something with a patio to enjoy.. so we opted to try this place.. We sat outside by the pond and just enjoyed the scenery. which is a pond and some greenery. It's a nice setting all in all. We shared the Trappist Trio appetizer the breading was light enough that you didn't feel like it was too heavy. Good for 3+ people to share. Then the burgers and fish n chips! All really good. I'd pass up any of the those other brew pub type places and come here if you've never been. Nice beer flight selections.
(4)
Rick R.
First time here. Nawlins chicken sandwich is very good and the fresh fries are great. I only wish I hadn't stopped drinking beer. With that said the bartender, while busy, was still on point and kept serving my vodka & soda on time. All in all, cool place. Definitely recommend and will return!
(4)
Ronald S.
Their hours say they are open till 11, got there at 10:30 and the kitchen was closed, that's a weird thing to close when you are a restaurant. Staff was already mopping the floors and not interested in customers. Poor service, won't go back.
(1)
Katie F.
The service is the only thing that brought this down a star for me. Our waiter was attentive to every table but ours (like we watched him do it) and did not give my son everything that was included in his meal. Also, getting a table feels like disney world style-you have to have a reservation. I think they could make better use of their space to have a couple more tables too. I did over hear someone talk about making reservations online, so I may do that next time. Now on to the food. I have never tasted anything here that I did not like, but the appetizers are the best. I would prefer to order a bunch of these than any thing else on the menu. Especially the pretzels! I am not a beer person, so can't really speak to that (I did get a small glass last time and did not particularly enjoy it). So I guess my real feedback is: GO!, but make a reservation first
Decent food but a little over priced. Calamari and mini tacos were pretty decent. Beer cheese soup was nothing special. Would have been nice to get it before the meal as requested, not after the meal was delivered and only after asking what happened to the soup. Still don't understand the bs excuse we were given. Watch your bill! Gave waitress my bill and it was returned with someone's more expensive. Waitress totally didn't care. Nice manager was very apologetic.
(3)
Kate B.
This place is great! Their brew master is one of the best I've ever encountered. They change beers often which makes them interesting and not repetitive. The good is high quality and always fantastic! Atmosphere is fun for a quiet dinner or a rowdy get together at the bar. They accommodate large groups easily. This place is a nice replacement for the location. The pretzel app is better than you think, and it's worth a try. Burgers, pizzas, atmosphere, and beer. Seriously, what more could want!?
(4)
Jill O.
I'm never disappointed at the Lucky Monk. I always make sure to make a reservation because they can get slammed, particularly on game days. I love the cheese curds, and everything else I've tried from the burgers/sandwiches to the pizzas were all good. Making a healthy choice here is challenging because they have so many good fatty choices, oh well!
(4)
Bob H.
Food is always great. One if the best turkey burgers anywhere. You also can't go wrong with their personal pizza and the fish fry also delicious. They do get busy so be prepared to wait.
(5)
Angel F.
4 stars for the food.
(4)
Summer L.
I've only been here once and loved it! They have a great variety of food. I got the steak tacos and they were delicious. We also shared the sampler appetizer platter with fired pickles, cheese curds, and fries and everything was phenomenal! The group I was with loved their food as well. I'll definitely be going back soon.
(5)
Jasmine M.
This restaurant is just flawless. The atmosphere is modern and inviting, the staff are very friendly, and the food is 100% perfect. I had the signature Monk burger. It was delicious and perfectly cooked. If you come here, you must have the cheese curds. They are pillowy and perfect. The ice cream cake is also Devine. How can a place be so perfect?
(5)
Meagan M.
The food is good, the service is pretty good as well. If you're expecting to have a place to eat, drink and talk for hours - this is not the place for you. However, it's perfect if you want to grab dinner before a movie.
(4)
Shane E.
The Lucky Monk was packed last Friday, to the point that we couldn't find a parking spot for approximately 20 min. I came to understand why that was the case. Highlights: -Awesome Service: our server knew the menu like the back of his hand, and allowed us to sample four different beers before ordering -Solid food and absurd portion sizes: Burgers were respectable and monstrous
(4)
Daisy G.
Eh OK. Had the fish and chips they weren't amazing by any means. Also had the fruit loops drink which was a bit too orange-y. Other people in my party loved it. Had the burger, fish tacos and patty melt. Very crowded & loud
(3)
Molly L.
I have been to dinner here many times, but not for the past few years. I went tonight with a friend and we ordered the same burger, the goat cheese and spinach one. The burger was delicious! The fries were also good and the portions were generous. The wait staff leaves something to be desired... We had to wait way too long for an appetizer we ordered and we ended up with the wrong one and were overcharged. Service was slow, but not horrible. The food will have me coming back for more, though!
(3)
Belda K.
The manager Kevin is unbelievable. It's packed in here and he always finds the time to say hello and to make sure we are enjoying our drinks and food. Jared does a great job too. The atmosphere here is wonderful and the love from our family here for the past year has been great. Jeremy...Phil....keep up the great work. You have a great team here. Thank you for a great first year. We look forward to many more. Also if we haven't thanked everyone at The Lucky Monk for making our wedding day a day to remember. We love you all. Cheers!!!
This is the "GO TO" place to eat and enjoy some very tasty beers with some friends! They are a Burger, Pizza and Beer place but I would argue they are a Beer, Beer and more Beer, Burger and Pretzel Place :-) Beer~ they are a 10 barrel brew house with a pilsner, some ales, IPA, and a stout. My faves are the Fallen Angel lager, the Grale amber ale and the Confessional American IPA. All are very good! You can order a sampler if you would like to try several of them. Restaurant~ it's very clean and inviting. Plenty of room around their bar and in their dinning for small and larger parties. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They keep your drinks filled and they know their menu very well. Food~ you must start every meal at the Lucky Monk with an order of pretzels with cheese and mustard sauces and an order of cheese curds :-) You can't beat their burgers. The Monk is a good go to but if you're adventurous try the Sunrise with a fried egg, or the Peppercorn and Ranch is awesome or for the really, really hungry-and-I-plan-to-spend-an-extra-30 minutes-in-the-gym, then try their Grilled Cheese Burger. It's a burger stuffed between two bacon filled grilled cheese sandwiches!! SERIOUSLY?! As a heart attach waiting to happen :-) I heard it was very tasty. They also have some great pizzas, salads, fish and chips too. But this review is getting too long and my beer is getting warm, so like with all good things this review must come to and end. Again, this is a great place to go especially with a family or friends. I make this a regular stop when visiting the Hoffman Estates ~ South Barrington area. I'm looking forward to trying their seasonal winter ales and lagers on my next trip. I hope to see you there.
(5)
Alyssa K.
I've been here twice for dinner with girlfriends and both times my experience was great. I'm kind of on a mission to try every brewery within 30 miles of me and so I was able to check another of the list. I ordered the sampler tray so I could try all the beers. I wasn't a fan of the lighter beers but the oatmeal stout was smooth and delicious. If you enjoy trying different beers the sampler is the way to go! I've had the smothered burger here and I loved it. Plus they served the burger on this little pedestal, so it has to be amazing, right? The best decision I made here though, was to upgrade to the pickle fries. Yes, it costs $2 more and yes it probably shortened my life by 2 years but they were so good. Salty, crunchy pickles fried in batter. The truffle fries were delicious too but I don't think they hold a candle to the pickle fries. I've also had a chicken sandwich and the pretzel trio appetizer. Those were also good but I would skip ordering the chicken in the future and go back to the burger. You get a ton more food for the price. The parking lot sucks though. The first time I visited here I had to park back across the side street in the bank parking lot. Which would have been less of a big deal if it had been warmer than 15 degrees that night. I expected the wait time to be really long with the parking problem but I was seated within 20 minutes. The parking lot was even packed on the Thursday night I visited as well and then we were seated right away. So I'm taking away a star for the crappy parking situation. Make your lot bigger!
(4)
Smitty J.
Our waitress Jillian was great. The fries were hand cut and were delicious. Great craft beer. The tomato goat cheese fondue was very tasty and served with a very tasty baguette for dipping. Bar and a restaurant Nice upscale place will definitely be back.
(5)
Daniel F.
This is a PUB, and for me and our guests, we enjoyed the the food, ambiance, and the micro brew they make. Our server was very knowledgeable, and pleasant. If you want a good burger, and beer, this is the place. Salads were nice size and the Western Pizza, is outstanding, (if you like BBQ). We have been here several times, and it never gets old. The staff always makes you feel "You are the Customer" and that along with the food, makes you wanting to come back. Oh, and for desserts, they have plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth.
(5)
Kirsten T.
Overall you can't do wrong here, everything I've had on their menu has been great. Last night we started with the fried cheese curds, they melted in your mouth with goodness! I will go back just for that fried heavenly cheese. I had the sausage, onion & pepper pizza, it was crisp & delicious, could've used a little more cheese, but a great, flavorful pie. The other half had the fish fry and he said it was very good. The real winner here is the service, walked in two hours before our reservation & we were seated immediately! That was wonderful and our waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and drinks, five stars to her! I highly recommend the place if you are looking for a great meal & service.
(5)
Jon F.
A little more fancy than I expected, but they didn't sit us in the dark corner when a couple of friendly bikers walked in. We stared off with a couple of beers - The IPA was great... I'm not sure if I'd travel across state lines for it, but it was tasty. I hear the stout is great too, but i didn't have an opportunity to taste it during this trip. We started off with the cheese curds which were fantastic. They are fried just right with little pockets of tastiness and the included dipping sauces were tasty as well. For our main course my SO got the truffle fries appetizer. They were delicious! If you are ordering a burger you can sub them in for $2, and i think thats probably very worth it. I had the Grilled Cheese Bacon Cheeseburger and added fried onions on it. The onions helped the size, but this thing was massive! It was a little undercooked for the requested medium, but was tasty none the less. Were the Lucky Monk a little more divey I might have considered sending it back, but it would have been a feat to recreate that sandwich. The regular fries were A-OK, but just some fries. Our friend had the Plank Salmon which looked pretty good as well. Overall I had a great experience! The staff was very helpful and friendly and the food was great!
(4)
Natalie A.
each and every time i go, this place is amazing. they brew their own craft beer and the staff/food is always amazing
(5)
Amira E.
This was a great place to dine with friends and eat some great food. The burgers are the best! I also had their sweet potato fries which where delightful. I had a nice crafted cider to top off the meal. I enjoyed my experience and the waitress and staff served our large party like a pro!!
(5)
Chris H.
Excellent service, great beer knowledge from the bar staff and food was very tasty. Do the donuts if you have a sweet tooth.
(5)
Cherie S.
Unfortunately had to give this place a one star. From my check in review I would like to add that our celebration was cut short. The GM quickly assumed a person from our party was drunk after his chair tipped back with a heavy purse hanging from it.... So it is more than safe to say we will never return. And NO there is nothing you can do to change it Kevin Chorsempa
(1)
Donnie L.
Awesome food nice location...burgers n beers n more. I would suggest using open table to make your reservation
(4)
Melanie D.
There are just enough items on the menu for variety, but it isn't overwhelming either. They have all your typical items like burgers and fries but with a nice twist to each. So far, everything I've tried has been delicious, from salads to burgers. I love their pretzels with the different cheese dips. It's a place that's friendly enough for the family and also fancy enough for a date. There's a bar area too for a night out with friends. The beer sampler is fun for that! It's right by the AMC theater so grabbing a bite there before or after a movie is convenient. Though they have valet, the parking lot is quite small and on a weekend night, it's inconvenient.
(4)
Laura C.
We are Lucky Monk Society members and visit at least 12 times a year. We have become friendly with Jory and Anthony, the brewmaster. We went in last night to grab something quick before we donated some time to a very good cause. We met Tony at the bar. He is absolutely AMAZING. I ordered tritica before I saw the blueberry cider on draft at Tonys suggestion. He gave us a sample pour of the session ale. Had plates and dining utensils out as soon as we placed our order. Our food is always amazing but the excellent service had us talking about Tony for days. Looking forward to visiting again this month for the latest Monk Society tasting..
(5)
Danielle W.
Wonderful place! Knowledgable servers, beautiful dark wood dining room, great alcohol selections (even for cider drinkers like myself!) and good food. The parking lot is large so don't worry about parking, it wraps around the back of the restaurant. Hard to see from the road so it gives the impression of no more room but it is there ^.^ Our server was good, a bit inattentive but we took a long time to order do I don't fault him. The only problem I had was that I ordered fries and instead of having the ketchup on the table it was brought with my food in a little bowl. 0-o Weird right? So I had to keep asking for more to finish my fries. I had the Fish and Chips, my companion had the Asian Fusion salad, no complaints from either. My fish were battered well and the actual fish was good, not falling apart or anything like that. I would recommend and will definitely go back
(5)
Frank L.
Great atmosphere with very attentive servers. Had a great selection of beers. Huge portion sizes, steaks were done perfectly. Definitely a great local spot in Hoffman Estates.
(4)
Marios D.
Convenient spot for a quick lunch or dinner in the area. Lunch was standard bar fare with the salad being relatively fresh and the size Midwest large. Steak was a fun size with a LOT of potatoes as the bed.... Comfortable place
(3)
LJ D.
Had a great birthday dinner for my Dad who turned 66 on January 2nd! Thank you Lucky Monk for a great meal and good family time!
(5)
Dan M.
This is a great place all around. Very comforting atmosphere and everything I have eaten here has been really good. Try the burger with the peanut butter on it. Don't knock it till you try it! It's good!
(5)
Dave W.
Drove up from Addison to try the deviled eggs and the short rib pasta (based on yelp). Order the eggs. ...15 minutes later I find out they're out. ... boo I don't drink, so I couldn't sample the beers. Emails and banking :-( Ordered a sampler. Fried stuff. . Should have gotten the hummus. The flat bread looked really good. Now I'm waiting for the pasta. And waiting. The bartenders timing is off for us 'non-drinkers'. Way too much time for a single customer. Short rib pasta saved the day. Skip the fried crap and go right to that. ... Unless you drink. There is a ton of the rib meat and a lot of pasta. The flavor is a touch bland, but overall that would be a high 3 or 4. The rest 2-3.. Probably rates higher with a group and if you have the beers.
(3)
Gary O.
I love the Lucky Monk! The service and food are always top notch. They have great sandwiches and burgers. The truffle fries are amazing. The steak tacos are phenomenal as well. I've tried several of their brews which they have on rotation all of which are usually very tasty. If you sample their brews and don't find one you like, they have a nice list of other craft brews to choose from like Lagunitas and SOB. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Kat A.
I came here for lunch with my coworkers. Service was great. There is a unique selection of burgers- including the King burger, aptly named after Elvis and his love of peanut butter, bacon and bananas. I had the Senor Sanchez burger with truffled, parmesan fries. The burger was really good, but the fries were slightly soggy and had almost no parmesan flavor.
(3)
melissa r.
The worst plate of food ever!! My meatball sandwich was cold as were the fries. The coronas are way over priced... Good thing I don't live in Chicago but when I stop by again I will make sure not to come here
(1)
Eric T.
I'm a fan! Came here for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. Always overlooked the restaurant outside AMC but this time I'm glad I didn't. My overall thought is of this place is that it gives you the bang for your buck. The sandwiches are around ~10 here but they are really big and tasty. I ordered a meatball sandwich and upgraded to truffle fries for 2 extra. I saved half the sandwich for home and was stuffed. The meatball sandwich was pretty fancy with arugula, creamy tomato sauce and peppers with crispy, buttered toast. And you can't go wrong with truffle fries. The hint of truffles is heavenly. My friend ordered the skirt steak and for 17 it was very impressive as well. Steak was tender and soft too. Decorations, building, and ambiance were nice. Really liked how they set up lighting here. Atmosphere is just more upscale, but I wouldn't say romantic or anything. Will be back!
(4)
Mary S.
This is one of the prettiest restaurants I've ever been to. Eat on their patio if the weather is good. GREAT southwest chicken salad.
(5)
Drew T.
Nice place to eat. Service wasn't so great of an experience, but food made up for it. I believe that service makes or breaks your experience. Food was great I have to say.
(3)
Patricia W.
I heard and read all the rave reviews, but this is not a place that I will return to. Not good. Service is good, but I found the place to be kinda not too clean for me.
(1)
Aly N.
It's always a challenge to find a decent place to eat in the "country" (I say that out of sheer respect for the beautiful, natural landscape of South Barrington). TLM is a cool brewpub that is appropriate for a broad clientele that all share the same mission: good food and brews. We heard that the burgers were the thing to get, and to my pleasant surprise, they had an option for a gluten-free bun. Try the Classic Tommy turkey burger and sub in their wonderful side salad. I was also happy to find a list of gluten-free beers -- wow, they were really thinking here with the menu planning -- and had to get a Two Brothers brew. Service was friendly and our server knew the menu inside and out. So nice to find an eatery with high quality food and great service in this neck-of-the-woods.
(4)
Rachel B.
Meh, was not impressed. Service was slow, burger was over cooked and bland. Overrated if you ask me.
(3)
A K.
Great place. Went there many times with family. Food was always good, service was friendly.
(4)
A A.
The wife and I have been here 4-5 times. Overall it's a good meal! I definitely like the fresh cut French fries. I miss the pizza burger that used to be on the menu. It was really good. To me the best burger on the menu. Try the cheese curds. We always order them when we go here.
(4)
Dave B.
Would give 4 stars for food. Awesome eats! Burgers are great puts to shame our local former favorite the assembly complaints would be service not the best, and last visit our server was Kristin and she is terrible. Bad attitude like we didn't exist. I usually tip big but shouldn't have left her even 10%. Other complaint is the drinks they are WEAK. So poor that I will not order a cocktail again here. Even martini, pure alcohol is very small Great food though will be back & ask for Stacy a great server
(3)
Sherwin C.
Like Cooper's Hawk, The Lucky Monk has a very spacious restaurant with nicer than normal decor. The food is served at a decent pace although service can be a bit spotty at times. Overall, the food is good but not spectacular. It's similar to what you'll find at other restaurants in this price range around the Schaumburg area. Warm pretzel trio - The best item I tried. Hot pretzels served with cheddar beer fondue, tomato parmesan sauce, and grainy mustard butter. All 3 dips were great and matched well with the fresh pretzels. The serving size is pretty generous so this could really be a meal in itself. Chicken parmesan - The texture and flavor were alright although I wasn't a huge fan of the parmesan crust. This comes in a generous serving with tons of spaghetti. Monk burger - Cooked exactly to specifications that i asked for (medium rare), this is probably the best entree I had. Simple but done well without being overseasoned. Fish 'n' Chips - Fish was very fluffy and crunchy. Great texture and temperature throughout. The fries were a little too moist otherwise very good overall. Beer braised short rib pasta - Good flavor on the beef and good texture on the noodles, a bit salty but done better than most other local restaurants that serve this dish.
(4)
Shauna J.
Great food and beer selection! I always get the craft beer sampler to try out both their golden oldies and their new tasty concoctions. As well, the environment cannot be beat. During the summer time and when it starts to get chilly in the fall they have a fun bonfire pit outside where you can sit around and relax.
(5)
Nathan K.
awesome beer hand crafted by Anthony the brew master. Awesome food get the King Burger
(5)
Lauren M.
Stellar service, food, drink, and atmosphere. I left here too full but I would do it again! The grilled cheeseburger- yummmmmm! As a side, the fried pickles were some of the best I've ever had. I got a flight- great way to introduce myself to their beers- and the Weiss was my favorite but all were delicious. The waiter, can't remember his name, very personable and knowledgeable. Great experience.
(5)
Mark F.
Our first time here was delightfully memorable, wonderfully delicious and our service was outstanding. When we visited the host stand, we were kindly told that our wait would be an hour to an hour and a half (ha, um no, thanks). So, we adventured to the bar rail to see if we could scrounge up 2 open bar stools. Luckily, we found to spots at the back end of the bar and the rest of the night went straight up from there. If you find yourself at their bar - ask for Cassie. She was incredibly friendly, very patient and didn't make us feel rushed. She allowed us to sample a couple of brews we were hemming and hawing between. It was nice - she made us feel welcomed and we were able to relax and take our time. The food was pretty good. No major complaints. If you like sweets - the donuts were incredible. We'll go back and we may skip the dining area and head straight for the bar! :)
(4)
Brian M.
The pretzels were incredible. The burger was not very good and they charged $13 for it. If you're mainly looking for food rather than drinks, I'd recommend checking out Eddie's in Arlington Heights or Smash Burger instead.
(3)
Eric H.
Food was good, beer was great, service was lacking. Both times I've been there the service was bad. I like like the food enough that I will be back but hopefully they have retrained some staff
(3)
Paul W.
Can't find any reasons why this wouldn't be a five star restaurant. Great food, great service, clean great atmosphere and fair prices. My family has been here three times and the it's been consistently good. Killer pretzel appetizer, tasty burgers come with a mound of good fries, mini tacos taste great and the servers make sure your drink is always full. On busy nights the wait is long so make reservations. This place gets packed fast.
(5)
Avinash K.
Loved the ambience of the place. Did have a decent variety of food. I had the crab bisque which was really good and came in a big portion - oh my god, had just finished it. We had the picked fries which were great as well. Fried calamari was so-so.
(3)
Holly H.
So good. Expensive but a wonderful place for a special night out. Everything is amazing.
(5)
Stephanie H.
I love this place! It's always lively and the service is stellar. The drinks are delicious and the beer is the best around. The food is fresh and made from scratch which is apparent from the taste. It's great for families, date night or an evening with your friends, they definitely made sure to cover all of their bases and succeeded in doing so. I'll be back time and time again! If you haven't tried this place yet you're missing out!
(5)
Vishal B.
Many of these restaurant/breweries are starting to look alike. Then you have The Lucky Monk. The menu is a refreshing change from the usual bar food. We did opt for a fried app - the trio which was a bit of a guilty pleasure since i love fried pickles! They try to be a burger and pizza specialist and succeed. I say this because we tried their sandwich as well as margharita which in my mind is a yardstick pizza.. i use to measure apples to apples. very nice thin crust and flavor! the fries were the best part! the truffle oil parmesean garlic fries to be exact! Let me highlight that their house brewed beer comes in flights, or 9 oz glasses which is fantastic at 3 bucks each when you want to try more than a shot of beer, but not commit to a full glass. loved both the white and IPA! (confessional, i think the name was).. at the end of it all we got the cookie sizzler thing with ice cream on it! great way to end a belt busting dinner! You will feel like such an American walking out of this place!
(4)
Nathan S.
Lucky Monk is our go-to place for great burgers, great beer, and great service. Never had a bad meal there.
(5)
Christina A.
Went back last night for dinner. Service was awesome this time. However, I thought the burger was only so so. A little dry. The cookie skillet and beer were still incredible. Will I go back? Probably, but I'll probably order something other than a burger.
(4)
ChicagoGuy O.
Love this place must check it out if you haven't already they have hands-down some of the best hamburgers I've ever tasted in my entire life their food is all quality they're very clean great atmosphere and a wonderful list of all different types of beers great place to chill out in the summertime they have an open patio with a fire pit.if you enjoy beer and good food check out the Lucky Monk
(5)
Lauren M.
Great place!! Delicious food, attentive staff, the beer is great (recommend the beer flight)! Perfect for dates, nights out with girlfriends, or family affairs. I'm sure this is a given by now, but the perfect spot for dinner or drinks before or after heading to AMC for a movie. Can't wait for their outdoor patio this summer. They have warm cozy fireplaces to sit around overlooking a pond. If you haven't been, I highly suggest!
(5)
Kelly E.
favorite! make a reservation otherwise the wait can be long...
(5)
Joseph R.
Great ambiance, beautiful decoration, tv's, clean bathrooms. I had the bbq salmon; really good: soft & tasty. Service was good.
(4)
HG C.
I've returned a few times and my experience has been much better. Service was great both times. Foods decent and prices are fair. The fries suck:(
(4)
Mike L.
Where the old Brass used to be. This follows the business philosophy of the chain brewpubs, ie Ram, a few house beers along with a good selection of others and a focus on pub foods. It works and the food is good it just seems a little to processed for me. When they bring your burger out your first thought when you see the server carrying it out is wow that is a huge burger. When they set it down you see that the burger is setting on "hockey puck" which once removed your burger is now normal. So before you are thinking "THAT IS A $12 BURGER" and once they set it down you think "oh, I just paid $12 for this". I had the Sunrise with an over-easy egg and I could not taste the yolk at all. The bacon marmalade was to sweet and lacked saltiness.The pretzel apps were large and very good, the 3 dipping sauces were underwhelming. For a party of 7 the food took a very long time to come out, even the first side salad. I understand that if they are serving drinks you want to get more drinks out of a group but 20+ minutes for a side salad is excessive when the restaurant is not at capacity. The food was good and the service was good if not just a little bit scattered.
(3)
Krystal L.
New manager?? We've been here a few times and had great experiences. Tonight we went to the lucky monk with some friends after the festival. We were told there was a 20 minute wait, an hour later they finally had us sit in an area where there were 4 other tables EMPTY. The rude hostess then informed us it was the managers fault that he didn't want to use that area of the restaurant. What?? Manager finally comes over after we had to ask for him and he was a total jerk. I was so embarrassed because my husband and I were the ones who suggested going here. He says "I'll look into it" which didn't make any sense when we told him how upset we were with the hour wait and just getting told over and over 5 more minutes and thrn walking into an empty area! He then never bothered to come back to our table. They gave us a percentage off of the bill but not until we all complained to the waitress who's fault none of this was. Just a really crappy experience. Now we won't go back for a while if ever.
(2)
Chrissy F.
Drinks: had the pilsner and it was great! Not too hoppy and had a very smooth finish. Dinner: most of the people in our party had the burgers and turkey burgers. The turkey burger was excellent, moist and hand made, which is a rare find. The sweet potato fries rocked! Make sure you get a side of their ranch dressing to dip them in--they have the best 'leaky' ranch, which is my favorite kind. Overall a great experience. We had a fussy 1 year old with us that just wanted to eat. The waitress came out with carrots and ranch to help is out. Great service and attentive to what was going on. The Kids menu had great selections and came with milk, cookie and chocolate syrup for dessert. The kids thought it was so cool!
(5)
Theresa S.
We came to lucky monk because of all the great reviews however for my husband and I we were let down. I would have given it a 4 star because the craft beer was really good and the food had potential, however, the service was horrible. Our waitress was more interested in disappearing then serving. We even noticed the other tables she was serving a little irritated by her inattentiveness. We ordered a "egg on top" pizza and I had the fish tacos. I know it's know for it's pizza and burgers but the waitress said the fish tacos were their best seller other then burgers so I took her opinion, huge mistake. The pizza had a lot of potential but they over seasoned it. Now my husband loves salt on everything and in my opinion a little too much salt. With that being said, he couldn't eat more then a slice because they over seasoned it with salt! Now my fish tacos had no seasoning and fell apart. It was soggy and just plain nasty. I love fish tacos and here is not the place to get them. I will give them a second chance because the manager was extremely friendly and maybe next time I'll stick to a burger.
(3)
Derek H.
Nice selection of house beers - and also several guest taps with many local selections.
(4)
Mike K.
Love the burgers here. They are one of my favorites! Staff is a little shady.. but what can you expect from a bar.
(4)
Cary H.
Great atmosphere, kid friendly. Loved the La Colombe coffee here. They also have a great selection of beer. Staff was very accommodating.
(4)
Nicole S.
Alright, so i came here not knowing what it was, i didn't even know the name. My boyfriend said someone said it was good so we decided to check it out. it was a little bit of drive from where i lived but no biggie. It wasn't crowed because it was a week day and early about 3 or 4. We were seated and our waiter was fantastic! I wish i could remember his name because he was such a nice guy. So i got the sunrise burger( i'm not sure if thats what its called but its the one with friend egg on it and bacon. and it was fantastic and HUGE! like when they brought the burger out i was in awe because it was gigantic! the fries were excellent as well. I couldn't eat the entire thing so i took it home. The only thing i didn't like about this place was it was freezing! like i should have brought a winter jacket some gloves and a hat. but i got over it. Check this place out. also they brew their own beer :D always a plus.
(4)
Jaime C.
Awesome amazing ginormous greasy (the good kind!) heavenly mouth watering burgers ever!!!!! Not to mention the cheese curds which are Heart attack heaven!! And don't get me started with the beer selection! Great food great beers! definitely going back!
(4)
Kristen S.
This is one of our favorite local restaurants, both for the delicious food and great beers/drinks! This would be a 5 but on this visit we all felt our server was forgetful and unfriendly. Hopefully just not her best day, but it did mar the experience a bit. Fortunately the food was great as usual :) Our table had: Bourbon stout burger-lots of cheddar, beer braised onions, a bourbon glaze.. this was really good! we upgraded to the pickle fries and they were awesome as well Rueben- loved the dark rye, thought the meat had kind of a sweet flavor I didn't love but others did -came with fries which were perfectly crispy Nawlins chicken sandwich- two thumbs up, nice spice, flavor and crunch King burger-peanut butter, bananas and bacon-sounds odd but so good Skirt steak tacos-come w a spicy cheese sauce, avocado, and sour cream, very good! Cookie skillet and warm brownie desserts.. both delicious and rich, split among several people! Tips- definitely make a reservation on a weekend, try their house brews, get a side of ranch for the fries (if you're into that), the entrees are huge so apps aren't needed but you could make a great meal of apps n desserts, try the pickle fries or truffle fries, get there a little earlier than your reservation, parking is crazy and you'll still have a 10 min wait or so
(4)
Robert G.
Four stars for the food. Plus one star for dealing professionally with what was by far the loudest table in the restaurant. My cousin was having a baby shower, which meant the guys had to go someplace. "Someplace" ended up being The Lucky Monk, which appears to be a bar and craft brewer. Far from the only one in the suburbs, but the menu! I walked in on a bunch of appetizers. I had a few pieces of calamari, which were nice and crispy, and then moved on to the truffle oil fries, which, though likely not made of real truffle (this is true, Google it) was still exercise-inducingly addictive. This came with pickle chips and a ranch-based sauce of some sort, which was surprisingly good and not altogether greasy. We were then piled on some more with giant, soft pretzels served with three sauces - honey mustard being the one I remember and liked the most. I rolled the dice on a chorizo torta, which was okay; I tend to forget that chorizo can be pretty one-dimensional if there isn't enough spice in it, and the torta fell in that category. But I'm still glad it was on the menu, and equally glad that I had it. So the food overall was quite good, but I was happy to hear that the staff was entertained by our 3-hour, beer-filled stay. Involving endless arguments about whether LeBron or Michael is the best basketball player, and whatnot. Undoubtedly, we annoyed the other patrons, but they didn't care and treated us well, and they deserve credit for that.
(5)
Nabeel S.
We arrived early for a movie at AMC 30 and had about 45 minutes to kill. Among three of us, we ordered one pizza, one burger and three beers. We told the waiter that we had a movie in a short while and they expedited the order and got us out in perfect time. The beer selection was good, they have their own brew and carry common beers as well. I had the Belgian Wit, which was excellent. The pizza was also good. Will come early for a movie again.
(5)
Janni V.
Parmesan truffle fries for a starter. Bourbon Stout burger (with sweet potato fries). Solitude Oatmeal Stout. (And we were supposed to go for a motorcycle ride after this, lol.) Sometimes, you just need a really nice burger. This was actually one of the first things I ate after recovering from some sort of stomach bug. Good thing my stomach was nice and empty -- I needed the space. I still can't believe I managed to eat the whole thing. That burger was ginormous -- but super, super tasty. I'm picky about cheese on burgers. Most of the time, I'm fine without it. But if I have it? I want good cheese. Not crappy cheese. TLM uses nice Tillamook, which has some flavor and body to it. It was also cooked perfectly. The Solitude Oatmeal Stout was quite tasty. Perhaps if I'd written this review closer to when I actually drank it, I could give you more details. I will say that I don't recall anything particular standing out about it, except that it was quite enjoyable. Then again, I'm a stout fan. It's not the best ever, but certainly good. We went around 2pm on a Saturday, so while there were some people there, it wasn't crazy busy. I'm not sure I'd want to go when it was -- not a big fan of the crowded, rowdy brewpub experience. But the food and beer were good enough that I'm happy it's a nearby option.
(4)
Laura F.
I am shocked that a few reviews down there is complaint was that this place was too expensive to take the kids, especially since the reason I was drawn to write a review was because of how much I loved their kid experience. For only $6.95 my children were served a delicious multi coursed meal (appetizer, main, side, drink and desert). The place lives up to their hype on the burgers. They were amazing and I was honestly most skeptical of the beer, but it was actually really good. As my husband put it... "it surprisingly exceeded my expectations." It will be our go to place whenever we are in the area. Only complaint would be the time it took us to get our food. There was a pretty long wait between appetizers and dinner. Our servers were very attentive so I will not blame it on them. Perhaps they need a larger kitchen as this seems to be a common issue.
(4)
Victoria L.
Average. 5 stars for beer, 2 for the food. We got the beer sampler which gives you a great variety if you're indecisive. Ordered 2 appetizers and 3 entrees. The server mentioned they've been known for their pizza so we got that as a part of the 3. It was very average and not unique/special in any way. Ribs were decent but overcooked. The braised beef pasta was all pasta no beef, so basically $15 for a plate of pasta. One of the appetizers was sent back completely. Service was good. I wouldn't go back unfortunately.
(3)
Amy M.
I've been to Lucky Monk many times and have always had great experiences. Their food is delicious and their staff is professional and friendly. I've been pleased with everything I've ordered off of their menu. Their burgers are delicious and I'd definitely recommend getting the loaded fries as a side. My husband and I even hosted our rehearsal dinner for our wedding there. The staff was helpful, friendly, and professional throughout the planning process which made my job a lot easier. The night of the dinner was a success as well. Everyone in our party really enjoyed the atmosphere, drinks and food. Service was great.
(5)
James R.
We hit the lucky monk a couple of weeks ago to start off our 2013 new brewery tour. When looking for a brewery in the Chicago are that I hadn't visited yet I found The Lucky Monk. I hadn't been there and it was conveniently located right off interstate. The restaurant area is nice. It's a casual feeling, but more upscale than most brewpubs one visits. Since I was mostly interested in the beer we sat at the bar where I could get a good look at the fermenters and other equipment used. Even though I went here for the beer, this is not a review of the beer itself. I will say they did have some very nice ones that were really good. My wife and I decided to get something to eat. The menu listed many items that sounded delicious. We ended up getting a burger and splitting it because it was half a pound and neither of us wanted to eat that much. We ended up getting the Bourbon Stout burger with a side of Tumbled Crispy Onions. The burger was fantastic. Thick (half pound burger!), juicy, cooked to a perfect medium as requested. The tumbled crispy onions were also fantastic, what really set them apart from other places was the wasabi-ranch dipping sauce. That sauce sent my taste buds into a sensory overload. The wasabi flavor was good, but it wasn't as spicy as one associates with wasabi. It had the flavor with only a mild burn to it. Wow, just wow. I'd go back just for these. The restaurant itself was clean, well maintained. The service was okay, we did have to flag down the bartender a couple of times. The bartender we had wasn't exceptionally helpful. I asked questions, but his responses were more of a bored disinterested variety. Not something that one looks for at a brewpub. Overall, I'll definitely stop in there again.
(4)
Dan S.
Their burgers are delicious, and there's many to choose from. Get the beer flight and try all their beers too! The monk club is so worth it, front of the line and a new bomber of brew every month!
(5)
Sarah D.
Great burgers with Gluten Free buns! The Monks special cheeseburger is the best. If you've been searching for the former Jan's Grill fries you had in EGV in the 80's-your search is over! These are the best. My friend got the fried pickles instead and they were crisp and came with a spicy dipping sauce Location is on the drive of the Barrington 30 movie theater with a cool outdoor seating area with a firepit. Get there early!
(5)
Dan W.
Exceptional service and great food. Only improvement would have been a tripel or quad local beer.
(5)
Mrs. B.
The beer selection is fab, food is yummy, and service/atmosphere is great! I recommend this place and try the pretzels!! :D
(5)
Katie M.
A good establishment for a good drink and a great burger. I've tried the spinach and goat cheese burger and the another burger, and both we're yummy! Definitely spring for the special sides, especially the sweet potato fries and fried pickles. Their fried pickles are perfection!
This is one of our favorite places to go when we have a night off...we love the parmesan fries and I like the chicken kabobs while my husband loves their burgers...great presentation of food (and a lot of it)...one of our favorite servers is danato...even when he isn't our server he always stops by to say hi to us. I can't believe I almost forgot...their cookie skillet is amazingggg one of our favorite desserts!
(5)
Tim H.
Every meal is fantastic! I have never had a bad meal there. Fish fry is delicious! The staff are so friendly & prompt. Last night I forgot a gift box on my table by mistake, while outside waiting for my car, a server came running outside to give them to me! So kind of him!! Check this place out, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Dennis O.
Their burgers are USDA prime beef. The sear they put on the outside is amazing! Definitely a contender for the best burger I've ever had. The menu is very diversified. I called for a reservation earlier that same day. I lucked out (no pun intended) as the place was a madhouse! I look forward to returning.
(5)
Joann J.
First time here and we loved it. We started out with the beer sampler and the deep fried egg- wonderful appetizer. The beer sampler was a good way to taste the different beers sine I really don't know that much about beer. We were a party of four and all ordered different burgers with different sides- the patty melt was the biggest hit. Sides were ( in order of faves). Fries with gravy, deep fried pickle chips, cheese curds and Parmesan truffle fries. Our waiter was super great and we had a good time sharing all of our food. Will definitely return.
(5)
Diana F.
Good food, the servers are informed. Everything went well. The food was tasty and prepared well. Overall good experience. The kids were fine and treated well.
(5)
Charity T.
This is a solid, good beer and burger place with a rustic upscale interior. The tacos were great. Always a good choice to go here.
(4)
Amy S.
Beer paddle is great for sampling their drafts! Fried pickles and truffle fries are delicious. Meals are above average, but the five star rating comes from their excellent service and beautiful outdoor seating!
(5)
Mike O.
A friend suggested this place and, since the lady and I wanted to see a movie, thought this would be a good place to try and then see a flick. My friend said their pickle fries and cheese curds were great, better than Stonewood Ale House's Freckles and mozzarella sticks. I'm a big Stonewood fan, so I had to give both a try. We shared the pickle fries and I agree with my friend and other reviews...pickle fries are good. They come with a ranch-like dipping sauce. I had the Luigi Burger (hold the Giardiniera) and $2 swapped fries for Wisconsin curds. Burger was great and the curds were awesome...like Culver's but softer & not as fried. My gal got the steak tacos & she shared a bite, pretty good too. The friendly waitress let me try their current speciality beer, not bad. She mentioned they have a new speciality every 6 weeks, so more than one a season. Need to bring some work buddies over to try their homemade brews. All in all, very nice. Cool decor too, modern meets wooden beer lodge. I'll be back!
(4)
Michael Z.
The hour wait only took about 35 min on a Thursday night. First impression was really nice. I like the decor and the couch like feeling of the booths on one side of the tables. I ordered the white bean chili with chicken which was awesome as well as the pepercorn ranch burger. The wait for our food was quite long; I think it eneded up taking about 45 min to get it. Everyone ordered burgers or an appetizer. One thing I didnt like was having the burger appear to be bigger than it was by placing it on a "puck". I would prefer it not be dummied up to appear larger than it was. Service wasnt all that great. Initially our table didnt have enough menus or napkins with silverware and she didnt get anymore so everyone would have one. We had to go to the next table to get additional napkins. One of us asked for hot sauce that he never had gotten either and my water wasnt replenished regularly as I would have hoped for. Overall, it was alright. A little pricey. Some of us were shocked at our bills. If the service was better and the food would have come out quicker, it probably would have gotten another star.
(3)
Sarah S.
I went to The Lucky Monk last night with my BFF post a movie at AMC. I've gone by a million times when going to movies but never actually stopped in...what was I thinking!? They surprisingly have a big beer selection including a favorite of mine I've had at many Yelp events, Crispin. Gotta love that 5% hard cider. We went about 7pm last night and there was a 30 minute wait. They do take Open Table reservations but had no openings last night. We opted to sit at the bar with no wait and I'm glad we did. We grabbed a couple of corner stools and had a lovely time. Instead of ordering entrees, we decided to get a buffet of appetizers and some beers. Not only did the orders come out quickly but they were huge! We felt like beasts with 4 apps between the two of us. The bartender said we had a castle of plates. :( I'll have you know, judgmental bartender, we took most of it home but it was great to get to try a variety of items. hehe :D Warm Pretzel Trio $9.95 - These pretzels were great but be sure to eat them right as they come out & are still toasty warm. They come with a warm grainy mustard butter (loved it), wisconsin cheese beer fondue (loved it) and tomato parmesan sauce (could have skipped it). Crispy Eggs $7.95 - 6 Deep fried deviled eggs with bacon marmalade, truffle oil, chitpotle aioli, and everything good. This was a very close second favorite of the appetizers we got last night. The crispiness was well balanced out by the soft hard boiled egg. I loved the contrast in textures. I loved the surprising flavors in each bite. I found these to be packed with flavor and would get them again in a heartbeat! Whipped Goat Cheese $7.95 - Not what i was expecting at all! This appetizer comes with two mini loaves of bread and a tomato marinara sauce with goat cheese in the middle. The goat cheese was phenomenal, but poor ignorant me thought this would be a dish...not a bread with dipping sauce. The bread was quite dry and super hard, tough to cut off. Even when we tried to rip it with our hands it was rough. I would pass on getting this dish again. Wisconsin Cheese Curds $7.95 - We both agreed this was our favorite appetizer of the night. Beer battered goodness in the form of cheese balls. Honestly, these were the best deep fried cheese curds I've ever had. I've had a thing for cheese curds since getting them fresh from the Glenview farmer's market every weekend as a kid growing up so whenever I see them on the menu, I gravitate towards them. The breading on these curds was light and delicious plus the curds inside were soft & fresh. The Lucky Monk has a fantastic craft beer selection plus they concoct their own brewskis! The cool thing with the beers is that they pair the right glass with your blend and don't just give you the run of the mill standard cup. My friend got a goblet with her tasty bubbly brew! It's such a chill space inside, plus they have a great patio. After our chowing down and drinking, my friend and I took a seat on the patio next to the fire pit to tell ghost stories ;). They have huge comfy chairs outside which makes for a relaxing, chill atmosphere. I absolutely loved everything about The Lucky Monk.
(5)
RALPH C.
Chopped salad was good. Bbq wings were ok. Pizza was good, the only thing was that we ordered sausage pizza and the sausage was spicy. They should put spicy sausage pizza on the menu. We had to ask for water. And our waitress seemed in a hurry all the time . not much conversation.
(2)
June Y.
The food here is great, but I have to say, as a fan of sweet potato fries, the Lucky Monk had the BEST sweet potato fries I've ever had.
(5)
Lois C.
I swear I thought I reviewed this place!! Well here we go! I've been to Lucky Monk twice now with 2 bigger size groups. The first time I went, I had the hot head burger with pickle fries. The hot head was good but not as spicy as I would have liked. I asked for extra jalapenos but they said it would cost extra so I opted to not have it. My oh my, those pickle fries are something I dream of on a daily occasion. They were seriously so good and I could literally eat them everyday. My friends had the truffle fries and cheese curds as well. Cheese curds were pretty good but you have to eat them hot or else the cheese hardens and its not as tasty. The truffle fries were alright, but really I'd opt for the regular fries and save $2. I didn't think they were all that great, really didn't taste much truffle. The second time I went, I just had to get the hot head again. But this time my husband was with me so we shared the fish tacos as well. I hate beans, but I eat them since I know they're "healthy". Not sure if Lucky Monks is all that healthy but it was so tasty! It seemed to be mixed with meat and it was so flavorful, I could have licked the plate if I wasn't so full. Fish tacos were really good and I would comment on the rice but my daughter ate it all before I could have a bite, so it was definitely toddler approved. My husband and I also shared the beer sampler and I would definitely recommend it. I personally liked most of the beers and we both decided on the Cardinal Sin. Everyone that I went with raved about the food so I would highly recommend going there. But a fair warning, be careful with the water because sometimes it taste like metal. The first time we went the water was disgusting and we asked our server about it and she stated that it was a normal thing. Second time I went, I warned my friends and we all tried the water and it tasted just fine. Not sure if its a regular thing but definitely something to be weary of since I wouldn't drink or allow my family to drink the water that tasted like metal. Oh and one more thing. They do have private rooms for events and their pricing seems pretty reasonable for what they offer. How can you go wrong with good food and private dining? I'm thinking of an event to have JUST so I can go back to Lucky Monk and enjoy their food and beer.
(5)
Lauren S.
Amazing food, they brew great beer, and excellent ambience and service. Sweet potato fries are definitely worth the upgrade. Nawlins chicken sandwich is my favorite, but the burgers and really anything else are good too. Family friendly but great for a date night too.
(5)
Dre M.
Love their house beers, which are pretty reasonably priced, as well as their pretzels with dipping sauce...just beware as the place gets pretty crowded on the weekends!
(4)
Stephen H.
The burger was one of the best I've had in a long time, and I'm old! I can't remember the name of the beer, but was exceptional as was the service - we sat in the bar.
(5)
Katie G.
My boyfriend and I went here on a whim and it was amazing! Service was great fast and friendly! They were super nice about accommodating my meal to gluten free options and the beer picks were great! We left so satisfied!
(5)
Anthony R.
It's really hard not to say that the Lucky Monk serves one of the top 3 tastiest burgers I've ever had. Substituded for Merkts cheddar cheese with bourbon grilled onions....wow! Fried pickles and amazing cheese curds for app and really enjoyed their beers. A bit pricey but that burger is priceless.
Excellent food and beer! Family friendly atmosphere with dessert that is to die for.
(5)
Steve B.
Excellent selection of beers and amazing food. The burgers are especially great. This place has become one of my favorites.
(5)
Angela R.
Awesome burgers, cheese curds, salads and buffalo wings.... call for reservation especially on the weekends. Our family loves it here!
(5)
Doug P.
Ordered the grilled cheese / burger. 1/2 premium beef surrounded by 2 grill cheese sandwiches Melanie had the smothered burger now for desserts. Guess there goes the diet
(4)
Jenny T.
This place is a decent place to grab a burger and a beer. The beer is made in house which a plus. However if you are looking for really good beer, then you may find this place a little disappointing. The beer is just average at best it catered to the average Joe. So if you are a beer aficionado then you may want to steer clear.
(3)
Sarah B.
Yay! I'm a fan! We Went to the Lucky Monk with another couple and had an awesome time. We started with the pretzel app, which had an awesome cheese sauce and mustard butter. I got the beer sampler since I couldn't decide on a beer. The BF and friends BF had IPA's that were barrel aged in Makers Mark barrels. They loved them. Friend had the Red Appeal and it was delicious. For noms, I got the short rib tacos and they were great. The BF had the steak tacos and I liked them even more than mine. Friend got the cheese pizza and it was surprisingly yummy. Friend's BF got the grilled cheese burger and it looked amazing. The boys got another round of IPA's and friend got a cocktail. I decided on the Cinnamon Sidecar, because Sidecars = fav drink ever. It was awesome, I'm skipping the beer next time even though the beer was pretty tasty too. We got two of the homemade donut desserts. They were sooooo good. Still warm and chewy, plus the homemade sauces were freaking amazing. I couldn't pick a favorite. Our waiter was super attentive and really nice. My only sad moment was when I couldn't order mix n match tacos, you have to pick only one kind :-( We spent probably 2+ hours there and can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jennifer S.
We've been to The Lucky Monk a few times now and I think we are officially fans! Most recently, my dad and step-mom decided to take us for an anniversary dinner (married four years already...holy moly!!). Anyhow, dad and I coordinated the evening. The location is great for us. Them coming from Carpentersville. Us coming from Bartlett. It's right off the Route 90, so although they traveled a little further, it was highway miles which makes it a-ok. We went on a Monday night and they were packed, but we arrived early and a table was ready by the time the rest of our party arrived. Beer flights, lagers and ciders all around. It was a celebration and the drinks were great! We split a sampler of cheese curds, fried pickles and truffle fries. The cheese curds reign supreme! I'm still trying to count my calories, but this past month has been kinda meh, if you know what I mean. So, I ordered fish & chips. I ate all of the fish and a little less than half of the chips. A year ago, I easily could and would have finished all of my food. The portion is a nice size, but there were a lot of fries. The love of my life, the apple of my eye, the ying to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly...my hubby, ordered a burger. Honestly, I have no idea which one he went with, but he ate most of it and didn't complain, so it had to have been good. I recall spice and cheese. I'm guessing it was the Hot Head. Dad also went with a burger, but at our waitress' suggestion, he tried the peppercorn ranch. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Dad is fairly easy to please which makes me wonder how I became so picky...uh, such a connoisseur of things. ;-) My step-mom seems to really enjoy a nice meal out. She is quite the cook and I've noticed that she tends to order things that she doesn't make at home. This only makes sense. Mushroom risotto with chicken was on her agenda that night. No complaints from her and I believe her leftovers even went home with her for lunch the next day. Some more thoughts: I don't like the acoustics in here. Sadly, it is difficult to carry on a conversation. It's loud and the sound travels funny. I don't know how else to explain it. Our server has been fine every time we've been here. Fine, but not memorable. These reasons keep The Lucky Monk at four stars for now.
(4)
Lindsey S.
I finally got to check out the Lucky Monk for a late dinner. I'm so glad I did! Amazing food, really pleasant staff. I'm not a drinker but my boyfriend was really happy with the selection and enjoyed the house beer they brew. If you like beer battered stuff, try anything fried there. For me, I don't enjoy that but I do enjoy an awesome burger. They also have the best truffle fries! It was a nice, comfortable atmosphere as well.
(4)
Ryan H.
I have been here at least 50 times. Gets a bit crowded on the weekend, but have never had an issue with the service. The manager Neal is awesome. Food: everyone raves about their burgers, but the best pick is the Nawlins Chicken. Drink: any of their house or featured beers (my favorite being the Tritica), also the Pom-Cucumber Mojito
(5)
Dana R.
This place is hard to get into! On our second attempt at visiting, we finally scored an 8:45 reservation. It seems a little late to eat, but it was SO WORTH IT! There was about 5 of us, and we noshed on the fried deviled eggs. They were crispy, crunchy and creamy all at the same time and were a perfect way to start the evening off. The conversation flowed smoothly as it often does with friends and we placed our orders. Friend on my right ordered "The Grilled Cheese Burger" with a side of the "Wisconsin Cheese Curds", I had "The Smothered Burger" with a side of "Pickle Fries" and my honey on my right had "The Monk Burger" with a foreignly delicious side of hand cut fries "Poutine-Montreal Style." That is smothered in gravy with cheese curds. How could you not resist? Even the name sounds exotic in a weird bathroom-humor-way. I didn't really catch what our friends across from us ordered, except that it was a burger and a meatball sandwich maybe? I wasn't really paying attention to their food, but they seemed to enjoy it. The benefit of sitting in the middle of such deliciousness is that I got to nosh off of everyone's plate. Whether they wanted me to or not is a different story, but we all shared in the end. The "Grilled Cheese Burger" looked massive! The friend who ordered is an EMT/Firefighter in training, so there was a lot of jokes about cardiac arrest and picture texting going on. He could barely wrap his mouth around the mammoth, but he managed. I sneaked a few of his sinfully delicious cheese curds too. My smothered burger was an angel sent from above. Picture a beautiful burger with wings floating above my head (kind of like cupid) and you get the idea. The deliciousness of the gruyere, and carmelized onions was almost too much to take. Sadly, it was SO good that I was the first one done. You know when something is so good that you gobble it up immediatley? Yeah, this was it. My pickle fries were wondeful as far as pickle fries go. They were a nice size chip that was perfectly fried. Not too soggy and not too crisp, the salt was just right. A pickle chip goldilocks if you will. My love wasn't over the moon about his monk burger, but enjoyed it for what it was. A good burger. He was however contemplating moving to Canada after tasting the dish they call Poutine (Pronounced Poo-teen). The Lucky Monk does Poutine right (and if they do it wrong, I could care less) hand cut fries smothered in a beef gravy with pops of hot cheese curds floating throughout it. Can I get a Campbells "Mmm, mmm good"?! Of course no one had room for dessert, but I ordered "The House Made Sticky Doughnuts" anyway. It was a perfect portion. 5 Pillowy doughnuts drizzled in a sweet vanilla glaze, stacked on top of each other in a mason jar. They came with dipping sauces of caramel, chocolate and raspberry. They were so finger-licking good, that I almost wanted to order another to go and eat them in bed later. Our drinks were phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed my dirty, filthy martini, and they guys really dug the beer selections. We left happy and with a new meeting spot that fit the distance equally for everyone.
(5)
Al D.
A very nice restaurant very good service good food good staff family friendly good prices
(4)
Ashley W.
We stopped in here on a Saturday for a late lunch around 3:00. No wait, but they were still pretty busy given the time of day that we were there. Our waitress had at least 5 tables that we counted, including one larger party. I was a waitress back in the day, and 5 tables can be a lot to handle at one time. She did a great job keeping up with everything including drink refills so kudos to her. This was our first time here, so we started with the Trappist Trio so that we could sample a few different options that so many Yelpers had mentioned; the cheese curds, truffle fries, and pickle fries. We loved the cheese curds and the pickle fries, but the truffle fries were just okay. They tasted a little bit too garlicy to us. The chipotle ranch was the favorite sauce out of the two. We were already starting to get full after polishing off the trio, so we decided to share a burger instead of each ordering one. Warning - the burgers are HUGE! We went with the Peppercorn Ranch burger, medium, and paid $2 extra to order a salad in place of the fries (we had already indulged in plenty of fried goodness for our appetizer!). Sharing a burger after finishing that trio for our appetizer was a good idea, it was the perfect amount. While it's not the best burger I've ever had, it was still pretty darn delicious. If you're coming here for the first time I'd highly recommend the cheese curds and the pickle fries, and you can't go wrong with a burger.
(4)
AJ B.
I have been here many times in the last three years and am always impressed. My company is located less than a mile away so we host a lot of lunches here. Service and food are always great. Burgers are huge and delicious, the white chili is good as are most of the main courses. Unlike most places I usually try something new every time I am there and have yet to be disappointed. They also have their own craft beer which is good as well. Something for everyone here - would recommend to all.
(5)
Leonora B.
Awesome place!!!! Love the fallen angel... my hubby love the stout!!!! Wish there's one in san francisco.... we'll visit soon!!!! Perfect ambience... get there early because they get packed and busy... call ahead and reserve.... love the truffle fries and hot head burger... missed my lucky monk so Much....
(5)
Melissa A.
Mmmm burgers! I love burgers and I have to say the burgers at The Lucky Monk are pretty darn tasty. So far I've had the Spinach Goat Cheese burger and the Smothered burger. The Smothered came with Gruyere, pickles, and caramelized onions. Can you say delicious?! The staff are all friendly and helpful. The first time I came to The Lucky Monk, I had made a reservation for 14 people one day in advance and they were able to accommodate me easily. I will be back next time to try their beers since I hear they're pretty good!
(4)
Marcin B.
We live 5 minutes from the placy and I have never had a chance to visit the place until last month. We got there 2 times already and we will definitely visit again in the future. I can simply say they have very good burgers and I mean it. When you order medium it is medium and pink inside not like other places when your ordered medium turns to be close to well done. They have pizza which is average in my opinion but I think they use fire wood oven so it might get better. Lastly they brew their own beer which is very fresh and tasty, they have Lager,Wheat and Porter/Stout so everyone can choose a favourite one. Bar is also definitely worth the visit with wide variety of alcohol drinks.
(4)
Chad S.
I enjoy the selection of beers here and the food was pretty good. Everything they serve is made in-house and the handmade pretzels are amazing with 3 dipping sauces. The burgers are good, not the best I've had, but pretty decent and I love the N'awlins Chicken sandwich. The atmosphere is great if you want to hang our with friends at the bar and watch a game. Haven't tried their entrees. I recommend
(4)
Pete L.
We've eaten at dozens of burger restaurants over the last two years... a different place nearly every Tuesday night. We've had burgers from Kuma's Corner, The Gage, Brauer House, DMK and dozens of other places that specialize in burgers. The Lucky Monk has a fantastic selection of burgers, the meat is specially blended for them and they take great care creating perfection in a burger. It's so good that we created a new category in our rating system ... "Top Dog", and Lucky Monk is the sole occupier of that spot. While the burgers are in a league of their own, their beer selection is not only extensive, but the beers they brew on site (at least the two we had) were excellent as well. Our server (Erin) was perfect: friendly and fun without being "too friendly", too intrusive, too talkative or too frequent. Really delightful in all respects. We will be back and are excited to learn that there may be a new Luck Monk coming to Downers Grove by the end of the year. It's very popular and busy. I'd stay away from a Friday or Saturday night. We went on a Tuesday evening (of course) and were seated within two minutes of arrival. But the place was full at 7:15 when we got there. If you haven't been to the Lucky Monk, do yourself a favor and get there... but make a reservation first.
(5)
Jackie B.
Great food...amazing selection of beer but the music is a little too loud..had a hard time talking to the people I was sitting with.
(4)
Bnilla R.
The Lucky Monk was delicious. My husband had the fish and chips and I had The King burger. We both highly recommend these dishes. Try the beer sampler! The waitress was absolutely fantastic and took great care of us.
(5)
Esteban S.
A huge fan of this establishment; great food, I enjoy the craft beer's, and friendly staff. I will be coming back soon.
(5)
Danielle S.
Finally, finally I came here after hearing about it from so many people! Where to start?! First off, this is a total guys place. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, and women are more than welcome here. But the vast amounts of beer and meat, and the lounge like atmosphere are perfect for a guys' night out or a great place to take that special man on a date. We ended up sitting outside - awesome choice! There are plenty of seats/tables outside. There are even chairs to just sit and lounge/have a drink in without tables. There isn't a lot of shade, so come prepared (sunglasses, sunscreen, and cooler clothing). They have an awesome beer selection - I honestly couldn't decide what to get! I would love to come here and try a different beer every time! And if you don't like beer, no worries. They have an awesome mixed drink selection (my friend got one and said it was great). There is something on the menu for everyone - I got the Twisted Chicken Sandwich with fries. It was very good! My friend got the Grilled Cheeseburger - this is a MUST try at some point. A burger between 2 grilled cheeses? What? That's awesome. It isn't good for you, but it tasted amazing. No regrets! The only downfall was the service. We waited a long time to get a second round of drinks, water refilled, condiments, and our checks. The servers were very nice - don't get me wrong. And they were busy. It isn't going to keep me from coming back!
(4)
John S.
Went here for my sisters birthday. Place was packed so was glad we had a say I am impressed because there were lots of people. The service here was also top notch. Our waiter was excellent with refills and very friendly. For dinner I went with a burger. My burger was a great size and cooked perfectly. The fries here were also very good. For bar food The Lucky Monk is quite good and I would go back.
(4)
Catherine P.
I remember why we don't go here. And after a recent visit, I'm not in any big hurry to go back, sadly. While the atmosphere is great, the service is mediocre. The food is good but the pricing kinda stinks. They don't really have any real economical options. All the burgers are $10+. I would rather go to Kuma's Corner for a $10+ burger. Main entrees are approximately $14. Sandwiches all about $10. I really just think i was turned off by the service. We had the trio app and swapped out the onion strings for cheese curds which were amazing. The 25 minute wait for our app was what upset me. The quality was there. That's the part that kills me! The fried pickles were surprisingly good. The cheese curds were some of the best I have ever had. I have to give them props for this! Our server, while friendly, only stood at our table twice the entire evening while serving us. We were seated in a far corner in the bar area and next to their computer/order entry station where he stood and yelled to us to discuss our order, additional refill requests, etc. It really was very unprofessional. Don't yell to me, come to our table to talk. He was entering other orders from other tables while talking to us. It was weird and very unprofessional. Big turn off. My fiance liked his sandwich but it wasn't very hot when it was served. The plate was hotter than the food. Not a fan. I think I have decided that this place is great for apps and cocktails. And stinks for dinner. It's just too costly for what it is.
(3)
Rita B.
This is probably my fifth time here. The restaurant changes their menu often. The server even confirmed that last night. Busy place. 30 minute wait but not bad for a Saturday night. My friend and I ordered the mini steak tacos with the salsa on the side. Not what we were expecting. We knew mini would be small but when we got our plates we looked at the tacos and were kind of wondering how they can make tacos so small. They were VERY small. Came served with rice with carrots and black beans refried. Taste of tacos: delicious! Everything was perfect about them except the size. Flavor was right on. The salsa was so the best. Just the perfect amount of heat. Rice was ok. Needed salt. Carrots were tough. Dry. Refried black beans not my thing. Had one taste and had enough. Staff was alright. Nothing to rave or complain about. However, the bartender was on top of her game. Made sure our drinks kept on coming. Yes, that's part of her job....she did it exceptionally well. Truth is I'll probably end up coming back here sometime again next year because its so close to AMC. Give it a try.
(3)
Nick M.
Great beer, great burgers, and friendly on point service! Definitely will be back!
(4)
Mark N.
Great gastropub type restaurant with a laid back, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Perfect place to watch the games. Our server was way cool and took the time to breakdown the menu for us newbies. We started with the goat cheese app which was great. The goat cheese was served in a large bowl accompanied by some marinara that added a lot of dimension to what could other wise be a very one dimensional dish. Entree was the luigi burger. I was surprised to see all their burgers use prime grade beef and it was great! Though the bun was a little too thin and fell apart and the Parmesan fries were straight up mushy. Crispy fries and I would have given them 5 stars.
(4)
Bill M.
Decor - nice, clean, slightly sophisticated. Service - above average. Attentive and pleasant. Food - Mediocre. I got the steak tacos. While I never eat black beans / refried beans anyway, I must say they looked TERRIBLE on the plate! Dried out and almost like asphalt. The tacos and rice I would put at about a C+. I did not drink any of the beer selections but they looked decent. Coke over Pepsi products is a plus. Probably not a bad place to grab dinner before a movie or a drink afterward.
(3)
Benjamin L.
AMAZING burgers and beer!! Will give them another try...
(3)
Michael C.
Love this place for food and beer and bartenders. The waitresses are a bit bitchy and act like you are bothering them, but the fish tacos and IPA make up for it.
(4)
G D.
We really enjoyed our meal here. Great atmosphere and very attentive service and generous portions. We had the beer sampler which was fun for the adults at the table to try. Our table ordered burgers and all were excellent. Between our group of five we ordered two portabello burgers, the grain burger, a chicken sandwich and a hamburger. I would go back again when in the area.
(4)
Kelly O.
I am in love. My sister and brother in law recommended this place to me (and after raving about it to friends this week-- every single person I know that has been there says OMG I LOVE THAT PLACE.....) and they were spot on. IDEAL location next to the big Barrington Theater. HUGE outdoor patio deck area on the water--- I mean, not just a deck -- it's decorated and landscaped optimally. The mood is awesome. Inside is very big and expansive with a huge bar area and lots of open seating-- we sat outside. HUGE craft beer selection almost too much to choose from, not really. ;-) I had Fallen Angel and my man had Cardinal Sin. We felt sinfully happy. The menu- OMG. You'll want everything- we got fried pickles-- HEAVEN!!! And although I wanted the Reuben, they did not offer the option to do it Rachel style with turkey (surprised me frankly) so I got steak tacos -- very good- they do them small like palm sized. My man got a hujazz burger and polished it off completely. We could not attempt dessert but what we saw go by was amazing looking. Staff is attentive and knowledgeable and friendly but not invasive. I cannot say enough good things about this spot and will go back infinity.
(5)
Nicole M.
The beginning of the service was amazing. We made a reservation for 4 and we got seated right away. We had an additional guest so a total of 6 people and we got moved immediately to a bigger table. The waiter was helpful with telling us which beers were on tap and what was popular. He was really funny and nice!! We ordered our food after a little bit of waiting. The appetizers came out promptly. We ordered the calamari and the cheese curds. I definitely RECOMMEND the cheese curds! After some time we were able to order our meals. The waiter was busy but it did take a little too log to get our food put in. On top of the wait. We had to wait even longer for our food. Okay, so my short rib tacos were great! The BBQ burger was good but it was slightly overcooked and dry. It needed a bit more sauce. My friend ordered the cheese pizza. The portions were quite small. Here is where it went downhill. We were waiting for a LONG time for our meal as is. But the pizza didn't come out. The manager came out and told us 30 seconds. It's took TEN MORE MINUTES. Now don't get me wrong. I understand the food industry. I work at an upscale pizza restaurant in Los Angeles and I know how it is. But still... It just kind of sucks because I had higher expectations! Our waiter JAKE was super accommodating. He was very upbeat and helpful. He told us exactly what was happening so it made it better. Overall the manager and Jake made things much better. The food was good. I'll come again next time and give them another chance!!
(4)
Jasmine N.
Date night with the mister, and he was craving burgers. We ordered the cheese curds, which were made to perfection. Definitely try it.... I'm not a huge cheese fan but equally enjoyed it! We the ordered the bourbon and the hot head with an egg . Both were equally delicious. Medium rare is the way you should always order your burgers. Trust me. If only we lived here, we would be back. The ambience is really nice. You could come here on a date or a group of friends. And our service was spot on!
(5)
Candice G.
Why, oh why, didn't I get the pickle fries? Regret. Remorse. But it's okay, I know I'll be back to resolve this sad pickle situation. I came in for lunch, which I think is an important piece of information because some places are just better for dinner than lunch, and vice versa. I think Lucky Monk is good for both, but the atmosphere leans itself to be more comfortable for a dinner setting as my party of two was sat at a rather regal booth that could have easily sat 6-8 people. It'd be fun for a dinner group, but for a business lunch it was kind of like the equivalent of sharing a bunk bed with your boss, but without any kind of creepy feeling because you're boss is pretty rad. I've been a real lame-rod lately so I didn't get anything boozy to drink, but Nicole W gave the thumbs up to their IPA paired with an absolutely massive burger. And though I technically am giving hearsay information by saying this since I didn't partake in the beer or a burger, I feel confident in saying that between the sight, smells and glistening burger juices on that plate, that there is no way that burger wasn't the best thing ever. When I first looked at the menu, I was between a few things, namely the truffle fries, loaded fries or pickle fries (I'm a fry-guy), but then I saw the Trappist Trio where you get truffle fries, cheese curds, pickle fries and two kinds of sauces and nearly jumped for that had it not been for the all-too-real of the time my boss gifted me with a one pound bag of cheese curds and chocolate bars on a business trip and like a dummy I ate it all in one night after drinking and then ended up being grossly backed up for, oh I don't know, the entire four days leading up to a shared flight back to our home state. Awkward. So after some deep thoughts on what I wanted to get vs what I should get, I opted for the veggie tacos "Chihuahua style" with zucchini, corn, mushrooms, squash, chipotle and cotija cheese. The dish came with three tacos, a side of beans and I think I remember some rice in there too, but if there was I ate it way to fast to even describe what it tasted like. The presentation on the tacos was fine, though they weren't very hot and the inside was a weird blend that looked like it was probably mixed together at another time and just reheated for the plate, but I feel like that's the story for a lot dishes on larger lunch menus are restaurants, and honestly, I was just excited that they had a nice veggie option on the daytime menu. The tacos were decent, a bit mushy, but I had no problem swallowing them whole. I won't be raving about them and I wouldn't steer anyone in the veggie taco direction unless they weren't in the mood for a whole lot of flavor, but they weren't bad, just not great. The next time I go back I'll defo get a dish that's more bar-food or pub-style than veggie tacos, because honestly, every dish that involved frying or grilling something and serving it with a sauce looked (based on other tables) and smelled insane, and I think that's the type of food they really excel at, though I've heard good things about their pizza as well. I'll be back, and that fry trio won't even know what hit it.
(4)
Gus I.
Good food Great staff that knows THE MENU!! Drinks were good Non franchise!!! Place was busy Keep it up MONK!
(4)
Laurence K.
Still going strong great menu great beers service has improved a bit too.
(4)
Susan S.
Surprisingly, a great place for kids/family! After being tasked with finding a place that we could celebrate and have children attend I chose the Lucky Monk. Though we arrived 15 minutes prior to our reservation, we only waited about 5 minutes to be seated as they readied our table for 12. We were seated in a smaller room off the main dining room which was perfect for the 5 children we had with us. The Lucky Monk has an excellent kids menu which included a choice of entree (about 6 items), a choice of side which included items like fries, cheese curds, fried pickles or fruit and a choice of drink. Included was carrots and dip as well as a chocolate chip cookie and milk for dessert. The waitress was very good at getting the children served right away and they seemed to always have food in front of them. She and the staff that helped her really catered to the children and ensuring that they were doing ok. She did struggle with getting our drinks orders to the adults which is why the 4 instead of 5 stars. However, I am unaware of the service levels the bar area was able to provide. Also, I feel as though the Lucky Monk reduced their menu and took off so very unique items. I would truly recommend the Lucky Monk as a place to take the family where everyone will be able to get what they want.
(4)
Joey B.
Been here three times in two weeks! And I love this place! Atmosphere: You cannot escape how awesome looking the atmosphere is! It is very unique and pleasant on the eyes. You can appreciate all the delicate color coordination and the effort it took to designing this place. Barrels on the wall look authentic, the bar and furniture is well furnished, and the lighting is really pleasing to the eyes! Perfect place for a date! And it is right outside AMC30 movie theatres! The Unique atmosphere is quite upscale and impressive. I'd say this place is very classy indeed! Food: Mouth watering... The food looks as amazing as it looks. The burgers are USDA Prime Beef Burgers! Meat tastes so damn good! I ordered the Sunrise burger, but replaced the marmalade with goat cheese. Every bite was satisfying and great. You could taste the natural meat juices and flavors with every bite if you order medium well! The Fried egg and Bacon were good quality as well! However.... My tongue will forever remember this place for the fries. Sweet Potato Fries made in White Truffle Oil... Perfectly hand cut and fried to perfection. I literally had a crumb descend from a tooth after my meal, and a burst of flavor graced my tongue like a meteor. It was that damn delicious! I haven't begun to explore this place! My body is ready! Service: I had one of the best waiters ever here actually. Big props to Josh! He was the most attentive, humorous, and informative waiter I have ever had. It felt like family was serving me... As weird as that sounds. Other waiters were friendly and attentive too! But I will remember.... The Josh.... Josh, made my day on my first visit to The Lucky Monk! So overall... This has got to be the most well rounded restaurant I have ever been to! I haven't even tried the alcohol or the other menu items yet either! I am excited to become a regular at The Lucky Monk. I highly recommend this place for dates with girls, private parties, or a night out with friends! I am in love!
(5)
Derek C.
the food is awesome here! the beer... ehhh, it's alright... this place is a brewery so of course you have to try the beer here. I'm not a big fan of the brews they got on draft here, but they'll do. Where this place really excels is with the food. it's really good! I've tried the fish and chips, the spinach pizza, bbq salmon and the King burger. all have been awesome. the biggest surprise to me was the King burger... it's bananas and peanut butter with bacon on top of the burger, absolutely delicious! probably one of the better burgers I've had. service is also outstanding here, as the bartenders and servers are very knowledgeable and nice. all in all, this is a great place to have a meal at, but it does get quite busy, and with good reason. so stop by and try a brew and get some dinner.
(4)
Samantha P.
Everything here is great! I have been here for drinks, lunch and dinner and it has always been amazing. It has an upscale bar/pub feel. All of the beer I have tried has been great and the food has always been delicious. I would recommend the Lucky Monk for any occasion!
(5)
Barbara K.
Sadly, our family wedding rehearsal dinner was extremely disappointing. 1) The party room was not arranged as planned and was very constricting to the guests. 2) After requesting several times for a fix, the manager arrived & the guests squeezed into the corners while the room was re-arranged (awkward!). 3) The serving table was not as planned and also had to be re-arranged. 4) The serving pieces we expected (warming trays for hot food) were never provided. 5) The drinks were served with no cocktail napkins, we had to ask for napkins. 6) We were told the kitchen could serve quickly & refresh food quickly. The food was very late. 7) We were told that another group had ordered an unexpected amount of food, explaining why our group was not being served. Our party had been planned months in advance, but we were left waiting. 8) At the end of a very disappointing & embarrassing event, the manager on site apologized and accommodated us by not charging for the patio area which was on our contract. Given that it was raining heavily and LM closed the entire patio and would not have allowed us to use it, that's not much. 9) I sent a highly detailed email outlining even more problems than noted here. The restaurant general manager replied with a cursory email and offered to send a "dining certificate" 10) which never arrived.
(1)
Angela P.
I was invited here for a rehearsal dinner. The interior was much more posh than I expected, so I get why people like this place. You can drink tap beer in what looks like a shiny, L.A. ritzy bar/restaurant. In the 'burbs of Chicago. Had a burger and didn't even finish it. And I was starving! The pretzels are just pretzels, people. The key lime pie tastes funny. Drink refills take way too long.
(2)
Virl S.
Great ambiance here along with a great menu. When it's warm out, try to sit in the outdoor deck as the view is beautiful. Their food is excellent, some of the best burgers in the burbs. Staff is friendly and their house beers are solid. The confessional IPA is one of the best local IPAs. Great place to watch sports, eat and drink. If you come here often enough, you may want to consider joining their beer club
(5)
Nicole W.
It's been a few months since I first dropped into The Lucky Monk, I've been staring at my review draft thinking of ways and words to describe my stellar experience there. So, while I could certainly make this a novel, an ode or sorts, explaining my adoration for the place, I'll keep it short and snappy. Food: Upscale bar food done right. Appetizers are drool worthy - get the curds, yo. Burgers are fabulous - the traditional monk burger is impressive. Chopped salad is a nice addition to an array of heavy-ish fare. The fries are nicely seasoned and cut fresh! Beer: I was pregnant during my visit so I didn't sample the goods but you can bet I'm making my way back here for a tasting. Even the cocktails looked tasty. Service: Angela is a super fantastic server. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and quick! Ambiance: Comfy booths, nifty lighting and a slick bar that is dressed to impress. In suburbia, it's nice to have a place like Lucky Monk so you can avoid the oodles of Olive Gardens and TGI Fridays. Make a reservation as it can get packed after 6pm!
(5)
Chris M.
Very flavorful cooked to order burgers that are huge. Enough for leftovers. Oh and the pretzels were awesome, a must order. To drink you need to order their beers, so many to choose from. The waitress was pretty good, no complaints there.
(5)
Ray C.
I would give them 5 stars, but I think the menu is too pricey for what you get so I will give them a solid 4. This is definitely one of the best burgers I've tried, they use prime beef and cook them to a perfect temperature. They have good american style tacos if you aren't in the mood for a burger and their salads seem to be pretty well dressed. I hope you check it out.
(4)
Christine M.
Used to be 5 star. Prices have gone up and quality down. For instance, the children's chicken tenders used to be hand battered and cooked in house. Now they are cheap crap you can pick up at a fast food joint, but twice the money. Same with the burgers. Oh well, another suburban restaurant bites the dust.
(3)
Angelique B.
LOVE the Tritica Wheat Ale - it really does have a taste of banana bread!!! I dislike hoppy beers - very light and smooth.
(5)
AJ M.
Saw this place on Chicagos best and had to try it out. Obviously liking belgian beers i preferred the Tritica best (sort of like blue moon). The white truffle fries and pickle fries were good but nothing special. I decided to try something new by getting "The King". Which is a burger with peanut butter bananas and bacon. It was different, the salty and savory flavor it is deff something everyones gotta try once. The chicken sausage pizza was great as well. Overall this place is amazing, great menu, great food with good beer selection. The interior is really nice. I deff will be coming back to try everything else on the menu. Ps great to go to before you head to a movie!
(5)
Nicole M.
On trip back to the city wanted to grab lunch with my children and my mother and had a hard time deciding where to go, just before our exit on 90 I saw the billboard and decided to head there. Location is easy to get to even from home so I am now disappointed that I have never been here before. We arrived prior to lunch and the place was quiet but the staff was ready and waiting. We were seated right away in the area near the bar. My children loved the high table and ability to watch tv while waiting to eat. We ordered an appetizer,the loaded fries. SO GOOD! The children also received their own mini "appetizer" with their meals, small orders of carrot sticks and dip. This is the only place that I know that does this and it is awesome. The waitress was attentive and answered all of my little guy's zillion questions. I ordered a burger that was huge and the fries are so tasty. The kids enjoyed their chicken fingers and to my surprise when the meal was over the kids received their own dessert of a cookie, chocolate dip, and some milk. Overall, this place was good, sevice was excellent and I will be back!
(4)
Todd S.
We like the atmosphere, food and drinks, however, the staff takes care of their friends and treats "customers" as an inconvenience to their social time.
(2)
Marie M.
Loved this place. Excellent food and service! They have wonderful craft beers to accompany their delicious menu. Make a reservation, this place is always busy!
(4)
Susan B.
We have been wanting to try Lucky Monk for a while so a few weekends ago we decided to make it happen. This was our first time there so our waiter explained a few of their new items and mentioned that they are known for their burgers and pizza. Being in a burger mood, we both ordered some meat. The grilled cheeseburger (burger between 2 bacon stuffed grilled cheeses) intrigued me but after coming to my senses, I realized it was probably 5 days worth of calories. Instead, I got the smothered burger (Gruyere and caramelized onions). My bf got the King burger....it must be a guy thing. This burger had peanut butter, bananas and bacon. I took a tiny bite and I really didn't care for it. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that there was peanut butter on my burger meat. He enjoyed it though and a guy at the next table got it and seemed to enjoy it as well. Oh, and I can't forget the pickle fries. We got those as an appetizer and I really like them. They weren't too greasy and the chipotle ranch dipping sauce was great...I just wish that they gave a bit more, the 1 cup wasn't enough. We were there during the afternoon on a weekend and as we were leaving, the front entrance was packed. When we arrived we were seated right away. I guess this place gets pretty crowded so I strongly suggest you make a reservation.
(4)
Lynn J.
Great food. The burger was awesome and cooked to order. Family friendly and good portions. Not sure if they have a kid's menu but many families. This wood be a good place to go before or after a movie at the theater next door.
(4)
Jennifer M.
All this time I thought the name of this place was Drunken Monk. You can imagine my surprise when... We immediately recognized the subtle change in their menu when the appetizer crab cakes & mushroom risotto and the burger w/BBQ sauce AKA our usual orders were missing! It took a few minutes perusing the menu before asking the Server, "What happened?!" She pointed out that the Wild Mushroom Risotto was so popular, that it had become a Signature entree for $10.95. You may opt in chicken for $2.00. Rather than trying another burger, my boyfriend ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich with White Truffle Parmesan Fries for $10.25. The White Truffle and Parmesan Fries would taste better if the flavors weren't overpowered by the taste of potato skin and oil. For the record: Parmesan and Garlic Fries at the Tilted Kilt have a much better balance; but, the Garlic and Butter Fries at the Sub Tender in Forest Park, IL are still the best! Overfall, the micro brew is not the only thing they keep fresh and exciting here!
(4)
Terry L.
juiciest most deeelish burger I have ever had. I really think they have a magic ingredient. amazing. too bad I got super full just from one. going back very very soon
(5)
Grace P.
When my husband and I get an opportunity to go out to dinner (just the 2 of us- kid free!) this is our go-to place. Excellent food, service and beer! My favorites are the goat cheese, spinach, mushroom and red pepper pizza and the skirt steak tacos. Will definitely try the pickle fries next time, based on a friend's recommendation! There seems to always be a wait at dinner, but we don't mind because it's always worth it.
(5)
Jennifer I.
Here for 23 anniversary with hubby -craft beers were flavorful, especially like the stout with desert. Ordered trio app, smothered burger to share with trio desert. Better get here before 6pm to sit at the bar if you don't have reservations.
(5)
Erin C.
Ate here with my husband on a Saturday night. Arrived around 6:30, without a reservation, and was told the wait would be 25-30 minutes. It was probably closer to 15 minutes. It was a beautiful night so we asked to be seated out doors, not knowing what the patio was even like. Glad we did. It is a beautiful 2 level patio with lots of space and beautiful flowers everywhere. Our server was Ryan. He was super friendly. He didn't seem at all annoyed with my million questions about the menu and was very knowledgable about ingredients and how items are prepped and cooked. We ordered the goat cheese dip appetizer, a margherita pizza, and a burger. Everything was amazing. The goat cheese dip app was the highlight. The bread it was served with was so soft and warm. And my husband thought the burger was one of the best he has ever had. We will definitely return soon and recommend this place to anyone and everyone.
(5)
Kristen W.
How does this place not have 5 stars? This is our go-to restaurant. I have been here a good 20 times and can tell you I have never had a dish, a drink, or a server that was not fantastic. I am disappointed that they took my favorite dish off the menu recently (a short rib pizza with fried egg), but there are so many other amazing choices that it doesn't really matter. Burgers are so good, that I rarely bother going to any other place for a burger. Short rib pasta is amazing. The Trappist trio is a great place to start, the cheese curds are the best I have ever had. Even their warm pretzels are awesome- the mustard butter is such a treat. I think we have tried every dessert on the menu, all perfect. It is always clean, and even though it is quite the hot spot, I don't think we have ever waited more than 20 minutes.
The food here is amazing. They have in house micro brewery here too...try the in-house beer, it's the best. Great serves. I have no complaints. Love going here after a movie.
(5)
Tom C.
This place was recommended to me by a fellow beer enthusiast friend, and it did not disappoint! Great food, great service, and great environment. You must get the burgers, and the pretzel trio is especially good if you have three or more people to share it with. They also have really cool beer can glasses that look like beer cans! A must buy for only $10 with a drink included!
(5)
Kay M.
This is the first time Yelp led me astray. Service: Server was friendly and helpful, although it took a while to get our bill. Beer: I tried the sampler. Usually I like a couple beers in a sampler, and this was no different. I liked the beer. Belgian, lager and the special were my favorites. I would recommend them. Food: here's where our experience was lacking. The pretzel trio was a good appetizer although the pretzels weren't particularly amazing. Deviled eggs were gross... Flavors were off and the breading wasn't cooked through all the way. My husband had the perch and the fish itself was probably good but it was overly breaded in what he describe as "cheap Betty Crocker boxed breading". For $18, we expected way more from that dish. Unfortunately, we won't be returning.
(1)
Kirsten M.
Absolute favorite date night spot. The beer selection is good and everything I've ever had on the menu had been delicious. I particularly like the tacos and the nawlins chicken. The boyfriend loves the grilled cheese burger. Also, the service is spectacular! The only problem I have is they're so busy that same day reservations can be difficult and with no reservation you have expect to wait. Obviously a good problem for the restaurant to have and a good sign that it's worth the trip.
(5)
Michael N.
Friday night at Lucky Monk for a friends birthday. 12 people. Never been here before, but from the reviews it looked really good and I had concerns about how we were going to get a table for 12. Then....we noticed the "couch lounge." Oh yes, this is our area. Screw the bar or dining room, we will be eating delicious food while our feet rest on ottomans. I noticed the "grilled cheese burger" on the website before we got here. The description confirmed that this is what I would be ordering. Lucky for me, and everyone else who orders it, there are no nutritional facts on the menu. I usually feel bad for eating one grilled cheese sandwich. You want me to eat two now? Wait...you're putting bacon in them? Hold the F on....you're putting a half pound burger between the sandwiches? Game on. My girlfriend had about three bites and could eat no more. I couldn't let the party down. Feeling the burn of a full stomach (I already ate 8 BBQ rib appetizers), and two beers, I pushed on. Bite after delicious bite. I've heard myths of the fabled Krispy Kreme burger, but this burger was something I actually enjoyed. A friend ordered a regular burger and only ate half, and I finished hers as well. If I ever stop my active lifestyle, I will put on 50 pounds in no time.
(5)
Buddah T.
Wanted to see what all the lines and huge wait is all about. Went to an early movie so stopped in around 4 pm for an early dinner. Short wait, sat us in the bar, no big deal. Waitress showed up and took order for drinks, 10 min later got the drinks, and actually came back to take order 10 min after that. Food took forever, over 25 min, to get. The burger was rare not medium well, the meatball sandwich was basically 2 meatballs cut up flat and place between bread, poor value. Their in house beer was good however, but did not live up to anywhere near the hype. Maybe just a bad waitress set the mood.
(3)
Jay M.
Warning, they don't clean their grill. Everything cooked on the grill tastes like burnt burger even the chicken. Same issue with the toasted buns, yuck Not cheap and expect more. Also, bar staff not very friendly or attentive. Stingy with condiments as for extra ketchup or tartar sauce and they act like you are a pest! Unacceptable!
(2)
Represent the P.
Very pleased all around. Great wine and beer selection. Had the cheese curds made with white cheddar, and the quinoa burger was fantastic. Bartender was attentive and friendly.
(4)
Jamie W.
My husband and I went there for the first time this past weekend. Our server, Dan (but I think he said people know him as Red), was fabulous--best server we've had in awhile and definitely left a nice tip. We started out with the appetizer trio then go the the pizza for our meal. Everything came out fantastic!! The beer was delicious as well!
When i go to a restaurant that is suppose to have great burgers then I expect just that... and also would hope the burgers were cooked as we requested......BIG Disappointment...the kitchen left our burgers bloody when we specifically asked for just a little pink in the inside....ambience is nice, and fries are good.....that is why they are getting even the two stars.....
(2)
Stephen R.
Went here for lunch a couple says ago. Got seat right away, no wait at all. Service was very good, had no problems or instances were I had to visually track down the server, she was always right there! I ordered the Grilled Cheese Burger and my Mom and Dad ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, respectfully. The food was amazing. You get massive portions, I never mind that because then I have an extra meal for the next day, and it was just as good. The price was very reasonable. You could go here for a date or just a group lunch, it's not extremely formal at all but it still nice and very very clean! I will be back for sure!
(5)
Kamilah S.
My family and extended family came here after my nephew's christening and we had amazing food and excellent and attentive staff. The burgers, the fish and chips, the fried pickles, the onion strings, the wine, the tacos. We also received 3 complimentary bowls of ice cream because we were celebrating 3 April birthdays. I believe everyone left stuffed.
(5)
Matt J.
The el rancho is one of the best pizzas I've ever had in my entirety of living. I don't know what I would do with myself if they ever took it off the menu. SO DAMN GOOD!
(5)
Taylor M.
I went here after a movie since the parking lot is literally connected to South Barrington AMC it felt like a no brainer. So after our movie we headed over for a snack and a beer (well cider for me). When we got there the valet was done for the night. Apparently. they stop taking cars at 10 pm. So we parked and walked in. There was no hostess at the front. We waited for a little bit and then decided to walk out to the patio area and seated ourselves. The waitress seemed a little thrown off by this, but when we explained the situation, she apologized and got us menus. The service was top notch after the confusion. We quickly ordered drinks of the pretty large beer list. I got the seasonal Woodchuck that said it had hints of ginger and orange in it with a yellow label. It was really good! For food, we just wanted something to munch on since it was getting late. We ordered the fried pickles and an Al Pastor Pizza. I wished I was hungrier so I could have gotten one of the burgers, but I knew I couldn't finish it!! We really enjoyed the fried pickles, the batter was different from what I was used to. The Al Pastor Pizza was fantastic! It had spicy pulled pork and a pineapple relish. Truly amazing. But, next time I am totally getting a burger. Oh and the patio is beautiful, if you have a chance sit there!
(4)
Terri J.
I met a friend for dinner at the Lucky Monk last night, and really enjoyed my experience. The food, and atmosphere was great. Atmosphere - I really liked how clean the place was. Despite some clear wear on the booths, it was obvious they spent a lot of time keeping the place spotless. My friend and I were there for hours, and throughout that time, I saw staff sweeping the floors, and cleaning the tables. I also liked that the place was large, and they didn't jam pack tables next to eachother. It was nice to be able to hear my friend talk across the table, and not be distracted by other tables' conversations. Food - SO GOOD. We started with an order of Cheese Curds, and were not disappointed. I loved the light, fluffy, batter they were fried in. I ordered the cheeseburger, and substituted pickle chips for my side. Everything was really delicious. We finished it off with the skillet cookie. I was stuffed to the brim, and really glad we chose this place to meet at! I will definitely be bringing my husband back!
(4)
Mister M.
Very fresh and well-prepared food at reasonable prices in a very upscale setting. . .wait staff could be more attentive but suitable service for the price. I will go again and would highly recommend others pair this place with a movie at the nearby Barrington Theatre!
(4)
Stef M.
Great fish n chips, pleasant adult atmosphere, excellent location with lots of parking, and closest restaurant to AMC Barrington 30 movie theater. Good for groups large and small.
(4)
Brad E.
Destroyed my "diet" in the best way possible. Found this joint on a fellow yelper's best burger list, and she did not lead me astray! First off, if you come here on a Friday, like I did, make a reservation. The restaurant is massive, but the people around us were "enjoying" a 30 minute wait. Having taken a look at the beer menu previously, I ordered a Tritica-Wheat as soon as we sat down, and man was it good! If you are a fan of Two Brother's Ebel's Weiss (or hef's in general), then you will certainly enjoy this clean, clovey goodness. Even though I am not much for appetizers (remember: "diet"), I couldn't resist ordering the pretzel trio. It came out in about 3 minutes (yay!) and was huge! The app easily could have been enough for 3, but it was so good that the two of us quickly polished it off. The warm, soft pretzels are served with mustard butter, parmesan marinara, and a beer-cheese fondue - all were great. For my main course, I ordered the Bourbon Stout burger, which is served with Tillamook cheddar (yum!), braised onions, and a pickle - simple, but delicious. I upgraded my fries to sweet potato fries, which come sprinkled with chipotle cinnamon. They were both great, but the massive pretzel app really sapped my appetite. Overall, the Lucky Monk was a great experience - good food; great drink. I definitely see myself returning here to destroy another "diet" in the future.
(4)
Corinne Y.
Every time we go to The Lucky Monk we have great service and great food. The menu is not too extensive but there are many things that I want to try! This is a great place to try something new rather than the same old hamburger. It has a really nice atmosphere and, despite being busy, never feels too crowded.
(5)
Courtney W.
Luckily this place isn't too far away from my mom's house because I wouldn't really be able to enjoy it much if I stayed in the city. This location has been so many things, I didn't think anything could last. I'm so glad Monk has proved me wrong! The beer here is great, as is the service. The peppercorn ranch burger is also outstanding and blew my mind! I sat at the bar which was also beautiful and quite modern as well. The beer selection here is also decent, make sure to taste some of their signatures. From careful study of the menu, you can't go wrong here with anything! Be prepared to wait on the weekends and on game nights.
(4)
Ashley A.
ordered the flight of beer, which included six Lucky Monk brews. I liked the amber style ones and the stout was ok. also ordered the Trappist Trio, which was good. I like the decor of the place. I would go back, especially to try seasonal brews.
(4)
Kate H.
I always enjoy myself at this restaurant. It is decorated in a trendy but casual way. It feels like a classy place to bring friends to just hang out, enjoy good food, homemade beer and good company. I really like their flatbread pizzas...especially the one with the fried egg on top. Their burgers are so tall, you might sprain a mouth-muscle trying to eat them, but they are really good! I also like it because you can bring your kid(s) here without feeling like a bad citizen! Haha. The big booths are pretty nicely contained to keep your kids corralled. :) Honestly, I don't have a single bad thing to say about the Lucky Monk!
(5)
Derek N.
Both times here the food and drafts were very good. Service was good too. Had the cardinal sinn drafts both times.. good stuff. The waitress the second time was great, she actually saved the night. I think her name was Julia. Good food recommendations and answered all our questions honestly. She brought out the wrong beer for my brother and when we told her, she politely apologized and brought the correct beer promptly. I left her a good well deserved tip. But the reason I am probably not going back is one of the hosts. There were two last night (8-1-2014). One was African American and the other appeared to be Hispanic (this one I'll call Bub).. So I come in first and am not greeted by Bub and am waiting for my friends. A couple before me come in and ask Bub to be seated at the bar area, Bub seats them at a booth at the bar big enough for my party. When my friends arrive we ask Bub to be seated at the bar.. he said there would be a wait although it did not look busy. One of my friends was hungry, she didn't want to wait too long.. I asked about the area behind the host area which was between the bar and the regular dining area. There were a few tables taken and maybe 9 open, 2 of which were next to the bar which would have been nice because we also wanted to catch the sports that were on... Bub said that section was closed.. i asked "why is it closed? there's almost 3 hours left till you close..." Bub says "That's the policy..." Whatever... we sit and Julia takes good care of us, but later we notice the 2 tables next to the bar that I asked about were taken by 2 other parties that came in 30 to 60 minutes after us.. then maybe an hour later Bub and several other employees were sitting at a table in that middle section just eating, drinking and laughing.. i stopped another waitress walking by and asked why they closed that section off to us.. she said sometimes the host Bub and other employees do what they want... we were pissed that there were a lot of tables open in that section near the bar, but we are denied a request to sit there, yet Bub allows two other parties after us to sit there and then openly sits there with his employee friends to eat and drink. A good manager or owner would not allow things to be run that way... we will probably not be coming back
(1)
Eugene W.
Used to be a solid four stars. Better than average beer and good food quality and selection. The daily promos (which most brewpubs and brewpub wanna b's have) gave them the extra star. Visited a couple weeks back to learn they got rid of all of their daily special promotions when we tried to get the pizza and pint special.
(3)
Jeff S.
Good food, and great service. The prices are a TAD high, but the food is worth it. I would recommend the sandwiches.
(4)
Eileen D.
Ammmmmmmazing!!! Not certain how to sum up our night other than to say how amazed we were with every aspect of our experience. The staff was fantastic, our waiter was funny, prompt, attentive, and just overall great. Food was out of this world. My 16 year old nephew for the grilled cheese burger and ate it ALL in about 10 min. It was a sight to see.... All in all a great night. Beer was phenomenal, cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Scott R.
One word to sum my experience at The Lucky Monk: "Pathetic" When we arrived the hostess said that they had a lot of reservations due to Father's day and that we should take a pager and wait thirty minutes. Well 40 minutes later, the hostess says, Oh you're still waiting, what is your pager number. Another 10 minutes goes by and the hostess has no update. I walked over to the bar area and noticed the three vacant tables and two tables that haven't been cleaned off. I asked to be seated at the high tops and the hostess copped an attitude and says "whatever you want." Order: I order the "hot head" burger medium-rare, 35 minutes later the burger arrives overcooked to medium-well. I cut the burger right down the middle to show the waiter and he agreed the burger was overcooked. There was no juiciness to it / no red at all. Finally, 15 minutes after I sent the burger back the manager comes over to say "the kitchen looked at the burger and they saw red". I said "please show me what you're seeing because the burger was clearly overcooked." Instead of offering an apology and expediting my order, I get a manager who wants to argue with her customer. Our server informed us that the manager is comping our entire lunch however, after another 10 minutes and still NO food, we got up and walked out the door. I did tip the server $10.00 because I didn't want to penalize the waiter because of an incompetent cook and unprofessional manager. Total time from walking in the front door to leaving without eating: 2 hours and 05 minutes! To give you a perspective on how bad the food, service and overall experience was; this is the first time I have ever felt so strongly about something that I actually felt the need to write an online review about it to maybe help other's from making the same mistake my wife and I did. Bottom line: The staff at The Lucky Monk lacked the experience and class that the atmosphere and price dictated.
(1)
J. Chuck K.
This my third time coming here, but first time trying their burgers. First off, it seems the beer has kinda gone downhill. When it comes to being a restaurant, Lucky Monk is decent, but a first rate brewpub they are not. While other breweries are starting to put out their Oktoberfests, Lucky Monk doesn't have one and the seasonal beer they offered was a golden ale...Which isn't even really a summer seasonal beer. On top of this, the waitress didn't have much knowledge about beer. When I asked a question, she simply responded with an offer to bring me a sample and I can taste for myself. Being out of one your signature beers isn't too awesome either. On to the burger....I got the Sunrise, which has a fried egg and bacon marmalade. I thought the marmalade had an awesome flavor, but the egg was way over cooked. Instead of biting into the burger and expecting to see the yolk spill over, I saw dried yellow crumbles fall out. The bun was obviously too small for the half pound burger, resulting in a sloppy eating experience. Even more so for my brother's stout burger. Overall, the place is a fine enough restaurant, but leaves a lot be desired from a brewing aspect. They're light years behind brewpubs like Revolution, Piece and even Haymarket. I think Solemn Oath in Naperville would do a better job than Lucky Monk if they opened a pub.
(2)
Adam K.
Really tasty burgers. I mean REALLY! :) I've been here three times and left delirious with food coma bliss each time. If on death row I'd consider making their spinach and goat cheese burger my last meal. Have not tried their brews yet...will.
(5)
Jenny V.
NOOOM NOOOM very nice inside!!! and the burgers are AMAZING! really really good. i had the farmhouse burger, it was delicious, a little messy but that doesnt bother me. the regular fries are really good, but i upgraded to loaded fries, it was nothing special, all the cheese was at the bottom! my boyfriends mom got the monk burger, standard cheeseburger, she said her's was really good, she doesnt eat the bun (watching her carbs, hasnt she heard of the carb lovers diet??) so she loves the burger itself! that must really mean its a good piece of beef. i definitely will be coming back here, its clean, the staff is friendly and the place is gorgeous inside!!
(5)
Pam D.
This is the kind of place I could drive by a million times and never think to stop. It is large and nice looking, but there is not curb appeal or warmth to the place. Fortunately several of my Yelp friends wrote glowing reviews, so we actually made it our destination, sight unseen. What I really liked about the place was the quality of the products they served. The Bourbon Stout Burger I had was made with really good quality beef. Christopher had the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich on the special list and it was also really quality stuff. We both loved the crispy onion appetizer and the fries that came with the meal. I got pretty schnockered on the margarita I ordered and it tasted very good, so that is a plus. Christopher tried one of their house brews and enjoyed it too. It is very noisy. The floors are carpeted and the booths have fabric, but it just isn't enough to absorb the noise. I would not want to be in there when the place is really packed. It would be impossible to carry on a conversation. The service was very good and the bathrooms were clean and roomy. I would not go out of my way to return, but if I am ever back in Barrington, I might consider a stop, at least for a margarita and an appetizer. The place is not cheap, but heck, it is in Barrington.
(4)
Lisa M.
Our group of 3 ladies had a great experience. Service was excellent. We made reservations for a Sat. Night. Started with the pretzel trio with 3 dipping sauces. My friend had 2 of their beers, Fallen Angel and a stout with a coffee after taste...both very good. I had their Monk drink with the Malibu= yummy. Other friend enjoyed a pomegranate martini. We ate fish tacos= delicious with a kick. A cheeseburger was great. We also enjoyed the twisted chicken. So glad we tried this place.
(5)
Jun K.
"AaaaaaaaallllllllrrriiiiiiiigghhhtttyyyyyTHEEEENNÂNNN" as Ace Ventura chants in the beginning of When Nature Calls, i believe? Anyways, second time here and I am indeed a fan. Burgers. Done. I kid, but for seriously, large and delicious. Truffle fries? Yes please. Even though the place was packed and we had to wait 30-45mins for lunch on Sunday, I didn't mind. The service was still great. Now the only issue I had was we had a table of seven. Few burgers and some other stuff. I would have liked my fries to have tasted more recently fried if that makes sense. An essence of heat lamp somewhat lingered on my tongue from the semi warm fries. No problem though. All was forgiven by the end of the meal. Like burgers? Like big burgers? Big, delicious, juicy... Just check this place out.
(4)
Michelle F.
My husband and I LOVE the Lucky Monk. It is definitely in our top three restaurants to go. We have been with large groups, with small kids, and I have been with the girls. It is our go-to place because it's so delicious and there are so many different things we like about it. First of all, I recommend reservations. They never hurt! We have arrived around 6 to no wait (we did have a reservation, but there wasn't anyone in the lobby waiting) and when we left, there were a bunch of people waiting for tables. The waitstaff is AMAZING! I have never had a dirty dish sitting on my table for more than a minute before someone came to take it away! The waiters and waitresses are really, really good and they are always good for a recommendation! They are knowledgeable about their menu and their beers. On my most recent trip to Lucky Monk, I was with two other girls, and our waitress was Sim. She was SO accommodating. I was asking her a lot of questions about the two different kinds of chilis (chicken poblano and the black bean) and she brought me out two samples to try so that I didn't waste my money if I didn't like it. We ordered a sampler off of their special list--it came with parmesan truffle fries (to DIE for. I would bathe in these fries!), friend pickles, and shoestring onions. All of those plus the dipping sauce were amazing. For my meal, I ordered the Turkey burger--it was amazing, and their regular fries were delectable as well. My friends ordered the chicken sandwich (which she seemed to enjoy) and my other friend had the goat cheese pizza, and she didn't have enough nice words to rave about it! They both ordered a few glasses of wine, so that must have been good, too :) Just to sum up the night, we ordered the skillet smores. I highly HIGHLY reccommend these. You will not regret it! I bet I ate half of it myself! I have since ordered this to go since it was that amazing. Overall, one of the best dining experiences I've ever had, and they continue to set the bar high for other restaurants!!
(5)
Carl M.
Their in house brewery has a lot of good options. My favorite being the wheat beer. Also the menu has a wide variety of different meals.
(5)
Kara Z.
Wow! Thanks, Yelp, for leading me here- you did not disappoint! We went on a Saturday evening at about 5:30 and there was no wait. By the time we were done the restaurant was full with people waiting for tables. It has a nice ambiance inside (cool lighting) and our waiter (Ryan N) was awesome. He was friendly, down to earth, helpful and attentive. The pretzel appetizer was AMAZING! At first I thought three big pretzels would be too much but they were lighter than expected, the three dips (honey mustard, tomato parmesan and cheese) were incredible, and the four of us polished them off within minutes! Wow- best appetizer ever. For some reason everyone with me ordered the brat, which came with grainy mustard and fries. I got the peppercorn burger- wow!!! It had peppercorn seasoning, ranch, tomato, lettuce, pickle, crispy onions and I added bacon. It was huge and juicy and SO delicious. I had to cut it in half with a knife. Good thing they give you big napkins- it was pretty messy. The beer was a hit as well. And the broccoli cheese soup. We are definitely going back again- I LOVE it when we find a new favorite restaurant! (3-6-11- You HAVE to try the Scandalous Chocolate Torte with raspberry sauce- wow- delicious!!! You can take it home if you don't have room after your meal- it travels well. Wow!!!)
(5)
Drew S.
I've been going to Lucky Monk semi-regularly since they opened. My boyfriend and I even met there for a few dates; it was a favorite spot to meet, have a beer and share an appetizer - the outdoor patio is great in the summer. Over the last year I've noticed a drastic drop in service and quality, to the point I'm actually surprised to still see so many high reviews. Their beer is great, no doubt. But the last SEVERAL times we've been, our food has taken 45 minutes or more to come out (in most instances without any explanation) and has clearly been sitting under a heat lamp for an extended period by the time it gets to us. It's not like we're ordering well done steaks - I'm talking simple burgers and salads taking 45 minutes or more. On our most recent visit, it was my boyfriend, mother and I. We ordered two burgers (medium rare) and a salad. It took 45 minutes for the food to come out, the fries were soggy, the buns were crispy and the meat not hot - evidence of sitting under a heat lamp too long. Since this seems to be a trend every time we go now, I have to say I won't go back to Lucky Monk until they start kicking up their kitchen and wait staff service. Sorry.
(2)
Ellen W.
My husband and I used to dine here once a week. But they changed the menu and took off our favorite items so we rarely go there anymore. We miss the beet and goat cheese salad, short rib tacos, and the short rib pizza with a fried egg :(
(3)
Christian W.
Another great experience here! Whenever I am in town on business, I always try to eat here at least once. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, even when I have been in large groups at the table, the servers treat each diner as though there are only 2 at the table. Great burgers and beer of all kinds. With so many choices you cannot go wrong.
(4)
Jasmin V.
Came on a Thursday night & seated right away. -Monk's punch served in a martini glass. Not on the menu. Very yummy & fruity! -Pretzel trio. So soft! I would definitely get again!! Three big pretzels & three dips. -Farmhouse Burger with loaded fries. Good. Average burger. Fries okay. -Smothered Burger with white truffle Parmesan fries. Way messy. Bun broke apart on me. Amazing fries! -Upgrade fries for $1 -Tons of house brewed beers. I wish they had a mixed drink menu with more martinis. Also they need some pretzel buns!!!
(4)
Bob K.
Accommodated our group of 20 on a Saturday night for dinner with excellent service and food.
(4)
MesmerEyes G.
Ambience is really nice, I would give that b/t 3-4 stars but the food I just found to be a little above average but maybe it's bc I think the whole "gastropub" concept has become played out. Had the peppercorn burger and was not really impressed but the meat or burger flavors overall. The steak tacos were good though and the chopped salad had a really nice combo of textures and I'd recommend.
(3)
Maggie M.
I love the Lucky Monk. Great food! Sometimes service is a little slow, and it's always just a dollar or two over priced, but other than that it's very good. Goat cheese/spinach burger is my favorite!
(4)
Irene Z.
First visit to the Lucky Monk two weeks ago on a busy Sunday night, though I used to come here often when this establishment was Brass. Gotta say, I like the Lucky Monk much better. It has a nice upscale yet casual feel to it. My cousin and I arrived earlier in the evening, around 6:30pm. It was crowded and we were shown to a very nice, roomy booth in the area right behind Reception after a 10-15 minute wait. I had to do a quick walk-around because of the life of me, I couldn't remember what the place looked like when it was Brass. Seems the overall layout is pretty much the same, but doesn't really matter since I like how thte Lucky Monk has furnished and decorated. Wood paneling and fireplaces, warm ambiance. Kira was our server and she was great. She was busy this night but made sure to check on us several times throughout our meal. The food, is nothing short of magnificent. I ordered the short rib & egg pizza. It was awesome - generous chunks/cuts of short rib, but.....they forgot the egg. It came out a few minutes after the pizza, and they offered to spread the egg around the pizza, but I opted to do it myself. The egg only added to the deliciousness. The short rib was seasoned well and matched well to the thin pizza crust. My cousin insisted on the fried pickles...I've had fried pickles in the South, and I can honestly say that Lucky Monk's fried pickles hold their own to those. My cousin also insisted on the truffle fries and while I enjoyed them, they were a tad greasy for me and a little too garlicky. My cousin had her usual - fish & chips. It looked good and she said it was. A couple of snafus: The truffle fries were supposed to be our appetizer, but came out after our entrees. We'd let Kira know we were still waiting on them (after the food came out), and within minutes of our telling her, she had them sent out to the table. I already mentioned the egg on my pizza, no biggie, but still. And, we waited over 30 minutes for our check because of a glitch in the system. To be fair, we were here to catch up, talk a while, and weren't in any rush. We assured Kira we were fine to wait and she did check on us frequently (and was apologetic). After the initial 30 minutes, though, we were ready to go. They had to ask us what we'd ordered again so that they could re-enter it into the system. Luckily, I'm patient and so is my cousin. I'd also ordered a Sunrise Burger to-go for my hubby and because of the 30+ check waiting, it was soggy by the time I brought it home. It was still a good overall burger (in his opinion). We'll have to see what it tastes like without the sogginess. He was more impressed with my leftover pizza and pickles. Great, relaxed place to catch a pre-post movie and/or just to hang out and have a beer or two. Happy with this first visit and looking forward to more.
(4)
Glenn K.
I've tried many different dishes on this menu and haven't found any that are lacking. Would definitely recommend the skirt steak as a very good deal and the pizza is quite good bar pie too.
(5)
Katie S.
Tried it for Easter Brunch and it was not very good; we were so disappointed. Tater tots, chicken fingers, a taco bar, over cooked pasta, and soggy salad were just a few if the items we were surprised to see. Food has been good here in the past but I would never do brunch here again.
(2)
Dee C.
Oh the drinks are oh so good here!! I had the Purplelicious martini- three olives purple vodka and 3 olives bubble vodka, a little sweet and sour, and a splash of grape fanta The drink was fantastic. Food was good and desserts were ok also. I'm sure I will be back sometime in the future.
(4)
Laura M.
Bad service after long wait.Food not as good as expected.Pass on this one if you can.
These guys make some incredibly juicy and flavorful burgers. I substituted the sauteed veggie side for french fries and that side was a little wimpy. The truffle fries we started out with made up for it though. Those fries are dangerous! Our server told us they are known for their pizzas, but I had a slice of two different kinds and I really wasn't that impressed. Service was a little slow at times, but our server was funny and charismatic, so we forgave her. I was a fan of the $5 Wine Wednesdays! The four of us had to wait 40 minutes for a table at 7:30pm on a Wednesday night, so I highly recommend making reservations before you go. This is a great restaurant to bring a group to because everyone will find something they like, prices are reasonable, and it's a fun environment.
(4)
Shyna H.
Absolutely love the place. Excellent food the sandwiches, fish tacos, tumbled dry onion fries and an excellent collection of beers. The burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads are also really good. Can't go wrong !
(5)
William L.
It seems like brew pubs like Lucky Monk are popping up all over the place, and this place is near the top of the charts for me. My better half and I met here for a "we don't feel like cooking" night and this may be one of our regular stops in the future. We split the pretzel appetizer which consisted of three huge Bavarian pretzels, two dipping sauces and a fantastic mustard. The burgers we had (Firehouse and Peppercorn Ranch) were both awesome as well. The sweet potato fries are the bomb dot com. Good golly were they delicious and crispy. For brews, we tried the house IPA and hefeweizen. The IPA was decent, but a little off. The citra hops weren't very evident in the nose or taste, but it did taste better as it warmed. The hefe was really, really good. Lots of banana bread flavor with a touch of spiciness. The decor of the place is nice and inviting, but it can be a little loud when the place is busy.
(4)
Valerie W.
At the suggestion of my dad, I chose the Lucky Monk as the location for my graduation lunch. I graduated at the Sears Centre, so I wanted something that was nearby, but also far enough away that my 1000 fellow graduates would not be taking up all of the space! I easily made a reservation for 15 on opentable two weeks before the day. I checked out the menu ahead of time, and was really excited for a big juicy burger, which they are known for. For some reason, the day of I decided on a pizza instead, which was fine, but next time, I'm trying a burger. The service was outstanding. Our server, whose name I've since forgotten, was well versed in both the menu and beers, was ready and willing to make suggestions, and had no problem handling our rowdy party of 15. We had lots of yummy things on the table, the sweet potato fries, hummus, and apple bacon flatbread were awesome. The pizza fell a little flat for me, probably because I should've gone with my gut on the burger. The home brewed beer tasted amazing, I tried the confessional IPA and the Fallen Angel. The flavors were great, but unfortunately, like so many places before (why do I forget?) I ended up with a terrible migraine because of the beer! I don't know what preservative these microbreweries put into their beers, but they KILL me. I literally had a headache by the time I got home, and spent the rest of the night (from 4pm to 2am) wanting to die, lying in bed with no light, no sound, and a cold towel on my head. So, the food makes me want to return, but I'll stick to the bottled stuff. My mom had a pear cider that was bottled that I tasted and was good, so maybe that next time.
(3)
Mariam K.
I don't live anywhere near this place... however me and my husband decided to go to IPic to watch a movie and we were looking for restaurants around the theatre and came across this place and read a lot of good things so we decided to eat here. Be sure to make reservations before coming here... it was chaotic when we came on a Friday night... luckily we made reservations! We ordered the fried pickles, cheese curds (similar to mozzarella sticks but a million times better and come with 2 really good dipping sauces), and truffle fries. Everything was amazing and the portions were really big. I ordered the hot head burger, it came with fries. Everything about the burger and fries was delicious... I was really full but I still couldn't stop eating my food. If I were to ever come back to South Barrington, I would definitely come back here!
(4)
George R.
When some people mention "The Lucky Monk" they think microbrews. While that's certainly a primary draw for this burger, pizza and beer restaurant, when I hear "The Lucky Monk" I immediately think of their Chicken-Poblano Chili with white beans and cilantro. It's that good. On more than one occasion, and certainly on cold winter nights when I'm in the mood for chili, I seriously consider driving across the northwestern suburbs to TLM in South Barrington. Since I tend to lean toward chicken-based entrees, I typically choose the chicken-poblano chili for my meal. They do have a red bean chili too, which is also hearty and tasty. Either way, match that up with a decent side salad and I'm good to go. When I'm not too full from my meal, I naturally look at the dessert menu. TLM doesn't disappoint here either. Their warm apple crisp is pretty good. Their S'mores are very sweet, maybe a bit too much even for a sweet tooth like myself. Definitely split the S'mores order with someone else if you want to try it. And as much as I really want to try their Cookie Skillet (chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce) my willpower has allowed me to resist this beckoning dessert (for now). But one of these days, I may just grab a spoon and go to town on that dessert option, after eating a good healthy TLM salad of course. Service at TLM has been excellent each time I've stopped in. I've sat at the bar, lounge tables in the bar area, and at dining tables in the main restaurant area. All across the board, service is very good and friendly. Warm woods, neutral grays, natural stones all make this a cozy environment to enjoy dinner, drinks or a quick game on TV at the bar. Weekends will get pretty busy, especially with the AMC 30 Theatres next door. So try a mid-week visit to avoid the crowds and wait times.
(4)
Konrad W.
Awesome place! Great food, beer and atmosphere. Definitely recommend this place! Great variaty of food and ever changing beer selection.
(5)
Helen L.
This is one of our all time favorite restaurants! The food is excellent, the libations are abundant and the ambiance is a lot of fun! Every time we go here, the staff is prompt and attentive. I don't think that we've ever been left sitting for more than 5 minutes without someone coming over to check in with us. One thing - it gets very loud, so if you don't like noisy, active restaurants, you won't like this. For us, it doesn't matter as long as the food is good. We have never had a bad experience here and we've gone more times than I can count.
(5)
Jeff G.
Went to the monk last night had a great time and great food... Sam was rocking the bar and did a great job!
(5)
Jennifer W.
My husband and I went here for date night on a Sunday. We made a reservation ahead of time, which was a good idea since it got pretty busy throughout the night. The ambiance was great for a fun date night, but also worked for families too since it isn't a quiet restaurant. I had a Bay Burger, which was delicious and my husband had the Hot Head, which he liked as well. The only negative comment I have was that my husband is a fan of IPAs and they were out of their house IPA, as well as the only other one that they had on tap. A brewery should really never be out of their own beer. Other than that, it was fantastic.
(4)
Chuck D.
So I was looking up to see if the Wild Monk in St. Charles was open and Yelp pulled up the Lucky Monk instead. It had fantastic reviews AND it was open 4 hours earlier then my original search. It was a long drive, but seemed worth it. The service and food were really quite great, the beer was just pretty good. We tried all of their beers and really only liked a couple out of the six (the IPA and the Tritica). The rest were just ok. They had a pretty good bottled selection, though, which I might drink from more on a second visit back. We ordered a sampler for the appetizer - Cheese Curds, White Truffle Fries, and Fried Pickles - all were very good. Full on fried food, my husband and I split the Green Chili Queso Burger which was absolutely delish. You can choose your side from nearly any of their apps, but since we just had three of them we stuck with the regular fries...which were good but just fries in the end. I'll definitely be back for their food and craft brew list. They need to step up their game on their own beers to earn that 5th star, though. Maybe they will... who knows.
(4)
K S.
I've been here a few times and it's a nice place to go for a meal. The burgers are not that great but the beers are what will bring me in if given a choice. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find parking if it's a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. I had a reservation for early evening and not one spot was available and we waited for the free valet, but no one came out. We went in to say we will need to cancel the reservation due to no parking available and the 4 hosts just stared and said.. "yep.. we're busy". Darn...
(2)
Terri D.
Good service. My husband did not care for the house vodka in his dirty martini. I liked the Mark Pinot noir. We had the calamari for an appetizer - excellent! I had the top tip sirloin with truffle fries. Sirloin was well cooked. The truffle fries complimented well. My husband had the cedar plank salmon without the BBQ sauce! Salmon was well cooked, but unevenly seasoned. The mashed potatoes were too buttery and the fries he substituted were bitter with the skins left on. The prices were excellent and the scoop of vanilla bean ice cream with Belgian chocolate sauce was great! But it was topped with canned whipped cream, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, not the worst eating experience but not the best. If we chose to return, it might be to try a burger.
(3)
Susanna M.
I love this place they have a great selection of beers and their Spinach goat cheese burger is outstanding!! I just love their truffle fries! I've been there twice and will be going back again!!! I will have to try other things, but it's hard to deviate from something so good like the spinach goat cheese burger mmmm!
(5)
Pattie U.
Great selection of craft beers. I had the sampler of their own brews. 7 flights for $9! An outrageously good deal! I love their beer. Their pretzel appetizer is OUT OF THIS WORLD. I don't even really like soft pretzels, but I LOVED this. Lastly, what drove it home for me is that they have the option of MERCK'S CHEDDAR for their burgers. So so so so crucial in my eyes. I wanna go back right now.
(5)
Debra R.
We regularly visit this place. Hooked on the Fallen Angel and often try others especially the featured brews. My husband cannot get enough of the pretzel trio- and has finally duplicated the grainy honey-mustard butter for at home. My son's favorite salad ever is their Waldorf salad. I really like the Derby Turkey sandwich- who can resist turkey wrapped in bacon? Their burgers are good (My standard is the Assembly- so these are below that) and we have had several other things that are quite yummy. It is always busy- which in the burbs- if you pull into a restaurant on a Friday evening after 5 PM and it's not busy- then something is wrong. The staff has always been nice and usually gives great service, too. It is a regular once a month visit at least for us.
(5)
Lindsay K.
I do not like this place, not one bit. The food was mediocre. I think it was all frozen, not fresh. The restaurant was dirty and the decor didn't really deliver upon entering. The worst part of the experience was the service, our waitress was horrible, barely saw her. The manager we saw, was about the same. We had given him some very dirty utensils, that had food stuck to them (that were in our napkin roll) and he said he would be right back with new ones and we never saw him again. Finally, I tried their beer...and honestly I've had better. I love craft beer and this place isn't really that great in the beer area either. We had come here in between movies on a Saturday and next time we will be going somewhere else.
(1)
Val A.
Meh nothing special in my opinion. Went here with my boyfriend who likes sampling beers. I drove around the parking lot for a solid 10 minutes waiting for a parking space to open (way too small of a parking lot). I would've went somewhere else but we had a reservation, speaking of a reservation, they did promptly seat us when we got there which was great (some restaurants still make you wait). We started off with the big soft pretzels and they were nothing special, the dips were ok with them. Then I had a pulled pork sandwich with parmesan fries. The pulled pork was bland. The fries were perfectly cooked. My boyfriend had the mini tacos with steak and he was raving about them so I'm glad he enjoyed his meal more than I did. We finished our meal with the skillet cookie which I must say, that was delicious. Now onto the beer. My boyfriend said everything tasted "ok" but nothing was special or memorable. His favorite was the IPA but even that wasn't the best IPA he's ever had, wasn't even in his top 5. Would I go here again? Maybe, but not for a while.
(3)
Bernice R.
Burgers... BOOM. These are way better that your average run of the mill burgers. Beautiful is what they are. Positioned on a small wooden platform, its like it's about to receive a metal for deliciousness even before you bite into it. haha. Great flavors, good sized burger, and tasty fries... no complaints. We also shared a flight of beers. I'd say its a good value and great way to sample their brews. I recommend their oatmeal stout! :) I've also tried their pizzas... and just like their burgers, you can't go wrong! This is a fun place to hang out with group of friends or go out on a date!
(4)
Emma F.
I don't expect much from suburban restaurants situated by a mega-plex. I've often found them to be chain restaurants, even if I'm unfamiliar with the name. But we needed food, and it was close. Good Gracious! I was so pleasantly surprised! You can see above the menu items, but let's take a very long and sumptuous detour...their new spent grains patty. This is what happens when you use the best part of the beer in the best way possible. (I'm not a native beer drinker.) I've had so many veggie patties, in so many formulations. They've been dry, or salty, or bland...but this was really good. The grains used in the brewing were processed at a low temperature (according to Kevin, the GM) so their nutritive qualities were intact. The patty held together well, no crumbling, and the texture of the smaller grains was pleasant to chew through, soft and yielding without being gummy. The flavor was robust and warm, with a hint of nuttiness, a distant muskiness, and slightly sweet. There was a thorough coating of the tongue with this flavor, it lingered nicely without overpowering the palate. "Umami" is the right description, with all the health benefits of being vegetable matter. The fact that I had it sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches just made me that much more happily gluttonous. I respect Lucky Monk. They work hard for their flavors and it shows. I've also had the deviled eggs (not what you expect...TRY THEM), hummus, pizza, doughnuts, chocolate cake, 6 brews (I liked two, a miracle for me) and everything was well crafted, well presented, and served by knowledgeable, friendly staff. Today Dan (Red) and Jeff took really good care of my family, and Keven stopped by both times to chat. The clientele are friendly, too, chatting with us and laughing over the audacious, but delicious foods. Sadlly, I expect tomorrow to be my last visit for a while. My event in the deep dark subburbs is coming to an end. My biggest hope is that I'll be the Lucky one and Lucky Monk will come to Chicago soon.
(5)
Levent T.
Beer *much* better this time around...good head and perfectly chilled. The burgers were cooked perfectly and even the egg on top of one was *not* overdone but cooked "soft" with just the right amount of runny goodness! Fried pickles hit the spot *again* and make sure you order extra dipping sauce. Also, tried the fish tacos and for the price point they were satisfying, however, I would give the fish and chips a try if I had the chance to do it over. Nevertheless the Monk is a consistent place to drink and indulge in salty, fatty foods and your favorite spirits.
(4)
Don Z.
The Lucky Monk is still a solid choice for some good beer in a typical suburban setting. It is not my favorite beer, but if I am in the area and looking for some lunch and a beer, I can always find something I like. I have a previous review, so this is just an update. On my latest visit, I sat at the bar and Tiffany the bartender was cool and took good care of me. It was a quiet time of the day. Anthony the brew master walked up and noticed our beer themed attire. We chatted about beer. I am a dedicated beer enthusiast, but I am by no means any kind of expert. I enjoyed the conversation. After hearing what I liked he even shared a free sample, which was cool. The Confessional IPA and Solitude stout were tasty. The stout was very creamy with a nitrogen pour. I am still irritated by the burger heightening scandal and therefore I always get the pizza.
(3)
Maciej G.
I've been to The Lucky Monk a few times, and it's one of the few places where I keep wanting to go back to try more of their menu because everything is just top-notch for a very reasonable price. It's got a nice atmosphere without being too dark but also not really crazy in its design. I feel cozy and comfortable each time I'm here. I'm a big fan of stout beers, and their in-house brewery serves up one of the best ones I've had in a long time. I promise to try their other offerings, but I just cannot say no when it comes down. I tend to avoid alcohol with my meals but not here. I ALWAYS get the buffalo wings. ALWAYS. They're just perfect in both flavor and tenderness. There's nothing more to say about them other than they're perfectly cooked and juicy on the inside with the sauce being a perfect balance of spicy and tangy and sweet without an out-of-place note of flavor. My only gripe is that they don't offer a wing plate as a main course, but I guess I can always just keep on ordering them... Thinking about it, I would go here just for their wings and flirt with this idea every now and then. Recently, I had their loaded fries, and I was very pleased and surprised at the subtle things which set these apart. Sure, you're going to get fries and cheese and bacon and scallions and sour cream. What's most interesting about these is the cheese. First off, it's either pepper-jack or a Swiss-style cheese with jalapenos or similar peppers diced in. Secondly, IT DOES NOT CONGEAL instead remaining creamy and easily applied to fries. We ordered a second batch of regular fries after finishing the loaded fries and greedily sponged up the leftover cheese. *PIZZA* I'm trying to set this section apart because, for their pizzas alone, The Lucky Monk needs to be applauded. The bread and crust are how a pizza should be: soft but crunchy, thin but substantial, subtle but flavorful. Of the several which I've tried, I can't honestly pick a favorite. Each one becomes the one which I like most. I don't know how or why this place has the pizzas it does, but I wish EVERY restaurant served these kinds of pizzas. The world would be a better place.
(5)
Amelia I.
I LOVE this place!! We had is this past saturday before seeing a movie at AMC. I didnt know how HUGE the trio appetizer was but boy was I happy!! The cheese curds are amazing, and I even liked the fried pickles! The Parmesan fries are also good but a BIT salty x.x I def needed a few refills on my diet coke! We got a reuban (amazing on brioche bun), and a smothered burger (also looked amazing...mmm caramelized onions!) The portions are HUGE for the price which was good. I ate all my foods but the boyfriend only ate half his burger which he took home. And we took the appatizer home too because it was that big! So basically an entire second meal from the size of the food! AND I couldnt not get dessert :) We had the home made friend doughnuts. HOLY CRAP. They were amazing!! I ate most of them :) and the chocolate sauce was mmm mmm goooood. For all the food we got the bill was around 50 bucks? Not cheap BUT you get a lot of food for what you pay. Boyfriend also had one of those angry orchard apple cider things so that was like 6 bucks. I will def be going back before we hit up the movies! I'm craving to try the bbq burger! AND the wait staff was super friendly and well versed in the menu. They asked right away if we'd been there and when we said 'no' he explained everything. Burger was cooked perfectly medium rare too!
(5)
Thaddeus C.
