Good food. Incredible selection of beer. Highly recommend.
(5)
Scott W.
Great beer list. The mussels and fries are both amazing.
(4)
William S.
Mussels Monk, pommes frites, Pliny the Elder (draft), Scythe & Sickle (draft), Liz Phair - Divorce Song, Pavement - In the Mouth a Desert, The Black Keys - Set You Free, Pavement - Gold Sounds, Wilco - Box Full of Letters. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
(5)
Emily W.
*this is more like a 2 1/2 star place, but I rounded up because it's not bad for bar food Not being a beer drinker, I don't even know if it is fair for me to give this place a review. But I'll do it for all of those other non-beer drinkers whose friends all want to grab dinner here. This really is a no-frills sort of place. The tables are all a little cramped, the lights are perpetually dimmed, it's a little noisy, and it requires lots of teamwork to get the waitstaff's attention. The food is pretty good, but a few changes would make it even better. For instance, I like to get the grilled chicken sandwich with broccoli rabe and cheddar (Ghent style). The bread it's served on is large and tasty on it's own and a little reminiscent of a sourdough boule, but it's not good for serving with burgers or chicken sandwiches. For one, the bread dwarfs what's inside and secondly, the bread requires way too much chewing. You end up feeling full of bread before you can even finish the main protein. The Ghent preparation is really tasty on the chicken sandwich because it transforms a potentially dry chicken breast into something moist and flavorful. My boyfriend is a sucker for the truffled cheese in the Antwerp style burger, and again, it's well-cooked and tasty, but the oversized, chewy bun detracts from the leisurely burger eating experience. I'll admit that have a pretty extensive beer selection and for all of those people who haven't read Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential and still eat mussels, there's a nice selection of those too. Just be sure to bring your ID because they check it at the door.
(3)
Kristen F.
The first few times I went to Monk's I really liked it. But, over the last first years I have noticed a severe decline in their service and the overall atmosphere. The staff's general snobbery is atrocious, the food and beer is over priced and really and truly who wants to pay a hefty bill for an attitude sandwich? You're better off going to 'Devil's Den' or 'Hawthorne's' in South Philly and actually enjoying the money you spend.
(2)
Barney B.
Did you know that Belgium is the salt capitol of the world? Neither did I - but when eating food at Monk's, you surely would think so. OK, sure, the frites should be salted. But the bun, chicken, leeks, cheese, salad? everything just made you pucker. Genious plan to get you to drink more beer, but all I wanted was a gallon of water. sadly, I only got a glass, from the under-enthused bartender.
(2)
Tim C.
I had never been to Philadelphia before, but I enjoyed my brief stay! This restaurant reminded me of one of my favorite places in Boston, The Public House. The menu offers a wide selection of craft beers. I had an IPA which was fantastic. I had a cheeseburger with leeks which was also quite good and cooked just right. My only complaint would be that fries did not come with the burger. I tried some of the muscles which I am not crazy about, but they were good and the reason we were brought there in the first place.
(4)
Constance H.
When people complain about Monk's, my heart does a sad, little flip- flop in my chest. Where is everyone going that's better than Monk's? Seriously. I want to know. Monk's has an unparalleled beer selection, 'crack in a basket' fries (frites) with delicious dipping sauce, casual ambiance, superior music and competent waitstaff/bartenders. Not to mention that patrons can roll in at 1pm on a sunny day and never experience even the slightest twinge of regret - much like being in a cool, comforting cave that serves beer and wants to feed you fancyish, fried things covered in mayo. Doesn't get much better than that as far as I'm concerned. The steak frites salad is divine. Not a fan of mussels generally but met an out of towner chef (at Monk's actually) who was in for a conference and had come to the restaurant specifically to sample the famous fare. What really makes this one of the best resty's in the city is that it maintains the most crucial elements of Philadelphia itself: crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. You may have to work a little harder to get past the grit but once you do, it's more than worth it.
(5)
Sophia L.
The service was horrible therefore my experience sucked! Our waiter was unfriendly and a bit rude!!! Never did try anything on the dinner menu
(2)
Michael P.
Did not eat, just drank,....drumroll please..... Russian River Damnation
(5)
Elizabeth B.
I think Monk's has some of the best food in the city. I really do! I have been coming here for a long time and it is consistently good. The plusses: 1)excellent selection of burgers with interesting toppings. I have never grown tired of this. I don't recommend the vegan burger though -- tastes too much like a boca burger and I like my veggie burger to taste like veggies ... well maybe that's the distinction between "vegan" and "veggie" in this case, but I digress. 2)the mussels are so wonderful here. I love mussels and I love the variety. The small pot is enough for one and the pommes frites are a perfect complement. 3)the beer selection is pretty cool. I like how they separate the menu by region. I know a lot of places do that but I can still like it, right? The minuses: 1)it is hard to eat here. It is pretty much always jam packed. I guess you could come on a weekday for lunch or early dinner (around 5) and get a table. 2)if you have a group and you arrive at different times, they won't seat you until your entire party arrives. I can't say this will happen every time, but it has happened to me on at least three occasions. 3)the service is sometimes painfully slow. During a recent visit, the waitress took our drink order ... we waited ... she came back to take our food order, no drinks ... drinks came and she asked if we were ready to place our food order? I know it's busy but come on. 4)they don't serve Yeungling Lager, which is fine with me -- the "minus" in this case is that I've seen bartenders be downright rude when a simple "no we don't serve that" will suffice. Still -- come prepared to wait and the food will be worth it!
(4)
Christine G.
Beer selection is impeccable - and the food was great too. Tried the duck salad sandwich, mussels, and hummus with pita, and all was delicious.
(5)
Kelly G.
I really really really wanted to love monks. I wish I could give more stars but it was literally just OK. The beer selection is of course large and they had some of my favorites on tap (Delirium Tremens, Chouffe Houblon, etc) which I did enjoy. However, the food was mediocre. I do understand that Monk's might not be the place to get a veggie burger but really the one I got was barely edible. The bun was about 3 times the size of the burger and it had a strange, tangy flavor. My two dining mates got mussels (provencal and monks I think), and they were fine. Just fine. The frites were soggy. Etc. I usually give places a second chance, so I'll try Monk's again at some point. And reyelp about it.
(3)
Vicki B.
Non-beer drinkers who go here: There is hope for you! The real reason I've given Monk's three stars is because I'm not a beer person, who was tagging along with beer people. The beer people thought this place was great and had 6-7 different beers each. Husband said it "felt like was back in Europe" and I had to agree. The place does have a very nice atmosphere, espeically on weekend nights. The food is good and unusual (I had the scallops) and we shared the salty, salty Belgian fries; and the music is low as well as the lighting, making the atmosphere perfect. The issue is that, having such a huge beer selection, prices become...well..pricey,quickly. And you often have to buy the "Beer Bible" beforehand to know what you've tasted. Additionally, our waiter on Saturday night wasn't too helpful in suggesting beers, but usually all the staff is pretty knowledgeable, almost making me want to be part of the beer in club.
(3)
Catherine B.
Great beer. Great mussels. Possibly the best mussels I've ever had and they have a veggie cheesesteak that might be what all the hoopla is about when you hear about this philly cheesesteak thing. Its amazing. I think the vegetarians are winning for once. They're beer list is unbelievable. I didn't realise how much so until a recent visit to belgium and I couldn't believe how many beers I had already had at monks. It is an institution and we are lucky to have this little oasis in our town. They have always had a really late kitchen which is a fantastic thing. My favourite time to pop in is in the afternoon or late night because it gets crazy busy at dinnertime. Something you might not know......the desserts ......oh my gosh.......don't go anywhere else
(5)
Daniel H.
This is a dynamic place - I'd imagine it's great to hang there after work and grab a couple of nice beers. It's decent for dinner too, but I want to talk about the burgers. DON'T GET THEM. A burger needs to have all the right components. Monk's burgers are served on quite possibly the WORST roll ever. Very tough, very thick, and it ruins the entire thing. Also, the burger doesn't come with any sides, not even french fries. Beware - the server will talk up the french fries, but don't be fooled. They're thinly cut and come with a mayo dipping sauce. They weren't bad, but I've certainly had better. Don't believe them when they tell you they're the best you'll ever eat. Fantastic beer selection, if you're into Belgian beers. Despite my feelings on the burger, I'd try this again to see what else they've got. Place is charming, and conveniently located. Try it out!
(3)
ruth s.
Best veggie burger and fries in the city. Great beer selection, of course, and a pretty decent martini.
(4)
Christopher R.
In my previous review, I complained about the lack of room at Monk's but that hasn't really kept me away. My love of its vast selection of beer has forced me to give up on it as a nighttime destination and to seek out new hours to head there for a drink. So, I've starting heading there for a long lunch on Friday afternoon--against my will, I assure you--and I'm glad I've accepted my fate as an afternoon-only Monk's patron since it has finally allowed me to try their food. It also seems like the lighter crowd has the effect of making the bartenders much more attentive in helping me select a good beer. The Ardennes Burger is pretty good, though the taste of the cheese is overwhelmed by the meat and the parma ham to the extent that you might as well leave it off--disappointing since the nuttiness of the cheese was something I was really looking forward to when I ordered it. The burger itself is incredibly juicy. The pulled pork is likewise good eatin' but nothing special if you've ever experienced actual pulled pork. The sauce wasn't quite as tangy as I would have liked, too. That's my fault for having unachievably high expectations for my barbeque though. For both, the artisan bun it is served on accomplishes the trick & the side of fries with garlic mayo is worth adding on to your sandwich. I look forward to trying the mussels, duck salad sandwich and chicken pot pie on future lunches, as they all look quite promising.
(4)
C P.
Stopped in for a late dinner on a Friday night. The place was not too crowded and we were seated right away. Amazing beer selection and the menu was helpful in choosing which ones to try. I had a burger, which wasn't the best I'd ever eaten, but decent. The artisan roll was too big for the burger, which was well done even though I ordered it medium. I would definitely come here again to try some more beers and sample some other menu items.
(4)
Brian B.
I try to go to this place whenever I visit Philly. Last weekend I had an excellent seitan cheesesteak. I'm not sure how they sauteed the vegetables and seitan but it was perfect. Seriously one of the best sandwiches I have ever had - hands down. Their selection of beer is great. I really enjoyed the Belgian witbier on tap and the Monk's Sour Ale was amazing. I need to find a beer store or bar in DC that carries it. I will definitely visit this place again.
(5)
Stephanie H.
We loved this place so much we came here two days in a row for lunch! Burgers and mussels were delicious. Loved all the different unique burger toppings that were available...we had the Antwerp (sottocenare truffle cheese & shitake mushroom), Ardennes (ardennes-style ham (think sweet parma) & Belgian cheese), and Trappist (goat cheese, lettuce, tomato & raw onion)...all were great but I loved the Antwerp the best. Meat was moist and delicious....would be great even w/o the toppings. The bun was a bit too big for the burger so I actually ate my burgers open faced and saved the bun for the dipping in the mussel broth.
(5)
Albert H.
Monk's is one of the original beer enthusiast location to visit in Philly. Keep in mind there's two bars inside, so if it is busy up front you might find a cozy chair in the back. Monk's offers extremely rare offerings at times. For example, I was able to enjoy a pint of Victory Old Horizontal that was aged for several years, served on tap here at Monk's. Top quality local craft and a wide range of Belgian imports are the norm. Atmosphere is intimate, comfortable, and somewhat upscale compared to some places that are more like a college frat boy bar atmosphere.
(4)
Jake V.
I like the bizarro world that restaurants kind of live in. They forget that there are places like the Foodery that sells the same beer they do for about half the price which is still really inflated. Usually, though, this can fly because you're in a restaurant being taken care of in a comfortable condition. You are paying for that service that allows you not to have to work or worry about food. For all the hype and clamor, I think that Monk's has forgotten that fact in the hurry of cramming 250 people into a space that can hold 100. Listen, it's great that they have rare esoteric beers coupled with gourmet food. It really is. But between the sensation of dining in a refrigerator, being bumped by people constantly moving around, having the pleasure of being ignored by our waiter, and kind of wondering why I just $45 for that experience really sours whatever quality they are serving. Oh well.
(3)
Lynda T.
Yay! yes, this was a great place to end the day. We had pomme frites, veal and chicken sausage, greens, and spicy mayo for dipping. I warmed myself with a glass of merlot. For dessert, yes they do have dessert, we had chocolate tart filled with creme brulet filling....(salivating, yet?) I think I will bring colleagues here... the fries are thinly sliced and little soggy with oily goodness, and nice and hot..we difpped them in spicy mayo the best part was our dessert! yeah and they had beer, too. enjoy! and try it! our server was chipper and in a good mood for as late as it was...she was helpful and served us immediately...
(4)
Bixley T.
Why this place consistently gets excellent reviews puzzles me. Myself and pretty much the majority of my social circle is over Monks. First of all, unless I sit at the bar, and even then sometimes, the service sucks. I get that they get busy, but if you don't check on my table ever, and my food comes out dead (that means it sat in the window of the kitchen forever and became gross), then you are either a terrible server or you are under staffed, and I find it hard to believe that a place as popular as Monks has any trouble attracting competent, experienced wait staff. So what's the problem? And what ever happened to the salad that comes with the sandwiches? There were 5 pieces of baby lettuce on my plate, I'm not sure that constitutes a "salad." Beer selection is good, but the prices are a bit steep and reflect the fame of Monks and not reality. Plus it's super lame that the prices for beer aren't shown on the menus. It kinda just screams "we're ripping you off!" The only reason I even came in the other day, for the first time in two years (because I had had it with the terrible service here) was because I had a serious burger craving, and everyone else was doing brunch, and my burger came out over cooked.
(2)
Yolanda Y.
Came here for lunch today for the first time ever and goddamn it was good. I wasn't expecting a lot and the waiter wasn't super friendly, so I thought this would be kind of average. My friend got the duck salad and I got the vegan seitan pita. I tried a piece of the duck - yum! My pita was also really good. The food is definitely worth the price. The environment is just so unassuming, you think beer is their thing, and then (surprise!) the food is kickass too! The duck comes out pretty rare (deliciously so), so if you want it cooked longer, let them know ahead of time. I imagine the mussels are great because they smelled really good too. Credit-card-friendly.
(5)
p e.
This place is amazing- there's not much I can add to all the reviews written here. There are actually very, very few Belgian themed bar/restaurants which cover all the bases as well as Monk's. In NYC, where I live, there are loads of great beer places, even a few that serve good food, like Petite Abielle. But as far as quality of food and great selection of beer, the only places I've ever been to that surpass this (hence the 4 stars) are: the Hopleaf in Chicago .... and a very obscure place in Duryea PA called AuRants (review coming soon!)
(4)
Josh K.
Habit forming... like a Monk's habit. Get it? I'm stupid. My little sister showed me this place when I came to visit in Philly. Honesty, you can't beat mussels, pommes frites, and good beer. A great ambiance and a great beer selection are two things that always make me smile. Now I understand why Belgium still exists as a country and hasn't been partitioned between France and Holland. Actually, I don't. Why does Belgium still exist? Whatever, this place rocks.
(5)
N M.
Pub like atmosphere, HUGE beer list from all over the world. Chimay on tap, steamed mussels, pommes frittes .... just doesn't get any better. The line and service at time can be pretty frustrating, or it would have a five str rating from me. If you can catch this place during the week before it is insane it is an amazing find. If you know one of my other reviews ... Brugge in Indiananapolis ... this is like a more established, larger and more publike version.
(4)
Zulay V.
Delicious food! The burgers are amazing, very juicy and very good. I got the Antwerp, it was amazing. The fries are good... though I personally prefer thicker fries. The dipping sauce is nice and spicy. The mussels were good, though there were 3 that were unopened and a few with cracked shells.... NOT OKAY. It is a GIVEN that the chef should toss out unopened mussels and make sure no shells are floating around broken. The desserts were very good, especially the coconut cream pie. Service was much, much too slow though. There weren't very many people, and it was a Sunday afternoon. It took a long time to get water and our orders taken. The waitress was nice, but the hostess/girl who bussed our table had a bit of an attitude. Still, the food was really good and the music was AWESOME.
(4)
Hannah G.
Monk's is one of my favorite spots downtown. Massive beer selection and tasty food. The mussels are practically a steal given the size of the order. I've made out like a bandit splitting the "small" pot of mussels and one burger or appetizer with my boyfriend.
(5)
Rich U.
My second favorite beer bar in the Northeast after Mahar's in Albany, New York! I know nothing of their food (although I hear its pretty good), but God bless those Trappist monks from Belgium and this Philly purveyor of their premium ales on tap. For me, this place defines Philly at least as much as their cheesesteaks (which I love), their hostile fans (who beat me up once twenty years ago), and that bell with the crack in it. Are the people who say there's no room in this place aware that there's a second bar in the back?
(4)
Jessica S.
Service at the bar was very disappointing. Since we had a 45 minute wait for a table we tried to get a drink at the bar, as suggested by the hostess . Two bartenders working around 7PM on a Friday night. It didn't seem like they were necessarily slammed and couldn't get to us, it just seemed like they were not at all motivated to serve people who were not sitting at the bar. Even after trying to get their attention twice, bartenders seemed more preoccupied fixing the music and changing out bills in the register. We never got a drink during our 45 minute wait. It seems they should have more bartenders during a busy shift, or bartenders should be aware that with long a long wait for a table, its customary for guests to order a drink at the bar. Food was OK, nothing spectacular. Service at the table and beers were very good.
(2)
Kevin S.
I finally had an opportunity to experience the legend that is Monks this past Friday with a group from my Softball team. It was totally packed, so instead of grabbing a table, we went straight for the bar. And what a bar it is! After the customary what-do-you-want, what-have-you-got, I have a small green book in my hands, appropriately named the 'Beer Bible'. Indeed, listed in these pages are well over a hundred brews from all over the world, peppered with all manor of interesting factoids about beer and its creation. You'll find everything from local favorites such as Yards and Victory and the Philadelphia Brewing Company, to a huge list of Belgian beers, with all sorts of rare obscurities and traditional favorites in between. I promise you this: No matter how esoteric your tastes, you'll find something that pleases you in the beer bible. Of course, the worlds most impressive beer list is just a list without a knowledgeable staff to keep you supplied. And, even on a busy Friday night we were well taken care of. Monk's has a warm and casual atmosphere, and an amazing bar. Five stars.
(5)
Dave L.
Beers and burgers. What else is there? If you're like me, you've been in the City of Brotherly Love (& Sisterly Affection) a few times and you're tired of hearing about "Philly's best cheesesteak." Jim's, Pat's, Campo's... Forget all that. Stop by Monk's and drink with the locals. You'll never get bored with their dizzying selection of beer. They even have a beer bible. Mmm... sacrilicious! For eats, the mussels, burgers and pommes frites are must-trys! Myself, I go for the Monk's Burger. Tips: If you're looking for something like Monk's in southern California, try Father's Office in Santa Monica.
(5)
Anne B.
If you're walking in the cold in Center City, what better way to warm up than with a beer and a burger? Friends and I went into this brewery and had minimal wait for a table on a Saturday mid-afternoon. I got the Russian River Damnation (I know it's a Belgian beer joint, but my Cali roots run deep) and the Brussels burger (bacon and cheddar). The wait for food was very long. Maybe like an hour. It was hard to tell as the Damnation was really putting me in a time warp, but my dining companions also thought it was a long wait. Once the food arrived, it was hot and delicious. This is the kind of burger you've got to put your whole face into. I walked out full and happy, feeling like the cold couldn't touch me. :)
(4)
Heydi H.
Totally in love with this place. Ever since we visited here we have been trying to find a similar place back home in NYC. The truth is we loved Monk's sour ale, which they tell us is made specially for Monk's in Belgium! So good luck to us trying to find a duplicate. We'll keep trying. The selection of food and beer is out of this world. Cannot wait to go back there again.
(5)
Meg C.
Even though I had been to Monk's before, I wanted to try it one more time before I wrote a review. This was because I kept hearing/reading that it was the same as Belgian Cafe, a place that earned a two-star review only because of the beer menu. And, thank goodness, my warm memories of Monk's remain intact. The wait for two on Friday was 45 minutes, not too bad. The restaurant is decorated with fresh wreaths right now, the smell is amazing. Unfortunately, we were seated near the kitchen, which always seems to happen here. But our server was quick and attentive, which made up for it somewhat. We ordered small pots of the Ghent mussels, which were surprisingly light considering they had bacon and blue cheese in the broth. They had big, plump, succulent bellies. They were fully cooked and the cooking liquid was rich and plentiful. The frites were good, the mayo sauce was amazing as always. Chimay was great, of course, although I wasn't a fan of the other beer I ordered. Oh, and don't skip dessert, this is the only place I consistently order it because everything is so good.
(4)
Jibreel P.
Mussels. Fries. Beer.
(5)
Jim S.
This place should have 5 stars, not 4. This is the only reason why I'm writing a review. These are the best mussels, pommes frites and selection of Belgian beer that I have seen outside of Belgium. Nothing else that I have been to in Philadelphia, New York, DC, or London compares. Monk's Flemish sour is the best I've had.
(5)
Josh G.
I didn't get to eat here, as the place was packed and I finally got tired of waiting to get a seat at the bar. I did get to spend a lot of time perusing their beer menu. Not only was it very busy, but the bartenders seemed a bit....spiky. The beer list everyone raves about isn't that impressive. Maybe it's because our brewpubs and microbreweries suck so hard, but Boston has the beer bar down to a science. Monk's doesn't cut it. The Belgians they have are interesting-- clearly this is the part of the menu they really thought about. But nearly everything is overpriced. Meh. Surely Philly has a better beer bar than this?
(2)
Alex F.
My wife and I stopped there for an early dinner on 7/8/2010 after dropping my son off for his first quarter at AIPH. Not being a beer person like I am, she was a bit hesitant at going there. She ended up having a few glasses of wine from their short winelist, while I had a few of the Belgian specialty brews a Cantillion kriek and an oak aged sour Petrus both were quite good. The brew list is impressive, heavy on the Belgian styles (the main reason I wanted to try the place), but there are quite a few selections from other parts of the world (around 200 varieties overall). Overall the brew selection is slanted towards the higher alcohol styles. The food - We had the Charcouterie Platter as a starter. The rabbit terrine was wonderful as well as the grilled sausages and the mix of Belgian and English cheeses. The coarse mustard included on the platter was one of the best that we have ever had. She had a small pot of the Ghent style mussels (leeks, bleu cheese and bacon in a DuPont Saison) while I had the grilled duck salad. She said that the mussels were great (I can't eat them, as I sometimes become violently ill while eating mussels - something to do with whatever they were feeding on rather than the mussles themselves, so I avoid eating them altogether). I had a vew of the pomme frites that were served with the mussels, and was not impressed with them. The cut of the potatoes was all wrong, limp skinny shoestrings rather than thick cut & chunky, the included burbon mayo was quite good however. The duck salad included a perfectly cooked half breast, and a nice slice of fresh goat cheese but the mesclun green salad was rather average. The included spiced walnuts were good, but nothing to shout about. When I get back there again, I will probably just have a burger. Overall, I would give it a 6/5 (yes I know the scale only goes to 5 but the list was well above average) for the beer and a 3/5 for the food - call it a 4 overall.
(4)
Abigail O.
beer is so, so, so delicious. we got there around 8 on a random wednesday night and somehow managed to snag two seats at the bar even though they were on a wait for tables. started off with a bottle of cantillon gueze right off the bat, just to get the party started the right way. moved on to a couple abbey dubbels and two kinds of mussels -- ghent and provence. i'd been looking forward to coming to monk's for a long time, and the mussels were nearly beginning to catch up with the beer in my anticipation. perhaps that was the problem... i enjoyed the flavor combinations and the mussels themselves (huge, meaty, and steamed perfectly so they were falling out of the shell but not chewy). however, it seems as if all the items were tossed into the pot with the mussels at the same time and steamed all together, instead of, say, caramelizing the onions in a pan, then frying the bacon, etc. we were eventually joined by friends and moved to a table where we continued to drink beer and ordered the duck salad, which was incredible. i like duck but i'm pretty picky about it, and this was cooked and paired to perfection with the rest of the goodies on the plate. ended with the dogfish head fort, because finishing off the night with an 18% abv beer is always an awesome idea. overall, i loved the cave-like atmosphere reminiscent of the monks from whence the name and brewing style came. service was eh... i'd give it 2 stars at the bar and 3 at the table. for such an awesome place i wish they'd have better staff, but i'll still be back!
(3)
Nicholas W.
Monk's is one place that I really enjoy going. It can get crowded at times, and that is due to the layout of the building and is by no means on knock on what they do or how service is. Monks has a great food menu(frites, mussels, burgers especially). The beer menu and draft selection is the shining crown jewel at this center city eatery. It has something for everyone and then a whole lot more. Be ready to spread your wings and try some interesting beers. The staff is very knowledgeable of the products they sell.
(4)
Loic C.
When I travel to Philly I always want to go to Monks a great Belgian Bistro. The beers selection is amazing. They have 100s of bottles and great draft. Mussels: All the mussels are delicious. I have tried them all. either cheeses or bacon or herbs, beer or wine all the toppings work. Get it Burgers: The burgers are good. The bread is from a local bakery and really enjoyable. The toppings are interesting. The meat is average. Fries: The fries are thinly handcut but the best is the spicy mayonnaise. I just love it. Duck Salad: It is a nice duck breast (magret) salad. I think the amount of duck on the plate went down over the years. Too bad. Rabbit: I love rabbit. It is hit or miss at Monk's and I had it several times. I think that the meat is frozen. I want this dish to be good so bad.
(4)
Jennifer D.
Best beer selection in Philly, fantastic food, consider this your hot wing warning. They're throat burning, eyes watering, nose running hot (not recommended for a first date, unless you're into that!)
(4)
Justin H.
Two bars with rotating taps with great beers... And a beer bible with virtually any bottled beer you can think of! The pulled pork sandwich, burgers, and mussels are delicious... But you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. If you like INSANELY hot wings, then try the Spanish Flies. Beer plus over the top bar food and the great service will keep you pleased... Definitely worth it, even if there's a long wait!
(5)
Joe L.
Besides my complete lack of ability in pronouncing Belgian beers, it's an amazing selection of great beers. They do carry many beers from around the globe, not just Belgian. I had the mac and cheese, which honestly was average.. The duck salad sandwich was the absolute highlight of the dinner. Ghent mussels were great, if no one was looking I would've stuck a straw in the pot and finished the broth in a second. The lamb Cheeks were very good as well, think very tender, fatty (in a good way) pot roast. We went on a Saturday night at 7:00, completely packed and took an hour and 15 minutes to get seated for two. No a knock at all, a good restaurant should be impossible on a Saturday night, just a heads up if you're either starving or trying to get a quick bite to eat.
(4)
Vinny P.
There's not much new to say about Monk's so I'll keep it short. Go right after work, you'll have the best chance of getting a seat. Bring money, it's not cheap. Get some mussels (any kind, they're all delicious) Drink some great beer. Try something you've never tasted, trust me they have it. Enjoy.
(5)
Tom M.
Possibly the best restaurant ever! Amazing beer/wine/drink selection, Spanish fly and mussels are incredible, and service is excellent!! As a non-philly native, I visit this culinary gem every time I'm in the area. Waits can be long, but it's very worth it! Can be troublesome with large groups!
(5)
Ben P.
Great atmosphere. I LOVE the mussels and the huge beer selection.
(5)
Ariana B.
Great selection of bottled beers and some of the most delicious mussels you will ever have. Service could be better. They kind of have that beer snob thing going on, but they aren't fancy enough to pul it off. The food and beer make up for it, though.
(4)
Rebecca C.
Fantastic beer selection, great food, nice atmosphere, but also a painful victim of the Rittenhouse-yuppie overflow syndrome. I recommend going here on off-days to fully enjoy the experience, but then again I hate people so don't take my word for it.
(4)
Nina T.
Great beer selection! We shared the veal cheeks and it was so incredibly tender and flavorful. We also had the Ghent mussels. Between two people, we ordered the small and there was plenty of mussels for both of us. It came with a side of fries and also some bread to sop up the juice at the bottom of the mussels pot (I wasn't crazy about the type of bread).
(5)
Gregory D.
Great place for a beer and appetizers!
(4)
McKenzie R.
Great place- sometimes a bit more crowded than I would like, but I can't blame them! Of course great beers, and of course great mussels, but my boyfriend had the duck sandwich and that was awesome too! Bar tenders were great and wait staff is OK.
(4)
Jason C.
Great food, great beers, but a tiny space. Gets crowded in a hurry.
(3)
Ian P.
Great vegan options & a beer list that never gets old! Good luck getting a table...it's not easy.
(5)
Christopher J.
If you're a beer snob, this is your place. Great beer, and and an amazing selection. Make sure you try the traditional Belgian moules-frites.
(5)
Seth S.
Monk's is a Rittenhouse institution. It has a very good beer selection and the vibe is laid back but also upbeat. It can get a bit loud at times, but not to the point that conversation becomes difficult. As for food, their seitan sandwich is good, though of course I wouldn't mind seeing another veggie option or two on the menu.
(4)
Shannon M.
Awesome beer selection and the food is incredible. I tend to only visit on weeknights, as the wait on the weekends tends to be long. If you are a beer person, this is a must stop while in Philadelphia!
(5)
Clare H.
Yeah, that guy who got food poisoning, that's my boyfriend. After three cases of food poisoning between two people, I can't help but say that my love affair with Monk's is over. Not like Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth over, but like Britney Spears and Kevin Federline over, (though I would prefer not to be compared to either of the two).
(2)
Jess D.
Great atmosphere, perfect for beer snobs or those who are craving some delicious Mussels! Their version of "fries" are fantastic! Always pretty hopping but never overly crowded. Definitely a place to add to your list of favorites.
(5)
Kevin Y.
They have tons of great beers on tap and in bottle. Mussels are great, as well as some of their sandwiches and large plates. They obviously feel like they don't have to be nice to me because they have a great reputation and put out a quality product. However, I can't stand the condecending attitudes that the staff seems to always have. The last time I was in, the bartender was sitting on the beer cooler, reading a book while my glass was empty. She didn't smile, talk to me, or express any interest that I was even there; and it was a slow Wednesday with only a half dozen or so people at the bar. Because I love rare and obscure beer from time to time, I can't help but to revisit Monk's probably once every six months or so, always hoping the service improves, but I've yet to see anything that makes me want to come in more often.
(2)
Stef S.
The imported beer is sooo expensive. Okay fine. They can't help that. I'd say 4-5 stars on the selection of beer. Otherwise the place is crowded and dark. There is no place to sit. And we're not even allowed to sit at the tables when it's midnight and no one is eating. Just because. While the food was good, I'm sure, the ambiance left much to be desired.
(2)
Prasath S.
This place ta kes Belgian Food to another place...AMAZED !!! Despite waiting for 45mins last night for a table for 2, we had a memorable time here...Started off with the Fiery Wings (At a Belgian Place?) These were no Buffalo Wings that you find at a typical bar...These were soaked and blended with pickled chipotle peppers and had actual pepper skin on the sauce..so hot !!! I could only eat a few...the Pomme Frites that came along with them...different story....Thin, Crispy and served with a Paprika/Garlic Aioli that puts other fries to shame...We also had the Monk's Receipe style mussels ( felt it tasted a little too oceany) but didn't bother as much...next time we'll get red light or thai receipe....We finished off the meal with the Duck Salad SW !!! (This dish needs to be Michelin Rated !!!) Tender pieces of duck breast sliced thin...cooked medium rare..served on a long roll with goat cheese, cranberry pieces and walnuts....Heaven on a bun !!!!
(5)
Lauren O.
While the service was pretty terrible the night we were there, the beer selection and food were awesome. My honest rating based on my one experience would truly be more like a 3 1/2, because the hostess clearly skipped our name (or failed to "find us" as we were promised she would), but tried to cover it up instead of admitting it and seating us ASAP after that. Our "45 minute wait" ended up being more like an hour and a half wait. Luckily, we were able to wait out some seats at the bar during that time and just ate there. The portions are hearty and everything we ordered was cooked perfectly. I would recommend the pomme frites appetizer, any of the burgers, and the duck confit entree. Delicious! I could see this being a favorite haunt if I lived in Philly, but I would definitely not return on a Saturday night at 8pm again.
(4)
Kevin O.
My wife came here for the mussels, but all the food here is amazing and the alcohol varieties mind boggling. No wonder people are always lined up to get in. Not very expensive either. A gem in Philly, and a well deserved landmark.
(4)
SM F.
Provided you can get a seat and are ok with a very noisy place, the beer selection is one of the best in the country and has won numerous accolades. The owners of Monks own a few other local restaurants worth checking out where the food is better. A nice place to visit in pairs, but you'll likely have a lengthy wait if you are in a group, particularly on weekends.
(4)
Ramon L.
Deep belgian beer list. Not particularly cheap on the beer. I recommend the Gulden Draak: insane carmaely goodness. I had a severely underdone burger here once. Did not like that one bit. The muscles are a good deal. And passable. Not transcendent or anything, but you will be full for ten bucks! They come with nice breads and things to sop up the broth.
(4)
Caitlin C.
Obviously the beer selection is awesome. I also throughly enjoyed my trifecta, which I usually get at beer parlors like this: green salad (good spicy dressing), mussels (the Red Light was delicious), and fries! Yum yum yum.
(4)
Sarah C.
We got some cider, beers and mussels. All Delicious!!
(5)
Chloe C.
Waitress was such an idiot, overpriced.
(1)
Liz L.
Our server was friendly and knowledgable. TONS of beer options and a pretty good sized menu. I was happy to see more than a couple of vegetarian options. The food was fine, I have no complaints, but I can't say I'm not dying to go back either.
(3)
Dan C.
I really want to give Monk's 4, or even 5 stars. The problem is I've been twice and enjoyed it immensely, and been twice more and had to leave without getting anything because it was so crowded. I am already planning to go back, but know that I either have to go for dinner in order to secure a table, or get there before the dinner rush to drink at the bar. Taking the crowd out of the equation, Monk's is pretty awesome. A simply epic beer list, including hard to find Belgian and American craft beers. The food is solid but unspectacular. Can't go wrong with the muscles. The atmosphere is so-so. Dark, but this is ok for some reason. Too loud though. A bit on the pricey side, but this is to be expected for such high quality beer. Can't wait to go back, but again, needs some serious planning.
(3)
Juliana C.
Both times I've been here, the service was disappointing and the food just OK. I keep wanting this place to be great, but I'm not sure I'll go back a third time. Good beer selection.
(3)
Laura S.
I really enjoyed our dinner at Monk's Cafe. The place was packed on a weeknight, but we were able to get seated within 30 minutes. The interior is quite dark and reminiscent of a British pub, definitely unpretentious, casual and comfortable. They have the largest assortment of beer that I have ever come across in one establishment. It really is impressive. The beer menu doubles as an informational booklet that includes a glossary of types of beer, complete with country of origin and flavor notes. I ordered a kriek lambic (black cherry beer), and it was really yummy. My boyfriend ordered stronger brew, which he also enjoyed a lot. For food, we got the Provence mussels (fumè, celery, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, leeks, garlic, parsley & cream) and split the duck salad (baby greens with duck breast (grilled medium/medium rare), goat cheese, spicy walnuts & craisins). THE MUSSELS WERE DELICIOUS. A small order for $9.95 was the perfect amount. The mussels were fresh and succulent and the broth was amazing. The fries with homemade bourbon mayo were awesome as well. And not to be outdone, the duck in the duck salad was tender and flavorful, while the veggies were crisp and refreshing. They even split it into two plates for us. I just gotta comment on the mussels again. These were probably the best mussels I've had for as long as I can remember. I can assure you, you won't be disappointed in ordering them. The only thing that was a bit disappointing was that I found the same lambic that they served being sold at BevMo! for a lot less.
(5)
Jesse B.
Duck Salad Sandwich not to be missed. Wonderful.
(4)
Rachel E.
Best Mussels I've ever had! The beer selection is awesome. I'm honestly not a fan of their burgers (the brioche buns are really dry!), but everything else I've had there is great!
(4)
Dave H.
If you don't like sours or Belgians at all, skip it. If you actually know what beer should be and would rather cut out your own tongue than choke down a cow-piss Budweiser, this might be the place for you. The sour cask ale is from heaven. Pricey and a wee small, still worth a visit, to be sure!
(4)
Chuck L.
I'm giving three stars because I've not eaten here; only had drinks on two occasions. The first time I went to Monk's was late on a Thursday, so it was easy to find a place in the back bar (always go to the back bar) and get drinks. The second, just recently, was around dinner time and I had a very different experience. First, the hostess, was borderline rude. Not just to me and my girl, but to the small group who got in right before us. I am getting so tired of pissy attitudes from service staff. If you don't like your job then go somewhere else. I'm paying to be there. It costs you nothing to be professional. I'm not even asking for polite. Just professional. Maybe we had interrupted her texting. If so, my bad. Like many, many, many other travelers, I've spent a great deal of time in Belgium. I lived on the border of Germany and Belgium for about 8 years. And I love me some Belgian beers. I rarely drink anything else. When I first found this place, I was so happy. And they really have an amazing beer selection. I only have two gripes about this as a Belgian beer establishment. The first is the selection of Belgians on tap. That's actually a little rare in Belgium as most of the Abbey beers are brewed specifically for the bottle and are lesser for being on tap. Americans tend to think a beer needs to be out of a keg to be great. Not true. But the bar staff tends to think that as well. Which leads me to my second gripe. The bar staff did not seem to know much about Belgian beers. They had Dutch beers listed as Belgian, recommended a non-Belgian beer as an Abbey beer, did not know what Trappist meant, and gave one recommendation of an anise flavored beer to someone asking for a typical Belgian. I don't want to be a snob and if there was only Duvel or Chimay available, I wouldn't care if they didn't know about Trappists, but this place advertises as a Belgian cafe. Learn yourselves some about the region! But yes, they have many wonderful beers and some that are a bit rare. So, I approve. However, if you want a more knowledgeable staff, go to Eulogy on Chestnut and 2nd. Or so, that was my experience. BTW: you should never drink Triple Karmeliet on tap. It's brewed for the bottle and is like pure liquid gold.
(3)
Rashawn J.
Awesome! Get the mussels!
(4)
Kelly G.
Everyone in my party loved their fries. It was gone in a flash! Loved the mussels! They were not dried out and kept their plumpness. Beer Bible was long, but the beers I picked were not suited to my tastes. Dark atmosphere and cozy. Nothing particularly stands out in my experience though. Wouldn't mind coming back at someone else's suggestion, but wouldn't come back of my own volition.
(3)
Jen Y.
This place was recommended by a friend that swore by it "best mussels ever" but my boyfriend and I thought it was okay. We got the Monk Mussels and the Red Light Mussels...the Monk Mussels were just ok. We thought it was going to be super flavorful since they named the dish after their restaurant, but it just tasted bland. The Red Light Mussels were way more flavorful. Careful at the end of the meal, it's tempting to use the bread to dip into the mussel sauce, but it's really salty! The bread they originally gave us was cold, dense and not good...there were seeds all over the bread, not ideal for dipping. We dined at this restaurant with some local Phillies, and they agreed that it was just "ok" and that Chickies and Pete's was better.
(3)
Nick P.
The staff here is courteous, genial and prompt. They have a beer list to die for. The food is delicious and surprisingly varied in selection. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Elysia M.
Awesome. Awesome food (generous serving of the Ghent mussels full of delicious onion, bacon, even goat cheese in a bomb-ass broth, great fries even though a bit "short", and duck salad sandwich) awesome beer (my friend and I had 4 between the two of us- recommendations from our waiter that were a perfect match for our tastes), awesome service (see beer matching comment above!!). A little hidden haven. Must-visit. Can get a bit pricey with drinks, but worth it.
(4)
Stephanie P.
#176 Finally got seated in the back room today! To be completely honest, I was always under the impression that the door on the left side in the back actually led to the second floor - silly me. At first, my friend and I had the place to ourselves, save for the bartender, which was perfect for a nice catch-up session. However, over time, more and more sorority and fraternity alums showed up, taking over the room and forcing us to raise our voices to unusually high pitches. No dice! Regardless, I ventured out of my comfort zone with the menu and went for the Smoke Salmon Sliders appetizer as an entree. Smart move, if I must say so myself. Delicious slices of smoked salmon sitting on top of cheese and pumpernickel with sprouts - so amazing. I actually dragged my boyfriend back with me for dinner the same day just to get those sliders again. I also found out that I'm not a fan of dark, sweet ales. I'm more a fan of brown ales that have a bit of a hoppy taste to them. Of course, also love their Pommes Frites, which came with our order of Red Light Mussels ($20 for a kilo!).
(4)
Jenny M.
A casual stroll around the city on the first night of one of my many visits spawned a mini bar tour with me and my vacation companion. We stopped in here, inspired by the crowd and the term "beer emporium." Also, the bar area reminded me of a bar in my home region so I thought It had to be good! Unfortunately, it ended up not living up to what I expected. The crowd was kind of ridiculous: a mix between older guys trying to hang onto the frat life and couples. It took FOREVER to get a beer. I think we were just getting snubbed because we aren't "regulars" or because we weren't all dressed up (we ARE however hot chicks so deal with it). Seating was non existent, but we saddled up along the wall to chug. Which is exactly what we did, because we felt like leaving almost as soon as we arrived. I'd probably go back though. The bar looks charming. With the right mood in place, I'd enjoy it more.
(3)
S Z.
Although quite pricey, the beer and food is authentic, unique and delicious. Be prepared to spend $60+. Minus 2 stars for the lousy service. The place is also dark, crowded and noisy.
(3)
Candice C.
My Boyfriend and I decided to do a date night at Monks Cafe on suggestion from an acquaintance. The crowd was eclectic and the atmosphere was great, it was pretty jam packed but with very good reason. The "beer bible" is really well organized with amazing variety and selections. But I have to say the burgers were the highlight of the night! Trappist/ Monk's burger, I can't even find words to describe their wonder. Overall the great food, beer, and atmosphere made us happy as clams... or mussels considering I've heard great things about those too. (insert snare)
(5)
Sandee L.
Awesome cafe with tons of imported beers on tap and great food! The three of us ordered the duck salad and the Ghent mussels. The duck was cooked a perfect medium rare, was juicy and delicious and went very nicely with the creamy goat cheese and walnuts. The mussels were amazing!!! They came with frites as well as rolls and we wasted no time sopping up all the juice on the bottom them. A must have! Service was very friendly and efficient, and the prices are a steal for what you get. The kitchen is open until 1am everyday. Score!
(4)
Coco K.
Everything about this place was great. Ghent Mussels, Duck Salad Sandwich, Beer selection, etc. I had to deduct two stars because of the lousy choice of bun for my hamburger. A tough, chewy bun should never be employed for a burger. The bottom of the roll disintegrated and the top was bullet proof. You take a bite, the patty sqeezes out the back. It ruined my lunch. To the Chef- take a walk over to Grace Tavern on 25th and South, go inside and order a Burger. Notice the bread.
(3)
Lina S.
Do you love beer? Then go here. They have an insane amount of beers and the bartenders are very knowledgeable and give great recommendations based on what you say you like. The mussels are great; I usually order two small pots and share with a friend. I've had a number of things from the food menu and none of them ever disappointed. There's an old/dark/murky vibe in there, so if you are in the mood for something bright, and cheery then maybe skip Monk's this time.
(4)
Arjun N.
Excellent beer selection, excellent burgers, and excellent mussels. This place is fantastic. I'm personally a fan of the mussels (they are affordable and great, and you can get good burgers elsewhere), but you must try the burgers and curly fries sometime as well. Addendum: I don't know what they put in the mayonnaise, but I suspect it starts with a "c" and ends with "ocaine". It's that good. Minuses: Forget about going here on weekends. The wait is ridiculous. The waitstaff can be curt (which I'm willing to accept given how busy this place is at all times). I use this as my goto place to entertain visiting out of town friends, who are always amazed that you can get this good an experience for this cheap a price. It's a Philadelphia gem.
(5)
Kay S.
Can't beat their seitan cheese steak and fries. Their house sour Flemish ale makes the meal even better. Good pub food, darker atmosphere but really fun.
(4)
Michelle C.
Yeah, it's true. I'm that girl who never got excited about a trip to Monk's. My first experience was so-so and one subsequent trip for a quick beer during last winter's snowpocalypse didn't win me over, either. For me, Monk's was a Philly fixture that blended with the urban landscape. Why I heard myself suggesting the place as a lunch option the other day is still a mystery. Divine intervention? Perhaps. Because the pot of Ghent mussels, bathing in a Saison Dupont broth filled with bacon, leeks and blue cheese, were life-changing. Also, it appears my previous gripe is null and void. Burgers are now served with a choice of greens or - wait for it - frites. Reunited and it feels so gooooood!
(4)
Ethan S.
Monk's is a great place to go if you want delicious burgers and an absolutely massive beer list. If you're going for food and drinks, you have to try the burgers at least once. Otherwise, enjoy choosing from the endless list of beers that will leave you desperate to try the next. If you go late on a weekday or Sunday night, you'll have a great time. Any other time you'll still have fun but might be a little squished. Still worth it!
(4)
Lulu X.
I experienced Monk's for the first time last weekend with a buddy of mine. He had nothing but good things to say about this place. After one dinner there, I see what he was raving about. This place is fantastic. They do not take reservations at Monk's so be ready to wait for your delicious grub. Although, with a ginormous beer menu in your hands, you shouldn't have much of a problem waiting. I had a couple glasses of Allagash White during our wait. This is a tradition Belgian wheat beer. Very tasty. When they were ready to seat us, we followed the hostess through the front dining room, down a hallway to another dining area, then down yet another hallway to a back dining room. This place is a lot bigger than you would expect with 3 dining areas. I wanted to try everything on the menu, but since there were only 2 of us, we ordered the frog legs, pomme frites, Monks mussels, and Lapin a la Guauze (the rabbit entree). The frog legs were cooked buffalo wing style - deep-fried and covered in buffalo sauce. It was meaty and tender. Pomme frites came with a yummy garlic mayo. Monks mussels were tender and juicy steamed in a white parsley and garlic broth. The rabbit was braised in gueuze lambic. Everything was cooked to perfection. This place deserves 5 stars and 2 exclamation points!
(5)
Dredge K.
belgian beer is all i need some days
(4)
Ting Ting W.
THey have a GREAT beer selections. both draft and bottled. Every time, I will get the Monk's Flemish Sour Ale and it is delightful. Food is pretty good!
(4)
Sam H.
The beer menu is extensive, bordering on overwhelming, so I didn't even bother with imbibing during my visit. First impressions, its dark but a good kind of dark. The kind of dark that'll shave 5 years and 10 pounds off of you. Their lighting game is on point. The smell of the place was fantastic. We ordered take out. The staff was polite and the food was ready quickly. We were both scratching our heads wondering why their pomme frites were so acclaimed. Don't get me wrong, we both finished our respective orders including the little crispy nubs, however, they weren't life changing. I appreciated the flavors, salty, horseradishy (?) and the bourbon sauce was ok. I think I went there with expectations that were frankly, too grand to be exceeded. If the website menu said "A lot of people think our pomme frites are pretty good, you should give them a try" I would have been all 'Hmm, I'll be the judge of that' and I may have enjoyed them more. Under promise and over deliver. My sandwich, the pulled pork, was pretty good, a bit on the small side, especially when taking the price into account. The bread was really great, soft, kind of chewy but a little soggy but I'll chalk that up to the walk time from the restaurant to hotel. My wife enjoyed her seitan cheese steak. Our one complaint was the lack of gratis forks and knives and napkins. Go for the pomme frites, stay for the beer.
(3)
Joshua S.
i do love monk's atmosphere and the staff is friendly. the prices are a little unfortunate but their rent is probably pretty high so it's understandable.
(4)
Rick o.
Monk's is a THE place for trying craft beers - specifically Belgian varieties. The food is nice as well, especially the pomme frittes. The only problem is space. Since this is a very popular bar, seating is really limited, even for dining.
(4)
Felix P.
I've been there multiple times and have loved everything I've tried. They do not take reservations, it's first come first serve and you must be 21 or older. They have what a beer bible which has more beers than you can count(or at least that I can count, it's a lot)
(5)
Arin W.
A great spot! Great service, food and drink menus. May be difficult to get in with a group. Busy on the weekends. Definitely recommend.
(4)
Antima C.
I love Monk's Cafe. My current boyfriend, aka. love of my life, took me there on our first date. So, I may be slightly biased in my rating. However, the fries and the mayo are fantastic and an absolute must-have. On our first date, we ordered the fries, the smoked trout, and beer (it wasn't a dinner date). I would highly recommend getting a specialty beer there; they have a great selection. And the fries--get the fries. Enjoy!
(5)
Scott B.
Great beer selection very very crowded though. I found staff to be less than accommodating. If I had to choose I would rather go to eulogy.
(4)
Steven B.
I've lived in the Philly area for 15 years and have been visiting Monk's since year one. I've been for lunch, dinner, happy hour, brunch, or just a quick beer in the middle of the afternoon. I think I'm qualified to comment about this place. I believe that Monk's success is due in large part to their ability to meet the needs of several audiences. Let me explain. The Beer Lovers- This is arguably the biggest group. Monk's is literally a legend in the beer world. Not just in Philly but across the country. Their beer list is superb. I once sat at the bar on a Saturday afternoon with a couple who had driven for hours from Maryland just for the beer. Not to have lunch. Not to visit the Philly historic sites. Just to drink beer at Monk's. The Mussel People- At the moment they have six flavors and people go crazy! I've seen tables where patrons order pots of all six. Trust me; these people are devoted to this place. The Foodies- You can be surprised here. How about "Monk's Flemish Grilled Scallops" as a starter? Follow it with Salmon Framboise and if you love seafood you have one heck of a meal. There are also plenty of choices for carnivores. If you are a newbie you may be a little surprised by the physical space. There is a short dingy hallway that leads from the street to the main door. The rooms are quirky, homey, and just a little bit beat up. It all adds to the famous Monk's charm! I'm sure I'll be back again and again for another 15 years!
(4)
Mike G.
good beer.
(4)
Michael F.
A great selection of beers from around the world, including many Belgians on tap, does not make up for being overly crowded and overpriced. After struggling to get a spot at the bar, a small group of friends and I (four in total) then struggled to get any attention from the bartenders. Luckily, our neighbor passed over the list of beers on tap so we could get our evening started. Once we got menus, we ordered a few items for picking, which took well too long to get out. I should note the food review is merely apps, but again we found them nothing to write home about. Pricing was fair, although some of the rare and very rare beers could get rather expensive (more so than I have seen at other places which carry these types of beers). I will given them credit for a totally awesome beer selection and always rave about their "Beer Bible". It is such a shame everything else fell short. I hold out hope that is was just an off night, as I've heard too many wonderful things about this bar for it to have been this disappointing...
(2)
Alie A.