I've grown a bit disenchanted with this little eatery. I have been to The Lucky Monk several times and every time I sat down for a meal I felt less and less "into" the food. Sure, there are some constant winners-like the white truffle oil sweet potato fries. But beyond that the food is absolutely average, especially for the prices they're charging. It might be a nitpick simply because I haven't found "my meal". I noticed that when others go there they tend to order about the same thing each time, I've tried experimenting and so far I haven't found something that has left me satisfied beyond their appetizers., especially considering the price tag. I hope this doesn't dissuade too many people from going-it is really a conclusion you should come to for yourself. The food isn't bad enough to berate and not good enough to praise, it is all around average. So enjoy this middling review and your middling meal.
(3)
Joyce A.
It is too late to tell everyone about the awesome hamburgers and incredible toppings- this place is crowded most times between 6:00 PM and 8PM! BUT, they do take reservations- so if you want to go for dinner (especially Friday, Saturday or Sunday- I recommend you make them. It makes a good pairing to go to the movies after dinner - the AMC Barrington is just up the street. I really enjoy sweet potato fries - and the Lucky Monk sure knows how to make them! But, that said, I have been told that management has removed them from the menu- they are by request only. SO, if you like sweet potato fries, please request them and leave a comment about putting them back on the menu!!!!!
(4)
Shauna D.
"Have you dined with us before?" I'm generally inclined to fib when asked this dreaded question. For some reason servers tend the think if its your first time that you require some kind of hand-holding as if you don't know your way around a menu. Unless the dining experience requires me to cook my own food or submit my order in a paper airplane, I think I can handle it. I do appreciate recommendations, by all means let me know what you're known for but lets keep my Orientation to a minimum. Burgers here, Beer list here, got it. Thanks. I was a lot hungrier after my briefing, so I went with a burger since that is their specialty. The Peppercorn Ranch burger comes piled high with onion strings and I had them throw some bacon on there 'cus I mean, what are we doing here? Let's go whole hog. They look pretty intimidating when they come out, but at closer look you'll see they stand on little platforms, which is a nice signature that really does add to the presentation. The burger was amazing, like 'undo the top button because I'm not leaving anything behind' amazing. And the Parmesan Truffle fries are a thing of beauty.
(4)
R.J. V.
This place has amazing burgers. I especially recommend the grilled cheese one. It is a hamburger sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. I also recommend bacon and topped off with an egg. The parmesan truffle fries are also very yummy, The loaded fries aint bad either. I also recommend you try some of their craft beers. Buy one with the the beer can glass and keep the glass. Its a neat little souvenier. The staff was great and facilities were beautiful.A great place to take the family or a date.
(4)
Jared W.
I've actually edited my original review, because after going again after over a year, I have a much different opinion. First, the truffle fries are fantastic, and this is one place that actually had the burger cooked just right. I always ask for medium, but most places don't get it quite right. So kudos to whoever grilled my burger last night! They do brew their own beer in house, which is usually a big plus for me, but I was pretty heavily disappointed in their beer. I had the flight, so was able to sample their 6 year round brews, and wasn't all that impressed by any of them, and the IPA was downright bad. On the second visit, I stuck with the "guest taps," and was really happy. They have some really good beers on guest tap. I will have to give the in house brews another try sometime soon though.
(4)
Chloe H.
I went here for my birthday with my parents and boyfriend. I had seen the restaurant in passing AMC multiple times, and I was curious to try it. We made reservations, and we got in right away. The booth we sat in had ample space. A waiter came up to us fairly quickly (about 5 minutes). My dad ordered one of the in-house brews (I can't remember which one), but he very much liked it. It was a full-bodied ale with a touch of nuttiness to it. ("It's a bit nutty"). My parents ordered the pulled pork and fries, my boyfriend ordered the grilled cheese burger and fries, and I ordered the smothered burger and cheese curds. All came to our table within a reasonable time frame as well. Of course, coming in I didn't expect this place to be a health-conscious joint; but after looking what lay before us, I told my mom, "this spread is a cardiologist's nightmare". Despite the gargantuan fantasy of having a burger between two grilled cheeses and bacon, my boyfriend didn't like it. It's a fun concept (something that you may see on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, although this place is none of the three), it just doesn't execute well. The whole thing was extremely thick and even pressing down to thin the sandwich still made it about 3 inches thick. My burger was OK--the bun went from crispy to soggy very quickly so I stopped eating it. My parents liked the onion strings on the pulled pork, but they took most of it off and there was a good pile almost equivalent to the side of fries. The cheese curds were OK; the cheese seemed a little dry inside, but otherwise I ate them all. A nice feature was the sandwiches placed on a terra cotta-like disk to make it easier to pick up the burger instead of it slopping all over the plate in an attempt to take the first bite. I left feeling full and a bit guilty for attempting to put my body through a coronary, but I don't eat gastro-pub burgers that often (maybe once or twice a year). I'd go again if someone I knew had the urge to go, but I probably won't have the drive to go again.
(3)
H S.
Great burgers! Really delicious and the truffle fries are pretty good. Their brews are average as is the service (took us an hour to get our food at 5pm, when it was practically half empty)
(3)
Tony H.
Just how lucky is a monk? Well, considering that certain sects of monks have their own trademarked beer, I'd say pretty darn lucky. Unfortunately, my last visit to the Lucky Monk would have benefited from a bit more luck and magic in certain parts of the service and food. First off I gotta say I thoroughly enjoy their goat cheese and tomato sauce appetizer. The accompanying bread is crusty, slightly buttery, and compliments the goat cheese well. I decided against a house beer and went with a Bell's Cherry Stout. Only one for me, thanks. That served as side dish and dessert very well. The first glass I got with the beer was hazy and loaded with fingerprints. I asked for a new one and our server Chris took it without a word otherwise. The second one I got was slightly better, but the appetizer had arrived by then, so I just went with it. For dinner I ordered the Al Pastor pizza. It's supposed to be a take on tacos "al pastor", which are usually made with spicy marinated pork shoulder, onions and cilantro, sometimes with pineapple, and usually a little elf sprinkling magic and sexiness. Or not. This pizza had a bland "pork belly" meat, cotija cheese, green onions and a tomato sauce. I can't describe the crust as anything else than uninspired. It was a vehicle for the rest of the toppings, and it just didn't work. Pub food meets flub. Now I know better. Service was adequate. Not a whole lot of conversation, but the company made up for it. I only meet up with friends here; certainly wouldn't make the trek otherwise.
(3)
Lekecia U.
Visited The Lucky Monk for my son's (who believes he can subsist solely on burgers and pizza) b-day. We made a reservation since I read on yelp that Friday nights are really busy. Despite having a reservation it still took us about 25 minutes to get seated. We started with the warm pretzel bread which was okay but a little too salty. The trio of dips that came with the bread were pretty good. Everyone had a burger which was pretty tasty but not especially memorable, as I can't recall which burger I ordered. I tried the truffle fries and wasn't impressed at all. I love love love french fries so I was disappointed. My son really enjoyed his burger so maybe we'll give this place another try but I'll steer clear of the truffle fries.
(3)
N D.
My first time was yesterday at the barrington location I got there at 8 they said there was no wait according to the one female hostess and then when my other party got there at 8:15pm there was a 10 min wait ( keep in mind the same hostess standing right there next to the guy checking people in who said there was no wait) we sat Down ordered a soup and salad and water and soda at 8:30pm we got our drinks right away but when 9:15pm came around and there was still no food, ( keep in mind just soup and salads ) no server in sight with a update so we asked another server how long it takes for soup and a salad and he was going to check and when he came back he said the salads are just coming up 5 more min go by no salad or soup in sight so one of my friends tesla the hostess she was supposedly getting the manager and that was another 5 min..... never got to see the manager we had to leave because the service was so bad no one apologized for the wait ......nothing .......we offered to pay our drinks and the 2 hostesses said I don't know how much they were and that they were not keeping us there! Seriously ?! This was the worst first experience at Lucky Monk! I do not recommend it they did not care about the customers at all! I will never go back!!
(1)
Andrea H.
I now officially love this place. I don't make it out that way often, but I now have something to look forward to after the long trek out to the Willow Creek mother ship. It's on the way back to the highway and, since I can make a reservation on Open Table, we can bypass the crowds and get to the table right away. This is huge since we normally have a hungry 3 year old in tow. Yay! The first time we stopped by, we decided to share the parmesan crusted tilapia and the bourbon stout burger. Both were delicious and the Monk's Choice beer that day, a smoky bourbon stout, was the perfect accompaniment. I also felt that the kids menu was a pretty good deal. At $5.95, the little one got carrot sticks, a burger with veggies and a cookie and milk. I'm not too familiar with kids menus these days but it seemed like a lot of food for not too much. The second time, we decided to share again. This time we opted for the beer braised short rib pasta and the green chile queso burger. The pasta was solid but pretty standard. The burger, on the other hand, was awesome. And the fries are terribly difficult to stop eating. So good. The Monk's choices this night were a cherry bourbon stout and a brown ale. Of course I had to try both. The cherry was very interesting. Rich cherry flavor without being too sweet. The brown ale was more my speed. Nutty and delicious. I still enjoy how they put their burgers on a pedestal. They say that their specialties are the burgers and pizzas. I have yet to try the pizzas but the burgers seem pretty worthy of that pedestal. It seems like they also have great specials throughout the week. I'm still trying to figure them out, though, because house beers are supposed to be $4 on Sunday but I guess the Monk's Choice doesn't count for that. It's cool, though, I appreciate the fact that they switch up their offerings regularly. Every time we go, the service is friendly, the atmosphere is warm, and I always leave wishing this place was closer to home.
(4)
Erin R.
No matter what the occasion, Lucky Monk is going to deliver. I have eaten here many times; I never had a bad meal or service that was not excellent. Recently had an event here with 60+ people on their patio. The servers went above and beyond my expectations. I could not believe the extent their team went to to make sure everything was perfect. Truly, Lucky Monk should get 10 stars. Thank you, Lucky Monk!
(5)
C. M.
The burgers are huge and very good. I took one star off because it seems a little overpriced. Great food if you like burgers. Try the truffle parmeaean fries.
(4)
Bry P.
I've been here twice, and both times I LOVED it! Everything I've tried here has been FANTASTIC. There is literally nothing on this menu that is not declicious... I recommend this place to ANYONE and everyone!
(5)
Josh N.
This is really a 4.5 great burger amazing cheese curds...
(4)
James M.
Great place. Food is bar food but with a twist to make it fun. Beer is really good and service has always been excellent! I've now become a member of the "lucky monk society." It costs $11/month but you get a free bomber every month and expedited seating even when there is a big wait to get in. I have a family of six... So that helps a ton!! Love "The Confessional."
(5)
Esther C.
Let me start off by saying I have never given a 2 star review for any product or place- even for the 99cent ipod case look-alike I got in college that disintegrated in my hands after opening it. My husband and and I live in Chicago so we're used to the occasional bad service and truth be told we still go back to those places just because the food or the atmosphere otherwise is good enough. I honestly can't say that about this place. I have never had a waitress snap back at me before. It wasn't just at me but other members of the party. I was flabbergasted, shocked and offended, especially when we had come to celebrate a happy occasion. The thing is even with the right amount of chairs we were already sitting on top of each other. Additionally, I was surprised our waitress brought out a cracked beer glass to our table. It actually broke at at the table. Another horrible gesture was the waitress's refusal to split the bill after she got upset our party was bigger when prior to this she promised to be accommodating. I guess I don't blame her because without combining our bills and forcing us to pay gratuity for a large I personally would have left her no tip. I don't want to generalize to the whole staff because one of the other bellboys was really helpful My only regret is that I didn't talk to the manager onsite that night cause I didn't want to hold up the group. emailed the manager By the way, count on parking at the amc. There's not enough on-site parking for the guests. A 2 and not a 1 cause the food itself was alright and some of it unique but if you really good beer and American food there are so many other places in the burbs to go to. I wouldn't ever come back here for the experience we had.
(2)
Phil C.
The King burger with banana, peanut butter and bacon is incredibly weird and delicious. Chase it down with a pint of Fallen Angel and your golden!
(3)
Jie H.
Burger is OK but the beer sampler is GREAT!
(4)
Kate T.
Waited over 45 minutes for our mediocre burgers. Very disappointing! Been frequenting for years, and management and service seem to be going downhill. Server never came back after food was finally delivered. We sat with empty, dirty glasses on our table and absolutely nothing to drink for the duration of our meal. The server never brought the kids' cookies that are supposed to come with the meal. Not going to be returning! Too bad!!
(1)
Lauren R.
Food is very good but I was turned off by the service cause I felt like I was being rushed during lunch. I came to enjoy my friend's company and I had three different bussers come to my table asking if they can take my plate. I had 75% of the food still not touched. Common sense says no I am not done with my food. Also I didn't need three of you to come and barge and keep asking. Please have a chat with your staff, and don't make us feel like we need to leave asap.
(3)
Jean Z.
I kinda dont want to write a review of this place because I'm afraid that you will all jump in and I'll never get the fast seating, awesome service, and perfectly loved-on food that we did the night I came here. Four of us each had an entree, and sodas and two appetizers and the bill was under a hundred with tip.
(5)
Cassandra L.
Unfortunately South Barrington is a little out of the way for me so I can't visit The Lucky Monk as often as I'd like to, but I'm definitely planning to go back! We went for lunch and beers. I was with some friends and we had some free time, so we tried every beer they make. I ordered a Tritica Wheat Ale first, which ended up being my favorite, and I think everyone else liked it too. There were a couple others I really liked too. They offer a lot of other beers too if none of their originals sound good to you. After some pretty filling appetizers (I'd recommend the pretzel trio w/ tasty dipping sauces) I ALMOST only ordered a side salad as my lunch, but then I couldn't resist trying their grilled portabella sandwich, called the Saint. I'm soooo glad I gave in! The burger was delicious. It comes with fries, or you can upgrade for another side. The fries were fine (good but nothing super special); I'd like to try the sweet potato fries next time. Besides discovering a great new beer and eating tons of yummy food, one more reason for my 5-star rating was our server. She was super nice, friendly, and helpful!
(5)
Marshall S.
We had our first visit to The Lucky Monk last night. We had reservations for seven and were seated immediately. The wait for a similar sized table would have been at least 30 minutes without the reservation, so keep that in mind if you're planning on dropping in on a busy weekend night. We say on the terrace which was really beautiful. From a drinks perspective we tried a few if their beers and found all of them to be very, very good. We tried the pickle fries and the white truffle Parmesan french fries - both were terrific. For our entrees we had burgers and pizzas (their specialties) and everyone was very happy with their choices. Lastly, our server (John) was very friendly and happy to help. I'd gladly go back again or recommend to anyone who likes good beer and brewery food.
(5)
Jason T.
The beers here generally let me down, but I keep coming back for the food. I like the truffle fries, fried pickles, goat cheese, and pulled prom sandwich, though everything else we've had here has been pretty good too. I go back to the beers here though- they come close but they just don't quite do it for me.
(3)
Chris C.
This place was pretty large inside and also had a large outdoor seating area. I sat at the bar which had lots of room and seemingly TVs at every angle. For beer they had a great selection of both their own brews and others. As you could guess by the name the selections were pretty heavy leaning towards Belgians, but they had more traditional ones as well. The prices were average for all the options. I had one of the burgers with the truffle fries. The burger was a total monster and I barely finished it. They really layered on the toppings and you certainly need two hands to eat it. The fries were good, but not nearly as truffley as I was hoping for.
(4)
Daphne L.
During an excursion thru Barrington/South Barrington, we stopped at The Lucky Monk. It was pretty early on a Saturday evening (6:00-6:30) and the place was chock full of Barrington-ites. We managed to get seats at the bar and tried their house brews, which were pretty good. The food, on the other hand, was pretty abysmal, or maybe we ordered the wrong things. We got the Trappist Trio, which was 3 huge bowls of fried items: pickles, fries, and cheese curds. It wasn't bad, it was just bland. I wish we'd gone with the whipped goat cheese, or a salad. Everyone around us was eating burgers, which should have been a clue to order that, rather than the Wild Mushroom Risotto...HUGE mistake. The description of the risotto on the menu reads: "parmesan, wild mushrooms" and that's it. you can order short rib or chicken, if you like, to top the dish. I don't know what possessed me to order risotto at a burger and beer place. It was indeed very busy that night, but, I waited a ridiculously long time for my food to come out, so long that I assumed they'd forgotten about it. When it did come out, I was immediately disappointed because there were stewed tomatoes in the risotto. I'm admittedly very picky about risotto, but I think that if stewed tomatoes are part of the dish it should be listed on the menu. Am I wrong? I never would have ordered the dish had I known it was going to be served that way because I HATE warm, cooked, mushy tomatoes in risotto. To top it off, this dish was just so utterly bland and tasteless I found it hard to believe they added any seasoning or herbs. Blah. The bartender was really nice, felt terrible that it took so long to come out and that I didn't like the food, which accounts for the 3-stars. The bartenders were really nice, especially given the throngs of people. I guess this is a decent place for the area, mostly due to the beer, but hope there are better options in Barrington. I wouldn't go back unless I happened to be in the area, and if I do, I'm getting a burger.
(3)
Gerry A.
Very nice piece of S. Barrington Real Estate, well run with above average help so why NOT charge $11 for a LARGE half pound hamburger? Considering the entire package, limited well done menu and above average staff I think it is a good value. Lucky Monk pretty much has it all including a view of a pond and HUGE parking, just be sure that you at least wash your old car so you aren't totally shamed parking there. You CAN split the half pound burger and you will be glad you did, what are you other options, EAT it all or have a hamburger leftover? Nice avacado nacho appetizer, and pay the extra $1 for the truffle fries with your burger so that you won't have to do that again. Very tasty $9 beer sampler, even better the second round, and interesting wine menu with enuf by the glass options. Busy Friday night included some live entertainment inside but we never felt hustled out, and the fireplace pit looks very inviting. Creative dessert choices but no contest versus a half price blizzard something at Culver's and then home to have our arteries pumped out. We are fans. Update: Went AGAIN on a Friday night and that parking lot gets pretty small around 8pm. Had the mushroom pizza, very tasty AND had some leftovers so ONE pizza can feed two if you take a breath. The fried onion tumble something appetizer, that you will regret eating ALL of unless there were at least 4 people working on it, was yummy. This is a great way to eat and walk (ie the FULL parking lot) to catch a movie reasonably if you don't drink your dinner.
(4)
Patrick K.
First off, you've got to try their beers. The oatmeal stout was flavorful and creamy, but not heavy at all. The season Oktoberfest was good as well, but I preferred the stout. Second, the food. If you go there, you MUST try the pickle fries - think of them as slices of pickle perfectly deep fried. The wings were good as well - had an interesting cheesy component to the flavor. Finally, the burger was quite tasty, though it is quite a tower of a sandwhich when it comes to the table. All in all, quite glad we tried the Lucky Monk out - I can see more visist in the future.
(4)
John A.
Great menu with upscale bar food and nice presentations. Had the Hot Head Burger with truffle fries. Burger and fries were good, but was still hungry afterwards. We also had the fried pickles that were decent. Had a bite of the wife's Monk burger and wished I had ordered that instead. Can't wait to go back and try some other appetizers and more truffle fries. I would had given 3 stars based on my experience, but have faith that other things on their menu are outstanding. Also had the Cardinal Sin Pilsner beer was tasty and would buy in the store if available. Based on the crowds you can tell this place will be around for awhile.
(4)
Jason K.
Still horrible. The host was rude and didn't look like she wanted to be there. Understaffed and the management is a joke. Like last time, our food took forever even though it didn't seem that busy. My soup was cold but my friend's burger was cooked correctly and my salad was great. I asked to speak to a manager and I was waiting for about 10 minutes for the manager to come over on my way out. After waiting I gave up and left. This was Sunday night(3/3/13). Horrible management. When a guest asks to speak with you if you're going to make them wait at least come up to them and tell them it might be another minute.
(1)
Erin S.
After parking in the adjacent movie theater parking lot (b/c their lot was out the gills full) & a little table confusion (tried to seat us w/ another party).... the meal went off w/o a hitch. Really enjoyed the goat cheese & crab cake appetizers! Of course we got the beer flight & burgers- love, LOVE the "hot head" burger! Their stout was very coffee forward. Fun atmosphere & good food, bring a friend and enjoy the microbrews.
(4)
Suzanne T.
Always delicious food and super service. You can't go wrong with the food. Yes, there is a wait at times. Fish tacos, burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizzas--all good! The variety of beers is nice too :)
(4)
Sarah M.
This is one of my favorite area restaurants. We went here on a whim after seeing a movie over at AMC. The menu had a surprising amount of choices - we ordered Wisconsin cheese curds for an appetizer, being from WI, I can say they were legit. They also make their own beer which I was surprised about and it was good. I had tacos for my entree, they were small, but just the right portion. Yum. The service was also great, this place is better than a lot of the other chains out in the surbarbs, can't wait to go back sometime.
(4)
Dave C.
I was really disappointed this time, slow service, undercooked burger, where's the flavor in my peppercorn burger?
(2)
Nikki S.
My family and I love Lucky Monk. The kids' meals come with carrots and ranch first , and end with a fresh baked cookie. My fave "grown up" meal is the peppercorn ranch burger, upgrade to the truffle fries for sure, and I like the Framboise to finish it off. Highly recommended.
(5)
Allison C.
The food at Lucky Monk RULES! It's bar food done really well...homemade pizza, burgers, fresh cut fries, frizzled onions, etc. It's a microbrew, and their locally brewed beers are great. I had my rehearsal dinner here. Claudia Ruiz, sales manager, is very sweet and great to work with. She's also flexible, she allowed me to substitute BBQ Pizza with Pizza Margherita on the private party menu. We were on the upper patio outside by the fire pit, the view of the pond and sunset was gorgeous. At first, service was slow. Nobody took my beer order for quite some time (and isn't it customary to serve the bride first?) I had to ask waitstaff to order a beer, and they said they'd have to come back to me. We were all standing around for quite awhile before they brought out the appetizers. My guests were getting hungry and drunk on empty stomachs. I had to ask to have the apps brought out twice. Considering we had a clear start and end time, it would've made more sense to start with drinks and apps immediately, and then ease into dinner. Additionally, our party had to meet a food/beverage minimum. It was crazy that night, so the shift manager asked if I had a problem seating some restaurant guests in the unused tables in the upper patio. I asked him if he would reduce our food/beverage minimum if we allowed this, and he said no. So I passed him off to my mother in law, who made the rehearsal dinner. Staff did not waiver on the minimum, so my mother in law told him, rightfully so, "we contracted for a private party and this whole patio, I'm not going to give to you if you won't give back." The restaurant would've received a windfall if they got our whole minimum AND extra orders on the patio for other diners. Lucky Monk would've made more money if they took our final bill as is (which was very near the minimum anyway) AND sat additional diners. Once we got seated, service picked up considerably. The waitstaff was much more attentive and personable. They also added the tip to the final bill, which made figuring it out much easier. We took some growlers home with us (to meet the minimum). My guests (and myself) had a great time at the rehearsal dinner, the setting is gorgeous. I would definitely eat at the restaurant again, it's delicious. My biggest recommendation for private parties is to stand firm, don't allow restaurant guests in your area unless the minimum is flexible, and plan a schedule with the sales coordinator regarding when appetizers and food go out.
(4)
Colleen B.
Great place. Great food. Ambiance is awesome. Service was ok. The place was busy. They really hustled to accommodate a large group.
(4)
Sean D.
Went here for a Yelp event. I wouldnt generally even be out this way for any particular reason other than said yelp event, however I did enjoy my time here. We were catered to a tasting, and given a private tour of their small but sufficient brewery. The brew master was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful when it came to history of the place and brew making expertise. I was able to have some amazing deviled eggs (although for the price there could have been a few more). The burger was good, not over the top. However the TRUFFLED FRIES=EXQUISITE. The beers were ok in my opinion...but then the brewmaster busted out the bourbon barrel aged stout....yes please this aging of their standard stout really added a ton of flavor, putt it on your must try list if you come the the lucky monk.
(4)
Vicky R.
I hate to have to update my review to a 2 Star. Don't you hate it when you try a place out at first and it's the bomb. Your so excited you enjoy a restaurant near home that you can go to and over time just something changes and every time you visit and order it just gets worse and worse that you find yourself critiquing it in a negative way every time you go. That just sucks. So, the last handful of times I have been to this place not only have no been up to standards but we have also thrown a party for a shower here and had not the best service. None the less, the event Mgr I spoke with understood why we were unhappy and made it up by a gift card and that's great and all but having it done right the first time is what counts most. First impression on people is what counts and people left that party with not the best impression. Besides the details of the party I wont go into that since I worked it out with the event mgr. I have to share how annoyed I am at the dishes. Lucky Monk carried this persona as a place you want to go to to get good foods and drinks. This review is on today's order. Lucky Monk was on our way home today and decided to place a order for my hubby & I. He and I ordered the Mushroom Risotto and Skirt Steak. We waited in carry out for about 20 mins and drove home with our food. We split the dished and here is what I think. 1) The Risotto stated it was a Parmesan & Mushroom and we requested to add the chicken on it as well which did not happen and but thankfully they didnt charge us for it either. I hate it when you pay for a upgrade and you dont get it. But this dish was far from what I would imagine a Mushroom Risotto. It had giant chunks of tomato in it. I was truly disappointed, if the description would have stated tomato in it than I would have never ordered it. It didnt taste good either nor is it comparable to a risotto. That dish needs help. As far as the skirt steak, the steak was a bit on the small side but still cooked well. What bothered me the most about this dish is it comes with a side of mashed potatoes that barely exist! I thought my hubby took all the potatoes but they just werent there. It was like they added them and than took them back out so all was left was just the scrapings. C'mon now, your paying about $30 for these meals you expect to get your moneys worth at the least. And the greens served with it isn't the best selection, cant remember what it is but its not really common or all that great. Really bummed, after our meal we were still left hungry. The meals besides the steak itself werent good. And why in the world doesnt the Monk offer a soup or salad w/ meal. I just dont think I am going to dump money into this place anymore EXCEPT if I want to go for a good burger. I know what I am getting and they are great burgers!
(2)
Jacob J.
I'd been looking forward to checking out this spot after hearing so much about it, so often. Suburbanites would often praise this as a premium burger establishment. I say it's a premium burger establishment still in the making. Reluctant to make the long drive out to Hoffman Estates, I eventually happened over this way and decided to try them out. It was a surprise to find them in the space once known to me as "the Brass brewery". I'm told ownership of the Monk is at least partially shared by the old owners of the Brass. There was a time when I would be at the Brass almost weekly for their happy hour specials, often inviting a client over for a business lunch or celebrating a birthday meal with a coworker. Same darkened woodsy interior with lush amounts of wood tones throughout the dining space. Comfortable seating whether in dining booths or bar area table tops. We visited recently, there were a few outside having a smoke and a fire was going. A scenic look as you drive up to their restaurant. Inside was warm and lively, enough to sit and enjoy the time for hours. No median ages, there were couples in their late 40's plus and singles 20's and higher. This space / restaurant has always maintained a way of inviting a select few. I think it's mainly because of the exterior appearance which causes most to think it's a "hoity toity" spot which could cost an excessive amount of dough. It's a quaint spot, whether you want to impress a date or have a drink and a decent meal with the guys. Their burgers have the makings of a great burger, but just not there yet. More options are needed and Tilamook cheddar is not it. Shredded lettuce is ridunkulous. You've got this pastry bun, burger so big it's ridiculous how large it sits atop so much topping and all this shredded iceberg lettuce which clumsily falls and scatters all over your fingers and lap. Eating is a hassle, rather than a luxury. Still trying to decipher whether the burger meat had a flavor of it's own to comprehend. All this aside, Monk has got a pretty good menu going with many other offerings which are taste inspiring. A menu which adapts and tries to offer more as the year had gone on, I'm told they recently started offering steaks; (not shown on their on-line menus). A year under their belt and I'm sure things will only get better. I may send this review off to management; I'd like to have a burger built better in the future. Great space and excellent wait staff.. I'm looking forward to next time. At the Brass I could look forward to specials on their food and booze. Alike that old place, the Monk has got the same offerings. For the beer lovers, flights are offered. One to two of those and most would be good for the night, a cheaper alternative to getting a buzz on and by way of premium beer.
(4)
Carey F.
We went there, spur of the moment, before going to a movie. I had the goat cheese and spinach burger, my wife had the Santa Fe salad. Both were delicious. Our server was efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. They have a wide selection of beers. Reasonably priced. Two beers, two entrees and tax came to $35. 4 stars.
(4)
Jennifer J.
can we say.. BURGER? YUMMMM! Worth every calorie.
(4)
Amy K.
I have been to the Lucky Monk many times and always enjoy it. For staters, they have great beer. The Cardinal Sin is my favorite. I am typically more of a light beer kind of girl, and this one has a stronger taste to start. However, a server recommended it because of the smooth finish, and that is my favorite part. I can't strand strong beer after-taste. The food has never disappointed me. My favorite has got to be the warm pretzel appetizer. You will not be disappointed. I've had several versions of their pizza (potato, spinach, and artichoke pesto) and have enjoyed every one. On my most recent trip, I was very disappointed in the service. My drink was empty for quite some time, and I finally had to flag the waiter down myself to order another. This experience was my first negative one, so I did not mark this great place down. I highly recommend making a reservation.
(5)
David L.
Extremely busy, but open late. Probably the best value for money restaurant in the Hoffman Estates / South Barrington area. Always good service and great food and excellent prices. Location to AMC makes it a great after-movie dinner/dessert spot.
(5)
William B.
Started with the fries- excellent. Had the BBQ chicken pizza. i guess it tasted good, but i don't think the crust was made in house; probably a frozen crust. I think I can geta comparable BBQ chicken pizza from the freezer at the grocery store. Decent beer, though. Will probably go back, but will probably try the burgers, instead.
(3)
Laurin G.
Based on the great reviews here on Yelp, I went to The Lucky Monk for a late lunch/early dinner with my family on a Sunday afternoon before the Bears game. The decor and atmosphere was very nice. The place was pretty empty and we had excellent, very attentive service from our server (Norman). We started out with an appetizer of Chili Cheese fries. These were tasty, but the portion size was really small--I'd guesstimate about 35-40 skinny fries for $6.25. I had the smothered burger (caramelized onions and gruyere cheese) and it was divine! Very juicy and flavorful. My husband tried a bite--and then begged for several more bites. He had the fish & chips, which he said was excellent, but he also said that next time (and there WILL be a next time!) he will get the smothered burger. I got the truffle oil and parmesan fries for the $1 upcharge. They were good, but my order seemed to be lacking in the truffle oil department. My husband got the loaded fries (Merkt cheddar cheese sauce, bacon, sour cream and green onions) and it was the bomb diggety! I will definitely get that next time with my burger. My daughter got the Farmhouse burger, which is Tillamook cheddar and bacon. She loved it and proclaimed it one of the best burgers she has every had, and possibly THE best. Our son got the sausage pizza and didn't say a word through the entire meal (because he was busily chowing down and enjoying his pizza!) Yum! We'll be back
(4)
Chris F.
My fav place. Burgers are awesome, but the Crusted Tilapia is to die for!!! A must if you love real burgers, great beer and just plain awesome food! UPDATE: Okay I use to give them 5 stars but I had to downgrade to 4 stars on 1/30/12 because they no longer carry the bottled natural (REAL) gingerale. It was amazing and I always went there just to have that with my meal. Now they have just high fructose fake from the fountain ginger ale. Crap! I want them to bring back the bottled all natural REAL ginger ale they had. Also, they got rid of my FAVORITE. The Macadamian Tilapia, now it is a peppercorn or parmesan cheese. Yuck. The macadamian was the BOMB along with the corn salad or rice they had, cant remember it was amazing. GONE AS WELL Well my two favorite things are gone, but they still have some other great items on the menu. The Burgers are the best of course. But Oh How I will miss my top two favs. BRING THEM BACK! -Chris
(4)
Miguel V.
Ordered the chili and twisted chicken and both were bland and served cold. Only good thing I can say about this establishment is that the wait staff was polite and quick.
(2)
Lisa S.
Dear Lucky Monk, I want to love you. I really do. But i just find you OK. Your food is not bad, but you are too loud and too crowded. Also you may want to ease up on the salt in your chicken poblano chili. Sincerely, Lisa W.
(3)
Denise J.
Thisnis one of my favorite Places to eat but this experience was not a good one. I went with a friend for dinner and some drinks before leaving on vacation. The bears were playing so we thought it would be crowded, we were very excited when it was not, however with the service we received younwould have thought they were packed!!! It took our server 10 minutes to come get our drink order and another 10 mins to bring us our drinks.......so you can guess I was annoyed by this poit. We ordered our food, which you can guess took forever and when I did finally get my food it was cold and tasted horrible. I ordered the turkey burger that I get every time I go to lucky monk, this DID NOT taste good. The burger was mostly green onion and not actually a lot of meat......if you want to eat an onion burger then order this, but I doubt you do!!! The s'more skillet did make up for the lack of my meal though, I highly recommend ordering these:) After this experience it will be a while before I go back to eat here!!!
(2)
Chante R.
I already knew this place was a burger spot even though I knew that I wanted something that's not-a-burger..lol I was crossing my fingers for a good diverse appetizers menu. The ambiance is cool...the off-key singing almost killed the mood but the food made up for it quite well. I had the buffalo wings (these were the real deal!) and seasoned-to-perfection fries. Definitely will be back...preferably when open mic is not going on..haha
(3)
Elle M.
I've been to the Lucky Monk twice, and while neither time was terrible, I've had better. Today's visit left a particularly bad taste in my mouth. I've got to give them credit- their pretzel appetizer is delicious. The pretzels are big and beautiful and warm and the dipping sauces are okay. Though the beer cheese doesn't have much flavor. Whatever, my issue isn't with the pretzels. Order those and you won't go wrong. I ordered a burger. Usually a pretty solid bet, right? I don't think I've taken this much issue with a burger since I grossly overpaid for a cheeseless one a few weeks ago. And I'm usually pretty easy to please when it comes to my burgers. First of all, the burgers comes on this little round piece of wood, of which I just don't see the point. I get that it makes them seem more impressive, but it really just takes up room on the plate. Second, the damn thing was piled so high that even when I put the lid on and pushed it down, it was almost un-eatable. Yes, un-eatable. In the sense that when I picked it up it completely fell apart in my hands because there was too much stuff on it. But both of those are minor offenses, the most glaring error of my burger was the fried egg on top. And by fried I mean hard cooked. The point of getting an egg on your burger is to have the lovely runny yolk drip all down the middle, and that doesn't happen when the yolk is a dry, solid, sulfuric puck. I hate hard cooked eggs. A lot. And if that wasn't bad enough, the burger itself was overdone. And the caramelized onions were underdone. The whole thing was just a mess. An overdone, underdone mess. Also, our waitress forgot to take boyfriend's dad's order and then later brought boyfriend a drink he didn't ask for. If there's a next time, I'm sticking to the pretzels.
(2)
Angela M.
I went here recently with my husband and my mom and brother, who stopped to stay with us on their way from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh. I had a LivingSocial voucher expiring soon and the place is super close to our new house. After asking if we preferred to sit in the bar or the dining area, and us saying we didn't have a preference, they seated us at a table in the very corner of the bar, near the entrance to the kitchen. Hmm... if you're offering us an option, you presumably have several open spots... why put us in the worst possible option? The beer IS good, I'll give them that. Unfortunately, they were out of the porter my husband wanted to try. Bummer. I had a cup of white chili, which was decent but not great and a beet & goat cheese salad which was overdressed. My brother had a peppercorn burger, which he actually really liked, so I was happy that he at least had a good experience, as our out of town guest. My husband had the steak and spicy mashed potatoes and thought they were pretty terrible. So... not great food + not great service + usually pretty crowded means we likely won't be back any time soon.
(2)
Katy S.
This is one my favorite restaurants. I've always found it clean and the servers we've had have always been friendly. My husband is a beer man, and he loves coming for the beer sampler, which has six samples. The warm pretzel trio is delicious, I would be happy getting it every time. Their burgers are large and juicy, their flatbreads have the perfect amout of toppings so they don't get soggy, and are nice and crispy. There's only two things I'd change, the fries often taste overcooked, and the parking is atrocious during peak times. But I'll certainly be back!
(5)
Shelby A.
I just ate here today for a send-off meal, and I must say, it was surprisingly good. The interior was beautifully decorated for having a sports bar in it. We ate in the dining room though, to get over the future shame of the Bears losing to the Packers. An obvious loss. But anyways, we started off with the Loaded Fries. Ugh! Best part of the meal all together! The melted cheddar cheese was fantastic! Everything about that appetizer was to die for. For an entree, we split the Hand-tossed spinach pizza, which I was disappointed in. I figured the spinach would be cooked in the pizza but it was just spread all over the top. I mean, it wasn't a big deal, but I couldn't really eat it with the pizza because it kept falling off. The pizza's crust was just fine, it reminded me of Sbarro's crust. I loved the cheese! For dessert, I had the creme brulee. Aside from it being a bit liquidy for my taste, it was still delicious. I definitely would like to come back here again and try more of their pizzas and appetizers!
(4)
Faith D.
Tried it on a Sunday night of a holiday weekend so felt like a Saturday night. Got there early - not crowded at all. Took about 12 minutes for a server to stop by. Overall experience was mediocre. Service was lousy. Burger was no big deal. I asked for medium rare and it came medium well. I mentioned to server who took it to have it redone. Came back medium. The manager brought my redone burger and it still wasn't med rare but I said "never mind". He apologized and took it off our bill. Burgers are WAY better at Sullivan's and Winberie's. Very pretty restaurant but they REALLY need to work on the service, etc. Not sure I would go back unless pushed. So-so. You know me -- I don't lie about food and/or restaurants.
(2)
Candice H.
My husband and I love this place! The beer is good and they carry more than their own. The burgers are awesome and the warm pretzel trio is delicious! I would also recommend the giardineria calamari and the trio app with cheese curds and pickle fries. I am a huge fan of the bourbon stout burger and I substitute a turkey burger for the meat. I have also tried and liked the spinach and goat cheese and smothered burger the same way. My husband eats his the regular way and has the Hot Head as his favorite. The sweet potato fries are excellent! We tried the spinach and goat cheese pizza this past weekend and weren't impressed. My suggestion would be to leave off the mushrooms, MAYBE add onion. Beer- I personally like the Confessional when it comes to beer because I like IPAs. I am also impatiently waiting on their next round of bourbon stout. Service- Its pretty good and friendly. We only had one bad experience where the server kept screwing up my order and the kitchen was off that night. Oh and it took the server about 15-20 min to bring us one round of beers the other night. She said that someone must have grabbed ours but I didn't believe her.
(4)
Mark B.
We had a craving for a good burger. Friends had mentioned Lucky Monk several times and we decided it was time to dive in. We split an appetizer of fried pickles. I've had these before elsewhere and they always seem like a better idea than they really are. I've been corrected. Lucky Monk does these tasty morsels right. The batter is more like a tempura batter, so they were light, crunchy and not greasy. And, the deep fried pickles were complemented by a chipotle sauce that was the perfect accompanyment. I tore into a standard Monk burger done medium rare/rare with cheddar. Excellent burger. Good size, juicy, done just right with a bit of additional flavor from whatever they use to season it. The bun and the veggies were fresh as well. My only complaint was the key lime pie. We brought a piece home to enjoy later that evening. While the filling was ok, definitely lime, but not really key lime in flavor, the crust had an odd flavor to it. It was almost a burnt butter flavor. I couldn't tell if the crumb had been over cooked, if the butter had been burnt or if it was a combination of the two. All in all, we will be back to try the rest of the menu at Lucky Monk, including another shot at the Key Lime Pie.
(4)
Neal C.
Ate here and Emmett's on back-to-back nights. While both were good experiences, I would give the Lucky Monk a slight advantage if I was having dinner as they have a better variety of non-house beers, but Emmett's the nod if I was hanging out with friends as the atmosphere at Emmett's was more energetic. I would give 4.5 stars if I could, but it's not quite at the 5 star level. As a first visit, I went with the sampler of the house brews. Had a very good server, he did me a favor and allow me to substitute the standard stout for the seasonal bourbon barrel aged stout. It was a solid pour. The bourbon gave an almost sweet flavor that didn't overwhelm the palette. The sampler size was perfect for me. The other highlight was the Confessional IPA (but I do like me some IPA's). The Belgian Ale was also top-notch. If I was just ranking the beers, I would be very close to handing out 5 stars. My green chili cheese burger was very good and close to being great. The meat was cooked perfectly, the cheese was perfect, but the green chili's were fairly bland. They just weren't like the ones that you get in Albuquerque. If you've never had green chili's in New Mexico, than you might be happy. That being said, I still really liked my burger. The truffle fries were disappointing. I could barely taste the truffle oil. This is one thing that Emmett's did much better. Maybe it was just because I had dinner early and they had a wine special, but while the restaurant was fairly full, it was also fairly quiet. I would definitely come back here for dinner/drinks.
(4)
Jaclyn H.
Our first experience was amazing. We sampled beers to find the ones we liked (on the house with their own brews) and had great burgers. Second time? Whew. Everyone's dish was so unbelievably salty. Salty enough that we haven't been back since. Not sure who the heavy handed chef was that night, but a consistent product retains customers, it's as simple as that.
(3)
D. C.
Average, forgettable experience--I couldn't even remember the name of the place by the time I got home. Everybody and their dog does froofy burgers/pizza/rotisserie chicken these days so I'm not getting the appeal here. Is it the beer? I don't do beer and even the man (who does) agreed that his house brewed oatmeal stout wasn't that good--bitter like black coffee with an oddly sour tang to it. I had the BBQ rotisserie chicken with cheese grits and tumbled crispy onions, which was good, but nothing to write home about. And at $16, it feels like you're helping foot the bill for their decor (which is nice and all, but I'm not there to chow down on a lighting fixture no matter how nice it is). The man's Over Easy looked good, but at $11 it's still just a meat patty with some lettuce, tomato, onion and an egg with what looked like a pretty small yolk. And what is up with that pedestal they put it on and the dainty cup of ketchup for a pile of fries? Definitely not a place to go out of your way for and, personally, I would rather try some place else if I were ever in that area again.
(2)
Jose A.
The atmosphere in this place was killer, a great place to chill with a few friends and grab a drink. However their beer was not very good, it was to mellow for my tastes, not a whole lot going on, 5-6% a beer which equals not a lot of ibu's and not a lot of taste. The food was ok, pretty standard gastro-pub stuff...if i lived out in the burbs of chicago near this place i'd go back, i've definetly had better tough.
(3)
Paul M.
Still a fan - the food is still quite great - but noting that our last outing here was marred by HORRIBLE service. Inattentive. Friendly, sure, but that doesn't do any good when you rarely see a server. Our refills were slow in coming, and our waitress didn't check on us - not once. In fact once we placed our orders, we didn't see her again until the very end of our meal. Ooof. It seems that when the service is off here, it's really off. And there have been two occasions in recent memory when it's been off, which is about two more than there really should be.
(3)
Gerri H.
My husband and I decided to try The Lucky Monk due to good yelp reviews and we happened to be in our old neighborhood. Hamburgers (and fries) are indeed my favorite food, so I just had to try this place. I can't believe I've passed this restaurant numerous times on my way to South Barrington 30 not knowing what deliciousness lay inside. We started out with the pretzel trio, which came with three different sauces. I thought the pretzels were very good; warm and chewy. However, I wasn't a major fan of the sauces. Heck, the pretzels were so good, who needs the sauce! I also ordered the standard chili, which wasn't so standard, as it was served with cheddar, onions, and sour cream. Delicious! We finally started on our burgers (the farm house?) which was essentially a bacon cheeseburger. The burgers were very good, not my favorite, but the best I've tasted in the suburbs. I think I will try the burger next time without bacon to fully appreciate the burger itself. Both the regular and truffle fries were very good, but the truffle taste was not so distinct. Also, you get more fries if you order them plain. The dining room is nice looking, but not the most comfortable. The excess space in the center of the room kind of threw me off for some reason. I felt the space should be more filled in to make the room more cozy. Overall, I highly recommend everyone give this restauarant a visit.
(4)
Marvin A.
I went here with a friend for a late lunch/early dinner. -Service- I was impressed with the service and waiter. He was extremely helpful when he found out it was our first time here. I also appreciated his insight in picking the best homebrew beer that suited my taste. High markings for service. -Food- I had the hothead burger (it was huge!) and was a bit disappointed. Perhaps it was the name of the burger or the description of pepperjack cheese and jalapeno tomato pico, but it did not have any type of spiciness or kick to it... not even a tiny hint. The fries were crispy and the burger, although not what I had expected, was juicy and decent. Moderate marking for the food. -Libations- The beer was delicious and was pleasantly surprised that the waiter was able to help me pick this certain brew out. I had the Tritica Wheat ale immediately went through it within seconds. High markings for libations. I was deciding whether or not to give this place a 3 star or 4. Although I was disappointed at the burger, I was more disappointed in what I read to expect. The beer was exceptional and decided it to be a factor within the meal. The outstanding service also helped elevate this 3 star ruling to 4. I would not go back for the food solely, but for both the food and homebrew.
(4)
Dan S.
After visiting for my 3rd time, this place deserves a review. The layout of the place is great, hostess station right as you walk in, going left takes you to the dining room tables with a more elegant approach, going right takes you to the bar area for a more laid back atmosphere. I wanted to watch Monday Night Football so naturally the bar was my choice. The waiter was good, attentive & checked up on us regularly. I wanted to try the pretzel trio appetizer since it came so highly recommended & for good reason, they were fantastic! I knew they would be amazing as soon as I picked up the first pretzel, very soft & tasty, I could've eaten them plain had it not been for the delicious dips that came along. You get cheese, tomato & parmesan, and some honey mustard butter, both of the dips were great, but the honey mustard butter was passable. I'd like to consider myself a fanatic for burgers, so my standards can be high at times. I was really trying to be a tough critic & find the flaws but to my delight, there weren't any! The patty was juicy all the way through but not so juicy where it drips all over the plate whenever you take a bite. The fries are fresh, hand cut & delicious, I'll have to try the parmesan truffle ones next time. The only thing keeping me from giving a 5 star rating was the beer price. I'm a simple guy that likes to drink Bud Light, but for $4.50 per bottle I will stick to water & buy a 6-pack on the way home for the same price. I saw a couple pizzas being brought to other tables & they looked very good, I will definitely try that on my next visit which will be sooner than later.
(4)
Gigi Y.
I absolutely LOVE this place!! Great beer, great food - Their margherita pizza is fantastic! Nice & light - and you'll have enough to drink some more beer without feeling full. I do not recommend the turkey burger -- unfortunately, i found that it was very mushy, and the bread was soggy because of it. If you like Blue Moon's, you'll enjoy their Trittica Wheat Beer. Try the sampler - the glasses are enough for you to taste a little bit of everything! The warm preztel trio is AWESOME - and it's great that they give you 3 different dipping options!
(4)
Dj Nightwolf ..
I like beer, down in my tummy, yum yum yum! The Lucky Monk has some really good craft beer brewed carefully by brew master Anthony. Don't bother asking me which beer I liked because I liked all of them and drank like a jerk, which led to me eating like an a$$hole. Here's a quick breakdown of what took up some of the space in my tummy that was marked "Reserved for BOOZE" Truffle fries = A Truffleicious WIN! Actually, in all honesty, I still can't decide if they're better than the ones at Rockit, but they are still truffleiciously deeeeeeefawkinglicious! Deviled eggs = Deelish! Seriously, great presentation with a tasty chili sauce drizzled over them. Me likey! Hot Head burger = Great, but it could be awesome. It's a great burger, it's just not an awesome burger. I was expecting a real kick of heat and felt a little disappointed when the chili ketchup and pico de gallo didn't destroy my mouth. :-/ Overall, I'd have to say that this is a solid 4 star joint. The food is good and the service is on point. I like the ambiance and feel of this place, it's nice. The area I was in had big comfy couches and could probably provide somewhat of an intimate atmosphere if it were dark outside. All I know is that I can't wait to go back when it's nice out so I can chill out on the patio and have a beer or two by the fire! Holla!!!â„¢
(4)
Eric M.
Have you been doing curls? If not, you may want to before visiting as these burgers are HUGE. Before I get into these monsters, let's talk the beer. They brew some great stuff here. Make sure to ask whatever is seasonal but their wheat and stout are both very good. If you only order one thing you need to get the pretzel trio appetizer. It sounds simple, but the dough used on these pretzels and the three dips provided (beer cheese, marinara, and mustard butter) are crazy good. Now the burgers. They are huge. You can customize to your hearts desire. And when you saw medium rare they cook medium rare. It'll be messy but it's worth it.
(4)
Amelia W.
Good, but didn't live up to the hype for me. I've heard so many good Yelp reviews and word of mouth -- I had to check it out. THE PROS: Their own beers were very good and reasonably priced. I enjoyed the ambiance, even in a very large space, including the outdoor patio with the firepit. THE CONS: Pretty limited selection of beers outside of their own, which surprised me for being such a beer-focused place. Pretty limited menu as well, I thought. We made reservations but still had to wait. OVERALL: I'd go back, but I'm not going out of the way.
(3)
Dale H.
Big improvement over Brass! Completely redesigned and much more fun. The same brew master was kept. His beer was pretty good previously, but he needs to offer more variety. If I want the same microbrew all the time, I can go across the street to Millrose where they have brewed the same boring beer for 20 years.
(5)
Nari H.
Normally I'd rate this a 4. Came here with a group of friends and overall had a good time. The food was pretty good and the truffle fries are a must-have. I had the fish and chips which I thought could have used a little more flavor, but it didn't feel heavy. I also had the oatmeal stout beer which was divine if you like super dark, smooth beers. But three things that weren't the greatest and here's why I'm giving it a 3: We had miscounted our group (our bad), and had to re-arrange some tables (which some of the other waitstaff were helpful with) but our server really gave us attitude about it, esp in the beginning. Secondly, I felt like she barely stopped by our table throughout the dinner. Granted, it was a busy Saturday night and perhaps she was miffed by how things started off, but a little better (and more) attention would have left me (and my group) happier. I've been in the restaurant industry, so I understand, but still. But seriously. We were not a low-balling group of diners that night. Several of us got beers and appetizers along with our entrees, and she was making a huge killing on our group that night. I needed some hot sauce and with the way things were goin in the evening, I never got a chance to really ask for it, which left me a bit unhappy with my fish and chips. So please, if we're gonna spend our hard earned money, a little better service, would be a little more helpful. Lastly, one of the glasses for my friend broke while he was drinking his beer. That's not cool either. She replaced it and apologized. Overall, I'd say the food and beer (depending on what you get) are excellent. Service should be good, give or take a few miscounts, and I would recommend this place as overall, looks to be a very good (and bumping) establishment. So I encourage you to check it out, but pray for a good server and a lucky parking spot if you come in on the weekends. Tips: - Make reservations. We almost didn't get ours in bc they get busy. - If you get the tacos, they will be very small. - Parking is crowded on weekends. You may find yourself parking at the movie theaters next door, so be prepared to walk if you can't find parking. - They don't seat until at least 50% of your party is here. - If you get Fish and Chips and know you will need a little more flavor, ask for hot sauce at the beginning. - They don't really do much for birthdays, so if you want a song, you will have to sing it yourself. - Lastly, try a beer. Don't come to this establishment, and not get a beer. But note that "thin" pours are still 16 ounces.
(3)
Lawrence M.
My wife and I went there and they have the best selection of beers out there. There grilled cheese burger is humongous and is one of the best burgers I had in a while. If you go there better be hungry huge portions.
(5)
Joe S.
This place scores the trifecta in a casual dining experience that is a cut above: cool indoor and outdoor upscale ambiance, an expansive menu of Belgian style craft beers done right to suit discriminating beer enthusiasts, and a solid bar menu with the legendary bigger than life burgers, varied and original appetizer selections and a broad dinner menu. May be pricier than your average pub but you get what you pay for and if you want an all around solid place that you will return to and bring your friends head there now
(4)
Terrence B.
So my car club is very much creatures of habit and our monthly meetups have revolved around the same places for the past decade. So for our meetup last night I suggested we do dinner and drinks at lucky monk and a movie at AMC (Fast n Furious 5)... Its a group of 10 and they can be rather picky about things. We showed up without reservations and were promptly accommodated. Our waiter was on the ball, extremely knowledgeable about their beer lineup (which is easily one of the best in the area), and flawlessly handled divvying up our bills for our large group. Good or bad, service was not rushing us at all so definitely plan a bit of wiggle room if your going to a show afterwards. The decor of the place is exudes quality. When you walk up, its hard not to notice the sultry firepit under the patio trellis silhouetting couples sharing drinks. Walking inside you are greeted by the bar and lounge area that is draped in hanging hand blown incandescent light bulbs (the same lighting setup at the bristol downtown). The group seating area is a bit more standard fair. Since our meetup wasn't until later in the night, I had already eaten dinner and was only interested in a pre-show drink and some small bites. I ordered the deviled eggs which were a standard presentation but the plate was drizzled with a very spicy chili sauce. It was fantastic.... Everything that came out had a great gourmet flair of presentation, more so than I would have expected. I was drooling over my buddy's order of pretzels and soon found myself placing an order for them as well. 10 minutes later, I was dining on the pretzels myself, and they were straight out of the oven. They are not heavily salted or crusted with anything, quite simple actually but really well done. The three dipping sauces they came with fell a bit short (a whole seed mustard, a cheese and a marinara ). Most of my group ordered burgers and they looked amazing, and I heard zero criticism. It had been a while since I had last been here and I was VERY impressed by their house beers, so I ordered myself the beer sampler. I remembered being very impressed and that this is a worthy destination for any beer snob. Their beer is more malty than hoppy so unlike alot of recent trends, everything is very palatable to the average person. Specifically their Weiss beer is very noteworthy as it has rather strong banana undertones which is something I could drink all night long. While I normally shy from stouts, I know a superb one when I have one. Supposedly what they had on tap last night was a bourbon barrel aged stout , but I wasn't detecting any hints of that. If you are planning a dinner (or even just drinks) and a movie, this is a must try location. They hit it out of the ball park.
(5)
Todd C.
Our favorite restaurant in the Northwest suburbs. The warm pretzel trio is a spectacular appetizer. The burgers are gigantic and amazing...brought out on their own mini-stage, making them appear even larger. Chicken salad sandwich is also gigantic, to the point where it can't be eaten without scraping some off. You won't leave hungry...and we've yet to have a bad experience.
(5)
Chelsea L.
Preface: I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I didn't try to the house brews, but a friend of mine did and claims that they are excellent. We went to Lucky Monk on the recommendation of a friend; and it's location right near the AMC 30 in South Barrington was a definite plus. It made rolling our over-fed butts into our plush movie seats an easy task, for sure. Being a Saturday night, the place was pretty jumpin' when when showed up; our wait for a table was quoted at a respectable half hour, but I'm sure that we were seated faster than that. Because it's such an open floorplan and it was busy, the noise level was a little on the high side, but we acclimated and it all worked out OK. The service was pretty good, our waiter (Tom?) was attentive without hovering, friendly, and had good suggestions for beer and burger fixin's. I opted for the chicken instead of the beef, though the two burgers at the table looked and smelled amazing. My sandwich was great; if I had one complaint, it would be that the roll was inexplicably greasy, but otherwise tasty. I do have to say, however, that the fries were pretty awful. Maybe it was an off night or something, but they seem very proud of their fries, made in-house, yada yada yada, and we just weren't impressed. Drowned in cheese and chili, you don't really notice, but by themselves they're overdone, super greasy, and weren't all that appetizing. Since they're the default side with everything, and substituting anything healthier costs $2 more, they're a big part of why this is a three star review instead of a four star. Speaking of $ - I was pleasantly surprised at the relatively low costs of the entree selections, but they get you with the appetizers and beverages. ($5 for a bottle of hard apple cider? really? and it only goes up from there.) Overall, I would recommend it as a good group-date night sort of place (that's why we were there), but would warn anyone looking for lighter fare to be really careful about what and how your order off the menu. I would like to go back and explore some of the other options myself.
(3)
Laura C.
Good food and service. They brew their own beer which is always fun to sample!
(3)
Nadeem P.
This place is pretty good, I've been here a few times and was pleased with their burgers, which I ordered both times. Their presentation here is stellar, and their truffle fries are delicious. The chicken sandwiches looked great too, maybe next time I find myself in this neck of the woods I will have to give their chicken a whirl...
(4)
V Y.
Review based on two things: 1. Service - Great service as I arrived right a closing last night. Bar staff very willing to check with kitchen to ensure I could order dinner after late flight arrival and long drive to suburbs of Chicago. I ordered takout, and was impressed with their attention to detail when I opened the bag back at my hotel to find plenty of napkins, utensils, condiments. 2. Food - Wide assortment of "casual" fare on menu, including salads, burgers, hand tossed pizzas, classic entres, appetizers galore, and very wide range of beverages. 3. Location - Right off I-90 and near the Hilton Garden Inn where I was staying. 4. Atmosphere - plenty of nice, modern pub, indoor seating complimented by a very nice outdoor, fire pit, shaded seating. When back in Hoffman Estates, IL I will be back at Lucky Monk. Say hi to Andrew H at the bar for me. Great guy.
(4)
John K.
This was a three star meal, but I may be back to try other things. I really wanted to like this place because it has a lot of good looking things but the execution when I went just wasn't there. I started with the fried pickles. They came out hot, and you got a decent amount but by themselves I couldn't really taste the actual pickle, I don't really remember what I was tasting exactly. Dipping them in the sauce on the side brought out the pickle flavor for some reason, but then I didn't really taste much of the sauce. Also a small nit-picky thing was that they were greasy. I know they are fried but if they just tossed them on a towel before serving them it would have helped I think. A plus is that they were crispy. Probably won't order them again. I then got my burger the farmhouse, and upgraded my fries to truffle fry-dom! The fries were average, didn't blow me away with the truffle flavor but it was there. Wasn't pleased that the cheese was sliced on instead of grated as it made it complicated to eat with the fries. I prefer David Burkes Prime House truffle fries over these. The burger came out on a little pedestal which I thought was unnecessary given that it was already huge, and it just took up space on the plate. It had two thick slices of bacon (that surprisingly didn't have a whole lot of flavor). I have had better bacon cheeseburgers before where you could actually taste the cheese and the bacon. With this burger I was just trying to eat it fast because it became a mess very quickly. I cut it in half so it would be easier to work with and it was a perfect medium. VERY JUICY. I have never had a burger this juicy before. Therein lied the problem though. The bottom bun got so soggy so fast it was just not fun to eat. They really need to fix that issue because if anything keeps me from coming back it is that. I may be back though, I am kinda interested to try the fried egg burger (but I can do that at home, with a better bun) and it is right next to the AMC movie theater so it is a decent dinner right before a movie. I'd say give it a try, just don't go into it with too high of expectations.
(3)
Stephanie S.
Great food and beer! The pretzel trio appetizer is spectacular. The service was also good considering it was a friday night at 7 pm when I went into the lucky monk. Didnt have to wait too long for a table either which is always nice. I will definitely be back.
(4)
diana t.
Turkey parmesan burger, juicy and delicious! They make their turkey burgers from scratch, and with the Confessional IPA, it was a perfect lunch combo. I will be back for more.
(5)
Melissa H.
This place can be very busy on weekends, but I'm definitely a fan of the Lucky Monk on weekdays. You can often get a table on weekends, but the acoustics here are a little awful; you might find yourself yelling to make yourself heard to your table mates. They've got a super selection of beer and wine, and lots that's not even on the menu. And they've got...drumroll...Raspberry framboise! Ask for it, and thank me later. Service is good, and the appetizer's I've tried have been great as well. They've got really good french fries here with a unique blend of seasoning. Their fried pickles are amazing as well (which is an automatic star addition for me). Overall a great place. I recommend solidly.
(4)
Larry R.
The Burgers are great, service left nothing to be desired. My wife loves the salads at the Lucky Monk. Fried pickles or as they are called "pickle fries" are definately worth trying. Refreshingly different, but nothing you would want to have every time you visit. Just had the Chipolte Chicken and it was outstanding...The Chipolte Mashed potatos that came with it were the best ! But, the "Corn Casserole they served up with this otherwise great meal was horrible! It looked old nnd tired and tasted even worse than it looked.......What were they thinking. Order the Chipolte Chicken, but tell them to throw the Corn Casserole out back behind the parking lot! Enjoy the outdoor seating while the weather cooperates. Watch the sunsets over the movie theatre. The only thing that would make it a 4 star is if they offered a little more variety on the menu. Pizza, Burgers, Beer, Salad....
(4)
Collin P.
Tried going to Lucky Monk last night at 9:15. Apparently the hostess at the entrance thinks that is too late for her to be out working. When we entered, we didn't get a hello, but "umm.. ya you can sit in the bar" followed by a quick head turn then "ya... theres no tables left in the bar." We then said.. "well.. is your dining room closed, because your sign says 12 midnight on it." She gave a grimacing look...they we explained why we were not going to eat at this new establishment. We were floored that some kid hostess had SUCH an attitude. We walked right back out the revolving door and will not be recommending Lucky Monk. In the car, my girlfriend felt it necessary to tell a manager about what at happened. When she called, she was put on hold for 10 minutes. The music that was playing was frankly, offensive. They need to watch out for that. The N-Word, F-Word, Slut, Bitch, etc. is NOT appropriate for hold music. When somebody returned, all she had gotten was the "bar manager" who gave a few "Huhs?" and that is about it. Not a good way to gain customers from the local community.
(1)
Daniela T.
Pizza was good. Beers are reasonably priced and tasty, however I wouldn't steer from what they are known for, pizza and burgers. I got their roast beef pasta dish and it tasted like hamburger helper...it wasn't very good. However my date ordered the pizza and loved it.
(4)
A J.
This was our 2nd visit to Lucky Monk (once on a weekday afternoon, once on a Sunday afternoon) My husband & I both enjoyed the beer selections. The beer flight/sampler is fun! Food was pretty good - I like the variety. I had the chipotle chicken chili, which was very good. Chicken enchilada soup was good, as was the burger. The fries were awesome. And the S'Mores dessert was out of this world!! The chocolate cake was just ok. Our server was Tiffany, and she rocked. She was fun & seemed to get a good read on her customers & how to treat them. A good server can make or break the entire experience. On a previous visit, our bartended was Candy, and she was also very cool. Lovely outdoor patio, although it was closed for a private event :( I'll be sure to call ahead next time, because I really wanted to sit out there. We live near Ram Brewery, but the food here is definitely superior.
(4)
Andrew J.
I love the Lucky Monk. Basically, it's a super trendy microbrewery and restaurant that serves some of the best beer and gourmet bar food I've had. I've gone to the Monk many times, and the service has always been notably awesome. The people seem to enjoy their jobs, probably because it is easy to sell awesome food and beer to people who are looking for awesome food and beer. Some of the menu items are surprisingly great. The hummus and pita appetizer is the best hummus I have ever had. They also have really tasty fish n chips and absolutely glorious burgers. The home brewed beers make up only a small portion of the beer menu- there is a great selection of Belgian ale, a frambiose lambic, and more. If you're looking for a great meal before or after you head to the movies, or if you're just in the area, this place is totally worth checking out.
(4)
jan l.
We went today due to the extreme heat. We were going to go eat and to a movie, but the theater was mobbed!!! I have been on the hunt for years for the great fried pickles in the south. And disappointed over and over. The batters too thick, they're spears, they're burnt etc etc. Ordered them today, and good Lord, they are wonderful!!!!! My husband said he could never understand my love for fried pickles, but after eating those he certainly did!! We split a patty melt with truffle fries. The patty melt was cooked perfectly, medium rare. It was delicious as were the truffle fries. Our chuckle of the day. The hostess said there'd be a 10 min wait, at 2 in the afternoon. The restaurant was busy, but by no means full. During this time, about 12 people left. She then said it would be a few more minutes because she was trying to let the servers catch up. Who tells that to a waiting customer! Overall, it was one of the better experiences we've had eating out for a while. Go order the nirvana called fried pickles ;-)
(5)
Rachel J.
I called in a reservation, knowing they may not accept them---especially on a Friday night. Not only did they take them, they did so with a smile. They also placed a courtesy call the day of to verify everything. The six of us got here 15 minutes early, and we were offered the table. Way to keep your word on reservations! Our server was fast to take our drink orders, and was able to get my questions answered.........for example, BU = bitter units. The pretzel appetizer is very good---not your typical dried out, once frozen catastrophe with driveway salt on top.....nope; these were hot, fresh, soft and free of all things carnival. The dipping sauces were thoughtful compliments. To make things easy on ourselves, we all had individual pizzas. For 10 dollars, you get 12 inches of NY style hot n fresh in about 20 minutes. My Marghartia pizza was bubblin' with fresh mozzarella, adorned with bright tomato, and fragrant from the fresh basil shreds. Oh yes lawd...........!!! Everyone at the table had different toppings. Nobody was disappointed, nor was anyone available for comment. This fast pizza eating was followed by food comas all around. But of course........we ordered dessert. To share. The Key lime pie is quite tart, but so good. The smores skillet is a sticky mess, and quite rich. Totally brought me back to age 7 for a few moments. The hot apple skillet was very reminiscent of the McDonald's apple pie. The service was perfect. Could not have asked for a better experience in that respect. In the immortal words of Ah-nold.......I'll be back.
(5)
Jon-Rachel Y.
By comparison to the many mundane chain restaurants surrounding the area, this microbrewery is a definite sleeper out in the remote western suburbs. And thanks gives to Mattox for taking us out here. The lively atmosphere and the modern American decor with stone walls provides a great arena for your dining experience. The menu display items that can satisfy both pub-style cravings and traditional American fare. There are two major seating sections; the main area with booths or tables and the bar area. The service was attentive and helpful. The draw backs are the wait time so call in advance for reservations and the parking is somewhat sufficient. As for the food, the hamburgers are flavorful and moderately portioned served with a side of fries. And the microbrews are fantastic, but don't be surprised to see your bill squeeze every penny from your ATM cards after a few beers. Have not tried the other dishes What I ordered: - Farmhouse burger - Fried pickles - recommend - microbrews When we went: - week night @ 7:00 PM Will I return: - yes
(4)
Katie K.
Used to work here and have been dying to go back! So glad I made a reservation on Open Table because it was busy and on a wait when we arrived. Not a huge surprise but it was a Tuesday night so very happy to see this. Host staff all greeted with huge smiles. Was seated promptly with Donato upon my request. I got a Woodchuck and my husband got a Cardinal Sin (his favorite). We noticed some changes in the menu and wanted to try a few. I noticed the St. Louis Cut Spare Ribs and was very intrigued. Donato highly recommended them saying they were extremely good and worth a try. My husband got the Lake Perch and I went with one of my favorites because I missed them, Peppercorn Ranch burger with Cheddar and bacon added to it. The ribs were incredible. We loved the soy glaze. My husband loved the perch and the butter was to die for. My burger was perfect and reminded me why i miss eating here!
(5)
Alan R.
A great place for a good meal and excellent cerveza. I had the beer flight to drink and ordered the chicken poblano chili and the ipa brew nuts. The nuts were amazing, but I was very disappointed in the chili. I had to send it back because it was too cold. My parents and grandmother all had the burgers, my wife ordered had a chicken sandwich and my sister and brother in law had pizza. My mom did not finish her burger, so I brought hers home and had it the next day for lunch. Even a day old it was amazing. The chicken my wife had was also very good, while the Pizza was pretty average and basic. In retrospect, I wish I had also ordered the soft pretzel. The one at Goose Island is amazing. Its a staple for most pubs/microbreweries. If I am out in the Barrington area again, I hope to try Lucky Monk another time. I wish the North Shore had more places like that.
(4)
Paul Y.
This has become my favorite burger place. Very tasty and the right size (large). The rest of the menu is also outstanding. The beer selection is excellent, and their home brews are good, but not great.
(4)
kevin s.
I really enjoy the beers and food here. I've only been here with my kids too (3 and 8 years) and they both loved it. nice outside dining, and their beer flight is great!
(4)
Robb R.
The Lucky Monk is a welcome break from chain dining in South Barrington and a beer lover's dream. They have an excellent selection of beers between their guest craft and microbrews, as well as their own beers, which are very tastefully crafted. The food menu is well inspired and the dishes are expertly executed. Their burgers are world class and their pizza is otherworldly. Atmosphere is comfortably casual-chic; comfortable seating, relaxed quiet dining room and great upscale sports bar. Service is prompt and knowledgeable- I've been lucky enough to have Patty as my server twice, she is quick to highlight the new beers on rotation as well as offer food pairing suggestions, and was happy to bring me tasters of the new beers on their tap. The food, drink and atmosphere are great, and Patty's attentiveness and recommendations took the whole experience over the top. I would recommend The Lucky Monk to anyone, and can see myself becoming a regular.
(5)
Michelle N.
I've only eaten here once, but it's a far cry from the former establishment (name used to be BRASS Brewery). The food was excellent (highly recommend the truffle fries - HELLO calories!), though I seem to recall that the menu contained mostly burgers. The staff was very attentive and helpful, willing to make recommendations, and it was affordable. If I were to make one recommendation, I would say that they should expand their beer selection. I know these brewery joints like to push their homegrown beers, but not everyone loves those. My girlfriends and I did a flight/selection of the house beers, and a few of them were hard to swallow... Overall, great experience at Lucky Monk. I would recommend it.
(4)
Pree N.
Love the ambiance and classy sports bar atmosphere. Pizza is great. Love their truffle fries. Came here on two different occasions, food, drinks, and service were stellar both times.
(5)
Steven L.
The burger so juicy. Pizza is ok. I am not that impress with the pizza. They have their own brew of beer which I find pretty good. I will go back next time and try more dishes.
(4)
steve p.
I've been here several times now. The pretzel trio, burgers, and cookie skillet are all amazing. The pepercorn ranch burger was a bit overpowering however. The more basica varieties are the way to go. Pickle fries and sweet potato fries were awesome too. Service was quick, even on busier nights.
(4)
MARK R.
Its like yuppies just figured out burgers and beers go great together. Haha. Seriously though, the place was good, I have just never made a reservation for a burger before. The in house brew was pretty good but their bottle selection was better. Try the pretzel trio as well.
(4)
Ling L.
I didn't think The Lucky Monk will work effectively in that location as it has Jerseys, a sports bar offering similar fare as pizzas, burgers and beer, a short distance away. However, The Lucky Monk takes it a few notches higher with its microbrews and entree offerings. We went twice and sat in both the dining room and bar respectively. The experience at the dining room was stellar. Granted, it was a slow Tuesday night. Service was attentive and we didn't have to wait long for refills or checks. However, the weekday after the long holiday week at the bar was frustrating. We had given ourselves plenty of time to grab dinner and a movie after at the nearby AMC 30. But our server was inattentive and barely made eye contact in the last 30 minutes, didn't pack up our leftovers and provided a check. We missed our movie and I was not a happy camper. For a restaurant to locate itself so strategically close to a popular cinema, it is a crime to not take into consideration that some of its clientele may be taking in a meal and a movie that day. I almost felt that it would behoove the servers to ask every diner if they were going to see a movie, and adjust their service accordingly. Short of that snafu, the food at The Monk is of good quality. Between 2 opportunities, we had the burger, chili combo, roasted chicken and baby back ribs. The burger is cooked medium, and comes with well-seasoned handcut fries. There are 2 sizes to the burger (6oz and 9 oz), and served on a block, giving the illusion from afar that it is one of those stack-em-up burger that you have to open your mouth trice as big to fit all in. But not so. The chicken was wonderfully moist while the ribs was a tad too sweet for me. Best of all was the brew pub chili. In our first trip, we had the chili combo, but were not bowled over by the chicken-poblano chili, which is the consistency of soup. In our 2nd trip, we had the brew pub chili solo. Still one of the best options in that neighborhood (following Penny Pub down Penny and New Sutton closeby). Of course, a trip to a microbrew will be incomplete without tasting their brews, even for a very occasional drinker like us. Their strongest ale was not overly indulgent that I couldn't finish it. For a light drinker, I find their palest ale to be too light. All in all, we are lucky to have The Lucky Monk close by.
(4)
John M.
I've been driving by it for a while - I didn't notice that the name had changed. It used to be Brass but that went under (and with good reason based on past experience there). My wife actually went there first for lunch with the people she works with. She came home raving about the burgers so we had to go. We both had the 6oz Farmhouse burger ($8.95). She had hers well done and I had mine medium. Both were a little under-done but within reason for our tastes. The Farmhouse burger comes with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, cheddar cheese and 2 strips of bacony goodness. It was wonderful! The burger doesn't have the normal burger taste. I don't know how to describe it, but it's just better! It comes with a decent quantity of hand cut french fries. Although we didn't try any of the beer they have, they do have a good selection. It's also right next to a movie theater so it is convenient for a night out. Service was great too. Stephani was attentive but not overly attentive, friendly and knew the menu. We'll be back to try more items on the menu!
(5)
Jenny B.
Went for dinner and it was delicious! great selection, great tasting beers PICKED FRIES- YUMMY!! BURGERS: Hot Head - if you want a kick to your meal and something a little bit more juicy, id pick this one Ellis- great taste, different flavors, very fresh feeling. one of my favorites! The quality of the meat makes the burger. DESSERT: chocolate cookie skillet- OMG to die for. a little more on the sweet side. shares with 2-3 people Apple jar- share with 2, very good and less sweet.
(5)
Jason B.
food is terrific. its like champps but take it up one notch and they are a whole different level than a champps. its almost like those fancy gastropubs in nyc but not quite the same. this is more of a casual/family feel. jeans: ok by far Order: by waitress
(4)
Charles S.
Ordered the Green Chili Quest Burger and it was a little on the spicy side but overall it was very tasteful! My girlfriend order the Hot Head Burger = delicious. The lighting was a little dim and it was a bit loud. But other than that, it was well worth it! We don't live very close to South Harrington, but if we're back around here I'm sure we'll come back!
(4)
Jon F.
Well done Lucky Monk. Food was fantastic. I had the Poutine and the chili and loved them both. It it not often you find a restaurant in Illinois that serves poutine and also does it well. The atmosphere is awesome and the house IPA was great. Will be back for sure.
(5)
Kim H.
Patty was a great server! Very helpful with selections on menu! Although she is a buckeye!
(5)
Patrick S.
If you're looking for a good brewpub-type place with OK beer, good burgers, and decent prices this is a great choice. We came here for the first time and were generally happy with the food. We started with the trio appetizer which included fried pickles, truffle fries, and cheese curds. The fried pickes (as many other have pointed out) are probably some of the best I've ever had. The cheese curds, while salty, are also delicious and a perfect accompaniment to the beer. Truffle fries and also the fries that came with the meal were OK but VERY greasy, actually to the point that I had to stop eating them because they were so soaked in grease. The burger I had was VERY tasty and their burgers are huge. Again though, while delicous my burger which only had cheese and onions, was so greasy I started feeling sick. Not that it wasn't one of the tastier burgers I've had in a while... it just felt like if I took another bite I'd have a minor heart attack right there at the table. The beer here is OK. If you are a beer snob, you probably won't be impressed. The service as others have pointed out is ok but I can see why there are so many complaints. Our waitress was very nice but seemed overworked and having a tough time keeping up. She still managed to always turn her frustrated look at the computer to a great smile when she came over to our table. I did see one waitress who literally stood at the bar for 10-15 minutes doing nothing until a manager had to come over and talk to her. I could also notice that the service was slow. Our waitress was doing her best but I noticed one elderly couple looking very annoyed and they waited way too long for their food. We will come back probably to have some beers and appetizers, but likely not again for dinner. Unfortunately this is the best of the bunch in our area.
(3)
Carolyn L.
The Lucky Monk was a great place to grab dinner on Monday night. The food was outstanding. We ordered the Trappist Trio appetizer (pickle fries, truffle fries, and onion strings with a wasabi ranch sauce and chipotle ranch sauce) and it was a lot of fried goodness. I ordered the "Smothered" burger, medium rare (and cooked just right) with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, and a fried egg on top. The meat was delicious, the toppings flavorful, and the bun soft and golden! The fries were also crispy and hand-cut. So yummy. Finally, I ordered their American IPA, Confessional, home brew and it complimented the meal very nicely. My friend ordered the Farmhouse burger with Applewood smoked duroc bacon, Tillamook cheddar, and all the fixins. His looked awesome and we both left stuffed and happy. I'd love to go back!
(5)
Dean K.
I have been waiting to come here for quite awhile. The reviews are great so I had been anticipating. We went on a Saturday night about 6:15. The wait was quoted at 45min to an hour. It ended up being 1 hour. The place is extremely loud and we were placed right next to the bar which was probably the loudest area. The service was good and we were able to order quickly and get our food quite quickly. I had the Sunrise with Bacon marmalade. I tasted a sweet flavor more than I tasted bacon. But, it was pretty good. My wife and daughter had a hamburger with bacon grilled cheese sandwiches in place of regular bread. We all agreed that the food was good. I would go back when it is not so crowded. For those that have been to Kuma's Corner, I think Kuma's is better. I also think Bulldogs of Wauconda is better and their burgers are less than $8. The experience is totally different though. This is all about the taste.
(4)
Dan H.
Wow. I have been here twice now and absolutely love this place. Service is always excellent. Great decor. Now let's get to the food. For appetizers, their cheese curds are some of the best I've ever had. We also get the warm pretzel trio, also excellent. I think it's the variety of dipping sauces that come with these appetizers that really take them to the next level. Entrees - burgers are fabulous! Na'wlins Chicken, just as fabulous! VERY flavorful, cooked just right. Beer- I always get the Tritica Wheat Ale. It has a slight flavor of banana bread. Normally I am skeptical of fruit flavored beers, but this one is great! If I could sum up my experience at the Lucky Monk in one phrase, it would be "Explosion of Flavor!"
(5)
Scott F.
The burgers are amazing and served on a little wooden "stage" so they look bigger than they are....whatever, it tastes good and they manage to get the whole "Medium" thing done perfectly. The downside- The drinks, even on special are pricey. Downtown prices should be saved for downtown. Also, they told me they have WELL WATER, thats why the water tastes like a rusty tool box. After I found this out (after a huge gulp) I asked for a bottled water, which they gladly gave me at an INSANE price. IF you have WELL WATER at your NICER bar, you may want to get a Hinkley and Shmitt thing going or some other form of non FOUL tasting water to serve with your great burgers! DUH? The place has improved greatly, I blow some serious coin in the place and it's nice and close...
(4)
Ang C.
This one of our favorite places to go for a casual date night or to meet up with friends. They have a nice beer selection and the food is great, especially the pizza (that arugula covers the whole pizza!), salads (so fresh and not doused in dressing!), cheese curds (yay dipping sauce!), new ice tea (passion fruit is the best!), sweet potato fries (hello cinnamon and cajun seasoning) fish tacos and tilapia (the banana reduction sauce is where it's at!). They have live music on some nights as well.
(5)
Josh M.
Fried pickles! I'm fairly sure that my friend wanted to take them home and make sweet sweet love to them all night long. Too bad he ate all of them... That being said that wasn't the only good thing to be had there. The truffle fries were ok - not as good as everyone was hyping them up to be. The sweet potato fries were so much better. But the burgers were killer - we tried the peppercorn ranch, the hot head, and the farmhouse. All of which were cooked perfectly and seasoned well (I hate an under-seasoned burger). The service was a little hit or miss. The server didn't do the best job of recommending some of the mixed drinks. She didn't care for cucumber so that led to passing on the cucumber pomegranate mojito that was very good. I had the beer sampler that was missing the oatmeal stout due to the brewmaster getting to drunk at a beer expo earlier in the day (ill let that one slide :p). I went with the Confessional IPA that was nice and hoppy but not too over the top. We finished the night outside next to the fire pit which was amazing and it was a beautiful night. Moral of the story sit outside and get yourself some fried pickles and a good beer - to be honest all of them were pretty good.
(4)
Erik H.
So I've been to The Lucky Monk about a dozen more times since I wrote my first review and I can say, without any embellishment or fanfare, that it is my favorite restaurant in the northwest suburbs, bar none. First the burgers: I've tried The Monk, Peppercorn Ranch, Bourbon Stout, Smothered, Grilled Cheese & Green Chile Queso Burgers, and they are all just gorgeous. Beautifully plated and always cooked perfectly medium rare, they are all winners, but especially the ones that rely on the strengths of the burger as opposed to bursts of flavor from its toppings. Thus the Monk Burger (Tillamook Cheddar + pickle), Bourbon Stout (Tillamook Cheddar + stout braised onions + pickle) & the Smothered (caramelized sweet onions + Gruyere + pickle) really excel, with the proteins taking center stage. Then the beers: The Lucky Monk is a brewpub and you won't find their beer in any local stores, which is unfortunate because it's pretty damn good. I prefer fruitier, less hoppy, fuller bodied ales and stouts and so I tend to consistently order their Solitude Oatmeal Stout, Gra'le, and Tritica Wheat Ale when I want something particularly sweet. I'll admit I'm not a big fan of their other regulars, but their seasonals have so far been above par, from the powerful Bourbon stout to the refreshing Maibock. They also have multiple guest taps that trend pretty good. Don't forget the sides: The Lucky Monk's secret weapon has to be its sides. The burgers and beer may get you in the door, but don't even pretend it's not the truffle fries, sweet potato fries, fried pickles or chicken poblano chili that are keeping you here. The sides are nothing short of miracles in potato/chicken/soup form, and that's not even counting the appetizers (giant pretzels with three kinds of sauces perhaps, or maybe deep fried cheese curds yes please?) And just for funsies I've ordered or tasted many of the other menu items including the butternut squash ravioli, fish tacos, al pastor pizza, apple-bacon flatbread & BBQ pulled pork sandwich. They've all generally been hits over misses (the pizza's a little dry though), but I just can't help getting a burger, fries and a beer; they're miles above the competition.
(5)
Eman A.
The food here is fantastic. I came once on my own, once with a large group and once with my husband. Everytime I got awesome service and the food was great. Great place for burgers. Pizza was good. The pretzel bread is amazing. And the fried pickles are to DIE for.
(4)
Kim M.
Been here a handful of times either for Yelp events or just to enjoy one of the best burgers around. The burgers are consistently juicy, to the point that I feel like I'd be better off wearing my napkin as a bib. They have great pizzas both for appetizers and meals. It doesn't look kid friendly, but it is if you are there early enough in the evening. The service here is consistently good. You won't be asking your server for anything because they come by enough times. The beers are also great. Summary? If you are a beer drinking burger lover, check this place out. And maybe bring a bib.
(4)
Aimee M.
Our service was wonderful. Aubrey was on point, helpful and friendly without any hovering. For 3 gals that needed to de-stress and just have an enjoyable evening, it was nice to have a server that anticipated our needs. The menu has a nice selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, steak, ribs, chicken and flatbread/thin crust pizza and salads. I opted for the Monk Burger--basically a cheeseburger with Tillamook Cheddar and the usual fixings of lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions. The burgers come with fries and I opted to "upgrade" my fries for a $1 and chose the Truffle Parmesan fries. I'm drawn to truffle fries like a moth to a flame so if it's on the menu, I'm ordering it. They also have a Truffle Fries appetizer for those that can't get enough of them. The burger was delicious. Juicy and well made. Fresh ingredients and a pretty big serving. It was one of those kind of burgers that I had to cut in half first before trying to take a bite. The Truffle Fries were just what the doctor ordered--so delicious. Crispy fries, subtle aroma and flavor of truffle oil (not overpowering at all) and nice sprinkle of Parmesan. So, so, sooooo good! There's a nice list of beer--domestic and craft. Check out their house brews as well-they offer a tasting/sampler option. I had tried their Stout when I was here for a Yelp Elite event and really liked it. (This from a girl that likes her beers light). We also opted for desserts. They were good, not great. We shared the warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and the carrot cake. I'm not a carrot cake fan, but liked the cake better than the apple crisp. I found the cinnamon in the apple crisp awfully overpowering and the ice cream couldn't calm it down. The carrot cake was moist and the cream cheese frosting was sinfully rich.
(4)
Brittney N.
Visited on a Saturday night and it was super crowded! We had made a reservation though and we're seated on time. Awesome selection of beers, with a full list and description on the menu which is helpful. Also, the server was able to make recommendations. Our table of 4 all had burgers, which all looked delicious! I had the classic tommy turkey burger, but added mozzarella, it was amazing! The only reason for four starts instead of five is because they were out of a couple of beers and we felt rushed by our server before the said that we would be visiting and catching up for a while.
(4)
Shawn K.
AMAZING BURGERS AND FRIES!!! Kids always choose this place to celebrate their birthday. Almost always jammed, so make reservations. Food is always very good. Very nice wait staff.
(5)
Ben C.
This was our second trip to The Lucky Monk. The four of us arrived early on a Sunday evening. The place was busy, bu we were seated quickly and proceeded to start our dining experience with a taste of several house beers. Pros: nice atmosphere, decent food..we all ordered specialty sandwiches Cons: very slow service, it was almost a half hour before we were served our first beers, the house beers were mediocre, lacking character and substance. ..watered down representations of the styles they tried to imitate. Thank goodness for the guest beer selections. We were able to finish up with a couple of fine beers from Lagunitas Brewing.
(2)
Jimma J.
Lucky Monk is a really nice place for an Ale House. First off, their home brews are all amazing! They have a brew for all kinds of beer lovers. I highly recommend trying the sampler, but my personal favorite is the Fallen Angel Amber Lager. Aside from the home brews, they also offer a selection of microbrews to satisfy any beer craving you may have. The bar area is usually packed and there are several TVs if you want to catch a game and have some drinks and bar snacks. But there is a substantially large dining area that isn't loud if the bar scene isn't your thing. Every so often they do have live entertainment which is a nice change of pace. When it's nice outside, the outdoor dining area is really nice epecially at night. As for the food, it's great! many of the dishes are playful and really work with their local brews. Try the goat cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and red pepper pizza! Their burgers are great, fish tacos are great! I loved the N'Awlins Chicken Sandwich! This place is definitely worth a try and a perfect location for a dinner/movie date since its right next to the AMC. What more could you ask for!?
(5)
Alex A.
Good craft beers and great burgers. I hope they stay in business because when you pay cash the servers stick the cash in their pockets and apparently do not take it to the register.
(4)
Cristina G.
My last experience here was pretty awkward and I didn't even get to try the food. I finally had a chance to come back today and actually eat. My best friend and I walked in around 7 and it was pretty busy. We waited about 15-20 mins and were seated. The actual restaurant is very nice. I love the decor and the bathrooms are super clean, which is always great. Our waitress was attentive and was great with keeping up with refills on our pop. Despite being busy it seemed like that staff worked well under pressure. I ordered the Peppercorn Ranch burger and added cheddar cheese. It came out fairly quickly. The actual burger was pretty big. It was cooked perfectly and it had a good amount of toppings on it. The seasoned fries it came with were amazing. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Yum! For dessert we ordered the Peanut Butter Brownie Mason Jar. Oh my glob! So amazingly good. It comes in a small mason jar, but its big enough for two people to share. If you're in the area I'd definitely recommend stopping here to try one of their burgers. You'll love it.
(4)
Melissa Z.
We love this place - mostly for the beer selections. They have good food, but their microbrewery is what draws us in and we simply stay for the food. The Confessional IPA is my favorite. My husband is a fan of the Grail. They even have a Sam Adams Chocolate Bock on their guest tap right now (that beer is worth going for alone).
(4)
Katie W.
My boyfriend found Lucky Monk on yelp, so we decided to check it out this weekend. Great find! I am in love with their Tritica-Wheat ale! We made reservations a few hours before we wanted to go. We arrived early, and were seated right at our reservation time. This place gets crowded, so I would definitely recommend a reservation. We both ordered the Tritica Wheat Ale, and I have to say it is now one of my favorite beers. I would order the sampler next time to try all their beers. For an appetizer, we ordered the warm pretzel trio. I loved it, and EACH of the three dipping sauces it came with (tomato-parm, mustard, and cheddar-beer fondue). The appetizer was three huge pretzels, and we devoured it all. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich for my entree. I really loved the pulled pork. It had just enough BBQ sauce and an awesome, smokey flavor. I would definitely get this again. It was better than my bf's burger, in my opinion. I chose the sweet potato fries, and really didn't like them. They came with a chipotle cinnamon, which sounded right up my alley. I am a sweet potato fry lover, but they were just too sweet for me. I didn't get any of the chipotle flavor at all. My boyfriend did like them, however. So if you like really sweet, then these may be for you. The service was great and fast. Can't wait to go back for the food and beer!
(4)
Brittni R.
My experience here was pretty good, but I want to go back and try more of the appetizers and beers. This is a typical microbrewery, they have a ton of beer to choose from and some really interesting menu items. I was not that hungry when I went, so I went for the mini fish tacos, which were really good. My mom had the steak tacos which she claimed were not that great. My dad had a salad.. We did not take full advantage of the menu because we just stopped in for a light simple dinner. The burgers looked amazing though, and some of them were really interesting and different. Would def go back.
(4)
Arlene G.
went here a few weeks ago on a sat. early evening with about 12 people in our party. i cant even remember everything we ordered cuz we ordered so much food! everything was super delicious! i would definitely come back for the food but the only reason i gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was the miscommunication between the manager & the person in our party who made the reservation. we got charged with some type of private party fee but we were sitting in the main dining room with other guests. the manager lady spoke to us about it & we worked it all out but i still find it a but shady that they considered our seating area a private party. its not as if we were in a complete different room with no other guests besides people in our party. we had a waiter that was a waiter for other tables as well and even forgot to bring out a few items we asked for on the 1st request. he was really nice so i didnt hold it against him since it was a busy night and there were a lot of people in our party. however, i still disagree with the wording of our "private party" seating and the fee they charged us.
(4)
Jen R.
WARNING... Use caution when ordering & Eat Responsibly. I ordered WAY too much food. I had to unbutton my pants upon leaving, sit uncomfortably through movie because I was so full, and interrupt the movie (TWICE) to use the facilities because I sampled too many beers. Great beer selection (I LOVE framboise!!!), fantastic fries, juicy, flavorful burger. Delicious apps. Overall, phenomenal experience. The service was outstanding, and our server went beyond! Absolutely would return, despite my inability to stop stuffing my face. Know your limits.
(5)
Mike S.
FYI they sell Cheese Curds here (For those who know) and they are the best I've had in IL thus far.
(5)
Ryan H.
I have been to The Lucky Monk twice, and both times I had a great time! The first time I went there with my family. I tried all of their craft beers that they make right in the restaurant, some hits and misses. I do have to say that their vienna-style lager, The Fallen Angel, is the best lager I have ever had. It is lighter than most lagers and is not bitter at all! Back to my first time there, I ordered their steak medallions, they were delicious but according the waiter they did not look like they should had. I ate them anyways because they were so good and before I knew it the manager had brought me a whole new plate of steak medallions. That is good service, wanting your customers to have only the best! Before my second time attending I called ahead to speak with the brew master because I was having a party and wanted to order a keg. He suggested a seasonal beer I had never had before so I told him I would come in later that night to taste it along with the original beer I wanted so I could compare the two and decide which would fit best. Well he did one better than that, he personally served myself and a good friend of mine a lot of their craft beer for free, even refilling some of the beers so we could taste them again. Long story short I actually ended up going with his recommendation over my original choice. P.S. Their fish and chips are delicious, tastes very fresh!
(5)
Sam M.
Absolutely great burgers, I'm also a big fan of their in-house brewed beers. I was on a business trip to the Barrington area and this place ended up being my nightly stop. Their burgers are top notch and the three different in-house brews I tried were all excellent beers; I highly suggest their stout and IPA, with the stout being my favorite. If you're feeling extra decadent, they have this awesome creation of a burger that has for its bun a pair of bacon stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches. I definitely had an overwhelming feeling of shame and guilt after consuming one of those, but it tasted so good......I want another!! They also have a really good jumbo pepperoni pizza. The peperoni's are about the size of most salami slices and the sauce has just the right mixture of seasonings. As for the waitstaff, they were all absolutely fabulous. I sat at the bar almost every night I went there and they treated me (a tourist of sorts) like a local. I almost forgot, always upgrade your fries to truffle fries, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Ken K.
Met my wife here (when it was Brass) so The Monk will always have a special place....the BEST beer Sampler I ever had, cozy environment, friendly people, good food....it's in our once a month rotation!
(5)
Ashley S.
Came here for a friends birthday last Friday night. They had live music, which was pretty good, but the Main Attraction was definitely their "Grilled Cheese Burger!" Oh man, where do I begin...this is a quarter pound, juicy cheeseburger surrounded by two grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with bacon...Not so great on the heart, but amazing on the taste buds!!!!! By far the best cheeseburger I've had! The atmosphere is really cool too, lounge-y, relaxed and the service was fantastic! I will definitely be going back for that burger!
(5)
Jason H.
I recently made reservations here for my wife and I, her parents, and my parents. We all arrived in the parking lot only to discover that there was no parking at all! People were driving around like buzzards looking for a spot to park. The only option was valet parking, which apparently uses a separate lot that's for valet only. But that was not an option for me as I drive a sweet sports car, and I'm not going to let anyone drive it but me, so I high tailed it out of there along with my wife and both sets of parents. So anyone with a nice car, has to either bang it out with the other buzzards searching for a spot, or throw chance to the wind and hope the valet guy is nice to your car. Both options suck, and I'm sorry I can't offer any review on the service or food, because the food really looks good here.
(1)
Andrew L.
Prices here are a little high for the quality of the food, which wasn't too much of a problem because the ambiance was really nice and our server was spectacular. Soft Pretzel appetizer was THE BOMB, and may have been the highlight of the meal. Well, the highlight of the food part at least. Had three different beers, the only one of which I can remember was their Bourbon Stout. I don't usually enjoy drinking bourbon by itself (I'm lying) or drinking stout by itself (also lying) because both of them have flavors associated with them that make drinking them unpleasant. They mixed the two together, got rid of all the bad, and left only the best of both drinks. The bourbon flavor masked the unpleasant feeling of getting punched in the face most stouts have, and the beer was super smooth. Took a growler of their pilsner home, which was delightfully crisp. Nothing too fancy with the flavors, but a nice flavor, and good drinking. Wish it was closer to home, I've thought about making the drive up a couple of times, but if I'm ever in the area again, I have to stop by for at least a beer.
(4)
Tiff B.
I live no where near The Lucky Monk. I mean, it's not even remotely close to any place I ever need to go. Yet I've still made my way there a few times because the burgers and beer are just that good. Get a beer flight, truffle fries and any of their burgers and you'll understand why it's worth a drive from Chicago to South Barrington. Extra points for the super friendly wait staff, tons of tvs near the bar for sports watching and the fact that they take reservations. The hot pretzels and cheese curds (the dipping sauces that come with them are to die for) are pretty amazing too. I've never been disappointed with anything on the menu and their microbrews are unique and really good too.
(5)
Dan D.
It's really all about the beer, isn't it? And that is pretty damn good. Had the sampler, and enjoyed all except the pumpkin offering, which wasn't a house brew. The pretzel appetizer was really good, and really BIG. We enjoyed the pizza, too. Expected the sauce to be overly sweet, and was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't. The only real issue we had was that the service seemed a little indifferent, especially considering how few people were there. We'll definitely be back, at least for the beer!
(4)
Rob W.
Pizza and burgers are there feature food. I have yet to try the pizza, but burger-wise, I wasn't impressed. Nice presentation, but he presentation isn't where the flavor is at. For all the hype about the burger, I was disappointed. Decent selection of beers. Convenient location for me for many places I go to, but it's just not that good. I might go back there some day, but wouldn't regret it if I don't.
(2)
Pierre D.
I've been saying this for a while, it would be great to have a establishment near AMC 30 that is not Millrose Brewery and it's more than an establishment it's a good place and a place I'd return to. First let's start out with the finger food, they have some pretty awesome truffle fries, I recommend to try some. Next, drinks are great, from mixed to beers, they had a very good double bock when I was there, not sure if it's a seasonal . Moving on to main courses the menu seemed to be heavily into the burgers...Kind of a turn off for me but hey if it's your thing cool...I think they have an opportunity to introduce a lot more items there... Lastly, deserts are good, we had a brownie and it was defiantly enough for the two of us. Overall, good place and glad it's here. I'll be back to see the Monk.
(4)
R S.
I'm not a beer drinker... Or a drinker of any alcohol for that matter. But my husband is a beer connoisseur. So we went to lucky monk and he loved everything he's tried. I even tried the blueberry cider and the strawberry beer--thoroughly enjoyed them! And we ordered the hot head burger and fries--best burger we have had!!! And the truffle fries? Talk about flavor boost!!! We went on a Saturday night which was a long long wait. Bar was filled, waiting area filled. My only recommendation is for more waiting space or chairs... I understand why the wait is long. The food and drinks are amazing!!! We just need a place to wait before we get a table to order our delicious food. But I highly recommend this place... You cannot go wrong!!! Love the food, love the drinks!
(4)
A M.
My wife and I were happy to try The Lucky Monk, since we saw it get good Yelp reviews. TLM brews its own beer and they make great burgers. We recently went and I head the Bay burger with cheese curds and the cardinal sin pilsner beer. The burger was okay, the meat part was cooked excellent and it was juicy. I just expected more out of the accompanying ingredients to make for a great burger. The cheese curds were really good and the beer was excellent. My wife had the bourbon burger with fries. I should have ordered the bourbon burger instead. I just wanted to be different from her. Serves me right for trying to be too adventurous. Definitely would consider coming back.
(4)
Kaeley K.
Loved it! Came here with my girlfriends on a Friday after work for dinner & drinks. Food was outstanding! Try the truffle fries! We sat outside on the patio and had a blast. Will definitely be back and have told many friends and family to check it out.
(5)
Franklin D.
Quite tasty! A bit on the expensive side ($11 for a burger) but seems like they're using the higer end ingredients ans making everything with a lil extra love, so.... yeah I'll pay a bit extra. Atmosphere is great, soooo many beers listed, food was outstanding. I will be back for sure.
(4)
Lindsay M.
My review is based solely on the baby shower that we threw for my sister-in-law because it's actually the only time I have dined here. The management was extremely helpful and gave us a great price on a private room and food. We were able to get pizzas, salad, and other hors d'oeuvres for the ladies to munch on throughout the day. The room was nicely set up and the service was awesome! Everyone had a drink in hand at all times and the servers even helped clean up after games and gifts which I would never expect them to do. Working in a brewery, I am a bit of a beer snob and found their brews to be alright but nothing great. I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is throwing a bridal shower or baby shower. Jorie was the manager in charge and was great!
(4)
Elizabeth A.
Smothered Burger is delish. Ask the bartender to make you a sangria, too!
(4)
Tom C.
This place is going downhill. I used to come here a lot after it first opened. The food was pretty good but they have changed some of the recipes. Recently my wife had one of the dinner salads and the greens were not fresh. I had a turkey burger which was very average. t came with a plie of cold wilted fries. Ick! I ordered a glass of La Crema Pinot Noir wine. It was $15 a glass. What a rip off! We won't be coming back again.
(1)
Chuck G.
The Lucky Monk is a popular and trendy brewery restaurant near a giant movie theater gogo-plex in South Barrington. That is the only thing I don't like about it. It is most crowded based on movie times so beware. The beers are excellent and being both a beer and wine guy, I am surprised at how good the wine list is. The menu is not extensive, but if you know ahead of time that you can basically either get a pizza or a burger with your great beer then that shouldn't be an issue. The pretzel and fried pickles appetizers are probably the two biggest hits. They also offer sandwiches and a couple of fish and pasta dishes. The service is very good. I've been there recently with groups of ten-plus people and both times had no problems with the service. Even at its most busy times the service does not suffer. I recommend reservations on weekend nights after 5pm.
(5)
Donna R.
I have found a new obsession and it is the delectable appetizer of Fried Pickles. I know its very Snooki of me, but let me tell you.... these pickles are one of the best things I have ever had. You can taste everything from the flaky batter.. the bitterness of the pickle.. and the awesome chipotle ranch dip. And there was a TON of them. My bf and I were practically full after finishing this feast of fried goodness. OH! And don't let me forget their fantastic aioli dipping sauce for their fries, I could dip anything in that sauce and be happy. I LOVE this place and I'm so glad I gave it another try.
(5)
Cathy G.
A couple of my friends and I went to The Lucky Monk before seeing a movie at the AMC Barrington and to celebrate one of my friend's birthdays. Normally we head to Woodfield because of the plethora of great restaurants around there, but the show times there just did not work for us this time. Anyway, one of my friends came up with the Lucky Monk as a dining choice for movie day at AMC Barrington and I'm really glad she did. First of all, it was really difficult to make a choice for lunch because this is one tempting menu. From reading reviews on Yelp we sort of knew we had to try at least one burger and one pizza. One friend and I decided to split these while our other friend, who was trying to eat a little lighter, went for the chicken breast entree. Yowza, this was some seriously good food. The spinach and goat cheese burger was heaven on a bun. It was literally served on a pedestal and deservedly so! Messy, meaty and so delicious. Best burger I have had in a really long time. And the fries were excellent, hot and crispy. Make sure to ask for the aioli dipping sauce (no extra charge). Garlicky and great with the fries. As for pizza, we went for the arugula, proscuitto and potato. Though I had expected the potato to be thin slices, they were actually mashed, making the pizza extra creamy. The crust was thin and crispy and pretty much perfect. And WAY too much pizza for the one serving it claimed to feed. No problems, it heated up like a charm. Excellent flavor, hot, great crust and leftovers too. Who could complain? I did not sample the chicken breast dinner, but my friend said it was very flavorful and moist, and the spoonful, of mashed potatoes I tried were excellent. I have focused on the food, but the service was extremely attentive and friendly, the booths were especially comfy and roomy, and the atmosphere was a nice change from your typical chains. Once you sit at your table, you don't feel rushed and the other tables kind of blend into the background. Great place to hang with friends. Sorry, Woodfield, I'm pretty sure I will be making the Lucky Monk my restaurant of choice for movie day from now on. At least until I try the pretzel appetizers, the chicken wings, the cheese curds,a whole lot of pizzas and burgers....you get the point.
(5)
Jane K.
So the night started out: Let's just say its 9:30pm and we had reservations for 8:45 and we are still not seated. What is the point of making reservations? After finally being seated, the night turned for the better. The food was awesome (I recommend their burgers..mmmm) And they make their own beer! (love the strawberry beer they have) waitress was very nice and helpful. I would come back to this place again. I live in Chicago and the drive for me is kinda long so I will be hesitant to make reservations there (hopefully that one time was a not so common issue they have)
(2)
Jackie G.
My new favorite place in the area! I've been here for lunch with a manager, drinks with friends, and a dinner with a guy. It fit all occasions. My manager suggested the place and the pretzel trio appetizer. I've gotten it each time I've gone. You get three large, warm pretzels with three dipping sauces - well, really not sauce - a honey mustard with butter consistency, their tomato bisque, and beer cheese fondue. I highly recommend it! I also got the bourbon burger (messy) and paid a little extra for the truffle fries - both tasted very good. Another time I tried the goat cheese beet salad (only complaint - couldn't find arugula in it the salad!) I've done the beer flight and enjoyed trying their brews. Aside from the fare, I've been pleased with the service each time. I've dined close to closing time and never felt rushed. Also, been with a group of people who just wanted drinks, and the waiter was still friendly and didn't seem to mind that. Servers also haven't minded charging the bill on multiple cards. They play good music and hours are good. I'll be back.
(5)
Nichole C.
This is my third visit to The Lucky Monk and I always feel the same when I leave: Full, half-lit, but half-annoyed. Let me explain. I really like the food here. It's traditional American fare with a twist to try and make it 'different' (you know, presentation is contemporary, there is truffle oil and fancy sauces, etc.). I have gotten the burgers twice and the fish and chips once...all are good. I am a big fan of meat coming out the temperature you ask for so that's a plus here. You ask for a medium burger and you shall receive. (Keep that in mind if you are temperature challenged individual. I know you people are out there, now you have fair warning.) I also really like the fries and the fried pickles are delicious (truly, most places have me at "fried pickle"). Beer. Oh man, do I love a good microbrew. I am a HUGE fan of having the crappy beers OFF the tap so the good shit can be had. The Lucky Monk provides. Yes, there is still a pilsner and a couple of low IBU ales for the sissies...no worries. If you enjoy a fuller bodied, malty, or hoppy beer, they have you covered here too. My two faves made in house are the Confessional IPA and the Solitude Stout (NOT THE BOURBON BARREL AGED STOUT THOUGH! That is SERIOUS if you are not a Bourbon fan.) The Confessional IPA is a maltier pale ale with a good hoppy aroma and citrusy hoppy finish. It is stronger so it tastes almost like an imperial, but not as rough. The Solitude is a creamy and dark stout with a strong coffee finish and a nice lacy head. Both are pretty good. I also really like that they have a flight so you can sample each brew to see what you like. The only thing this restaurant has going against it is the wait and the service. You really never know what you are going to get, but the three times I have come here on a Friday or Saturday night they have been packed. Even at 8 or 9 at night. The movie theater is right there, so I am sure that has a lot to do with it. Your best bet is to sit at the bar, at a table around the bar, or in the "living room" and get a cocktail waitress to serve you. My annoyance with the service is that it has never been GREAT. I don't need you to bow down to me or anything, but it would be nice to have someone who a) knows what they are doing/talking about and b) is friendly (I'm looking at you, crabby hostess!).
(4)
Paul K.
Beer flight sampler really impressed. Had two appetizers which were outstanding. This is a potential five star when I return for a full dinner. So far, highly recommended!
(4)
Meghan T.
Perfect for a date night or with a group of friends. Has a great bar area with enough flat screens to catch a game without an overwhelming sport's bar feel. Out door seating is also great when the weather is nice. The dinning room is lively and has a warm vibe. They also have a good mix of booths versus tables and the host are happy to humor me and my special "short table not high top" request. Service is always friendly and efficient. They're helpful with suggestions and accommodate special orders. Last time I had a gnarly crack in my water glass and my server brought me a free drink on the house. I've only ever had the peppercorn ranch burger when I've been here but I've had a bite of the N'awlins chicken sandwich as well. Both are solid sandwiches and from what it seems are paired with a specialty craft beer from Lucky Monk's brewery. Five stars for cleanliness too! Last time I saw they do a promotion with the AMC located next store so that'd be a fun promo to take advantage of. I always look forward to coming back and am looking forward to visiting in the summer months.
(5)
L Z.
I would find it hard to NOT give them five stars because there was nothing bad about our experience (except maybe the calorie intake!). Our server was Andre who was fun, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. We had the Sunrise burger and the King burger ..... WOW! Giant, juicy, cooked to perfection are just a few descriptive terms. The fries are outstanding in their own right. I've never seen such unique, risk-taking, creative burger selections. We'll have to get back and try a few more as well as their pizza.
(5)
Ericka L.
Came here with my boyfriend for a late Sunday night dinner and the restaurant was almost empty...no biggie, that means we got faster service and more attention!! For starters, I had a cup of their chili and it was awesome, just as I remembered it (tried at a recent Yelp event), meaty, saucy, and satisfying. For my main course I had the Farmhouse burger that came with cheddar and bacon slices. I chose to add some sliced avocado on top to give it that wonderful creamy texture. The burger was delicious, juicy, and just right in size (I got the 6 oz, as opposed to the 9 oz that my boyfriend got). Don't think a restaurant can really screw up a burger (unless they bring it to me still quivering...then we have problems). I didn't care too much for their fries, but I had enough to focus on already with that fab burger... We also tried the brew sampler which consisted of 6 mini glasses of their best ale. All beer tastes the same to me so, meh...but the BF was impressed and even sent a pic to his friend. Overall, a cool, chill spot that we would keep coming back to. Next time, we'll check out the ambiance at the bar by having a meal/drink there...
(4)
Marina M.
Delicious burgers :)
(4)
Megan O.
I needed to update my review and share with the Yelpers that the Spinach and Goat Cheese burger is by far one of the BEST burgers I have ever had. The cheese made it so creamy and the garlic infused spinach made it seem like it was healthy... I took a vow to not eat burgers for at least half the year (I mean I don't eat them everyday, I just wanted to see if I could do it), but then realized my love for them is too strong and I couldn't resist deliciousness from Lucky Monk. That burger was worth breaking my vow.
(5)
J S.
Went on a Friday night at 6:45pm. Service was horrible. Our server had NO personality and seemed as if we were bothering her by sitting in her section. Went with a group of 6 and told the server ahead of time we would be doing 3 separate checks. For the most part the food was good except I asked for the "Half Chicken: mashed potatoes, bacon cornbread dressing, natural juices". This seemed a relatively healthy option once I substituted the potatoes for veggies with no oil/butter. The dish came out with FRIED chicken and veggies with butter/oil. I asked the server if the menu said "fried" and she said "yes, but in a round about way". What in the description mentions it is fried? A learning experience for me for sure as from now on I will ask specifically how things are prepared if it does not state. But how hard is it to not put butter/oil on veggies? Additionally, when we were closing out the server took FOREVER to bring the bills and she said it was because she had to figure out all the separate bills (we told you in the beginning there would be separate bills). Do it right from the beginning. Will not go back again. Not impressed at all.
(1)
dante M.
Keep coming back for a favorite.... Fresh spinach pizza... And very tasty Carne asada tacos..
(4)
Andrew M.
Went here for an early dinner with my 6 year old and ex wife who brought her too see me at work. We shared the pretzels - heard they were great and we all concluded that they were indeed fantastic! Good dipping sauce as well. The menu is small but everything looks delicious and our food was no exception. I ordered the Nawleans (sp) Chicken sandwich with parmesan truffle fries. The sandwich was excellent - tender, juicy and full of flavor. The bun was also perfect - soft and warm and just barely able to keep the onion crisps and lettuce in. The fries were okay - nothing to write home about but that is okay because I want to try the sweet potato fries and next time I will - knowing that I am not missing much by passing on the truffle parmesan fries. The ex nabbed some sort of beat salad with arrugala - I am a man so I am not supposed to know the propper spelling of that so who cares? Anyhow according to her it was very good and she did not complain once or send anything back. Our daughter grabbed a simple buttered pasta with parmesan cheese. It was pretty good but hard to mess that one up. The service was excellent. After our water came my ex asked me if I thought the waitress was cute and I said of course. By the end of the meal she had made it evidently clear that she was scoping things out for me that I had to step in and nab the check... Not that there is anything wrong with that but like I said - I'll be back and next time without the ex or my 6 year old ;-)
(4)
Keith C.
Great food and drink menu! A perfect place to have dinner before heading to see a movie at AMC Barrington!
(4)
Yvette C.
One thing I miss very much from living in the Schaumburg area is my Lucky Monk! Love love love Lucky Monk. Their beers are fantastic, the food is always great & service is super friendly! When I come back to visit I will for sure need to stop in for a Cardinal Sin!
(5)
Haylee V.
I love this place. The people who work here are so cool and the food is always so good! Their caesar salad is fucking awesome. I cant put my finger on why, but just try it. I go here all the time and never want to order anything else. I also love the chicken chili. Great service, great food, young fun atmosphere, and great location. Love you, Lucky Monk!
(5)
Erika S.
It has a cool brewery atmosphere and good food, also conveniently located near the movie theater. The service is definitely the downfall for this place. We have been here several times on different days of the weekend different times of day and the service is always lackluster. Hostesses are less than attentive and on occasion, rude, as if you are bothering them by coming in. Servers are just ok. They take orders and bring food but no real effort to make it a great guest experience. We come back for the food and beer and just deal with the rest.
(3)
Mary B.
I really don't have anything bad to say about this place. I had the BEST pineapple steak tacos I've ever had here and for that, I suppose I'm giving it five stars. I've been here three times. The first time was to get a little drunk before the midnight show of Thor (which was awesome by the way) and then the other two times I had dinner here. I have yet to be disappointed by their food or beverages. I believe I had some sort of fish the first time. Tilapia maybe? Sure. Regardless, I remember liking it. My brother, sister and mom said all of their food was satisfactory too. My brother is big into the craft brews so he was a tad nitpicky about their beer. I don't really know what I'm talking about when I discuss beer but I tried a few and I didn't mind them at all! The third time is when I had those amazing pineapple steak tacos. I was there for a friends birthday and with all boys. They ALL ordered the grilled cheeseburger. They later gave me crap for being the only one who didn't order it but I'm sorry, when I see pineapple and steak together? I just go for it. The boys were all very pleased with their burgers and ate the entire thing. It was actually super impressive considering the burgers are definitely not small. Basically they have a great menu. It'd be hard for you to not choose something from it. There has got to be at least something on there! It's a tad pricy but I think you really get your money's worth when you go there. The service was great too! Very friendly! I plan on stopping by more... be it dinner or pregaming before a movie!!
(5)
Gate K.
nice place
(4)
Peter R.
After reading the good reviews on the Yelp Brew n' Burgers Elite Event, I had to give this place a try. This place is right by the AMC 30 South Barrington which makes it easy to find. We came in on a early Saturday afternoon because I was in the mood for a good burger. The space has a very nice layout. When you walk in, there is a lounge area straight ahead, the bar area to the right, and the dining area to the left. It has a very pleasant vibe inside, and the booths are plenty comfy. Our server Nicholas gave us the lowdown on The Lucky Monk, telling us that they specialize in burgers, and thin crust pizza (NYC style). This place gave me the impression that it would be a good place to go after work to grab some "brew n' burgers" (get it???...oh you crazy Elite Yelpers and your titles for events). I perused the menu and decided on the 9 oz. Farmhouse burger, because it had BACON in it. It's a fact that the word "Bacon" is the most beloved word in the English dictionary...go ahead look it up. There was plenty of burger choices, and also a good variety of pizza and appetizers. Oh, I almost forgot...I ordered a cup of the "Brew Pub Chili" and two words come to mind. "HOT" and "DAMN." Yea, it was that good. OK, back to the main course. The chef recommends the burgers ordered medium, and I think the chef knoweth what he thinketh. The burger was very good, it was juicy, and made my taste buds tap dance with joy! The fries are adequate, but the burger made me do a double fist pump. I will have to try the other burgers at this place, but we are off to an excellent start. I can imagine the potential of a place like this. It's a brewery, and they have 6 house brews, which I didn't get to sample...but I will. They are basically banking on three things that people love to eat/drink. Burgers, Pizza, and beer. I say they formulated a good plan. The execution is good, and only time will tell if this place can thrive. Give this place a try next time you head over to AMC 30 South Barrington. Come for the Burgers, pizza and beer...stay for the movie.
(4)
June P.
For me, this four-star rating means that I would go back to this place over and over and it would be worth it every time, but it's not one of my all-time favorites (my five-star ratings are few and far between). For me, the Lucky Monk is the quintessential upscale-ish bar. The environment is casual yet clean and inviting, and I can always expect quality, satisfying meals when I go. The Lucky Monk's menus is full of your all-American classics, some with a few trendy twists (think sweet potato fries and prosciutto-wrapped scallops) and some that are true classics/staples (think margherita pizza and a good selection of burgers). The pizzas have great fire-baked flavor and the burgers are interesting yet not overly fanciful. The menu also includes a few random toss-ins, such as an al pastor pizza, wisconsin cheese curds, and butternut squash ravioli (my girlfriend was in heaven with this dish). The service is great, and the food is always good. It's a great place for a casual dinner, and many are drawn in by the beer selection (take home a growler!) With generous portions and reasonable prices, the Lucky Monk is a great local joint for American cuisine.
(4)
Debbie F.
Had a wonderful dinner with friends on the patio! Great service and very good food! Burgers were great! Everyone was very happy with their food choices. Inside, the restaurant had a great casual but upbeat vibe. Went for the outside dining experience but will definitely be back in the colder months for the food, service and atmosphere indoors!
(4)
Rosa D.
Love love love the patio. Soooo cute!!! I can't wait to go back and eat again or just go for drinks!!! They have a two story deck overlooking a pond which includes a seating area with a fire pit. It's great! Food was really good. Had the chopped salad with a few substitutions, which was great because there was no hesitation from the waitress! I am picky sometimes and they were great to switch cheeses and dressings etc We also had margherita pizza!! It was pretty yummy! And I am a pizza fanatic!!!! My Italian off the boat mother even liked it!! I am def going back and have to order a burger. Other tables around me did and they looked Ahhmazing!!!!
(5)
Cindy E.
I have been back to Lucky Monk five times since my initial review and I have been pleased more and more each time!! They have changed their menu a bit, have added a couple more burgers & upscale pizzas as well as more taco options & a couple appetizers! I've now had the spinach and goat cheese burger, which is messy but amazing!! I have also tried the whipped goat cheese appetizer which is just phenomenal! My favorite pizza, which was added when they changed their menu, is the short rib and farm egg pizza, I can't even find words to tell you how good it is, just try it, trust me you won't regret it! My mom had the short rib pasta as last time we were there & it was out of this world! The service continues to be impeccable and I've really yet to be disappointed by any experience I've had here! Do yourself a favor and try The Lucky Monk!
(5)
Christina F.
This is a go-to lunch spot for coworkers and me. It's got good food, decent prices, fast service and a great outdoor patio to eat on. Did I mention they have a great selection of beer? That too. My favorite things to eat there include fried pickles served with a yummy sauce, parmesan truffle fries and their salads are huge and delish! I've never had a bad experience at The Lucky Monk. Definitely give it a try if you're in the area.
(4)
G E.
Everything I have had there has been good. The burgers and fries are excellent, but the best thing on the menu is there fish and chips.
(5)
M. H.
There is NOTHING on this menu that you WON'T like! The food, atmosphere ... beer ... mmmm beer. For those who aren't beer lovers - their beer will certainly change your mind! The service unfortunately is a little lacking in more ways than one: the servers generally forget about you and/or are slow and the hostesses are bland and snobby. And if it's a rainy day, or you are wearing really high heels - opt out - because you'll end up parking far away at the movie theatre (parking is lacking). But then again, it's worth the walk. Truthfully though, that would generally bother me a lot, but the food and atmosphere make up for that beyond a doubt! Everything from the appetizers (I swear they spike the dips and sauces with something ... because they are so delicious) to the burgers and entrees to the heavenly desserts - you will be sure to leave with a smile on your face (and perhaps some food still in the corner of your mouth). The Lucky Monk is a great place to be. All you need is a little patience (and perhaps someone to drop you off at the front door so you don't have to walk forever).
(4)
L H.
If you enjoy a bad hostess, bad managment and your dinner and conversation with the table next to you, then this place is for you. Seating is over capacity and food subpar
(1)
Russ W.
Literally no parking. We parked on the lawn and walked. Food was A-ok. I was hoping for more, but I thought the Friday's Jack Daniels burger actually had more flavor than mine did. This is not a "regular" spot to eat by a stretch. It made for a great date night or special occasion but I don't know if we'd fight for a parking spot again to come back. btw...The side salad was great and the beer was tasty, I had the spinach and goat cheese burger which was ok. Give it a whirl.
(3)
Katelyn C.
Four stars, because 'Yay! I'm a fan"!!! I do love the burgers here and everything about the place is just cool, calm, and fun for a quiet date. I really can not remember one thing I loved, or hated about the place, so this is going to be a short review. Definitely worth a try though.
(4)
Al C.
Love this place! The best burgers and microbrews in town. Get the Goat Cheese as an appetizer!
(4)
Richard C.
good food, good service, ok-price. but i had a bad experience with this place with food i had soggy fries and too much fat on pork. otherwise other food we had were pretty good. i hope my experience was just one time. but price is ok, food tasted homemade, beer was good recommended to try out for yourself. ----EDIT----- i think i was drunk when i wrote this review. this place has REALLY GOOD pizza and decent selection of beer - if i remember correctly. fancy-looking restaurant with good food that are not too pricey. overall, i will come here for both casual date or get-together to get drunk with friends.
(4)
Gino D.
3 time and still a charm!!!! I at Lucky Monk again tonight with the family. The kids and wife really enjoy the food. Parents, they do a great job with kids menu and give the kids some carrots and a cookie at the end.It is a nice touch. The food is very good and the service is great. All three times have been outstanding.
(4)
Paula D.
LOOOOOOOOOVE this place! Been there many times. Food is excellent. Everything I've ever ordered was so good. The ambiance is lovely and the staff is very friendly! Lastly, the martinis are AWESOME! Enjoy........ Cheers!
(5)
Scott T.
this is one of the best places in the Chicago area. Pizza is out of this world!!! atmosphere is wonderful outside and in and the bartenders are courteous. a must stop while in Hoffman Estates. ask for Rose.
(5)
William L.
Very accommodating with gluten preferences. I had an open faced "Hot-Head" burger over a bed of Truffle Fries and it was delicious. The pomegranate Margarita was sweet as they come. The rest of the gluten free alcohol options were average with options like Redbridge and Cider. The server brought me a burger with a bun at first, but it was likely my fault for not speaking up more audibly. Would rate 5 out of 5 if the owners picked up a package of Udi's gluten free buns, it'd make a world of difference for your obviously burger - centric menu!
(4)
Dawn M.
Hubby came and took me out to lunch from work - so headed over here, since friend had recently tried and liked it. (Does that mean this review is 2 for 1?) Interior was attractive. Stuff on the table is minimalist - so no visual distractions with mustard/ketchup bottles etc., and it works. Feels very clean - like a monastery. (Condiments are served with each meal, on the side.) This is a micro-brewery, so of course hubby had to try a beer - it was good. Looking forward to going back sometime when I don't have to return to the office and can have more than a sip of hubby's drink. Had burgers - yummy. Comes on a 1" mini platter, and the burger itself is tall - so presentation is great. (You may want mentally prepare yourself for getting messy! My fingers were covered in burger drippings - needed wipes or something.) :-) Fries were great. High praise here - but they were possibly even better than McDonalds. (Gasp! Did I just say that? Do you know how much I crave McDonalds french fries, my guilty pleasure?) Truly, they were good. Limited menu - basically burgers and pizza - so if you aren't happy with one of the other, go someplace else. (I think the menu is perfect - focused on what they are good at.) Wait staff were great - cheerful, helpful, prompt and friendly. Proximity to the movie theater means, as long as they continue to provide a good product, they've got a great audience. (Get it - movie theater, audience...) Should be able to get lunch crowd from surrounding areas, and then before/after movie crowd too. All in all a good experience. Would I recommend: Yes Would I return: Yes - looking forward to trying more of their brews, and their pizza next time.
(4)
Stretch M.
My wife and I dined there recently and among other things ordered the tomato basil soup and a Caesar salad. The soups arrived and we quickly noted that both servings were tepid. Our waiter returned with the now hot soups saying "someone must have turned the heat down". OK, mistakes happen but then my wife's Caesar salad arrived and the salad was room temperature and the romaine lettuce was bitter and rancid. The waiter initially explained that the salad was warm because the soups had to reheat. Hmmmm. That in no way justified the temperature of the salad. If the salad had been left out over night it could not have been warmer. Our waiter informed us that the salad preparer had been chastised and the duty manager notified. It seemed to us that the manager could have put in an appearance, but that did not happen. I can understand an establishment could have an off day but serving a rancid salad indicates a systemic issue. We are fortunate in having a diverse selection of above average restaurants in the area and therefore will not be returning to "the unlucky Monk".
(1)
Jenny S.
Went here last night. I give it 5 starts because of the Sweet Potatoe Fires. WOW. So good lol. I want to go back to get more!! The burger was also exceptional. I got the Bourbon. HUGE portion. I only ate half!
(5)
Anna V.
I organized a surprise birthday party for my husby, and I decided to have it at the Lucky Monk, since he was golfing in South Barrington. I was really impressed with the interior, service, and food. I expected it to be a typical and casual bar food kind of place, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to reserve the Abbey Room, which is really spacious and modern. They have unique light fixtures that randomly hang from the ceiling creating a really cool effect. Also plenty of seating and a lot of room for set up, (we were expecting around 30 ppl). The servers (I forget their names) were super accommodating, and helped with the timing of everything for the surprise. I was able to bring in our own special cake, and our ipod to hook up to their sound system in the room. They also had a flat screen tv that was playing ESPN for the guys. The food was delicious, they brought out these awesome pretzels with various dipping sauces, and truffles fries. I had the burger which was very flavorful and everyone else was really happy with their choices. I would definitely come back, and hopefully check out their patio in the back. Thanks to Lucky Monk for helping me surprise my husby!
(5)
Shaun S.
Overall pretty good. The burger was pretty good, not the best ever but definitely above average. There was a small side if fries which still left me hungry enough to get the pretzel which was very good. I got an amber ale which was very good also.
(4)
Mae H.
We've been here a handful of times. They never disappoint, we've always been given amazing service, food has always been good! I won't lie, I was a little worried about even going there, due to the last restaurant that use to be there. (Bad service, even worse food, very dirty!!) We were very surprised! They have plenty of seating, both inside and outside, you don't feel like you are sitting on top of the table next to you. Very, Very clean, knowledgeable staff. They know their beers. We've had everything from, a pizza, burger, to fired pickles (our favorite) , to a double fudge brownie. We were there the other night with friends, it was clearly closing time. Like most places, the staff, will try anything, to get you go to go, instead, she told us to take our time, and asked if we wanted another round. We sat next to the fire, chatting, around good food, and good drinks. Very laid-back, nice atmosphere. OK, I know this is a little crazy, however; I often judge a place by their bathrooms. This place has some of the cleanest, nicest bathrooms, I've seen in sometime. We were there for about 3-4 hours, I saw someone in there, cleaning, re-stocking, 3 different times. I was impressed! Age group is very wide spread. My boyfriend is obsessed, when it comes to the type of beer he will drink, he loves pretty much every single beer, they brew there. I'm a snot when it comes to the type of wine I drink, I was just a little disappointed, when I saw one of my Favorite wines...was now $10 a glass. Only one downfall, and it's very small, downfall. I wish they had a larger variety of pizza toppings. . Otherwise, we love the place. Not one single thing.