Okay..... So, I'm just going to throw it out there: I wasn't all that impressed! Came here for dinner recently with a couple of girlfriends. Definitely a hipster vibe as you enter. I do really like the "Beer Bible", as well as its notification to "please refrain from stealing the beer glasses". HA. Clever, Beer Bible. Very clever. We all shared the curry mussels. They were really disappointing. Lots of juice, but lacking flavor and very small in size. FYI..a small pot is a plentiful serving for an appetizer for three people. I ordered the infamous duck sandwich. Honestly, for $12+, I was expecting a lot more than what I can only describe as a "morose-looking Wawa shorty roll" with some sliced duck and a goat cheese spread with a spring mix salad. The flavor was excellent, but the presentation was, most simply put, sad. The rest of the table ordered burgers, which blatantly appeared to be the better option. Next time around, I'll be ordering the classic.
(3)
Joseph C.
Great food, great beer, cool atmosphere, I'm a big fan of this place. Starting with food - As others have pointed out, the fries and the mussels are both awesome. Really good fries aren't exactly rare in a city so densely populated with gastropubs, so they aren't a reason to go here, but if you are here you should get them. As for the mussels, I usually feel pretty lukewarm about seafood, but two different times I tried other people's and was seriously impressed. They give you a lot of mussels too. The food is really high quality other than the mussels and fries though; good burgers (again not rare but still always a plus), more variety and interesting dishes than even most gastropubs, and the duck salad sandwich was one of the better sandwiches I've ever tasted. As for the beer, you're going to be in heaven if you like dark beer, as their beer list is chock full of it (which sort of fits their atmosphere). The beer list also has really good descriptions of the beer, which is a nice change from the typical beer-list scrawled upon the chalkboard w/o prices or abv% that leaves you wondering what half the beer up there is gonna be like. I've found the staff there to be quite knowledgeable and helpful as well. Sounds like some other reviewers have had bad issues with service here, but I've always had a good experience and have found the wait staff and bartenders perfectly friendly (and its not like I'm a regular or friends with anyone there). This isn't the best place to go with a big group, but if you're with a date or a friend or two and want some awesome food and good beer, I think you will be quite happy here.
(5)
Michael D.
Beer and food is great, but the crowd seems to be overwhelming...which I guess is a good sign for how good the place is....
(4)
Kristen K.
Excellent mussels and fries! And pretty extensive beer list! Only 4 stars because i was sweating balls inside, some A/C please!!!!
(4)
Scott R.
The beer selection is good but even better is the food. The pulled pork sandwich was awesome!!! My only complaint was they only give you a tiny side salad on the plate and I was till hungry afterwards. We also had their fries with their sauce which were pretty good as well. I also had a bite of their duck salad sandwich, which was really good as well, but I'd go back for the pulled pork-- it was one of (if not the) best pulled pork sandwich I've ever had. They ID'd us even for lunch, which was weird. Can you not eat here if you're under 21? I dunno. A baby got in though.
(4)
Mario N.
The best beer bar in Philly. They bartenders really understand what they are offering and even the people at the bar will give you insight. The tap and bottle sections is out of this world. Its so good that sometime when a special brew comes along - Monks is the only spot on the east coast to get it. if your a beer geek - you must visit this place. The mussels are really good but I think the pom frits are over rated.
(5)
DanaJoy88 ..
good beer list AKA Bible and the mussels can't be beat....love this place
(4)
Roger B.
So unhappy about the attitude and rudeness of the staff at this place I was really looking forward to try. I totally understand they had a special event last night, a beer and food pairing with Sierra Nevada Beer. With that said the hostess asked us if we were their for the food event, we explained no. She explained that we would not be able to stay long maybe have enough time for one or two beers tops. Understandable with us. No problem. So we head down to the bar, take a seat. The one female bartender makes eye contact with both of us and then runs off without asking what we would like to drink. The other bartender sees us, make eye contact and continues to clean up. Runs off for a minute. He continues to cleanup while we are looking over the beer menu. About 10 minutes pass while we wait for the bartender to attacked our drink order. He finally goes up to us to tell us that he closed out and will not be taking any more beer orders due to the event. Real nice of him to not say anything when we first came in. Wait 15 minutes while we sit their like idiots to tell us. He was pretty snotty about it. So we walked out not very please with this establishment. I understand they had an event. All the bartender had to do when we sat at the bar was inform us that he was not serving anymore instead of letting us sit their for more then 15 minutes just to tell us we could not order. Not cool at all. BAD SERVICE I MUST SAY
(1)
Steve T.
Noisy, crowded, cramped, eternal wait, and then....beer...delicious, fresh, Belgian style beer...followed up with a pot of savory mussels in a spicy red sauce...."waitress bring more bread for dipping in this divine elixir"...more noise, more beer, noise....beer........heaven.
(4)
Chiller G.
The food was as good as every.
(5)
Patrick D.
I first have to point out the old man bartender needs to retire, he's loosing it. His son or who ever that juice head is needs to learn some customer service skills because he was useless. Now back to the review. The mussels were in a perfect sauce, should have ordered more. The fries were out of the world and the bourbon mayo to dip them in was AMAZING!!!! Our server was very attentive and helpful although she was very busy she was great. I will go back every time I go to Philly.
(4)
Chris A.
The fries are pretty good, and the burger is juicy.
(4)
Laura R.
Great beer selection and the mussels are seriously spec-tac-u-lar.
(4)
Steve S.
Come for the beer. Stay for a few more.
(5)
Joe S.
I can see why everyone loves it here. Pros: Prices are standard Belgian beer prices. Huge selection of bottles. Mussels where great Frites were even better. Their bourbon mayo was the star of the whole trip Cons: My wife got the burger and I think I would pass on it next time around. Small, dark, and weird music No enough beer on tap Brought me the Flemish sour ale in a little wine glass. Really? They brought other beer in tulips. I was confused. Overall: I would definitely go back with friends.
(4)
Lan G.
The disclaimer is that I am not a beer fan. The only beer I have had at Monk's is Allagash White which is like a typical Belgian wheat beer. I get excited about going to monk's because of the food. What I love: 1. Mussels, mussels, more mussels: I really like Provence ones. It also makes a pot of delicious dipping for the bread. 2. Frog legs and veal cheeks: they don't taste as strange as they may sound. Veal cheeks is rather tender and it makes a great dish to share among a few people. 3. Duck salad sandwich: it's something I would never expect to be made so well here. But they did it. Always a safe option for people who are not into shell fish. Overall, this is a great dining/hanging out spot for anytime of the day. My only question is: why don't they have outdoor seating?
(4)
L L.
Top notch and interesting beer selections, backed by some good food. Great spot.
(4)
Dia S.
Monks is a great great Philadelphia spot. Great menu, and great bar selection. The Monks Sour Ale is particularly good. Their menu is open late and the staff is very friendly. Advice, go back and every time get a different type of mussels on their menu. Definitely a spot to remember and visit regularly.
(5)
Aaron K.
A really special Belgian beer cafe. They have excellent beers on draft, at reasonable prices. There is a nice, intimate atmosphere. The mussels are supposed to be good, but I haven't tried them yet.
(5)
Krystal G.
best mussels everrrr and great beer
(4)
Dan P.
Oh Monk's, how do I give a fair and accurate portrayal of you using only a five star overall rating system. Your food is wonderful, you beer selection is amazing. If I could vote on those separately, they would each get 5/5. Your prices are fair, but your atmosphere sucks. Your bartenders are strange and inattentive, and your policy of not letting anyone sit at a table without food (even when there are plenty of empty tables available!) is absurd for a place that calls itself a bar, not a restaurant.
(4)
Matthew S.
This place is amazing. The beer selection is wonderful and the food is great. I had the duck salad sandwich after reading a review here. The staff was so kind to this out of towner and patient. It's a little tight in there so get a seat and stay put.
(5)
Katy O.
I've already given this place a rave review, but I have to update and say that the service I received on my last visit was phenomenal! I went for a nice dinner and some beers with my boyfriend, and the waiter was very attentive and thoughtful. Asking if we wanted another beer, splitting our entrees for us, bringing out the mussels first with a pot for shells for each of us. Along with their awesome beer and food, the service at Monk's earns a special place in my heart (and stomach).
(5)
Tyler M.
Awesome mussels. Great draft list. One of my favorite go to spots in philly.
(5)
A B.
Excellent draught selection - this is the one place I can ALWAYS count on to have an Allagash on tap. Love it. Burgers and mussels are outstanding, and my meals have always been cooked perfectly. The servers, both at the bars and at the tables, are patient and willing to explain the different types of beer. My only complaint is that, twice now, tables of three to five people, have not been politely vacated after meals are finished. Most recently, my group of four waited at the back bar for about an hour and a half on a Saturday evening; meanwhile, a table of four, who had finished their meal (plates cleared) just as we were arriving, sat with their nearly-finished drinks for an hour after they signed the check. While it was nice that they weren't kicked out, polite prompting should have been given on a busy Saturday night. A huge shout-out is due to the hostesses, who keep tabs on those waiting for a table, and come find you when the table is almost ready. They allow you to actually enjoy yourself at either bar rather than worry about remaining in-sight of the hostess. Bottom Line: Monk's is a place where you can always count on a terrific burger, a terrific beer, and friendly service.
(4)
Sarah H.
All right, monk's I'm giving you another chance. Well, at least another weekday, middle-of-a-storm, outside peak busyness kind of chance. Translation: I love you, but not in a "willing-to-wait-two-hours-to-dine-with-you" kind of way. Perks: Pot of mussels, basket of frites & mayo, and fresh roll all for $9.95. Beer bible "menu" covering the world and back (even though we all know you want Belgian beer, anyway) Genuine, "I was born with it" character. Wrap-up: Come during the week. At a random time or for lunch. I promise the experience will be considerably more enjoyable.
(4)
Krystal H.
I'd round it up to 3.5 stars if I could. Bad service knocks 'em down a peg. We made the mistake of going on a busy weekend night, but other than the hour + long wait and horribly bitchy waitstaff, this place is awesome! All of the food we got was incredible. The three of us sampled: Charcouterie Platter, flemish grilled scallops, duck salade and monk's mussels. (I may be forgetting a few items) The scallops and mussels were at the top of my list and I strongly recommend them. Also, as a dark beer drinker I ordered a Russian stout. The bartender was nice enough to tell me that I had chosen a $25 stout prior to getting it for me. She could have just given it to me and burned me on the bill. I got it anyway and it was worth the price. More of a night-out-with-friends than a date night spot in my opinion. Next time I'll go on a weeknight. And earlier.
(3)
Allison B.
I have two words for you: SEITAN CHEESESTEAK. It ain't vegan, but it was the most perfect sandwich for a no-red-meat eater like myself at a place known for their burgers. The roll was fresh, the seitan was full of flavor, the cheese wasn't too heavy, and the mushrooms/onions combo really pulled it all together. It's served with a lovely side salad for just $8.50. Highly recommended if you shy away from beef and are just sick and tired of chicken!
(5)
Allie O.
Monk's Cafe is badass, and everyone who is anyone knows that if you're looking for good belgian beer and friggin french fries, you need look no further than Monk's. First of all, the bartender has great hair and great t shirts, and she wears fishnets and bikes to work. Just sayin. Secondly, they serve mussels with bacon. Come now. Stop it. Armed with a beer list to rival.....well that saying would work better if first I was like "so and such place has a beer list to rival Monks". Yeah. It's like that. Definitely pay the extra 50 cents to get the extra trappist cheese on the burger, and definitely grab a booth or table. The bar is great and everything, but it's small and there's not much elbow room. If you're into that sort of thing. Lastly, Monks features extravagant beer dinners with well planned, themed menus and intentionally special pours. One such coveted dinner that i attended was a Russian River dinner where the adorable (cheeks begging to be pinched) brewer himself and his lovely wife were there, PLUS a great Canadian chef they flew in just for this special night. The menu theme was "Stuffification" where every dish was "stuffed" with something. We ate scallop ceviche stuffed with black truffles (REAL truffles! Not truffle oil or essence of truffle or $50 shaving on top of pasta, but real, deliciously delicate french black truffles.) Amazing. Oh, and they re-poured. So we enjoyed at least 50 ounces per person of wonderful, yeasty california beer, and an amazing 7 course menu for a little over a hundred dollars per person. You can't get that at the mall.
(5)
Natasha C.
I love, love, love this place. Make reservations on the weekend or you will be waiting for quite some time to get a seat. The mussels are delicious.
(5)
Andrew L.
My boyfriend is yarfing out of his mouth and butt because of your cuisine. Specifically, your pulled pork sandwich. I told him he was delusional for thinking your food was any good. Your place has gotten progressively "crappy" over the years. What a dump.
(1)
Dan K.
A great spot to grab a Belgian brew and some sophisticated grub. The seating, however, leaves a lot to be desired. Other than that, it's a great place for all kinds of occasions: a date, catching up with friends, or simply just to eat and drink.
(4)
Parry P.
its a change from the norm
(4)
Ray L.
Excellent mussel, a surprising find at Philadelphia! I ordered the duck sandwich and the Monk's mussel, both were prepared so well it is unbelievable. Also to try is the scallop starter. Very well prepared, the ambiance is a bit dark but at night after 9pm the bar is hopping. Lots of interesting home brew Belgium beer to taste and overall a great place for meal.
(5)
Shawna W.
Excellent place for delicious mussels in all types of flavors! The burgers weren't really my taste since they were quite greasy. I still would go back b/c the mussels are only 10 bucks for a small bucket and very good!
(4)
Chris V.
Yesterday (Sunday 3.4.12) I decided along with my buttercup that we needed a little more culture in our lives. So we hopped into the hoopty and ventured out into the city from the quiet solace of the burbs. First stop was to Holts for some cigars then we walked from there over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Frankly, now I know why I'm not cultured. Art is one of those things I just don't get. Anyway, I'm not here to talk about that. Since we walked from Walnut St, over to the Art Museum, all over the museum itself and back to Walnut we worked up a pretty good appetite. I had parked over on Latimer St. where there are a ton of options to mull over. We were hemming and hawing over where to eat (Good Dog, Fado, Max Brenner etc., etc.) but kept on walking around. Finally, we turned the corner and she spotted Monks. Remembered a few people mentioning it's a decent place to grab a brew and a bite so we figured why not. Also helped that it was right around the corner from where we parked. Didn't wait at all for a table, which apparently can be a problem at times, but that's were the good ends. I didn't keep track of time but it was a while before anyone acknowledged us being there. Then, when our server finally appeared they seemed annoyed at me asking them to help decide between two brews. We ordered our booze and food then waited. And waited. Then waited some more. Finally our appetizer appeared which was actually really good but a bit pricey. Then, a good 30 min after that our entree's finally arrived. Not that I consider a pulled pork sandwich and a burger an entree. Why it took so long to get from kitchen to table I'll never know. But when they did arrive, you guessed it, the food was cold. At this point we were so tired from the boorish table next to us not shutting the f up coupled with all the walking we had done earlier we just ate the cold food, paid the bill, and left promptly. The best part of the experience was the beer. I'd go back for a brew or five, but that's it. So, if you want great beer with mediocre food, agitating hipster clientele, and apathetic servers Monks is for you.
(2)
bobbyjack s.
Best Belgian cafe outside of Brugge!
(5)
Sarah B.
The Beer Bible - wow! It was so extensive, it left my head spinning! (In a good way.) I saw plenty of beers that I wanted to try but settled on a lambic framboise at $12 for 12oz. I HATE raspberries but I LOVE this beer. It's bright red and so tasty. My boyfriend ordered a 25oz Chimay (Premiere, I believe) for $20. The waiter wasn't great - he seemed really impatient with our group of four and not at all friendly. We ordered a side of steak frites that were very good. The other couple with us ordered the Provence Mussels and I tried one - I can't wait to go back and try all of the other varieites.
(4)
Carlo D.
Totally enjoyed myself tonight so A++++++ for everything guys I have nothing to complain about. other than I wish I could have eaten more :O
(4)
Jeff D.
If I lived in Center City, I would be here at least once a week! Monk's is among the elite few which rises above the average pub in Philly. Where do I begin? The beer selection is the best that I have ever seen in my life! Every time I go, I always want to try something new. You could also spend an hour or two reading about all of the different beers and how they are made in the booklet which is provided to you. Food is also amazing! Good burgers and the frites are soo addicting. The sauce! Oh my God, what makes that dipping sauce soo good?? My girlfriend always gets the muscles and attests that they are the best. 4/5 stars because service can be slow at times and they recently raised the price of their large pot of muscles from $15 to $20. Other than that, prices are reasonable. Overall, Monk's is very good! P.S. Don't even try to go on a Friday or Saturday night. Week nights are much better.
(4)
ellainne v.
Local bar, which is nice, but the waitress with long wavy dark hair and tattoos on her left arm was a total bitch. My cousin and I were standing next to a table that a couple recently left from and still needed to be cleaned. We weren't trying to sit at the table but merely put our drinks on the table to put away our wallets. The waitress comes by and immediately says 'Aaaaaa, you can't do this.' Do what...put our drinks down for a quick second just to put something away?! It was extremely annoying that she assumed we were trying to take the table w out checking in w the hostess. After we told her we weren't trying to take the table she blew us off and said 'oh ok.' WTF!$&@ I'm all about service and she totally ruined our experience there. We quickly downed our drinks and went to another bar to spend our money. I know I sound harsh, but she could of totally approached that situation in a different and more courteous manner. Jus sayin.....
(1)
Regina F.
Monks is dark and has a pretty great beer menu - but it's kind of a puzzle because the same beers (or maybe not) are listed according to origin, type and something else. That's really inconsequential when you're just looking to quench your raging thirst for whatever lambic, stout, porter, pilsner, lager, or cask beer you're in the mood for. The tap selection will leave you yearning, and the open glass refrigerators will taunt you with their vast selection of alcoholic brews. If you fancy conversation, Monk's isn't a terrible spot. If you fancy wild parties, you'd best buy your case of Natural Ice and find a frat house.
(4)
Peter M.
Star #1: Bowl full of mussels made with garlic, bacon, and blue cheese. Star #2: Awesome wait staff. Star #3: Dark, taverny, cool atmosphere. Star #4: Unbelievable bottled beer list. Star #5: Pliny the Elder on draft. Who are we kidding? This place is 5-stars even if stars 1 through 4 didn't exist and they served Pliny out of an old boot. Crazy excellent and one of the best beer bars in the country.
(5)
Tyler R.
Monk's is a landmark in Center City when it comes to beer, mussels, and small spaces. The bottled beer list is infamous as one of the largest in the US, and the mussels are notoriously good (try the Provençal), especially the pool of delicious broth that is left at the bottom of the pot. They rave about their french fries, and people seem to like them. That's all well and good, but it's not all it's really hyped up to be. The beer selection is very good, that's true; however, they are missing plenty of great beers, and they are all very pricey. You're better off visiting the Foodery and grabbing a few bottles of your favorites or some you haven't explored. They also have a limited draft list, and that's disappointing. The mussels are good, probably the best in the city. I have not other comments about this. You should go here for the mussels. I greatly dislike their frites (french fries). They are low in quality, and the serving you receive is minute all things considered. They are little shoe-string pieces that aren't all that tasty. If you want the best fries in the city-- Eulogy. If you want something with potato that isn't a frite? Village Whiskey for their tots (they are that incredible). Bottom line, I wouldn't come here for the fries. I can't get too down on Monk's-- it serves its purpose for its location. But, it's not as great as everyone makes it out to be. The mussels are incredible, I'll give you that. The beer list is very extensive-- no complaints there. BUT, it's not the best Belgian beer bar in the city, and the frites aren't all that great. The space is also very cramped if you try to go any reasonable hour. The rest of the menu-- I have no idea about that. Maybe I'll try that next time.
(3)
Angela J.
Mussels? YES PLEASE!!! Small pot or large pot? Um....LARGE POT of course! Would you like a beer with that? Sure! Don't mind if I do! Can we get a table for ten on a Saturday night at 8 pm? HAHAHAHA...yes...but you're gonna have to wait for it! In the meantime, head to the back bar where you MIGHT luck out with a seat at the bar, try some of the beers of the evening (or their impressive bottle list) and by all means keep CLEAR of the walkways so those hard working waiters can get the burgers and mussels distributed quickly to speed the clearing of the table you are eagerly waiting for. A better idea...come on a quiet night, just a couple of you, and it's MUCH easier to score a seat and a bite :)
(4)
Marcus T.
Great place for a good time and great food,
(4)
Kevin W.
I was lookin forward to coming here because I heard how good their burger was but left disappointed Bun--above average but nothing special Meat-high quality not very well seasoned Toppings-nothing special Overall it didn't blow me away and was just ok
(2)
Shannon R.
Monk's is everything I want and need in my food and drink life. The beer list is chock full of amazing options, and tell any server your favorite beer attributes and they'll point you in the right direction--Flemish sour ale is what I get every time. Mussels are incredible--really any style, but Ghent is a favorite--and the frites are freaking great with that BOURBON MAYO. Hot n Spicy people: try the hot wings ("Spanish Flies"). They have such a unique flavor and are wonderfully hot. Ask for their version of "bleu cheese" on the side--it's crazy good and helps curb the fire in your mouth. Not for the faint of heart, especially if you come on a night with a very happy chef. To top it off, it's such a cozy atmosphere and usually full of people. Enjoyyyy your bad self. If you really like it, try Grace Tavern or Nodding Head--same owners.
(5)
Meghan P.
Although their beer bible is top notch (but on the pricey side) their subpar service and management is a deal breaker for me. While this place was once on the 'bar crawl' list for my out of town guests that come to visit I will NEVER take friends here again after that last AWFUL experience I had with the people they choose to employ. There are plenty of other bars in the area that have great beer and great service there is not reason to not to have both!
(1)
Marlon T.
I love places with imported beer and well-prepared food. You should order: Ghent Mussels Duck Salad Sandwich (awesome) A tasty Belgian beer (ask your server for some suggestions) The burgers weren't that good--the bread is too thick and the meat wasn't really tasty to me. I'd stick with mussels and beer. Great spot in Philadelphia that's open relatively late.
(4)
Ron N.
Beer liver's paradise. I meant lover but hey this is healthy beer! Over 300 beers. 8 kinds of Mussel's. I had the Duck Confit. I don't think I appreciated it as I was thinking Duck A l'Orange. The portion was small, crispy and a little dry. Maybe that's the way Duck Confit should be? The mussels were fantastic. Available in a variety of sauces and preparation. We shared The Brussels and The Dejeuner and loved both. This is a place I would like to visit everyday for a month and try the entire menu. Service was o.k. and the place was packed at 10:00. The wait was only 20 minutes although the hostess said it would be an hour. It's worth the wait for the healthy beer and outstanding mussels.
(5)
Esther C.
Huge selection of beer, mussel flavors, and burger flavors. Fries and dip are delicious as well. Basically they do everything right. I come to Monk's at least once a quarter to get my fix!
(5)
Aaron R.
If it was less popular, this place would be perfect. Extensive beer list: but just get the Monk's sour on tap. You can buy this stuff bottled all over the city, but its significantly tastier on draught. The mussels are delicious, and come with the best fries in the city, but don't let that stop you from ordering the other things on the menu which are also excellent. The one negative: If you come on a Friday night, expect to wait.
(5)
Marie T.
Get the mussels and get the fries. Oh, and get some beer. They have so many types of beer, it makes my head spin. Pages and pages of beer. Monk's has all sorts of tasty steamed mussel options, and the portions are huge. You get a steaming heaping pile of mussels that are really delicious. Then, you should start eating the fries, which are really good, but the most amazing part is the bourbon mayonnaise. You'll be licking the cup it comes in by the time you're done. It's that good. I've been here a lot, and I get the burgers often. They're so-so. The inside is good, but their buns suck. Get the mussels and the fries.
(4)
Anthony S.
Went to monk's a few weeks ago. We went for a later diner, I think around 9ish. I had already made myself a nice diner at home but some friends invited me out and I couldn't resist going there for the first time. We walked in and of course the place was packed. The wait for a table was about 30 minutes. This meant 30 minutes of standing "somewhere" around the bar trying not to get in the way of the staff, preventing myself from spilling my beer on myself or the other people around me, all the while still wearing my winter coat and scarf. As I stood and eavesdropped on other peoples conversations, I took note of the bar tender who was extremely knowledgeable about all the beers and wines that he had the absolute pleasure of pouring you. This man loves his job and that's awesome. Once we were seated, we all agreed we just wanted to try a bunch of different appetizers along with our rotating round of beers - how any person could drink ONE kind of beer here is beyond me. The food was all extremely good! Among a few other items, we had the Charcuterie Platter which was different kinds of chilled sausage and cheeses. This was soooo good! I highly recommend this! We also had some of their hot wings [I forget what they were called]. These wings should totally be illegal. First, they aren't some dinky little buffalo wings from Fridays. these are the full thigh, leg and wing - you get five of them. Four was enough for me. The hot "sauce" they coat these babies in is some sort of hot chili paste with a lot of red pepper flakes. Your face is going to look like the kid from A Christmas Story after he dunks his whole head in the mashed potatoes! It's ok though!! More impressively, your mouth is going to remind you precisely how hot it is in hell. I love hot foods, but these wings are torturous. They taste so freakin good but are almost impossible to eat. Good luck!
(4)
Moondog J.
Must've come on an off night because I experienced none of what all these other glowing reviews rave about. First the service was a huge disappointment. We got there fairly early for a Saturday night, and the place was already buzzing. I figured there would be a wait, and I have no problem waiting for a good meal. The hostess said it would between 30-45 minutes, so we went to the bar. After seeing other parties just grab booths that would open up we asked the hostess how much longer, said she couldn't give us an answer. Closer to 2 hours later we are finally seated at a table for 4 for our party of 5, they said all their extra chairs were broken. We of course started with moules and frites. The mussels were decent but nothing great, the frites were so small you couldn't even pick them up to dip them in the aioli. My burger was decent enough, but again nothing to write home about. The food would have been more passable if it wasn't for the awful service. Good beer selection, but I would go to EULOGY(BEST BELGIAN TAVERN IN PHILLY) any day of the week over Monk's. Don't think I'll coming back.
(2)
Dan G.
Went to Monk's for dinner and a couple brews... had fun and a very good selection beer... we were killing a couple hours before hitting a show at the Kimmel and Monk's served that purpose well... many choices of beer and mussels... I had the Ghent Mussels and thought they were great... then followed with a burger that was ordered medium and it came out well... not making it my favorite... also the fries were a little puny... overall if a choice I might frequent another place that was a little nicer inside and a little more room between tables... we sat in the back and were very crowded. Anyway, really just an average experience.
(3)
foodie j.
Great choice of beers and appetizers. Not a great place to sit down and enjoy a good meal. Good for hanging out at the bar.
(3)
JAson S.
Best mussels I ever had and cool atmosphere
(5)
Alex M.
Perfect spot for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Its dark and dreary yet full of cool, happy people. The fries are a bit overrated, their burgers a bit big, and the wait a bit long but its all well worth it. The beer list is impressive and I know absolutely nothing about beer. I usually go for something that tastes like chocolate or raspberries. Yeh, I'm a little bitch. Even if you're not a little bitch I'm sure they have something to make you happy, maybe even drunk. Cheers!
(4)
Mara K.
I am over Monk's and will not return. Over the years, I have visited this place hoping that service and food would improve. If anything, Monk's has gotten progressively worse over the years. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the hostess, that appears confused, and as always, offers a seat at the bar to eat your meal, as opposed to the MANY open tables around. The wait staff is inexperienced, and could care less about service. I cannot tell you how many of them ran by while my water glass remained empty. Not one offered to refill it, nor did any of them ask if everything was okay after the food was delivered. The fries are NOT what they used to be. Small, soggy, heavily salted and inconsistent. In this day and age, there are too many restaurants in this city that appreciate the business, and make you feel welcomed. This place makes you feel as if they are doing you a favor simply by seating you at one of their tables (that need to be scrubbed down, and thoroughly cleaned). My friend and I left disgusted. I hope this place either cleans up their act, or closes it's doors. There are too many other places to go to these days.. Monk's is not the one. Don't waste your money or your time.
(1)
Julie T.
I loved the food and atmosphere but the waitress practically kicked us out. It was the end of the night and no one was waiting so it didn't really make sense.
(3)
John H.
There are always beers on tap here I have never heard of, and the only reason I really go to bars is to try different beers. The dark wood, pews, and tapestries make this my favorite place to sit and have a beer with a burger or mussels. Tuna burger is also excellent. The fries are good, though not crispy, but I like the sauce they give you for dipping.
(5)
Amy L.
Good food, great atmosphere, amazing beer selection as long as you're prepared to wait for a table. We waited 45 minutes on a Tuesday for a party of 2. The food was good, I wouldn't call it great. The bun on my burger was cold and the mussels were pretty standard. Go for the beer, not the food.
(4)
Andrew K.
I love this place. The Belgian food concept could do so well in so many places. The mussels, fries, and beer are first-rate and all in such a wonderful, dark, cozy, window-watching, downtown environment. I would go twice a month on the clock were I to live in Philly.
(5)
a c.
If you are are looking for a good beer, this is your place! Sorry, but the burgers aren't nearly as impressive as the beer. We ordered several different beers, shared a basket of fries, I got the Ardennes and my date had the Antwerp. The burgers weren't anything to get excited about. In fact, would have been happy just eating the fries. The place is worth trying. But the beer is the main attraction, not the food.
(3)
K W.
Have to come back here every time I visit. It's dark, the alcohol is abundant and the food is awesome. Try the burger with bleu and pomme frites with lots of aioli.
(5)
William T.
I'm a little torn on this one. On the one hand, they do have great food at reasonable prices. The burgers are great and the mussels are awesome. On the other hand, the staff is rude as hell. They treat customers like it is a privilege to walk through their door. Every time I go there, I have the same experience. I leave my name with an extremely rude hostess, who tells me the wait is about 20 minutes, I then notice customers who arrived after me being seated, only to finally get my table an hour later. I curse to myself that I will never go back, but the food is GOOD, and I ultimately end up returning.
(3)
Brendan c.
I really like it. I agree with Alex M.'s review. The fries are overrated and the place is dark and dreary; but still good food, great burgers, excellent beer menu and that the dark and dreary is part of the charm
(4)
Ryan S.
the first couple times i went, i was so amazed with the place. i think that had a lot to do with my age, but the beer and food were memorable too. now, after going there all too often for a burger and beer, i can call it what it is, a great restaurant to have a burger and beer. yea, the beer selection is ridiculous, but I've noticed that if your not looking for Belgian or obscure beers, do not ask for help from the staff; they'll look at you like your scum. if you order fries, and you MUST order fries, ask for them out first, or you may get them with the food, and then there's no time to enjoy the fries before the food gets cold, or the other way 'round. hmm. oh, it also makes a great place for after work with coworkers or vendors; there's enough stimuli to make conversations have less to do with work. ...oh, and for any out of towners, parking SUCKS in CC!!!
(4)
V. C.
I probably had really high expectations and therefore was disappointed and possibly giving a slightly low grade.. I'd probably do 3.5 if I could. Ok, so the beer selection is great. There's tons of beers available. But, I thought they were not that well-priced. Kinda pricey. I guess you're paying for the extra variety and specialty beers. I got mussels, as I'd heard they were amazing there. They were ... good... but kind of dry, could use a little more flavor, and my pot was sadly lacking in broth! I love having the hot broth to dip my mussels into and I was disappointed there was barely any in the pot. The fries were decent. Anyway, I'd try it again probably but it didn't wow my world like I was hoping.
(3)
Haltone H.
Great atmosphere, extensive and unusual beer selection. Food is very good - not amazingly good, but very good. Staff is competent, maybe slightly aloof. But I always enjoy coming to Monk's.
(4)
Sarah G.
This might be one of my favorite bars in the country. Sure, it's a little tight and loud, but when enjoying some of the finest Belgian and Belgian style beers on offer (in the U.S. at least), the more, the merrier. I had an *incredible* night here and love, love, loved the special Russian River offering -- Publication. You will *not* find this beer anywhere else...drink it while you can! The moules frites options were all enticing but I went with the apple & caramelized leek and it blew my mind. And $10? This doesn't happen in LA! I will no doubt be visiting Monk's Cafe *every* trip I make to Philly!
(5)
Tommy T.
Best beer selection so far in my Philly journeys. One problem -- they don't allow tasting. The food is outstanding. I had the "Trappist burger" (goat cheese spread, lettuce, tomato & raw onion) and it was perfectly cooked and mouth-watering good. Can't wait to go back and enjoy a good brew!
(4)
Brendan M.
Incredible beer selection. Great food. Looking forward to stopping in again soon.
(5)
Mary D.
We stopped for some birthday drinks with my friends, the beer menu was great, but the service was terrible. Our waitress kept coming at our terrible trying to get us to order food (it was 9.30pm) while 2 out of 5 of us had ordered food already and the rest were drinking beers. After being there for 1.5hours she brought us the check without us asking.... So rude!
(4)
Todd R.
Excellent mussels and quite a variety of broths....atmosphere is rather authentic
(4)
Lin P.
Best draft belgian beer selection eva. Mussels were delicious. Unfortunately I had a really dry burger on my last go there. Nevertheless, I will return over and over again because I remain loyal to belgian beer.
(4)
Vincent J.
This place is a classic for Philadelphia. If you are visiting and love beer make sure you hit this spot. The food is very good also, try the Red Light Mussels.
(5)
Yousef K.
Great food. Great food. And great food. Monk's cafe is reasonably priced and has great food and beer. My only complaint is that on the weekends it gets very crowded and there isn't a lot of room to move around. This has more to do with the location then anything. All and all I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Daniel L.
Seriously awesome. Love the atmosphere, crowded and loud. Great selection of beers too.
(5)
Andy R.
I have to stick with the status quo 4 star rating.. The food and beer selection deserves a 4.5, It really does.. (but the consistently STALE bread.. What's up with that?) The atmosphere is a mix.. Cool interior.. Abbaye stijl.. A lot of oud bruin wood.. great wall hangings.., but FAR too dim.. The lighting is about the same as a night flight or an over-night bus. It skates the fine line bordering charming and seeming a bit dirty-under-the-nails.. That's OK.. but it's the SERVICE that really takes away from Monk's.. Absolutely wretched. Hollow, robotic, monotone and soulless.. No smiles, no pleases, no thank-yous.. And only towards the end of the meal are you even checked up on.. much less paid any care too.. For example; Ask for the cheque, and the water you had to ask for 3 times miraculously gets refilled.. (which is almost adding insult to injury.. because it only proves that it's in thier capacity to provide decent service). * Creative moules frites and burgers.. Veal Cheeks are GREAT... Beers are great, though there could, and indeed SHOULD, BE MORE to offer ON DRAFT/ tap (!) For beer and low-land lovers in the city, it's a must.. But the crap service doesnt intice one to come back for anything other than the chance craving that can't be satisfied elsewhere. Dear owner, Shape up your staff or waste a good thing.
(4)
E P.
Great vegetarian lunch. Yes the beer selection is extensive. But what really surprised me about this place was how many vegetarian food there was. Our lunch was the great pomme frites, an excellent seitan cheesesteak (the cheese was dairy) and the vegan Monk's burger, which was decent. It was all a little bit on the greasy side, but with a big glass of Lambic, it was the perfect veg meal. There are many other vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, in addition to lots and lots of meat.
(4)
angela p.
I wish I lived in Philly so I could come here all the time...
(4)
Jon C.
Great beer selection, and the mussels may be the best in the city. It is a small and dark restaurant, but that seems to add to the experience.
(4)
Mike V.
Great spot, gets 4 stars because its always so crowded, but good beer selection and good food. If you've never been, definitely check it out. Try the mussels and the burgers.
(4)
Scott J.
One of the best lunches that I've ever had was at Monk's, the first stop on a mini-pub crawl organized for my best friend's Bachelor Party Weekend. The Beer Bible is massive, the Belgian fries couldn't have been more perfect, and the mussels were succulently delicious. We all enjoyed our sandwiches or sausages as we sat in the downstairs cellar. Our large group was well accommodated and they didn't mind our noise, or the fact that were already drinking beer at noon. It's nice to have a place like this and the next time I'm back in Philly, I will definitely hit it up for quality food and drink. Beer drinkers, this is an absolute MUST stop for you.
(4)
Christina Q.
They serve food the latest and they have great food. THe beer is amazing as well as the fries and mussels!
(5)
Kayla C.
The duck was very tasty and plentiful.
(4)
Skippy S.
Mussels and scallops, amazing ! Fries with that sauce, amazing ! Beer menu, Amazing !. I miss Philadelphia but miss Monks even more.
(5)
Abby C.
Beer: great selection and very knowledgable staff. Bf ordered a beer that ended up being served at room temperature because it was in the cellar (???). Beer should be cold and ready to be served, no excuses. Frites: amazing!! Served with a delicious mayo. Yum! Frog legs: served in hot sauce, chicken wing style. The hot sauce overwhelmed the meat. Would've been better off just ordering wings. Monks mussels: these were the reason we tried this restaurant in the first place. Monks has a reputation as the best mussels in town and these did not live up to that reputation. The mussels themselves were a good size and not fishy, which is a great place to start. But everyone knows its all about the broth. This broth tasted like a combination of watered down wine and old garlic with some herbs thrown in. It was tasteless and a huge disappointment. Don't waste your time. The three stars come from the beer selection, frites, staff, atmosphere, and frites. It's all about the frites!! Unfortunately we will likely not be returning.
(3)
Lia B.
my sandwich tasted like it came from the bottom of a dumpster.
(2)
Joey F.
Beer selection is fantastic. Staff is friendly and knowledgable. Atmosphere is fun, vibrant, and divey. A Philadelphia classic. I'm not a fan of their mussels. Ive tried several pots and I'm just not impressed. Other menu items are much better. Sandwiches are good, veal cheek was tasty, and the fries are always good (not the best in the city tho). My favorite thing on the menu right now is the celeriac steak vegan dish. The soy cream sauce, dijon mustard, and fresh pepper create a very robustly flavorful dish. Definitely, the best way i've eaten celery root.
(3)
A. N.
Amazing beer selection. Mussels are awesome and come with pomme frites (a must try). Aside from being known for their great beer selection (which is also used in their cooking) true surprise for me was their dessert. Creme Brule like cake w/ espesso was exactly what I needed. Also love that they're open till 1am. Hard to find good food & booze spots late at night. Great at what they do!
(5)
Jason C.
They have a great Beer selection, and I usually get the Urthel Hop-it when I go there. They don't have a lot of room to sit and are usually packed during dinner time. I would recommend the scallop appetizers and the burger, although this is really a place to check out the vast drink selection and not their cuisine.
(3)
Dave M.
I was simply overwhelmed by the food and beer choices! The mussels were amazing and the sandwich wasn't bad either. Just beware, this place is always crowded and noisy. Not the best date ambiance.
(4)
Anthony M.
Monk's is the best place in the world for.... mussels. Okay, beer too. But if you're a fan of mussels Monk's is the absolute best. They have 5 kinds and all of them are delicious. The other food is top quality too. Maybe the best chicken fingers i've ever had. And the burger is definitely one of my go-to choices. Monk's Flemish Sour Ale is tops.
(5)
Pam S.
Monks, you've stepped up your game. Some wimpy vegan food has been replaced, and it's a good thing. Moroccan pita? Yes please. And yeah, a basket of fries too. I'll often think of you on a Saturday afternoon and grab a table, spend way more on beer than food, and enjoy the tasty fries. And you impress everyone I bring there? Yeah, you're all right. Thank you for being a friend.
(4)
Bill M.
It's kind of sad for me to do this since I've been coming here since I was 22 (cue Edit and Archie singing "Those Were The Days"). But in a lot of ways Monk's has been a shadow of it's former self for far too long. It's not completely their fault because it's largely due to the influx of crowd factor that has hit it over the past couple of years. But once that crowd factor has hit them they really lose their groove to the point that it severely hurts the quality of their food and service. And often times it ends up not being worth putting up with their super crazy wait times as a result. And while their still a beer lovers paradise that manages to bring in a lot of different varieties to the table, that experimental edge that once made them the king has gone kind of stagnant. But there's still a lot of beers, and mussel pots that can still make it worthwhile.
(3)
Hybrid R.
Every beer you could ever imaging and then some. I've been going here for years and try to make it there any time I am looking for a great atmosphere and some fantastic mussels.
(4)
Greg E.
Absolutely love this place - the beer is delicious, the atmosphere cozy, and the food routinely delicious. Minus one star because our mussels were overcooked or something once, making them too chewy and flavorless. The other dozen times I've been were fabulous.
(4)
G F.
Amazing bartender helped me pick out the best beer for me- great selection. The burgers are fabulous and the mussels are pretty amazing- all very affordable. Definitely will be coming back!
(4)
Christine B.
There's always a wait, but if you find a place to hang out and not be in everyone's way, it's worth it. Recently went on a Monday night around 7, told wait would be 30 minutes, probably closer to 20. Was able to grab a beer at the bar while we waited. I went with the Antwerp burger and my friend tried the Thai mussels. The burger was fabulous, although I didn't love the roll. Truffle cheese should be put on everything. The mussels were good, but I didn't get how the broth was a Thai broth. We really couldn't taste any curry, and there was a lot of fennel. I question whether we were given the wrong sauce, but it was good, just didn't seem Thai. The fries were excellent as usual as was the dipping sauce.
(4)
Jessica E.
My first visit to Monk's was fantastic. We were looking for a place to get some great mussels and beer, and this was the perfect choice. We started out with some Port High Tide IPAs suggested by the bartender which were really great - my favorite beer that I've had recently. For dinner we shared a mixed green salad with goat cheese, veal cheeks, and two half-orders of mussels. The salad was fresh, not overdressed, and huge. The one we ordered came out split into two for us and I really can't imagine eating the whole thing by myself, unless it's all you're having for dinner. The veal cheeks were a real treat. The most tender beef stew-ish type meat I've probably ever eaten, served with a creamy polenta. The mussels were also lovely, plump and fresh with no funk/sand to them at all. They have about 5-6 different broth choices, and you order by the half pot or whole pot. We got a half of Thai curry and a half of Ghent (bleu cheese, bacon, leeks). The Thai curry was particularly good, not too sweet like it can sometimes be. Mussels are served with with frites with a delicious spicy bourbon mayo. Service was really nice also - casual and friendly yet efficient. Our server, Paul, was really knowledgeable about the food and it was obvious that he really enjoys Monk's offerings as well which I really appreciate. The hostess and bartender were the same way. Will definitely be back! Paul suggested that we become his Sunday night regulars, and I think that I will have to make that happen.
(5)
Tom Z.
OMG! LOVE IT! Being a beer nerd, my friends and I had to hit this place while in Philly and it was worth it. The only place I know of on the east coast to sit and drink Russian River brews. I can not wait to return. The frog legs were pretty tasty too (my first time ever having frog legs) lol.
(5)
Julia P.
Everything was amazing, from the friendly bartenders/servers to the extensive beer list to the amazing burgers to the delicious coffee/desserts. You know it's a good sign when a Belgian beer bar actually has good coffee. The whole place smelled garlicky and delicious, probably because of the mussels (which we didn't order), and they have about 5 different burger varieties, all of which are $11.95 which is reasonable. My waitress told me I could "create my own" burger if I wanted to, which I did, at no additional cost. The burgers come with fries and an amazing homemade bourbon mayo. All in all, everything was super good and reasonably priced. I definitely will be coming back. Be prepared to wait for a table/wait at the bar though - we went on a Sunday night at 6 PM and it was pretty crowded. I recommend hanging out in the bar in the back. It's less crowded/frantic back there.
(5)
Carolina H.
My fries were soggy. My mussels tasted a bit too ripe. Server was sweet though, and I appreciated that a beer list tilted heavily toward Belgians included a couple of truly special, Northwest-style IPAs.
(2)
Nikki C.
My spider senses kicked into over drive as I drove down 16th in search of the hotness that this city had to offer and by clicking on my phone to check out yelp, the reviews just confirmed my tingling in my toes. I spent the better part of the day doing other philly things to leave this place as a last stop oasis and it was a great move as there was an open bar stool up front right by the cheery Dan the bartender (also the ipod dj of the night) who made this place homey on a late night Sunday. The AC was a cranking on a not so hot night, but the place still felt warm so I can only imagine how hot it gets when packed. The beer menu was a little beat up and made for fun reading as so many mouth watering choices were calling out. 6 taps up front and another 12 in the smaller back bar, but many bottled choices from around the world. I settled on the Russian River Blind Pig and in an instant tasty cold hoppiness quenched out the dust of an old city in my throat and made for the end of another fun adventurous day. for more details read the other reviews. I stop here as that's all I can remember;p
(4)
Jess S.
The beer selection was, of course, amazing and nearly overwhelming (just try flipping through their Beer Bible and you'll see what I mean). The Belgian-style food was also quite enjoyable and well-suited to the beer. However, the experience was tainted, ever so slightly, by the uncomfortably close quarters--our table for two nearly touched our neighbors' table, making it difficult to have even a semi-private dinner conversation. If/when I return, it would likely be for a beer or two and not for an entire meal--as delicious as their fare was, I'd prefer to not have to worry about bumping elbows with the stranger beside me while chowing down on some mussels.
(3)
Lisha P.
I have come in here a few times and walked into the back room for beers. Generally, Monk's does have a good selection and I have enjoyed how chill the environment is. Walking in today with a group to head into the back room, I was grabbed... I mean, grabbed... by one of the staff members who asked to see ID and gave me a lot of attitude when I inquired about the wait to be seated. I am five feet tall, a woman, and maybe 130 lbs, so that definitely wasn't necessary. I can understand why bar staff can get a little surly, especially on a late night when you are dealing with inebriated clientele... but this was an afternoon and I certainly wasn't surly or inebriated, so the only conclusion is that the staff sucks.
(2)
Caroline L.
I had a nice experience here. Of course, 90% of what you go for is the beer/cider selection, which is fabulous! Our table had the mussles which were very flavorful and fresh. The burger was a bit of a letdown given how great everything else was. It was overcooked and not that flavorful. I'll definitely go back and give it another try, though!
(3)
Michelle L.
*Gasp* I have to echo Candace C.'s incredulousness at how well-loved this place is... I've even met New Yorkers who wouldn't otherwise be caught dead in Philadelphia kowtowing to its superiority. But I haven't drunk the Kool-Aid, at least not yet. Admittedly, I'm not a beer snob which is apparently Monk's (Monk's'?) target demographic. Actually, it's not quite true to say I'm not a beer snob - in a way I am the ultimate beer snob, because I don't like beer period. My ever-persuasive friend ordered the Allagash White for me ("this is the beer beer-haters like"), and I did like it! Eureka, Allagash White is the gateway beer! But this discovery didn't make up for the mediocre-to-slightly above average food, and CERTAINLY not the service. I think the same hostess has worked here for the past few years, and she's never honest OR gracious about the perpetual wait. I have a pretty imperturbably lighthearted mood, but she always gets my Monk's experience started on the wrong foot.
(3)
Amy L.
If you need beer and mussels then stop by. Reward yourself with a beer or two or ten since you just made an excellent choice to stop by Monk's. Try their duck salad--you'll like it! Friendly service and just a awesome place to chit chat with friends without feeling the rush from the waiters.
(4)
Alex S.
Just in case you don't know about this place, this place has incredible food (it cannot possibly get any better). I reccomend the mussels, the duck salad, and the burgers. And to anyone who is actually reading this and has never been to Monk's, well the french fries (with the dipping sauces) are the best I've ever had in my life. Tons of belgian and craft beers on tap and in bottles (food is reasonable prices, beer's a little expensive and will probably cost more than the food). I must warn that I've waited for up to an hour for a table for 2 people (still isn't going to stop me any time soon).
(5)
Julian B.
Nothing beats mussels (Provence are the best) and some yummy beer. Recently had the Mac and Cheese which was decadent and super delicious. Other favorite are the Spanish flies (mega mega spicy so be warned) and the frog legs are one of my favorite dishes in the city.
(5)
L C.
The place seems to have an identity crisis-- the seats are spread out like you can converse like a group of friends, but the place is so small that you will constantly be bumped into and asked to move. The decor is old and dark, but the menu is upscale and out of place. I'm perplexed. Apparently the menu is good for beer aficionados, but since I don't consider myself part of that group, I didn't get anything from the experience.
(2)
Greg K.
Great beer selection. Wings are just plain hot, without having good flavor. Fries are alright.
(3)
Barrett L.
I came here last night after arriving late on a long and tumultuous bus ride. I had always heard about Monk's, the mussels, and the beer list, but never had the opportunity or time to check it out. When I finally did, it was life changing. First, the beer list is phenomenal, albeit overpriced for Philly standards (most beers on tap are $8). Free from "lager", they feature a slate of regional and European craft beers, as well as many, many, many, many bottles from all over the world. And you have to read the beer bible if you can, if not for the humor and light-hearted approach to beer, for the informative lessons about how its made and the many different types. Even your beer snob buddies might learn a thing or two. Second, we knew it was clearly a foodie place when we got there after 10 and STILL had to wait for a table (much to the disbelief of some passerby). The wait at that point was pretty short, but it would all be worth it for the other main reason why you come here: The Mussels. You cannot get better mussels anywhere else in Philly. Why? Because you get a huuuuuge pot of gourmet mussels with fries and bread for $10. Seriously. It's like one of the city's best kept foodie secrets. And they're really good mussels too. I had the Ghent mussels (amazingly savory with bacon, bleu cheese, leeks, fume, and simmered in Saison Dupont), while he had the Red Light (Hoegaarden Broth with spicy chili peppers, chervil, and garlic). Why do more people not take advantage of this amazing deal? Apparently, they have really good burgers too, but that'll be for the return trip. For now, this was hands down one of the best, if not the best dinner I've had in a really long time in Philly.
(5)
Robert L.
Wait, wait...BEEERRRRR! This place is fantastic! Where can you go for a really long list of great beer and a top it off with a complimenting atmosphere? HERE! I like the place and keep coming back - it feels like a second home.
(5)
Justin J.
Mussels, Burgers and Beer oh my!! This iconic belgian beer house is a must visit if you are in Philly area, be prepared to spend a little more but you get what you pay for. Mussels are my normal go to when here cant beat the Ghent or the Thai mussels.
(5)
Steph C.
Come here with all your friends! Came with 7 people and ordered 6 different types of mussels and shared family style. Add the Delirium and Chimay beer selections and it was fantastic. We went pretty early for dinner on a friday, so didn't have to wait...
(5)
Casey K.
The beer is great, the mussels are pretty decent too. They do have this Philly-pretentious vibe, but I can give them credit, given their amazing beer list.
(4)
Rosemary B.
My husband has always wanted to come here he is a beer LOVER. Stopped in Saturday for a snack and a drink. The service was very slow and inconsistent...I love mussels and we ordered 2 small bowls...one thai curry and one with the gorgonzola cheese and bacon...the thai curry wasn't very good, it could have used a splash of coconut milk, but the other order was delicious, very very good. All of the mussels were open and they were a decent size. However, the "frites" were limp, soggy and cold which was a disapointment. My husband enjoyed his beer and I was happy to have a glass of Chardonnay (which is advertised as Stone Cellars on the menu, but served and billed just as "NAPA" at $3 more (but much better tasting, it just should have been mentioned) I wouldn't go back, and even with the amazing beer selection I don't think my husband would either. Overall it wasn't anything amazing.