(4)
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Address :105 Hollywood Blvd
South Barrington, IL, 60010
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Amanda O.
The Lucky Monk is a great place to stop before or after a movie for some good eats and a cold beer. They can get pretty crowded on the weekends and parking will be a challenge. You should be good if visiting during the week though. My friend and I were seated at a table in the bar area. I was going through a healthy kick at the time I visited so I ordered a Waldorf Salad (but not before munching on some cheese curds - not exactly healthy). The Waldorf Salad was actually amazing and the blueberry cider I had (they had it in tap at the time that I visited) was surprisingly great. So catch an early movie and head to the Lucky Monk!
(4)Juan G.
While working for a week in Schaumburg I made a visit to The Lucky Monk. Walked in and was promptly greeted by the hostess. Took a seat at a high table near the bar. My server greeted me (He resembled Jason Segal by the way) and I had already seen the menu online so I knew what I was looking for. HOWEVER. I was sadly disappointed when I went to order a beer. They said due to a busy week they didn't have any of their beer available. Only one. I opted for what they had. I was slightly disappointed. But nevertheless IF I ever make it back out to Illinois, I will stop by and give it another try
(3)Liz G.
This place is delicious! I planned a party of 20 for a Friday night, and they were extremely accommodating! They were able to seat everyone at one table, provide separate checks and had multiple wait staff helping our group. The food and drinks were wonderful! We had a great time. Thank you, Lucky Monk!
(5)D. C.
Average, forgettable experience--I couldn't even remember the name of the place by the time I got home. Everybody and their dog does froofy burgers/pizza/rotisserie chicken these days so I'm not getting the appeal here. Is it the beer? I don't do beer and even the man (who does) agreed that his house brewed oatmeal stout wasn't that good--bitter like black coffee with an oddly sour tang to it. I had the BBQ rotisserie chicken with cheese grits and tumbled crispy onions, which was good, but nothing to write home about. And at $16, it feels like you're helping foot the bill for their decor (which is nice and all, but I'm not there to chow down on a lighting fixture no matter how nice it is). The man's Over Easy looked good, but at $11 it's still just a meat patty with some lettuce, tomato, onion and an egg with what looked like a pretty small yolk. And what is up with that pedestal they put it on and the dainty cup of ketchup for a pile of fries? Definitely not a place to go out of your way for and, personally, I would rather try some place else if I were ever in that area again.
(2)Jose A.
The atmosphere in this place was killer, a great place to chill with a few friends and grab a drink. However their beer was not very good, it was to mellow for my tastes, not a whole lot going on, 5-6% a beer which equals not a lot of ibu's and not a lot of taste. The food was ok, pretty standard gastro-pub stuff...if i lived out in the burbs of chicago near this place i'd go back, i've definetly had better tough.
(3)Paul M.
Still a fan - the food is still quite great - but noting that our last outing here was marred by HORRIBLE service. Inattentive. Friendly, sure, but that doesn't do any good when you rarely see a server. Our refills were slow in coming, and our waitress didn't check on us - not once. In fact once we placed our orders, we didn't see her again until the very end of our meal. Ooof. It seems that when the service is off here, it's really off. And there have been two occasions in recent memory when it's been off, which is about two more than there really should be.
(3)Gerri H.
My husband and I decided to try The Lucky Monk due to good yelp reviews and we happened to be in our old neighborhood. Hamburgers (and fries) are indeed my favorite food, so I just had to try this place. I can't believe I've passed this restaurant numerous times on my way to South Barrington 30 not knowing what deliciousness lay inside. We started out with the pretzel trio, which came with three different sauces. I thought the pretzels were very good; warm and chewy. However, I wasn't a major fan of the sauces. Heck, the pretzels were so good, who needs the sauce! I also ordered the standard chili, which wasn't so standard, as it was served with cheddar, onions, and sour cream. Delicious! We finally started on our burgers (the farm house?) which was essentially a bacon cheeseburger. The burgers were very good, not my favorite, but the best I've tasted in the suburbs. I think I will try the burger next time without bacon to fully appreciate the burger itself. Both the regular and truffle fries were very good, but the truffle taste was not so distinct. Also, you get more fries if you order them plain. The dining room is nice looking, but not the most comfortable. The excess space in the center of the room kind of threw me off for some reason. I felt the space should be more filled in to make the room more cozy. Overall, I highly recommend everyone give this restauarant a visit.
(4)Marvin A.
I went here with a friend for a late lunch/early dinner. -Service- I was impressed with the service and waiter. He was extremely helpful when he found out it was our first time here. I also appreciated his insight in picking the best homebrew beer that suited my taste. High markings for service. -Food- I had the hothead burger (it was huge!) and was a bit disappointed. Perhaps it was the name of the burger or the description of pepperjack cheese and jalapeno tomato pico, but it did not have any type of spiciness or kick to it... not even a tiny hint. The fries were crispy and the burger, although not what I had expected, was juicy and decent. Moderate marking for the food. -Libations- The beer was delicious and was pleasantly surprised that the waiter was able to help me pick this certain brew out. I had the Tritica Wheat ale immediately went through it within seconds. High markings for libations. I was deciding whether or not to give this place a 3 star or 4. Although I was disappointed at the burger, I was more disappointed in what I read to expect. The beer was exceptional and decided it to be a factor within the meal. The outstanding service also helped elevate this 3 star ruling to 4. I would not go back for the food solely, but for both the food and homebrew.
(4)Dan S.
After visiting for my 3rd time, this place deserves a review. The layout of the place is great, hostess station right as you walk in, going left takes you to the dining room tables with a more elegant approach, going right takes you to the bar area for a more laid back atmosphere. I wanted to watch Monday Night Football so naturally the bar was my choice. The waiter was good, attentive & checked up on us regularly. I wanted to try the pretzel trio appetizer since it came so highly recommended & for good reason, they were fantastic! I knew they would be amazing as soon as I picked up the first pretzel, very soft & tasty, I could've eaten them plain had it not been for the delicious dips that came along. You get cheese, tomato & parmesan, and some honey mustard butter, both of the dips were great, but the honey mustard butter was passable. I'd like to consider myself a fanatic for burgers, so my standards can be high at times. I was really trying to be a tough critic & find the flaws but to my delight, there weren't any! The patty was juicy all the way through but not so juicy where it drips all over the plate whenever you take a bite. The fries are fresh, hand cut & delicious, I'll have to try the parmesan truffle ones next time. The only thing keeping me from giving a 5 star rating was the beer price. I'm a simple guy that likes to drink Bud Light, but for $4.50 per bottle I will stick to water & buy a 6-pack on the way home for the same price. I saw a couple pizzas being brought to other tables & they looked very good, I will definitely try that on my next visit which will be sooner than later.
(4)Katy S.
This is one my favorite restaurants. I've always found it clean and the servers we've had have always been friendly. My husband is a beer man, and he loves coming for the beer sampler, which has six samples. The warm pretzel trio is delicious, I would be happy getting it every time. Their burgers are large and juicy, their flatbreads have the perfect amout of toppings so they don't get soggy, and are nice and crispy. There's only two things I'd change, the fries often taste overcooked, and the parking is atrocious during peak times. But I'll certainly be back!
(5)Dj Nightwolf ..
I like beer, down in my tummy, yum yum yum! The Lucky Monk has some really good craft beer brewed carefully by brew master Anthony. Don't bother asking me which beer I liked because I liked all of them and drank like a jerk, which led to me eating like an a$$hole. Here's a quick breakdown of what took up some of the space in my tummy that was marked "Reserved for BOOZE" Truffle fries = A Truffleicious WIN! Actually, in all honesty, I still can't decide if they're better than the ones at Rockit, but they are still truffleiciously deeeeeeefawkinglicious! Deviled eggs = Deelish! Seriously, great presentation with a tasty chili sauce drizzled over them. Me likey! Hot Head burger = Great, but it could be awesome. It's a great burger, it's just not an awesome burger. I was expecting a real kick of heat and felt a little disappointed when the chili ketchup and pico de gallo didn't destroy my mouth. :-/ Overall, I'd have to say that this is a solid 4 star joint. The food is good and the service is on point. I like the ambiance and feel of this place, it's nice. The area I was in had big comfy couches and could probably provide somewhat of an intimate atmosphere if it were dark outside. All I know is that I can't wait to go back when it's nice out so I can chill out on the patio and have a beer or two by the fire! Holla!!!â„¢
(4)Eric M.
Have you been doing curls? If not, you may want to before visiting as these burgers are HUGE. Before I get into these monsters, let's talk the beer. They brew some great stuff here. Make sure to ask whatever is seasonal but their wheat and stout are both very good. If you only order one thing you need to get the pretzel trio appetizer. It sounds simple, but the dough used on these pretzels and the three dips provided (beer cheese, marinara, and mustard butter) are crazy good. Now the burgers. They are huge. You can customize to your hearts desire. And when you saw medium rare they cook medium rare. It'll be messy but it's worth it.
(4)Chante R.
I already knew this place was a burger spot even though I knew that I wanted something that's not-a-burger..lol I was crossing my fingers for a good diverse appetizers menu. The ambiance is cool...the off-key singing almost killed the mood but the food made up for it quite well. I had the buffalo wings (these were the real deal!) and seasoned-to-perfection fries. Definitely will be back...preferably when open mic is not going on..haha
(3)Gigi Y.
I absolutely LOVE this place!! Great beer, great food - Their margherita pizza is fantastic! Nice & light - and you'll have enough to drink some more beer without feeling full. I do not recommend the turkey burger -- unfortunately, i found that it was very mushy, and the bread was soggy because of it. If you like Blue Moon's, you'll enjoy their Trittica Wheat Beer. Try the sampler - the glasses are enough for you to taste a little bit of everything! The warm preztel trio is AWESOME - and it's great that they give you 3 different dipping options!
(4)Nari H.
Normally I'd rate this a 4. Came here with a group of friends and overall had a good time. The food was pretty good and the truffle fries are a must-have. I had the fish and chips which I thought could have used a little more flavor, but it didn't feel heavy. I also had the oatmeal stout beer which was divine if you like super dark, smooth beers. But three things that weren't the greatest and here's why I'm giving it a 3: We had miscounted our group (our bad), and had to re-arrange some tables (which some of the other waitstaff were helpful with) but our server really gave us attitude about it, esp in the beginning. Secondly, I felt like she barely stopped by our table throughout the dinner. Granted, it was a busy Saturday night and perhaps she was miffed by how things started off, but a little better (and more) attention would have left me (and my group) happier. I've been in the restaurant industry, so I understand, but still. But seriously. We were not a low-balling group of diners that night. Several of us got beers and appetizers along with our entrees, and she was making a huge killing on our group that night. I needed some hot sauce and with the way things were goin in the evening, I never got a chance to really ask for it, which left me a bit unhappy with my fish and chips. So please, if we're gonna spend our hard earned money, a little better service, would be a little more helpful. Lastly, one of the glasses for my friend broke while he was drinking his beer. That's not cool either. She replaced it and apologized. Overall, I'd say the food and beer (depending on what you get) are excellent. Service should be good, give or take a few miscounts, and I would recommend this place as overall, looks to be a very good (and bumping) establishment. So I encourage you to check it out, but pray for a good server and a lucky parking spot if you come in on the weekends. Tips: - Make reservations. We almost didn't get ours in bc they get busy. - If you get the tacos, they will be very small. - Parking is crowded on weekends. You may find yourself parking at the movie theaters next door, so be prepared to walk if you can't find parking. - They don't seat until at least 50% of your party is here. - If you get Fish and Chips and know you will need a little more flavor, ask for hot sauce at the beginning. - They don't really do much for birthdays, so if you want a song, you will have to sing it yourself. - Lastly, try a beer. Don't come to this establishment, and not get a beer. But note that "thin" pours are still 16 ounces.
(3)Lawrence M.
My wife and I went there and they have the best selection of beers out there. There grilled cheese burger is humongous and is one of the best burgers I had in a while. If you go there better be hungry huge portions.
(5)Laura C.
Good food and service. They brew their own beer which is always fun to sample!
(3)Nadeem P.
This place is pretty good, I've been here a few times and was pleased with their burgers, which I ordered both times. Their presentation here is stellar, and their truffle fries are delicious. The chicken sandwiches looked great too, maybe next time I find myself in this neck of the woods I will have to give their chicken a whirl...
(4)Terrence B.
So my car club is very much creatures of habit and our monthly meetups have revolved around the same places for the past decade. So for our meetup last night I suggested we do dinner and drinks at lucky monk and a movie at AMC (Fast n Furious 5)... Its a group of 10 and they can be rather picky about things. We showed up without reservations and were promptly accommodated. Our waiter was on the ball, extremely knowledgeable about their beer lineup (which is easily one of the best in the area), and flawlessly handled divvying up our bills for our large group. Good or bad, service was not rushing us at all so definitely plan a bit of wiggle room if your going to a show afterwards. The decor of the place is exudes quality. When you walk up, its hard not to notice the sultry firepit under the patio trellis silhouetting couples sharing drinks. Walking inside you are greeted by the bar and lounge area that is draped in hanging hand blown incandescent light bulbs (the same lighting setup at the bristol downtown). The group seating area is a bit more standard fair. Since our meetup wasn't until later in the night, I had already eaten dinner and was only interested in a pre-show drink and some small bites. I ordered the deviled eggs which were a standard presentation but the plate was drizzled with a very spicy chili sauce. It was fantastic.... Everything that came out had a great gourmet flair of presentation, more so than I would have expected. I was drooling over my buddy's order of pretzels and soon found myself placing an order for them as well. 10 minutes later, I was dining on the pretzels myself, and they were straight out of the oven. They are not heavily salted or crusted with anything, quite simple actually but really well done. The three dipping sauces they came with fell a bit short (a whole seed mustard, a cheese and a marinara ). Most of my group ordered burgers and they looked amazing, and I heard zero criticism. It had been a while since I had last been here and I was VERY impressed by their house beers, so I ordered myself the beer sampler. I remembered being very impressed and that this is a worthy destination for any beer snob. Their beer is more malty than hoppy so unlike alot of recent trends, everything is very palatable to the average person. Specifically their Weiss beer is very noteworthy as it has rather strong banana undertones which is something I could drink all night long. While I normally shy from stouts, I know a superb one when I have one. Supposedly what they had on tap last night was a bourbon barrel aged stout , but I wasn't detecting any hints of that. If you are planning a dinner (or even just drinks) and a movie, this is a must try location. They hit it out of the ball park.
(5)Todd C.
Our favorite restaurant in the Northwest suburbs. The warm pretzel trio is a spectacular appetizer. The burgers are gigantic and amazing...brought out on their own mini-stage, making them appear even larger. Chicken salad sandwich is also gigantic, to the point where it can't be eaten without scraping some off. You won't leave hungry...and we've yet to have a bad experience.
(5)Chelsea L.
Preface: I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I didn't try to the house brews, but a friend of mine did and claims that they are excellent. We went to Lucky Monk on the recommendation of a friend; and it's location right near the AMC 30 in South Barrington was a definite plus. It made rolling our over-fed butts into our plush movie seats an easy task, for sure. Being a Saturday night, the place was pretty jumpin' when when showed up; our wait for a table was quoted at a respectable half hour, but I'm sure that we were seated faster than that. Because it's such an open floorplan and it was busy, the noise level was a little on the high side, but we acclimated and it all worked out OK. The service was pretty good, our waiter (Tom?) was attentive without hovering, friendly, and had good suggestions for beer and burger fixin's. I opted for the chicken instead of the beef, though the two burgers at the table looked and smelled amazing. My sandwich was great; if I had one complaint, it would be that the roll was inexplicably greasy, but otherwise tasty. I do have to say, however, that the fries were pretty awful. Maybe it was an off night or something, but they seem very proud of their fries, made in-house, yada yada yada, and we just weren't impressed. Drowned in cheese and chili, you don't really notice, but by themselves they're overdone, super greasy, and weren't all that appetizing. Since they're the default side with everything, and substituting anything healthier costs $2 more, they're a big part of why this is a three star review instead of a four star. Speaking of $ - I was pleasantly surprised at the relatively low costs of the entree selections, but they get you with the appetizers and beverages. ($5 for a bottle of hard apple cider? really? and it only goes up from there.) Overall, I would recommend it as a good group-date night sort of place (that's why we were there), but would warn anyone looking for lighter fare to be really careful about what and how your order off the menu. I would like to go back and explore some of the other options myself.
(3)John K.
This was a three star meal, but I may be back to try other things. I really wanted to like this place because it has a lot of good looking things but the execution when I went just wasn't there. I started with the fried pickles. They came out hot, and you got a decent amount but by themselves I couldn't really taste the actual pickle, I don't really remember what I was tasting exactly. Dipping them in the sauce on the side brought out the pickle flavor for some reason, but then I didn't really taste much of the sauce. Also a small nit-picky thing was that they were greasy. I know they are fried but if they just tossed them on a towel before serving them it would have helped I think. A plus is that they were crispy. Probably won't order them again. I then got my burger the farmhouse, and upgraded my fries to truffle fry-dom! The fries were average, didn't blow me away with the truffle flavor but it was there. Wasn't pleased that the cheese was sliced on instead of grated as it made it complicated to eat with the fries. I prefer David Burkes Prime House truffle fries over these. The burger came out on a little pedestal which I thought was unnecessary given that it was already huge, and it just took up space on the plate. It had two thick slices of bacon (that surprisingly didn't have a whole lot of flavor). I have had better bacon cheeseburgers before where you could actually taste the cheese and the bacon. With this burger I was just trying to eat it fast because it became a mess very quickly. I cut it in half so it would be easier to work with and it was a perfect medium. VERY JUICY. I have never had a burger this juicy before. Therein lied the problem though. The bottom bun got so soggy so fast it was just not fun to eat. They really need to fix that issue because if anything keeps me from coming back it is that. I may be back though, I am kinda interested to try the fried egg burger (but I can do that at home, with a better bun) and it is right next to the AMC movie theater so it is a decent dinner right before a movie. I'd say give it a try, just don't go into it with too high of expectations.
(3)Stephanie S.
Great food and beer! The pretzel trio appetizer is spectacular. The service was also good considering it was a friday night at 7 pm when I went into the lucky monk. Didnt have to wait too long for a table either which is always nice. I will definitely be back.
(4)diana t.
Turkey parmesan burger, juicy and delicious! They make their turkey burgers from scratch, and with the Confessional IPA, it was a perfect lunch combo. I will be back for more.
(5)Melissa H.
This place can be very busy on weekends, but I'm definitely a fan of the Lucky Monk on weekdays. You can often get a table on weekends, but the acoustics here are a little awful; you might find yourself yelling to make yourself heard to your table mates. They've got a super selection of beer and wine, and lots that's not even on the menu. And they've got...drumroll...Raspberry framboise! Ask for it, and thank me later. Service is good, and the appetizer's I've tried have been great as well. They've got really good french fries here with a unique blend of seasoning. Their fried pickles are amazing as well (which is an automatic star addition for me). Overall a great place. I recommend solidly.
(4)Larry R.
The Burgers are great, service left nothing to be desired. My wife loves the salads at the Lucky Monk. Fried pickles or as they are called "pickle fries" are definately worth trying. Refreshingly different, but nothing you would want to have every time you visit. Just had the Chipolte Chicken and it was outstanding...The Chipolte Mashed potatos that came with it were the best ! But, the "Corn Casserole they served up with this otherwise great meal was horrible! It looked old nnd tired and tasted even worse than it looked.......What were they thinking. Order the Chipolte Chicken, but tell them to throw the Corn Casserole out back behind the parking lot! Enjoy the outdoor seating while the weather cooperates. Watch the sunsets over the movie theatre. The only thing that would make it a 4 star is if they offered a little more variety on the menu. Pizza, Burgers, Beer, Salad....
(4)Collin P.
Tried going to Lucky Monk last night at 9:15. Apparently the hostess at the entrance thinks that is too late for her to be out working. When we entered, we didn't get a hello, but "umm.. ya you can sit in the bar" followed by a quick head turn then "ya... theres no tables left in the bar." We then said.. "well.. is your dining room closed, because your sign says 12 midnight on it." She gave a grimacing look...they we explained why we were not going to eat at this new establishment. We were floored that some kid hostess had SUCH an attitude. We walked right back out the revolving door and will not be recommending Lucky Monk. In the car, my girlfriend felt it necessary to tell a manager about what at happened. When she called, she was put on hold for 10 minutes. The music that was playing was frankly, offensive. They need to watch out for that. The N-Word, F-Word, Slut, Bitch, etc. is NOT appropriate for hold music. When somebody returned, all she had gotten was the "bar manager" who gave a few "Huhs?" and that is about it. Not a good way to gain customers from the local community.
(1)Daniela T.
Pizza was good. Beers are reasonably priced and tasty, however I wouldn't steer from what they are known for, pizza and burgers. I got their roast beef pasta dish and it tasted like hamburger helper...it wasn't very good. However my date ordered the pizza and loved it.
(4)A J.
This was our 2nd visit to Lucky Monk (once on a weekday afternoon, once on a Sunday afternoon) My husband & I both enjoyed the beer selections. The beer flight/sampler is fun! Food was pretty good - I like the variety. I had the chipotle chicken chili, which was very good. Chicken enchilada soup was good, as was the burger. The fries were awesome. And the S'Mores dessert was out of this world!! The chocolate cake was just ok. Our server was Tiffany, and she rocked. She was fun & seemed to get a good read on her customers & how to treat them. A good server can make or break the entire experience. On a previous visit, our bartended was Candy, and she was also very cool. Lovely outdoor patio, although it was closed for a private event :( I'll be sure to call ahead next time, because I really wanted to sit out there. We live near Ram Brewery, but the food here is definitely superior.
(4)Andrew J.
I love the Lucky Monk. Basically, it's a super trendy microbrewery and restaurant that serves some of the best beer and gourmet bar food I've had. I've gone to the Monk many times, and the service has always been notably awesome. The people seem to enjoy their jobs, probably because it is easy to sell awesome food and beer to people who are looking for awesome food and beer. Some of the menu items are surprisingly great. The hummus and pita appetizer is the best hummus I have ever had. They also have really tasty fish n chips and absolutely glorious burgers. The home brewed beers make up only a small portion of the beer menu- there is a great selection of Belgian ale, a frambiose lambic, and more. If you're looking for a great meal before or after you head to the movies, or if you're just in the area, this place is totally worth checking out.
(4)jan l.
We went today due to the extreme heat. We were going to go eat and to a movie, but the theater was mobbed!!! I have been on the hunt for years for the great fried pickles in the south. And disappointed over and over. The batters too thick, they're spears, they're burnt etc etc. Ordered them today, and good Lord, they are wonderful!!!!! My husband said he could never understand my love for fried pickles, but after eating those he certainly did!! We split a patty melt with truffle fries. The patty melt was cooked perfectly, medium rare. It was delicious as were the truffle fries. Our chuckle of the day. The hostess said there'd be a 10 min wait, at 2 in the afternoon. The restaurant was busy, but by no means full. During this time, about 12 people left. She then said it would be a few more minutes because she was trying to let the servers catch up. Who tells that to a waiting customer! Overall, it was one of the better experiences we've had eating out for a while. Go order the nirvana called fried pickles ;-)
(5)Rachel J.
I called in a reservation, knowing they may not accept them---especially on a Friday night. Not only did they take them, they did so with a smile. They also placed a courtesy call the day of to verify everything. The six of us got here 15 minutes early, and we were offered the table. Way to keep your word on reservations! Our server was fast to take our drink orders, and was able to get my questions answered.........for example, BU = bitter units. The pretzel appetizer is very good---not your typical dried out, once frozen catastrophe with driveway salt on top.....nope; these were hot, fresh, soft and free of all things carnival. The dipping sauces were thoughtful compliments. To make things easy on ourselves, we all had individual pizzas. For 10 dollars, you get 12 inches of NY style hot n fresh in about 20 minutes. My Marghartia pizza was bubblin' with fresh mozzarella, adorned with bright tomato, and fragrant from the fresh basil shreds. Oh yes lawd...........!!! Everyone at the table had different toppings. Nobody was disappointed, nor was anyone available for comment. This fast pizza eating was followed by food comas all around. But of course........we ordered dessert. To share. The Key lime pie is quite tart, but so good. The smores skillet is a sticky mess, and quite rich. Totally brought me back to age 7 for a few moments. The hot apple skillet was very reminiscent of the McDonald's apple pie. The service was perfect. Could not have asked for a better experience in that respect. In the immortal words of Ah-nold.......I'll be back.
(5)Jon-Rachel Y.
By comparison to the many mundane chain restaurants surrounding the area, this microbrewery is a definite sleeper out in the remote western suburbs. And thanks gives to Mattox for taking us out here. The lively atmosphere and the modern American decor with stone walls provides a great arena for your dining experience. The menu display items that can satisfy both pub-style cravings and traditional American fare. There are two major seating sections; the main area with booths or tables and the bar area. The service was attentive and helpful. The draw backs are the wait time so call in advance for reservations and the parking is somewhat sufficient. As for the food, the hamburgers are flavorful and moderately portioned served with a side of fries. And the microbrews are fantastic, but don't be surprised to see your bill squeeze every penny from your ATM cards after a few beers. Have not tried the other dishes What I ordered: - Farmhouse burger - Fried pickles - recommend - microbrews When we went: - week night @ 7:00 PM Will I return: - yes
(4)Katie K.
Used to work here and have been dying to go back! So glad I made a reservation on Open Table because it was busy and on a wait when we arrived. Not a huge surprise but it was a Tuesday night so very happy to see this. Host staff all greeted with huge smiles. Was seated promptly with Donato upon my request. I got a Woodchuck and my husband got a Cardinal Sin (his favorite). We noticed some changes in the menu and wanted to try a few. I noticed the St. Louis Cut Spare Ribs and was very intrigued. Donato highly recommended them saying they were extremely good and worth a try. My husband got the Lake Perch and I went with one of my favorites because I missed them, Peppercorn Ranch burger with Cheddar and bacon added to it. The ribs were incredible. We loved the soy glaze. My husband loved the perch and the butter was to die for. My burger was perfect and reminded me why i miss eating here!
(5)Alan R.
A great place for a good meal and excellent cerveza. I had the beer flight to drink and ordered the chicken poblano chili and the ipa brew nuts. The nuts were amazing, but I was very disappointed in the chili. I had to send it back because it was too cold. My parents and grandmother all had the burgers, my wife ordered had a chicken sandwich and my sister and brother in law had pizza. My mom did not finish her burger, so I brought hers home and had it the next day for lunch. Even a day old it was amazing. The chicken my wife had was also very good, while the Pizza was pretty average and basic. In retrospect, I wish I had also ordered the soft pretzel. The one at Goose Island is amazing. Its a staple for most pubs/microbreweries. If I am out in the Barrington area again, I hope to try Lucky Monk another time. I wish the North Shore had more places like that.
(4)Paul Y.
This has become my favorite burger place. Very tasty and the right size (large). The rest of the menu is also outstanding. The beer selection is excellent, and their home brews are good, but not great.
(4)kevin s.
I really enjoy the beers and food here. I've only been here with my kids too (3 and 8 years) and they both loved it. nice outside dining, and their beer flight is great!
(4)V Y.
Review based on two things: 1. Service - Great service as I arrived right a closing last night. Bar staff very willing to check with kitchen to ensure I could order dinner after late flight arrival and long drive to suburbs of Chicago. I ordered takout, and was impressed with their attention to detail when I opened the bag back at my hotel to find plenty of napkins, utensils, condiments. 2. Food - Wide assortment of "casual" fare on menu, including salads, burgers, hand tossed pizzas, classic entres, appetizers galore, and very wide range of beverages. 3. Location - Right off I-90 and near the Hilton Garden Inn where I was staying. 4. Atmosphere - plenty of nice, modern pub, indoor seating complimented by a very nice outdoor, fire pit, shaded seating. When back in Hoffman Estates, IL I will be back at Lucky Monk. Say hi to Andrew H at the bar for me. Great guy.
(4)Amelia W.
Good, but didn't live up to the hype for me. I've heard so many good Yelp reviews and word of mouth -- I had to check it out. THE PROS: Their own beers were very good and reasonably priced. I enjoyed the ambiance, even in a very large space, including the outdoor patio with the firepit. THE CONS: Pretty limited selection of beers outside of their own, which surprised me for being such a beer-focused place. Pretty limited menu as well, I thought. We made reservations but still had to wait. OVERALL: I'd go back, but I'm not going out of the way.
(3)Dale H.
Big improvement over Brass! Completely redesigned and much more fun. The same brew master was kept. His beer was pretty good previously, but he needs to offer more variety. If I want the same microbrew all the time, I can go across the street to Millrose where they have brewed the same boring beer for 20 years.
(5)Robb R.
The Lucky Monk is a welcome break from chain dining in South Barrington and a beer lover's dream. They have an excellent selection of beers between their guest craft and microbrews, as well as their own beers, which are very tastefully crafted. The food menu is well inspired and the dishes are expertly executed. Their burgers are world class and their pizza is otherworldly. Atmosphere is comfortably casual-chic; comfortable seating, relaxed quiet dining room and great upscale sports bar. Service is prompt and knowledgeable- I've been lucky enough to have Patty as my server twice, she is quick to highlight the new beers on rotation as well as offer food pairing suggestions, and was happy to bring me tasters of the new beers on their tap. The food, drink and atmosphere are great, and Patty's attentiveness and recommendations took the whole experience over the top. I would recommend The Lucky Monk to anyone, and can see myself becoming a regular.
(5)Michelle N.
I've only eaten here once, but it's a far cry from the former establishment (name used to be BRASS Brewery). The food was excellent (highly recommend the truffle fries - HELLO calories!), though I seem to recall that the menu contained mostly burgers. The staff was very attentive and helpful, willing to make recommendations, and it was affordable. If I were to make one recommendation, I would say that they should expand their beer selection. I know these brewery joints like to push their homegrown beers, but not everyone loves those. My girlfriends and I did a flight/selection of the house beers, and a few of them were hard to swallow... Overall, great experience at Lucky Monk. I would recommend it.
(4)Pree N.
Love the ambiance and classy sports bar atmosphere. Pizza is great. Love their truffle fries. Came here on two different occasions, food, drinks, and service were stellar both times.
(5)Steven L.
The burger so juicy. Pizza is ok. I am not that impress with the pizza. They have their own brew of beer which I find pretty good. I will go back next time and try more dishes.
(4)Ling L.
I didn't think The Lucky Monk will work effectively in that location as it has Jerseys, a sports bar offering similar fare as pizzas, burgers and beer, a short distance away. However, The Lucky Monk takes it a few notches higher with its microbrews and entree offerings. We went twice and sat in both the dining room and bar respectively. The experience at the dining room was stellar. Granted, it was a slow Tuesday night. Service was attentive and we didn't have to wait long for refills or checks. However, the weekday after the long holiday week at the bar was frustrating. We had given ourselves plenty of time to grab dinner and a movie after at the nearby AMC 30. But our server was inattentive and barely made eye contact in the last 30 minutes, didn't pack up our leftovers and provided a check. We missed our movie and I was not a happy camper. For a restaurant to locate itself so strategically close to a popular cinema, it is a crime to not take into consideration that some of its clientele may be taking in a meal and a movie that day. I almost felt that it would behoove the servers to ask every diner if they were going to see a movie, and adjust their service accordingly. Short of that snafu, the food at The Monk is of good quality. Between 2 opportunities, we had the burger, chili combo, roasted chicken and baby back ribs. The burger is cooked medium, and comes with well-seasoned handcut fries. There are 2 sizes to the burger (6oz and 9 oz), and served on a block, giving the illusion from afar that it is one of those stack-em-up burger that you have to open your mouth trice as big to fit all in. But not so. The chicken was wonderfully moist while the ribs was a tad too sweet for me. Best of all was the brew pub chili. In our first trip, we had the chili combo, but were not bowled over by the chicken-poblano chili, which is the consistency of soup. In our 2nd trip, we had the brew pub chili solo. Still one of the best options in that neighborhood (following Penny Pub down Penny and New Sutton closeby). Of course, a trip to a microbrew will be incomplete without tasting their brews, even for a very occasional drinker like us. Their strongest ale was not overly indulgent that I couldn't finish it. For a light drinker, I find their palest ale to be too light. All in all, we are lucky to have The Lucky Monk close by.
(4)John M.
I've been driving by it for a while - I didn't notice that the name had changed. It used to be Brass but that went under (and with good reason based on past experience there). My wife actually went there first for lunch with the people she works with. She came home raving about the burgers so we had to go. We both had the 6oz Farmhouse burger ($8.95). She had hers well done and I had mine medium. Both were a little under-done but within reason for our tastes. The Farmhouse burger comes with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, cheddar cheese and 2 strips of bacony goodness. It was wonderful! The burger doesn't have the normal burger taste. I don't know how to describe it, but it's just better! It comes with a decent quantity of hand cut french fries. Although we didn't try any of the beer they have, they do have a good selection. It's also right next to a movie theater so it is convenient for a night out. Service was great too. Stephani was attentive but not overly attentive, friendly and knew the menu. We'll be back to try more items on the menu!
(5)steve p.
I've been here several times now. The pretzel trio, burgers, and cookie skillet are all amazing. The pepercorn ranch burger was a bit overpowering however. The more basica varieties are the way to go. Pickle fries and sweet potato fries were awesome too. Service was quick, even on busier nights.
(4)MARK R.
Its like yuppies just figured out burgers and beers go great together. Haha. Seriously though, the place was good, I have just never made a reservation for a burger before. The in house brew was pretty good but their bottle selection was better. Try the pretzel trio as well.
(4)Sherry D.
I have visited this restaurant three times. Once, for a cocktail at the bar after a show at the AMC theaters next door. Second time, took my in-laws for mom's birthday. Everyone like their food. Server was very friendly and knowledgeable. I had the skirt steak which came with a cauliflower mash, which was nice for a lo-carber. Husband and daughter had different tacos, both liked them, although the portions were small. Mom and Dad had burgers and they looked great. Third time - stopped on a Monday night to watch the Blackhawks so asked for a table by the bar. Server never hurried us. They have a special... artisan pizza (12") and a pint of house brew for $10. It's a steal . Three in our party and we all tried different pizzas and all three were delicious. Nice, thin artisan crust, unique toppings. The beer was good and our server was fabulous. We may make Monday nights our new pizza night. The menu isn't very huge, sandwiches, apps, pizzas, burgers and maybe 6 or 7 entrees, but they all look good. We will definitely be going back!
(4)Scott B.
This is as good as it gets for a microbrewery type of place. The food is incredibly good, the beer is outstanding, the service is excellent, and the ambiance is comfortable, even a little bit upscale. Very very good in every respect.
(5)Jay P.
While in town for business noticed this on Yelp as being under new ownership with a few reviews, all positive, so two of us gave it a try. We were not disappointed! We started with the Chili combo which was a nice starter, regular and chicken chili, yum! Both of us had one of their burgers for the main course and we both were very pleased with them. These are definitely high quality burgers and not your run-of-the-mill variety. Unfortunately, we had no room whatsoever for desert! The service was very professional and our waiter did a great job explaining their offerings and was a very effective spokesman for the venue. The atmosphere was top notch, including the roaring fire outside on the patio. If you are in the area and have an appetite, check this place out.
(5)Michael D.
I was able to get back and sample a few beers and additional food options. I was very happy with the beers, really excited to get back this fall and sample the porter, stouts. Still a huge fan of the pretzel app. It's a must. Also sampled the fried pickles new favorite. I want to try the pizza, I ordered the "Fresh Spinach" pizza and was disappointed to see it actually came with a towering pile of "Fresh spinach". I ate it and enjoyed it, but next time I'll try something else.
(4)Kim S.
I have always past by this place and wondered how it was. I had a great experience here. The waiters and waitresses were super friendly. The food didn't take very long at all. The burgers are huge an delicious and everyone needs to try their truffle fries...so yummy. The only thing I could say that I didn't like about it this place was that it was a little to dim in there, a little harder to read the menu and look around. Looking forward to this place again!
(5)Michael S.
This place is great!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starters ---- Had Spinach and feta Pizza VERY GOOD Burgers are great. I love that they have two sizes 6oz and 9oz. The fries are great.
(4)Kathryn J.
There are many micro-brews, but one with great food to match? Found it. My parents, sister and brother-in-law are regulars at another micro-brewery downtown Palatine. Good beer - GREAT beer dinners.. but on a daily basis, the menu is bland and offers nothing for food lovers. Now, another option: The Lucky Monk in South Barrington. Great burgers, huge salads... and the warm pretzel trio with its mustard butter, tomato parmesan sauce and Wisconsin cheddar beer fondue is a very nice surprise. This team is crafting some great beers - and knows food. Keep it up!
(4)M. L.
I LOVE The Lucky Monk. It is by far my favorite restaurant in the area. It is perfect for a small family celebration, date night, or cocktails with a few friends. The food is by far the highlight of the restaurant. The only thing I would stay away from is the onion strings. It sounds like they would be "onion rings" but in fact they are kind of like shoe string fries, but made with onions. Very difficult to eat, and not very tasty. Everything else is delicious! The service is always good, I've never had an issue with my food orders. A few waitresses that I have had seemed disconnected, didn't really check up on us. But it depends on how busy they are. Overall, awesome place to eat. Definitely my favorite!
(4)Doug M.
So today I returned to the Lucky Monk. I had visited previously for a Yelp Event and liked it very much. To start with we had the fried onion straw-type appetizer, and the chicken poblano chili. The onions were nicely done and served along with some rockin' wasabi ranch sauce. The wasabi gave a nice twist to the ranch but was not overpowering. The chicken poblano chili was every bit as good as I had remembered from the Yelp event, served nice and hot, with a spoonful of sour cream in it. One of the first things you notice is the nice, pungent cilantro. This is one fantastic chili. I had the farmhouse burger with cheddar cheese and applewood-smoked bacon, which was done to perfection. Piled high with shredded lettuce, and slices of red juicy tomatoes, it was a sight to behold. She had the loaded baked potato soup which was sprinkled with crumbled bacon on top and was very delicious. Their french fries were the fresh cut type and were great without being greasy. The saltiness was just right and ketchup wasn't really needed. To wash it all down she had the freshly squeezed lemonade, while I indulged in the beer sampler which had 5-6 different craft beers. Two of those I had sampled last time, the IPA and the Stout, were great and the rest were also very good, but the first two really stick out in my mind. The server did a great job explaing all of the various beers and things like bitterness units, etc. , and how the grains are roasted to give more flavor and character to the stouts. Subtle hints of chocolate or coffee can be detected and linger on after you've swallowed. Being a Tuesday evening, it was not crowded at all and the service was wonderful. If I could give half-stars I would rate this visit at 4.5, it is very good but not quite a fiver.
(4)Byron M.
The decor, service and food were all above average. We enjoyed our dinner and intend to go back.
(4)Nicole R.
I went here Monday with a co-worker and the food was awesome. We got the fried calamari for an appetizer. We also got two martinis which both were excellent. The chicken sandwich I got was amazing and she liked the burger she ordered. I will definitely be returning.
(5)Sabrina W.
I went to The Lucky Monk a few weeks back with my fiance. We have been eyeing it for awhile as we frequent the AMC 30 movie theater almost weekly. After many months of driving by and saying we should check this place out we decided to stop in for a couple brews after an afternoon Sunday matinee. We sat at the bar and ordered a few samples of their offered microbrews. Both of us were pleased with our selections and agreed that we needed to come back to try the truffle fries. I gave The Lucky Monk four stars because they advertised a Sunday $4 special on a pint of their house brew and the bartender overcharged us on our order. We told the bartender and they corrected it on our bill right away but I was still annoyed that I had to point it out.
(4)Rich G.
I took my family to this restaurant for dinner. The decoration was good and atmosphere was more likely a bar and grill type. We got seated right away and thanks to Yelp for reservation. A waitress didn't come around for five minutes. We were wondering for the whole time. When she finally came around, she recommended house beers for drinks. One of my daughters didn't bring the ID although she was over 21. The waitress was rigid about not having ID which was totally understanding. However when we share beer, she had the third degree look on all of us. Nasty look and we didn't appreciate the treatment she was giving. We ignored it and proceeded with dinner. Hamburgers were ok. but the fries were greasy and oily. Some fries were burned with black tar on the skin. Didn't enjoy much about that. After dinner, we took out a very small chocolate cake (from Deerfield Bakery) with two candles for my daughter's belated birthday. The waitress came over and told us that they would have to charge for bringing the desert from outside. According to her, it was the policy to charge $1 for each cut. We were eight people and it would be eight dollars for bringing own food. It wasn't so much about the policy but the attitude that just ruined our celebrating mood. We packed and left. Wait, they weren't shy about charging 18% of tip included in the bill. As far as I know, she didn't deserve it. And I wonder what justifies automatic tipping system of18% when the server provides bad service. It was like " I don't have to provide a good service to you since your bill has tips already included." Sad and bad business. This restaurant is not a typical friendly neighborhood restaurant. It is located in South Barrington as if it is one of the wealthy upscale restaurant. The fact is that it is NOT. It is ok decoration, ok beer and food. Nothing spectacular but the attitude is high up. It is not for regular person or regular families like mine. Definitely NO to this restaurant. If you look for better beer and food, go to Millrose right across the street. It has better food, drink and more importantly better service. I WILL NOT go back to Lucky Monk, which should really have been Greedy and Nasty Monk.
(2)Collette Y.
I went back to Lucky Monk last week because there was lack of good places to go at the last minute while I was in that area. Again, I had a burger and it was soooooooooo good. Not salty like the last time. AND service WAS TERRIFIC this time. The young waiter really was attentive. He was so sharp I asked him if he's in school but he said he was out of school and awaiting an opening as a firefighter. I always like being able to substitute a fresh vegetable instead of having fries and I was easily able to do that here. All was so tasty I'm salivating now as I think of it!
(5)Gus E.
We stumbled here after viewing a movie next door. The menu was short and sweet, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Our waiter was great and very attentive despite the room full of large groups. We sampled some of their microbrews and found them all to be good. My girlfriend found her BBQ salmon to be cooked perfectly, the flavor was delicious. The Roasted Chicken I ordered especially hit the spot on this cold night with a pint of Gr'ale. I would highly recommend this place to friends and the next time we see a movie in the area we'll definitely stop by.
(4)Todd L.
Really good food and great atmosphere.
(4)Anita M.
Friendly & quick service. The waitress explained that everything on the menu is fresh and made from scratch. Our table of 7 ordered a variety of foods. Pizza- thin crust, hand-tossed, homemade sauce- very good! Burgers were huge! 100% Angus beef, delicious! Steak tacos had just the right amount of spice. Fish sandwich was white cod fried to golden brown. All good. Hope to come back when we're back in town.
(4)Mary M.
The food at lucky monk is great. I've tried the goat cheese appetizer, cheese curds, and pretzels, all delicious. only comment is goat cheese appetizer could use either a smaller portion or more things to dip in it. I love the spent grain burgers amazing for those who are vegetarian or enjoy a good veggie burger. Their fries are ok sometimes a tad soggy or burnish looking, over all they taste good. I tried the cookie dessert with gooey caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. It was very hot and the ice cream was a tad difficult to eat becaus it rolled and melted and didn't want to be friends with the spoon. Overall food is great. I'd highly recommend trying the beer flight if this is your first visit or you enjoy beer. Fallen angel is my fave, they do have something for everyone who enjoys a good brew. The outside is great for conversation, you get a nice view, but be warned it is by a pond so bug spray is a must if you get eaten alive by mosquitoes like I do. I recently ate inside and it was very loud difficult to hold a conversation. I will say the servers inside are really on their game, if you sit on the patio prepare for a bit of a wait.
(4)Kailey G.
Service and food was wonderful! We ordered pretzels as our appetizer and the two of us are all 4 pretzels. They were so good. The burgers are huge and delicious as well as the pizza. Great place for a date night.
(4)Jenn L.
We celebrated an anniversary at The Lucky Monk on Saturday evening. Had to wait about 20 minutes for a table, but it was worth it. Our first visit so we weren't sure what we were going to get,but all-in-all it didn't disappoint. We started with a trio appetizer that included onion straws, fried pickles,and truffle fries. The onion straws were mild and went great with the chipotle sauce. I'm not a pickle fan, but these weren't half bad, and my boyfriend enjoyed them the most. He also started with a beer flight. Unfortunately, this is what prevents us from giving it a full 5 stars. Let me say, the beer flight is under 9 bucks and you get the equivalent of about 3 beers- so it is a really good value. Unfortunately, my boyfriend was hoping to be wowed by them, and only one did it for him- the oatmeal stout. I'm not a fan of stouts, but I also LOVED this beer. The others though were kind of lack luster. Not bad, just not amazing- which is what we were hoping for. For dinner, he had a burger and I had pizza (was thinking about the pulled pork but wasn't down for being messy that night). I had food envy with that burger he ordered! OMG- huge, first of all, and he said the best burger he's had in years. Pizza was good, nothing special, so next time, I'll get a burger or the pulled pork and try that. (Yes, we are planning to visit again!) Also on our list to try is the pretzle appetizer. We finished off with dessert. He had the bread pudding (H.U.G.E. portion! 2-4 could share this thing), and I went with the brownie a la mode. Both were really tasty! Looking forward to carrot cake next time. Our server was Jessire and she was AWESOME! We were there on a very busy Saturday night for about 2 hours, taking our time and enjoying ourselves, and we NEVER ONCE felt rushed for our table. Jessire was attentive without being disruptive to us, and very polite. I'll be requesting her next time. Bus service was also great- plates were never left on the table for more than a minute before being cleared away. As far as the ambiance goes, we loved the decor. It seemed loud when we were waiting for a table, and even though we were seated in the bar, it was quiet in our little corner, and we didn't have to yell to hear one another. Can't wait to go back! Thanks for making our anniversary dinner enjoyable.
(4)Nick B.
Let's talk good: delicious food, great beers, good atmosphere, nice location! Now the bad: horrible service which is something I hope they change. We were in there for the 2nd time last Friday (previous time was 3 stars - again service issue) and the place was at 20% capacity yet we waiting 10 minutes before getting a drink order. The bus boys didn't even bring us water! Everything after came slow: slow water refills, slow main course, infrequent check-ups, slow to get bill paid. We felt like we were held there in jail after waiting over 25 minutes to get our bill (had to ask another waitress) and return will our run credit card after needing to ask again!!!! Not acceptable. The food was awesome, though, which saves it from a dreaded single star. Honestly, for the good food and booze you can get it across the street at The Assembly so they best get it together. It's a perfect stop pre or post a movie and have a great atmosphere to meet friends so let's just hope they get there servers in gear. If it's ever the designated place for me to go I will bring cash to avoid part of the problem and if the service doesn't improve it will be my last.
(2)Kevin M.
Had the monk burger and one of their newer pizzas. The best brewpubs around (Emmett's and Duke's ale house) have figured out that the best way to draw a broader crowd is to actually have good food in addition to the beer. They need a better chef, plain and simple. Service was extremely slow. I won't be going back.
(2)Kathy F.
Make a reservation through open table! The first time we went my husband and I did not make a reservation and I had a headache so sitting in the bar really was not an option and we ended up elsewhere. Tonight was great! The pretzels and three dips appetizer is unbelievably yummy. At first I was leery of the spicy mustard dip but it balanced the cheese and marinara quite well. I had the market tomato salad for my entree, pretty much caprese salad, but tasty. My husband has a burger and an IPA that became "better" as it warmed up. As I do not believe IPA's to be drinkable, I will take his word for it. Not a hoppy gal (but I loves me a nice Belgian or Stout!) Pleasant dinner, topped it off with the warm chocolate chip cookies which were perfection. Prompt service, too.
(4)Russell W.
Went there for lunch with my wife after a movie. Location is great, right by the theater. I had the BBQ chicken pizza, she had the fish and chips. Both were good. The fish was pretty great, actually, but the grease-ball mess of fries served with it was pretty disgusting. The pizza was as expected. I go the beer sampler and was very disappointed. They serve 6, which is great, but only 2 were worthy, in my opinion. The stout and the IPA were prety good, especially the stout. Not much flavor for teh rest, and the hefe must have gone bad, ther was a distinct smell/taste of sulfer. I wanted to love it, a micro-brewery so close to my home, but it just didn't work out.
(3)Ruth Ann M.
The pizzas and flat breads will make your heart sing with their perfectly flavored, perfectly crisp crust and gourmet toppings. The atmosphere is classy enough to host your clients and fancy out-of-town relatives yet casual enough to feel comfortable. The patio is warm and inviting with a central stone fire place. The prices are awesome. Really, you can't go wrong at the Lucky Monk.
(4)Anthony V.
We heard all the reviews and wanted a burger so we decided that we would give The Lucky Monk a try. It's conveniently located next to the AMC 30 movie theater, so it's perfect if you want a movie and a meal. We tried the Caesar salad and home brew chili for appetizers. The salad was fresh and the chili had that homemade taste with a little zip to it. We both had the burgers which were very good and large portions as well. The dessert menu has what they call "angel bites", which are small little portions which are just enough. We did not try their home brew beers; however they have several choices available. The server was very pleasant and accommodating as we received an alternative drink for the very sweet lemonade. The prices are reasonable and there was ample seating. Overall, it's a great place if you would like to get a nice burger and fries. Definitely worth giving it a try!
(4)Julie P.
Dan and I tried this place out before seeing Due Date last weekend. I loved the decor and the ambiance inside and we were sat right away even though the parking lot was packed and we thought we would have to wait. Our waiter seemed a little distracted and his timing was way off, we sat for a while before he came by to greet us and take our order. The menu was a lot smaller than I was expecting, with many burger options but only 3 variations of a sandwich and few entrees. The truffle parmesan fries were very good, but they were served in a dish that seemed like you were getting a lot more fries than there actually were. Our food took a really long time to arrive, and we had only ordered a chopped salad and a burger. I realize that it was busy in the restaurant, but our server seemed to disappear and I was about to flag down a manager to see what was going on. Turns out I would have to flag a manager down a few minutes later for a totally different reason....our food finally arrived. Dan's burger came sitting on top of a round plastic thing that made the burger look a lot bigger than it really was...not sure what the point of that is exactly. I was enjoying my salad when I found a lovely surprise in the form of a dead black bug. We immediately asked for a manager who came over and seemed less than concerned about what had happened. She said that their lettuce was shipped in, as if that's an excuse. I'm sorry but I work in the industry too, and expect a lot more than a lame apology when something like this happens. She asked if I wanted a new salad and I vehemently declined, at this point I felt ill. She did comp our meal but I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I couldn't decide whether or not to write a review because I realize that this type of thing is damaging to an establishment's reputation, however I could not justify keeping silent. I really wanted to like this place but it just wasn't in the cards I suppose.
(2)Alex G.
As the Great 2010 Burger Quest comes to a close, we were fortunate to stop by Lucky Monk on Saturday. As others have noted, the burgers come on little wood platforms that make them look huge when they are brought to the table. Not quite sure what the purpose is. We thought maybe the platforms were heated but nope. The burgers were very good and the fresh cuts fries outstanding as well. I got the version with Tilamook cheddar and bourbon stout onions. The cheddar had a nice bite to it and worked well with the burger. I'll even go so far as to praise the use of shredded lettuce which I prefer. The service was a little in-attentive (empty drinks, add'l condiments needed) but the manager helped out when she stopped by to check on our meal. Everyone thought the burgers were very good and the pizza got good reviews as well. The menu is a little limited but everything is done well so better to excel at a few things (like the chocolate chip cookies). Noise level was not too bad but the vibe seemed to hint that this is more of a late night place. Plenty of bar bites available for late night munching. Carry out window as well. And they offer small dessert options (like $.75 ice cream) which makes more sense when you just want a little something sweet. We'll be back......
(3)J P.
Meh. The ambiance is nice, the band played awesome music. I really wanted to like this place but I couldn't. For one, we had to freaking Valet our car because their parking lot is the size of my living room. Are you kidding me? When you see this place and the vast amount of space around it, and the tiny parking lot, it just makes no sense. The food: Thank God I ordered the Hummus - which was a winner. The other appetizers were entirely too fried and sopping oil and disgusting. The brews were okay..we sampled them and we did like 1-2 of them. The apple crisp..what I waited all night for, turned out to be a dud. The crust was so buttery and gross, it ruined what could have been a first ballot hall of fame winner. Do people actually like this food and finish their meals? Beer + Oil = my summary of this place. It just screams obesity. Again, Thank God for the Hummus.
(2)Scott K.
The atmosphere here was awesome, as was the beer selection. The beer is definitely pricey but cmon, you're in South Barrington. I had the Duble. Actually, my friend and I had three of them and called it a 'triple duble.' Either way, it gave is a really good buzz on our way to go and see True Grit at the AMC. Also, the pretzel plate with the different sauces was really good.
(4)Bob D.
This restaurant is delicious and we primarily frequent with out of town guests. Every meal must start with the warm pretzel trio, by far the best warm, soft pretzels ever! With 3 dipping sauces, melted cheddar, Dijon mustard and tomato sauce so creamy and delicious - like a thick tomato bisque. The mushroom pizza is my favorite meal, paired with the lavender unfiltered ginger ale, can't go wrong! My husband has tried a few of their burgers and likes them!
(4)MARGARET B.
A Monday night and the place was slammed- we waited 20 minutes for the waiter to get drink orders and another 20 minutes of drinks to arrive at the table. Dinner was ordered at the same times as the drinks and did not arrive until 75 minutes from the time we sat down until the time we were served. Our waiter was not apologetic but seemed put out that the restaurant was that busy. The only saving grace was the food was decent. I have to say the side salad I ordered was not served in a chilled bowl and seemed wilted as a result. We waited for our food and the food waited for us- fries were luke warm. A manager never came around asking how our dinner was but he probably would not have like what we would have told him. I am not sure we will even give this another try...
(1)Len T.
The food was excellent. Tried the trio. Excellent. Burgers were great. The only reason I'm rating them 3 stars is because of the drinks. For $8 & $9 Margherita and Monks Punch, there was hardly any alcohol in it. We felt cheated on the drinks.
(3)Laura A.
I can't even describe how much I LOVE The Lucky Monk. Admittedly I've never eaten any of their entrees, but their appetizers are absolute manna from heaven. If you go, definitely get the whipped goat cheese appetizer -- it changed my life -- especially if you love goat cheese. But even if you don't, it's incredible. Also the pretzels are good, not too salty and just firm enough but soft in the middle, plus they come with a kind of mustard butter that will clear out your sinuses (in a good way!). I went recently with some friends who had the Proscuitto-wrapped scallops, and apparently those are amazing as well. And of course, who doesn't love a great beer selection, including microbrews made on-site? If it's your first time the tasting platter is a really good deal, and I highly recommend the wheat beer (Tritica). I've heard their IPA is incredible as well, but IPA is not to my taste so I haven't had it outside the tasting sampler. Highly recommend!! Probably a good idea to make a reservation though, especially on a Friday/Saturday night. Sometimes they have live music too which is a draw for some people but I think it's the only downside to the place.
(5)Jeanne Y.
My family and I love this place. The food is really good and the menu diverse, but I can't have wheat gluten so I'm always limited wherever I eat. When I go there I just tell the waiter who confers with the chef to see if what I would like can be made gluten free. The chef can often accomodate my dietary restriction by modifying something but if it alters the dish too much they have also been able to suggest something else. They are very nice about it and have never acted put out by having to tailor my food a little. The wait staff has always been very helpful to me by telling the chef to be sure there is no gluten in what I order and I really appreciate that because a lot of things have gluten that one can't recognize by looking at it. Another nice thing is that they never rush us out the door after we are done eating. The atmosphere is really nice and conducive to lingering for a while, maybe over coffee or a drink. One other thing I want to add...my daughter went there with a friend and left her debit card on the tray by accident. Days later she realized it and they had been holding it for her in a safe. The employees were all very nice and helpful and she happily got her card back. I give Lucky Monk five stars for the service, the food, the atmosphere and honest employees.
(5)Mike U.
Great atmosphere - did not get a chance to cehck out the outdoor patio and fire pit. Service was outstanding. Food was good, but nothing that blew me away. I would definitely make the trip down there again.
(3)Erin E.
Went there for my better half's birthday with his family. I wasn't expecting much (mostly bad chains in this area- not good restaurants way out here in the burbs) but I was pleasantly surprised! They make home brewed iced tea and lemonade which we had. Really great service, friendly, clean, and good food. We had meat eaters and vegetarians in the group yet everyone was happy with their meals. I'd go back again and was glad to see they're even doing some organic choices as well. Not many but hope they add more organic fare soon!)
(4)Joseph P.
A Wednesday noon may not be the most relevant time to review this place - there were no crowds at all, so we can review just the food and the service. Didn't try the beer. To me this place is a lot like the RAM restaurants, but without the menu polish. The prices are a bit high - about $12 for the typical burger. They say they are "Prime", but the tasted just average. At lunch they add a few items at the $10-11 price point. I had the Patty Melt. Oddly, the "melt" part was a cheese SAUCE (!!), not like real cheese. Cooked right, it still was just passable. The "natural" fries were ok, but soggy and a bit cold. My friends each had the Combo half sandwich and salad. Very small salad - served in a 3 inch tall ramekin. They said the sandwich was ok. Soft drinks are also a bit high at $3. Our waitress was a pro of the "bar circuit" - very friendly and efficient, even as we stayed for a few hours just talking and drinking. Maybe at night this place has an atmosphere, but as a restaurant it is a "no real reason to drive here" place.
(2)Annette G.
We've been a couple times, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich both times, and have yet to finish it, which is just fine with my husband. The have a small kids menu, pasta, pizza, chicken nuggets - but they serve them with veggies if you choose, and bring out carrot sticks with ranch dressing for them to munch on. We tried the nacho fries last time - a total waste :( the plain ones with the meal were much tastier. And as many others have noted - service is very slow.
(3)Chris P.
Love this place! Great burgers, atmosphere and beer. Try the fried pickles.
(4)Lisa P.
Love the bar area, it has comfy seating for chatting with friends. The appetizers are soo goood. The atmosphere was perfect for a get together with friends, a date night, or just a nice meal. Service could have been better. We noticed the manager had a staff meeting right in the bar area. We had to wait to get our drinks.
(4)Andre L.
If you are looking for a burger and beer, this is as good as I've found. Food was excellent. Try the pretzel appetizer as others have suggested. I upgraded my fries to the truffle fries also excellent. I'm a beer snob and this place has a very good selection of imports including the Belgium's I love. I got a complimentary taste of their seasonal in-house which currently is a Belgium style dubbel which was great. Nice ambiance with live music. I'll be back!
(5)D. T.
I dont know how to rate this place. Food was decent, I had the Tacos. Its one of those places thats not really memorable. You eat here and then you dont think about it again for... ever.
(3)Jay V.
Love the food, always friendly service. Try the burgers, they are awesome!
(4)Vick C.
Good burger and beer! very nice interior and super friendly service, I will def go again!
(4)Little Miss L.
actually, i am going back and forth over this place. we've been here twice...so i feel that is enough to write a decent review, right? both times we had the great fried pickles. (the second time they were better) first time there we had the monk burger and a pizza, (short-rib and "farm" egg--whatever that means) cause this is what they're known for. the pizza was just meh. maybe it was a bad choice, i dunno. the burger, which we ordered medium-rare, came out close to well, but it was good. good fries too. this time we all had burgers, they were cooked more correctly this time--closer to medium, but it was good. the issues i have with the place is that it is slllloooooowww...it took a solid 25-30 minutes after we finished our appetizer to get our main courses. both visits. as you know, that seems like a life-time when you have nothing in front of you. our server came to our table twice to let us know our food was coming, so obviously he knew it was going a little long...come to think of it, the same thing happened the first time we went. i made for the ladies room, and didn't know where it was, so i asked the hostess. she barely looked up from her nails to mumble and point the direction for me. gee-thanks. later, we noticed she did have a personality because she was chatting with her co-workers. btw, the bathroom was a wreck, so that's a tell-all too... our servers were both decent, the buss team is good and i saw who i think was the manager busily running food and running around. never got a table visit from him, so i can't attest to his personality. lastly, i think its dirty there. fruit flies were all over the place. which gives me the heebs. and there was a moth or something stuck between the plastic and the paper on the menu. when i showed our server, he was mortified and he replaced the menu right away apologizing like crazy. all in all, the food was good--wish the restaurant was cleaner and the food came out in a more timely manner... can't win them all. i'd like to be able to go back there, but i'll try to find another good burger around my new house...
(3)Louis P.
Best turkey burger I've ever had. Have to try the fried pickles as well. Solid home made beers too.
(5)Brenda V.
Big, clean and stylish ambiance, nice menu, excellent service and VALET.. woot woot.. perfect before heading to the AMC theatre.. I highly recommend the salmon and for dessert, the bread pudding. Yum!
(4)S. P.
I came here for dinner before catching a movie at the AMC theaters a couple of weeks ago. My friend and I were actually planning to eat at the Streets of Woodfield (at Big Bowl) but there was an hour and half wait time on a Saturday night at 6:30pm! So instead, we thought to try The Lucky Monk as it was next to the AMC theatres. The wait time was only 30mins. I was impressed by the ambience and the selection of food choices. I had the butternut squash ravioli and was very pleased! My friend and I sat in an area near the bar and we were able to watch some college basketball games as well have our own personal conversations without any difficulties hearing each other. Overall, it was a great place, and with the long wait times in the Woodfield area, I felt this to be the perfect option if you want to do dinner and movie... Will definitely come back again!
(4)Don B.
Good atmosphere and staff. The Lucky Monk is large and open inside. The decor is dark wood and rich feeling...kind of like Shaw's Crab House or The Clubhouse...if you've ever been to those places. The wait is always short, even on a busy Friday night. They have live bands Beer selection is large and features Lucky Monk's own house brews, a bunch of specialty beers from around the country, and your standard variety of domestics. Menu is not very expansive, but has choices for all tastes. Food is good overall. I have been there several times and recommend the pickle fries as an appetizer. They come with a chipotle ranch dip and are awesome. Burgers are good, juicy and flavorful, although very messy. Cedar-plank BBQ salmon was also very good. If you plan on drinking water with you meal, be aware that it tastes pretty awful...must be well water. Live bands play there on Fridays and keep the volume acceptable as not to drown out conversation. Crowd tends to be 35-50 year olds, but all age groups are represented. Prices are moderate, bathrooms are clean, and Lucky Monk is definitely a place worth checking out.
(4)Amy C.
Great food, prices are decent for the area and the pretzel bread appetizer cannot be beat! We love hanging at Lucky Monk for lunch or dinner, and their facebook fan page offers various drinks, specials and promotions to watch. Their salads are generous but not gigantic, burgers are great and the flatbreads are interesting. Great dinner and a movie place if you're headed to AMC afterwards. Get reservations if you're hitting them for a weekend dinner.
(4)Mark G.
I had lunch here last week and it was great. Atmosphere is incredible! I didn't get a chance to go to the outside patio, but I will definitely be back to have a few beers out there! I had a burger and fries (The Monk) I believe and they were both great. I also had the fried pickles and a shared pizza as an appetizer. I recommend The Lucky Monk for great food, atmosphere and service!
(5)Brian W.
Fried pickles are awesome. Good beer selection. Could use more on draft. Good burgers. Good service.
(4)Chuck B.
My wife and I stumbled upon this place when we were in the 'burbs and we are very lucky that we did. The atmosphere is nice, but laid back. The service was very good. Our server knew the menu and had very good recommendations. I had a prime bacon cheeseburger and the truffle fries. They were outstanding. The burger was cooked perfectly and the truffle fries were done nicely. I also had a house beer that was crisp and refreshing. All in all, I would strongly recommend you stop by if you want a burger and a beer.
(5)Kristin B.
Great ambiance, great service, great food. We liked the fried pickles, wings, and pizza. The fries were okay....should have been better. The desserts are giant. The apple crisp was excellent! We also had the brownie ala mode- was pretty good compared to most restaurant brownies. The beer and sangria were absolutely perfect. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Justin D.
Just visited The Lucky Monk. I have to say, I was pretty happy with the quality of food and beer. Not the best burger I've ever had, but it was definitely a good quality burger. I tried their spinach and ricotta pizza and it was very good. The spinach really stood out. I had the Holiday Bock and it was great! This place is solid. Oh and our waitress, Jenni, was extremely friendly. I have no complaints at all. I will be back.
(4)Jim J.
Great Santa De Chicken salad. Enjoyed the Cardinal Sin pilsner. The service was timely but not over bearing. Nice atmosphere.
(5)Pam K.
The food is delicious and the portions are huge. We went for a family gathering for my son's birthday. The service was excellent. Everyone agreed the sandwiches were big enough for two people. It was a fun birthday dinner!
(4)Robert C.
My new favorite restaurant, seriously!
(5)Shannon M.
Came here for drinks last Saturday with some friends. They were really busy and we had a reservation, but were seated about 20 minutes after our reservation time. The food was awesome, their roasted vegetable salad is out of this world! Great beer selection, and a great atmosphere for hanging out. The only problem is that they don't have a lot of parking, I had to park in the AMC lot and walk over. I would definitely go back!
(4)Chester R.
nice place...went for lunch and had a goat cheese pizza with tomatoes and spinach...and a 20oz belgian ale. both were quite nice. the pizza crust was professional. upbeat atmosphere, looks like it would also be a good place for a lively dinner. i would go back, so long as i could expense it.
(4)Janice R.
Love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is great and so is the atmosphere. Im usually not a burger fan but, everything from the salad to the truffle fries were great! Usually,it's a wait but its worth it!
(4)Joni M.
we've only been here one time for lunch, but based on how awesome the food was, I feel I can give it a review and a solid 5 stars. It's conveniently located to the theaters, and the decor is great. Really modern, dark-but-not-dank vibe. Our server was great. We started with the fried combo appetizer, which was onion straws, pickles and truffle fries, plus sauce for each for dipping. The presentation was really cute, but the taste was A-Maz-ING! I thought the truffle fries were really good, but OMG, the fried pickles. Where have you been all my life!! The drinks were good, and we both got burgers. The good thing is, they offer two sizes of burgers. We got the smaller, and good thing, since we couldn't even finish those. The presentation on the burgers was great also, they put them on a little wooden pedestal. They obviously know that you eat with your eyes first. we will definitely be back to this place, I wish I lived closer to it!
(5)Tes S.
This place is great. The service is always fantastic, and the food is spectacular. Although they have a limited menu, they really execute their dishes well and it keeps me coming back. It's a great atmosphere, and also seemed family friendly. They have some of their own brews and although I didn't try them, a friend of mine that was there with me swears by them! Great place!
(4)Sam S.
Good food good beer fair to good service.
(4)Christy P.
Been waiting for a place like this in the culinary wasteland known as Barrington. Must say I was not disappointed and will definitely come back. I ordered one a salad while my squeeze had a burger, he loved his and i really liked what I had....
(4)Beth T.
My burger was undercooked, my husbands meal was good...what is going to bring us back to try them again was the serivce. I know there were not busy at the time but I have gotten horrible service before when the staff had time to hang around. Here they were attentive and keeps the drinks full! They deserved a second try.
(4)Bill M.
Only a monk could serve such heavenly food. I know, that's really bad, but this food was delicious. First off, the burger. This is one of the few restaurants that will serve a fried egg on top of your burger, except this place doesn't break the yolk allowing it to flow everywhere when you bite it. It's a good thing. Of course you don't realize the mess the yolk made since the burger it dripping with grease. You can't help but keep eating once you start since your hands are covered. Plus they'll actually cook your burger medium rare, which is quite a rare find indeed. I know, sorry. Anyway, I'd say it's one of the best burgers I've ever eaten. Also keep in mind this is a microbrewery inspired by Belgian monks. Needless to say, their beer is impressive. I suggest the Original Sin. It is a fragrant pilsner with a bitter finish. On my first visit, I got the sampler (read: flight of beer). The waitress was very accommodating and let me sub-out the pale ale. The overall beer selection large enough for everyone (over 21, of course) to find something they like. I should note hear that while I did not even look at the salads, my friend says they are quite good. After my second visit, I was ready to give this place a great review, until my waiter asked if I would be interested in some key lime pie. I didn't think this place could get better, but it did. Now, the pie was more creamy than most key lime pies I've had, but it still had enough tart to it to satisfy my tongue. My friend thought it was a little sweet, but I think that was mostly the graham cracker crust shining though. Overall, as you might have guessed the Lucky Monk I'd a great restaurant. I will definitely be going back again and again.
(5)Sarah P.
We were staying at the Hyatt on the other side of the freeway and found this place close by with lots of decent reviews on Yelp, so we tried it out. Pretty good - a fascinating water delivery system, thin-crust pizza, and my sister loved the wacky burger she ordered. I got pizza, which was NY style right down to the greasiness and giant pepperoni. I'm Mormon so I can't speak to the beer, but they fixed my soda when it was watered down, so woohoo. The service was pretty good, over all, and while kids were clearly welcome and had appropriate accommodations, the place didn't have running and screaming. I definitely recommend trying it at least once.
(4)Paul W.
This place was near my hotel and had some good reviews so I checked it out. I was expecting more of a pub on my arrival, and was surprised to see such a large building dominated by the dining area. Anyway, the pub looked like more fun (although it wasn't busy on a sunday), but my company wanted to sit in the restaurant. Seating wasn't cramped. Server was polite and helpful. Decor was decent. Atmosphere was a little bit more family than expected, but certainly no crying/loud/annoying kids. With those things out of the way, we can talk about food. Their "specialties" are burgers and pizzas. Most of my group had the burgers, and they were delicious. I had a spicier one involving monterey jack cheese...can't remember what it was called...but I threw some avocado on there and it was amazing. I also had some of the chili and it was decent but not spicy enough for my taste. Key lime pie for dessert was above average. The highlight of my night was trying their beer sampler. It comes on a platter with 6 small glasses of different beers. I really enjoyed them all. The beer is actually what brought me to this place but I ended up being surprised by an enjoyable dining experience and some good food. Everything is reasonably priced. I'd give this place 4.5 if I could. Very much recommended if you are in the area. I hear this location has had a lot of different restaurants trying to give it a go over the years, so I really encourage people to check it out as I think it's worth keeping around...
(4)Liz B.
I had dinner last night with my friend and totally over indulged, it was worth it at the time but today I'm paying for it. We started off with some appetizers, the truffle fries and the hummus. The fries were beyond decadent and the hummus platter was delicious and fresh. For dinner, we split the margherita pizza; very thin crust with fresh tomatoes and basil. Don't worry, we didn't forget their very big beer menu-that's where the over indulging came in. I recommend the Allagash White Ale and the Cardinal Sin. Service was good, a little slow but she was very nice. The Lucky Monk is a fun place to go with your friends and family.
(4)Sean M.
Enjoyed this place. this is a brewery, the beer is better than average. I had the Gumbo soup which was not very good, but the Spinach & Ricotta pizza was really good. Service is very good.
(4)Joe M.
Pretzel trio skirt stake with fresh broccoli and service is top notch
(5)M I.
Overall it was a very good experience. The place looks very nice inside. Our server was very good and attentive. Everyone really enjoyed the food. We had the warm pretzels and dips and parmesan fries which were both good. My wife's burger was very good and I had the short ribs which had a lot of flavor and were very tender by just a bit dry. I still like the ribs a lot, but if they were a little more moist they would have been outstanding. We tried a few of their craft beers and they were good too. Overall a very nice place with good food. The prices were reasonable and the place was full. I'd recommend reservations especially right at dinner time. I'd have no problem recommending this place.
(4)Mark M.
This place is excellent every time! Yes, it is a little pricey, but for the most part, the portions are immense and the quality of the food is beyond tasty. I was a little disappointed this time with the Poutine (fries, and gravy and cheese curds, oh my!). It tasted a little bland and they don't give you nearly as much as you'd expect for $8. However, the burger totally saved the day! I get a burger every time here and they are usually outstanding. Today I tried "The King" and it was one of the best burgers I have ever had in my life!!! The King combines bacon, peanut butter and bananas. It sounds weird, and I was worried if it would all work together, but it totally does. The sweetness of the melty peanut butter with the bananas added an interesting touch to the super soft, lean burger. Then the bacon does what bacon does - kicks major behind!! The fries were perfect as usual, the upgrade to pickle fries were yummy as well and the service was great. You need to try this place out!!!!
(5)S S.
Beautiful location, good food! The worst service ever!!!! We were there to celebrate a birthday the wait staff forgot. Had to look for him to order more drink. Food took forever, because he forgot to place the order. He tried steeling money from people who had to leave and left money on the table. He was a nightmare. Wrote a letter to the GM and never got a response, and based on that I will not return as I'm apparently not important.
(1)Cam S.
Modern decor with plenty of tables and booths. Nice, warm atmosphere. Service very good. Food excellent with nice variety of gourmet burgers, pizza and entrees. Had Burger ($12) and Skirt Steak ($16) - both were excellent. Craft beer very good (Fallen Angel). Nice location for movie theater. Plenty of parking.
(5)Mary P.
My first time at the Lucky Monk and it was a hit. The pretzel trio - absolutely delicious! The pretzels are hot and fresh with 3 dipping sauces. The burger is huge, moist and cooked to perfection. The chopped salad is fresh, large and filling. The carrot cake is awesome in flavor and size. Definitely a great place to eat. Plenty of families were inside and the atmosphere was pleasant.
(4)Jessica W.
My fiance and I went to The Lucky Monk for dinner tonight. We had tried to visit a different place earlier and were faced with a 1 hour wait, so we decided to try TLM instead. Thinking that we might have a somewhat shorter wait, we were surprised to hear that wait time was 2 hours. Really? Come on. But the hostesses welcomed us to try full service at the bar or lounge if we could find a seat. With 5 degree weather outside and few choices in the area we decided to try the lounge. I'm glad we stayed because we had a really great time. We had a couple of appetizers, and a pizza and fish 'n chips for dinner. I was really surprised that the beer and food were actually good. The place itself has a good vibe going on, but that doesn't always mean that the food will be good. In this case, the food was worth writing about. We ordered the hummus with pita and truffle oil fries with Parmesan. The fries were a bit on the overly salty side, but in general, MMMM. Their New York style pizza was respectable for Chicago (though to be fair, this is coming from a native New Yorker) and the fish 'n chips were flavorful (tasty fish, and perfectly golden coating, not burnt like some places). Our server (Raphael) was super nice. He was friendly and very attentive even though the place was super busy. Overall, the atmosphere was fun, but relaxed. It has a modern feel to it, but isn't too trendy, or too casual. The bathrooms were super clean (though they just opened up about a month ago, so we'll see how that pans out in another few months). I would definitely go back to this place. I'll be moving to the burbs from the city soon and I'm trying to find places that will help me not miss the city (why oh why can't the burbs have more happening places? It's not like people aren't looking for things to do, places to go...) I think this place will make my list of favorite local places to visit when I don't feel like driving downtown. And to any TLM owners and staff that might be reading this: I love it when new places like yours open up and get sad when they fizzle in effort after 6 months. So please, please, please keep up the good work!
(4)kit k.
Sometimes I like the food here and sometimes the half the food is good and half is terrible. I have been here alot and lost night my salad was horrible and so was my pizza but others in my party loved there food. I have had that salad before and it has been good...The server did not even ask how my food was...crazy. But this is a good place just wish they get it together.
(3)Jeremy D.
This place is awesome! First of all, the beer is excellent. The food might even be better. The outdoor patio is beautiful. I highly recommend the beer sampler for only $7.50 and the burgers. We also had the soft pretzels and they were heavenly. Very impressed! The service was great too. I will definitely be back!
(5)Abraham P.
Their appetizers are delicious, the main course was delicious, and the dessert was delicious. Good decorations all over the place. Flat screens with sports on was great. Good price to. Pretty cheap in my opinion. Probably make a trip back there again
(5)Steve K.
There are to love about the Lucky Monk and things that absolutely keep me away...those negatives keep the Monk from being my #1 local hangout. I was here the week they opened and excited that a new restaurant with lots of energy opened in my backyard.....I still visit often (maybe 40 times since they opened), but my visits are now rare because of the negatives. What I love: - The food is really top notch for what is essentially an upscale sports-bar menu. The truffle fries, burgers, pizzas and chili(s) are all very well executed. I have not had anything on the menu that was not outstanding. The burgers are still my go to item here although when they first opened, they had a smaller size burger option which was just right for me. - The place itself is really well designed and comfortable. It's a fun place to go sit at the bar if you are alone and want to watch a game (GREAT television setup). The tables and atmosphere is good throughout, including a comfortable outdoor space with a fire-pit. They also have a pool table room off the bar which is a good extra diversion. Lots to keep you occupied here. - The beer tastes great and they have a good selection of their own brews as well as better than average micro brews. The selection and quality has dropped off a tiny bit since they opened (in the beginning they really cared about what was on tap and now the tappers and selection seem a bit lee thought out) but still the quality remains high. What I REALLY dislike: - My biggest issue here is the price of drinks. I like to drink beer when I come here, and I noticed somewhere along the way my bar tab seemed to run sky high in a hurry. The reason? A pint of beer here will cost you near $7.00. I challenge you to find anywhere with higher priced beer, from the Gold Coast to the suburbs. The problem is "how" they price...on the menu a pint is $6.00, which is already pretty sky high, but they add tax on top of that for a total per beer charge of about $6.75. Maybe I am old school here but a local sports bar opening in a down economy without live music or strippers can't be charging these prices for beer. Join the rest of the bar world and please quote your drink prices including tax- or reduce the price of drinks to be somewhat in line with the competition. - The service: They opened with an all star staff of servers and bartenders who were really invested in the menu and the concept. Clearly the staff was well trained and cared for. Enthusiasm and service were 5 star. Not so anymore: the help has all turned over at least once in a very short time and you are not likely to get served by anyone who really cares, in my recent experience. Is it terrible service? No, not usually...but the service is far from engaged and fun. - I dislike the fact that they are contracting on their offerings rather than expanding. I understand tweaking a menu with adds and subtracts as time goes by but the Monk had reduced both their food and beer offerings since the day they opened. To me it feels like they are already running out of energy, less than two years after opening. That's it. My advice- If you are going to the movies at AMC this is a nice place to stop with a date for a bite before or after. But don't come too often unless you hit the lottery lately or are on a business expense budget for your movie dates. (Does anyone still have a business expense budget???) And especially don't come if you like to drink beer while watching your favorite team.
(2)lynn s.
My husband & I usually stop at the Lucky Monk after a movie at the nearby AMC. The restaurant was very busy for a Wednesday evening. My husband ordered the burger & fries while I tried the fish & chips. Both of our meals were very good. We also like the beer selection offered. The prices are fairly reasonable and the restaurant has a very nice atmosphere. It is nice to see a restaurant that is actually busy during the weekday. The service was very good even though I was initially brought the wrong dinner. My server apologized and the problem was immediately corrected. We have recommended to other friends and will continue to come back. The menu has a nice variety of burgers, pizza, sandwiches and even a few entrees.
(4)Kim W.
Great decor and space. Beer was good. Both burgers at our table were cooked wrong (well instead of medium rare). Should have sent them back because it ended up making what should have been a great burger just so-so. Truffle fries were ok, not quite the treat everyone raved about. S'mores dessert was yummy. I'll give this place a 2nd try but it's on some thin ice.
(3)nicole h.
As soon as I was seated I was sure I'd love this place. Every employee we encountered was flawlessly professional. And our server--Stephen-- was nothing short of a stand up comedian. Our party of 6 trusted his recommendations and ordered accordingly. The appetizer pretzels with various accompaniments for dipping were good...but the dips didn't exactly rock my world. The fried pickles were amazing. Per our server's advice, I ordered the macadamia crusted tilapia with jasmine rice and banana reduction. I see what they were going for in their execution of this tropical dish, but it fell short. I like to "eat the rainbow" and there simply weren't enough colors, textures, and veggies on the plate. I think a plantain rather than a banana would have put the dish on a whole different level. The rest of the food was just ok...and the beers were just ok too. But the atmosphere and the service are top notch.
(4)Mike I.
Surprisingly good food, and with a great beer list!!! I dined here two weekends ago and had a pleasant all around experience. Our server was attentive and never did our party feel like we had to wait for another round of drinks or to place our food order. The beer selection was very good too: Westmalle Dubbel, La Fin du Monde, Chimay Blue, and a few other import "gems" were available. I did try their own brewed (they make their own beer there) oatmeal stout and it left a lot to be desired. This is, of course, because I'm comparing it to Sam Smith's version which is one of my all time favorite beers. On to the food: We split the pretzel appetizer with dipping sauces. It was very good and definitely a re-order for a future visit. I went with the Chicken sandwich with bacon which was full of flavor (seems like an oxymoron for a chicken sandwich, but it was)! I upgraded to the garlic truffle fries as a side and let me tell you: they were friggin' outstanding. I would go back just for beer and fries next time, they were that good! Other things ordered amongst the group were flatbread pizza (good, not great), pizza (very good), and burgers (great).
(4)Ke R.
We've been here twice, and both times have been a very good experience. The wait staff in very knowledgeable, attentive and informative. The beer is terrific (a few too many Belgians this last visit, but the varieties are always changing), and the food excellent. The short ribs with pasta were tender and flavorful (though the portion was small in comparison to everything else I've had there.) They serve a burger that's layered between two grilled cheese sandwiches (with bacon!) that is a heart attack waiting to happen - but delicious. Salads are excellent. We really love the pretzel appetizers. Terrific fish and chips. We've never made it to dessert, but based on the level of everything else we've tried, they're probably just as good.
(4)Rich C.
I wish I could rate this place on it's food, service, or anything else, but it never got that far. Went on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Only two other people in the bar, but it was so loud from the tvs to the point we couldn't even hear the what the bartender said about the drink specials. When we complained about the volume, I thunk the bartender said there was nothing they could do, but I can't be sure since I couldn't hear her, the volume was bone rattlingly loud, and carried all the way to the door. This is with hardly anyone in the place. It's a shame because it looks like a nice place, but they make it impossible to be heard by your dinner companion when the place is empty. A real shame.
(1)JoJo N.
We have given Lucky Monk a chance several times due to its location and outdoor seating. The beer is great and the atmosphere is enjoyable, but the food is horrible. I have tried over 5 entrees here and have not enjoyed any of them. The menu is very limited and the food doesn't taste good at all.
(1)Sean T.
I loved this place! They have a wide selection of microbrews, great appetizers (we had the pretzels with the different sauces) and burgers were great. I was sad first when Brass closed down, but Lucky Monk is a MUCH better Restaurant and the Bar is at least the same.. I moved to Crystal Lake so I'm not in the area as much, but I miss Lucky Monks.. Try the Beer sampler as they have many tasty brews..
(4)Kathleen R.
I love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is fantastic, family friendly yet perfect for girls night or date night. The outdoor patio is just beautiful and the huge fire pit is great touch. The food was very good. We had the soft pretzels for appetizers and burgers for dinner. The burgers are gigantic and some of the best around. I also had the seasonal beer brewed on location which I really enjoyed. The only reason I gave Lucky Monk 4 stars rather than 5 is because of the service. We were a table of 4 there on a Saturday evening and it didn't seem particularly busy as there were open tables, but the wait staff walked by us several times before finally taking a drink order and the same thing happened when it came time to order food and get the bill. That being said, I will definetly be back but will allow extra time.
(4)Suzanne M.
The burgers are top notch! Both portobello burgers and hamburgers are scrumptious! The beers on tap are also great and the fried pickles are completely addictive. This resto/bar is definitely needed in the NW burbs!
(5)Candyce P.
the hubby works 2mins away from "the lucky monk" and went with his coworkers for lunch there last week. he raved about the burger he had and wanted to go back. so friday rolled around and i was super lazy to cook dinner, so after suggesting portillo's (my lazy go-to), he suggested we go to "the lucky monk" instead. so fine, i got ready and he picked me up. we got there around 5:45, and the place was about half full. but upon entering, the only thing i thought was that it was a beautiful restaurant. nothing overly done up, just simple lighting, nice pieces of art and great color scheme that made the place feel super cozy and nice. our server was mikayah (spelling?), and she was awesome! they've obviously trained their staff well, because she could explain anything we asked and give great recommendations. (thinking about it now, i should've taken notes because their menu isn't available online yet). anyhow, for drinks, we went with their house-brews. i tried the 6-beer flight, and the hubby had one of the darker brews. overall, they were good. i definitely found that i love lighter, wheat beers over darker ales. so the hubby had my darker ones and i finished the rest. we had the grilled shrimp as an appetizer. there were 6 shrimp, and instead of them being crusted with the breadcrumb mixture, there was a dollop of the mixture set in the middle of each shrimp. then the shrimp were set on some sauteed spinach and a light tomato broth. really, really good. so this place is trying to be know for beers, burgers and pizza. so to keep with that theme, the hubby ordered a pizza, i ordered a burger, and we shared. i got the smothered burger, with caramelised onions and gruyere cheese. the hubby got the margherita pizza. the pizza is neopelatin style pizza, so the crust is nice and thin, but still chewy and bubbly. however, while that was very well-made.... the burger... oh, the burger... {drool} it was a perfect burger. not only are the patties house-made, but they are seasoned and cooked perfectly! it also had the perfect amount of onions and cheese to accompany it and not overshadow the delicious burger patty. i asked to sub the parmesan-truffle fries, and they gladly obliged. i said it was ok if that cost a bit extra, but i don't remember seeing a charge for it on the bill. yay! anyhow... the fries. the hubby adored them. but i am going to go out on a limb here... and admit that i think i don't like truffles very much! (eeek!) but, they were pretty good still. for dessert we had the smores skillet. it was too sweet for me, and i have a huge sweet tooth. we also got the "scratch-made" chocolate chip cookies on the house... and i would recommend ordering those. they're a simple dessert, but really delicious. we left the restaurant having had a great meal along with matching service! will definitely go back and take friends and family too! also - it's right next to the AMC theatres, so maybe a cute date night?
(4)Michelle F.
I have been to The Lucky Monk several times and have always had a great experience. The atmosphere is very nice and feels upscale while still being casual and comfortable. The food is very good and executed well and their house brewed beers are great as well! I would only have one suggestion for the menu, to add a pretzel roll to the burgers. The burgers are amazing, they just need a bun that can hold their own next to it!
(5)Gin Y.
Truffle devil eggs delicious; apple and bacon flatbread tasty, buffalo wings very meaty, flavorful. Server / service excellent.
(4)Margie D.
great ambiance, delicious food; the whipped goat cheese appetizer was outstanding and the crispy fish tacos were excellent and it's stone's throw away from the AMC Theaters.. highly recommend, we will definitely be back, Tried it thanks to the positive Yelp reviews..thanks Yelp!
(4)Tom C.
I love brewpubs and The Lucky Monk is exactly what I was looking for. The hostess and server were attentive and friendly. The Belgian Pale Ale was a delicious balance of floral and fruity flavors. The Stout was creamy and rich. The burger was excellent and actually medium as ordered. The chicken sandwich was delicious with avocado, bacon and a brioche bun. Only room for improvement was that the fries were a little too salty. But the salty fries were easily forgivable considering the quality of the beer and food at their reasonable prices. The Lucky Monk further exceeded our expectations with good music like Elliott Smith and Fleet Foxes. Nice ambiance for family or friends. Highly recommended.
(5)rita l.
went to the lucky monk for a change, sat down in the bar ,the bartender was our waitress, got there about 1:00pm on a sunday. listened to the bartender swear at the food runner because he brought food out for another table when they just had been served appetizers{not a pretty site when you have a kid with you}. she came to our table and we ordered two miller lites and a coke never got menus. waited 5 minutes and she never came back. when she did come back she asked what we would like to order, still did not have menus, she gave us two and said she would be back with a third menu, never came back.when she did come back we had had enough by this time and asked for the check.asked to talk to the manager and was told he was to busy. took our business to millrose restaurant across the street and had a great experience. never going back to the lucky monk. what a disapointment
(1)Bobbie D.
We went for a Friday night dinner, made a reservation about 2 hours before. Got there, no parking....didn't look good for us, but a full lot is always good for them! Waited a few minutes for someone to leave, our table was ready, near the bar, which was really loud. I am not a fan of high bar tables. We asked if we could be moved and we were told not a problem. We were reseated in a quieter area. The service was outstanding!! After our last restaurant outing, this was a true pleasure. Our server was pleasant, knowledgeable and friendly without being plastic-smiley-faced. We all ordered burgers, they were cooked perfectly. They were delicious. The fries - meh - not sure they hadn't been sitting around and were a bit too cooked and brown. But the burger, ah, it was so good, that combined with our great service, made up for that shortfall. Desserts sounded good, but we were too full. We will go back, and have told many people about it! Great job training your waitstaff!!
(4)Jane P.
update: food still excellent (fantastic pickle fries) surpassed only by service (shout out to neal who made our evening). only suggestion would be to figure out a way to balance the restaurant's popularity with care + concern for customers who are waiting for tables. a crowded foyer with a beeper doesn't equal the experience, and the location leaves few options.
(4)Kelsey K.
We were pleasantly surprised by this place. It was decent. I'd definitely be back because I'd like to try the spent grain burger.
(4)Veronica L.
I drive about an hour get to this place, it's well worth it! Their burgers are the best!
(5)John B.
Went there on the 'sampler' plan. Beer sampler was fun and most were drinkable. Cheese curds appetizer - eat'em hotl; Sandwiches were good; never met an onion straw I didn't like; truffle fries - not sure what the fuss is about. Wanted to do desert but couldn't find room. Will be back if I get to the area. Thought it was a good value.
(5)Lindsay B.
My husband and I had a great experience at The Lucky Monk- definitely lived up to the hype and all of the difficulty getting into the location. I would highly recommend making reservations if you do not want to wait a long time to be seated- particularly on a weekend. We were seated within 3 minutes of walking into the restaurant due to our reservation, and the wait time for everyone else was about 45 minutes. My husband tried one of the lucky monk brews- the seasonal offering- and enjoyed it a lot. I tried two different cocktails- the triple berry lemonade and the paloma- both delicious. We started with the trappist trio- a guilty pleasure of deliciousness that included cheese curds, truffle fries, and fried pickles- heaven in a trio. We both enjoyed delicious burgers for our meal- and had some food to take home. We skipped the fries with our meal due to eating them with our appetizer and had beer cheese soup instead- fantastic- and had some of that to take home too. I would definitely come back to The Lucky Monk to try other items on the menu because many more things look delicious. Great experience overall!
(5)Lukas S.
We came here twice and each time had a great experience! The first time we came on a Friday and had to wait about 30 minutes for a table, but that wasn't too much of a shocker being a weekend. The second time we made reservations and got seated immediately. The food is great and the atmosphere is fun and vibrant. There's a lot of unique and fun items on the menu! You could try the burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches, for instance! It's a definite place we'd go back to! The downfall for us is the wait on weekends...but...that's not the fault of the restaurant that so many people want to eat there!!
(4)Jim B.
Great experience, only a 15 minute wait and it was pretty crowded. Our daughter has a nut allergy, and our waitress was very attentive and accommodating, even had the chef make sure the bread was safe..we appreciated the extra effort, not all restaurants are as attentive. Fried pickles were so awesome, we had to get another because the kids gobbled em down so fast! Corned beef sandwiches were good according to wife and daughter, son kinda filled up on the apps, so we took his food home. I had the monk burger with sautéed shrooms, which was good. The beer cheese soup was good too. Also got the beer sample paddle, the Weiss and oatmeal stout were especially good. Overall, very good, we all agreed we would go back. The menu isn't huge, but has typical pub fare. Cheese curds, fried pickles, beer...ya can't go wrong!
(4)Melissa H.
Traveling thru and stopped by. It was pleasantly surprising that it was so good. We enjoy it alot and if it was closer to our city we would go back. It was clean, service was good, and management was visible.
(5)Carolina B.
I went to this restaurant before seeing a movie at the AMC 30 in south Barrington. It is a brewery/ restaurant that specializes in burgers, I would definitely recommend it, especially if you are seeing a movie at the theater, it is basically the only nearby restaurant unless you want to spend a lot of money or want Chilli's. I made a reservation for 4 people at 4:45 on a Saturday, I was surprised to find that I actually needed a reservation so early. I requested a booth and got one which was nice. If you are going on the weekend I would suggests making a reservation. As I said, they are known as a brewery and offer many beers for all tastes, my friends both got beer samplers which were great. 6 different beers with explanation sheets, and they were not too expensive. I don't drink beer often and they had a pretty good drink and martini menu. I ordered the botanical fizz martini and it was great, light and refreshing. For dinner, I ordered the chicken poblano chili and the fresh tossed spinach pizza both were excellent. The pizza was cooked perfectly and had all the right flavors, ricotta, mozzerella and bechamel sauce, I also added sausage. I would definitely suggest this place, even if your not in the mood for a burger or going to the movies!!
(4)Edward M.
Had a wonderful evening here. The hamburgers are definitely the thing to go for. I had the grilled cheeese burger which is two grilled cheese sandwiches as bread and then a hamburger in the middle. The grilled cheese comes with bacon bits as well. They were very crisp. This was just a fun thing to order but was way too big to put in my mouth. The fries that came with it are hand cut and excellent, crispy on the outside, just right on the inside. The service is also excellent.
(4)Chelsea D.
My favorite burger place ever! It is definitely the burgers that keep bringing me back here and the sweet potato fries. Though the service isn't always the best - the host stand could be friendlier and the servers could be more attentive with keeping drinks full, coming back to check on how it's going, etc. I've only checked in here a few times, but I've been here at least 7 or 8 times now.. One time I can recall waiting 45 minutes for a burger. It was a Thursday night in August and the place wasn't full. We actually sat outside, but our waiter was always MIA. It seemed as though he had tables inside too. I felt like his table assignments were off that night or too much for him to handle. My favorite burger is the "bourbon stout" with Tillamook cheddar, stout braised onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and they also give you a house condiment. The "monk" is always a good choice. It's basic. And the "sunrise" comes with a sunny side up egg.
(4)Meghna S.
We have been there many times with friends and family and everyone loved this place.. We are vegetarian and most of the places have only one type of veggie burger but this place has all varieties of burgers they can make vegetarian. Their beer samplers are pretty good. great ambience.. Good service Good choice of appetizers.. Fries trio platter is the best..
(4)Gloria B.
Went there today with two girlfriends after a movie. We tried the deep fried dill pickles with the smoky dipping sauce for an appetizer. They were definitely five stars - YUM! I got the spent grain burger (vegetarian) made from grains used to brew their beer. It was very good - almost TOO good - like "what's in this exactly - is it really vegetarian, LOL?" It held together much better than most veggie burgers I've had. Their fries, as always, were good. Our server was very attentive, so no complaints there. I've been there a number of times and have enjoyed their pizza on other visits. And their desserts are pretty yummy and giant too. So overall, I'm a very happy customer. It's a great after movie treat.
(4)Ann C.
Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. Two adults, an adult teen (what do you call an 18 year old? She is technically an adult, but still a teen.... I digress) and a 9 year old. We were seated right away. Great service. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, but not overly attentive. Hubby ordered a beer flight. He enjoyed it. I stuck to a coke product because I do not like beer. We ordered poutine... it was fantastic. The curds were so good, I had to arm wrestle my 9 year old for the last one on the plate. The adults ordered the cheese soup. I do not think any of us liked it much. As a matter of fact, the young adult (ha! That's what she is!) and I did not finish ours. The hubs ordered the grilled cheese burger. Holy huge! He enjoyed it. The young adult ordered the chicken salad sandwich. She said it was good but was full from the poutine and soup. She ate the rest for lunch today and said it was pretty good. I had the rueben. It was very, very good. I would order it again. The 9 year old had the cheese pizza with fries. He devoured it. Kids meals come with a cookie and chocolate sauce. He devoured that too. It was a bit pricey for 4 people for lunch but I would go back for the poutine. It was that good.
(4)Michael M.
Going to keep this short, sweet, and to the point. I don't write a whole lot of reviews but I find myself just having to after eating here at The Lucky Monk. The atmosphere of the place is terrific and appearance is very nice but once you take your seat all of that begins to fade away. The waitress was good but the food I couldn't serve at a homeless shelter. I can not recommend this place and be able to sleep at night I am sorry. If you are just going to sit at the bar and watch a game you're going to be just fine just don't order any food.
(1)Andrea M.
The burgers here are out of this world, as are the sweet potato fries. They were happy to seat us early for our reservation. They brought out a veggie appetizer for the kids in the party, and they got cookies and milk for dessert! They have a nice wine selection too. This is a great place for families!
(5)Bob R.
Date night! We saw a movie at the AMC next door. We've tried to eat at the Lucky Monk in the past several time, but the waits to get in were way too long. This time, we used Opentable to make a reservation ahead of time. We saw a 3:45 movie, so made a reservation for 6:15. And, like always, the place was packed. As I understand it, the wait was about 45 minutes, but we were seated right away. As you might expect, with the crowds, it is noisy in there. The crowd is diverse, from young couples with small children to old folks like us. The server greeted us shortly after we were seated, then took a drink order - I ordered a martini. From then, we waited. The poor waiter seemed to have about 15 tables and was running to keep up. But, it got a little frustrating when we finally flagged him down about 15 minutes later to place our order. I did say something about it, and from that moment on the service was great. Their menu has a broad selection. But, boring me, I ordered a burger.. At least Kerrie got a Waldorf Salad. But, I have to admit, the burger was really good. I ordered it medium, and it was perfect. They are large (1/2 pound) and they serve it on a one in round piece of wood. So, it looks even bigger when delivered. Not sure what they spice the meat with, but it was tasty. The fries are serve are hand cut, and were also very good. No room for desert, but I did take 1/2 of the burger home. We'll be back.
(4)Raeni 3.
Waitress was very friendly and helpful. Hamburgers are juicy and ginormous! Only complaint, the fries did not taste fresh nor were they hot. Definitely will go back!
(3)Ericka A.
Eating here kinda blows my mind each time and leaves me speaking in Doge. Such poutine. Amaze. Much craft. Such selection. Very delicious. Wow! We've come here about a handful of times and expect to make many future visits. This craft brew bar is practically in the same parking lot as AMC South Barrington 30, so we often grab a bite to eat before seeing a show. The downside: Long waits (typically 30-45+ min each time we've shown up), somewhat slow service (though not atrocious), sometimes a bit of a mix-up on orders (they're apologetic and correct it), and I think their fries are pretty weak. The upside: If it's just two of us then we've usually been able to grab a seat at the bar relatively quickly and you can order food there, our servers have all been very gracious, their poutine is pretty decent (even if the fries suck, IMO), the burgers are great (I highly recommend the Grilled Cheese Burger and The King), and they have a handful of their own beers, a great selection of other craft beers, and there are typically a couple hard ciders on tap. Their bottled beer choices are varied and extensive as well.
(4)Jorge C.
This place never fails to deliver! I make it a point to find the little hole in the wall places for a mean burger and beer. This place has been my staple and high water mark for years! Short of going to Wisconsin, the cheese curds here are second to none!
(5)Nina K.
I love the food and beer at this place. There's not much else to say! Get the appetizer trio, very yummy.
(5)Natty P.
The best part about this place is THEIR OWN BREWED BEER! My favorite would have to be the stout. As far as apprizers my favorite are the cheese curds which comes with a chipotle dipping sauce. I have had a variety of entrées but my all time favorite are the crispy fish tacos. Lastly we tried a desert for the first time and it was the sticky donuts and it was absolutely amazing with three dipping sauces: chocolate, raspberry and caramel. This is a nice environment and when the weather gets nice there is outdoor seating and a bonfire pit. The ambience is nice, it's a classy feel, this is a great place for a girls night, date or even casual dinner and drinks. I have never been disappointed with the level of service I receive there. They ran out of the stout that I usually get after my first glass, they suggested a different on which I didn't like, and they took it back and let me pick another one.
(5)Emmalee G.
So delicious. I was here last week on a double date and it was splendid. We started our meal off with The Pretzel Trio and it was amazing. My beau ordered the Monk Burger, and I ordered the BBQ Burger with a vegetarian patty as a substitute for their traditional party. Unfortunately they were out of vegetarian patties but our server alerted me of this right after our order was placed and I ordered the Fish n Chips. Our food arrived hot and perfectly cooked. I wish we would have saved room for dessert! Maybe next time. Will definitely visit again.
(5)Daniella D.
Stopped in at 2:00 on a fri. Nice crowd but easily seated at the bar. The atmosphere was modern and comfortable. It's along the lines of a granite city or rock bottom but better. Our server Becky was also the bartender. She did a great job the whole time we were there. She had a great knowledge of the menu and the beers which was refreshing as so many people know nothing about the food or drinks where they work. She also was also attentive. The food that we had was really great. We started with the cheese curds which rival any WI establishment and we agreed were the best we've ever had. They were lightly breaded and crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside. They come with 2 dipping sauces that pair well. We ordered 2 pizzas to share, the spinach & margerita. They were both good though we each preferred a different one. We got the beer sampler which included 6 beers. 5 if the brews they normally keep on tap & 1 choice/ seasonal. Our 6th beer was an extra IPA this time. It was just under $9 for the sampler. We thought the beers were pretty good overall. We each chose a different beer to order after having the sampler and liked the ones we ordered. But we decided against a growler fill because nothing really blew our mind. Keep in mind we are really into craft beer and so it takes something special to really impress us. This place is definitely top notch and worth checking out.
(4)Jeffrey K.
My wife loves the joint. I like it. It's good food. The prices are a bit high for what you get though.
(4)Rose D.
Well, The Lucky Monk, perhaps you aren't so lucky anymore as I'm knocking you down a star. Perhaps you are getting too big for your britches? Over the years since we've been coming here the food has been mostly quite good, but the service has been seriously slipping. I'm not saying every time we've come here, but enough occasions out of the overall to make me write this update. The attentiveness & friendliness (I don't mean slather it on, but just basic server niceties) has been lacking on multiple occasions. Since it hasn't been every time and since the food, for the most part, has been great, I've only knocked them down to 3-stars for now. I will say I most recently tried the Spent Grain "burger" which is a quinoa/grains patty and while the flavor was good it was the mushiest quinoa patty I've ever had. It was impossible to eat it like a burger, it fell completely apart the first time I picked it up so I just ate it with a fork. I've had them elsewhere, and while they are usually on the softer side, it is possible to make them so they stay together to eat on a bun. Oh well.
(3)Nathan S.
My first impression of Lucky Monk was, wow this place has a cool look and vibe. The building is nice and open with up to date decorations. Our server came out and I feel like we were rushed, even though the dinning room was pretty open. We ordered a couple flights of their beers, I cant remember all of the names so i will not really review them. One was great and I didn't really care for the rest. The group at the table all ordered a burger of some type and while they were all good burgers, the price was ridiculously high for them. I will not likely be back, only because the price, the food was good, atmoshper was nice, and the service was alright.
(3)Abby K.
We went to the Lucky Monk for our rehearsal dinner. They had no problem reserving us a table for 20 people in the dining room (vs. making us reserve a private room). When we arrived, we were immediately seated in the dining room. The service was fast. We ordered drinks, received those quickly and put in our appetizer and food order. The in-house beers were good. You are able to order a flight of beer, which several on the table did, which gave us a chance to try all the different beers before picking one to go with our dinner. The food came out quite quickly and looked amazing. The burgers were big, the salads were huge and the portions were great, especially for the price. Many people weren't even able to finish all the food they ordered! Everyone at the table complimented the dishes they'd ordered. The service was fast and overall it was a good experience and a nice, informal place to hold a relaxed rehearsal dinner. I'd definitely go back, if i am in the area again! The bar area is very nice as well. There is plenty of room to stand or sit and enjoy drinks. We spent a few hours at the bar after dinner and the service again was great!
(4)Matthew M.
The burgers, twisted chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries are all very good. Solid 4 stars. I'm not a huge fan of their beers. Although I wouldn't necessarily take my advice on that. I'm a food expert, not a beer sommelier. I'm usually very disappointed by craft breweries/gastropubs food. I almost always find the food to be way over rated. This isn't the case at The Lucky Monk.
(4)Dale R.
Not often 5-Stars come around for me. But I really enjoyed this place. All the beers were great from the sampler, some just not to my liking. I'm not into bitter hoppy beers. He Weiss beer may have been my favorite, Monks Choice and Oatmeal stout were pretty good. For Dinner I had The King. I've had a similar burger named after Elvis and this was one was right there with it. What a great different kind of burger... You might thing gross peanut butter and banana on a burger? Don't knock it until you've tried it! Their fried pickles are some of the best I've had anywhere.
(5)Kristyn L.
The fish tacos. Get the fish tacos. Perfectly crisp, right amount of toppings, I think it comes with 5 or 6(?) perfectly bite sized tacos. In love, one of my new favorite places for tacos, and that's saying a lot
(5)Danni G.
Our waitress heather last night too 20 minutes to get our drink order. The didn't even ask if we were ready to order food or had questions. Waited another 10 minutes for our food. My cousin asked for a new glass of water because the regul tasted metallic and our server scoffed at us Also it is not really acceptable for your waitresses to have their longer than shoulder length hair not tied back. Especially when they play with it at the tables and flick it around food. I counted at least three with half-down-the-back hair. I've been in service for 14 years and this is unacceptable. The food was mediocre, the attitude and health code issues will keep me from ever coming back. I will spread the word. Promise.
(1)Renaud S.
Had quick lunch here with colleagues and we had a great time! I had the Macadamia Crusted Tilapia, which tasted absolutely wonderful. The fish was ideally cooked, crunchy on the top, and the caramelized bananas were delicious. The Bourdon and Stout Glazed Chicken looked very good as well. For drinks, we just had their beer sampler, which gives a nice overview of different beers they have, all being very tasty of course. Nice staff as well. Great food experience!
(4)Mary H.
We wanted to go beer tasting and have lunch so we decided to try this place. It's big, spacious, with plenty of parking. They had numerous tasting sizes to fit your mood. The beer was good and the menu had a nice variety of options. I went with the steak mini tacos... They looked sooo good. But they were sooo salty! It made me drink my beer faster along with a couple glasses of water. The calamari was crispy and just as salty. I guess that was the going theme of our lunch. Staff was friendly and attentive. Maybe it was my food choice.. I would try this place again, later...
(3)Katie Y.
The hostess staff ruined my surprise party! My family and I enjoy the food at Lucky Monk, so that was why I decided to host my husband's surprise 40th birthday party here. I was in communication w/the event coordinator, but there was a definite communication break down w/the rest of the staff. The 3 hostesses had no idea that my party was a surprise even though they should've known. They proceeded to ask my husband (guest of honor) if he wanted to go back to the party room. After I quickly shooed my husband to take my son to the bathroom, I told the hostesses about their mistake. All 3 hostesses looked freaked out and muttered apologies. I asked the hostesses to please bring my husband back to the party room after he came out of the bathroom, but then none of them were to be found leaving my husband and son to just wander back to party room on their own. Even after their blunder, no manager ever came to find me to discuss the staff's oversight. I know the manager knew about the blunder because the manager told the event coordinator what happened and the event coordinator told me the next day when I called to complain. The food was delicious, and the 2 waiters that served during the party were nice and attentive. However, the waiters over charged me for the wrong party package, so now I have to go back to sign for my credit card refund. The room was freezing and I asked for the temperature to be raised but the room never warmed up while we were eating our tiny portions of the $2 upgraded ice cream cake. Overall, I would still go back for the food, but if you're looking for a place to host a SURPRISE birthday party, I would try elsewhere. **update, 2 star review dropped to 1. I spoke w/general manager who was apologetic, but left a real bad taste in my mouth w/ his antagonizing comments. Tips for general manager...1) learn customer service! Your employees messed up. Don't make the customer feel like crap by insinuating that I would use employees names unfairly in a yelp review...I don't roll that way. 2) don't antagonize me by saying you were hoping "we could've worked something out before" I wrote a review. I didn't call to get a free gift card; I called bc your guys messed up and you didn't initiate a call to apologize. 3) don't give excuses and tell me my party is no more important than any of the other parties that have been at your restaurant. When anyone spends hard earned money for a party, that person has every right to expect that their party is a priority for that day and time. Needless to say, I'm very disappointed by this whole situation, and I will NEVER patron this restaurant again!!
(1)Abraham K.
My previous experience at Lucky Monk was better than when I went there the other day. The service was on point. Our waitress was funny, informative, and met all our needs. But as for the food, it didn't really leave anything special behind. Your typical restaurant I guess, I would recommend trying White Chocolate instead. I remember last time visiting here feeling happy and satisfied, now leaving here thinking man what happened. I ordered the Margarita Pizza. The taste of this pizza seems lower than Mariano's Margarita Pizza. However, the donuts redeemed the place. I remember last time I visited it was superb, and again they were on point. I would recommend getting the donuts.
(3)Tim W.
Oops, don't take it personal by only getting three stars and not five. The ambience of this place is great. Decour is nice. Beer selection is good. As well for the mixed drink list. Staff welcoming and friendly. But the food was not something to really brag about. My burger was a bit on the salty side. The sweet potato fries not the best I've ever had. Cheese curds good. Truffle fries 50/50, pickle chips - different. Steak tacos - ok. So the only thing I can say is that I am glad I stopped by and tried this place. I cannot really say I will be returning. because it wasn't the most appealing to my taste buds. But to each its own. Would not steer anyone away from trying this at least once.
(3)Sandra Y.
Went here today with some family & friends for dinner for my grandma's bday. We ordered Moscow mules & monk-aritas. The Moscow mules were ok, nothing special. The monk-arita was better. For appetizers, we had cheese curds & calamari. Both were hot & fresh & good. For entrees, we ordered a grilled cheese burger, n'awlins chicken sandwich, a patty melt, & 2 BBQ burgers. Everyone said their burgers/sandwich/melt were good. I ordered the grilled cheese burger, per the server's recommendation. It was ok. I guess I expected more considering it sounded so amazing on the menu. I liked that it had pieces of bacon in the grilled cheese & then in the actual burger. My biggest problem was that I ordered it medium rare & it was almost completely well done. Not good esp since the server suggested med rare over rare, saying that they do it really well here... Still, I had a good time here. The place is lovely, the food is decent, the server was nice. I just wasn't that happy with my burger. Everyone else liked theirs, so maybe it was just mine. I think I'd still come back though. It's cleverly located right next to AMC movie theater so it's easy to come grab dinner & watch a movie after :)
(3)Stephanie L.
I've eaten a lot of burgers in my life and these are easily some of the best. They are always so juicy and flavorful. I'm glad the patty melt is now a full time option instead of a lunch specialty. The only issue I've ever had here is that the water tastes funny. Even the pop does because of this.
(5)Christina L.
I came here on a Saturday night with my bf. We arrived at 5:30 and waited about 20 minutes. We already knew what we wanted and ordered the Trappist trio, beer cheese soup, monk burger, and poutine fries. First off, our appetizer came within 4 minutes which was kind of suspicious considering how packed the place was. My boyfriend, who is in the restaurant business, explained exactly how he thought the appetizer was under a heat lamp for quite some time. The cheese curds were not chewy and the fries were drenched in truffle oil. The burger was pretty good but the bacon was hard and reminded me of a dog treat. The soup was not what we were expecting and rather disappointing. We didn't even bother dessert because this place was just an overall disapointment. The good reviews are definitely for the beer selection.
(3)Ryne R.
Great atmosphere. The food is good. The fried pickles, pretzel trio, hummus are all great apps. The fish tacos were greatness. The nwaulins chicken doesn't disappoint. You can add all the fixings to your burger or sandwich. The beers are good. This place is just a fun time.
(5)Megan Z.
I've always love a fresh, hand-packed, juicy burger. Cooked to a juicy medium rare. There is nothing better than an ice cold micro-brew with said burger. If you're looking for craft burgers and micro-brew beers, this is the place for you. The Lucky Monk offers an expansive menu of burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and signature entrees. I always come here for their excellent craft burgers and brewed in-house beers! The atmosphere in the restaurant is very modern and contemporary. However, don't feel out of place, it is VERY comfy and intimate. The bar area is excellent to catch the game. However, I prefer the spacious and comfy booth! We started off with an order of their Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The curds were plated elegantly with a tomato-marinara and a slightly spicy chili aioli. The breading seasoned, robust, and light. The cheese inside was melty and gooey! To quench our thirst, we ordered the Confessional IPA. It had a spicy kick with accents of refreshing citrus. The large glass runs about $5.50. Totally worth it for the price. The quality is impeccable. Service here is top-notch. Our server, Donato V. did an excellent job recommending meal items, as well as the excellent IPA. They truly take customer service here to a whole new level. We were able to space our order out and never felt rushed. Next, we decided to both order a craft burger. Their burger selection is top-notch and you can customize the burger exactly how you want it. You have a choice of a sesame seed bun, brioche bun, or dark rye bread. The cheese selection is wonderful as well. Tillamok Cheddar, Gruyere, Merkts Cheddar, and Pepperjack are among the choices. You can add a fried egg, avocado, whatever your heart desires! They have an excellent patty melt, (will try next visit) as well as a burger where the buns are TWO bacon grilled cheeses! The burgers are served on a neat pedestal, showcasing the true beauty of a fresh, craft burger! The hand-cut fries are hands down the best I've had! You simply can't go wrong! If you thought I was done, think again! I knew I had to order dessert when Donato recommended the House-Made Sticky Donuts! They come out piping hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar. The donuts are glazed in a sweet, delicious glaze. With the donuts, you are treated to a raspberry, caramel, and chocolate dipping sauce. They are sinfully delicious and well worth saving room for! I can't wait to come back to try out the highly recommended "Don't Call Me" patty melt and the fresh, hand battered fish and chips! Unlike other places, they don't use frozen fish! The Lucky Monk prides itself on fresh, never frozen meats and fish. Additionally, none of their items are "pre-made" or frozen. This is as good as it gets folks! If you love their beer, they have a little cooler filled with beer to take home! If you want excellent burgers, beer, and ambience...check it out for yourself! You will not be disappointed!
(5)Andrea H.
I really just love this place! First of all it's super close to my work so it's convenient, but even if it wasn't I would come here as much as I could! It's just a nice, well managed restaurant. I've been here more than 5 times and the food has always been great and I've always gotten a beer or cocktail and haven't been disappointed. Every waiter and waitress I've had has been knowledgable and patient and they seem to actually like their jobs which I feel like makes all the difference in your experience anywhere. The Parmesan truffle fries are awesome, burgers are huge and served on this platter that makes them look even bigger! It's a little terrifying till you realize that it's not that humongous haha I've had people ask me what's good place for a date, or for a group or to grab a drink or good for families and I've recommend The Lucky Monk every time for all those occasions. It's a well rounded restaurant. Had a great experience at the bar the other night too! Our bartender was really nice to my friend and I. The bar had slowed down at that point so there wasn't much excitement happening so it was good to have a server that made us feel welcome! Keep up the good work, I'll be back soon! On busy nights though, make a reservation. This is a good restaurant and it shows, don't get angry when they tell you it's a two hour wait and you couldn't take the time to make a phone call. Quality is worth waiting for!
(5)Edward P.
Food is great. Been here plenty of times now. The parking lit is always packed so if you have a reservation show up extra early just to park. I thought a $2 upcharge for coleslaw instead of fries was ridiculous, i think for another $2 you should get both. Doesn't make sense, honestly plating coleslaw in a side dish can't be more labor then deep frying fries.... Anyways, the drinks aren't very good and mixed drinks are pretty weak. Lots of beers on menu not in stock. If you got a lot of $ to blow go for it. Patty melt & ribs are awesome & that pretzel app is delicious too. But seriously for $75 for 2 people its a little ridiculous for not even getting desert.
(3)j s.
I really don't want to give this place 2 stars but I need to. Came here one night with my boyfriend we made reservations since they are almost needed, it's a popular restaurant. We decided to go with the burgers since that's what they are known for. I had a bbq burger which was great however, my boyfriend had the two grilled cheese burger which sounded good BUT sadly he got food poisoning from it. it was a upsetting night a few hours later for him. For that reason they only get two stars.
(2)Somchai S.
Some been here twice now and enjoy the ambience. But I think the food is good, had the bbq salmon and Margarita pizza. My favorite thing is the fried pickles. The service could be better. The last time we went our waitress was less than attentive and she also spilled sauce on my friend. She was not very apologetic for it either.
(4)Sarah H.
Just visited for the first time last Friday. Fantastic! The trio appetizer was fantastic & I'd like to go back and order that as my meal. Our waitress was great (can't say the same for the ditz who seated us...she asked if we wanted any kids menus, we said 1, she turned to grab one, but somehow never left it on the table?).
(4)Tyson T.
A family member recommended this place after spending the day near the Schaumburg area. Unfortunately, the food/beer was just average and no better than a RAM. The white truffle parmesan fries were just ok (needed more cheese). I was a bit disappointed in my burger since they promote themselves as a "burger specialty destination". I ordered the Smokin Daddy BBQ and while it had decent flavor, the patty tasted no better than the frozen section at your local grocery store. They get additional points for service since the waitress was extremely friendly, kept our drinks filled and brought a chocolate desert for our son's birthday at no charge. I probably would not go back.
(3)Nic Z.
Lucky Monk, I am a fan! The place has a great vibe and is full of life, lots of seating, and an even more expansive menu. Good luck choosing! We sipped on a Moscow Mule and Monk's Island Punch (essentially a mai tai) and ordered the Chicken Poblano Chili and Santa Fe Chicken Salad. All of it was great. Had we not been completely stuffed (late brunch the day after Thanksgiving...smart), there were a dozen other items calling our names; pizza, sandwiches, and the Pretzel Platter which also happened to land on a neighboring table... Hello! Three pretzels the size of our heads would be a chore, though, haha. I can easily see myself coming back and this being a 5. (I like to reserve my 5 star reviews for places that consistently deliver excellence or truly blow me away.) P.S. This is yet another restaurant where OpenTable failed me. It showed the earliest opening as 7:30, so we went without making a reservation thinking we'd just sit by the bar until we got a table. Lo and behold, we were seated without a wait upon arriving at 5:45 (Friday night) and the place was 1/3 empty.
(4)Yuvika S.
What's not to love here ! From the in house beers to the calamari to the huge burgers ! Everything was perfect I wish I had place for dessert but alas the portions were too big mayb next time !!
(5)Matt I.
I have been here many times. NEVER disappointed. Awesome menu and their beer is very tasty. The outdoor seating on a nice day/night makes for a perfect combination with the very friendly staff and great food. My brother and I have come here many times with friends and have just sat outside enjoying beer and conversation. I will continue to come back again and again.
(5)Houston E.
Bun of burger was beyond soggy. Beer was alright. Still waiting on the check........ So still waiting on the check.. It's 10:40pm on a Friday. Not sure if they are short staffed or what.
(1)Dave M.
Beer Flight was great, Big fan of the Wheat beer with hints of banana bread and caramel And I went big, Got the grilled cheese burger!! Almost too big to handle but I took it down with some cheese curds The GF had the Cedar Plank Salmon and that was delicious!!!!!
(5)Christina S.
I have been wavering between 3 and 4 stars for The Lucky Monk. To be fair, if I was a beer aficionado, I'd probably be more definitive in my rating. But for now, it's really a 3.5. I don't think everything is a winner, and last visit, the server seemed a little surly (we all noticed). But typically, our servers have been friendly and knowledgable in the past. I do love the ambiance. It's a large restaurant with a nice aesthetic, and can be kind of romantic at night with it's dim lighting. ;) The food is mostly hit, but there have also been some misses for me. The truffle fries and cheese curds are delicious. I have a harder time turning down the fries than the curds, surprisingly. They used to have a ratatouille dip appetizer served with flat bread, a favorite of mine, but they have taken it off the menu, disappointing. The burgers are pretty solid. Juicy and thick, and always mouthwatering. Salads are good but nothing special in my experience. What I found soooo delicious, and it will be hard for me not to order it again (carbs), was the beer-braised short rib pappardelle. So freaking good! They are somewhat light on the meat (which is ok by me), and it's $17 which seems a tad overpriced a la carte, but man is it good. Perfectly cooked, cascading, delicate pasta, yummy sauce. It's surprisingly light, though I purposely only ate half. #willpowertested My biggest complaint is the pricing I think. One night I spent $50 for an app, hot toddy type cocktail, my pasta entree, and a side salad. Only the pasta was a standout. I don't know, maybe I'm cheap but I wasn't wowed so it's hard to justify the cost. But, The Lucky Monk is just a fun destination for me. My friends and I always look forward to going and trying out different menu items. The burgers are for sure the highlight for most people. But I will dream of that pasta for quite some time...
(4)Peter N.
The Lucky Monk has a great atmosphere. As soon as you walk in, you can see the lounge area's hanging Edison lights and the back of the bar. It is appealing and friendly. It is routinely quite busy, but I don't think that my girlfriend and I have ever waited more than 30 minutes to be seated when we've gone with no reservation. The wait staff are all very friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The food is standard bar food, with a few exceptions. I've tried nearly every burger variant that they make, and have not been disappointed. Also, their appetizers were fantastic. They offer some interesting mixed drinks as well as in-house beer specials. Everything is good, though as some mentioned, it can be a little pricey if you order drinks or order more than just main courses. Overall, this is a great place for a medium sized party, or just to have a drink before going to a movie. I would highly recommend it.
(5)Jake B.
The food is definitely good here!! I've only had one bad experience and that is when me and about 10 other people from work went here after for some food and drinks. The waitress was very rude and seemed rushed. I did speak to the manager about her and he must have said something bc after that she was decent and not giving us attitude for wanting to order a drink.
(4)Yanja B.
Really great burgers, and there is a huge variety of different food. So if you are not a burger person-weird- BUT there is something else on the menu for you. Let me forewarn you portion sizes of appetizers are huge! My boyfriend and I were surprised when they brought over our appetizer.
(4)Meg F.
Be sure to make a reservation because this place can be very crowded. When we arrived we had to wait for less than 5 min (score one for Open Table!) but others had to wait for 30 min (and it was late on a Sunday night). The restaurant was very open and there was plenty of room to move around al you didn't feel squished in. We started off with drinks and then it took the waiter 20 minutes to come back and take our order. Not a good start for a first impression. We had a Trappist Trio for apps and it was AWESOME. BF had pork shanks and I had a salad for our main course. We both agreed that the food was high-quality in taste and presentation. We were too full for dessert but there were some yummy-sounding choices. Overall, the food was great but the service stunk. We'd go back and hope for a better experience.
(3)Christine B.
We love lucky monk! The atmosphere and food are great! My only complaint is they changed their soft pretzel appetizer and they are not good... Which was disappointing because they used to be amazing!
(4)Billy O.
Excellent, good presentation. Good service, great selection what more do you need ?
(5)Josh L.
Food is very good and is a great place to hit before a movie at AMC 30. Lots of great apps.... Don't look too much into it, it's not Gibson's you Fucking beatoffs. Enjoy
(4)Kristina G.
I was in Illinois for business -- wish there was a Lucky Monk in California, I want to go back just for the mashed potatoes!! Great, laidback atmosphere, friendly staff, and all around reliably good food (all my other coworkes' dishes were delicious as well)
(5)Jae K.
The service is always great. The food is fine but doesn't stand out to me. Our group doesn't usually go there because as my friend, who's a mother, have said that it 's "pretty expensive when you have kids."
(3)Mark G.
Usually when someone says "our specialty is burgers" you think, sure whatever. Here they're actually telling the truth. Got the smothered burger and brought it back to my hotel that I'm at for business and it was even great not fresh off the stove top. Oh and did I mention the beer? I love going to breweries when I visit cities and got to kill two birds with one stone. Their house IPA is most excellent. The staff was courteous and informed, especially my bartender Kenny. He knew what to recommend and was knowledgeable in the history of this wonderful brew pub. I usually prefer to try new things but next time Im in the area, you'll see me at the Lucky Monk!
(5)Amanda L.
We went to the Lucky Monk last night and were super impressed. The atmosphere and decor are really classy...kind of a laid back vintage vibe. Lots of dark wood and leather, old time light bulbs, but it wasn't dingy or depressingly dark, it felt warm and comfortable. The wait staff was friendly and quick. The place was clean and we were seated right away, but it got really busy the longer we were there. I don't know if they take reservations, but it might not be a bad idea to find out if you're planning on going before a movie or on the weekend. My husband had the Peppercorn Ranch burger, and he said it was the best burger he's had. My husband considers himself a "burger connoisseur," and usually eats his burgers plain (meat and bread only), but with this burger he kept the onion strings. Still, I think that his review should speak volumes, because he recognizes the flavor of the meat better than the rest of us who might be more focused on the toppings. However, my burger was the epitome of topping-importance. I decided to take a risk and order "the King," which was a burger with bacon, peanut butter, and bananas. The waitress said it was a hit and I have to admit, it was incredible. I was apprehensive, but I've never seen anything like it before, and had to take the chance. It paid off. The combination was really great, and I know if we go there again, I wouldn't hesitate to get the same thing. The peanut butter wasn't overwhelming, it perfectly balanced the burger, and the salt from the bacon matched the salt form the peanut butter, and then the peanut butter added something sweet that the bananas blended well with. It's hard to describe, but if you like the ingredients by themselves, you'll love this burger. The burgers are enormous, by the way. You can upgrade the normal french fries (which were great) to a few other options, including cheese curds, pickle fries, onion strings, and a few other french fry options. I got the truffle and parmesan fries, and they were fantastic, although I felt like I only tasted the truffle flavor a few times. It's $2 for the additional upgrade. We didn't drink but they brew all their own beers, and the list was extensive. We'll definitely go back to the Lucky Monk next time we head to the Barrington AMC.