(2)
Jay R.
If you are going there just for the beer, A+. Off the charts list of beer. (If you are a bud light, coors light drinker, you might as well turn around and walk out...) As most of the reviews state, their mussels are fantastic, hard to ever get them anywhere else again. Burger itself was very good, I enjoyed the toppings and the flavor was wonderful, not my perfect choice for a bun, I prefer a more 'Brioche' style roll. I ended up eating it open-face and using the top to soak up more deliciousness broth from the mussels...
(5)
Maggie M.
Want to know how NOT to get a tip? stare at the table of four young(ish) women you are waiting on and say, "let me get this straight-- you want **four** orders of fries with your meals???? are you seriously going to eat that much?" but what would monk's be without scornful, mocking waiters? (that might just be because i am a beer idiot) or incredibly delicious, top 3 in philly French Fries? or big savory salads? or giant tubs of mussels (which i don't like but my friends just looooove)? i'll tell you what monk's would be-- only the best place to drink incredible belgian and german beers made in all kinds of different ways i don't understand and will never remember! I always try at least two new brews each time I go (this time Lindeman's Frambois-- i never like the fruity ones, i don't know why i let people convince me-- and St. Feuillien Brune-- okay but not memorable), but I admit I finish my nights with Gaffel Kolsch (hence my continued status as a beer ignoramus-- i know what i like, and it's mostly what people call baby beers...) every couple months 3 of my friends and i meet up at monk's to catch up and, yes, probably mostly to gorge ourselves on hearty beers and salty, crunchy, potatoey goodness! as traditions go, it's one i look forward to and can wholeheartedly recommend to others. Monk's is dark and cool and loud and just a great place with great ambience all around... (snide waiters included free of charge for your entertainment...) one piece of advice: Lie, lie, LIE like a rug to the hostess and tell her YES your party is all present and accounted for. It'll still take a half hour to get your seats, and wouldn't you rather have them call your name 5 minutes after that last, late, jerky friend gets there then be just starting another 30 minute wait when they arrive? a word to the wise, though-- make sure you really trust the friend to get there in time or it all goes for naught... ooh-- and you'll have much better luck if you go there for a late lunch or late dinner... prime time is *prime time*, people, so beware :) p.s. we really did tip the waiter...
(4)
Sandra O.
Great service, great food (especially the Mussels), and a wonder inspiring selection of beers. Every time I have been here, I have left happy. It is near some very good BYOBs and we often go here first for a drink and appetizer (the mussels of course) while waiting for a table.
(5)
Adam F.
This is a dark, noisy, wonderful place for a fantastic beer. Went by myself on a work trip and the service was fantastic. I was able to ask several questions about the beers they had on tap and their selection was probably the best I've seen in the US. The food was wonderful and I highly recommend the mussels even though everything on the menu is divine.
(5)
Charlotte M.
I want to love Monks. I did love Monks. Food is delicious. Beer is delicious. But the service is plain bad, and it affects the experience significantly. They're not not skilled, just not nice. Yes we all know Monks is very busy and important, but that's not an excuse to be rude. Don't even think of going with a big group.
(2)
Elissa B.
I brought my parents here in October. It was my third visit (the first time was in Jan 2001 with my dad, actually). It was very disappointing experience. It's pretty loud first of all but that is to be expected. It's also very popular so we waited for a while for a table. We were seated at a small table in the back (good because it wasn't as loud in there). When a larger table opened up across the way, we asked if we could move and they were very nice about moving us. The issues we had were with the food. I ordered the seitan cheese steak. I specifically had asked if it had dairy or eggs in it. The waitress said no. When I took a bite, the bread tasted like it had butter on it. So I had to scrape off half the bread. My father ordered the veggie burger. He didn't like the taste and it fell apart. My mom got the duck and it wasn't prepared properly, either. So, overall, it was a rather disappointing experience at Monk's. The only good thing was the beer, unfortunately. I don't think I'll be back.
(2)
Monica L.
PROS: Cheap, consistently delicious mussels, good selection of beer CONS: Overpriced dessert (HA!) Order the mussels!!! In fact, get a bunch of friends and try the mussels in different flavors. Each pot comes with bread and fries. The fries are absolutely delicious, and the bread SHOULD be used to soak up the rich, flavorful mussel-juice from the pots. Mmmm. I want me some mussels now.
(5)
Rachel F.
I studied abroad in Belgium & this place totally reminds me of the bars I used to go there. Monk's Sour is always on tap and is one of my favorites. Get a burger or mussels.
(5)
Jessica E.
Love Monks, one of my most missed restaurants after leaving philly. This review is solely for the new years eve beer dinner last week. There were 6 courses and the food left a lot to be desired. Scallops in buerre blanc-fantastic, but you only got one. Beer pairing was almost too harsh for the delicate scallop. Duck spring rolls- ok, nothing memorable. Salad- frissee with a few crumbles of gorgonzola (love) but again nothing special. Filet mignon with foie gas and truffle, roasted potatoes- had very little flavor, beef, truffles, foie gras or otherwise. Beef was in serious need of salt and pepper, but the portion was huge if you're into that. Our entire table ordered medium rare and they were all medium well. Cheese plate- laughable, one square of cheese the size of my thumbnail and a piece of stale bread the same size with some kind of chutney that was so flavor less I couldn't tell you what it was. Dessert- meh chocolate wafer bar (obviously frozen) with a raspberry sauce that helped a little. Reminded me of sugar wafer cookies. Flavors of the beer pairings were very good but unfortunately the food didn't really stand up to them. Also, the pace of the courses in the beginning was super slow, then all of a sudden they're coming at you rapid fire, I had trouble keeping up with the beers. Every other restaurant on nye is serving steak and lobster, dare to be different and do what you do well, Monks! So for $125 on New Year's Eve I do realize that this could be considered a "deal" but the food just didn't do it for me. We were looking for something different to do and this was a bit of a disappointment. They also kicked us out right after dessert, obviously so that they could have their after party. We were looking forward to hanging out and having a few drinks after the dinner, oh well
(2)
Josh S.
Monk's Flemish Sour Ale is the ultimate beer. Before you couldn't buy Yuengling west of the PA border...It's only a matter of time before you hear people yelling for this ale west of the city. You will see all walks of life in this gastro pub. Don't be discouraged if you walkin and every table is filled...walk all the way to the back (stay to the left) and there is a bar that typically never fills up...almost reminds me of a speakeasy. The beer list is broad and the staff is very nice. At times they can be a little short staffed but they will always take time to answer questions. My fiancee loves the mussels, we have friends that come in from LA and always want to go to monks. The fries are cooked in duck fat and are the best thing on the block. I love their hot wings...WARNING...by hot, they mean HOT! If you don't like burn get them without sauce. I like the feeling I get (yes I am twisted), eyes watering, mouth burning, and nose running...something strange and intriguing about that feeling.
(4)
Amber L.
Monk's is essential if you live any where downtown. The one great thing about it is that it remains 'local.' There is a good mix of philly folk there - not so much bridge and tunnel. There are the occasional rittenhouse snobs, but mostly it's for folks who like first rate gastro-pubs. These folks put that phrase on the map. The have an amazing selection of beer from all over the world, really informative and friendly staff. You should go here. Just do it. Get yourself a Duval, mussels, and fries with aoli mayo summer or winter...
(5)
A C.
This is a must-visit if you go to Philly! Beer lover's heaven, with a list that could keep you busy for years. Always something off-beat or uber rare offered, with an unbeatable selection of Belgians and other Euro's. It also has a great selection of American craft beers here too... Food is great, haven't had a bad meal in 5+ visits. The only thing holding it back is the staff. Don't get me wrong, it's not like they are bad, but only one time did the bartender even attempt to strike up a conversation with me. I mean, c'mon, you're at a 8-10 person bar MAX, you've got some time to chit-chat with your patrons, maybe make a few extra bucks... Mind you, I haven't been in about a year, but it seemed like non-conversatinal bartenders were the norm every visit. Whatever though, go with a friend or three and it won't matter!! As long as they keep on bringing in the fantastic brews it's worth the trip! Try the Monks Cafe Flemish sour on tap, you'll thank me later
(4)
Brian C.
It's terribly difficult to get a seat or a table at Monk's. For some, this is a good sign, for others, not. For the beer drinkers, I agree, Monk's is a wonderful place with an amazing assortment of beer that range from the lightest pale to the darkest, chocolate color. Variety is a plus. The reason I go to Monk's is for the mussels. My personal favorite are the Ghent mussels since I love blue cheese, and the bacon with it is a plus. The fries are also very good, perhaps a bit too salty and also slightly spicy. The Thai curry mussels are good too. The problem I have with Monk's is that the mussels are great, the beer is good, but it's not worth the aggravation of being smashed in the little corner by the hostess station, or waiting in a very very long, noisy line for, or having drinks and mussel juice sloshed onto you for. I know that may be part of the attraction for some, and Monk's is certainly a wonderful place, but for my old self, I usually opt out. There are other places that offer similar fair with less of the headache.
(3)
Teri R.
Monk's is always a win: the food is delicious and creative, the beer selection is deep and wide. And the place is sort of equidistant to every other point in the city! Great choice if you're seeing a show on Ave of the Arts... Mussels and Chimay fortify the soul. And the caesar salad dressing is noteworthy. They are always busy. Always.
(5)
Angela U.
I came here for dinner on a Monday night with my boyfriend and his family. Everything was PERFECT! We had a great, friendly waitress, the food was out-of-this-world, the drinks were fantastic, and the prices were completely reasonable. Even the music was excellent! It's no surprise that the place was packed on a weeknight! There was such a fun atmosphere, everyone in the restaurant seemed to be having a great time, relaxing, and laughing. I would recommend this place to everyone!
(5)
Jonny R.
Legendary. The best beer list in the country and one of the most consistently delicious menus I've ever had in town. It's always fun to go here! Frites are great, burgers are delicious, mussels are the best in town. And the bottle list is amazing. Some complaints are you can just drink in the dining room and the servers are snobby. I haven't experience the latter, and I understand the former for the most part. If you haven't visited here, I would recommend it going there promptly. A great bar, a great restaurant, and an important part of Philadelphia's culture.
(5)
D G.
We went during a weekday and sat at the bar. The bartender was horrible. Very rude service. We had fries which were great as well as the beer selection. We also had a cheese plate that was ok. The place seems to be packed on most nights from what I hear. It was disappointing that I felt like the bartender was doing us a favor by pouring us a beer. I'd probably give it more stars if it weren't for the rude service.
(2)
Tiffany C.
The food was definitely great and a huge selection of beers. Not a typical place I would go to again however. Way over crowded and uncomfortable atmosphere. Might be better for out of towners!
(4)
Ankur D.
damn good food. only critique is the service. I got a burger that was more rare than medium rare, and when i asked the server, the only thing he said was "its steakhouse medium rare." Didn't really make sense because i've been to steakhouses and top burger places and never noticed a difference. We had: Spanish Flies - DELICIOUS. spicy and crispy wings. perfect. Monk Burger - Awesome. Only critique was the temperature of the burger Ghent Burger (Chicken) - it was good. chicken was a bit dry for my taste, but delicious never the less. Get burgers, stay for beers, and enjoy the atmopshere!
(4)
Colleen M.
The trip to Monks last night... let's just say it's been a long time comin' and it was well worth it. I am a huge mussel fan and the Ghent mussels were amazing -- like, amazing, amazing. And a happy coincidence had me pair them with the Chimay Tripel which served as the perfect compliment. I also got the Morroccan Seiten Pita... but I have to say, the mussels outshone anything I could have ordered afterward and I was sorry I even bothered. Not that it wasn't good but it wasn't anything to yelp about. :) The beer list is extensive, as everyone already knows, so my thirst was quenched. Add that to my full belly and I was a happy camper.
(4)
Emma M.
Monk's is just "eh" for me. It's not amazing, it's not bad, its just "eh" I came here last week for mussels and their sour ale, the mussels were good, not great, I had expected more, and the ale was decent. In hindsight I wish I would have ordered a bottle of Duchess of Bourghese because I think it has an overall better taste. I'll probably come back to monk's but I won't make it a regular stop.
(3)
Megh R.
Yummy, but pricey food, and a fantastic beer menu. Don't come here unless you want to drink.
(4)
Jayson W.
A gem. Monk's sets out to provide superb beer, superb mussels, and superb plates and exceeds the mark in all categories. What was once a little known hole-in-the-wall location has skyrocketed into one of the most popular spots in Philly. Portions are huge- when they say "Small Mussels" they mean "These mussels could feed a small family"- and the beer list with some hard to find Belgian brews is as unique as you'll find anywhere. Of note, on the front of the "Beer Bible" is a notation of where you can buy the fancy and charming glasses they use to serve their drafts. It's a store not too far away. This simply shows how down-to-earth of a location Monk's really is.
Monk's simply has the best beer selection I've seen anywhere in the world. Most beer bars focus on one style, genre or region to the exclusion of others -- not Monk's. Their 300+ beers cover all imaginable styles from all the major beer-producing regions in the world. When I visited, they had over a dozen different Belgian, Belgian-style and assorted other beers on tap, including Lindemann's Framboise which I have never found on tap before. Some of the Belgian styles are intimidating to beer novices, so if you're visiting with a friend or relative who prefers see-through light American lagers just help guide them to a Wit or ask a server to help out. They are (to no-one's great surprise) very knowledgable about beer. The beer alone would be worth driving to Philadelphia and standing in the crowded narrow bar area for an hour waiting for a table. The food puts the place over the top. I've only ever had better moules frites at Granville Moore's in DC. The spicy wings are near-nuclear but also flavorful. You can't go wrong and -- you guessed it -- there are at least a dozen beers that pair perfectly with any food choice.
(5)
Kevin C.
A haven for beer lovers. When I think of "Beer Emporium" at its finest, I think Monks. Its small, so getting a table on a weekend can be rough. The menu isnt huge, but whats in it is quality. I usually go for the specials. One of the few places a guy can go and ask for a "Kreik" and not only will you not have to explain what it is, but they'll show ya where they are on the menu. The Beer Bible is overwhelming. I say try everything, and mark each one off your bucket list as ya go along.
(5)
Hardik K.
This place can very crowded on a weekend. I usually come in on a Thursday night with my buddy. The beer selection is amazing its really what all the reviewers are saying about it. Fries to go with the beer selection, you just can't go wrong! Highly recomend this place if you have no tried it out yet.
(4)
Brittany K.
The bartender was very knowledgable and kind. The atmosphere is very low key. So many beers to choose from in the "beer bible" book. Very unique menu items that can't be found anywhere else. Great place!!
(5)
Monique B.
The fries...all about the fries!
(3)
Brian B.
One of our favorite joints. The "Brussels Mussels" with a Duvel just hits the spot. If you are into weird, funky craft beers and unique dishes, in a busy atmosphere, this is the place for you! Lots of positive energy here!
(5)
Jon D.
Excellent Belgian beer selection, very good Belgian-style fries and mussels, and the duck sandwich (or salad) is good too!
(5)
Ashley A.
As a part of my "Farewell Philly" tour I had to stop off at Monk's since their frog legs have been on my must eat list. We had a few rounds of beers and ordered a small pot of Thai Red Curry mussels and an order of frog legs to split. Dem legs were tasty! They remind me of chicken, but a little less tender. The sauce on them is similar to buffalo, but I don't think it's exactly the same. Thanks for another great afternoon, Monks! I'll miss you.
(5)
Peter K.
I have always found this to be a great place for a default dinner if you do not feel like cooking. Get here early though! Great BELGIAN food. Every meal here I have had was spot on perfect. Perfectly cooked burgers and tasty mussels. Everything has great combinations of flavor. You can also find the similar flavors interchanged with other foods. The beer bible. Inconvenient to navigate, so just go for the first few pages or the draft list. It is informative though if you have time waiting for a friend. They definitely picked some of the odder labels from some of the normal crafts. I have yet to have a bad beer here, unlike some other beer heavy menus elsewhere. Price range? It isn't the food the racks up your bill. $ for the food. $$$ for drink.
(4)
Marc F.
Yum! Beer selection is fabulous, muscles are plentiful and delicious, as is the duck salad and veal cheek. Price is reasonable too. I can imagine the place getting annoyingly packed at times.But when we were there, most tables were full and there were a few folks at the bar. That created a nice atmosphere.
When I first moved to Philly last summer, I had many people tell me I needed to try Monk's ASAP. Somehow, it took me until a few weeks ago to get here (I blame the seemingly endless amount of bars and restaurants in Philly for taking me so long). I was never much of a beer drinker, but recently, I started to enjoy trying all different kinds of beer. Of course, that meant I needed to get to Monk's now. I don't know what I was expecting Monk's to look like, but walking down a weird hallway and into such a tiny place certainly was not it. However, don't let that stop you! Embrace the Beer Bible and draft list and enjoy the fact that you can spend many, many days here and not even put a dent in the beer list. I of course needed to have Pliny the Elder, and it was easily the best beer I've ever had. Add in some beer battered chicken and frites and I had a wonderful first trip to Monk's.
(4)
Nissa G.
Monk's is the best! ALWAYS packed so be prepared for a wait if you want to eat there, or sit down, actually. Secret is to walk through the whole place, through the tiny hallway, to the back bar. Slightly less crowded back there. GREAT burgers and mussels, huge beer selection. DELIRIUM ON TAP = LOVE
(5)
Sean L.
had the scallops appetizer, great sauce and perfectly cooked. had the burger with bleu cheese, it was good, but i have had better. skip the burgers. best thing i have ever eaten is the pomme frittes....wow. amazing sauce and perfectly crisp. you have to try them. beer was excellent - had 2 of the russion river IPA on draught. perfect. prices not bad. go here.
(4)
Rachael S.
I wholeheartedly love this place. Slightly grubby, dimly lit, and utterly cozy - that would be enough to lure me in even without the amazing beer list (specializing in Belgian and Trappist ales, of course), the seriously good frites, and the many preparations of steamed mussels. Service is friendly too. My favorite place in Philly, no contest.
(5)
Vinayak B.
Lots of selections for the beer snob. Mussels in brussels baby! (well close haha) Recommend their mussels and for those of you have some serious appetite for heat, Recommend their Spanish Flies. I mean seriously good heat and lots of flavor. I've had really hot wings and really flavorful wings but this is the best of both worlds. Packed with smokey chipotle goodness
(5)
Bill B.
Monks is Monks. I stopped in with a friend who has never been here before to show him the place. I think the place is great but overpriced. We had a total of four beers and it cost $50. Trust me, we didn't have anything grandly outrageous. I always enjoy the atmosphere here but tone down the prices. I spend allot on high end beers but at the same time, I don't appreciate being raped for basic beers (St. Bernardus, etc.). The Belgian spot I always go to is Eulogy because the prices are more manageable with the same beers. I would still recommend checking this place out, but be prepared to have your wallet bleed green.
(3)
Neil S.
It might seem blasphemous to give a Philly institution such as Monk's a tepid review, but the quality of the food I was served didn't match the hype. Monk's decidedly doesn't fit the bill for a quiet meal. The crowds can get raucous and the noise deafens. Despite this loudness, the waiters project well and the service is great. Everyone helpfully guides you through alcohol and food options. The mussels taste as good as advertised. I opted for a small order of Red Light mussels and was greeted with a pot full of medium sized critters in a broth aromatic with beer, garlic, and chilies. The mussels tasted of the sea with a pleasant, bivalve funkiness. They weren't the biggest I've had but certainly some of the tastiest. The wheat bread accompaniment, rather than the standard crusty white, baffled me, but it sopped up the juices efficiently, and ended up complementing the broth. The frites disappointed, as only a few had crispness. The rest were soggy, though not bad by any standard. Despite my positive mussel experience, my friend's salmon failed. It tasted fishy and had an off aftertaste, indicating a lack of freshness. The vegetables accompanying the dish tasted pedestrian, to the effect of a mediocre home-cooked meal. What Monk's prides itself on (mussels, beer, and frites to an extent) they do well. But they need to ensure the not-as-oft-ordered menu items are up to par with the best sellers.
(3)
Kimberly M.
Hands down-one of the best places to get something to drink and eat! The selection of beers is mind altering! I came here with my husband and one of his friends and we had a wonderful time!! It's a very cozy, older, and unique. One of a kind! The beer selection at this establishment is all encompassing and literally every beer in the world is served here-AMAZING! The staff knows it all too! The food is top notch and they have some unique things on the menu such as frog legs! Between the three of us, we ordered a knock out burger, scrumptious mussels, and to die for mac and cheese! This place adds a special touch to their food and it's not the typical association one would think with these plates. Highly recommend and look forward to coming back and trying something new! Make sure to get there early before the dinner rush because you will be waiting outside for quite some time to get a seat at the bar or at a table!
(5)
Kris H.
One of my favorite gastropubs in Dallas is The Monk, so had to try the non related Monk's Cafe in Philly. They are both fantastic. I'm giving my nod to Dallas however as it never gets this crowded, but that's the east coast for you. Enjoyed the beer list and food. Ate in the back dining room which i appreciated as it was also crowded but not as noisy. Food and service was all very good. It's definitely a neighborhood joint and then the word got out and well.... Looking forward to going back, but during off times - if there is such a thing when drinking a beer.
(4)
Rachael S.
I didn't have any food but the beer selection alone is worth 5 stars. =]
(5)
Sondra C.
Food, service and atmosphere are standard for a bar - friendly, cozy and warm. Mussels come in many flavors. Chimay and other great beer selections. Plenty of mussels come in an order for two if you also dip the bread and eat all the fries. Order more if you're really hungry. Tried frogs legs. Yes, they taste like chicken - tiny, frog-shaped chickens, with a hint of bog.
(3)
John D.
This place is awesome - a lot of Belgian beers that you don't find anywhere else, a lot of great Micro Brew beers as well that you can't find a lot .. and their food is awesome. I usually get the duck salad sandwich - it's amazing, I love this place - best bar in Philly
(5)
Nhi Q.
The mussels are a revelation! I mean, C'MON... a pot of two dozen mussels steamed in a light curry broth for $10?! Fuggedaboutit. Went on a Saturday night and as you can imagine the wait was ridiculous. We walked several laps around the neighborhood and still ended up waiting over an hour for a table. I witnessed dozens of diners walk into the restaurant AFTER us but very few people leaving, which made me wonder if they were getting seated before us, because there's virtually no standing room inside. The hostess was unhelpful regarding estimated wait time, and I think we only got a table because we kept pestering her. That said, the food really is divine. The pomme frites are nothing to write home about, but the mussels are delicious and there are a handful of different broths you can choose from. I also enjoyed the beer. Their sour ale was reminiscent of a hard cider, which I thought paired quite well with the mussels. You'll definitely have a great meal here, as long as you're willing to overlook the average service.
(4)
Jeremy L.
Very nice and large selection of beers. ncie atmospher and friendly staff. Their belgian twist on the burgers is a very nice idea (belgian cheeses, beers and other wodnerful belgan savory specialities in the burger) and their other sandwiches are very original and modern (especially a very good bread, with a really crust that is not soft). However, for a belgian pub, I found it not up to expectations that their fries are not good. They were burned on the outside and almost not cooked inside. I guess any belgian guy going there will end up appaled by the "quality" of what is their national pride !
(3)
Chad E.
Great beer selection and great food. It's gotten a little pricey in the last few years and the lines for dinner are a little unbearable at times but once you're in and have your seat it's a wonderful experience. Typically I'll visit during the afternoon nowadays because it becomes crowded around 5pm-8pm.
(4)
Adam K.
Their mussels are some of the best in Philadelphia! On weekends, give yourself at least an hour waiting time. They do not take reservations and are always packed. If you are a Belgian beer person, then this is your spot.
(4)
Jillian M.
Best burger ever! There is a huge beer selection which was wasted on us. It's small I would make a reservation or get there early but the staff is great.
(4)
Wesley C.
Get the la Trappe Quadrupel while it's still available on draft!!!!! Ok. Now onto the review: Came here late Friday night with a buddy from Atlanta - shout out to Brickstore - well, last time I came here with my wife, we had a decent time. Tonight - my buddy and I had a GREAT time. Partly because we found out la Trappe was on tap!!! seriously - one of my favs of all time. complex, but easy to drink (or sip), just great with almost any food item . . . . and we did get some food :) Mussels - went with Ghent - it was good - but as is the case because of the way it is brought out in the pot, you gotta eat your way to the bottom where all the soup/sauce is. also, it's perfect for bread-dipping. i literally felt like picking it up and drinking it because it was just that darn tasty . . . . and it was good with my la Trappe. Burger - asked for medium-well, and it was definitely on the side of well. It was a little too dry in my opinion. I've even had well-done burgers that were still juicy before, so I know it can be done. overall, I was very pleased with the goat cheese - it was creamy and smooth, and went well with the burger (and la Trappe). Mac-n-cheesey - it was interesting - 4 different cheeses, one of which was also goat cheese. It came out with the goat cheese lumped on top - almost like a pile of whipped cream - kinda funny - but I guess that way, you can eat as much/little of it as you want. I found it interesting that they used regular elbow macaroni. Lots of places these days seem to get some fancy pasta (like orchietta or something like that). But all in all, it was solid. and great with my la Trappe. Overally, we had great drinks (la Trappe), good-great food, and great company (thanks for coming up Mike L!). I think we'll be visiting again soon (with our wives this weekend)!! and if it wasn't apparent in this review - GET THE LA TRAPPE QUADRUPEL AS LONG AS IT'S ON TAP!
(4)
Katelin M.
People should really look into their food selection too. The food is pretty legit as far as I am concerned. Thumbs up!
(4)
Lizzy K.
I come here every week. Eddy is the best bartender, so knowledgeable about beers. Friendly atmosphere. Great food- I recommend the Duck Salad or Scallops.
(5)
Dan W.
Fantastic place. The beer selection is magica, and their mussels are easily the best in Philly. It's relatively pricey (I was a college kid but my budget didn't stop me from frequenting) but it's completely worth it. Unless you are a veteran beer geek, I'd recommend to get a beer recommendation from your server. They have an extensive list of Belgian ales and hard-to-find craft brews from all around the globe. From there, enjoy your company with pleasant conversation as there are no telly's to distract you from being social. As for food, depending on your taste buds, you cannot go wrong with their mussels, pommes frites (with that CRAZY sauce), burger (top it with Belgian cheese), a salad, or sandwich (duck salad sandy). Definitely worth hitting it up.
(5)
Jasmine H.
Great food, great beer. Horrible service. I been here many times and I think I can only count 2 times when the servers were actually friendly and prompt.
(3)
Eric E.
Tremendous beer selection, mussels, and well above average burger. Great fries as well.
(5)
Erin D.
This place is solid, but didn't really meet my expectations. The reason for the low score is that I've been spoiled by going to Teresa's in Wayne, which is very similar (great food, a HUGE beer list that goes on for pages and pages). In comparison, Monk's fell a little short. Still, Monk's DOES have a good beer list, it is just not as extensive as other places I've been (like Teresas). I can't say anything about the food because thats not really what I've gone for. I do have a problem with how dark it is. I couldn't read the menu without my iPhone flashlight app, which I think is unnecessary. All in all, the beer here is solid, but I've had better.
(3)
Marty L.
Loved the duck salad and great beer selection
(5)
Julia M.
Philly is a beer drinker's city, and I do enjoy my beer. You can therefore imagine how spoiled I was when my ex was living in Philly. Every time I'd visit him, we'd either check out a bar (Foodery and Eulogy are also pretty great places for beer) or pick up a couple of beers from Food and Friends to take home (I wish we had "make your own 6 pack" deals like theirs in NY). I've been to Monk's on many, many occasions, and I've never once experienced bad service or subpar quality food. The waitstaff have a pretty decent to excellent understanding of what they are serving you, which is very helpful considering just how expansive the beer list is. At any bar with such an extensive list, you will always run the risk of your sense of adventure accidentally leading you to select a pretty boring beer (for me, anything described as having chocolate, hazelnut, citrus or coffee notes usually seals the deal for me -- and sometimes my tastes betray me). I will, however, say this: I've always made an effort to try something I've never before tasted, and all things considered, I've still enjoyed more beers at Monk's than I haven't. In terms of the food, I can make the following recommendations: 1. Try the Monk's Flemish grilled scallops. Yes, they're expensive ($13) and you only get two or three large ones, but they are -- hands down! -- the best scallops I've ever had in my life, and I'm pretty sure most of you will agree. 2. Something must be said for the creative broths in which the mussels are served; there are many interesting combinations of ingredients. These aren't the best mussels I've ever had, but these broths/stews more than make up for anything the shellfish may be lacking on their own. I've tried the Mussels Provence, which are light, delicate and filled with veggie goodness. I've also tried the Mussels Brussels, which definitely tasted like something a Belgian fishwife would ladle out of a cauldron on a nippy afternoon just before a squall (tomato, herbs, garlic, you know the drill). Lastly, I've had the Mussels Ghent, which were in a much thicker broth than the others; they make it with Saison Dupont, and there was bacon and bleu cheese in it, so it was definitely heavy and rich, but very flavorful, and an unusual pairing with seafood. These were all served with their pommes frites and bourbon mayo, which are good, but not the absolute best frites I've ever had. Regardless, I can't really complain too, too much about them. 3. The beef burgers are also pretty decent. I've had the Antwerp burger (mushrooms and cheese with truffles in it), which was, obviously, pretty shroomy and dreamy. I've also had the Ardennes, which didn't blow my socks off, but it was still pretty savory (sweet ham with cheese). The buns are good quality and fresh. RECAP: 1. Extensive beer list is great for those who want to try new things and/or stick to old classics. There is something for a newbie and something for a seasoned beer geek. 2. Staff is knowledgeable. 3. Food may sometimes be expensive, but decent, ESPECIALLY... ~ The Monk's Flemish Grilled Scallops, which are the BEST SCALLOPS EVER. ~ Mussels Ghent for their rich and thick broth made with Saison Dupont, bleu cheese and bacon (delicious!). ~ The Antwerp beef burger is lip-smackingly good what with all of that mushroom awesomeness. IMPORTANT NOTES: 1. If you're a burger aficionado, and you're coming here to look for the "best burger in the world," you won't find it here. They are tasty, but your particular quest will not be completed at this place. Don't be that guy who goes to Monk's looking for the "burger to rule them all," doesn't drink any beer or eat any mussels, and then gives this place only 3 stars. That's the equivalent of going to a steakhouse in Memphis that is famous for its ribs, ordering a salad and then giving the steakhouse 2 stars because the hardboiled eggs in the Cobb salad were too soft. That would make you a douche. 2. If you hate garlic, don't have any of the seafood. All of the seafood and shellfish dishes I've had here have had garlic in them. I love garlic, you may not.
(5)
Matthew F.
Monks hardly needs another positive review but here is goes anyway. This place is a haven for beer snobs; if you love good beer and solid food please try Monks asap. The beer menu (bible) is off the charts delicious. Even if you're not hungry, go in for at least one Belgium draft. The food has remained solid for the 15+ years I've been going to Monks. I almost always get a vegan burger and fries , washed down with 3 or so Belgium how can that not be a perfect lunch? Also, ever since they banned smoking here, this place is great for dates as well.
(5)
Laura H.
The fries at Monk's are to die for. They have a large selection of veggie burgers (well, and burgers in general) for fellow vegetarians. My boyfriend and I love the extensive beer list. I hear it can get pretty packed, but the four times I have eaten here have been midweek.
(5)
Devon M.
Yes, yes, yes! I need to go back to try their oyster bowls, but the beers are fabulous. I went with a Belgian guy and he even said it rivaled some of the pubs back home. You have to get over the prices: these are GREAT beers. Good for a night of casual drinking, not over-indulging.
(5)
Richie C.
It is this good, from the atmosphere to the bartender with the gorgeous hair before we sat down. Everything was phenomenal as always in the twelve years that I have been coming here. Jodie is an amazing bar tender and the food has never missed a beat and maybe I am getting old but somehow has gotten better. I do not mind the wait because it is so darn good.
(5)
Taylor S.
Monks cafe is always a treat on any given day in Philadelphia. Well known for their Belgian style mussels that are always wonderful. I prefer to hit this upscale "divey atmosphere" for lunch because dinnertime it is a zoo! Always a wait and incredibly noisy. Great for business! Not great for a relaxed meal with a pal. And one cannot talk about Monks without mentioning their stellar beer selection. You want mouth watering Belgian brew this is the place for you!
(3)
S C.
Holy. Damnit. This is the THING! I was staying on rittenhouse sq for work for a month and this was my go-to spot. The only thing more expansive than their menu of Belgian Brew is there list of muscles and broths. ...the later part of that sentence doesn't read as appetizing, I now realize. But the real deal is jaw dropping. Git it.
(5)
Anandi B.
Always heard awesome things and i've tried comming here multiple times but it's always so packed and me being impatient always ended up somewhere else. but on this one glorious night--got a cute cozy nook with a few of my good friends. i tried the thai curry mussels, a small pot thats not very small of delicious mussels for 10$?! what the what?! and it came with fries?! who could hate on that. i def would get thai curry again. beer selection was overwhelming but a fantastic selection indeed. 5 stars all the way. woooo~
(5)
Fuzzy D.
I have a seasonal soft spot for this place. The colder it gets outside, the more I want some mussels from Monk's. It's often hard to decide which style to pick and even harder if I hit the burger menu. And the frites. Can't forget the frites. Monk's also has beer for days - arguably one of the best beer spots in the city. They have crazy rotating taps and a huge bottle list. Downside is how packed-in and crowded it can get, so prepared to get cozy with strangers. For a less crowded experience, check out their outpost in Fairmount - Belgian Cafe.
(4)
Claire D.
I loved this place. We went for lunch before a matinee - just happened to walk by it and I vaguely remembered hearing about it so we went in. It was a little crowded due to the small space but we managed to beat the rush. We were placed at the end of a 6-person table with 2 other people at the other end but it somehow didn't feel awkward. I'm also a large gal but even being squished in with other patrons it didn't bother me or make me feel out of place or uncomfortable like it normally would. Not sure if I was in a good mood that day or the vibe of the place was good, so ymmv. Server was very friendly. I asked about the mussels and he recommended a few of the dishes to try. We ended up splitting a burger and a small bucket of mussels. Both were excellent. The burger was cooked perfectly and the mussels were delicious, though I think I'd get a different version next time as they were a little too garlicky for my taste, especially given that I was going to a crowded theater afterwards (I got the Monk's version). I also thought you got a very nice amount for your $10. Now to the beer. Oh my. I think it was one of the best beers I've ever had. I tried the Christmas brew that they had on tap. I forget what my boyfriend got, but his was delicious as well. And reading the beer menu was fun. So much to try! I read one review which said it was pricy, but I think it really depends on the beer. I felt the draughts were fairly priced and so was the food. All in all, I plan on going back and trying a few more beers with another bucket of mussels!
(5)
Vince A.
This place is simply amazing. World class beer and an amazing menu for food. Can't recommend enough. They do offer a full bar but that's not why you're coming here. The place is small, crowded and can get pricy but its worth it. This is the rare place that can do no wrong in my mind.
(5)
Sumit D.
Fell in love with Belgian beer here. The only knock is that the back room gets very crowded and often there is not much room to stand.
(5)
Jennifer T.
GREAT FOOD AND GREAT DRINKS!! I LOVE Monk's and I'm always bringing friends there. I always get the Framboise Lamic (raspberry beer) and all their mussels are delicous! All thier food is great...I've never ordered anything I didn't like. My brother loves beer and they have "beer bible" of over 200+ beers and its AMAZING!! He's in beer heaven everytime he goes. The only downside is that there can be pretty long wait for a table. But, with the impressive beer selection that they have, the wait is no problem =)
(5)
Julia B.
This place is dark. I mean, my mother has this crazy thing where she likes to eat in super low light (you know, candles, dimmer switch almost to lights off), and this place is darker than that. So you know, bring a flashlight if you need help reading things, but it makes for a cool ambiance. The short version: food and drink are delicious. we tried two stouts and their sour. we had veal cheeks, two types of mussels and fries. I would eat these things again. Long version: The restaurant was running something they call 19 stouts + 1 sour. So all the beers on tap are stouts. I loved this because I love stout. The hubs does not like stout, he got the sour. It was like beer, with lemon (uhhhh sour?). It was good, and apparently not always on draft, so certainly worth a try. My stouts were delicious, the waitress helped me with the subtleties of the different varieties on the menu. We started with veal cheeks - something that I've had only a few other times in my life. They were super tender, well paired with the polenta below (I was worried it would be soft on soft, but there was plenty of texture). On to the famous mussels. The Brussels mussels were good, but I dare say a little boring. Then we tried the Red Light mussels. Holy chili...these were spicy delicious. A must try if you like spice. I will be attempting to recreate this at home. Mussels were fresh! I would eat all these things again. I would order a sour again. I will be drinking stout again regardless.
(5)
Wayne P.
Just as advertised. We just went for lunch on New Years Day. Special beer codices All Stouts--perfect. Had traditional mussels/ Bruge Burger & Frits; all top of the line. Many variations on mussels, all kinds of lunch choices available. The service was even better. Atmosphere warm & casual : played the first two Led Zep albums during lunch-I could have stayed all afternoon. All I saw was happy faces-please try this place, you won't be sorry.
(5)
Micah T.
Attention: Need to get out of a funk? Go visit the Monk!
(5)
Aaron B.
Went there last Friday night... A bit of a business and business college crowd. But it was still a GREAT atmosphere and service. Not really my scene though so there's nothing much I want to write about.
(3)
Jenny W.
Wow - I don't know that I have EVER not left a tip at a restaurant/bar but this experience was horrendous. Was there on the night before Thanksgiving and we sat at the bar where we were ignored by the barender who was NOT busy. After eventually catching her attention, she honestly threw the menus down in front of us and went back to texting on her phone. When we were ready to order we had to tear her away from her phone again and she was short, impatient and overall unpleasant. We tried to make conversation, ask her about different items on the menu, etc but to no avail. I had the burger which was okay - the fries were nothing great. At one point I ordered a beer that tasted nothing like the way it was explained on the menu. I very sweetly told her I didn't like it, and could I order something else. She said it was my fault for not asking her about the beer and they don't "exchange" beers. She also basically refused to clear our dirty dishes away once we finished eating and put off a vibe of hating us and hating her life. Will never return nor recommend.
(1)
R R.
Best beers in Philly, mussels are tasty and an amazing deal! Great down to earth place, always something I recommend.
(5)
Gabrielle W.
This place blows. I could go on a 3 hr diatribe about how shitty my experience was at Monk's but I'll break it down in 1 sentence. Our waiter was a prick, and the food was overrated. I would recommend Belgian Cafe instead of Monk's.
(1)
Michelle E.
Good, solid burger. Place looks like it could use a good cleaning. We had a bit of a wait on a Sunday night. My water glass had lip marks on it upon arrival and my fork seemed to have been dirty as well. The frites were tasty and my husband's Moules Frites were also good.
(3)
Shawn R.
As a beer snob, I love Monks and its selection. As a burger fan, I'm in love with their burgers and fries. Seriously, their dipping sauce for the fries is the absolute best in the area. To highlight this serious, I will describe to you how I would take a shower with their sauce rubbing it all over my body. Letting the sauce drip down as I make quick wipes of it with fries to my taste buds pleasure. Too much? No matter what time of day you go there, it always appears to have a wait. The place is really small for such an awesome one. I guess, the saying is true about good things come in small packages. Anyway, check out this hot Philly spot and explore your beer tastes and enjoy an incredible burger.
(4)
Jim N.
Great food and beer TOTALLY ruined by the terrible service at the end by screwing up charging our bill. If you go there, avoid Eddie at all costs! Party of 5, and he ran one of our cards twice and one not at all. Then when this was pointed out, he got rude and disrespectful as if it was our fault. Really sad...such a great experience until literally the last second. If you wanna be a cash only place, then be that! Don't make us uncomfortable and unhappy because you can't count to 5... Talk about crashing the plane into the gate!
(1)
Monica S.
If you're a fan of real Belgian beer (Blue Moon devotees, beware!), then Monk's might just be your new favorite watering hole. Boasting one of the best all-around beer menus on the Eastern Seaboard (familiarly referred to as the "Bible"), Monk's is a Philadelphia mainstay and a late-night oasis, known for a rare pairing of great beer and great food. A welcome departure from its greasy neighbors (think: Little Pete's), Monk's offers a refreshingly un-barlike menu until 1am every night. Try the house special mussels (there are quite a few styles, each named after a Belgian city -- I recommend the "Ghent" mussels, which come in a beer-based sauce flavored with bacon, leeks, and blue cheese), or the braised veal cheeks. If you're craving a more traditional midnight snack, order a burger with fries-- better than most burgers around town! Any way you go, Monk's promises to satisfy the palette and the gullet. If you can deal with a moderate wait and a crowd, then check out this bar as soon as you can.
(4)
Andy C.
Went here for dinner, and sat at the bar. The place is dark, but not terribly so. Beer selection is huge, although i did not partake in any. The menu was kinda gross, sticky and probably the most poorly put together i have ever seen. Ordered: Spanish Flies - Spicy grilled wings. Very good. Different taste, and actually fairly spicy. Cheddar and bacon burger - Good quality patty, but the bread was way to big for the meat. Had to peel a good portion of the bread off. But the taste was good and it was satisfying. Overall a good place to get a bite.
(3)
Alexander S.
Great food, great beer. A bit dark inside, and the bar area's crowded. But when I need a beer that doesn't taste like the Schuylkill, I go here first.
(4)
Michael L.
I was so disappointed the last time i was here. i will never go back.
(1)
Kendrah R.
They do have a very good Belgian beer list. Obviously. But I wish they had great Belgian food to accompany it. I find their menu a downer, the food completely average. I wish I could even tell you what I ate but it was so absolutely non-memorable that I can't recall. Admittedly, I am probably judging this place harshly against other great Belgian bars and restaurants I have been to elsewhere in the country, Hopleaf in Chicago setting the bar the highest.
(3)
Anna V.
LOVE their Beer Bible... so many Belgian and craft brews to choose from! Beer and mussels were what we had because... it's what you have to get when you come here. They have a bar in the back room which gets pretty crowded because everyone just gathers there while they wait for their tables. Their mussels come in a lot of flavors/seasonings. We found it a good idea to split an entree with someone else so you can enjoy a larger selection of food. Everything came with their delicious thin fries. This place needs more restroom stalls though... they only had two of them, both of which are unisex but one of which was broken during the night we visited.
(4)
Ed F.
Ordered spanish fly and sour ale beer.. you'll lose track of time... so good. Wish to find local place like this in SoCal.
(5)
Adam S.
We arrived at Monk's around 3:30PM on a Saturday. This was my first time eating here, even though I've been hearing great things about it for years. Even at this off hour, we had to wait for a few minutes before being seated at a table for six that we shared with another random couple (the hostess was nice enough to ask if this was alright before seating us). Once seated, my wife ordered a beer and I ordered my typical diet Coke. After perusing the menu briefly, I decided that I was definitely going to go for the burger. I had heard wonderful things about it and it comes with an order of Monk's famous Pommes Frites. I went with the Antwerp burger (shitake mushrooms and truffle cheese) and my wife went with the Monk's burger (caramelized leeks and blue cheese). For appetizers, we decided to split the chicken fingers and the flatbread and dips. The chicken fingers were battered in a perfect beer batter and were made of incredibly moist white meat chicken. The chicken itself was a bit underseasoned, but this did little to take away from the dish. The peach barbecue sauce that the chicken fingers were served with tasted almost exactly like a generic grocery store barbecue sauce. I was not impressed. Despite its shortcomings, the dish worked. The flatbread and dips were impressive. The flatbread was fairly standard pita style bread, but the dips and even the olives were wonderful. The dish came with roasted lemon, lager and garlic hummus, curried butternut squash, and red pepper feta dips. Out for the three, the hummus was the most standard, but still very good. The butternut squash dip was surprisingly sweet, which perfectly countered the potency of the curry. The red pepper feta dip was pungent, sweet, and flavorful. Definitely get this when you go here. When my burger came out, my initial thought was one of disappointment. The burger looked small against the huge Portuguese style roll that held it. There were a decent amount of fries next to it and a tub of bourbon mayonnaise for dipping. My first instincts about the burger were completely wrong. It was a decent size, perfectly seasoned, and perfectly cooked burger. The roll complemented it well and soaked up all of the delicious juices from the meat. Even the shitake mushrooms on the burger were cooked perfectly (tender, but not soggy) and seasoned very well. They added a nice depth of texture and flavor to the burger. My wife's burger was also very nicely cooked. The blue cheese was very strong and the leeks added a slightly sweet balance to the cheese's pungency. Strangely enough, I was a bit disappointed in the Pommes Frites. I've been to the Netherlands (Belgium's neighbor to the north) and had Belgian style fries there. The fries there were cooked a lot thicker (these were about McDonald's thickness) and I like that style better. The seasoning on the fries was fine and the bourbon mayonnaise was also tasty. Nothing blew my mind, though, and I really wanted it to. I feel that Jose Garces has better (if slightly overseasoned) fries at JG Domestic. The fries were still incredibly good, just not as good as I've built them up to be. Service was good. Our waitress was fairly attentive and helpful when recommending items off of the menu. All in all, Monk's Cafe was very good. I would make the trip back for the burger alone
(4)
Frank R.
After going back here a few times, the glimmer wears off rather quickly. This update pertains only and completely to the beer service. I have not eaten here. First off, the place is horribly over priced. Don't get me wrong, I usually have no problem pay top dollar for good beer. I make six packs from the Finger Lakes Beverage center for $40-$50. I know quality is costly. There are some fantastic beers here but they are ridiculously over priced, especially for an 8-10 oz draft. I can get the same exact beer at any number of other take out places for 1/2 the price. For example, I paid $22 for Dogfish Head Worldwide Stout. I get the same beer at Finger Lakes Beverage Center for $9. That frustrates me. I feel Monk's uses the term "Belgium" in the same sense as grocery stores use "organic", a term used to justify high prices. The service is terrible. I've been back here about 3 times since I first went. It takes a long time to get the bartender's attention, another 5 minutes to get your beer, and another 10 minutes to close your tab. I went here on 2-Jan-10 in the mid afternoon. It took an hour to order, drink, and pay for 2 beers. It wouldn't be too bad but considering my friend and I drank our delicious Scaldis Noel and Allagash White in a few minutes, most of our time was spent waiting. I don't necessarily think the poor service is due to the people working or the lack of workers to deal with the crowds. The back bar had 1 server for about 20 people. Not efficient. A lot of people like this place so its almost always crowded. If you're not at a table or the bar, you're constantly being jostled around like at a frat party. I typically avoid places like that. Monk's is definitely a beer drinker's "must visit" place, but you'll probably want to visit it once.
(2)
Mama O.
If you are looking for a friendly bar for relaxing & having some drinks with friends- this IS NOT the place! I have NEVER been to a more UN- friendly place. The Staff is OBNOXIOUS , RUDE, SNOBBY. The Patrons are CLICKY & PRETENTIOUS. Aren't bars supposed to be fun??? As you can read in other reviews- they hit you with all these "rules" they seem to make up on the spot because I think they just don't like customers-? DEAR MONKS, Maybe you are confused by the fancy beer labels you surround yourself with, but NEWSFLASH: You Are Just Another Dingy Neighborhood Bar. Get over yourselves.
(1)
John R.
Yet another beer snob heaven. Their selection is incredibly long and full of exotic beers from all over the globe. Be ready for a wait depending on when you show up. This place gets packed....fast. The service was great. The entire staff was attentive and truly love beer. They can answer any questions you may have. Lastly the food is pretty good. I had the duck confit. The flavors from the orange zest, garlic, rosemary and thyme really popped. Highly suggest trying it.
(4)
Brian H.
i've been to monk's at least a half-dozen times and have yet to be disappointed. they have an excellent beer list - mostly begian (it is a belgian bar after all) but with a good selection of local and other domestic craft brews as well as other european offerings. the food is solid, though i can really only speak for the mussels as that's what i have ordered every time - between my own dish and sharing with my girlfriend, i have certainly tried every preparation they serve at this point - thai curry, monk's and brussels are my personal favorites, though they are all great depending on the time of year, weather, etc. service has always been fine, nothing to complain about or particularly applaud. wait-times are long on busy nights (thurs-sat) so come early or eat late. some other yelpers complained about it being a bit dark and i agree - it's *just* too dark in there, though i think much brighter would kill the ambiance... nothing that would keep me away though!
(4)
Jon S.
What a great place. I came here (again) in search of beer, who knew the Grilled Chicken & Mango salad would be so wonderful. I am not one to normally order salad for dinner, but this one hit the spot! I can always be sure to find a beer here that I have never tried (which is becoming difficult these days). A good place to make it a point to visit if you love beer.
(4)
Christina H.
There are very few places where I am willing to wait over an hour for a table. Monk's is it. But because of this, I don't go often, and I don't even consider going on a weekend anymore. The 6 of us went on Tuesday, and the place was packed at 6:30! Fortunately, we are Monk's savvy, and showed up an hour early to start our festivities at the bar, so by 7:30 we'd have a table. They don't take reservations and they won't seat you unless everyone is here, so once our last friend arrived at 7:30, we were seated at 7:45, not too bad. Their beer selections rocks, and I really don't like to drink beer anymore (the bubbles make me feel sick), but here, you have to drink the beer, so I had their chimay on tap, and a bells in a bottle. I promptly started to get a buzz since I was there on an empty stomach, so we order fries at the bar while we waited. I LOVE their dipping sauce. It's SO much better than ketchup, and almost makes you think ketchup is so declasse. I've tried to replicate this sauce at home, but it's just not the same. For dinner, I had a large pot of Brussels Mussels (it rhymes!) and their green mixed salad. It was plenty and I was full. Their expresso creme brulee really was a misnomer, but nevertheless decent with a cup of coffee. I guess I am biased, because if it was anywhere else, I'd probaby give it less stars, but I love their beer selection, their fries (really just the sauce), and their mussels, that I'm willing to deal with the wait, spotty service, and the loud atmosphere.
(4)
Jessie C.
Great beer selection. I didn't eat here but I am certainly planning on it next time i'm in Phily.
(4)
Sherman W.
Iconic Belgian beer cafe with high-end bar food, including frogs legs and mussels. The mussels are outstanding, and the selection of beers is extensive.
(5)
Jason B.
I like Monk's well enough. For a more enjoyable experience, it helps to go at the right time (during off peak hours). I hate it when it's crowded and it's usually pretty crowded. I often sit at the bar and the service is consistently spot on. I went last week and was reminded of one of my first times. I think it was during the day on a weekend, well past brunch time. The place was nearly empty save for a table or two and one guy sitting at the bar. So, that one guy was drunk and started a conversation with me. Him: What are you eating? Me: The Vegan "Meat Loaf" (Their quotes, not mine). Him: Looks good, I'll have to try that sometime. Have you tried the Veal Cheeks? Me: Uh, no. Vegan Veal Cheeks? Very interesting. From that point on I knew he: A) wasn't listening. B) didn't understand the concept of Vegan. C) was talking to me only so he could hear his own voice. D) all of the above. P.S. So, I had some stuff to do and didn't get a chance to finish this review. When I came back to finish it, Yelp informed me "You have a draft." No, YOU have a draught! We're talkin' about Monk's, remember?
(4)
Craig H.
Incredible craft beer selection - I had the Red River Damnation which was excellent. Try the Monks Flemish Sour Ale as well. The food is great. Fresh mussels prepared a number of different ways and pomme frittes which are great as well. A quick walk from suburban station and you're there. Highly recommend this place but it will get crowded so ask for a taxable and sit back and enjoy the ambience, food and BEER!
(5)
Jim S.
Great place.The beer and mussels are great. I was there a couple of days ago, I ordered a hamburger.....bad choice. The burger was good but the roll was very hard and very large. The rustic bread was not hamburger worthy. Burgers need soft rolls.
(4)
Adam G.
The sausage and mussels are amazing, and the beer selection is unique. They were offering some incredible sour ales the day we were there, so a little bit of luck goes a long way. The space is quite dark and kinda tight, but if you don't mind that, it's a great small spot to make a stop for some good Belgian/.
(4)
Robert V.
impressive beer and food menu. place was packed with locals. we waited over an hour to get in and chowed down hard: pomme frites, grilled sausage and cheese platter, chipolte wings to start with. For my meal I let the waiter pick, and I got duck confit. it was cooked well and had that classic rich flavor known with confit. it was served with mashed yams and string beans. of course it was all perfectly balanced with my Chimay Blue Label (grand reserve). I'd come back again.
(4)
Gene D.
Plus side: Terrific beer list. It's only a block from the Kimmel Center. Mussels Minus side: service. Desultory at best. those things they call frites. They are not even close to what they call frites in Belgium. They are not even close to what I'd call edible even if you call them something else. An overabundance of hipsters. I guess they need to leave their parent's basement sometime.
(3)
Kate V.
Great place for Belgian beer. We settled in with the monk cafe at 11 and there was no wait. The restaurant/pub was pretty filled with people tho so we were glad there wasn't another 1.5 hrs wait ahead of us. Philly night club close at 2 so gotta have food quick. I had the raspberry beer and my friend had a Christmas something beer. The raspberry beer is amazing IMO. Very light, refreshing and delicious. My friend liked his beer but it was a pretty strong/bitter ale for my liking. Moving on to food. We ordered pomme frites. Ehhh my only experience with pomme frites was that amazing fries place in st mark in NYC (by 2nd&st mark?) and this is completely different. The fries cut were stick like compared to thr steak like cut at the nyc place. Mayo dip was not that spectacular. It was ok. We were hungry and gulped down the fries but I wouldn't order this again. I think this place has great vegetarian/vegan options. Tho I did not like my vegan pita. Way too acidic for my taste. I guess the chef Od on the vinegar? My friend order duck confit. I thought the portion was good but he ate a lot for his size (he's a cross country runner) and thought it was just ok. All in all, I would return again for the beer and check out their other vegetarian options. And would def recommend this place. Wait staff is friendly. Although if u eat late at night like us, u might see some drunk people acting ridiculous.
(4)
Attila B.
Awful. A perfect example of what's wrong with Americans. Imagine waiting around for an hour for slow rude service, boring tasteless bland food and beer I could have ordered elsewhere. Its been a year since I went to monks. Geeee why don't I go back and give them a second try? NOT! I'm not sure why people think this place is great. Perhaps its the whole crowds attract crowds or perhaps, for many, its exciting to get seated after a very long wait, especially after all that time invested it just HAS to be good! Otherwise one might feel pretty darn stupid having waited uncomfortably squeezed up against smelly strangers in some doorway like some dumbass, just to get served slop. Its been a year since I posted my review but I just noticed it was removed so here I am writing the wrong, and even still I regret the time I spent there.
(1)
Art S.
My recent visit here confirmed everything I love about this place, and why it's still my favorite place ever. Awesome beer, the most amazing veal-chicken-garlic sausage sandwich I've ever eaten, and braised veal cheeks that would make me get all stabby on a baby cow. God bless you, Monk's.
(5)
Fran S.
We go here when we crave mussels and fries. Monks does mussels well. A few favorite preparations are the Brussels with tomato, fennel and garlic and the Ghent with leeks, bacon and bleu cheese. I know there are purists who say fish and cheese - never! I say can you really go wrong with bleu cheese? I can't. I have to say I cannot speak to the rest of the menu I really have never try it, but I do love the mussels.
(4)
Adam R.
Took my parents from out of town to dinner here early one saturday night. Already at 7PM this place was hoppin. I can see why because the food was awesome, the place is just funky cool, and the beer...YES PLEASE. We ate: Mussels, Pulled pork sammich, and my dad had a burger. We all loved our meals and i LOVED looking through the beer list and trying a few. Go here- eat here, DRINK here and be merry!
(4)
Jeff M.
I went to Monk's a couple times last year and just recently went back this year. The quality of the food and portion size both slightly decreased. I mention the portion size even though my entree on my last visit was more than ample. Monk's is very loud and busy. I'll only go here for lunch or if I get in the door for an early dinner by 5pm. They take no reservations and only seat full parties so you won't be able to drop someone off the get a table while you park. One time I witnessed the hostess tell a table they could not order any more food or stay longer unless they moved to the bar. I could not believe this actually happened. If this happened to me I'd never go back. I am disappointed that they took the rabbit terrine and venison pot pie off the menu. They have been replaced by a boring terrine and chicken pie, respectively, These were great unique dishes you'd have difficulty finding elsewhere in Philly. One of my favorite meals in Philadelphia is Monk's duck ragout with thick 'South Philly' pasta. The burgers are also very good. The fries are very rustic and some people swear by them. If you are getting mussels I'll let you in on a secret: if you order two pots you'll get more mussels at a lesser price and twice the variety if you want. I still have no idea why the server would tell me this. The beer selection is always changing and I found the servers to be very knowledgeable.
(3)
Megan D.
I went to Monk's with my boyfriend, brother, and his girlfriend on a Friday night. It is a small, dark place but a great atmosphere. However, since it was Friday night it was super packed. They said it would be a 35 minute wait for a table so we got a few, very tasty beers. The beer list is beyond overwhelming, so choose wisely. It ended up being about an hour until we were seated at which point we were all starving. We got two orders of mussels in two different sauces that I could have drank. The frites were amazing. The duck salad sandwich was SO damn good. And even though we waited a long time, we did not wait long at all for our food. Definitely go here but maybe not on a weekend night unless it's a Sunday to avoid an extra long wait time.
(4)
G D.
It's a classic. The fact that it's been around as long as it has tells you what you need to know. The space is a little cramped but other positive comments on the quality of the food and beer are correct.
(4)
Ann M.
definitely get the pommes frites! you wont be disappointed. great food, ambiance and service!
(4)
T M.
Very nice. Great selection of Belgium beers. Mussels are amazing.
(4)
Rachel H.
Best mussels in Philadelphia. The thai coconut is always my go to. The trout salad is also phenomenal. I only wish that it wasn't so popular. The wait is never short, so be ready to drink at the bar.
(5)
Christina W.
What happened? A month ago, Monk's was my most favorite place! Last Friday, we got to Monk's by 6, and there was no wait, but one of our party had run to the Kimmel Center to pick up will-call tickets, so they refused to seat us. When he got back 10 minutes later, the wait was 30 minutes. "Alright," we said, "unfortunate, but not a problem." 45 minutes passed. An hour passed. Nervously, we glanced at our watches, and computed that there was no way to eat and still make an 8pm show. So we left and got pizza. We came back after the concert, and we were promptly seated (around 10:30). Our food came quickly; the seitan meatballs were gross. The mussels were plentiful (over 2dozen for $10) but way overcooked, and flavorless, despite being cooked in all these different flavors (They were the DeKonnick mussels, so in ale, apple, guyere, leek, and garlic). The frites...oh the frites!... were cold, soggy, overly salted (like, WAY overly salted) and the mayo was disgustingly garlic-y. One of our party was constantly begging for water...granted he was being silly, but when the waiter joked about it, my friend replied, "you guys have got salty food here." It was said with a joking tone, but really, it was true. So sad!
(2)
Devon D.
Just the beer and the mussels selection give this place 5 stars! The Belgian sour ale made for Monks is delicious and the other selections are really excellent as well. The atmosphere is great - a nice small place with lots of character. The service is really impressive as well. So glad we stopped in for dinner! Would gladly go there any night for the mussels. Other dinners looked excellent as well.
(5)
Allison E.
I like the beer selection and find their food good. Knocking off 1 star for service. It is never GREAT, just always OK or GOOD. The staff isn't nice but they aren't rude either. Always a strange vibe from them. Usually just eat, drink and leave ASAP. Don't always feel comfortable relaxing at the table and taking my time eating and ordering.
(4)
Joe B.
Tried Monk's tonight because I had read many good reviews here and on other foodie sites. Had a really delicious hoppy IPA on tap, and ordered the Duck Sandwich, an incredibly tasty experience. The duck sandwich is medallions of duck meat served on a submarine torpedo-style roll. There's greens, chunks of sweet walnuts, goat cheese, etc. The combo definitely works. There's a lot of different tastes and textures going on and it definitely works.
(3)
Douglas H.
Absolutely awesome. I decided to head over for an early Sunday dinner on the first night of a work trip. At 4:30 there was no wait. Tried both the St. Bernardas abt 12 degrees, and the house Monk flemish sour ale. Both amazing beers. Pome frites were good, could have been crisper, only negative of the whole meal. Ghent mussles, awesome. Small order was overkill for single persons starter. Boudin blanc sausage sandwitch with abbots pomery crock mustard. Great sausage and the best mustard you can buy. I keep a jar at home (can't find in the regular supermarket but igourmet.com can mail order $$$). Very happy my friends recommended Monk's cafe!
(5)
Isaac T.
Awesome burger, fries and beer selection
(4)
Lils N.
My go-to place for mussels, sweet potato fries, and beer!!! It doesn't get any better than this. :) I would suggest only eating mussels or the burgers because I haven't heard many people raving about the other food on the menu. The mussels come in either regular bowls or large bowls. The large bowls are humongous and i'd only suggest it if you are starving or its your only meal for the day. The reason why is because all orders of the mussels come with a side order of sweet potato fries and a bread for you to dip in the mussel broth. So, indulging on another half pound of mussels is not necessary to leave feeling pleasantly full. My one suggestion is that if you are ordering mussels with a group of people and someone orders a large and another person orders a regular of the same flavor, make sure to tell them to cook them separately. My bestfriend ordered a regular and my other friend ordered a large, so what ended up happening is that my friend got all the uncooked mussels in her regular bowl and didn't have any broth in it whereas the large bowl had all the sauce and didn't have any raw mussels. That's our speculation because half of her mussels were closed and she also had a bad stomach ache afterwards. Otherwise, i love Monks!! yay!
(4)
Amy J.
always fun and good. i always bring my friends here from out of town..good beer selection and great fast food. the burgers are yum.
(4)
Elaine C.
The mussels here are amazing!!! I also really liked our waiter. He was real friendly and recommended some great brews for us to try.
(5)
Carlin Y.
Awesome beer place. I haven't tried their food, but the beer selection was really fantastic and not too expensive. Bartender also helped out with picking and trying some beers when I stopped recognizing names on the list. A little hard to find, but totally worth it!
(4)
Katie B.
Visited back in August and had such a fabulous meal! Sour Flemish Ale is definitely different and worth a try! My party spilt the duck sandwich and a pot of mussels. Worth every lick of the finger and penny.
(4)
Gordon D.
Visited this "joint" twice recently. Old, dark and delightful. My kind of place. Good beer and friendly people.
(4)
Sarah C.
Pot of Mussels in different sauces-YUM! Comes with a batch of fries. beer selection is great!
(5)
Jill T.
I was kind of disappointed. I've heard really good things about Monk's, but I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. I think perhaps this is due to the fact that I wasn't drinking, and it's pretty obvious with their beer selection I would have been happy with any choice I made. The food just didn't cut it for me. It wasn't bad by any means, but just not as good as I expected due to all of the hype. I'm going to try Monk's again, I feel like maybe I haven't given them a fair shake.
(3)
Steve L.
Thank you Steven B for recommending this place to me. Monk's Cafe is amazing! People love chicken and beer, but mussels and beer is the new thing. We had some of their house beer to start, and it was a delight to drink. I am not a big beer drinker, or any drinker really, but it was super smooth. We also enjoyed the Ghent Mussels. We didn't really know which ones were good, but we were assured that any flavor of mussels is good here due to the popularity of the place. Plus, it had bacon, so you can't really lose! These were delicious and cooked very well. They weren't puny and shrivelled up like many other places offering mussels. If you are in for a quick bite with good company and good beer, Monk's should be on your list!
(4)
Douglas W.
Great food and the best beer selection you could ask for, all with a relaxed unpretentious atmosphere. Amazing place!
(5)
John S.
Really enjoyed our dinner here. Great beer selection. Obviously lots of Belgium's but lots of craft beer as well. Food was very good. The only negative was that it was so dar inside. I couldn't help but use my cell phone light to read the menu. Would come again!
(4)
Susan S.
Monks has a great atmosphere that can only be one upped by their menu. No matter where you are seated, the feeling is intimate and cozy. With a front bar and back bar and wait serviced seating in between, it somehow reminds me of a speakeasy. A place that in the dim lighting and continual din of conversation you can say anything without feeling too exposed. The amazing selection of imported beer helps with that too. At least 10 imported beers on draught at a time, with "the bible" selection of bottled beers that will make your head spin before you've even had a sip. You've probably read the other reviews about Monk's mussels. They are not overrated. Go- eat, drink and be merry.
(5)
Melody L.
I was visiting Philly and a friend suggested Monk's Cafe. So, like any good Yelper, I went on to see what people recommended. There seemed to be a trend of rave reviews on the mussels and the Flemish Sour Ale, so we tried both. The mussels were amazing!! Juicy, delicious, and in this amazing broth. Highly recommended. We got the large size, which was perfect for 4 people as a snack. It also came with really awesome fries. We were just okay with the Sour Ale, however. I mean, it's exactly how it sounds. It's a sour ale.. really sour. So if you're in the mood for a regular beer, this probably isn't what you're looking for. If you're looking to try something a little more unique, and you like really tart flavors, then you might like it. I imagine this would be really good if you like sour beers, which I think is just strange. The other beers we did try: Dogfish Head Punkin : Amazing, as always Duvel : My husband said it was good, although I didn't have any. Rochefort 10: I picked this one because it was supposed to be really malty, which I like.. and, it was awesome. A bit on the pricier side, though, at $15 a bottle, but good nonetheless. If you like beer, then you are bound to find something you love here. They have a Beer Bible with well over 300 different beers from all over the country. Mostly Belgian, but a ton from other countries as well. I will definitely be coming back next time I'm in the city.
(4)
Ryan C.
Monk's was a tremendous disappointment. On my third visit to Monk's, I was finally able to get a table. The two times I previously went the wait was over an hour. This time, my wife and I waited 45 minutes. The hostess told us that we would need to wait until the rest of our party arrived before they would seat us. This wasn't a huge issue. My wife and I took a walk to the back bar area to see if there was space for us to sit while we enjoyed a beer. The back bar area had several open booths as well as the area leading up to this bar. The booth we wound up sitting at had been empty the entire 45 minutes we spent waiting to sit down. Both bars were packed to the point where it was hard to get a drink...which makes me wonder...why would a restaurant not want me to be comfortably enjoying their beers sitting at a table they weren't using? Instead I was left standing for 45 minutes (while a half dozen tables remained vacant...only able to get one beer. Sad. The restaurant/bar doesn't have central air conditioning, but is instead chilled by wall mounted air conditioning units set at 75 degrees. On the day in questions, Monday , approx 90 degrees outside, the restaurant was hot. With the AC only set for 75 it's no wonder we were uncomfortable. I was sweating bullets by the time I was permitted to sit at the booth. The beer selection was wonderful and the menu was pretty decent also. The pomme frites did not live up to my expectations...not by a long shot. They were small and dainty. The bourbon mayo was good, but not "top 5 bars to have a beer" good. If you want excellent frites with over 20 sauces to pick from check out European Republic in Olde City. I orderd muscles, spicy thai style. They were good. This establishment, while having good food and drink, is highly overrated. It's not worth the headache...there are countless numbers of places in the city that serve food and drink on the same level, but that have a good staff, a reasonable wait and central air conditioning.
(2)
Jessica K.
Ahhh Monks. The brew pub before there were brew pubs or yelp for that matter. I remember hitting this place up over 5 years ago when I lived around the corner and have been dreaming of their mussels since. Happy to come back for a nye appetizer of beer and mussels. Especially happy to see this place still around and doing well. Sure it's dark and what not who cares those mussels are fresh and the beer is plentiful and cold. Keep it up monks! The other brew pubs that try to copy offthe best are still trying to keep up. You've got it down! Thanks monks!
(4)
Catherine L.
I'm sort of a glutton for punishment. I always come to Monk's hoping that it is not packed -- and then, as always, it is. I hope the reason it's crowded is because of the following: - ridiculously good beer selection - I mean, if you like beer, this place is for you - the mussels and frites are good (not incredible) - I dig the atmosphere, the back bar, the dark lighting, very european The reason for the punishment, I fear is because: - it's packed (for either the right or wrong reasons - the crowd can be questionable), - the service is often spotty - and the bartenders (though bad ass) definitely take their time, with 'tude in check to serve you if you're at the bar - on a busy, popular weekend night it's hard - sometimes downright impossible - to get a table - and you can't sit at the tables if you're only imbibing Fact is, if you're in the area, not agoraphobic and patient, it's a decent bar (compared to the alternatives) to get great beers and indulge in some frites and mussels... at your own risk, of course.
(3)
Erin W.
Haters to the left, please. Seriously, I don't understand the complaints. I almost died when I read that rogue Septa bus smashed into the front of it; how was I going to survive for a week without Monk's mussels? This isn't Gianna's, vegans. And if you come here and order a seitan burger or a salad, you're wasting everyone's time, yours included. Sure, they have it on the menu. But you wouldn't buy sushi from a 7-11 just because it's there. You go to 7-11 for a slurpee when you are drunk. That being said, If you are looking for the best mussels in the city, look no further. Boyfriend and I have tried almost every kind of small pot they offer, with the exception of the apples and gruyere; there is no convincing the boyfriend that apples belong in entrees. Their mussels are divine, perfectly cooked every time, flavorful, beard-less for the most part, and in abundance. Is there anything more perfect than devouring an entire pot of mussels and dipping your bread in the delicious broth at the bottom, only to find a mussel that escaped his shell and had been hiding beneath a yummy sea of garlic and leeks? To me, it's like this: Do you remember Christmas morning as a child, after all the presents had been opened and your excitement was starting to wane and then you spotted one last box under the tree? That's what it's like. Eating mussels at Monk's is like Christmas morning. I can't speak to the extensive "beer bible" Monk's boasts, as the most beer-y thing I'll drink is a Lindemann's Framboise (much to the chagrin of the boyfriend, who considers it a joke that something bright pink and fruity would dare to call itself a beer), but the boyfriend has taken it for a spin on our many, many visits to this amazing restaurant, and has had nothing but high praise for both the beer itself and the number of options. It can get crowded on the weekends after 7, but there is usually room at the back bar to enjoy an adult beverage or two while you wait.
(5)
JOHN C.
This place lived up to the hype for me. The beer list is immense (hence the Monk's "Beer Bible")...definitely one of the most comprehensive lists of Belgian beers that I've seen. And they've got a nice selection of American beers as well, including a variety of Russian River sours. They did not have Pliny the Elder on tap when I was there, but the tap list was decent nonetheless. Food is decent "pub grub." The more notable thing about the menu is that they have a fair number of vegetarian and vegan options (like a cheesesteak made with seitan instead of beef). In any event, it's probably not a place that you would go back for solely for the food. Service was decent. Place is constantly busy and there seems to be shortage of bartenders to pour the beers for both the bar and the dining room. Fortunately, we weren't in a rush. A must visit place if you are a beer lover and live on the East Coast.
(4)
Marcello D.
Long before classy burger joints with exotic beer lists, pommes frites, and Le Bus buns became a trend in Philadelphia, Monk's was there. The high quality of their offerings remains a constant throughout the menu and the frites are a must-have with any order.
(4)
Stewart K.
I'm glad to see that Monk's gets the positive recognition it deserves. Kind of a hole-in-the-wall walking up 16th street, really it's just looks like another bar. But go inside, and Belgium comes alive!!!! Well, not really, cause Belgium is not really lively country, kinda boring actually. Belgium is all about beer, mussels, and Tintin (you'll know him if you look him up). But in that respect, this place delivers. In fact, the mussels are better than "authentic" Belgian mussels cause, I presume, they come from this side of the Atlantic, where seafood just tastes better. Sorry Europe. Beers are great and plentiful, but my one gripe is that they do a lot of domestic Belgian-style brews, which, IMO always never taste as good as one made by a real monk in Belgium. With places like this, why do people ever go to Irish pubs?
(4)
Jason T.
Holy Jesus, this is one of the places that made me love Philly when I moved here. Having previously lived in Pittsburgh and enjoyed the wonderful Sharp Edge and their fantastic Belgian and microbrew selection, I felt great joy when I was first introduced to Monk's. So what can I say that hasn't been said? The beer selection is amazing, though I'm surprised they don't have Bornem Dubbel or Tripel as a regular staple. The Monk Burger is the best hamburger in Philly that I have tasted so far. The other dishes I've tried are similarly tasty, especially the pulled pork. However, the hot wings are ridiculously so, seemingly slathered in nothing but ground habanero. They are some of the biggest wings I've ever seen served in a bar, though. Prices are what you'd expect (for the good brews, be prepared for seven bucks on up) and the help is very friendly, though they never seem to be able to slow down. Yes, Monk's is one of those perpetually crowded joints that doesn't seem to have a down time no matter when you choose to go. Yet even when it is slammed, the staff is always more than eager to make sure you are treated well and enjoy your visit. There are always some interesting tunes being played on the stereo and the crowd is as eclectic a mix as you could find anywhere. It is always amusing to see someone new to Belgian beers come in and not know what to get and then be surprised by how much faster they become buzzed thanks to many of the brews' higher alcohol content. Bottom line: Monk's is a must-visit of the city, especially if you are serious about your love for beer.
(5)
Lena N.
As expected, the beer list is extensive, but don't be overwhelmed! After the first couple pages you'll find descriptions of different types of beers and a list of the similar beers under the description. That and the waiter's suggestion really helped with picking something I never tried. The food menu is excellent. Though I am not vegan, Monk's offers seitan, which was a thrill for my vegan dining companion who tried the seitan cheesesteak. Apparently it was so good she forgot to offer a taste, but I'll take her word for it judging by the way she wolfed it down.They offer "no frills" type service as its always busy and people are willing to wait to be seated; that's always a good indicator of a waits worth. Great beer, great food, knowledgeable staff, I will be back very soon!
(5)
Jessica M.
I am so lucky to live so close to Monk's. Although I don't get there as often as I would like, when I do go I am reminded why I love it there so much. It is especially awesome in the winter time when its so cold outside and its so cozy and warm inside. While I can't contribute much more than what has already been said, I can confirm that this is a neighborhood gem and should not be missed by anyone visiting from out of town or locals that haven't been yet or haven't been in a while. On my most recent visit I had my favorite burger - The Abbot - with boursin cheese and sprouts,fries and St. Bernardus 12 to drink. It was the perfect combination of deliciousness and I have been thinking about it since I walked out the door. Head to the back bar for a chance to hideout, try some new beers and experience excellent service.
(5)
Chris C.
This place is no secret. Food is good, Drinks are good; It is just simply good in every way. Lets get straight to the point. Red Light Mussels is a must try. It has a spicy kick to it. Dessert is a must try. They have these Belgium chocolate pastries that, god forbid, you should never pass. I think I have said enough.
(4)
Kaitlin L.
Beer and mussels. These two words on a menu are enough to make me happy. But when a place goes above and beyond (IE and overwhelming selection of beer.. to the point of having a "beer bible", and six different selections of mussels) I may be in love. Granted, you may spend more on a beer than you do on your meal, but you'll be happy you did. As someone who wants to know more about beer and clearly is not there yet, Monks' rating as "top 10 places in the world to have a beer before you die" meant I had to go. The beer selection is overwhelming, but the staff will help you out. The mussels are well priced, and the small is more than enough. The staff isn't exactly the most friendly though, at least from my experience. And on most days, the wait here is absolutely ridiculous. It's worth going just to say you've been, but I wouldn't necessarily pick this over other Belgium bars in Philly.
(4)
Jess S.
If you are in Philadelphia as a tourist, this is where I would tell you to go. Small place, with beers from all over the world. Food is phenomenal. From Sandwiches to mussels they'll satisfy you.
(5)
Marc W.
This place is great. I lived in Belgium (Bruges) and I've missed the better sides of that country ever since. We had a great waitress who had been working there for some time, knew her stuff, was very friendly and welcoming. I can't remember her name but she was blond and in her mid 20's. They have a small booklet of beers, 90% of which are Belgian. I thought that I'd gone to beer nirvana. I had a small bucket of moules with some frites. The moules were plump and flavorful. The frites were crispy outside and creamy inside as they should be. And the whole thing was not too too expensive. I'll go again the next time I'm in Philly.
(5)
Annie D.
Last night I was chatting with a friend about why I've put Monk's Cafe on double secret probation for an indefinite span of time. While having this conversation I realized I never yelped about that fateful night it all went down, so, here it is... One random Sunday afternoon I was shopping with a friend in center city. It was around 3pm and we decided to duck into Monk's for a pot of mussels as a pre-dinner snack. We walked in and were second in line to be added to the wait list by the m.i.a. hostess. While we were standing there a 3rd party came into the restaurant and cut all of us for the host stand. When the host appeared she assumed the latecomers were 1st in line and asked how many were in their party. Honestly, I could have cared less; the joint was empty and I knew we'd all be seated immediately, but the other party was non too happy. They told the host that they had been 1st and it wasn't fair that they weren't being seated as such. Here's where things went south. The host got really rude with the party and told them that she wasn't there when we all came in and it wasn't her problem that they hadn't asserted themselves at the host stand. Whoa! Once it was our turn, the host who was now in a fowl mood asked to see our ID's before seating us. My friend (who was of age) realized she had only left the house with some cash and her credit card since we weren't planning on going out to eat. We told the host that it would be fine if she flagged us with the waitress to not be served alcohol since we only wanted food and had no intention of drinking anyway. She told us that that wasn't good enough, no one could be seated w/o ID and she couldn't help us. At this point I was pissed. I pointed out that it was 3 in the afternoon on a Sunday and that we wanted a table not to sit at the bar. I mentioned that every other time I'd ever been to Monk's not only was I seated without showing ID, but I was also served beer. She got really nasty and told us that she didn't care, it was the restaurants policy and that we could show ourselves the door. Seriously, this town has so many great places to grab a beer not too mention a good pot of mussels. Monk's has had its day in the sun. I'll pass.
(1)
Sofia C.
I love Monk's. The beer list is always great as are the Ghent Mussels.
(5)
Scott H.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.... Monks has good beers.( any of these beers can be found at the foodery ....for the most part) you know what else monks has? Horrible bartenders! They think their s&!t does not stink. What's that you say? You want a recommendation...hahaha prepare to get the nose of the almighty monks elitist pointed down at you. Quick questions monks staff; did you ever stop to think I know a little something about your precious nectar as well, but possibly just wanted a suggestion. Been there. Done that. Will not return. If you feel like getting looked down upon, monks is for you.
(1)
Michael L.
Fantastic! Just rolled with my buddy and girl to this new spot recommended by Emily C.! Wow, she nailed it ... told us what exactly to focus on -- mussels and beer -- and we were amazed. The mussels were absolutely the perfect texture, thickness, juiciness.. wow... it was great. I'm a huge fan of Lindeman's Framboise -- and yes, I still maintain my masculinity, but.. the salmon roasted in framboise (i.e. salmon Framboise) was perfect. I wish I could've tasted more of the framboise in it ... but i just ordered a framboise and poured some over to give it that extra uuumph! No disrespect to the chef.. but damn, i love me my framboise. Anyways, the meals are good... but the mussels and beer is great! I'd actually liek to do what my boy suggested... hit that up for a pre-game or post-game meal, and then head somewhere else to watch the games or ... instead.. do that as a post-dinner or post-show event. Whatever the case... 5 stars! Oh... don't waste time on french fries... c'mon... get the mussels and do beer!
(5)
Andrew P.
Monk's kills it in every way. The draft selection is pretty much unparalleled, especially if you like Belgians, but Monk's is so much more than a one trick pony. Their food is outstanding. If you like spicy - do yourself a favor and get the Spanish Flies. These are HOT wings with a smokey and subtly sweet sauce, served whole (i.e. the wings have not been cut). Definitely a level up from generic buffalo style vinegar bombs. Two other things Monk's excels at are burgers and mussels (great variety, Ghent are my favorite). Watch out for the house mayo dipping sauce. Even the most health conscious may find themselves plunging fries or even bare fingers into this terribly delicious artery sauce. We never seem to want to leave Monk's, even if we only intended to stop in for a drink and a snack.
(5)
K C.
Food is delicious, beer selection is great, bar tenders are hit or miss.
(2)
Brendan O.
NOT a fan. Never liked Monk's that much to begin with, frankly, and as the years go by I like it less and less. The days are long gone when Monk's was on a very short list of craft-beer bars in town: There are now dozens where once stood only a handful. It is always too crowded there, the service at the bar is bizarrely inattentive and bordering on rude, the prices are on the high side, and the crowd is far too button-down Rittenhouse-y for my taste. The things Monk's does well (beer selection, mussels, Belgian frites) are all available in as-good-if-not-better forms all around town, and without the crowds and attitude.
(2)
Derek H.
A must-stop for every trip to Philly I've ever taken. Great back-bar that's not nearly as chaotic as the front of the restaurant. Food is great, the Beer Bible is the real deal. If you love Belgian beer, any other imports, or a fine selection of American craft beers, you must go here.
(5)
tony h.
not a bad place, but cramped and crowded. the food was great. the beer selection is overwhelmingly incredible. just get there early.
(3)
Suzanne M.
Knowing we would be hungry after our Blue Man Group show, my boyfriend suggested Monk's for dinner. We hadn't been there for a handful of months to eat as we've previously tried - too packed or the wait too long, so we ventured elsewhere. It was again packed, but we were seated in a short time frame and the service was attentive. We each ordered a N'ice Chouffe, a holiday version of one of our favorites - La Chouffe. The beer selection is extensive and complimentary to the food served. Upon his suggestion, I immediately began thinking about their delish mussels - a sure bet every time. What kind to get this time round? We decided on Brussels; tomatoes, fennel, basil, thyme and garlic...the thyme lingered in my mouth after each bite. Great dish and full of flavor, although I'd probably try a different kind next visit. I ordered an Ardennes burger , wanting something a tad different than the typical burger, with Belgian cheese and prosciutto. I have to say it was quite tasty, cooked the way I wanted it and would order it again. He had ordered his usual chicken and apple sausage with spicy raspberry mustard - I didn't need to ask if he was enjoying it, his smile said enough. We both decided on side salad instead of frites; a nice accompaniment to our main dish. Enjoyable dinner overall, cheers!
(4)
Cara P.
At Monk's my friends and I are notorious for turning into a pack of sea gulls and attacking the amazing fries and mussels as soon as they hit our table. My boyfriend and I brought his family from Spain, and they even said that the mussels reminded them of ones they had while visiting Belgium. And then there's the beer. I'm no beer connoisseur by any means, but I know what I don't like. As long as you know that, and keep an open mind, you are in for some awesome beverages. Save room for dessert because seeing that tray full of them will make you salivate (even though you are stuffed from mussels, burgers and fries). All in all, you can't go wrong at Monk's.
(4)
Chiara I.
I might need to visit this place again to write a more comprehensive review. I was super excited to visit this place to try out their mussels and see what all the fuss was about. Try I did. 6 of us all ordered different mussels. Perhaps I had super high expectations, but the food was... ok. Some definitely better than others (coconut mussel one.... not so yummy). The pomme frites were... ok. Service was ... ok. In short, my experience was... ok. I'll give it another try tho. Perhaps drink more beer next time.
(3)
Anthony C.
Pretty Good. Dark Atmosphere. Great selections
(3)
Melissa W.
This will be the 500th review of Monk's, which renders this review pretty much useless. So I will only say this: Mussels.
(4)
Chris W.
The mussles here are so good that the initial shock is like getting hit by a Septa bus! ehhhh anyway... I finally had the opportunity to give Monks a try. I was impressed and disappointed at the same time. Yes, I tried the mussles and yes... they were delicious. The beer is top notch and compliments the food very well. Everything was prepared nearly perfectly. The wait staff was polite and helpful with the menu. It was just soooooo crowded! It got very loud and it became hard to enjoy with people bumping into everything. I'd recommend going to Monk's when its not so busy or just ordering drinks when its crowded.
(4)
Brian L.
This place is wonderful. They have such a large selection of beers, it's amazing. I have tried so many different beers here just because of that. And because of them, I tried a milk beer, lacto stout (it's Japanese), and it was sooo good. They have tons of Belgian beers of course, but they also have lots of beers from the rest of the world that they lay out for you in their menu. The bartenders are very good, nice, and knowledgeable here. I had some of their food here. I had the mussels, which I was impartial to, mainly because I don't like mussels in general. I've had their wings, which are uber hot. Not in the sense that your face wants to burn off, but the one where if you touch your mouth, it hurts. Still good though. I've had their scallops, which were decent (again, I don't like scallops, or seafood for that matter), but my friend who had them had to close their eyes when they bit into it, so I am guessing they were good to someone who likes scallops. And finally their frites are really good. A little soggy at times, but overall the flavor is good.
(4)
Timothy B.
Mussels and good beer. Need I say more? Ok, a few more words: Good draft beer list specializing in belgians. Variety of mussels to try. Fries are good too. No need to order anything else. Just a few blocks from where I live, great place to grab a small bite after work or to relax with friends. Low key, friendly service, a place for any occasion.
(4)
JR C.
I've tried to go to Monk's four times. Three times, it was too busy, and we couldn't get near the bar to order. We said screw it any went somewhere else. The last, we got in, and got a table right near the windows. We ordered the charcuterie plate and a few beers. It was ok. Not great. They've got an amazingly good beer selection, but their prices are high, even for the city. The server was pretty slow and not very friendly. It was like she couldn't be bothered with our table.
(2)
Joe T.
This was the worst service I've had in years, if not ever. The server seemed to be annoyed that I only got water, despite buying a $14 dish along with it. Half an hour after being served, the five of us ended up sitting with empty plates and empty glasses and still hadn't seen our server. We would have happily ordered more drinks, but no one offered. When we were finally able to find her, she brought the check, then counted the cash we had left while standing over the table, threw it back down on the table and complained about not getting a big enough gratuity.
(1)
Heesun K.
It took 45 minute of waiting even when we were the first in line. They were seating us according to the tables that were open but we were held up even though we saw multiple 4-persons tables open. I understand what they were doing but it was very annoying that 2 people cannot be seated for 45 minutes while bigger groups come in and are seated right away. NOT FAIR.... When we were FINALLY SEATED, we had two beers, Monk's mussels and Veal cheeks. All pretty good. No complaining about the food. I guess Veal cheeks were on the heavy side for me but the flavor was good. Mussels were good as everyone talks about. I would like to try other flavors too! Back to the service..... 10 min to get attention of the waiter to ask for check, 10 min to get our check, and another 10 min to get our card back to take off. I know that it's a packed busy place but it was unacceptable that there was like one person serving the whole room of people. Hopefully I'll have a better experience next time I go. I'm willing to give it a second try.
(3)
John F.
Never disappoints. Dekonik mussles are my favorite
(5)
Truth R.
Do yourself a favor, a big favor, and eat here. Get the mussels. Great simple service.
(4)
Kaynaz M.
I can always be up for going to monks, its one of my fave restaurants in philly. They've got good beers, and I like that they offer a lot of belgian beers. Their Ghent mussels are the best mussels I've ever had in my life! I get them every time. I've tried the other mussels and none Compare to the Ghent. The thai curry would, however, would have to come in second place. The fries are so good and they serve it with this mustard sauce that complements them so well. I had a burger once and was not impressed. It was overcooked, and too much bun to meat ratio! I had a tiny patty and this gigantic bun. The spicy wings are good, if you like spice, don't pass them up. I wasn't too impressed with the dips appetizer, however.
(5)
Zachary D.
Great beer, good burgers. The perfect spot for a casual dinner when the goal is to drink a lot and eat American food. The beer list is really impressive. I have enjoyed trying new beers here. When I ask for recommendations, I nearly always end up with a beer I have never tried before but end up liking. Be adventurous. Be warned, the wait on the weekend is absurd. They don't take reservations, and you can easily wait an hour for a table on a busy Friday or Saturday night. Then again, waiting while drinking some exotic beer is not exactly a terrible thing.
(4)
Hannibal C.
Great place and the hot chicken legs where very spicy great taste
(4)
Eric B.
Took my family (5 yr old and 2 yr old daughters) here for lunch while doing the 'tour-isty' things in Philly. Very cool interior - has the feel of an old-world pub/bar. The beer selection is as advertised, outstanding. If you're a fan of Belgian beer, and mussels, you'll love the selection of both. Overall, the service was good, the food was tasty, and the atmosphere was laid back and not crowded. Going to lunch with little ones can be tough, especially in a pub, but we knew that going into it. Based on all of the yelp reviews, we wanted to check this place out. We were not disappointed.
(4)
Kasey R.
Always prepare for a wait here. Their extensive beer list is seriously impressive though. There are almost too many options to choose from, but I always get to try a new great-tasting beer anytime I've been here. As for food, I have only had the burger and fries. Both are very good; my only complaint would be that the bun is a little too dense. You can hardly fit the thing in your mouth! It's also worth noting that they reallllly squeeze patrons in there, especially in the back. You are practically on top of the table next to you. If that bothers you, Monk's probably ain't the place for you.
(4)
Camilo M.
It's more of a 3.5. Food is decent, beer selection is excellent (although I went with Duvel as I don't know much about Belgian ales and their "bible" was overwhelming). Ambiance is excellent. The service was below average. If hipsters annoy you, don't go here.
(3)
Brandon L.
The only reason this place gets 4 stars is because I read that they are supposed to have really good mussels and that wasn't the case when I went about 6 months ago. The mussels really didn't have any taste to them for some weird reason I can't explain. Thank goodness for the beer bible or I would have given them 2 stars. I've had the mussels at Triumph Brewery and Bierstube and they are way better.
(4)
Louis R.
Great choices of beer...sometimes waits are long, but the food is fun and great. Great mussels. Also always a great bartender to help and serve
(5)
Kailey M.
I came here for a late night bite the first time I visited Philly. I like mussels and beers, so this place was a must visit. This place is really tiny, we were lucky to get a table. We ordered the thai curry and Provençe mussels. The serving was bigger than we thought. I liked the provence better, not to say that the thai curry was bad. I miss this place. I want to come back to Philly to eat here and Alma de Cuba.
(4)
Adam R.
Rumor on the street is that their hot wings (Spanish Flies) are HOT HOT HOT, and their mussels really good...so I had to see if it was indeed true. Being a big fan of heat I started with the Spanish Flies and upon finishing the first 2 I have to say they were incredibly flavorful. Smokey, and hot, but not super hot. I mentioned to everyone else at my table that I was expecting more heat...aaaaand then 2 minutes later the creeping heat slowly encompassed my entire mouth. It continued to build but was never over-powering, at least for a true capsaicin fan. Over all the Spanish Flies were delicious! I applaud & I'll have them again. They have 6-8 varieties of mussels, and I found myself unable to pick one. After lots of contemplation I elected to go with the "Petite Dejeuner" (atmeal stout, baby spinach, goat cheese, fumEe, garlic, tomato & basil). $10 well worth it, but the broth didn't pack as much flavor as I was hoping. This could be a direct result of having just had a rather intense heat wave roll through my mouth, sinus' & esophagus but I don't know for sure. More mussel exploration is needed. The beer selection, stupendous, and I was told that they "almost always" have Russian Rivers "Pliny The Elder" on tap!
(4)
Adam F.
Awesome awesome place for great food and great drink. The beer selection is off the charts -- and the food is pretty legit too. Mussels are they to go --- you get a 1lb or so for $10, plus a side of their ever popular pommes frites (with special mayo dip). Also good is the duck salad sandwich. They serve food til 1am every night!!!
(5)
Jodie S.
Monk's I love love love your mussels, the delicious french fries, and the wonderful bourbon mayo. The beer list is amazing and the atmosphere is pretty ok too. I have one comment ... please get new rolls for the burgers or at the very least ... warm them so they are a bit softer and not so cold please?
(4)
Mike M.
Excellent! Amazing beer selection and fantastic food. Personal favorites include mussels, smoked trout salad and veggie burger.
(5)
Kelly P.
dogfish tap takeover... i'd like to give myself more credit than i deserve for killing the pearl jam keg. that's right, i said it. split a small order of the DeKoninck mussels... can you say amazing? i only started eating mussels in the last year or so, but i will definitely tell the world about these. the whooooole wide world.
(4)
Sara G.
Monk's is definitely unique, and they have a good selection of great beers (DT!!) as well as good food. The thing that keeps me from coming more regularly is that they won't give you a table unless you're ordering food. Even if the restaurant isn't crowded. And the 2 small bars fill up quickly, especially if you're bringing a larger party So...just something to take into account.
(3)
Jason W.
Great beers, great mussels!
(4)
Peter B.
HUGE beer selection. Rather pricey though. Burgers not worth the price tag. Oysters were incredible, though.
(4)
Camellia S.
Great mussels but the broth seemed a bit oily. The beer on tap selection was awesome. The mood here is very dark and casual-- almost a bit divey. I probably would stop here for an appetizer and some beer next time I'm in town but I would probably choose some other Philadelphia food establishment for dinner!
(3)
Nina B.
The beer is great and the food is pretty good, BUT (ah yes, the but), they're kind of jerks there. It's one of those places where sometimes it's worth it (if you're dying for a huge beer selection or amazing pulled pork sandwich), and sometimes it's not (you want to be treated nicely). You decide.
(3)
Henry P.
More like Sucks Cafe. Everyone always raves about this place and it's not that good. I means it's probably good, but my friend and I had this horrible experience there. We came in on tuesday night and decided to sit at the back bar. The bartender took forever to serve us and pretty much acted like he didn't care that we were there. Then, a large group of butt-holes came in. We thought we'd be nice and move over to give them more space, but that wasn't enough. They wanted us to move all the way to the end of the bar in front of another table that was wedged next to the bar. So we were like, "how about we just get up and let all of you scumbags sit at the bar?" I said everything but the 'scumbag' part. so we sat at a small two seater which took the waitress forever to take our drink orders, then our meal, and she wasn't even nice to us. We got their burgers, which are supposed to be soooo good. The bun was way too big for meat. It was like a puck of meat in a way-too-large, dry, bready bun. They have an option for extra cheese -this really just means "an ordinary amount of cheese." They raped us. I think I have PTSD now. Also, it's overpriced.
(1)
Elle M.
Was actually at another bar, and was convinced to change the atmosphere and get something to eat. Ordered the pommes frites (loved the bourbon mayo that accompanied it), chicken and apple sausage (more roll than sausage), and an assortment of beers (the drinking continued). The food was ok, the staff were great to us (friendly, funny, and knowledgeable), the beer selection was impressive! I'd come back just to try the diverse beer selection.
(3)
Nathaniel O.
Bartender had an attitude when I asked for a taste of the Boneyard Nefarious. The wait staff were slow to serve. The food was okay but not great. The burgers were not tasty and were served on large buns that dwarfed the burger. The Mac and cheese was different, but not necessarily in a good way. The pulled pork was great as were the mussels. The beer and beer selection are outstanding. I would put at the top of my list of bars, but not restaurants.
(2)
Gandhus M.
"It insists upon itself." - Peter Griffin. That's the best way to describe how I feel about Monk's. It's a Philly institution, it's honed its Belgian theme very well and captured the hearts and minds of most Philadelphians who've been there....and they know it. The food is okay. I like their mussels. They could use better rolls for the burgers, but the burgers themselves are good. The varieties of burger toppings and mussel styles are nice. The spicy dipping sauce for the frites is good. Their "Beer Bible" is extensive. I'm hardly a beer novice but frankly, I find it exhausting. They certainly live up to their namesake as there are more abbey beers here than you can shake a stick at. It's small, dark and cramped. The menus look old. People pile in and crowd the bar and aisle waiting for tables. The demeanor of the staff has a hint of self-importance no doubt cultivated from being consistently busy & revered. If you kneel at the altar of Belgian beer I can understand the adulation, but then again, there's always Eulogy....and you can get good mussels at several places around town. Monk's is alright once in a while. No pedestal required.
(3)
Yann P.
I think I came here way back, but my friend wanted to try the beer, they have a huge selection of beer and it was actually good, I had his cuz I don't drink... But it was sweet not too strong, the only thing is that it was 9 dollars a beer. We also had steamed mussels I think his was better than mine I gotten the Thai red curry muscles not my fav flavor. But remember if you don't finish you can't take home as I recall they don't let you take seafood home because they are afraid it will spoil, I just remember I couldn't finish mine next time I am getting white wine sauce
(3)
Catherine T.
Definitely a popular spot. The staff are friendly. Huge selection of draft beers. The Allagash White beer was great. The Red Light mussels were ok, not as spicy as billed. The small pot is more than enough for one person. I recommend the Baby Greens salad. The Monk's Flemish Sour Ale Vinagrette was a standout.
(4)
D K.
I have always been a fan of Monk's Cafe ever since I knew it existed about...12-13 years ago (wow, can't believe its been that long since my first trip there!). I was living in Maryland at the time, and came up for a work trip w/ some coworkers. One of them had gone to school in Philly, so he took us to Monks, and I've been a fan ever since. Then...a few years later when I moved to Philly, I thought I'd go all the time, but funny enough, I go maybe once every couple years if that! Not b/c I don't love it, but maybe b/c I don't want to overdo it and then get tired of it. The food and beer is amazing here - this is where I came to appreciate and love beer (was never a fan before that). My favorite is the Val Dieu Brun, and if they have that on tap, definitely get it. They usually have it in only bottle though, but its still pretty good. For food - i'm not a big seafood person, so I can't vouch for the mussels. But - I usually get the apple sausage sandwich. And DEFINITELY get the fries (pomme frites)!! They are amazing w/ the sauce they come with (I always ask for extra sauce). I've had the spanish flies several times to - and they are incredible tasting, but also incredibly incredibly spicy hot!!! Giving it 4 starts instead of 5 b/c of the bathroom situation. There are 2 tiny unisex bathrooms (single units) at the back of the front room area....and they're not very comfortable. Not much room.
(4)
Jacob M.
Monk's is a must for any beer connoisseur. I had my first Lost Abbey beer hear, and have not found one of their stouts since that visit. There are so many good beers, so survey the list carefully and pick out what you want before starting to order. I've never had their food here, but I hear good things about it. This place gets crowded, but it's manageable if you go to the back bar and stand there. It does get very crowded, so expect to have no space, and people bumping into you. Also, a lot of their beers are expensive, so come prepared to spend money.
(4)
Cory R.
Great beer. Great food. Great bar. The mussels are amazing and be sure to check out the back bar too!
(5)
David J.
$20 here gets you a big ass beer, a big ass pot of mussels, bread, and fries. Delicious...you can't beat it!
(5)
E A.
spanish flies, Muoles frites and a Belgian beer. What else can I say?
(5)
EC F.
If you love beer and mussels, Monk's is the place to be. I've tried their other food and it's not even worth bothering with. Just come for the mussels and your favorite beer! The mussel portions are massive and amazingly priced. There are a bunch of different flavors, so pick the one that suits your mood along with a beer from their massive list. A half bucket is probably enough for most normal people. Comes with a roll that's great for soaking in the bucket and some fries w/ dipping sauce. If you're feeling extra hungry, it might be worth getting two half-buckets rather than a single full-bucket (same price, but more flavors!). Also, if you don't mind putting in all the legwork up front, I like to de-shell all of the mussels before I start eating. It makes the dining experience a little more contiguous, and also lets you soak that roll a lot easier. Cheers! -C
(4)
Kara C.
I don't get the hype. The mussels were bland, the fries were soggy. The service was terrible. The beers came after the appetizer was finished. The app - flat bread with dips - was gross. And it was so dark in the place I needed my flashlight app to see the menu.
(1)
Andrea T.
Never has Monk's ever dissapointed me! The mussels are always tasty. The veal cheeks ( I never ate veal until my friend a chef suggested we get them as an app) i order every time without fail. The burgers are also tasty. The fries are excellent. The beer selection is phenomenal. The bartenders known their stuff and might be a bit snooty, but give them credit they know something about every beer in the joint they can be a little snotty. The music is good. It's a little loud sometimes and its busy every day of the week every night. Expect to wait, but its worth it!
(5)
Jeff M.
Philly is rated as the best beer city the US for many reasons, and one of those reasons is monks cafe! Called one of "the top 5 places in the world to have a beer." Owner Tom Peters is friends with many brewers in Belgium, and is able to get some of the rarest most interesting brews from over there (including Tilquin Geuze). Brouwerij Van Steenberge even brews a beer especially for the cafe called "Monk's felmish Sour," which is always on tap and delicious over their scalops. Peters is also friends with the people over at Russian river brewing in Ca, and their brews are featured on tap more frequently than anywhere in the city. If you are a beer lover, Monk's will not fail to impress. They feature a front and back bar with 20 rotating taps, and a "beer bible" with over 200 beers and a variety of cellared beer that always promise a great deal of complexity. Even if you hate beer, you will love this place. The "beer bible" will satisfy even the most stubborn anti-beer drinker's thirst. Just ask them for a suggestion and they will be happy to point you in the right direction. Plus, the food is amazing! The pulled pork sandwich is a sweet and savory god send, and they also have a nice offering of vegetarian offerings (if that's your thing). It can get cramped a from time to time (especially when that have a Russian River Mon.), but you'll be sure to make some friends with some cool people who like beer.
(5)
Frances L.