(5)Alex G.
The service was great but the food was not at all what I expected. I ordered the "smothered" burger and had a few beers with it. The beer by the way was par at best. I say this having been to a plethora of microbreweries in Colorado and I would say par or slightly above par. I tried every beer they brew in the sampler. The appetizers were good. All in all I would not return as the food gave me a very sour stomach along with a few others in my party.
(3)Phill C.
I regret not having tried the Lucky Monk earlier. It's just one of those places I've passed by many times and didn't think much of it, since there have been several restaurants come and go in it's place. Well I hope they stay put, since they have good beer and a tasty food. They serve wine and cocktails, but the beers are the drink of choice here. They have a nice selection craft beers, with the likes of Lagunitas, Three Floyds, and Dogfish Head. But they brew their own beers, so make sure to give their house brews on tap. I've tried their Fallen Angel - very smooth, not bitter, and an all around great beer. There's about 7 house brews on tap, but they also have guest beers on tap. The food overall was solid. The beer battered Cheese Curds were tasty, but the Breakfast Burger was finger lickin good! A half pound of USDA prime beef, juicy and packed with flavor, which is topped with a fried egg and a sweet bacon marmalade. Mmmm mmmm was that good! It was a bit messy, but was definitely worth it. I recommend upgrading your included side to the White Truffle Parmesan Fries for only an extra buck.... because I said so and who doesn't like truffle fries? They also have pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees, but I'll be back to try one of their other burgers. Their Grilled Cheese Burger sounds really interesting. Just picture a meaty burger, remove the buns, and replace them with bacon grilled cheese sandwiches. Yah it sounds very unhealthy, but also sounds amazing at the same time. Great food and tasty beer - what's not to like?
(4)Abhinav S.
This place is a good hangout with nice ambience. The beer sampler is what I like the best. I recommend this place if you want a nice relaxing evening.
(4)Sarah K.
Beer selection was fantastic and our server was very friendly! The fried pickles were fantastic. My boyfriend had the grilled cheese burger and oh man was it so much food! The hot head was delicious for someone who enjoys spicy food
(5)Justin Z.
The most delicious burger I've ever had! This burger had grilled cheese sandwiches as the bun and delicious tomatoes and bacon on it as well. The service was very prompt and our waitress kept our glasses full the entire time. We tried two samplers of beer and enjoyed most of them. Overall, this was a great experience, and we will definitely return soon!
(5)Brian S.
I have an iron stomach but something really did me in here. I had the soup and a burger and got some wicked food poisoning. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Kathleen M.
I am no where near being a Monk but I am sure cognizant that I was damn lucky to have eaten here! My sister is soclose to finishing the 30 best Sandwich list from the Chicago Tribune and this was her 26th stop on her quest. Lucky indeed! I liked the feel of the restaurant, the comfort, the noise level and the unhurried way we were able to peruse, order, savor and linger. My sister had the requisite Portobello Mushroom sandwich and I got to taste it, scrumptious! It was like a burger but it was a mushroom. YUM! I had a short rib pizza with an egg on top. Sounds kindof funky but the taste was superb! I drove 90 minutes to get here. (Yes, I do love my sister) and it was worth it! If you are lucky enough to live close, go on over and enjoy, you don't have to be a monk.
(4)Shannon P.
We returned about 10 months after having had an awful experience here, and had a much, much better experience. The food is really great, I think we just got a bad server the first time and that was what really ruined it for us. This time we had a much better, more experienced, personable server, and that made all the difference. My husband had the ribs and I had a burger, both were awesome. We had the brownie and ice cream dessert and it was amazing too. Call ahead for a table, as they are often very busy. You have to let them know if you don't want to get seated in the bar area.
(4)Leslie W.
All the food is good. The apps are great, the burgers are great, and they have a great beer selection. The kids menu has a lot of variety, and kids meals come with the best dessert ever - a chocolate chip cookie with a milk and chocolate sauce. I wish I could get a kids meal, too; there's never any part of the dessert left for the grownups. I highly recommend making a reservation even if you think they won't be busy. You can reserve through open table, so it's really easy.
(4)Clint D.
Stellar burger selection! Pretzels and cheese are amazing! Oh yea their IPA is one of my favorites!!!
(5)Joe J.
The King is a great burger! Tried a few of the beers but nothing super appealing to me. Can't wait tobtry the other food items.
(5)M L.
I love the Lucky Monk! It's both the food and the price that make this establishment a winner for young and older folks alike. I also like the live band that seems to be played a volume that is just about perfect, but not too intruding that you couldn't hear what your dining mate is saying. Superb job, guys!
(5)Ross P.
Great atmosphere, good food, a little pricy. I like the beer selection a lot but their in house beer (like Brass before it) lacks. Good burgers and appetizers. This and The Assembly down the road both make fantastic burgers, but this is where we go on date night.
(4)Jessica A.
First time at The Lucky Monk. It was toward the end of the night when I went with some friends. They told us the fire was not lit outside and outside area was closed but we really wanted to sit outside and they let us. We ordered a drink each at the bar and a few appetizers. They had a good selections of beers on tap as well. We asked if they would bring our food outside so we didnt have to wonder when it would be ready for us at the bar and they happily did. We ordered Pickle Fries - beer-battered thinly sliced pickles, with chipotle ranch ($7.50) and Classic Hummus starter- warm flat bread, sweet red pepper, cucumber, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes ( $8.95). Both were very tasty. The flat bread seemed to be made in house and there was enough there to share with a few of us. Overall a good experience. I would go back again.
(4)Simon K.
Three visits, three great experiences with the food. There were a few issues with the ambiance of the restaurant but let's get back to those at the end of the review. First things first, the food: Burgers: Amazing burgers that crumbles into your mouth when you bite into it. I'd ask for them medium for the best textures. - Hot Head: It's supposed to be spicy but I could have used a little more heat on it. I did like the chipotle ketchup which added a tiny hint of spice. - Green Chile Queso: A weird combination turns out to be my favorite burger so far. The roasted green chiles actually add a nice kick (maybe even more than the hot-head) and the pork shoulder+pineapple makes this taste like two meals in one. You might need a fork and knife for this one. I just wish there was some kind of sauce to accompany this burger. Truffle fries: Holy cow. Definitely my favorite thing about Lucky Monk. Full of flavor and taste like they have been freshly cut/cooked. Fish 'N Chips: The texture of the fish is ridiculously soft. The batter is a nice crispy golden brown which adds a texture to the whole dish. I just wish the fish had been seasoned a little. Margherita Pizza: Thin crust, check. Fresh ingredients, check. Perfect balance of dough, sauce and topping, check. A great pizza although it may be slightly overpriced. Beer Braised Short Rib Pasta: Short ribs were delicious but I wasn't a huge fan of the pasta. But then again, I'm not a fan of pasta in general. The short ribs are packed full of flavor and are reason enough to try this dish. S'mores: If you like marshmallows, order this dessert. If you like any other part of the s'more, you might be disgusted by how much marshmallow is in one dessert... So the food gets a solid 4.5 stars. As for the ambiance, here's what went wrong each of the three times I went: 1) Seated outside: the waiter stopped by maybe once after we ordered our food. It took forever to get refills or additional napkins or condiments. 2) Seated in the restaurant area: apparently they have live music on certain nights and I chose to go on one of those nights. If you are looking to have conversation, don't go on one of these nights. We were seated in the area furthest from the musician and we still couldn't hear each other over the music. 3) Seated in the bar area: We were seated in the back corner and it was right next to a window that I thought was open because the draft coming from it was freezing! Overall, a great place to grab some food and hang out especially since it's open pretty late for a suburb location. I'd recommend any of the dishes I've ordered or to try something new!
(4)Shawn C.
We came to town for a wedding in the area and I am always in search of a good brew pub. This place was certainly hopping and we had to wait a while even though it was just a party of two. Don't get me wrong that's actually a pretty good sign! Lets put it this way, the following day we stopped in for a snack between the wedding and reception. The beer was good but not mind-blowing, I particularly remember the stout being very nice. Usually I am skeptical of any place that claims to have prime burgers but holy cow this place delivers! Best burger I have ever had. I like my burgers at least medium and most places that ends up making them dry. My burger was still perfectly juicey without having too much pink in the middle. The décor is nice, modern classy but not overly fancy. The place is very large and the night we went the noise level was a little high but the restaurant has different sections so maybe its quitter in other seats. Bottom line: Burgers are worth the wait!
(4)Ron L.
Visited the Lucky Monk on a Thursday night for dinner. Had a reservation through Open Table at 7pm, arrived a little early. Was greeted by a friendly pair at front desk and seated quickly. Love the interesting items on menu like fried deviled eggs, fresh pretzels with dipping sauce and fries with gravy and cheese curds -should add some short rib meat and call it Elvis Fries, (hint, hint). Server was polite, attentive and kept our drinks full. I had the Lake Perch and my darling wife had the appetizer pretzels for dinner, (I guess this is what she was hungry for). The meals were good and the mint chocolate chip ice cream was a good finish to our meal. Maybe next time we should try the outside eating patio? Overall, we enjoy this restaurant with all the unique menu items. (PS-consider the Elvis fries for a special item )
(4)Natasha R.
The Lucky Monk has been on my to do list for forever now, so I can't express how upset I am with my less than stellar experience. We got in with no problems on a late Sunday afternoon, which was nice since I thought this place gets pretty packed. Our server (forgot his name) is probably my main reason why I am rating this 3 stars, rather than 4. We are not huge beer fans, but once in awhile it's a great thing to throw down a cold one. Since we are both inexperienced in this department, I was relying on my server to lead us in the right direction (it worked in Ram and Yard House). We both wanted a sweeter, lighter beer so we asked for suggestions. He was kind of stuck and didn't have an answer for us. Shouldn't they know their beer if that's one of their main attractions? He "suggested" The Cardinal Sin which was not close to anything I described. It's not the end of the world, but it's def a huge minus for me. Aside from the beer, the service was painfully slow the entire time and we had other servers do his work for us. I also had leftover salad which I wanted to take home, but a few minutes after he took my plate away, he came back and told me that someone just took the plate out of his hands and threw it out. At that point we just wanted to go home but he ended up having the kitchen make me a new one (that was nice) but I would have rather have it taken off my bill since it was not that good and had a bland taste. Aside the Chopped salad, we also had Wisconsin Cheese Curds and Crisp Calamari. Both of these side items were DELICIOUS and I would gladly order them again. I've ordered Calamari from a bunch of places, but these came with Parmesan and a few other toppings like marinated carrots and peppers that gave it so much flavor. Since The Lucky Monk is in the same parking lot as the movie theater, I am sure I will come back here to give it another chance. Their burgers look amazing and with so many positive reviews, I am sure we just had a onetime bad experience.
(3)Carl F.
Another Yelp success story here... thanks fellow Yelpers for pointing me to the Lucky Monk. I don't make it to this area often thus not very familiar with the restaurants, thereby I promptly pulled up Yelp for some help. After a quick read of several places the Lucky Monk quickly came to the top of the pile considering the menu was fitting the desires of our taste buds. The ambiance of the restaurant itself is very nice. Clean, spacious, and nicely decorated. The wait staff are nice, proficient and leave you with a good experience. As the Luck Monk has several home brewed beers, the staff were very helpful in narrowing down the choices for me. I personally liked the Cardinal Sin brew. For the appetizer, we went with the pretzel and dip trio. When reading the description, I was thinking the trio part was the three dips they serve, but when the platter came out there were also three pretzels! The bad thing here is, the dips and pretzels were so good that we ended up eating all three pretzels! For the main meal, I had a burger, with blue cheese, onions and jalapenos. What a great mix this was. The burger came out just as I asked, medium. Also, what I though was a good idea is the burger sat on a little round wooden pedestal. Just high enough to keep it out of any grease run off and out of the fries... a simple yet cool idea. They clearly used quality meats and condiments. The roll was outstanding too. Pile all this into one package made this a great burger! The fries were good too, not overly crusty, yet not limp either. On my plate they gave a hefty portion of fries, but kind of overdoing it with the pretzel, I didn't have much room for the fries. In the end, I was very pleased with all aspects of the Luck Monk and will be sure to stop in again when in the area.
(4)Alicia G.
I heard a lot of good things about this restaurant so I was looking forward to taking a party of 8 there. Nice space & atmosphere for a Saturday afternoon. Spicy buffalo wings were great but the fish & chips were very greasy - they were not traditional chips that usually come with fish, just greasy american fries. The batter on the fish was way too greasy to eat. Others in my party ordered burgers and pizza and said they were good. We were not offered any dessert or coffee, just given the bill. I will try The Lucky Monk one more time - the menu has interesting options, I'll just make sure not to order anything we had last time. Hope to be able to give it 5 stars next time!
(4)Cathy B.
Love the brugers and snadwiches here.Good Salads as well. The weekends are busy, busy, busy. I prefer takeout then wait for seating.
(4)Kasia K.
THIS REVIEW IS CONCERNING THE VALET AT LUCKY MONK After a long week at work and a stressful Friday, I drove to Lucky Monk to meet up with my family for dinner. As I drove into the parking lot there was absolutely NO parking, being Friday and all but then as luck could have had it there was a spot towards the front that was empty. Score! I thought to myself as I drove towards it. Boy was I wrong. As I started to pull in, I saw the valet running towards me waving his hands saying that I can't park there. I asked why, in response he said - "don't you see these cones by the spot? This is a valet spot." I said ok, knowing that there was complimentary valet parking I told him that I'd pull in my car and he can hand me a ticket that I'd stick on my dash since I was already by the spot and didn't want to hassle him. In response to this he said - "no I have to park your car somewhere else, this spot is only for cars that are $100,000 and over and yours isn't". I am so sorry I drive a Subaru 2013 and that it doesn't meet the criteria for parking standards at Lucky Monk. I was so pissed off by that comment, how do they know how much I'll spend inside? Maybe an average joe who drives a Honda goes there to dinner with his wife and kids and spends $120 on a meal and then a guy that drives a Range Rover comes in by himself and orders a meal and cocktail and he spends $35. Who do you profit off more? Simple math, don't judge a person by their car. Best ending to this story, right after I pulled out of the spot because my car wasn't deemed worthy enough a Jeep Liberty parked there instead. Last time I checked that wasn't a $100,000 car. Do your math Lucky Monk, your parking rocket science totally ruined my entire experience and I've been to your restaurant many times before.
(1)Graham B.
The Lucky Monk has always been a favorite of mine. With great service and great decor how could it get any better. The beer selection is extensive and there own brewing they do on site produces great beer! The food is amazing, burgers are massive and great, cooked the way you want it. The pizza is really great, thin with fresh ingredients, and the desert is fresh but man is it heavy. In short you should go and try everything on the menu, enjoy the beer, enjoy the service. It's a great place to go for a wonderful evening!
(5)Kevin H.
I can save you readers a bunch of dough.......simply go to the grocery store, buy yourself a carton of salt, and pour the contents down your throat.
(2)Krunal P.
very nice place stopped by after a movie for quick bite. I was surprised how good food and beer was. I'm definitely coming back to try more beers and food.
(4)Nicole B.
Visiting from FL. Plenty of healthy menu options and fair pricing. I had the smothered burger (added avocado and mushrooms), which I highly recommend, w/ sweet potato fries. Burger was cooked perfectly medium. Fries were crispy and hot. Service was wonderful. Server even brought my 4 year old nephew a drink when he woke up from his nap even though he said he didn't want one.
(4)Grace P.
When my husband and I get an opportunity to go out to dinner (just the 2 of us- kid free!) this is our go-to place. Excellent food, service and beer! My favorites are the goat cheese, spinach, mushroom and red pepper pizza and the skirt steak tacos. Will definitely try the pickle fries next time, based on a friend's recommendation! There seems to always be a wait at dinner, but we don't mind because it's always worth it.
(5)Jennifer I.
Here for 23 anniversary with hubby -craft beers were flavorful, especially like the stout with desert. Ordered trio app, smothered burger to share with trio desert. Better get here before 6pm to sit at the bar if you don't have reservations.
(5)Erin C.
Ate here with my husband on a Saturday night. Arrived around 6:30, without a reservation, and was told the wait would be 25-30 minutes. It was probably closer to 15 minutes. It was a beautiful night so we asked to be seated out doors, not knowing what the patio was even like. Glad we did. It is a beautiful 2 level patio with lots of space and beautiful flowers everywhere. Our server was Ryan. He was super friendly. He didn't seem at all annoyed with my million questions about the menu and was very knowledgable about ingredients and how items are prepped and cooked. We ordered the goat cheese dip appetizer, a margherita pizza, and a burger. Everything was amazing. The goat cheese dip app was the highlight. The bread it was served with was so soft and warm. And my husband thought the burger was one of the best he has ever had. We will definitely return soon and recommend this place to anyone and everyone.
(5)Kristen W.
How does this place not have 5 stars? This is our go-to restaurant. I have been here a good 20 times and can tell you I have never had a dish, a drink, or a server that was not fantastic. I am disappointed that they took my favorite dish off the menu recently (a short rib pizza with fried egg), but there are so many other amazing choices that it doesn't really matter. Burgers are so good, that I rarely bother going to any other place for a burger. Short rib pasta is amazing. The Trappist trio is a great place to start, the cheese curds are the best I have ever had. Even their warm pretzels are awesome- the mustard butter is such a treat. I think we have tried every dessert on the menu, all perfect. It is always clean, and even though it is quite the hot spot, I don't think we have ever waited more than 20 minutes.
(5)Kirsten M.
Absolute favorite date night spot. The beer selection is good and everything I've ever had on the menu had been delicious. I particularly like the tacos and the nawlins chicken. The boyfriend loves the grilled cheese burger. Also, the service is spectacular! The only problem I have is they're so busy that same day reservations can be difficult and with no reservation you have expect to wait. Obviously a good problem for the restaurant to have and a good sign that it's worth the trip.
(5)Pari P.
We suburbians enjoy our food just as much as city folk but I admit that the selections aren't as wide. The Lucky Monk stands out amongst an area predominantly surrounded by food chains with new American cuisine. There are food chains that do an excellent job but sometimes you just want something else. The menu consists of American classics from wings, burgers, to pizza using quality ingredients - it's definitely a step up from the norm. They offer dishes that you are familiar with but with flavors and ingredients that you may not always see. The décor reminded me of J. Alexanders with the high ceilings and dark wood interior. From the location and appearance, I was expecting to pay more but was pleasantly surprised at the prices - it's definitely reasonable. I have easily paid more for the same type of food for smaller portions. We ordered the Monk burger and the triple mushroom pizza. The Monk burger was cooked well and the meat had good flavor. The pizza was exactly how it was described on the menu - thin and crisp. Although not very filling, the pizza was light where you could really taste the fresh ingredients. We cleaned both of our plates and left feeling satisfied. Don't forget the beer since this is also a brewery. They go from ales to pilsners to lagers. We ordered two of their own brews and both were solid. I would definitely come back and try the others during their happy hour. Although not worth the trip if you are not in the area but if you are, I would recommend The Lucky Monk. Food you know with quality ingredients at reasonable prices and more importantly, in the suburbs.
(4)Robert I.
The food here is amazing. They have in house micro brewery here too...try the in-house beer, it's the best. Great serves. I have no complaints. Love going here after a movie.
(5)Tom C.
This place was recommended to me by a fellow beer enthusiast friend, and it did not disappoint! Great food, great service, and great environment. You must get the burgers, and the pretzel trio is especially good if you have three or more people to share it with. They also have really cool beer can glasses that look like beer cans! A must buy for only $10 with a drink included!
(5)Kay M.
This is the first time Yelp led me astray. Service: Server was friendly and helpful, although it took a while to get our bill. Beer: I tried the sampler. Usually I like a couple beers in a sampler, and this was no different. I liked the beer. Belgian, lager and the special were my favorites. I would recommend them. Food: here's where our experience was lacking. The pretzel trio was a good appetizer although the pretzels weren't particularly amazing. Deviled eggs were gross... Flavors were off and the breading wasn't cooked through all the way. My husband had the perch and the fish itself was probably good but it was overly breaded in what he describe as "cheap Betty Crocker boxed breading". For $18, we expected way more from that dish. Unfortunately, we won't be returning.
(1)Michael N.
Friday night at Lucky Monk for a friends birthday. 12 people. Never been here before, but from the reviews it looked really good and I had concerns about how we were going to get a table for 12. Then....we noticed the "couch lounge." Oh yes, this is our area. Screw the bar or dining room, we will be eating delicious food while our feet rest on ottomans. I noticed the "grilled cheese burger" on the website before we got here. The description confirmed that this is what I would be ordering. Lucky for me, and everyone else who orders it, there are no nutritional facts on the menu. I usually feel bad for eating one grilled cheese sandwich. You want me to eat two now? Wait...you're putting bacon in them? Hold the F on....you're putting a half pound burger between the sandwiches? Game on. My girlfriend had about three bites and could eat no more. I couldn't let the party down. Feeling the burn of a full stomach (I already ate 8 BBQ rib appetizers), and two beers, I pushed on. Bite after delicious bite. I've heard myths of the fabled Krispy Kreme burger, but this burger was something I actually enjoyed. A friend ordered a regular burger and only ate half, and I finished hers as well. If I ever stop my active lifestyle, I will put on 50 pounds in no time.
(5)Buddah T.
Wanted to see what all the lines and huge wait is all about. Went to an early movie so stopped in around 4 pm for an early dinner. Short wait, sat us in the bar, no big deal. Waitress showed up and took order for drinks, 10 min later got the drinks, and actually came back to take order 10 min after that. Food took forever, over 25 min, to get. The burger was rare not medium well, the meatball sandwich was basically 2 meatballs cut up flat and place between bread, poor value. Their in house beer was good however, but did not live up to anywhere near the hype. Maybe just a bad waitress set the mood.
(3)Jay M.
Warning, they don't clean their grill. Everything cooked on the grill tastes like burnt burger even the chicken. Same issue with the toasted buns, yuck Not cheap and expect more. Also, bar staff not very friendly or attentive. Stingy with condiments as for extra ketchup or tartar sauce and they act like you are a pest! Unacceptable!
(2)Represent the P.
Very pleased all around. Great wine and beer selection. Had the cheese curds made with white cheddar, and the quinoa burger was fantastic. Bartender was attentive and friendly.
(4)Jamie W.
My husband and I went there for the first time this past weekend. Our server, Dan (but I think he said people know him as Red), was fabulous--best server we've had in awhile and definitely left a nice tip. We started out with the appetizer trio then go the the pizza for our meal. Everything came out fantastic!! The beer was delicious as well!
(5)Allison E.
First of all, the appetizers are amazing. I come here usually just for appetizers. Entrées are great too, I just have a love for their appetizers. Service is always good, and bar drinks range from decent to amazing depending on the bartender. We had a party here and the service was excellent. Food excellent as always but the servers were always on top of serving us and clearing plates. Love this place. They also have a house rootbeer that is delicious.
(5)Chicago Girl W.
When i go to a restaurant that is suppose to have great burgers then I expect just that... and also would hope the burgers were cooked as we requested......BIG Disappointment...the kitchen left our burgers bloody when we specifically asked for just a little pink in the inside....ambience is nice, and fries are good.....that is why they are getting even the two stars.....
(2)Stephen R.
Went here for lunch a couple says ago. Got seat right away, no wait at all. Service was very good, had no problems or instances were I had to visually track down the server, she was always right there! I ordered the Grilled Cheese Burger and my Mom and Dad ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, respectfully. The food was amazing. You get massive portions, I never mind that because then I have an extra meal for the next day, and it was just as good. The price was very reasonable. You could go here for a date or just a group lunch, it's not extremely formal at all but it still nice and very very clean! I will be back for sure!
(5)Taylor M.
I went here after a movie since the parking lot is literally connected to South Barrington AMC it felt like a no brainer. So after our movie we headed over for a snack and a beer (well cider for me). When we got there the valet was done for the night. Apparently. they stop taking cars at 10 pm. So we parked and walked in. There was no hostess at the front. We waited for a little bit and then decided to walk out to the patio area and seated ourselves. The waitress seemed a little thrown off by this, but when we explained the situation, she apologized and got us menus. The service was top notch after the confusion. We quickly ordered drinks of the pretty large beer list. I got the seasonal Woodchuck that said it had hints of ginger and orange in it with a yellow label. It was really good! For food, we just wanted something to munch on since it was getting late. We ordered the fried pickles and an Al Pastor Pizza. I wished I was hungrier so I could have gotten one of the burgers, but I knew I couldn't finish it!! We really enjoyed the fried pickles, the batter was different from what I was used to. The Al Pastor Pizza was fantastic! It had spicy pulled pork and a pineapple relish. Truly amazing. But, next time I am totally getting a burger. Oh and the patio is beautiful, if you have a chance sit there!
(4)Terri J.
I met a friend for dinner at the Lucky Monk last night, and really enjoyed my experience. The food, and atmosphere was great. Atmosphere - I really liked how clean the place was. Despite some clear wear on the booths, it was obvious they spent a lot of time keeping the place spotless. My friend and I were there for hours, and throughout that time, I saw staff sweeping the floors, and cleaning the tables. I also liked that the place was large, and they didn't jam pack tables next to eachother. It was nice to be able to hear my friend talk across the table, and not be distracted by other tables' conversations. Food - SO GOOD. We started with an order of Cheese Curds, and were not disappointed. I loved the light, fluffy, batter they were fried in. I ordered the cheeseburger, and substituted pickle chips for my side. Everything was really delicious. We finished it off with the skillet cookie. I was stuffed to the brim, and really glad we chose this place to meet at! I will definitely be bringing my husband back!
(4)Mister M.
Very fresh and well-prepared food at reasonable prices in a very upscale setting. . .wait staff could be more attentive but suitable service for the price. I will go again and would highly recommend others pair this place with a movie at the nearby Barrington Theatre!
(4)Stef M.
Great fish n chips, pleasant adult atmosphere, excellent location with lots of parking, and closest restaurant to AMC Barrington 30 movie theater. Good for groups large and small.
(4)Brad E.
Destroyed my "diet" in the best way possible. Found this joint on a fellow yelper's best burger list, and she did not lead me astray! First off, if you come here on a Friday, like I did, make a reservation. The restaurant is massive, but the people around us were "enjoying" a 30 minute wait. Having taken a look at the beer menu previously, I ordered a Tritica-Wheat as soon as we sat down, and man was it good! If you are a fan of Two Brother's Ebel's Weiss (or hef's in general), then you will certainly enjoy this clean, clovey goodness. Even though I am not much for appetizers (remember: "diet"), I couldn't resist ordering the pretzel trio. It came out in about 3 minutes (yay!) and was huge! The app easily could have been enough for 3, but it was so good that the two of us quickly polished it off. The warm, soft pretzels are served with mustard butter, parmesan marinara, and a beer-cheese fondue - all were great. For my main course, I ordered the Bourbon Stout burger, which is served with Tillamook cheddar (yum!), braised onions, and a pickle - simple, but delicious. I upgraded my fries to sweet potato fries, which come sprinkled with chipotle cinnamon. They were both great, but the massive pretzel app really sapped my appetite. Overall, the Lucky Monk was a great experience - good food; great drink. I definitely see myself returning here to destroy another "diet" in the future.
(4)Corinne Y.
Every time we go to The Lucky Monk we have great service and great food. The menu is not too extensive but there are many things that I want to try! This is a great place to try something new rather than the same old hamburger. It has a really nice atmosphere and, despite being busy, never feels too crowded.
(5)Derek N.
Both times here the food and drafts were very good. Service was good too. Had the cardinal sinn drafts both times.. good stuff. The waitress the second time was great, she actually saved the night. I think her name was Julia. Good food recommendations and answered all our questions honestly. She brought out the wrong beer for my brother and when we told her, she politely apologized and brought the correct beer promptly. I left her a good well deserved tip. But the reason I am probably not going back is one of the hosts. There were two last night (8-1-2014). One was African American and the other appeared to be Hispanic (this one I'll call Bub).. So I come in first and am not greeted by Bub and am waiting for my friends. A couple before me come in and ask Bub to be seated at the bar area, Bub seats them at a booth at the bar big enough for my party. When my friends arrive we ask Bub to be seated at the bar.. he said there would be a wait although it did not look busy. One of my friends was hungry, she didn't want to wait too long.. I asked about the area behind the host area which was between the bar and the regular dining area. There were a few tables taken and maybe 9 open, 2 of which were next to the bar which would have been nice because we also wanted to catch the sports that were on... Bub said that section was closed.. i asked "why is it closed? there's almost 3 hours left till you close..." Bub says "That's the policy..." Whatever... we sit and Julia takes good care of us, but later we notice the 2 tables next to the bar that I asked about were taken by 2 other parties that came in 30 to 60 minutes after us.. then maybe an hour later Bub and several other employees were sitting at a table in that middle section just eating, drinking and laughing.. i stopped another waitress walking by and asked why they closed that section off to us.. she said sometimes the host Bub and other employees do what they want... we were pissed that there were a lot of tables open in that section near the bar, but we are denied a request to sit there, yet Bub allows two other parties after us to sit there and then openly sits there with his employee friends to eat and drink. A good manager or owner would not allow things to be run that way... we will probably not be coming back
(1)Courtney W.
Luckily this place isn't too far away from my mom's house because I wouldn't really be able to enjoy it much if I stayed in the city. This location has been so many things, I didn't think anything could last. I'm so glad Monk has proved me wrong! The beer here is great, as is the service. The peppercorn ranch burger is also outstanding and blew my mind! I sat at the bar which was also beautiful and quite modern as well. The beer selection here is also decent, make sure to taste some of their signatures. From careful study of the menu, you can't go wrong here with anything! Be prepared to wait on the weekends and on game nights.
(4)Ashley A.
ordered the flight of beer, which included six Lucky Monk brews. I liked the amber style ones and the stout was ok. also ordered the Trappist Trio, which was good. I like the decor of the place. I would go back, especially to try seasonal brews.
(4)Scott R.
One word to sum my experience at The Lucky Monk: "Pathetic" When we arrived the hostess said that they had a lot of reservations due to Father's day and that we should take a pager and wait thirty minutes. Well 40 minutes later, the hostess says, Oh you're still waiting, what is your pager number. Another 10 minutes goes by and the hostess has no update. I walked over to the bar area and noticed the three vacant tables and two tables that haven't been cleaned off. I asked to be seated at the high tops and the hostess copped an attitude and says "whatever you want." Order: I order the "hot head" burger medium-rare, 35 minutes later the burger arrives overcooked to medium-well. I cut the burger right down the middle to show the waiter and he agreed the burger was overcooked. There was no juiciness to it / no red at all. Finally, 15 minutes after I sent the burger back the manager comes over to say "the kitchen looked at the burger and they saw red". I said "please show me what you're seeing because the burger was clearly overcooked." Instead of offering an apology and expediting my order, I get a manager who wants to argue with her customer. Our server informed us that the manager is comping our entire lunch however, after another 10 minutes and still NO food, we got up and walked out the door. I did tip the server $10.00 because I didn't want to penalize the waiter because of an incompetent cook and unprofessional manager. Total time from walking in the front door to leaving without eating: 2 hours and 05 minutes! To give you a perspective on how bad the food, service and overall experience was; this is the first time I have ever felt so strongly about something that I actually felt the need to write an online review about it to maybe help other's from making the same mistake my wife and I did. Bottom line: The staff at The Lucky Monk lacked the experience and class that the atmosphere and price dictated.
(1)J. Chuck K.
This my third time coming here, but first time trying their burgers. First off, it seems the beer has kinda gone downhill. When it comes to being a restaurant, Lucky Monk is decent, but a first rate brewpub they are not. While other breweries are starting to put out their Oktoberfests, Lucky Monk doesn't have one and the seasonal beer they offered was a golden ale...Which isn't even really a summer seasonal beer. On top of this, the waitress didn't have much knowledge about beer. When I asked a question, she simply responded with an offer to bring me a sample and I can taste for myself. Being out of one your signature beers isn't too awesome either. On to the burger....I got the Sunrise, which has a fried egg and bacon marmalade. I thought the marmalade had an awesome flavor, but the egg was way over cooked. Instead of biting into the burger and expecting to see the yolk spill over, I saw dried yellow crumbles fall out. The bun was obviously too small for the half pound burger, resulting in a sloppy eating experience. Even more so for my brother's stout burger. Overall, the place is a fine enough restaurant, but leaves a lot be desired from a brewing aspect. They're light years behind brewpubs like Revolution, Piece and even Haymarket. I think Solemn Oath in Naperville would do a better job than Lucky Monk if they opened a pub.
(2)Adam K.
Really tasty burgers. I mean REALLY! :) I've been here three times and left delirious with food coma bliss each time. If on death row I'd consider making their spinach and goat cheese burger my last meal. Have not tried their brews yet...will.
(5)Kate H.
I always enjoy myself at this restaurant. It is decorated in a trendy but casual way. It feels like a classy place to bring friends to just hang out, enjoy good food, homemade beer and good company. I really like their flatbread pizzas...especially the one with the fried egg on top. Their burgers are so tall, you might sprain a mouth-muscle trying to eat them, but they are really good! I also like it because you can bring your kid(s) here without feeling like a bad citizen! Haha. The big booths are pretty nicely contained to keep your kids corralled. :) Honestly, I don't have a single bad thing to say about the Lucky Monk!
(5)Kamilah S.
My family and extended family came here after my nephew's christening and we had amazing food and excellent and attentive staff. The burgers, the fish and chips, the fried pickles, the onion strings, the wine, the tacos. We also received 3 complimentary bowls of ice cream because we were celebrating 3 April birthdays. I believe everyone left stuffed.
(5)Matt J.
The el rancho is one of the best pizzas I've ever had in my entirety of living. I don't know what I would do with myself if they ever took it off the menu. SO DAMN GOOD!
(5)Jenny V.
NOOOM NOOOM very nice inside!!! and the burgers are AMAZING! really really good. i had the farmhouse burger, it was delicious, a little messy but that doesnt bother me. the regular fries are really good, but i upgraded to loaded fries, it was nothing special, all the cheese was at the bottom! my boyfriends mom got the monk burger, standard cheeseburger, she said her's was really good, she doesnt eat the bun (watching her carbs, hasnt she heard of the carb lovers diet??) so she loves the burger itself! that must really mean its a good piece of beef. i definitely will be coming back here, its clean, the staff is friendly and the place is gorgeous inside!!
(5)Pam D.
This is the kind of place I could drive by a million times and never think to stop. It is large and nice looking, but there is not curb appeal or warmth to the place. Fortunately several of my Yelp friends wrote glowing reviews, so we actually made it our destination, sight unseen. What I really liked about the place was the quality of the products they served. The Bourbon Stout Burger I had was made with really good quality beef. Christopher had the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich on the special list and it was also really quality stuff. We both loved the crispy onion appetizer and the fries that came with the meal. I got pretty schnockered on the margarita I ordered and it tasted very good, so that is a plus. Christopher tried one of their house brews and enjoyed it too. It is very noisy. The floors are carpeted and the booths have fabric, but it just isn't enough to absorb the noise. I would not want to be in there when the place is really packed. It would be impossible to carry on a conversation. The service was very good and the bathrooms were clean and roomy. I would not go out of my way to return, but if I am ever back in Barrington, I might consider a stop, at least for a margarita and an appetizer. The place is not cheap, but heck, it is in Barrington.
(4)Lisa M.
Our group of 3 ladies had a great experience. Service was excellent. We made reservations for a Sat. Night. Started with the pretzel trio with 3 dipping sauces. My friend had 2 of their beers, Fallen Angel and a stout with a coffee after taste...both very good. I had their Monk drink with the Malibu= yummy. Other friend enjoyed a pomegranate martini. We ate fish tacos= delicious with a kick. A cheeseburger was great. We also enjoyed the twisted chicken. So glad we tried this place.
(5)Jun K.
"AaaaaaaaallllllllrrriiiiiiiigghhhtttyyyyyTHEEEENNÂNNN" as Ace Ventura chants in the beginning of When Nature Calls, i believe? Anyways, second time here and I am indeed a fan. Burgers. Done. I kid, but for seriously, large and delicious. Truffle fries? Yes please. Even though the place was packed and we had to wait 30-45mins for lunch on Sunday, I didn't mind. The service was still great. Now the only issue I had was we had a table of seven. Few burgers and some other stuff. I would have liked my fries to have tasted more recently fried if that makes sense. An essence of heat lamp somewhat lingered on my tongue from the semi warm fries. No problem though. All was forgiven by the end of the meal. Like burgers? Like big burgers? Big, delicious, juicy... Just check this place out.
(4)Eugene W.
Used to be a solid four stars. Better than average beer and good food quality and selection. The daily promos (which most brewpubs and brewpub wanna b's have) gave them the extra star. Visited a couple weeks back to learn they got rid of all of their daily special promotions when we tried to get the pizza and pint special.
(3)Jeff S.
Good food, and great service. The prices are a TAD high, but the food is worth it. I would recommend the sandwiches.
(4)Eileen D.
Ammmmmmmazing!!! Not certain how to sum up our night other than to say how amazed we were with every aspect of our experience. The staff was fantastic, our waiter was funny, prompt, attentive, and just overall great. Food was out of this world. My 16 year old nephew for the grilled cheese burger and ate it ALL in about 10 min. It was a sight to see.... All in all a great night. Beer was phenomenal, cannot wait to go back.
(5)Dee C.
Oh the drinks are oh so good here!! I had the Purplelicious martini- three olives purple vodka and 3 olives bubble vodka, a little sweet and sour, and a splash of grape fanta The drink was fantastic. Food was good and desserts were ok also. I'm sure I will be back sometime in the future.
(4)Laura M.
Bad service after long wait.Food not as good as expected.Pass on this one if you can.
(1)Michelle F.
My husband and I LOVE the Lucky Monk. It is definitely in our top three restaurants to go. We have been with large groups, with small kids, and I have been with the girls. It is our go-to place because it's so delicious and there are so many different things we like about it. First of all, I recommend reservations. They never hurt! We have arrived around 6 to no wait (we did have a reservation, but there wasn't anyone in the lobby waiting) and when we left, there were a bunch of people waiting for tables. The waitstaff is AMAZING! I have never had a dirty dish sitting on my table for more than a minute before someone came to take it away! The waiters and waitresses are really, really good and they are always good for a recommendation! They are knowledgeable about their menu and their beers. On my most recent trip to Lucky Monk, I was with two other girls, and our waitress was Sim. She was SO accommodating. I was asking her a lot of questions about the two different kinds of chilis (chicken poblano and the black bean) and she brought me out two samples to try so that I didn't waste my money if I didn't like it. We ordered a sampler off of their special list--it came with parmesan truffle fries (to DIE for. I would bathe in these fries!), friend pickles, and shoestring onions. All of those plus the dipping sauce were amazing. For my meal, I ordered the Turkey burger--it was amazing, and their regular fries were delectable as well. My friends ordered the chicken sandwich (which she seemed to enjoy) and my other friend had the goat cheese pizza, and she didn't have enough nice words to rave about it! They both ordered a few glasses of wine, so that must have been good, too :) Just to sum up the night, we ordered the skillet smores. I highly HIGHLY reccommend these. You will not regret it! I bet I ate half of it myself! I have since ordered this to go since it was that amazing. Overall, one of the best dining experiences I've ever had, and they continue to set the bar high for other restaurants!!
(5)Carl M.
Their in house brewery has a lot of good options. My favorite being the wheat beer. Also the menu has a wide variety of different meals.
(5)Kara Z.
Wow! Thanks, Yelp, for leading me here- you did not disappoint! We went on a Saturday evening at about 5:30 and there was no wait. By the time we were done the restaurant was full with people waiting for tables. It has a nice ambiance inside (cool lighting) and our waiter (Ryan N) was awesome. He was friendly, down to earth, helpful and attentive. The pretzel appetizer was AMAZING! At first I thought three big pretzels would be too much but they were lighter than expected, the three dips (honey mustard, tomato parmesan and cheese) were incredible, and the four of us polished them off within minutes! Wow- best appetizer ever. For some reason everyone with me ordered the brat, which came with grainy mustard and fries. I got the peppercorn burger- wow!!! It had peppercorn seasoning, ranch, tomato, lettuce, pickle, crispy onions and I added bacon. It was huge and juicy and SO delicious. I had to cut it in half with a knife. Good thing they give you big napkins- it was pretty messy. The beer was a hit as well. And the broccoli cheese soup. We are definitely going back again- I LOVE it when we find a new favorite restaurant! (3-6-11- You HAVE to try the Scandalous Chocolate Torte with raspberry sauce- wow- delicious!!! You can take it home if you don't have room after your meal- it travels well. Wow!!!)
(5)Drew S.
I've been going to Lucky Monk semi-regularly since they opened. My boyfriend and I even met there for a few dates; it was a favorite spot to meet, have a beer and share an appetizer - the outdoor patio is great in the summer. Over the last year I've noticed a drastic drop in service and quality, to the point I'm actually surprised to still see so many high reviews. Their beer is great, no doubt. But the last SEVERAL times we've been, our food has taken 45 minutes or more to come out (in most instances without any explanation) and has clearly been sitting under a heat lamp for an extended period by the time it gets to us. It's not like we're ordering well done steaks - I'm talking simple burgers and salads taking 45 minutes or more. On our most recent visit, it was my boyfriend, mother and I. We ordered two burgers (medium rare) and a salad. It took 45 minutes for the food to come out, the fries were soggy, the buns were crispy and the meat not hot - evidence of sitting under a heat lamp too long. Since this seems to be a trend every time we go now, I have to say I won't go back to Lucky Monk until they start kicking up their kitchen and wait staff service. Sorry.
(2)Ellen W.
My husband and I used to dine here once a week. But they changed the menu and took off our favorite items so we rarely go there anymore. We miss the beet and goat cheese salad, short rib tacos, and the short rib pizza with a fried egg :(
(3)Christian W.
Another great experience here! Whenever I am in town on business, I always try to eat here at least once. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, even when I have been in large groups at the table, the servers treat each diner as though there are only 2 at the table. Great burgers and beer of all kinds. With so many choices you cannot go wrong.
(4)Jasmin V.
Came on a Thursday night & seated right away. -Monk's punch served in a martini glass. Not on the menu. Very yummy & fruity! -Pretzel trio. So soft! I would definitely get again!! Three big pretzels & three dips. -Farmhouse Burger with loaded fries. Good. Average burger. Fries okay. -Smothered Burger with white truffle Parmesan fries. Way messy. Bun broke apart on me. Amazing fries! -Upgrade fries for $1 -Tons of house brewed beers. I wish they had a mixed drink menu with more martinis. Also they need some pretzel buns!!!
(4)Bob K.
Accommodated our group of 20 on a Saturday night for dinner with excellent service and food.
(4)MesmerEyes G.
Ambience is really nice, I would give that b/t 3-4 stars but the food I just found to be a little above average but maybe it's bc I think the whole "gastropub" concept has become played out. Had the peppercorn burger and was not really impressed but the meat or burger flavors overall. The steak tacos were good though and the chopped salad had a really nice combo of textures and I'd recommend.
(3)Maggie M.
I love the Lucky Monk. Great food! Sometimes service is a little slow, and it's always just a dollar or two over priced, but other than that it's very good. Goat cheese/spinach burger is my favorite!
(4)Irene Z.
First visit to the Lucky Monk two weeks ago on a busy Sunday night, though I used to come here often when this establishment was Brass. Gotta say, I like the Lucky Monk much better. It has a nice upscale yet casual feel to it. My cousin and I arrived earlier in the evening, around 6:30pm. It was crowded and we were shown to a very nice, roomy booth in the area right behind Reception after a 10-15 minute wait. I had to do a quick walk-around because of the life of me, I couldn't remember what the place looked like when it was Brass. Seems the overall layout is pretty much the same, but doesn't really matter since I like how thte Lucky Monk has furnished and decorated. Wood paneling and fireplaces, warm ambiance. Kira was our server and she was great. She was busy this night but made sure to check on us several times throughout our meal. The food, is nothing short of magnificent. I ordered the short rib & egg pizza. It was awesome - generous chunks/cuts of short rib, but.....they forgot the egg. It came out a few minutes after the pizza, and they offered to spread the egg around the pizza, but I opted to do it myself. The egg only added to the deliciousness. The short rib was seasoned well and matched well to the thin pizza crust. My cousin insisted on the fried pickles...I've had fried pickles in the South, and I can honestly say that Lucky Monk's fried pickles hold their own to those. My cousin also insisted on the truffle fries and while I enjoyed them, they were a tad greasy for me and a little too garlicky. My cousin had her usual - fish & chips. It looked good and she said it was. A couple of snafus: The truffle fries were supposed to be our appetizer, but came out after our entrees. We'd let Kira know we were still waiting on them (after the food came out), and within minutes of our telling her, she had them sent out to the table. I already mentioned the egg on my pizza, no biggie, but still. And, we waited over 30 minutes for our check because of a glitch in the system. To be fair, we were here to catch up, talk a while, and weren't in any rush. We assured Kira we were fine to wait and she did check on us frequently (and was apologetic). After the initial 30 minutes, though, we were ready to go. They had to ask us what we'd ordered again so that they could re-enter it into the system. Luckily, I'm patient and so is my cousin. I'd also ordered a Sunrise Burger to-go for my hubby and because of the 30+ check waiting, it was soggy by the time I brought it home. It was still a good overall burger (in his opinion). We'll have to see what it tastes like without the sogginess. He was more impressed with my leftover pizza and pickles. Great, relaxed place to catch a pre-post movie and/or just to hang out and have a beer or two. Happy with this first visit and looking forward to more.
(4)Glenn K.
I've tried many different dishes on this menu and haven't found any that are lacking. Would definitely recommend the skirt steak as a very good deal and the pizza is quite good bar pie too.
(5)Katie S.
Tried it for Easter Brunch and it was not very good; we were so disappointed. Tater tots, chicken fingers, a taco bar, over cooked pasta, and soggy salad were just a few if the items we were surprised to see. Food has been good here in the past but I would never do brunch here again.
(2)Jeff S.
So, color me not-impressed. I had a feeling this might happen although we've know about the Monk for some time but just haven't made it there yet and I figured I might be missing out on a great new 'regular' spot in my area. Upon arrival at 6:45 on a Friday night the parking was literally full and they were valet parking cars anywhere they could fit. No thanks. I dropped off my fiancée and then parked out in the empty end of the adjacent AMC parking lot to save me from buffing out door scratches the next morning. The small parking lot was a mess. We were seated promptly for our reservation though which was good; the ambiance and decor doesn't really match the 'Monk' or Brewpub themes, it looks too upscale or modern. I much prefer the rustic look of Two Brothers Roundhouse, for example. Service was good, our server checked on us plenty of times and were not waiting on water or asking for items they forgot to bring, which often happens at other places when very busy. The menu is a little light on selection focusing on apps, pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and mot much in the vegetables variety (potatoes are not vegetables). But it's a Friday night and a good excuse have a rare (in occurrence, not preparation) hamburger. As 'beer snobs' we opted for a sampler to start out with as we both wanted to try all of their in-house brews. They were all pretty drinkable and for someone who dislikes most stouts I found theirs to be actually palatable. The Cardinal Sin was probably my favorite, with the IPA also being pretty good (hoppy without too much bitterness). But the lagers were not all that good, unfortunately. (favorite locally brewed lagers come from Metropolitan Brewery). My company did not like any of the beers, each was either too strong (the wheat is like drinking a banana) or bland in their respective categories. For dinner we went with a Hot Head burger and the N'awlins Chicken Sandwich, each with the hand-cut fries. Based on a few Yelp reviews I chose the Truffle-Parmesan fries. So there was nothing technically 'wrong' with the food: my burger was cooked right at medium, everything looked really good, and her chicken sandwich was good as well. But that's it, everything was just 'good' and nowhere near the stellar reviews that you'll find all over this page. I just don't get it. The 'Hot Head' burger was completely bland. The pepper-jack cheese had no 'pepper' bite to it, the jalapeño salsa had zero spice to it (they might as well have been bell peppers) and the chipotle ketchup didn't contain an ounce of smoky flavor. I might as well just got the regular burger with cheese and ketchup. The truffle fries were also nothing impressive, just the standard fries would have been fine. So in summary I don't think we'll make a special trip here again, but if in the area (or seeing a movie at AMC) then I'd be fine returning to try out some other dishes, but I'll probably go for a 'guest' microbrew (e.g. Half Acre Daisy Cutter). They are certainly doing something right though based on the reviews here and full parking lot, and I'd defintely pick this over a chain (TGIF, no thanks) but when in the mood for a beer and burger I'll still head to Duke's Alehouse or Wild Onion Pub instead.
(3)Dorothy H.
Drove up from Aurora to check the place out with my husband and my son and his fiancé. Looking for a place for a wedding rehearsal dinner in May 15' and this was recommended as a place to check out.as they are getting married in this area. We made reservations on line. Arrived at 5:30pm and were seated at a booth. D out waiter ( forgot his full name he told us to call him D) was very good. He brought us the price brochure for their dinner packages and took our drink orders. The beer flights were fun and we got to try all their feature beers and one seasonal. Surprisingly we liked the wheat beer, my son said the best he has ever had and he is a craft beer fanatic. We ordered the triple app with the curds, fried pickles and truffle fries- so good! And the goat cheese fondue- good but not as good as the curds! We all tried something different. The "kids" had the nawlins chicken sandwich and the burger with the poblano pepper and they loved them. I had the macadamia nut tilapia with the banana and rice and it was outstanding. Hubbie ate 2/3 of his pizza and would have finished if he could have. Since we were testing out the menu we had the donuts and the hot cookie sundae skillet. The donuts were amazing. Warm, fresh-goodness almost like a beignet served with three sauces raspberry, caramel and chocolate on the side. If you go here you MUST get these as it was an outstanding surprise. Had the strawberry Lambic. I usually drink the cherry but they did not have any. Not disappointed with it as it was very nice and not too sweet. And with dessert the Monk coffee was lovely. The service was prompt and very friendly. The manager touched the table and talked to the us about the rooms and reservations and even checked to see if their date was open for a reservation and it is! Prices were fair and the portions good. Just wish this place was closer to where we live and we would eat here regularly. Hope to be back again soon and most probably in May for the wedding. Great job Lucky Monk!
(5)David B.
I visited Lucky Monk for the first time for lunch today. I had no idea what to expect. What I found was a large, airy dining room with high ceilings, nicely decorated, in a brewery theme. While not oppressively dark, the lighting is somewhat subdued. I guess that keeps with the theme. One side of the establishment is a bar with two large TV screens. There are no screens on the restaurant side. The restaurant specializes in craft beer and has a selection of their own beers as well as some from other small batch breweries. The beer descriptions sound interesting, but I'm not one to have alcohol at lunch so they will have to wait for another visit. But the menu features items that use these beers in the recipes. The menu is somewhat limited, but there are beef, chicken, pork and fish entrees and sandwiches. There are also a good variety of salads. You will find something that suits you. I was with a group of 10 people. We had reserved a table and were easily accommodated. The dining room was busy, but we didn't feel crowded and we were definitely not rushed to order. Service for a group this the the was adequate. The crowded dining room was a bit noisy. And the noise level did not really diminish much as the tables emptied. If you want a quiet place for conversation look elsewhere. I ordered the Cape Cod fish sandwich. It was a wonderfully prepared, delicious pair of lightly battered fillets on a soft bun. This was really twice as much fish as expected. I disassembled the sandwich and ate one fillet plain and the other as the sandwich. This was really too big a lunch, but it was delicious! I can't write a review without mentioning the physical menu. If you are an older guy like me make sure you bring your reading glasses. The print is kind of small and hard to make out in the limited light.
(4)Kimsy S.
I braved the Polar Vortex to come here. Congratulate me. No, really. Congratulate me. I need my ego stroked. No? Well, fine, I guess I'll just talk about the food and service: I came to Lucky Monk after reading so many wonderful things about it on Yelp. I came for the burger, but I noticed that they have poutine (called Poutine-Montreal Style) as an appetizer! This made my day, especially after hearing that BadHappy had closed (boo!!!). I definitely ordered it, as well as a Monk burger. The Poutine is a close contender to the one I've tasted at BadHappy: salty, plenty of gravy, and lots of gooey cheese curds. A hypertensive's nightmare, but so what. It was delicious. And the Monk burger is AMAZING! I'm glad that I chose it for my first burger here, because I could really taste the beef, which was well-seasoned and prepared. I love lots of crazy toppings as much as the next burgerphile, but sometimes I just need some lettuce, tomato, and cheese to be set. The service was excellent. My server was very helpful and patient with me as I asked a bunch of silly questions, and made sure that I was happy and taken care of. I wish I caught her name. :-( I am looking forward to returning for more Poutine, burgers, craft beers, and happiness!
(4)Sopla R.
While in the burbs, it's hard to find places to eat that we haven't already tried or heard of (chains) I was also looking for something with a patio to enjoy.. so we opted to try this place.. We sat outside by the pond and just enjoyed the scenery. which is a pond and some greenery. It's a nice setting all in all. We shared the Trappist Trio appetizer the breading was light enough that you didn't feel like it was too heavy. Good for 3+ people to share. Then the burgers and fish n chips! All really good. I'd pass up any of the those other brew pub type places and come here if you've never been. Nice beer flight selections.
(4)Rick R.
First time here. Nawlins chicken sandwich is very good and the fresh fries are great. I only wish I hadn't stopped drinking beer. With that said the bartender, while busy, was still on point and kept serving my vodka & soda on time. All in all, cool place. Definitely recommend and will return!
(4)Adam B.
It's been four years since I reviewed the Monk and I wanted to update my thoughts. My most recent visit was in the middle of the week where I was one of 30 people attending a party. For beers, I ordered a Fallen Angel and a Cardinal Sin. Both were flavorful, crisp, and cold. At five bucks each, these are excellent house-brewed beers. I went with something new. I went with the prime salad, and oh my goodness. The portion was huge. Greens, tomatoes, bacon, artichokes, celery, cucumbers, parmesan (skip the croutons), and a red wine-dijon dressing. Oh...not to mention a half pound burger to mix in too! The burger was juicy, the ingredients were fresh. I would easily order this again. And because they are irresistible, I got a "side" of fries. They don't qualify as a side, it's enough for a meal. They are hand-cut and lightly seasoned. Most importantly, they are fried perfectly so they are crispy outside and tender inside. And here's the key...ask for a side of the aioli. Screw the ketchup, it is so blasé! The aioli has a healthy dose of garlic in it and is ideal to deep these fries in. Service was solid considering the size of our group. Drinks were filled at a reasonable rate, the food came out quickly, and the staff was very friendly.Parking can be a little tough most nights but that means they're doing a lot right. This place can't be beat. Although I'd like them to bring the key lime pie back...
(5)Mark S.
Decent food but a little over priced. Calamari and mini tacos were pretty decent. Beer cheese soup was nothing special. Would have been nice to get it before the meal as requested, not after the meal was delivered and only after asking what happened to the soup. Still don't understand the bs excuse we were given. Watch your bill! Gave waitress my bill and it was returned with someone's more expensive. Waitress totally didn't care. Nice manager was very apologetic.
(3)Kate B.
This place is great! Their brew master is one of the best I've ever encountered. They change beers often which makes them interesting and not repetitive. The good is high quality and always fantastic! Atmosphere is fun for a quiet dinner or a rowdy get together at the bar. They accommodate large groups easily. This place is a nice replacement for the location. The pretzel app is better than you think, and it's worth a try. Burgers, pizzas, atmosphere, and beer. Seriously, what more could want!?
(4)Jill O.
I'm never disappointed at the Lucky Monk. I always make sure to make a reservation because they can get slammed, particularly on game days. I love the cheese curds, and everything else I've tried from the burgers/sandwiches to the pizzas were all good. Making a healthy choice here is challenging because they have so many good fatty choices, oh well!
(4)Bob H.
Food is always great. One if the best turkey burgers anywhere. You also can't go wrong with their personal pizza and the fish fry also delicious. They do get busy so be prepared to wait.
(5)Angel F.
4 stars for the food.
(4)Ronald S.
Their hours say they are open till 11, got there at 10:30 and the kitchen was closed, that's a weird thing to close when you are a restaurant. Staff was already mopping the floors and not interested in customers. Poor service, won't go back.
(1)Katie F.
The service is the only thing that brought this down a star for me. Our waiter was attentive to every table but ours (like we watched him do it) and did not give my son everything that was included in his meal. Also, getting a table feels like disney world style-you have to have a reservation. I think they could make better use of their space to have a couple more tables too. I did over hear someone talk about making reservations online, so I may do that next time. Now on to the food. I have never tasted anything here that I did not like, but the appetizers are the best. I would prefer to order a bunch of these than any thing else on the menu. Especially the pretzels! I am not a beer person, so can't really speak to that (I did get a small glass last time and did not particularly enjoy it). So I guess my real feedback is: GO!, but make a reservation first
(4)Summer L.
I've only been here once and loved it! They have a great variety of food. I got the steak tacos and they were delicious. We also shared the sampler appetizer platter with fired pickles, cheese curds, and fries and everything was phenomenal! The group I was with loved their food as well. I'll definitely be going back soon.
(5)Jasmine M.
This restaurant is just flawless. The atmosphere is modern and inviting, the staff are very friendly, and the food is 100% perfect. I had the signature Monk burger. It was delicious and perfectly cooked. If you come here, you must have the cheese curds. They are pillowy and perfect. The ice cream cake is also Devine. How can a place be so perfect?
(5)Meagan M.
The food is good, the service is pretty good as well. If you're expecting to have a place to eat, drink and talk for hours - this is not the place for you. However, it's perfect if you want to grab dinner before a movie.
(4)Shane E.
The Lucky Monk was packed last Friday, to the point that we couldn't find a parking spot for approximately 20 min. I came to understand why that was the case. Highlights: -Awesome Service: our server knew the menu like the back of his hand, and allowed us to sample four different beers before ordering -Solid food and absurd portion sizes: Burgers were respectable and monstrous
(4)Daisy G.
Eh OK. Had the fish and chips they weren't amazing by any means. Also had the fruit loops drink which was a bit too orange-y. Other people in my party loved it. Had the burger, fish tacos and patty melt. Very crowded & loud
(3)Molly L.
I have been to dinner here many times, but not for the past few years. I went tonight with a friend and we ordered the same burger, the goat cheese and spinach one. The burger was delicious! The fries were also good and the portions were generous. The wait staff leaves something to be desired... We had to wait way too long for an appetizer we ordered and we ended up with the wrong one and were overcharged. Service was slow, but not horrible. The food will have me coming back for more, though!
(3)Belda K.
The manager Kevin is unbelievable. It's packed in here and he always finds the time to say hello and to make sure we are enjoying our drinks and food. Jared does a great job too. The atmosphere here is wonderful and the love from our family here for the past year has been great. Jeremy...Phil....keep up the great work. You have a great team here. Thank you for a great first year. We look forward to many more. Also if we haven't thanked everyone at The Lucky Monk for making our wedding day a day to remember. We love you all. Cheers!!!
(5)Amanda V.
My fiancé and best friend threw my surprise birthday party here on their outdoor patio, and The Lucky Monk was so accommodating! Our servers, Melissa and Dan were awesome!! For a party of about 35, every person had a drink in their hand and food on their plates. The food was amazing, drinks were refreshing, and the service was phenomenal!
(5)Daniel F.
This is a PUB, and for me and our guests, we enjoyed the the food, ambiance, and the micro brew they make. Our server was very knowledgeable, and pleasant. If you want a good burger, and beer, this is the place. Salads were nice size and the Western Pizza, is outstanding, (if you like BBQ). We have been here several times, and it never gets old. The staff always makes you feel "You are the Customer" and that along with the food, makes you wanting to come back. Oh, and for desserts, they have plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth.
(5)Arlin B.
This is the "GO TO" place to eat and enjoy some very tasty beers with some friends! They are a Burger, Pizza and Beer place but I would argue they are a Beer, Beer and more Beer, Burger and Pretzel Place :-) Beer~ they are a 10 barrel brew house with a pilsner, some ales, IPA, and a stout. My faves are the Fallen Angel lager, the Grale amber ale and the Confessional American IPA. All are very good! You can order a sampler if you would like to try several of them. Restaurant~ it's very clean and inviting. Plenty of room around their bar and in their dinning for small and larger parties. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They keep your drinks filled and they know their menu very well. Food~ you must start every meal at the Lucky Monk with an order of pretzels with cheese and mustard sauces and an order of cheese curds :-) You can't beat their burgers. The Monk is a good go to but if you're adventurous try the Sunrise with a fried egg, or the Peppercorn and Ranch is awesome or for the really, really hungry-and-I-plan-to-spend-an-extra-30 minutes-in-the-gym, then try their Grilled Cheese Burger. It's a burger stuffed between two bacon filled grilled cheese sandwiches!! SERIOUSLY?! As a heart attach waiting to happen :-) I heard it was very tasty. They also have some great pizzas, salads, fish and chips too. But this review is getting too long and my beer is getting warm, so like with all good things this review must come to and end. Again, this is a great place to go especially with a family or friends. I make this a regular stop when visiting the Hoffman Estates ~ South Barrington area. I'm looking forward to trying their seasonal winter ales and lagers on my next trip. I hope to see you there.
(5)Alyssa K.
I've been here twice for dinner with girlfriends and both times my experience was great. I'm kind of on a mission to try every brewery within 30 miles of me and so I was able to check another of the list. I ordered the sampler tray so I could try all the beers. I wasn't a fan of the lighter beers but the oatmeal stout was smooth and delicious. If you enjoy trying different beers the sampler is the way to go! I've had the smothered burger here and I loved it. Plus they served the burger on this little pedestal, so it has to be amazing, right? The best decision I made here though, was to upgrade to the pickle fries. Yes, it costs $2 more and yes it probably shortened my life by 2 years but they were so good. Salty, crunchy pickles fried in batter. The truffle fries were delicious too but I don't think they hold a candle to the pickle fries. I've also had a chicken sandwich and the pretzel trio appetizer. Those were also good but I would skip ordering the chicken in the future and go back to the burger. You get a ton more food for the price. The parking lot sucks though. The first time I visited here I had to park back across the side street in the bank parking lot. Which would have been less of a big deal if it had been warmer than 15 degrees that night. I expected the wait time to be really long with the parking problem but I was seated within 20 minutes. The parking lot was even packed on the Thursday night I visited as well and then we were seated right away. So I'm taking away a star for the crappy parking situation. Make your lot bigger!
(4)Smitty J.
Our waitress Jillian was great. The fries were hand cut and were delicious. Great craft beer. The tomato goat cheese fondue was very tasty and served with a very tasty baguette for dipping. Bar and a restaurant Nice upscale place will definitely be back.
(5)Kirsten T.
Overall you can't do wrong here, everything I've had on their menu has been great. Last night we started with the fried cheese curds, they melted in your mouth with goodness! I will go back just for that fried heavenly cheese. I had the sausage, onion & pepper pizza, it was crisp & delicious, could've used a little more cheese, but a great, flavorful pie. The other half had the fish fry and he said it was very good. The real winner here is the service, walked in two hours before our reservation & we were seated immediately! That was wonderful and our waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and drinks, five stars to her! I highly recommend the place if you are looking for a great meal & service.
(5)Jon F.
A little more fancy than I expected, but they didn't sit us in the dark corner when a couple of friendly bikers walked in. We stared off with a couple of beers - The IPA was great... I'm not sure if I'd travel across state lines for it, but it was tasty. I hear the stout is great too, but i didn't have an opportunity to taste it during this trip. We started off with the cheese curds which were fantastic. They are fried just right with little pockets of tastiness and the included dipping sauces were tasty as well. For our main course my SO got the truffle fries appetizer. They were delicious! If you are ordering a burger you can sub them in for $2, and i think thats probably very worth it. I had the Grilled Cheese Bacon Cheeseburger and added fried onions on it. The onions helped the size, but this thing was massive! It was a little undercooked for the requested medium, but was tasty none the less. Were the Lucky Monk a little more divey I might have considered sending it back, but it would have been a feat to recreate that sandwich. The regular fries were A-OK, but just some fries. Our friend had the Plank Salmon which looked pretty good as well. Overall I had a great experience! The staff was very helpful and friendly and the food was great!
(4)Natalie A.
each and every time i go, this place is amazing. they brew their own craft beer and the staff/food is always amazing
(5)Amira E.
This was a great place to dine with friends and eat some great food. The burgers are the best! I also had their sweet potato fries which where delightful. I had a nice crafted cider to top off the meal. I enjoyed my experience and the waitress and staff served our large party like a pro!!
(5)Chris H.
Excellent service, great beer knowledge from the bar staff and food was very tasty. Do the donuts if you have a sweet tooth.
(5)Cherie S.
Unfortunately had to give this place a one star. From my check in review I would like to add that our celebration was cut short. The GM quickly assumed a person from our party was drunk after his chair tipped back with a heavy purse hanging from it.... So it is more than safe to say we will never return. And NO there is nothing you can do to change it Kevin Chorsempa
(1)Donnie L.
Awesome food nice location...burgers n beers n more. I would suggest using open table to make your reservation
(4)Melanie D.
There are just enough items on the menu for variety, but it isn't overwhelming either. They have all your typical items like burgers and fries but with a nice twist to each. So far, everything I've tried has been delicious, from salads to burgers. I love their pretzels with the different cheese dips. It's a place that's friendly enough for the family and also fancy enough for a date. There's a bar area too for a night out with friends. The beer sampler is fun for that! It's right by the AMC theater so grabbing a bite there before or after a movie is convenient. Though they have valet, the parking lot is quite small and on a weekend night, it's inconvenient.
(4)Laura C.
We are Lucky Monk Society members and visit at least 12 times a year. We have become friendly with Jory and Anthony, the brewmaster. We went in last night to grab something quick before we donated some time to a very good cause. We met Tony at the bar. He is absolutely AMAZING. I ordered tritica before I saw the blueberry cider on draft at Tonys suggestion. He gave us a sample pour of the session ale. Had plates and dining utensils out as soon as we placed our order. Our food is always amazing but the excellent service had us talking about Tony for days. Looking forward to visiting again this month for the latest Monk Society tasting..
(5)Danielle W.
Wonderful place! Knowledgable servers, beautiful dark wood dining room, great alcohol selections (even for cider drinkers like myself!) and good food. The parking lot is large so don't worry about parking, it wraps around the back of the restaurant. Hard to see from the road so it gives the impression of no more room but it is there ^.^ Our server was good, a bit inattentive but we took a long time to order do I don't fault him. The only problem I had was that I ordered fries and instead of having the ketchup on the table it was brought with my food in a little bowl. 0-o Weird right? So I had to keep asking for more to finish my fries. I had the Fish and Chips, my companion had the Asian Fusion salad, no complaints from either. My fish were battered well and the actual fish was good, not falling apart or anything like that. I would recommend and will definitely go back
(5)Frank L.
Great atmosphere with very attentive servers. Had a great selection of beers. Huge portion sizes, steaks were done perfectly. Definitely a great local spot in Hoffman Estates.
(4)Marios D.
Convenient spot for a quick lunch or dinner in the area. Lunch was standard bar fare with the salad being relatively fresh and the size Midwest large. Steak was a fun size with a LOT of potatoes as the bed.... Comfortable place
(3)LJ D.
Had a great birthday dinner for my Dad who turned 66 on January 2nd! Thank you Lucky Monk for a great meal and good family time!
(5)Dan M.
This is a great place all around. Very comforting atmosphere and everything I have eaten here has been really good. Try the burger with the peanut butter on it. Don't knock it till you try it! It's good!
(5)Dave W.
Drove up from Addison to try the deviled eggs and the short rib pasta (based on yelp). Order the eggs. ...15 minutes later I find out they're out. ... boo I don't drink, so I couldn't sample the beers. Emails and banking :-( Ordered a sampler. Fried stuff. . Should have gotten the hummus. The flat bread looked really good. Now I'm waiting for the pasta. And waiting. The bartenders timing is off for us 'non-drinkers'. Way too much time for a single customer. Short rib pasta saved the day. Skip the fried crap and go right to that. ... Unless you drink. There is a ton of the rib meat and a lot of pasta. The flavor is a touch bland, but overall that would be a high 3 or 4. The rest 2-3.. Probably rates higher with a group and if you have the beers.
(3)Gary O.
I love the Lucky Monk! The service and food are always top notch. They have great sandwiches and burgers. The truffle fries are amazing. The steak tacos are phenomenal as well. I've tried several of their brews which they have on rotation all of which are usually very tasty. If you sample their brews and don't find one you like, they have a nice list of other craft brews to choose from like Lagunitas and SOB. Great atmosphere.
(5)Kat A.
I came here for lunch with my coworkers. Service was great. There is a unique selection of burgers- including the King burger, aptly named after Elvis and his love of peanut butter, bacon and bananas. I had the Senor Sanchez burger with truffled, parmesan fries. The burger was really good, but the fries were slightly soggy and had almost no parmesan flavor.
(3)melissa r.
The worst plate of food ever!! My meatball sandwich was cold as were the fries. The coronas are way over priced... Good thing I don't live in Chicago but when I stop by again I will make sure not to come here
(1)Eric T.
I'm a fan! Came here for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. Always overlooked the restaurant outside AMC but this time I'm glad I didn't. My overall thought is of this place is that it gives you the bang for your buck. The sandwiches are around ~10 here but they are really big and tasty. I ordered a meatball sandwich and upgraded to truffle fries for 2 extra. I saved half the sandwich for home and was stuffed. The meatball sandwich was pretty fancy with arugula, creamy tomato sauce and peppers with crispy, buttered toast. And you can't go wrong with truffle fries. The hint of truffles is heavenly. My friend ordered the skirt steak and for 17 it was very impressive as well. Steak was tender and soft too. Decorations, building, and ambiance were nice. Really liked how they set up lighting here. Atmosphere is just more upscale, but I wouldn't say romantic or anything. Will be back!
(4)Mary S.
This is one of the prettiest restaurants I've ever been to. Eat on their patio if the weather is good. GREAT southwest chicken salad.
(5)Drew T.
Nice place to eat. Service wasn't so great of an experience, but food made up for it. I believe that service makes or breaks your experience. Food was great I have to say.
(3)Patricia W.
I heard and read all the rave reviews, but this is not a place that I will return to. Not good. Service is good, but I found the place to be kinda not too clean for me.
(1)Aly N.
It's always a challenge to find a decent place to eat in the "country" (I say that out of sheer respect for the beautiful, natural landscape of South Barrington). TLM is a cool brewpub that is appropriate for a broad clientele that all share the same mission: good food and brews. We heard that the burgers were the thing to get, and to my pleasant surprise, they had an option for a gluten-free bun. Try the Classic Tommy turkey burger and sub in their wonderful side salad. I was also happy to find a list of gluten-free beers -- wow, they were really thinking here with the menu planning -- and had to get a Two Brothers brew. Service was friendly and our server knew the menu inside and out. So nice to find an eatery with high quality food and great service in this neck-of-the-woods.
(4)Rachel B.
Meh, was not impressed. Service was slow, burger was over cooked and bland. Overrated if you ask me.
(3)A K.
Great place. Went there many times with family. Food was always good, service was friendly.
(4)A A.
The wife and I have been here 4-5 times. Overall it's a good meal! I definitely like the fresh cut French fries. I miss the pizza burger that used to be on the menu. It was really good. To me the best burger on the menu. Try the cheese curds. We always order them when we go here.
(4)Dave B.
Would give 4 stars for food. Awesome eats! Burgers are great puts to shame our local former favorite the assembly complaints would be service not the best, and last visit our server was Kristin and she is terrible. Bad attitude like we didn't exist. I usually tip big but shouldn't have left her even 10%. Other complaint is the drinks they are WEAK. So poor that I will not order a cocktail again here. Even martini, pure alcohol is very small Great food though will be back & ask for Stacy a great server
(3)Brian M.
The pretzels were incredible. The burger was not very good and they charged $13 for it. If you're mainly looking for food rather than drinks, I'd recommend checking out Eddie's in Arlington Heights or Smash Burger instead.
(3)Eric H.
Food was good, beer was great, service was lacking. Both times I've been there the service was bad. I like like the food enough that I will be back but hopefully they have retrained some staff
(3)Sherwin C.
Like Cooper's Hawk, The Lucky Monk has a very spacious restaurant with nicer than normal decor. The food is served at a decent pace although service can be a bit spotty at times. Overall, the food is good but not spectacular. It's similar to what you'll find at other restaurants in this price range around the Schaumburg area. Warm pretzel trio - The best item I tried. Hot pretzels served with cheddar beer fondue, tomato parmesan sauce, and grainy mustard butter. All 3 dips were great and matched well with the fresh pretzels. The serving size is pretty generous so this could really be a meal in itself. Chicken parmesan - The texture and flavor were alright although I wasn't a huge fan of the parmesan crust. This comes in a generous serving with tons of spaghetti. Monk burger - Cooked exactly to specifications that i asked for (medium rare), this is probably the best entree I had. Simple but done well without being overseasoned. Fish 'n' Chips - Fish was very fluffy and crunchy. Great texture and temperature throughout. The fries were a little too moist otherwise very good overall. Beer braised short rib pasta - Good flavor on the beef and good texture on the noodles, a bit salty but done better than most other local restaurants that serve this dish.
(4)Shauna J.
Great food and beer selection! I always get the craft beer sampler to try out both their golden oldies and their new tasty concoctions. As well, the environment cannot be beat. During the summer time and when it starts to get chilly in the fall they have a fun bonfire pit outside where you can sit around and relax.
(5)Nathan K.
awesome beer hand crafted by Anthony the brew master. Awesome food get the King Burger
(5)Lauren M.
Stellar service, food, drink, and atmosphere. I left here too full but I would do it again! The grilled cheeseburger- yummmmmm! As a side, the fried pickles were some of the best I've ever had. I got a flight- great way to introduce myself to their beers- and the Weiss was my favorite but all were delicious. The waiter, can't remember his name, very personable and knowledgeable. Great experience.
(5)Mark F.
Our first time here was delightfully memorable, wonderfully delicious and our service was outstanding. When we visited the host stand, we were kindly told that our wait would be an hour to an hour and a half (ha, um no, thanks). So, we adventured to the bar rail to see if we could scrounge up 2 open bar stools. Luckily, we found to spots at the back end of the bar and the rest of the night went straight up from there. If you find yourself at their bar - ask for Cassie. She was incredibly friendly, very patient and didn't make us feel rushed. She allowed us to sample a couple of brews we were hemming and hawing between. It was nice - she made us feel welcomed and we were able to relax and take our time. The food was pretty good. No major complaints. If you like sweets - the donuts were incredible. We'll go back and we may skip the dining area and head straight for the bar! :)
(4)Paul W.
Can't find any reasons why this wouldn't be a five star restaurant. Great food, great service, clean great atmosphere and fair prices. My family has been here three times and the it's been consistently good. Killer pretzel appetizer, tasty burgers come with a mound of good fries, mini tacos taste great and the servers make sure your drink is always full. On busy nights the wait is long so make reservations. This place gets packed fast.
(5)Avinash K.
Loved the ambience of the place. Did have a decent variety of food. I had the crab bisque which was really good and came in a big portion - oh my god, had just finished it. We had the picked fries which were great as well. Fried calamari was so-so.
(3)Holly H.
So good. Expensive but a wonderful place for a special night out. Everything is amazing.
(5)Vishal B.
Many of these restaurant/breweries are starting to look alike. Then you have The Lucky Monk. The menu is a refreshing change from the usual bar food. We did opt for a fried app - the trio which was a bit of a guilty pleasure since i love fried pickles! They try to be a burger and pizza specialist and succeed. I say this because we tried their sandwich as well as margharita which in my mind is a yardstick pizza.. i use to measure apples to apples. very nice thin crust and flavor! the fries were the best part! the truffle oil parmesean garlic fries to be exact! Let me highlight that their house brewed beer comes in flights, or 9 oz glasses which is fantastic at 3 bucks each when you want to try more than a shot of beer, but not commit to a full glass. loved both the white and IPA! (confessional, i think the name was).. at the end of it all we got the cookie sizzler thing with ice cream on it! great way to end a belt busting dinner! You will feel like such an American walking out of this place!
(4)Nathan S.
Lucky Monk is our go-to place for great burgers, great beer, and great service. Never had a bad meal there.
(5)Christina A.
Went back last night for dinner. Service was awesome this time. However, I thought the burger was only so so. A little dry. The cookie skillet and beer were still incredible. Will I go back? Probably, but I'll probably order something other than a burger.
(4)ChicagoGuy O.
Love this place must check it out if you haven't already they have hands-down some of the best hamburgers I've ever tasted in my entire life their food is all quality they're very clean great atmosphere and a wonderful list of all different types of beers great place to chill out in the summertime they have an open patio with a fire pit.if you enjoy beer and good food check out the Lucky Monk
(5)Lauren M.
Great place!! Delicious food, attentive staff, the beer is great (recommend the beer flight)! Perfect for dates, nights out with girlfriends, or family affairs. I'm sure this is a given by now, but the perfect spot for dinner or drinks before or after heading to AMC for a movie. Can't wait for their outdoor patio this summer. They have warm cozy fireplaces to sit around overlooking a pond. If you haven't been, I highly suggest!
(5)Mike L.
Where the old Brass used to be. This follows the business philosophy of the chain brewpubs, ie Ram, a few house beers along with a good selection of others and a focus on pub foods. It works and the food is good it just seems a little to processed for me. When they bring your burger out your first thought when you see the server carrying it out is wow that is a huge burger. When they set it down you see that the burger is setting on "hockey puck" which once removed your burger is now normal. So before you are thinking "THAT IS A $12 BURGER" and once they set it down you think "oh, I just paid $12 for this". I had the Sunrise with an over-easy egg and I could not taste the yolk at all. The bacon marmalade was to sweet and lacked saltiness.The pretzel apps were large and very good, the 3 dipping sauces were underwhelming. For a party of 7 the food took a very long time to come out, even the first side salad. I understand that if they are serving drinks you want to get more drinks out of a group but 20+ minutes for a side salad is excessive when the restaurant is not at capacity. The food was good and the service was good if not just a little bit scattered.
(3)Krystal L.
New manager?? We've been here a few times and had great experiences. Tonight we went to the lucky monk with some friends after the festival. We were told there was a 20 minute wait, an hour later they finally had us sit in an area where there were 4 other tables EMPTY. The rude hostess then informed us it was the managers fault that he didn't want to use that area of the restaurant. What?? Manager finally comes over after we had to ask for him and he was a total jerk. I was so embarrassed because my husband and I were the ones who suggested going here. He says "I'll look into it" which didn't make any sense when we told him how upset we were with the hour wait and just getting told over and over 5 more minutes and thrn walking into an empty area! He then never bothered to come back to our table. They gave us a percentage off of the bill but not until we all complained to the waitress who's fault none of this was. Just a really crappy experience. Now we won't go back for a while if ever.
(2)Chrissy F.
Drinks: had the pilsner and it was great! Not too hoppy and had a very smooth finish. Dinner: most of the people in our party had the burgers and turkey burgers. The turkey burger was excellent, moist and hand made, which is a rare find. The sweet potato fries rocked! Make sure you get a side of their ranch dressing to dip them in--they have the best 'leaky' ranch, which is my favorite kind. Overall a great experience. We had a fussy 1 year old with us that just wanted to eat. The waitress came out with carrots and ranch to help is out. Great service and attentive to what was going on. The Kids menu had great selections and came with milk, cookie and chocolate syrup for dessert. The kids thought it was so cool!
(5)Theresa S.
We came to lucky monk because of all the great reviews however for my husband and I we were let down. I would have given it a 4 star because the craft beer was really good and the food had potential, however, the service was horrible. Our waitress was more interested in disappearing then serving. We even noticed the other tables she was serving a little irritated by her inattentiveness. We ordered a "egg on top" pizza and I had the fish tacos. I know it's know for it's pizza and burgers but the waitress said the fish tacos were their best seller other then burgers so I took her opinion, huge mistake. The pizza had a lot of potential but they over seasoned it. Now my husband loves salt on everything and in my opinion a little too much salt. With that being said, he couldn't eat more then a slice because they over seasoned it with salt! Now my fish tacos had no seasoning and fell apart. It was soggy and just plain nasty. I love fish tacos and here is not the place to get them. I will give them a second chance because the manager was extremely friendly and maybe next time I'll stick to a burger.
(3)Derek H.
Nice selection of house beers - and also several guest taps with many local selections.
(4)Kimberly M.
These guys make some incredibly juicy and flavorful burgers. I substituted the sauteed veggie side for french fries and that side was a little wimpy. The truffle fries we started out with made up for it though. Those fries are dangerous! Our server told us they are known for their pizzas, but I had a slice of two different kinds and I really wasn't that impressed. Service was a little slow at times, but our server was funny and charismatic, so we forgave her. I was a fan of the $5 Wine Wednesdays! The four of us had to wait 40 minutes for a table at 7:30pm on a Wednesday night, so I highly recommend making reservations before you go. This is a great restaurant to bring a group to because everyone will find something they like, prices are reasonable, and it's a fun environment.
(4)Shyna H.
Absolutely love the place. Excellent food the sandwiches, fish tacos, tumbled dry onion fries and an excellent collection of beers. The burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads are also really good. Can't go wrong !
(5)William L.
It seems like brew pubs like Lucky Monk are popping up all over the place, and this place is near the top of the charts for me. My better half and I met here for a "we don't feel like cooking" night and this may be one of our regular stops in the future. We split the pretzel appetizer which consisted of three huge Bavarian pretzels, two dipping sauces and a fantastic mustard. The burgers we had (Firehouse and Peppercorn Ranch) were both awesome as well. The sweet potato fries are the bomb dot com. Good golly were they delicious and crispy. For brews, we tried the house IPA and hefeweizen. The IPA was decent, but a little off. The citra hops weren't very evident in the nose or taste, but it did taste better as it warmed. The hefe was really, really good. Lots of banana bread flavor with a touch of spiciness. The decor of the place is nice and inviting, but it can be a little loud when the place is busy.
(4)Valerie W.
At the suggestion of my dad, I chose the Lucky Monk as the location for my graduation lunch. I graduated at the Sears Centre, so I wanted something that was nearby, but also far enough away that my 1000 fellow graduates would not be taking up all of the space! I easily made a reservation for 15 on opentable two weeks before the day. I checked out the menu ahead of time, and was really excited for a big juicy burger, which they are known for. For some reason, the day of I decided on a pizza instead, which was fine, but next time, I'm trying a burger. The service was outstanding. Our server, whose name I've since forgotten, was well versed in both the menu and beers, was ready and willing to make suggestions, and had no problem handling our rowdy party of 15. We had lots of yummy things on the table, the sweet potato fries, hummus, and apple bacon flatbread were awesome. The pizza fell a little flat for me, probably because I should've gone with my gut on the burger. The home brewed beer tasted amazing, I tried the confessional IPA and the Fallen Angel. The flavors were great, but unfortunately, like so many places before (why do I forget?) I ended up with a terrible migraine because of the beer! I don't know what preservative these microbreweries put into their beers, but they KILL me. I literally had a headache by the time I got home, and spent the rest of the night (from 4pm to 2am) wanting to die, lying in bed with no light, no sound, and a cold towel on my head. So, the food makes me want to return, but I'll stick to the bottled stuff. My mom had a pear cider that was bottled that I tasted and was good, so maybe that next time.
(3)Mariam K.
I don't live anywhere near this place... however me and my husband decided to go to IPic to watch a movie and we were looking for restaurants around the theatre and came across this place and read a lot of good things so we decided to eat here. Be sure to make reservations before coming here... it was chaotic when we came on a Friday night... luckily we made reservations! We ordered the fried pickles, cheese curds (similar to mozzarella sticks but a million times better and come with 2 really good dipping sauces), and truffle fries. Everything was amazing and the portions were really big. I ordered the hot head burger, it came with fries. Everything about the burger and fries was delicious... I was really full but I still couldn't stop eating my food. If I were to ever come back to South Barrington, I would definitely come back here!
(4)George R.
When some people mention "The Lucky Monk" they think microbrews. While that's certainly a primary draw for this burger, pizza and beer restaurant, when I hear "The Lucky Monk" I immediately think of their Chicken-Poblano Chili with white beans and cilantro. It's that good. On more than one occasion, and certainly on cold winter nights when I'm in the mood for chili, I seriously consider driving across the northwestern suburbs to TLM in South Barrington. Since I tend to lean toward chicken-based entrees, I typically choose the chicken-poblano chili for my meal. They do have a red bean chili too, which is also hearty and tasty. Either way, match that up with a decent side salad and I'm good to go. When I'm not too full from my meal, I naturally look at the dessert menu. TLM doesn't disappoint here either. Their warm apple crisp is pretty good. Their S'mores are very sweet, maybe a bit too much even for a sweet tooth like myself. Definitely split the S'mores order with someone else if you want to try it. And as much as I really want to try their Cookie Skillet (chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce) my willpower has allowed me to resist this beckoning dessert (for now). But one of these days, I may just grab a spoon and go to town on that dessert option, after eating a good healthy TLM salad of course. Service at TLM has been excellent each time I've stopped in. I've sat at the bar, lounge tables in the bar area, and at dining tables in the main restaurant area. All across the board, service is very good and friendly. Warm woods, neutral grays, natural stones all make this a cozy environment to enjoy dinner, drinks or a quick game on TV at the bar. Weekends will get pretty busy, especially with the AMC 30 Theatres next door. So try a mid-week visit to avoid the crowds and wait times.
(4)Konrad W.
Awesome place! Great food, beer and atmosphere. Definitely recommend this place! Great variaty of food and ever changing beer selection.
(5)Helen L.
This is one of our all time favorite restaurants! The food is excellent, the libations are abundant and the ambiance is a lot of fun! Every time we go here, the staff is prompt and attentive. I don't think that we've ever been left sitting for more than 5 minutes without someone coming over to check in with us. One thing - it gets very loud, so if you don't like noisy, active restaurants, you won't like this. For us, it doesn't matter as long as the food is good. We have never had a bad experience here and we've gone more times than I can count.
(5)Jeff G.
Went to the monk last night had a great time and great food... Sam was rocking the bar and did a great job!
(5)R.J. V.
This place has amazing burgers. I especially recommend the grilled cheese one. It is a hamburger sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. I also recommend bacon and topped off with an egg. The parmesan truffle fries are also very yummy, The loaded fries aint bad either. I also recommend you try some of their craft beers. Buy one with the the beer can glass and keep the glass. Its a neat little souvenier. The staff was great and facilities were beautiful.A great place to take the family or a date.
(4)Chuck D.
So I was looking up to see if the Wild Monk in St. Charles was open and Yelp pulled up the Lucky Monk instead. It had fantastic reviews AND it was open 4 hours earlier then my original search. It was a long drive, but seemed worth it. The service and food were really quite great, the beer was just pretty good. We tried all of their beers and really only liked a couple out of the six (the IPA and the Tritica). The rest were just ok. They had a pretty good bottled selection, though, which I might drink from more on a second visit back. We ordered a sampler for the appetizer - Cheese Curds, White Truffle Fries, and Fried Pickles - all were very good. Full on fried food, my husband and I split the Green Chili Queso Burger which was absolutely delish. You can choose your side from nearly any of their apps, but since we just had three of them we stuck with the regular fries...which were good but just fries in the end. I'll definitely be back for their food and craft brew list. They need to step up their game on their own beers to earn that 5th star, though. Maybe they will... who knows.
(4)K S.
I've been here a few times and it's a nice place to go for a meal. The burgers are not that great but the beers are what will bring me in if given a choice. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find parking if it's a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. I had a reservation for early evening and not one spot was available and we waited for the free valet, but no one came out. We went in to say we will need to cancel the reservation due to no parking available and the 4 hosts just stared and said.. "yep.. we're busy". Darn...
(2)Terri D.
Good service. My husband did not care for the house vodka in his dirty martini. I liked the Mark Pinot noir. We had the calamari for an appetizer - excellent! I had the top tip sirloin with truffle fries. Sirloin was well cooked. The truffle fries complimented well. My husband had the cedar plank salmon without the BBQ sauce! Salmon was well cooked, but unevenly seasoned. The mashed potatoes were too buttery and the fries he substituted were bitter with the skins left on. The prices were excellent and the scoop of vanilla bean ice cream with Belgian chocolate sauce was great! But it was topped with canned whipped cream, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, not the worst eating experience but not the best. If we chose to return, it might be to try a burger.
(3)Susanna M.
I love this place they have a great selection of beers and their Spinach goat cheese burger is outstanding!! I just love their truffle fries! I've been there twice and will be going back again!!! I will have to try other things, but it's hard to deviate from something so good like the spinach goat cheese burger mmmm!
(5)Pattie U.
Great selection of craft beers. I had the sampler of their own brews. 7 flights for $9! An outrageously good deal! I love their beer. Their pretzel appetizer is OUT OF THIS WORLD. I don't even really like soft pretzels, but I LOVED this. Lastly, what drove it home for me is that they have the option of MERCK'S CHEDDAR for their burgers. So so so so crucial in my eyes. I wanna go back right now.
(5)Debra R.
We regularly visit this place. Hooked on the Fallen Angel and often try others especially the featured brews. My husband cannot get enough of the pretzel trio- and has finally duplicated the grainy honey-mustard butter for at home. My son's favorite salad ever is their Waldorf salad. I really like the Derby Turkey sandwich- who can resist turkey wrapped in bacon? Their burgers are good (My standard is the Assembly- so these are below that) and we have had several other things that are quite yummy. It is always busy- which in the burbs- if you pull into a restaurant on a Friday evening after 5 PM and it's not busy- then something is wrong. The staff has always been nice and usually gives great service, too. It is a regular once a month visit at least for us.
(5)Lindsay K.
I do not like this place, not one bit. The food was mediocre. I think it was all frozen, not fresh. The restaurant was dirty and the decor didn't really deliver upon entering. The worst part of the experience was the service, our waitress was horrible, barely saw her. The manager we saw, was about the same. We had given him some very dirty utensils, that had food stuck to them (that were in our napkin roll) and he said he would be right back with new ones and we never saw him again. Finally, I tried their beer...and honestly I've had better. I love craft beer and this place isn't really that great in the beer area either. We had come here in between movies on a Saturday and next time we will be going somewhere else.
(1)Val A.
Meh nothing special in my opinion. Went here with my boyfriend who likes sampling beers. I drove around the parking lot for a solid 10 minutes waiting for a parking space to open (way too small of a parking lot). I would've went somewhere else but we had a reservation, speaking of a reservation, they did promptly seat us when we got there which was great (some restaurants still make you wait). We started off with the big soft pretzels and they were nothing special, the dips were ok with them. Then I had a pulled pork sandwich with parmesan fries. The pulled pork was bland. The fries were perfectly cooked. My boyfriend had the mini tacos with steak and he was raving about them so I'm glad he enjoyed his meal more than I did. We finished our meal with the skillet cookie which I must say, that was delicious. Now onto the beer. My boyfriend said everything tasted "ok" but nothing was special or memorable. His favorite was the IPA but even that wasn't the best IPA he's ever had, wasn't even in his top 5. Would I go here again? Maybe, but not for a while.
(3)Bernice R.
Burgers... BOOM. These are way better that your average run of the mill burgers. Beautiful is what they are. Positioned on a small wooden platform, its like it's about to receive a metal for deliciousness even before you bite into it. haha. Great flavors, good sized burger, and tasty fries... no complaints. We also shared a flight of beers. I'd say its a good value and great way to sample their brews. I recommend their oatmeal stout! :) I've also tried their pizzas... and just like their burgers, you can't go wrong! This is a fun place to hang out with group of friends or go out on a date!
(4)Maria R.
"What Maria Did This Summer" Series Review TWO! :) ----- The Lucky Monk, what can I say about this restaurant smack dab next to the AMC South Barrington 30 theaters. This restaurant used to be a similar-themed craft brew-pub type restaurant before, but I do not recall the name. The Bronze something or other....anyway, I digress! The current restaurant, The Lucky Monk, is your typical, trendy craft beer, burger, and pizza pub(oh, they have wine too, btw!) with fairly typical, but unique pub fare on the menu. We first went here after, you guessed it, seeing a movie at the AMC South Barrington theaters. It was date night for my husband and I and it was late and they were open. We had wanted to try this place ever since the restaurant changed from its previous incarnation to this one. We were seated almost immediately as it was towards the end of their day. The dining areas were full of dark woods, which I love, and spacious booths. They had a few TVs, but not a whole lot to take away from the casual, yet trendy atmosphere. There was quite a selection and my husband tried one of their craft beers, which he enjoyed quite a bit. Then, he had another beer, also good. I'm not a craft beer or wine gourmand, but it seems if you really enjoy craft beer, you'll enjoy coming to The Lucky Monk. We started off with the White Truffle-Parmesan Fries, naturally! I love me some truffly-cheesy goodness! :9 OMG they were soooo good, but quite filling! :) They have a fair number of other unique appetizers like the Shrimp and Grits, Wild Mushroom Risotto, and Pickle Fries. Oh, I gotta try the pickle fries next time, they are apparently pretty awesome! My husband had their Hot Head burger, which is apparently pretty popular, it has pepperjack cheese, lettuce, jalapeno-tomato pico, and chipotle ketchup. It is kind of a messy burger, but the presentation is quite awesome as the burger it placed upon a wooden pedestal as if you must bow to it and go "We're not worthy to consume you, oh almighty burger of awesome!" :) I had their Fish 'N' Chips because I was not in a "burger mood" It was crispy, not too greasy and you got more than enough fish for a meal and leftovers. Since we had fries for an appetizer, my husband opted for a side of broccoli and I went for their Wild Mushroom Risotto. I was expecting a creamy, mushroomy-cheesy goodness that is the risotto I love, but was kinda let down with a not-so-cheesy and bland mushroom flavor. Suffice to say, I did not order that the second time I went. Service was pretty quick at this time of the night and the noise levels were quiet. Fast-forward to yesterday, our second time to The Lucky Monk, and this time WITH KIDS IN TOW! The place was PACKED, lots of cars in the parking lot, it was Saturday Night at about 7:30pm...PRIME dinner hour. We THOUGHT we were going to have to wait at least 30minutes to an hour, but we ended up only waiting about 10 minutes. Awesome! We were seated right away and had our orders taken pretty readily by our server. The Lucky Monk was a bit louder than the last time, naturally, and a lot more busy! We started off our meal with one of their Appetizer Specials, Fresh Guacamole with Chips. When it came out, it was probably 15-18 chips with a small taco salad bowl of guacamole in the middle. Nicely presented and it was a good portion that would not overfill us. The guacamole was good too! The kids had the chicken fingers and fries and the pasta with tomato sauce. My daughter kept complaining it was cold, but I didn't think it was. The kids chicken fingers were apparently pretty good since my son ate them all, which is not typical for him. The kids meals had a "appetizer" of about 5 baby carrots and a small bowl of ranch to dip them in. Nice healthy touch, sadly, my kids didn't go for it, so, my husband and I ate the carrots and ranch dip instead. :) I ordered the Farmhouse Burger this time around with a fried egg on top with the White Truffle-Parmesan Fries as an upgrade to their regular hand-cut fries. My husband ordered the Hot Head Burger again with the White Truffle Parmesan Fries upgrade as well. All the food was awesome. Again, the burgers were a bit messy, and I ended up having to ditch the bun as 1/2 lb of burger meat is NO JOKE! :) BUT, it was very yummy and nicely presented! The white truffle parmesan fries on the side were not as spectacular as they were in their appetizer form...hmm, need more truffle and parmesan? Yes, please! The kids' meals had a cool dessert that came with the meal, a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie and a small glass of white milk with a little dish of chocolate syrup to use to make the milk chocolate and/or to dip the chocolate chip cookie into for more added chocolatey goodness! Kids enjoyed themselves quite a bit....ate most if not all their meals. Overall, it was a good meal out with the family. Would I go again? You bet!
(4)Emma F.
I don't expect much from suburban restaurants situated by a mega-plex. I've often found them to be chain restaurants, even if I'm unfamiliar with the name. But we needed food, and it was close. Good Gracious! I was so pleasantly surprised! You can see above the menu items, but let's take a very long and sumptuous detour...their new spent grains patty. This is what happens when you use the best part of the beer in the best way possible. (I'm not a native beer drinker.) I've had so many veggie patties, in so many formulations. They've been dry, or salty, or bland...but this was really good. The grains used in the brewing were processed at a low temperature (according to Kevin, the GM) so their nutritive qualities were intact. The patty held together well, no crumbling, and the texture of the smaller grains was pleasant to chew through, soft and yielding without being gummy. The flavor was robust and warm, with a hint of nuttiness, a distant muskiness, and slightly sweet. There was a thorough coating of the tongue with this flavor, it lingered nicely without overpowering the palate. "Umami" is the right description, with all the health benefits of being vegetable matter. The fact that I had it sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches just made me that much more happily gluttonous. I respect Lucky Monk. They work hard for their flavors and it shows. I've also had the deviled eggs (not what you expect...TRY THEM), hummus, pizza, doughnuts, chocolate cake, 6 brews (I liked two, a miracle for me) and everything was well crafted, well presented, and served by knowledgeable, friendly staff. Today Dan (Red) and Jeff took really good care of my family, and Keven stopped by both times to chat. The clientele are friendly, too, chatting with us and laughing over the audacious, but delicious foods. Sadlly, I expect tomorrow to be my last visit for a while. My event in the deep dark subburbs is coming to an end. My biggest hope is that I'll be the Lucky one and Lucky Monk will come to Chicago soon.
(5)Levent T.
Beer *much* better this time around...good head and perfectly chilled. The burgers were cooked perfectly and even the egg on top of one was *not* overdone but cooked "soft" with just the right amount of runny goodness! Fried pickles hit the spot *again* and make sure you order extra dipping sauce. Also, tried the fish tacos and for the price point they were satisfying, however, I would give the fish and chips a try if I had the chance to do it over. Nevertheless the Monk is a consistent place to drink and indulge in salty, fatty foods and your favorite spirits.
(4)Don Z.
The Lucky Monk is still a solid choice for some good beer in a typical suburban setting. It is not my favorite beer, but if I am in the area and looking for some lunch and a beer, I can always find something I like. I have a previous review, so this is just an update. On my latest visit, I sat at the bar and Tiffany the bartender was cool and took good care of me. It was a quiet time of the day. Anthony the brew master walked up and noticed our beer themed attire. We chatted about beer. I am a dedicated beer enthusiast, but I am by no means any kind of expert. I enjoyed the conversation. After hearing what I liked he even shared a free sample, which was cool. The Confessional IPA and Solitude stout were tasty. The stout was very creamy with a nitrogen pour. I am still irritated by the burger heightening scandal and therefore I always get the pizza.
(3)Maciej G.
I've been to The Lucky Monk a few times, and it's one of the few places where I keep wanting to go back to try more of their menu because everything is just top-notch for a very reasonable price. It's got a nice atmosphere without being too dark but also not really crazy in its design. I feel cozy and comfortable each time I'm here. I'm a big fan of stout beers, and their in-house brewery serves up one of the best ones I've had in a long time. I promise to try their other offerings, but I just cannot say no when it comes down. I tend to avoid alcohol with my meals but not here. I ALWAYS get the buffalo wings. ALWAYS. They're just perfect in both flavor and tenderness. There's nothing more to say about them other than they're perfectly cooked and juicy on the inside with the sauce being a perfect balance of spicy and tangy and sweet without an out-of-place note of flavor. My only gripe is that they don't offer a wing plate as a main course, but I guess I can always just keep on ordering them... Thinking about it, I would go here just for their wings and flirt with this idea every now and then. Recently, I had their loaded fries, and I was very pleased and surprised at the subtle things which set these apart. Sure, you're going to get fries and cheese and bacon and scallions and sour cream. What's most interesting about these is the cheese. First off, it's either pepper-jack or a Swiss-style cheese with jalapenos or similar peppers diced in. Secondly, IT DOES NOT CONGEAL instead remaining creamy and easily applied to fries. We ordered a second batch of regular fries after finishing the loaded fries and greedily sponged up the leftover cheese. *PIZZA* I'm trying to set this section apart because, for their pizzas alone, The Lucky Monk needs to be applauded. The bread and crust are how a pizza should be: soft but crunchy, thin but substantial, subtle but flavorful. Of the several which I've tried, I can't honestly pick a favorite. Each one becomes the one which I like most. I don't know how or why this place has the pizzas it does, but I wish EVERY restaurant served these kinds of pizzas. The world would be a better place.
(5)Amelia I.
I LOVE this place!! We had is this past saturday before seeing a movie at AMC. I didnt know how HUGE the trio appetizer was but boy was I happy!! The cheese curds are amazing, and I even liked the fried pickles! The Parmesan fries are also good but a BIT salty x.x I def needed a few refills on my diet coke! We got a reuban (amazing on brioche bun), and a smothered burger (also looked amazing...mmm caramelized onions!) The portions are HUGE for the price which was good. I ate all my foods but the boyfriend only ate half his burger which he took home. And we took the appatizer home too because it was that big! So basically an entire second meal from the size of the food! AND I couldnt not get dessert :) We had the home made friend doughnuts. HOLY CRAP. They were amazing!! I ate most of them :) and the chocolate sauce was mmm mmm goooood. For all the food we got the bill was around 50 bucks? Not cheap BUT you get a lot of food for what you pay. Boyfriend also had one of those angry orchard apple cider things so that was like 6 bucks. I will def be going back before we hit up the movies! I'm craving to try the bbq burger! AND the wait staff was super friendly and well versed in the menu. They asked right away if we'd been there and when we said 'no' he explained everything. Burger was cooked perfectly medium rare too!
(5)Thaddeus C.
I've grown a bit disenchanted with this little eatery. I have been to The Lucky Monk several times and every time I sat down for a meal I felt less and less "into" the food. Sure, there are some constant winners-like the white truffle oil sweet potato fries. But beyond that the food is absolutely average, especially for the prices they're charging. It might be a nitpick simply because I haven't found "my meal". I noticed that when others go there they tend to order about the same thing each time, I've tried experimenting and so far I haven't found something that has left me satisfied beyond their appetizers., especially considering the price tag. I hope this doesn't dissuade too many people from going-it is really a conclusion you should come to for yourself. The food isn't bad enough to berate and not good enough to praise, it is all around average. So enjoy this middling review and your middling meal.
(3)Joyce A.
It is too late to tell everyone about the awesome hamburgers and incredible toppings- this place is crowded most times between 6:00 PM and 8PM! BUT, they do take reservations- so if you want to go for dinner (especially Friday, Saturday or Sunday- I recommend you make them. It makes a good pairing to go to the movies after dinner - the AMC Barrington is just up the street. I really enjoy sweet potato fries - and the Lucky Monk sure knows how to make them! But, that said, I have been told that management has removed them from the menu- they are by request only. SO, if you like sweet potato fries, please request them and leave a comment about putting them back on the menu!!!!!
(4)Shauna D.
"Have you dined with us before?" I'm generally inclined to fib when asked this dreaded question. For some reason servers tend the think if its your first time that you require some kind of hand-holding as if you don't know your way around a menu. Unless the dining experience requires me to cook my own food or submit my order in a paper airplane, I think I can handle it. I do appreciate recommendations, by all means let me know what you're known for but lets keep my Orientation to a minimum. Burgers here, Beer list here, got it. Thanks. I was a lot hungrier after my briefing, so I went with a burger since that is their specialty. The Peppercorn Ranch burger comes piled high with onion strings and I had them throw some bacon on there 'cus I mean, what are we doing here? Let's go whole hog. They look pretty intimidating when they come out, but at closer look you'll see they stand on little platforms, which is a nice signature that really does add to the presentation. The burger was amazing, like 'undo the top button because I'm not leaving anything behind' amazing. And the Parmesan Truffle fries are a thing of beauty.
(4)Jennifer W.
My husband and I went here for date night on a Sunday. We made a reservation ahead of time, which was a good idea since it got pretty busy throughout the night. The ambiance was great for a fun date night, but also worked for families too since it isn't a quiet restaurant. I had a Bay Burger, which was delicious and my husband had the Hot Head, which he liked as well. The only negative comment I have was that my husband is a fan of IPAs and they were out of their house IPA, as well as the only other one that they had on tap. A brewery should really never be out of their own beer. Other than that, it was fantastic.
(4)Jared W.
I've actually edited my original review, because after going again after over a year, I have a much different opinion. First, the truffle fries are fantastic, and this is one place that actually had the burger cooked just right. I always ask for medium, but most places don't get it quite right. So kudos to whoever grilled my burger last night! They do brew their own beer in house, which is usually a big plus for me, but I was pretty heavily disappointed in their beer. I had the flight, so was able to sample their 6 year round brews, and wasn't all that impressed by any of them, and the IPA was downright bad. On the second visit, I stuck with the "guest taps," and was really happy. They have some really good beers on guest tap. I will have to give the in house brews another try sometime soon though.
(4)Chloe H.
I went here for my birthday with my parents and boyfriend. I had seen the restaurant in passing AMC multiple times, and I was curious to try it. We made reservations, and we got in right away. The booth we sat in had ample space. A waiter came up to us fairly quickly (about 5 minutes). My dad ordered one of the in-house brews (I can't remember which one), but he very much liked it. It was a full-bodied ale with a touch of nuttiness to it. ("It's a bit nutty"). My parents ordered the pulled pork and fries, my boyfriend ordered the grilled cheese burger and fries, and I ordered the smothered burger and cheese curds. All came to our table within a reasonable time frame as well. Of course, coming in I didn't expect this place to be a health-conscious joint; but after looking what lay before us, I told my mom, "this spread is a cardiologist's nightmare". Despite the gargantuan fantasy of having a burger between two grilled cheeses and bacon, my boyfriend didn't like it. It's a fun concept (something that you may see on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, although this place is none of the three), it just doesn't execute well. The whole thing was extremely thick and even pressing down to thin the sandwich still made it about 3 inches thick. My burger was OK--the bun went from crispy to soggy very quickly so I stopped eating it. My parents liked the onion strings on the pulled pork, but they took most of it off and there was a good pile almost equivalent to the side of fries. The cheese curds were OK; the cheese seemed a little dry inside, but otherwise I ate them all. A nice feature was the sandwiches placed on a terra cotta-like disk to make it easier to pick up the burger instead of it slopping all over the plate in an attempt to take the first bite. I left feeling full and a bit guilty for attempting to put my body through a coronary, but I don't eat gastro-pub burgers that often (maybe once or twice a year). I'd go again if someone I knew had the urge to go, but I probably won't have the drive to go again.
(3)H S.
Great burgers! Really delicious and the truffle fries are pretty good. Their brews are average as is the service (took us an hour to get our food at 5pm, when it was practically half empty)
(3)Tony H.
Just how lucky is a monk? Well, considering that certain sects of monks have their own trademarked beer, I'd say pretty darn lucky. Unfortunately, my last visit to the Lucky Monk would have benefited from a bit more luck and magic in certain parts of the service and food. First off I gotta say I thoroughly enjoy their goat cheese and tomato sauce appetizer. The accompanying bread is crusty, slightly buttery, and compliments the goat cheese well. I decided against a house beer and went with a Bell's Cherry Stout. Only one for me, thanks. That served as side dish and dessert very well. The first glass I got with the beer was hazy and loaded with fingerprints. I asked for a new one and our server Chris took it without a word otherwise. The second one I got was slightly better, but the appetizer had arrived by then, so I just went with it. For dinner I ordered the Al Pastor pizza. It's supposed to be a take on tacos "al pastor", which are usually made with spicy marinated pork shoulder, onions and cilantro, sometimes with pineapple, and usually a little elf sprinkling magic and sexiness. Or not. This pizza had a bland "pork belly" meat, cotija cheese, green onions and a tomato sauce. I can't describe the crust as anything else than uninspired. It was a vehicle for the rest of the toppings, and it just didn't work. Pub food meets flub. Now I know better. Service was adequate. Not a whole lot of conversation, but the company made up for it. I only meet up with friends here; certainly wouldn't make the trek otherwise.
(3)Lekecia U.
Visited The Lucky Monk for my son's (who believes he can subsist solely on burgers and pizza) b-day. We made a reservation since I read on yelp that Friday nights are really busy. Despite having a reservation it still took us about 25 minutes to get seated. We started with the warm pretzel bread which was okay but a little too salty. The trio of dips that came with the bread were pretty good. Everyone had a burger which was pretty tasty but not especially memorable, as I can't recall which burger I ordered. I tried the truffle fries and wasn't impressed at all. I love love love french fries so I was disappointed. My son really enjoyed his burger so maybe we'll give this place another try but I'll steer clear of the truffle fries.
(3)N D.
My first time was yesterday at the barrington location I got there at 8 they said there was no wait according to the one female hostess and then when my other party got there at 8:15pm there was a 10 min wait ( keep in mind the same hostess standing right there next to the guy checking people in who said there was no wait) we sat Down ordered a soup and salad and water and soda at 8:30pm we got our drinks right away but when 9:15pm came around and there was still no food, ( keep in mind just soup and salads ) no server in sight with a update so we asked another server how long it takes for soup and a salad and he was going to check and when he came back he said the salads are just coming up 5 more min go by no salad or soup in sight so one of my friends tesla the hostess she was supposedly getting the manager and that was another 5 min..... never got to see the manager we had to leave because the service was so bad no one apologized for the wait ......nothing .......we offered to pay our drinks and the 2 hostesses said I don't know how much they were and that they were not keeping us there! Seriously ?! This was the worst first experience at Lucky Monk! I do not recommend it they did not care about the customers at all! I will never go back!!
(1)Andrea H.
I now officially love this place. I don't make it out that way often, but I now have something to look forward to after the long trek out to the Willow Creek mother ship. It's on the way back to the highway and, since I can make a reservation on Open Table, we can bypass the crowds and get to the table right away. This is huge since we normally have a hungry 3 year old in tow. Yay! The first time we stopped by, we decided to share the parmesan crusted tilapia and the bourbon stout burger. Both were delicious and the Monk's Choice beer that day, a smoky bourbon stout, was the perfect accompaniment. I also felt that the kids menu was a pretty good deal. At $5.95, the little one got carrot sticks, a burger with veggies and a cookie and milk. I'm not too familiar with kids menus these days but it seemed like a lot of food for not too much. The second time, we decided to share again. This time we opted for the beer braised short rib pasta and the green chile queso burger. The pasta was solid but pretty standard. The burger, on the other hand, was awesome. And the fries are terribly difficult to stop eating. So good. The Monk's choices this night were a cherry bourbon stout and a brown ale. Of course I had to try both. The cherry was very interesting. Rich cherry flavor without being too sweet. The brown ale was more my speed. Nutty and delicious. I still enjoy how they put their burgers on a pedestal. They say that their specialties are the burgers and pizzas. I have yet to try the pizzas but the burgers seem pretty worthy of that pedestal. It seems like they also have great specials throughout the week. I'm still trying to figure them out, though, because house beers are supposed to be $4 on Sunday but I guess the Monk's Choice doesn't count for that. It's cool, though, I appreciate the fact that they switch up their offerings regularly. Every time we go, the service is friendly, the atmosphere is warm, and I always leave wishing this place was closer to home.
(4)Erin R.
No matter what the occasion, Lucky Monk is going to deliver. I have eaten here many times; I never had a bad meal or service that was not excellent. Recently had an event here with 60+ people on their patio. The servers went above and beyond my expectations. I could not believe the extent their team went to to make sure everything was perfect. Truly, Lucky Monk should get 10 stars. Thank you, Lucky Monk!
(5)C. M.
The burgers are huge and very good. I took one star off because it seems a little overpriced. Great food if you like burgers. Try the truffle parmeaean fries.
(4)Bry P.
I've been here twice, and both times I LOVED it! Everything I've tried here has been FANTASTIC. There is literally nothing on this menu that is not declicious... I recommend this place to ANYONE and everyone!
(5)Josh N.
This is really a 4.5 great burger amazing cheese curds...
(4)James M.
Great place. Food is bar food but with a twist to make it fun. Beer is really good and service has always been excellent! I've now become a member of the "lucky monk society." It costs $11/month but you get a free bomber every month and expedited seating even when there is a big wait to get in. I have a family of six... So that helps a ton!! Love "The Confessional."
(5)Esther C.
Let me start off by saying I have never given a 2 star review for any product or place- even for the 99cent ipod case look-alike I got in college that disintegrated in my hands after opening it. My husband and and I live in Chicago so we're used to the occasional bad service and truth be told we still go back to those places just because the food or the atmosphere otherwise is good enough. I honestly can't say that about this place. I have never had a waitress snap back at me before. It wasn't just at me but other members of the party. I was flabbergasted, shocked and offended, especially when we had come to celebrate a happy occasion. The thing is even with the right amount of chairs we were already sitting on top of each other. Additionally, I was surprised our waitress brought out a cracked beer glass to our table. It actually broke at at the table. Another horrible gesture was the waitress's refusal to split the bill after she got upset our party was bigger when prior to this she promised to be accommodating. I guess I don't blame her because without combining our bills and forcing us to pay gratuity for a large I personally would have left her no tip. I don't want to generalize to the whole staff because one of the other bellboys was really helpful My only regret is that I didn't talk to the manager onsite that night cause I didn't want to hold up the group. emailed the manager By the way, count on parking at the amc. There's not enough on-site parking for the guests. A 2 and not a 1 cause the food itself was alright and some of it unique but if you really good beer and American food there are so many other places in the burbs to go to. I wouldn't ever come back here for the experience we had.
(2)Phil C.
The King burger with banana, peanut butter and bacon is incredibly weird and delicious. Chase it down with a pint of Fallen Angel and your golden!
(3)Jie H.
Burger is OK but the beer sampler is GREAT!
(4)Kate T.
Waited over 45 minutes for our mediocre burgers. Very disappointing! Been frequenting for years, and management and service seem to be going downhill. Server never came back after food was finally delivered. We sat with empty, dirty glasses on our table and absolutely nothing to drink for the duration of our meal. The server never brought the kids' cookies that are supposed to come with the meal. Not going to be returning! Too bad!!
(1)Lauren R.
Food is very good but I was turned off by the service cause I felt like I was being rushed during lunch. I came to enjoy my friend's company and I had three different bussers come to my table asking if they can take my plate. I had 75% of the food still not touched. Common sense says no I am not done with my food. Also I didn't need three of you to come and barge and keep asking. Please have a chat with your staff, and don't make us feel like we need to leave asap.
(3)Jean Z.
I kinda dont want to write a review of this place because I'm afraid that you will all jump in and I'll never get the fast seating, awesome service, and perfectly loved-on food that we did the night I came here. Four of us each had an entree, and sodas and two appetizers and the bill was under a hundred with tip.
(5)Cassandra L.
Unfortunately South Barrington is a little out of the way for me so I can't visit The Lucky Monk as often as I'd like to, but I'm definitely planning to go back! We went for lunch and beers. I was with some friends and we had some free time, so we tried every beer they make. I ordered a Tritica Wheat Ale first, which ended up being my favorite, and I think everyone else liked it too. There were a couple others I really liked too. They offer a lot of other beers too if none of their originals sound good to you. After some pretty filling appetizers (I'd recommend the pretzel trio w/ tasty dipping sauces) I ALMOST only ordered a side salad as my lunch, but then I couldn't resist trying their grilled portabella sandwich, called the Saint. I'm soooo glad I gave in! The burger was delicious. It comes with fries, or you can upgrade for another side. The fries were fine (good but nothing super special); I'd like to try the sweet potato fries next time. Besides discovering a great new beer and eating tons of yummy food, one more reason for my 5-star rating was our server. She was super nice, friendly, and helpful!
(5)Marshall S.
We had our first visit to The Lucky Monk last night. We had reservations for seven and were seated immediately. The wait for a similar sized table would have been at least 30 minutes without the reservation, so keep that in mind if you're planning on dropping in on a busy weekend night. We say on the terrace which was really beautiful. From a drinks perspective we tried a few if their beers and found all of them to be very, very good. We tried the pickle fries and the white truffle Parmesan french fries - both were terrific. For our entrees we had burgers and pizzas (their specialties) and everyone was very happy with their choices. Lastly, our server (John) was very friendly and happy to help. I'd gladly go back again or recommend to anyone who likes good beer and brewery food.
(5)Jason T.
The beers here generally let me down, but I keep coming back for the food. I like the truffle fries, fried pickles, goat cheese, and pulled prom sandwich, though everything else we've had here has been pretty good too. I go back to the beers here though- they come close but they just don't quite do it for me.
(3)Chris C.
This place was pretty large inside and also had a large outdoor seating area. I sat at the bar which had lots of room and seemingly TVs at every angle. For beer they had a great selection of both their own brews and others. As you could guess by the name the selections were pretty heavy leaning towards Belgians, but they had more traditional ones as well. The prices were average for all the options. I had one of the burgers with the truffle fries. The burger was a total monster and I barely finished it. They really layered on the toppings and you certainly need two hands to eat it. The fries were good, but not nearly as truffley as I was hoping for.
(4)Daphne L.
During an excursion thru Barrington/South Barrington, we stopped at The Lucky Monk. It was pretty early on a Saturday evening (6:00-6:30) and the place was chock full of Barrington-ites. We managed to get seats at the bar and tried their house brews, which were pretty good. The food, on the other hand, was pretty abysmal, or maybe we ordered the wrong things. We got the Trappist Trio, which was 3 huge bowls of fried items: pickles, fries, and cheese curds. It wasn't bad, it was just bland. I wish we'd gone with the whipped goat cheese, or a salad. Everyone around us was eating burgers, which should have been a clue to order that, rather than the Wild Mushroom Risotto...HUGE mistake. The description of the risotto on the menu reads: "parmesan, wild mushrooms" and that's it. you can order short rib or chicken, if you like, to top the dish. I don't know what possessed me to order risotto at a burger and beer place. It was indeed very busy that night, but, I waited a ridiculously long time for my food to come out, so long that I assumed they'd forgotten about it. When it did come out, I was immediately disappointed because there were stewed tomatoes in the risotto. I'm admittedly very picky about risotto, but I think that if stewed tomatoes are part of the dish it should be listed on the menu. Am I wrong? I never would have ordered the dish had I known it was going to be served that way because I HATE warm, cooked, mushy tomatoes in risotto. To top it off, this dish was just so utterly bland and tasteless I found it hard to believe they added any seasoning or herbs. Blah. The bartender was really nice, felt terrible that it took so long to come out and that I didn't like the food, which accounts for the 3-stars. The bartenders were really nice, especially given the throngs of people. I guess this is a decent place for the area, mostly due to the beer, but hope there are better options in Barrington. I wouldn't go back unless I happened to be in the area, and if I do, I'm getting a burger.
(3)Gerry A.
Very nice piece of S. Barrington Real Estate, well run with above average help so why NOT charge $11 for a LARGE half pound hamburger? Considering the entire package, limited well done menu and above average staff I think it is a good value. Lucky Monk pretty much has it all including a view of a pond and HUGE parking, just be sure that you at least wash your old car so you aren't totally shamed parking there. You CAN split the half pound burger and you will be glad you did, what are you other options, EAT it all or have a hamburger leftover? Nice avacado nacho appetizer, and pay the extra $1 for the truffle fries with your burger so that you won't have to do that again. Very tasty $9 beer sampler, even better the second round, and interesting wine menu with enuf by the glass options. Busy Friday night included some live entertainment inside but we never felt hustled out, and the fireplace pit looks very inviting. Creative dessert choices but no contest versus a half price blizzard something at Culver's and then home to have our arteries pumped out. We are fans. Update: Went AGAIN on a Friday night and that parking lot gets pretty small around 8pm. Had the mushroom pizza, very tasty AND had some leftovers so ONE pizza can feed two if you take a breath. The fried onion tumble something appetizer, that you will regret eating ALL of unless there were at least 4 people working on it, was yummy. This is a great way to eat and walk (ie the FULL parking lot) to catch a movie reasonably if you don't drink your dinner.
(4)Patrick K.
First off, you've got to try their beers. The oatmeal stout was flavorful and creamy, but not heavy at all. The season Oktoberfest was good as well, but I preferred the stout. Second, the food. If you go there, you MUST try the pickle fries - think of them as slices of pickle perfectly deep fried. The wings were good as well - had an interesting cheesy component to the flavor. Finally, the burger was quite tasty, though it is quite a tower of a sandwhich when it comes to the table. All in all, quite glad we tried the Lucky Monk out - I can see more visist in the future.
(4)John A.
Great menu with upscale bar food and nice presentations. Had the Hot Head Burger with truffle fries. Burger and fries were good, but was still hungry afterwards. We also had the fried pickles that were decent. Had a bite of the wife's Monk burger and wished I had ordered that instead. Can't wait to go back and try some other appetizers and more truffle fries. I would had given 3 stars based on my experience, but have faith that other things on their menu are outstanding. Also had the Cardinal Sin Pilsner beer was tasty and would buy in the store if available. Based on the crowds you can tell this place will be around for awhile.
(4)Jason K.
Still horrible. The host was rude and didn't look like she wanted to be there. Understaffed and the management is a joke. Like last time, our food took forever even though it didn't seem that busy. My soup was cold but my friend's burger was cooked correctly and my salad was great. I asked to speak to a manager and I was waiting for about 10 minutes for the manager to come over on my way out. After waiting I gave up and left. This was Sunday night(3/3/13). Horrible management. When a guest asks to speak with you if you're going to make them wait at least come up to them and tell them it might be another minute.
(1)Erin S.
After parking in the adjacent movie theater parking lot (b/c their lot was out the gills full) & a little table confusion (tried to seat us w/ another party).... the meal went off w/o a hitch. Really enjoyed the goat cheese & crab cake appetizers! Of course we got the beer flight & burgers- love, LOVE the "hot head" burger! Their stout was very coffee forward. Fun atmosphere & good food, bring a friend and enjoy the microbrews.
(4)Suzanne T.
Always delicious food and super service. You can't go wrong with the food. Yes, there is a wait at times. Fish tacos, burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizzas--all good! The variety of beers is nice too :)
(4)Sarah M.
This is one of my favorite area restaurants. We went here on a whim after seeing a movie over at AMC. The menu had a surprising amount of choices - we ordered Wisconsin cheese curds for an appetizer, being from WI, I can say they were legit. They also make their own beer which I was surprised about and it was good. I had tacos for my entree, they were small, but just the right portion. Yum. The service was also great, this place is better than a lot of the other chains out in the surbarbs, can't wait to go back sometime.
(4)Dave C.
I was really disappointed this time, slow service, undercooked burger, where's the flavor in my peppercorn burger?
(2)Nikki S.
My family and I love Lucky Monk. The kids' meals come with carrots and ranch first , and end with a fresh baked cookie. My fave "grown up" meal is the peppercorn ranch burger, upgrade to the truffle fries for sure, and I like the Framboise to finish it off. Highly recommended.
(5)Allison C.
The food at Lucky Monk RULES! It's bar food done really well...homemade pizza, burgers, fresh cut fries, frizzled onions, etc. It's a microbrew, and their locally brewed beers are great. I had my rehearsal dinner here. Claudia Ruiz, sales manager, is very sweet and great to work with. She's also flexible, she allowed me to substitute BBQ Pizza with Pizza Margherita on the private party menu. We were on the upper patio outside by the fire pit, the view of the pond and sunset was gorgeous. At first, service was slow. Nobody took my beer order for quite some time (and isn't it customary to serve the bride first?) I had to ask waitstaff to order a beer, and they said they'd have to come back to me. We were all standing around for quite awhile before they brought out the appetizers. My guests were getting hungry and drunk on empty stomachs. I had to ask to have the apps brought out twice. Considering we had a clear start and end time, it would've made more sense to start with drinks and apps immediately, and then ease into dinner. Additionally, our party had to meet a food/beverage minimum. It was crazy that night, so the shift manager asked if I had a problem seating some restaurant guests in the unused tables in the upper patio. I asked him if he would reduce our food/beverage minimum if we allowed this, and he said no. So I passed him off to my mother in law, who made the rehearsal dinner. Staff did not waiver on the minimum, so my mother in law told him, rightfully so, "we contracted for a private party and this whole patio, I'm not going to give to you if you won't give back." The restaurant would've received a windfall if they got our whole minimum AND extra orders on the patio for other diners. Lucky Monk would've made more money if they took our final bill as is (which was very near the minimum anyway) AND sat additional diners. Once we got seated, service picked up considerably. The waitstaff was much more attentive and personable. They also added the tip to the final bill, which made figuring it out much easier. We took some growlers home with us (to meet the minimum). My guests (and myself) had a great time at the rehearsal dinner, the setting is gorgeous. I would definitely eat at the restaurant again, it's delicious. My biggest recommendation for private parties is to stand firm, don't allow restaurant guests in your area unless the minimum is flexible, and plan a schedule with the sales coordinator regarding when appetizers and food go out.