Monk's Cafe is not only a Belgian beer-lovers heaven, it's also an incredible craft beer bar showcasing some of the best beers from various brewers around the world. When I found out that we were taking a trip into Philly, I made sure to track down where some of my fellow Beer Advocates liked to wet their whistle, and Monk's seemed to have universal acclaim. We walked in on a busy Friday afternoon and lucked out with the last table for two in the house. Immediately, my gaze fell upon their Beer Bible. Over a dozen pages containing their incredibly extensive bottle list which included every Belgian beer I could possibly think of at moderate to high mark-ups (depending on rarity). They also had a very good tap list as well as a slew of California breweries that I was actually surprised to see on the list (including Russian River's Blind Pig). We had come here for beer, but were starving-- after one look at the menu, I knew I was in love. I didn't know what to expect of the food, but the beer lists were so impressive, I would have been okay with eating a piece of toast. However, their kitchen was just as fierce as their beer. Buffalo-style frog legs, you say? Diver scallops? A handful of different kinds of ways to order your mussels? Since the boy had never had frog before, we started with those. Surprisingly, these frog legs were quite tender and not "fishy" which is a sign of both freshness and cleanliness. They were moist, yet still had a nice fry to them and the buffalo sauce made them seem like the best wings you could ask for. My scallop appetizer was divine; perfectly seared and served medium rare, which most places don't know how to do correctly. The sauce (made with ale) that came with it was luxurious and buttery...I wish this came in a larger entree size. After being indecisive as to what sauce to get our mussels with, we stayed simple with Brussels style mussels in a white wine, fennel, and herb sauce; the small pot was enough for one entree or for two to share. If anything, I think it was the fries that were the weakest link of the meal although they were still good. Overall, the dark ambiance and neighborhood pub feel of this place matched with their delicious food (although a tad pricey) and incredible beer list, easily makes this one of my favorite spots in Philadelphia. I'd love to see a place as extensive as this back in L.A.
(5)
Anna p.
Yea VEAL CHEEKS BABY!!!!!!!!!! I roll up order a Val Dieu Brown( i know I just spelled that wrong) and an order of fries while I wait. I get two orders of veal cheeks to go...... Go home, put the meat on a plate, clothes on the floor and his suit tie on my neck. Add candles.... ..... ..... Five stars for sure Screw the awesome tavern flare that eating in can provide, although nice, the food is soooooo damned good that even out of the to go container it can't be topped...
(5)
Victoria H.
I love this place! The ambiance is very relaxed and even when there is a wait it's always worth it to just go hang and grab a beer at the back bar. Ask the bartender or waiter/waitress for a bear recommendation if you don't know what to order. Let them know what you like and they are always happy to guide you. I am no beer connoisseur and I NEVER feel judged for not knowing my stuff. I had the scallops for dinner and although it was small, it was an appetizer. I was not very hungry and it definitely filled me up. The sauce was delicious. I definitely recommend Monk's for a relaxed night out with friends. Great spot!
(4)
Caitlin S.
Waited about an hour on a Saturday night at around 7pm for a table for 5 in the (very loud) back bar. Worth it. Scallops were delious. Mussels were perfect. Duck salad was tasty (though the duck could've had more flavor). Pulled pork was great. Chicken breast sandwish was a little bland (what can you expect?), but the fresh roll it was on made up for it. We ordered about 6 beers between us and all were wonderful. Cons: the bathrooms stink, and the hallway from the front bar to the back bar stinks even more. No idea what it smells like, but it's bad. Our waitress didn't help much in our selection (and we didn't get a beer bible, just the list on the menu!) - all she could say to describe the Delirium Tremens was "it's strong." All in all, I think I'll stick with Eulogy Belgian Tavern. The food doesn't stand a chance against Monk's, but I can get lots of tasty beers there and the waiter I had there was much more helpful and knowledgeable. Maybe that was a fluke. Random fun fact: Delirium tremens is Latin for "trembling madness," a violent sickness induced by alcohol withdrawal.
(4)
Catherine A.
This place has recently become the place I go to meet a friend for food, apparently, since I've gone several times in the past month. The first time I went here, I admit, I was not too impressed. I had some kind of burger that was good but not great, and I was totally confused and intimidated by the massive beer menu. Recently I've gotten into the swing of things though, and my system is this: 1) Choose one appetizer, and whatever type of mussel pot friends can agree on. 2) Order these things, and then say to the waitress "So, what beer is good with that?" Works every time. Every type of mussel I've had here is delicious. The waitstaff will ask what kind of beer you usually drink, and pick something tasty that will complement your food. However, when they are not picking your beer, they can be a little slow, and they're not winning any awards for smiley-est service in the city. I don't really mind, though. Maybe I have lower service standards for a place known for beer than for other types of restaurants, but it doesn't bother me one little bit. If you don't want to wait and wait and wait to be seated, head here early and on a weeknight. It's nearly impossible to get a seat within a half-hour of arrival after 6:30, I've found. Due to the massive hole SEPTA recently made in the front of the building, you now have to be led in through a tiny, watery, alley, which actually, I like. I think it adds something to the atmosphere, and I'll be a little sad when I have to go in through the front door once more.
(4)
David M.
A highlight of mine when I come into town. Love the mussels and the beer selection. I almost don't want to write a review so I can save it all for myself. But... There are about 800 five star reviews so it won't matter.
(5)
Thomas G.
Hands down best beer list in Philly. The Grilled Portobello Sandwich was fantastic, and of course the mussels. I recommend this place as a beer/lunch/dinner-at-the-bar type place, and not a get-a-table restaurant. I took an out-of-town friend here for sit-down dinner and the service was pretty lousy, the food mediocre. Of course, it could have been an off night.
(4)
Michael R.
The food was amazing, the beer was equally great. Crowded, but that's okay. Even better is to stop by for lunch when they aren't so crowded. Service (busy or not) is excellent and the prices are excellent. I cannot wait to go again.
(5)
Truc N.
This place is awesome!!!! What an amazing find!! My bf and I took a trip to the east coast and was staying At a hotel down the street from here. We wanted to go out and have a light snack for the night. This was perfect!!! Great beer and good food! We ended up ordering more than we can finish because everything sounded so good! So we had the mussels, burgers and an order of their fries! Everything was delicious!! The fries were my favorite!! I'm a sucker for fries! I love the way they make their mussels too!! Very flavorful! But the best thing we had that night was their beer. The sour ale!!! My bf til this day is still talking about it!! That's the one thing we would go back to philly for!! Definitely gotta have the sour ale!!! Five stars alone!!!
(5)
Steve M.
Great beer list focused on Belgian beers. Always serving some good sours, and they roll out some incredible events throughout the year, busting special and rare offerings out to celebrate BEER! Mussels are good, but really this place is for drinking. Only problem is the entire East Coast knows how good it is, so it is rarely roomy and quiet, and more often packed! But def worth a stop in a few times a month at off times or afternoon to suck down some great brews and peruse the #beerbible. Cheers Monk's!
(4)
Alison C.
There isn't much not to love about Monk's. They have an amazing selection of beers (try the sour ale, you won't regret it) and really delicious food. I always get a burger, which is top notch, but I have had friends who have ordered the mussels and enjoyed them a great deal. I even have eaten there with a vegan friend and she had no trouble finding herself something fabulous. They'd get five stars except that their beers are a little pricey and it's sometimes nearly impossible to get a table. Don't go with a large party unless you're interested in waiting-- I once went with a group of seven friends and we waited for over 90 minutes. We would have left except that they kept assuring us that it would only be another "fifteen minutes." I don't really fault the staff on this one; often people seem to be wrapping up their stay at Monk's, and then they order another round of beers... The optimal number of people you should have in your party is two or four-- they tend to have very few tables that will accommodate more than that.
(4)
Gabrielle B.
The best french fries I have ever had are here. They're paired with a perfect smokey, mustardy sauce and to be honest.. you might need to order another basket. They're THAT good. Also, very reasonably priced for what you get. Awesome beer selection, everything I tried was excellent. Not a big fan of the beer-snobby bartender but what should I expect at a place like this? I can't wait to return and try more items from the food menu, but I would go for just the fries and a beer anytime.
(4)
Phil P.
This is long over due for me. I went here for the first time during beer week after saying I'd never go to Monk's. My reasoning for that is the fact I know it is the end all be all of gastro pubs in basically the world, so I didn't want to get into the hype. It's kind of like why I don't buy a Chase Utley jersey...because everyone has a Chase Utley jersey. I want to be the guy that is different. Having said that, I'm glad I finally came to Monk's because this bar is as exquisite as I knew it would be. I'm giving it a 4 star review simply because I don't like giving out 5 star reviews after just 1 visit. I also didn't eat anything there, so it's tough to judge what the food would be like. I had a few fries, and saw that the mussels looked incredible, but that's it. Anyway, onto the review on why I think Monk's is awesome. I have to start with the aesthetics. The place is kind of a whole in the wall. A+ for that, Tom Peters. It looks like a Belgian dive bar and not in the way the POPE tries to look like a Belgian dive bar. The tables are a little raggedy and the brick looks worn down. It's just such an at home feeling and I love that in a bar. I don't like too fancy, it makes me feel like I belong in Olde City with a popped collar on. Next I'll move onto the service. It was very good. She didn't seem to know anything about beer, but she was cute. I know cute always trumps knowledge unfortunately, but it is what it is. Maybe train these girls better? It's not like one of the best beer connoisseurs in the world owns this bar or anything. Still, all in all, niceness trumps beer knowledge, especially for a guy like me who knows too much about beer for my own good. Finally, onto the best part...the beer. They really might have had the best bottle selection I've ever seen. I honestly don't even know where to begin because it was so amazing. Fortunately for me and my wallet, I was there for the Bruery beer week event to get a Melange #3 and some other tasty Bruery beers, so I didn't even focus on the bottle selection. I'm planning a trip back to Monk's very soon to hit up this bottle selection and some mussels. One last thing about my review. The beer brewed for Monk's, the Sour Flemish Ale, is a fantastic beer. That also got factored into my 4 star rating. Expect an update before the summer is over.
(4)
Nina N.
This place is super hip and very happenin'. Rush hour here is pretty crazy...be prepared to wait for a lonnnggg time during those times. People tend to order more than one round of beer and most likely food to go with it so ya...plan a trip here strategically if you don't wanna wait for at least an hour! So my group and I tried: - Spanish Flies: really good and SPICY chicken wings. :] Comes with pommes frittes fries (which is accompanied by a delicious spicy mayo dip that totally enhances the two together - SO YUMMY - I'm a dip fiend so I love this dip so much). - Monk's Mussels: cantillon gueuze, fumè, garlic & parsley flavored. Not bad. It's lightly flavored and fun to eat. Comes with bread and also pommes frittes fries. - Bruguess (sorry can't spell :/ ) Burgers: love the mushrooms and the overall flavor of it in this burger. Very savory as mushrooms in a burger should be. A must try. Ok now...the BEER. Sorry folks but my group tried like 3 different kinds, all of which they liked, but I don't remember what they're called...the only one I remember was the Flemish Sour Ale which I was told was pretty sour but good. I'll be sure to take down the names and try to remember what it tastes like the next time I visit Monk's heh..heh.... Service...pretty friendly staff. Bartenders seem to really know their stuff about beer so do ask for suggestions if you don't know what to get. They're pretty helpful :]
(4)
David M.
Okay, let's be frank...I love beer. And this is the place to do that. Selection...A+ for Belgium's.....had a nice selections of American and Belgium brews....and a steak sandwich to ' moderate it' it all all...well done. Friendly bar crowd...had a great chat with another Chicago group of folks there on a 'library' conference...sure, I believe that...and others as well...as well as with Chris the bartender who has been there 14..yes, 13 years....wow. Food...3 to 4 stars....beer....5 to 6...doesn't that equal out to 5? If in Philly...you gotta go there.
(4)
Matt H.
There is a lot of good about Monk's: the mussels really are fantastic, the beer selection is very good, the atmosphere is small and fun, etc. The wait is often outrageous and it seems like the whole process is disorganized. My last server was not at all friendly and the bartender made my girlfriend pay in cash because he didn't want to bother with the machine. Oh well, it's close by and I'll go back.
(3)
Diane K.
I went here back in July with a girlfriend for my 23rd birthday. I was really impressed with their beer list. The mussels were REALLY good, but honestly I hope it's not the best that Philadelphia has to offer, because then I'd be really disappointed in the city. One thing that I do find myself craving from this restaurant was that dipping sauce they serve with the french fries. I think I would go back to the restaurant just for that damn dipping sauce! A downside to the night I went was that it was just so damn hot! Philadelphia gets so humid especially in the middle of the summer, so after walking around all day I wanted to walk into a bar/restaurant that had some AC cranked up. Unfortunately, the combination of the summer heat, how crowded the place was, and the poor ventilation really did put a damper on my eating experience. All in all, yes.. I would go back.
(3)
Horatio J.
I went here last Friday and the burgers and beer selection is as good as it gets. This time I had the tuna club and it was awesome. But you can't go wrong with a burger, especially because it comes with Monk's awesome fries. New edit: I had to knock it down a notch after a few more trips there. The service can be very spotty and the last good server I had there grabbed free tickets to the gun show. There is almost always a wait and their use of seating is not efficient.
(4)
Justin F.
Monks always has some great beers on tap and a great place to enjoy a nice casual dining experience. The beer list is extremely thick and they rotate what is on tap throughout the evening. The red light mussels are my favorite in Philly and their sandwiches are decent as well. Pricing is decent but some of the more rare imported beers can be somewhat pricey. Overall Monks is one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia.
(4)
Van H.
Visiting Philadelphia on business and saw Monk's on Yelp. Good vibe. Loved the mussels. Good draft beer selection. Perhaps it is a normal price for Philly - and, premium 16 oz drafts in San Diego (Hamilton's for instance) are about half the price. Overall a nice evening.
(3)
D M.
HAIL SEITAN (Cheesesteak sammich)! Monk's Cafe is rad. How rad is rad? Remember the movie "Rad" from 1986 when BMX was all the radical rage and made us all want to be rad with our bikes? Well, think of that kind of rad and add 10^RAD and you will be somewhere close. You may be wondering, "Wtf does a movie about BMX and bad hair have to do with Monk's Cafe?". Chill, Winston and keep reading...also, stop interrupting, I will get to the damned point. Anyhow, Monk's is rad for the following reasons: 1. They have beers. 2. They have tonnes of beers. 3. Their list of beers was originally held up next to that Moses guy and his commandments, but they left that information out of the beeeble because they did not want beer to outshine his drug-induced preachings to the peeps. 4. They have seitan on their menu. -- Raddest thing of all, in my opinion. What is seitan? It is wheat gluten that resembles meat in texture, taste and visual representation. Yes, it is vegan. No, I am not a vegan. Yes, meat eaters can eat vegan food. Is it good? Go grab the seitan cheesesteak sammich at Monk's. Eat it, change your pants (because you will have creamed them over how damned good the sammich is) and then come tell me how rad it was and how you will follow me around like people used to follow that Moses guy. You cannot go wrong with Monk's Cafe (apart from the fact that it is in center city and I really do loathe going to the city) especially since they serve so many damned fine beers and have a menu of foods that will please your palate. So, with that, let's see what we have so far: 1. Rad review for Monk's beer and seitan selections? Check 2. Seemingly drug-addled and distracted writing? Check 3. Cynical remarks made toward religion? Check. 5. Numbers that are out of sequence? Check. My work is done here, folks. Go get some seitan and bow down to the fallen angel of the meat world. ****Note to those who did not like the service**** Have a nice quadruple while you are waiting for everything...you will be too pissed to even care about the service at that point.
(5)
Rachel S.
Just be prepared to wait most of the time for dinner.
(4)
Jon B.
Who doesn't love this place? It is an old Philadelphia staple. Amazing beer list, great bar food. Mussels and other shellfish are strong. Fries are great. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because I went there on a saturday afternoon for a meeting and they didn't want to give me a table for just drinks. Both bars were full and most tables were open. What's the big deal? So I ordered some food with my drinks and it all worked out.
(4)
Michael G.
After almost 500 reviews... What can I really add? The food has been consistently good and the beer selection has been top notch. If you like moussels they apparently have some of the best in the city. It is a solid place to go on a rainy or snowy night! Get here early because it's going to be a long wait if you don't!
(4)
Alexa D.
We found this place just walking by..so glad we went inside. Over 300 specialty beers to choose from and the bartenders were very friendly and knowledgable. The menu was amazing and deliciously unexpected. Their specialty is mussels and they were out of this world! We ordered a small-it was over 2 dozen and only $10! The french fries were to die for! The burgers were cooked to perfection and certainly not run of the mill. They even had an amazing selection of beautiful desserts from a local bakery- great end to our amazing meal. If your looking for a cozy diamond in the rough this is certainly the place! We will be back!!
(5)
Maegen R.
No trip to Philly is ever complete without me eating a bucket of mussels at Monk's. I can't speak to anything else on the menu, but why bother with anything else? At my most recent visit, I had the red light mussels, a class of wine and frites. Even with a couple of years between each visit, the mussels have never disappointed.
(5)
Mandy H.
Oh how I love Monk's! I love everything about it. I love the Belgium beers, the crispy frites and mussels. Its nothing fancy to look at inside, but the food and drinks are good. Monk's has been one of my go to places to bring out of towners as it pleases even the pickiest of eaters and never disappoints. I've had the frog legs, the mussels and frites in all their various sauces, the duck salad sandwich and the burger and I've loved them all! Go now and see for yourself!
(5)
Christine E.
Came here for some Russian Rivers before going to dinner on a Saturday night. It was packed and lively, and by the beard of Zeus our party of four as able to nab some seats at the bar. The bartender was an old pro, and despite the place being mobbed we got our beverages in an extremely timely manner. Definitely a winner.
(4)
Ellie W.
Love this place! It is frustrating that you usually have to wait to get seated, because they don't accept reservations. But it's worth it. This is one of my favorite places to take guests from out of town, and also to meet local friends. They have a fantastic beer selection, and I always get the steamed mussels a couple of different ways as an appetizer. It's a local Philadelphia gem, with a great atmosphere, good food and drinks, and not too expensive. Enough said. Yummy!
(5)
Arielle L.
excellent beer selection - food was just OK. Really long wait and not much space to wait in. Would probably go back, but just for drinks.
(3)
Marlon B.
Great selection of brews, the service was good also. Ordered some wings and they were slamming. Monk's by far has the best selection of craft brews that I have seen in the city. If you are a beer drinker you have to make a stop at least once.
(5)
Daniel S.
So this place has been on my bucket list and finally made it the other night. It didn't disappoint. Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig on tap, as close as you get to heaven on the east coast. Add St Bernardus ABT 12 and it get's even better. Be aware if you're going and never been; The place is small and you must eat to get a table, so come prepared to eat. The good news here is that the food is great. The servers can be a bit quirky, but that's all to the good as far as we were concerned. Worth a trip from anywhere.
(5)
Kevin M.
The original Unique Beer selection of Philadelphia. Great food, nice place, and they always have good beer on tap.
(4)
Therese M.
Went to Monks for lunch on a Saturday. Make sure to get there early if you don't feel like waiting. First thing you should note is that they have a huge beer selection - I usually go for one on tap but they also have pages and pages of beer you can choose from in their Beer Bible. For an appetizer, we shared the Spanish Flies - these might be the hottest wings I've ever had. They were served whole and had lots of flavor. Next I had the Ghent mussels.. I'd been dying to try the mussels here and they did not disappoint. Mussels with bleu cheese and bacon? Delicious. Another plus was that the small pot was a lot bigger than I expected and they give you bread for dipping in the broth. My boyfriend ordered the Brussels burger with bacon and cheddar and really liked the roll it was served on. Everything we ordered, came with pommes frites and their house aioli. I was a big fan of the aioli. I'll definitely be back to try more of their beer and mussels.
(4)
Amanda G.
I really don't have much to say about Monk's. I don't drink beer, but if I did, I might wait an hour for a table at this place. Since I don't, I will not be waiting any duration of time again for a table to eat. Also - service is not that great.
(2)
Marissa B.
I've never eaten here, but. I almost fucking died when they wanted to charged me $42+tax for a 6 pack. It was post-midnight on 4th of July & my usual places near my old apartment closed early for the holiday. Bye, girl...
(1)
Michelle P.
When I think of good beer bars in Philly, Monk's automatically comes to the top of my list. It's been ages since I've dined there, but I've been there for beverages recently so it's certainly worth reviewing. The atmosphere is dark and cozy, perhaps the way a bar would feel in Belgium. I have no idea if that's the case, but if I ever go to Belgium, I will certainly be comparing my experience to Monk's. I just learned there is a second bar and dining area in the back. The space isn't large but that's great there's more than I initially thought. Their bottled beer list is huge and focused on European brews. Understandably a chunk of the selection is Belgian but the US, Denmark, Germany and many other countries are well represented. I know I should be focusing on the foreign beers when I go there for a drink, but it really excites me that they carry Russian River on tap. I need to go there for a longer visit to really get my drink on and have some food. Even without having a recent "full experience," I can easily see why it's such a highly touted and well recognized Philly establishment.
(4)
Mad M.
For the beer afficiando. Excellent beer selection from US microbrews to belgian sours, lambics, geuze. Decent food menu as well of belgian cuisine. Crowded!!!!
(4)
Doug B.
I went to Monk's last night with friends, what a great beer bar! This is definitely the place to go when you're in the mood to drink beer, and good beer at that. They have a "Beer Bible" that helps you read up on your selection from over 300+ beers. NO - you will not find Miller Lite on tap, that's not what they do here. YES - you will get good service and the right atmosphere to enjoy some cold beers from all over PA and some parts of the world. If you like IPAs your set here! Aside from the beer selection, they do also have a house specialty for Mussels, and you can get them in a variety of ways (meaning, flavors...) we had them with Coconut Curry and this was a nice kind of hot. Not hot like you had to down a glass of water, hot like a good building heat from food spiced well. One serving is good for two to split, and it comes with two teardrop shaped pieces of sour dough bread..which you WILL use to soak up the juice from the dish after you got all the mussels and shells out. One of ours had a gourmet burger which he devoured. I say gourmet (because for $14, that better be damn good).. it was. Our waitress was attentive but not overbearing, just right. You will find me here again!
(5)
Kimberly Y.
A solid 4-star establishment in Philly, but somehow way too crowded during weeknights... They told me a cold and rainy Wednesday at 6:30 for 3 people would be a 45-minute wait, so I left and came back a month later on a cold Sunday with much more availability. (And yes, they card even just for food apparently.) Service was just the right amount of attentive! The dining areas are quite dimly lit, but the bar has a bunch of cute winter lights hanging. The pomme frites are pretty delicious, but I had a hard time finishing my entree after I scarfed down all the fries! The roasted chicken was cooked well and the au jus really makes the dish -- well worth the price in my opinion. I also tried the duck salad, and for someone who's not crazy about duck, it was a great choice as well! Couldn't decide which was better. Wasn't feeling in the mood for drinks for my first time, but I'll be back to try some beers and the rest of the appealing menu!
(4)
Aditi V.
Great place! Monk Duck Salad: 5/5 one of the best salads I've had. The duck was flavorful and in great portion. Some of them were a little bit tough but great. The salad was a perfect sweet delight - walnuts and craisans were excellent! I didn't actually use any of the goat cheese. Would have preferred if they mixed it in for me. Chocolate Tart: 5/5 amazinggggggg it wasn't completely chocolate-y! There was like a cream inside which made it perfection. Key Like: 3/5 too limey. Maybe that's just me but I thought it was a bit too sour. Overall, would definitely come back for the chocolate tart and duck salad!
(5)
Rebecca R.
Accidentally stumbled upon this place because the restaurant we originally wanted to go to was closed. I am so glad that the other place was closed, because any place that serves Dupont is a-ok in my book. We had the frog lets to start and they were tossed in a buffalo-ish sauce. It was definitely different, but in a good way. I had the duck salad sandwich, because I was enticed by the words, "award-winning" and of course I wanted to see what all the hubbub was about. The hubbub was warranted. The sandwich was so tasty, and again like nothing I've ever had. That's why I like Monk's so much; you can find things here that you'd never be able to find anywhere else. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in the area!
(4)
Joe R.
When I moved to Philly 5 years ago I, just by pure luck, moved across the street from Monks Cafe. What a glorious gathering and arrangement of international brews. To be clear, I couldn't afford any of them because I was in school and usually restricted myself to the single $ on Yelp, but this place is pretty sweet. The front bar is very traditional with a hammered copper top. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and professional, not to mention super friendly. The food menu is also very well formed. I'm not a mussel eater, but I hear they are excellent here and not too pricey. The burgers are good and I loved the fries. I was doing a little vegan stint for a while and they have a few options which I became interested in. I ate the saitan cheese steak with high expectations and was incredibly disappointed. It was mushy and the flavor was making me ill. Exclusively the reason why I take a star off. This is a very traditional European styled bar and if you'd like to have a quality time with friends in a semi casual environment I would recommend you check out Monk's Cafe!
(4)
Janet G.
Great selection of beer. Excellent waiter. I thought it was overpriced $16.00 for a small pot of mussels. Not to mention 7 of mine didn't open. You can't feed 2 with the pot unless it's an appetizer. Mussels weren't fishy but very tiny. $16 appetizer of frog legs were good but only 5 small frog legs on the order. Wouldn't go back.
(3)
Amanda N.
This place is known for the mussels, but I am so glad the BF and I were conservative with trying only one order of the mussels and branching out to try a variety of dishes that most importantly included the duck salad. I lovee meat and wow this duck was the best cooked duck I have ever had in my life. It reminded me of a really expensive clean cut of high quality beef with the perfect complements of creamy (?goat) cheese, soft fresh greens and cranberries.. such an enlightening meal that I will continue to dream of for a long time. The mussels were great, I think we ordered the Provence which was very yummy. The burger was also amazingly delicious. Beer bible is incredible. Everything was so good! THIS PLACE IS POPULAR! It was an extremely long wait as we came at rush hour sadly. So glad I finally got around to trying this place though and definitely recommend trying it out.
(5)
Fiona P.
Monk's has gone downhill. I was a fan when I first visited, but this weekend the whole experience went sour for me (and not just because of the beer). It has always been annoying that you can't have a table unless you're eating, but fine, I get that you have to make money. Although plenty of bars do just fine with seating drinking only customers. This time, I told the hostess that two of the four of us were going to be eating, and they said they wouldn't seat us. I could maybe understand that if it was busy, but it was between meal times and there were plenty of open tables. When I finally got a seat at the bar I had chicken fingers, which seemed to be burnt. I was also pretty disappointed by the draft list. So many new beer bars have popped up bringing with them their A game, and I just don't think Monk's has kept pace. They get their second star for the always excellent Monk's sour.
(2)
Susana G.
2nd time in this joint and I love it. Hasn't changed a bit in 5 yrs. Chimay all colors and lotssss of other choices. Dark, hole in the wall, authentic.
(4)
Richard R.
It has been awhile since I have been to Monk's. My daughter is living nearby so we popped in there around 9:00 PM the other night for a quick late dinner. The beer selection is great, it always has been. I like the atmosphere at Monks too. It is a little dark but not too bad. Our waitress was great and super nice. I had the hamburger a few years back at Monks and that was really good. On this night, I went with the more traditional Belgian fare, Moules-frites. We had the muscles in Thai Curry -Monk's Flemish Sour, fumè, Thai red curry, bais, garlic & coconut milk and the Petite Dejeuner - oatmeal stout, baby spinach, goat cheese, fumEe, garlic, tomato & basil. My Thai Curry Muscles were good but not what I was expecting. It lacked some of the lemongrass and other flavors that I have had with Thai Curry muscles. (The best I have had is at Flex Muscles in NYC). The Petite Dejeuner was just OK, A bit on the bland side for us. The frites were cut thin Belgian style but a little soggy and heavily seasoned. Sketch Burger has unbelievable frites. The dipping sauce at Monks was great however for the sauce.
(3)
Eduardo R.
With a multitude of fine-dining and high-end restaurants in the area, we were quite happy to find a down-to-earth pub/restaurant with a huge selection of beer and a food menu with plenty of options for both vegetarians and meatatarians. It was jammed packed but no one seemed to mind. The servers have got it down to a science. Food and drinks were delivered quickly and were delicious. The sauce which comes with the fries is creamy and spicy, kind of like an aioli or mayo, and was a welcome change from ketchup or gravy (although ketchup is available). Friendly pub atmosphere, un-pretentious, but crowded. You may have to wait to get a table so grab a drink at the bar until they're ready to seat you.
(5)
Sarah E.
Awesome beer menu! All sorts of stuff that you don't normally see on tap. The bar staff was friendly. I only wish we lived closer to this place! If you're a big ol' beer nerd, you can't go wrong with Monks
(5)
Grace H.
Came here on a second date with the promise of great beer and good food, and it did not disappoint. There was about an hour wait when we arrived, so we ordered some beers at the bar before getting seated. My first time getting an indian pale ale and I loved it! Our table ended up being just behind the bar in the back room, which was sort of hectic, and we were very close to the party next to us, but I didn't mind because the atmosphere was a bit louder. The waiter suggested the pulled pork sandwich, which was just okay, but the mussel dish was really the highlight of the meal. GO FOR THE MUSSELS! And for the beer.
(4)
Bob B.
I rate Monk's a 5 star even though it fell a little short of my expectations. The draft list is not up to date on the website. Blind Pig was listed, but was kicked a few days before. Monks is in a solid neighborhood and the inside is dark and intimate. It is a cool place to grab a beer or two. The day I went there was an Allagash take over, but Tired Hands offerings were still on tap....yeah. There are tons of bottles to choose from as well. There are not a ton of taps (maybe 10), but it is focused on quality not quantity. I strongly recommend Monks.
(5)
Tom T.
Take a trip back in time to a period when wine got all the respect, microbrews were a new concept and the term "craft" did not just roll off the tongue as it does today. Monks was around then and they were serving a massive selection of bottle beers with a compliment of quality beers on tap one just could not find in other bars. I remember being shocked by their on tap beer selection and found it such a treat to come in and see what Monks had on tap. Fast forward to now and Monks is still doing it. The enthusiasm for beer is still there and the beer selection shows. To sum it up Monks is serious about beer and is a landmark for beer drinkers in Philly. Beer, beer, beer! How about the food? The food is great as well. I typically get a burger and fries or "frites" as they call them. The burger always hits the spot and the frites are just awesome with that bourbon dipping sauce. I recommend getting the frites with whatever you get for a main course. I have to mention one beer, Orval. I recommend ordering at least one Orval at Monks. Not only is Orval one of the best beers in the world Monks cafe is an ambassador for this Belgian Trappist brewery. Only a few places in the world have this honor. As an ambassador this means Monks follows a protocol when serving an Orval. So you experience drinking an Orval will be more special than if ordering it somewhere else. Cheers!
(5)
Connie H.
Yum! I love the mussels and pomme frites here. Their beer bible is also amazing. So many great beers, and the servers are good at providing recommendations too if you're unsure what you want because there are so many choices. I also like that the draft beers have descriptions under them about their flavor profiles so I can find one that sounds good to me. This was my third time here, each time is always solid. On weekend evenings it gets really crowded, especially late at night, but I just came on Wed at like 10pm and it was pretty calm. Got the ghent mussels with fries. The mussels are so flavorful! The ones on top tend to get cold pretty fast, so eat them quickly, but the ones in the pot on the bottom sitting in the broth are always hot and perfect. The pomme frites are amazing. We actually had to get a second order because we devoured the first one (the order is kind of small, too, if you're sharing). The mayo sauce it comes with absolutely makes this dish. We also got the duck salad sandwich -- get this! The duck is cooked so tenderly and the goat cheese and walnuts and cranberries are a perfect combination. My boyfriend isn't a huge fan of goat cheese, but even he liked this combo. The mac & cheese was good too, but was our least favorite of the things we ordered. But, to be fair, everything else was too good. They use the same goat cheese among others in this dish, with bacon and asparagus, so it's a nice, heavy dish. Very creamy so we got pretty full off of this pretty fast. My boyfriend and I probably tried like 6 draft beers total, and they were all great! The sour ale was great, and their belgians are delicious too.
(4)
Elisa B.
Came here on a Friday with a group of 6 for some drinks and small bites. I was afraid that there was going to be a long wait, but we were seated right away - we got there around 5:45pm or so. Other Yelpers seem to mention happy hour, but when I asked if there were any happy hour specials, the waitress very sharply said "No" as if I had asked something so outrageous. Anyway, there is no happy hour here, which is a little bit sad for my grad school budget. We weren't looking to eat dinner per se, so we shared some plates of pomme frites (great dip and good portion to share), a bucket of the Thai mussels (delicious and seemingly endless even though all of us had a bite at it), chicken fingers (good but nothing to rave about), and flatbread with some vegetarian dips. Most of us ordered a few round of drinks, but the waitress seemed annoyed that we didn't order more food, which was kind of off-putting (especially given the happy hour interaction earlier). The beer bible was cool to look at, and we all got pints of Pliny the Elder, which is apparently a rare find according to my beer enthusiast friend. The bathroom was a little dingy and super tiny for a pretty sizable place. I left with a full and mostly satisfied belly, but I don't know if the mussels were worth the hype, and the service was definitely lacking. While I would probably return for another visit, I think I prefer Eulogy over Monk's.
(3)
John A.
Beers and mussels so good, service is excellent looking for good food and beer y o u camt.f Go wrong
(5)
GT W.
A pretty interesting place. Located pretty far from the main night scene in Philly and not in the safest part of town, this unassuming beer bar has a small entrance and glass window that displays some very rare beer bottles that seem out of place for the location. Inside is a small bar with some pretty good taps, cramped, with some tables. Middle of the complex is a row of about ten tables scrunched together. Then, as if you are going to find the bathroom, there is a secret back room that looks like the inside of the Kulminator: a cramped square room with all wood and a small bar behind a handful of tables. Here are the really rare drafts with the vintage bottle list prominently displayed. Lots of random vintage lambic and other Belgian rarities with high markup. It is Belgian themed beer and food wise with some excellent and generously portioned mussels on the menu. Dark interior space, lots of wood...almost tavern feel. Staff are highly beer knowledgeable, but sometimes have been a bit standoffish or disinterested. Prices are fairly high and the food is at a solid 4-star level. Make sure you check out the back room.
(4)
Sean B.
3.5 stars. 5 stars: the beer selection 3 stars: their burger. Decently sized, done how I ordered it, tasted fine. Their fries were also average, but I do have to say the bourbon mayo was pretty great. 2 stars: the thai curry mussels. SUPER SUPER bland. They needed a lot more of everything (curry, coconut milk, lemon grass). It was a massive portion at least.
(3)
Wing C.
To be honest, I was a bit turned off when we first entered - dark, dingy, and filled with nauseating, reeking alcohol smell. But with glowing recommendations, my husband and I decided to ignore the first impression and stuck around to give Monk's a try. Even though neither of us drank, we were impressed by the food alone. I was pleasantly surprised by the ginormous portioned smoked duck salad - the skin was perfectly crisped, the meat was flavorful, tender and juicy. The pairing of craisin, blue cheese, and candied walnut was genius. My husband ordered one of the famous burgers - nothing crazy over the top, well made and delivered exactly what my husband was craving. He loved the sauce that was served along and especially enjoyed the side of crispy fries. Overall, service was what one expect from a hole in the wall bar - couple of water refills when requested and that was it. Nevertheless Monk's won me over with their food! I would never expect such gourmet meal from a bar. Only wished we were in town longer so I can try out their mussels!
(4)
Addison Y.
Service: I flew in from La on a trip to go to every state in the US, I was tired, hungry, and in NEED of for a beer, I asked a local in Philly and they recommended Monk's. As I went there, the workers were great but also real nice. The beer selection is amazing...they call it the beer bible. Food: I ordered a burger and fries (i believe no food in the world goes better with beer than burger and fries...) and it was nice, juicy, flavorful but nothing amazing, but the beers...jeez..every beer I had was amazing...from Ale to Lager to Stout....each one just gets better and better Ambiance: Outside it looks like an Irish Pub decor but when you walk in, it has a modern bar decor and has a nice feel to it.
(4)
Herbie H.
I mean, what's not to love? I've been a number of times, each one better than the last. The beer selection is incredible, and from my experience, the staff is incredibly knowledgable and helpful - able to make recommendations or suggestions without being condescending. On my most recent visit, I came for lunch on a Saturday with some friends & family. My boyfriend and I split the Ghent burger (broccoli rabe & cheddar) and the Chicken & Apple Sausage Sandwich. Both were fantastic. I was blown away by the sausage sandwich. It was packed with flavor and might be a hidden gem on the menu, not reading as exciting as some of the other dishes. I've had a few other items on the menu, most notably the Thai Red Curry Mussels, which are pretty self-explanatory and delicious.
(4)
Hope C.
Great beer list. Can't knock them for that. Just this list alone is worth checking out Monk's Cafe -- when we went recently, they had Pliny the Elder on draft. Pliny the Elder I say! That Russian River Brewery IPA that is rated 100 - 100!!!! - on Beer Advocate. I was so excited. And the beer was indeed delicious. But the attitudes at this establishment need a boost. The first problem is that there's no seating for beer drinkers. You either need to order food at a table or force yourself to endure the sardines-in-a-can experience squashed up by the hallway at the bar, which is, conveniently (ha!) a main thoroughfare. Staff are downright vicious about table-mongering, which I understand, but seriously. There's a problem with the space and layout at this venue. Why is it the patrons' faults?! Frites and moules are good. Prices are hefty. Beer selection legendary. Whole place is awkward.
(3)
David S.
I really do enjoy monks. Plenty of seating typically, a plethora of beers on the menu, and standard pub type food.... That's exactly what you need occasionally. The options for casual pub type joint in the loop are some what limited, which is probably why this place is packed more often than not. Ask for the buffalo chicken sandwich ( not the wrap) if you into that kind of food. Theirs would get a 4.5 out of 5, but it's not on the menu and you have to know to ask.
(3)
Michelle R.
Known for its beer selection, went here on a Saturday night and was not disappointed. Even after 8pm myself and my boyfriend had to wait for a table for dinner but the 15 minutes passed quickly at the bar. Had the Steak Frites Salad for dinner -- everything I wanted. Perfect portion of steak on top of greens with a heaping portion of fries, complete with a sauce for dipping that was out of this world. Boyfriend had the duck salad sandwich and loved it. Would most certainly come back.
(5)
Paul K.
It's too dark in here to really see your food and they served me chicken wings that were raw and bloody in the middle--not a good combination. Then they copped an attitude instead of apologizing. I informed the manager that chicken not heated to 120F can harbor salmonella. "You're your not going to get salmonella!" she exclaimed. When I questioned her credentials, did she have advanced degree in microbiology or was an MD, she accused me of having had too much to drink. Shame on these arrogant, incompetent a##holes.
(1)
Ian J.
Got kicked out once for walking in and sitting down at a table w/out being seated first. Yeah, don't do that. Well, escorted to the bar, not kicked out entirely. Bar is tiny, but if you can get in, the food is awesome. Vegan options. Great beer selection (mostly bottles, though).
(4)
Kyle C.
I always make time for Monks, aside from the amazing beer list....no, this thing is a beer bible, the staff is awesome and the food is always good. At first glance it seems a little rundown but you quickly forget that issue. Like I stated earlier, the staff are always ridiculously friendly, the beer is always amazing and they staff listens to what you like and gives you honest/relevant suggestions. The food is awesome, scotch eggs are the best I've had and even the burgers are probably the best in the area. Point? Check this place out if you're in Philly (midtown)
(5)
Yayi Z.
Monks is known for their muscles and beer for good reason. One of my favorite hang out spots to catch up with friends. their beer selection, as you can tell from the other reviews, is nothing short of amazing. Probably the most extensive in the area. Their mussels are also good and so is the rest of the food.
(4)
Rob D.
It's a must see if rolling thru Philly. .. Sample their delicious and massive variety of beers..... Alongside some mussels. Boom.
(5)
Bin L.
Overrated. The duck breast sandwich is okay. The size of mussels is big but the taste is very average. No surprise. Can't even say it's delicious. The beef rib is something I'd never order again. Not a delightful experience dining here.
(2)
Grace Y.
**This review is on mainly the bar service and overall ambience** Not happy with this place at all. Dropped in close to 9pm on a weekend with two friends intending to grab some drinks, but were told "tables are reserved for diners". The place wasn't even completely filled; there were empty tables on both levels. I cannot even begin to fathom this policy. Disgruntled, we went upstairs and had to be awkwardly sandwiched smack dab in the middle of the upper level space between the people seated at the bar and the tables (one of which was unclaimed), as we begrudgingly sipped our beers. Speaking of beers and the debauchery we were hoping to achieve with Monk's (which didn't even come close to happening) - my friend Angie ordered a ginger cider which the three of us agreed tasted legitimately like vinegar. When she asked about the exchange policy, the bartend thought she was joking, but later stated they did not do exchanges. Bar service was just eye-rolls-worthy. Bartend took his time giving back our credit cards and, if paid in cash, our change. We shook our heads and moved downstairs to the bar seats, then quickly finished our beers and got out of there. Honestly, for an establishment that houses two FULL bars on BOTH levels, the way in which they treat people who only intend to drink repels such patrons rather than welcomes them. It would've been more tolerable to be limited to standing-only if there was some sort of distraction or entertainment, but there's no TV, no live music, no darts, not even some, I don't know, reading material. This rigid policy is like a subliminal message: if you come here looking for a pleasant experience, you'd better order some food. If you're not hungry or just don't feel like eating, get your ass somewhere else.
(1)
Ashley T.
Found this place through phillytapfinder since i was looking for a place that served a particular beer at that moment. First went here fall of 2013 and not sure why i never reviewed it! Its a nice spot. Great for hanging with a friend or two. Service is great. They have a bar in the front and then another if you go to the back around a walkway. The only food items I have gotten from here are their fries since it comes with a specialty ketchup and mayo. Drink selection is nice as well. Since my first time over 2 years ago i've been here at least 5-7 times.
(4)
Kathleen D.
I can't let my 2013 review stand any longer. It seriously states: "I'm not a beer drinker. Let's mention that first." So times have, um, changed... and now I enjoy beer quite a bit. I read my last review and wonder why my friend would order the Damnation for me when I didn't like beer. That seems silly. Nonetheless. I just wanted to say that I love Monk's despite what can be some crazy crowds and long waits on weekend nights. They serve some amazing beers! I also didn't like burgers in 2013 (....yeah, I don't even know) so I can also now report that their burger is delicious. Yep. Monk's is fantastic. I think that covers this update.
(5)
Lin A.
I have been there for two times! It's the must -go place in Philadelphia for me. For the first time, I will rate them the perfectly five star: passionate service and tender duct confit! However, when the second time I came here, the sauce of duct confit was too salty. On the other hand, the service was an upset experience this time, and waitress' face seem really impatient. Beer there are amazing though! The food there is worthy for you trying one time but the service experience will depend on your luckï¼
(3)
Ashleigh S.
Monk's is known for its beer selection. Perusing the beer bible, I agree that they definitely know what they are doing. We arrived around 10pm and the front bar was crowded with only standing room left. Finally after snagging some seats, we enjoyed a couple beers, a ginger cider, and their French fries. Cider was very gingery so I only recommend for those who like strong spices. The fries were salty and crisp on the outside but still soft on the inside. While these were good, what made them great was the sauce. I'm not sure what it was, but it almost had a French onion dip flavor. It was really hard not to lick the little cup clean when we were finished with the fries. We learned after that there was another bar UN the back of the restaurant. Here are where the regulars go instead of fighting with the masses at the front bar. One tip, while it's still cold out, definitely go to the back. So much warmer without the draft coming in from the door!
(4)
Jinsol L.
Sometimes my random cravings for mussels reminds me of Monks, but each time I visit, I'm slightly underwhelmed. The service is good, but they don't take reservations which make it difficult to guarantee a seat and the waits can get long. The ambience has a typical dim pub feel; it's surprisingly large with two bar areas (at the front and back) and it does get kinda loud. And, onto the food! They used to have two sizes of mussels (small and large), but now they just have a standard medium for almost $17. It feels somewhat pricey, but the mussels are great and it comes with bread and fries, which makes it good and filling. I've also had the "award-winning" duck salad sandwich, was was delicious but personally, I felt that the duck meat was slightly sparse and the sandwich was a bit small in general. And the burgers were great as well, each for close to $14. All in all, the food was delicious but felt a tad pricey and somewhat messy to eat. Not bad for an occasional treat, but be prepared for the price and potential long waits!
(3)
Maureen M.
Everything and more you'd expect from a Philly pub. Food is awesome and beer selection is endless.
(5)
Tracy M.
I am a big Belgium beer drinker and the selection here is phenomenal! The bar in the front is a little tight but the back is more roomy. We also got to sit down for dinner and the food was a little underwhelming. We split some mussels and a burger. The mussels were nothing to write home about and the burger was dry. Come here for the beer and the beer events!
(3)
Debra T.
We visited Monks for lunch....not as good as we remember it . We have not been for years and thought moules, frites and beer to start our weekend visit in Philly sounded like a plan....was just OK .... The frites or fries were soggy and thin....the mussels/moules were good but nothing great ... The beer selection good but the man who waited on us rude...it was not crowded not even close to a lunch time crowd ... And after that service I would not return and will certainly not suggest this place to others !!! With all the wonderful places in Philly this certainly on the bottom of the list !
(2)
Renita M.
Great little divey bar with a stellar beer list and great food. We stopped in at 3 pm on a Friday for a late lunch. It's an unassuming place in a cute neighborhood, clean but a little ratty around the edges. First, the food: the menu is Belgium meets Philly. Mussels, frites, cheesesteaks, burgers. They do have a couple of vegan-friendly options. My husband and I had burgers, our friend had a vegan cheesesteak (yes I realize that's actually impossible; it's seitan and I think she left the cheese off). My burger (which had broccoli rabe and cheese on it) was super juicy and delicious and the french fries were amazing. So, so good. The beer list -- well, first there's the draft list, and then there's the bottle "beer bible". Now, in terms of presentation, I've seen more impressive looking lists. I've seen binders and bound menu-style books and tablets. The draft list was a print-out with a few beers crossed out that were gone; the "bible" was a bunch of printed out pages that had been folded in half and stapled, with a slightly raggedy cover. But the *content* of the lists was impressive. While there is a focus on Belgian beers, that still covers a pretty good range, and the bottle list has a pretty deep American selection too. There are good descriptions and it's generally interesting to read if you're into that sort of thing. Service was solid, nothing outrageously good but definitely friendly and competent. I hope it doesn't take me another 12 years to return to Philadelphia, and I hope next time I can come back here.
(5)
Angelique L.
Came here on Monday night. We were sat immediately. Ordered beers and mussels. What else would you order here? Gotta go for the gold. Ordered three orders for the six of us, which turned out to be perfect. My absolute favorite was the Ghent. Super flavorful, and if you're a bacon lover, you will definitely appreciate it. I'm excited to go back. Definitely is part of my "take my tourist friends here and wow them" list.
(5)
Chris C.
Awesome gastro pub with an incredible beer selection. I ordered starters - grilled octopus, buffalo frog legs & stewed beef cheek. All were awesome. The octopus was perfectly cooked, not easy to do. Beef cheek was also perfectly done as a stew. Buffalo frog legs, that's a first for me and I am glad I orders. Wait staff was great, witty with a smile.
Called before I even walked to this restaurant. And when I get there at 1:03am the guy tells me he can't serve me because they don't serve food after 1am
(1)
Andrew Z.
I only go to Monks a few times a year with some friends, but every time I go, I love everything I order. Monks is on 16th and Spruce which is close to where all the action is at Rittenhouse Square. If you don't want to pay Rittenhouse Prices at like Park or Rouge, but want a great dinner, I'd say go to Monks. Every time I have gone to Monks, there has been a wait. This place is very popular, so if you're going with a party of more than 4, I recommend making a reservation earlier in the day. There is a small bar as you walk in, with three main dining areas. You see people eating everywhere, from a rudimentary counter type seating to booths, to regular tables. The two dishes I recommend are the Brussels mussels (copied from the online menu, they're mussels with fumè, tomato, fennel, herbs de provençe & garlic with a side of french fries), and I get the Duck Salad Sandwich (menu again... baby greens with grilled duck breast, goat cheese, spicy walnuts and craisins). I order a small order of mussels, which I think come with 2 dozen. They are very large compared to the other mussels I order around the city, and are very fresh tasting. The duck salad sandwich is great and very tasty. My personal recommendation is to take the bourbon mayonnaise from the Pommes Frites (French Fries) and use it as a spread for the Duck Salad Sandwich. If you try it, give me credit!
(5)
Phil T.
Quick shoutout: we had spectacularly good service from our server on New Year's Day around lunchtime. Apparently the staff was shorthanded. Given how packed the place was, our food and drinks all came out appropriately and he was pretty entertaining. Good times. Something tells me I'll be back here on NYD again.
(4)
Gina S.
1. "Unbelievable" Mussels. 2. Tripel Karmeliet is amazing beer, worth writing home about. 3. The Staff was welcoming, I felt literally right at home away from home.
(5)
Sharon U.
Went there last night to meet up with some friends. We arrived early and when I attempted to put my name down, I was told the wait was an hour. Fine, no big deal. I tried to put my name down and he asked if my full party was there. I said they weren't, but I expected them to be there in a few minutes so I was sure they'd all be around by the time we could be seated. His response? "Okay well that all depends on them. Let me know when they get here." The dialogue does not translate well on the Internet, but the guy was giving me a ton of attitude for no reason. It was a Saturday night, and they only had ONE bartender working. It took me forever to get a drink. The place was unbelievably crowded, to the point that it was close to impossible to maneuver. I understand places tend to be crowded on Saturday nights, but this was chaos, and the crowding could have been solved if they had someone else helping at the bar. When my friends arrived, I tried to tell the hostess (I guess two people were in charge of seating) that we were all there. She couldn't find my name and had to "confirm" with the other guy. Luckily that was squared away, and within an hour we were seated. The service was atrocious. My friend asked for water and he was very rude as he said he'd bring out water for everyone. Of course, the water was rarely refilled. It took forever to order beers, and our food took a long time to arrive. At first he gave me the wrong order, and then he came back with the right order. I ordered a burger medium rare. It was completely well done, but at that point I was way too hungry to send it back. The fries were pretty good, but probably not worth the wait. My burger was decent, but completely overcooked. The beer selection is very good, but I can't imagine myself going there for casual drinks. The beer is very expensive, and I would probably only indulge in something like that on special occasions. The service is terrible there, and I probably won't go back unless someone else insists on going to the place. I really didn't appreciate getting attitude when I'm eating at a restaurant, especially when these people don't seem to have a clue about how to manage a crowd.
(2)
Jasti S.
Good mussels--though small, they give you plenty of them. A small pot is sufficient for two to share, and they come with fries and awesome dipping sauce. They have a brew bible O-M-G! Great place to come for beer is an understatement.
(4)
Ginger S.
Tiny & dark. Good selection of Belgian and craft beers that are hard to find and the servers are knowledgable about them. Good burger, good mussels, loved the duck salad. The spicy mayo with the frites is excellent.
(4)
Emily K.