(4)Colleen B.
Great place. Great food. Ambiance is awesome. Service was ok. The place was busy. They really hustled to accommodate a large group.
(4)Sean D.
Went here for a Yelp event. I wouldnt generally even be out this way for any particular reason other than said yelp event, however I did enjoy my time here. We were catered to a tasting, and given a private tour of their small but sufficient brewery. The brew master was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful when it came to history of the place and brew making expertise. I was able to have some amazing deviled eggs (although for the price there could have been a few more). The burger was good, not over the top. However the TRUFFLED FRIES=EXQUISITE. The beers were ok in my opinion...but then the brewmaster busted out the bourbon barrel aged stout....yes please this aging of their standard stout really added a ton of flavor, putt it on your must try list if you come the the lucky monk.
(4)Vicky R.
I hate to have to update my review to a 2 Star. Don't you hate it when you try a place out at first and it's the bomb. Your so excited you enjoy a restaurant near home that you can go to and over time just something changes and every time you visit and order it just gets worse and worse that you find yourself critiquing it in a negative way every time you go. That just sucks. So, the last handful of times I have been to this place not only have no been up to standards but we have also thrown a party for a shower here and had not the best service. None the less, the event Mgr I spoke with understood why we were unhappy and made it up by a gift card and that's great and all but having it done right the first time is what counts most. First impression on people is what counts and people left that party with not the best impression. Besides the details of the party I wont go into that since I worked it out with the event mgr. I have to share how annoyed I am at the dishes. Lucky Monk carried this persona as a place you want to go to to get good foods and drinks. This review is on today's order. Lucky Monk was on our way home today and decided to place a order for my hubby & I. He and I ordered the Mushroom Risotto and Skirt Steak. We waited in carry out for about 20 mins and drove home with our food. We split the dished and here is what I think. 1) The Risotto stated it was a Parmesan & Mushroom and we requested to add the chicken on it as well which did not happen and but thankfully they didnt charge us for it either. I hate it when you pay for a upgrade and you dont get it. But this dish was far from what I would imagine a Mushroom Risotto. It had giant chunks of tomato in it. I was truly disappointed, if the description would have stated tomato in it than I would have never ordered it. It didnt taste good either nor is it comparable to a risotto. That dish needs help. As far as the skirt steak, the steak was a bit on the small side but still cooked well. What bothered me the most about this dish is it comes with a side of mashed potatoes that barely exist! I thought my hubby took all the potatoes but they just werent there. It was like they added them and than took them back out so all was left was just the scrapings. C'mon now, your paying about $30 for these meals you expect to get your moneys worth at the least. And the greens served with it isn't the best selection, cant remember what it is but its not really common or all that great. Really bummed, after our meal we were still left hungry. The meals besides the steak itself werent good. And why in the world doesnt the Monk offer a soup or salad w/ meal. I just dont think I am going to dump money into this place anymore EXCEPT if I want to go for a good burger. I know what I am getting and they are great burgers!
(2)Jacob J.
I'd been looking forward to checking out this spot after hearing so much about it, so often. Suburbanites would often praise this as a premium burger establishment. I say it's a premium burger establishment still in the making. Reluctant to make the long drive out to Hoffman Estates, I eventually happened over this way and decided to try them out. It was a surprise to find them in the space once known to me as "the Brass brewery". I'm told ownership of the Monk is at least partially shared by the old owners of the Brass. There was a time when I would be at the Brass almost weekly for their happy hour specials, often inviting a client over for a business lunch or celebrating a birthday meal with a coworker. Same darkened woodsy interior with lush amounts of wood tones throughout the dining space. Comfortable seating whether in dining booths or bar area table tops. We visited recently, there were a few outside having a smoke and a fire was going. A scenic look as you drive up to their restaurant. Inside was warm and lively, enough to sit and enjoy the time for hours. No median ages, there were couples in their late 40's plus and singles 20's and higher. This space / restaurant has always maintained a way of inviting a select few. I think it's mainly because of the exterior appearance which causes most to think it's a "hoity toity" spot which could cost an excessive amount of dough. It's a quaint spot, whether you want to impress a date or have a drink and a decent meal with the guys. Their burgers have the makings of a great burger, but just not there yet. More options are needed and Tilamook cheddar is not it. Shredded lettuce is ridunkulous. You've got this pastry bun, burger so big it's ridiculous how large it sits atop so much topping and all this shredded iceberg lettuce which clumsily falls and scatters all over your fingers and lap. Eating is a hassle, rather than a luxury. Still trying to decipher whether the burger meat had a flavor of it's own to comprehend. All this aside, Monk has got a pretty good menu going with many other offerings which are taste inspiring. A menu which adapts and tries to offer more as the year had gone on, I'm told they recently started offering steaks; (not shown on their on-line menus). A year under their belt and I'm sure things will only get better. I may send this review off to management; I'd like to have a burger built better in the future. Great space and excellent wait staff.. I'm looking forward to next time. At the Brass I could look forward to specials on their food and booze. Alike that old place, the Monk has got the same offerings. For the beer lovers, flights are offered. One to two of those and most would be good for the night, a cheaper alternative to getting a buzz on and by way of premium beer.
(4)Carey F.
We went there, spur of the moment, before going to a movie. I had the goat cheese and spinach burger, my wife had the Santa Fe salad. Both were delicious. Our server was efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. They have a wide selection of beers. Reasonably priced. Two beers, two entrees and tax came to $35. 4 stars.
(4)Jennifer J.
can we say.. BURGER? YUMMMM! Worth every calorie.
(4)Amy K.
I have been to the Lucky Monk many times and always enjoy it. For staters, they have great beer. The Cardinal Sin is my favorite. I am typically more of a light beer kind of girl, and this one has a stronger taste to start. However, a server recommended it because of the smooth finish, and that is my favorite part. I can't strand strong beer after-taste. The food has never disappointed me. My favorite has got to be the warm pretzel appetizer. You will not be disappointed. I've had several versions of their pizza (potato, spinach, and artichoke pesto) and have enjoyed every one. On my most recent trip, I was very disappointed in the service. My drink was empty for quite some time, and I finally had to flag the waiter down myself to order another. This experience was my first negative one, so I did not mark this great place down. I highly recommend making a reservation.
(5)David L.
Extremely busy, but open late. Probably the best value for money restaurant in the Hoffman Estates / South Barrington area. Always good service and great food and excellent prices. Location to AMC makes it a great after-movie dinner/dessert spot.
(5)William B.
Started with the fries- excellent. Had the BBQ chicken pizza. i guess it tasted good, but i don't think the crust was made in house; probably a frozen crust. I think I can geta comparable BBQ chicken pizza from the freezer at the grocery store. Decent beer, though. Will probably go back, but will probably try the burgers, instead.
(3)Laurin G.
Based on the great reviews here on Yelp, I went to The Lucky Monk for a late lunch/early dinner with my family on a Sunday afternoon before the Bears game. The decor and atmosphere was very nice. The place was pretty empty and we had excellent, very attentive service from our server (Norman). We started out with an appetizer of Chili Cheese fries. These were tasty, but the portion size was really small--I'd guesstimate about 35-40 skinny fries for $6.25. I had the smothered burger (caramelized onions and gruyere cheese) and it was divine! Very juicy and flavorful. My husband tried a bite--and then begged for several more bites. He had the fish & chips, which he said was excellent, but he also said that next time (and there WILL be a next time!) he will get the smothered burger. I got the truffle oil and parmesan fries for the $1 upcharge. They were good, but my order seemed to be lacking in the truffle oil department. My husband got the loaded fries (Merkt cheddar cheese sauce, bacon, sour cream and green onions) and it was the bomb diggety! I will definitely get that next time with my burger. My daughter got the Farmhouse burger, which is Tillamook cheddar and bacon. She loved it and proclaimed it one of the best burgers she has every had, and possibly THE best. Our son got the sausage pizza and didn't say a word through the entire meal (because he was busily chowing down and enjoying his pizza!) Yum! We'll be back
(4)Chris F.
My fav place. Burgers are awesome, but the Crusted Tilapia is to die for!!! A must if you love real burgers, great beer and just plain awesome food! UPDATE: Okay I use to give them 5 stars but I had to downgrade to 4 stars on 1/30/12 because they no longer carry the bottled natural (REAL) gingerale. It was amazing and I always went there just to have that with my meal. Now they have just high fructose fake from the fountain ginger ale. Crap! I want them to bring back the bottled all natural REAL ginger ale they had. Also, they got rid of my FAVORITE. The Macadamian Tilapia, now it is a peppercorn or parmesan cheese. Yuck. The macadamian was the BOMB along with the corn salad or rice they had, cant remember it was amazing. GONE AS WELL Well my two favorite things are gone, but they still have some other great items on the menu. The Burgers are the best of course. But Oh How I will miss my top two favs. BRING THEM BACK! -Chris
(4)Miguel V.
Ordered the chili and twisted chicken and both were bland and served cold. Only good thing I can say about this establishment is that the wait staff was polite and quick.
(2)Lisa S.
Dear Lucky Monk, I want to love you. I really do. But i just find you OK. Your food is not bad, but you are too loud and too crowded. Also you may want to ease up on the salt in your chicken poblano chili. Sincerely, Lisa W.
(3)Denise J.
Thisnis one of my favorite Places to eat but this experience was not a good one. I went with a friend for dinner and some drinks before leaving on vacation. The bears were playing so we thought it would be crowded, we were very excited when it was not, however with the service we received younwould have thought they were packed!!! It took our server 10 minutes to come get our drink order and another 10 mins to bring us our drinks.......so you can guess I was annoyed by this poit. We ordered our food, which you can guess took forever and when I did finally get my food it was cold and tasted horrible. I ordered the turkey burger that I get every time I go to lucky monk, this DID NOT taste good. The burger was mostly green onion and not actually a lot of meat......if you want to eat an onion burger then order this, but I doubt you do!!! The s'more skillet did make up for the lack of my meal though, I highly recommend ordering these:) After this experience it will be a while before I go back to eat here!!!
(2)Joe S.
This place scores the trifecta in a casual dining experience that is a cut above: cool indoor and outdoor upscale ambiance, an expansive menu of Belgian style craft beers done right to suit discriminating beer enthusiasts, and a solid bar menu with the legendary bigger than life burgers, varied and original appetizer selections and a broad dinner menu. May be pricier than your average pub but you get what you pay for and if you want an all around solid place that you will return to and bring your friends head there now
(4)Elle M.
I've been to the Lucky Monk twice, and while neither time was terrible, I've had better. Today's visit left a particularly bad taste in my mouth. I've got to give them credit- their pretzel appetizer is delicious. The pretzels are big and beautiful and warm and the dipping sauces are okay. Though the beer cheese doesn't have much flavor. Whatever, my issue isn't with the pretzels. Order those and you won't go wrong. I ordered a burger. Usually a pretty solid bet, right? I don't think I've taken this much issue with a burger since I grossly overpaid for a cheeseless one a few weeks ago. And I'm usually pretty easy to please when it comes to my burgers. First of all, the burgers comes on this little round piece of wood, of which I just don't see the point. I get that it makes them seem more impressive, but it really just takes up room on the plate. Second, the damn thing was piled so high that even when I put the lid on and pushed it down, it was almost un-eatable. Yes, un-eatable. In the sense that when I picked it up it completely fell apart in my hands because there was too much stuff on it. But both of those are minor offenses, the most glaring error of my burger was the fried egg on top. And by fried I mean hard cooked. The point of getting an egg on your burger is to have the lovely runny yolk drip all down the middle, and that doesn't happen when the yolk is a dry, solid, sulfuric puck. I hate hard cooked eggs. A lot. And if that wasn't bad enough, the burger itself was overdone. And the caramelized onions were underdone. The whole thing was just a mess. An overdone, underdone mess. Also, our waitress forgot to take boyfriend's dad's order and then later brought boyfriend a drink he didn't ask for. If there's a next time, I'm sticking to the pretzels.
(2)Angela M.
I went here recently with my husband and my mom and brother, who stopped to stay with us on their way from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh. I had a LivingSocial voucher expiring soon and the place is super close to our new house. After asking if we preferred to sit in the bar or the dining area, and us saying we didn't have a preference, they seated us at a table in the very corner of the bar, near the entrance to the kitchen. Hmm... if you're offering us an option, you presumably have several open spots... why put us in the worst possible option? The beer IS good, I'll give them that. Unfortunately, they were out of the porter my husband wanted to try. Bummer. I had a cup of white chili, which was decent but not great and a beet & goat cheese salad which was overdressed. My brother had a peppercorn burger, which he actually really liked, so I was happy that he at least had a good experience, as our out of town guest. My husband had the steak and spicy mashed potatoes and thought they were pretty terrible. So... not great food + not great service + usually pretty crowded means we likely won't be back any time soon.
(2)Nicole M.
So on my most recent trip to Lucky Monk I tried the four cheese pizza and my boyfriend go a burger. We sat outside and Our waitress was super nice. I got my pizza it was not what I imagined it to be... I thought it would be crispy but it wasn't, it was soggy! Looked almost like a microwaved pizza. I ate it and it tasted alright not the best... Then I took another bite and saw a hair, I'm not one to make a big stink, I was just over the pizza. My boyfriend said his burger was decent but over cooked. Sad because our experience was soo good last time we went to Lucky Monk! Maybe it was just an off day.
(2)Shelby A.
I just ate here today for a send-off meal, and I must say, it was surprisingly good. The interior was beautifully decorated for having a sports bar in it. We ate in the dining room though, to get over the future shame of the Bears losing to the Packers. An obvious loss. But anyways, we started off with the Loaded Fries. Ugh! Best part of the meal all together! The melted cheddar cheese was fantastic! Everything about that appetizer was to die for. For an entree, we split the Hand-tossed spinach pizza, which I was disappointed in. I figured the spinach would be cooked in the pizza but it was just spread all over the top. I mean, it wasn't a big deal, but I couldn't really eat it with the pizza because it kept falling off. The pizza's crust was just fine, it reminded me of Sbarro's crust. I loved the cheese! For dessert, I had the creme brulee. Aside from it being a bit liquidy for my taste, it was still delicious. I definitely would like to come back here again and try more of their pizzas and appetizers!
(4)Faith D.
Tried it on a Sunday night of a holiday weekend so felt like a Saturday night. Got there early - not crowded at all. Took about 12 minutes for a server to stop by. Overall experience was mediocre. Service was lousy. Burger was no big deal. I asked for medium rare and it came medium well. I mentioned to server who took it to have it redone. Came back medium. The manager brought my redone burger and it still wasn't med rare but I said "never mind". He apologized and took it off our bill. Burgers are WAY better at Sullivan's and Winberie's. Very pretty restaurant but they REALLY need to work on the service, etc. Not sure I would go back unless pushed. So-so. You know me -- I don't lie about food and/or restaurants.
(2)Candice H.
My husband and I love this place! The beer is good and they carry more than their own. The burgers are awesome and the warm pretzel trio is delicious! I would also recommend the giardineria calamari and the trio app with cheese curds and pickle fries. I am a huge fan of the bourbon stout burger and I substitute a turkey burger for the meat. I have also tried and liked the spinach and goat cheese and smothered burger the same way. My husband eats his the regular way and has the Hot Head as his favorite. The sweet potato fries are excellent! We tried the spinach and goat cheese pizza this past weekend and weren't impressed. My suggestion would be to leave off the mushrooms, MAYBE add onion. Beer- I personally like the Confessional when it comes to beer because I like IPAs. I am also impatiently waiting on their next round of bourbon stout. Service- Its pretty good and friendly. We only had one bad experience where the server kept screwing up my order and the kitchen was off that night. Oh and it took the server about 15-20 min to bring us one round of beers the other night. She said that someone must have grabbed ours but I didn't believe her.
(4)Mark B.
We had a craving for a good burger. Friends had mentioned Lucky Monk several times and we decided it was time to dive in. We split an appetizer of fried pickles. I've had these before elsewhere and they always seem like a better idea than they really are. I've been corrected. Lucky Monk does these tasty morsels right. The batter is more like a tempura batter, so they were light, crunchy and not greasy. And, the deep fried pickles were complemented by a chipotle sauce that was the perfect accompanyment. I tore into a standard Monk burger done medium rare/rare with cheddar. Excellent burger. Good size, juicy, done just right with a bit of additional flavor from whatever they use to season it. The bun and the veggies were fresh as well. My only complaint was the key lime pie. We brought a piece home to enjoy later that evening. While the filling was ok, definitely lime, but not really key lime in flavor, the crust had an odd flavor to it. It was almost a burnt butter flavor. I couldn't tell if the crumb had been over cooked, if the butter had been burnt or if it was a combination of the two. All in all, we will be back to try the rest of the menu at Lucky Monk, including another shot at the Key Lime Pie.
(4)Neal C.
Ate here and Emmett's on back-to-back nights. While both were good experiences, I would give the Lucky Monk a slight advantage if I was having dinner as they have a better variety of non-house beers, but Emmett's the nod if I was hanging out with friends as the atmosphere at Emmett's was more energetic. I would give 4.5 stars if I could, but it's not quite at the 5 star level. As a first visit, I went with the sampler of the house brews. Had a very good server, he did me a favor and allow me to substitute the standard stout for the seasonal bourbon barrel aged stout. It was a solid pour. The bourbon gave an almost sweet flavor that didn't overwhelm the palette. The sampler size was perfect for me. The other highlight was the Confessional IPA (but I do like me some IPA's). The Belgian Ale was also top-notch. If I was just ranking the beers, I would be very close to handing out 5 stars. My green chili cheese burger was very good and close to being great. The meat was cooked perfectly, the cheese was perfect, but the green chili's were fairly bland. They just weren't like the ones that you get in Albuquerque. If you've never had green chili's in New Mexico, than you might be happy. That being said, I still really liked my burger. The truffle fries were disappointing. I could barely taste the truffle oil. This is one thing that Emmett's did much better. Maybe it was just because I had dinner early and they had a wine special, but while the restaurant was fairly full, it was also fairly quiet. I would definitely come back here for dinner/drinks.
(4)Jaclyn H.
Our first experience was amazing. We sampled beers to find the ones we liked (on the house with their own brews) and had great burgers. Second time? Whew. Everyone's dish was so unbelievably salty. Salty enough that we haven't been back since. Not sure who the heavy handed chef was that night, but a consistent product retains customers, it's as simple as that.
(3)Mike K.
Love the burgers here. They are one of my favorites! Staff is a little shady.. but what can you expect from a bar.
(4)Cary H.
Great atmosphere, kid friendly. Loved the La Colombe coffee here. They also have a great selection of beer. Staff was very accommodating.
(4)Nicole S.
Alright, so i came here not knowing what it was, i didn't even know the name. My boyfriend said someone said it was good so we decided to check it out. it was a little bit of drive from where i lived but no biggie. It wasn't crowed because it was a week day and early about 3 or 4. We were seated and our waiter was fantastic! I wish i could remember his name because he was such a nice guy. So i got the sunrise burger( i'm not sure if thats what its called but its the one with friend egg on it and bacon. and it was fantastic and HUGE! like when they brought the burger out i was in awe because it was gigantic! the fries were excellent as well. I couldn't eat the entire thing so i took it home. The only thing i didn't like about this place was it was freezing! like i should have brought a winter jacket some gloves and a hat. but i got over it. Check this place out. also they brew their own beer :D always a plus.
(4)Jaime C.
Awesome amazing ginormous greasy (the good kind!) heavenly mouth watering burgers ever!!!!! Not to mention the cheese curds which are Heart attack heaven!! And don't get me started with the beer selection! Great food great beers! definitely going back!
(4)Kristen S.
This is one of our favorite local restaurants, both for the delicious food and great beers/drinks! This would be a 5 but on this visit we all felt our server was forgetful and unfriendly. Hopefully just not her best day, but it did mar the experience a bit. Fortunately the food was great as usual :) Our table had: Bourbon stout burger-lots of cheddar, beer braised onions, a bourbon glaze.. this was really good! we upgraded to the pickle fries and they were awesome as well Rueben- loved the dark rye, thought the meat had kind of a sweet flavor I didn't love but others did -came with fries which were perfectly crispy Nawlins chicken sandwich- two thumbs up, nice spice, flavor and crunch King burger-peanut butter, bananas and bacon-sounds odd but so good Skirt steak tacos-come w a spicy cheese sauce, avocado, and sour cream, very good! Cookie skillet and warm brownie desserts.. both delicious and rich, split among several people! Tips- definitely make a reservation on a weekend, try their house brews, get a side of ranch for the fries (if you're into that), the entrees are huge so apps aren't needed but you could make a great meal of apps n desserts, try the pickle fries or truffle fries, get there a little earlier than your reservation, parking is crazy and you'll still have a 10 min wait or so
(4)Robert G.
Four stars for the food. Plus one star for dealing professionally with what was by far the loudest table in the restaurant. My cousin was having a baby shower, which meant the guys had to go someplace. "Someplace" ended up being The Lucky Monk, which appears to be a bar and craft brewer. Far from the only one in the suburbs, but the menu! I walked in on a bunch of appetizers. I had a few pieces of calamari, which were nice and crispy, and then moved on to the truffle oil fries, which, though likely not made of real truffle (this is true, Google it) was still exercise-inducingly addictive. This came with pickle chips and a ranch-based sauce of some sort, which was surprisingly good and not altogether greasy. We were then piled on some more with giant, soft pretzels served with three sauces - honey mustard being the one I remember and liked the most. I rolled the dice on a chorizo torta, which was okay; I tend to forget that chorizo can be pretty one-dimensional if there isn't enough spice in it, and the torta fell in that category. But I'm still glad it was on the menu, and equally glad that I had it. So the food overall was quite good, but I was happy to hear that the staff was entertained by our 3-hour, beer-filled stay. Involving endless arguments about whether LeBron or Michael is the best basketball player, and whatnot. Undoubtedly, we annoyed the other patrons, but they didn't care and treated us well, and they deserve credit for that.
(5)Nabeel S.
We arrived early for a movie at AMC 30 and had about 45 minutes to kill. Among three of us, we ordered one pizza, one burger and three beers. We told the waiter that we had a movie in a short while and they expedited the order and got us out in perfect time. The beer selection was good, they have their own brew and carry common beers as well. I had the Belgian Wit, which was excellent. The pizza was also good. Will come early for a movie again.
(5)Janni V.
Parmesan truffle fries for a starter. Bourbon Stout burger (with sweet potato fries). Solitude Oatmeal Stout. (And we were supposed to go for a motorcycle ride after this, lol.) Sometimes, you just need a really nice burger. This was actually one of the first things I ate after recovering from some sort of stomach bug. Good thing my stomach was nice and empty -- I needed the space. I still can't believe I managed to eat the whole thing. That burger was ginormous -- but super, super tasty. I'm picky about cheese on burgers. Most of the time, I'm fine without it. But if I have it? I want good cheese. Not crappy cheese. TLM uses nice Tillamook, which has some flavor and body to it. It was also cooked perfectly. The Solitude Oatmeal Stout was quite tasty. Perhaps if I'd written this review closer to when I actually drank it, I could give you more details. I will say that I don't recall anything particular standing out about it, except that it was quite enjoyable. Then again, I'm a stout fan. It's not the best ever, but certainly good. We went around 2pm on a Saturday, so while there were some people there, it wasn't crazy busy. I'm not sure I'd want to go when it was -- not a big fan of the crowded, rowdy brewpub experience. But the food and beer were good enough that I'm happy it's a nearby option.
(4)Laura F.
I am shocked that a few reviews down there is complaint was that this place was too expensive to take the kids, especially since the reason I was drawn to write a review was because of how much I loved their kid experience. For only $6.95 my children were served a delicious multi coursed meal (appetizer, main, side, drink and desert). The place lives up to their hype on the burgers. They were amazing and I was honestly most skeptical of the beer, but it was actually really good. As my husband put it... "it surprisingly exceeded my expectations." It will be our go to place whenever we are in the area. Only complaint would be the time it took us to get our food. There was a pretty long wait between appetizers and dinner. Our servers were very attentive so I will not blame it on them. Perhaps they need a larger kitchen as this seems to be a common issue.
(4)Victoria L.
Average. 5 stars for beer, 2 for the food. We got the beer sampler which gives you a great variety if you're indecisive. Ordered 2 appetizers and 3 entrees. The server mentioned they've been known for their pizza so we got that as a part of the 3. It was very average and not unique/special in any way. Ribs were decent but overcooked. The braised beef pasta was all pasta no beef, so basically $15 for a plate of pasta. One of the appetizers was sent back completely. Service was good. I wouldn't go back unfortunately.
(3)Amy M.
I've been to Lucky Monk many times and have always had great experiences. Their food is delicious and their staff is professional and friendly. I've been pleased with everything I've ordered off of their menu. Their burgers are delicious and I'd definitely recommend getting the loaded fries as a side. My husband and I even hosted our rehearsal dinner for our wedding there. The staff was helpful, friendly, and professional throughout the planning process which made my job a lot easier. The night of the dinner was a success as well. Everyone in our party really enjoyed the atmosphere, drinks and food. Service was great.
(5)James R.
We hit the lucky monk a couple of weeks ago to start off our 2013 new brewery tour. When looking for a brewery in the Chicago are that I hadn't visited yet I found The Lucky Monk. I hadn't been there and it was conveniently located right off interstate. The restaurant area is nice. It's a casual feeling, but more upscale than most brewpubs one visits. Since I was mostly interested in the beer we sat at the bar where I could get a good look at the fermenters and other equipment used. Even though I went here for the beer, this is not a review of the beer itself. I will say they did have some very nice ones that were really good. My wife and I decided to get something to eat. The menu listed many items that sounded delicious. We ended up getting a burger and splitting it because it was half a pound and neither of us wanted to eat that much. We ended up getting the Bourbon Stout burger with a side of Tumbled Crispy Onions. The burger was fantastic. Thick (half pound burger!), juicy, cooked to a perfect medium as requested. The tumbled crispy onions were also fantastic, what really set them apart from other places was the wasabi-ranch dipping sauce. That sauce sent my taste buds into a sensory overload. The wasabi flavor was good, but it wasn't as spicy as one associates with wasabi. It had the flavor with only a mild burn to it. Wow, just wow. I'd go back just for these. The restaurant itself was clean, well maintained. The service was okay, we did have to flag down the bartender a couple of times. The bartender we had wasn't exceptionally helpful. I asked questions, but his responses were more of a bored disinterested variety. Not something that one looks for at a brewpub. Overall, I'll definitely stop in there again.
(4)Dan S.
Their burgers are delicious, and there's many to choose from. Get the beer flight and try all their beers too! The monk club is so worth it, front of the line and a new bomber of brew every month!
(5)Sarah D.
Great burgers with Gluten Free buns! The Monks special cheeseburger is the best. If you've been searching for the former Jan's Grill fries you had in EGV in the 80's-your search is over! These are the best. My friend got the fried pickles instead and they were crisp and came with a spicy dipping sauce Location is on the drive of the Barrington 30 movie theater with a cool outdoor seating area with a firepit. Get there early!
(5)Dan W.
Exceptional service and great food. Only improvement would have been a tripel or quad local beer.
(5)Mrs. B.
The beer selection is fab, food is yummy, and service/atmosphere is great! I recommend this place and try the pretzels!! :D
(5)Katie M.
A good establishment for a good drink and a great burger. I've tried the spinach and goat cheese burger and the another burger, and both we're yummy! Definitely spring for the special sides, especially the sweet potato fries and fried pickles. Their fried pickles are perfection!
(4)Kelly E.
favorite! make a reservation otherwise the wait can be long...
(5)Joseph R.
Great ambiance, beautiful decoration, tv's, clean bathrooms. I had the bbq salmon; really good: soft & tasty. Service was good.
(4)HG C.
I've returned a few times and my experience has been much better. Service was great both times. Foods decent and prices are fair. The fries suck:(
(4)Sean D.
First time here, went with my Mom and had very high expectations from friends as well as Yelp... Went on a Tuesday night, looked crowded but really wasn't. Ordered chicken chili to start, which came out probably 1 minute before my entrée. As bush league as it get IMO. The manager gave a very bizarre excuse as to why that happened, they were really "cranking out" those sandwiches according to him...still confused. So that means that sandwich is supposed to be cold when I eat it after my chili app? Oy vey...ridiculous. Got the chicken sandwich, which was awesome but lukewarm after I finished the chili, which was great. My Mom got the chicken tacos...which turned out to have a quarter-sized bone in one of them. This chicken bone was pretty substantial, not sure how they missed it? She got another order of them, and they were really good sans bones! They ended up comping her meal, as well as a $5 credit for our next visit. The waiter was extremely inattentive but very nice when we did actually see him. My mom got a refill of her diet coke, which was extremely flat, and the refill turned out to be iced tea...lol. Maybe it just wasn't our night? Beer: the maibock I had was solid, house IPA was excellent, but they didn't have it on tap due to Chicago Craft Beer week...couldn't have brewed some extra barrels for that occasion, in addition to the beer allocated for the beer-drinking patrons of your fine establishment? Had the Belgian white too, which was also very good. Just a comedy of errors, the food was good when it was correctly prepared and served in the right time slot, the beers I had were a 3.75-4.25 / 5, and the service was fairly atrocious. Also pretty expensive for what you get, but it's South Barrington so that's to be expected. For them attempting valiantly to make it right (for the most part, after we called them out) they get one additional star from me. I'll go again for the beer and food, but I think that chicken bone in the chicken taco scared my Mom away from here for life!
(2)Becca K.
This is one of our favorite places to go when we have a night off...we love the parmesan fries and I like the chicken kabobs while my husband loves their burgers...great presentation of food (and a lot of it)...one of our favorite servers is danato...even when he isn't our server he always stops by to say hi to us. I can't believe I almost forgot...their cookie skillet is amazingggg one of our favorite desserts!
(5)Tim H.
Every meal is fantastic! I have never had a bad meal there. Fish fry is delicious! The staff are so friendly & prompt. Last night I forgot a gift box on my table by mistake, while outside waiting for my car, a server came running outside to give them to me! So kind of him!! Check this place out, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Dennis O.
Their burgers are USDA prime beef. The sear they put on the outside is amazing! Definitely a contender for the best burger I've ever had. The menu is very diversified. I called for a reservation earlier that same day. I lucked out (no pun intended) as the place was a madhouse! I look forward to returning.
(5)Stephanie H.
I love this place! It's always lively and the service is stellar. The drinks are delicious and the beer is the best around. The food is fresh and made from scratch which is apparent from the taste. It's great for families, date night or an evening with your friends, they definitely made sure to cover all of their bases and succeeded in doing so. I'll be back time and time again! If you haven't tried this place yet you're missing out!
(5)Joann J.
First time here and we loved it. We started out with the beer sampler and the deep fried egg- wonderful appetizer. The beer sampler was a good way to taste the different beers sine I really don't know that much about beer. We were a party of four and all ordered different burgers with different sides- the patty melt was the biggest hit. Sides were ( in order of faves). Fries with gravy, deep fried pickle chips, cheese curds and Parmesan truffle fries. Our waiter was super great and we had a good time sharing all of our food. Will definitely return.
(5)Diana F.
Good food, the servers are informed. Everything went well. The food was tasty and prepared well. Overall good experience. The kids were fine and treated well.
(5)Charity T.
This is a solid, good beer and burger place with a rustic upscale interior. The tacos were great. Always a good choice to go here.
(4)Amy S.
Beer paddle is great for sampling their drafts! Fried pickles and truffle fries are delicious. Meals are above average, but the five star rating comes from their excellent service and beautiful outdoor seating!
(5)Doug P.
Ordered the grilled cheese / burger. 1/2 premium beef surrounded by 2 grill cheese sandwiches Melanie had the smothered burger now for desserts. Guess there goes the diet
(4)Jenny T.
This place is a decent place to grab a burger and a beer. The beer is made in house which a plus. However if you are looking for really good beer, then you may find this place a little disappointing. The beer is just average at best it catered to the average Joe. So if you are a beer aficionado then you may want to steer clear.
(3)Sarah S.
I went to The Lucky Monk last night with my BFF post a movie at AMC. I've gone by a million times when going to movies but never actually stopped in...what was I thinking!? They surprisingly have a big beer selection including a favorite of mine I've had at many Yelp events, Crispin. Gotta love that 5% hard cider. We went about 7pm last night and there was a 30 minute wait. They do take Open Table reservations but had no openings last night. We opted to sit at the bar with no wait and I'm glad we did. We grabbed a couple of corner stools and had a lovely time. Instead of ordering entrees, we decided to get a buffet of appetizers and some beers. Not only did the orders come out quickly but they were huge! We felt like beasts with 4 apps between the two of us. The bartender said we had a castle of plates. :( I'll have you know, judgmental bartender, we took most of it home but it was great to get to try a variety of items. hehe :D Warm Pretzel Trio $9.95 - These pretzels were great but be sure to eat them right as they come out & are still toasty warm. They come with a warm grainy mustard butter (loved it), wisconsin cheese beer fondue (loved it) and tomato parmesan sauce (could have skipped it). Crispy Eggs $7.95 - 6 Deep fried deviled eggs with bacon marmalade, truffle oil, chitpotle aioli, and everything good. This was a very close second favorite of the appetizers we got last night. The crispiness was well balanced out by the soft hard boiled egg. I loved the contrast in textures. I loved the surprising flavors in each bite. I found these to be packed with flavor and would get them again in a heartbeat! Whipped Goat Cheese $7.95 - Not what i was expecting at all! This appetizer comes with two mini loaves of bread and a tomato marinara sauce with goat cheese in the middle. The goat cheese was phenomenal, but poor ignorant me thought this would be a dish...not a bread with dipping sauce. The bread was quite dry and super hard, tough to cut off. Even when we tried to rip it with our hands it was rough. I would pass on getting this dish again. Wisconsin Cheese Curds $7.95 - We both agreed this was our favorite appetizer of the night. Beer battered goodness in the form of cheese balls. Honestly, these were the best deep fried cheese curds I've ever had. I've had a thing for cheese curds since getting them fresh from the Glenview farmer's market every weekend as a kid growing up so whenever I see them on the menu, I gravitate towards them. The breading on these curds was light and delicious plus the curds inside were soft & fresh. The Lucky Monk has a fantastic craft beer selection plus they concoct their own brewskis! The cool thing with the beers is that they pair the right glass with your blend and don't just give you the run of the mill standard cup. My friend got a goblet with her tasty bubbly brew! It's such a chill space inside, plus they have a great patio. After our chowing down and drinking, my friend and I took a seat on the patio next to the fire pit to tell ghost stories ;). They have huge comfy chairs outside which makes for a relaxing, chill atmosphere. I absolutely loved everything about The Lucky Monk.
(5)RALPH C.
Chopped salad was good. Bbq wings were ok. Pizza was good, the only thing was that we ordered sausage pizza and the sausage was spicy. They should put spicy sausage pizza on the menu. We had to ask for water. And our waitress seemed in a hurry all the time . not much conversation.
(2)June Y.
The food here is great, but I have to say, as a fan of sweet potato fries, the Lucky Monk had the BEST sweet potato fries I've ever had.
(5)Lois C.
I swear I thought I reviewed this place!! Well here we go! I've been to Lucky Monk twice now with 2 bigger size groups. The first time I went, I had the hot head burger with pickle fries. The hot head was good but not as spicy as I would have liked. I asked for extra jalapenos but they said it would cost extra so I opted to not have it. My oh my, those pickle fries are something I dream of on a daily occasion. They were seriously so good and I could literally eat them everyday. My friends had the truffle fries and cheese curds as well. Cheese curds were pretty good but you have to eat them hot or else the cheese hardens and its not as tasty. The truffle fries were alright, but really I'd opt for the regular fries and save $2. I didn't think they were all that great, really didn't taste much truffle. The second time I went, I just had to get the hot head again. But this time my husband was with me so we shared the fish tacos as well. I hate beans, but I eat them since I know they're "healthy". Not sure if Lucky Monks is all that healthy but it was so tasty! It seemed to be mixed with meat and it was so flavorful, I could have licked the plate if I wasn't so full. Fish tacos were really good and I would comment on the rice but my daughter ate it all before I could have a bite, so it was definitely toddler approved. My husband and I also shared the beer sampler and I would definitely recommend it. I personally liked most of the beers and we both decided on the Cardinal Sin. Everyone that I went with raved about the food so I would highly recommend going there. But a fair warning, be careful with the water because sometimes it taste like metal. The first time we went the water was disgusting and we asked our server about it and she stated that it was a normal thing. Second time I went, I warned my friends and we all tried the water and it tasted just fine. Not sure if its a regular thing but definitely something to be weary of since I wouldn't drink or allow my family to drink the water that tasted like metal. Oh and one more thing. They do have private rooms for events and their pricing seems pretty reasonable for what they offer. How can you go wrong with good food and private dining? I'm thinking of an event to have JUST so I can go back to Lucky Monk and enjoy their food and beer.
(5)Lauren S.
Amazing food, they brew great beer, and excellent ambience and service. Sweet potato fries are definitely worth the upgrade. Nawlins chicken sandwich is my favorite, but the burgers and really anything else are good too. Family friendly but great for a date night too.
(5)Dre M.
Love their house beers, which are pretty reasonably priced, as well as their pretzels with dipping sauce...just beware as the place gets pretty crowded on the weekends!
(4)Stephen H.
The burger was one of the best I've had in a long time, and I'm old! I can't remember the name of the beer, but was exceptional as was the service - we sat in the bar.
(5)Katie G.
My boyfriend and I went here on a whim and it was amazing! Service was great fast and friendly! They were super nice about accommodating my meal to gluten free options and the beer picks were great! We left so satisfied!
(5)Mike O.
A friend suggested this place and, since the lady and I wanted to see a movie, thought this would be a good place to try and then see a flick. My friend said their pickle fries and cheese curds were great, better than Stonewood Ale House's Freckles and mozzarella sticks. I'm a big Stonewood fan, so I had to give both a try. We shared the pickle fries and I agree with my friend and other reviews...pickle fries are good. They come with a ranch-like dipping sauce. I had the Luigi Burger (hold the Giardiniera) and $2 swapped fries for Wisconsin curds. Burger was great and the curds were awesome...like Culver's but softer & not as fried. My gal got the steak tacos & she shared a bite, pretty good too. The friendly waitress let me try their current speciality beer, not bad. She mentioned they have a new speciality every 6 weeks, so more than one a season. Need to bring some work buddies over to try their homemade brews. All in all, very nice. Cool decor too, modern meets wooden beer lodge. I'll be back!
(4)Michael Z.
The hour wait only took about 35 min on a Thursday night. First impression was really nice. I like the decor and the couch like feeling of the booths on one side of the tables. I ordered the white bean chili with chicken which was awesome as well as the pepercorn ranch burger. The wait for our food was quite long; I think it eneded up taking about 45 min to get it. Everyone ordered burgers or an appetizer. One thing I didnt like was having the burger appear to be bigger than it was by placing it on a "puck". I would prefer it not be dummied up to appear larger than it was. Service wasnt all that great. Initially our table didnt have enough menus or napkins with silverware and she didnt get anymore so everyone would have one. We had to go to the next table to get additional napkins. One of us asked for hot sauce that he never had gotten either and my water wasnt replenished regularly as I would have hoped for. Overall, it was alright. A little pricey. Some of us were shocked at our bills. If the service was better and the food would have come out quicker, it probably would have gotten another star.
(3)Anthony R.
It's really hard not to say that the Lucky Monk serves one of the top 3 tastiest burgers I've ever had. Substituded for Merkts cheddar cheese with bourbon grilled onions....wow! Fried pickles and amazing cheese curds for app and really enjoyed their beers. A bit pricey but that burger is priceless.
(5)Mike J.
margharita pizza was really good- 5 salmon salad- really good- 4.5 bbq salmon was good- 5 cookie skillet- 5 donuts- 5
(5)Valerie C.
Excellent food and beer! Family friendly atmosphere with dessert that is to die for.
(5)Steve B.
Excellent selection of beers and amazing food. The burgers are especially great. This place has become one of my favorites.
(5)Angela R.
Awesome burgers, cheese curds, salads and buffalo wings.... call for reservation especially on the weekends. Our family loves it here!
(5)Sarah B.
Yay! I'm a fan! We Went to the Lucky Monk with another couple and had an awesome time. We started with the pretzel app, which had an awesome cheese sauce and mustard butter. I got the beer sampler since I couldn't decide on a beer. The BF and friends BF had IPA's that were barrel aged in Makers Mark barrels. They loved them. Friend had the Red Appeal and it was delicious. For noms, I got the short rib tacos and they were great. The BF had the steak tacos and I liked them even more than mine. Friend got the cheese pizza and it was surprisingly yummy. Friend's BF got the grilled cheese burger and it looked amazing. The boys got another round of IPA's and friend got a cocktail. I decided on the Cinnamon Sidecar, because Sidecars = fav drink ever. It was awesome, I'm skipping the beer next time even though the beer was pretty tasty too. We got two of the homemade donut desserts. They were sooooo good. Still warm and chewy, plus the homemade sauces were freaking amazing. I couldn't pick a favorite. Our waiter was super attentive and really nice. My only sad moment was when I couldn't order mix n match tacos, you have to pick only one kind :-( We spent probably 2+ hours there and can't wait to go back!
(4)Jennifer S.
We've been to The Lucky Monk a few times now and I think we are officially fans! Most recently, my dad and step-mom decided to take us for an anniversary dinner (married four years already...holy moly!!). Anyhow, dad and I coordinated the evening. The location is great for us. Them coming from Carpentersville. Us coming from Bartlett. It's right off the Route 90, so although they traveled a little further, it was highway miles which makes it a-ok. We went on a Monday night and they were packed, but we arrived early and a table was ready by the time the rest of our party arrived. Beer flights, lagers and ciders all around. It was a celebration and the drinks were great! We split a sampler of cheese curds, fried pickles and truffle fries. The cheese curds reign supreme! I'm still trying to count my calories, but this past month has been kinda meh, if you know what I mean. So, I ordered fish & chips. I ate all of the fish and a little less than half of the chips. A year ago, I easily could and would have finished all of my food. The portion is a nice size, but there were a lot of fries. The love of my life, the apple of my eye, the ying to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly...my hubby, ordered a burger. Honestly, I have no idea which one he went with, but he ate most of it and didn't complain, so it had to have been good. I recall spice and cheese. I'm guessing it was the Hot Head. Dad also went with a burger, but at our waitress' suggestion, he tried the peppercorn ranch. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Dad is fairly easy to please which makes me wonder how I became so picky...uh, such a connoisseur of things. ;-) My step-mom seems to really enjoy a nice meal out. She is quite the cook and I've noticed that she tends to order things that she doesn't make at home. This only makes sense. Mushroom risotto with chicken was on her agenda that night. No complaints from her and I believe her leftovers even went home with her for lunch the next day. Some more thoughts: I don't like the acoustics in here. Sadly, it is difficult to carry on a conversation. It's loud and the sound travels funny. I don't know how else to explain it. Our server has been fine every time we've been here. Fine, but not memorable. These reasons keep The Lucky Monk at four stars for now.
(4)Dana R.
This place is hard to get into! On our second attempt at visiting, we finally scored an 8:45 reservation. It seems a little late to eat, but it was SO WORTH IT! There was about 5 of us, and we noshed on the fried deviled eggs. They were crispy, crunchy and creamy all at the same time and were a perfect way to start the evening off. The conversation flowed smoothly as it often does with friends and we placed our orders. Friend on my right ordered "The Grilled Cheese Burger" with a side of the "Wisconsin Cheese Curds", I had "The Smothered Burger" with a side of "Pickle Fries" and my honey on my right had "The Monk Burger" with a foreignly delicious side of hand cut fries "Poutine-Montreal Style." That is smothered in gravy with cheese curds. How could you not resist? Even the name sounds exotic in a weird bathroom-humor-way. I didn't really catch what our friends across from us ordered, except that it was a burger and a meatball sandwich maybe? I wasn't really paying attention to their food, but they seemed to enjoy it. The benefit of sitting in the middle of such deliciousness is that I got to nosh off of everyone's plate. Whether they wanted me to or not is a different story, but we all shared in the end. The "Grilled Cheese Burger" looked massive! The friend who ordered is an EMT/Firefighter in training, so there was a lot of jokes about cardiac arrest and picture texting going on. He could barely wrap his mouth around the mammoth, but he managed. I sneaked a few of his sinfully delicious cheese curds too. My smothered burger was an angel sent from above. Picture a beautiful burger with wings floating above my head (kind of like cupid) and you get the idea. The deliciousness of the gruyere, and carmelized onions was almost too much to take. Sadly, it was SO good that I was the first one done. You know when something is so good that you gobble it up immediatley? Yeah, this was it. My pickle fries were wondeful as far as pickle fries go. They were a nice size chip that was perfectly fried. Not too soggy and not too crisp, the salt was just right. A pickle chip goldilocks if you will. My love wasn't over the moon about his monk burger, but enjoyed it for what it was. A good burger. He was however contemplating moving to Canada after tasting the dish they call Poutine (Pronounced Poo-teen). The Lucky Monk does Poutine right (and if they do it wrong, I could care less) hand cut fries smothered in a beef gravy with pops of hot cheese curds floating throughout it. Can I get a Campbells "Mmm, mmm good"?! Of course no one had room for dessert, but I ordered "The House Made Sticky Doughnuts" anyway. It was a perfect portion. 5 Pillowy doughnuts drizzled in a sweet vanilla glaze, stacked on top of each other in a mason jar. They came with dipping sauces of caramel, chocolate and raspberry. They were so finger-licking good, that I almost wanted to order another to go and eat them in bed later. Our drinks were phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed my dirty, filthy martini, and they guys really dug the beer selections. We left happy and with a new meeting spot that fit the distance equally for everyone.
(5)Al D.
A very nice restaurant very good service good food good staff family friendly good prices
(4)Ashley W.
We stopped in here on a Saturday for a late lunch around 3:00. No wait, but they were still pretty busy given the time of day that we were there. Our waitress had at least 5 tables that we counted, including one larger party. I was a waitress back in the day, and 5 tables can be a lot to handle at one time. She did a great job keeping up with everything including drink refills so kudos to her. This was our first time here, so we started with the Trappist Trio so that we could sample a few different options that so many Yelpers had mentioned; the cheese curds, truffle fries, and pickle fries. We loved the cheese curds and the pickle fries, but the truffle fries were just okay. They tasted a little bit too garlicy to us. The chipotle ranch was the favorite sauce out of the two. We were already starting to get full after polishing off the trio, so we decided to share a burger instead of each ordering one. Warning - the burgers are HUGE! We went with the Peppercorn Ranch burger, medium, and paid $2 extra to order a salad in place of the fries (we had already indulged in plenty of fried goodness for our appetizer!). Sharing a burger after finishing that trio for our appetizer was a good idea, it was the perfect amount. While it's not the best burger I've ever had, it was still pretty darn delicious. If you're coming here for the first time I'd highly recommend the cheese curds and the pickle fries, and you can't go wrong with a burger.
(4)AJ B.
I have been here many times in the last three years and am always impressed. My company is located less than a mile away so we host a lot of lunches here. Service and food are always great. Burgers are huge and delicious, the white chili is good as are most of the main courses. Unlike most places I usually try something new every time I am there and have yet to be disappointed. They also have their own craft beer which is good as well. Something for everyone here - would recommend to all.
(5)Leonora B.
Awesome place!!!! Love the fallen angel... my hubby love the stout!!!! Wish there's one in san francisco.... we'll visit soon!!!! Perfect ambience... get there early because they get packed and busy... call ahead and reserve.... love the truffle fries and hot head burger... missed my lucky monk so Much....
(5)Melissa A.
Mmmm burgers! I love burgers and I have to say the burgers at The Lucky Monk are pretty darn tasty. So far I've had the Spinach Goat Cheese burger and the Smothered burger. The Smothered came with Gruyere, pickles, and caramelized onions. Can you say delicious?! The staff are all friendly and helpful. The first time I came to The Lucky Monk, I had made a reservation for 14 people one day in advance and they were able to accommodate me easily. I will be back next time to try their beers since I hear they're pretty good!
(4)Marcin B.
We live 5 minutes from the placy and I have never had a chance to visit the place until last month. We got there 2 times already and we will definitely visit again in the future. I can simply say they have very good burgers and I mean it. When you order medium it is medium and pink inside not like other places when your ordered medium turns to be close to well done. They have pizza which is average in my opinion but I think they use fire wood oven so it might get better. Lastly they brew their own beer which is very fresh and tasty, they have Lager,Wheat and Porter/Stout so everyone can choose a favourite one. Bar is also definitely worth the visit with wide variety of alcohol drinks.
(4)Chad S.
I enjoy the selection of beers here and the food was pretty good. Everything they serve is made in-house and the handmade pretzels are amazing with 3 dipping sauces. The burgers are good, not the best I've had, but pretty decent and I love the N'awlins Chicken sandwich. The atmosphere is great if you want to hang our with friends at the bar and watch a game. Haven't tried their entrees. I recommend
(4)Pete L.
We've eaten at dozens of burger restaurants over the last two years... a different place nearly every Tuesday night. We've had burgers from Kuma's Corner, The Gage, Brauer House, DMK and dozens of other places that specialize in burgers. The Lucky Monk has a fantastic selection of burgers, the meat is specially blended for them and they take great care creating perfection in a burger. It's so good that we created a new category in our rating system ... "Top Dog", and Lucky Monk is the sole occupier of that spot. While the burgers are in a league of their own, their beer selection is not only extensive, but the beers they brew on site (at least the two we had) were excellent as well. Our server (Erin) was perfect: friendly and fun without being "too friendly", too intrusive, too talkative or too frequent. Really delightful in all respects. We will be back and are excited to learn that there may be a new Luck Monk coming to Downers Grove by the end of the year. It's very popular and busy. I'd stay away from a Friday or Saturday night. We went on a Tuesday evening (of course) and were seated within two minutes of arrival. But the place was full at 7:15 when we got there. If you haven't been to the Lucky Monk, do yourself a favor and get there... but make a reservation first.
(5)Jackie B.
Great food...amazing selection of beer but the music is a little too loud..had a hard time talking to the people I was sitting with.
(4)Bnilla R.
The Lucky Monk was delicious. My husband had the fish and chips and I had The King burger. We both highly recommend these dishes. Try the beer sampler! The waitress was absolutely fantastic and took great care of us.
(5)Esteban S.
A huge fan of this establishment; great food, I enjoy the craft beer's, and friendly staff. I will be coming back soon.
(5)Danielle S.
Finally, finally I came here after hearing about it from so many people! Where to start?! First off, this is a total guys place. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, and women are more than welcome here. But the vast amounts of beer and meat, and the lounge like atmosphere are perfect for a guys' night out or a great place to take that special man on a date. We ended up sitting outside - awesome choice! There are plenty of seats/tables outside. There are even chairs to just sit and lounge/have a drink in without tables. There isn't a lot of shade, so come prepared (sunglasses, sunscreen, and cooler clothing). They have an awesome beer selection - I honestly couldn't decide what to get! I would love to come here and try a different beer every time! And if you don't like beer, no worries. They have an awesome mixed drink selection (my friend got one and said it was great). There is something on the menu for everyone - I got the Twisted Chicken Sandwich with fries. It was very good! My friend got the Grilled Cheeseburger - this is a MUST try at some point. A burger between 2 grilled cheeses? What? That's awesome. It isn't good for you, but it tasted amazing. No regrets! The only downfall was the service. We waited a long time to get a second round of drinks, water refilled, condiments, and our checks. The servers were very nice - don't get me wrong. And they were busy. It isn't going to keep me from coming back!
(4)John S.
Went here for my sisters birthday. Place was packed so was glad we had a say I am impressed because there were lots of people. The service here was also top notch. Our waiter was excellent with refills and very friendly. For dinner I went with a burger. My burger was a great size and cooked perfectly. The fries here were also very good. For bar food The Lucky Monk is quite good and I would go back.
(4)Catherine P.
I remember why we don't go here. And after a recent visit, I'm not in any big hurry to go back, sadly. While the atmosphere is great, the service is mediocre. The food is good but the pricing kinda stinks. They don't really have any real economical options. All the burgers are $10+. I would rather go to Kuma's Corner for a $10+ burger. Main entrees are approximately $14. Sandwiches all about $10. I really just think i was turned off by the service. We had the trio app and swapped out the onion strings for cheese curds which were amazing. The 25 minute wait for our app was what upset me. The quality was there. That's the part that kills me! The fried pickles were surprisingly good. The cheese curds were some of the best I have ever had. I have to give them props for this! Our server, while friendly, only stood at our table twice the entire evening while serving us. We were seated in a far corner in the bar area and next to their computer/order entry station where he stood and yelled to us to discuss our order, additional refill requests, etc. It really was very unprofessional. Don't yell to me, come to our table to talk. He was entering other orders from other tables while talking to us. It was weird and very unprofessional. Big turn off. My fiance liked his sandwich but it wasn't very hot when it was served. The plate was hotter than the food. Not a fan. I think I have decided that this place is great for apps and cocktails. And stinks for dinner. It's just too costly for what it is.
(3)Lindsey S.
I finally got to check out the Lucky Monk for a late dinner. I'm so glad I did! Amazing food, really pleasant staff. I'm not a drinker but my boyfriend was really happy with the selection and enjoyed the house beer they brew. If you like beer battered stuff, try anything fried there. For me, I don't enjoy that but I do enjoy an awesome burger. They also have the best truffle fries! It was a nice, comfortable atmosphere as well.
(4)Rita B.
This is probably my fifth time here. The restaurant changes their menu often. The server even confirmed that last night. Busy place. 30 minute wait but not bad for a Saturday night. My friend and I ordered the mini steak tacos with the salsa on the side. Not what we were expecting. We knew mini would be small but when we got our plates we looked at the tacos and were kind of wondering how they can make tacos so small. They were VERY small. Came served with rice with carrots and black beans refried. Taste of tacos: delicious! Everything was perfect about them except the size. Flavor was right on. The salsa was so the best. Just the perfect amount of heat. Rice was ok. Needed salt. Carrots were tough. Dry. Refried black beans not my thing. Had one taste and had enough. Staff was alright. Nothing to rave or complain about. However, the bartender was on top of her game. Made sure our drinks kept on coming. Yes, that's part of her job....she did it exceptionally well. Truth is I'll probably end up coming back here sometime again next year because its so close to AMC. Give it a try.
(3)Nick M.
Great beer, great burgers, and friendly on point service! Definitely will be back!
(4)Mark N.
Great gastropub type restaurant with a laid back, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Perfect place to watch the games. Our server was way cool and took the time to breakdown the menu for us newbies. We started with the goat cheese app which was great. The goat cheese was served in a large bowl accompanied by some marinara that added a lot of dimension to what could other wise be a very one dimensional dish. Entree was the luigi burger. I was surprised to see all their burgers use prime grade beef and it was great! Though the bun was a little too thin and fell apart and the Parmesan fries were straight up mushy. Crispy fries and I would have given them 5 stars.
(4)Bill M.
Decor - nice, clean, slightly sophisticated. Service - above average. Attentive and pleasant. Food - Mediocre. I got the steak tacos. While I never eat black beans / refried beans anyway, I must say they looked TERRIBLE on the plate! Dried out and almost like asphalt. The tacos and rice I would put at about a C+. I did not drink any of the beer selections but they looked decent. Coke over Pepsi products is a plus. Probably not a bad place to grab dinner before a movie or a drink afterward.
(3)Benjamin L.
AMAZING burgers and beer!! Will give them another try...
(3)Michael C.
Love this place for food and beer and bartenders. The waitresses are a bit bitchy and act like you are bothering them, but the fish tacos and IPA make up for it.
(4)G D.
We really enjoyed our meal here. Great atmosphere and very attentive service and generous portions. We had the beer sampler which was fun for the adults at the table to try. Our table ordered burgers and all were excellent. Between our group of five we ordered two portabello burgers, the grain burger, a chicken sandwich and a hamburger. I would go back again when in the area.
(4)Kelly O.
I am in love. My sister and brother in law recommended this place to me (and after raving about it to friends this week-- every single person I know that has been there says OMG I LOVE THAT PLACE.....) and they were spot on. IDEAL location next to the big Barrington Theater. HUGE outdoor patio deck area on the water--- I mean, not just a deck -- it's decorated and landscaped optimally. The mood is awesome. Inside is very big and expansive with a huge bar area and lots of open seating-- we sat outside. HUGE craft beer selection almost too much to choose from, not really. ;-) I had Fallen Angel and my man had Cardinal Sin. We felt sinfully happy. The menu- OMG. You'll want everything- we got fried pickles-- HEAVEN!!! And although I wanted the Reuben, they did not offer the option to do it Rachel style with turkey (surprised me frankly) so I got steak tacos -- very good- they do them small like palm sized. My man got a hujazz burger and polished it off completely. We could not attempt dessert but what we saw go by was amazing looking. Staff is attentive and knowledgeable and friendly but not invasive. I cannot say enough good things about this spot and will go back infinity.
(5)Nicole M.
The beginning of the service was amazing. We made a reservation for 4 and we got seated right away. We had an additional guest so a total of 6 people and we got moved immediately to a bigger table. The waiter was helpful with telling us which beers were on tap and what was popular. He was really funny and nice!! We ordered our food after a little bit of waiting. The appetizers came out promptly. We ordered the calamari and the cheese curds. I definitely RECOMMEND the cheese curds! After some time we were able to order our meals. The waiter was busy but it did take a little too log to get our food put in. On top of the wait. We had to wait even longer for our food. Okay, so my short rib tacos were great! The BBQ burger was good but it was slightly overcooked and dry. It needed a bit more sauce. My friend ordered the cheese pizza. The portions were quite small. Here is where it went downhill. We were waiting for a LONG time for our meal as is. But the pizza didn't come out. The manager came out and told us 30 seconds. It's took TEN MORE MINUTES. Now don't get me wrong. I understand the food industry. I work at an upscale pizza restaurant in Los Angeles and I know how it is. But still... It just kind of sucks because I had higher expectations! Our waiter JAKE was super accommodating. He was very upbeat and helpful. He told us exactly what was happening so it made it better. Overall the manager and Jake made things much better. The food was good. I'll come again next time and give them another chance!!
(4)Candice G.
Why, oh why, didn't I get the pickle fries? Regret. Remorse. But it's okay, I know I'll be back to resolve this sad pickle situation. I came in for lunch, which I think is an important piece of information because some places are just better for dinner than lunch, and vice versa. I think Lucky Monk is good for both, but the atmosphere leans itself to be more comfortable for a dinner setting as my party of two was sat at a rather regal booth that could have easily sat 6-8 people. It'd be fun for a dinner group, but for a business lunch it was kind of like the equivalent of sharing a bunk bed with your boss, but without any kind of creepy feeling because you're boss is pretty rad. I've been a real lame-rod lately so I didn't get anything boozy to drink, but Nicole W gave the thumbs up to their IPA paired with an absolutely massive burger. And though I technically am giving hearsay information by saying this since I didn't partake in the beer or a burger, I feel confident in saying that between the sight, smells and glistening burger juices on that plate, that there is no way that burger wasn't the best thing ever. When I first looked at the menu, I was between a few things, namely the truffle fries, loaded fries or pickle fries (I'm a fry-guy), but then I saw the Trappist Trio where you get truffle fries, cheese curds, pickle fries and two kinds of sauces and nearly jumped for that had it not been for the all-too-real of the time my boss gifted me with a one pound bag of cheese curds and chocolate bars on a business trip and like a dummy I ate it all in one night after drinking and then ended up being grossly backed up for, oh I don't know, the entire four days leading up to a shared flight back to our home state. Awkward. So after some deep thoughts on what I wanted to get vs what I should get, I opted for the veggie tacos "Chihuahua style" with zucchini, corn, mushrooms, squash, chipotle and cotija cheese. The dish came with three tacos, a side of beans and I think I remember some rice in there too, but if there was I ate it way to fast to even describe what it tasted like. The presentation on the tacos was fine, though they weren't very hot and the inside was a weird blend that looked like it was probably mixed together at another time and just reheated for the plate, but I feel like that's the story for a lot dishes on larger lunch menus are restaurants, and honestly, I was just excited that they had a nice veggie option on the daytime menu. The tacos were decent, a bit mushy, but I had no problem swallowing them whole. I won't be raving about them and I wouldn't steer anyone in the veggie taco direction unless they weren't in the mood for a whole lot of flavor, but they weren't bad, just not great. The next time I go back I'll defo get a dish that's more bar-food or pub-style than veggie tacos, because honestly, every dish that involved frying or grilling something and serving it with a sauce looked (based on other tables) and smelled insane, and I think that's the type of food they really excel at, though I've heard good things about their pizza as well. I'll be back, and that fry trio won't even know what hit it.
(4)Gus I.
Good food Great staff that knows THE MENU!! Drinks were good Non franchise!!! Place was busy Keep it up MONK!
(4)Laurence K.
Still going strong great menu great beers service has improved a bit too.
(4)Susan S.
Surprisingly, a great place for kids/family! After being tasked with finding a place that we could celebrate and have children attend I chose the Lucky Monk. Though we arrived 15 minutes prior to our reservation, we only waited about 5 minutes to be seated as they readied our table for 12. We were seated in a smaller room off the main dining room which was perfect for the 5 children we had with us. The Lucky Monk has an excellent kids menu which included a choice of entree (about 6 items), a choice of side which included items like fries, cheese curds, fried pickles or fruit and a choice of drink. Included was carrots and dip as well as a chocolate chip cookie and milk for dessert. The waitress was very good at getting the children served right away and they seemed to always have food in front of them. She and the staff that helped her really catered to the children and ensuring that they were doing ok. She did struggle with getting our drinks orders to the adults which is why the 4 instead of 5 stars. However, I am unaware of the service levels the bar area was able to provide. Also, I feel as though the Lucky Monk reduced their menu and took off so very unique items. I would truly recommend the Lucky Monk as a place to take the family where everyone will be able to get what they want.
(4)Joey B.
Been here three times in two weeks! And I love this place! Atmosphere: You cannot escape how awesome looking the atmosphere is! It is very unique and pleasant on the eyes. You can appreciate all the delicate color coordination and the effort it took to designing this place. Barrels on the wall look authentic, the bar and furniture is well furnished, and the lighting is really pleasing to the eyes! Perfect place for a date! And it is right outside AMC30 movie theatres! The Unique atmosphere is quite upscale and impressive. I'd say this place is very classy indeed! Food: Mouth watering... The food looks as amazing as it looks. The burgers are USDA Prime Beef Burgers! Meat tastes so damn good! I ordered the Sunrise burger, but replaced the marmalade with goat cheese. Every bite was satisfying and great. You could taste the natural meat juices and flavors with every bite if you order medium well! The Fried egg and Bacon were good quality as well! However.... My tongue will forever remember this place for the fries. Sweet Potato Fries made in White Truffle Oil... Perfectly hand cut and fried to perfection. I literally had a crumb descend from a tooth after my meal, and a burst of flavor graced my tongue like a meteor. It was that damn delicious! I haven't begun to explore this place! My body is ready! Service: I had one of the best waiters ever here actually. Big props to Josh! He was the most attentive, humorous, and informative waiter I have ever had. It felt like family was serving me... As weird as that sounds. Other waiters were friendly and attentive too! But I will remember.... The Josh.... Josh, made my day on my first visit to The Lucky Monk! So overall... This has got to be the most well rounded restaurant I have ever been to! I haven't even tried the alcohol or the other menu items yet either! I am excited to become a regular at The Lucky Monk. I highly recommend this place for dates with girls, private parties, or a night out with friends! I am in love!
(5)Derek C.
the food is awesome here! the beer... ehhh, it's alright... this place is a brewery so of course you have to try the beer here. I'm not a big fan of the brews they got on draft here, but they'll do. Where this place really excels is with the food. it's really good! I've tried the fish and chips, the spinach pizza, bbq salmon and the King burger. all have been awesome. the biggest surprise to me was the King burger... it's bananas and peanut butter with bacon on top of the burger, absolutely delicious! probably one of the better burgers I've had. service is also outstanding here, as the bartenders and servers are very knowledgeable and nice. all in all, this is a great place to have a meal at, but it does get quite busy, and with good reason. so stop by and try a brew and get some dinner.
(4)Samantha P.
Everything here is great! I have been here for drinks, lunch and dinner and it has always been amazing. It has an upscale bar/pub feel. All of the beer I have tried has been great and the food has always been delicious. I would recommend the Lucky Monk for any occasion!
(5)Barbara K.
Sadly, our family wedding rehearsal dinner was extremely disappointing. 1) The party room was not arranged as planned and was very constricting to the guests. 2) After requesting several times for a fix, the manager arrived & the guests squeezed into the corners while the room was re-arranged (awkward!). 3) The serving table was not as planned and also had to be re-arranged. 4) The serving pieces we expected (warming trays for hot food) were never provided. 5) The drinks were served with no cocktail napkins, we had to ask for napkins. 6) We were told the kitchen could serve quickly & refresh food quickly. The food was very late. 7) We were told that another group had ordered an unexpected amount of food, explaining why our group was not being served. Our party had been planned months in advance, but we were left waiting. 8) At the end of a very disappointing & embarrassing event, the manager on site apologized and accommodated us by not charging for the patio area which was on our contract. Given that it was raining heavily and LM closed the entire patio and would not have allowed us to use it, that's not much. 9) I sent a highly detailed email outlining even more problems than noted here. The restaurant general manager replied with a cursory email and offered to send a "dining certificate" 10) which never arrived.
(1)Jasmine N.
Date night with the mister, and he was craving burgers. We ordered the cheese curds, which were made to perfection. Definitely try it.... I'm not a huge cheese fan but equally enjoyed it! We the ordered the bourbon and the hot head with an egg . Both were equally delicious. Medium rare is the way you should always order your burgers. Trust me. If only we lived here, we would be back. The ambience is really nice. You could come here on a date or a group of friends. And our service was spot on!
(5)Nicole W.
It's been a few months since I first dropped into The Lucky Monk, I've been staring at my review draft thinking of ways and words to describe my stellar experience there. So, while I could certainly make this a novel, an ode or sorts, explaining my adoration for the place, I'll keep it short and snappy. Food: Upscale bar food done right. Appetizers are drool worthy - get the curds, yo. Burgers are fabulous - the traditional monk burger is impressive. Chopped salad is a nice addition to an array of heavy-ish fare. The fries are nicely seasoned and cut fresh! Beer: I was pregnant during my visit so I didn't sample the goods but you can bet I'm making my way back here for a tasting. Even the cocktails looked tasty. Service: Angela is a super fantastic server. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and quick! Ambiance: Comfy booths, nifty lighting and a slick bar that is dressed to impress. In suburbia, it's nice to have a place like Lucky Monk so you can avoid the oodles of Olive Gardens and TGI Fridays. Make a reservation as it can get packed after 6pm!
(5)Chris M.
Very flavorful cooked to order burgers that are huge. Enough for leftovers. Oh and the pretzels were awesome, a must order. To drink you need to order their beers, so many to choose from. The waitress was pretty good, no complaints there.
(5)Ray C.
I would give them 5 stars, but I think the menu is too pricey for what you get so I will give them a solid 4. This is definitely one of the best burgers I've tried, they use prime beef and cook them to a perfect temperature. They have good american style tacos if you aren't in the mood for a burger and their salads seem to be pretty well dressed. I hope you check it out.
(4)Christine M.
Used to be 5 star. Prices have gone up and quality down. For instance, the children's chicken tenders used to be hand battered and cooked in house. Now they are cheap crap you can pick up at a fast food joint, but twice the money. Same with the burgers. Oh well, another suburban restaurant bites the dust.
(3)Angelique B.
LOVE the Tritica Wheat Ale - it really does have a taste of banana bread!!! I dislike hoppy beers - very light and smooth.
(5)AJ M.
Saw this place on Chicagos best and had to try it out. Obviously liking belgian beers i preferred the Tritica best (sort of like blue moon). The white truffle fries and pickle fries were good but nothing special. I decided to try something new by getting "The King". Which is a burger with peanut butter bananas and bacon. It was different, the salty and savory flavor it is deff something everyones gotta try once. The chicken sausage pizza was great as well. Overall this place is amazing, great menu, great food with good beer selection. The interior is really nice. I deff will be coming back to try everything else on the menu. Ps great to go to before you head to a movie!
(5)Nicole M.
On trip back to the city wanted to grab lunch with my children and my mother and had a hard time deciding where to go, just before our exit on 90 I saw the billboard and decided to head there. Location is easy to get to even from home so I am now disappointed that I have never been here before. We arrived prior to lunch and the place was quiet but the staff was ready and waiting. We were seated right away in the area near the bar. My children loved the high table and ability to watch tv while waiting to eat. We ordered an appetizer,the loaded fries. SO GOOD! The children also received their own mini "appetizer" with their meals, small orders of carrot sticks and dip. This is the only place that I know that does this and it is awesome. The waitress was attentive and answered all of my little guy's zillion questions. I ordered a burger that was huge and the fries are so tasty. The kids enjoyed their chicken fingers and to my surprise when the meal was over the kids received their own dessert of a cookie, chocolate dip, and some milk. Overall, this place was good, sevice was excellent and I will be back!
(4)Todd S.
We like the atmosphere, food and drinks, however, the staff takes care of their friends and treats "customers" as an inconvenience to their social time.
(2)Marie M.
Loved this place. Excellent food and service! They have wonderful craft beers to accompany their delicious menu. Make a reservation, this place is always busy!
(4)Susan B.
We have been wanting to try Lucky Monk for a while so a few weekends ago we decided to make it happen. This was our first time there so our waiter explained a few of their new items and mentioned that they are known for their burgers and pizza. Being in a burger mood, we both ordered some meat. The grilled cheeseburger (burger between 2 bacon stuffed grilled cheeses) intrigued me but after coming to my senses, I realized it was probably 5 days worth of calories. Instead, I got the smothered burger (Gruyere and caramelized onions). My bf got the King burger....it must be a guy thing. This burger had peanut butter, bananas and bacon. I took a tiny bite and I really didn't care for it. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that there was peanut butter on my burger meat. He enjoyed it though and a guy at the next table got it and seemed to enjoy it as well. Oh, and I can't forget the pickle fries. We got those as an appetizer and I really like them. They weren't too greasy and the chipotle ranch dipping sauce was great...I just wish that they gave a bit more, the 1 cup wasn't enough. We were there during the afternoon on a weekend and as we were leaving, the front entrance was packed. When we arrived we were seated right away. I guess this place gets pretty crowded so I strongly suggest you make a reservation.
(4)Lynn J.
Great food. The burger was awesome and cooked to order. Family friendly and good portions. Not sure if they have a kid's menu but many families. This wood be a good place to go before or after a movie at the theater next door.
(4)Jennifer M.
All this time I thought the name of this place was Drunken Monk. You can imagine my surprise when... We immediately recognized the subtle change in their menu when the appetizer crab cakes & mushroom risotto and the burger w/BBQ sauce AKA our usual orders were missing! It took a few minutes perusing the menu before asking the Server, "What happened?!" She pointed out that the Wild Mushroom Risotto was so popular, that it had become a Signature entree for $10.95. You may opt in chicken for $2.00. Rather than trying another burger, my boyfriend ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich with White Truffle Parmesan Fries for $10.25. The White Truffle and Parmesan Fries would taste better if the flavors weren't overpowered by the taste of potato skin and oil. For the record: Parmesan and Garlic Fries at the Tilted Kilt have a much better balance; but, the Garlic and Butter Fries at the Sub Tender in Forest Park, IL are still the best! Overfall, the micro brew is not the only thing they keep fresh and exciting here!
(4)Terry L.
juiciest most deeelish burger I have ever had. I really think they have a magic ingredient. amazing. too bad I got super full just from one. going back very very soon
(5)Jenny B.
Went for dinner and it was delicious! great selection, great tasting beers PICKED FRIES- YUMMY!! BURGERS: Hot Head - if you want a kick to your meal and something a little bit more juicy, id pick this one Ellis- great taste, different flavors, very fresh feeling. one of my favorites! The quality of the meat makes the burger. DESSERT: chocolate cookie skillet- OMG to die for. a little more on the sweet side. shares with 2-3 people Apple jar- share with 2, very good and less sweet.
(5)Jason B.
food is terrific. its like champps but take it up one notch and they are a whole different level than a champps. its almost like those fancy gastropubs in nyc but not quite the same. this is more of a casual/family feel. jeans: ok by far Order: by waitress
(4)Charles S.
Ordered the Green Chili Quest Burger and it was a little on the spicy side but overall it was very tasteful! My girlfriend order the Hot Head Burger = delicious. The lighting was a little dim and it was a bit loud. But other than that, it was well worth it! We don't live very close to South Harrington, but if we're back around here I'm sure we'll come back!
(4)Patrick S.
If you're looking for a good brewpub-type place with OK beer, good burgers, and decent prices this is a great choice. We came here for the first time and were generally happy with the food. We started with the trio appetizer which included fried pickles, truffle fries, and cheese curds. The fried pickes (as many other have pointed out) are probably some of the best I've ever had. The cheese curds, while salty, are also delicious and a perfect accompaniment to the beer. Truffle fries and also the fries that came with the meal were OK but VERY greasy, actually to the point that I had to stop eating them because they were so soaked in grease. The burger I had was VERY tasty and their burgers are huge. Again though, while delicous my burger which only had cheese and onions, was so greasy I started feeling sick. Not that it wasn't one of the tastier burgers I've had in a while... it just felt like if I took another bite I'd have a minor heart attack right there at the table. The beer here is OK. If you are a beer snob, you probably won't be impressed. The service as others have pointed out is ok but I can see why there are so many complaints. Our waitress was very nice but seemed overworked and having a tough time keeping up. She still managed to always turn her frustrated look at the computer to a great smile when she came over to our table. I did see one waitress who literally stood at the bar for 10-15 minutes doing nothing until a manager had to come over and talk to her. I could also notice that the service was slow. Our waitress was doing her best but I noticed one elderly couple looking very annoyed and they waited way too long for their food. We will come back probably to have some beers and appetizers, but likely not again for dinner. Unfortunately this is the best of the bunch in our area.
(3)Carolyn L.
The Lucky Monk was a great place to grab dinner on Monday night. The food was outstanding. We ordered the Trappist Trio appetizer (pickle fries, truffle fries, and onion strings with a wasabi ranch sauce and chipotle ranch sauce) and it was a lot of fried goodness. I ordered the "Smothered" burger, medium rare (and cooked just right) with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, and a fried egg on top. The meat was delicious, the toppings flavorful, and the bun soft and golden! The fries were also crispy and hand-cut. So yummy. Finally, I ordered their American IPA, Confessional, home brew and it complimented the meal very nicely. My friend ordered the Farmhouse burger with Applewood smoked duroc bacon, Tillamook cheddar, and all the fixins. His looked awesome and we both left stuffed and happy. I'd love to go back!
(5)Dean K.
I have been waiting to come here for quite awhile. The reviews are great so I had been anticipating. We went on a Saturday night about 6:15. The wait was quoted at 45min to an hour. It ended up being 1 hour. The place is extremely loud and we were placed right next to the bar which was probably the loudest area. The service was good and we were able to order quickly and get our food quite quickly. I had the Sunrise with Bacon marmalade. I tasted a sweet flavor more than I tasted bacon. But, it was pretty good. My wife and daughter had a hamburger with bacon grilled cheese sandwiches in place of regular bread. We all agreed that the food was good. I would go back when it is not so crowded. For those that have been to Kuma's Corner, I think Kuma's is better. I also think Bulldogs of Wauconda is better and their burgers are less than $8. The experience is totally different though. This is all about the taste.
(4)Jon F.
Well done Lucky Monk. Food was fantastic. I had the Poutine and the chili and loved them both. It it not often you find a restaurant in Illinois that serves poutine and also does it well. The atmosphere is awesome and the house IPA was great. Will be back for sure.
(5)Kim H.
Patty was a great server! Very helpful with selections on menu! Although she is a buckeye!
(5)Dan H.
Wow. I have been here twice now and absolutely love this place. Service is always excellent. Great decor. Now let's get to the food. For appetizers, their cheese curds are some of the best I've ever had. We also get the warm pretzel trio, also excellent. I think it's the variety of dipping sauces that come with these appetizers that really take them to the next level. Entrees - burgers are fabulous! Na'wlins Chicken, just as fabulous! VERY flavorful, cooked just right. Beer- I always get the Tritica Wheat Ale. It has a slight flavor of banana bread. Normally I am skeptical of fruit flavored beers, but this one is great! If I could sum up my experience at the Lucky Monk in one phrase, it would be "Explosion of Flavor!"
(5)Scott F.
The burgers are amazing and served on a little wooden "stage" so they look bigger than they are....whatever, it tastes good and they manage to get the whole "Medium" thing done perfectly. The downside- The drinks, even on special are pricey. Downtown prices should be saved for downtown. Also, they told me they have WELL WATER, thats why the water tastes like a rusty tool box. After I found this out (after a huge gulp) I asked for a bottled water, which they gladly gave me at an INSANE price. IF you have WELL WATER at your NICER bar, you may want to get a Hinkley and Shmitt thing going or some other form of non FOUL tasting water to serve with your great burgers! DUH? The place has improved greatly, I blow some serious coin in the place and it's nice and close...
(4)Ang C.
This one of our favorite places to go for a casual date night or to meet up with friends. They have a nice beer selection and the food is great, especially the pizza (that arugula covers the whole pizza!), salads (so fresh and not doused in dressing!), cheese curds (yay dipping sauce!), new ice tea (passion fruit is the best!), sweet potato fries (hello cinnamon and cajun seasoning) fish tacos and tilapia (the banana reduction sauce is where it's at!). They have live music on some nights as well.
(5)Brittney N.
Visited on a Saturday night and it was super crowded! We had made a reservation though and we're seated on time. Awesome selection of beers, with a full list and description on the menu which is helpful. Also, the server was able to make recommendations. Our table of 4 all had burgers, which all looked delicious! I had the classic tommy turkey burger, but added mozzarella, it was amazing! The only reason for four starts instead of five is because they were out of a couple of beers and we felt rushed by our server before the said that we would be visiting and catching up for a while.
(4)Josh M.
Fried pickles! I'm fairly sure that my friend wanted to take them home and make sweet sweet love to them all night long. Too bad he ate all of them... That being said that wasn't the only good thing to be had there. The truffle fries were ok - not as good as everyone was hyping them up to be. The sweet potato fries were so much better. But the burgers were killer - we tried the peppercorn ranch, the hot head, and the farmhouse. All of which were cooked perfectly and seasoned well (I hate an under-seasoned burger). The service was a little hit or miss. The server didn't do the best job of recommending some of the mixed drinks. She didn't care for cucumber so that led to passing on the cucumber pomegranate mojito that was very good. I had the beer sampler that was missing the oatmeal stout due to the brewmaster getting to drunk at a beer expo earlier in the day (ill let that one slide :p). I went with the Confessional IPA that was nice and hoppy but not too over the top. We finished the night outside next to the fire pit which was amazing and it was a beautiful night. Moral of the story sit outside and get yourself some fried pickles and a good beer - to be honest all of them were pretty good.
(4)Ryan H.
I have been here at least 50 times. Gets a bit crowded on the weekend, but have never had an issue with the service. The manager Neal is awesome. Food: everyone raves about their burgers, but the best pick is the Nawlins Chicken. Drink: any of their house or featured beers (my favorite being the Tritica), also the Pom-Cucumber Mojito
(5)Aimee M.
Our service was wonderful. Aubrey was on point, helpful and friendly without any hovering. For 3 gals that needed to de-stress and just have an enjoyable evening, it was nice to have a server that anticipated our needs. The menu has a nice selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, steak, ribs, chicken and flatbread/thin crust pizza and salads. I opted for the Monk Burger--basically a cheeseburger with Tillamook Cheddar and the usual fixings of lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions. The burgers come with fries and I opted to "upgrade" my fries for a $1 and chose the Truffle Parmesan fries. I'm drawn to truffle fries like a moth to a flame so if it's on the menu, I'm ordering it. They also have a Truffle Fries appetizer for those that can't get enough of them. The burger was delicious. Juicy and well made. Fresh ingredients and a pretty big serving. It was one of those kind of burgers that I had to cut in half first before trying to take a bite. The Truffle Fries were just what the doctor ordered--so delicious. Crispy fries, subtle aroma and flavor of truffle oil (not overpowering at all) and nice sprinkle of Parmesan. So, so, sooooo good! There's a nice list of beer--domestic and craft. Check out their house brews as well-they offer a tasting/sampler option. I had tried their Stout when I was here for a Yelp Elite event and really liked it. (This from a girl that likes her beers light). We also opted for desserts. They were good, not great. We shared the warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and the carrot cake. I'm not a carrot cake fan, but liked the cake better than the apple crisp. I found the cinnamon in the apple crisp awfully overpowering and the ice cream couldn't calm it down. The carrot cake was moist and the cream cheese frosting was sinfully rich.
(4)Erik H.
So I've been to The Lucky Monk about a dozen more times since I wrote my first review and I can say, without any embellishment or fanfare, that it is my favorite restaurant in the northwest suburbs, bar none. First the burgers: I've tried The Monk, Peppercorn Ranch, Bourbon Stout, Smothered, Grilled Cheese & Green Chile Queso Burgers, and they are all just gorgeous. Beautifully plated and always cooked perfectly medium rare, they are all winners, but especially the ones that rely on the strengths of the burger as opposed to bursts of flavor from its toppings. Thus the Monk Burger (Tillamook Cheddar + pickle), Bourbon Stout (Tillamook Cheddar + stout braised onions + pickle) & the Smothered (caramelized sweet onions + Gruyere + pickle) really excel, with the proteins taking center stage. Then the beers: The Lucky Monk is a brewpub and you won't find their beer in any local stores, which is unfortunate because it's pretty damn good. I prefer fruitier, less hoppy, fuller bodied ales and stouts and so I tend to consistently order their Solitude Oatmeal Stout, Gra'le, and Tritica Wheat Ale when I want something particularly sweet. I'll admit I'm not a big fan of their other regulars, but their seasonals have so far been above par, from the powerful Bourbon stout to the refreshing Maibock. They also have multiple guest taps that trend pretty good. Don't forget the sides: The Lucky Monk's secret weapon has to be its sides. The burgers and beer may get you in the door, but don't even pretend it's not the truffle fries, sweet potato fries, fried pickles or chicken poblano chili that are keeping you here. The sides are nothing short of miracles in potato/chicken/soup form, and that's not even counting the appetizers (giant pretzels with three kinds of sauces perhaps, or maybe deep fried cheese curds yes please?) And just for funsies I've ordered or tasted many of the other menu items including the butternut squash ravioli, fish tacos, al pastor pizza, apple-bacon flatbread & BBQ pulled pork sandwich. They've all generally been hits over misses (the pizza's a little dry though), but I just can't help getting a burger, fries and a beer; they're miles above the competition.
(5)Eman A.
The food here is fantastic. I came once on my own, once with a large group and once with my husband. Everytime I got awesome service and the food was great. Great place for burgers. Pizza was good. The pretzel bread is amazing. And the fried pickles are to DIE for.
(4)Shawn K.
AMAZING BURGERS AND FRIES!!! Kids always choose this place to celebrate their birthday. Almost always jammed, so make reservations. Food is always very good. Very nice wait staff.
(5)Kim M.
Been here a handful of times either for Yelp events or just to enjoy one of the best burgers around. The burgers are consistently juicy, to the point that I feel like I'd be better off wearing my napkin as a bib. They have great pizzas both for appetizers and meals. It doesn't look kid friendly, but it is if you are there early enough in the evening. The service here is consistently good. You won't be asking your server for anything because they come by enough times. The beers are also great. Summary? If you are a beer drinking burger lover, check this place out. And maybe bring a bib.
(4)Jimma J.
Lucky Monk is a really nice place for an Ale House. First off, their home brews are all amazing! They have a brew for all kinds of beer lovers. I highly recommend trying the sampler, but my personal favorite is the Fallen Angel Amber Lager. Aside from the home brews, they also offer a selection of microbrews to satisfy any beer craving you may have. The bar area is usually packed and there are several TVs if you want to catch a game and have some drinks and bar snacks. But there is a substantially large dining area that isn't loud if the bar scene isn't your thing. Every so often they do have live entertainment which is a nice change of pace. When it's nice outside, the outdoor dining area is really nice epecially at night. As for the food, it's great! many of the dishes are playful and really work with their local brews. Try the goat cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and red pepper pizza! Their burgers are great, fish tacos are great! I loved the N'Awlins Chicken Sandwich! This place is definitely worth a try and a perfect location for a dinner/movie date since its right next to the AMC. What more could you ask for!?
(5)Alex A.
Good craft beers and great burgers. I hope they stay in business because when you pay cash the servers stick the cash in their pockets and apparently do not take it to the register.
(4)Cristina G.
My last experience here was pretty awkward and I didn't even get to try the food. I finally had a chance to come back today and actually eat. My best friend and I walked in around 7 and it was pretty busy. We waited about 15-20 mins and were seated. The actual restaurant is very nice. I love the decor and the bathrooms are super clean, which is always great. Our waitress was attentive and was great with keeping up with refills on our pop. Despite being busy it seemed like that staff worked well under pressure. I ordered the Peppercorn Ranch burger and added cheddar cheese. It came out fairly quickly. The actual burger was pretty big. It was cooked perfectly and it had a good amount of toppings on it. The seasoned fries it came with were amazing. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Yum! For dessert we ordered the Peanut Butter Brownie Mason Jar. Oh my glob! So amazingly good. It comes in a small mason jar, but its big enough for two people to share. If you're in the area I'd definitely recommend stopping here to try one of their burgers. You'll love it.
(4)Melissa Z.
We love this place - mostly for the beer selections. They have good food, but their microbrewery is what draws us in and we simply stay for the food. The Confessional IPA is my favorite. My husband is a fan of the Grail. They even have a Sam Adams Chocolate Bock on their guest tap right now (that beer is worth going for alone).
(4)Katie W.
My boyfriend found Lucky Monk on yelp, so we decided to check it out this weekend. Great find! I am in love with their Tritica-Wheat ale! We made reservations a few hours before we wanted to go. We arrived early, and were seated right at our reservation time. This place gets crowded, so I would definitely recommend a reservation. We both ordered the Tritica Wheat Ale, and I have to say it is now one of my favorite beers. I would order the sampler next time to try all their beers. For an appetizer, we ordered the warm pretzel trio. I loved it, and EACH of the three dipping sauces it came with (tomato-parm, mustard, and cheddar-beer fondue). The appetizer was three huge pretzels, and we devoured it all. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich for my entree. I really loved the pulled pork. It had just enough BBQ sauce and an awesome, smokey flavor. I would definitely get this again. It was better than my bf's burger, in my opinion. I chose the sweet potato fries, and really didn't like them. They came with a chipotle cinnamon, which sounded right up my alley. I am a sweet potato fry lover, but they were just too sweet for me. I didn't get any of the chipotle flavor at all. My boyfriend did like them, however. So if you like really sweet, then these may be for you. The service was great and fast. Can't wait to go back for the food and beer!
(4)Brittni R.
My experience here was pretty good, but I want to go back and try more of the appetizers and beers. This is a typical microbrewery, they have a ton of beer to choose from and some really interesting menu items. I was not that hungry when I went, so I went for the mini fish tacos, which were really good. My mom had the steak tacos which she claimed were not that great. My dad had a salad.. We did not take full advantage of the menu because we just stopped in for a light simple dinner. The burgers looked amazing though, and some of them were really interesting and different. Would def go back.
(4)Arlene G.
went here a few weeks ago on a sat. early evening with about 12 people in our party. i cant even remember everything we ordered cuz we ordered so much food! everything was super delicious! i would definitely come back for the food but the only reason i gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was the miscommunication between the manager & the person in our party who made the reservation. we got charged with some type of private party fee but we were sitting in the main dining room with other guests. the manager lady spoke to us about it & we worked it all out but i still find it a but shady that they considered our seating area a private party. its not as if we were in a complete different room with no other guests besides people in our party. we had a waiter that was a waiter for other tables as well and even forgot to bring out a few items we asked for on the 1st request. he was really nice so i didnt hold it against him since it was a busy night and there were a lot of people in our party. however, i still disagree with the wording of our "private party" seating and the fee they charged us.
(4)Ben C.
This was our second trip to The Lucky Monk. The four of us arrived early on a Sunday evening. The place was busy, bu we were seated quickly and proceeded to start our dining experience with a taste of several house beers. Pros: nice atmosphere, decent food..we all ordered specialty sandwiches Cons: very slow service, it was almost a half hour before we were served our first beers, the house beers were mediocre, lacking character and substance. ..watered down representations of the styles they tried to imitate. Thank goodness for the guest beer selections. We were able to finish up with a couple of fine beers from Lagunitas Brewing.
(2)Angela P.
I was invited here for a rehearsal dinner. The interior was much more posh than I expected, so I get why people like this place. You can drink tap beer in what looks like a shiny, L.A. ritzy bar/restaurant. In the 'burbs of Chicago. Had a burger and didn't even finish it. And I was starving! The pretzels are just pretzels, people. The key lime pie tastes funny. Drink refills take way too long.
(2)Virl S.
Great ambiance here along with a great menu. When it's warm out, try to sit in the outdoor deck as the view is beautiful. Their food is excellent, some of the best burgers in the burbs. Staff is friendly and their house beers are solid. The confessional IPA is one of the best local IPAs. Great place to watch sports, eat and drink. If you come here often enough, you may want to consider joining their beer club
(5)Jen R.
WARNING... Use caution when ordering & Eat Responsibly. I ordered WAY too much food. I had to unbutton my pants upon leaving, sit uncomfortably through movie because I was so full, and interrupt the movie (TWICE) to use the facilities because I sampled too many beers. Great beer selection (I LOVE framboise!!!), fantastic fries, juicy, flavorful burger. Delicious apps. Overall, phenomenal experience. The service was outstanding, and our server went beyond! Absolutely would return, despite my inability to stop stuffing my face. Know your limits.
(5)Mike S.
FYI they sell Cheese Curds here (For those who know) and they are the best I've had in IL thus far.
(5)Rob W.
Pizza and burgers are there feature food. I have yet to try the pizza, but burger-wise, I wasn't impressed. Nice presentation, but he presentation isn't where the flavor is at. For all the hype about the burger, I was disappointed. Decent selection of beers. Convenient location for me for many places I go to, but it's just not that good. I might go back there some day, but wouldn't regret it if I don't.
(2)Ryan H.
I have been to The Lucky Monk twice, and both times I had a great time! The first time I went there with my family. I tried all of their craft beers that they make right in the restaurant, some hits and misses. I do have to say that their vienna-style lager, The Fallen Angel, is the best lager I have ever had. It is lighter than most lagers and is not bitter at all! Back to my first time there, I ordered their steak medallions, they were delicious but according the waiter they did not look like they should had. I ate them anyways because they were so good and before I knew it the manager had brought me a whole new plate of steak medallions. That is good service, wanting your customers to have only the best! Before my second time attending I called ahead to speak with the brew master because I was having a party and wanted to order a keg. He suggested a seasonal beer I had never had before so I told him I would come in later that night to taste it along with the original beer I wanted so I could compare the two and decide which would fit best. Well he did one better than that, he personally served myself and a good friend of mine a lot of their craft beer for free, even refilling some of the beers so we could taste them again. Long story short I actually ended up going with his recommendation over my original choice. P.S. Their fish and chips are delicious, tastes very fresh!
(5)Sam M.
Absolutely great burgers, I'm also a big fan of their in-house brewed beers. I was on a business trip to the Barrington area and this place ended up being my nightly stop. Their burgers are top notch and the three different in-house brews I tried were all excellent beers; I highly suggest their stout and IPA, with the stout being my favorite. If you're feeling extra decadent, they have this awesome creation of a burger that has for its bun a pair of bacon stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches. I definitely had an overwhelming feeling of shame and guilt after consuming one of those, but it tasted so good......I want another!! They also have a really good jumbo pepperoni pizza. The peperoni's are about the size of most salami slices and the sauce has just the right mixture of seasonings. As for the waitstaff, they were all absolutely fabulous. I sat at the bar almost every night I went there and they treated me (a tourist of sorts) like a local. I almost forgot, always upgrade your fries to truffle fries, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Ken K.
Met my wife here (when it was Brass) so The Monk will always have a special place....the BEST beer Sampler I ever had, cozy environment, friendly people, good food....it's in our once a month rotation!
(5)Ashley S.
Came here for a friends birthday last Friday night. They had live music, which was pretty good, but the Main Attraction was definitely their "Grilled Cheese Burger!" Oh man, where do I begin...this is a quarter pound, juicy cheeseburger surrounded by two grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with bacon...Not so great on the heart, but amazing on the taste buds!!!!! By far the best cheeseburger I've had! The atmosphere is really cool too, lounge-y, relaxed and the service was fantastic! I will definitely be going back for that burger!
(5)Jason H.
I recently made reservations here for my wife and I, her parents, and my parents. We all arrived in the parking lot only to discover that there was no parking at all! People were driving around like buzzards looking for a spot to park. The only option was valet parking, which apparently uses a separate lot that's for valet only. But that was not an option for me as I drive a sweet sports car, and I'm not going to let anyone drive it but me, so I high tailed it out of there along with my wife and both sets of parents. So anyone with a nice car, has to either bang it out with the other buzzards searching for a spot, or throw chance to the wind and hope the valet guy is nice to your car. Both options suck, and I'm sorry I can't offer any review on the service or food, because the food really looks good here.
(1)Andrew L.
Prices here are a little high for the quality of the food, which wasn't too much of a problem because the ambiance was really nice and our server was spectacular. Soft Pretzel appetizer was THE BOMB, and may have been the highlight of the meal. Well, the highlight of the food part at least. Had three different beers, the only one of which I can remember was their Bourbon Stout. I don't usually enjoy drinking bourbon by itself (I'm lying) or drinking stout by itself (also lying) because both of them have flavors associated with them that make drinking them unpleasant. They mixed the two together, got rid of all the bad, and left only the best of both drinks. The bourbon flavor masked the unpleasant feeling of getting punched in the face most stouts have, and the beer was super smooth. Took a growler of their pilsner home, which was delightfully crisp. Nothing too fancy with the flavors, but a nice flavor, and good drinking. Wish it was closer to home, I've thought about making the drive up a couple of times, but if I'm ever in the area again, I have to stop by for at least a beer.
(4)Tiff B.
I live no where near The Lucky Monk. I mean, it's not even remotely close to any place I ever need to go. Yet I've still made my way there a few times because the burgers and beer are just that good. Get a beer flight, truffle fries and any of their burgers and you'll understand why it's worth a drive from Chicago to South Barrington. Extra points for the super friendly wait staff, tons of tvs near the bar for sports watching and the fact that they take reservations. The hot pretzels and cheese curds (the dipping sauces that come with them are to die for) are pretty amazing too. I've never been disappointed with anything on the menu and their microbrews are unique and really good too.
(5)Dan D.
It's really all about the beer, isn't it? And that is pretty damn good. Had the sampler, and enjoyed all except the pumpkin offering, which wasn't a house brew. The pretzel appetizer was really good, and really BIG. We enjoyed the pizza, too. Expected the sauce to be overly sweet, and was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't. The only real issue we had was that the service seemed a little indifferent, especially considering how few people were there. We'll definitely be back, at least for the beer!
(4)Pierre D.
I've been saying this for a while, it would be great to have a establishment near AMC 30 that is not Millrose Brewery and it's more than an establishment it's a good place and a place I'd return to. First let's start out with the finger food, they have some pretty awesome truffle fries, I recommend to try some. Next, drinks are great, from mixed to beers, they had a very good double bock when I was there, not sure if it's a seasonal . Moving on to main courses the menu seemed to be heavily into the burgers...Kind of a turn off for me but hey if it's your thing cool...I think they have an opportunity to introduce a lot more items there... Lastly, deserts are good, we had a brownie and it was defiantly enough for the two of us. Overall, good place and glad it's here. I'll be back to see the Monk.
(4)R S.
I'm not a beer drinker... Or a drinker of any alcohol for that matter. But my husband is a beer connoisseur. So we went to lucky monk and he loved everything he's tried. I even tried the blueberry cider and the strawberry beer--thoroughly enjoyed them! And we ordered the hot head burger and fries--best burger we have had!!! And the truffle fries? Talk about flavor boost!!! We went on a Saturday night which was a long long wait. Bar was filled, waiting area filled. My only recommendation is for more waiting space or chairs... I understand why the wait is long. The food and drinks are amazing!!! We just need a place to wait before we get a table to order our delicious food. But I highly recommend this place... You cannot go wrong!!! Love the food, love the drinks!
(4)A M.
My wife and I were happy to try The Lucky Monk, since we saw it get good Yelp reviews. TLM brews its own beer and they make great burgers. We recently went and I head the Bay burger with cheese curds and the cardinal sin pilsner beer. The burger was okay, the meat part was cooked excellent and it was juicy. I just expected more out of the accompanying ingredients to make for a great burger. The cheese curds were really good and the beer was excellent. My wife had the bourbon burger with fries. I should have ordered the bourbon burger instead. I just wanted to be different from her. Serves me right for trying to be too adventurous. Definitely would consider coming back.
(4)Kaeley K.
Loved it! Came here with my girlfriends on a Friday after work for dinner & drinks. Food was outstanding! Try the truffle fries! We sat outside on the patio and had a blast. Will definitely be back and have told many friends and family to check it out.
(5)Franklin D.
Quite tasty! A bit on the expensive side ($11 for a burger) but seems like they're using the higer end ingredients ans making everything with a lil extra love, so.... yeah I'll pay a bit extra. Atmosphere is great, soooo many beers listed, food was outstanding. I will be back for sure.
(4)Lindsay M.
My review is based solely on the baby shower that we threw for my sister-in-law because it's actually the only time I have dined here. The management was extremely helpful and gave us a great price on a private room and food. We were able to get pizzas, salad, and other hors d'oeuvres for the ladies to munch on throughout the day. The room was nicely set up and the service was awesome! Everyone had a drink in hand at all times and the servers even helped clean up after games and gifts which I would never expect them to do. Working in a brewery, I am a bit of a beer snob and found their brews to be alright but nothing great. I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is throwing a bridal shower or baby shower. Jorie was the manager in charge and was great!
(4)Elizabeth A.
Smothered Burger is delish. Ask the bartender to make you a sangria, too!
(4)Tom C.
This place is going downhill. I used to come here a lot after it first opened. The food was pretty good but they have changed some of the recipes. Recently my wife had one of the dinner salads and the greens were not fresh. I had a turkey burger which was very average. t came with a plie of cold wilted fries. Ick! I ordered a glass of La Crema Pinot Noir wine. It was $15 a glass. What a rip off! We won't be coming back again.
(1)Chuck G.
The Lucky Monk is a popular and trendy brewery restaurant near a giant movie theater gogo-plex in South Barrington. That is the only thing I don't like about it. It is most crowded based on movie times so beware. The beers are excellent and being both a beer and wine guy, I am surprised at how good the wine list is. The menu is not extensive, but if you know ahead of time that you can basically either get a pizza or a burger with your great beer then that shouldn't be an issue. The pretzel and fried pickles appetizers are probably the two biggest hits. They also offer sandwiches and a couple of fish and pasta dishes. The service is very good. I've been there recently with groups of ten-plus people and both times had no problems with the service. Even at its most busy times the service does not suffer. I recommend reservations on weekend nights after 5pm.
(5)Donna R.
I have found a new obsession and it is the delectable appetizer of Fried Pickles. I know its very Snooki of me, but let me tell you.... these pickles are one of the best things I have ever had. You can taste everything from the flaky batter.. the bitterness of the pickle.. and the awesome chipotle ranch dip. And there was a TON of them. My bf and I were practically full after finishing this feast of fried goodness. OH! And don't let me forget their fantastic aioli dipping sauce for their fries, I could dip anything in that sauce and be happy. I LOVE this place and I'm so glad I gave it another try.
(5)Cathy G.
A couple of my friends and I went to The Lucky Monk before seeing a movie at the AMC Barrington and to celebrate one of my friend's birthdays. Normally we head to Woodfield because of the plethora of great restaurants around there, but the show times there just did not work for us this time. Anyway, one of my friends came up with the Lucky Monk as a dining choice for movie day at AMC Barrington and I'm really glad she did. First of all, it was really difficult to make a choice for lunch because this is one tempting menu. From reading reviews on Yelp we sort of knew we had to try at least one burger and one pizza. One friend and I decided to split these while our other friend, who was trying to eat a little lighter, went for the chicken breast entree. Yowza, this was some seriously good food. The spinach and goat cheese burger was heaven on a bun. It was literally served on a pedestal and deservedly so! Messy, meaty and so delicious. Best burger I have had in a really long time. And the fries were excellent, hot and crispy. Make sure to ask for the aioli dipping sauce (no extra charge). Garlicky and great with the fries. As for pizza, we went for the arugula, proscuitto and potato. Though I had expected the potato to be thin slices, they were actually mashed, making the pizza extra creamy. The crust was thin and crispy and pretty much perfect. And WAY too much pizza for the one serving it claimed to feed. No problems, it heated up like a charm. Excellent flavor, hot, great crust and leftovers too. Who could complain? I did not sample the chicken breast dinner, but my friend said it was very flavorful and moist, and the spoonful, of mashed potatoes I tried were excellent. I have focused on the food, but the service was extremely attentive and friendly, the booths were especially comfy and roomy, and the atmosphere was a nice change from your typical chains. Once you sit at your table, you don't feel rushed and the other tables kind of blend into the background. Great place to hang with friends. Sorry, Woodfield, I'm pretty sure I will be making the Lucky Monk my restaurant of choice for movie day from now on. At least until I try the pretzel appetizers, the chicken wings, the cheese curds,a whole lot of pizzas and burgers....you get the point.
(5)Jackie G.
My new favorite place in the area! I've been here for lunch with a manager, drinks with friends, and a dinner with a guy. It fit all occasions. My manager suggested the place and the pretzel trio appetizer. I've gotten it each time I've gone. You get three large, warm pretzels with three dipping sauces - well, really not sauce - a honey mustard with butter consistency, their tomato bisque, and beer cheese fondue. I highly recommend it! I also got the bourbon burger (messy) and paid a little extra for the truffle fries - both tasted very good. Another time I tried the goat cheese beet salad (only complaint - couldn't find arugula in it the salad!) I've done the beer flight and enjoyed trying their brews. Aside from the fare, I've been pleased with the service each time. I've dined close to closing time and never felt rushed. Also, been with a group of people who just wanted drinks, and the waiter was still friendly and didn't seem to mind that. Servers also haven't minded charging the bill on multiple cards. They play good music and hours are good. I'll be back.
(5)Nichole C.
This is my third visit to The Lucky Monk and I always feel the same when I leave: Full, half-lit, but half-annoyed. Let me explain. I really like the food here. It's traditional American fare with a twist to try and make it 'different' (you know, presentation is contemporary, there is truffle oil and fancy sauces, etc.). I have gotten the burgers twice and the fish and chips once...all are good. I am a big fan of meat coming out the temperature you ask for so that's a plus here. You ask for a medium burger and you shall receive. (Keep that in mind if you are temperature challenged individual. I know you people are out there, now you have fair warning.) I also really like the fries and the fried pickles are delicious (truly, most places have me at "fried pickle"). Beer. Oh man, do I love a good microbrew. I am a HUGE fan of having the crappy beers OFF the tap so the good shit can be had. The Lucky Monk provides. Yes, there is still a pilsner and a couple of low IBU ales for the sissies...no worries. If you enjoy a fuller bodied, malty, or hoppy beer, they have you covered here too. My two faves made in house are the Confessional IPA and the Solitude Stout (NOT THE BOURBON BARREL AGED STOUT THOUGH! That is SERIOUS if you are not a Bourbon fan.) The Confessional IPA is a maltier pale ale with a good hoppy aroma and citrusy hoppy finish. It is stronger so it tastes almost like an imperial, but not as rough. The Solitude is a creamy and dark stout with a strong coffee finish and a nice lacy head. Both are pretty good. I also really like that they have a flight so you can sample each brew to see what you like. The only thing this restaurant has going against it is the wait and the service. You really never know what you are going to get, but the three times I have come here on a Friday or Saturday night they have been packed. Even at 8 or 9 at night. The movie theater is right there, so I am sure that has a lot to do with it. Your best bet is to sit at the bar, at a table around the bar, or in the "living room" and get a cocktail waitress to serve you. My annoyance with the service is that it has never been GREAT. I don't need you to bow down to me or anything, but it would be nice to have someone who a) knows what they are doing/talking about and b) is friendly (I'm looking at you, crabby hostess!).
(4)Paul K.
Beer flight sampler really impressed. Had two appetizers which were outstanding. This is a potential five star when I return for a full dinner. So far, highly recommended!
(4)Meghan T.
Perfect for a date night or with a group of friends. Has a great bar area with enough flat screens to catch a game without an overwhelming sport's bar feel. Out door seating is also great when the weather is nice. The dinning room is lively and has a warm vibe. They also have a good mix of booths versus tables and the host are happy to humor me and my special "short table not high top" request. Service is always friendly and efficient. They're helpful with suggestions and accommodate special orders. Last time I had a gnarly crack in my water glass and my server brought me a free drink on the house. I've only ever had the peppercorn ranch burger when I've been here but I've had a bite of the N'awlins chicken sandwich as well. Both are solid sandwiches and from what it seems are paired with a specialty craft beer from Lucky Monk's brewery. Five stars for cleanliness too! Last time I saw they do a promotion with the AMC located next store so that'd be a fun promo to take advantage of. I always look forward to coming back and am looking forward to visiting in the summer months.
(5)L Z.
I would find it hard to NOT give them five stars because there was nothing bad about our experience (except maybe the calorie intake!). Our server was Andre who was fun, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. We had the Sunrise burger and the King burger ..... WOW! Giant, juicy, cooked to perfection are just a few descriptive terms. The fries are outstanding in their own right. I've never seen such unique, risk-taking, creative burger selections. We'll have to get back and try a few more as well as their pizza.
(5)Ericka L.
Came here with my boyfriend for a late Sunday night dinner and the restaurant was almost empty...no biggie, that means we got faster service and more attention!! For starters, I had a cup of their chili and it was awesome, just as I remembered it (tried at a recent Yelp event), meaty, saucy, and satisfying. For my main course I had the Farmhouse burger that came with cheddar and bacon slices. I chose to add some sliced avocado on top to give it that wonderful creamy texture. The burger was delicious, juicy, and just right in size (I got the 6 oz, as opposed to the 9 oz that my boyfriend got). Don't think a restaurant can really screw up a burger (unless they bring it to me still quivering...then we have problems). I didn't care too much for their fries, but I had enough to focus on already with that fab burger... We also tried the brew sampler which consisted of 6 mini glasses of their best ale. All beer tastes the same to me so, meh...but the BF was impressed and even sent a pic to his friend. Overall, a cool, chill spot that we would keep coming back to. Next time, we'll check out the ambiance at the bar by having a meal/drink there...
(4)Marina M.
Delicious burgers :)
(4)Megan O.
I needed to update my review and share with the Yelpers that the Spinach and Goat Cheese burger is by far one of the BEST burgers I have ever had. The cheese made it so creamy and the garlic infused spinach made it seem like it was healthy... I took a vow to not eat burgers for at least half the year (I mean I don't eat them everyday, I just wanted to see if I could do it), but then realized my love for them is too strong and I couldn't resist deliciousness from Lucky Monk. That burger was worth breaking my vow.
(5)Jane K.
So the night started out: Let's just say its 9:30pm and we had reservations for 8:45 and we are still not seated. What is the point of making reservations? After finally being seated, the night turned for the better. The food was awesome (I recommend their burgers..mmmm) And they make their own beer! (love the strawberry beer they have) waitress was very nice and helpful. I would come back to this place again. I live in Chicago and the drive for me is kinda long so I will be hesitant to make reservations there (hopefully that one time was a not so common issue they have)
(2)Yvette C.
One thing I miss very much from living in the Schaumburg area is my Lucky Monk! Love love love Lucky Monk. Their beers are fantastic, the food is always great & service is super friendly! When I come back to visit I will for sure need to stop in for a Cardinal Sin!
(5)J S.
Went on a Friday night at 6:45pm. Service was horrible. Our server had NO personality and seemed as if we were bothering her by sitting in her section. Went with a group of 6 and told the server ahead of time we would be doing 3 separate checks. For the most part the food was good except I asked for the "Half Chicken: mashed potatoes, bacon cornbread dressing, natural juices". This seemed a relatively healthy option once I substituted the potatoes for veggies with no oil/butter. The dish came out with FRIED chicken and veggies with butter/oil. I asked the server if the menu said "fried" and she said "yes, but in a round about way". What in the description mentions it is fried? A learning experience for me for sure as from now on I will ask specifically how things are prepared if it does not state. But how hard is it to not put butter/oil on veggies? Additionally, when we were closing out the server took FOREVER to bring the bills and she said it was because she had to figure out all the separate bills (we told you in the beginning there would be separate bills). Do it right from the beginning. Will not go back again. Not impressed at all.
(1)dante M.
Keep coming back for a favorite.... Fresh spinach pizza... And very tasty Carne asada tacos..
(4)Andrew M.
Went here for an early dinner with my 6 year old and ex wife who brought her too see me at work. We shared the pretzels - heard they were great and we all concluded that they were indeed fantastic! Good dipping sauce as well. The menu is small but everything looks delicious and our food was no exception. I ordered the Nawleans (sp) Chicken sandwich with parmesan truffle fries. The sandwich was excellent - tender, juicy and full of flavor. The bun was also perfect - soft and warm and just barely able to keep the onion crisps and lettuce in. The fries were okay - nothing to write home about but that is okay because I want to try the sweet potato fries and next time I will - knowing that I am not missing much by passing on the truffle parmesan fries. The ex nabbed some sort of beat salad with arrugala - I am a man so I am not supposed to know the propper spelling of that so who cares? Anyhow according to her it was very good and she did not complain once or send anything back. Our daughter grabbed a simple buttered pasta with parmesan cheese. It was pretty good but hard to mess that one up. The service was excellent. After our water came my ex asked me if I thought the waitress was cute and I said of course. By the end of the meal she had made it evidently clear that she was scoping things out for me that I had to step in and nab the check... Not that there is anything wrong with that but like I said - I'll be back and next time without the ex or my 6 year old ;-)
(4)Keith C.
Great food and drink menu! A perfect place to have dinner before heading to see a movie at AMC Barrington!
(4)Haylee V.
I love this place. The people who work here are so cool and the food is always so good! Their caesar salad is fucking awesome. I cant put my finger on why, but just try it. I go here all the time and never want to order anything else. I also love the chicken chili. Great service, great food, young fun atmosphere, and great location. Love you, Lucky Monk!
(5)Erika S.
It has a cool brewery atmosphere and good food, also conveniently located near the movie theater. The service is definitely the downfall for this place. We have been here several times on different days of the weekend different times of day and the service is always lackluster. Hostesses are less than attentive and on occasion, rude, as if you are bothering them by coming in. Servers are just ok. They take orders and bring food but no real effort to make it a great guest experience. We come back for the food and beer and just deal with the rest.
(3)Mary B.
I really don't have anything bad to say about this place. I had the BEST pineapple steak tacos I've ever had here and for that, I suppose I'm giving it five stars. I've been here three times. The first time was to get a little drunk before the midnight show of Thor (which was awesome by the way) and then the other two times I had dinner here. I have yet to be disappointed by their food or beverages. I believe I had some sort of fish the first time. Tilapia maybe? Sure. Regardless, I remember liking it. My brother, sister and mom said all of their food was satisfactory too. My brother is big into the craft brews so he was a tad nitpicky about their beer. I don't really know what I'm talking about when I discuss beer but I tried a few and I didn't mind them at all! The third time is when I had those amazing pineapple steak tacos. I was there for a friends birthday and with all boys. They ALL ordered the grilled cheeseburger. They later gave me crap for being the only one who didn't order it but I'm sorry, when I see pineapple and steak together? I just go for it. The boys were all very pleased with their burgers and ate the entire thing. It was actually super impressive considering the burgers are definitely not small. Basically they have a great menu. It'd be hard for you to not choose something from it. There has got to be at least something on there! It's a tad pricy but I think you really get your money's worth when you go there. The service was great too! Very friendly! I plan on stopping by more... be it dinner or pregaming before a movie!!
(5)Gate K.
nice place
(4)Rosa D.
Love love love the patio. Soooo cute!!! I can't wait to go back and eat again or just go for drinks!!! They have a two story deck overlooking a pond which includes a seating area with a fire pit. It's great! Food was really good. Had the chopped salad with a few substitutions, which was great because there was no hesitation from the waitress! I am picky sometimes and they were great to switch cheeses and dressings etc We also had margherita pizza!! It was pretty yummy! And I am a pizza fanatic!!!! My Italian off the boat mother even liked it!! I am def going back and have to order a burger. Other tables around me did and they looked Ahhmazing!!!!
(5)Peter R.
After reading the good reviews on the Yelp Brew n' Burgers Elite Event, I had to give this place a try. This place is right by the AMC 30 South Barrington which makes it easy to find. We came in on a early Saturday afternoon because I was in the mood for a good burger. The space has a very nice layout. When you walk in, there is a lounge area straight ahead, the bar area to the right, and the dining area to the left. It has a very pleasant vibe inside, and the booths are plenty comfy. Our server Nicholas gave us the lowdown on The Lucky Monk, telling us that they specialize in burgers, and thin crust pizza (NYC style). This place gave me the impression that it would be a good place to go after work to grab some "brew n' burgers" (get it???...oh you crazy Elite Yelpers and your titles for events). I perused the menu and decided on the 9 oz. Farmhouse burger, because it had BACON in it. It's a fact that the word "Bacon" is the most beloved word in the English dictionary...go ahead look it up. There was plenty of burger choices, and also a good variety of pizza and appetizers. Oh, I almost forgot...I ordered a cup of the "Brew Pub Chili" and two words come to mind. "HOT" and "DAMN." Yea, it was that good. OK, back to the main course. The chef recommends the burgers ordered medium, and I think the chef knoweth what he thinketh. The burger was very good, it was juicy, and made my taste buds tap dance with joy! The fries are adequate, but the burger made me do a double fist pump. I will have to try the other burgers at this place, but we are off to an excellent start. I can imagine the potential of a place like this. It's a brewery, and they have 6 house brews, which I didn't get to sample...but I will. They are basically banking on three things that people love to eat/drink. Burgers, Pizza, and beer. I say they formulated a good plan. The execution is good, and only time will tell if this place can thrive. Give this place a try next time you head over to AMC 30 South Barrington. Come for the Burgers, pizza and beer...stay for the movie.
(4)June P.
For me, this four-star rating means that I would go back to this place over and over and it would be worth it every time, but it's not one of my all-time favorites (my five-star ratings are few and far between). For me, the Lucky Monk is the quintessential upscale-ish bar. The environment is casual yet clean and inviting, and I can always expect quality, satisfying meals when I go. The Lucky Monk's menus is full of your all-American classics, some with a few trendy twists (think sweet potato fries and prosciutto-wrapped scallops) and some that are true classics/staples (think margherita pizza and a good selection of burgers). The pizzas have great fire-baked flavor and the burgers are interesting yet not overly fanciful. The menu also includes a few random toss-ins, such as an al pastor pizza, wisconsin cheese curds, and butternut squash ravioli (my girlfriend was in heaven with this dish). The service is great, and the food is always good. It's a great place for a casual dinner, and many are drawn in by the beer selection (take home a growler!) With generous portions and reasonable prices, the Lucky Monk is a great local joint for American cuisine.
(4)Debbie F.
Had a wonderful dinner with friends on the patio! Great service and very good food! Burgers were great! Everyone was very happy with their food choices. Inside, the restaurant had a great casual but upbeat vibe. Went for the outside dining experience but will definitely be back in the colder months for the food, service and atmosphere indoors!
(4)Cindy E.
I have been back to Lucky Monk five times since my initial review and I have been pleased more and more each time!! They have changed their menu a bit, have added a couple more burgers & upscale pizzas as well as more taco options & a couple appetizers! I've now had the spinach and goat cheese burger, which is messy but amazing!! I have also tried the whipped goat cheese appetizer which is just phenomenal! My favorite pizza, which was added when they changed their menu, is the short rib and farm egg pizza, I can't even find words to tell you how good it is, just try it, trust me you won't regret it! My mom had the short rib pasta as last time we were there & it was out of this world! The service continues to be impeccable and I've really yet to be disappointed by any experience I've had here! Do yourself a favor and try The Lucky Monk!
(5)Christina F.
This is a go-to lunch spot for coworkers and me. It's got good food, decent prices, fast service and a great outdoor patio to eat on. Did I mention they have a great selection of beer? That too. My favorite things to eat there include fried pickles served with a yummy sauce, parmesan truffle fries and their salads are huge and delish! I've never had a bad experience at The Lucky Monk. Definitely give it a try if you're in the area.
(4)G E.
Everything I have had there has been good. The burgers and fries are excellent, but the best thing on the menu is there fish and chips.
(5)M. H.
There is NOTHING on this menu that you WON'T like! The food, atmosphere ... beer ... mmmm beer. For those who aren't beer lovers - their beer will certainly change your mind! The service unfortunately is a little lacking in more ways than one: the servers generally forget about you and/or are slow and the hostesses are bland and snobby. And if it's a rainy day, or you are wearing really high heels - opt out - because you'll end up parking far away at the movie theatre (parking is lacking). But then again, it's worth the walk. Truthfully though, that would generally bother me a lot, but the food and atmosphere make up for that beyond a doubt! Everything from the appetizers (I swear they spike the dips and sauces with something ... because they are so delicious) to the burgers and entrees to the heavenly desserts - you will be sure to leave with a smile on your face (and perhaps some food still in the corner of your mouth). The Lucky Monk is a great place to be. All you need is a little patience (and perhaps someone to drop you off at the front door so you don't have to walk forever).
(4)L H.
If you enjoy a bad hostess, bad managment and your dinner and conversation with the table next to you, then this place is for you. Seating is over capacity and food subpar
(1)Russ W.
Literally no parking. We parked on the lawn and walked. Food was A-ok. I was hoping for more, but I thought the Friday's Jack Daniels burger actually had more flavor than mine did. This is not a "regular" spot to eat by a stretch. It made for a great date night or special occasion but I don't know if we'd fight for a parking spot again to come back. btw...The side salad was great and the beer was tasty, I had the spinach and goat cheese burger which was ok. Give it a whirl.
(3)Katelyn C.
Four stars, because 'Yay! I'm a fan"!!! I do love the burgers here and everything about the place is just cool, calm, and fun for a quiet date. I really can not remember one thing I loved, or hated about the place, so this is going to be a short review. Definitely worth a try though.
(4)Al C.
Love this place! The best burgers and microbrews in town. Get the Goat Cheese as an appetizer!
(4)Richard C.
good food, good service, ok-price. but i had a bad experience with this place with food i had soggy fries and too much fat on pork. otherwise other food we had were pretty good. i hope my experience was just one time. but price is ok, food tasted homemade, beer was good recommended to try out for yourself. ----EDIT----- i think i was drunk when i wrote this review. this place has REALLY GOOD pizza and decent selection of beer - if i remember correctly. fancy-looking restaurant with good food that are not too pricey. overall, i will come here for both casual date or get-together to get drunk with friends.
(4)Gino D.
3 time and still a charm!!!! I at Lucky Monk again tonight with the family. The kids and wife really enjoy the food. Parents, they do a great job with kids menu and give the kids some carrots and a cookie at the end.It is a nice touch. The food is very good and the service is great. All three times have been outstanding.
(4)Paula D.
LOOOOOOOOOVE this place! Been there many times. Food is excellent. Everything I've ever ordered was so good. The ambiance is lovely and the staff is very friendly! Lastly, the martinis are AWESOME! Enjoy........ Cheers!
(5)Scott T.
this is one of the best places in the Chicago area. Pizza is out of this world!!! atmosphere is wonderful outside and in and the bartenders are courteous. a must stop while in Hoffman Estates. ask for Rose.
(5)William L.
Very accommodating with gluten preferences. I had an open faced "Hot-Head" burger over a bed of Truffle Fries and it was delicious. The pomegranate Margarita was sweet as they come. The rest of the gluten free alcohol options were average with options like Redbridge and Cider. The server brought me a burger with a bun at first, but it was likely my fault for not speaking up more audibly. Would rate 5 out of 5 if the owners picked up a package of Udi's gluten free buns, it'd make a world of difference for your obviously burger - centric menu!
(4)Dawn M.
Hubby came and took me out to lunch from work - so headed over here, since friend had recently tried and liked it. (Does that mean this review is 2 for 1?) Interior was attractive. Stuff on the table is minimalist - so no visual distractions with mustard/ketchup bottles etc., and it works. Feels very clean - like a monastery. (Condiments are served with each meal, on the side.) This is a micro-brewery, so of course hubby had to try a beer - it was good. Looking forward to going back sometime when I don't have to return to the office and can have more than a sip of hubby's drink. Had burgers - yummy. Comes on a 1" mini platter, and the burger itself is tall - so presentation is great. (You may want mentally prepare yourself for getting messy! My fingers were covered in burger drippings - needed wipes or something.) :-) Fries were great. High praise here - but they were possibly even better than McDonalds. (Gasp! Did I just say that? Do you know how much I crave McDonalds french fries, my guilty pleasure?) Truly, they were good. Limited menu - basically burgers and pizza - so if you aren't happy with one of the other, go someplace else. (I think the menu is perfect - focused on what they are good at.) Wait staff were great - cheerful, helpful, prompt and friendly. Proximity to the movie theater means, as long as they continue to provide a good product, they've got a great audience. (Get it - movie theater, audience...) Should be able to get lunch crowd from surrounding areas, and then before/after movie crowd too. All in all a good experience. Would I recommend: Yes Would I return: Yes - looking forward to trying more of their brews, and their pizza next time.
(4)Stretch M.
My wife and I dined there recently and among other things ordered the tomato basil soup and a Caesar salad. The soups arrived and we quickly noted that both servings were tepid. Our waiter returned with the now hot soups saying "someone must have turned the heat down". OK, mistakes happen but then my wife's Caesar salad arrived and the salad was room temperature and the romaine lettuce was bitter and rancid. The waiter initially explained that the salad was warm because the soups had to reheat. Hmmmm. That in no way justified the temperature of the salad. If the salad had been left out over night it could not have been warmer. Our waiter informed us that the salad preparer had been chastised and the duty manager notified. It seemed to us that the manager could have put in an appearance, but that did not happen. I can understand an establishment could have an off day but serving a rancid salad indicates a systemic issue. We are fortunate in having a diverse selection of above average restaurants in the area and therefore will not be returning to "the unlucky Monk".
(1)Jenny S.
Went here last night. I give it 5 starts because of the Sweet Potatoe Fires. WOW. So good lol. I want to go back to get more!! The burger was also exceptional. I got the Bourbon. HUGE portion. I only ate half!
(5)Anna V.
I organized a surprise birthday party for my husby, and I decided to have it at the Lucky Monk, since he was golfing in South Barrington. I was really impressed with the interior, service, and food. I expected it to be a typical and casual bar food kind of place, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to reserve the Abbey Room, which is really spacious and modern. They have unique light fixtures that randomly hang from the ceiling creating a really cool effect. Also plenty of seating and a lot of room for set up, (we were expecting around 30 ppl). The servers (I forget their names) were super accommodating, and helped with the timing of everything for the surprise. I was able to bring in our own special cake, and our ipod to hook up to their sound system in the room. They also had a flat screen tv that was playing ESPN for the guys. The food was delicious, they brought out these awesome pretzels with various dipping sauces, and truffles fries. I had the burger which was very flavorful and everyone else was really happy with their choices. I would definitely come back, and hopefully check out their patio in the back. Thanks to Lucky Monk for helping me surprise my husby!
(5)Shaun S.
Overall pretty good. The burger was pretty good, not the best ever but definitely above average. There was a small side if fries which still left me hungry enough to get the pretzel which was very good. I got an amber ale which was very good also.
(4)Mae H.
We've been here a handful of times. They never disappoint, we've always been given amazing service, food has always been good! I won't lie, I was a little worried about even going there, due to the last restaurant that use to be there. (Bad service, even worse food, very dirty!!) We were very surprised! They have plenty of seating, both inside and outside, you don't feel like you are sitting on top of the table next to you. Very, Very clean, knowledgeable staff. They know their beers. We've had everything from, a pizza, burger, to fired pickles (our favorite) , to a double fudge brownie. We were there the other night with friends, it was clearly closing time. Like most places, the staff, will try anything, to get you go to go, instead, she told us to take our time, and asked if we wanted another round. We sat next to the fire, chatting, around good food, and good drinks. Very laid-back, nice atmosphere. OK, I know this is a little crazy, however; I often judge a place by their bathrooms. This place has some of the cleanest, nicest bathrooms, I've seen in sometime. We were there for about 3-4 hours, I saw someone in there, cleaning, re-stocking, 3 different times. I was impressed! Age group is very wide spread. My boyfriend is obsessed, when it comes to the type of beer he will drink, he loves pretty much every single beer, they brew there. I'm a snot when it comes to the type of wine I drink, I was just a little disappointed, when I saw one of my Favorite wines...was now $10 a glass. Only one downfall, and it's very small, downfall. I wish they had a larger variety of pizza toppings. . Otherwise, we love the place. Not one single thing.