I'm a little fenced by Monk's. I love it, but then sometimes I'm there and I can't help but think that there's really no reason why I love it. They have a fantastic selection of beer both on tap and bottled - but it's pretty significantly overpriced. The mussels can be great, but I've now had three experiences where more than half of my pot was unpleasantly undercooked and/or gritty. The burger is great, but too decadent for regular indulgence. It gets NUTSY packed at 6 PM on weekends, and some of the servers seem to get pretty frazzled by it (understandably), which is unfortunate. It's pretty fun for people watching when packed, but not quite as hilarious as Eulogy. Overall, it's an experience, and a Philadelphia landmark, but me personally - I'm trying to cut back.
(3)
Zan F.
I'm a beer fan, I'm a burger fan. Yeah, this place is know for it's beer selection, so no shocker there. But what makes me want to come back is the burger. Hands down the best burger I've ever had. I don't know what they did but it was the perfect combo of burger, topping (I had the Antwerp aka Cheese and Mushroom), and bun. But this wasn't just any "bun". My sis introduced me to this place and told me they buy them fresh from a bakery down the street. This "bun" was the kicker. Forget the Cheesesteaks, I want to go back to Philly for this burger!
(5)
Sarah R.
Pros: Great atmosphere. Fun beer selection. Great fries. Good burgers. Friendly staff. Cons: Often crowded and a wait for seating. If you're not eating, you're sitting at the bar or standing (seemingly in everyone's way). This is the place I take friends visiting Philly for the first time. Never disappoints.
(4)
Joel D.
My favorite spot to eat in Philadelphia! Mussels, a thousand types of beer - and some are to find elsewhere - and fries to die for. What's not to love? This place is hardly a secret so it's basically packed all the time - be prepared to wait for a table if it's near any meal time. And, try an unusual European beer you've never heard of... pass the Chimay...
(5)
Mary Kay R.
I was excited to visit Monks as I love beer and mussels. Food was good, beer selection great, but the service at the bar was insulting. While waiting for the rest of my group to show up, I took a seat in the bar area (across from the bar). After about 5 minutes and no acknowledgment from the bartender, I took a few steps to the bar and asked one of the people behind the bar for a menu. He barked at me, 'she'll get you one when she gets a chance!' Wow. I went back to my seat and waited another few minutes until the bartender brought me a menu. After another 5 minute wait, I saw the bartender standing at the trashcan, opening a piece of gum, so hesitantly ( I didn't want to get scolded again) approached and asked if she would mind getting me a beer. That was my first impression of Monks. Don't know if I'll bother going back. Service at the table was just ok. With so many places in Center City, I'll opt for better food and service. I might go back if I'm really thirsty.........
(3)
Louis R.
A. Packed by 4pm B. Mussels and fries are a staple C. Way too much beer selection (that is a positive) D. Dark interior is a primo spot to impress a date E. Costs as much to eat/drink here as any other specialty spot F. Eating at the front bar is always an option if too long a wait for a table I will hit it again, but before 4pm.
(4)
Hoa T.
Gotta love Monk's for their sense of humor. As you all know, Monk's was hit by a bus...literally. They are still under construction to fix the wall, but have no fear you can still have your fix of this Belgian place. It's now a "speakeasy" with the entrance to the right side of the restaurant. And the password is...drum roll please...SEPTA. How hilarious is that! You really can't close down this institution for long.
(5)
Erin O.
Aaaah! I've just had dinner at Monk's at am STILL REELING. The beer selection is out. of. this. world! The bottled offerings are listed in a 24-page bound book. The draft menus are separate full-page sheets (different for the front and back bars). I recommend the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale. It's a house brew, and is like nothing I've ever tried - kind of like a Hefeweizen crossed with a Bock. An original, for sure. The food, while not the best I've ever had, is still very good. And, what it lacks in punch, it makes up for in character. My friend and I split a small pot of the mussels and were not disappointed. You could certainly make a meal of a large pot and call it a day. I also had the Seitan meatballs. Very good and unusual, but slightly bland. Still worth a try. Finally, the atmosphere is nice. It's very dark and intimate, best for small groups, or singles at the bar. If you love beer, you must try Monk's!
(5)
Sophia S.
Monks is admittedly awesome. Great for trying beer, zesty muscles, succulent burgers, yummy fries. BUT, if you go, be prepared to wait and yell. It is ALWAYS loud and ALWAYS crowded.
(4)
Kevin D.
There's really not much I can say that isn't really already out there. It's one of the best beer spots in the world. The food? Worth the wait. If I had one complaint, its trivial. The lighting. It can be tough to read the board or the beer bible, beyond that, seriously, take the trip and check it out!
(4)
Jason T.
The oysters are worth every dime. The place is a bit tight and can be impossible to get into on some nights. I think the three of us sat at a table for two.
(4)
Wendy W.
great pub feeling restuarant. i love trying the different belgium beer. sipping on artisinal beer while snacking on mussels and pomme frite is a perfect sunday afternoon meal. the mussels are prepared in 7 or 8 different styles and they all have a nice light flavor. do try the raspberry walnut tart for dessert. it is heaven on a flaky crust.
(4)
Ben G.
I can't believe I've been coming here for two years. Hmm I guess its about time to take an inventory. Lets see... Beer selection is still unreal... Check Ghent Mussels still Rock... Check The Steak Frites Salad is still effing amazing... Check Yup, Still 5 big ones. Wouldnt see it any other way. This is still my goto restaurant in center city on a Monday or Tuesday as there is never any wait for a table... but lets be real, I'm normally at the back bar with the DT TAP.
(5)
Ronnie S.
I did not eat any food, came for the selection on the beer bible.... Yes the beer bible. This place has a crap ton of beer. The selection of Belgian beers would make a yeti cry. Some of the beer is a little over priced but quit being a cheep skate. It is a small place and dank, but who cares they have the best beer selection in Philly. We didn't have to wait long to get a seat, but I was told that their can be a long line so I guess go some time during the week to check it out. Awesome place beer, beer, and beer
(4)
Brad P.
Went here for my birthday last year, and had a great time. It's a little difficult to get a table, but once you sit down, enjoy the place. It's small, but there is a back and front section. The front section is extremely dark, but that's not a bad thing, reminds you of Europe a little bit. The wood features in the bar also give it a great flare that other bars just don't have in philly. The food was a bit pricey, and what I ate, I don't remember, but it wasn't bad...yet didn't leave an impression with me. The service was hectic, but the place was packed, and we had a party of 9 so I can't blame them. They were quick to rush us out of our table to make room for more guests, so we migrated to the back room, where we enjoyed amazing beers from the bar suggested by the barmaid. She was talkative and she could definitely dish out some sass to some of my drunk friends, so it provided for a humorous night. I'm not sure if we ran into the manager or the owner that night, but he was a funny and welcoming guy, who didn't make my friend pay for the fire alarm box that he broke off the wall on accident. Glad this place recovered from the accident with Septa last year, can't wait to go back this summer!
(4)
BethandGus H.
We decided to sit at the bar since it was packed and we figured we'd be allowed to bring our cats to the bar....NO! No cats allowed. Minus 1 star for that. FYI, bring your ID - we were carded at the door, which we thought was weird until we met our bartenders, er, we didn't actually meet them. We introduced ourselves. We also had to get our beer list & menu from the patrons next to us. Maybe the bartenders have to take a vow of silence to work there? We each got Imperial Stouts, tis the season! They were yummy, but the aftertaste leads us to suspect unclean lines...buy by the bottle. Trust us!!!! For dinner Gus had the vegetarian cheesesteak that came with a side of 4 pieces of lettuce and Beth had the Mac and Cheese entree with one eyelash. Besides the eyelash, there was GOAT in it, yes! Definitely enough pasta, cheese, goat and eyelash to fill the $16.50 price, well done Monks. Gus' sandwich was sub par, which is expected in all vegetarian delights. We got two pints of our Imperial Stouts at 9.5 & 10% ABV, we nearly left without paying our bill! We'd totally go back...with a reservation.
(2)
Robert B.
I'm not even sure that this place needs another review to confirm its superiority. When you have a place to which breweries across the world send their unique and rare beers, you know you have something. The mussels, the fries and the beer. I think I just convinced myself that I'm headed there again tonight...
(5)
Zachary S.
Since I'm reviewer number 475, I don't think Monk's really needs my praise--I'll make it brief. Beer selection: amazing. Mussels: good but overrated. Ambience: what you'd expect. Burger: good Great place. Mainly because of the beer.
Definitely a fan of this place. Belgium beers here are rare and one of a kind. Mussels are delicious!!!!! Definitely the perfect place to impress a beer and mussel lover. Beers are well above average prices but......hey they are imported Belgium beers so there is nothing to complain about. Only complaint if any is that this place is always packed and hard to get a seat. Just wish I lived closer to this place however the "Belgium Cafe", which is owned by the same people is a few blocks away from me. Another great place, a little bit different atmosphere.
(5)
Andrew C.
"Reader, if I had more space to write I would sing something at least about that sweet drink which I could have drunk forever, but since all the pages that were laid upon the loom for this second cantica have been filled, the curb of art lets me go no farther. From the most sacred waters I returned remade in the way that trees are new, made new again, when their leaves are new pure and ready to ascend to the stars."
(5)
Ben S.
This is a great belgian cafe, of the numerous belgian cafes in Philly. The beer is dark, filling, and I can pretty much drink only 2 before I need to get something lighter somewhere else, or take a nap. It's almost always impossibly packed, but worth the wait, especially if you can score a seat at the bar. I usually just drink a few beers here, but I had a pork sandwich once and it was pretty good and reasonably priced. Nice dingy, dark atmosphere. A great pub for wintertime.
(4)
Brian K.
Beer selection is amazing!
(5)
Joseph B.
Always great food and beer. Can be crowded with slow service but that's part of the package.
(4)
Serge B.
Alright, I get it, I will never be as big of a beer snob as the regulars and/or bartenders here, but it's always fun to try new beers. I deduct one star because the food is always spotty (burger was so-so and mussels vary from amazing to just OK) and it's tough to get consistent service. I know it may sound picky but I don't want to dislike this place just because they're always busy. Any place that's willing to provide new and exciting beers in this city is a good place in my book. Also, a bit pricey but I understand that you have to spend some money to bring us some good beer.
(4)
Elizabeth F.
Great Food and Beer! Cannot stress that enough, it is also a fun place to go and hang out with your friends, but if you're tired of looking at hipsters every where you go and their less than amiable attitudes stay FAR FAR AWAY from Monk's. I've dined there about a half a dozen times in the past six months and each time have had a different host/server and their vapid demeanor is matched by the enthusiasm of their having to serve my friends and I. Plenty of places in Philly to receive great beer selection and food without the feeling that you're making the waitstaff''s life miserable.
(2)
Zoe P.
My bf and I don't have many friends who are big beer enthusiasts like we are, so we don't get a chance to wax poetic over obscure microbrews with others (our kittens don't count). But one of his close friends, who is so into beer that now he brews his own, just moved back to Philly and as a first get-together we took him to Monk's Cafe. He had heard of Monk's (I mean, who hasn't?) and was thrilled to get a chance to check it out, so we planned on getting there around dinner time on a Monday. Thank god we arrived when we did (6:30) because if we were there a few minutes later we would have had to wait at least 20 min for a table. The moment we got seated a line sprouted for tables and got longer as the evening progressed. ON A MONDAY. Pretty darn popular place. Our server came and took beer orders (took us a little while to decide, even though I had checked out their list online first to narrow my selection down), and they arrived right when we were ready to order. Obviously I ordered the moules frites, Bruges-style (they have like 6 different kinds); you hear so much about them, you have to try them! These bivalves are some of my fav, I have to say Monk's Cafe does a top-notch job. I got a small pot, but when it came out I knew I wasn't gonna be able to finish it myself. Definitely perfect for one person (or two girls with small stomachs like me), and the mussels are perfectly cooked, not over-cooked and rubberly but succulent and juicy. Mmmmm!!! And those damn fries!! Yes, the limp factor is a bit unappealing, but they taste great on their own and even better with the spicy garlic mayo dip. I usually don't care for fries, nor anything involving mayo, but I consumed nearly all of them. The rolls though leave much to be desired, especially since the moules' sauce begs to be dipped into. The bf got one of their burgers with cheddar and broccoli rabe and our friend had the chicken fingers; everything was delicious, and considering that my bf ended up finishing off the remains of our food when we were done is a good sign of its quality. I barely even need to mention the beer we had (and probably can't quite remember the names anyway), but between the three of us we had a nice varied sampling of what they had on tap. Since our friend is so well versed in beers we really chose well, but I'm sure that anyone who works there would be able to assist those who have no idea what to choose. And while prices are more than what you typically pay at your local bar, they're not unreasonable; in fact, considering all the microbrews they offer, everything is priced to be about the same as what you'd pay at the store so instead of sitting at home with your pricey beer you can do the same at a nice bar! My enthusiasm for Monk's Cafe makes me want to just immediately give them 5 stars, but that's a little premature after only one visit. But I'll be back, and after many more visits I'm sure there will be a change in star rating.
(4)
A W.
If you like beer, this needs to be your favorite place. Great food (and enough options that there was a hard decision even for vegetarians (and everything we did have was excellent.) The Seitan cheesesteak is a can't-miss...
(5)
Matilda S.
Food is very good and they have an amazing selection of beer, of couse, and of veggie burgers (available in with most burger option). Also, the seitan cheese stake was awesome. Mussels are one better than the other and the service is typically pretty good.
(5)
Charles R.
Been here a few times. First it was really good and wanted to go back for more of this mussels. Second time it was ok and service wasn't as good. Last time it just seemed like things had gone down hill from the first time. Food was ok, service was indifferent and mussels didn't have the same taste as before.
(3)
Al S.
I recently visited Monk's again with four friends and had a wonderful experience. We went on a Sunday afternoon,around 2pm and there were more than enough seats to be had, which was a nice change of pace for this usually busy place. The duck salad sandwich was spot on, with the right combination of greasy meaty duck goodness, crisp greens, and a touch of jam in a tasty bun. The Thai curry mussels were delicious; the pot vanished in no time flat. I tried three different beers that were all tasty. Service was prompt and friendly without being overbearing. I will gladly return here again in the future.
(4)
John H.
I was meeting an old roommate for dinner while we are both visiting Philadelphia. She is touring with "Wicked", which is at the Kimmel Center, and had her lunch break from 5:00-7:00 pm, so we were looking for a place in the Arts area. We arrived around 5:15, and greeted with a heavenly and welcoming aroma. We waited behind the the two other groups in front of us and we were seated (within 2 minutes) just beyond the bar area at a small table that is practically in a little nook. I thought it might be claustrophobic, but it wasn't bad, and made us feel like we were alone in the crowd. We ordered a platter starter that was chock full of grapes, blackberries, raspberries, cheeses, apples slices, orange slices, sausages, bread and more. A very nice start. The Roasted Chicken was unbelieving moist. The menu described it as organic, free-range chicken with a rosemary rub. The seasoning was wonderfully savory. The chicken was accompanied with asparagus and potatoes. Very delicious and with the starter, I needed to take 1/2 of my dinner home. The beer list was extensive and I tried the Monk's Cafe Sour Ale. It was slightly tart and one that I look forward to sampling again. We asked to split the bill on two credit cards and did so without any issue. When we were leaving at about 6:30 pm, we noted that the bar area was standing room only. From our experience, it is easy to understand why it was so crowded.
(4)
Ryan W.
Monk's is a wonderful establishment. Where else can you find a beer list multiple PAGES long coupled with amazing food and even more amazing fries? If you're going to try Monk's, be adventurous. Try some new beers. While its possible to find some of the more mainstream beers here, it's fairly likely you're going to run into some off-the-beaten-path uncommonly awesome beers too... and maybe sometimes the not-so-awesome beers. But one of the best things about Monk's is that there is so much variety. I don't have any complaints about my experiences with Monk's. The food has always been impeccable and the drink has always been wonderful.
(4)
Robin C.
There's not much else I can say here that other people haven't already said. The beer selection is fabulous (yay Belgian beer!) and the mussels are delicious. There has been a wait every time I've gone, but it's been well worth it. The service is good, even when you're with a large pain-in-the-butt group. This is a great place for yummy food, great beer and good times.
(4)
Anthony M.
Despite living around the corner from Monk's, and drinking there often, I'd never had a meal there. While the beer selection is worthy of 5 stars alone, the food there is great as well. I'll be adding Monk's to my list of convenient, casual and cheap restaurants. Only downside was one SUPER CRANKY waitress who made up more rules than you could believe: everyone in your party must be eating to be seated at a table, a table can only have 1 extra chair pulled up to it, no split bills of any kind... oh well..
(4)
Brian M.
This place would be great if it was larger than the bathrooms at it's sister restaurants. I get asked to go to Monk's a couple times a year - and each time I'm foolish enough to go. Sooner or later I'll remember what a miserable experience the restaurant usually is. My most recent try was a Saturday night - meeting three friends to eat and drink too much. We arrived by 8 and were told there would be a one hour wait. No problem - I expect that in a good restaurant this small. So I smash myself up against the wall and get to drinking. Now I'm a big guy - so it might make sense that I'd get bumped a lot in a crowd. However after the first half hour I began to pick up on the fact that none of the customers were bumping into me... but the servers were EVERY time they passed. Hour passes, we double check to see where we are on the list because people who showed up on the list AFTER us are seated. Turns out there was an "oversight" on the list - defined as the host (who does NOTHING but watch the door) didn't write our names down. SO we're told another half hour. EVERYone looking for a table was seated before us. God we wanted Monk's mussels... but not bad enough to not get seated before 10 when we showed up at 8. So we went off to Nodding Head. My problem isn't that this happened to me Saturday night. My problem is that this happens to me EVERY time I go if it's not at lunch. Upsides - Killer beer menu. Knowledgeable bar tenders. Great mussels and good menu in general. Downsides - Long wait, overcrowded, stuffy and uncomfortable seating. Always packed with beer snobs who are not leaving. Rude if not crappy wait staff. Now - I'm not saying Monk's has bad food or beer. If you can make it for lunch - definitely do. Otherwise - skip it and go to Nodding Head for food (owned by the same peeps - it has all the high points off the menu and good craft brews) or Eulogy if you're looking for Belgian beer.
(2)
Laura S.
Great food, one of the best beer selections in the city, and great desserts. My favorite is the blue cheese and leeks burger, but the mussels are a close second. And they have really good key lime pie.
(5)
Jason P.
Another place that has eluded me for years. Mostly because none of my friends ever want to go. Thankfully because of a belated Christmas gift, me and group of friends ventured over to give it a try. Having never gone, we didn't realize how little space there is to talk around. But I don't like to really grade this place upon that. This should be about service and quality of food/drink. First off, this place provides a list of Belgium beers (import and domestic) that could rival most NJ diner menus in it's expansiveness. It is truly an accomplishment and testament to their craft. While the prices for most of the imports are a little scary, there are some affordable options. I tried Monk's Sour Ale and Christmas Ale and appreciated both. As a table we ordered a bunch of fries and some flatbread/hummus. The fries are everything they are cracked up to be. Some of the best in the city. Girlfriend got the mixed greens and loved it, while someone else at the table got the duck confit and couldn't stop raving about it. I noticed about 80% of the patrons of Monk's were ordering the mussell platter. Duly noted for next time, and yes there will be a next time.
(4)
James F.
Great little pub for a brew and a snack!
(4)
Jack I.
The gold standard of Belgium bars and mussels in Philadelphia. Extensive beer bible that would take years of dedicated trips to finish. Exquisite food, the headliner being the Monks Mussels. Perfectly prepared with a touch of heat- don't be surprised if you order a second round. They are served with the monk's signature fries which are unlike anything else in the area. The cost is a little on the pricy side but if you are looking for the top of the tops you are going to find it here. The only drawback to their success is that they are always crowded. If you aren't in a booth be guaranteed that you will be arm to arm with someone at the next table- this can be annoying or enjoyable depending on who your table mates are. On one occasion my date and I talked to the people next to us and decided to push the tables together. Made great one meal friends and had a fantastic time. If you only have 3 hours in Philly and have already had a cheese steak- pop over to monks.
(5)
P H.
You will not find a place with a better beer selection. This is where it's at for all the craft beer aficionados. Cheers!
(5)
Jess M.
Swore I'd written a review for this national treasure. I've been here numerous times and have never had a bad experience. Definitely a beer drinker's paradise. Lots of choices from across the globe. Name it and chances are they've probably got it, along with a thousand other beers you've never even heard of. Great food, too! They're known for their mussels, which I've never had myself, but I'd like to sing the praises of the seitan cheese steak and the burgers. Great fries with spicy mayo for dipping. The atmosphere of the place is special. No TVs to distract you from your dining/drinking companions. I love that! I don't think I've ever seen the place empty -- there's always a loud buzz of conversation across the restaurant. The back room is my favorite place to be seated, a nice little hideaway to spend an afternoon, assuming you can afford it. It's not a cheap place to drink and dine, but it's definitely worth every penny.
(5)
Mortimer S.
I've tried a lot of Belgian beers so I don't start creaming my pants when I see St. Bernardus 12 or Rochefort 10 (as amazing as they are), but Monk's goes beyond the high end Belgians one "usually" finds in beer stores and has a pretty amazing selection of stuff that you wouldn't normally find anywhere else. As should be obvious, the beer is the main draw here. The food is good, but that's not what you go for. I've had mussels there and have no complaints about them. Last time I went there was for lunch and I had a veal-and-something-or-other sausage which I just kind of shrugged my shoulders at. There wasn't anything else in the bun besides the sausage and mustard (there was too much of the latter) and for $9 I thought I should have gotten a bit more. The service is ok but food can take a long time even when it's not busy. It's a good place to go with a larger group and when you have a good deal of time (and money) to spend.
(4)
Susan W.
Love the Mussels and burgers along with the beer selection.
(5)
Carrie L.
I really wanted to like this place, and I was really, really looking forward to drinking and dining there. Unfortunately, the bartender was not looking forward to me drinking and dining there because he refused to acknowledge my presence. He continued to wait on people who came after me, people to the left and right of me, but did not so much as blink in my direction. I can understand waiting for a while because he was busy, but after he started waiting on more and more newcomers, I became frustrated. Even my attempts to get his attention went unnoticed. It's too bad for Monk's then, because I left and went somewhere else. I'm afraid I probably won't try it again.
(1)
Ajay K.
Evil place. They serve an amazing selection of Belgian and other Beers. Evenings spent at Monk's have led to the following day being extremely low on the productivity scale. And we haven't even talked about the food. Veal cheeks... Duck salad sandwich... Boudin Blanc... All Excellent! Despite all the lost workdays, I'm sure we will be back!
(5)
Shawn S.
It's a place i keep coming back too.... for tons of reasons, including: Mussel's or pommes frites ... that's what your going to get, that and some kick ass beer! Still impressive even with the current "local" beer craze, the staff knows the menu insideout, including EVERY beer they have! I always ask them what they will get, always a great recommendation/pairing. but if you stop at mussels/pommes/beer your missing out. Their other entree's including rabbit, and specials are amazing! i can't say enough! have to go atleast once! ok, i'm hungry just thinking about it....
(4)
Ryan M.
Amazing! A beer list to die for, hot wings that are actually hot, and lovely pots of fresh mussels. The best Belgian cafe I've found not actually in Belgium!
(5)
Joy T.
Best moules-frites ever! And of course, great beer selection.
(4)
Ritu K.
What more can I possible say except that I love this place- mainly because the beer selection is so fricking awesome. I had the best beer on tap (similar to a Leffe Blonde but way better). Sooo soo good- if only I had stayed sober enough to remember the name... The hazards of drinking beer like its water... Fries and mussels are delic as well! Why the four stars- the crowds and the burgers. Too crowded and slightly greasy burgers- otherwise I love this place!
(4)
Sooshi K.
for the amount and quality of mussels i would definitely give them 5 stars.but i really hate the long wait for this place. one time i had to wait 1 hr++ to be seated and they didnt seat my party for the longest time until I told them i was ordering for the one person missing. back to the food. mussels great! i love dipping the bread into juice with tons of flavor. can get kinda salty though. and fries are pretty darn good.
(3)
Foodie H.
Very average Food for the non mussel eater. great drinks menu.
(3)
Steph H.
259 reviews, what's one more? An even effin number, that's what. Soooooo Monks... What to write, what to write? Went on wednesday night around 7, didn't have to wait too long got a quiet table in the back. The waitress wasn't helpful in choosing one of the approximate MILLION beers listed and said something like "uhh one of the drafts".. thanks big helper. I got a great burger with goat cheese (and if you know anything about me and my history with goat cheese I say YES goat cheese). We also go this basket of "frites" and if anyone can help me pronounce that would that would be great fri-tes? frits? argh. I know they're supposed to be euro or whatever but to be completely honest, those "double cut" mini-fries are a pain to eat and share, though they were seasoned well. The beers that I had were really just alright. I know some of you are reading this and are saying something like "oh whatever she just doesn't know what a good beer is".. I donno I just wasn't blown away as I thought I was going to be. Perhaps I'll try it again sometime and I'll be inspired to write another review and change my rating.
(3)
Mayra H.
Brews, Burgers, and Belgians. This place can do no harm - unless, you know, it does. Last time I graced this establishment with my presence (cocky, much?) I ordered the Monk's Burger w. caramelized leeks and bleu cheese. I ordered it medium rare, but ended up with medium. It's alright though - they were looking out for my well being. E. coli is no joke, yo. The ratio of leeks to bleu cheese was right on as the bleu cheese did not overpower the mild leeks and meaty glory. My ONE (just one) issue with this bite of bliss is the bun. It's far too dense and it dilutes my enjoyment, but not enough to give up on it. I just pushed the aforementioned culprit to the side. And like others before me, the pomme frites (translation: fries, papitas fritas) are crisped to awesomeness and that bourbon mayo is, well, delish. It's addictive; watch yo'self, before you wreck yo'self. And beer: I love me some Celebrator. I mean, you get to take a ram charm home! Now that's the life.
(4)
Scott D.
I only give this place 3 stars because of the service. The food is top notch and I'm never disappointed. I get the scallops or the veal cheeks on a regular basis always prepared to excellence! The mussels are superb and you can't go wrong with any of them. I love the Ghent, Red Light and Provence, my girlfriend loves the Thai Curry mussels. The burgers are pretty good choice too. I absolutely loved the Duck Ragout. Now the bad: We have been disappointed with the rabbit of late and seems there is a new chef that can't get it right. Service was really good up until about a year ago. The wait for a table is extremely long and the host's don't seem to get the wait time right and seem to skip over the list and pick and choose. Do not sit at the bar if a eastern European lady is there. I waited 20 mins at the bar for a drink while she stood there looking at the computer and doing the service bar. When I finally did get a beer it had 2 inches of head. Now I usually don't complain about head, but when I am paying $8 for a beer I'd like as little as head as possible. I will continue to go to Monk's because it is an awesome spot, but the last few times have brought it back down to Earth.
(3)
John B.
I came back and tried some different mussels that I haven't tried before. I think I've tried almost all different ones, and I like their redlight (the spicy kind) the best. Really flavorful broth...pretty spicy though. I guess I forgot how expensive this place was...I was waiting for table and quickly spent $22 on two glasses of beer. That's a bit ridiculous...but they are good beers. also it's comparable to beer price at Foodery (lol)... Their food isn't really that expensive and the mussels (which comes with fries) are pretty good deal. So it's bit forgivable if you plan to eat here. One big complaint for me is that they should improve their bread a little bit. Bread is the perfect "utensil" to pick up the mussel broth, but their bread was cold and hard. The fries...while nicely salted and flavored, they are "wilted" not sure if they are too skinny or if they need to be re-fried before being served.
(4)
Laura K.
I've only been to Monk's a few times but it's made an impression and is on the list of places to eat when I'm in Philly. A friend turned me to this place. After a long flight into town, sometimes you just need some Good Food and Monk's delivers just that. The burgers are everything you need them to be - crusty roll and delectable beef. The fries are slightly seasoned and really good. The non-burger options are large and tasty (so says my dinner partner) and there is an extensive selection of beers. My only complaint is it's a touch on the dark side of lighting possibilities. Not terrible - just a little darker than I would prefer. Overall, a great place for good food in a cozy atmosphere.
(4)
W S.
my little brother is and executive for Belgian Brewing Co. and on his last trip out here made this a must destination for us.. He was impressed with the selection and service was great.. though a little small for my taste...
(4)
Dustin S.
Fantastic food and fantastic beer. It has a lot of very special belgium beer. Very flavorful and the mussels with Pom frites were very good. Over all the atmosphere was very relaxed.
(5)
Sean G.
Food: 3.5 stars Service: 3.5 stars Ambiance: 4 stars Price: 4 stars I recommend the Large Scallops for appetizer. They are always very well prepared. The mussels are excellent, particularly the House preparation or 'Red Light' prep (if you like it more spicy). The beer selection is very impressive and the restaurant itself has a very fun, laid back experience. Overall: 4 Stars
(4)
John C.
How can you go wrong with nearly infinite Belgian beer options + assorted flavors of mussel pots, replete with loads of garlic?
(4)
Marc R.
This place is beer heaven. Beer list is comprehensive to say the least, and educational-some beer styles you may decide you hate, but at least you can try them. Burgers are very good as are the fries, but unfortunatley they got rid of the charcuterie platter which was awesome. Word of warning-this place gets absolutely mobbed. Best time to go is like Wednesday at 3pm-head straight for the back bar (go toward the kitchen and hang a left). If it's Saturday at 7pm, don't bother.
(5)
Todd O.
Was heading to Philly so had to try Monk's Cafe. So far the hottest day of the year and I trekked many blocks for a cold pint(or two). It is a very nice looking pub. The beer selection on tap and bottles is top notch. I started with the Blind Pig and had one of the famous burgers. Very delicious, if I had a suggestion maybe a bit bigger to fill out the wonderful roll - fries hand cut w/ dipping sauce - great. The couple next to me did had the mussels and gave a thumbs up for them too. Worth the trip for a great pint of two and some great pub fare. The bartender was great too.
(4)
Alex H.
Great beer list, as good as you can expect any specialty bar to be. Best place in the city to grab a Belgian beer if you know what you're looking for. If you don't, it might just be the best place to find out, too!
(4)
Melissa M.
I've been twice, and the food and service were above par both times. The beer menu is staggering, and the servers know the beers well enough to make great recommendations. The food is delish - yesterday's specials included a tomato salad that I wished was a tad larger but included a pesto that made me want to lick my plate. The Monk's Mussels broth may likewise prompt you to forget your manners. They have a forager! He brings in cool bits that find their way into the specials, and fresh tomatoes from his garden, at least. Minor negs - the pommes frites are not amazing (although the dipping aioli is, so you may devour them anyway) - but I wish they were not mushy. We also long for some good, warm bread to mop up the mussels' broth. Torn between 4 and 5 stars... but giving 5 because the good bits are so good while the bad bits aren't really bad but just average.
(5)
pracheta t.
Quite possibly my favorite bar to go to with good people. Beer selection is out of this world. I've only ate there a handful of times but I'm always pleased. Service is good and I don't really have much else to say except that it's a really fun place, especially if you appreciate a good beer.
(5)
Caroline F.
The food is delicious -- they are primarily known for their mussels (which I haven't had but everyone I've spoken with who did has raved about it) and for their fries (which I have had and are awesome). It's nothing much to look at inside, but it has a nice, cozy feel. However, its most noteworthy aspect is its beer selection -- they call their menu a "Bible" for a reason; it's enormous and ridiculously comprehensive. Beer lovers would be in heaven here. I'm not giving it a higher score because some of the staff has been rude in times that I went which has negatively affected my opinion of the place. Several years back when I went to college nearby, my boyfriend and I tried to come here for brunch on a weekend but weren't aware of the under-21 at all times rule; I was 20 at the time, and neither of us thought that it was going to be an issue given the early hour we were going (most Philly bars won't let those who are underage in after 9 PM, but before then, it's usually not a problem at most places). The hostess was rude in general, but when she found out that I was under 21, she was extremely judgmental and unnecessarily hostile. Considering that this wasn't clearly advertised anywhere on their website (or even, from what I can recall, anywhere in the restaurant) and we were clearly not "trying to pull a fast one" but just didn't know, her attitude was hardly warranted. So, be aware of this policy for sure, but also that some staff members can be unprofessional and impolite.
(3)
Jamie C.
Monk's is dark, raucous, and sports a beer list long enough that you might go cross-eyed trying to read it (in the dark.) It definitely keeps the "medieval bar experience" alive. If you're in Center City and want to enter that world, I highly suggest it. Go for the mussels and as much beer as you can afford. Go outside your comfort zone. Why three stars? Oftentimes it is so crowded that not only can you not get a seat, but you'll also have to jockey to get a position close enough to the bar that you can wave over someone's head and - maybe! - get the bartenders attention. Then once they've finally slid a drink to you through the throng (not the thong, for that you need to go to Delilah's), you'll most likely feel awkward drinking it in the corner with your friends while they bitch about overpopulation. Maybe that's just me though. I've also had plenty of good experiences here.
(3)
kerry a.
The beer was excellent, and the mussels come with fries, making the small pot for only $8 quite a tastey deal (in SF you'd pay at least $8 for a bowl of basic white wine and shallots mussels, and another $4 for the fries). Mmm, Belgian beer and hot snacks on a cold rainy day make for a nice break from the outside. Service was awkward and not good, from the hostess to the bartender, and sitting at the bar, next to the hostess stand made it continue to be a bit awkward (sit farther down the bar if possible) and they won't let you have a table unless you're planning on having dinner...even if you're the only ones in the place, and they asked you which you'd prefer...
(4)
Bryan K.
This place can get a little crowded but it's worth it! The mussels are cheap and good and the beer list is great.
(5)
Dan P.
Extremely excited about Monks Cafe!! Mygirlfriend and I just hate a late night dinner at Monks(literally just got back to our hotel from there 10minutes ago). Everything about Monks Cafe is as good as the previous 400+ reviews previously posted about it. Monks is the first place I chose to eat at here on my first trip to Philly. And I'm gladi chose to go there. My girlfriend and I loved the atmosphere. A small dim lit pub setup that extends further into the back.. Both the front of the cafe and the back of the cafe has a full bar setup. So getting you drinks asap is no problem! Which is awesome! We stared out night with some drinks. I highly recommend the sour ale! It's got a familiar taste of Frambroise that I get from Bev' Mo.. But Monks sour ale is on another level. It has a good "beer-essense" to it. I had a couple of glasses and still want more! As for food, everything looked soooo good. It probably explains why we ordered so much, lol. We had the Pommes fries and Scallops for appetizers, which were both extremely good. The scallops were not rubbery at all, and the sauce covering the scallops was amazing. I caught myself dipping bread into the scallop sauce cuss it was that good. The fries where good as well, and came with a nice mayo based dip. I reccomend both. After appetizers we had the Monks mussels, and a Monks burger. Both were delicious. The mussels were good enough to fill us both up wtthout the burger. The mussels had a nice light garlic and herb flavor. Not one mussel was over cooked or under cooked. Nice ad easy to eat and mot messy at all. The Monk burger was perfectly cooked. The grilled leeks and blue cheese set that burger off! I really liked the leeks. It gave it a nice sweet touch without a overwhelming onion flavor. That burger paired with the sour ale was perfect. I highly recommend that combination for a good lunch. Monks Cafe met and exceeded my expectations. I definitely will recommend this place to anyone who will come to Philly. Good food, good atmosphere, good people... Open late! .. Perfect place.
(5)
Sang A.
Okay on one of my very few excursions to Philly for a volleyball tournament, my friend suggested this place for a late lunch and happy hour. Its a dive bar in every sense of the word. It feels like a vintage irish bar but instead of Guiness and Harp posters all over the place everything is Belgian. The beer selection is great, I enjoyed a light apple beer that smelled like apples but didn't have the sweetness that beer lovers have qualms about "flavored" beer. The belgian style mussels were good, smaller in size than I would have liked though. They came with a small basket of fries and this delicious concoction of a dipping sauce. I could probably just come for beers and french fries to be honest. I made a mistake and ordered rabbit off the entree menu. (Who the hell serves rabbit at a pub anyway??) Overcooked, bland, bad idea. I should have just gotten a burger like my friend suggested but I generally just don't like to order burgers when i eat out since I make a great burger at home for a lot cheaper. Except for the poor entree choice, I liked this place. Quiet, cozy, unasssuming waitstaff, good beer, done deal.
(4)
Sophie U.
Third stop on the Philly UYE. Baby, don't listen to what the other DCers say. Mama still loves you. And holy shit, your fries got better! Also, thank you sooooooo much for not fucking up my medium-rare burger! It's so hard to find a place that won't overcook meat. *hugs*
(5)
Monica M.
I came here with a couple of friends after dinner. Since we were not eating, they could not give us a table but we managed to snag a couple seats at the bar in the back. They have a wide selection of beers and the bartender was happy to help me select a beer. It was extremely crowded on a Saturday night so I would like to check this place out during the week.
(4)
Anni D.
Great beer selection and atmosphere. It tends to overcrowded though, so don't expect to get a seat without a long wait.
(4)
Kristyn F.
This place is always super crowded and stuffy. Last time I was here I sat at (one of the few remaining) stools while my guy friends tried to stand by me but still clear a path for the foot traffic. The guy next to me kept elbowing me in the back and the bartender only spoke to me to get my order or tell me my total. On the PLUS side they do have an amazing beer selection - almost a novel of beers from all around the world including nøgne ø which is only found in 3 venues in this city. It seriously takes a bit of time to review their beer list because you have an unspeakable amount of choices! Go here you feel ballsy enough to try new drinks, but not to socialize.
(3)
Mike C.
My fourth trip to Philly was easily the best trip to Philly because of Monk's Cafe. Sure, the wait was long. In fact, the wait was 2 hours long and would have been shorter had the hostess not given up our table to another party. BUT, the wait was worth it, the hype was true and yes, it did live up to expectations. I met a friendly UPS pilot at the bar who called Monks his "favorite place in the world." Period. I don't think there's higher praise than that. But truth be told, the place is small. Definitely don't show up with a party larger than 4. And lastly, prepare yourself for a long wait. The beer selection is excellent and will make the long wait seem short. The mussels and duck sandwich will make the wait seem trivial.
(4)
Seth S.
can't beat the beer selection and $10 pot of mussels that will fill you up
(5)
Paul H.
Yum. Spent several hours in a front window table at Monk's last night. It was the perfect ending to a long Summer Sunday. Dove into a big ppt of red Thai curry mussels and a big, frosty glass of Alagash white. It was tremendous. One thing, I almost got peanutted! As an allergy person, I have to be cautious about peanut oil, etc. On a whim, I asked if the mussels had peanut oil in them, they did not, but the fries did. It was a lucky break. We followed the mussels up with a burger, I had the Trappist, goat cheese, raw onion, lettuce and tomato. Perfection, medium rare on a wonderfully chewy bun.
(5)
Your M.
It was disappointing. Service was ok. Management was condescending and they were questioning as to whether to seat us unless we ordered food. We then felt obligated to order lots of food. Management was after that still surprisingly smug. Not a good service experience!!
(1)
Rebekah T.
This was another place to stop on my recent Beercation in Philly, although we simply just ran in to it on the way back from a lovely dinner at Alma De Cuba. Looking for another Belgian beer or two, we decided to stop in and check it out. The place was packed, so I grabbed the Beer Bible and studied up on my selection. They were out of my pick, it was something awesome by Evil Twin - so I settled for a 22oz. bottle of La Chouffe. Not bad, right? He ordered a Delirum Tremens, which is my favorite. It's nice to see that we have the same good taste in beer. Cheers to good beers!
Monk's Cafe had a wide variety of beer and some great dishes to go with it. It's like a bar but with better bar food. I came here early for lunch on a Sunday and it was empty. Really dim inside with only the windows to shine some light through. Curiously, the Monk's Ale was not too bad. For you non-beer-lovers, this tasted like grape soda with a hint of beer. Ordered about 4 plates to share and all were quite good. Started with the frog legs and it was really meaty, tasted like chewy chicken in a light buffalo sauce. Then we moved on to entrees, the Monly's Duck Salad is must get because the duck was cooked so perfectly, really tender and flavorful. The Rib Cap Steak was good also, maybe a bit on the tough side because it was hard to cut through but overall a passable dish. Finally the Provençe mussels was a bit of a let down, mussels were small, the pot of fume, celery, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, leeks, garlic, parsley & cream weren't tasteless...something heavier would've worked well with the mussels. In all, it's a good place. I bet it's even better at night when it gets more crowded and more rowdier. Guess I'll have to come back to find out, and get that duck again.
(3)
Cliff J.
A credible beer and Scotch selection. I like Monk's, a lot! At it's heart, the owners and staff know beer and Scotch (among other things). My favorite are the mussels. The rest of the menu is also good to notably great. The service on a light crowd night is very good. As expected, on the busy nights, it's a little slow. BUT THEY KNOW THAT (and you should too). And while the service can be a bit slow, they have never screwed up my orders. And they'll even tell you when service might be slow and help you order a bit more to get you through it. The crowd is eclectic. But I've never had an issue. In fact, every time I'm here, I find folks that love to talk beer and Scotch. When I'm in the city, Monk's is a place I'm sure to go.
(3)
Maria M.
I really love this place, and I go here every time I have a chance while in Philly, the city of Brotherly Love. I had stumbled upon this place around five years ago, and I came across the best duck salad of my life. Ever since, I have ordered the duck salad and it has never done me wrong. I also tried my first fried Frog Legs, and they were tasty! This is also a beer lover's paradise, and strangely enough, I don't drink beer. But I make an exception at Monk's Cafe. I get a sweet fruit beer (that doesn't taste like beer) and pay my respects to the art of Beer. The interior is cozy, small, and ecclectic. The staff is friendly, the bartenders are great, and the bathroom's clean (always brownie points for a clean bathroom at a dining facility). I was only upset once when they "ran out of soup" for the day at around 2-3PM. Please, stock up accordingly. It was the "Soup of the Day". There is no way. But I won't let that prevent me from giving this place five stars. They get a pass. Go on and try the best duck salad you have ever had, take a plunge and try something new, and drink some beer!
(5)
Sam S.
Great spot to go on a cold winter night. I also recommend trying the seitan cheesesteak. Very good!
(5)
Benjamin B.
I finally had the opportunity to eat at Monk's after some time of waiting, and my general comment would be that I expected more. Now, the beer selection definitely lived up to the hype. As many Yelpers indicate, the beer menu is a book, and Monk's has whatever your heart might desire. As an entre, I ordered the Provence mussels, which I hoped would tickle my taste buds. I actually hoped to experience something similar to Granville's in Washington, D.C., but the mussels did not have the strong flavor I hoped they would have. I will say that the quantity served was worth the price, but what the food was in quantity it lacked in flavor.
(3)
Lisa S.
Overrated...beer selection excellent, but that is about it. Have been there multiple times, usually sit at the bar. This time our party of four wanted to sit at a table and order beers and apps--were rudely told by employee that was not allowed, although there were many open tables and no open room at the bar. Since I feel that this place is not really conducive to standing and hovering behind those sitting at the bar, especially in the midafternoon, we left and spent our money elsewhere. The only reason I am giving them three stars is because of the vast selection of beers. Please work on your customer service skills.
We came for lunch and were seated immediately - maybe that is the way to beat the crowds noted in other reviews. I don't drink beer but enjoyed tastes from my companion's beers. He could not decide which beer to get, so they provided him with two half-beers. What a great gesture! The mac and cheese was probably the best that I have ever had - real true cheese, nice and creamy. We had the duck salad sandwich - excellent but it is actually slices of duck placed on salad leaves, not a "chicken-salad" type of minced concoction. My only disappointment was their limited selection of non-alcoholic beverages - had hoped for craft sodas and ciders - but few places offer those options, so no deduction in points on that score.
(5)
Matt O.
Tons of beers. Definitely worth a trip just for beer. The burger was ok. I'd go somewhere else to get a good burger, like Good Dog. I've heard the oysters are phenomenal, but I didn't try them myself. Next time?
(4)
E B.
Great selection of beers. I always order the steak frites salad. My girlfriend loves the duck salad. We are regulars here. Stop in for lunch or dinner. It's always a good time.
(4)
Joseph C.
I've been to Monk's a few times and I've never been disappointed, but I've never been blown away either. The beer selection is great. The food is very good, but a little boring. There was probably a time when that was all you needed, but now a days every neighborhood has a handful of gastropubs with great beer lists and chef quality food. Monk's just seems dated and stuck to me. I could list 10 similar places with much better food off the top of my head. What really made me give Monk's 3 stars instead of 4 though is the service. Each time I've gone the servers and bartenders aren't all that interested in what they're doing and the waits are ridiculous (for food too, not just to get a table). I can't think of anything special about Monk's that would make the wait worthwhile, so I just head somewhere else.
(3)
Danit H.
Its not what it use to be.. I use to love this place - great selection of beer and fresh delicious mussels.. not anymore? The mussels I ordered were not fresh.. and the place looked dirtier than ever. I don't know - not much to say.
(3)
Sandra S.
"The Bernard Hopkins of all Philly beer snob bars." Translation: it is fucking good beer here.
Oh yeah! Nothing beats a long cold walk from your hormonally challenged college student filled hotel than some ale! Do yourself a favor and read up about what you imbibe. I know a learned a lot about what I intoxicate myself. And from the looks of the menus, it appears that a lot of other people have as well. Then get at least a pot of mussels and start with alcohol you dont have locally from where ever you are from. And then slowly work your way down the list of fermentation till you cant read anymore. City of Brotherly Love indeed! ;D
(4)
Molly B.
Monk's Cafe was awesome! It was my first time there on Sunday, I loved the atmosphere - very cozy and warm and private feeling. Beer selection was great, and our server had some good recommendations. And the burgers? Outstanding! Got to love a good place to go for reasonably priced, delicious burgers.
(5)
Amy U.
Typical dive bar with good pub grub. The cheeseburgers and muscles are delicious. This was an "emergency we need food now" place to stop and we don't live in the area, so we probably wouldn't be back. It's good though, overall.
(3)
S C.
Just got drinks here with some friends. Good beer selection, good service and laid back vibe.
(4)
Alison S.
I love Monk's. I love the Beer Bible...I mean really, who doesn't love the fact that they bash Coor's Light (which my husband drinks). I actually accidentally ordered rabbit. not a huge fan of bunny but I LOVED my whole meal!!! I like the atmosphere, I like the beer and I love the food. The service was welcoming and fun. Just relaxed and calm. I loved my evening here!
(4)
Brad S.
Don't be fooled by the bottles decorating the window facing the street - this isn't a place that has 2007 Bourbon County Stout and Sam Adams Triple Bock in the fridge, but nevertheless, when it comes to Belgian beer, it's not going to get much better than Monk's. Even when it doesn't come to Belgian beer, there's plenty of stuff on tap that's a little closer to home (if only by virtue of being in the same country - Russian River isn't exactly home in Pennsylvania, though I can't argue with Pliny being on tap) and if you can't find something good to drink here, then you're not looking hard enough. I have no idea how the food compares to other beer bars in the PHL, but I can't help but be impressed by them putting the vegan dish right there at the top of the menu. Celeriac "steak" served au poivre style is not only the lighter type of meal I needed after having a later-than-planned lunch, but the price was also relative to the other entrees, and a relative bargain. Plus, it tasted pretty good. The dish didn't need a side of fries, but I needed to taste them. The thin cut strips of potato were worthy of being called 'frites', and I ate way more than I intended. A Russian River Blind Pig turned into a Cantillion gueze, and we sat and savored our meal. Some beer bars let the booze get in the way of having a good time. At Monk's it was simply the catalyst to enjoying all that my company, the city, and the cafe had to offer.
(5)
Jessica B.
Great beer selection, and I like the atmosphere. My guy friends especially love this place mostly for the beer, and the close proximity to a lot of the other center city bars. Its a great place to get a few drinks before you head out, or grab a few more drinks after dinner at LaViola or one of the other BYOBs in the area. Its a great palace to be able and sit and talk with your friends, and I've never seen it too crowded to get to the bar easily or hear yourself talk. The bars aren't huge though, and the service is so-so. I haven't eaten here more than once, the foods good for pub-ish type food, but maybe a little pricy. If you are here just for some quick drinks order up some of the fries, some of the best I've had, and I'm a sucker for a good aioli... There are also a lot of choices to change up the typical burger and the portions are pretty generous.
(3)
Baramee C.
This was definitely a nice chill place to hang out after a rainy day and needing to get out. The place is more happening downstairs at the bar and the upstairs is more the restaurant area. It's a total dive bar/pub, but roomy and yet intimate at the same time. We got some beers and grabbed some dinner. I got the crispy calamari salad. The crispy calamari in the salad were awesome. They had flavor, they stayed crispy and there was just a hint of spice. It was the perfect light meal. My friend got the infamous burger, which was delicious, except that the cheese wasn't so much in the middle of the burger (think jucy lucy style) and it oozed the back end as he ate his burger. The fries were pretty delicious also. I would definitely go back here.
(5)
Tawny V.
Great food and beer! I've never been disappointed by their mussels, beer, or burger. It's a bit cramped, which isn't a huge deal, just get there a bit earlier for dinner (i.e. 7pm). However, I prefer its sister restaurant, Belgian Cafe, because Monk's still had carpet the last time I was there and I can only think about the accumulation of spilt beer and mussel broth over the years lol
(4)
Bob M.
What can I add that the 900-odd (so far) other people who have reviewed Monks haven't already said? Probably not much. That said, Monks was probably one of the first "good beer" bars in the country when they first opened, and they still have a terrific selection of beer. Their "beer bible" describes the process of making beer, their current bottle selection, and a few other things. It seems to be a destination for people from all over the country. They've been around for quite a while, so they must be doing something right. Their food has always been good as well. Their chicken wings are the best in the city, imho. A constantly-changing list of beers on tap from around the world. The owners meet with Belgian brewers & distributors to try to get new beers over here. OTOH, the place is a bit dated on the inside. It feels like a grotto, with little light coming through the front window, and the dark panelling. Not that grottoes are a bad thing, but it gives a somewhat less-than-clean impression to the whole place. Also their menu has been pretty much the same for the five-plus years I've been going here. Some more menu variety is needed. Overall, Monks is a great place to try some hard to find beers, meet people from out of town, and have fun.
(4)
Alex P.
Ah freaking mazing beers! Monks is legendary for me now. The bartenders know so much and there is such an extensive list to try from. The first time I went here it was PACKED with people in town for some National Beer conference. These people do beer for a living and Monks was their go-to. I haven't eaten here but the plates I saw coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled amazing.
Lots of mussels. Delicious. And reasonably priced. Check, check, and check. Oh, and lots of beer? Double check. Monk's is a favorite for a lot of folks in Philly and for good reason. You honestly can't go wrong with any of the different varieties. Along with pomme frites and beer - you're good to go. The beer selection is pretty expansive, so if you're into beer, this is definitely a place to try out. Despite the delicious mussels I come here infrequently. It's always, always crowded. I don't think I've ever stopped by here without there being a really long wait. Word to the wise: prepare for a wait or come here early!
(4)
Caroline B.
Last Saturday, we began our tri-state area tour, leaving Forest Hills early in the morning, spending the afternoon in Princeton, NJ with some of my family and friends, and then arrived at our final destination of Philadelphia where we planned to dine at Monk's Cafe with some of our friends. While we hit a couple obstacles along the way, ie traffic, road detours in shady neighborhoods and getting to Monk's right as they were ready to give our table to another party, we made it to dinner just in time. We all ordered beverages upon being seated--yes, Monk's has an extensive selection of beers--and then we ordered a big pot of mussels to share. I didn't know mussels could be that good! They were in some sort of buttery, garlicky beer broth and had a great texture. Note to self: look for a Belgian restaurant here in NYC. As for main courses, I ended up getting a burger and fries--something I rarely order but I knew it would be excellent here. The spicy dipping sauce that came with the fries was delicious as well. While I enjoyed my meal thoroughly, I was almost ready to send it back after trying a munch of the duck salad sandwich which was unbelievable. We had a terrific experience overall. I don't get down to Philly the way I used to, esp. when I was in college or when I was a kid and visited often with my family, but I would make a point of coming back to Monk's.
(5)
Randy S.
Festive atmosphere and a truly amazing selection of Belgian beers. If you're not sure what you want, the barkeeps will help you select. Then there are the special events or introductions! The food is also very good -- for Belgian cuisine. Sweet potatoes mash are quite good though melting in some cheese would improve them. The duck confit was well prepared -- the meat nearly fell off the bone and was juicy. A definite place to go each trip to Philly.
(4)
Drew B.
Just stopped in for a beer and an appetizer. Amazing! Prompt service and quality food and drink.
(4)
Andrea S.
Such beer. Many food. Very like.
(5)
Trang L.
This past weekend I went to Monk's Cafe to relive those college days when my friends and I would gravitate toward Monk's for their mussels and pomme frites. This time around, I started with the "flatbread and dips" which consisted of flatbread with 3 different spreads: lemon, lager, garlic hummus; curried butternut squash, and red pepper feta dip. All the dips were all pretty good, though my favorite was probably the red pepper feta dip. After the appetizer, our mussels came: Monk's Mussels and Red Light Mussels. They were good but definitely less flavorful than I remembered. I wish there was more of a kick, but the pomme frites with their bourbon mayonnaise dipping sauce definitely made up for it. The small pot ($10) is definitely more than enough for one person. You also get more bang for your buck if you order two small pots vs. one large pot ($20). Monk's also has a large selection of speciality beers. Check out their menu for what they have! Maybe next time I'll try a different pot of mussels for more flavor, but in general, I'd definitely recommend this cute Belgium spot for a good meal and good drinks. :)
(3)
Taylor B.
This Place Rocks! What I liked: The beer list is amazing. The Food is to Die for. I love their frites and mussels - with the Thai Curry Sauce. Great rotating tap list. Great atmosphere. Good music playing. The back room is alot of fun to hang out in. The wait staff is very nice and are helpful with making recommendations. Although it is always busy you feel pretty intimate with whoever you are talking too. It is never too loud that you can't have a conversation. What I Dis-liked. Not Much. If anything I would say the beer menu can be alittle overwhelming just because it is so comprehensive. Also, there is almost always a wait, but at least you can stand around the bar while you wait Overall Great Bar! You must try
(4)
Kate O.
In a moment of hope and audacity, looking for a meal that might satisfy me, a raw-leaning vegan, and my boyfriend, a locavore-minded pescatarian, as well as provide us with some tasty beverages, I typed 'vegan "craft beer"' near Philadelphia into my Yelp app, and was pleased to find quite a few results. But Monk's stood out for having a four-star average rating with over 800 reviews. Based on my usage of Yelp, I've noticed that at that quantity of reviews, it seems to be pretty rare to carry a high rating unless the place really is special. And since they had vegan options listed, several insistent reviews raving about the mussels, and a stunning menu of beers, we pointed our GPS that way. We were not, as my five-star rating will have already tipped off, disappointed. My boyfriend ordered the DeKoninck style mussels: DeKoninck ale, apples, guryere, carmelized leeks & garlic. He was not thrilled not only with the mussels, but with the bourbon mayonnaise that comes with the frites that accompany the mussels. I, meanwhile, enjoyed the tasty frites as we waited for our entrees. As a vegan in a non-vegan establishment, it's pretty rare to have two very compelling menu options, but it was tough to choose between the vegan burger (with more frites!) and the vegan celeriac au poivre. In retrospect, I can't understand why I struggled with that choice, but thankfully upon request for input, our server Jill suggested the celeriac. "It's different. You can have a burger anytime." Wisdom indeed. Back when I ate meat, steak au poivre was one of my favorite dishes. The insanely good vegan celeriac au poivre was almost enough to make me move to Philadelphia. My boyfriend, meanwhile, ordered the vegan burger, but dressed it up with Swiss cheese and mushrooms. He was pleased, but most of his focus was on the artisan bun it came on: apparently this bun was the true star of the burger show. And what really needs to be said about the beer selection? The draft options are generous and genuinely Belgian: from Delerium Tremens to Tripel Karmeliet, and the "beer bible" offers many, many more bottled varieties if you're looking for something more obscure. In summary, here's the abbreviated version: truly delicious food, great beer, charming atmosphere. We'll be back, for sure.
(5)
Greg D.
Quaint place for beers. They have a wide selection of beers, although tonight they had less because of a charity event they have tomorrow. (Only reason why it is not 5) Tried a chocolaty stout, quite tasty. Place was packed for a Sunday night.
(4)
Tom R.
Great selection of beers. Waiters know what you are looking for and suggestions are right on. Had mussels. All have beer in them and great pairings. Also great pub style food
(4)
Rita C.
If you love beer and mussels (not to be confused with beer muscles), then you'll love Monk's. When you first walk in, you will immediately notice that Monk's is a small, dark place. (If you're coming here on a weekend, be prepared to wait!) There are actually two bars, one as soon as you walk in and another in the way back back (if you can find it). My advice is to walk in and immediately check the back bar for seating - usually I'm able to get lucky if it's just me and one other person. If you're coming with a large group, then, sadly, Monk's probably isn't the best place to do this. The beer bible. Can't go wrong with that. There's a draft list for the front and back bar that's constantly changing depending on availability. If that's not what you're looking for then definitely jump on it to the bottle beer listing. There's something for everyone! Now on to the menu - There are a bunch of things on the menu, but it's the mussels you want. Note that an order of mussels comes with pomme frites (and they are delicious). I have a personal goal to try all the different flavors of mussels and I'm about halfway through the list. (I'm guessing there's about ten of them total.) To date my favorite has been the Ghent (bacon & bleu cheese). The hunks of bacon and creamy bleu cheese in that broth is absolute heaven. On the flip side, my least favorite has been the DeKoninck. The main reason why I disliked this flavor is that all of the tasty guryere is melted at the bottom of the pot inside a couple of mussels. Maybe the guryere isn't the best cheese for this kind of thing? But that's just my opinion. The short of it - Go to Monk's, Drink Beer, Eat Mussels and Pomme Frittes, Be Happy. Amen.
(4)
Maxwell P.
Great service from Paul. Small and dark but intimate. We came at 11pm and found great food and friendly laid back service. The scallops were cooked perfectly. The mussel portions are generous. I also tried the pulled pork. I was skeptical of the apple shreds but the flavors compliment amazingly well with the savory BBQ sauce. The fries are in my opinion the best deal. The sauce which they call a bourbon mayonnaise is incredible. Try the bourbon mayonnaise or your time will have been wasted for nothing!
(5)
Frank L C.
An excellent spot for a quick meal and a craft beer before a show. We really enjoyed the locally produced and aged Rook & Leer smoked stout, as well as other beers. My pulled pork sandwich was moist, smoky, and delicious, served with a fresh salad and quite tasty. My friend's mussels were perfectly steamed, well dressed in Provençal style, and served with crispy fries and bourbon-laced mayo. After 7 the noise level went up and the light level went down. Why have we never gone here before?
(5)
Brian G.
Visited Monk's while in Philadelphia last week. I love the place. It is all about a wonderful selection of beer at this somewhat dark joint. If you are a beer fan, you will not leave disappointed. As far as the food, I was there twice on the trip and both times had the small bucket of mussels. Night one, chose the Ghent Mussels and really enjoyed them. Make sure you get down into the juice at the bottom of the bucket, really good stuff. Night two, chose the Thai Mussels. I'm a big Thai food fan and love curry, so i really liked these as well. Also the frites are a must have and go great with any beer you choose. I will be back every time i visit Philly to watch the Flyers kick some butt. Penguins suck!
(5)
Common R.
I want it noted that I went to this Belgian cafe the DAY AFTER the US soccer team's humiliating defeat at the hands of the Belgian squad. Despite the lingering bitterness, I drank Belgian beer, ate Belgian frites, and was generally cordial to the staff, most of whom admittedly were not Belgian. I did NOT compare the female waitstaff's nimbus-like hairdo with the similar hairdo of Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini. So I think I behaved very well, all told. The focus at Monk's is beer: Belgian beer, specifically, and lots of it. After experiencing how much great beer is brewed in Belgium, you understand why it has never felt the need to become a large, dominant country. Everyone is too sodden with the incredible brews. Who cares whether King Leopold is mad? Taste this Chimay! We had the Cease and Desist, the Tripel Karmeliet and the St. Bernardus. All were incredible. The frites were great, though not so jaw-dropping when you've lived with In-n-Out Burger fries most of your life. The flatbreads with dipping sauces were pretty good; could have been spicier. But really, you should come here for the beer. It was so good that I was able to ignore the incredibly loud guy in the booth near the center of the restaurant. I heard every word of his asinine business deals and his hoary frat boy anecdotes. So did everyone else in Monk's. Dude, you know who you are. Your girlfriend cares about you, but you have the loudest voice in Philadelphia, and this has got to stop before she ever thinks about marrying you.
(4)
Elizabeth J.
Found this joint because a local friend recommended it. Tight quarters and crowded, but the service was still excellent and the selection of beers made it totally worthwhile. The mussels were delicious as was my salad. I'd love to visit this little gem of a Belgian bar again.
(4)
Jenny L.
Why must you be so crowded during the weekend evenings? Multiple attempts trying to come here during the evenings only to be rejected with 45min-1hr waits for just 2 pple! I can only imagine going with my group of friends, I'll never eat. My tummy gets too hungry to wait that long, but finally came around 3:30PM on Saturday and huzzah, no wait! If you ever want some mussels and frites, here's the place to go! I can't tell you about their beer selection because I don't really drink or know anything about beers. Though I can tell you, beer drinkers would like it here. Another thing I can tell you that I absolutely love their Ghent mussels! The mix of garlic, bacon, and blue cheese in a pot with mussels broth just *A OK!* Disappointed with the DeKoninck, as I had hoped for a sweet and savory broth. Dip the bread in the Ghent broth and you will not be disappointed. Just make sure you scoop a little blue cheese, bacon, and broth onto each mussel (if the amount allows) for the full taste..
(4)
Evan C.
Arguably the best beer selection in Philly, great for beer connoisseurs. It has a real beer tavern vibe, with a focus on Belgian-style beer. And the food is good as well. A must do for those visiting who want some great brews!
(5)
Jordan E.
Went for a birthday and it was super packed. The back bar, were people eat is much cooler than the front but that night we were literally touching elbows while we ate. The draft list is super long and the food was pretty good. I think the ambiance is what won me over...quintessential Philly style I'd say.
(4)
Alexa S.
Where do I start, the extensive and intimidating Belgian beer list, the wildy spicy but awesome wings or the always excellent mussels?! The beer...I always ask my server to recommend something based on what I'm feeling like drinking that particular visit. A saison, a typical lemony wheat beer - whatever it is, Monk's has the style you're craving and gets it right. The beers are served in the proper glassware and always at the perfect temperature (super cold!). While I am not a fan of their burgers, the wings, though not for the faint of heart, are awesome. Your server will definitely warn you that the wings are extremely spicy and trust me, they are not lying, but the flavor is really good and you'll order them again after your tongue forgets its reaction. The mussels are typically very good but I did have one bad experience where they didn't taste so fresh - it also happened to be a very hungover day which made it even worse. I always get the classic (Monk's) but the DeKoninck, Brussels and Red Light are yummy too. Apples and mussels don't sound like they'd be good together (DeKoninck) but they actually provide a textural contrast to the fleshy mussels and they're tart so it's not overly sweet. If you're a mussels and Belgian beer fan, and love pommes frites (super good dipping sauce), you'll like Monk's. Come early though as it gets crowded and it's not palatial.
(4)
Michael H.
There is a fascination with this place that still evades me. My impression is that it is too small for the following, so everything from getting a beer, to a table and then food, just takes too long, and the price to quality ratio is off here.
(2)
David M.
Monk's does what it says on the tin, monster list of Belgian beers including the classics and some weird ones, wide range of mussels and other comfort food. As a moules afficionado I was not that impressed with the size or succulence. The sauce was ok but not a really good moules marinieres or on a par with mouclade. Cheap and cheerful.
(3)
Justin A.
For my 400th review, I am going to review Monks. Monks is a beer lovers haven and I love this place. I have been here a few times and was here recently for Zwanze Day. Wow, what an awesome place. The beer they got here on tap was absolutely incredible.. How many places can you find Cantillion and Russian River offerings in the area? Not many, if at all. Sure, the prices can be high, but the rarity makes it worth the while. Lots of other good offerings too with a large bottle list sorted by location. I also find it funny when people ordered a mixed drink or ask for shots here. It happens. Sure, the food can be better, but who the heck comes here for food. hi5.
(4)
Leo Y.
The beer selection is as good as it gets. Seriously, i'd put the beer at Monk's up against any place. The fries were great, the mussels very good. My wife, who is a very picky eater, loved the veggie burger.
I take it back, I take it all back. Monks, you are awesome. Your veggie burger is delicious and your mussels are sexy. (I'd lose the celery root steak, it's not very good and it has an undercooked weird texture)
(4)
Jenny K.
Fantastic (if overwhelming) beer selection and excellent, rich food for soaking up said beer. Don't be afraid to describe the type of beer you like to the bartender/server and they will hook you up. If you're going to branch out anywhere, you're in safe hands at Monk's. The bar in the far back is by far the best - super cozy. Enjoyable music that tends toward alt rock. Why no 5-star? Monk's is a victim of its own success. Often packed, and frequent enough turnover that you can't fully feel comfortable lounging around too long.
(4)
Jin C.
I don't think I've ever been to a place that displays such devotion to beer. Granted, that might be a function of my limited experience, but Monk's Cafe is truly a haven for passionate beer aficionados. It's a dark, seedy looking place, but behind those grimy wooden counters are dozens of draft beers on tap. While drinking my beer of choice, I ate a duck salad, adorned with goat cheese, cranberries, and walnuts. The salad was simple but all the ingredients were fresh, and the duck was also cooked to a perfect medium rare. What I like the most was how the beers were exceedingly well-priced: my draft beer cost $6, which I thought was very affordable
(5)
Blair G.
Beer is king here. The mussels and frites are just okay
(3)
Misty M.
Loved the Thai curry mussels. Great deal! The small pot is huge
(5)
Vichet O.
How have I not reviewed Monk's? It's pretty awesome. Lots of beer, good food, and friendly service all combine to make a pretty fly spot. The only downside is that I'm almost never in this particular part of center city. Anyway, here's what I had: Mussels - great. Fries - aight. Frog legs - good, and somehow what I expected Super spicy chicken wings - not as spicy as advertised, but good Beer - you kidding me? Awesome! All that, and it's a pretty beautiful space to boot. They definitely nail that Euro feel down pretty well. The place just has a glow to it. Again, dark wood, dim lighting = happy Vichet. So yeah, check it out. And seriously, don't be afraid of the frog legs.
(4)
Jennifer M.
I love beer. I love burgers. I love mussels. And I'm only seriously liking the skinny fries, since the bourbon mayo makes up for it. I've been here on several occasions, and never have been disappointed. (A few, strong beers always helps!) Anyways, I wrote a poem about Monk's. Here goes! If you're in the area of 16th and Spruce, You must come to Monk's and let yourself loose. Try a new craft beer or fall in love with the Tripel Karmeliet. Head over to the intimate back bar, and order some pomme frites. The mussels are phenomenal, the broth full of delicious, unforgettable flavor. My favorite style is the Ghent. Order the large with more bread to dip and savor. Order some more beer. A good one to try is the fabulous Delirium Tremens. Keep going with another glass. Ask for the beer bible, it's heaven in your hands. Burgers are quite tasty. Antwerp is my choice for the shitake and melting truffle cheese Another beer I fancy? Russian River Damnation. Order, and say, "Yes, please!" I enjoy this place with a group of friends, but it does get crowded, so prepare for a wait. This is a neighborhood gem that is easy to find. I recommend you go here, and bring a mate!
(4)
Nicole H.
Great mussels. Excellent beer selection.
(4)
Tom B.
Great Belgium beers (the best beers!) take a look at the "beer bible"; the burgers and frita (fries) are very good and of course the multi flavored muscles are a crowd pleaser. Bring your wallet, not cheap.
An amazing selection of Belgian beers. Just up the street and one of my favs. Haven't tried out the food yet, but I have only heard good things!
(5)
Richee R.
Great food !!! Burgers and frites are banging ! Little to cramped inside for my comfort and annoying being asked to show my ID at times . Service was also great ! Beer selection is great as well and love sitting in the back feels like your not in a city if your looking for that type of environment .
(4)
Gia M.
I visited this place mainly because of the fact that they have THREE HUNDRED types of beer one can order. I have never heard of such variety before and felt the need to experience this myself. My first impression: extremely crowded and quite loud. Since I went on a whim and without a reservation, I was expecting to wait at least a half hour for a table. But I was pleasantly surprised when I was told it would be twenty minutes-- I decided to explore the place with my boyfriend and found out about the second bar in the back. We spent all of five minutes exploring and returned to the front. Just as we got there (about ten minutes after we arrived), we were able to be seated-- what! I was very pleased with the fast seating, especially because of how crowded it gets. Now, we weren't very hungry, so we just ordered chicken tenders and mac-and-cheese to share. The chicken tenders were pretty normal, but the barbeque sauce that arrived with them was really tasty (though it wasn't very peachy, as advertised in the menu). The mac-and-cheese more resembled macaroni in alfredo sauce and had a gourmet feel to it with the chunks of asparagus. While it did not make me ooh-and-ahh with its macaroni-and-cheese-iness, the dish itself was quite tasty. As for beer... we got two lists-- the one for the tap and the one I will henceforth refer to as "The Bible." The tap list was respectable (I noticed Russian River and Lost Abbey), but The Bible was totally overwhelming! I immediately skipped all of the super-expensive ones because I don't have THAT much money. I had not yet had Framboise before (it's just one of the ones that I've always forgotten to order), so I finally had that. I was glad I did-- it was like drinking grown-up raspberry juice. I could drink that all night. The boyfriend got the Monk's sour ale and was not very impressed with the taste (he felt it was flat), but was then very happy to find Dekoning, which he had not been able to find since he was in Belgium. Overall, a great place to try beer among friends!
(4)
Melissa K.
Friend and I showed up at 7pm during a busy time, but hostess told us it would be a 30 minute wait. We grabbed beers & waited an hour until giving up as she kept assuring us we were next. Make a reservation if you're going during a busy time. The beers were decent.
(1)
Ryan M.
If you want great no nonsense but tasty authentic belgian food and always a great selection of belgian beers from the source... Monk's is the place.
(5)
Kuanie J.
Yummmm. I literally live at this bar, and every time my friends come from out of town, I drag them here!! The beer list - well, that's is what they are known for. Also, do yourself a favor and order the Ghent mussels and the duck salad salad. Literally the best pub food I have ever had. The beers and service never disappoint. :) the decor is so cool, and I already mentioned the beer selection. Just go - I have never been to another beer place like this before, and probably never will once I leave Philly. Sigh.
(5)
Ms. V.
I'm not really a beer person, but their beer selection is ridiculous. The mussels were pretty good. My boyfriend had the chicken & apple sausage. The servers & wait staff were friendly. I probably wouldn't go out of my way for the food, but I would definitely go back if I happened to be in the neighborhood.
(3)
Jennifer R.
A wonderful gastro pub. The mussels and the duck salad were amazing. Great atmosphere. Great crowd. Wonderful selection of beers. Highly recommend.
(5)
Todd M.
Monk's was absolutely fabulous and probably deserves my first 5 star ever if it wasn't for the service experience at the beginning and my ego of thinking rabbit would be good. The beer list was amazing, I am a very fledgling beer junkie, but I was traveling with my boss who fancies himself a beer (especially a belgian beer) connoisseur. I was able to sample four different beers, 3 on tap and one bottled Saison. Excellent all around. We were with a party of 6 and got there around 7 and was told it would be about 20 minutes. 45 minutes later and still no table in sight. The host was a bit rude in his attitude, which basically consisted of ignoring us even though we were drinking right next to the host stand, until we were in his way, at which point he would just wedge his way past us by using elbows instead of excuse me's. Finally seated, we were pretty ravenous and had to wait another 15 minutes before we were waited on. Once we did have a waiter, he was pretty good and had lots of solid recommendations. We had small buckets of the Ghent Mussels and Thai Curry Mussels as appetizers. The Thai Curry were definitely fantastic for the flavor they added to the mussel itself, but the broth the Ghent mussels were steamed in was top top notch. The president of the company and I shared dueling mussel shells to scrap the broth. Finally when our meals were served and a waitress was clearing the pots, she asked if we were finished. I mentioned we were, unless she could bring a straw. She said it wouldn't have been the first time. I passed but am still kinda regretting it. The rabbit was very bland and forgettable. However, the Duck Ragout was fantastic along with the grilled lamb. Overall, terrific experience, one that I hope to duplicate soon.
(4)
Karl K.
Can I pick 6 stars if I turn my iPhone to landscape mode? ----------- Make no mistake, I could dock a star for their service. But if you think about it, that's simply a product of slow table turnover. They don't rush you out once you finally get seated, and trust me - getting called for a seat feels like winning a small lottery! A summary of our experience: - An extensive beer list, with highlights including Delirium Tremens & all types of Chimay (I particularly like the Blue Chimay - smooth, like Colt 45!) I think I've tried half of one percent of all their beers. - Spanish flies - somewhat out of place in a Belgian brew pub, but a great addition. These wings were was ridiculously hot...MUCH hotter than those you find at your average wing joint! The best way to describe this degree of heat is the Szechuan concept of "ma la." Trust me, if you like heat, this is your kind of dish! The accompanying Belgian fries really helped put out the 5-alarm fire. (Embarrasingly, she edged me by one wing, without a sweat!) - Mussels: the highlight of our evening. I ordered the Provençe mussels; she, the Ghent mussels. A great balance of light cream, leeks, and BACON! I caught myself using the shells as a makeshift spoon, until I realized the bread roll does a much better job. I've had most of their mussels, and you pretty much can't go wrong, except the Thai curry mussles (it was a bit too gritty). - Needless to say, we will be back. In fact, since the waits are so long, we should put our name down now...
(5)
Marina C.
My friend and I don't normally drink beer, but we were willing to try a couple. Our waitress was quite knowledgable, so we started with some of their lighter beers. I don't remember any of the names, but mine kinda tasted like apple juice which I liked. We were starving, so we ordered 2 small pots of mussels. One Thai Curry and I don't recall the other one, but it had a ton of garlic. It comes with bread and a plate of fries. A small pot is huge, really big enough to feed 2. My friend loved the mussels. They were just okay for me, I liked the ones I had in San Diego much more. The broth was more flavorful. This one was just too light, needed more richness. It wasn't as garlicky as it should've been, even though there were a ton in the pot. We didn't bother dipping the bread in the broth, too many extra carbs. We were going to share a Brussels burger anyway. Omg more fries.. comes with the burger. The waitress was so nice, she split our burger and fries for us. Not the best burger I've had, but possibly the best in Philly (but I've only been to Philly once). The bacon was salty good, and the meat tasted like butter. I couldn't finish my half of the burger, so my friend did even though he was so full. I think lunch was around $65 with tip (with 3 - 4 beers) which isn't bad considering that a small pot of mussels costs around $20 in nyc.
(4)
Ju K.
Even though I think the food is good, I will not be visiting this establishment again because the service there is absolutely terrible! Monk's hostesses have consistently been extremely dismissive and rude. Either they don't want to be serving you or they are just in a plain old bad mood every time I visit! The red-headed hostess last night was not even cordial--short-tempered and was overheard yelling, "Are you lying, are you lying?" when someone said they didn't have a complete party because someone was smoking outside. Why be in a service sector if you don't want to serve? I live 10 minutes away from the bar, thus the reason for the frequent visits, but after last night, I will not be paying to be mistreated again.
(2)
Laurence K.
Beer, Fries, Mussels = World Class. The other items are pretty great too. Awesome burger!
(5)
Frank R.
Go for the Chimay Tripel on tap, stay for the mussels. I've been to many Belgian bars in Brussels, so I had that as a reference point. Monk's has a bit of that feel...but not quite. The Beer Bible is, as you can imagine, extensive and descriptive. But the place is so crowded that you don't get a total feel for the selection because they hurry you up. The food is good. I've had the burger and frites. And a couple different mussels concoctions. Both really good. Just know that when they tell you their wings are hot, believe them. (And remember to wash your hands BEFORE you use the bathroom.)
(3)
Julia D.
I adore Monk's. I went through a phase where I had to eat there once a week or I would get really crabby. I'm all about the mussels- I've had almost every kind, and they're all good. I've been there with other folks who have ordered other things, and they've been good too, but I'm pretty loyal to the mussels. I love the versatility- I've been here with groups of girls, groups of dudes, co-workers, and my parents, and they've all reacted equally well. I love that in a place. Finally, it's obviously beer place, but I'm not a big beer drinker- and I love that the bartenders/waiters never mock me for ordering wine or cider.
(5)
Heather K.
Of all the places in Philly, this place didn't really do it for me. We tried two types of Mussels, The provence (eh) and the Red Light (good). This place was dark, dingy, and our service was mediocre but the beer menu was impressive. I went for the Flemish Sour and it was tasty. Maybe it's a gem in Philly but i've had better food, better service with comparable beer menus at better places.
(3)
Sean D.
My favorite bar in the entire city, but you aren't going here to get gourmet martinis. Monk's is designed like several European pubs I've enjoyed: small, cramped (esp. the bathrooms!), but with excellent food. The mussels area huge draw, as are the pomme frites. The one item I can't recommend is the trout - my single order of it was *doused* with salt (I didn't send it back to avoid complaining in front of my date, perhaps I should have). The best part of Monk's is, by far, the beer selection. The bible allows you to sample something from anywhere in the world, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Tell them a beer you typically enjoy, and they can point you to several alternatives for you to sample.
(5)
Jessica E.
The food is delicious, the beer selection is the best in Philadelphia, and they know it. I have never experienced the waitstaff going out of their way to make sure I am having a positive experience at this establishment. It does not seem to hurt their business though since it is nearly impossible to get a seat at the bar and the wait for a table is at least half an hour on any given night of the week. When trying to decide which of their many beers to try, we asked for a sample of one of their on-tap beers and were told, "We don't do that. They are too expensive." If you are looking for a specific beer that is difficult to find and are not in a hurry, this is the place to go. If you are simply looking to try a new beer that suits your palate, I would recommend going to one of the dozens of other beer bars in Philadelphia that has a diverse and unique selection. Most of them have more personable service and will let you sample before committing to a $9 beer. If you are craving Monk's delicious burger, mussels, or frites with the dipping sauce, go to the Nodding Head (same owner). The menu is quite similar and you will most likely be seated promptly.
(3)
Nicey J.
I give 5 stars to a place I stood up in for 5 minutes... y ??? BECAUSE monks had a BEER that I liked! I do NOT like beer.. I've tried tasting beer ever opportunity I had.. trying different flavors and brands all to find out that every time I hate it.. but a yelper told me I Should try monks for a BEER ( NOT CIDER!) . and try the lambic beers because they are similar to cider BUT are still BEERS! I tried this apple infused beer.. and a raspberry one.. I liked them both... so monks has broken the curse of me not liking ANY beers... though I'm still a tequila girl at heart.. I now know there are beers that I like... and the place smelled hella good =D next monk update will include feedback on what I hope to be delicious food b/c of its delicious smell
(5)
Ally G.
I love the Monk's beer menu, "The Beer Bible." In it are pages and pages of different beers, ranging from many different places, rarity, types, and prices. The average beer enthusiast, especially those who love a good Belgium beer, must come to Monk's. Not only are their beers quite fabulous, their food is pretty tasty too. My pub mate had the homemade, beer-battered, golden fried chicken fingers. Not your average chicken finger, they were super good. I ordered the Monks mussels (cantillon gueuze, fumè, garlic & parsley), one of several different flavors you could choose from. For ordering the "small" size, I got a decent amount or mussels and their pommes frites w/ bourbon mayonnaise all for $10. Several people suggested the Thai Curry mussels (Monk's Flemish Sour, fumè, Thai red curry, bais, garlic & coconut milk). They sound very interesting, maybe I'll try them on my next visit! Overall Monk's was clean, cozy, and intimate. Even for a pretty busy night at the bar and tables, the sound traveled very well. I could actually hear what I was saying! Only thing that bugged me were that some of the servers were pretty rude, or looked like they realllly didn't want to be there. O well...
(4)
Teresa L.
I love to go to Monks for mussels (the best in Center City!) and their ridiculous beer selection. There is always something new and affordable there, and it makes me so happy that I'm broadening my beer horizons!!! Most recently, I had a Red River (maybe the word "pig" was throw in the name) pint size draft for $6, and I just fall for all those fruity tones and that snap of a finish. I consistently get their Ghent mussels (bleu cheese/bacon = I'm there), but I've had their burgers before, and it was yummy, too. The only thing I don't like about Monk's is the wait. And they don't take reservations. (But what if I were to put a deposit down? Seriously!) Between 6-8 PM, expect to wait an hour for a table (especially if you're a larger party, like 6). Oh, and my other criticism is their fries. They're less than crispy, which is why I completely dunk them in the all-redeeming spicy sauce! The sauce is beautiful, and only a few other places, like Grace Tavern, has this same dip.
(4)
Tom T.
Three stars for being completely torn about Monks. The first 3 times I went in here my party and I got stared at like some kind of baby killers, so we decided to leave. I've always felt that if people at a bar are willing to stop what they are doing when someone new enters then the place sucks. That said the last 2 times I've been here I sat and ate and the food, as well as the service has been pretty righteous. You won't find me there but you should probably like it.
(3)
Jessica C.
I'm not a frequent visitor but I like the place and seems to be a hit. Nice pub environment with lots of beer selections on draft.
(3)
Stacy B.
A couple of belgian beers and some of Monk's homemade pomme frites will put you in such a good mood, you might forgive George W. for being such a douche. Monk's has one of the best beer lists in the world. I won't be surprised if I go in there one day to find Tibetan Monks serving me a Trappist. And if you go in and ask for a Bud Light, they're going to give you a glass of water. 'Cause that's what you're asking for in their eyes. And, move along dude, this is not the bar for you.
(5)
Pauline N.
My boyfriend and I stumbled upon Monk's Cafe about 2 months ago. We were wandering the streets until he turned zombie mode toward a Corsendonk sign outside the bar. Without any words, I followed him into the dim lit cafe where a hostess was there to seat us at the back bar. We looked at each other in puzzlement and a bit of excitement. There was such a wide selection of beer we both felt like kids in a candy store (or alcoholics at a liquor store). My favorite was the Unibroue (which I pronounced "Unibrow" - later I learned the correct pronunciation was "Uni Brew"). It had an apple finish and was not sugary or sweet at all like those nasty Smirnoff Ice flavored beers. It was refreshing and not overwhelming with fruit flavors (sorta reminded me of Abita Raspberry beer). The guy who sat next to us could not stop raving about how delicious the mussels were so we tried 2 types the second time we went. For about $10 you can get a bucket full of fresh mussels soaked in their specially seasoned broth. The "Thai Curry" mussels were good but the "Red Light" mussels were extremely good. It's all about the broth and what flavors you prefer though. We also tried the hot wings which were exactly as spicy as they advertised them to be. My boyfriend who can eat a spice rating of 5 stars ate the entire plate because I refused have my mouth on fire for the rest of the meal. The only thing I was not impressed with was the Bloody Mary because it had a wierd herbal after taste. Aside from that, we plan on visiting again soon.
(4)
Elyse K.
Best Mussels and Beer selection in Philadelphia!!
(5)
Rizwan A.
Ah, Monk's-- a great place to hang out, even if it is almost completely dark inside. They have some good food options but I was a little disappointed by the burgers that had buns twice the size of the of burger itself and seemed to be super stiff sourdough or something, not sure now but it was a bit of an exercise to get through it. They're not exactly known for the burgers though, so I can't judge them too hard on that. Service was also a little lacking in the back area of the bar. Speaking of which-- I didn't try the bar but they definitely get more attention for the beer and mussels than anything else. They offer some pretty unique beers, more than pretty much any bar I've ever been to and I'm pretty sure that's usually what ends up drawing the crowd. I like the vibe here and their appetizers are pretty easy American apps that do a good job of hitting the spot. Even though I don't drink, I'd come back with friends, everyone inside always seems to be having a great time.
(3)
Luke M.
Crowded. We had to wait about 45 minutes for a table for four, but i'd do it again in a heartbeat. The mussels are good and the beer is better. Don't forget there's a second bar in the back.
Great beer selection, delicious food. Two of us had chicken sandwiches, one of us had a burger. Both were cooked to perfection. We left amazed that we were seriously wowed by chicken and a burger.
(5)
Judy L.
Good mussels and good fries!
(4)
Beth B.
How have I never written about Monk's before?! Come to Monk's if you're in the mood for a lesson on great beer. The staff rocks and always has suggestions and is super knowledgeable. Monk's has hundreds of beers available... the menu is literally a book. Get the Flemmish Sour and thank me when you're done. You're welcome. If you're reading this and thinking that Eulogy has a better beer list... just shut up, go to Monk's, get your beer and order some Mussels and Fries. Then you'll be thanking me again. They're voted one of the best fries in Philly every year for a reason. I love the burger and mussels menu- lots of interesting options and flavors to play around with- and both are great. The atmosphere is what it is- a dark bar... not too small which I like. Just be prepared to wait if you're coming Primetime!
(5)
Caitlin D.
Best Mussels. Best Beers. Loud, fun atmosphere. The cramped crowded bar area just adds to the uniqueness of this place. Must go if you are in Philadelphia.
(5)
Michelle T.
Large assortment of beers to go along with your mussels. Can get really packed, so expect to wait!
(5)
Danielle S.
I love this place, the mussels are amazing and the mac and cheese is so good! I usually go to the back bar, and the bartender back there is great! There's always great beers on tap and the staff is knowledgeable and make great suggestions. Yummy, thinking about Monk's makes me want to eat there right now.... Guess I know what I'm doing tonight!
(5)
Joe Y.
Unfortunately I have mixed feelings after our experience here. We went on our first night in Philly after a long drive from Buffalo and stopping at 3 breweries on the way. The plan all along was get a hotel close to Monks since we probably will end each night there. So we unpacked the car, checking into the hotel, and set out for dinner at Monks Cafe. It was a Thursday night around 9:30 and the place was dead. We got a giant table right at the front for dinner since there was 7 of us. We found out Russian River Blind Pig was on tap and that was the whole reason we came here...hard to find beers on tap. So we ordered our food, I got a duck sandwich with a side of fries, and half the table got a pulled pork sandwich. Our waiter was attentive for the most part and the experience was going great...UNTIL the end. We all had our bills handed to us, most with credit cards, and one of the members of our party..who had driven all day and was rightfully exhausted and downed a few beers got a little loud for a minute. He wasn't cursing, or being rude, just screamed out "BOOM!" and at that point our waiter, who was helping the only other 2 customers in the restuarant at that moment, turned around and scolded him as if he was a child. It wasn't a polite "can you please quiet down?" It was something like "will you please stop that, it is obnixous like really." We all froze for a minute in disbelief especially since we were all in the process of writing our tips. I am all for asking a loud crew of people to please quiet down, but not in a way that makes people feel like children. Unfortunately for him we all scratched out our tips to $0.00 after that which I have NEVER done but you don't scold customers as they are writing your tips. Food was decent, beer list is always solid, but while we planned on making Monks a nightly stop we didn't step foot in there again the rest of the trip.
(3)
Rick J.
Great, intimate place with European rustic charm. Great beer selection and wonderful food. Had frog legs in buffalo sauce...tasty and tender. Dinner was the Ardennes Burger. Great burger with tasty smoked ham and Belgian cheese on top. Packed by 6pm on a Tuesday night, so get reservations or show up early!
(5)
Steve R.
We went for the mussels. Very nice bar and great atmosphere. Good food and reasonably priced.
(4)
Sarah S.
When I lived in Philly I was on a quest to find the best mussels in town. Monk's cafe was definitely on my must try list. They don't take reservations, so it's a long wait, but the bar is amiable and the atmosphere, charming. The mussels were good, but not my favorite. If you are looking for a solid gastro pub with an extensive beer list in a great location, this place is for you. If you are looking for the best mussels in the city, I recommend Parc's moules frites (yes, I know, it's Parc but I swear the mussels are amazing).
(4)
Pamela W.
Great food and wonderful selection of imported beer. I love this place, but I wont give it 5 stars, because its just too cramped. I tolerate the crush because the beer and the mussels are so good.
(4)
Oren E.
For Belgian brews and tasty pub food, it doesn't get any better in Philly than Monk's. Monk's has a great atmosphere--dark, wood-paneled walls smattered with Belgian beer paraphernalia and old woven tapestries, with a great indie/rock soundtrack to boot. But really, you come to Monk's for the beer. They have their own branded Flemish Sour Ale brewed for them that is bomb. The Sour Ale is a MUST, and should be your first drink of the night. Always. The tap list is always rotating but never disappoints. Monk's does a great job of carrying some solid Belgian gems like Tripel Karmeliet, while also mixing in seasonal flavors, IPAs, and a few heavier beers. The Monk's beer guide is worth a look for kicks, but the tap list is so great than I've never found myself wanting anything bottled. For the non-beer enthusiasts, you can often find lambics that will satisfy. The bar is pretty weak in terms of liquor, but that's not their wheelhouse. Prices are rather high but won't kill you, especially if you're having fewer servings of boozier beers. Food is great, but good luck getting a table until late night. Odds are great that you'll be standing with your drinks until a bar stool or two open up--totally worth it for the the Monk's experience.
(5)
Emmy M.
A friend who's a Philadelphia native recommended this place to me when I was here on a short vacation, and boy, am I glad he did. One of my favorite things in the world is sitting down to a special/unusual beer with some finger-lickin'-good snacks, and Monk's really delivered on both accounts. I ordered the Christmas Ale and the Ghent-style mussels (which came topped with leeks, bacon, and bleu cheese). The ale (as the menu described) was "really, really tasty." The mussels were certainly the best I've had, and I loved that there were so many options for toppings. The small portion is HUGE! I can't imagine how big the large pot would have been, but our waitress told us that there was once a tiny old lady who came in and ordered the huge pot all to herself, and finished every last one.
(4)
Randi W.
Always packed, so 4 stars is because the wait can be intense, but the food is amazing. LOVE this place.
(4)
Alison Y.
Best french fries in philly hands down. (I love thin cut french fries, if this helps.) Their booze selection is super bueno. The best mussels are Red Light and Thai Chilli. As a college kid, this place is also very affordable!
(5)
Mana M.
Went here twice in one week because the mussels were that amazing. My first time there, I had the Red Light mussels which were surprisingly quite filling. The second time, I had the brussels mussels. The broth in the Red Light was a perfect level of spice and goes well with the bread and fries that come with the dish. As an app we ordered the Spanish Flies chicken wings. Even with an unusually high threshold to spicy food myself, this was not palatable. The hostess was a bit cranky and rude both times which was a bit off putting; however, the the food and warm, cozy atmosphere kept us coming back for more, especially on brisk winter nights. The place also has an amazing selection of Belgian beer on tap that rotates day to day, making this place a beer-lovers haven. The music selection was also up our alley which was a nice touch for us. This and the variations of mussel broths make this place worth revisiting time and time again.
(4)
Tiffany T.
GOOD BEER, good mussels. Their choices for beer are endless :) I'm a fan. dogfish head 60 minute IPA $5. Their other beers range to more.. but they're good selections. I'm a big fan of delirium. Mussels - best deal in town. $10 for small pot? Come on now, hell yeah. I've gotten the Provence and Brussels, and I intend to try the Ghent ones next time. They're kind of small (which is why this is NOT a 5 star) but they're flavored simply, but delicious and it is a generous portion. Service is standard and good. Big fan. Will be back
(4)
Melissa P.
Great mussels and fries. Extensive beer collection. Quiet, intimate atmosphere.
(3)
Carol C.
Amazing mussels for ~10. Juicy burger but hard as rock bread cut up the roof of my mouth. But ironically, soggy fries. Insanely awesome selection of craft beers and drinks. Nice staff and cool ambiance. Fix the fries and the bread and it'd be a 5 star restaurant.
(4)
Grant T.
Top 3 favorite Philly restaurants! awesome for vegetarians (celery au poivre, veggie burger option for any burger, seitan cheesesteak is freaking amazing!). Amazing variety if beers and most are cheap. And kitchen open until 1am everyday. WIN!
(5)
Nick M.
The beer selection at this place is amazing, but the food kind of sucks. Don't even bother ordering a burger medium-rare, as it'll come out well-done regardless. Definitely not worth the usual long wait for a table.
(2)
Benjamin M.
I finally got to eat here recently after stopping in for drinks this past spring. Yes, it was well worth a repeat visit. Two words: Ghent Mussels. Two more words: Large pot. Three last words: Order it now! Complimented with bread, fries and Dogfish Head special brew, the entire dinner was satisfyingly filling, leading me to immediately start planning my next visit. Stop by and enjoy!
(5)
Shereen C.
Beer selection at Monk's is great. They had Petrus Aged Pale on tap once when I was here, and it was delicious. Food is solid to good. Mussels are solid, but not great. Bar food is executed better than average. I wouldn't come here for the food, but it's good accompaniment to the beer. It gets crowded and noisy here, and can be hard to snag a table when it's busy. Service is mixed -- depends how obnoxious the particular person is.
(4)
Aditi C.
Excellent selection of beer, as just about everyone else has noted. THe grilled scallops were excellent. The burger was good in that the ingredients were of a high quality, but it was a little boring -- there wasn't much else in them and, as a consequence, they were rather dry.
(4)
Ashley L.
So I just tried the mac & cheese last night... I can't believe what I've been missing! It's not the traditional dish, but the ham, asparagus & goat cheese make it unreal. I do have to say that I think it's a little overpriced for what it is, but so good I'll definitely be ordering it again. I also tried out another type of mussel (wasn't too impressed with the Brussels on my last visit), and the Ghent is by far my favorite to date. The broth was delicious, and bacon pieces... yum! The reason I downgraded my previous review to 3 stars is because of the service. On my most recent visit, after waiting almost 40 minutes for a table, our waitress ignored us for another 15 minutes once we finally sat down. The restaurant is always packed and the bar is very narrow, so expect to wait. There have been a few times now where I've left because there was simply no place to even stand. With that being said, it's still a great neighborhood spot. You know what you're getting yourself into but the food is too good to pass up!
(3)
Tasha J.
This place is great! The atmosphere is chill and has a casual feel. I highly recommend eating the mussels here! My favorite is the DEKONINCK which has: DeKoninck ale, apples, guryere, carmelized leeks & garlic Also, if you love beer they have a large selection of drafts on a daily basis. Monk's is warm, and cozy(perfect for a cold winter day!)
(4)
Deb S.
Beer selection is great however the atmosphere needs some updating and attention to cleanliness. Service needs improvement along with attitude.
(3)
Kim S.
Come for the beer but that's about it. Good for beer selection, food has gone downhill. The always crowded Monks with their long waits and no reservations used to be worth it until all their food shrank- seriously the burgers are way smaller than before, their mussels look like the tiniest mussels shriveled up and cooked to death until they're served to you rubbery. Their fries are still good though. You're better off going to Parc for a burger and mussels.
(2)
Kt K.
I from the d.c. area and have been to Monks twice in the past month in search of Pliny the Elder. The second trip to Philly was when I actually found the unicorn! Not a myth. Pliny the Elder was on tap! It was pretty good, but I think I liked blind pig slightly better. None-the-less, I was satisfied that I got to have it. Monks is the best. The Thai curry mussels with fries and burger were great with the Russian River brews. The bartender also suggested that I try a raspberry frambroise beer. I didn't think I would like it, but I loved it! Very good. One of my favorite places in Philly now!
(5)
Danielle H.
Monk's Cafe makes me feel like I'm back in Europe again. Love their pomme frites and great beer selection.
(4)
Sarah W.
Mussels and Cheeseburgers with an amazing beer list. Can't go wrong. Does get crowded around dinner, so get in early.
(3)
Alex K.
This place is awesome. I mean, really god damn awesome. I don't know if it was sitting at the bar, but I thought the food here was super under played. I didn't see people glaring at the menu or making moaning sounds when eating their dinners. But god damn it, the food was amazing. I started with the duck salad, which was definitely cooked to between rare and medium rare. Even in the darkness of the bar, I could see that less than an 1/8th of an inch of the meat was cooked and the rest red as the Yelp banner. The salad was amazing to be short (baby greens, goat cheese, spicy walnuts, and craisins), but be prepared to be chewing on some very under cooked (not a bad thing for me) duck meat. Then I had a small pot of the Red Light mussels with frites. Come on! Some of the BEST frites I've ever had hands down. I don't know what they're doing with these things back there, but order some or be sorry. The mussels were also on point, but I think it's hard to mess this up so long as you have some fresh mussels. Now let's talk about the beer. This list is amazing. There will not be enough time or times you will visit Monk's to have everything here. But that's OK, because you can get most of these beers elsewhere, but you will have a search a bit. The list is still one that I'm sure the manager/owner takes great pride in though. They have a menu that lists their beers in styles and locale. But some highlights I would like to mention: Monk's sour (their own sour beer), and the first place on the East Coast that had Pliny the Elder - Russian River from my neck of the woods (Santa Rosa, CA). Anyways, SUPER impressed, this place deserves nothing less than 5 stars. BTW, it's really hard to get a table here it seems, so I sat by myself at the bar and ate.
(5)
Daryll M.
Beer. Beer. Beer. Beer. Beer. Lambic Beer. Beer. Wine. Beer. Lambic Beer Again. Beer. Fries. Mussels. Beer. If you have discerning taste when it comes to beer....this is where you come. No crap beer hiding in this place (Thank Gosh, I was beginning to think Philly was paid off by Bud and Miller. Yuck!)!!!! I loved the mussels and the fries. Freaking delicious. That and a lambic beer (or 3) and I. Was. Set. Do It.
(5)
Steve M.
Well known place in Philly with a great selection of beer and delicious mussels. Be prepared to wait during happy hour because this place gets crowded, but that just goes to show how great this place is.
(5)
Chris S.
Fantastic selection of beers and the food was definitely top notch. Went with a group of old college friends and, even though we waited about 30-45 minutes for a table, they were able to seat all 8 of us pretty quickly! Definitely highly recommended.
(5)
Fan L.
Ghent mussels + amazing beer list. That's really all there is to say. I've only ever come here at lunch and random odd hours, so service has been great and the place isn't too loud. Yay. -1 star because it's a bit pricey
(4)
B W.
Sat at the bar had great mussels and beer. Perfect spot for a winter meal. It was dark and mostly lit by candles and the glow of the bar's POS terminal . Not a location for large groups.
(4)
Michelle P.
Monk's beer menu proudly proclaims the accolade of "One of the top 5 places to have a beer in the world" and while some may call that hyperbole, if you're a beer connoisseur with an unbridled passion for locales with top-notch selection of high-quality, world-renowned brews, well, you may just be inclined to enthusiastically agree with all the hype. Monk's delivers on its promise to provide top-caliber beers at reasonable prices. They have a more-than-decent variety of options, both draught and bottles, and my friend passionately proclaimed she has found her new favorite beer in the Russian River Damnation. But as just a moderate beer enthusiast, I would be remiss to ignore the food and only rave about the booze. We had the Ghent mussels, which had a bunch of ingredients, blue cheese and bacon being the main ones I cared about, and they were great. The small portion had about 25 (shout out to our awesome server who not only recommended this delicious menu option but didn't try to upsell us to the large, even when we naively asked what size we should get). They came with a small portion of the pommes frites, which had a good flavor but came out in sort of a less than ideal serving, with lots of little fries, almost fry bits, if you will, rather than your typical long fries (although maybe this is by design?). Finally, we shared the Mac & cheese, which was an 8 out of 10 for me (my friend was a bigger fan than I). It was good, even above-average, but just not outstanding for me - I like my Mac and cheese with sharper cheese as opposed to creamy, but still, a solid showing. The atmosphere is dark and pubby and the service was great. We will most definitely be back!
(4)
Bill C.
Beer, Duck, Frog Legs, Mussels... What else could you ask for?! Be prepared for a bit of a wait though.. This place gets CROWDED.
(5)
Andrew T.
AH Monk's. If you haven't been here, it's small dark and cramped environment that can easily over crowded on a busy night but it stills come outs on top as my go to spot to grab some good eats and fresh beer.
(4)
Larisa S.
Who doesn't like Monks?!
(5)
Diana R.
I love Monks! I love their mussels and fries! Not a fan of their long waits but I guess that's a fair price to pay.
(4)
Dan H.
Monk's is one of the very best bars in the US for Belgian brews. They have an old-world atmosphere and a draft list to knock your socks off. Although there are front and back bars, getting a seat is always a challenge. Heads-up, table service is only available if you're ordering food, so be ready to compete for a seat at the bar. The bartenders here are knowledgeable and they only serve the best. If you like mussels, this is a great place for them. I'm not a fan of mussels, but I know lots of people who are and they love Monk's for them.
(5)
Danielle F.