(4)Maria R.
"What Maria Did This Summer" Series Review TWO! :) ----- The Lucky Monk, what can I say about this restaurant smack dab next to the AMC South Barrington 30 theaters. This restaurant used to be a similar-themed craft brew-pub type restaurant before, but I do not recall the name. The Bronze something or other....anyway, I digress! The current restaurant, The Lucky Monk, is your typical, trendy craft beer, burger, and pizza pub(oh, they have wine too, btw!) with fairly typical, but unique pub fare on the menu. We first went here after, you guessed it, seeing a movie at the AMC South Barrington theaters. It was date night for my husband and I and it was late and they were open. We had wanted to try this place ever since the restaurant changed from its previous incarnation to this one. We were seated almost immediately as it was towards the end of their day. The dining areas were full of dark woods, which I love, and spacious booths. They had a few TVs, but not a whole lot to take away from the casual, yet trendy atmosphere. There was quite a selection and my husband tried one of their craft beers, which he enjoyed quite a bit. Then, he had another beer, also good. I'm not a craft beer or wine gourmand, but it seems if you really enjoy craft beer, you'll enjoy coming to The Lucky Monk. We started off with the White Truffle-Parmesan Fries, naturally! I love me some truffly-cheesy goodness! :9 OMG they were soooo good, but quite filling! :) They have a fair number of other unique appetizers like the Shrimp and Grits, Wild Mushroom Risotto, and Pickle Fries. Oh, I gotta try the pickle fries next time, they are apparently pretty awesome! My husband had their Hot Head burger, which is apparently pretty popular, it has pepperjack cheese, lettuce, jalapeno-tomato pico, and chipotle ketchup. It is kind of a messy burger, but the presentation is quite awesome as the burger it placed upon a wooden pedestal as if you must bow to it and go "We're not worthy to consume you, oh almighty burger of awesome!" :) I had their Fish 'N' Chips because I was not in a "burger mood" It was crispy, not too greasy and you got more than enough fish for a meal and leftovers. Since we had fries for an appetizer, my husband opted for a side of broccoli and I went for their Wild Mushroom Risotto. I was expecting a creamy, mushroomy-cheesy goodness that is the risotto I love, but was kinda let down with a not-so-cheesy and bland mushroom flavor. Suffice to say, I did not order that the second time I went. Service was pretty quick at this time of the night and the noise levels were quiet. Fast-forward to yesterday, our second time to The Lucky Monk, and this time WITH KIDS IN TOW! The place was PACKED, lots of cars in the parking lot, it was Saturday Night at about 7:30pm...PRIME dinner hour. We THOUGHT we were going to have to wait at least 30minutes to an hour, but we ended up only waiting about 10 minutes. Awesome! We were seated right away and had our orders taken pretty readily by our server. The Lucky Monk was a bit louder than the last time, naturally, and a lot more busy! We started off our meal with one of their Appetizer Specials, Fresh Guacamole with Chips. When it came out, it was probably 15-18 chips with a small taco salad bowl of guacamole in the middle. Nicely presented and it was a good portion that would not overfill us. The guacamole was good too! The kids had the chicken fingers and fries and the pasta with tomato sauce. My daughter kept complaining it was cold, but I didn't think it was. The kids chicken fingers were apparently pretty good since my son ate them all, which is not typical for him. The kids meals had a "appetizer" of about 5 baby carrots and a small bowl of ranch to dip them in. Nice healthy touch, sadly, my kids didn't go for it, so, my husband and I ate the carrots and ranch dip instead. :) I ordered the Farmhouse Burger this time around with a fried egg on top with the White Truffle-Parmesan Fries as an upgrade to their regular hand-cut fries. My husband ordered the Hot Head Burger again with the White Truffle Parmesan Fries upgrade as well. All the food was awesome. Again, the burgers were a bit messy, and I ended up having to ditch the bun as 1/2 lb of burger meat is NO JOKE! :) BUT, it was very yummy and nicely presented! The white truffle parmesan fries on the side were not as spectacular as they were in their appetizer form...hmm, need more truffle and parmesan? Yes, please! The kids' meals had a cool dessert that came with the meal, a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie and a small glass of white milk with a little dish of chocolate syrup to use to make the milk chocolate and/or to dip the chocolate chip cookie into for more added chocolatey goodness! Kids enjoyed themselves quite a bit....ate most if not all their meals. Overall, it was a good meal out with the family. Would I go again? You bet!
(4)Dale R.
Not often 5-Stars come around for me. But I really enjoyed this place. All the beers were great from the sampler, some just not to my liking. I'm not into bitter hoppy beers. He Weiss beer may have been my favorite, Monks Choice and Oatmeal stout were pretty good. For Dinner I had The King. I've had a similar burger named after Elvis and this was one was right there with it. What a great different kind of burger... You might thing gross peanut butter and banana on a burger? Don't knock it until you've tried it! Their fried pickles are some of the best I've had anywhere.
(5)Juan G.
While working for a week in Schaumburg I made a visit to The Lucky Monk. Walked in and was promptly greeted by the hostess. Took a seat at a high table near the bar. My server greeted me (He resembled Jason Segal by the way) and I had already seen the menu online so I knew what I was looking for. HOWEVER. I was sadly disappointed when I went to order a beer. They said due to a busy week they didn't have any of their beer available. Only one. I opted for what they had. I was slightly disappointed. But nevertheless IF I ever make it back out to Illinois, I will stop by and give it another try
(3)Liz G.
This place is delicious! I planned a party of 20 for a Friday night, and they were extremely accommodating! They were able to seat everyone at one table, provide separate checks and had multiple wait staff helping our group. The food and drinks were wonderful! We had a great time. Thank you, Lucky Monk!
(5)Kristyn L.
The fish tacos. Get the fish tacos. Perfectly crisp, right amount of toppings, I think it comes with 5 or 6(?) perfectly bite sized tacos. In love, one of my new favorite places for tacos, and that's saying a lot
(5)Stephanie L.
I've eaten a lot of burgers in my life and these are easily some of the best. They are always so juicy and flavorful. I'm glad the patty melt is now a full time option instead of a lunch specialty. The only issue I've ever had here is that the water tastes funny. Even the pop does because of this.
(5)Matthew M.
The burgers, twisted chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries are all very good. Solid 4 stars. I'm not a huge fan of their beers. Although I wouldn't necessarily take my advice on that. I'm a food expert, not a beer sommelier. I'm usually very disappointed by craft breweries/gastropubs food. I almost always find the food to be way over rated. This isn't the case at The Lucky Monk.
(4)Renaud S.
Had quick lunch here with colleagues and we had a great time! I had the Macadamia Crusted Tilapia, which tasted absolutely wonderful. The fish was ideally cooked, crunchy on the top, and the caramelized bananas were delicious. The Bourdon and Stout Glazed Chicken looked very good as well. For drinks, we just had their beer sampler, which gives a nice overview of different beers they have, all being very tasty of course. Nice staff as well. Great food experience!
(4)Mary H.
We wanted to go beer tasting and have lunch so we decided to try this place. It's big, spacious, with plenty of parking. They had numerous tasting sizes to fit your mood. The beer was good and the menu had a nice variety of options. I went with the steak mini tacos... They looked sooo good. But they were sooo salty! It made me drink my beer faster along with a couple glasses of water. The calamari was crispy and just as salty. I guess that was the going theme of our lunch. Staff was friendly and attentive. Maybe it was my food choice.. I would try this place again, later...
(3)Katie Y.
The hostess staff ruined my surprise party! My family and I enjoy the food at Lucky Monk, so that was why I decided to host my husband's surprise 40th birthday party here. I was in communication w/the event coordinator, but there was a definite communication break down w/the rest of the staff. The 3 hostesses had no idea that my party was a surprise even though they should've known. They proceeded to ask my husband (guest of honor) if he wanted to go back to the party room. After I quickly shooed my husband to take my son to the bathroom, I told the hostesses about their mistake. All 3 hostesses looked freaked out and muttered apologies. I asked the hostesses to please bring my husband back to the party room after he came out of the bathroom, but then none of them were to be found leaving my husband and son to just wander back to party room on their own. Even after their blunder, no manager ever came to find me to discuss the staff's oversight. I know the manager knew about the blunder because the manager told the event coordinator what happened and the event coordinator told me the next day when I called to complain. The food was delicious, and the 2 waiters that served during the party were nice and attentive. However, the waiters over charged me for the wrong party package, so now I have to go back to sign for my credit card refund. The room was freezing and I asked for the temperature to be raised but the room never warmed up while we were eating our tiny portions of the $2 upgraded ice cream cake. Overall, I would still go back for the food, but if you're looking for a place to host a SURPRISE birthday party, I would try elsewhere. **update, 2 star review dropped to 1. I spoke w/general manager who was apologetic, but left a real bad taste in my mouth w/ his antagonizing comments. Tips for general manager...1) learn customer service! Your employees messed up. Don't make the customer feel like crap by insinuating that I would use employees names unfairly in a yelp review...I don't roll that way. 2) don't antagonize me by saying you were hoping "we could've worked something out before" I wrote a review. I didn't call to get a free gift card; I called bc your guys messed up and you didn't initiate a call to apologize. 3) don't give excuses and tell me my party is no more important than any of the other parties that have been at your restaurant. When anyone spends hard earned money for a party, that person has every right to expect that their party is a priority for that day and time. Needless to say, I'm very disappointed by this whole situation, and I will NEVER patron this restaurant again!!
(1)Abraham K.
My previous experience at Lucky Monk was better than when I went there the other day. The service was on point. Our waitress was funny, informative, and met all our needs. But as for the food, it didn't really leave anything special behind. Your typical restaurant I guess, I would recommend trying White Chocolate instead. I remember last time visiting here feeling happy and satisfied, now leaving here thinking man what happened. I ordered the Margarita Pizza. The taste of this pizza seems lower than Mariano's Margarita Pizza. However, the donuts redeemed the place. I remember last time I visited it was superb, and again they were on point. I would recommend getting the donuts.
(3)Tim W.
Oops, don't take it personal by only getting three stars and not five. The ambience of this place is great. Decour is nice. Beer selection is good. As well for the mixed drink list. Staff welcoming and friendly. But the food was not something to really brag about. My burger was a bit on the salty side. The sweet potato fries not the best I've ever had. Cheese curds good. Truffle fries 50/50, pickle chips - different. Steak tacos - ok. So the only thing I can say is that I am glad I stopped by and tried this place. I cannot really say I will be returning. because it wasn't the most appealing to my taste buds. But to each its own. Would not steer anyone away from trying this at least once.
(3)Sandra Y.
Went here today with some family & friends for dinner for my grandma's bday. We ordered Moscow mules & monk-aritas. The Moscow mules were ok, nothing special. The monk-arita was better. For appetizers, we had cheese curds & calamari. Both were hot & fresh & good. For entrees, we ordered a grilled cheese burger, n'awlins chicken sandwich, a patty melt, & 2 BBQ burgers. Everyone said their burgers/sandwich/melt were good. I ordered the grilled cheese burger, per the server's recommendation. It was ok. I guess I expected more considering it sounded so amazing on the menu. I liked that it had pieces of bacon in the grilled cheese & then in the actual burger. My biggest problem was that I ordered it medium rare & it was almost completely well done. Not good esp since the server suggested med rare over rare, saying that they do it really well here... Still, I had a good time here. The place is lovely, the food is decent, the server was nice. I just wasn't that happy with my burger. Everyone else liked theirs, so maybe it was just mine. I think I'd still come back though. It's cleverly located right next to AMC movie theater so it's easy to come grab dinner & watch a movie after :)
(3)Megan Z.
I've always love a fresh, hand-packed, juicy burger. Cooked to a juicy medium rare. There is nothing better than an ice cold micro-brew with said burger. If you're looking for craft burgers and micro-brew beers, this is the place for you. The Lucky Monk offers an expansive menu of burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and signature entrees. I always come here for their excellent craft burgers and brewed in-house beers! The atmosphere in the restaurant is very modern and contemporary. However, don't feel out of place, it is VERY comfy and intimate. The bar area is excellent to catch the game. However, I prefer the spacious and comfy booth! We started off with an order of their Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The curds were plated elegantly with a tomato-marinara and a slightly spicy chili aioli. The breading seasoned, robust, and light. The cheese inside was melty and gooey! To quench our thirst, we ordered the Confessional IPA. It had a spicy kick with accents of refreshing citrus. The large glass runs about $5.50. Totally worth it for the price. The quality is impeccable. Service here is top-notch. Our server, Donato V. did an excellent job recommending meal items, as well as the excellent IPA. They truly take customer service here to a whole new level. We were able to space our order out and never felt rushed. Next, we decided to both order a craft burger. Their burger selection is top-notch and you can customize the burger exactly how you want it. You have a choice of a sesame seed bun, brioche bun, or dark rye bread. The cheese selection is wonderful as well. Tillamok Cheddar, Gruyere, Merkts Cheddar, and Pepperjack are among the choices. You can add a fried egg, avocado, whatever your heart desires! They have an excellent patty melt, (will try next visit) as well as a burger where the buns are TWO bacon grilled cheeses! The burgers are served on a neat pedestal, showcasing the true beauty of a fresh, craft burger! The hand-cut fries are hands down the best I've had! You simply can't go wrong! If you thought I was done, think again! I knew I had to order dessert when Donato recommended the House-Made Sticky Donuts! They come out piping hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar. The donuts are glazed in a sweet, delicious glaze. With the donuts, you are treated to a raspberry, caramel, and chocolate dipping sauce. They are sinfully delicious and well worth saving room for! I can't wait to come back to try out the highly recommended "Don't Call Me" patty melt and the fresh, hand battered fish and chips! Unlike other places, they don't use frozen fish! The Lucky Monk prides itself on fresh, never frozen meats and fish. Additionally, none of their items are "pre-made" or frozen. This is as good as it gets folks! If you love their beer, they have a little cooler filled with beer to take home! If you want excellent burgers, beer, and ambience...check it out for yourself! You will not be disappointed!
(5)Andrea H.
I really just love this place! First of all it's super close to my work so it's convenient, but even if it wasn't I would come here as much as I could! It's just a nice, well managed restaurant. I've been here more than 5 times and the food has always been great and I've always gotten a beer or cocktail and haven't been disappointed. Every waiter and waitress I've had has been knowledgable and patient and they seem to actually like their jobs which I feel like makes all the difference in your experience anywhere. The Parmesan truffle fries are awesome, burgers are huge and served on this platter that makes them look even bigger! It's a little terrifying till you realize that it's not that humongous haha I've had people ask me what's good place for a date, or for a group or to grab a drink or good for families and I've recommend The Lucky Monk every time for all those occasions. It's a well rounded restaurant. Had a great experience at the bar the other night too! Our bartender was really nice to my friend and I. The bar had slowed down at that point so there wasn't much excitement happening so it was good to have a server that made us feel welcome! Keep up the good work, I'll be back soon! On busy nights though, make a reservation. This is a good restaurant and it shows, don't get angry when they tell you it's a two hour wait and you couldn't take the time to make a phone call. Quality is worth waiting for!
(5)Edward P.
Food is great. Been here plenty of times now. The parking lit is always packed so if you have a reservation show up extra early just to park. I thought a $2 upcharge for coleslaw instead of fries was ridiculous, i think for another $2 you should get both. Doesn't make sense, honestly plating coleslaw in a side dish can't be more labor then deep frying fries.... Anyways, the drinks aren't very good and mixed drinks are pretty weak. Lots of beers on menu not in stock. If you got a lot of $ to blow go for it. Patty melt & ribs are awesome & that pretzel app is delicious too. But seriously for $75 for 2 people its a little ridiculous for not even getting desert.
(3)j s.
I really don't want to give this place 2 stars but I need to. Came here one night with my boyfriend we made reservations since they are almost needed, it's a popular restaurant. We decided to go with the burgers since that's what they are known for. I had a bbq burger which was great however, my boyfriend had the two grilled cheese burger which sounded good BUT sadly he got food poisoning from it. it was a upsetting night a few hours later for him. For that reason they only get two stars.
(2)Somchai S.
Some been here twice now and enjoy the ambience. But I think the food is good, had the bbq salmon and Margarita pizza. My favorite thing is the fried pickles. The service could be better. The last time we went our waitress was less than attentive and she also spilled sauce on my friend. She was not very apologetic for it either.
(4)Sarah H.
Just visited for the first time last Friday. Fantastic! The trio appetizer was fantastic & I'd like to go back and order that as my meal. Our waitress was great (can't say the same for the ditz who seated us...she asked if we wanted any kids menus, we said 1, she turned to grab one, but somehow never left it on the table?).
(4)Christina L.
I came here on a Saturday night with my bf. We arrived at 5:30 and waited about 20 minutes. We already knew what we wanted and ordered the Trappist trio, beer cheese soup, monk burger, and poutine fries. First off, our appetizer came within 4 minutes which was kind of suspicious considering how packed the place was. My boyfriend, who is in the restaurant business, explained exactly how he thought the appetizer was under a heat lamp for quite some time. The cheese curds were not chewy and the fries were drenched in truffle oil. The burger was pretty good but the bacon was hard and reminded me of a dog treat. The soup was not what we were expecting and rather disappointing. We didn't even bother dessert because this place was just an overall disapointment. The good reviews are definitely for the beer selection.
(3)Ryne R.
Great atmosphere. The food is good. The fried pickles, pretzel trio, hummus are all great apps. The fish tacos were greatness. The nwaulins chicken doesn't disappoint. You can add all the fixings to your burger or sandwich. The beers are good. This place is just a fun time.
(5)Amanda O.
The Lucky Monk is a great place to stop before or after a movie for some good eats and a cold beer. They can get pretty crowded on the weekends and parking will be a challenge. You should be good if visiting during the week though. My friend and I were seated at a table in the bar area. I was going through a healthy kick at the time I visited so I ordered a Waldorf Salad (but not before munching on some cheese curds - not exactly healthy). The Waldorf Salad was actually amazing and the blueberry cider I had (they had it in tap at the time that I visited) was surprisingly great. So catch an early movie and head to the Lucky Monk!
(4)Anita M.
Friendly & quick service. The waitress explained that everything on the menu is fresh and made from scratch. Our table of 7 ordered a variety of foods. Pizza- thin crust, hand-tossed, homemade sauce- very good! Burgers were huge! 100% Angus beef, delicious! Steak tacos had just the right amount of spice. Fish sandwich was white cod fried to golden brown. All good. Hope to come back when we're back in town.
(4)Tyson T.
A family member recommended this place after spending the day near the Schaumburg area. Unfortunately, the food/beer was just average and no better than a RAM. The white truffle parmesan fries were just ok (needed more cheese). I was a bit disappointed in my burger since they promote themselves as a "burger specialty destination". I ordered the Smokin Daddy BBQ and while it had decent flavor, the patty tasted no better than the frozen section at your local grocery store. They get additional points for service since the waitress was extremely friendly, kept our drinks filled and brought a chocolate desert for our son's birthday at no charge. I probably would not go back.
(3)Nic Z.
Lucky Monk, I am a fan! The place has a great vibe and is full of life, lots of seating, and an even more expansive menu. Good luck choosing! We sipped on a Moscow Mule and Monk's Island Punch (essentially a mai tai) and ordered the Chicken Poblano Chili and Santa Fe Chicken Salad. All of it was great. Had we not been completely stuffed (late brunch the day after Thanksgiving...smart), there were a dozen other items calling our names; pizza, sandwiches, and the Pretzel Platter which also happened to land on a neighboring table... Hello! Three pretzels the size of our heads would be a chore, though, haha. I can easily see myself coming back and this being a 5. (I like to reserve my 5 star reviews for places that consistently deliver excellence or truly blow me away.) P.S. This is yet another restaurant where OpenTable failed me. It showed the earliest opening as 7:30, so we went without making a reservation thinking we'd just sit by the bar until we got a table. Lo and behold, we were seated without a wait upon arriving at 5:45 (Friday night) and the place was 1/3 empty.
(4)Christina S.
I have been wavering between 3 and 4 stars for The Lucky Monk. To be fair, if I was a beer aficionado, I'd probably be more definitive in my rating. But for now, it's really a 3.5. I don't think everything is a winner, and last visit, the server seemed a little surly (we all noticed). But typically, our servers have been friendly and knowledgable in the past. I do love the ambiance. It's a large restaurant with a nice aesthetic, and can be kind of romantic at night with it's dim lighting. ;) The food is mostly hit, but there have also been some misses for me. The truffle fries and cheese curds are delicious. I have a harder time turning down the fries than the curds, surprisingly. They used to have a ratatouille dip appetizer served with flat bread, a favorite of mine, but they have taken it off the menu, disappointing. The burgers are pretty solid. Juicy and thick, and always mouthwatering. Salads are good but nothing special in my experience. What I found soooo delicious, and it will be hard for me not to order it again (carbs), was the beer-braised short rib pappardelle. So freaking good! They are somewhat light on the meat (which is ok by me), and it's $17 which seems a tad overpriced a la carte, but man is it good. Perfectly cooked, cascading, delicate pasta, yummy sauce. It's surprisingly light, though I purposely only ate half. #willpowertested My biggest complaint is the pricing I think. One night I spent $50 for an app, hot toddy type cocktail, my pasta entree, and a side salad. Only the pasta was a standout. I don't know, maybe I'm cheap but I wasn't wowed so it's hard to justify the cost. But, The Lucky Monk is just a fun destination for me. My friends and I always look forward to going and trying out different menu items. The burgers are for sure the highlight for most people. But I will dream of that pasta for quite some time...
(4)Peter N.
The Lucky Monk has a great atmosphere. As soon as you walk in, you can see the lounge area's hanging Edison lights and the back of the bar. It is appealing and friendly. It is routinely quite busy, but I don't think that my girlfriend and I have ever waited more than 30 minutes to be seated when we've gone with no reservation. The wait staff are all very friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The food is standard bar food, with a few exceptions. I've tried nearly every burger variant that they make, and have not been disappointed. Also, their appetizers were fantastic. They offer some interesting mixed drinks as well as in-house beer specials. Everything is good, though as some mentioned, it can be a little pricey if you order drinks or order more than just main courses. Overall, this is a great place for a medium sized party, or just to have a drink before going to a movie. I would highly recommend it.
(5)Jake B.
The food is definitely good here!! I've only had one bad experience and that is when me and about 10 other people from work went here after for some food and drinks. The waitress was very rude and seemed rushed. I did speak to the manager about her and he must have said something bc after that she was decent and not giving us attitude for wanting to order a drink.
(4)Yanja B.
Really great burgers, and there is a huge variety of different food. So if you are not a burger person-weird- BUT there is something else on the menu for you. Let me forewarn you portion sizes of appetizers are huge! My boyfriend and I were surprised when they brought over our appetizer.
(4)Yuvika S.
What's not to love here ! From the in house beers to the calamari to the huge burgers ! Everything was perfect I wish I had place for dessert but alas the portions were too big mayb next time !!
(5)Matt I.
I have been here many times. NEVER disappointed. Awesome menu and their beer is very tasty. The outdoor seating on a nice day/night makes for a perfect combination with the very friendly staff and great food. My brother and I have come here many times with friends and have just sat outside enjoying beer and conversation. I will continue to come back again and again.
(5)Houston E.
Bun of burger was beyond soggy. Beer was alright. Still waiting on the check........ So still waiting on the check.. It's 10:40pm on a Friday. Not sure if they are short staffed or what.
(1)Dave M.
Beer Flight was great, Big fan of the Wheat beer with hints of banana bread and caramel And I went big, Got the grilled cheese burger!! Almost too big to handle but I took it down with some cheese curds The GF had the Cedar Plank Salmon and that was delicious!!!!!
(5)Meg F.
Be sure to make a reservation because this place can be very crowded. When we arrived we had to wait for less than 5 min (score one for Open Table!) but others had to wait for 30 min (and it was late on a Sunday night). The restaurant was very open and there was plenty of room to move around al you didn't feel squished in. We started off with drinks and then it took the waiter 20 minutes to come back and take our order. Not a good start for a first impression. We had a Trappist Trio for apps and it was AWESOME. BF had pork shanks and I had a salad for our main course. We both agreed that the food was high-quality in taste and presentation. We were too full for dessert but there were some yummy-sounding choices. Overall, the food was great but the service stunk. We'd go back and hope for a better experience.
(3)Christine B.
We love lucky monk! The atmosphere and food are great! My only complaint is they changed their soft pretzel appetizer and they are not good... Which was disappointing because they used to be amazing!
(4)Billy O.
Excellent, good presentation. Good service, great selection what more do you need ?
(5)Josh L.
Food is very good and is a great place to hit before a movie at AMC 30. Lots of great apps.... Don't look too much into it, it's not Gibson's you Fucking beatoffs. Enjoy
(4)Kristina G.
I was in Illinois for business -- wish there was a Lucky Monk in California, I want to go back just for the mashed potatoes!! Great, laidback atmosphere, friendly staff, and all around reliably good food (all my other coworkes' dishes were delicious as well)
(5)Jae K.
The service is always great. The food is fine but doesn't stand out to me. Our group doesn't usually go there because as my friend, who's a mother, have said that it 's "pretty expensive when you have kids."
(3)Mark G.
Usually when someone says "our specialty is burgers" you think, sure whatever. Here they're actually telling the truth. Got the smothered burger and brought it back to my hotel that I'm at for business and it was even great not fresh off the stove top. Oh and did I mention the beer? I love going to breweries when I visit cities and got to kill two birds with one stone. Their house IPA is most excellent. The staff was courteous and informed, especially my bartender Kenny. He knew what to recommend and was knowledgeable in the history of this wonderful brew pub. I usually prefer to try new things but next time Im in the area, you'll see me at the Lucky Monk!
(5)Danni G.
Our waitress heather last night too 20 minutes to get our drink order. The didn't even ask if we were ready to order food or had questions. Waited another 10 minutes for our food. My cousin asked for a new glass of water because the regul tasted metallic and our server scoffed at us Also it is not really acceptable for your waitresses to have their longer than shoulder length hair not tied back. Especially when they play with it at the tables and flick it around food. I counted at least three with half-down-the-back hair. I've been in service for 14 years and this is unacceptable. The food was mediocre, the attitude and health code issues will keep me from ever coming back. I will spread the word. Promise.
(1)Amanda L.
We went to the Lucky Monk last night and were super impressed. The atmosphere and decor are really classy...kind of a laid back vintage vibe. Lots of dark wood and leather, old time light bulbs, but it wasn't dingy or depressingly dark, it felt warm and comfortable. The wait staff was friendly and quick. The place was clean and we were seated right away, but it got really busy the longer we were there. I don't know if they take reservations, but it might not be a bad idea to find out if you're planning on going before a movie or on the weekend. My husband had the Peppercorn Ranch burger, and he said it was the best burger he's had. My husband considers himself a "burger connoisseur," and usually eats his burgers plain (meat and bread only), but with this burger he kept the onion strings. Still, I think that his review should speak volumes, because he recognizes the flavor of the meat better than the rest of us who might be more focused on the toppings. However, my burger was the epitome of topping-importance. I decided to take a risk and order "the King," which was a burger with bacon, peanut butter, and bananas. The waitress said it was a hit and I have to admit, it was incredible. I was apprehensive, but I've never seen anything like it before, and had to take the chance. It paid off. The combination was really great, and I know if we go there again, I wouldn't hesitate to get the same thing. The peanut butter wasn't overwhelming, it perfectly balanced the burger, and the salt from the bacon matched the salt form the peanut butter, and then the peanut butter added something sweet that the bananas blended well with. It's hard to describe, but if you like the ingredients by themselves, you'll love this burger. The burgers are enormous, by the way. You can upgrade the normal french fries (which were great) to a few other options, including cheese curds, pickle fries, onion strings, and a few other french fry options. I got the truffle and parmesan fries, and they were fantastic, although I felt like I only tasted the truffle flavor a few times. It's $2 for the additional upgrade. We didn't drink but they brew all their own beers, and the list was extensive. We'll definitely go back to the Lucky Monk next time we head to the Barrington AMC.
(5)Alex G.
The service was great but the food was not at all what I expected. I ordered the "smothered" burger and had a few beers with it. The beer by the way was par at best. I say this having been to a plethora of microbreweries in Colorado and I would say par or slightly above par. I tried every beer they brew in the sampler. The appetizers were good. All in all I would not return as the food gave me a very sour stomach along with a few others in my party.
(3)Phill C.
I regret not having tried the Lucky Monk earlier. It's just one of those places I've passed by many times and didn't think much of it, since there have been several restaurants come and go in it's place. Well I hope they stay put, since they have good beer and a tasty food. They serve wine and cocktails, but the beers are the drink of choice here. They have a nice selection craft beers, with the likes of Lagunitas, Three Floyds, and Dogfish Head. But they brew their own beers, so make sure to give their house brews on tap. I've tried their Fallen Angel - very smooth, not bitter, and an all around great beer. There's about 7 house brews on tap, but they also have guest beers on tap. The food overall was solid. The beer battered Cheese Curds were tasty, but the Breakfast Burger was finger lickin good! A half pound of USDA prime beef, juicy and packed with flavor, which is topped with a fried egg and a sweet bacon marmalade. Mmmm mmmm was that good! It was a bit messy, but was definitely worth it. I recommend upgrading your included side to the White Truffle Parmesan Fries for only an extra buck.... because I said so and who doesn't like truffle fries? They also have pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees, but I'll be back to try one of their other burgers. Their Grilled Cheese Burger sounds really interesting. Just picture a meaty burger, remove the buns, and replace them with bacon grilled cheese sandwiches. Yah it sounds very unhealthy, but also sounds amazing at the same time. Great food and tasty beer - what's not to like?
(4)Abhinav S.
This place is a good hangout with nice ambience. The beer sampler is what I like the best. I recommend this place if you want a nice relaxing evening.
(4)Sarah K.
Beer selection was fantastic and our server was very friendly! The fried pickles were fantastic. My boyfriend had the grilled cheese burger and oh man was it so much food! The hot head was delicious for someone who enjoys spicy food
(5)Justin Z.
The most delicious burger I've ever had! This burger had grilled cheese sandwiches as the bun and delicious tomatoes and bacon on it as well. The service was very prompt and our waitress kept our glasses full the entire time. We tried two samplers of beer and enjoyed most of them. Overall, this was a great experience, and we will definitely return soon!
(5)Brian S.
I have an iron stomach but something really did me in here. I had the soup and a burger and got some wicked food poisoning. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Kathleen M.
I am no where near being a Monk but I am sure cognizant that I was damn lucky to have eaten here! My sister is soclose to finishing the 30 best Sandwich list from the Chicago Tribune and this was her 26th stop on her quest. Lucky indeed! I liked the feel of the restaurant, the comfort, the noise level and the unhurried way we were able to peruse, order, savor and linger. My sister had the requisite Portobello Mushroom sandwich and I got to taste it, scrumptious! It was like a burger but it was a mushroom. YUM! I had a short rib pizza with an egg on top. Sounds kindof funky but the taste was superb! I drove 90 minutes to get here. (Yes, I do love my sister) and it was worth it! If you are lucky enough to live close, go on over and enjoy, you don't have to be a monk.
(4)Shannon P.
We returned about 10 months after having had an awful experience here, and had a much, much better experience. The food is really great, I think we just got a bad server the first time and that was what really ruined it for us. This time we had a much better, more experienced, personable server, and that made all the difference. My husband had the ribs and I had a burger, both were awesome. We had the brownie and ice cream dessert and it was amazing too. Call ahead for a table, as they are often very busy. You have to let them know if you don't want to get seated in the bar area.
(4)Leslie W.
All the food is good. The apps are great, the burgers are great, and they have a great beer selection. The kids menu has a lot of variety, and kids meals come with the best dessert ever - a chocolate chip cookie with a milk and chocolate sauce. I wish I could get a kids meal, too; there's never any part of the dessert left for the grownups. I highly recommend making a reservation even if you think they won't be busy. You can reserve through open table, so it's really easy.
(4)Clint D.
Stellar burger selection! Pretzels and cheese are amazing! Oh yea their IPA is one of my favorites!!!
(5)Joe J.
The King is a great burger! Tried a few of the beers but nothing super appealing to me. Can't wait tobtry the other food items.
(5)M L.
I love the Lucky Monk! It's both the food and the price that make this establishment a winner for young and older folks alike. I also like the live band that seems to be played a volume that is just about perfect, but not too intruding that you couldn't hear what your dining mate is saying. Superb job, guys!
(5)Ross P.
Great atmosphere, good food, a little pricy. I like the beer selection a lot but their in house beer (like Brass before it) lacks. Good burgers and appetizers. This and The Assembly down the road both make fantastic burgers, but this is where we go on date night.
(4)Jessica A.
First time at The Lucky Monk. It was toward the end of the night when I went with some friends. They told us the fire was not lit outside and outside area was closed but we really wanted to sit outside and they let us. We ordered a drink each at the bar and a few appetizers. They had a good selections of beers on tap as well. We asked if they would bring our food outside so we didnt have to wonder when it would be ready for us at the bar and they happily did. We ordered Pickle Fries - beer-battered thinly sliced pickles, with chipotle ranch ($7.50) and Classic Hummus starter- warm flat bread, sweet red pepper, cucumber, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes ( $8.95). Both were very tasty. The flat bread seemed to be made in house and there was enough there to share with a few of us. Overall a good experience. I would go back again.
(4)Simon K.
Three visits, three great experiences with the food. There were a few issues with the ambiance of the restaurant but let's get back to those at the end of the review. First things first, the food: Burgers: Amazing burgers that crumbles into your mouth when you bite into it. I'd ask for them medium for the best textures. - Hot Head: It's supposed to be spicy but I could have used a little more heat on it. I did like the chipotle ketchup which added a tiny hint of spice. - Green Chile Queso: A weird combination turns out to be my favorite burger so far. The roasted green chiles actually add a nice kick (maybe even more than the hot-head) and the pork shoulder+pineapple makes this taste like two meals in one. You might need a fork and knife for this one. I just wish there was some kind of sauce to accompany this burger. Truffle fries: Holy cow. Definitely my favorite thing about Lucky Monk. Full of flavor and taste like they have been freshly cut/cooked. Fish 'N Chips: The texture of the fish is ridiculously soft. The batter is a nice crispy golden brown which adds a texture to the whole dish. I just wish the fish had been seasoned a little. Margherita Pizza: Thin crust, check. Fresh ingredients, check. Perfect balance of dough, sauce and topping, check. A great pizza although it may be slightly overpriced. Beer Braised Short Rib Pasta: Short ribs were delicious but I wasn't a huge fan of the pasta. But then again, I'm not a fan of pasta in general. The short ribs are packed full of flavor and are reason enough to try this dish. S'mores: If you like marshmallows, order this dessert. If you like any other part of the s'more, you might be disgusted by how much marshmallow is in one dessert... So the food gets a solid 4.5 stars. As for the ambiance, here's what went wrong each of the three times I went: 1) Seated outside: the waiter stopped by maybe once after we ordered our food. It took forever to get refills or additional napkins or condiments. 2) Seated in the restaurant area: apparently they have live music on certain nights and I chose to go on one of those nights. If you are looking to have conversation, don't go on one of these nights. We were seated in the area furthest from the musician and we still couldn't hear each other over the music. 3) Seated in the bar area: We were seated in the back corner and it was right next to a window that I thought was open because the draft coming from it was freezing! Overall, a great place to grab some food and hang out especially since it's open pretty late for a suburb location. I'd recommend any of the dishes I've ordered or to try something new!
(4)Shawn C.
We came to town for a wedding in the area and I am always in search of a good brew pub. This place was certainly hopping and we had to wait a while even though it was just a party of two. Don't get me wrong that's actually a pretty good sign! Lets put it this way, the following day we stopped in for a snack between the wedding and reception. The beer was good but not mind-blowing, I particularly remember the stout being very nice. Usually I am skeptical of any place that claims to have prime burgers but holy cow this place delivers! Best burger I have ever had. I like my burgers at least medium and most places that ends up making them dry. My burger was still perfectly juicey without having too much pink in the middle. The décor is nice, modern classy but not overly fancy. The place is very large and the night we went the noise level was a little high but the restaurant has different sections so maybe its quitter in other seats. Bottom line: Burgers are worth the wait!
(4)Ron L.
Visited the Lucky Monk on a Thursday night for dinner. Had a reservation through Open Table at 7pm, arrived a little early. Was greeted by a friendly pair at front desk and seated quickly. Love the interesting items on menu like fried deviled eggs, fresh pretzels with dipping sauce and fries with gravy and cheese curds -should add some short rib meat and call it Elvis Fries, (hint, hint). Server was polite, attentive and kept our drinks full. I had the Lake Perch and my darling wife had the appetizer pretzels for dinner, (I guess this is what she was hungry for). The meals were good and the mint chocolate chip ice cream was a good finish to our meal. Maybe next time we should try the outside eating patio? Overall, we enjoy this restaurant with all the unique menu items. (PS-consider the Elvis fries for a special item )
(4)Natasha R.
The Lucky Monk has been on my to do list for forever now, so I can't express how upset I am with my less than stellar experience. We got in with no problems on a late Sunday afternoon, which was nice since I thought this place gets pretty packed. Our server (forgot his name) is probably my main reason why I am rating this 3 stars, rather than 4. We are not huge beer fans, but once in awhile it's a great thing to throw down a cold one. Since we are both inexperienced in this department, I was relying on my server to lead us in the right direction (it worked in Ram and Yard House). We both wanted a sweeter, lighter beer so we asked for suggestions. He was kind of stuck and didn't have an answer for us. Shouldn't they know their beer if that's one of their main attractions? He "suggested" The Cardinal Sin which was not close to anything I described. It's not the end of the world, but it's def a huge minus for me. Aside from the beer, the service was painfully slow the entire time and we had other servers do his work for us. I also had leftover salad which I wanted to take home, but a few minutes after he took my plate away, he came back and told me that someone just took the plate out of his hands and threw it out. At that point we just wanted to go home but he ended up having the kitchen make me a new one (that was nice) but I would have rather have it taken off my bill since it was not that good and had a bland taste. Aside the Chopped salad, we also had Wisconsin Cheese Curds and Crisp Calamari. Both of these side items were DELICIOUS and I would gladly order them again. I've ordered Calamari from a bunch of places, but these came with Parmesan and a few other toppings like marinated carrots and peppers that gave it so much flavor. Since The Lucky Monk is in the same parking lot as the movie theater, I am sure I will come back here to give it another chance. Their burgers look amazing and with so many positive reviews, I am sure we just had a onetime bad experience.
(3)Carl F.
Another Yelp success story here... thanks fellow Yelpers for pointing me to the Lucky Monk. I don't make it to this area often thus not very familiar with the restaurants, thereby I promptly pulled up Yelp for some help. After a quick read of several places the Lucky Monk quickly came to the top of the pile considering the menu was fitting the desires of our taste buds. The ambiance of the restaurant itself is very nice. Clean, spacious, and nicely decorated. The wait staff are nice, proficient and leave you with a good experience. As the Luck Monk has several home brewed beers, the staff were very helpful in narrowing down the choices for me. I personally liked the Cardinal Sin brew. For the appetizer, we went with the pretzel and dip trio. When reading the description, I was thinking the trio part was the three dips they serve, but when the platter came out there were also three pretzels! The bad thing here is, the dips and pretzels were so good that we ended up eating all three pretzels! For the main meal, I had a burger, with blue cheese, onions and jalapenos. What a great mix this was. The burger came out just as I asked, medium. Also, what I though was a good idea is the burger sat on a little round wooden pedestal. Just high enough to keep it out of any grease run off and out of the fries... a simple yet cool idea. They clearly used quality meats and condiments. The roll was outstanding too. Pile all this into one package made this a great burger! The fries were good too, not overly crusty, yet not limp either. On my plate they gave a hefty portion of fries, but kind of overdoing it with the pretzel, I didn't have much room for the fries. In the end, I was very pleased with all aspects of the Luck Monk and will be sure to stop in again when in the area.
(4)Alicia G.
I heard a lot of good things about this restaurant so I was looking forward to taking a party of 8 there. Nice space & atmosphere for a Saturday afternoon. Spicy buffalo wings were great but the fish & chips were very greasy - they were not traditional chips that usually come with fish, just greasy american fries. The batter on the fish was way too greasy to eat. Others in my party ordered burgers and pizza and said they were good. We were not offered any dessert or coffee, just given the bill. I will try The Lucky Monk one more time - the menu has interesting options, I'll just make sure not to order anything we had last time. Hope to be able to give it 5 stars next time!
(4)Cathy B.
Love the brugers and snadwiches here.Good Salads as well. The weekends are busy, busy, busy. I prefer takeout then wait for seating.
(4)Kasia K.
THIS REVIEW IS CONCERNING THE VALET AT LUCKY MONK After a long week at work and a stressful Friday, I drove to Lucky Monk to meet up with my family for dinner. As I drove into the parking lot there was absolutely NO parking, being Friday and all but then as luck could have had it there was a spot towards the front that was empty. Score! I thought to myself as I drove towards it. Boy was I wrong. As I started to pull in, I saw the valet running towards me waving his hands saying that I can't park there. I asked why, in response he said - "don't you see these cones by the spot? This is a valet spot." I said ok, knowing that there was complimentary valet parking I told him that I'd pull in my car and he can hand me a ticket that I'd stick on my dash since I was already by the spot and didn't want to hassle him. In response to this he said - "no I have to park your car somewhere else, this spot is only for cars that are $100,000 and over and yours isn't". I am so sorry I drive a Subaru 2013 and that it doesn't meet the criteria for parking standards at Lucky Monk. I was so pissed off by that comment, how do they know how much I'll spend inside? Maybe an average joe who drives a Honda goes there to dinner with his wife and kids and spends $120 on a meal and then a guy that drives a Range Rover comes in by himself and orders a meal and cocktail and he spends $35. Who do you profit off more? Simple math, don't judge a person by their car. Best ending to this story, right after I pulled out of the spot because my car wasn't deemed worthy enough a Jeep Liberty parked there instead. Last time I checked that wasn't a $100,000 car. Do your math Lucky Monk, your parking rocket science totally ruined my entire experience and I've been to your restaurant many times before.
(1)Graham B.
The Lucky Monk has always been a favorite of mine. With great service and great decor how could it get any better. The beer selection is extensive and there own brewing they do on site produces great beer! The food is amazing, burgers are massive and great, cooked the way you want it. The pizza is really great, thin with fresh ingredients, and the desert is fresh but man is it heavy. In short you should go and try everything on the menu, enjoy the beer, enjoy the service. It's a great place to go for a wonderful evening!
(5)Kevin H.
I can save you readers a bunch of dough.......simply go to the grocery store, buy yourself a carton of salt, and pour the contents down your throat.
(2)Krunal P.
very nice place stopped by after a movie for quick bite. I was surprised how good food and beer was. I'm definitely coming back to try more beers and food.
(4)Nicole B.
Visiting from FL. Plenty of healthy menu options and fair pricing. I had the smothered burger (added avocado and mushrooms), which I highly recommend, w/ sweet potato fries. Burger was cooked perfectly medium. Fries were crispy and hot. Service was wonderful. Server even brought my 4 year old nephew a drink when he woke up from his nap even though he said he didn't want one.
(4)Sherry D.
I have visited this restaurant three times. Once, for a cocktail at the bar after a show at the AMC theaters next door. Second time, took my in-laws for mom's birthday. Everyone like their food. Server was very friendly and knowledgeable. I had the skirt steak which came with a cauliflower mash, which was nice for a lo-carber. Husband and daughter had different tacos, both liked them, although the portions were small. Mom and Dad had burgers and they looked great. Third time - stopped on a Monday night to watch the Blackhawks so asked for a table by the bar. Server never hurried us. They have a special... artisan pizza (12") and a pint of house brew for $10. It's a steal . Three in our party and we all tried different pizzas and all three were delicious. Nice, thin artisan crust, unique toppings. The beer was good and our server was fabulous. We may make Monday nights our new pizza night. The menu isn't very huge, sandwiches, apps, pizzas, burgers and maybe 6 or 7 entrees, but they all look good. We will definitely be going back!
(4)Scott B.
This is as good as it gets for a microbrewery type of place. The food is incredibly good, the beer is outstanding, the service is excellent, and the ambiance is comfortable, even a little bit upscale. Very very good in every respect.
(5)Jay P.
While in town for business noticed this on Yelp as being under new ownership with a few reviews, all positive, so two of us gave it a try. We were not disappointed! We started with the Chili combo which was a nice starter, regular and chicken chili, yum! Both of us had one of their burgers for the main course and we both were very pleased with them. These are definitely high quality burgers and not your run-of-the-mill variety. Unfortunately, we had no room whatsoever for desert! The service was very professional and our waiter did a great job explaining their offerings and was a very effective spokesman for the venue. The atmosphere was top notch, including the roaring fire outside on the patio. If you are in the area and have an appetite, check this place out.
(5)Michael D.
I was able to get back and sample a few beers and additional food options. I was very happy with the beers, really excited to get back this fall and sample the porter, stouts. Still a huge fan of the pretzel app. It's a must. Also sampled the fried pickles new favorite. I want to try the pizza, I ordered the "Fresh Spinach" pizza and was disappointed to see it actually came with a towering pile of "Fresh spinach". I ate it and enjoyed it, but next time I'll try something else.
(4)Kim S.
I have always past by this place and wondered how it was. I had a great experience here. The waiters and waitresses were super friendly. The food didn't take very long at all. The burgers are huge an delicious and everyone needs to try their truffle fries...so yummy. The only thing I could say that I didn't like about it this place was that it was a little to dim in there, a little harder to read the menu and look around. Looking forward to this place again!
(5)Doug M.
So today I returned to the Lucky Monk. I had visited previously for a Yelp Event and liked it very much. To start with we had the fried onion straw-type appetizer, and the chicken poblano chili. The onions were nicely done and served along with some rockin' wasabi ranch sauce. The wasabi gave a nice twist to the ranch but was not overpowering. The chicken poblano chili was every bit as good as I had remembered from the Yelp event, served nice and hot, with a spoonful of sour cream in it. One of the first things you notice is the nice, pungent cilantro. This is one fantastic chili. I had the farmhouse burger with cheddar cheese and applewood-smoked bacon, which was done to perfection. Piled high with shredded lettuce, and slices of red juicy tomatoes, it was a sight to behold. She had the loaded baked potato soup which was sprinkled with crumbled bacon on top and was very delicious. Their french fries were the fresh cut type and were great without being greasy. The saltiness was just right and ketchup wasn't really needed. To wash it all down she had the freshly squeezed lemonade, while I indulged in the beer sampler which had 5-6 different craft beers. Two of those I had sampled last time, the IPA and the Stout, were great and the rest were also very good, but the first two really stick out in my mind. The server did a great job explaing all of the various beers and things like bitterness units, etc. , and how the grains are roasted to give more flavor and character to the stouts. Subtle hints of chocolate or coffee can be detected and linger on after you've swallowed. Being a Tuesday evening, it was not crowded at all and the service was wonderful. If I could give half-stars I would rate this visit at 4.5, it is very good but not quite a fiver.
(4)Byron M.
The decor, service and food were all above average. We enjoyed our dinner and intend to go back.
(4)Nicole R.
I went here Monday with a co-worker and the food was awesome. We got the fried calamari for an appetizer. We also got two martinis which both were excellent. The chicken sandwich I got was amazing and she liked the burger she ordered. I will definitely be returning.
(5)Sabrina W.
I went to The Lucky Monk a few weeks back with my fiance. We have been eyeing it for awhile as we frequent the AMC 30 movie theater almost weekly. After many months of driving by and saying we should check this place out we decided to stop in for a couple brews after an afternoon Sunday matinee. We sat at the bar and ordered a few samples of their offered microbrews. Both of us were pleased with our selections and agreed that we needed to come back to try the truffle fries. I gave The Lucky Monk four stars because they advertised a Sunday $4 special on a pint of their house brew and the bartender overcharged us on our order. We told the bartender and they corrected it on our bill right away but I was still annoyed that I had to point it out.
(4)Nicole M.
So on my most recent trip to Lucky Monk I tried the four cheese pizza and my boyfriend go a burger. We sat outside and Our waitress was super nice. I got my pizza it was not what I imagined it to be... I thought it would be crispy but it wasn't, it was soggy! Looked almost like a microwaved pizza. I ate it and it tasted alright not the best... Then I took another bite and saw a hair, I'm not one to make a big stink, I was just over the pizza. My boyfriend said his burger was decent but over cooked. Sad because our experience was soo good last time we went to Lucky Monk! Maybe it was just an off day.
(2)Michael S.
This place is great!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starters ---- Had Spinach and feta Pizza VERY GOOD Burgers are great. I love that they have two sizes 6oz and 9oz. The fries are great.
(4)Kathryn J.
There are many micro-brews, but one with great food to match? Found it. My parents, sister and brother-in-law are regulars at another micro-brewery downtown Palatine. Good beer - GREAT beer dinners.. but on a daily basis, the menu is bland and offers nothing for food lovers. Now, another option: The Lucky Monk in South Barrington. Great burgers, huge salads... and the warm pretzel trio with its mustard butter, tomato parmesan sauce and Wisconsin cheddar beer fondue is a very nice surprise. This team is crafting some great beers - and knows food. Keep it up!
(4)M. L.
I LOVE The Lucky Monk. It is by far my favorite restaurant in the area. It is perfect for a small family celebration, date night, or cocktails with a few friends. The food is by far the highlight of the restaurant. The only thing I would stay away from is the onion strings. It sounds like they would be "onion rings" but in fact they are kind of like shoe string fries, but made with onions. Very difficult to eat, and not very tasty. Everything else is delicious! The service is always good, I've never had an issue with my food orders. A few waitresses that I have had seemed disconnected, didn't really check up on us. But it depends on how busy they are. Overall, awesome place to eat. Definitely my favorite!
(4)Gus E.
We stumbled here after viewing a movie next door. The menu was short and sweet, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Our waiter was great and very attentive despite the room full of large groups. We sampled some of their microbrews and found them all to be good. My girlfriend found her BBQ salmon to be cooked perfectly, the flavor was delicious. The Roasted Chicken I ordered especially hit the spot on this cold night with a pint of Gr'ale. I would highly recommend this place to friends and the next time we see a movie in the area we'll definitely stop by.
(4)Todd L.
Really good food and great atmosphere.
(4)Kevin M.
Had the monk burger and one of their newer pizzas. The best brewpubs around (Emmett's and Duke's ale house) have figured out that the best way to draw a broader crowd is to actually have good food in addition to the beer. They need a better chef, plain and simple. Service was extremely slow. I won't be going back.
(2)Rich G.
I took my family to this restaurant for dinner. The decoration was good and atmosphere was more likely a bar and grill type. We got seated right away and thanks to Yelp for reservation. A waitress didn't come around for five minutes. We were wondering for the whole time. When she finally came around, she recommended house beers for drinks. One of my daughters didn't bring the ID although she was over 21. The waitress was rigid about not having ID which was totally understanding. However when we share beer, she had the third degree look on all of us. Nasty look and we didn't appreciate the treatment she was giving. We ignored it and proceeded with dinner. Hamburgers were ok. but the fries were greasy and oily. Some fries were burned with black tar on the skin. Didn't enjoy much about that. After dinner, we took out a very small chocolate cake (from Deerfield Bakery) with two candles for my daughter's belated birthday. The waitress came over and told us that they would have to charge for bringing the desert from outside. According to her, it was the policy to charge $1 for each cut. We were eight people and it would be eight dollars for bringing own food. It wasn't so much about the policy but the attitude that just ruined our celebrating mood. We packed and left. Wait, they weren't shy about charging 18% of tip included in the bill. As far as I know, she didn't deserve it. And I wonder what justifies automatic tipping system of18% when the server provides bad service. It was like " I don't have to provide a good service to you since your bill has tips already included." Sad and bad business. This restaurant is not a typical friendly neighborhood restaurant. It is located in South Barrington as if it is one of the wealthy upscale restaurant. The fact is that it is NOT. It is ok decoration, ok beer and food. Nothing spectacular but the attitude is high up. It is not for regular person or regular families like mine. Definitely NO to this restaurant. If you look for better beer and food, go to Millrose right across the street. It has better food, drink and more importantly better service. I WILL NOT go back to Lucky Monk, which should really have been Greedy and Nasty Monk.
(2)Collette Y.
I went back to Lucky Monk last week because there was lack of good places to go at the last minute while I was in that area. Again, I had a burger and it was soooooooooo good. Not salty like the last time. AND service WAS TERRIFIC this time. The young waiter really was attentive. He was so sharp I asked him if he's in school but he said he was out of school and awaiting an opening as a firefighter. I always like being able to substitute a fresh vegetable instead of having fries and I was easily able to do that here. All was so tasty I'm salivating now as I think of it!
(5)Andre L.
If you are looking for a burger and beer, this is as good as I've found. Food was excellent. Try the pretzel appetizer as others have suggested. I upgraded my fries to the truffle fries also excellent. I'm a beer snob and this place has a very good selection of imports including the Belgium's I love. I got a complimentary taste of their seasonal in-house which currently is a Belgium style dubbel which was great. Nice ambiance with live music. I'll be back!
(5)D. T.
I dont know how to rate this place. Food was decent, I had the Tacos. Its one of those places thats not really memorable. You eat here and then you dont think about it again for... ever.
(3)Jenn L.
We celebrated an anniversary at The Lucky Monk on Saturday evening. Had to wait about 20 minutes for a table, but it was worth it. Our first visit so we weren't sure what we were going to get,but all-in-all it didn't disappoint. We started with a trio appetizer that included onion straws, fried pickles,and truffle fries. The onion straws were mild and went great with the chipotle sauce. I'm not a pickle fan, but these weren't half bad, and my boyfriend enjoyed them the most. He also started with a beer flight. Unfortunately, this is what prevents us from giving it a full 5 stars. Let me say, the beer flight is under 9 bucks and you get the equivalent of about 3 beers- so it is a really good value. Unfortunately, my boyfriend was hoping to be wowed by them, and only one did it for him- the oatmeal stout. I'm not a fan of stouts, but I also LOVED this beer. The others though were kind of lack luster. Not bad, just not amazing- which is what we were hoping for. For dinner, he had a burger and I had pizza (was thinking about the pulled pork but wasn't down for being messy that night). I had food envy with that burger he ordered! OMG- huge, first of all, and he said the best burger he's had in years. Pizza was good, nothing special, so next time, I'll get a burger or the pulled pork and try that. (Yes, we are planning to visit again!) Also on our list to try is the pretzle appetizer. We finished off with dessert. He had the bread pudding (H.U.G.E. portion! 2-4 could share this thing), and I went with the brownie a la mode. Both were really tasty! Looking forward to carrot cake next time. Our server was Jessire and she was AWESOME! We were there on a very busy Saturday night for about 2 hours, taking our time and enjoying ourselves, and we NEVER ONCE felt rushed for our table. Jessire was attentive without being disruptive to us, and very polite. I'll be requesting her next time. Bus service was also great- plates were never left on the table for more than a minute before being cleared away. As far as the ambiance goes, we loved the decor. It seemed loud when we were waiting for a table, and even though we were seated in the bar, it was quiet in our little corner, and we didn't have to yell to hear one another. Can't wait to go back! Thanks for making our anniversary dinner enjoyable.
(4)Nick B.
Let's talk good: delicious food, great beers, good atmosphere, nice location! Now the bad: horrible service which is something I hope they change. We were in there for the 2nd time last Friday (previous time was 3 stars - again service issue) and the place was at 20% capacity yet we waiting 10 minutes before getting a drink order. The bus boys didn't even bring us water! Everything after came slow: slow water refills, slow main course, infrequent check-ups, slow to get bill paid. We felt like we were held there in jail after waiting over 25 minutes to get our bill (had to ask another waitress) and return will our run credit card after needing to ask again!!!! Not acceptable. The food was awesome, though, which saves it from a dreaded single star. Honestly, for the good food and booze you can get it across the street at The Assembly so they best get it together. It's a perfect stop pre or post a movie and have a great atmosphere to meet friends so let's just hope they get there servers in gear. If it's ever the designated place for me to go I will bring cash to avoid part of the problem and if the service doesn't improve it will be my last.
(2)Kathy F.
Make a reservation through open table! The first time we went my husband and I did not make a reservation and I had a headache so sitting in the bar really was not an option and we ended up elsewhere. Tonight was great! The pretzels and three dips appetizer is unbelievably yummy. At first I was leery of the spicy mustard dip but it balanced the cheese and marinara quite well. I had the market tomato salad for my entree, pretty much caprese salad, but tasty. My husband has a burger and an IPA that became "better" as it warmed up. As I do not believe IPA's to be drinkable, I will take his word for it. Not a hoppy gal (but I loves me a nice Belgian or Stout!) Pleasant dinner, topped it off with the warm chocolate chip cookies which were perfection. Prompt service, too.
(4)Russell W.
Went there for lunch with my wife after a movie. Location is great, right by the theater. I had the BBQ chicken pizza, she had the fish and chips. Both were good. The fish was pretty great, actually, but the grease-ball mess of fries served with it was pretty disgusting. The pizza was as expected. I go the beer sampler and was very disappointed. They serve 6, which is great, but only 2 were worthy, in my opinion. The stout and the IPA were prety good, especially the stout. Not much flavor for teh rest, and the hefe must have gone bad, ther was a distinct smell/taste of sulfer. I wanted to love it, a micro-brewery so close to my home, but it just didn't work out.
(3)Ruth Ann M.
The pizzas and flat breads will make your heart sing with their perfectly flavored, perfectly crisp crust and gourmet toppings. The atmosphere is classy enough to host your clients and fancy out-of-town relatives yet casual enough to feel comfortable. The patio is warm and inviting with a central stone fire place. The prices are awesome. Really, you can't go wrong at the Lucky Monk.
(4)Anthony V.
We heard all the reviews and wanted a burger so we decided that we would give The Lucky Monk a try. It's conveniently located next to the AMC 30 movie theater, so it's perfect if you want a movie and a meal. We tried the Caesar salad and home brew chili for appetizers. The salad was fresh and the chili had that homemade taste with a little zip to it. We both had the burgers which were very good and large portions as well. The dessert menu has what they call "angel bites", which are small little portions which are just enough. We did not try their home brew beers; however they have several choices available. The server was very pleasant and accommodating as we received an alternative drink for the very sweet lemonade. The prices are reasonable and there was ample seating. Overall, it's a great place if you would like to get a nice burger and fries. Definitely worth giving it a try!
(4)Julie P.
Dan and I tried this place out before seeing Due Date last weekend. I loved the decor and the ambiance inside and we were sat right away even though the parking lot was packed and we thought we would have to wait. Our waiter seemed a little distracted and his timing was way off, we sat for a while before he came by to greet us and take our order. The menu was a lot smaller than I was expecting, with many burger options but only 3 variations of a sandwich and few entrees. The truffle parmesan fries were very good, but they were served in a dish that seemed like you were getting a lot more fries than there actually were. Our food took a really long time to arrive, and we had only ordered a chopped salad and a burger. I realize that it was busy in the restaurant, but our server seemed to disappear and I was about to flag down a manager to see what was going on. Turns out I would have to flag a manager down a few minutes later for a totally different reason....our food finally arrived. Dan's burger came sitting on top of a round plastic thing that made the burger look a lot bigger than it really was...not sure what the point of that is exactly. I was enjoying my salad when I found a lovely surprise in the form of a dead black bug. We immediately asked for a manager who came over and seemed less than concerned about what had happened. She said that their lettuce was shipped in, as if that's an excuse. I'm sorry but I work in the industry too, and expect a lot more than a lame apology when something like this happens. She asked if I wanted a new salad and I vehemently declined, at this point I felt ill. She did comp our meal but I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I couldn't decide whether or not to write a review because I realize that this type of thing is damaging to an establishment's reputation, however I could not justify keeping silent. I really wanted to like this place but it just wasn't in the cards I suppose.
(2)Alex G.
As the Great 2010 Burger Quest comes to a close, we were fortunate to stop by Lucky Monk on Saturday. As others have noted, the burgers come on little wood platforms that make them look huge when they are brought to the table. Not quite sure what the purpose is. We thought maybe the platforms were heated but nope. The burgers were very good and the fresh cuts fries outstanding as well. I got the version with Tilamook cheddar and bourbon stout onions. The cheddar had a nice bite to it and worked well with the burger. I'll even go so far as to praise the use of shredded lettuce which I prefer. The service was a little in-attentive (empty drinks, add'l condiments needed) but the manager helped out when she stopped by to check on our meal. Everyone thought the burgers were very good and the pizza got good reviews as well. The menu is a little limited but everything is done well so better to excel at a few things (like the chocolate chip cookies). Noise level was not too bad but the vibe seemed to hint that this is more of a late night place. Plenty of bar bites available for late night munching. Carry out window as well. And they offer small dessert options (like $.75 ice cream) which makes more sense when you just want a little something sweet. We'll be back......
(3)J P.
Meh. The ambiance is nice, the band played awesome music. I really wanted to like this place but I couldn't. For one, we had to freaking Valet our car because their parking lot is the size of my living room. Are you kidding me? When you see this place and the vast amount of space around it, and the tiny parking lot, it just makes no sense. The food: Thank God I ordered the Hummus - which was a winner. The other appetizers were entirely too fried and sopping oil and disgusting. The brews were okay..we sampled them and we did like 1-2 of them. The apple crisp..what I waited all night for, turned out to be a dud. The crust was so buttery and gross, it ruined what could have been a first ballot hall of fame winner. Do people actually like this food and finish their meals? Beer + Oil = my summary of this place. It just screams obesity. Again, Thank God for the Hummus.
(2)Scott K.
The atmosphere here was awesome, as was the beer selection. The beer is definitely pricey but cmon, you're in South Barrington. I had the Duble. Actually, my friend and I had three of them and called it a 'triple duble.' Either way, it gave is a really good buzz on our way to go and see True Grit at the AMC. Also, the pretzel plate with the different sauces was really good.
(4)Bob D.
This restaurant is delicious and we primarily frequent with out of town guests. Every meal must start with the warm pretzel trio, by far the best warm, soft pretzels ever! With 3 dipping sauces, melted cheddar, Dijon mustard and tomato sauce so creamy and delicious - like a thick tomato bisque. The mushroom pizza is my favorite meal, paired with the lavender unfiltered ginger ale, can't go wrong! My husband has tried a few of their burgers and likes them!
(4)MARGARET B.
A Monday night and the place was slammed- we waited 20 minutes for the waiter to get drink orders and another 20 minutes of drinks to arrive at the table. Dinner was ordered at the same times as the drinks and did not arrive until 75 minutes from the time we sat down until the time we were served. Our waiter was not apologetic but seemed put out that the restaurant was that busy. The only saving grace was the food was decent. I have to say the side salad I ordered was not served in a chilled bowl and seemed wilted as a result. We waited for our food and the food waited for us- fries were luke warm. A manager never came around asking how our dinner was but he probably would not have like what we would have told him. I am not sure we will even give this another try...
(1)Len T.
The food was excellent. Tried the trio. Excellent. Burgers were great. The only reason I'm rating them 3 stars is because of the drinks. For $8 & $9 Margherita and Monks Punch, there was hardly any alcohol in it. We felt cheated on the drinks.
(3)Laura A.
I can't even describe how much I LOVE The Lucky Monk. Admittedly I've never eaten any of their entrees, but their appetizers are absolute manna from heaven. If you go, definitely get the whipped goat cheese appetizer -- it changed my life -- especially if you love goat cheese. But even if you don't, it's incredible. Also the pretzels are good, not too salty and just firm enough but soft in the middle, plus they come with a kind of mustard butter that will clear out your sinuses (in a good way!). I went recently with some friends who had the Proscuitto-wrapped scallops, and apparently those are amazing as well. And of course, who doesn't love a great beer selection, including microbrews made on-site? If it's your first time the tasting platter is a really good deal, and I highly recommend the wheat beer (Tritica). I've heard their IPA is incredible as well, but IPA is not to my taste so I haven't had it outside the tasting sampler. Highly recommend!! Probably a good idea to make a reservation though, especially on a Friday/Saturday night. Sometimes they have live music too which is a draw for some people but I think it's the only downside to the place.
(5)Jeanne Y.
My family and I love this place. The food is really good and the menu diverse, but I can't have wheat gluten so I'm always limited wherever I eat. When I go there I just tell the waiter who confers with the chef to see if what I would like can be made gluten free. The chef can often accomodate my dietary restriction by modifying something but if it alters the dish too much they have also been able to suggest something else. They are very nice about it and have never acted put out by having to tailor my food a little. The wait staff has always been very helpful to me by telling the chef to be sure there is no gluten in what I order and I really appreciate that because a lot of things have gluten that one can't recognize by looking at it. Another nice thing is that they never rush us out the door after we are done eating. The atmosphere is really nice and conducive to lingering for a while, maybe over coffee or a drink. One other thing I want to add...my daughter went there with a friend and left her debit card on the tray by accident. Days later she realized it and they had been holding it for her in a safe. The employees were all very nice and helpful and she happily got her card back. I give Lucky Monk five stars for the service, the food, the atmosphere and honest employees.
(5)Mike U.
Great atmosphere - did not get a chance to cehck out the outdoor patio and fire pit. Service was outstanding. Food was good, but nothing that blew me away. I would definitely make the trip down there again.
(3)Erin E.
Went there for my better half's birthday with his family. I wasn't expecting much (mostly bad chains in this area- not good restaurants way out here in the burbs) but I was pleasantly surprised! They make home brewed iced tea and lemonade which we had. Really great service, friendly, clean, and good food. We had meat eaters and vegetarians in the group yet everyone was happy with their meals. I'd go back again and was glad to see they're even doing some organic choices as well. Not many but hope they add more organic fare soon!)
(4)Joseph P.
A Wednesday noon may not be the most relevant time to review this place - there were no crowds at all, so we can review just the food and the service. Didn't try the beer. To me this place is a lot like the RAM restaurants, but without the menu polish. The prices are a bit high - about $12 for the typical burger. They say they are "Prime", but the tasted just average. At lunch they add a few items at the $10-11 price point. I had the Patty Melt. Oddly, the "melt" part was a cheese SAUCE (!!), not like real cheese. Cooked right, it still was just passable. The "natural" fries were ok, but soggy and a bit cold. My friends each had the Combo half sandwich and salad. Very small salad - served in a 3 inch tall ramekin. They said the sandwich was ok. Soft drinks are also a bit high at $3. Our waitress was a pro of the "bar circuit" - very friendly and efficient, even as we stayed for a few hours just talking and drinking. Maybe at night this place has an atmosphere, but as a restaurant it is a "no real reason to drive here" place.
(2)Annette G.
We've been a couple times, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich both times, and have yet to finish it, which is just fine with my husband. The have a small kids menu, pasta, pizza, chicken nuggets - but they serve them with veggies if you choose, and bring out carrot sticks with ranch dressing for them to munch on. We tried the nacho fries last time - a total waste :( the plain ones with the meal were much tastier. And as many others have noted - service is very slow.
(3)Chris P.
Love this place! Great burgers, atmosphere and beer. Try the fried pickles.
(4)Lisa P.
Love the bar area, it has comfy seating for chatting with friends. The appetizers are soo goood. The atmosphere was perfect for a get together with friends, a date night, or just a nice meal. Service could have been better. We noticed the manager had a staff meeting right in the bar area. We had to wait to get our drinks.
(4)Jay V.
Love the food, always friendly service. Try the burgers, they are awesome!
(4)Vick C.
Good burger and beer! very nice interior and super friendly service, I will def go again!
(4)Justin D.
Just visited The Lucky Monk. I have to say, I was pretty happy with the quality of food and beer. Not the best burger I've ever had, but it was definitely a good quality burger. I tried their spinach and ricotta pizza and it was very good. The spinach really stood out. I had the Holiday Bock and it was great! This place is solid. Oh and our waitress, Jenni, was extremely friendly. I have no complaints at all. I will be back.
(4)Jim J.
Great Santa De Chicken salad. Enjoyed the Cardinal Sin pilsner. The service was timely but not over bearing. Nice atmosphere.
(5)Little Miss L.
actually, i am going back and forth over this place. we've been here twice...so i feel that is enough to write a decent review, right? both times we had the great fried pickles. (the second time they were better) first time there we had the monk burger and a pizza, (short-rib and "farm" egg--whatever that means) cause this is what they're known for. the pizza was just meh. maybe it was a bad choice, i dunno. the burger, which we ordered medium-rare, came out close to well, but it was good. good fries too. this time we all had burgers, they were cooked more correctly this time--closer to medium, but it was good. the issues i have with the place is that it is slllloooooowww...it took a solid 25-30 minutes after we finished our appetizer to get our main courses. both visits. as you know, that seems like a life-time when you have nothing in front of you. our server came to our table twice to let us know our food was coming, so obviously he knew it was going a little long...come to think of it, the same thing happened the first time we went. i made for the ladies room, and didn't know where it was, so i asked the hostess. she barely looked up from her nails to mumble and point the direction for me. gee-thanks. later, we noticed she did have a personality because she was chatting with her co-workers. btw, the bathroom was a wreck, so that's a tell-all too... our servers were both decent, the buss team is good and i saw who i think was the manager busily running food and running around. never got a table visit from him, so i can't attest to his personality. lastly, i think its dirty there. fruit flies were all over the place. which gives me the heebs. and there was a moth or something stuck between the plastic and the paper on the menu. when i showed our server, he was mortified and he replaced the menu right away apologizing like crazy. all in all, the food was good--wish the restaurant was cleaner and the food came out in a more timely manner... can't win them all. i'd like to be able to go back there, but i'll try to find another good burger around my new house...
(3)Louis P.
Best turkey burger I've ever had. Have to try the fried pickles as well. Solid home made beers too.
(5)Brenda V.
Big, clean and stylish ambiance, nice menu, excellent service and VALET.. woot woot.. perfect before heading to the AMC theatre.. I highly recommend the salmon and for dessert, the bread pudding. Yum!
(4)S. P.
I came here for dinner before catching a movie at the AMC theaters a couple of weeks ago. My friend and I were actually planning to eat at the Streets of Woodfield (at Big Bowl) but there was an hour and half wait time on a Saturday night at 6:30pm! So instead, we thought to try The Lucky Monk as it was next to the AMC theatres. The wait time was only 30mins. I was impressed by the ambience and the selection of food choices. I had the butternut squash ravioli and was very pleased! My friend and I sat in an area near the bar and we were able to watch some college basketball games as well have our own personal conversations without any difficulties hearing each other. Overall, it was a great place, and with the long wait times in the Woodfield area, I felt this to be the perfect option if you want to do dinner and movie... Will definitely come back again!
(4)Don B.
Good atmosphere and staff. The Lucky Monk is large and open inside. The decor is dark wood and rich feeling...kind of like Shaw's Crab House or The Clubhouse...if you've ever been to those places. The wait is always short, even on a busy Friday night. They have live bands Beer selection is large and features Lucky Monk's own house brews, a bunch of specialty beers from around the country, and your standard variety of domestics. Menu is not very expansive, but has choices for all tastes. Food is good overall. I have been there several times and recommend the pickle fries as an appetizer. They come with a chipotle ranch dip and are awesome. Burgers are good, juicy and flavorful, although very messy. Cedar-plank BBQ salmon was also very good. If you plan on drinking water with you meal, be aware that it tastes pretty awful...must be well water. Live bands play there on Fridays and keep the volume acceptable as not to drown out conversation. Crowd tends to be 35-50 year olds, but all age groups are represented. Prices are moderate, bathrooms are clean, and Lucky Monk is definitely a place worth checking out.
(4)Amy C.
Great food, prices are decent for the area and the pretzel bread appetizer cannot be beat! We love hanging at Lucky Monk for lunch or dinner, and their facebook fan page offers various drinks, specials and promotions to watch. Their salads are generous but not gigantic, burgers are great and the flatbreads are interesting. Great dinner and a movie place if you're headed to AMC afterwards. Get reservations if you're hitting them for a weekend dinner.
(4)Mark G.
I had lunch here last week and it was great. Atmosphere is incredible! I didn't get a chance to go to the outside patio, but I will definitely be back to have a few beers out there! I had a burger and fries (The Monk) I believe and they were both great. I also had the fried pickles and a shared pizza as an appetizer. I recommend The Lucky Monk for great food, atmosphere and service!
(5)Brian W.
Fried pickles are awesome. Good beer selection. Could use more on draft. Good burgers. Good service.
(4)Chuck B.
My wife and I stumbled upon this place when we were in the 'burbs and we are very lucky that we did. The atmosphere is nice, but laid back. The service was very good. Our server knew the menu and had very good recommendations. I had a prime bacon cheeseburger and the truffle fries. They were outstanding. The burger was cooked perfectly and the truffle fries were done nicely. I also had a house beer that was crisp and refreshing. All in all, I would strongly recommend you stop by if you want a burger and a beer.
(5)Kristin B.
Great ambiance, great service, great food. We liked the fried pickles, wings, and pizza. The fries were okay....should have been better. The desserts are giant. The apple crisp was excellent! We also had the brownie ala mode- was pretty good compared to most restaurant brownies. The beer and sangria were absolutely perfect. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Pam K.
The food is delicious and the portions are huge. We went for a family gathering for my son's birthday. The service was excellent. Everyone agreed the sandwiches were big enough for two people. It was a fun birthday dinner!
(4)Robert C.
My new favorite restaurant, seriously!
(5)Shannon M.
Came here for drinks last Saturday with some friends. They were really busy and we had a reservation, but were seated about 20 minutes after our reservation time. The food was awesome, their roasted vegetable salad is out of this world! Great beer selection, and a great atmosphere for hanging out. The only problem is that they don't have a lot of parking, I had to park in the AMC lot and walk over. I would definitely go back!
(4)Chester R.
nice place...went for lunch and had a goat cheese pizza with tomatoes and spinach...and a 20oz belgian ale. both were quite nice. the pizza crust was professional. upbeat atmosphere, looks like it would also be a good place for a lively dinner. i would go back, so long as i could expense it.
(4)Janice R.
Love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is great and so is the atmosphere. Im usually not a burger fan but, everything from the salad to the truffle fries were great! Usually,it's a wait but its worth it!
(4)Joni M.
we've only been here one time for lunch, but based on how awesome the food was, I feel I can give it a review and a solid 5 stars. It's conveniently located to the theaters, and the decor is great. Really modern, dark-but-not-dank vibe. Our server was great. We started with the fried combo appetizer, which was onion straws, pickles and truffle fries, plus sauce for each for dipping. The presentation was really cute, but the taste was A-Maz-ING! I thought the truffle fries were really good, but OMG, the fried pickles. Where have you been all my life!! The drinks were good, and we both got burgers. The good thing is, they offer two sizes of burgers. We got the smaller, and good thing, since we couldn't even finish those. The presentation on the burgers was great also, they put them on a little wooden pedestal. They obviously know that you eat with your eyes first. we will definitely be back to this place, I wish I lived closer to it!
(5)Tes S.
This place is great. The service is always fantastic, and the food is spectacular. Although they have a limited menu, they really execute their dishes well and it keeps me coming back. It's a great atmosphere, and also seemed family friendly. They have some of their own brews and although I didn't try them, a friend of mine that was there with me swears by them! Great place!
(4)Sam S.
Good food good beer fair to good service.
(4)Christy P.
Been waiting for a place like this in the culinary wasteland known as Barrington. Must say I was not disappointed and will definitely come back. I ordered one a salad while my squeeze had a burger, he loved his and i really liked what I had....
(4)Beth T.
My burger was undercooked, my husbands meal was good...what is going to bring us back to try them again was the serivce. I know there were not busy at the time but I have gotten horrible service before when the staff had time to hang around. Here they were attentive and keeps the drinks full! They deserved a second try.
(4)Bill M.
Only a monk could serve such heavenly food. I know, that's really bad, but this food was delicious. First off, the burger. This is one of the few restaurants that will serve a fried egg on top of your burger, except this place doesn't break the yolk allowing it to flow everywhere when you bite it. It's a good thing. Of course you don't realize the mess the yolk made since the burger it dripping with grease. You can't help but keep eating once you start since your hands are covered. Plus they'll actually cook your burger medium rare, which is quite a rare find indeed. I know, sorry. Anyway, I'd say it's one of the best burgers I've ever eaten. Also keep in mind this is a microbrewery inspired by Belgian monks. Needless to say, their beer is impressive. I suggest the Original Sin. It is a fragrant pilsner with a bitter finish. On my first visit, I got the sampler (read: flight of beer). The waitress was very accommodating and let me sub-out the pale ale. The overall beer selection large enough for everyone (over 21, of course) to find something they like. I should note hear that while I did not even look at the salads, my friend says they are quite good. After my second visit, I was ready to give this place a great review, until my waiter asked if I would be interested in some key lime pie. I didn't think this place could get better, but it did. Now, the pie was more creamy than most key lime pies I've had, but it still had enough tart to it to satisfy my tongue. My friend thought it was a little sweet, but I think that was mostly the graham cracker crust shining though. Overall, as you might have guessed the Lucky Monk I'd a great restaurant. I will definitely be going back again and again.
(5)Sarah P.
We were staying at the Hyatt on the other side of the freeway and found this place close by with lots of decent reviews on Yelp, so we tried it out. Pretty good - a fascinating water delivery system, thin-crust pizza, and my sister loved the wacky burger she ordered. I got pizza, which was NY style right down to the greasiness and giant pepperoni. I'm Mormon so I can't speak to the beer, but they fixed my soda when it was watered down, so woohoo. The service was pretty good, over all, and while kids were clearly welcome and had appropriate accommodations, the place didn't have running and screaming. I definitely recommend trying it at least once.
(4)Paul W.
This place was near my hotel and had some good reviews so I checked it out. I was expecting more of a pub on my arrival, and was surprised to see such a large building dominated by the dining area. Anyway, the pub looked like more fun (although it wasn't busy on a sunday), but my company wanted to sit in the restaurant. Seating wasn't cramped. Server was polite and helpful. Decor was decent. Atmosphere was a little bit more family than expected, but certainly no crying/loud/annoying kids. With those things out of the way, we can talk about food. Their "specialties" are burgers and pizzas. Most of my group had the burgers, and they were delicious. I had a spicier one involving monterey jack cheese...can't remember what it was called...but I threw some avocado on there and it was amazing. I also had some of the chili and it was decent but not spicy enough for my taste. Key lime pie for dessert was above average. The highlight of my night was trying their beer sampler. It comes on a platter with 6 small glasses of different beers. I really enjoyed them all. The beer is actually what brought me to this place but I ended up being surprised by an enjoyable dining experience and some good food. Everything is reasonably priced. I'd give this place 4.5 if I could. Very much recommended if you are in the area. I hear this location has had a lot of different restaurants trying to give it a go over the years, so I really encourage people to check it out as I think it's worth keeping around...
(4)Liz B.
I had dinner last night with my friend and totally over indulged, it was worth it at the time but today I'm paying for it. We started off with some appetizers, the truffle fries and the hummus. The fries were beyond decadent and the hummus platter was delicious and fresh. For dinner, we split the margherita pizza; very thin crust with fresh tomatoes and basil. Don't worry, we didn't forget their very big beer menu-that's where the over indulging came in. I recommend the Allagash White Ale and the Cardinal Sin. Service was good, a little slow but she was very nice. The Lucky Monk is a fun place to go with your friends and family.
(4)Sean M.
Enjoyed this place. this is a brewery, the beer is better than average. I had the Gumbo soup which was not very good, but the Spinach & Ricotta pizza was really good. Service is very good.
(4)Joe M.
Pretzel trio skirt stake with fresh broccoli and service is top notch
(5)M I.
Overall it was a very good experience. The place looks very nice inside. Our server was very good and attentive. Everyone really enjoyed the food. We had the warm pretzels and dips and parmesan fries which were both good. My wife's burger was very good and I had the short ribs which had a lot of flavor and were very tender by just a bit dry. I still like the ribs a lot, but if they were a little more moist they would have been outstanding. We tried a few of their craft beers and they were good too. Overall a very nice place with good food. The prices were reasonable and the place was full. I'd recommend reservations especially right at dinner time. I'd have no problem recommending this place.
(4)Mark M.
This place is excellent every time! Yes, it is a little pricey, but for the most part, the portions are immense and the quality of the food is beyond tasty. I was a little disappointed this time with the Poutine (fries, and gravy and cheese curds, oh my!). It tasted a little bland and they don't give you nearly as much as you'd expect for $8. However, the burger totally saved the day! I get a burger every time here and they are usually outstanding. Today I tried "The King" and it was one of the best burgers I have ever had in my life!!! The King combines bacon, peanut butter and bananas. It sounds weird, and I was worried if it would all work together, but it totally does. The sweetness of the melty peanut butter with the bananas added an interesting touch to the super soft, lean burger. Then the bacon does what bacon does - kicks major behind!! The fries were perfect as usual, the upgrade to pickle fries were yummy as well and the service was great. You need to try this place out!!!!
(5)S S.
Beautiful location, good food! The worst service ever!!!! We were there to celebrate a birthday the wait staff forgot. Had to look for him to order more drink. Food took forever, because he forgot to place the order. He tried steeling money from people who had to leave and left money on the table. He was a nightmare. Wrote a letter to the GM and never got a response, and based on that I will not return as I'm apparently not important.
(1)Cam S.
Modern decor with plenty of tables and booths. Nice, warm atmosphere. Service very good. Food excellent with nice variety of gourmet burgers, pizza and entrees. Had Burger ($12) and Skirt Steak ($16) - both were excellent. Craft beer very good (Fallen Angel). Nice location for movie theater. Plenty of parking.
(5)Kim W.
Great decor and space. Beer was good. Both burgers at our table were cooked wrong (well instead of medium rare). Should have sent them back because it ended up making what should have been a great burger just so-so. Truffle fries were ok, not quite the treat everyone raved about. S'mores dessert was yummy. I'll give this place a 2nd try but it's on some thin ice.
(3)nicole h.
As soon as I was seated I was sure I'd love this place. Every employee we encountered was flawlessly professional. And our server--Stephen-- was nothing short of a stand up comedian. Our party of 6 trusted his recommendations and ordered accordingly. The appetizer pretzels with various accompaniments for dipping were good...but the dips didn't exactly rock my world. The fried pickles were amazing. Per our server's advice, I ordered the macadamia crusted tilapia with jasmine rice and banana reduction. I see what they were going for in their execution of this tropical dish, but it fell short. I like to "eat the rainbow" and there simply weren't enough colors, textures, and veggies on the plate. I think a plantain rather than a banana would have put the dish on a whole different level. The rest of the food was just ok...and the beers were just ok too. But the atmosphere and the service are top notch.
(4)Jessica W.
My fiance and I went to The Lucky Monk for dinner tonight. We had tried to visit a different place earlier and were faced with a 1 hour wait, so we decided to try TLM instead. Thinking that we might have a somewhat shorter wait, we were surprised to hear that wait time was 2 hours. Really? Come on. But the hostesses welcomed us to try full service at the bar or lounge if we could find a seat. With 5 degree weather outside and few choices in the area we decided to try the lounge. I'm glad we stayed because we had a really great time. We had a couple of appetizers, and a pizza and fish 'n chips for dinner. I was really surprised that the beer and food were actually good. The place itself has a good vibe going on, but that doesn't always mean that the food will be good. In this case, the food was worth writing about. We ordered the hummus with pita and truffle oil fries with Parmesan. The fries were a bit on the overly salty side, but in general, MMMM. Their New York style pizza was respectable for Chicago (though to be fair, this is coming from a native New Yorker) and the fish 'n chips were flavorful (tasty fish, and perfectly golden coating, not burnt like some places). Our server (Raphael) was super nice. He was friendly and very attentive even though the place was super busy. Overall, the atmosphere was fun, but relaxed. It has a modern feel to it, but isn't too trendy, or too casual. The bathrooms were super clean (though they just opened up about a month ago, so we'll see how that pans out in another few months). I would definitely go back to this place. I'll be moving to the burbs from the city soon and I'm trying to find places that will help me not miss the city (why oh why can't the burbs have more happening places? It's not like people aren't looking for things to do, places to go...) I think this place will make my list of favorite local places to visit when I don't feel like driving downtown. And to any TLM owners and staff that might be reading this: I love it when new places like yours open up and get sad when they fizzle in effort after 6 months. So please, please, please keep up the good work!
(4)Mary P.
My first time at the Lucky Monk and it was a hit. The pretzel trio - absolutely delicious! The pretzels are hot and fresh with 3 dipping sauces. The burger is huge, moist and cooked to perfection. The chopped salad is fresh, large and filling. The carrot cake is awesome in flavor and size. Definitely a great place to eat. Plenty of families were inside and the atmosphere was pleasant.
(4)lynn s.
My husband & I usually stop at the Lucky Monk after a movie at the nearby AMC. The restaurant was very busy for a Wednesday evening. My husband ordered the burger & fries while I tried the fish & chips. Both of our meals were very good. We also like the beer selection offered. The prices are fairly reasonable and the restaurant has a very nice atmosphere. It is nice to see a restaurant that is actually busy during the weekday. The service was very good even though I was initially brought the wrong dinner. My server apologized and the problem was immediately corrected. We have recommended to other friends and will continue to come back. The menu has a nice variety of burgers, pizza, sandwiches and even a few entrees.
(4)Steve K.
There are to love about the Lucky Monk and things that absolutely keep me away...those negatives keep the Monk from being my #1 local hangout. I was here the week they opened and excited that a new restaurant with lots of energy opened in my backyard.....I still visit often (maybe 40 times since they opened), but my visits are now rare because of the negatives. What I love: - The food is really top notch for what is essentially an upscale sports-bar menu. The truffle fries, burgers, pizzas and chili(s) are all very well executed. I have not had anything on the menu that was not outstanding. The burgers are still my go to item here although when they first opened, they had a smaller size burger option which was just right for me. - The place itself is really well designed and comfortable. It's a fun place to go sit at the bar if you are alone and want to watch a game (GREAT television setup). The tables and atmosphere is good throughout, including a comfortable outdoor space with a fire-pit. They also have a pool table room off the bar which is a good extra diversion. Lots to keep you occupied here. - The beer tastes great and they have a good selection of their own brews as well as better than average micro brews. The selection and quality has dropped off a tiny bit since they opened (in the beginning they really cared about what was on tap and now the tappers and selection seem a bit lee thought out) but still the quality remains high. What I REALLY dislike: - My biggest issue here is the price of drinks. I like to drink beer when I come here, and I noticed somewhere along the way my bar tab seemed to run sky high in a hurry. The reason? A pint of beer here will cost you near $7.00. I challenge you to find anywhere with higher priced beer, from the Gold Coast to the suburbs. The problem is "how" they price...on the menu a pint is $6.00, which is already pretty sky high, but they add tax on top of that for a total per beer charge of about $6.75. Maybe I am old school here but a local sports bar opening in a down economy without live music or strippers can't be charging these prices for beer. Join the rest of the bar world and please quote your drink prices including tax- or reduce the price of drinks to be somewhat in line with the competition. - The service: They opened with an all star staff of servers and bartenders who were really invested in the menu and the concept. Clearly the staff was well trained and cared for. Enthusiasm and service were 5 star. Not so anymore: the help has all turned over at least once in a very short time and you are not likely to get served by anyone who really cares, in my recent experience. Is it terrible service? No, not usually...but the service is far from engaged and fun. - I dislike the fact that they are contracting on their offerings rather than expanding. I understand tweaking a menu with adds and subtracts as time goes by but the Monk had reduced both their food and beer offerings since the day they opened. To me it feels like they are already running out of energy, less than two years after opening. That's it. My advice- If you are going to the movies at AMC this is a nice place to stop with a date for a bite before or after. But don't come too often unless you hit the lottery lately or are on a business expense budget for your movie dates. (Does anyone still have a business expense budget???) And especially don't come if you like to drink beer while watching your favorite team.
(2)Mike I.
Surprisingly good food, and with a great beer list!!! I dined here two weekends ago and had a pleasant all around experience. Our server was attentive and never did our party feel like we had to wait for another round of drinks or to place our food order. The beer selection was very good too: Westmalle Dubbel, La Fin du Monde, Chimay Blue, and a few other import "gems" were available. I did try their own brewed (they make their own beer there) oatmeal stout and it left a lot to be desired. This is, of course, because I'm comparing it to Sam Smith's version which is one of my all time favorite beers. On to the food: We split the pretzel appetizer with dipping sauces. It was very good and definitely a re-order for a future visit. I went with the Chicken sandwich with bacon which was full of flavor (seems like an oxymoron for a chicken sandwich, but it was)! I upgraded to the garlic truffle fries as a side and let me tell you: they were friggin' outstanding. I would go back just for beer and fries next time, they were that good! Other things ordered amongst the group were flatbread pizza (good, not great), pizza (very good), and burgers (great).
(4)Ke R.
We've been here twice, and both times have been a very good experience. The wait staff in very knowledgeable, attentive and informative. The beer is terrific (a few too many Belgians this last visit, but the varieties are always changing), and the food excellent. The short ribs with pasta were tender and flavorful (though the portion was small in comparison to everything else I've had there.) They serve a burger that's layered between two grilled cheese sandwiches (with bacon!) that is a heart attack waiting to happen - but delicious. Salads are excellent. We really love the pretzel appetizers. Terrific fish and chips. We've never made it to dessert, but based on the level of everything else we've tried, they're probably just as good.
(4)Rich C.
I wish I could rate this place on it's food, service, or anything else, but it never got that far. Went on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Only two other people in the bar, but it was so loud from the tvs to the point we couldn't even hear the what the bartender said about the drink specials. When we complained about the volume, I thunk the bartender said there was nothing they could do, but I can't be sure since I couldn't hear her, the volume was bone rattlingly loud, and carried all the way to the door. This is with hardly anyone in the place. It's a shame because it looks like a nice place, but they make it impossible to be heard by your dinner companion when the place is empty. A real shame.
(1)JoJo N.
We have given Lucky Monk a chance several times due to its location and outdoor seating. The beer is great and the atmosphere is enjoyable, but the food is horrible. I have tried over 5 entrees here and have not enjoyed any of them. The menu is very limited and the food doesn't taste good at all.
(1)Sean T.
I loved this place! They have a wide selection of microbrews, great appetizers (we had the pretzels with the different sauces) and burgers were great. I was sad first when Brass closed down, but Lucky Monk is a MUCH better Restaurant and the Bar is at least the same.. I moved to Crystal Lake so I'm not in the area as much, but I miss Lucky Monks.. Try the Beer sampler as they have many tasty brews..
(4)Kathleen R.
I love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is fantastic, family friendly yet perfect for girls night or date night. The outdoor patio is just beautiful and the huge fire pit is great touch. The food was very good. We had the soft pretzels for appetizers and burgers for dinner. The burgers are gigantic and some of the best around. I also had the seasonal beer brewed on location which I really enjoyed. The only reason I gave Lucky Monk 4 stars rather than 5 is because of the service. We were a table of 4 there on a Saturday evening and it didn't seem particularly busy as there were open tables, but the wait staff walked by us several times before finally taking a drink order and the same thing happened when it came time to order food and get the bill. That being said, I will definetly be back but will allow extra time.
(4)Suzanne M.
The burgers are top notch! Both portobello burgers and hamburgers are scrumptious! The beers on tap are also great and the fried pickles are completely addictive. This resto/bar is definitely needed in the NW burbs!
(5)kit k.
Sometimes I like the food here and sometimes the half the food is good and half is terrible. I have been here alot and lost night my salad was horrible and so was my pizza but others in my party loved there food. I have had that salad before and it has been good...The server did not even ask how my food was...crazy. But this is a good place just wish they get it together.
(3)Jeremy D.
This place is awesome! First of all, the beer is excellent. The food might even be better. The outdoor patio is beautiful. I highly recommend the beer sampler for only $7.50 and the burgers. We also had the soft pretzels and they were heavenly. Very impressed! The service was great too. I will definitely be back!
(5)Abraham P.
Their appetizers are delicious, the main course was delicious, and the dessert was delicious. Good decorations all over the place. Flat screens with sports on was great. Good price to. Pretty cheap in my opinion. Probably make a trip back there again
(5)Margie D.
great ambiance, delicious food; the whipped goat cheese appetizer was outstanding and the crispy fish tacos were excellent and it's stone's throw away from the AMC Theaters.. highly recommend, we will definitely be back, Tried it thanks to the positive Yelp reviews..thanks Yelp!
(4)Tom C.
I love brewpubs and The Lucky Monk is exactly what I was looking for. The hostess and server were attentive and friendly. The Belgian Pale Ale was a delicious balance of floral and fruity flavors. The Stout was creamy and rich. The burger was excellent and actually medium as ordered. The chicken sandwich was delicious with avocado, bacon and a brioche bun. Only room for improvement was that the fries were a little too salty. But the salty fries were easily forgivable considering the quality of the beer and food at their reasonable prices. The Lucky Monk further exceeded our expectations with good music like Elliott Smith and Fleet Foxes. Nice ambiance for family or friends. Highly recommended.
(5)Candyce P.
the hubby works 2mins away from "the lucky monk" and went with his coworkers for lunch there last week. he raved about the burger he had and wanted to go back. so friday rolled around and i was super lazy to cook dinner, so after suggesting portillo's (my lazy go-to), he suggested we go to "the lucky monk" instead. so fine, i got ready and he picked me up. we got there around 5:45, and the place was about half full. but upon entering, the only thing i thought was that it was a beautiful restaurant. nothing overly done up, just simple lighting, nice pieces of art and great color scheme that made the place feel super cozy and nice. our server was mikayah (spelling?), and she was awesome! they've obviously trained their staff well, because she could explain anything we asked and give great recommendations. (thinking about it now, i should've taken notes because their menu isn't available online yet). anyhow, for drinks, we went with their house-brews. i tried the 6-beer flight, and the hubby had one of the darker brews. overall, they were good. i definitely found that i love lighter, wheat beers over darker ales. so the hubby had my darker ones and i finished the rest. we had the grilled shrimp as an appetizer. there were 6 shrimp, and instead of them being crusted with the breadcrumb mixture, there was a dollop of the mixture set in the middle of each shrimp. then the shrimp were set on some sauteed spinach and a light tomato broth. really, really good. so this place is trying to be know for beers, burgers and pizza. so to keep with that theme, the hubby ordered a pizza, i ordered a burger, and we shared. i got the smothered burger, with caramelised onions and gruyere cheese. the hubby got the margherita pizza. the pizza is neopelatin style pizza, so the crust is nice and thin, but still chewy and bubbly. however, while that was very well-made.... the burger... oh, the burger... {drool} it was a perfect burger. not only are the patties house-made, but they are seasoned and cooked perfectly! it also had the perfect amount of onions and cheese to accompany it and not overshadow the delicious burger patty. i asked to sub the parmesan-truffle fries, and they gladly obliged. i said it was ok if that cost a bit extra, but i don't remember seeing a charge for it on the bill. yay! anyhow... the fries. the hubby adored them. but i am going to go out on a limb here... and admit that i think i don't like truffles very much! (eeek!) but, they were pretty good still. for dessert we had the smores skillet. it was too sweet for me, and i have a huge sweet tooth. we also got the "scratch-made" chocolate chip cookies on the house... and i would recommend ordering those. they're a simple dessert, but really delicious. we left the restaurant having had a great meal along with matching service! will definitely go back and take friends and family too! also - it's right next to the AMC theatres, so maybe a cute date night?
(4)Michelle F.
I have been to The Lucky Monk several times and have always had a great experience. The atmosphere is very nice and feels upscale while still being casual and comfortable. The food is very good and executed well and their house brewed beers are great as well! I would only have one suggestion for the menu, to add a pretzel roll to the burgers. The burgers are amazing, they just need a bun that can hold their own next to it!
(5)Gin Y.
Truffle devil eggs delicious; apple and bacon flatbread tasty, buffalo wings very meaty, flavorful. Server / service excellent.
(4)rita l.
went to the lucky monk for a change, sat down in the bar ,the bartender was our waitress, got there about 1:00pm on a sunday. listened to the bartender swear at the food runner because he brought food out for another table when they just had been served appetizers{not a pretty site when you have a kid with you}. she came to our table and we ordered two miller lites and a coke never got menus. waited 5 minutes and she never came back. when she did come back she asked what we would like to order, still did not have menus, she gave us two and said she would be back with a third menu, never came back.when she did come back we had had enough by this time and asked for the check.asked to talk to the manager and was told he was to busy. took our business to millrose restaurant across the street and had a great experience. never going back to the lucky monk. what a disapointment
(1)Bobbie D.
We went for a Friday night dinner, made a reservation about 2 hours before. Got there, no parking....didn't look good for us, but a full lot is always good for them! Waited a few minutes for someone to leave, our table was ready, near the bar, which was really loud. I am not a fan of high bar tables. We asked if we could be moved and we were told not a problem. We were reseated in a quieter area. The service was outstanding!! After our last restaurant outing, this was a true pleasure. Our server was pleasant, knowledgeable and friendly without being plastic-smiley-faced. We all ordered burgers, they were cooked perfectly. They were delicious. The fries - meh - not sure they hadn't been sitting around and were a bit too cooked and brown. But the burger, ah, it was so good, that combined with our great service, made up for that shortfall. Desserts sounded good, but we were too full. We will go back, and have told many people about it! Great job training your waitstaff!!
(4)Jane P.
update: food still excellent (fantastic pickle fries) surpassed only by service (shout out to neal who made our evening). only suggestion would be to figure out a way to balance the restaurant's popularity with care + concern for customers who are waiting for tables. a crowded foyer with a beeper doesn't equal the experience, and the location leaves few options.
(4)Kelsey K.
We were pleasantly surprised by this place. It was decent. I'd definitely be back because I'd like to try the spent grain burger.
(4)Veronica L.
I drive about an hour get to this place, it's well worth it! Their burgers are the best!
(5)John B.
Went there on the 'sampler' plan. Beer sampler was fun and most were drinkable. Cheese curds appetizer - eat'em hotl; Sandwiches were good; never met an onion straw I didn't like; truffle fries - not sure what the fuss is about. Wanted to do desert but couldn't find room. Will be back if I get to the area. Thought it was a good value.
(5)Lindsay B.
My husband and I had a great experience at The Lucky Monk- definitely lived up to the hype and all of the difficulty getting into the location. I would highly recommend making reservations if you do not want to wait a long time to be seated- particularly on a weekend. We were seated within 3 minutes of walking into the restaurant due to our reservation, and the wait time for everyone else was about 45 minutes. My husband tried one of the lucky monk brews- the seasonal offering- and enjoyed it a lot. I tried two different cocktails- the triple berry lemonade and the paloma- both delicious. We started with the trappist trio- a guilty pleasure of deliciousness that included cheese curds, truffle fries, and fried pickles- heaven in a trio. We both enjoyed delicious burgers for our meal- and had some food to take home. We skipped the fries with our meal due to eating them with our appetizer and had beer cheese soup instead- fantastic- and had some of that to take home too. I would definitely come back to The Lucky Monk to try other items on the menu because many more things look delicious. Great experience overall!
(5)Lukas S.
We came here twice and each time had a great experience! The first time we came on a Friday and had to wait about 30 minutes for a table, but that wasn't too much of a shocker being a weekend. The second time we made reservations and got seated immediately. The food is great and the atmosphere is fun and vibrant. There's a lot of unique and fun items on the menu! You could try the burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches, for instance! It's a definite place we'd go back to! The downfall for us is the wait on weekends...but...that's not the fault of the restaurant that so many people want to eat there!!
(4)Jim B.
Great experience, only a 15 minute wait and it was pretty crowded. Our daughter has a nut allergy, and our waitress was very attentive and accommodating, even had the chef make sure the bread was safe..we appreciated the extra effort, not all restaurants are as attentive. Fried pickles were so awesome, we had to get another because the kids gobbled em down so fast! Corned beef sandwiches were good according to wife and daughter, son kinda filled up on the apps, so we took his food home. I had the monk burger with sautéed shrooms, which was good. The beer cheese soup was good too. Also got the beer sample paddle, the Weiss and oatmeal stout were especially good. Overall, very good, we all agreed we would go back. The menu isn't huge, but has typical pub fare. Cheese curds, fried pickles, beer...ya can't go wrong!
(4)Melissa H.
Traveling thru and stopped by. It was pleasantly surprising that it was so good. We enjoy it alot and if it was closer to our city we would go back. It was clean, service was good, and management was visible.
(5)Carolina B.
I went to this restaurant before seeing a movie at the AMC 30 in south Barrington. It is a brewery/ restaurant that specializes in burgers, I would definitely recommend it, especially if you are seeing a movie at the theater, it is basically the only nearby restaurant unless you want to spend a lot of money or want Chilli's. I made a reservation for 4 people at 4:45 on a Saturday, I was surprised to find that I actually needed a reservation so early. I requested a booth and got one which was nice. If you are going on the weekend I would suggests making a reservation. As I said, they are known as a brewery and offer many beers for all tastes, my friends both got beer samplers which were great. 6 different beers with explanation sheets, and they were not too expensive. I don't drink beer often and they had a pretty good drink and martini menu. I ordered the botanical fizz martini and it was great, light and refreshing. For dinner, I ordered the chicken poblano chili and the fresh tossed spinach pizza both were excellent. The pizza was cooked perfectly and had all the right flavors, ricotta, mozzerella and bechamel sauce, I also added sausage. I would definitely suggest this place, even if your not in the mood for a burger or going to the movies!!
(4)Edward M.
Had a wonderful evening here. The hamburgers are definitely the thing to go for. I had the grilled cheeese burger which is two grilled cheese sandwiches as bread and then a hamburger in the middle. The grilled cheese comes with bacon bits as well. They were very crisp. This was just a fun thing to order but was way too big to put in my mouth. The fries that came with it are hand cut and excellent, crispy on the outside, just right on the inside. The service is also excellent.
(4)Chelsea D.
My favorite burger place ever! It is definitely the burgers that keep bringing me back here and the sweet potato fries. Though the service isn't always the best - the host stand could be friendlier and the servers could be more attentive with keeping drinks full, coming back to check on how it's going, etc. I've only checked in here a few times, but I've been here at least 7 or 8 times now.. One time I can recall waiting 45 minutes for a burger. It was a Thursday night in August and the place wasn't full. We actually sat outside, but our waiter was always MIA. It seemed as though he had tables inside too. I felt like his table assignments were off that night or too much for him to handle. My favorite burger is the "bourbon stout" with Tillamook cheddar, stout braised onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and they also give you a house condiment. The "monk" is always a good choice. It's basic. And the "sunrise" comes with a sunny side up egg.
(4)Meghna S.
We have been there many times with friends and family and everyone loved this place.. We are vegetarian and most of the places have only one type of veggie burger but this place has all varieties of burgers they can make vegetarian. Their beer samplers are pretty good. great ambience.. Good service Good choice of appetizers.. Fries trio platter is the best..
(4)Gloria B.
Went there today with two girlfriends after a movie. We tried the deep fried dill pickles with the smoky dipping sauce for an appetizer. They were definitely five stars - YUM! I got the spent grain burger (vegetarian) made from grains used to brew their beer. It was very good - almost TOO good - like "what's in this exactly - is it really vegetarian, LOL?" It held together much better than most veggie burgers I've had. Their fries, as always, were good. Our server was very attentive, so no complaints there. I've been there a number of times and have enjoyed their pizza on other visits. And their desserts are pretty yummy and giant too. So overall, I'm a very happy customer. It's a great after movie treat.
(4)Ann C.
Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. Two adults, an adult teen (what do you call an 18 year old? She is technically an adult, but still a teen.... I digress) and a 9 year old. We were seated right away. Great service. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, but not overly attentive. Hubby ordered a beer flight. He enjoyed it. I stuck to a coke product because I do not like beer. We ordered poutine... it was fantastic. The curds were so good, I had to arm wrestle my 9 year old for the last one on the plate. The adults ordered the cheese soup. I do not think any of us liked it much. As a matter of fact, the young adult (ha! That's what she is!) and I did not finish ours. The hubs ordered the grilled cheese burger. Holy huge! He enjoyed it. The young adult ordered the chicken salad sandwich. She said it was good but was full from the poutine and soup. She ate the rest for lunch today and said it was pretty good. I had the rueben. It was very, very good. I would order it again. The 9 year old had the cheese pizza with fries. He devoured it. Kids meals come with a cookie and chocolate sauce. He devoured that too. It was a bit pricey for 4 people for lunch but I would go back for the poutine. It was that good.
(4)Michael M.
Going to keep this short, sweet, and to the point. I don't write a whole lot of reviews but I find myself just having to after eating here at The Lucky Monk. The atmosphere of the place is terrific and appearance is very nice but once you take your seat all of that begins to fade away. The waitress was good but the food I couldn't serve at a homeless shelter. I can not recommend this place and be able to sleep at night I am sorry. If you are just going to sit at the bar and watch a game you're going to be just fine just don't order any food.
(1)Emmalee G.
So delicious. I was here last week on a double date and it was splendid. We started our meal off with The Pretzel Trio and it was amazing. My beau ordered the Monk Burger, and I ordered the BBQ Burger with a vegetarian patty as a substitute for their traditional party. Unfortunately they were out of vegetarian patties but our server alerted me of this right after our order was placed and I ordered the Fish n Chips. Our food arrived hot and perfectly cooked. I wish we would have saved room for dessert! Maybe next time. Will definitely visit again.
(5)Mary M.
The food at lucky monk is great. I've tried the goat cheese appetizer, cheese curds, and pretzels, all delicious. only comment is goat cheese appetizer could use either a smaller portion or more things to dip in it. I love the spent grain burgers amazing for those who are vegetarian or enjoy a good veggie burger. Their fries are ok sometimes a tad soggy or burnish looking, over all they taste good. I tried the cookie dessert with gooey caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. It was very hot and the ice cream was a tad difficult to eat becaus it rolled and melted and didn't want to be friends with the spoon. Overall food is great. I'd highly recommend trying the beer flight if this is your first visit or you enjoy beer. Fallen angel is my fave, they do have something for everyone who enjoys a good brew. The outside is great for conversation, you get a nice view, but be warned it is by a pond so bug spray is a must if you get eaten alive by mosquitoes like I do. I recently ate inside and it was very loud difficult to hold a conversation. I will say the servers inside are really on their game, if you sit on the patio prepare for a bit of a wait.
(4)Kailey G.
Service and food was wonderful! We ordered pretzels as our appetizer and the two of us are all 4 pretzels. They were so good. The burgers are huge and delicious as well as the pizza. Great place for a date night.
(4)Bob R.
Date night! We saw a movie at the AMC next door. We've tried to eat at the Lucky Monk in the past several time, but the waits to get in were way too long. This time, we used Opentable to make a reservation ahead of time. We saw a 3:45 movie, so made a reservation for 6:15. And, like always, the place was packed. As I understand it, the wait was about 45 minutes, but we were seated right away. As you might expect, with the crowds, it is noisy in there. The crowd is diverse, from young couples with small children to old folks like us. The server greeted us shortly after we were seated, then took a drink order - I ordered a martini. From then, we waited. The poor waiter seemed to have about 15 tables and was running to keep up. But, it got a little frustrating when we finally flagged him down about 15 minutes later to place our order. I did say something about it, and from that moment on the service was great. Their menu has a broad selection. But, boring me, I ordered a burger.. At least Kerrie got a Waldorf Salad. But, I have to admit, the burger was really good. I ordered it medium, and it was perfect. They are large (1/2 pound) and they serve it on a one in round piece of wood. So, it looks even bigger when delivered. Not sure what they spice the meat with, but it was tasty. The fries are serve are hand cut, and were also very good. No room for desert, but I did take 1/2 of the burger home. We'll be back.
(4)Raeni 3.
Waitress was very friendly and helpful. Hamburgers are juicy and ginormous! Only complaint, the fries did not taste fresh nor were they hot. Definitely will go back!
(3)Ericka A.
Eating here kinda blows my mind each time and leaves me speaking in Doge. Such poutine. Amaze. Much craft. Such selection. Very delicious. Wow! We've come here about a handful of times and expect to make many future visits. This craft brew bar is practically in the same parking lot as AMC South Barrington 30, so we often grab a bite to eat before seeing a show. The downside: Long waits (typically 30-45+ min each time we've shown up), somewhat slow service (though not atrocious), sometimes a bit of a mix-up on orders (they're apologetic and correct it), and I think their fries are pretty weak. The upside: If it's just two of us then we've usually been able to grab a seat at the bar relatively quickly and you can order food there, our servers have all been very gracious, their poutine is pretty decent (even if the fries suck, IMO), the burgers are great (I highly recommend the Grilled Cheese Burger and The King), and they have a handful of their own beers, a great selection of other craft beers, and there are typically a couple hard ciders on tap. Their bottled beer choices are varied and extensive as well.
(4)Jorge C.
This place never fails to deliver! I make it a point to find the little hole in the wall places for a mean burger and beer. This place has been my staple and high water mark for years! Short of going to Wisconsin, the cheese curds here are second to none!
(5)Nina K.
I love the food and beer at this place. There's not much else to say! Get the appetizer trio, very yummy.
(5)Andrea M.
The burgers here are out of this world, as are the sweet potato fries. They were happy to seat us early for our reservation. They brought out a veggie appetizer for the kids in the party, and they got cookies and milk for dessert! They have a nice wine selection too. This is a great place for families!
(5)Natty P.
The best part about this place is THEIR OWN BREWED BEER! My favorite would have to be the stout. As far as apprizers my favorite are the cheese curds which comes with a chipotle dipping sauce. I have had a variety of entrées but my all time favorite are the crispy fish tacos. Lastly we tried a desert for the first time and it was the sticky donuts and it was absolutely amazing with three dipping sauces: chocolate, raspberry and caramel. This is a nice environment and when the weather gets nice there is outdoor seating and a bonfire pit. The ambience is nice, it's a classy feel, this is a great place for a girls night, date or even casual dinner and drinks. I have never been disappointed with the level of service I receive there. They ran out of the stout that I usually get after my first glass, they suggested a different on which I didn't like, and they took it back and let me pick another one.
(5)Daniella D.
Stopped in at 2:00 on a fri. Nice crowd but easily seated at the bar. The atmosphere was modern and comfortable. It's along the lines of a granite city or rock bottom but better. Our server Becky was also the bartender. She did a great job the whole time we were there. She had a great knowledge of the menu and the beers which was refreshing as so many people know nothing about the food or drinks where they work. She also was also attentive. The food that we had was really great. We started with the cheese curds which rival any WI establishment and we agreed were the best we've ever had. They were lightly breaded and crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside. They come with 2 dipping sauces that pair well. We ordered 2 pizzas to share, the spinach & margerita. They were both good though we each preferred a different one. We got the beer sampler which included 6 beers. 5 if the brews they normally keep on tap & 1 choice/ seasonal. Our 6th beer was an extra IPA this time. It was just under $9 for the sampler. We thought the beers were pretty good overall. We each chose a different beer to order after having the sampler and liked the ones we ordered. But we decided against a growler fill because nothing really blew our mind. Keep in mind we are really into craft beer and so it takes something special to really impress us. This place is definitely top notch and worth checking out.
(4)Jeffrey K.
My wife loves the joint. I like it. It's good food. The prices are a bit high for what you get though.
(4)Rose D.
Well, The Lucky Monk, perhaps you aren't so lucky anymore as I'm knocking you down a star. Perhaps you are getting too big for your britches? Over the years since we've been coming here the food has been mostly quite good, but the service has been seriously slipping. I'm not saying every time we've come here, but enough occasions out of the overall to make me write this update. The attentiveness & friendliness (I don't mean slather it on, but just basic server niceties) has been lacking on multiple occasions. Since it hasn't been every time and since the food, for the most part, has been great, I've only knocked them down to 3-stars for now. I will say I most recently tried the Spent Grain "burger" which is a quinoa/grains patty and while the flavor was good it was the mushiest quinoa patty I've ever had. It was impossible to eat it like a burger, it fell completely apart the first time I picked it up so I just ate it with a fork. I've had them elsewhere, and while they are usually on the softer side, it is possible to make them so they stay together to eat on a bun. Oh well.
(3)Nathan S.
My first impression of Lucky Monk was, wow this place has a cool look and vibe. The building is nice and open with up to date decorations. Our server came out and I feel like we were rushed, even though the dinning room was pretty open. We ordered a couple flights of their beers, I cant remember all of the names so i will not really review them. One was great and I didn't really care for the rest. The group at the table all ordered a burger of some type and while they were all good burgers, the price was ridiculously high for them. I will not likely be back, only because the price, the food was good, atmoshper was nice, and the service was alright.
(3)Abby K.
We went to the Lucky Monk for our rehearsal dinner. They had no problem reserving us a table for 20 people in the dining room (vs. making us reserve a private room). When we arrived, we were immediately seated in the dining room. The service was fast. We ordered drinks, received those quickly and put in our appetizer and food order. The in-house beers were good. You are able to order a flight of beer, which several on the table did, which gave us a chance to try all the different beers before picking one to go with our dinner. The food came out quite quickly and looked amazing. The burgers were big, the salads were huge and the portions were great, especially for the price. Many people weren't even able to finish all the food they ordered! Everyone at the table complimented the dishes they'd ordered. The service was fast and overall it was a good experience and a nice, informal place to hold a relaxed rehearsal dinner. I'd definitely go back, if i am in the area again! The bar area is very nice as well. There is plenty of room to stand or sit and enjoy drinks. We spent a few hours at the bar after dinner and the service again was great!
(4)David B.
I visited Lucky Monk for the first time for lunch today. I had no idea what to expect. What I found was a large, airy dining room with high ceilings, nicely decorated, in a brewery theme. While not oppressively dark, the lighting is somewhat subdued. I guess that keeps with the theme. One side of the establishment is a bar with two large TV screens. There are no screens on the restaurant side. The restaurant specializes in craft beer and has a selection of their own beers as well as some from other small batch breweries. The beer descriptions sound interesting, but I'm not one to have alcohol at lunch so they will have to wait for another visit. But the menu features items that use these beers in the recipes. The menu is somewhat limited, but there are beef, chicken, pork and fish entrees and sandwiches. There are also a good variety of salads. You will find something that suits you. I was with a group of 10 people. We had reserved a table and were easily accommodated. The dining room was busy, but we didn't feel crowded and we were definitely not rushed to order. Service for a group this the the was adequate. The crowded dining room was a bit noisy. And the noise level did not really diminish much as the tables emptied. If you want a quiet place for conversation look elsewhere. I ordered the Cape Cod fish sandwich. It was a wonderfully prepared, delicious pair of lightly battered fillets on a soft bun. This was really twice as much fish as expected. I disassembled the sandwich and ate one fillet plain and the other as the sandwich. This was really too big a lunch, but it was delicious! I can't write a review without mentioning the physical menu. If you are an older guy like me make sure you bring your reading glasses. The print is kind of small and hard to make out in the limited light.
(4)Kimsy S.
I braved the Polar Vortex to come here. Congratulate me. No, really. Congratulate me. I need my ego stroked. No? Well, fine, I guess I'll just talk about the food and service: I came to Lucky Monk after reading so many wonderful things about it on Yelp. I came for the burger, but I noticed that they have poutine (called Poutine-Montreal Style) as an appetizer! This made my day, especially after hearing that BadHappy had closed (boo!!!). I definitely ordered it, as well as a Monk burger. The Poutine is a close contender to the one I've tasted at BadHappy: salty, plenty of gravy, and lots of gooey cheese curds. A hypertensive's nightmare, but so what. It was delicious. And the Monk burger is AMAZING! I'm glad that I chose it for my first burger here, because I could really taste the beef, which was well-seasoned and prepared. I love lots of crazy toppings as much as the next burgerphile, but sometimes I just need some lettuce, tomato, and cheese to be set. The service was excellent. My server was very helpful and patient with me as I asked a bunch of silly questions, and made sure that I was happy and taken care of. I wish I caught her name. :-( I am looking forward to returning for more Poutine, burgers, craft beers, and happiness!
(4)Sopla R.
While in the burbs, it's hard to find places to eat that we haven't already tried or heard of (chains) I was also looking for something with a patio to enjoy.. so we opted to try this place.. We sat outside by the pond and just enjoyed the scenery. which is a pond and some greenery. It's a nice setting all in all. We shared the Trappist Trio appetizer the breading was light enough that you didn't feel like it was too heavy. Good for 3+ people to share. Then the burgers and fish n chips! All really good. I'd pass up any of the those other brew pub type places and come here if you've never been. Nice beer flight selections.
(4)Rick R.
First time here. Nawlins chicken sandwich is very good and the fresh fries are great. I only wish I hadn't stopped drinking beer. With that said the bartender, while busy, was still on point and kept serving my vodka & soda on time. All in all, cool place. Definitely recommend and will return!
(4)Ronald S.
Their hours say they are open till 11, got there at 10:30 and the kitchen was closed, that's a weird thing to close when you are a restaurant. Staff was already mopping the floors and not interested in customers. Poor service, won't go back.
(1)Katie F.
The service is the only thing that brought this down a star for me. Our waiter was attentive to every table but ours (like we watched him do it) and did not give my son everything that was included in his meal. Also, getting a table feels like disney world style-you have to have a reservation. I think they could make better use of their space to have a couple more tables too. I did over hear someone talk about making reservations online, so I may do that next time. Now on to the food. I have never tasted anything here that I did not like, but the appetizers are the best. I would prefer to order a bunch of these than any thing else on the menu. Especially the pretzels! I am not a beer person, so can't really speak to that (I did get a small glass last time and did not particularly enjoy it). So I guess my real feedback is: GO!, but make a reservation first
(4)Adam B.
It's been four years since I reviewed the Monk and I wanted to update my thoughts. My most recent visit was in the middle of the week where I was one of 30 people attending a party. For beers, I ordered a Fallen Angel and a Cardinal Sin. Both were flavorful, crisp, and cold. At five bucks each, these are excellent house-brewed beers. I went with something new. I went with the prime salad, and oh my goodness. The portion was huge. Greens, tomatoes, bacon, artichokes, celery, cucumbers, parmesan (skip the croutons), and a red wine-dijon dressing. Oh...not to mention a half pound burger to mix in too! The burger was juicy, the ingredients were fresh. I would easily order this again. And because they are irresistible, I got a "side" of fries. They don't qualify as a side, it's enough for a meal. They are hand-cut and lightly seasoned. Most importantly, they are fried perfectly so they are crispy outside and tender inside. And here's the key...ask for a side of the aioli. Screw the ketchup, it is so blasé! The aioli has a healthy dose of garlic in it and is ideal to deep these fries in. Service was solid considering the size of our group. Drinks were filled at a reasonable rate, the food came out quickly, and the staff was very friendly.Parking can be a little tough most nights but that means they're doing a lot right. This place can't be beat. Although I'd like them to bring the key lime pie back...
(5)Mark S.
Decent food but a little over priced. Calamari and mini tacos were pretty decent. Beer cheese soup was nothing special. Would have been nice to get it before the meal as requested, not after the meal was delivered and only after asking what happened to the soup. Still don't understand the bs excuse we were given. Watch your bill! Gave waitress my bill and it was returned with someone's more expensive. Waitress totally didn't care. Nice manager was very apologetic.
(3)Kate B.
This place is great! Their brew master is one of the best I've ever encountered. They change beers often which makes them interesting and not repetitive. The good is high quality and always fantastic! Atmosphere is fun for a quiet dinner or a rowdy get together at the bar. They accommodate large groups easily. This place is a nice replacement for the location. The pretzel app is better than you think, and it's worth a try. Burgers, pizzas, atmosphere, and beer. Seriously, what more could want!?
(4)Jill O.
I'm never disappointed at the Lucky Monk. I always make sure to make a reservation because they can get slammed, particularly on game days. I love the cheese curds, and everything else I've tried from the burgers/sandwiches to the pizzas were all good. Making a healthy choice here is challenging because they have so many good fatty choices, oh well!
(4)Bob H.
Food is always great. One if the best turkey burgers anywhere. You also can't go wrong with their personal pizza and the fish fry also delicious. They do get busy so be prepared to wait.
(5)Angel F.
4 stars for the food.
(4)Summer L.
I've only been here once and loved it! They have a great variety of food. I got the steak tacos and they were delicious. We also shared the sampler appetizer platter with fired pickles, cheese curds, and fries and everything was phenomenal! The group I was with loved their food as well. I'll definitely be going back soon.
(5)Jasmine M.
This restaurant is just flawless. The atmosphere is modern and inviting, the staff are very friendly, and the food is 100% perfect. I had the signature Monk burger. It was delicious and perfectly cooked. If you come here, you must have the cheese curds. They are pillowy and perfect. The ice cream cake is also Devine. How can a place be so perfect?
(5)Meagan M.
The food is good, the service is pretty good as well. If you're expecting to have a place to eat, drink and talk for hours - this is not the place for you. However, it's perfect if you want to grab dinner before a movie.
(4)Shane E.
The Lucky Monk was packed last Friday, to the point that we couldn't find a parking spot for approximately 20 min. I came to understand why that was the case. Highlights: -Awesome Service: our server knew the menu like the back of his hand, and allowed us to sample four different beers before ordering -Solid food and absurd portion sizes: Burgers were respectable and monstrous
(4)Daisy G.
Eh OK. Had the fish and chips they weren't amazing by any means. Also had the fruit loops drink which was a bit too orange-y. Other people in my party loved it. Had the burger, fish tacos and patty melt. Very crowded & loud
(3)Molly L.
I have been to dinner here many times, but not for the past few years. I went tonight with a friend and we ordered the same burger, the goat cheese and spinach one. The burger was delicious! The fries were also good and the portions were generous. The wait staff leaves something to be desired... We had to wait way too long for an appetizer we ordered and we ended up with the wrong one and were overcharged. Service was slow, but not horrible. The food will have me coming back for more, though!
(3)Belda K.
The manager Kevin is unbelievable. It's packed in here and he always finds the time to say hello and to make sure we are enjoying our drinks and food. Jared does a great job too. The atmosphere here is wonderful and the love from our family here for the past year has been great. Jeremy...Phil....keep up the great work. You have a great team here. Thank you for a great first year. We look forward to many more. Also if we haven't thanked everyone at The Lucky Monk for making our wedding day a day to remember. We love you all. Cheers!!!
(5)Amanda V.
My fiancé and best friend threw my surprise birthday party here on their outdoor patio, and The Lucky Monk was so accommodating! Our servers, Melissa and Dan were awesome!! For a party of about 35, every person had a drink in their hand and food on their plates. The food was amazing, drinks were refreshing, and the service was phenomenal!
(5)Arlin B.
This is the "GO TO" place to eat and enjoy some very tasty beers with some friends! They are a Burger, Pizza and Beer place but I would argue they are a Beer, Beer and more Beer, Burger and Pretzel Place :-) Beer~ they are a 10 barrel brew house with a pilsner, some ales, IPA, and a stout. My faves are the Fallen Angel lager, the Grale amber ale and the Confessional American IPA. All are very good! You can order a sampler if you would like to try several of them. Restaurant~ it's very clean and inviting. Plenty of room around their bar and in their dinning for small and larger parties. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They keep your drinks filled and they know their menu very well. Food~ you must start every meal at the Lucky Monk with an order of pretzels with cheese and mustard sauces and an order of cheese curds :-) You can't beat their burgers. The Monk is a good go to but if you're adventurous try the Sunrise with a fried egg, or the Peppercorn and Ranch is awesome or for the really, really hungry-and-I-plan-to-spend-an-extra-30 minutes-in-the-gym, then try their Grilled Cheese Burger. It's a burger stuffed between two bacon filled grilled cheese sandwiches!! SERIOUSLY?! As a heart attach waiting to happen :-) I heard it was very tasty. They also have some great pizzas, salads, fish and chips too. But this review is getting too long and my beer is getting warm, so like with all good things this review must come to and end. Again, this is a great place to go especially with a family or friends. I make this a regular stop when visiting the Hoffman Estates ~ South Barrington area. I'm looking forward to trying their seasonal winter ales and lagers on my next trip. I hope to see you there.
(5)Alyssa K.
I've been here twice for dinner with girlfriends and both times my experience was great. I'm kind of on a mission to try every brewery within 30 miles of me and so I was able to check another of the list. I ordered the sampler tray so I could try all the beers. I wasn't a fan of the lighter beers but the oatmeal stout was smooth and delicious. If you enjoy trying different beers the sampler is the way to go! I've had the smothered burger here and I loved it. Plus they served the burger on this little pedestal, so it has to be amazing, right? The best decision I made here though, was to upgrade to the pickle fries. Yes, it costs $2 more and yes it probably shortened my life by 2 years but they were so good. Salty, crunchy pickles fried in batter. The truffle fries were delicious too but I don't think they hold a candle to the pickle fries. I've also had a chicken sandwich and the pretzel trio appetizer. Those were also good but I would skip ordering the chicken in the future and go back to the burger. You get a ton more food for the price. The parking lot sucks though. The first time I visited here I had to park back across the side street in the bank parking lot. Which would have been less of a big deal if it had been warmer than 15 degrees that night. I expected the wait time to be really long with the parking problem but I was seated within 20 minutes. The parking lot was even packed on the Thursday night I visited as well and then we were seated right away. So I'm taking away a star for the crappy parking situation. Make your lot bigger!
(4)Smitty J.
Our waitress Jillian was great. The fries were hand cut and were delicious. Great craft beer. The tomato goat cheese fondue was very tasty and served with a very tasty baguette for dipping. Bar and a restaurant Nice upscale place will definitely be back.
(5)Daniel F.
This is a PUB, and for me and our guests, we enjoyed the the food, ambiance, and the micro brew they make. Our server was very knowledgeable, and pleasant. If you want a good burger, and beer, this is the place. Salads were nice size and the Western Pizza, is outstanding, (if you like BBQ). We have been here several times, and it never gets old. The staff always makes you feel "You are the Customer" and that along with the food, makes you wanting to come back. Oh, and for desserts, they have plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth.
(5)Kirsten T.
Overall you can't do wrong here, everything I've had on their menu has been great. Last night we started with the fried cheese curds, they melted in your mouth with goodness! I will go back just for that fried heavenly cheese. I had the sausage, onion & pepper pizza, it was crisp & delicious, could've used a little more cheese, but a great, flavorful pie. The other half had the fish fry and he said it was very good. The real winner here is the service, walked in two hours before our reservation & we were seated immediately! That was wonderful and our waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and drinks, five stars to her! I highly recommend the place if you are looking for a great meal & service.
(5)Jon F.
A little more fancy than I expected, but they didn't sit us in the dark corner when a couple of friendly bikers walked in. We stared off with a couple of beers - The IPA was great... I'm not sure if I'd travel across state lines for it, but it was tasty. I hear the stout is great too, but i didn't have an opportunity to taste it during this trip. We started off with the cheese curds which were fantastic. They are fried just right with little pockets of tastiness and the included dipping sauces were tasty as well. For our main course my SO got the truffle fries appetizer. They were delicious! If you are ordering a burger you can sub them in for $2, and i think thats probably very worth it. I had the Grilled Cheese Bacon Cheeseburger and added fried onions on it. The onions helped the size, but this thing was massive! It was a little undercooked for the requested medium, but was tasty none the less. Were the Lucky Monk a little more divey I might have considered sending it back, but it would have been a feat to recreate that sandwich. The regular fries were A-OK, but just some fries. Our friend had the Plank Salmon which looked pretty good as well. Overall I had a great experience! The staff was very helpful and friendly and the food was great!
(4)Natalie A.
each and every time i go, this place is amazing. they brew their own craft beer and the staff/food is always amazing
(5)Amira E.
This was a great place to dine with friends and eat some great food. The burgers are the best! I also had their sweet potato fries which where delightful. I had a nice crafted cider to top off the meal. I enjoyed my experience and the waitress and staff served our large party like a pro!!
(5)Chris H.
Excellent service, great beer knowledge from the bar staff and food was very tasty. Do the donuts if you have a sweet tooth.
(5)Cherie S.
Unfortunately had to give this place a one star. From my check in review I would like to add that our celebration was cut short. The GM quickly assumed a person from our party was drunk after his chair tipped back with a heavy purse hanging from it.... So it is more than safe to say we will never return. And NO there is nothing you can do to change it Kevin Chorsempa
(1)Donnie L.
Awesome food nice location...burgers n beers n more. I would suggest using open table to make your reservation
(4)Melanie D.
There are just enough items on the menu for variety, but it isn't overwhelming either. They have all your typical items like burgers and fries but with a nice twist to each. So far, everything I've tried has been delicious, from salads to burgers. I love their pretzels with the different cheese dips. It's a place that's friendly enough for the family and also fancy enough for a date. There's a bar area too for a night out with friends. The beer sampler is fun for that! It's right by the AMC theater so grabbing a bite there before or after a movie is convenient. Though they have valet, the parking lot is quite small and on a weekend night, it's inconvenient.
(4)Laura C.
We are Lucky Monk Society members and visit at least 12 times a year. We have become friendly with Jory and Anthony, the brewmaster. We went in last night to grab something quick before we donated some time to a very good cause. We met Tony at the bar. He is absolutely AMAZING. I ordered tritica before I saw the blueberry cider on draft at Tonys suggestion. He gave us a sample pour of the session ale. Had plates and dining utensils out as soon as we placed our order. Our food is always amazing but the excellent service had us talking about Tony for days. Looking forward to visiting again this month for the latest Monk Society tasting..
(5)Danielle W.
Wonderful place! Knowledgable servers, beautiful dark wood dining room, great alcohol selections (even for cider drinkers like myself!) and good food. The parking lot is large so don't worry about parking, it wraps around the back of the restaurant. Hard to see from the road so it gives the impression of no more room but it is there ^.^ Our server was good, a bit inattentive but we took a long time to order do I don't fault him. The only problem I had was that I ordered fries and instead of having the ketchup on the table it was brought with my food in a little bowl. 0-o Weird right? So I had to keep asking for more to finish my fries. I had the Fish and Chips, my companion had the Asian Fusion salad, no complaints from either. My fish were battered well and the actual fish was good, not falling apart or anything like that. I would recommend and will definitely go back
(5)Frank L.
Great atmosphere with very attentive servers. Had a great selection of beers. Huge portion sizes, steaks were done perfectly. Definitely a great local spot in Hoffman Estates.
(4)Marios D.
Convenient spot for a quick lunch or dinner in the area. Lunch was standard bar fare with the salad being relatively fresh and the size Midwest large. Steak was a fun size with a LOT of potatoes as the bed.... Comfortable place
(3)LJ D.
Had a great birthday dinner for my Dad who turned 66 on January 2nd! Thank you Lucky Monk for a great meal and good family time!
(5)Dan M.
This is a great place all around. Very comforting atmosphere and everything I have eaten here has been really good. Try the burger with the peanut butter on it. Don't knock it till you try it! It's good!
(5)Dave W.
Drove up from Addison to try the deviled eggs and the short rib pasta (based on yelp). Order the eggs. ...15 minutes later I find out they're out. ... boo I don't drink, so I couldn't sample the beers. Emails and banking :-( Ordered a sampler. Fried stuff. . Should have gotten the hummus. The flat bread looked really good. Now I'm waiting for the pasta. And waiting. The bartenders timing is off for us 'non-drinkers'. Way too much time for a single customer. Short rib pasta saved the day. Skip the fried crap and go right to that. ... Unless you drink. There is a ton of the rib meat and a lot of pasta. The flavor is a touch bland, but overall that would be a high 3 or 4. The rest 2-3.. Probably rates higher with a group and if you have the beers.
(3)Gary O.
I love the Lucky Monk! The service and food are always top notch. They have great sandwiches and burgers. The truffle fries are amazing. The steak tacos are phenomenal as well. I've tried several of their brews which they have on rotation all of which are usually very tasty. If you sample their brews and don't find one you like, they have a nice list of other craft brews to choose from like Lagunitas and SOB. Great atmosphere.
(5)Kat A.
I came here for lunch with my coworkers. Service was great. There is a unique selection of burgers- including the King burger, aptly named after Elvis and his love of peanut butter, bacon and bananas. I had the Senor Sanchez burger with truffled, parmesan fries. The burger was really good, but the fries were slightly soggy and had almost no parmesan flavor.
(3)melissa r.
The worst plate of food ever!! My meatball sandwich was cold as were the fries. The coronas are way over priced... Good thing I don't live in Chicago but when I stop by again I will make sure not to come here
(1)Eric T.
I'm a fan! Came here for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. Always overlooked the restaurant outside AMC but this time I'm glad I didn't. My overall thought is of this place is that it gives you the bang for your buck. The sandwiches are around ~10 here but they are really big and tasty. I ordered a meatball sandwich and upgraded to truffle fries for 2 extra. I saved half the sandwich for home and was stuffed. The meatball sandwich was pretty fancy with arugula, creamy tomato sauce and peppers with crispy, buttered toast. And you can't go wrong with truffle fries. The hint of truffles is heavenly. My friend ordered the skirt steak and for 17 it was very impressive as well. Steak was tender and soft too. Decorations, building, and ambiance were nice. Really liked how they set up lighting here. Atmosphere is just more upscale, but I wouldn't say romantic or anything. Will be back!
(4)Mary S.
This is one of the prettiest restaurants I've ever been to. Eat on their patio if the weather is good. GREAT southwest chicken salad.
(5)Drew T.
Nice place to eat. Service wasn't so great of an experience, but food made up for it. I believe that service makes or breaks your experience. Food was great I have to say.
(3)Patricia W.
I heard and read all the rave reviews, but this is not a place that I will return to. Not good. Service is good, but I found the place to be kinda not too clean for me.
(1)Aly N.
It's always a challenge to find a decent place to eat in the "country" (I say that out of sheer respect for the beautiful, natural landscape of South Barrington). TLM is a cool brewpub that is appropriate for a broad clientele that all share the same mission: good food and brews. We heard that the burgers were the thing to get, and to my pleasant surprise, they had an option for a gluten-free bun. Try the Classic Tommy turkey burger and sub in their wonderful side salad. I was also happy to find a list of gluten-free beers -- wow, they were really thinking here with the menu planning -- and had to get a Two Brothers brew. Service was friendly and our server knew the menu inside and out. So nice to find an eatery with high quality food and great service in this neck-of-the-woods.
(4)Rachel B.
Meh, was not impressed. Service was slow, burger was over cooked and bland. Overrated if you ask me.
(3)A K.
Great place. Went there many times with family. Food was always good, service was friendly.
(4)A A.
The wife and I have been here 4-5 times. Overall it's a good meal! I definitely like the fresh cut French fries. I miss the pizza burger that used to be on the menu. It was really good. To me the best burger on the menu. Try the cheese curds. We always order them when we go here.
(4)Dave B.
Would give 4 stars for food. Awesome eats! Burgers are great puts to shame our local former favorite the assembly complaints would be service not the best, and last visit our server was Kristin and she is terrible. Bad attitude like we didn't exist. I usually tip big but shouldn't have left her even 10%. Other complaint is the drinks they are WEAK. So poor that I will not order a cocktail again here. Even martini, pure alcohol is very small Great food though will be back & ask for Stacy a great server
(3)Sherwin C.
Like Cooper's Hawk, The Lucky Monk has a very spacious restaurant with nicer than normal decor. The food is served at a decent pace although service can be a bit spotty at times. Overall, the food is good but not spectacular. It's similar to what you'll find at other restaurants in this price range around the Schaumburg area. Warm pretzel trio - The best item I tried. Hot pretzels served with cheddar beer fondue, tomato parmesan sauce, and grainy mustard butter. All 3 dips were great and matched well with the fresh pretzels. The serving size is pretty generous so this could really be a meal in itself. Chicken parmesan - The texture and flavor were alright although I wasn't a huge fan of the parmesan crust. This comes in a generous serving with tons of spaghetti. Monk burger - Cooked exactly to specifications that i asked for (medium rare), this is probably the best entree I had. Simple but done well without being overseasoned. Fish 'n' Chips - Fish was very fluffy and crunchy. Great texture and temperature throughout. The fries were a little too moist otherwise very good overall. Beer braised short rib pasta - Good flavor on the beef and good texture on the noodles, a bit salty but done better than most other local restaurants that serve this dish.
(4)Shauna J.
Great food and beer selection! I always get the craft beer sampler to try out both their golden oldies and their new tasty concoctions. As well, the environment cannot be beat. During the summer time and when it starts to get chilly in the fall they have a fun bonfire pit outside where you can sit around and relax.
(5)Nathan K.
awesome beer hand crafted by Anthony the brew master. Awesome food get the King Burger
(5)Lauren M.
Stellar service, food, drink, and atmosphere. I left here too full but I would do it again! The grilled cheeseburger- yummmmmm! As a side, the fried pickles were some of the best I've ever had. I got a flight- great way to introduce myself to their beers- and the Weiss was my favorite but all were delicious. The waiter, can't remember his name, very personable and knowledgeable. Great experience.
(5)Mark F.
Our first time here was delightfully memorable, wonderfully delicious and our service was outstanding. When we visited the host stand, we were kindly told that our wait would be an hour to an hour and a half (ha, um no, thanks). So, we adventured to the bar rail to see if we could scrounge up 2 open bar stools. Luckily, we found to spots at the back end of the bar and the rest of the night went straight up from there. If you find yourself at their bar - ask for Cassie. She was incredibly friendly, very patient and didn't make us feel rushed. She allowed us to sample a couple of brews we were hemming and hawing between. It was nice - she made us feel welcomed and we were able to relax and take our time. The food was pretty good. No major complaints. If you like sweets - the donuts were incredible. We'll go back and we may skip the dining area and head straight for the bar! :)
(4)Brian M.
The pretzels were incredible. The burger was not very good and they charged $13 for it. If you're mainly looking for food rather than drinks, I'd recommend checking out Eddie's in Arlington Heights or Smash Burger instead.
(3)Eric H.
Food was good, beer was great, service was lacking. Both times I've been there the service was bad. I like like the food enough that I will be back but hopefully they have retrained some staff
(3)Paul W.
Can't find any reasons why this wouldn't be a five star restaurant. Great food, great service, clean great atmosphere and fair prices. My family has been here three times and the it's been consistently good. Killer pretzel appetizer, tasty burgers come with a mound of good fries, mini tacos taste great and the servers make sure your drink is always full. On busy nights the wait is long so make reservations. This place gets packed fast.
(5)Avinash K.
Loved the ambience of the place. Did have a decent variety of food. I had the crab bisque which was really good and came in a big portion - oh my god, had just finished it. We had the picked fries which were great as well. Fried calamari was so-so.
(3)Holly H.
So good. Expensive but a wonderful place for a special night out. Everything is amazing.
(5)Stephanie H.
I love this place! It's always lively and the service is stellar. The drinks are delicious and the beer is the best around. The food is fresh and made from scratch which is apparent from the taste. It's great for families, date night or an evening with your friends, they definitely made sure to cover all of their bases and succeeded in doing so. I'll be back time and time again! If you haven't tried this place yet you're missing out!
(5)Vishal B.
Many of these restaurant/breweries are starting to look alike. Then you have The Lucky Monk. The menu is a refreshing change from the usual bar food. We did opt for a fried app - the trio which was a bit of a guilty pleasure since i love fried pickles! They try to be a burger and pizza specialist and succeed. I say this because we tried their sandwich as well as margharita which in my mind is a yardstick pizza.. i use to measure apples to apples. very nice thin crust and flavor! the fries were the best part! the truffle oil parmesean garlic fries to be exact! Let me highlight that their house brewed beer comes in flights, or 9 oz glasses which is fantastic at 3 bucks each when you want to try more than a shot of beer, but not commit to a full glass. loved both the white and IPA! (confessional, i think the name was).. at the end of it all we got the cookie sizzler thing with ice cream on it! great way to end a belt busting dinner! You will feel like such an American walking out of this place!
(4)Nathan S.
Lucky Monk is our go-to place for great burgers, great beer, and great service. Never had a bad meal there.
(5)Christina A.
Went back last night for dinner. Service was awesome this time. However, I thought the burger was only so so. A little dry. The cookie skillet and beer were still incredible. Will I go back? Probably, but I'll probably order something other than a burger.
(4)ChicagoGuy O.
Love this place must check it out if you haven't already they have hands-down some of the best hamburgers I've ever tasted in my entire life their food is all quality they're very clean great atmosphere and a wonderful list of all different types of beers great place to chill out in the summertime they have an open patio with a fire pit.if you enjoy beer and good food check out the Lucky Monk
(5)Lauren M.
Great place!! Delicious food, attentive staff, the beer is great (recommend the beer flight)! Perfect for dates, nights out with girlfriends, or family affairs. I'm sure this is a given by now, but the perfect spot for dinner or drinks before or after heading to AMC for a movie. Can't wait for their outdoor patio this summer. They have warm cozy fireplaces to sit around overlooking a pond. If you haven't been, I highly suggest!
(5)Kelly E.
favorite! make a reservation otherwise the wait can be long...
(5)Joseph R.
Great ambiance, beautiful decoration, tv's, clean bathrooms. I had the bbq salmon; really good: soft & tasty. Service was good.
(4)HG C.
I've returned a few times and my experience has been much better. Service was great both times. Foods decent and prices are fair. The fries suck:(
(4)Mike L.
Where the old Brass used to be. This follows the business philosophy of the chain brewpubs, ie Ram, a few house beers along with a good selection of others and a focus on pub foods. It works and the food is good it just seems a little to processed for me. When they bring your burger out your first thought when you see the server carrying it out is wow that is a huge burger. When they set it down you see that the burger is setting on "hockey puck" which once removed your burger is now normal. So before you are thinking "THAT IS A $12 BURGER" and once they set it down you think "oh, I just paid $12 for this". I had the Sunrise with an over-easy egg and I could not taste the yolk at all. The bacon marmalade was to sweet and lacked saltiness.The pretzel apps were large and very good, the 3 dipping sauces were underwhelming. For a party of 7 the food took a very long time to come out, even the first side salad. I understand that if they are serving drinks you want to get more drinks out of a group but 20+ minutes for a side salad is excessive when the restaurant is not at capacity. The food was good and the service was good if not just a little bit scattered.
(3)Krystal L.
New manager?? We've been here a few times and had great experiences. Tonight we went to the lucky monk with some friends after the festival. We were told there was a 20 minute wait, an hour later they finally had us sit in an area where there were 4 other tables EMPTY. The rude hostess then informed us it was the managers fault that he didn't want to use that area of the restaurant. What?? Manager finally comes over after we had to ask for him and he was a total jerk. I was so embarrassed because my husband and I were the ones who suggested going here. He says "I'll look into it" which didn't make any sense when we told him how upset we were with the hour wait and just getting told over and over 5 more minutes and thrn walking into an empty area! He then never bothered to come back to our table. They gave us a percentage off of the bill but not until we all complained to the waitress who's fault none of this was. Just a really crappy experience. Now we won't go back for a while if ever.
(2)Chrissy F.
Drinks: had the pilsner and it was great! Not too hoppy and had a very smooth finish. Dinner: most of the people in our party had the burgers and turkey burgers. The turkey burger was excellent, moist and hand made, which is a rare find. The sweet potato fries rocked! Make sure you get a side of their ranch dressing to dip them in--they have the best 'leaky' ranch, which is my favorite kind. Overall a great experience. We had a fussy 1 year old with us that just wanted to eat. The waitress came out with carrots and ranch to help is out. Great service and attentive to what was going on. The Kids menu had great selections and came with milk, cookie and chocolate syrup for dessert. The kids thought it was so cool!
(5)Theresa S.
We came to lucky monk because of all the great reviews however for my husband and I we were let down. I would have given it a 4 star because the craft beer was really good and the food had potential, however, the service was horrible. Our waitress was more interested in disappearing then serving. We even noticed the other tables she was serving a little irritated by her inattentiveness. We ordered a "egg on top" pizza and I had the fish tacos. I know it's know for it's pizza and burgers but the waitress said the fish tacos were their best seller other then burgers so I took her opinion, huge mistake. The pizza had a lot of potential but they over seasoned it. Now my husband loves salt on everything and in my opinion a little too much salt. With that being said, he couldn't eat more then a slice because they over seasoned it with salt! Now my fish tacos had no seasoning and fell apart. It was soggy and just plain nasty. I love fish tacos and here is not the place to get them. I will give them a second chance because the manager was extremely friendly and maybe next time I'll stick to a burger.
(3)Derek H.
Nice selection of house beers - and also several guest taps with many local selections.
(4)Mike K.
Love the burgers here. They are one of my favorites! Staff is a little shady.. but what can you expect from a bar.
(4)Cary H.
Great atmosphere, kid friendly. Loved the La Colombe coffee here. They also have a great selection of beer. Staff was very accommodating.
(4)Nicole S.
Alright, so i came here not knowing what it was, i didn't even know the name. My boyfriend said someone said it was good so we decided to check it out. it was a little bit of drive from where i lived but no biggie. It wasn't crowed because it was a week day and early about 3 or 4. We were seated and our waiter was fantastic! I wish i could remember his name because he was such a nice guy. So i got the sunrise burger( i'm not sure if thats what its called but its the one with friend egg on it and bacon. and it was fantastic and HUGE! like when they brought the burger out i was in awe because it was gigantic! the fries were excellent as well. I couldn't eat the entire thing so i took it home. The only thing i didn't like about this place was it was freezing! like i should have brought a winter jacket some gloves and a hat. but i got over it. Check this place out. also they brew their own beer :D always a plus.
(4)Jaime C.
Awesome amazing ginormous greasy (the good kind!) heavenly mouth watering burgers ever!!!!! Not to mention the cheese curds which are Heart attack heaven!! And don't get me started with the beer selection! Great food great beers! definitely going back!
(4)Kristen S.
This is one of our favorite local restaurants, both for the delicious food and great beers/drinks! This would be a 5 but on this visit we all felt our server was forgetful and unfriendly. Hopefully just not her best day, but it did mar the experience a bit. Fortunately the food was great as usual :) Our table had: Bourbon stout burger-lots of cheddar, beer braised onions, a bourbon glaze.. this was really good! we upgraded to the pickle fries and they were awesome as well Rueben- loved the dark rye, thought the meat had kind of a sweet flavor I didn't love but others did -came with fries which were perfectly crispy Nawlins chicken sandwich- two thumbs up, nice spice, flavor and crunch King burger-peanut butter, bananas and bacon-sounds odd but so good Skirt steak tacos-come w a spicy cheese sauce, avocado, and sour cream, very good! Cookie skillet and warm brownie desserts.. both delicious and rich, split among several people! Tips- definitely make a reservation on a weekend, try their house brews, get a side of ranch for the fries (if you're into that), the entrees are huge so apps aren't needed but you could make a great meal of apps n desserts, try the pickle fries or truffle fries, get there a little earlier than your reservation, parking is crazy and you'll still have a 10 min wait or so
(4)Robert G.
Four stars for the food. Plus one star for dealing professionally with what was by far the loudest table in the restaurant. My cousin was having a baby shower, which meant the guys had to go someplace. "Someplace" ended up being The Lucky Monk, which appears to be a bar and craft brewer. Far from the only one in the suburbs, but the menu! I walked in on a bunch of appetizers. I had a few pieces of calamari, which were nice and crispy, and then moved on to the truffle oil fries, which, though likely not made of real truffle (this is true, Google it) was still exercise-inducingly addictive. This came with pickle chips and a ranch-based sauce of some sort, which was surprisingly good and not altogether greasy. We were then piled on some more with giant, soft pretzels served with three sauces - honey mustard being the one I remember and liked the most. I rolled the dice on a chorizo torta, which was okay; I tend to forget that chorizo can be pretty one-dimensional if there isn't enough spice in it, and the torta fell in that category. But I'm still glad it was on the menu, and equally glad that I had it. So the food overall was quite good, but I was happy to hear that the staff was entertained by our 3-hour, beer-filled stay. Involving endless arguments about whether LeBron or Michael is the best basketball player, and whatnot. Undoubtedly, we annoyed the other patrons, but they didn't care and treated us well, and they deserve credit for that.
(5)Nabeel S.
We arrived early for a movie at AMC 30 and had about 45 minutes to kill. Among three of us, we ordered one pizza, one burger and three beers. We told the waiter that we had a movie in a short while and they expedited the order and got us out in perfect time. The beer selection was good, they have their own brew and carry common beers as well. I had the Belgian Wit, which was excellent. The pizza was also good. Will come early for a movie again.
(5)Janni V.
Parmesan truffle fries for a starter. Bourbon Stout burger (with sweet potato fries). Solitude Oatmeal Stout. (And we were supposed to go for a motorcycle ride after this, lol.) Sometimes, you just need a really nice burger. This was actually one of the first things I ate after recovering from some sort of stomach bug. Good thing my stomach was nice and empty -- I needed the space. I still can't believe I managed to eat the whole thing. That burger was ginormous -- but super, super tasty. I'm picky about cheese on burgers. Most of the time, I'm fine without it. But if I have it? I want good cheese. Not crappy cheese. TLM uses nice Tillamook, which has some flavor and body to it. It was also cooked perfectly. The Solitude Oatmeal Stout was quite tasty. Perhaps if I'd written this review closer to when I actually drank it, I could give you more details. I will say that I don't recall anything particular standing out about it, except that it was quite enjoyable. Then again, I'm a stout fan. It's not the best ever, but certainly good. We went around 2pm on a Saturday, so while there were some people there, it wasn't crazy busy. I'm not sure I'd want to go when it was -- not a big fan of the crowded, rowdy brewpub experience. But the food and beer were good enough that I'm happy it's a nearby option.
(4)Laura F.
I am shocked that a few reviews down there is complaint was that this place was too expensive to take the kids, especially since the reason I was drawn to write a review was because of how much I loved their kid experience. For only $6.95 my children were served a delicious multi coursed meal (appetizer, main, side, drink and desert). The place lives up to their hype on the burgers. They were amazing and I was honestly most skeptical of the beer, but it was actually really good. As my husband put it... "it surprisingly exceeded my expectations." It will be our go to place whenever we are in the area. Only complaint would be the time it took us to get our food. There was a pretty long wait between appetizers and dinner. Our servers were very attentive so I will not blame it on them. Perhaps they need a larger kitchen as this seems to be a common issue.
(4)Victoria L.
Average. 5 stars for beer, 2 for the food. We got the beer sampler which gives you a great variety if you're indecisive. Ordered 2 appetizers and 3 entrees. The server mentioned they've been known for their pizza so we got that as a part of the 3. It was very average and not unique/special in any way. Ribs were decent but overcooked. The braised beef pasta was all pasta no beef, so basically $15 for a plate of pasta. One of the appetizers was sent back completely. Service was good. I wouldn't go back unfortunately.
(3)Amy M.
I've been to Lucky Monk many times and have always had great experiences. Their food is delicious and their staff is professional and friendly. I've been pleased with everything I've ordered off of their menu. Their burgers are delicious and I'd definitely recommend getting the loaded fries as a side. My husband and I even hosted our rehearsal dinner for our wedding there. The staff was helpful, friendly, and professional throughout the planning process which made my job a lot easier. The night of the dinner was a success as well. Everyone in our party really enjoyed the atmosphere, drinks and food. Service was great.
(5)James R.
We hit the lucky monk a couple of weeks ago to start off our 2013 new brewery tour. When looking for a brewery in the Chicago are that I hadn't visited yet I found The Lucky Monk. I hadn't been there and it was conveniently located right off interstate. The restaurant area is nice. It's a casual feeling, but more upscale than most brewpubs one visits. Since I was mostly interested in the beer we sat at the bar where I could get a good look at the fermenters and other equipment used. Even though I went here for the beer, this is not a review of the beer itself. I will say they did have some very nice ones that were really good. My wife and I decided to get something to eat. The menu listed many items that sounded delicious. We ended up getting a burger and splitting it because it was half a pound and neither of us wanted to eat that much. We ended up getting the Bourbon Stout burger with a side of Tumbled Crispy Onions. The burger was fantastic. Thick (half pound burger!), juicy, cooked to a perfect medium as requested. The tumbled crispy onions were also fantastic, what really set them apart from other places was the wasabi-ranch dipping sauce. That sauce sent my taste buds into a sensory overload. The wasabi flavor was good, but it wasn't as spicy as one associates with wasabi. It had the flavor with only a mild burn to it. Wow, just wow. I'd go back just for these. The restaurant itself was clean, well maintained. The service was okay, we did have to flag down the bartender a couple of times. The bartender we had wasn't exceptionally helpful. I asked questions, but his responses were more of a bored disinterested variety. Not something that one looks for at a brewpub. Overall, I'll definitely stop in there again.
(4)Dan S.
Their burgers are delicious, and there's many to choose from. Get the beer flight and try all their beers too! The monk club is so worth it, front of the line and a new bomber of brew every month!
(5)Sarah D.
Great burgers with Gluten Free buns! The Monks special cheeseburger is the best. If you've been searching for the former Jan's Grill fries you had in EGV in the 80's-your search is over! These are the best. My friend got the fried pickles instead and they were crisp and came with a spicy dipping sauce Location is on the drive of the Barrington 30 movie theater with a cool outdoor seating area with a firepit. Get there early!
(5)Dan W.
Exceptional service and great food. Only improvement would have been a tripel or quad local beer.
(5)Mrs. B.
The beer selection is fab, food is yummy, and service/atmosphere is great! I recommend this place and try the pretzels!! :D
(5)Katie M.
A good establishment for a good drink and a great burger. I've tried the spinach and goat cheese burger and the another burger, and both we're yummy! Definitely spring for the special sides, especially the sweet potato fries and fried pickles. Their fried pickles are perfection!
(4)Sean D.
First time here, went with my Mom and had very high expectations from friends as well as Yelp... Went on a Tuesday night, looked crowded but really wasn't. Ordered chicken chili to start, which came out probably 1 minute before my entrée. As bush league as it get IMO. The manager gave a very bizarre excuse as to why that happened, they were really "cranking out" those sandwiches according to him...still confused. So that means that sandwich is supposed to be cold when I eat it after my chili app? Oy vey...ridiculous. Got the chicken sandwich, which was awesome but lukewarm after I finished the chili, which was great. My Mom got the chicken tacos...which turned out to have a quarter-sized bone in one of them. This chicken bone was pretty substantial, not sure how they missed it? She got another order of them, and they were really good sans bones! They ended up comping her meal, as well as a $5 credit for our next visit. The waiter was extremely inattentive but very nice when we did actually see him. My mom got a refill of her diet coke, which was extremely flat, and the refill turned out to be iced tea...lol. Maybe it just wasn't our night? Beer: the maibock I had was solid, house IPA was excellent, but they didn't have it on tap due to Chicago Craft Beer week...couldn't have brewed some extra barrels for that occasion, in addition to the beer allocated for the beer-drinking patrons of your fine establishment? Had the Belgian white too, which was also very good. Just a comedy of errors, the food was good when it was correctly prepared and served in the right time slot, the beers I had were a 3.75-4.25 / 5, and the service was fairly atrocious. Also pretty expensive for what you get, but it's South Barrington so that's to be expected. For them attempting valiantly to make it right (for the most part, after we called them out) they get one additional star from me. I'll go again for the beer and food, but I think that chicken bone in the chicken taco scared my Mom away from here for life!
(2)Becca K.
This is one of our favorite places to go when we have a night off...we love the parmesan fries and I like the chicken kabobs while my husband loves their burgers...great presentation of food (and a lot of it)...one of our favorite servers is danato...even when he isn't our server he always stops by to say hi to us. I can't believe I almost forgot...their cookie skillet is amazingggg one of our favorite desserts!
(5)Tim H.
Every meal is fantastic! I have never had a bad meal there. Fish fry is delicious! The staff are so friendly & prompt. Last night I forgot a gift box on my table by mistake, while outside waiting for my car, a server came running outside to give them to me! So kind of him!! Check this place out, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Dennis O.
Their burgers are USDA prime beef. The sear they put on the outside is amazing! Definitely a contender for the best burger I've ever had. The menu is very diversified. I called for a reservation earlier that same day. I lucked out (no pun intended) as the place was a madhouse! I look forward to returning.
(5)Joann J.
First time here and we loved it. We started out with the beer sampler and the deep fried egg- wonderful appetizer. The beer sampler was a good way to taste the different beers sine I really don't know that much about beer. We were a party of four and all ordered different burgers with different sides- the patty melt was the biggest hit. Sides were ( in order of faves). Fries with gravy, deep fried pickle chips, cheese curds and Parmesan truffle fries. Our waiter was super great and we had a good time sharing all of our food. Will definitely return.
(5)Diana F.
Good food, the servers are informed. Everything went well. The food was tasty and prepared well. Overall good experience. The kids were fine and treated well.
(5)Charity T.
This is a solid, good beer and burger place with a rustic upscale interior. The tacos were great. Always a good choice to go here.
(4)Amy S.
Beer paddle is great for sampling their drafts! Fried pickles and truffle fries are delicious. Meals are above average, but the five star rating comes from their excellent service and beautiful outdoor seating!
(5)Mike O.
A friend suggested this place and, since the lady and I wanted to see a movie, thought this would be a good place to try and then see a flick. My friend said their pickle fries and cheese curds were great, better than Stonewood Ale House's Freckles and mozzarella sticks. I'm a big Stonewood fan, so I had to give both a try. We shared the pickle fries and I agree with my friend and other reviews...pickle fries are good. They come with a ranch-like dipping sauce. I had the Luigi Burger (hold the Giardiniera) and $2 swapped fries for Wisconsin curds. Burger was great and the curds were awesome...like Culver's but softer & not as fried. My gal got the steak tacos & she shared a bite, pretty good too. The friendly waitress let me try their current speciality beer, not bad. She mentioned they have a new speciality every 6 weeks, so more than one a season. Need to bring some work buddies over to try their homemade brews. All in all, very nice. Cool decor too, modern meets wooden beer lodge. I'll be back!
(4)Michael Z.
The hour wait only took about 35 min on a Thursday night. First impression was really nice. I like the decor and the couch like feeling of the booths on one side of the tables. I ordered the white bean chili with chicken which was awesome as well as the pepercorn ranch burger. The wait for our food was quite long; I think it eneded up taking about 45 min to get it. Everyone ordered burgers or an appetizer. One thing I didnt like was having the burger appear to be bigger than it was by placing it on a "puck". I would prefer it not be dummied up to appear larger than it was. Service wasnt all that great. Initially our table didnt have enough menus or napkins with silverware and she didnt get anymore so everyone would have one. We had to go to the next table to get additional napkins. One of us asked for hot sauce that he never had gotten either and my water wasnt replenished regularly as I would have hoped for. Overall, it was alright. A little pricey. Some of us were shocked at our bills. If the service was better and the food would have come out quicker, it probably would have gotten another star.
(3)Sarah S.
I went to The Lucky Monk last night with my BFF post a movie at AMC. I've gone by a million times when going to movies but never actually stopped in...what was I thinking!? They surprisingly have a big beer selection including a favorite of mine I've had at many Yelp events, Crispin. Gotta love that 5% hard cider. We went about 7pm last night and there was a 30 minute wait. They do take Open Table reservations but had no openings last night. We opted to sit at the bar with no wait and I'm glad we did. We grabbed a couple of corner stools and had a lovely time. Instead of ordering entrees, we decided to get a buffet of appetizers and some beers. Not only did the orders come out quickly but they were huge! We felt like beasts with 4 apps between the two of us. The bartender said we had a castle of plates. :( I'll have you know, judgmental bartender, we took most of it home but it was great to get to try a variety of items. hehe :D Warm Pretzel Trio $9.95 - These pretzels were great but be sure to eat them right as they come out & are still toasty warm. They come with a warm grainy mustard butter (loved it), wisconsin cheese beer fondue (loved it) and tomato parmesan sauce (could have skipped it). Crispy Eggs $7.95 - 6 Deep fried deviled eggs with bacon marmalade, truffle oil, chitpotle aioli, and everything good. This was a very close second favorite of the appetizers we got last night. The crispiness was well balanced out by the soft hard boiled egg. I loved the contrast in textures. I loved the surprising flavors in each bite. I found these to be packed with flavor and would get them again in a heartbeat! Whipped Goat Cheese $7.95 - Not what i was expecting at all! This appetizer comes with two mini loaves of bread and a tomato marinara sauce with goat cheese in the middle. The goat cheese was phenomenal, but poor ignorant me thought this would be a dish...not a bread with dipping sauce. The bread was quite dry and super hard, tough to cut off. Even when we tried to rip it with our hands it was rough. I would pass on getting this dish again. Wisconsin Cheese Curds $7.95 - We both agreed this was our favorite appetizer of the night. Beer battered goodness in the form of cheese balls. Honestly, these were the best deep fried cheese curds I've ever had. I've had a thing for cheese curds since getting them fresh from the Glenview farmer's market every weekend as a kid growing up so whenever I see them on the menu, I gravitate towards them. The breading on these curds was light and delicious plus the curds inside were soft & fresh. The Lucky Monk has a fantastic craft beer selection plus they concoct their own brewskis! The cool thing with the beers is that they pair the right glass with your blend and don't just give you the run of the mill standard cup. My friend got a goblet with her tasty bubbly brew! It's such a chill space inside, plus they have a great patio. After our chowing down and drinking, my friend and I took a seat on the patio next to the fire pit to tell ghost stories ;). They have huge comfy chairs outside which makes for a relaxing, chill atmosphere. I absolutely loved everything about The Lucky Monk.
(5)RALPH C.
Chopped salad was good. Bbq wings were ok. Pizza was good, the only thing was that we ordered sausage pizza and the sausage was spicy. They should put spicy sausage pizza on the menu. We had to ask for water. And our waitress seemed in a hurry all the time . not much conversation.
(2)June Y.
The food here is great, but I have to say, as a fan of sweet potato fries, the Lucky Monk had the BEST sweet potato fries I've ever had.
(5)Lois C.
I swear I thought I reviewed this place!! Well here we go! I've been to Lucky Monk twice now with 2 bigger size groups. The first time I went, I had the hot head burger with pickle fries. The hot head was good but not as spicy as I would have liked. I asked for extra jalapenos but they said it would cost extra so I opted to not have it. My oh my, those pickle fries are something I dream of on a daily occasion. They were seriously so good and I could literally eat them everyday. My friends had the truffle fries and cheese curds as well. Cheese curds were pretty good but you have to eat them hot or else the cheese hardens and its not as tasty. The truffle fries were alright, but really I'd opt for the regular fries and save $2. I didn't think they were all that great, really didn't taste much truffle. The second time I went, I just had to get the hot head again. But this time my husband was with me so we shared the fish tacos as well. I hate beans, but I eat them since I know they're "healthy". Not sure if Lucky Monks is all that healthy but it was so tasty! It seemed to be mixed with meat and it was so flavorful, I could have licked the plate if I wasn't so full. Fish tacos were really good and I would comment on the rice but my daughter ate it all before I could have a bite, so it was definitely toddler approved. My husband and I also shared the beer sampler and I would definitely recommend it. I personally liked most of the beers and we both decided on the Cardinal Sin. Everyone that I went with raved about the food so I would highly recommend going there. But a fair warning, be careful with the water because sometimes it taste like metal. The first time we went the water was disgusting and we asked our server about it and she stated that it was a normal thing. Second time I went, I warned my friends and we all tried the water and it tasted just fine. Not sure if its a regular thing but definitely something to be weary of since I wouldn't drink or allow my family to drink the water that tasted like metal. Oh and one more thing. They do have private rooms for events and their pricing seems pretty reasonable for what they offer. How can you go wrong with good food and private dining? I'm thinking of an event to have JUST so I can go back to Lucky Monk and enjoy their food and beer.
(5)Lauren S.
Amazing food, they brew great beer, and excellent ambience and service. Sweet potato fries are definitely worth the upgrade. Nawlins chicken sandwich is my favorite, but the burgers and really anything else are good too. Family friendly but great for a date night too.
(5)Dre M.
Love their house beers, which are pretty reasonably priced, as well as their pretzels with dipping sauce...just beware as the place gets pretty crowded on the weekends!
(4)Stephen H.
The burger was one of the best I've had in a long time, and I'm old! I can't remember the name of the beer, but was exceptional as was the service - we sat in the bar.
(5)Katie G.
My boyfriend and I went here on a whim and it was amazing! Service was great fast and friendly! They were super nice about accommodating my meal to gluten free options and the beer picks were great! We left so satisfied!
(5)Anthony R.
It's really hard not to say that the Lucky Monk serves one of the top 3 tastiest burgers I've ever had. Substituded for Merkts cheddar cheese with bourbon grilled onions....wow! Fried pickles and amazing cheese curds for app and really enjoyed their beers. A bit pricey but that burger is priceless.
(5)Mike J.
margharita pizza was really good- 5 salmon salad- really good- 4.5 bbq salmon was good- 5 cookie skillet- 5 donuts- 5
(5)Valerie C.
Excellent food and beer! Family friendly atmosphere with dessert that is to die for.
(5)Steve B.
Excellent selection of beers and amazing food. The burgers are especially great. This place has become one of my favorites.
(5)Angela R.
Awesome burgers, cheese curds, salads and buffalo wings.... call for reservation especially on the weekends. Our family loves it here!
(5)Doug P.
Ordered the grilled cheese / burger. 1/2 premium beef surrounded by 2 grill cheese sandwiches Melanie had the smothered burger now for desserts. Guess there goes the diet
(4)Jenny T.
This place is a decent place to grab a burger and a beer. The beer is made in house which a plus. However if you are looking for really good beer, then you may find this place a little disappointing. The beer is just average at best it catered to the average Joe. So if you are a beer aficionado then you may want to steer clear.
(3)Sarah B.
Yay! I'm a fan! We Went to the Lucky Monk with another couple and had an awesome time. We started with the pretzel app, which had an awesome cheese sauce and mustard butter. I got the beer sampler since I couldn't decide on a beer. The BF and friends BF had IPA's that were barrel aged in Makers Mark barrels. They loved them. Friend had the Red Appeal and it was delicious. For noms, I got the short rib tacos and they were great. The BF had the steak tacos and I liked them even more than mine. Friend got the cheese pizza and it was surprisingly yummy. Friend's BF got the grilled cheese burger and it looked amazing. The boys got another round of IPA's and friend got a cocktail. I decided on the Cinnamon Sidecar, because Sidecars = fav drink ever. It was awesome, I'm skipping the beer next time even though the beer was pretty tasty too. We got two of the homemade donut desserts. They were sooooo good. Still warm and chewy, plus the homemade sauces were freaking amazing. I couldn't pick a favorite. Our waiter was super attentive and really nice. My only sad moment was when I couldn't order mix n match tacos, you have to pick only one kind :-( We spent probably 2+ hours there and can't wait to go back!
(4)Jennifer S.
We've been to The Lucky Monk a few times now and I think we are officially fans! Most recently, my dad and step-mom decided to take us for an anniversary dinner (married four years already...holy moly!!). Anyhow, dad and I coordinated the evening. The location is great for us. Them coming from Carpentersville. Us coming from Bartlett. It's right off the Route 90, so although they traveled a little further, it was highway miles which makes it a-ok. We went on a Monday night and they were packed, but we arrived early and a table was ready by the time the rest of our party arrived. Beer flights, lagers and ciders all around. It was a celebration and the drinks were great! We split a sampler of cheese curds, fried pickles and truffle fries. The cheese curds reign supreme! I'm still trying to count my calories, but this past month has been kinda meh, if you know what I mean. So, I ordered fish & chips. I ate all of the fish and a little less than half of the chips. A year ago, I easily could and would have finished all of my food. The portion is a nice size, but there were a lot of fries. The love of my life, the apple of my eye, the ying to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly...my hubby, ordered a burger. Honestly, I have no idea which one he went with, but he ate most of it and didn't complain, so it had to have been good. I recall spice and cheese. I'm guessing it was the Hot Head. Dad also went with a burger, but at our waitress' suggestion, he tried the peppercorn ranch. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Dad is fairly easy to please which makes me wonder how I became so picky...uh, such a connoisseur of things. ;-) My step-mom seems to really enjoy a nice meal out. She is quite the cook and I've noticed that she tends to order things that she doesn't make at home. This only makes sense. Mushroom risotto with chicken was on her agenda that night. No complaints from her and I believe her leftovers even went home with her for lunch the next day. Some more thoughts: I don't like the acoustics in here. Sadly, it is difficult to carry on a conversation. It's loud and the sound travels funny. I don't know how else to explain it. Our server has been fine every time we've been here. Fine, but not memorable. These reasons keep The Lucky Monk at four stars for now.
(4)Lindsey S.
I finally got to check out the Lucky Monk for a late dinner. I'm so glad I did! Amazing food, really pleasant staff. I'm not a drinker but my boyfriend was really happy with the selection and enjoyed the house beer they brew. If you like beer battered stuff, try anything fried there. For me, I don't enjoy that but I do enjoy an awesome burger. They also have the best truffle fries! It was a nice, comfortable atmosphere as well.
(4)Ryan H.
I have been here at least 50 times. Gets a bit crowded on the weekend, but have never had an issue with the service. The manager Neal is awesome. Food: everyone raves about their burgers, but the best pick is the Nawlins Chicken. Drink: any of their house or featured beers (my favorite being the Tritica), also the Pom-Cucumber Mojito
(5)Dana R.
This place is hard to get into! On our second attempt at visiting, we finally scored an 8:45 reservation. It seems a little late to eat, but it was SO WORTH IT! There was about 5 of us, and we noshed on the fried deviled eggs. They were crispy, crunchy and creamy all at the same time and were a perfect way to start the evening off. The conversation flowed smoothly as it often does with friends and we placed our orders. Friend on my right ordered "The Grilled Cheese Burger" with a side of the "Wisconsin Cheese Curds", I had "The Smothered Burger" with a side of "Pickle Fries" and my honey on my right had "The Monk Burger" with a foreignly delicious side of hand cut fries "Poutine-Montreal Style." That is smothered in gravy with cheese curds. How could you not resist? Even the name sounds exotic in a weird bathroom-humor-way. I didn't really catch what our friends across from us ordered, except that it was a burger and a meatball sandwich maybe? I wasn't really paying attention to their food, but they seemed to enjoy it. The benefit of sitting in the middle of such deliciousness is that I got to nosh off of everyone's plate. Whether they wanted me to or not is a different story, but we all shared in the end. The "Grilled Cheese Burger" looked massive! The friend who ordered is an EMT/Firefighter in training, so there was a lot of jokes about cardiac arrest and picture texting going on. He could barely wrap his mouth around the mammoth, but he managed. I sneaked a few of his sinfully delicious cheese curds too. My smothered burger was an angel sent from above. Picture a beautiful burger with wings floating above my head (kind of like cupid) and you get the idea. The deliciousness of the gruyere, and carmelized onions was almost too much to take. Sadly, it was SO good that I was the first one done. You know when something is so good that you gobble it up immediatley? Yeah, this was it. My pickle fries were wondeful as far as pickle fries go. They were a nice size chip that was perfectly fried. Not too soggy and not too crisp, the salt was just right. A pickle chip goldilocks if you will. My love wasn't over the moon about his monk burger, but enjoyed it for what it was. A good burger. He was however contemplating moving to Canada after tasting the dish they call Poutine (Pronounced Poo-teen). The Lucky Monk does Poutine right (and if they do it wrong, I could care less) hand cut fries smothered in a beef gravy with pops of hot cheese curds floating throughout it. Can I get a Campbells "Mmm, mmm good"?! Of course no one had room for dessert, but I ordered "The House Made Sticky Doughnuts" anyway. It was a perfect portion. 5 Pillowy doughnuts drizzled in a sweet vanilla glaze, stacked on top of each other in a mason jar. They came with dipping sauces of caramel, chocolate and raspberry. They were so finger-licking good, that I almost wanted to order another to go and eat them in bed later. Our drinks were phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed my dirty, filthy martini, and they guys really dug the beer selections. We left happy and with a new meeting spot that fit the distance equally for everyone.
(5)Al D.
A very nice restaurant very good service good food good staff family friendly good prices
(4)Ashley W.
We stopped in here on a Saturday for a late lunch around 3:00. No wait, but they were still pretty busy given the time of day that we were there. Our waitress had at least 5 tables that we counted, including one larger party. I was a waitress back in the day, and 5 tables can be a lot to handle at one time. She did a great job keeping up with everything including drink refills so kudos to her. This was our first time here, so we started with the Trappist Trio so that we could sample a few different options that so many Yelpers had mentioned; the cheese curds, truffle fries, and pickle fries. We loved the cheese curds and the pickle fries, but the truffle fries were just okay. They tasted a little bit too garlicy to us. The chipotle ranch was the favorite sauce out of the two. We were already starting to get full after polishing off the trio, so we decided to share a burger instead of each ordering one. Warning - the burgers are HUGE! We went with the Peppercorn Ranch burger, medium, and paid $2 extra to order a salad in place of the fries (we had already indulged in plenty of fried goodness for our appetizer!). Sharing a burger after finishing that trio for our appetizer was a good idea, it was the perfect amount. While it's not the best burger I've ever had, it was still pretty darn delicious. If you're coming here for the first time I'd highly recommend the cheese curds and the pickle fries, and you can't go wrong with a burger.
(4)AJ B.
I have been here many times in the last three years and am always impressed. My company is located less than a mile away so we host a lot of lunches here. Service and food are always great. Burgers are huge and delicious, the white chili is good as are most of the main courses. Unlike most places I usually try something new every time I am there and have yet to be disappointed. They also have their own craft beer which is good as well. Something for everyone here - would recommend to all.
(5)Leonora B.
Awesome place!!!! Love the fallen angel... my hubby love the stout!!!! Wish there's one in san francisco.... we'll visit soon!!!! Perfect ambience... get there early because they get packed and busy... call ahead and reserve.... love the truffle fries and hot head burger... missed my lucky monk so Much....
(5)Melissa A.
Mmmm burgers! I love burgers and I have to say the burgers at The Lucky Monk are pretty darn tasty. So far I've had the Spinach Goat Cheese burger and the Smothered burger. The Smothered came with Gruyere, pickles, and caramelized onions. Can you say delicious?! The staff are all friendly and helpful. The first time I came to The Lucky Monk, I had made a reservation for 14 people one day in advance and they were able to accommodate me easily. I will be back next time to try their beers since I hear they're pretty good!
(4)Marcin B.
We live 5 minutes from the placy and I have never had a chance to visit the place until last month. We got there 2 times already and we will definitely visit again in the future. I can simply say they have very good burgers and I mean it. When you order medium it is medium and pink inside not like other places when your ordered medium turns to be close to well done. They have pizza which is average in my opinion but I think they use fire wood oven so it might get better. Lastly they brew their own beer which is very fresh and tasty, they have Lager,Wheat and Porter/Stout so everyone can choose a favourite one. Bar is also definitely worth the visit with wide variety of alcohol drinks.
(4)Chad S.
I enjoy the selection of beers here and the food was pretty good. Everything they serve is made in-house and the handmade pretzels are amazing with 3 dipping sauces. The burgers are good, not the best I've had, but pretty decent and I love the N'awlins Chicken sandwich. The atmosphere is great if you want to hang our with friends at the bar and watch a game. Haven't tried their entrees. I recommend
(4)Pete L.
We've eaten at dozens of burger restaurants over the last two years... a different place nearly every Tuesday night. We've had burgers from Kuma's Corner, The Gage, Brauer House, DMK and dozens of other places that specialize in burgers. The Lucky Monk has a fantastic selection of burgers, the meat is specially blended for them and they take great care creating perfection in a burger. It's so good that we created a new category in our rating system ... "Top Dog", and Lucky Monk is the sole occupier of that spot. While the burgers are in a league of their own, their beer selection is not only extensive, but the beers they brew on site (at least the two we had) were excellent as well. Our server (Erin) was perfect: friendly and fun without being "too friendly", too intrusive, too talkative or too frequent. Really delightful in all respects. We will be back and are excited to learn that there may be a new Luck Monk coming to Downers Grove by the end of the year. It's very popular and busy. I'd stay away from a Friday or Saturday night. We went on a Tuesday evening (of course) and were seated within two minutes of arrival. But the place was full at 7:15 when we got there. If you haven't been to the Lucky Monk, do yourself a favor and get there... but make a reservation first.
(5)Jackie B.
Great food...amazing selection of beer but the music is a little too loud..had a hard time talking to the people I was sitting with.
(4)Bnilla R.
The Lucky Monk was delicious. My husband had the fish and chips and I had The King burger. We both highly recommend these dishes. Try the beer sampler! The waitress was absolutely fantastic and took great care of us.
(5)Esteban S.
A huge fan of this establishment; great food, I enjoy the craft beer's, and friendly staff. I will be coming back soon.
(5)Danielle S.
Finally, finally I came here after hearing about it from so many people! Where to start?! First off, this is a total guys place. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, and women are more than welcome here. But the vast amounts of beer and meat, and the lounge like atmosphere are perfect for a guys' night out or a great place to take that special man on a date. We ended up sitting outside - awesome choice! There are plenty of seats/tables outside. There are even chairs to just sit and lounge/have a drink in without tables. There isn't a lot of shade, so come prepared (sunglasses, sunscreen, and cooler clothing). They have an awesome beer selection - I honestly couldn't decide what to get! I would love to come here and try a different beer every time! And if you don't like beer, no worries. They have an awesome mixed drink selection (my friend got one and said it was great). There is something on the menu for everyone - I got the Twisted Chicken Sandwich with fries. It was very good! My friend got the Grilled Cheeseburger - this is a MUST try at some point. A burger between 2 grilled cheeses? What? That's awesome. It isn't good for you, but it tasted amazing. No regrets! The only downfall was the service. We waited a long time to get a second round of drinks, water refilled, condiments, and our checks. The servers were very nice - don't get me wrong. And they were busy. It isn't going to keep me from coming back!
(4)John S.
Went here for my sisters birthday. Place was packed so was glad we had a say I am impressed because there were lots of people. The service here was also top notch. Our waiter was excellent with refills and very friendly. For dinner I went with a burger. My burger was a great size and cooked perfectly. The fries here were also very good. For bar food The Lucky Monk is quite good and I would go back.
(4)Catherine P.
I remember why we don't go here. And after a recent visit, I'm not in any big hurry to go back, sadly. While the atmosphere is great, the service is mediocre. The food is good but the pricing kinda stinks. They don't really have any real economical options. All the burgers are $10+. I would rather go to Kuma's Corner for a $10+ burger. Main entrees are approximately $14. Sandwiches all about $10. I really just think i was turned off by the service. We had the trio app and swapped out the onion strings for cheese curds which were amazing. The 25 minute wait for our app was what upset me. The quality was there. That's the part that kills me! The fried pickles were surprisingly good. The cheese curds were some of the best I have ever had. I have to give them props for this! Our server, while friendly, only stood at our table twice the entire evening while serving us. We were seated in a far corner in the bar area and next to their computer/order entry station where he stood and yelled to us to discuss our order, additional refill requests, etc. It really was very unprofessional. Don't yell to me, come to our table to talk. He was entering other orders from other tables while talking to us. It was weird and very unprofessional. Big turn off. My fiance liked his sandwich but it wasn't very hot when it was served. The plate was hotter than the food. Not a fan. I think I have decided that this place is great for apps and cocktails. And stinks for dinner. It's just too costly for what it is.
(3)Rita B.
This is probably my fifth time here. The restaurant changes their menu often. The server even confirmed that last night. Busy place. 30 minute wait but not bad for a Saturday night. My friend and I ordered the mini steak tacos with the salsa on the side. Not what we were expecting. We knew mini would be small but when we got our plates we looked at the tacos and were kind of wondering how they can make tacos so small. They were VERY small. Came served with rice with carrots and black beans refried. Taste of tacos: delicious! Everything was perfect about them except the size. Flavor was right on. The salsa was so the best. Just the perfect amount of heat. Rice was ok. Needed salt. Carrots were tough. Dry. Refried black beans not my thing. Had one taste and had enough. Staff was alright. Nothing to rave or complain about. However, the bartender was on top of her game. Made sure our drinks kept on coming. Yes, that's part of her job....she did it exceptionally well. Truth is I'll probably end up coming back here sometime again next year because its so close to AMC. Give it a try.
(3)Nick M.
Great beer, great burgers, and friendly on point service! Definitely will be back!
(4)Mark N.
Great gastropub type restaurant with a laid back, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Perfect place to watch the games. Our server was way cool and took the time to breakdown the menu for us newbies. We started with the goat cheese app which was great. The goat cheese was served in a large bowl accompanied by some marinara that added a lot of dimension to what could other wise be a very one dimensional dish. Entree was the luigi burger. I was surprised to see all their burgers use prime grade beef and it was great! Though the bun was a little too thin and fell apart and the Parmesan fries were straight up mushy. Crispy fries and I would have given them 5 stars.
(4)Bill M.
Decor - nice, clean, slightly sophisticated. Service - above average. Attentive and pleasant. Food - Mediocre. I got the steak tacos. While I never eat black beans / refried beans anyway, I must say they looked TERRIBLE on the plate! Dried out and almost like asphalt. The tacos and rice I would put at about a C+. I did not drink any of the beer selections but they looked decent. Coke over Pepsi products is a plus. Probably not a bad place to grab dinner before a movie or a drink afterward.
(3)Benjamin L.
AMAZING burgers and beer!! Will give them another try...
(3)Michael C.
Love this place for food and beer and bartenders. The waitresses are a bit bitchy and act like you are bothering them, but the fish tacos and IPA make up for it.
(4)G D.
We really enjoyed our meal here. Great atmosphere and very attentive service and generous portions. We had the beer sampler which was fun for the adults at the table to try. Our table ordered burgers and all were excellent. Between our group of five we ordered two portabello burgers, the grain burger, a chicken sandwich and a hamburger. I would go back again when in the area.
(4)Kelly O.
I am in love. My sister and brother in law recommended this place to me (and after raving about it to friends this week-- every single person I know that has been there says OMG I LOVE THAT PLACE.....) and they were spot on. IDEAL location next to the big Barrington Theater. HUGE outdoor patio deck area on the water--- I mean, not just a deck -- it's decorated and landscaped optimally. The mood is awesome. Inside is very big and expansive with a huge bar area and lots of open seating-- we sat outside. HUGE craft beer selection almost too much to choose from, not really. ;-) I had Fallen Angel and my man had Cardinal Sin. We felt sinfully happy. The menu- OMG. You'll want everything- we got fried pickles-- HEAVEN!!! And although I wanted the Reuben, they did not offer the option to do it Rachel style with turkey (surprised me frankly) so I got steak tacos -- very good- they do them small like palm sized. My man got a hujazz burger and polished it off completely. We could not attempt dessert but what we saw go by was amazing looking. Staff is attentive and knowledgeable and friendly but not invasive. I cannot say enough good things about this spot and will go back infinity.
(5)Nicole M.
The beginning of the service was amazing. We made a reservation for 4 and we got seated right away. We had an additional guest so a total of 6 people and we got moved immediately to a bigger table. The waiter was helpful with telling us which beers were on tap and what was popular. He was really funny and nice!! We ordered our food after a little bit of waiting. The appetizers came out promptly. We ordered the calamari and the cheese curds. I definitely RECOMMEND the cheese curds! After some time we were able to order our meals. The waiter was busy but it did take a little too log to get our food put in. On top of the wait. We had to wait even longer for our food. Okay, so my short rib tacos were great! The BBQ burger was good but it was slightly overcooked and dry. It needed a bit more sauce. My friend ordered the cheese pizza. The portions were quite small. Here is where it went downhill. We were waiting for a LONG time for our meal as is. But the pizza didn't come out. The manager came out and told us 30 seconds. It's took TEN MORE MINUTES. Now don't get me wrong. I understand the food industry. I work at an upscale pizza restaurant in Los Angeles and I know how it is. But still... It just kind of sucks because I had higher expectations! Our waiter JAKE was super accommodating. He was very upbeat and helpful. He told us exactly what was happening so it made it better. Overall the manager and Jake made things much better. The food was good. I'll come again next time and give them another chance!!
(4)Jasmine N.
Date night with the mister, and he was craving burgers. We ordered the cheese curds, which were made to perfection. Definitely try it.... I'm not a huge cheese fan but equally enjoyed it! We the ordered the bourbon and the hot head with an egg . Both were equally delicious. Medium rare is the way you should always order your burgers. Trust me. If only we lived here, we would be back. The ambience is really nice. You could come here on a date or a group of friends. And our service was spot on!
(5)Candice G.
Why, oh why, didn't I get the pickle fries? Regret. Remorse. But it's okay, I know I'll be back to resolve this sad pickle situation. I came in for lunch, which I think is an important piece of information because some places are just better for dinner than lunch, and vice versa. I think Lucky Monk is good for both, but the atmosphere leans itself to be more comfortable for a dinner setting as my party of two was sat at a rather regal booth that could have easily sat 6-8 people. It'd be fun for a dinner group, but for a business lunch it was kind of like the equivalent of sharing a bunk bed with your boss, but without any kind of creepy feeling because you're boss is pretty rad. I've been a real lame-rod lately so I didn't get anything boozy to drink, but Nicole W gave the thumbs up to their IPA paired with an absolutely massive burger. And though I technically am giving hearsay information by saying this since I didn't partake in the beer or a burger, I feel confident in saying that between the sight, smells and glistening burger juices on that plate, that there is no way that burger wasn't the best thing ever. When I first looked at the menu, I was between a few things, namely the truffle fries, loaded fries or pickle fries (I'm a fry-guy), but then I saw the Trappist Trio where you get truffle fries, cheese curds, pickle fries and two kinds of sauces and nearly jumped for that had it not been for the all-too-real of the time my boss gifted me with a one pound bag of cheese curds and chocolate bars on a business trip and like a dummy I ate it all in one night after drinking and then ended up being grossly backed up for, oh I don't know, the entire four days leading up to a shared flight back to our home state. Awkward. So after some deep thoughts on what I wanted to get vs what I should get, I opted for the veggie tacos "Chihuahua style" with zucchini, corn, mushrooms, squash, chipotle and cotija cheese. The dish came with three tacos, a side of beans and I think I remember some rice in there too, but if there was I ate it way to fast to even describe what it tasted like. The presentation on the tacos was fine, though they weren't very hot and the inside was a weird blend that looked like it was probably mixed together at another time and just reheated for the plate, but I feel like that's the story for a lot dishes on larger lunch menus are restaurants, and honestly, I was just excited that they had a nice veggie option on the daytime menu. The tacos were decent, a bit mushy, but I had no problem swallowing them whole. I won't be raving about them and I wouldn't steer anyone in the veggie taco direction unless they weren't in the mood for a whole lot of flavor, but they weren't bad, just not great. The next time I go back I'll defo get a dish that's more bar-food or pub-style than veggie tacos, because honestly, every dish that involved frying or grilling something and serving it with a sauce looked (based on other tables) and smelled insane, and I think that's the type of food they really excel at, though I've heard good things about their pizza as well. I'll be back, and that fry trio won't even know what hit it.
(4)Gus I.
Good food Great staff that knows THE MENU!! Drinks were good Non franchise!!! Place was busy Keep it up MONK!
(4)Laurence K.
Still going strong great menu great beers service has improved a bit too.
(4)Susan S.
Surprisingly, a great place for kids/family! After being tasked with finding a place that we could celebrate and have children attend I chose the Lucky Monk. Though we arrived 15 minutes prior to our reservation, we only waited about 5 minutes to be seated as they readied our table for 12. We were seated in a smaller room off the main dining room which was perfect for the 5 children we had with us. The Lucky Monk has an excellent kids menu which included a choice of entree (about 6 items), a choice of side which included items like fries, cheese curds, fried pickles or fruit and a choice of drink. Included was carrots and dip as well as a chocolate chip cookie and milk for dessert. The waitress was very good at getting the children served right away and they seemed to always have food in front of them. She and the staff that helped her really catered to the children and ensuring that they were doing ok. She did struggle with getting our drinks orders to the adults which is why the 4 instead of 5 stars. However, I am unaware of the service levels the bar area was able to provide. Also, I feel as though the Lucky Monk reduced their menu and took off so very unique items. I would truly recommend the Lucky Monk as a place to take the family where everyone will be able to get what they want.
(4)Joey B.
Been here three times in two weeks! And I love this place! Atmosphere: You cannot escape how awesome looking the atmosphere is! It is very unique and pleasant on the eyes. You can appreciate all the delicate color coordination and the effort it took to designing this place. Barrels on the wall look authentic, the bar and furniture is well furnished, and the lighting is really pleasing to the eyes! Perfect place for a date! And it is right outside AMC30 movie theatres! The Unique atmosphere is quite upscale and impressive. I'd say this place is very classy indeed! Food: Mouth watering... The food looks as amazing as it looks. The burgers are USDA Prime Beef Burgers! Meat tastes so damn good! I ordered the Sunrise burger, but replaced the marmalade with goat cheese. Every bite was satisfying and great. You could taste the natural meat juices and flavors with every bite if you order medium well! The Fried egg and Bacon were good quality as well! However.... My tongue will forever remember this place for the fries. Sweet Potato Fries made in White Truffle Oil... Perfectly hand cut and fried to perfection. I literally had a crumb descend from a tooth after my meal, and a burst of flavor graced my tongue like a meteor. It was that damn delicious! I haven't begun to explore this place! My body is ready! Service: I had one of the best waiters ever here actually. Big props to Josh! He was the most attentive, humorous, and informative waiter I have ever had. It felt like family was serving me... As weird as that sounds. Other waiters were friendly and attentive too! But I will remember.... The Josh.... Josh, made my day on my first visit to The Lucky Monk! So overall... This has got to be the most well rounded restaurant I have ever been to! I haven't even tried the alcohol or the other menu items yet either! I am excited to become a regular at The Lucky Monk. I highly recommend this place for dates with girls, private parties, or a night out with friends! I am in love!
(5)Derek C.
the food is awesome here! the beer... ehhh, it's alright... this place is a brewery so of course you have to try the beer here. I'm not a big fan of the brews they got on draft here, but they'll do. Where this place really excels is with the food. it's really good! I've tried the fish and chips, the spinach pizza, bbq salmon and the King burger. all have been awesome. the biggest surprise to me was the King burger... it's bananas and peanut butter with bacon on top of the burger, absolutely delicious! probably one of the better burgers I've had. service is also outstanding here, as the bartenders and servers are very knowledgeable and nice. all in all, this is a great place to have a meal at, but it does get quite busy, and with good reason. so stop by and try a brew and get some dinner.
(4)Samantha P.
Everything here is great! I have been here for drinks, lunch and dinner and it has always been amazing. It has an upscale bar/pub feel. All of the beer I have tried has been great and the food has always been delicious. I would recommend the Lucky Monk for any occasion!
(5)Barbara K.
Sadly, our family wedding rehearsal dinner was extremely disappointing. 1) The party room was not arranged as planned and was very constricting to the guests. 2) After requesting several times for a fix, the manager arrived & the guests squeezed into the corners while the room was re-arranged (awkward!). 3) The serving table was not as planned and also had to be re-arranged. 4) The serving pieces we expected (warming trays for hot food) were never provided. 5) The drinks were served with no cocktail napkins, we had to ask for napkins. 6) We were told the kitchen could serve quickly & refresh food quickly. The food was very late. 7) We were told that another group had ordered an unexpected amount of food, explaining why our group was not being served. Our party had been planned months in advance, but we were left waiting. 8) At the end of a very disappointing & embarrassing event, the manager on site apologized and accommodated us by not charging for the patio area which was on our contract. Given that it was raining heavily and LM closed the entire patio and would not have allowed us to use it, that's not much. 9) I sent a highly detailed email outlining even more problems than noted here. The restaurant general manager replied with a cursory email and offered to send a "dining certificate" 10) which never arrived.
(1)Angela P.
I was invited here for a rehearsal dinner. The interior was much more posh than I expected, so I get why people like this place. You can drink tap beer in what looks like a shiny, L.A. ritzy bar/restaurant. In the 'burbs of Chicago. Had a burger and didn't even finish it. And I was starving! The pretzels are just pretzels, people. The key lime pie tastes funny. Drink refills take way too long.
(2)Virl S.
Great ambiance here along with a great menu. When it's warm out, try to sit in the outdoor deck as the view is beautiful. Their food is excellent, some of the best burgers in the burbs. Staff is friendly and their house beers are solid. The confessional IPA is one of the best local IPAs. Great place to watch sports, eat and drink. If you come here often enough, you may want to consider joining their beer club
(5)Nicole W.
It's been a few months since I first dropped into The Lucky Monk, I've been staring at my review draft thinking of ways and words to describe my stellar experience there. So, while I could certainly make this a novel, an ode or sorts, explaining my adoration for the place, I'll keep it short and snappy. Food: Upscale bar food done right. Appetizers are drool worthy - get the curds, yo. Burgers are fabulous - the traditional monk burger is impressive. Chopped salad is a nice addition to an array of heavy-ish fare. The fries are nicely seasoned and cut fresh! Beer: I was pregnant during my visit so I didn't sample the goods but you can bet I'm making my way back here for a tasting. Even the cocktails looked tasty. Service: Angela is a super fantastic server. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and quick! Ambiance: Comfy booths, nifty lighting and a slick bar that is dressed to impress. In suburbia, it's nice to have a place like Lucky Monk so you can avoid the oodles of Olive Gardens and TGI Fridays. Make a reservation as it can get packed after 6pm!
(5)Chris M.
Very flavorful cooked to order burgers that are huge. Enough for leftovers. Oh and the pretzels were awesome, a must order. To drink you need to order their beers, so many to choose from. The waitress was pretty good, no complaints there.
(5)Ray C.
I would give them 5 stars, but I think the menu is too pricey for what you get so I will give them a solid 4. This is definitely one of the best burgers I've tried, they use prime beef and cook them to a perfect temperature. They have good american style tacos if you aren't in the mood for a burger and their salads seem to be pretty well dressed. I hope you check it out.
(4)Christine M.
Used to be 5 star. Prices have gone up and quality down. For instance, the children's chicken tenders used to be hand battered and cooked in house. Now they are cheap crap you can pick up at a fast food joint, but twice the money. Same with the burgers. Oh well, another suburban restaurant bites the dust.
(3)Angelique B.
LOVE the Tritica Wheat Ale - it really does have a taste of banana bread!!! I dislike hoppy beers - very light and smooth.
(5)AJ M.
Saw this place on Chicagos best and had to try it out. Obviously liking belgian beers i preferred the Tritica best (sort of like blue moon). The white truffle fries and pickle fries were good but nothing special. I decided to try something new by getting "The King". Which is a burger with peanut butter bananas and bacon. It was different, the salty and savory flavor it is deff something everyones gotta try once. The chicken sausage pizza was great as well. Overall this place is amazing, great menu, great food with good beer selection. The interior is really nice. I deff will be coming back to try everything else on the menu. Ps great to go to before you head to a movie!
(5)Nicole M.
On trip back to the city wanted to grab lunch with my children and my mother and had a hard time deciding where to go, just before our exit on 90 I saw the billboard and decided to head there. Location is easy to get to even from home so I am now disappointed that I have never been here before. We arrived prior to lunch and the place was quiet but the staff was ready and waiting. We were seated right away in the area near the bar. My children loved the high table and ability to watch tv while waiting to eat. We ordered an appetizer,the loaded fries. SO GOOD! The children also received their own mini "appetizer" with their meals, small orders of carrot sticks and dip. This is the only place that I know that does this and it is awesome. The waitress was attentive and answered all of my little guy's zillion questions. I ordered a burger that was huge and the fries are so tasty. The kids enjoyed their chicken fingers and to my surprise when the meal was over the kids received their own dessert of a cookie, chocolate dip, and some milk. Overall, this place was good, sevice was excellent and I will be back!
(4)Todd S.
We like the atmosphere, food and drinks, however, the staff takes care of their friends and treats "customers" as an inconvenience to their social time.
(2)Marie M.
Loved this place. Excellent food and service! They have wonderful craft beers to accompany their delicious menu. Make a reservation, this place is always busy!
(4)Susan B.
We have been wanting to try Lucky Monk for a while so a few weekends ago we decided to make it happen. This was our first time there so our waiter explained a few of their new items and mentioned that they are known for their burgers and pizza. Being in a burger mood, we both ordered some meat. The grilled cheeseburger (burger between 2 bacon stuffed grilled cheeses) intrigued me but after coming to my senses, I realized it was probably 5 days worth of calories. Instead, I got the smothered burger (Gruyere and caramelized onions). My bf got the King burger....it must be a guy thing. This burger had peanut butter, bananas and bacon. I took a tiny bite and I really didn't care for it. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that there was peanut butter on my burger meat. He enjoyed it though and a guy at the next table got it and seemed to enjoy it as well. Oh, and I can't forget the pickle fries. We got those as an appetizer and I really like them. They weren't too greasy and the chipotle ranch dipping sauce was great...I just wish that they gave a bit more, the 1 cup wasn't enough. We were there during the afternoon on a weekend and as we were leaving, the front entrance was packed. When we arrived we were seated right away. I guess this place gets pretty crowded so I strongly suggest you make a reservation.
(4)Lynn J.
Great food. The burger was awesome and cooked to order. Family friendly and good portions. Not sure if they have a kid's menu but many families. This wood be a good place to go before or after a movie at the theater next door.
(4)Jennifer M.
All this time I thought the name of this place was Drunken Monk. You can imagine my surprise when... We immediately recognized the subtle change in their menu when the appetizer crab cakes & mushroom risotto and the burger w/BBQ sauce AKA our usual orders were missing! It took a few minutes perusing the menu before asking the Server, "What happened?!" She pointed out that the Wild Mushroom Risotto was so popular, that it had become a Signature entree for $10.95. You may opt in chicken for $2.00. Rather than trying another burger, my boyfriend ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich with White Truffle Parmesan Fries for $10.25. The White Truffle and Parmesan Fries would taste better if the flavors weren't overpowered by the taste of potato skin and oil. For the record: Parmesan and Garlic Fries at the Tilted Kilt have a much better balance; but, the Garlic and Butter Fries at the Sub Tender in Forest Park, IL are still the best! Overfall, the micro brew is not the only thing they keep fresh and exciting here!
(4)Terry L.
juiciest most deeelish burger I have ever had. I really think they have a magic ingredient. amazing. too bad I got super full just from one. going back very very soon
(5)Grace P.
When my husband and I get an opportunity to go out to dinner (just the 2 of us- kid free!) this is our go-to place. Excellent food, service and beer! My favorites are the goat cheese, spinach, mushroom and red pepper pizza and the skirt steak tacos. Will definitely try the pickle fries next time, based on a friend's recommendation! There seems to always be a wait at dinner, but we don't mind because it's always worth it.
(5)Jennifer I.
Here for 23 anniversary with hubby -craft beers were flavorful, especially like the stout with desert. Ordered trio app, smothered burger to share with trio desert. Better get here before 6pm to sit at the bar if you don't have reservations.
(5)Erin C.
Ate here with my husband on a Saturday night. Arrived around 6:30, without a reservation, and was told the wait would be 25-30 minutes. It was probably closer to 15 minutes. It was a beautiful night so we asked to be seated out doors, not knowing what the patio was even like. Glad we did. It is a beautiful 2 level patio with lots of space and beautiful flowers everywhere. Our server was Ryan. He was super friendly. He didn't seem at all annoyed with my million questions about the menu and was very knowledgable about ingredients and how items are prepped and cooked. We ordered the goat cheese dip appetizer, a margherita pizza, and a burger. Everything was amazing. The goat cheese dip app was the highlight. The bread it was served with was so soft and warm. And my husband thought the burger was one of the best he has ever had. We will definitely return soon and recommend this place to anyone and everyone.
(5)Kristen W.
How does this place not have 5 stars? This is our go-to restaurant. I have been here a good 20 times and can tell you I have never had a dish, a drink, or a server that was not fantastic. I am disappointed that they took my favorite dish off the menu recently (a short rib pizza with fried egg), but there are so many other amazing choices that it doesn't really matter. Burgers are so good, that I rarely bother going to any other place for a burger. Short rib pasta is amazing. The Trappist trio is a great place to start, the cheese curds are the best I have ever had. Even their warm pretzels are awesome- the mustard butter is such a treat. I think we have tried every dessert on the menu, all perfect. It is always clean, and even though it is quite the hot spot, I don't think we have ever waited more than 20 minutes.
(5)Pari P.
We suburbians enjoy our food just as much as city folk but I admit that the selections aren't as wide. The Lucky Monk stands out amongst an area predominantly surrounded by food chains with new American cuisine. There are food chains that do an excellent job but sometimes you just want something else. The menu consists of American classics from wings, burgers, to pizza using quality ingredients - it's definitely a step up from the norm. They offer dishes that you are familiar with but with flavors and ingredients that you may not always see. The décor reminded me of J. Alexanders with the high ceilings and dark wood interior. From the location and appearance, I was expecting to pay more but was pleasantly surprised at the prices - it's definitely reasonable. I have easily paid more for the same type of food for smaller portions. We ordered the Monk burger and the triple mushroom pizza. The Monk burger was cooked well and the meat had good flavor. The pizza was exactly how it was described on the menu - thin and crisp. Although not very filling, the pizza was light where you could really taste the fresh ingredients. We cleaned both of our plates and left feeling satisfied. Don't forget the beer since this is also a brewery. They go from ales to pilsners to lagers. We ordered two of their own brews and both were solid. I would definitely come back and try the others during their happy hour. Although not worth the trip if you are not in the area but if you are, I would recommend The Lucky Monk. Food you know with quality ingredients at reasonable prices and more importantly, in the suburbs.
(4)Robert I.
The food here is amazing. They have in house micro brewery here too...try the in-house beer, it's the best. Great serves. I have no complaints. Love going here after a movie.
(5)Tom C.
This place was recommended to me by a fellow beer enthusiast friend, and it did not disappoint! Great food, great service, and great environment. You must get the burgers, and the pretzel trio is especially good if you have three or more people to share it with. They also have really cool beer can glasses that look like beer cans! A must buy for only $10 with a drink included!
(5)Kay M.
This is the first time Yelp led me astray. Service: Server was friendly and helpful, although it took a while to get our bill. Beer: I tried the sampler. Usually I like a couple beers in a sampler, and this was no different. I liked the beer. Belgian, lager and the special were my favorites. I would recommend them. Food: here's where our experience was lacking. The pretzel trio was a good appetizer although the pretzels weren't particularly amazing. Deviled eggs were gross... Flavors were off and the breading wasn't cooked through all the way. My husband had the perch and the fish itself was probably good but it was overly breaded in what he describe as "cheap Betty Crocker boxed breading". For $18, we expected way more from that dish. Unfortunately, we won't be returning.
(1)Kirsten M.
Absolute favorite date night spot. The beer selection is good and everything I've ever had on the menu had been delicious. I particularly like the tacos and the nawlins chicken. The boyfriend loves the grilled cheese burger. Also, the service is spectacular! The only problem I have is they're so busy that same day reservations can be difficult and with no reservation you have expect to wait. Obviously a good problem for the restaurant to have and a good sign that it's worth the trip.
(5)Michael N.
Friday night at Lucky Monk for a friends birthday. 12 people. Never been here before, but from the reviews it looked really good and I had concerns about how we were going to get a table for 12. Then....we noticed the "couch lounge." Oh yes, this is our area. Screw the bar or dining room, we will be eating delicious food while our feet rest on ottomans. I noticed the "grilled cheese burger" on the website before we got here. The description confirmed that this is what I would be ordering. Lucky for me, and everyone else who orders it, there are no nutritional facts on the menu. I usually feel bad for eating one grilled cheese sandwich. You want me to eat two now? Wait...you're putting bacon in them? Hold the F on....you're putting a half pound burger between the sandwiches? Game on. My girlfriend had about three bites and could eat no more. I couldn't let the party down. Feeling the burn of a full stomach (I already ate 8 BBQ rib appetizers), and two beers, I pushed on. Bite after delicious bite. I've heard myths of the fabled Krispy Kreme burger, but this burger was something I actually enjoyed. A friend ordered a regular burger and only ate half, and I finished hers as well. If I ever stop my active lifestyle, I will put on 50 pounds in no time.
(5)Buddah T.
Wanted to see what all the lines and huge wait is all about. Went to an early movie so stopped in around 4 pm for an early dinner. Short wait, sat us in the bar, no big deal. Waitress showed up and took order for drinks, 10 min later got the drinks, and actually came back to take order 10 min after that. Food took forever, over 25 min, to get. The burger was rare not medium well, the meatball sandwich was basically 2 meatballs cut up flat and place between bread, poor value. Their in house beer was good however, but did not live up to anywhere near the hype. Maybe just a bad waitress set the mood.
(3)Jay M.
Warning, they don't clean their grill. Everything cooked on the grill tastes like burnt burger even the chicken. Same issue with the toasted buns, yuck Not cheap and expect more. Also, bar staff not very friendly or attentive. Stingy with condiments as for extra ketchup or tartar sauce and they act like you are a pest! Unacceptable!
(2)Represent the P.
Very pleased all around. Great wine and beer selection. Had the cheese curds made with white cheddar, and the quinoa burger was fantastic. Bartender was attentive and friendly.
(4)Jamie W.
My husband and I went there for the first time this past weekend. Our server, Dan (but I think he said people know him as Red), was fabulous--best server we've had in awhile and definitely left a nice tip. We started out with the appetizer trio then go the the pizza for our meal. Everything came out fantastic!! The beer was delicious as well!
(5)Allison E.
First of all, the appetizers are amazing. I come here usually just for appetizers. Entrées are great too, I just have a love for their appetizers. Service is always good, and bar drinks range from decent to amazing depending on the bartender. We had a party here and the service was excellent. Food excellent as always but the servers were always on top of serving us and clearing plates. Love this place. They also have a house rootbeer that is delicious.
(5)Chicago Girl W.
When i go to a restaurant that is suppose to have great burgers then I expect just that... and also would hope the burgers were cooked as we requested......BIG Disappointment...the kitchen left our burgers bloody when we specifically asked for just a little pink in the inside....ambience is nice, and fries are good.....that is why they are getting even the two stars.....
(2)Stephen R.
Went here for lunch a couple says ago. Got seat right away, no wait at all. Service was very good, had no problems or instances were I had to visually track down the server, she was always right there! I ordered the Grilled Cheese Burger and my Mom and Dad ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, respectfully. The food was amazing. You get massive portions, I never mind that because then I have an extra meal for the next day, and it was just as good. The price was very reasonable. You could go here for a date or just a group lunch, it's not extremely formal at all but it still nice and very very clean! I will be back for sure!
(5)Kamilah S.
My family and extended family came here after my nephew's christening and we had amazing food and excellent and attentive staff. The burgers, the fish and chips, the fried pickles, the onion strings, the wine, the tacos. We also received 3 complimentary bowls of ice cream because we were celebrating 3 April birthdays. I believe everyone left stuffed.
(5)Matt J.
The el rancho is one of the best pizzas I've ever had in my entirety of living. I don't know what I would do with myself if they ever took it off the menu. SO DAMN GOOD!
(5)Taylor M.
I went here after a movie since the parking lot is literally connected to South Barrington AMC it felt like a no brainer. So after our movie we headed over for a snack and a beer (well cider for me). When we got there the valet was done for the night. Apparently. they stop taking cars at 10 pm. So we parked and walked in. There was no hostess at the front. We waited for a little bit and then decided to walk out to the patio area and seated ourselves. The waitress seemed a little thrown off by this, but when we explained the situation, she apologized and got us menus. The service was top notch after the confusion. We quickly ordered drinks of the pretty large beer list. I got the seasonal Woodchuck that said it had hints of ginger and orange in it with a yellow label. It was really good! For food, we just wanted something to munch on since it was getting late. We ordered the fried pickles and an Al Pastor Pizza. I wished I was hungrier so I could have gotten one of the burgers, but I knew I couldn't finish it!! We really enjoyed the fried pickles, the batter was different from what I was used to. The Al Pastor Pizza was fantastic! It had spicy pulled pork and a pineapple relish. Truly amazing. But, next time I am totally getting a burger. Oh and the patio is beautiful, if you have a chance sit there!
(4)Terri J.
I met a friend for dinner at the Lucky Monk last night, and really enjoyed my experience. The food, and atmosphere was great. Atmosphere - I really liked how clean the place was. Despite some clear wear on the booths, it was obvious they spent a lot of time keeping the place spotless. My friend and I were there for hours, and throughout that time, I saw staff sweeping the floors, and cleaning the tables. I also liked that the place was large, and they didn't jam pack tables next to eachother. It was nice to be able to hear my friend talk across the table, and not be distracted by other tables' conversations. Food - SO GOOD. We started with an order of Cheese Curds, and were not disappointed. I loved the light, fluffy, batter they were fried in. I ordered the cheeseburger, and substituted pickle chips for my side. Everything was really delicious. We finished it off with the skillet cookie. I was stuffed to the brim, and really glad we chose this place to meet at! I will definitely be bringing my husband back!
(4)Mister M.
Very fresh and well-prepared food at reasonable prices in a very upscale setting. . .wait staff could be more attentive but suitable service for the price. I will go again and would highly recommend others pair this place with a movie at the nearby Barrington Theatre!
(4)Stef M.
Great fish n chips, pleasant adult atmosphere, excellent location with lots of parking, and closest restaurant to AMC Barrington 30 movie theater. Good for groups large and small.
(4)Brad E.
Destroyed my "diet" in the best way possible. Found this joint on a fellow yelper's best burger list, and she did not lead me astray! First off, if you come here on a Friday, like I did, make a reservation. The restaurant is massive, but the people around us were "enjoying" a 30 minute wait. Having taken a look at the beer menu previously, I ordered a Tritica-Wheat as soon as we sat down, and man was it good! If you are a fan of Two Brother's Ebel's Weiss (or hef's in general), then you will certainly enjoy this clean, clovey goodness. Even though I am not much for appetizers (remember: "diet"), I couldn't resist ordering the pretzel trio. It came out in about 3 minutes (yay!) and was huge! The app easily could have been enough for 3, but it was so good that the two of us quickly polished it off. The warm, soft pretzels are served with mustard butter, parmesan marinara, and a beer-cheese fondue - all were great. For my main course, I ordered the Bourbon Stout burger, which is served with Tillamook cheddar (yum!), braised onions, and a pickle - simple, but delicious. I upgraded my fries to sweet potato fries, which come sprinkled with chipotle cinnamon. They were both great, but the massive pretzel app really sapped my appetite. Overall, the Lucky Monk was a great experience - good food; great drink. I definitely see myself returning here to destroy another "diet" in the future.
(4)Corinne Y.
Every time we go to The Lucky Monk we have great service and great food. The menu is not too extensive but there are many things that I want to try! This is a great place to try something new rather than the same old hamburger. It has a really nice atmosphere and, despite being busy, never feels too crowded.
(5)Courtney W.
Luckily this place isn't too far away from my mom's house because I wouldn't really be able to enjoy it much if I stayed in the city. This location has been so many things, I didn't think anything could last. I'm so glad Monk has proved me wrong! The beer here is great, as is the service. The peppercorn ranch burger is also outstanding and blew my mind! I sat at the bar which was also beautiful and quite modern as well. The beer selection here is also decent, make sure to taste some of their signatures. From careful study of the menu, you can't go wrong here with anything! Be prepared to wait on the weekends and on game nights.
(4)Ashley A.
ordered the flight of beer, which included six Lucky Monk brews. I liked the amber style ones and the stout was ok. also ordered the Trappist Trio, which was good. I like the decor of the place. I would go back, especially to try seasonal brews.
(4)Kate H.
I always enjoy myself at this restaurant. It is decorated in a trendy but casual way. It feels like a classy place to bring friends to just hang out, enjoy good food, homemade beer and good company. I really like their flatbread pizzas...especially the one with the fried egg on top. Their burgers are so tall, you might sprain a mouth-muscle trying to eat them, but they are really good! I also like it because you can bring your kid(s) here without feeling like a bad citizen! Haha. The big booths are pretty nicely contained to keep your kids corralled. :) Honestly, I don't have a single bad thing to say about the Lucky Monk!
(5)Derek N.
Both times here the food and drafts were very good. Service was good too. Had the cardinal sinn drafts both times.. good stuff. The waitress the second time was great, she actually saved the night. I think her name was Julia. Good food recommendations and answered all our questions honestly. She brought out the wrong beer for my brother and when we told her, she politely apologized and brought the correct beer promptly. I left her a good well deserved tip. But the reason I am probably not going back is one of the hosts. There were two last night (8-1-2014). One was African American and the other appeared to be Hispanic (this one I'll call Bub).. So I come in first and am not greeted by Bub and am waiting for my friends. A couple before me come in and ask Bub to be seated at the bar area, Bub seats them at a booth at the bar big enough for my party. When my friends arrive we ask Bub to be seated at the bar.. he said there would be a wait although it did not look busy. One of my friends was hungry, she didn't want to wait too long.. I asked about the area behind the host area which was between the bar and the regular dining area. There were a few tables taken and maybe 9 open, 2 of which were next to the bar which would have been nice because we also wanted to catch the sports that were on... Bub said that section was closed.. i asked "why is it closed? there's almost 3 hours left till you close..." Bub says "That's the policy..." Whatever... we sit and Julia takes good care of us, but later we notice the 2 tables next to the bar that I asked about were taken by 2 other parties that came in 30 to 60 minutes after us.. then maybe an hour later Bub and several other employees were sitting at a table in that middle section just eating, drinking and laughing.. i stopped another waitress walking by and asked why they closed that section off to us.. she said sometimes the host Bub and other employees do what they want... we were pissed that there were a lot of tables open in that section near the bar, but we are denied a request to sit there, yet Bub allows two other parties after us to sit there and then openly sits there with his employee friends to eat and drink. A good manager or owner would not allow things to be run that way... we will probably not be coming back
(1)Eugene W.
Used to be a solid four stars. Better than average beer and good food quality and selection. The daily promos (which most brewpubs and brewpub wanna b's have) gave them the extra star. Visited a couple weeks back to learn they got rid of all of their daily special promotions when we tried to get the pizza and pint special.
(3)Jeff S.
Good food, and great service. The prices are a TAD high, but the food is worth it. I would recommend the sandwiches.
(4)Eileen D.
Ammmmmmmazing!!! Not certain how to sum up our night other than to say how amazed we were with every aspect of our experience. The staff was fantastic, our waiter was funny, prompt, attentive, and just overall great. Food was out of this world. My 16 year old nephew for the grilled cheese burger and ate it ALL in about 10 min. It was a sight to see.... All in all a great night. Beer was phenomenal, cannot wait to go back.
(5)Scott R.
One word to sum my experience at The Lucky Monk: "Pathetic" When we arrived the hostess said that they had a lot of reservations due to Father's day and that we should take a pager and wait thirty minutes. Well 40 minutes later, the hostess says, Oh you're still waiting, what is your pager number. Another 10 minutes goes by and the hostess has no update. I walked over to the bar area and noticed the three vacant tables and two tables that haven't been cleaned off. I asked to be seated at the high tops and the hostess copped an attitude and says "whatever you want." Order: I order the "hot head" burger medium-rare, 35 minutes later the burger arrives overcooked to medium-well. I cut the burger right down the middle to show the waiter and he agreed the burger was overcooked. There was no juiciness to it / no red at all. Finally, 15 minutes after I sent the burger back the manager comes over to say "the kitchen looked at the burger and they saw red". I said "please show me what you're seeing because the burger was clearly overcooked." Instead of offering an apology and expediting my order, I get a manager who wants to argue with her customer. Our server informed us that the manager is comping our entire lunch however, after another 10 minutes and still NO food, we got up and walked out the door. I did tip the server $10.00 because I didn't want to penalize the waiter because of an incompetent cook and unprofessional manager. Total time from walking in the front door to leaving without eating: 2 hours and 05 minutes! To give you a perspective on how bad the food, service and overall experience was; this is the first time I have ever felt so strongly about something that I actually felt the need to write an online review about it to maybe help other's from making the same mistake my wife and I did. Bottom line: The staff at The Lucky Monk lacked the experience and class that the atmosphere and price dictated.
(1)J. Chuck K.
This my third time coming here, but first time trying their burgers. First off, it seems the beer has kinda gone downhill. When it comes to being a restaurant, Lucky Monk is decent, but a first rate brewpub they are not. While other breweries are starting to put out their Oktoberfests, Lucky Monk doesn't have one and the seasonal beer they offered was a golden ale...Which isn't even really a summer seasonal beer. On top of this, the waitress didn't have much knowledge about beer. When I asked a question, she simply responded with an offer to bring me a sample and I can taste for myself. Being out of one your signature beers isn't too awesome either. On to the burger....I got the Sunrise, which has a fried egg and bacon marmalade. I thought the marmalade had an awesome flavor, but the egg was way over cooked. Instead of biting into the burger and expecting to see the yolk spill over, I saw dried yellow crumbles fall out. The bun was obviously too small for the half pound burger, resulting in a sloppy eating experience. Even more so for my brother's stout burger. Overall, the place is a fine enough restaurant, but leaves a lot be desired from a brewing aspect. They're light years behind brewpubs like Revolution, Piece and even Haymarket. I think Solemn Oath in Naperville would do a better job than Lucky Monk if they opened a pub.
(2)Adam K.
Really tasty burgers. I mean REALLY! :) I've been here three times and left delirious with food coma bliss each time. If on death row I'd consider making their spinach and goat cheese burger my last meal. Have not tried their brews yet...will.
(5)Jenny V.
NOOOM NOOOM very nice inside!!! and the burgers are AMAZING! really really good. i had the farmhouse burger, it was delicious, a little messy but that doesnt bother me. the regular fries are really good, but i upgraded to loaded fries, it was nothing special, all the cheese was at the bottom! my boyfriends mom got the monk burger, standard cheeseburger, she said her's was really good, she doesnt eat the bun (watching her carbs, hasnt she heard of the carb lovers diet??) so she loves the burger itself! that must really mean its a good piece of beef. i definitely will be coming back here, its clean, the staff is friendly and the place is gorgeous inside!!
(5)Pam D.
This is the kind of place I could drive by a million times and never think to stop. It is large and nice looking, but there is not curb appeal or warmth to the place. Fortunately several of my Yelp friends wrote glowing reviews, so we actually made it our destination, sight unseen. What I really liked about the place was the quality of the products they served. The Bourbon Stout Burger I had was made with really good quality beef. Christopher had the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich on the special list and it was also really quality stuff. We both loved the crispy onion appetizer and the fries that came with the meal. I got pretty schnockered on the margarita I ordered and it tasted very good, so that is a plus. Christopher tried one of their house brews and enjoyed it too. It is very noisy. The floors are carpeted and the booths have fabric, but it just isn't enough to absorb the noise. I would not want to be in there when the place is really packed. It would be impossible to carry on a conversation. The service was very good and the bathrooms were clean and roomy. I would not go out of my way to return, but if I am ever back in Barrington, I might consider a stop, at least for a margarita and an appetizer. The place is not cheap, but heck, it is in Barrington.
(4)Lisa M.
Our group of 3 ladies had a great experience. Service was excellent. We made reservations for a Sat. Night. Started with the pretzel trio with 3 dipping sauces. My friend had 2 of their beers, Fallen Angel and a stout with a coffee after taste...both very good. I had their Monk drink with the Malibu= yummy. Other friend enjoyed a pomegranate martini. We ate fish tacos= delicious with a kick. A cheeseburger was great. We also enjoyed the twisted chicken. So glad we tried this place.
(5)Jun K.
"AaaaaaaaallllllllrrriiiiiiiigghhhtttyyyyyTHEEEENNÂNNN" as Ace Ventura chants in the beginning of When Nature Calls, i believe? Anyways, second time here and I am indeed a fan. Burgers. Done. I kid, but for seriously, large and delicious. Truffle fries? Yes please. Even though the place was packed and we had to wait 30-45mins for lunch on Sunday, I didn't mind. The service was still great. Now the only issue I had was we had a table of seven. Few burgers and some other stuff. I would have liked my fries to have tasted more recently fried if that makes sense. An essence of heat lamp somewhat lingered on my tongue from the semi warm fries. No problem though. All was forgiven by the end of the meal. Like burgers? Like big burgers? Big, delicious, juicy... Just check this place out.
(4)Michelle F.
My husband and I LOVE the Lucky Monk. It is definitely in our top three restaurants to go. We have been with large groups, with small kids, and I have been with the girls. It is our go-to place because it's so delicious and there are so many different things we like about it. First of all, I recommend reservations. They never hurt! We have arrived around 6 to no wait (we did have a reservation, but there wasn't anyone in the lobby waiting) and when we left, there were a bunch of people waiting for tables. The waitstaff is AMAZING! I have never had a dirty dish sitting on my table for more than a minute before someone came to take it away! The waiters and waitresses are really, really good and they are always good for a recommendation! They are knowledgeable about their menu and their beers. On my most recent trip to Lucky Monk, I was with two other girls, and our waitress was Sim. She was SO accommodating. I was asking her a lot of questions about the two different kinds of chilis (chicken poblano and the black bean) and she brought me out two samples to try so that I didn't waste my money if I didn't like it. We ordered a sampler off of their special list--it came with parmesan truffle fries (to DIE for. I would bathe in these fries!), friend pickles, and shoestring onions. All of those plus the dipping sauce were amazing. For my meal, I ordered the Turkey burger--it was amazing, and their regular fries were delectable as well. My friends ordered the chicken sandwich (which she seemed to enjoy) and my other friend had the goat cheese pizza, and she didn't have enough nice words to rave about it! They both ordered a few glasses of wine, so that must have been good, too :) Just to sum up the night, we ordered the skillet smores. I highly HIGHLY reccommend these. You will not regret it! I bet I ate half of it myself! I have since ordered this to go since it was that amazing. Overall, one of the best dining experiences I've ever had, and they continue to set the bar high for other restaurants!!
(5)Carl M.
Their in house brewery has a lot of good options. My favorite being the wheat beer. Also the menu has a wide variety of different meals.
(5)Kara Z.
Wow! Thanks, Yelp, for leading me here- you did not disappoint! We went on a Saturday evening at about 5:30 and there was no wait. By the time we were done the restaurant was full with people waiting for tables. It has a nice ambiance inside (cool lighting) and our waiter (Ryan N) was awesome. He was friendly, down to earth, helpful and attentive. The pretzel appetizer was AMAZING! At first I thought three big pretzels would be too much but they were lighter than expected, the three dips (honey mustard, tomato parmesan and cheese) were incredible, and the four of us polished them off within minutes! Wow- best appetizer ever. For some reason everyone with me ordered the brat, which came with grainy mustard and fries. I got the peppercorn burger- wow!!! It had peppercorn seasoning, ranch, tomato, lettuce, pickle, crispy onions and I added bacon. It was huge and juicy and SO delicious. I had to cut it in half with a knife. Good thing they give you big napkins- it was pretty messy. The beer was a hit as well. And the broccoli cheese soup. We are definitely going back again- I LOVE it when we find a new favorite restaurant! (3-6-11- You HAVE to try the Scandalous Chocolate Torte with raspberry sauce- wow- delicious!!! You can take it home if you don't have room after your meal- it travels well. Wow!!!)
(5)Drew S.
I've been going to Lucky Monk semi-regularly since they opened. My boyfriend and I even met there for a few dates; it was a favorite spot to meet, have a beer and share an appetizer - the outdoor patio is great in the summer. Over the last year I've noticed a drastic drop in service and quality, to the point I'm actually surprised to still see so many high reviews. Their beer is great, no doubt. But the last SEVERAL times we've been, our food has taken 45 minutes or more to come out (in most instances without any explanation) and has clearly been sitting under a heat lamp for an extended period by the time it gets to us. It's not like we're ordering well done steaks - I'm talking simple burgers and salads taking 45 minutes or more. On our most recent visit, it was my boyfriend, mother and I. We ordered two burgers (medium rare) and a salad. It took 45 minutes for the food to come out, the fries were soggy, the buns were crispy and the meat not hot - evidence of sitting under a heat lamp too long. Since this seems to be a trend every time we go now, I have to say I won't go back to Lucky Monk until they start kicking up their kitchen and wait staff service. Sorry.
(2)Ellen W.
My husband and I used to dine here once a week. But they changed the menu and took off our favorite items so we rarely go there anymore. We miss the beet and goat cheese salad, short rib tacos, and the short rib pizza with a fried egg :(
(3)Christian W.
Another great experience here! Whenever I am in town on business, I always try to eat here at least once. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, even when I have been in large groups at the table, the servers treat each diner as though there are only 2 at the table. Great burgers and beer of all kinds. With so many choices you cannot go wrong.
(4)Jasmin V.
Came on a Thursday night & seated right away. -Monk's punch served in a martini glass. Not on the menu. Very yummy & fruity! -Pretzel trio. So soft! I would definitely get again!! Three big pretzels & three dips. -Farmhouse Burger with loaded fries. Good. Average burger. Fries okay. -Smothered Burger with white truffle Parmesan fries. Way messy. Bun broke apart on me. Amazing fries! -Upgrade fries for $1 -Tons of house brewed beers. I wish they had a mixed drink menu with more martinis. Also they need some pretzel buns!!!
(4)Bob K.
Accommodated our group of 20 on a Saturday night for dinner with excellent service and food.
(4)MesmerEyes G.
Ambience is really nice, I would give that b/t 3-4 stars but the food I just found to be a little above average but maybe it's bc I think the whole "gastropub" concept has become played out. Had the peppercorn burger and was not really impressed but the meat or burger flavors overall. The steak tacos were good though and the chopped salad had a really nice combo of textures and I'd recommend.
(3)Maggie M.
I love the Lucky Monk. Great food! Sometimes service is a little slow, and it's always just a dollar or two over priced, but other than that it's very good. Goat cheese/spinach burger is my favorite!
(4)Irene Z.
First visit to the Lucky Monk two weeks ago on a busy Sunday night, though I used to come here often when this establishment was Brass. Gotta say, I like the Lucky Monk much better. It has a nice upscale yet casual feel to it. My cousin and I arrived earlier in the evening, around 6:30pm. It was crowded and we were shown to a very nice, roomy booth in the area right behind Reception after a 10-15 minute wait. I had to do a quick walk-around because of the life of me, I couldn't remember what the place looked like when it was Brass. Seems the overall layout is pretty much the same, but doesn't really matter since I like how thte Lucky Monk has furnished and decorated. Wood paneling and fireplaces, warm ambiance. Kira was our server and she was great. She was busy this night but made sure to check on us several times throughout our meal. The food, is nothing short of magnificent. I ordered the short rib & egg pizza. It was awesome - generous chunks/cuts of short rib, but.....they forgot the egg. It came out a few minutes after the pizza, and they offered to spread the egg around the pizza, but I opted to do it myself. The egg only added to the deliciousness. The short rib was seasoned well and matched well to the thin pizza crust. My cousin insisted on the fried pickles...I've had fried pickles in the South, and I can honestly say that Lucky Monk's fried pickles hold their own to those. My cousin also insisted on the truffle fries and while I enjoyed them, they were a tad greasy for me and a little too garlicky. My cousin had her usual - fish & chips. It looked good and she said it was. A couple of snafus: The truffle fries were supposed to be our appetizer, but came out after our entrees. We'd let Kira know we were still waiting on them (after the food came out), and within minutes of our telling her, she had them sent out to the table. I already mentioned the egg on my pizza, no biggie, but still. And, we waited over 30 minutes for our check because of a glitch in the system. To be fair, we were here to catch up, talk a while, and weren't in any rush. We assured Kira we were fine to wait and she did check on us frequently (and was apologetic). After the initial 30 minutes, though, we were ready to go. They had to ask us what we'd ordered again so that they could re-enter it into the system. Luckily, I'm patient and so is my cousin. I'd also ordered a Sunrise Burger to-go for my hubby and because of the 30+ check waiting, it was soggy by the time I brought it home. It was still a good overall burger (in his opinion). We'll have to see what it tastes like without the sogginess. He was more impressed with my leftover pizza and pickles. Great, relaxed place to catch a pre-post movie and/or just to hang out and have a beer or two. Happy with this first visit and looking forward to more.
(4)Glenn K.
I've tried many different dishes on this menu and haven't found any that are lacking. Would definitely recommend the skirt steak as a very good deal and the pizza is quite good bar pie too.
(5)Katie S.
Tried it for Easter Brunch and it was not very good; we were so disappointed. Tater tots, chicken fingers, a taco bar, over cooked pasta, and soggy salad were just a few if the items we were surprised to see. Food has been good here in the past but I would never do brunch here again.
(2)Dee C.
Oh the drinks are oh so good here!! I had the Purplelicious martini- three olives purple vodka and 3 olives bubble vodka, a little sweet and sour, and a splash of grape fanta The drink was fantastic. Food was good and desserts were ok also. I'm sure I will be back sometime in the future.
(4)Laura M.
Bad service after long wait.Food not as good as expected.Pass on this one if you can.
(1)Jeff S.
So, color me not-impressed. I had a feeling this might happen although we've know about the Monk for some time but just haven't made it there yet and I figured I might be missing out on a great new 'regular' spot in my area. Upon arrival at 6:45 on a Friday night the parking was literally full and they were valet parking cars anywhere they could fit. No thanks. I dropped off my fiancée and then parked out in the empty end of the adjacent AMC parking lot to save me from buffing out door scratches the next morning. The small parking lot was a mess. We were seated promptly for our reservation though which was good; the ambiance and decor doesn't really match the 'Monk' or Brewpub themes, it looks too upscale or modern. I much prefer the rustic look of Two Brothers Roundhouse, for example. Service was good, our server checked on us plenty of times and were not waiting on water or asking for items they forgot to bring, which often happens at other places when very busy. The menu is a little light on selection focusing on apps, pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and mot much in the vegetables variety (potatoes are not vegetables). But it's a Friday night and a good excuse have a rare (in occurrence, not preparation) hamburger. As 'beer snobs' we opted for a sampler to start out with as we both wanted to try all of their in-house brews. They were all pretty drinkable and for someone who dislikes most stouts I found theirs to be actually palatable. The Cardinal Sin was probably my favorite, with the IPA also being pretty good (hoppy without too much bitterness). But the lagers were not all that good, unfortunately. (favorite locally brewed lagers come from Metropolitan Brewery). My company did not like any of the beers, each was either too strong (the wheat is like drinking a banana) or bland in their respective categories. For dinner we went with a Hot Head burger and the N'awlins Chicken Sandwich, each with the hand-cut fries. Based on a few Yelp reviews I chose the Truffle-Parmesan fries. So there was nothing technically 'wrong' with the food: my burger was cooked right at medium, everything looked really good, and her chicken sandwich was good as well. But that's it, everything was just 'good' and nowhere near the stellar reviews that you'll find all over this page. I just don't get it. The 'Hot Head' burger was completely bland. The pepper-jack cheese had no 'pepper' bite to it, the jalapeño salsa had zero spice to it (they might as well have been bell peppers) and the chipotle ketchup didn't contain an ounce of smoky flavor. I might as well just got the regular burger with cheese and ketchup. The truffle fries were also nothing impressive, just the standard fries would have been fine. So in summary I don't think we'll make a special trip here again, but if in the area (or seeing a movie at AMC) then I'd be fine returning to try out some other dishes, but I'll probably go for a 'guest' microbrew (e.g. Half Acre Daisy Cutter). They are certainly doing something right though based on the reviews here and full parking lot, and I'd defintely pick this over a chain (TGIF, no thanks) but when in the mood for a beer and burger I'll still head to Duke's Alehouse or Wild Onion Pub instead.
(3)Dorothy H.
Drove up from Aurora to check the place out with my husband and my son and his fiancé. Looking for a place for a wedding rehearsal dinner in May 15' and this was recommended as a place to check out.as they are getting married in this area. We made reservations on line. Arrived at 5:30pm and were seated at a booth. D out waiter ( forgot his full name he told us to call him D) was very good. He brought us the price brochure for their dinner packages and took our drink orders. The beer flights were fun and we got to try all their feature beers and one seasonal. Surprisingly we liked the wheat beer, my son said the best he has ever had and he is a craft beer fanatic. We ordered the triple app with the curds, fried pickles and truffle fries- so good! And the goat cheese fondue- good but not as good as the curds! We all tried something different. The "kids" had the nawlins chicken sandwich and the burger with the poblano pepper and they loved them. I had the macadamia nut tilapia with the banana and rice and it was outstanding. Hubbie ate 2/3 of his pizza and would have finished if he could have. Since we were testing out the menu we had the donuts and the hot cookie sundae skillet. The donuts were amazing. Warm, fresh-goodness almost like a beignet served with three sauces raspberry, caramel and chocolate on the side. If you go here you MUST get these as it was an outstanding surprise. Had the strawberry Lambic. I usually drink the cherry but they did not have any. Not disappointed with it as it was very nice and not too sweet. And with dessert the Monk coffee was lovely. The service was prompt and very friendly. The manager touched the table and talked to the us about the rooms and reservations and even checked to see if their date was open for a reservation and it is! Prices were fair and the portions good. Just wish this place was closer to where we live and we would eat here regularly. Hope to be back again soon and most probably in May for the wedding. Great job Lucky Monk!
(5)Kimberly M.
These guys make some incredibly juicy and flavorful burgers. I substituted the sauteed veggie side for french fries and that side was a little wimpy. The truffle fries we started out with made up for it though. Those fries are dangerous! Our server told us they are known for their pizzas, but I had a slice of two different kinds and I really wasn't that impressed. Service was a little slow at times, but our server was funny and charismatic, so we forgave her. I was a fan of the $5 Wine Wednesdays! The four of us had to wait 40 minutes for a table at 7:30pm on a Wednesday night, so I highly recommend making reservations before you go. This is a great restaurant to bring a group to because everyone will find something they like, prices are reasonable, and it's a fun environment.
(4)Shyna H.
Absolutely love the place. Excellent food the sandwiches, fish tacos, tumbled dry onion fries and an excellent collection of beers. The burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads are also really good. Can't go wrong !
(5)William L.
It seems like brew pubs like Lucky Monk are popping up all over the place, and this place is near the top of the charts for me. My better half and I met here for a "we don't feel like cooking" night and this may be one of our regular stops in the future. We split the pretzel appetizer which consisted of three huge Bavarian pretzels, two dipping sauces and a fantastic mustard. The burgers we had (Firehouse and Peppercorn Ranch) were both awesome as well. The sweet potato fries are the bomb dot com. Good golly were they delicious and crispy. For brews, we tried the house IPA and hefeweizen. The IPA was decent, but a little off. The citra hops weren't very evident in the nose or taste, but it did taste better as it warmed. The hefe was really, really good. Lots of banana bread flavor with a touch of spiciness. The decor of the place is nice and inviting, but it can be a little loud when the place is busy.
(4)Valerie W.
At the suggestion of my dad, I chose the Lucky Monk as the location for my graduation lunch. I graduated at the Sears Centre, so I wanted something that was nearby, but also far enough away that my 1000 fellow graduates would not be taking up all of the space! I easily made a reservation for 15 on opentable two weeks before the day. I checked out the menu ahead of time, and was really excited for a big juicy burger, which they are known for. For some reason, the day of I decided on a pizza instead, which was fine, but next time, I'm trying a burger. The service was outstanding. Our server, whose name I've since forgotten, was well versed in both the menu and beers, was ready and willing to make suggestions, and had no problem handling our rowdy party of 15. We had lots of yummy things on the table, the sweet potato fries, hummus, and apple bacon flatbread were awesome. The pizza fell a little flat for me, probably because I should've gone with my gut on the burger. The home brewed beer tasted amazing, I tried the confessional IPA and the Fallen Angel. The flavors were great, but unfortunately, like so many places before (why do I forget?) I ended up with a terrible migraine because of the beer! I don't know what preservative these microbreweries put into their beers, but they KILL me. I literally had a headache by the time I got home, and spent the rest of the night (from 4pm to 2am) wanting to die, lying in bed with no light, no sound, and a cold towel on my head. So, the food makes me want to return, but I'll stick to the bottled stuff. My mom had a pear cider that was bottled that I tasted and was good, so maybe that next time.
(3)Mariam K.
I don't live anywhere near this place... however me and my husband decided to go to IPic to watch a movie and we were looking for restaurants around the theatre and came across this place and read a lot of good things so we decided to eat here. Be sure to make reservations before coming here... it was chaotic when we came on a Friday night... luckily we made reservations! We ordered the fried pickles, cheese curds (similar to mozzarella sticks but a million times better and come with 2 really good dipping sauces), and truffle fries. Everything was amazing and the portions were really big. I ordered the hot head burger, it came with fries. Everything about the burger and fries was delicious... I was really full but I still couldn't stop eating my food. If I were to ever come back to South Barrington, I would definitely come back here!
(4)George R.
When some people mention "The Lucky Monk" they think microbrews. While that's certainly a primary draw for this burger, pizza and beer restaurant, when I hear "The Lucky Monk" I immediately think of their Chicken-Poblano Chili with white beans and cilantro. It's that good. On more than one occasion, and certainly on cold winter nights when I'm in the mood for chili, I seriously consider driving across the northwestern suburbs to TLM in South Barrington. Since I tend to lean toward chicken-based entrees, I typically choose the chicken-poblano chili for my meal. They do have a red bean chili too, which is also hearty and tasty. Either way, match that up with a decent side salad and I'm good to go. When I'm not too full from my meal, I naturally look at the dessert menu. TLM doesn't disappoint here either. Their warm apple crisp is pretty good. Their S'mores are very sweet, maybe a bit too much even for a sweet tooth like myself. Definitely split the S'mores order with someone else if you want to try it. And as much as I really want to try their Cookie Skillet (chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce) my willpower has allowed me to resist this beckoning dessert (for now). But one of these days, I may just grab a spoon and go to town on that dessert option, after eating a good healthy TLM salad of course. Service at TLM has been excellent each time I've stopped in. I've sat at the bar, lounge tables in the bar area, and at dining tables in the main restaurant area. All across the board, service is very good and friendly. Warm woods, neutral grays, natural stones all make this a cozy environment to enjoy dinner, drinks or a quick game on TV at the bar. Weekends will get pretty busy, especially with the AMC 30 Theatres next door. So try a mid-week visit to avoid the crowds and wait times.
(4)Konrad W.
Awesome place! Great food, beer and atmosphere. Definitely recommend this place! Great variaty of food and ever changing beer selection.
(5)Helen L.
This is one of our all time favorite restaurants! The food is excellent, the libations are abundant and the ambiance is a lot of fun! Every time we go here, the staff is prompt and attentive. I don't think that we've ever been left sitting for more than 5 minutes without someone coming over to check in with us. One thing - it gets very loud, so if you don't like noisy, active restaurants, you won't like this. For us, it doesn't matter as long as the food is good. We have never had a bad experience here and we've gone more times than I can count.
(5)Jeff G.
Went to the monk last night had a great time and great food... Sam was rocking the bar and did a great job!
(5)Jennifer W.
My husband and I went here for date night on a Sunday. We made a reservation ahead of time, which was a good idea since it got pretty busy throughout the night. The ambiance was great for a fun date night, but also worked for families too since it isn't a quiet restaurant. I had a Bay Burger, which was delicious and my husband had the Hot Head, which he liked as well. The only negative comment I have was that my husband is a fan of IPAs and they were out of their house IPA, as well as the only other one that they had on tap. A brewery should really never be out of their own beer. Other than that, it was fantastic.
(4)Chuck D.
So I was looking up to see if the Wild Monk in St. Charles was open and Yelp pulled up the Lucky Monk instead. It had fantastic reviews AND it was open 4 hours earlier then my original search. It was a long drive, but seemed worth it. The service and food were really quite great, the beer was just pretty good. We tried all of their beers and really only liked a couple out of the six (the IPA and the Tritica). The rest were just ok. They had a pretty good bottled selection, though, which I might drink from more on a second visit back. We ordered a sampler for the appetizer - Cheese Curds, White Truffle Fries, and Fried Pickles - all were very good. Full on fried food, my husband and I split the Green Chili Queso Burger which was absolutely delish. You can choose your side from nearly any of their apps, but since we just had three of them we stuck with the regular fries...which were good but just fries in the end. I'll definitely be back for their food and craft brew list. They need to step up their game on their own beers to earn that 5th star, though. Maybe they will... who knows.
(4)K S.
I've been here a few times and it's a nice place to go for a meal. The burgers are not that great but the beers are what will bring me in if given a choice. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find parking if it's a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. I had a reservation for early evening and not one spot was available and we waited for the free valet, but no one came out. We went in to say we will need to cancel the reservation due to no parking available and the 4 hosts just stared and said.. "yep.. we're busy". Darn...
(2)Terri D.
Good service. My husband did not care for the house vodka in his dirty martini. I liked the Mark Pinot noir. We had the calamari for an appetizer - excellent! I had the top tip sirloin with truffle fries. Sirloin was well cooked. The truffle fries complimented well. My husband had the cedar plank salmon without the BBQ sauce! Salmon was well cooked, but unevenly seasoned. The mashed potatoes were too buttery and the fries he substituted were bitter with the skins left on. The prices were excellent and the scoop of vanilla bean ice cream with Belgian chocolate sauce was great! But it was topped with canned whipped cream, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, not the worst eating experience but not the best. If we chose to return, it might be to try a burger.
(3)Susanna M.
I love this place they have a great selection of beers and their Spinach goat cheese burger is outstanding!! I just love their truffle fries! I've been there twice and will be going back again!!! I will have to try other things, but it's hard to deviate from something so good like the spinach goat cheese burger mmmm!
(5)Pattie U.
Great selection of craft beers. I had the sampler of their own brews. 7 flights for $9! An outrageously good deal! I love their beer. Their pretzel appetizer is OUT OF THIS WORLD. I don't even really like soft pretzels, but I LOVED this. Lastly, what drove it home for me is that they have the option of MERCK'S CHEDDAR for their burgers. So so so so crucial in my eyes. I wanna go back right now.
(5)Debra R.
We regularly visit this place. Hooked on the Fallen Angel and often try others especially the featured brews. My husband cannot get enough of the pretzel trio- and has finally duplicated the grainy honey-mustard butter for at home. My son's favorite salad ever is their Waldorf salad. I really like the Derby Turkey sandwich- who can resist turkey wrapped in bacon? Their burgers are good (My standard is the Assembly- so these are below that) and we have had several other things that are quite yummy. It is always busy- which in the burbs- if you pull into a restaurant on a Friday evening after 5 PM and it's not busy- then something is wrong. The staff has always been nice and usually gives great service, too. It is a regular once a month visit at least for us.
(5)Lindsay K.
I do not like this place, not one bit. The food was mediocre. I think it was all frozen, not fresh. The restaurant was dirty and the decor didn't really deliver upon entering. The worst part of the experience was the service, our waitress was horrible, barely saw her. The manager we saw, was about the same. We had given him some very dirty utensils, that had food stuck to them (that were in our napkin roll) and he said he would be right back with new ones and we never saw him again. Finally, I tried their beer...and honestly I've had better. I love craft beer and this place isn't really that great in the beer area either. We had come here in between movies on a Saturday and next time we will be going somewhere else.
(1)Val A.
Meh nothing special in my opinion. Went here with my boyfriend who likes sampling beers. I drove around the parking lot for a solid 10 minutes waiting for a parking space to open (way too small of a parking lot). I would've went somewhere else but we had a reservation, speaking of a reservation, they did promptly seat us when we got there which was great (some restaurants still make you wait). We started off with the big soft pretzels and they were nothing special, the dips were ok with them. Then I had a pulled pork sandwich with parmesan fries. The pulled pork was bland. The fries were perfectly cooked. My boyfriend had the mini tacos with steak and he was raving about them so I'm glad he enjoyed his meal more than I did. We finished our meal with the skillet cookie which I must say, that was delicious. Now onto the beer. My boyfriend said everything tasted "ok" but nothing was special or memorable. His favorite was the IPA but even that wasn't the best IPA he's ever had, wasn't even in his top 5. Would I go here again? Maybe, but not for a while.
(3)Bernice R.
Burgers... BOOM. These are way better that your average run of the mill burgers. Beautiful is what they are. Positioned on a small wooden platform, its like it's about to receive a metal for deliciousness even before you bite into it. haha. Great flavors, good sized burger, and tasty fries... no complaints. We also shared a flight of beers. I'd say its a good value and great way to sample their brews. I recommend their oatmeal stout! :) I've also tried their pizzas... and just like their burgers, you can't go wrong! This is a fun place to hang out with group of friends or go out on a date!
(4)Emma F.
I don't expect much from suburban restaurants situated by a mega-plex. I've often found them to be chain restaurants, even if I'm unfamiliar with the name. But we needed food, and it was close. Good Gracious! I was so pleasantly surprised! You can see above the menu items, but let's take a very long and sumptuous detour...their new spent grains patty. This is what happens when you use the best part of the beer in the best way possible. (I'm not a native beer drinker.) I've had so many veggie patties, in so many formulations. They've been dry, or salty, or bland...but this was really good. The grains used in the brewing were processed at a low temperature (according to Kevin, the GM) so their nutritive qualities were intact. The patty held together well, no crumbling, and the texture of the smaller grains was pleasant to chew through, soft and yielding without being gummy. The flavor was robust and warm, with a hint of nuttiness, a distant muskiness, and slightly sweet. There was a thorough coating of the tongue with this flavor, it lingered nicely without overpowering the palate. "Umami" is the right description, with all the health benefits of being vegetable matter. The fact that I had it sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches just made me that much more happily gluttonous. I respect Lucky Monk. They work hard for their flavors and it shows. I've also had the deviled eggs (not what you expect...TRY THEM), hummus, pizza, doughnuts, chocolate cake, 6 brews (I liked two, a miracle for me) and everything was well crafted, well presented, and served by knowledgeable, friendly staff. Today Dan (Red) and Jeff took really good care of my family, and Keven stopped by both times to chat. The clientele are friendly, too, chatting with us and laughing over the audacious, but delicious foods. Sadlly, I expect tomorrow to be my last visit for a while. My event in the deep dark subburbs is coming to an end. My biggest hope is that I'll be the Lucky one and Lucky Monk will come to Chicago soon.
(5)Levent T.
Beer *much* better this time around...good head and perfectly chilled. The burgers were cooked perfectly and even the egg on top of one was *not* overdone but cooked "soft" with just the right amount of runny goodness! Fried pickles hit the spot *again* and make sure you order extra dipping sauce. Also, tried the fish tacos and for the price point they were satisfying, however, I would give the fish and chips a try if I had the chance to do it over. Nevertheless the Monk is a consistent place to drink and indulge in salty, fatty foods and your favorite spirits.
(4)Don Z.
The Lucky Monk is still a solid choice for some good beer in a typical suburban setting. It is not my favorite beer, but if I am in the area and looking for some lunch and a beer, I can always find something I like. I have a previous review, so this is just an update. On my latest visit, I sat at the bar and Tiffany the bartender was cool and took good care of me. It was a quiet time of the day. Anthony the brew master walked up and noticed our beer themed attire. We chatted about beer. I am a dedicated beer enthusiast, but I am by no means any kind of expert. I enjoyed the conversation. After hearing what I liked he even shared a free sample, which was cool. The Confessional IPA and Solitude stout were tasty. The stout was very creamy with a nitrogen pour. I am still irritated by the burger heightening scandal and therefore I always get the pizza.
(3)Maciej G.
I've been to The Lucky Monk a few times, and it's one of the few places where I keep wanting to go back to try more of their menu because everything is just top-notch for a very reasonable price. It's got a nice atmosphere without being too dark but also not really crazy in its design. I feel cozy and comfortable each time I'm here. I'm a big fan of stout beers, and their in-house brewery serves up one of the best ones I've had in a long time. I promise to try their other offerings, but I just cannot say no when it comes down. I tend to avoid alcohol with my meals but not here. I ALWAYS get the buffalo wings. ALWAYS. They're just perfect in both flavor and tenderness. There's nothing more to say about them other than they're perfectly cooked and juicy on the inside with the sauce being a perfect balance of spicy and tangy and sweet without an out-of-place note of flavor. My only gripe is that they don't offer a wing plate as a main course, but I guess I can always just keep on ordering them... Thinking about it, I would go here just for their wings and flirt with this idea every now and then. Recently, I had their loaded fries, and I was very pleased and surprised at the subtle things which set these apart. Sure, you're going to get fries and cheese and bacon and scallions and sour cream. What's most interesting about these is the cheese. First off, it's either pepper-jack or a Swiss-style cheese with jalapenos or similar peppers diced in. Secondly, IT DOES NOT CONGEAL instead remaining creamy and easily applied to fries. We ordered a second batch of regular fries after finishing the loaded fries and greedily sponged up the leftover cheese. *PIZZA* I'm trying to set this section apart because, for their pizzas alone, The Lucky Monk needs to be applauded. The bread and crust are how a pizza should be: soft but crunchy, thin but substantial, subtle but flavorful. Of the several which I've tried, I can't honestly pick a favorite. Each one becomes the one which I like most. I don't know how or why this place has the pizzas it does, but I wish EVERY restaurant served these kinds of pizzas. The world would be a better place.
(5)Amelia I.
I LOVE this place!! We had is this past saturday before seeing a movie at AMC. I didnt know how HUGE the trio appetizer was but boy was I happy!! The cheese curds are amazing, and I even liked the fried pickles! The Parmesan fries are also good but a BIT salty x.x I def needed a few refills on my diet coke! We got a reuban (amazing on brioche bun), and a smothered burger (also looked amazing...mmm caramelized onions!) The portions are HUGE for the price which was good. I ate all my foods but the boyfriend only ate half his burger which he took home. And we took the appatizer home too because it was that big! So basically an entire second meal from the size of the food! AND I couldnt not get dessert :) We had the home made friend doughnuts. HOLY CRAP. They were amazing!! I ate most of them :) and the chocolate sauce was mmm mmm goooood. For all the food we got the bill was around 50 bucks? Not cheap BUT you get a lot of food for what you pay. Boyfriend also had one of those angry orchard apple cider things so that was like 6 bucks. I will def be going back before we hit up the movies! I'm craving to try the bbq burger! AND the wait staff was super friendly and well versed in the menu. They asked right away if we'd been there and when we said 'no' he explained everything. Burger was cooked perfectly medium rare too!
(5)Thaddeus C.
I've grown a bit disenchanted with this little eatery. I have been to The Lucky Monk several times and every time I sat down for a meal I felt less and less "into" the food. Sure, there are some constant winners-like the white truffle oil sweet potato fries. But beyond that the food is absolutely average, especially for the prices they're charging. It might be a nitpick simply because I haven't found "my meal". I noticed that when others go there they tend to order about the same thing each time, I've tried experimenting and so far I haven't found something that has left me satisfied beyond their appetizers., especially considering the price tag. I hope this doesn't dissuade too many people from going-it is really a conclusion you should come to for yourself. The food isn't bad enough to berate and not good enough to praise, it is all around average. So enjoy this middling review and your middling meal.
(3)Joyce A.
It is too late to tell everyone about the awesome hamburgers and incredible toppings- this place is crowded most times between 6:00 PM and 8PM! BUT, they do take reservations- so if you want to go for dinner (especially Friday, Saturday or Sunday- I recommend you make them. It makes a good pairing to go to the movies after dinner - the AMC Barrington is just up the street. I really enjoy sweet potato fries - and the Lucky Monk sure knows how to make them! But, that said, I have been told that management has removed them from the menu- they are by request only. SO, if you like sweet potato fries, please request them and leave a comment about putting them back on the menu!!!!!
(4)Shauna D.
"Have you dined with us before?" I'm generally inclined to fib when asked this dreaded question. For some reason servers tend the think if its your first time that you require some kind of hand-holding as if you don't know your way around a menu. Unless the dining experience requires me to cook my own food or submit my order in a paper airplane, I think I can handle it. I do appreciate recommendations, by all means let me know what you're known for but lets keep my Orientation to a minimum. Burgers here, Beer list here, got it. Thanks. I was a lot hungrier after my briefing, so I went with a burger since that is their specialty. The Peppercorn Ranch burger comes piled high with onion strings and I had them throw some bacon on there 'cus I mean, what are we doing here? Let's go whole hog. They look pretty intimidating when they come out, but at closer look you'll see they stand on little platforms, which is a nice signature that really does add to the presentation. The burger was amazing, like 'undo the top button because I'm not leaving anything behind' amazing. And the Parmesan Truffle fries are a thing of beauty.
(4)R.J. V.
This place has amazing burgers. I especially recommend the grilled cheese one. It is a hamburger sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. I also recommend bacon and topped off with an egg. The parmesan truffle fries are also very yummy, The loaded fries aint bad either. I also recommend you try some of their craft beers. Buy one with the the beer can glass and keep the glass. Its a neat little souvenier. The staff was great and facilities were beautiful.A great place to take the family or a date.
(4)Jared W.
I've actually edited my original review, because after going again after over a year, I have a much different opinion. First, the truffle fries are fantastic, and this is one place that actually had the burger cooked just right. I always ask for medium, but most places don't get it quite right. So kudos to whoever grilled my burger last night! They do brew their own beer in house, which is usually a big plus for me, but I was pretty heavily disappointed in their beer. I had the flight, so was able to sample their 6 year round brews, and wasn't all that impressed by any of them, and the IPA was downright bad. On the second visit, I stuck with the "guest taps," and was really happy. They have some really good beers on guest tap. I will have to give the in house brews another try sometime soon though.
(4)Chloe H.
I went here for my birthday with my parents and boyfriend. I had seen the restaurant in passing AMC multiple times, and I was curious to try it. We made reservations, and we got in right away. The booth we sat in had ample space. A waiter came up to us fairly quickly (about 5 minutes). My dad ordered one of the in-house brews (I can't remember which one), but he very much liked it. It was a full-bodied ale with a touch of nuttiness to it. ("It's a bit nutty"). My parents ordered the pulled pork and fries, my boyfriend ordered the grilled cheese burger and fries, and I ordered the smothered burger and cheese curds. All came to our table within a reasonable time frame as well. Of course, coming in I didn't expect this place to be a health-conscious joint; but after looking what lay before us, I told my mom, "this spread is a cardiologist's nightmare". Despite the gargantuan fantasy of having a burger between two grilled cheeses and bacon, my boyfriend didn't like it. It's a fun concept (something that you may see on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, although this place is none of the three), it just doesn't execute well. The whole thing was extremely thick and even pressing down to thin the sandwich still made it about 3 inches thick. My burger was OK--the bun went from crispy to soggy very quickly so I stopped eating it. My parents liked the onion strings on the pulled pork, but they took most of it off and there was a good pile almost equivalent to the side of fries. The cheese curds were OK; the cheese seemed a little dry inside, but otherwise I ate them all. A nice feature was the sandwiches placed on a terra cotta-like disk to make it easier to pick up the burger instead of it slopping all over the plate in an attempt to take the first bite. I left feeling full and a bit guilty for attempting to put my body through a coronary, but I don't eat gastro-pub burgers that often (maybe once or twice a year). I'd go again if someone I knew had the urge to go, but I probably won't have the drive to go again.
(3)H S.
Great burgers! Really delicious and the truffle fries are pretty good. Their brews are average as is the service (took us an hour to get our food at 5pm, when it was practically half empty)
(3)Tony H.
Just how lucky is a monk? Well, considering that certain sects of monks have their own trademarked beer, I'd say pretty darn lucky. Unfortunately, my last visit to the Lucky Monk would have benefited from a bit more luck and magic in certain parts of the service and food. First off I gotta say I thoroughly enjoy their goat cheese and tomato sauce appetizer. The accompanying bread is crusty, slightly buttery, and compliments the goat cheese well. I decided against a house beer and went with a Bell's Cherry Stout. Only one for me, thanks. That served as side dish and dessert very well. The first glass I got with the beer was hazy and loaded with fingerprints. I asked for a new one and our server Chris took it without a word otherwise. The second one I got was slightly better, but the appetizer had arrived by then, so I just went with it. For dinner I ordered the Al Pastor pizza. It's supposed to be a take on tacos "al pastor", which are usually made with spicy marinated pork shoulder, onions and cilantro, sometimes with pineapple, and usually a little elf sprinkling magic and sexiness. Or not. This pizza had a bland "pork belly" meat, cotija cheese, green onions and a tomato sauce. I can't describe the crust as anything else than uninspired. It was a vehicle for the rest of the toppings, and it just didn't work. Pub food meets flub. Now I know better. Service was adequate. Not a whole lot of conversation, but the company made up for it. I only meet up with friends here; certainly wouldn't make the trek otherwise.
(3)Lekecia U.
Visited The Lucky Monk for my son's (who believes he can subsist solely on burgers and pizza) b-day. We made a reservation since I read on yelp that Friday nights are really busy. Despite having a reservation it still took us about 25 minutes to get seated. We started with the warm pretzel bread which was okay but a little too salty. The trio of dips that came with the bread were pretty good. Everyone had a burger which was pretty tasty but not especially memorable, as I can't recall which burger I ordered. I tried the truffle fries and wasn't impressed at all. I love love love french fries so I was disappointed. My son really enjoyed his burger so maybe we'll give this place another try but I'll steer clear of the truffle fries.
(3)N D.
My first time was yesterday at the barrington location I got there at 8 they said there was no wait according to the one female hostess and then when my other party got there at 8:15pm there was a 10 min wait ( keep in mind the same hostess standing right there next to the guy checking people in who said there was no wait) we sat Down ordered a soup and salad and water and soda at 8:30pm we got our drinks right away but when 9:15pm came around and there was still no food, ( keep in mind just soup and salads ) no server in sight with a update so we asked another server how long it takes for soup and a salad and he was going to check and when he came back he said the salads are just coming up 5 more min go by no salad or soup in sight so one of my friends tesla the hostess she was supposedly getting the manager and that was another 5 min..... never got to see the manager we had to leave because the service was so bad no one apologized for the wait ......nothing .......we offered to pay our drinks and the 2 hostesses said I don't know how much they were and that they were not keeping us there! Seriously ?! This was the worst first experience at Lucky Monk! I do not recommend it they did not care about the customers at all! I will never go back!!
(1)Andrea H.
I now officially love this place. I don't make it out that way often, but I now have something to look forward to after the long trek out to the Willow Creek mother ship. It's on the way back to the highway and, since I can make a reservation on Open Table, we can bypass the crowds and get to the table right away. This is huge since we normally have a hungry 3 year old in tow. Yay! The first time we stopped by, we decided to share the parmesan crusted tilapia and the bourbon stout burger. Both were delicious and the Monk's Choice beer that day, a smoky bourbon stout, was the perfect accompaniment. I also felt that the kids menu was a pretty good deal. At $5.95, the little one got carrot sticks, a burger with veggies and a cookie and milk. I'm not too familiar with kids menus these days but it seemed like a lot of food for not too much. The second time, we decided to share again. This time we opted for the beer braised short rib pasta and the green chile queso burger. The pasta was solid but pretty standard. The burger, on the other hand, was awesome. And the fries are terribly difficult to stop eating. So good. The Monk's choices this night were a cherry bourbon stout and a brown ale. Of course I had to try both. The cherry was very interesting. Rich cherry flavor without being too sweet. The brown ale was more my speed. Nutty and delicious. I still enjoy how they put their burgers on a pedestal. They say that their specialties are the burgers and pizzas. I have yet to try the pizzas but the burgers seem pretty worthy of that pedestal. It seems like they also have great specials throughout the week. I'm still trying to figure them out, though, because house beers are supposed to be $4 on Sunday but I guess the Monk's Choice doesn't count for that. It's cool, though, I appreciate the fact that they switch up their offerings regularly. Every time we go, the service is friendly, the atmosphere is warm, and I always leave wishing this place was closer to home.
(4)Erin R.
No matter what the occasion, Lucky Monk is going to deliver. I have eaten here many times; I never had a bad meal or service that was not excellent. Recently had an event here with 60+ people on their patio. The servers went above and beyond my expectations. I could not believe the extent their team went to to make sure everything was perfect. Truly, Lucky Monk should get 10 stars. Thank you, Lucky Monk!
(5)C. M.
The burgers are huge and very good. I took one star off because it seems a little overpriced. Great food if you like burgers. Try the truffle parmeaean fries.
(4)Bry P.
I've been here twice, and both times I LOVED it! Everything I've tried here has been FANTASTIC. There is literally nothing on this menu that is not declicious... I recommend this place to ANYONE and everyone!
(5)Josh N.
This is really a 4.5 great burger amazing cheese curds...
(4)James M.
Great place. Food is bar food but with a twist to make it fun. Beer is really good and service has always been excellent! I've now become a member of the "lucky monk society." It costs $11/month but you get a free bomber every month and expedited seating even when there is a big wait to get in. I have a family of six... So that helps a ton!! Love "The Confessional."
(5)Esther C.
Let me start off by saying I have never given a 2 star review for any product or place- even for the 99cent ipod case look-alike I got in college that disintegrated in my hands after opening it. My husband and and I live in Chicago so we're used to the occasional bad service and truth be told we still go back to those places just because the food or the atmosphere otherwise is good enough. I honestly can't say that about this place. I have never had a waitress snap back at me before. It wasn't just at me but other members of the party. I was flabbergasted, shocked and offended, especially when we had come to celebrate a happy occasion. The thing is even with the right amount of chairs we were already sitting on top of each other. Additionally, I was surprised our waitress brought out a cracked beer glass to our table. It actually broke at at the table. Another horrible gesture was the waitress's refusal to split the bill after she got upset our party was bigger when prior to this she promised to be accommodating. I guess I don't blame her because without combining our bills and forcing us to pay gratuity for a large I personally would have left her no tip. I don't want to generalize to the whole staff because one of the other bellboys was really helpful My only regret is that I didn't talk to the manager onsite that night cause I didn't want to hold up the group. emailed the manager By the way, count on parking at the amc. There's not enough on-site parking for the guests. A 2 and not a 1 cause the food itself was alright and some of it unique but if you really good beer and American food there are so many other places in the burbs to go to. I wouldn't ever come back here for the experience we had.
(2)Phil C.
The King burger with banana, peanut butter and bacon is incredibly weird and delicious. Chase it down with a pint of Fallen Angel and your golden!
(3)Jie H.
Burger is OK but the beer sampler is GREAT!
(4)Kate T.
Waited over 45 minutes for our mediocre burgers. Very disappointing! Been frequenting for years, and management and service seem to be going downhill. Server never came back after food was finally delivered. We sat with empty, dirty glasses on our table and absolutely nothing to drink for the duration of our meal. The server never brought the kids' cookies that are supposed to come with the meal. Not going to be returning! Too bad!!
(1)Lauren R.
Food is very good but I was turned off by the service cause I felt like I was being rushed during lunch. I came to enjoy my friend's company and I had three different bussers come to my table asking if they can take my plate. I had 75% of the food still not touched. Common sense says no I am not done with my food. Also I didn't need three of you to come and barge and keep asking. Please have a chat with your staff, and don't make us feel like we need to leave asap.
(3)Jean Z.
I kinda dont want to write a review of this place because I'm afraid that you will all jump in and I'll never get the fast seating, awesome service, and perfectly loved-on food that we did the night I came here. Four of us each had an entree, and sodas and two appetizers and the bill was under a hundred with tip.
(5)Cassandra L.
Unfortunately South Barrington is a little out of the way for me so I can't visit The Lucky Monk as often as I'd like to, but I'm definitely planning to go back! We went for lunch and beers. I was with some friends and we had some free time, so we tried every beer they make. I ordered a Tritica Wheat Ale first, which ended up being my favorite, and I think everyone else liked it too. There were a couple others I really liked too. They offer a lot of other beers too if none of their originals sound good to you. After some pretty filling appetizers (I'd recommend the pretzel trio w/ tasty dipping sauces) I ALMOST only ordered a side salad as my lunch, but then I couldn't resist trying their grilled portabella sandwich, called the Saint. I'm soooo glad I gave in! The burger was delicious. It comes with fries, or you can upgrade for another side. The fries were fine (good but nothing super special); I'd like to try the sweet potato fries next time. Besides discovering a great new beer and eating tons of yummy food, one more reason for my 5-star rating was our server. She was super nice, friendly, and helpful!
(5)Marshall S.
We had our first visit to The Lucky Monk last night. We had reservations for seven and were seated immediately. The wait for a similar sized table would have been at least 30 minutes without the reservation, so keep that in mind if you're planning on dropping in on a busy weekend night. We say on the terrace which was really beautiful. From a drinks perspective we tried a few if their beers and found all of them to be very, very good. We tried the pickle fries and the white truffle Parmesan french fries - both were terrific. For our entrees we had burgers and pizzas (their specialties) and everyone was very happy with their choices. Lastly, our server (John) was very friendly and happy to help. I'd gladly go back again or recommend to anyone who likes good beer and brewery food.
(5)Jason T.
The beers here generally let me down, but I keep coming back for the food. I like the truffle fries, fried pickles, goat cheese, and pulled prom sandwich, though everything else we've had here has been pretty good too. I go back to the beers here though- they come close but they just don't quite do it for me.
(3)Chris C.
This place was pretty large inside and also had a large outdoor seating area. I sat at the bar which had lots of room and seemingly TVs at every angle. For beer they had a great selection of both their own brews and others. As you could guess by the name the selections were pretty heavy leaning towards Belgians, but they had more traditional ones as well. The prices were average for all the options. I had one of the burgers with the truffle fries. The burger was a total monster and I barely finished it. They really layered on the toppings and you certainly need two hands to eat it. The fries were good, but not nearly as truffley as I was hoping for.
(4)Daphne L.
During an excursion thru Barrington/South Barrington, we stopped at The Lucky Monk. It was pretty early on a Saturday evening (6:00-6:30) and the place was chock full of Barrington-ites. We managed to get seats at the bar and tried their house brews, which were pretty good. The food, on the other hand, was pretty abysmal, or maybe we ordered the wrong things. We got the Trappist Trio, which was 3 huge bowls of fried items: pickles, fries, and cheese curds. It wasn't bad, it was just bland. I wish we'd gone with the whipped goat cheese, or a salad. Everyone around us was eating burgers, which should have been a clue to order that, rather than the Wild Mushroom Risotto...HUGE mistake. The description of the risotto on the menu reads: "parmesan, wild mushrooms" and that's it. you can order short rib or chicken, if you like, to top the dish. I don't know what possessed me to order risotto at a burger and beer place. It was indeed very busy that night, but, I waited a ridiculously long time for my food to come out, so long that I assumed they'd forgotten about it. When it did come out, I was immediately disappointed because there were stewed tomatoes in the risotto. I'm admittedly very picky about risotto, but I think that if stewed tomatoes are part of the dish it should be listed on the menu. Am I wrong? I never would have ordered the dish had I known it was going to be served that way because I HATE warm, cooked, mushy tomatoes in risotto. To top it off, this dish was just so utterly bland and tasteless I found it hard to believe they added any seasoning or herbs. Blah. The bartender was really nice, felt terrible that it took so long to come out and that I didn't like the food, which accounts for the 3-stars. The bartenders were really nice, especially given the throngs of people. I guess this is a decent place for the area, mostly due to the beer, but hope there are better options in Barrington. I wouldn't go back unless I happened to be in the area, and if I do, I'm getting a burger.
(3)Gerry A.
Very nice piece of S. Barrington Real Estate, well run with above average help so why NOT charge $11 for a LARGE half pound hamburger? Considering the entire package, limited well done menu and above average staff I think it is a good value. Lucky Monk pretty much has it all including a view of a pond and HUGE parking, just be sure that you at least wash your old car so you aren't totally shamed parking there. You CAN split the half pound burger and you will be glad you did, what are you other options, EAT it all or have a hamburger leftover? Nice avacado nacho appetizer, and pay the extra $1 for the truffle fries with your burger so that you won't have to do that again. Very tasty $9 beer sampler, even better the second round, and interesting wine menu with enuf by the glass options. Busy Friday night included some live entertainment inside but we never felt hustled out, and the fireplace pit looks very inviting. Creative dessert choices but no contest versus a half price blizzard something at Culver's and then home to have our arteries pumped out. We are fans. Update: Went AGAIN on a Friday night and that parking lot gets pretty small around 8pm. Had the mushroom pizza, very tasty AND had some leftovers so ONE pizza can feed two if you take a breath. The fried onion tumble something appetizer, that you will regret eating ALL of unless there were at least 4 people working on it, was yummy. This is a great way to eat and walk (ie the FULL parking lot) to catch a movie reasonably if you don't drink your dinner.
(4)Patrick K.
First off, you've got to try their beers. The oatmeal stout was flavorful and creamy, but not heavy at all. The season Oktoberfest was good as well, but I preferred the stout. Second, the food. If you go there, you MUST try the pickle fries - think of them as slices of pickle perfectly deep fried. The wings were good as well - had an interesting cheesy component to the flavor. Finally, the burger was quite tasty, though it is quite a tower of a sandwhich when it comes to the table. All in all, quite glad we tried the Lucky Monk out - I can see more visist in the future.
(4)John A.
Great menu with upscale bar food and nice presentations. Had the Hot Head Burger with truffle fries. Burger and fries were good, but was still hungry afterwards. We also had the fried pickles that were decent. Had a bite of the wife's Monk burger and wished I had ordered that instead. Can't wait to go back and try some other appetizers and more truffle fries. I would had given 3 stars based on my experience, but have faith that other things on their menu are outstanding. Also had the Cardinal Sin Pilsner beer was tasty and would buy in the store if available. Based on the crowds you can tell this place will be around for awhile.
(4)Jason K.
Still horrible. The host was rude and didn't look like she wanted to be there. Understaffed and the management is a joke. Like last time, our food took forever even though it didn't seem that busy. My soup was cold but my friend's burger was cooked correctly and my salad was great. I asked to speak to a manager and I was waiting for about 10 minutes for the manager to come over on my way out. After waiting I gave up and left. This was Sunday night(3/3/13). Horrible management. When a guest asks to speak with you if you're going to make them wait at least come up to them and tell them it might be another minute.
(1)Erin S.
After parking in the adjacent movie theater parking lot (b/c their lot was out the gills full) & a little table confusion (tried to seat us w/ another party).... the meal went off w/o a hitch. Really enjoyed the goat cheese & crab cake appetizers! Of course we got the beer flight & burgers- love, LOVE the "hot head" burger! Their stout was very coffee forward. Fun atmosphere & good food, bring a friend and enjoy the microbrews.
(4)Suzanne T.
Always delicious food and super service. You can't go wrong with the food. Yes, there is a wait at times. Fish tacos, burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizzas--all good! The variety of beers is nice too :)
(4)Sarah M.
This is one of my favorite area restaurants. We went here on a whim after seeing a movie over at AMC. The menu had a surprising amount of choices - we ordered Wisconsin cheese curds for an appetizer, being from WI, I can say they were legit. They also make their own beer which I was surprised about and it was good. I had tacos for my entree, they were small, but just the right portion. Yum. The service was also great, this place is better than a lot of the other chains out in the surbarbs, can't wait to go back sometime.
(4)Dave C.
I was really disappointed this time, slow service, undercooked burger, where's the flavor in my peppercorn burger?
(2)Nikki S.
My family and I love Lucky Monk. The kids' meals come with carrots and ranch first , and end with a fresh baked cookie. My fave "grown up" meal is the peppercorn ranch burger, upgrade to the truffle fries for sure, and I like the Framboise to finish it off. Highly recommended.
(5)Allison C.
The food at Lucky Monk RULES! It's bar food done really well...homemade pizza, burgers, fresh cut fries, frizzled onions, etc. It's a microbrew, and their locally brewed beers are great. I had my rehearsal dinner here. Claudia Ruiz, sales manager, is very sweet and great to work with. She's also flexible, she allowed me to substitute BBQ Pizza with Pizza Margherita on the private party menu. We were on the upper patio outside by the fire pit, the view of the pond and sunset was gorgeous. At first, service was slow. Nobody took my beer order for quite some time (and isn't it customary to serve the bride first?) I had to ask waitstaff to order a beer, and they said they'd have to come back to me. We were all standing around for quite awhile before they brought out the appetizers. My guests were getting hungry and drunk on empty stomachs. I had to ask to have the apps brought out twice. Considering we had a clear start and end time, it would've made more sense to start with drinks and apps immediately, and then ease into dinner. Additionally, our party had to meet a food/beverage minimum. It was crazy that night, so the shift manager asked if I had a problem seating some restaurant guests in the unused tables in the upper patio. I asked him if he would reduce our food/beverage minimum if we allowed this, and he said no. So I passed him off to my mother in law, who made the rehearsal dinner. Staff did not waiver on the minimum, so my mother in law told him, rightfully so, "we contracted for a private party and this whole patio, I'm not going to give to you if you won't give back." The restaurant would've received a windfall if they got our whole minimum AND extra orders on the patio for other diners. Lucky Monk would've made more money if they took our final bill as is (which was very near the minimum anyway) AND sat additional diners. Once we got seated, service picked up considerably. The waitstaff was much more attentive and personable. They also added the tip to the final bill, which made figuring it out much easier. We took some growlers home with us (to meet the minimum). My guests (and myself) had a great time at the rehearsal dinner, the setting is gorgeous. I would definitely eat at the restaurant again, it's delicious. My biggest recommendation for private parties is to stand firm, don't allow restaurant guests in your area unless the minimum is flexible, and plan a schedule with the sales coordinator regarding when appetizers and food go out.
(4)Colleen B.
Great place. Great food. Ambiance is awesome. Service was ok. The place was busy. They really hustled to accommodate a large group.
(4)Sean D.
Went here for a Yelp event. I wouldnt generally even be out this way for any particular reason other than said yelp event, however I did enjoy my time here. We were catered to a tasting, and given a private tour of their small but sufficient brewery. The brew master was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful when it came to history of the place and brew making expertise. I was able to have some amazing deviled eggs (although for the price there could have been a few more). The burger was good, not over the top. However the TRUFFLED FRIES=EXQUISITE. The beers were ok in my opinion...but then the brewmaster busted out the bourbon barrel aged stout....yes please this aging of their standard stout really added a ton of flavor, putt it on your must try list if you come the the lucky monk.
(4)Vicky R.
I hate to have to update my review to a 2 Star. Don't you hate it when you try a place out at first and it's the bomb. Your so excited you enjoy a restaurant near home that you can go to and over time just something changes and every time you visit and order it just gets worse and worse that you find yourself critiquing it in a negative way every time you go. That just sucks. So, the last handful of times I have been to this place not only have no been up to standards but we have also thrown a party for a shower here and had not the best service. None the less, the event Mgr I spoke with understood why we were unhappy and made it up by a gift card and that's great and all but having it done right the first time is what counts most. First impression on people is what counts and people left that party with not the best impression. Besides the details of the party I wont go into that since I worked it out with the event mgr. I have to share how annoyed I am at the dishes. Lucky Monk carried this persona as a place you want to go to to get good foods and drinks. This review is on today's order. Lucky Monk was on our way home today and decided to place a order for my hubby & I. He and I ordered the Mushroom Risotto and Skirt Steak. We waited in carry out for about 20 mins and drove home with our food. We split the dished and here is what I think. 1) The Risotto stated it was a Parmesan & Mushroom and we requested to add the chicken on it as well which did not happen and but thankfully they didnt charge us for it either. I hate it when you pay for a upgrade and you dont get it. But this dish was far from what I would imagine a Mushroom Risotto. It had giant chunks of tomato in it. I was truly disappointed, if the description would have stated tomato in it than I would have never ordered it. It didnt taste good either nor is it comparable to a risotto. That dish needs help. As far as the skirt steak, the steak was a bit on the small side but still cooked well. What bothered me the most about this dish is it comes with a side of mashed potatoes that barely exist! I thought my hubby took all the potatoes but they just werent there. It was like they added them and than took them back out so all was left was just the scrapings. C'mon now, your paying about $30 for these meals you expect to get your moneys worth at the least. And the greens served with it isn't the best selection, cant remember what it is but its not really common or all that great. Really bummed, after our meal we were still left hungry. The meals besides the steak itself werent good. And why in the world doesnt the Monk offer a soup or salad w/ meal. I just dont think I am going to dump money into this place anymore EXCEPT if I want to go for a good burger. I know what I am getting and they are great burgers!
(2)Jacob J.
I'd been looking forward to checking out this spot after hearing so much about it, so often. Suburbanites would often praise this as a premium burger establishment. I say it's a premium burger establishment still in the making. Reluctant to make the long drive out to Hoffman Estates, I eventually happened over this way and decided to try them out. It was a surprise to find them in the space once known to me as "the Brass brewery". I'm told ownership of the Monk is at least partially shared by the old owners of the Brass. There was a time when I would be at the Brass almost weekly for their happy hour specials, often inviting a client over for a business lunch or celebrating a birthday meal with a coworker. Same darkened woodsy interior with lush amounts of wood tones throughout the dining space. Comfortable seating whether in dining booths or bar area table tops. We visited recently, there were a few outside having a smoke and a fire was going. A scenic look as you drive up to their restaurant. Inside was warm and lively, enough to sit and enjoy the time for hours. No median ages, there were couples in their late 40's plus and singles 20's and higher. This space / restaurant has always maintained a way of inviting a select few. I think it's mainly because of the exterior appearance which causes most to think it's a "hoity toity" spot which could cost an excessive amount of dough. It's a quaint spot, whether you want to impress a date or have a drink and a decent meal with the guys. Their burgers have the makings of a great burger, but just not there yet. More options are needed and Tilamook cheddar is not it. Shredded lettuce is ridunkulous. You've got this pastry bun, burger so big it's ridiculous how large it sits atop so much topping and all this shredded iceberg lettuce which clumsily falls and scatters all over your fingers and lap. Eating is a hassle, rather than a luxury. Still trying to decipher whether the burger meat had a flavor of it's own to comprehend. All this aside, Monk has got a pretty good menu going with many other offerings which are taste inspiring. A menu which adapts and tries to offer more as the year had gone on, I'm told they recently started offering steaks; (not shown on their on-line menus). A year under their belt and I'm sure things will only get better. I may send this review off to management; I'd like to have a burger built better in the future. Great space and excellent wait staff.. I'm looking forward to next time. At the Brass I could look forward to specials on their food and booze. Alike that old place, the Monk has got the same offerings. For the beer lovers, flights are offered. One to two of those and most would be good for the night, a cheaper alternative to getting a buzz on and by way of premium beer.
(4)Carey F.
We went there, spur of the moment, before going to a movie. I had the goat cheese and spinach burger, my wife had the Santa Fe salad. Both were delicious. Our server was efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. They have a wide selection of beers. Reasonably priced. Two beers, two entrees and tax came to $35. 4 stars.
(4)Jennifer J.
can we say.. BURGER? YUMMMM! Worth every calorie.
(4)Amy K.
I have been to the Lucky Monk many times and always enjoy it. For staters, they have great beer. The Cardinal Sin is my favorite. I am typically more of a light beer kind of girl, and this one has a stronger taste to start. However, a server recommended it because of the smooth finish, and that is my favorite part. I can't strand strong beer after-taste. The food has never disappointed me. My favorite has got to be the warm pretzel appetizer. You will not be disappointed. I've had several versions of their pizza (potato, spinach, and artichoke pesto) and have enjoyed every one. On my most recent trip, I was very disappointed in the service. My drink was empty for quite some time, and I finally had to flag the waiter down myself to order another. This experience was my first negative one, so I did not mark this great place down. I highly recommend making a reservation.
(5)David L.
Extremely busy, but open late. Probably the best value for money restaurant in the Hoffman Estates / South Barrington area. Always good service and great food and excellent prices. Location to AMC makes it a great after-movie dinner/dessert spot.
(5)William B.
Started with the fries- excellent. Had the BBQ chicken pizza. i guess it tasted good, but i don't think the crust was made in house; probably a frozen crust. I think I can geta comparable BBQ chicken pizza from the freezer at the grocery store. Decent beer, though. Will probably go back, but will probably try the burgers, instead.
(3)Laurin G.
Based on the great reviews here on Yelp, I went to The Lucky Monk for a late lunch/early dinner with my family on a Sunday afternoon before the Bears game. The decor and atmosphere was very nice. The place was pretty empty and we had excellent, very attentive service from our server (Norman). We started out with an appetizer of Chili Cheese fries. These were tasty, but the portion size was really small--I'd guesstimate about 35-40 skinny fries for $6.25. I had the smothered burger (caramelized onions and gruyere cheese) and it was divine! Very juicy and flavorful. My husband tried a bite--and then begged for several more bites. He had the fish & chips, which he said was excellent, but he also said that next time (and there WILL be a next time!) he will get the smothered burger. I got the truffle oil and parmesan fries for the $1 upcharge. They were good, but my order seemed to be lacking in the truffle oil department. My husband got the loaded fries (Merkt cheddar cheese sauce, bacon, sour cream and green onions) and it was the bomb diggety! I will definitely get that next time with my burger. My daughter got the Farmhouse burger, which is Tillamook cheddar and bacon. She loved it and proclaimed it one of the best burgers she has every had, and possibly THE best. Our son got the sausage pizza and didn't say a word through the entire meal (because he was busily chowing down and enjoying his pizza!) Yum! We'll be back
(4)Chris F.
My fav place. Burgers are awesome, but the Crusted Tilapia is to die for!!! A must if you love real burgers, great beer and just plain awesome food! UPDATE: Okay I use to give them 5 stars but I had to downgrade to 4 stars on 1/30/12 because they no longer carry the bottled natural (REAL) gingerale. It was amazing and I always went there just to have that with my meal. Now they have just high fructose fake from the fountain ginger ale. Crap! I want them to bring back the bottled all natural REAL ginger ale they had. Also, they got rid of my FAVORITE. The Macadamian Tilapia, now it is a peppercorn or parmesan cheese. Yuck. The macadamian was the BOMB along with the corn salad or rice they had, cant remember it was amazing. GONE AS WELL Well my two favorite things are gone, but they still have some other great items on the menu. The Burgers are the best of course. But Oh How I will miss my top two favs. BRING THEM BACK! -Chris
(4)Miguel V.
Ordered the chili and twisted chicken and both were bland and served cold. Only good thing I can say about this establishment is that the wait staff was polite and quick.
(2)Lisa S.
Dear Lucky Monk, I want to love you. I really do. But i just find you OK. Your food is not bad, but you are too loud and too crowded. Also you may want to ease up on the salt in your chicken poblano chili. Sincerely, Lisa W.
(3)Denise J.
Thisnis one of my favorite Places to eat but this experience was not a good one. I went with a friend for dinner and some drinks before leaving on vacation. The bears were playing so we thought it would be crowded, we were very excited when it was not, however with the service we received younwould have thought they were packed!!! It took our server 10 minutes to come get our drink order and another 10 mins to bring us our drinks.......so you can guess I was annoyed by this poit. We ordered our food, which you can guess took forever and when I did finally get my food it was cold and tasted horrible. I ordered the turkey burger that I get every time I go to lucky monk, this DID NOT taste good. The burger was mostly green onion and not actually a lot of meat......if you want to eat an onion burger then order this, but I doubt you do!!! The s'more skillet did make up for the lack of my meal though, I highly recommend ordering these:) After this experience it will be a while before I go back to eat here!!!
(2)Chante R.
I already knew this place was a burger spot even though I knew that I wanted something that's not-a-burger..lol I was crossing my fingers for a good diverse appetizers menu. The ambiance is cool...the off-key singing almost killed the mood but the food made up for it quite well. I had the buffalo wings (these were the real deal!) and seasoned-to-perfection fries. Definitely will be back...preferably when open mic is not going on..haha
(3)Elle M.
I've been to the Lucky Monk twice, and while neither time was terrible, I've had better. Today's visit left a particularly bad taste in my mouth. I've got to give them credit- their pretzel appetizer is delicious. The pretzels are big and beautiful and warm and the dipping sauces are okay. Though the beer cheese doesn't have much flavor. Whatever, my issue isn't with the pretzels. Order those and you won't go wrong. I ordered a burger. Usually a pretty solid bet, right? I don't think I've taken this much issue with a burger since I grossly overpaid for a cheeseless one a few weeks ago. And I'm usually pretty easy to please when it comes to my burgers. First of all, the burgers comes on this little round piece of wood, of which I just don't see the point. I get that it makes them seem more impressive, but it really just takes up room on the plate. Second, the damn thing was piled so high that even when I put the lid on and pushed it down, it was almost un-eatable. Yes, un-eatable. In the sense that when I picked it up it completely fell apart in my hands because there was too much stuff on it. But both of those are minor offenses, the most glaring error of my burger was the fried egg on top. And by fried I mean hard cooked. The point of getting an egg on your burger is to have the lovely runny yolk drip all down the middle, and that doesn't happen when the yolk is a dry, solid, sulfuric puck. I hate hard cooked eggs. A lot. And if that wasn't bad enough, the burger itself was overdone. And the caramelized onions were underdone. The whole thing was just a mess. An overdone, underdone mess. Also, our waitress forgot to take boyfriend's dad's order and then later brought boyfriend a drink he didn't ask for. If there's a next time, I'm sticking to the pretzels.
(2)Angela M.
I went here recently with my husband and my mom and brother, who stopped to stay with us on their way from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh. I had a LivingSocial voucher expiring soon and the place is super close to our new house. After asking if we preferred to sit in the bar or the dining area, and us saying we didn't have a preference, they seated us at a table in the very corner of the bar, near the entrance to the kitchen. Hmm... if you're offering us an option, you presumably have several open spots... why put us in the worst possible option? The beer IS good, I'll give them that. Unfortunately, they were out of the porter my husband wanted to try. Bummer. I had a cup of white chili, which was decent but not great and a beet & goat cheese salad which was overdressed. My brother had a peppercorn burger, which he actually really liked, so I was happy that he at least had a good experience, as our out of town guest. My husband had the steak and spicy mashed potatoes and thought they were pretty terrible. So... not great food + not great service + usually pretty crowded means we likely won't be back any time soon.
(2)Katy S.
This is one my favorite restaurants. I've always found it clean and the servers we've had have always been friendly. My husband is a beer man, and he loves coming for the beer sampler, which has six samples. The warm pretzel trio is delicious, I would be happy getting it every time. Their burgers are large and juicy, their flatbreads have the perfect amout of toppings so they don't get soggy, and are nice and crispy. There's only two things I'd change, the fries often taste overcooked, and the parking is atrocious during peak times. But I'll certainly be back!
(5)Shelby A.
I just ate here today for a send-off meal, and I must say, it was surprisingly good. The interior was beautifully decorated for having a sports bar in it. We ate in the dining room though, to get over the future shame of the Bears losing to the Packers. An obvious loss. But anyways, we started off with the Loaded Fries. Ugh! Best part of the meal all together! The melted cheddar cheese was fantastic! Everything about that appetizer was to die for. For an entree, we split the Hand-tossed spinach pizza, which I was disappointed in. I figured the spinach would be cooked in the pizza but it was just spread all over the top. I mean, it wasn't a big deal, but I couldn't really eat it with the pizza because it kept falling off. The pizza's crust was just fine, it reminded me of Sbarro's crust. I loved the cheese! For dessert, I had the creme brulee. Aside from it being a bit liquidy for my taste, it was still delicious. I definitely would like to come back here again and try more of their pizzas and appetizers!
(4)Faith D.
Tried it on a Sunday night of a holiday weekend so felt like a Saturday night. Got there early - not crowded at all. Took about 12 minutes for a server to stop by. Overall experience was mediocre. Service was lousy. Burger was no big deal. I asked for medium rare and it came medium well. I mentioned to server who took it to have it redone. Came back medium. The manager brought my redone burger and it still wasn't med rare but I said "never mind". He apologized and took it off our bill. Burgers are WAY better at Sullivan's and Winberie's. Very pretty restaurant but they REALLY need to work on the service, etc. Not sure I would go back unless pushed. So-so. You know me -- I don't lie about food and/or restaurants.
(2)Candice H.
My husband and I love this place! The beer is good and they carry more than their own. The burgers are awesome and the warm pretzel trio is delicious! I would also recommend the giardineria calamari and the trio app with cheese curds and pickle fries. I am a huge fan of the bourbon stout burger and I substitute a turkey burger for the meat. I have also tried and liked the spinach and goat cheese and smothered burger the same way. My husband eats his the regular way and has the Hot Head as his favorite. The sweet potato fries are excellent! We tried the spinach and goat cheese pizza this past weekend and weren't impressed. My suggestion would be to leave off the mushrooms, MAYBE add onion. Beer- I personally like the Confessional when it comes to beer because I like IPAs. I am also impatiently waiting on their next round of bourbon stout. Service- Its pretty good and friendly. We only had one bad experience where the server kept screwing up my order and the kitchen was off that night. Oh and it took the server about 15-20 min to bring us one round of beers the other night. She said that someone must have grabbed ours but I didn't believe her.
(4)Mark B.
We had a craving for a good burger. Friends had mentioned Lucky Monk several times and we decided it was time to dive in. We split an appetizer of fried pickles. I've had these before elsewhere and they always seem like a better idea than they really are. I've been corrected. Lucky Monk does these tasty morsels right. The batter is more like a tempura batter, so they were light, crunchy and not greasy. And, the deep fried pickles were complemented by a chipotle sauce that was the perfect accompanyment. I tore into a standard Monk burger done medium rare/rare with cheddar. Excellent burger. Good size, juicy, done just right with a bit of additional flavor from whatever they use to season it. The bun and the veggies were fresh as well. My only complaint was the key lime pie. We brought a piece home to enjoy later that evening. While the filling was ok, definitely lime, but not really key lime in flavor, the crust had an odd flavor to it. It was almost a burnt butter flavor. I couldn't tell if the crumb had been over cooked, if the butter had been burnt or if it was a combination of the two. All in all, we will be back to try the rest of the menu at Lucky Monk, including another shot at the Key Lime Pie.
(4)Neal C.
Ate here and Emmett's on back-to-back nights. While both were good experiences, I would give the Lucky Monk a slight advantage if I was having dinner as they have a better variety of non-house beers, but Emmett's the nod if I was hanging out with friends as the atmosphere at Emmett's was more energetic. I would give 4.5 stars if I could, but it's not quite at the 5 star level. As a first visit, I went with the sampler of the house brews. Had a very good server, he did me a favor and allow me to substitute the standard stout for the seasonal bourbon barrel aged stout. It was a solid pour. The bourbon gave an almost sweet flavor that didn't overwhelm the palette. The sampler size was perfect for me. The other highlight was the Confessional IPA (but I do like me some IPA's). The Belgian Ale was also top-notch. If I was just ranking the beers, I would be very close to handing out 5 stars. My green chili cheese burger was very good and close to being great. The meat was cooked perfectly, the cheese was perfect, but the green chili's were fairly bland. They just weren't like the ones that you get in Albuquerque. If you've never had green chili's in New Mexico, than you might be happy. That being said, I still really liked my burger. The truffle fries were disappointing. I could barely taste the truffle oil. This is one thing that Emmett's did much better. Maybe it was just because I had dinner early and they had a wine special, but while the restaurant was fairly full, it was also fairly quiet. I would definitely come back here for dinner/drinks.
(4)Jaclyn H.
Our first experience was amazing. We sampled beers to find the ones we liked (on the house with their own brews) and had great burgers. Second time? Whew. Everyone's dish was so unbelievably salty. Salty enough that we haven't been back since. Not sure who the heavy handed chef was that night, but a consistent product retains customers, it's as simple as that.
(3)D. C.
Average, forgettable experience--I couldn't even remember the name of the place by the time I got home. Everybody and their dog does froofy burgers/pizza/rotisserie chicken these days so I'm not getting the appeal here. Is it the beer? I don't do beer and even the man (who does) agreed that his house brewed oatmeal stout wasn't that good--bitter like black coffee with an oddly sour tang to it. I had the BBQ rotisserie chicken with cheese grits and tumbled crispy onions, which was good, but nothing to write home about. And at $16, it feels like you're helping foot the bill for their decor (which is nice and all, but I'm not there to chow down on a lighting fixture no matter how nice it is). The man's Over Easy looked good, but at $11 it's still just a meat patty with some lettuce, tomato, onion and an egg with what looked like a pretty small yolk. And what is up with that pedestal they put it on and the dainty cup of ketchup for a pile of fries? Definitely not a place to go out of your way for and, personally, I would rather try some place else if I were ever in that area again.
(2)Jose A.
The atmosphere in this place was killer, a great place to chill with a few friends and grab a drink. However their beer was not very good, it was to mellow for my tastes, not a whole lot going on, 5-6% a beer which equals not a lot of ibu's and not a lot of taste. The food was ok, pretty standard gastro-pub stuff...if i lived out in the burbs of chicago near this place i'd go back, i've definetly had better tough.
(3)Paul M.
Still a fan - the food is still quite great - but noting that our last outing here was marred by HORRIBLE service. Inattentive. Friendly, sure, but that doesn't do any good when you rarely see a server. Our refills were slow in coming, and our waitress didn't check on us - not once. In fact once we placed our orders, we didn't see her again until the very end of our meal. Ooof. It seems that when the service is off here, it's really off. And there have been two occasions in recent memory when it's been off, which is about two more than there really should be.
(3)Gerri H.
My husband and I decided to try The Lucky Monk due to good yelp reviews and we happened to be in our old neighborhood. Hamburgers (and fries) are indeed my favorite food, so I just had to try this place. I can't believe I've passed this restaurant numerous times on my way to South Barrington 30 not knowing what deliciousness lay inside. We started out with the pretzel trio, which came with three different sauces. I thought the pretzels were very good; warm and chewy. However, I wasn't a major fan of the sauces. Heck, the pretzels were so good, who needs the sauce! I also ordered the standard chili, which wasn't so standard, as it was served with cheddar, onions, and sour cream. Delicious! We finally started on our burgers (the farm house?) which was essentially a bacon cheeseburger. The burgers were very good, not my favorite, but the best I've tasted in the suburbs. I think I will try the burger next time without bacon to fully appreciate the burger itself. Both the regular and truffle fries were very good, but the truffle taste was not so distinct. Also, you get more fries if you order them plain. The dining room is nice looking, but not the most comfortable. The excess space in the center of the room kind of threw me off for some reason. I felt the space should be more filled in to make the room more cozy. Overall, I highly recommend everyone give this restauarant a visit.
(4)Marvin A.
I went here with a friend for a late lunch/early dinner. -Service- I was impressed with the service and waiter. He was extremely helpful when he found out it was our first time here. I also appreciated his insight in picking the best homebrew beer that suited my taste. High markings for service. -Food- I had the hothead burger (it was huge!) and was a bit disappointed. Perhaps it was the name of the burger or the description of pepperjack cheese and jalapeno tomato pico, but it did not have any type of spiciness or kick to it... not even a tiny hint. The fries were crispy and the burger, although not what I had expected, was juicy and decent. Moderate marking for the food. -Libations- The beer was delicious and was pleasantly surprised that the waiter was able to help me pick this certain brew out. I had the Tritica Wheat ale immediately went through it within seconds. High markings for libations. I was deciding whether or not to give this place a 3 star or 4. Although I was disappointed at the burger, I was more disappointed in what I read to expect. The beer was exceptional and decided it to be a factor within the meal. The outstanding service also helped elevate this 3 star ruling to 4. I would not go back for the food solely, but for both the food and homebrew.
(4)Dan S.
After visiting for my 3rd time, this place deserves a review. The layout of the place is great, hostess station right as you walk in, going left takes you to the dining room tables with a more elegant approach, going right takes you to the bar area for a more laid back atmosphere. I wanted to watch Monday Night Football so naturally the bar was my choice. The waiter was good, attentive & checked up on us regularly. I wanted to try the pretzel trio appetizer since it came so highly recommended & for good reason, they were fantastic! I knew they would be amazing as soon as I picked up the first pretzel, very soft & tasty, I could've eaten them plain had it not been for the delicious dips that came along. You get cheese, tomato & parmesan, and some honey mustard butter, both of the dips were great, but the honey mustard butter was passable. I'd like to consider myself a fanatic for burgers, so my standards can be high at times. I was really trying to be a tough critic & find the flaws but to my delight, there weren't any! The patty was juicy all the way through but not so juicy where it drips all over the plate whenever you take a bite. The fries are fresh, hand cut & delicious, I'll have to try the parmesan truffle ones next time. The only thing keeping me from giving a 5 star rating was the beer price. I'm a simple guy that likes to drink Bud Light, but for $4.50 per bottle I will stick to water & buy a 6-pack on the way home for the same price. I saw a couple pizzas being brought to other tables & they looked very good, I will definitely try that on my next visit which will be sooner than later.
(4)Gigi Y.
I absolutely LOVE this place!! Great beer, great food - Their margherita pizza is fantastic! Nice & light - and you'll have enough to drink some more beer without feeling full. I do not recommend the turkey burger -- unfortunately, i found that it was very mushy, and the bread was soggy because of it. If you like Blue Moon's, you'll enjoy their Trittica Wheat Beer. Try the sampler - the glasses are enough for you to taste a little bit of everything! The warm preztel trio is AWESOME - and it's great that they give you 3 different dipping options!
(4)Dj Nightwolf ..
I like beer, down in my tummy, yum yum yum! The Lucky Monk has some really good craft beer brewed carefully by brew master Anthony. Don't bother asking me which beer I liked because I liked all of them and drank like a jerk, which led to me eating like an a$$hole. Here's a quick breakdown of what took up some of the space in my tummy that was marked "Reserved for BOOZE" Truffle fries = A Truffleicious WIN! Actually, in all honesty, I still can't decide if they're better than the ones at Rockit, but they are still truffleiciously deeeeeeefawkinglicious! Deviled eggs = Deelish! Seriously, great presentation with a tasty chili sauce drizzled over them. Me likey! Hot Head burger = Great, but it could be awesome. It's a great burger, it's just not an awesome burger. I was expecting a real kick of heat and felt a little disappointed when the chili ketchup and pico de gallo didn't destroy my mouth. :-/ Overall, I'd have to say that this is a solid 4 star joint. The food is good and the service is on point. I like the ambiance and feel of this place, it's nice. The area I was in had big comfy couches and could probably provide somewhat of an intimate atmosphere if it were dark outside. All I know is that I can't wait to go back when it's nice out so I can chill out on the patio and have a beer or two by the fire! Holla!!!â„¢
(4)Eric M.
Have you been doing curls? If not, you may want to before visiting as these burgers are HUGE. Before I get into these monsters, let's talk the beer. They brew some great stuff here. Make sure to ask whatever is seasonal but their wheat and stout are both very good. If you only order one thing you need to get the pretzel trio appetizer. It sounds simple, but the dough used on these pretzels and the three dips provided (beer cheese, marinara, and mustard butter) are crazy good. Now the burgers. They are huge. You can customize to your hearts desire. And when you saw medium rare they cook medium rare. It'll be messy but it's worth it.
(4)Amelia W.
Good, but didn't live up to the hype for me. I've heard so many good Yelp reviews and word of mouth -- I had to check it out. THE PROS: Their own beers were very good and reasonably priced. I enjoyed the ambiance, even in a very large space, including the outdoor patio with the firepit. THE CONS: Pretty limited selection of beers outside of their own, which surprised me for being such a beer-focused place. Pretty limited menu as well, I thought. We made reservations but still had to wait. OVERALL: I'd go back, but I'm not going out of the way.
(3)Dale H.
Big improvement over Brass! Completely redesigned and much more fun. The same brew master was kept. His beer was pretty good previously, but he needs to offer more variety. If I want the same microbrew all the time, I can go across the street to Millrose where they have brewed the same boring beer for 20 years.
(5)Nari H.
Normally I'd rate this a 4. Came here with a group of friends and overall had a good time. The food was pretty good and the truffle fries are a must-have. I had the fish and chips which I thought could have used a little more flavor, but it didn't feel heavy. I also had the oatmeal stout beer which was divine if you like super dark, smooth beers. But three things that weren't the greatest and here's why I'm giving it a 3: We had miscounted our group (our bad), and had to re-arrange some tables (which some of the other waitstaff were helpful with) but our server really gave us attitude about it, esp in the beginning. Secondly, I felt like she barely stopped by our table throughout the dinner. Granted, it was a busy Saturday night and perhaps she was miffed by how things started off, but a little better (and more) attention would have left me (and my group) happier. I've been in the restaurant industry, so I understand, but still. But seriously. We were not a low-balling group of diners that night. Several of us got beers and appetizers along with our entrees, and she was making a huge killing on our group that night. I needed some hot sauce and with the way things were goin in the evening, I never got a chance to really ask for it, which left me a bit unhappy with my fish and chips. So please, if we're gonna spend our hard earned money, a little better service, would be a little more helpful. Lastly, one of the glasses for my friend broke while he was drinking his beer. That's not cool either. She replaced it and apologized. Overall, I'd say the food and beer (depending on what you get) are excellent. Service should be good, give or take a few miscounts, and I would recommend this place as overall, looks to be a very good (and bumping) establishment. So I encourage you to check it out, but pray for a good server and a lucky parking spot if you come in on the weekends. Tips: - Make reservations. We almost didn't get ours in bc they get busy. - If you get the tacos, they will be very small. - Parking is crowded on weekends. You may find yourself parking at the movie theaters next door, so be prepared to walk if you can't find parking. - They don't seat until at least 50% of your party is here. - If you get Fish and Chips and know you will need a little more flavor, ask for hot sauce at the beginning. - They don't really do much for birthdays, so if you want a song, you will have to sing it yourself. - Lastly, try a beer. Don't come to this establishment, and not get a beer. But note that "thin" pours are still 16 ounces.
(3)Lawrence M.
My wife and I went there and they have the best selection of beers out there. There grilled cheese burger is humongous and is one of the best burgers I had in a while. If you go there better be hungry huge portions.
(5)Joe S.
This place scores the trifecta in a casual dining experience that is a cut above: cool indoor and outdoor upscale ambiance, an expansive menu of Belgian style craft beers done right to suit discriminating beer enthusiasts, and a solid bar menu with the legendary bigger than life burgers, varied and original appetizer selections and a broad dinner menu. May be pricier than your average pub but you get what you pay for and if you want an all around solid place that you will return to and bring your friends head there now
(4)Terrence B.
So my car club is very much creatures of habit and our monthly meetups have revolved around the same places for the past decade. So for our meetup last night I suggested we do dinner and drinks at lucky monk and a movie at AMC (Fast n Furious 5)... Its a group of 10 and they can be rather picky about things. We showed up without reservations and were promptly accommodated. Our waiter was on the ball, extremely knowledgeable about their beer lineup (which is easily one of the best in the area), and flawlessly handled divvying up our bills for our large group. Good or bad, service was not rushing us at all so definitely plan a bit of wiggle room if your going to a show afterwards. The decor of the place is exudes quality. When you walk up, its hard not to notice the sultry firepit under the patio trellis silhouetting couples sharing drinks. Walking inside you are greeted by the bar and lounge area that is draped in hanging hand blown incandescent light bulbs (the same lighting setup at the bristol downtown). The group seating area is a bit more standard fair. Since our meetup wasn't until later in the night, I had already eaten dinner and was only interested in a pre-show drink and some small bites. I ordered the deviled eggs which were a standard presentation but the plate was drizzled with a very spicy chili sauce. It was fantastic.... Everything that came out had a great gourmet flair of presentation, more so than I would have expected. I was drooling over my buddy's order of pretzels and soon found myself placing an order for them as well. 10 minutes later, I was dining on the pretzels myself, and they were straight out of the oven. They are not heavily salted or crusted with anything, quite simple actually but really well done. The three dipping sauces they came with fell a bit short (a whole seed mustard, a cheese and a marinara ). Most of my group ordered burgers and they looked amazing, and I heard zero criticism. It had been a while since I had last been here and I was VERY impressed by their house beers, so I ordered myself the beer sampler. I remembered being very impressed and that this is a worthy destination for any beer snob. Their beer is more malty than hoppy so unlike alot of recent trends, everything is very palatable to the average person. Specifically their Weiss beer is very noteworthy as it has rather strong banana undertones which is something I could drink all night long. While I normally shy from stouts, I know a superb one when I have one. Supposedly what they had on tap last night was a bourbon barrel aged stout , but I wasn't detecting any hints of that. If you are planning a dinner (or even just drinks) and a movie, this is a must try location. They hit it out of the ball park.
(5)Todd C.
Our favorite restaurant in the Northwest suburbs. The warm pretzel trio is a spectacular appetizer. The burgers are gigantic and amazing...brought out on their own mini-stage, making them appear even larger. Chicken salad sandwich is also gigantic, to the point where it can't be eaten without scraping some off. You won't leave hungry...and we've yet to have a bad experience.
(5)Chelsea L.
Preface: I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I didn't try to the house brews, but a friend of mine did and claims that they are excellent. We went to Lucky Monk on the recommendation of a friend; and it's location right near the AMC 30 in South Barrington was a definite plus. It made rolling our over-fed butts into our plush movie seats an easy task, for sure. Being a Saturday night, the place was pretty jumpin' when when showed up; our wait for a table was quoted at a respectable half hour, but I'm sure that we were seated faster than that. Because it's such an open floorplan and it was busy, the noise level was a little on the high side, but we acclimated and it all worked out OK. The service was pretty good, our waiter (Tom?) was attentive without hovering, friendly, and had good suggestions for beer and burger fixin's. I opted for the chicken instead of the beef, though the two burgers at the table looked and smelled amazing. My sandwich was great; if I had one complaint, it would be that the roll was inexplicably greasy, but otherwise tasty. I do have to say, however, that the fries were pretty awful. Maybe it was an off night or something, but they seem very proud of their fries, made in-house, yada yada yada, and we just weren't impressed. Drowned in cheese and chili, you don't really notice, but by themselves they're overdone, super greasy, and weren't all that appetizing. Since they're the default side with everything, and substituting anything healthier costs $2 more, they're a big part of why this is a three star review instead of a four star. Speaking of $ - I was pleasantly surprised at the relatively low costs of the entree selections, but they get you with the appetizers and beverages. ($5 for a bottle of hard apple cider? really? and it only goes up from there.) Overall, I would recommend it as a good group-date night sort of place (that's why we were there), but would warn anyone looking for lighter fare to be really careful about what and how your order off the menu. I would like to go back and explore some of the other options myself.
(3)Laura C.
Good food and service. They brew their own beer which is always fun to sample!
(3)Nadeem P.
This place is pretty good, I've been here a few times and was pleased with their burgers, which I ordered both times. Their presentation here is stellar, and their truffle fries are delicious. The chicken sandwiches looked great too, maybe next time I find myself in this neck of the woods I will have to give their chicken a whirl...
(4)V Y.
Review based on two things: 1. Service - Great service as I arrived right a closing last night. Bar staff very willing to check with kitchen to ensure I could order dinner after late flight arrival and long drive to suburbs of Chicago. I ordered takout, and was impressed with their attention to detail when I opened the bag back at my hotel to find plenty of napkins, utensils, condiments. 2. Food - Wide assortment of "casual" fare on menu, including salads, burgers, hand tossed pizzas, classic entres, appetizers galore, and very wide range of beverages. 3. Location - Right off I-90 and near the Hilton Garden Inn where I was staying. 4. Atmosphere - plenty of nice, modern pub, indoor seating complimented by a very nice outdoor, fire pit, shaded seating. When back in Hoffman Estates, IL I will be back at Lucky Monk. Say hi to Andrew H at the bar for me. Great guy.
(4)John K.
This was a three star meal, but I may be back to try other things. I really wanted to like this place because it has a lot of good looking things but the execution when I went just wasn't there. I started with the fried pickles. They came out hot, and you got a decent amount but by themselves I couldn't really taste the actual pickle, I don't really remember what I was tasting exactly. Dipping them in the sauce on the side brought out the pickle flavor for some reason, but then I didn't really taste much of the sauce. Also a small nit-picky thing was that they were greasy. I know they are fried but if they just tossed them on a towel before serving them it would have helped I think. A plus is that they were crispy. Probably won't order them again. I then got my burger the farmhouse, and upgraded my fries to truffle fry-dom! The fries were average, didn't blow me away with the truffle flavor but it was there. Wasn't pleased that the cheese was sliced on instead of grated as it made it complicated to eat with the fries. I prefer David Burkes Prime House truffle fries over these. The burger came out on a little pedestal which I thought was unnecessary given that it was already huge, and it just took up space on the plate. It had two thick slices of bacon (that surprisingly didn't have a whole lot of flavor). I have had better bacon cheeseburgers before where you could actually taste the cheese and the bacon. With this burger I was just trying to eat it fast because it became a mess very quickly. I cut it in half so it would be easier to work with and it was a perfect medium. VERY JUICY. I have never had a burger this juicy before. Therein lied the problem though. The bottom bun got so soggy so fast it was just not fun to eat. They really need to fix that issue because if anything keeps me from coming back it is that. I may be back though, I am kinda interested to try the fried egg burger (but I can do that at home, with a better bun) and it is right next to the AMC movie theater so it is a decent dinner right before a movie. I'd say give it a try, just don't go into it with too high of expectations.
(3)Stephanie S.
Great food and beer! The pretzel trio appetizer is spectacular. The service was also good considering it was a friday night at 7 pm when I went into the lucky monk. Didnt have to wait too long for a table either which is always nice. I will definitely be back.
(4)diana t.
Turkey parmesan burger, juicy and delicious! They make their turkey burgers from scratch, and with the Confessional IPA, it was a perfect lunch combo. I will be back for more.
(5)Melissa H.
This place can be very busy on weekends, but I'm definitely a fan of the Lucky Monk on weekdays. You can often get a table on weekends, but the acoustics here are a little awful; you might find yourself yelling to make yourself heard to your table mates. They've got a super selection of beer and wine, and lots that's not even on the menu. And they've got...drumroll...Raspberry framboise! Ask for it, and thank me later. Service is good, and the appetizer's I've tried have been great as well. They've got really good french fries here with a unique blend of seasoning. Their fried pickles are amazing as well (which is an automatic star addition for me). Overall a great place. I recommend solidly.
(4)Larry R.
The Burgers are great, service left nothing to be desired. My wife loves the salads at the Lucky Monk. Fried pickles or as they are called "pickle fries" are definately worth trying. Refreshingly different, but nothing you would want to have every time you visit. Just had the Chipolte Chicken and it was outstanding...The Chipolte Mashed potatos that came with it were the best ! But, the "Corn Casserole they served up with this otherwise great meal was horrible! It looked old nnd tired and tasted even worse than it looked.......What were they thinking. Order the Chipolte Chicken, but tell them to throw the Corn Casserole out back behind the parking lot! Enjoy the outdoor seating while the weather cooperates. Watch the sunsets over the movie theatre. The only thing that would make it a 4 star is if they offered a little more variety on the menu. Pizza, Burgers, Beer, Salad....
(4)Collin P.
Tried going to Lucky Monk last night at 9:15. Apparently the hostess at the entrance thinks that is too late for her to be out working. When we entered, we didn't get a hello, but "umm.. ya you can sit in the bar" followed by a quick head turn then "ya... theres no tables left in the bar." We then said.. "well.. is your dining room closed, because your sign says 12 midnight on it." She gave a grimacing look...they we explained why we were not going to eat at this new establishment. We were floored that some kid hostess had SUCH an attitude. We walked right back out the revolving door and will not be recommending Lucky Monk. In the car, my girlfriend felt it necessary to tell a manager about what at happened. When she called, she was put on hold for 10 minutes. The music that was playing was frankly, offensive. They need to watch out for that. The N-Word, F-Word, Slut, Bitch, etc. is NOT appropriate for hold music. When somebody returned, all she had gotten was the "bar manager" who gave a few "Huhs?" and that is about it. Not a good way to gain customers from the local community.
(1)Daniela T.
Pizza was good. Beers are reasonably priced and tasty, however I wouldn't steer from what they are known for, pizza and burgers. I got their roast beef pasta dish and it tasted like hamburger helper...it wasn't very good. However my date ordered the pizza and loved it.
(4)A J.
This was our 2nd visit to Lucky Monk (once on a weekday afternoon, once on a Sunday afternoon) My husband & I both enjoyed the beer selections. The beer flight/sampler is fun! Food was pretty good - I like the variety. I had the chipotle chicken chili, which was very good. Chicken enchilada soup was good, as was the burger. The fries were awesome. And the S'Mores dessert was out of this world!! The chocolate cake was just ok. Our server was Tiffany, and she rocked. She was fun & seemed to get a good read on her customers & how to treat them. A good server can make or break the entire experience. On a previous visit, our bartended was Candy, and she was also very cool. Lovely outdoor patio, although it was closed for a private event :( I'll be sure to call ahead next time, because I really wanted to sit out there. We live near Ram Brewery, but the food here is definitely superior.
(4)Andrew J.
I love the Lucky Monk. Basically, it's a super trendy microbrewery and restaurant that serves some of the best beer and gourmet bar food I've had. I've gone to the Monk many times, and the service has always been notably awesome. The people seem to enjoy their jobs, probably because it is easy to sell awesome food and beer to people who are looking for awesome food and beer. Some of the menu items are surprisingly great. The hummus and pita appetizer is the best hummus I have ever had. They also have really tasty fish n chips and absolutely glorious burgers. The home brewed beers make up only a small portion of the beer menu- there is a great selection of Belgian ale, a frambiose lambic, and more. If you're looking for a great meal before or after you head to the movies, or if you're just in the area, this place is totally worth checking out.
(4)jan l.
We went today due to the extreme heat. We were going to go eat and to a movie, but the theater was mobbed!!! I have been on the hunt for years for the great fried pickles in the south. And disappointed over and over. The batters too thick, they're spears, they're burnt etc etc. Ordered them today, and good Lord, they are wonderful!!!!! My husband said he could never understand my love for fried pickles, but after eating those he certainly did!! We split a patty melt with truffle fries. The patty melt was cooked perfectly, medium rare. It was delicious as were the truffle fries. Our chuckle of the day. The hostess said there'd be a 10 min wait, at 2 in the afternoon. The restaurant was busy, but by no means full. During this time, about 12 people left. She then said it would be a few more minutes because she was trying to let the servers catch up. Who tells that to a waiting customer! Overall, it was one of the better experiences we've had eating out for a while. Go order the nirvana called fried pickles ;-)
(5)Rachel J.
I called in a reservation, knowing they may not accept them---especially on a Friday night. Not only did they take them, they did so with a smile. They also placed a courtesy call the day of to verify everything. The six of us got here 15 minutes early, and we were offered the table. Way to keep your word on reservations! Our server was fast to take our drink orders, and was able to get my questions answered.........for example, BU = bitter units. The pretzel appetizer is very good---not your typical dried out, once frozen catastrophe with driveway salt on top.....nope; these were hot, fresh, soft and free of all things carnival. The dipping sauces were thoughtful compliments. To make things easy on ourselves, we all had individual pizzas. For 10 dollars, you get 12 inches of NY style hot n fresh in about 20 minutes. My Marghartia pizza was bubblin' with fresh mozzarella, adorned with bright tomato, and fragrant from the fresh basil shreds. Oh yes lawd...........!!! Everyone at the table had different toppings. Nobody was disappointed, nor was anyone available for comment. This fast pizza eating was followed by food comas all around. But of course........we ordered dessert. To share. The Key lime pie is quite tart, but so good. The smores skillet is a sticky mess, and quite rich. Totally brought me back to age 7 for a few moments. The hot apple skillet was very reminiscent of the McDonald's apple pie. The service was perfect. Could not have asked for a better experience in that respect. In the immortal words of Ah-nold.......I'll be back.
(5)Jon-Rachel Y.
By comparison to the many mundane chain restaurants surrounding the area, this microbrewery is a definite sleeper out in the remote western suburbs. And thanks gives to Mattox for taking us out here. The lively atmosphere and the modern American decor with stone walls provides a great arena for your dining experience. The menu display items that can satisfy both pub-style cravings and traditional American fare. There are two major seating sections; the main area with booths or tables and the bar area. The service was attentive and helpful. The draw backs are the wait time so call in advance for reservations and the parking is somewhat sufficient. As for the food, the hamburgers are flavorful and moderately portioned served with a side of fries. And the microbrews are fantastic, but don't be surprised to see your bill squeeze every penny from your ATM cards after a few beers. Have not tried the other dishes What I ordered: - Farmhouse burger - Fried pickles - recommend - microbrews When we went: - week night @ 7:00 PM Will I return: - yes
(4)Katie K.
Used to work here and have been dying to go back! So glad I made a reservation on Open Table because it was busy and on a wait when we arrived. Not a huge surprise but it was a Tuesday night so very happy to see this. Host staff all greeted with huge smiles. Was seated promptly with Donato upon my request. I got a Woodchuck and my husband got a Cardinal Sin (his favorite). We noticed some changes in the menu and wanted to try a few. I noticed the St. Louis Cut Spare Ribs and was very intrigued. Donato highly recommended them saying they were extremely good and worth a try. My husband got the Lake Perch and I went with one of my favorites because I missed them, Peppercorn Ranch burger with Cheddar and bacon added to it. The ribs were incredible. We loved the soy glaze. My husband loved the perch and the butter was to die for. My burger was perfect and reminded me why i miss eating here!
(5)Alan R.
A great place for a good meal and excellent cerveza. I had the beer flight to drink and ordered the chicken poblano chili and the ipa brew nuts. The nuts were amazing, but I was very disappointed in the chili. I had to send it back because it was too cold. My parents and grandmother all had the burgers, my wife ordered had a chicken sandwich and my sister and brother in law had pizza. My mom did not finish her burger, so I brought hers home and had it the next day for lunch. Even a day old it was amazing. The chicken my wife had was also very good, while the Pizza was pretty average and basic. In retrospect, I wish I had also ordered the soft pretzel. The one at Goose Island is amazing. Its a staple for most pubs/microbreweries. If I am out in the Barrington area again, I hope to try Lucky Monk another time. I wish the North Shore had more places like that.
(4)Paul Y.
This has become my favorite burger place. Very tasty and the right size (large). The rest of the menu is also outstanding. The beer selection is excellent, and their home brews are good, but not great.
(4)kevin s.
I really enjoy the beers and food here. I've only been here with my kids too (3 and 8 years) and they both loved it. nice outside dining, and their beer flight is great!
(4)Robb R.
The Lucky Monk is a welcome break from chain dining in South Barrington and a beer lover's dream. They have an excellent selection of beers between their guest craft and microbrews, as well as their own beers, which are very tastefully crafted. The food menu is well inspired and the dishes are expertly executed. Their burgers are world class and their pizza is otherworldly. Atmosphere is comfortably casual-chic; comfortable seating, relaxed quiet dining room and great upscale sports bar. Service is prompt and knowledgeable- I've been lucky enough to have Patty as my server twice, she is quick to highlight the new beers on rotation as well as offer food pairing suggestions, and was happy to bring me tasters of the new beers on their tap. The food, drink and atmosphere are great, and Patty's attentiveness and recommendations took the whole experience over the top. I would recommend The Lucky Monk to anyone, and can see myself becoming a regular.
(5)Michelle N.
I've only eaten here once, but it's a far cry from the former establishment (name used to be BRASS Brewery). The food was excellent (highly recommend the truffle fries - HELLO calories!), though I seem to recall that the menu contained mostly burgers. The staff was very attentive and helpful, willing to make recommendations, and it was affordable. If I were to make one recommendation, I would say that they should expand their beer selection. I know these brewery joints like to push their homegrown beers, but not everyone loves those. My girlfriends and I did a flight/selection of the house beers, and a few of them were hard to swallow... Overall, great experience at Lucky Monk. I would recommend it.
(4)Pree N.
Love the ambiance and classy sports bar atmosphere. Pizza is great. Love their truffle fries. Came here on two different occasions, food, drinks, and service were stellar both times.
(5)Steven L.
The burger so juicy. Pizza is ok. I am not that impress with the pizza. They have their own brew of beer which I find pretty good. I will go back next time and try more dishes.
(4)steve p.
I've been here several times now. The pretzel trio, burgers, and cookie skillet are all amazing. The pepercorn ranch burger was a bit overpowering however. The more basica varieties are the way to go. Pickle fries and sweet potato fries were awesome too. Service was quick, even on busier nights.
(4)MARK R.
Its like yuppies just figured out burgers and beers go great together. Haha. Seriously though, the place was good, I have just never made a reservation for a burger before. The in house brew was pretty good but their bottle selection was better. Try the pretzel trio as well.
(4)Ling L.
I didn't think The Lucky Monk will work effectively in that location as it has Jerseys, a sports bar offering similar fare as pizzas, burgers and beer, a short distance away. However, The Lucky Monk takes it a few notches higher with its microbrews and entree offerings. We went twice and sat in both the dining room and bar respectively. The experience at the dining room was stellar. Granted, it was a slow Tuesday night. Service was attentive and we didn't have to wait long for refills or checks. However, the weekday after the long holiday week at the bar was frustrating. We had given ourselves plenty of time to grab dinner and a movie after at the nearby AMC 30. But our server was inattentive and barely made eye contact in the last 30 minutes, didn't pack up our leftovers and provided a check. We missed our movie and I was not a happy camper. For a restaurant to locate itself so strategically close to a popular cinema, it is a crime to not take into consideration that some of its clientele may be taking in a meal and a movie that day. I almost felt that it would behoove the servers to ask every diner if they were going to see a movie, and adjust their service accordingly. Short of that snafu, the food at The Monk is of good quality. Between 2 opportunities, we had the burger, chili combo, roasted chicken and baby back ribs. The burger is cooked medium, and comes with well-seasoned handcut fries. There are 2 sizes to the burger (6oz and 9 oz), and served on a block, giving the illusion from afar that it is one of those stack-em-up burger that you have to open your mouth trice as big to fit all in. But not so. The chicken was wonderfully moist while the ribs was a tad too sweet for me. Best of all was the brew pub chili. In our first trip, we had the chili combo, but were not bowled over by the chicken-poblano chili, which is the consistency of soup. In our 2nd trip, we had the brew pub chili solo. Still one of the best options in that neighborhood (following Penny Pub down Penny and New Sutton closeby). Of course, a trip to a microbrew will be incomplete without tasting their brews, even for a very occasional drinker like us. Their strongest ale was not overly indulgent that I couldn't finish it. For a light drinker, I find their palest ale to be too light. All in all, we are lucky to have The Lucky Monk close by.
(4)John M.
I've been driving by it for a while - I didn't notice that the name had changed. It used to be Brass but that went under (and with good reason based on past experience there). My wife actually went there first for lunch with the people she works with. She came home raving about the burgers so we had to go. We both had the 6oz Farmhouse burger ($8.95). She had hers well done and I had mine medium. Both were a little under-done but within reason for our tastes. The Farmhouse burger comes with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, cheddar cheese and 2 strips of bacony goodness. It was wonderful! The burger doesn't have the normal burger taste. I don't know how to describe it, but it's just better! It comes with a decent quantity of hand cut french fries. Although we didn't try any of the beer they have, they do have a good selection. It's also right next to a movie theater so it is convenient for a night out. Service was great too. Stephani was attentive but not overly attentive, friendly and knew the menu. We'll be back to try more items on the menu!
(5)Jenny B.
Went for dinner and it was delicious! great selection, great tasting beers PICKED FRIES- YUMMY!! BURGERS: Hot Head - if you want a kick to your meal and something a little bit more juicy, id pick this one Ellis- great taste, different flavors, very fresh feeling. one of my favorites! The quality of the meat makes the burger. DESSERT: chocolate cookie skillet- OMG to die for. a little more on the sweet side. shares with 2-3 people Apple jar- share with 2, very good and less sweet.
(5)Jason B.
food is terrific. its like champps but take it up one notch and they are a whole different level than a champps. its almost like those fancy gastropubs in nyc but not quite the same. this is more of a casual/family feel. jeans: ok by far Order: by waitress
(4)Charles S.
Ordered the Green Chili Quest Burger and it was a little on the spicy side but overall it was very tasteful! My girlfriend order the Hot Head Burger = delicious. The lighting was a little dim and it was a bit loud. But other than that, it was well worth it! We don't live very close to South Harrington, but if we're back around here I'm sure we'll come back!
(4)Jon F.
Well done Lucky Monk. Food was fantastic. I had the Poutine and the chili and loved them both. It it not often you find a restaurant in Illinois that serves poutine and also does it well. The atmosphere is awesome and the house IPA was great. Will be back for sure.
(5)Kim H.
Patty was a great server! Very helpful with selections on menu! Although she is a buckeye!
(5)Patrick S.
If you're looking for a good brewpub-type place with OK beer, good burgers, and decent prices this is a great choice. We came here for the first time and were generally happy with the food. We started with the trio appetizer which included fried pickles, truffle fries, and cheese curds. The fried pickes (as many other have pointed out) are probably some of the best I've ever had. The cheese curds, while salty, are also delicious and a perfect accompaniment to the beer. Truffle fries and also the fries that came with the meal were OK but VERY greasy, actually to the point that I had to stop eating them because they were so soaked in grease. The burger I had was VERY tasty and their burgers are huge. Again though, while delicous my burger which only had cheese and onions, was so greasy I started feeling sick. Not that it wasn't one of the tastier burgers I've had in a while... it just felt like if I took another bite I'd have a minor heart attack right there at the table. The beer here is OK. If you are a beer snob, you probably won't be impressed. The service as others have pointed out is ok but I can see why there are so many complaints. Our waitress was very nice but seemed overworked and having a tough time keeping up. She still managed to always turn her frustrated look at the computer to a great smile when she came over to our table. I did see one waitress who literally stood at the bar for 10-15 minutes doing nothing until a manager had to come over and talk to her. I could also notice that the service was slow. Our waitress was doing her best but I noticed one elderly couple looking very annoyed and they waited way too long for their food. We will come back probably to have some beers and appetizers, but likely not again for dinner. Unfortunately this is the best of the bunch in our area.
(3)Carolyn L.
The Lucky Monk was a great place to grab dinner on Monday night. The food was outstanding. We ordered the Trappist Trio appetizer (pickle fries, truffle fries, and onion strings with a wasabi ranch sauce and chipotle ranch sauce) and it was a lot of fried goodness. I ordered the "Smothered" burger, medium rare (and cooked just right) with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, and a fried egg on top. The meat was delicious, the toppings flavorful, and the bun soft and golden! The fries were also crispy and hand-cut. So yummy. Finally, I ordered their American IPA, Confessional, home brew and it complimented the meal very nicely. My friend ordered the Farmhouse burger with Applewood smoked duroc bacon, Tillamook cheddar, and all the fixins. His looked awesome and we both left stuffed and happy. I'd love to go back!
(5)Dean K.
I have been waiting to come here for quite awhile. The reviews are great so I had been anticipating. We went on a Saturday night about 6:15. The wait was quoted at 45min to an hour. It ended up being 1 hour. The place is extremely loud and we were placed right next to the bar which was probably the loudest area. The service was good and we were able to order quickly and get our food quite quickly. I had the Sunrise with Bacon marmalade. I tasted a sweet flavor more than I tasted bacon. But, it was pretty good. My wife and daughter had a hamburger with bacon grilled cheese sandwiches in place of regular bread. We all agreed that the food was good. I would go back when it is not so crowded. For those that have been to Kuma's Corner, I think Kuma's is better. I also think Bulldogs of Wauconda is better and their burgers are less than $8. The experience is totally different though. This is all about the taste.
(4)Dan H.
Wow. I have been here twice now and absolutely love this place. Service is always excellent. Great decor. Now let's get to the food. For appetizers, their cheese curds are some of the best I've ever had. We also get the warm pretzel trio, also excellent. I think it's the variety of dipping sauces that come with these appetizers that really take them to the next level. Entrees - burgers are fabulous! Na'wlins Chicken, just as fabulous! VERY flavorful, cooked just right. Beer- I always get the Tritica Wheat Ale. It has a slight flavor of banana bread. Normally I am skeptical of fruit flavored beers, but this one is great! If I could sum up my experience at the Lucky Monk in one phrase, it would be "Explosion of Flavor!"
(5)Scott F.
The burgers are amazing and served on a little wooden "stage" so they look bigger than they are....whatever, it tastes good and they manage to get the whole "Medium" thing done perfectly. The downside- The drinks, even on special are pricey. Downtown prices should be saved for downtown. Also, they told me they have WELL WATER, thats why the water tastes like a rusty tool box. After I found this out (after a huge gulp) I asked for a bottled water, which they gladly gave me at an INSANE price. IF you have WELL WATER at your NICER bar, you may want to get a Hinkley and Shmitt thing going or some other form of non FOUL tasting water to serve with your great burgers! DUH? The place has improved greatly, I blow some serious coin in the place and it's nice and close...
(4)Ang C.
This one of our favorite places to go for a casual date night or to meet up with friends. They have a nice beer selection and the food is great, especially the pizza (that arugula covers the whole pizza!), salads (so fresh and not doused in dressing!), cheese curds (yay dipping sauce!), new ice tea (passion fruit is the best!), sweet potato fries (hello cinnamon and cajun seasoning) fish tacos and tilapia (the banana reduction sauce is where it's at!). They have live music on some nights as well.
(5)Josh M.
Fried pickles! I'm fairly sure that my friend wanted to take them home and make sweet sweet love to them all night long. Too bad he ate all of them... That being said that wasn't the only good thing to be had there. The truffle fries were ok - not as good as everyone was hyping them up to be. The sweet potato fries were so much better. But the burgers were killer - we tried the peppercorn ranch, the hot head, and the farmhouse. All of which were cooked perfectly and seasoned well (I hate an under-seasoned burger). The service was a little hit or miss. The server didn't do the best job of recommending some of the mixed drinks. She didn't care for cucumber so that led to passing on the cucumber pomegranate mojito that was very good. I had the beer sampler that was missing the oatmeal stout due to the brewmaster getting to drunk at a beer expo earlier in the day (ill let that one slide :p). I went with the Confessional IPA that was nice and hoppy but not too over the top. We finished the night outside next to the fire pit which was amazing and it was a beautiful night. Moral of the story sit outside and get yourself some fried pickles and a good beer - to be honest all of them were pretty good.
(4)Erik H.
So I've been to The Lucky Monk about a dozen more times since I wrote my first review and I can say, without any embellishment or fanfare, that it is my favorite restaurant in the northwest suburbs, bar none. First the burgers: I've tried The Monk, Peppercorn Ranch, Bourbon Stout, Smothered, Grilled Cheese & Green Chile Queso Burgers, and they are all just gorgeous. Beautifully plated and always cooked perfectly medium rare, they are all winners, but especially the ones that rely on the strengths of the burger as opposed to bursts of flavor from its toppings. Thus the Monk Burger (Tillamook Cheddar + pickle), Bourbon Stout (Tillamook Cheddar + stout braised onions + pickle) & the Smothered (caramelized sweet onions + Gruyere + pickle) really excel, with the proteins taking center stage. Then the beers: The Lucky Monk is a brewpub and you won't find their beer in any local stores, which is unfortunate because it's pretty damn good. I prefer fruitier, less hoppy, fuller bodied ales and stouts and so I tend to consistently order their Solitude Oatmeal Stout, Gra'le, and Tritica Wheat Ale when I want something particularly sweet. I'll admit I'm not a big fan of their other regulars, but their seasonals have so far been above par, from the powerful Bourbon stout to the refreshing Maibock. They also have multiple guest taps that trend pretty good. Don't forget the sides: The Lucky Monk's secret weapon has to be its sides. The burgers and beer may get you in the door, but don't even pretend it's not the truffle fries, sweet potato fries, fried pickles or chicken poblano chili that are keeping you here. The sides are nothing short of miracles in potato/chicken/soup form, and that's not even counting the appetizers (giant pretzels with three kinds of sauces perhaps, or maybe deep fried cheese curds yes please?) And just for funsies I've ordered or tasted many of the other menu items including the butternut squash ravioli, fish tacos, al pastor pizza, apple-bacon flatbread & BBQ pulled pork sandwich. They've all generally been hits over misses (the pizza's a little dry though), but I just can't help getting a burger, fries and a beer; they're miles above the competition.
(5)Eman A.
The food here is fantastic. I came once on my own, once with a large group and once with my husband. Everytime I got awesome service and the food was great. Great place for burgers. Pizza was good. The pretzel bread is amazing. And the fried pickles are to DIE for.
(4)Kim M.
Been here a handful of times either for Yelp events or just to enjoy one of the best burgers around. The burgers are consistently juicy, to the point that I feel like I'd be better off wearing my napkin as a bib. They have great pizzas both for appetizers and meals. It doesn't look kid friendly, but it is if you are there early enough in the evening. The service here is consistently good. You won't be asking your server for anything because they come by enough times. The beers are also great. Summary? If you are a beer drinking burger lover, check this place out. And maybe bring a bib.
(4)Aimee M.
Our service was wonderful. Aubrey was on point, helpful and friendly without any hovering. For 3 gals that needed to de-stress and just have an enjoyable evening, it was nice to have a server that anticipated our needs. The menu has a nice selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, steak, ribs, chicken and flatbread/thin crust pizza and salads. I opted for the Monk Burger--basically a cheeseburger with Tillamook Cheddar and the usual fixings of lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions. The burgers come with fries and I opted to "upgrade" my fries for a $1 and chose the Truffle Parmesan fries. I'm drawn to truffle fries like a moth to a flame so if it's on the menu, I'm ordering it. They also have a Truffle Fries appetizer for those that can't get enough of them. The burger was delicious. Juicy and well made. Fresh ingredients and a pretty big serving. It was one of those kind of burgers that I had to cut in half first before trying to take a bite. The Truffle Fries were just what the doctor ordered--so delicious. Crispy fries, subtle aroma and flavor of truffle oil (not overpowering at all) and nice sprinkle of Parmesan. So, so, sooooo good! There's a nice list of beer--domestic and craft. Check out their house brews as well-they offer a tasting/sampler option. I had tried their Stout when I was here for a Yelp Elite event and really liked it. (This from a girl that likes her beers light). We also opted for desserts. They were good, not great. We shared the warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and the carrot cake. I'm not a carrot cake fan, but liked the cake better than the apple crisp. I found the cinnamon in the apple crisp awfully overpowering and the ice cream couldn't calm it down. The carrot cake was moist and the cream cheese frosting was sinfully rich.
(4)Brittney N.
Visited on a Saturday night and it was super crowded! We had made a reservation though and we're seated on time. Awesome selection of beers, with a full list and description on the menu which is helpful. Also, the server was able to make recommendations. Our table of 4 all had burgers, which all looked delicious! I had the classic tommy turkey burger, but added mozzarella, it was amazing! The only reason for four starts instead of five is because they were out of a couple of beers and we felt rushed by our server before the said that we would be visiting and catching up for a while.
(4)Shawn K.
AMAZING BURGERS AND FRIES!!! Kids always choose this place to celebrate their birthday. Almost always jammed, so make reservations. Food is always very good. Very nice wait staff.
(5)Ben C.
This was our second trip to The Lucky Monk. The four of us arrived early on a Sunday evening. The place was busy, bu we were seated quickly and proceeded to start our dining experience with a taste of several house beers. Pros: nice atmosphere, decent food..we all ordered specialty sandwiches Cons: very slow service, it was almost a half hour before we were served our first beers, the house beers were mediocre, lacking character and substance. ..watered down representations of the styles they tried to imitate. Thank goodness for the guest beer selections. We were able to finish up with a couple of fine beers from Lagunitas Brewing.
(2)Jimma J.
Lucky Monk is a really nice place for an Ale House. First off, their home brews are all amazing! They have a brew for all kinds of beer lovers. I highly recommend trying the sampler, but my personal favorite is the Fallen Angel Amber Lager. Aside from the home brews, they also offer a selection of microbrews to satisfy any beer craving you may have. The bar area is usually packed and there are several TVs if you want to catch a game and have some drinks and bar snacks. But there is a substantially large dining area that isn't loud if the bar scene isn't your thing. Every so often they do have live entertainment which is a nice change of pace. When it's nice outside, the outdoor dining area is really nice epecially at night. As for the food, it's great! many of the dishes are playful and really work with their local brews. Try the goat cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and red pepper pizza! Their burgers are great, fish tacos are great! I loved the N'Awlins Chicken Sandwich! This place is definitely worth a try and a perfect location for a dinner/movie date since its right next to the AMC. What more could you ask for!?
(5)Alex A.
Good craft beers and great burgers. I hope they stay in business because when you pay cash the servers stick the cash in their pockets and apparently do not take it to the register.
(4)Cristina G.
My last experience here was pretty awkward and I didn't even get to try the food. I finally had a chance to come back today and actually eat. My best friend and I walked in around 7 and it was pretty busy. We waited about 15-20 mins and were seated. The actual restaurant is very nice. I love the decor and the bathrooms are super clean, which is always great. Our waitress was attentive and was great with keeping up with refills on our pop. Despite being busy it seemed like that staff worked well under pressure. I ordered the Peppercorn Ranch burger and added cheddar cheese. It came out fairly quickly. The actual burger was pretty big. It was cooked perfectly and it had a good amount of toppings on it. The seasoned fries it came with were amazing. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Yum! For dessert we ordered the Peanut Butter Brownie Mason Jar. Oh my glob! So amazingly good. It comes in a small mason jar, but its big enough for two people to share. If you're in the area I'd definitely recommend stopping here to try one of their burgers. You'll love it.
(4)Melissa Z.
We love this place - mostly for the beer selections. They have good food, but their microbrewery is what draws us in and we simply stay for the food. The Confessional IPA is my favorite. My husband is a fan of the Grail. They even have a Sam Adams Chocolate Bock on their guest tap right now (that beer is worth going for alone).
(4)Katie W.
My boyfriend found Lucky Monk on yelp, so we decided to check it out this weekend. Great find! I am in love with their Tritica-Wheat ale! We made reservations a few hours before we wanted to go. We arrived early, and were seated right at our reservation time. This place gets crowded, so I would definitely recommend a reservation. We both ordered the Tritica Wheat Ale, and I have to say it is now one of my favorite beers. I would order the sampler next time to try all their beers. For an appetizer, we ordered the warm pretzel trio. I loved it, and EACH of the three dipping sauces it came with (tomato-parm, mustard, and cheddar-beer fondue). The appetizer was three huge pretzels, and we devoured it all. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich for my entree. I really loved the pulled pork. It had just enough BBQ sauce and an awesome, smokey flavor. I would definitely get this again. It was better than my bf's burger, in my opinion. I chose the sweet potato fries, and really didn't like them. They came with a chipotle cinnamon, which sounded right up my alley. I am a sweet potato fry lover, but they were just too sweet for me. I didn't get any of the chipotle flavor at all. My boyfriend did like them, however. So if you like really sweet, then these may be for you. The service was great and fast. Can't wait to go back for the food and beer!
(4)Brittni R.
My experience here was pretty good, but I want to go back and try more of the appetizers and beers. This is a typical microbrewery, they have a ton of beer to choose from and some really interesting menu items. I was not that hungry when I went, so I went for the mini fish tacos, which were really good. My mom had the steak tacos which she claimed were not that great. My dad had a salad.. We did not take full advantage of the menu because we just stopped in for a light simple dinner. The burgers looked amazing though, and some of them were really interesting and different. Would def go back.
(4)Arlene G.
went here a few weeks ago on a sat. early evening with about 12 people in our party. i cant even remember everything we ordered cuz we ordered so much food! everything was super delicious! i would definitely come back for the food but the only reason i gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was the miscommunication between the manager & the person in our party who made the reservation. we got charged with some type of private party fee but we were sitting in the main dining room with other guests. the manager lady spoke to us about it & we worked it all out but i still find it a but shady that they considered our seating area a private party. its not as if we were in a complete different room with no other guests besides people in our party. we had a waiter that was a waiter for other tables as well and even forgot to bring out a few items we asked for on the 1st request. he was really nice so i didnt hold it against him since it was a busy night and there were a lot of people in our party. however, i still disagree with the wording of our "private party" seating and the fee they charged us.
(4)Jen R.
WARNING... Use caution when ordering & Eat Responsibly. I ordered WAY too much food. I had to unbutton my pants upon leaving, sit uncomfortably through movie because I was so full, and interrupt the movie (TWICE) to use the facilities because I sampled too many beers. Great beer selection (I LOVE framboise!!!), fantastic fries, juicy, flavorful burger. Delicious apps. Overall, phenomenal experience. The service was outstanding, and our server went beyond! Absolutely would return, despite my inability to stop stuffing my face. Know your limits.
(5)Mike S.
FYI they sell Cheese Curds here (For those who know) and they are the best I've had in IL thus far.
(5)Ryan H.
I have been to The Lucky Monk twice, and both times I had a great time! The first time I went there with my family. I tried all of their craft beers that they make right in the restaurant, some hits and misses. I do have to say that their vienna-style lager, The Fallen Angel, is the best lager I have ever had. It is lighter than most lagers and is not bitter at all! Back to my first time there, I ordered their steak medallions, they were delicious but according the waiter they did not look like they should had. I ate them anyways because they were so good and before I knew it the manager had brought me a whole new plate of steak medallions. That is good service, wanting your customers to have only the best! Before my second time attending I called ahead to speak with the brew master because I was having a party and wanted to order a keg. He suggested a seasonal beer I had never had before so I told him I would come in later that night to taste it along with the original beer I wanted so I could compare the two and decide which would fit best. Well he did one better than that, he personally served myself and a good friend of mine a lot of their craft beer for free, even refilling some of the beers so we could taste them again. Long story short I actually ended up going with his recommendation over my original choice. P.S. Their fish and chips are delicious, tastes very fresh!
(5)Sam M.
Absolutely great burgers, I'm also a big fan of their in-house brewed beers. I was on a business trip to the Barrington area and this place ended up being my nightly stop. Their burgers are top notch and the three different in-house brews I tried were all excellent beers; I highly suggest their stout and IPA, with the stout being my favorite. If you're feeling extra decadent, they have this awesome creation of a burger that has for its bun a pair of bacon stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches. I definitely had an overwhelming feeling of shame and guilt after consuming one of those, but it tasted so good......I want another!! They also have a really good jumbo pepperoni pizza. The peperoni's are about the size of most salami slices and the sauce has just the right mixture of seasonings. As for the waitstaff, they were all absolutely fabulous. I sat at the bar almost every night I went there and they treated me (a tourist of sorts) like a local. I almost forgot, always upgrade your fries to truffle fries, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Ken K.
Met my wife here (when it was Brass) so The Monk will always have a special place....the BEST beer Sampler I ever had, cozy environment, friendly people, good food....it's in our once a month rotation!
(5)Ashley S.
Came here for a friends birthday last Friday night. They had live music, which was pretty good, but the Main Attraction was definitely their "Grilled Cheese Burger!" Oh man, where do I begin...this is a quarter pound, juicy cheeseburger surrounded by two grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with bacon...Not so great on the heart, but amazing on the taste buds!!!!! By far the best cheeseburger I've had! The atmosphere is really cool too, lounge-y, relaxed and the service was fantastic! I will definitely be going back for that burger!
(5)Jason H.
I recently made reservations here for my wife and I, her parents, and my parents. We all arrived in the parking lot only to discover that there was no parking at all! People were driving around like buzzards looking for a spot to park. The only option was valet parking, which apparently uses a separate lot that's for valet only. But that was not an option for me as I drive a sweet sports car, and I'm not going to let anyone drive it but me, so I high tailed it out of there along with my wife and both sets of parents. So anyone with a nice car, has to either bang it out with the other buzzards searching for a spot, or throw chance to the wind and hope the valet guy is nice to your car. Both options suck, and I'm sorry I can't offer any review on the service or food, because the food really looks good here.
(1)Andrew L.
Prices here are a little high for the quality of the food, which wasn't too much of a problem because the ambiance was really nice and our server was spectacular. Soft Pretzel appetizer was THE BOMB, and may have been the highlight of the meal. Well, the highlight of the food part at least. Had three different beers, the only one of which I can remember was their Bourbon Stout. I don't usually enjoy drinking bourbon by itself (I'm lying) or drinking stout by itself (also lying) because both of them have flavors associated with them that make drinking them unpleasant. They mixed the two together, got rid of all the bad, and left only the best of both drinks. The bourbon flavor masked the unpleasant feeling of getting punched in the face most stouts have, and the beer was super smooth. Took a growler of their pilsner home, which was delightfully crisp. Nothing too fancy with the flavors, but a nice flavor, and good drinking. Wish it was closer to home, I've thought about making the drive up a couple of times, but if I'm ever in the area again, I have to stop by for at least a beer.
(4)Tiff B.
I live no where near The Lucky Monk. I mean, it's not even remotely close to any place I ever need to go. Yet I've still made my way there a few times because the burgers and beer are just that good. Get a beer flight, truffle fries and any of their burgers and you'll understand why it's worth a drive from Chicago to South Barrington. Extra points for the super friendly wait staff, tons of tvs near the bar for sports watching and the fact that they take reservations. The hot pretzels and cheese curds (the dipping sauces that come with them are to die for) are pretty amazing too. I've never been disappointed with anything on the menu and their microbrews are unique and really good too.
(5)Dan D.
It's really all about the beer, isn't it? And that is pretty damn good. Had the sampler, and enjoyed all except the pumpkin offering, which wasn't a house brew. The pretzel appetizer was really good, and really BIG. We enjoyed the pizza, too. Expected the sauce to be overly sweet, and was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't. The only real issue we had was that the service seemed a little indifferent, especially considering how few people were there. We'll definitely be back, at least for the beer!
(4)Rob W.
Pizza and burgers are there feature food. I have yet to try the pizza, but burger-wise, I wasn't impressed. Nice presentation, but he presentation isn't where the flavor is at. For all the hype about the burger, I was disappointed. Decent selection of beers. Convenient location for me for many places I go to, but it's just not that good. I might go back there some day, but wouldn't regret it if I don't.
(2)Pierre D.
I've been saying this for a while, it would be great to have a establishment near AMC 30 that is not Millrose Brewery and it's more than an establishment it's a good place and a place I'd return to. First let's start out with the finger food, they have some pretty awesome truffle fries, I recommend to try some. Next, drinks are great, from mixed to beers, they had a very good double bock when I was there, not sure if it's a seasonal . Moving on to main courses the menu seemed to be heavily into the burgers...Kind of a turn off for me but hey if it's your thing cool...I think they have an opportunity to introduce a lot more items there... Lastly, deserts are good, we had a brownie and it was defiantly enough for the two of us. Overall, good place and glad it's here. I'll be back to see the Monk.
(4)R S.
I'm not a beer drinker... Or a drinker of any alcohol for that matter. But my husband is a beer connoisseur. So we went to lucky monk and he loved everything he's tried. I even tried the blueberry cider and the strawberry beer--thoroughly enjoyed them! And we ordered the hot head burger and fries--best burger we have had!!! And the truffle fries? Talk about flavor boost!!! We went on a Saturday night which was a long long wait. Bar was filled, waiting area filled. My only recommendation is for more waiting space or chairs... I understand why the wait is long. The food and drinks are amazing!!! We just need a place to wait before we get a table to order our delicious food. But I highly recommend this place... You cannot go wrong!!! Love the food, love the drinks!
(4)A M.
My wife and I were happy to try The Lucky Monk, since we saw it get good Yelp reviews. TLM brews its own beer and they make great burgers. We recently went and I head the Bay burger with cheese curds and the cardinal sin pilsner beer. The burger was okay, the meat part was cooked excellent and it was juicy. I just expected more out of the accompanying ingredients to make for a great burger. The cheese curds were really good and the beer was excellent. My wife had the bourbon burger with fries. I should have ordered the bourbon burger instead. I just wanted to be different from her. Serves me right for trying to be too adventurous. Definitely would consider coming back.
(4)Kaeley K.
Loved it! Came here with my girlfriends on a Friday after work for dinner & drinks. Food was outstanding! Try the truffle fries! We sat outside on the patio and had a blast. Will definitely be back and have told many friends and family to check it out.
(5)Franklin D.
Quite tasty! A bit on the expensive side ($11 for a burger) but seems like they're using the higer end ingredients ans making everything with a lil extra love, so.... yeah I'll pay a bit extra. Atmosphere is great, soooo many beers listed, food was outstanding. I will be back for sure.
(4)Lindsay M.
My review is based solely on the baby shower that we threw for my sister-in-law because it's actually the only time I have dined here. The management was extremely helpful and gave us a great price on a private room and food. We were able to get pizzas, salad, and other hors d'oeuvres for the ladies to munch on throughout the day. The room was nicely set up and the service was awesome! Everyone had a drink in hand at all times and the servers even helped clean up after games and gifts which I would never expect them to do. Working in a brewery, I am a bit of a beer snob and found their brews to be alright but nothing great. I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is throwing a bridal shower or baby shower. Jorie was the manager in charge and was great!
(4)Elizabeth A.
Smothered Burger is delish. Ask the bartender to make you a sangria, too!
(4)Tom C.
This place is going downhill. I used to come here a lot after it first opened. The food was pretty good but they have changed some of the recipes. Recently my wife had one of the dinner salads and the greens were not fresh. I had a turkey burger which was very average. t came with a plie of cold wilted fries. Ick! I ordered a glass of La Crema Pinot Noir wine. It was $15 a glass. What a rip off! We won't be coming back again.
(1)Chuck G.
The Lucky Monk is a popular and trendy brewery restaurant near a giant movie theater gogo-plex in South Barrington. That is the only thing I don't like about it. It is most crowded based on movie times so beware. The beers are excellent and being both a beer and wine guy, I am surprised at how good the wine list is. The menu is not extensive, but if you know ahead of time that you can basically either get a pizza or a burger with your great beer then that shouldn't be an issue. The pretzel and fried pickles appetizers are probably the two biggest hits. They also offer sandwiches and a couple of fish and pasta dishes. The service is very good. I've been there recently with groups of ten-plus people and both times had no problems with the service. Even at its most busy times the service does not suffer. I recommend reservations on weekend nights after 5pm.
(5)Donna R.
I have found a new obsession and it is the delectable appetizer of Fried Pickles. I know its very Snooki of me, but let me tell you.... these pickles are one of the best things I have ever had. You can taste everything from the flaky batter.. the bitterness of the pickle.. and the awesome chipotle ranch dip. And there was a TON of them. My bf and I were practically full after finishing this feast of fried goodness. OH! And don't let me forget their fantastic aioli dipping sauce for their fries, I could dip anything in that sauce and be happy. I LOVE this place and I'm so glad I gave it another try.
(5)Cathy G.
A couple of my friends and I went to The Lucky Monk before seeing a movie at the AMC Barrington and to celebrate one of my friend's birthdays. Normally we head to Woodfield because of the plethora of great restaurants around there, but the show times there just did not work for us this time. Anyway, one of my friends came up with the Lucky Monk as a dining choice for movie day at AMC Barrington and I'm really glad she did. First of all, it was really difficult to make a choice for lunch because this is one tempting menu. From reading reviews on Yelp we sort of knew we had to try at least one burger and one pizza. One friend and I decided to split these while our other friend, who was trying to eat a little lighter, went for the chicken breast entree. Yowza, this was some seriously good food. The spinach and goat cheese burger was heaven on a bun. It was literally served on a pedestal and deservedly so! Messy, meaty and so delicious. Best burger I have had in a really long time. And the fries were excellent, hot and crispy. Make sure to ask for the aioli dipping sauce (no extra charge). Garlicky and great with the fries. As for pizza, we went for the arugula, proscuitto and potato. Though I had expected the potato to be thin slices, they were actually mashed, making the pizza extra creamy. The crust was thin and crispy and pretty much perfect. And WAY too much pizza for the one serving it claimed to feed. No problems, it heated up like a charm. Excellent flavor, hot, great crust and leftovers too. Who could complain? I did not sample the chicken breast dinner, but my friend said it was very flavorful and moist, and the spoonful, of mashed potatoes I tried were excellent. I have focused on the food, but the service was extremely attentive and friendly, the booths were especially comfy and roomy, and the atmosphere was a nice change from your typical chains. Once you sit at your table, you don't feel rushed and the other tables kind of blend into the background. Great place to hang with friends. Sorry, Woodfield, I'm pretty sure I will be making the Lucky Monk my restaurant of choice for movie day from now on. At least until I try the pretzel appetizers, the chicken wings, the cheese curds,a whole lot of pizzas and burgers....you get the point.
(5)Jane K.
So the night started out: Let's just say its 9:30pm and we had reservations for 8:45 and we are still not seated. What is the point of making reservations? After finally being seated, the night turned for the better. The food was awesome (I recommend their burgers..mmmm) And they make their own beer! (love the strawberry beer they have) waitress was very nice and helpful. I would come back to this place again. I live in Chicago and the drive for me is kinda long so I will be hesitant to make reservations there (hopefully that one time was a not so common issue they have)
(2)Jackie G.
My new favorite place in the area! I've been here for lunch with a manager, drinks with friends, and a dinner with a guy. It fit all occasions. My manager suggested the place and the pretzel trio appetizer. I've gotten it each time I've gone. You get three large, warm pretzels with three dipping sauces - well, really not sauce - a honey mustard with butter consistency, their tomato bisque, and beer cheese fondue. I highly recommend it! I also got the bourbon burger (messy) and paid a little extra for the truffle fries - both tasted very good. Another time I tried the goat cheese beet salad (only complaint - couldn't find arugula in it the salad!) I've done the beer flight and enjoyed trying their brews. Aside from the fare, I've been pleased with the service each time. I've dined close to closing time and never felt rushed. Also, been with a group of people who just wanted drinks, and the waiter was still friendly and didn't seem to mind that. Servers also haven't minded charging the bill on multiple cards. They play good music and hours are good. I'll be back.
(5)Nichole C.
This is my third visit to The Lucky Monk and I always feel the same when I leave: Full, half-lit, but half-annoyed. Let me explain. I really like the food here. It's traditional American fare with a twist to try and make it 'different' (you know, presentation is contemporary, there is truffle oil and fancy sauces, etc.). I have gotten the burgers twice and the fish and chips once...all are good. I am a big fan of meat coming out the temperature you ask for so that's a plus here. You ask for a medium burger and you shall receive. (Keep that in mind if you are temperature challenged individual. I know you people are out there, now you have fair warning.) I also really like the fries and the fried pickles are delicious (truly, most places have me at "fried pickle"). Beer. Oh man, do I love a good microbrew. I am a HUGE fan of having the crappy beers OFF the tap so the good shit can be had. The Lucky Monk provides. Yes, there is still a pilsner and a couple of low IBU ales for the sissies...no worries. If you enjoy a fuller bodied, malty, or hoppy beer, they have you covered here too. My two faves made in house are the Confessional IPA and the Solitude Stout (NOT THE BOURBON BARREL AGED STOUT THOUGH! That is SERIOUS if you are not a Bourbon fan.) The Confessional IPA is a maltier pale ale with a good hoppy aroma and citrusy hoppy finish. It is stronger so it tastes almost like an imperial, but not as rough. The Solitude is a creamy and dark stout with a strong coffee finish and a nice lacy head. Both are pretty good. I also really like that they have a flight so you can sample each brew to see what you like. The only thing this restaurant has going against it is the wait and the service. You really never know what you are going to get, but the three times I have come here on a Friday or Saturday night they have been packed. Even at 8 or 9 at night. The movie theater is right there, so I am sure that has a lot to do with it. Your best bet is to sit at the bar, at a table around the bar, or in the "living room" and get a cocktail waitress to serve you. My annoyance with the service is that it has never been GREAT. I don't need you to bow down to me or anything, but it would be nice to have someone who a) knows what they are doing/talking about and b) is friendly (I'm looking at you, crabby hostess!).
(4)Paul K.
Beer flight sampler really impressed. Had two appetizers which were outstanding. This is a potential five star when I return for a full dinner. So far, highly recommended!
(4)Meghan T.
Perfect for a date night or with a group of friends. Has a great bar area with enough flat screens to catch a game without an overwhelming sport's bar feel. Out door seating is also great when the weather is nice. The dinning room is lively and has a warm vibe. They also have a good mix of booths versus tables and the host are happy to humor me and my special "short table not high top" request. Service is always friendly and efficient. They're helpful with suggestions and accommodate special orders. Last time I had a gnarly crack in my water glass and my server brought me a free drink on the house. I've only ever had the peppercorn ranch burger when I've been here but I've had a bite of the N'awlins chicken sandwich as well. Both are solid sandwiches and from what it seems are paired with a specialty craft beer from Lucky Monk's brewery. Five stars for cleanliness too! Last time I saw they do a promotion with the AMC located next store so that'd be a fun promo to take advantage of. I always look forward to coming back and am looking forward to visiting in the summer months.
(5)L Z.
I would find it hard to NOT give them five stars because there was nothing bad about our experience (except maybe the calorie intake!). Our server was Andre who was fun, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. We had the Sunrise burger and the King burger ..... WOW! Giant, juicy, cooked to perfection are just a few descriptive terms. The fries are outstanding in their own right. I've never seen such unique, risk-taking, creative burger selections. We'll have to get back and try a few more as well as their pizza.
(5)Ericka L.
Came here with my boyfriend for a late Sunday night dinner and the restaurant was almost empty...no biggie, that means we got faster service and more attention!! For starters, I had a cup of their chili and it was awesome, just as I remembered it (tried at a recent Yelp event), meaty, saucy, and satisfying. For my main course I had the Farmhouse burger that came with cheddar and bacon slices. I chose to add some sliced avocado on top to give it that wonderful creamy texture. The burger was delicious, juicy, and just right in size (I got the 6 oz, as opposed to the 9 oz that my boyfriend got). Don't think a restaurant can really screw up a burger (unless they bring it to me still quivering...then we have problems). I didn't care too much for their fries, but I had enough to focus on already with that fab burger... We also tried the brew sampler which consisted of 6 mini glasses of their best ale. All beer tastes the same to me so, meh...but the BF was impressed and even sent a pic to his friend. Overall, a cool, chill spot that we would keep coming back to. Next time, we'll check out the ambiance at the bar by having a meal/drink there...
(4)Marina M.
Delicious burgers :)
(4)Megan O.
I needed to update my review and share with the Yelpers that the Spinach and Goat Cheese burger is by far one of the BEST burgers I have ever had. The cheese made it so creamy and the garlic infused spinach made it seem like it was healthy... I took a vow to not eat burgers for at least half the year (I mean I don't eat them everyday, I just wanted to see if I could do it), but then realized my love for them is too strong and I couldn't resist deliciousness from Lucky Monk. That burger was worth breaking my vow.
(5)J S.
Went on a Friday night at 6:45pm. Service was horrible. Our server had NO personality and seemed as if we were bothering her by sitting in her section. Went with a group of 6 and told the server ahead of time we would be doing 3 separate checks. For the most part the food was good except I asked for the "Half Chicken: mashed potatoes, bacon cornbread dressing, natural juices". This seemed a relatively healthy option once I substituted the potatoes for veggies with no oil/butter. The dish came out with FRIED chicken and veggies with butter/oil. I asked the server if the menu said "fried" and she said "yes, but in a round about way". What in the description mentions it is fried? A learning experience for me for sure as from now on I will ask specifically how things are prepared if it does not state. But how hard is it to not put butter/oil on veggies? Additionally, when we were closing out the server took FOREVER to bring the bills and she said it was because she had to figure out all the separate bills (we told you in the beginning there would be separate bills). Do it right from the beginning. Will not go back again. Not impressed at all.
(1)dante M.
Keep coming back for a favorite.... Fresh spinach pizza... And very tasty Carne asada tacos..
(4)Andrew M.
Went here for an early dinner with my 6 year old and ex wife who brought her too see me at work. We shared the pretzels - heard they were great and we all concluded that they were indeed fantastic! Good dipping sauce as well. The menu is small but everything looks delicious and our food was no exception. I ordered the Nawleans (sp) Chicken sandwich with parmesan truffle fries. The sandwich was excellent - tender, juicy and full of flavor. The bun was also perfect - soft and warm and just barely able to keep the onion crisps and lettuce in. The fries were okay - nothing to write home about but that is okay because I want to try the sweet potato fries and next time I will - knowing that I am not missing much by passing on the truffle parmesan fries. The ex nabbed some sort of beat salad with arrugala - I am a man so I am not supposed to know the propper spelling of that so who cares? Anyhow according to her it was very good and she did not complain once or send anything back. Our daughter grabbed a simple buttered pasta with parmesan cheese. It was pretty good but hard to mess that one up. The service was excellent. After our water came my ex asked me if I thought the waitress was cute and I said of course. By the end of the meal she had made it evidently clear that she was scoping things out for me that I had to step in and nab the check... Not that there is anything wrong with that but like I said - I'll be back and next time without the ex or my 6 year old ;-)
(4)Keith C.
Great food and drink menu! A perfect place to have dinner before heading to see a movie at AMC Barrington!
(4)Yvette C.
One thing I miss very much from living in the Schaumburg area is my Lucky Monk! Love love love Lucky Monk. Their beers are fantastic, the food is always great & service is super friendly! When I come back to visit I will for sure need to stop in for a Cardinal Sin!
(5)Haylee V.
I love this place. The people who work here are so cool and the food is always so good! Their caesar salad is fucking awesome. I cant put my finger on why, but just try it. I go here all the time and never want to order anything else. I also love the chicken chili. Great service, great food, young fun atmosphere, and great location. Love you, Lucky Monk!
(5)Erika S.
It has a cool brewery atmosphere and good food, also conveniently located near the movie theater. The service is definitely the downfall for this place. We have been here several times on different days of the weekend different times of day and the service is always lackluster. Hostesses are less than attentive and on occasion, rude, as if you are bothering them by coming in. Servers are just ok. They take orders and bring food but no real effort to make it a great guest experience. We come back for the food and beer and just deal with the rest.
(3)Mary B.
I really don't have anything bad to say about this place. I had the BEST pineapple steak tacos I've ever had here and for that, I suppose I'm giving it five stars. I've been here three times. The first time was to get a little drunk before the midnight show of Thor (which was awesome by the way) and then the other two times I had dinner here. I have yet to be disappointed by their food or beverages. I believe I had some sort of fish the first time. Tilapia maybe? Sure. Regardless, I remember liking it. My brother, sister and mom said all of their food was satisfactory too. My brother is big into the craft brews so he was a tad nitpicky about their beer. I don't really know what I'm talking about when I discuss beer but I tried a few and I didn't mind them at all! The third time is when I had those amazing pineapple steak tacos. I was there for a friends birthday and with all boys. They ALL ordered the grilled cheeseburger. They later gave me crap for being the only one who didn't order it but I'm sorry, when I see pineapple and steak together? I just go for it. The boys were all very pleased with their burgers and ate the entire thing. It was actually super impressive considering the burgers are definitely not small. Basically they have a great menu. It'd be hard for you to not choose something from it. There has got to be at least something on there! It's a tad pricy but I think you really get your money's worth when you go there. The service was great too! Very friendly! I plan on stopping by more... be it dinner or pregaming before a movie!!
(5)Gate K.
nice place
(4)Peter R.
After reading the good reviews on the Yelp Brew n' Burgers Elite Event, I had to give this place a try. This place is right by the AMC 30 South Barrington which makes it easy to find. We came in on a early Saturday afternoon because I was in the mood for a good burger. The space has a very nice layout. When you walk in, there is a lounge area straight ahead, the bar area to the right, and the dining area to the left. It has a very pleasant vibe inside, and the booths are plenty comfy. Our server Nicholas gave us the lowdown on The Lucky Monk, telling us that they specialize in burgers, and thin crust pizza (NYC style). This place gave me the impression that it would be a good place to go after work to grab some "brew n' burgers" (get it???...oh you crazy Elite Yelpers and your titles for events). I perused the menu and decided on the 9 oz. Farmhouse burger, because it had BACON in it. It's a fact that the word "Bacon" is the most beloved word in the English dictionary...go ahead look it up. There was plenty of burger choices, and also a good variety of pizza and appetizers. Oh, I almost forgot...I ordered a cup of the "Brew Pub Chili" and two words come to mind. "HOT" and "DAMN." Yea, it was that good. OK, back to the main course. The chef recommends the burgers ordered medium, and I think the chef knoweth what he thinketh. The burger was very good, it was juicy, and made my taste buds tap dance with joy! The fries are adequate, but the burger made me do a double fist pump. I will have to try the other burgers at this place, but we are off to an excellent start. I can imagine the potential of a place like this. It's a brewery, and they have 6 house brews, which I didn't get to sample...but I will. They are basically banking on three things that people love to eat/drink. Burgers, Pizza, and beer. I say they formulated a good plan. The execution is good, and only time will tell if this place can thrive. Give this place a try next time you head over to AMC 30 South Barrington. Come for the Burgers, pizza and beer...stay for the movie.
(4)June P.
For me, this four-star rating means that I would go back to this place over and over and it would be worth it every time, but it's not one of my all-time favorites (my five-star ratings are few and far between). For me, the Lucky Monk is the quintessential upscale-ish bar. The environment is casual yet clean and inviting, and I can always expect quality, satisfying meals when I go. The Lucky Monk's menus is full of your all-American classics, some with a few trendy twists (think sweet potato fries and prosciutto-wrapped scallops) and some that are true classics/staples (think margherita pizza and a good selection of burgers). The pizzas have great fire-baked flavor and the burgers are interesting yet not overly fanciful. The menu also includes a few random toss-ins, such as an al pastor pizza, wisconsin cheese curds, and butternut squash ravioli (my girlfriend was in heaven with this dish). The service is great, and the food is always good. It's a great place for a casual dinner, and many are drawn in by the beer selection (take home a growler!) With generous portions and reasonable prices, the Lucky Monk is a great local joint for American cuisine.
(4)Debbie F.
Had a wonderful dinner with friends on the patio! Great service and very good food! Burgers were great! Everyone was very happy with their food choices. Inside, the restaurant had a great casual but upbeat vibe. Went for the outside dining experience but will definitely be back in the colder months for the food, service and atmosphere indoors!
(4)Rosa D.
Love love love the patio. Soooo cute!!! I can't wait to go back and eat again or just go for drinks!!! They have a two story deck overlooking a pond which includes a seating area with a fire pit. It's great! Food was really good. Had the chopped salad with a few substitutions, which was great because there was no hesitation from the waitress! I am picky sometimes and they were great to switch cheeses and dressings etc We also had margherita pizza!! It was pretty yummy! And I am a pizza fanatic!!!! My Italian off the boat mother even liked it!! I am def going back and have to order a burger. Other tables around me did and they looked Ahhmazing!!!!
(5)Cindy E.
I have been back to Lucky Monk five times since my initial review and I have been pleased more and more each time!! They have changed their menu a bit, have added a couple more burgers & upscale pizzas as well as more taco options & a couple appetizers! I've now had the spinach and goat cheese burger, which is messy but amazing!! I have also tried the whipped goat cheese appetizer which is just phenomenal! My favorite pizza, which was added when they changed their menu, is the short rib and farm egg pizza, I can't even find words to tell you how good it is, just try it, trust me you won't regret it! My mom had the short rib pasta as last time we were there & it was out of this world! The service continues to be impeccable and I've really yet to be disappointed by any experience I've had here! Do yourself a favor and try The Lucky Monk!
(5)Christina F.
This is a go-to lunch spot for coworkers and me. It's got good food, decent prices, fast service and a great outdoor patio to eat on. Did I mention they have a great selection of beer? That too. My favorite things to eat there include fried pickles served with a yummy sauce, parmesan truffle fries and their salads are huge and delish! I've never had a bad experience at The Lucky Monk. Definitely give it a try if you're in the area.
(4)G E.
Everything I have had there has been good. The burgers and fries are excellent, but the best thing on the menu is there fish and chips.
(5)M. H.
There is NOTHING on this menu that you WON'T like! The food, atmosphere ... beer ... mmmm beer. For those who aren't beer lovers - their beer will certainly change your mind! The service unfortunately is a little lacking in more ways than one: the servers generally forget about you and/or are slow and the hostesses are bland and snobby. And if it's a rainy day, or you are wearing really high heels - opt out - because you'll end up parking far away at the movie theatre (parking is lacking). But then again, it's worth the walk. Truthfully though, that would generally bother me a lot, but the food and atmosphere make up for that beyond a doubt! Everything from the appetizers (I swear they spike the dips and sauces with something ... because they are so delicious) to the burgers and entrees to the heavenly desserts - you will be sure to leave with a smile on your face (and perhaps some food still in the corner of your mouth). The Lucky Monk is a great place to be. All you need is a little patience (and perhaps someone to drop you off at the front door so you don't have to walk forever).
(4)L H.
If you enjoy a bad hostess, bad managment and your dinner and conversation with the table next to you, then this place is for you. Seating is over capacity and food subpar
(1)Russ W.
Literally no parking. We parked on the lawn and walked. Food was A-ok. I was hoping for more, but I thought the Friday's Jack Daniels burger actually had more flavor than mine did. This is not a "regular" spot to eat by a stretch. It made for a great date night or special occasion but I don't know if we'd fight for a parking spot again to come back. btw...The side salad was great and the beer was tasty, I had the spinach and goat cheese burger which was ok. Give it a whirl.
(3)Katelyn C.
Four stars, because 'Yay! I'm a fan"!!! I do love the burgers here and everything about the place is just cool, calm, and fun for a quiet date. I really can not remember one thing I loved, or hated about the place, so this is going to be a short review. Definitely worth a try though.
(4)Al C.
Love this place! The best burgers and microbrews in town. Get the Goat Cheese as an appetizer!
(4)Richard C.
good food, good service, ok-price. but i had a bad experience with this place with food i had soggy fries and too much fat on pork. otherwise other food we had were pretty good. i hope my experience was just one time. but price is ok, food tasted homemade, beer was good recommended to try out for yourself. ----EDIT----- i think i was drunk when i wrote this review. this place has REALLY GOOD pizza and decent selection of beer - if i remember correctly. fancy-looking restaurant with good food that are not too pricey. overall, i will come here for both casual date or get-together to get drunk with friends.
(4)Gino D.
3 time and still a charm!!!! I at Lucky Monk again tonight with the family. The kids and wife really enjoy the food. Parents, they do a great job with kids menu and give the kids some carrots and a cookie at the end.It is a nice touch. The food is very good and the service is great. All three times have been outstanding.
(4)Paula D.
LOOOOOOOOOVE this place! Been there many times. Food is excellent. Everything I've ever ordered was so good. The ambiance is lovely and the staff is very friendly! Lastly, the martinis are AWESOME! Enjoy........ Cheers!
(5)Scott T.
this is one of the best places in the Chicago area. Pizza is out of this world!!! atmosphere is wonderful outside and in and the bartenders are courteous. a must stop while in Hoffman Estates. ask for Rose.
(5)William L.
Very accommodating with gluten preferences. I had an open faced "Hot-Head" burger over a bed of Truffle Fries and it was delicious. The pomegranate Margarita was sweet as they come. The rest of the gluten free alcohol options were average with options like Redbridge and Cider. The server brought me a burger with a bun at first, but it was likely my fault for not speaking up more audibly. Would rate 5 out of 5 if the owners picked up a package of Udi's gluten free buns, it'd make a world of difference for your obviously burger - centric menu!
(4)Dawn M.
Hubby came and took me out to lunch from work - so headed over here, since friend had recently tried and liked it. (Does that mean this review is 2 for 1?) Interior was attractive. Stuff on the table is minimalist - so no visual distractions with mustard/ketchup bottles etc., and it works. Feels very clean - like a monastery. (Condiments are served with each meal, on the side.) This is a micro-brewery, so of course hubby had to try a beer - it was good. Looking forward to going back sometime when I don't have to return to the office and can have more than a sip of hubby's drink. Had burgers - yummy. Comes on a 1" mini platter, and the burger itself is tall - so presentation is great. (You may want mentally prepare yourself for getting messy! My fingers were covered in burger drippings - needed wipes or something.) :-) Fries were great. High praise here - but they were possibly even better than McDonalds. (Gasp! Did I just say that? Do you know how much I crave McDonalds french fries, my guilty pleasure?) Truly, they were good. Limited menu - basically burgers and pizza - so if you aren't happy with one of the other, go someplace else. (I think the menu is perfect - focused on what they are good at.) Wait staff were great - cheerful, helpful, prompt and friendly. Proximity to the movie theater means, as long as they continue to provide a good product, they've got a great audience. (Get it - movie theater, audience...) Should be able to get lunch crowd from surrounding areas, and then before/after movie crowd too. All in all a good experience. Would I recommend: Yes Would I return: Yes - looking forward to trying more of their brews, and their pizza next time.
(4)Stretch M.
My wife and I dined there recently and among other things ordered the tomato basil soup and a Caesar salad. The soups arrived and we quickly noted that both servings were tepid. Our waiter returned with the now hot soups saying "someone must have turned the heat down". OK, mistakes happen but then my wife's Caesar salad arrived and the salad was room temperature and the romaine lettuce was bitter and rancid. The waiter initially explained that the salad was warm because the soups had to reheat. Hmmmm. That in no way justified the temperature of the salad. If the salad had been left out over night it could not have been warmer. Our waiter informed us that the salad preparer had been chastised and the duty manager notified. It seemed to us that the manager could have put in an appearance, but that did not happen. I can understand an establishment could have an off day but serving a rancid salad indicates a systemic issue. We are fortunate in having a diverse selection of above average restaurants in the area and therefore will not be returning to "the unlucky Monk".
(1)Jenny S.
Went here last night. I give it 5 starts because of the Sweet Potatoe Fires. WOW. So good lol. I want to go back to get more!! The burger was also exceptional. I got the Bourbon. HUGE portion. I only ate half!
(5)Anna V.
I organized a surprise birthday party for my husby, and I decided to have it at the Lucky Monk, since he was golfing in South Barrington. I was really impressed with the interior, service, and food. I expected it to be a typical and casual bar food kind of place, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to reserve the Abbey Room, which is really spacious and modern. They have unique light fixtures that randomly hang from the ceiling creating a really cool effect. Also plenty of seating and a lot of room for set up, (we were expecting around 30 ppl). The servers (I forget their names) were super accommodating, and helped with the timing of everything for the surprise. I was able to bring in our own special cake, and our ipod to hook up to their sound system in the room. They also had a flat screen tv that was playing ESPN for the guys. The food was delicious, they brought out these awesome pretzels with various dipping sauces, and truffles fries. I had the burger which was very flavorful and everyone else was really happy with their choices. I would definitely come back, and hopefully check out their patio in the back. Thanks to Lucky Monk for helping me surprise my husby!
(5)Shaun S.
Overall pretty good. The burger was pretty good, not the best ever but definitely above average. There was a small side if fries which still left me hungry enough to get the pretzel which was very good. I got an amber ale which was very good also.
(4)Mae H.
We've been here a handful of times. They never disappoint, we've always been given amazing service, food has always been good! I won't lie, I was a little worried about even going there, due to the last restaurant that use to be there. (Bad service, even worse food, very dirty!!) We were very surprised! They have plenty of seating, both inside and outside, you don't feel like you are sitting on top of the table next to you. Very, Very clean, knowledgeable staff. They know their beers. We've had everything from, a pizza, burger, to fired pickles (our favorite) , to a double fudge brownie. We were there the other night with friends, it was clearly closing time. Like most places, the staff, will try anything, to get you go to go, instead, she told us to take our time, and asked if we wanted another round. We sat next to the fire, chatting, around good food, and good drinks. Very laid-back, nice atmosphere. OK, I know this is a little crazy, however; I often judge a place by their bathrooms. This place has some of the cleanest, nicest bathrooms, I've seen in sometime. We were there for about 3-4 hours, I saw someone in there, cleaning, re-stocking, 3 different times. I was impressed! Age group is very wide spread. My boyfriend is obsessed, when it comes to the type of beer he will drink, he loves pretty much every single beer, they brew there. I'm a snot when it comes to the type of wine I drink, I was just a little disappointed, when I saw one of my Favorite wines...was now $10 a glass. Only one downfall, and it's very small, downfall. I wish they had a larger variety of pizza toppings. . Otherwise, we love the place. Not one single thing.
(4)