This place was pretty fantastic if you ask me. I came here with a friend for a late dinner and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. A co-worker who used to live in Philadelphia said we must visit this place, so I wanted to follow through on the recommendation. All she said was order beer and mussels and you will be happy. The wait for a table for two when we entered (maybe around 9:30 or so) was an hour, so we put our name in and informed the hostess we were going to grab a drink nearby and come back. She asked that I let her know when we returned. We grab our drink and return about 45 minutes later, and our timing was impeccable as our table was now available. We ushered to the back bar area and seated. Both rooms (front and back) have the tables packed in, so this is not a place for a quiet meal. Surveying the crowd, it was a great mix of folks out for the evening and enjoying the impressive beer list. I was happy to see such an impressive beer list, particularly the decent size draft list. While it is heavy on Belgians (both bottles and drafts), there were some choices outside of the genre. I decided to go local and tried the Stoudt's Pils which was quite refreshing and was very pleased with the choice. We decided to each order a small pot of mussels, but I had a hard time deciding which style to order. I finally decided on the Ghent mussels, while my friend went with the Thai Curry. The menu said that a small pot cost $10, so we figured we'd order something else after we finished out mussels. Both of us were quite surprised when a good sized pot of mussels, pommes frites, and a roll arrived. One look and I knew that this was going to be a very satisfying meal. The Ghent mussels had a ton of flavor from the leeks, bacon, and bleu cheese. The roll was a nice choice to sop up that flavorful sauce. These mussels were fantastic. The fries were excellent too, and they give you a lot of them. This was a great stop during this recent visit to Philly. It is a great spot to catch up with friends, eat some great food at reasonable prices, and work through an extensive beer list. Next time I am Philly, I will definitely return for those tasty mussels and beer!
(5)
Eamonn C.
Unbelievably awesome.
(5)
Courtney K.
If you don't love mussels and fries I can't be friends with you. No, seriously. Beer BIBLE. It takes me entirely too long to choose and just default to whatever the person I'm with is having. It's tiny, so prob not best for really large groups. They have different choices for your mussels which is nice and their fries come with a dipping sauce that just makes them even more irresistible. It really is a taste of Belgium in the heart of Philly.
(5)
Rosalyn S.
A fantastic Belgian bar with an incredible beer bible. Their waitstaff is great and they are able to accommodate some food allergies. Of course the mussels are worth the sometimes long wait for a table.
(4)
Every H.
THE Philly Belgium beer bar... Go prepared to spend some money and fight for a seat!
(5)
Kim V.
Great beer selection! Great flavors in all the food we tried. Beer menus are a little gross, though. Months/years of people spilling beers on them. Wash your hands before you eat if you have to touch the menus.
(4)
Cameron S.
I am not sure it has ever been harder to draft a review for me. Wow, where to start - I used to sing the praises of Monk's Cafe to every single person I know. I firmly believed it to be one of the best beer bars in America. And that is one thing I still believe to be true. I love the intimate vibe, beer list, and I have had plenty of nice nights here. Very memorable times. And then it all came crashing down in the span of three weeks. I went twice - and ate both times. And got food poisoning...BOTH times. Come on. The first time I had mussels so I understood. The second time I literally ordered chicken fingers. And my girlfriend got Hummus and Pita. And we both fell very ill... After that, I never once came back. I even had a $50 gift card that I couldn't bring myself to use because I now had an aversion to Monk's. What a roller coaster ride. From my favorite establishment in Philadelphia to a place I couldn't even force myself to spend $50 at. I have since moved on from Monk's, but it will always hold a special place in my heart. Until next time, old friend.
(3)
Jason P.
Smart, chill, and down to earth atmosphere. Great beers. Great food.
(5)
Erin C.
I've only been here a handful of time but the food+beer selection is also top of the line. I've never had something bad off the menu. The only complaint I have is it is a little cramped....but so are most all places in this old city of ours.
(4)
Gabby M.
Monk's has a pretty big beer list. The beers on tap were great. I had the burger and it was okay; the bun was a little too big and somewhat dry. The fry sauce was amazing though!
(3)
Carrie M.
I'm sure the food and beer are great. My husband was here with a friend. My friend and I wanted to join them. They were at a table for 2. It was late afternoon (not dinner or lunch rush). The host basically read us the riot act when I asked him if he could move my husband and his friend to a table for four so we could join them. "We are very busy, we can't just move people, this is a big deal." What. Like we were not going to spend money? TONS of empty tables, and he wouldn't accommodate. Eff you Aholes. I left.
(1)
Khanh V.
I guess this will become my go to spot for late night cravings. I came here for the first time with friends for the "flies" and mussels and was blown away by the taste so I came back again the second day and the third.... On the first trip we came as a group and tried out all the flavors to the mussels. Some of us ordered burgers and we all tried the super spicy wings. I really like the overall ambient of the place. Monk's is definitely good for late night and not so for groups since we barely had a place to sit and had to squeeze in. But if you come with 4 or less, it should okay. Also I recommend ordering small pots of mussel rather than the large one since the flavors are better with the small size.
(4)
Marc C.
Let me get straight to the point: Good beer selection, terrible service, A MOUSE RAN ACROSS THE DINING AREA. Got that? Ok. So yes, Monk's has a good beer selection that changes regularly. The server wasn't particularly helpful (see below) but the menu was full of information, so all was good on that front. The service was in the top 3 of the worst I have experienced in Philly in four years. Many Philadelphians will know that that isn't easy to reach, but our Monk's server did. Disinterested, unknowledgeable and with attitude, she reluctantly served us all evening before presenting us with a bill that included 20% service (table of 5). Finally, A MOUSE RAN ACROSS THE DINING AREA. In between bites of food (average quality, nothing special) I got to see some in house rodents, presumably between their bites of the humans' food and excreting in the kitchen. Aren't restaurant shut down for this kind of thing? So, Monks? If you like good beer but don't care about anything else, go there. If you dislike mice in your restaurants or bad attitudes, look elsewhere.
(2)
Pete W.
Truly one of the small handful of places in Philly to have a great beer. No loud flat-screen high-def TVs to distract you. Just a staggering variety of taps and bottles (hundreds to choose from!), not to mention their equally satisfying if not addictive mussels and pomme frites to nibble on. Often crowded but absolutely worth Ye attempt to hang in there just for a seat.
(5)
Bill C.
A rude bartender who chose to ignore me over regulars for quite a bit before taking my order. I then made the mistake of misprounouncing the name of the beer when I ordered it. This resulted in being ignored for considerably longer after my order was taken. Monks is not the only place for good beers, I dont need to be ignored by a rude beer snob. You are a bartender ginger boy, get over your self importance, the beer world will survive without you. I took my business elsewhere so I cannot comment on the food. They did have a nice beer selection.
(1)
John O.
Great beers on tap. The food was also very good. Do yourself a favor and go to the back bar.
(5)
Jayla P.
Love the mussels!
(3)
Keith S.
Burgers average, scallops average, everything way overpriced and nobody would resolve the issue with the furnace. Everyone was freezing. Don't believe the hype about Monks.
(3)
Tiffany L.
Went here for dinner at prime dinner time ~6pm. Decent wait, roughly an hour, but no problem. Definitely worth the wait! Got the LARGE pot of mussels - NOTE: this is REALLY big, I should have gotten the small. A large pot is a good sized portion, probably good for at least 2 people to share. Also, they do NOT let you take home leftover mussels, so be aware if you don't want to waste mussels, order the right size for you, or else be prepared to stay there a while and finish off as many mussels as you can! Otherwise, great experience so far, will be back in the future to try other items. Great beer selection as well.
(4)
Shawn G.
My new favorite restaurant in Philly! We were in town for a wedding and had a Sunday all to ourselves. What do we do? Pull up Yelp and start searching for a fantastic dinner and a couple of drinks nearby. We find Monks Cafe right away. Over 700 reviews, 4 Stars and only a few blocks form the house? Yup! this is where we are going for dinner. I saw all of the reviews about the beer and the mussels and frites. I really wasn't in the mood for mussels though, or at least that is what I thought. We decided to order a small bowl as an app because so many people commented on them. Asked the waitress for suggestions. She gave us her 3 favorites and we narrowed down to the Ghent-style.. Leeks, Blue Cheese and Bacon. They were amazing. Cooked to perfection and devoured them in a matter of minutes. They are served with Frites (fries) and a bourbon mayo sauce. I was all over that sauce. I tried so hard to save some fries for my sandwich. I failed miserably. I may or may not have actually licked the cup when the fries were gone to get the last of the bourbon mayo out. No pics so you can't prove it. Now for the main course. She ordered the Mac and Cheese and I ordered the Duck Salad Sandwich. Both were amazing. The Mac and Cheese had chopped asparagus in it and, much to my surprise, I loved it (I am not huge on veggies, especially in my mac and cheese). It was creamy and had a great mix of cheeses. Definitely a must have. The Duck Sandwich was great as well. Grilled Duck, Med-Med rare, a bed of greens and some of that world famous Philly Bread. The sandwich had a variety of flavors that all melded very well together. What about the beer though? I consider myself a beer snob. I think I know beer pretty well. My favorite style is the Belgians be it a Tripel, White or whatever. I thought I had tried most Belgian beers throughout the years. I thought I knew Beer. I was way wrong. I was only on page 2 of the Beer Bible when I came across some that I had never heard of. I pointed tot he 1st Tripel I found and ordered it. I am not going to get into all of the details of the beers I drank and ordered just know that if you think you know beer or if you just like to try things you have never heard of you need to go here and check it out. Oh and you can buy the Bible for $3. I did and will be more prepared next trip to Philly.
(5)
Christopher C.
5 stars alone for the selection. I really wish we had the mussels, next time for sure. St. Bernardus on tap, Scaldis...they have everything.
(5)
Dave H.
Monk's is as popular as ever, so plan to wait for a table. Last I was here, friends and I were served at the bar by cool Catherine, who got us everything we needed. I nursed a framboise[1], and went to town on a pot of moules frites - still Monk's stand up offering - crispy fries and all. Their charming, colorful interior remains a perfect setting for good conversation and drink. Just don't be afraid to speak up; it can get hectic in there! [1] Yes, I actually drank beer. This IS a destination for beer drinkers, after all.
(4)
Martha J.
It's a bar. Not a fine dining restaurant. The mussels were amazing, with fantastic bread and frites with a delicious sauce. Our waiter Paul, was extremely knowledgeable and efficient.(Awesome guy!) This was a rare place - we went both nights we were in Philly, even though there were literally dozens of restaurants in walking distance of the hotel. Cheap, fun and the best beer list I have ever seen. Only downsides - it can get really noisy, and the tables are really small, especially if you have pots of mussels.
(5)
Mike H.
I've been visiting monks since the late 90's. It was the place to go before Belgian and American craft beers we readily available at other establishments. For beer it really is the holy grail in this city. They have enough connections and push enough volume to get beers that other bars cant get (russian river, etc...) so if you're looking for rare and unique beers, you will want to come here. Atmosphere and set up hasnt changed over the years. There are 2 bars, 1 upfront by the door and 1 in the back past the dining room. I prefer the back bar as its more intimate and is great for having a conversation with friends. My most recent visit was this past week. Service started off not great but realized a party of 20 kinda hit the bartender hard and was blocking the walk way to the dining room. He seem flustered and annoyed but he was much better and attentive when they left so I was ok with the service. Beer is top notch, we splurged on several large format bottles from LaChouffe and Achel, and had some Russian River, Chimay, and Lost Abbey Drafts. All were solid as i would expect. My only let down was the food. Ordered the spanish flies and they needed another minute in the frier as the skin was a lil flabby. The sauce used was hot and carried great heat but lacked flavor. It came with fries which is fine but felt that a dipping sauce to mellow the heat would have been a good addition. We also had mussels which were good but didnt have much flavor (ghent mussels). If you're into beer its worth checking out but in my opinion the food menu needs to evolve as its the same menu from 15 yrs ago.
(4)
Robert B.
Monk's was one of the first gastropubs to succeed in Philly, and it's not hard to see why, A top rated bar not just in Philly, but nationwide; they have a huge selection of beers with a very knowledgeable staff of seasoned bartenders to help you choose. The menu is great as well, try the house made veggie burger, it's one of the best in Philly, also a great selection of mussels.
(4)
Reid C.
I've had many, many great nights at this Philly staple. Writing this review makes me wish I was there right now settling in with some friends, ordering some fine beers and a couple pots of mussels on a crisp November night. The beer selection is the #1 draw. The draft list is always changing but if you are into IPAs, barley wines, belgian blondes and then like, there's always something for you. I remember going once and seeing Pliny The Elder on tap and being particularly delighted. The bartenders themselves are seasoned vets and they know their stuff. They're also incredibly friendly and easy going. When the place gets busy, and it does get busy and noisy, it just feels vibrant, never chaotic. There's a great energy there. I'm giving this place 5 stars because it's a long-time favorite of mine and it never disappoints.
(5)
Casey H.
Most definitely a busy place. Went here with a few friends while in the city and had a good time. After spending 10 minutes trying to find a spot, we noticed that everyone had mussels. Ordered a small bucket and wow... amazing.
(4)
Susan F.
While visiting a friend in Delaware, her boyfriend suggested we go to Philly to try Monk's Cafe, which he was a big fan of. Hearing that I too loved beer, he told me I'd be blown away by their selection, which I was! Their "Beer Bible" boasts over 300 bottled beers, and I quickly found some of my favorites for awesome prices (compared to Chicago). The only problem with the bible was that there was no description of the beer, nor alcohol percentage. I guess it was a rather thin bible, and adding any more descriptions would have made it almost as big as THE BIBLE itself, which no one wants to read inebriated anyways. What I was really looking forward to was the mussels. They came in about 7 different varieties in small or large size. Let's just say the small size did me just fine as it came with fries AND two rolls. I'd say there were about 20 mussels in that pot, for $10!! Winner. I got the 'Red Light' which had heat to them. I scarfed them down not only because they were delicious, but also because I was two beers deep at above 7% abv. Classy. The service was a little slow and the waiter forgot my friend's appetizer of pommes frites and didn't own up to it but whatever, I'll let it slide. They have a lot of vegetarian options as well. Besides the mussels, some of the apps and the entrees were a bit pricey. I guess you don't care if you're already boozed up... Maybe that's the trick. All in all, the experience was great and I left buzzed without shelling out too much $$ for my brews.
(4)
Austin S.
Maybe the best burger in Philly. And if you are a beer fan, this is the place to go. It's been around for years, and it's still pretty crowded to get in there on a weekend night.
(4)
Ho L.
There aren't many places in the city where you can get authentic Belgian cuisine, but Monk's Cafe is legit. Take a look at the extensive imported beer list, and you'l realize right away that they don't mess around. Add along some mussels and other regional fare, and you've got a lively venue with great food, and varied drinks.
(4)
Migdalia G.
Best Mussels. DeKonik is magic.
(5)
Mattie C.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? The beer list is indeed fantastic and is what attracted us here in the first place. They had an amazing beer that was their special brew which was really sour and really unique - we were going crazy for that! Sad this is the only place we could get it. Lots of other sour beers on tap, big plus! Between the four of us we drank all their draft beers available and there was not one that I found any less than fantastic. I was slightly less enthusiastic about my food. I got a piece of fish which itself was very delicious and moist (forgot what kind of fish though oops), but it came on a vegetable pile of carrots, beans and squash - three of my least favorite vegteables ever and I did not see a description of a vegetable pile on the menu. Boyfriend got a VERY SPICY wings and some mussels. I had a fingerful of wing sauce and it burned my tongue for about the next 30 minutes. If you like spicy food I definitely recommend that. Really, come here for the beer list. It is awesome and is allegedly known as one of the top 5 best place to get craft beers or Belgian beers in the country.
(4)
Nicole H.
My husband and I ate at Monk's Cafe for the first time two years ago and my husband has talked about going back ever since. Last weekend we traveled to Philadelphia from Brooklyn, NY to see an art show and finally return to Monk's Cafe. We were not disappointed. We had muscles, caesar salad, and mac and cheese; all delicious. We also enjoyed several unique and difficult to find beers. The best part of our lunch was our server Kat. She was friendly, professional, and efficient, but most of all she was very knowledgeable about the beer menu and recommended beers that we had never tried but were exactly what we were looking for. I hope we make it back to Monk's Cafe soon for more great food and beer; when we do we'll definitely request seating in Kat's section.
(5)
Jennifer R.
I came to Philly on business for a day. Monks Cafe alone made it worth the trip. I had two Bull Frog Blackberry Jujus and the Ghent mussels. Love the people and the atmosphere. I may have to come back to Philly just to try the rest of their mussels and work my way through their beer list.
(5)
Tim M.
Went to monk's last night. It was packed as always. We were told a 30-40 minute wait, and that we would wait at the bar area... well, they skipped over us even though they were right next to us and we never heard our name called. Long story short, we got our table and a friendly server. I forget his name. He was helpful with menu choices and gave us great recommendations. Had the frog legs, they were very good and tasted like chicken wings with buffalo sauce and a blue cheese dip. Entrees we had basic stuff, wife had the trappist burger and fries. Awesome. I had the mussels with the red chili oil. I forget the exact name. They were some of the best I've had. Very good! Beer selection is killer and hard to choose. This is place is great, we go every year right before xmas. I love that it's not a chain restaurant! Only downside is that the bathrooms are awful. Think of the movie trainspotting! Regardless, we will go back
(4)
Mike R.
stopped in here this past sunday afternoon.....really cool slightly divey bar....very narrow...dark...nice people...great bartender...low keyed.....never feel rushed......didn't get a chance to eat here bt I understand they are noted for there mussels....they definitely have a lot of different beers I never heard of.....next time I am in town I will definitely stop in
(4)
Joseph L.
Though it is an institution within the craft beer community in Philadelphia, it earns every bit of the praise it receives. The beer list is always on-point with a slew of beers you simply don't see any where else (on draft) in the city. The food is equally laudable. The frog legs are indicative of a daring menu that strikes the right balance of accessible and adventurous. It is not a cheap spot, and getting in at night on a Friday/Saturday is an exercise in frustration, however it is a dining experience that no one who is somewhat serious about craft beer should miss.
(5)
Andrew M.
My favorite spot in Philadelphia. It's known by beer connoisseurs as one of the best places in the WORLD to have a beer. They always have an outstanding beer selection between the two bars, plus a menu with literally hundreds of beers in bottle. It's legendary. While the beer selection is awesome, the MUSCLES there are just as incredible. They have about 7ish different varieties to chose from (the Thai curry muscles are absolutely delicious). They come in large or small pots for $10 or $20. A small is enough for one person. If you come with a few people just get a pot per person so you can try out a bunch of them. It usually gets very crowded in the evenings, so I'd recommend trying to go either around lunchtime or very late at night (after midnight) or a nice little snack. If you do go in the evening, you can grab a beer at either the front or back bar and do your best to find a place to stand while you wait for a table.
(5)
Travis B.
I came here for dinner w/ my family and was told great things. I was not impressed! The beer selection is out of his world and the Mussels are great, but the rest of the food is not your typical bar food. In my opinion this bar has tried to do to much to easy food. If your looking for an "Anthony Bordain" experience this is not the place. The pulled pork was too smokey and steak frites was nothing like described. My father loved the mac and cheese and so did the rest of the fam. The service was not bad and the bar it self is cool, but gastronomically is not the best. You're better of just coming for beers and eating elsewhere. Oh and before ordering the hot wings try the sauce, nasty!
(2)
Erica B.
We've wanted to visit Monk's for a very long time. It has the reputation for beer excellence, and I love some excellent beers. So we finally got around to heading in for lunch. Of course the beer was tops. Plenty of selection- in terms of location, style and brewery, and plenty of bottles. And the price wasn't too terrible. I went with a Michigan brew I had never had before. When they say an order of large mussels, they aren't messing around. The large is definitely worth the price- there are a ton of mussels. We got the Ghent mussels, and while there were plenty of mussels and bacon, the broth was pretty bland. And let's be honest, 50 percent of a good pot of mussels is the broth. I would have liked to taste more of the bacon, leeks or even the beer they were cooked in, but it all kind of came together to create nothing. After a large pot of mussels I was kind of kicking myself for ordering actual food, but I managed to get in a few bites of their duck salad sandwich before calling it quits. Like the rest of their menu, the sandwich is really creative. I had never had a duck sandwich before, but it was really delicious. The duck was cooked nicely and tasted amazing when paired with craisins, goat cheese, pecans and of course the raspberry vinaigrette and greens. My date got a burger, and I've never been much of a fan of burgers (bring on the judgement!), but he said it was pretty good. Nothing too thrilling, but nothing terrible. Overall, it's a cool place, and an awesome stop for beer lovers. I;d love to try out dinner, and some of their more unique menu options (frogs legs, anyone?).
(4)
Sarah P.
This place is on a list of best beer places in Philly, so I had to check it out. I went on a Friday night and it seems nice for groups and for a date night. They have an incredibly extensive beer selection, and a helpful booklet that explains everything, from beer tastes to different terms. They even had a Berliner Weisser, a beer I've been looking for since I had one in Berlin. Our waitress was incredibly helpful in helping us navigate the giant menu, and I loved the beers she recommended. I got their vegan burger and it was amazing. Definitely one of the best I've ever had. And it was a lot cheaper than I expected. My only complaint was that it was really dark which made it hard to read the menu.
(5)
Matt A.
LOVE this place.....the mussels are the best...fantastic high end euro bar food meets America many years ago....this place was so far ahead of its time even 10 years ago....maybe 20+ years ago Philly accepted this place because the food is great and the beers are perfectly set up to work with the food. Basically anytime you can get a seat in this place take it....you will love the place...its just like you took a plane and landed in Amsterdam when you open the door.
(5)
Josh G.
Monk's is one of the premier beer emporiums in the city of Philadelphia, and it certainly has the best food among said beer emporiums. The Belgian style frites are outstanding.
(4)
Margo K.
Alright...I got the mussels! Went here for dinner with my family after my graduation last week. Service was quick, attentive, and knowledgable. To be honest, I wasn't expecting this to be the case, based on the service I've had when just doing drinks here. We came in around 5:30 on a Thursday, and I recommend coming early if you want to be seated right away! To start, we shared the Monk's mussels which I really enjoyed. I will likely be back to try all the varieties. So many different varieties, enough to come here 10 times alone. How delightful! I had the Ghent burger that had broccoli rabe (LOVE) and cheddar on it. I recommend this burger. Not sure I'd get it again, but that's just because there are a lot of appealing items on the menu. Monk's is a place where once you've dined, you want to come back for more. You start to understand the appeal of the food here, which isn't as easy to understand just from looking at the menu. You gotta try it!
(4)
Cat M.
Really enjoyable pub. Fabulous food that you wouldn't expect from the looks of the place. Also, an extensive beer selection. If you can't find a beer you like here, then there's something wrong with you! Mussels, pommes frites, veal cheeks, polenta... all delightful! Totally worth a visit, especially if you're already in Center City. It's not fancy, so I imagine most people wouldn't make a special trip to visit. But, the food stands up to some of the best joints in town. Don't let the looks of the place deceive you! I would actually go out of my way to eat here. It's that good.
(4)
Sean R.
Great beer selection, but nothing I haven't seen at the Hulmeville Inn or Isaac Newton's in Bucks County (within 20 minutes of each other). I guess it gets more hype because it's in the city? No idea. Great atmosphere though. Cozy, dimly lit, polite staff. Mussels were great. Place was busy but not crazy packed. I'd go again for sure as it's a great place to grab a drink in a conversational volume type setting, but just don't get the "One of the Top 5 places in the world to get a beer" thing.
(4)
Jona K.
Normally, good food until the owner decided to get cheap. $13.50 for a burger (which really is a slider). The owner should be ashamed for ripping off patrons for his pathetic little burger!
(2)
Anthony S.
Obviously a dynamite beer selection, and the food was great! Veal Cheeks with soft polenta, Burger with broccoli rabe and cheddar, everything was wonderful.
(5)
Claire T.
This dark and cozy bar was a great find. They had a large beer selection and I highly recommend the mussels. We got two "small" pots to share so we could try two different flavors and we were blown away by the flavor and portion. I can't stop thinking about them and would go back weekly if I lived closer!
(5)
Parker S.
If you're looking for Belgium beer this is your place, while philly has unlimited good beer bars, they are mostly centered around the US craft scene which makes monks unique - 5 stars all the way in that department. In fact, you may want to check out their list before going so you aren't completely overwhelmed upon arrival. Also, be prepared for some sticker shock on some bottles if you aren't familiar with belgian beers. you have to think of some of the options as more like wine than beer since the prices can be more on par with good quality wine rather than a pounder of PBR. Their food is also good, with some of the best fries in the city. The problem is that this place is tight and I find it hard to stay anywhere this cramped for prolonged periods of time. On a number of occassions i've thought about going in only to reconsider my choice because i want a little bit of room to spread out. Definitely worth checking out if you want some unique specialty beers and with good food its worth coming in. maybe you'll get lucky and get there when their not busy.
(4)
Katy A.
One of my favorite bars in the city! Always have great beer and the mussels are delicious!
I'm a big fan of Belgian beer so this place has been on my list for a while. It's more of a bar in terms of atmosphere as it is dark, I had to out on my iPhone flashlight to read the menu! We enjoyed the mussels and fries as well as the salmon. Food good for the price. However, I was disappointed with the beer list. It was short for those on draught and many of those they supposedly had were crossed off the list. The beer we got was good, so no complaints. It's loud and crowded so come early to get a place to sit!
(3)
Jena M.
Allagash white- check. Mussels in the bacon, blue cheese and onions sauce- check. Crispy seasoned fries with a tangy, 'lick the ramekin' sauce- check. I cannot wait to go back here. I went for lunch last week with a friend of mine and I got the small pot of mussels with the ghent sauce. OMG! The pot was huge, the mussels themselves were huge and the sauce was so phenomenal that even after I was stuffed and made my friend eat the rest of them, we ordered more bread to dip in it! It also came with fries and the best dipping sauce I've ever had. And this was just the small portion for $10! I wanna go EVERYDAY! The service was decent and the beer list is HUGE!! I WILL BE BACK!
(5)
Tyler K.
Great beer, great burgers, the mussels are good. I highly recommend them. One important thing though is that it's very dark in the room so I really only like going after dark as it's a weird transition to going into a cave-like ambience when it's still light out. Highly recommend it though! Great bottled beer selection and great drafts!
(5)
Jimmy J.
Went to Monk's for a couple drinks with friends... The beer list was UNBELIEVABLE! Go there just to read over the menu of just..beers. The food was also phenomenal, and it got pretty crowded, but we were able to get a table within minutes of arriving.
(5)
Matt B.
Great beer selection. I had a beautiful duck breast salad, and my friend had the pulled pork sandwich. My salad was really well balanced, but as I am a native of Kansas City, I am very prejudice when it comes to BBQ, so I can't say the sauce was great, but the meat was cooked perfectly and it had a jalapeno relish on it -- I think jalapeno was the base -- and it was tasty as well. I'd go back.
(3)
Jenni A.
Great beer selection, good food (have the mussels and chips). Only downside is that there is NEVER any room, you always wait for a table, can't reserve, and the staff aren't brilliant at dealing with this fact.
(4)
Albert S.
The food was very good, but the beer was excellent.
(4)
Steven P.
Good food and great beer list. One of my favorite places in the city. This would be a five star joint if the service wasn't so bad. Inattentive, unfriendly servers really bring down what could be an amazing experience. Get the mac and cheese or any of the mussels...you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Bob D.
the best for beers and frits....
(5)
Andrew W.
With a great beer list (no, an amazing beer list) and good food, Monk's is a mainstay for bar food in the rittenhouse area. My only complaint is that it gets really crowded, and for some unknown reason my cell phone doesn't seem to work in the back... but I'm not holding that against them.
(4)
Laura B.
Heard Monk's had a good beer selection and boy they do! The Beer Bible has hundreds of beers listed by country of origin along with a detailed description of the different types of beer. I had their own Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale. It wasn't bad but probably would try something else next time. This was my first time having a sour ale and now know I particularly don't care for it. Glad I tried it anyway. Started off splitting the Brussels Mussels among 2 of us. They come with 2 rolls and pomme frites. The appetizer was definitely filling and so delicious! Had the pulled pork sandwich as my meal. You can't go wrong with pulled pork and the apple slaw added a nice flavor. Went on a Monday in May around 6:30/7:00 and was seated right away (party of 2).
(4)
Matt F.
Enjoyed the beer and mussels. Looking forward to returning to this place on my next visit.
(4)
Mike B.
my scouts down in Philly have known the awesomeness of Monk's for quite a while, but lacked the necessary resources to strategically occupy it. after several logistical delays, a tactical strike force consisting of local partisans and volunteers from NYC and Jersey occupied Monk's this past Saturday. neutrality be damned, we emerged victorious! support forces were hampered by transit difficulties, so the forward scouts established a beachhead. the waiting time (just under an hour! zoinks, Scooby!) sync'd up perfectly with the arrival of support actually. once inside, we were promptly seated at a table overlooking the street. this place is DARK, but illumination comes from dim lighting and neon signs. I dig. the beer list here is ridiculously epic (300 or so). it comes as a book that you can buy if you want! it's on the same scale of places such as Peculier Pub, though less of the "look how many countries we have" (some countries make terrible beer, let's be honest) and more focused on Belgian imports and American local/craft. a good amount of taps, but 95% of it is bottles. food supplies are also fantastic. we started off split a big pot of mussels among our group. I forget which beer broth they came with (they're all beer broths, and they all contain garlic), but the mussels were great. came with a side of fries and this amazing, spicy dipping sauce. my friend Chris and I decided to order a duck salad sandwich and an Ardennes burger and split them between us. the burger was good - topped with Belgian ham and cheese - but the duck sandwich was the knockout winner. tender duck, a bed of greens, and FLIPPIN' WALNUTS AND CRAISINS on delicious, chewy bread. I see people complaining about the pricing, but I thought that the prices were fair. it came to about $120 for a group of five - consider that we split a pot of mussels, ordered some extra fries, and everyone had at least one drink. so why are people complaining? service was excellent, fast, and friendly. the place was quite packed, but there are quieter booths in the back. I can't wait to return to Philly and re-conquer Monk's Cafe. General Mike B, over and out!
(5)
Kwaine M.
So many mussels, only one stomach. I love the laid back late night atmosphere.
(4)
Patrick G.
amazing mussels. great beers on tap. a little small and a little on the dark side but its is definitely the classic philly pub experience. one of the best anywhere.
(5)
Christine S.
Pro: our waitress was accommodating and kind...she actually apologized for the rudeness of the owner. Cons: I am absolutely APPALLED at the service and unprofessionalism of the owner! I brought a group of 9 other people for my birthday dinner and we were treated with such disrespect by the owner. My friends were late (as always) but we already had our table and were ordering food. The owner came up to me and asked when the rest of my party was going to show up, I asked him who he was because he never introduced himself to me. He then began to banter and go on and on about this is being why he doesn't take reservations and he is having to turn people away and losing money. I could not believe that he would treat paying NEW customers to his restaurant like that as well as it being my birthday. Please keep in mind that our bill was about $400 by the end of the night! I hope he sees this review about his ignorant and unprofessional attitude and learns a lesson that no one should be talked to or treated like this. I am never going back there. You lost my business and everyone I know! I will make sure people know....your food is not worth it and you left a very sour taste in my mouth!
(1)
Michael L.
really good and inexpensive Belgian Moules Frites! Excellent beer selection.
(4)
Rob C.
Truly fantastic beer list. Frites were very good, other food was solid but not spectacular. Service was, well, a bit odd. Our server seemed to have a pretty big chip on his shoulder and was much more condescending than helpful. It's not like we were asking for Coors Lite or the like - this server was probably (hopefully) just an outlier. Would I go back to Monk's? Of course, but because of the service issue Monk's is now on double-secret probation.
(3)
William H.
Boom batta! Belgium beers, amazing mussels, and great atmosphere. These guys got it down. Try: Mussels Charcuterie Scallops And drink tons of beers. They keep a great mix of imports rotating.
(5)
Anthony D.
Gave this place two trys. This time we determined that we will not return. Great beer horrible, rude service. Waited 25 min for our beer only to be told it was only at the front bar so we would have to wait there.
(1)
Robert G.
One of a kind place. The best.
(5)
Luke O.
Very good selection of of Belgian wares and some of the finest brews in the world. Staff is knowledgable and the layout is bright and clean. I've been to other places in the city that may have this one beat on service and even a bit on prices, but Monk's is bigger and more comfortable. I don't mind paying a small premium to not feel crowded.
(4)
Grace S.
Wow, there are over 400 reviews on this place. My conclusion: I never ever will come back here again. I've been here twice and each time, it was a 1-star experience so I'm going to take my 20s elsewhere. If you are a true beer enthusiast, this place is a great place to try new beers (if you can stand all the rowdy students--I don't know why this place attracts loud drunks; is that why they card no matter what? or what looks like the strangest mix of people I've ever seen in a popular downtown restaurant). Last night, I tried the Hercule stout which was decent ($8) and my bf had the Oaked Arrogant Bastard, which we both loved. The service was good considering our waitress promptly returned the watery and mushy mussels we got and came back with a piping hot, much more flavorful batch that was correctly cooked. The moules frites are the absolutely worst I've ever had (ok, not fair to compare them to ones I've had in Belgium, but even in the US, this is as bad as it gets). Could the mussels be any tinier? Could the sauce be any greasier (there was a cm-thick layer of oil on top of our broth, and even when we tried to mix it up with spoons, most of the ominous layer would not dissipate)? There is no flavor to the red light broth except a spicy kick, which isn't hard to do, you throw in some hot peppers. I cannot believe they would serve their mussels in such a flavorless broth. My bf has made moules frites at home and his sauce is a thousand times more flavorful. It also seems that they don't cook the mussels specifically for your dish. The pomme frites are good but they are doused in salt, cut up in tiny little pieces and they give you all of 10 fries. The bourbon mayonnaise is delicious but like I said to my bf, how do you mess up mayonnaise? I looked over at the other tables and there were plenty of burgers and sandwiches being served. I hope they are friggen out of this world because I don't know how people would waste their $20 on this place. There aren't fries at Audrey Claire, but try their mussels (or even moules frites at Nodding Head). Their broth is excellent--I've tried it 4 times and I've never gotten any undercooked, disgusting watery and mushy mussels, not once. I've been to a million and one moules frites places in Manhattan and other US cities and I'm not saying they are all excellent, but Monk's has been by far the worst moules frites I've ever had.
(1)
Jack W.
This place was fantastic! The mussels were delicious as was the broth we had leftover which we used to dip our bread in. I can't remember which mussels we ordered but it was just the right amount of spiciness and garlic. The only issue I had with the mussels were that I thought the size of the mussels were a little small. I also ordered the Ardennes burger and it was really good too. I think their rolls were a little hard which I was surprised because Philly usually has such great bread. The beers were absolutely fantastic and they have a great selection. Overall, it was a really good experience and I'd definitely come back here again.
(4)
Julia K.
Yes, horrible in the sense that they only like people to review if they like it. Extremely non professional comments from those who work there that further only reiterates my point that it is an overrated, "nothing special" kind of place.... I will never go back ... Better money spent at pretty much any other pub in town.:-) luckily Philly is full of them.
(2)
Sandy T.
People keep raving about their fries and spicy chicken wings, but I just don't get it. The fries are always soggy and the spicy wings are over-seasoned yet not spicy. Despite this, everything else is good especially their extensive selection of beer. If love beer, you'll love this place!
Greak place for beer and the duck sandwich is awesome. The decor could use a little updating.
(4)
Michael A.
Monk's is a Philadelphia classic. It's down to hearth, cozy, and inviting, yet feels like you are stepping into a Abby in Belgium. It has one of the best selections of fine beers in Philadelphia, especially of fine Belgian beers, and a delicious menu as well. If you enjoy beer at all, check this place out.
(5)
Jennifer K.
I love checking out the beer scene and enjoying microbrews and Monk's was a must stop on my list. My friend and I hit the back bar and we were not disappointed. The bartender was great and the beers were awesome. I didn't try the food, but it looked and smelled wonderful.
(5)
Tabitha M.
Wow. My husband and I were at Nodding Head Brewery, not really enjoying ourselves, when I started searching for nearby restaurants/bars and learned about Monk's Cafe. I'm so glad I did! Don't let the outside fool you. We were seated at the back bar and given the draft sheets for the front and back bars, plus the huge "beer bible". I can't even guess how many beers they stock. I had a dark wheat beer from Germany, my first ever sour beer, a 25ounce beer, and, well, after that I kindof lost track. :) Loved: bartender let me charge my iPhone on his charger after hearing me lament to my husband about it dying. Didn't love: somewhat limited food selection, if you're not into mussels. My husband and I spent $130 before tip on an afternoon of drinking. It was an interesting walk back to the hotel, but worth every penny!
(4)
Noah R.
For this review I will be using the standard 1-10 scale, 10 being pure excellence. Atmosphere-7, beer list-8.5, burger-8.5 (impressive burger, cooked perfectly, I ordered the monks,) Mac n cheese 8, service 6.5, fries-7, sauce that came with fries-9. It should be known I do not give 10s, as I believe 10s are a cop out. Ill definitely be returning.
(4)
Cheryl S.
My husband and I were in Philly on vacation, and this was one of the planned events because of all the great reviews we'd read. Their beer selection is excellent, although the draft list was relatively short. Had their draft list been 2-3 times lengthier with the same quality of beers, I'd probably have given 5 stars. If you love hard-to-find craft beer, this is your place! Aside from the variety of beers, I have to say their food was excellent. Of course we tried the mussels, which was a tough decision because of the wide variety of flavors. We agreed on one that sounded tasty; it tasted even better than I expected! The pot was large and more food than I expected. The mussels come with fries. Now, I don't care if you're dieting. EAT THE FRIES, and you MUST try the Bourbon mayo. Trust me, you won't regret it. The service was very good, and our bartender was extremely knowledgeable about the food and beer.
(4)
Michelle H.
i love Monk's...i used to work there and I still love it. As everyone has already said, their beer selection is fantastic. The mussels and pomme frites (and bourbon mayo dipping sauce) is awesome any time. The salads, desserts and veggie burgers are awesome as well. the only down side is the size, but hey, you can't have everything.
(5)
Ken J.
Dinner here (for 2) on a Sunday evening. A very busy place but responsive. The on-tap beer selection is great. The food was very good. We ordered the burgers (med-rare), both came more medium but still very good. The waitress was really great. She suggested beers based on tastes and nailed it. She was also very helpful on order modifications. We sat in the front and unfortunately near some very loud patrons (they were seated perpendicular so the woman talking was VERY loud). However, I cannot blame that on the restaurant. The food was good. The service was very good. It seemed to attract young professionals (20-30s). I'd highly recommend this place and would love to go back.
(5)
Beeg R.
Delicious burger. Great beer selection. Got to have a burger every time I'm here. We did order the mussels the other day and it was amazing. There were so much mussels that it was more than a meal.
(5)
Chrystelle B.
Wish I had come here more when I lived in Philly. Great mussels, fantastic burgers and a great selection of beer.
(4)
Ryan C.
Not a fan of the frog legs--tasted awfully fishy. The mussels are an awesome deal. But this place is noisy.
(3)
Jason M.
The Mon Flemish Sour Ale is awesome. So were the mounds and mounds of mussels - the large pot comfortably fed three of us. Great experience!
(4)
Esteban W.
ABSOLUTELY a winner. High end food, high end beer, awesome atmosphere and great staff... I come from a tropical land, that wouldn't know a gastropub if it was sleeping with their sister. Monk's though, was exactly what I was expecting. If not the epitome of a Gastropub, truly it at least reading the definition of what it should be. I enjoyed a duck sandwich with a couple glasses of Delirium and, my favorite, Chimay. Surrounded by amazing company, good friends and fellow professionals, I felt like I was in a euphoric world where nights lasted all day and work never existed. The GOOD: the sandwich - over stuffed with greens, walnuts, a subtle sweet/tangy sauce cranberries and finished off with perfectly pink duck medallions. The bread, for me, was fresh tasting and soft. Completely complimented the filling and, like few things, good to the last drop. The beers were abundant - and many, since I am not from the area - were a complete mystery to me. I took the advice of a fellow table mate and enjoyed a great tasting Delirium beer, it was smooth, light colored beer that just felt right in a dim and dark bar. Following that, I grabbed a beer I was familiar with and enjoyed a Chimay - which came in its proper chalice! score. The BAD: there really wasnt any bad. the only thing I could bitch about is that I wanted it to be larger (thats what she said...) but in reality, why would I want more people here and what do I expect them to do with limited space. The staff - although super busy - were attentive when they could be. I am not going to knock people down for being busy - the place was packed. OVERALL: Magical. and that is an understatement. People at my table ordered the muscles - and they looked amazing. the salmon on the other hand - looked small - I would have been disappointed if I had ordered that. the duck sandwich though - five stars alone. As an end to the perfect dinner, our large group ordered dessert... all of them. Every single bite was more perfect than the last - my favorite though, was a choco-espresso-tart thing. awesome sauce. Next stop in Philly will definitely include another hit of Monk's!
(5)
Justin O.
Most complete beer list in the city. The mussels are a popular favorite, but the burger is a good value. For beer snobs, this is a great place to go to discover and try new ones - the staff is very knowledgeable.
(4)
Bill B.
Incredibly delicious menu - I asked my sister if we could eat here daily during my visit. Sadly not, but we ordered 2 small pots of mussels (about 24 mussells each) in 2 of the 8 flavors. We also tried 4 of the roughly 250 beers available; about 20 are on tap, the rest bottled. I was impressed by the "beer bible" listing all the unusual offerings and the history and ingredients of brewing. Service was friendly and sincere, if a little scattered. Given how loud and crowded it was, I give them a free pass. I'd definitely like to come back!
(4)
Chi-Chi S.
I don't know how this place got this name but it def has nothing to do with Buddhism. The mussels are the best mussels I've ever had, even better than the ones I had in Italy and Belgium. and they come quick. huge selection of beer...perhaps the biggest belgian selection you can find outside of Belgium. yet their beer bible seems kind of over the top...its scale is scary cos people don't wanna make mistakes. hands down my fav restaurant in the city. it's on the top of my Philly whirlwind trip list.
(4)
Jose A.
Yeah it has a lot of beers, a lot. And I see how it got it's reputation, it's been around serving great beers and mussels long before that became the thing that every gastropub on every corner did. That said, I just don't like it that much. There are better areas to go hang out in. There are bars with better ambience, with more space, with cooler people. Yeah you don't have the same choice, the staff probably wouldnt be as knowledgeable as at Monks, but those things don't add much to my experience. So what if a bar has hundreds of cool beers, a regular gastropub may have five or six and that's more than enough for one night for me. So congrats Monks for being one of the firsts, and by all means if someone is visiting philly than bring them here because it has national notoriety, but I'll pass.
(2)
Meghan C.
They have a tremendous bottle selection and typically have very unique brews on tap. I have never had a dish I didn't enjoy. I have two major issues with Monk's though...they kick their kegs at the strangest times...and their service is so, so rude. The handful of times I have had a table, we have been harassed to order more food and given a very bad attitude. It's like...we're order expensive bottles of beers, eating some mussels...don't worry, your mandatory 18% on parties of 6+ will be substantial. Lose the attitude! I honestly haven't been back since February - took my husband and a few people for a birthday happy hour, and the service was so obnoxious that I still have a bad taste in my mouth. I'd rather roll down to Eulogy.
(3)
Brianna M.
Great beer selection, fantastic food, and relaxed atmosphere. The service was great! Our waiter was extremely helpful, have great recommendations and was incredible personal. I went with a big group and literally everything was delicious! Loved the Monk Burger!!
(5)
Sarah B.
Great beer selection and cool atmosphere. It's pretty small though so don't qo with a large group on a weekend.
(4)
Evelyn T.
I don't like beer and will only drink Lindeman's because it's like juice. They have it on tap!!..Dream come true! The duck salad is fancy restaurant level..and the mussels are ridiculously delicious. AND this place is open for lunch AND late night eats. Derrrrrricious.
(5)
Kirby J.
Went here for the first time when I was a few weeks past 21 and was just a *tad* overwhelmed. Now that I've got a decent knowledge of beer, I can appreciate Monk's a lot more. Tell 'em your tastes and they'll happily recommend something. Food is also excellent, with a few vegan & vegetarian options for those like myself who prefer to be a staunch pain in the ass.
(5)
B. C.
Monk's has a great beer selection (Belgian, obviously). The food varies; I've had the rack of lamb and some fries, and it was serviceable, but nothing to "write home about." Monk's gets very busy, so get there early and get your friends a table!
(4)
A E.
I came in looking for something that could replace my favorite bar in my hometown, another Belgian style pub with a name so similar I have to suspect they owe it to this place. And in the end...it didn't quite measure up. That wasn't to say that I didn't like Monks. I liked it quite a bit, and I suspect that I would continue to like it after multiple trips but it was far from perfect. It took quite a while to get anyone over to take an order once I had been seated, even though the place was half filled at best. After that, there was another long wait to get served my drink. The duck salad sandwich was pretty good, with the duck perfectly cooked for me. However, I felt as if it really could have used a bit more seasoning, because flavor began to be lost when tucked into the roll. The fries were pretty good, but I've had better, especially at the place I was hoping to replace. In the end, the food was good, but not quite as good, the beer selection decent, but smaller than others and the prices affordable but still expensive. I'd like to see a few more esoteric items as well.
(4)
Nissa P.
Food, service and drinks excellent!
(5)
Brent K.
Let me first start by saying why I did not give Monk's 5 stars..... the atmosphere. As much as I love this place, I hate rolling the dice by hoping there will be bar space each time I go there. I guess that just means that you need to pick the time you want to go there wisely or come prepared to wait for a seat. Now that this is past us, let me tell you why this place is a must-visit. Beer Advocate rated Monk's as one of the best places in the world to grab a pint. So, the selection will be sure to impress just about any beer snob. I only wish they had more beers on tap but they do a good job of rotating their selection. Bottles on the other hand are almost always available, so no complaints there. The food is not just your average pub-style food. It's got a bit more class than that.... you must try the mussels and fries. Unfortunately, I cannot really speak to anything other than that as its the only menu items I've ever eaten. Is that sad or dedicated? Finally, the staff are almost always super friendly and knowledgeable. Some places that boast impressive beer selections tend to have overly beer-snobby staff.... not the case with Monk's. If you're a beer newcomer, ask the bartender for a recommendation.... they will guide you accordingly.
(4)
Hillary S.
Monk's is always a solid choice when it comes to beer and good bar food. The beer selection is awesome and the mussels are known city wide for being the best. I tend to stick with ordering apps/sandwiches though, rather than their entrees. Entrees didn't impress me as much, This place is just a Philadelphia staple and a great place for a low key night.
(4)
Shannon L.
I really like this place, but it takes so long to get a seat! We went around 10pm and it was craazy crowded! Tried the notorious Spanish Flies, it was better than regular wings, but really, not all that spicy. I finished 3/4 of it and my friends had the rest. The mussels were really cheap, but I don't eat mussels much so I can't vouch for if they were good or not, but they tasted okay. Nothing that would make me eat mussels more often. I loved the fries. I'm not sure how they make their fries but they are really good. The best thing about Monk's Cafe though, is the beer selection. This is what bumps it to 4*. But a lot has already been said about how awesome it is. A gripe is that a lot of stuff was unavailable though :( So you get all excited because you see a beer you've been wanting to try for a while and... nooo!!
(4)
Linda T.
cool pub with good food. so many beers to choose from! sour ale was delicious-sweet and bubbly mussels were good. either in a small pot $10 or large pot $20. many different flavors like tomato, fennel, garlic or thai curry or bacon/garlic, etc... comes in a cute pot with 3 rolls and side of fries. duck salad was alright. duck cooked medium rare with cranberries, candied walnuts, and slab of goat cheese. didnt get the burger, but it looked huge and delicious. definitely seems like a good place to chill and relax
(4)
Rebecca F.
The beer selection is out of this world! They also have great wings. Always a good date night, though sometimes hard to get in because of how crowded it gets. I always send out of town friends here. I could eat the fries all day every day.
(5)
Yunica J.
Haven't tried the food yet, unfortunately, but the selection of beers is incredible. You will not be disappointed. I'm not even a huge beer fan to be quite honest, but they carry Belgian lambics infused with framboise (raspberry). Yum.
(4)
Kate W.
Kate's single girl night out! Single as in, in town on work and going to a restaurant/bar by myself because why not! Take that world, I'm so self-assured I don't need anyone, just me, beer, a book and the duck breast salad! Easy seating if you're willing to sit at the bar alone! Not too expensive when you order the salad and no appetizers because you're dieting! And I'm pretty sure the bartender gave me a beer free because they felt sorry for me! Score! But seriously, a great restaurant/bar with a great feel and great food. Would recommend for singles and groups alike.
(5)
Molly B.
Whether you are a well-developed beer aficionado or just interested in expanding your palate, Monk's has you covered. The large and extensive beer list may scare some, especially those new to the game--in that case just ask! The servers and bartenders know their stuff and are very helpful. Especially given the cost of some of these brews, this isn't where you take yourself to hot mess status on a Saturday night or drown your sorrows, but instead is the place to have a truly transcendent experience enjoying and savoring some of the best beer you will ever drink. In regards to food, I haven't tried any of their menu items, save for the fries--which are in my top five for Philly. Is there anything better though than stellar fries and beer so good you want to cry? That's enough for me.
(5)
Jackie T.
Finally got a chance to check out Monk's cafe this past weekend. Monk's gets a lot of hype so I was afraid that it wouldn't meet my expectations, but they most certainly did. Their beer menu is extensive to say the least - they have lots of beers on draft to choose from and it's just a fun place to be. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Aaliyah P.
We had heard amazing things about Monks and decided to go and see what all the fuss was about :) We went on Super Bowl Sunday ( before the big game of course) We decided to sit at the bar instead of a table. It wasn't crowded when we arrived and my boyfriend and I both ordered beers. im not into beers but decided i would since we were at one of the best places to have a beer at in the country. Obviously I couldn't order a domestic pint I had to go Belgian. Our bartender Maggie was super knowledgeable about the beers and menu. She offered us both some amazing options. I again am not the beer geek that my beau is so I asked a gazillion questions and Maggie was happy to help. Since I'm a fan of La Fin Du Monde- I tried the Tripel Karmeliet- It was amazing . We ordered the Kilo of the Ghent Mussels which were cooked perfectly and came w/ frites and some really great bread. We hung out and chatted w/ Maggie about her travels to Belgium and had a wonderful afternoon. So glad we listened to everyone and came to Monks We will return and SOON.
(5)
Mariana I.
Lots of beer, good food, and friendly service all combine to make a pretty fly spot. Best of beers with delicious mussels! =)
(5)
Jillian D.
Monk's has some of the rarest beers, and a wide selection. They also have great food! We had the mac and cheese, which was HUGE with ham and asparagus in it, costing $16. It was a shared entree between my husband and I which was more than enough. Highly recommended place but know that it can get very busy so go early!
(5)
Katrinka K.
Great beer, great mussels, great prices. If you are going on the weekend try to go early for i don't think they take reservations and you will have at least an hour and a half wait.
(4)
Jenn V.
A group of 6 of us came here recently strictly because one of us is vegan and finding someplace to accommodate this with a decent selection isn't all that easy to find. We were seating pretty quickly and ordered some beers- the selection they have is great. I can understand why it gets so much hype. Our server was so knowledgeable about each beer and made recommendations based on what we told him. He was also able to point out different things on the menu that were vegan for my friend and what he would recommend. Now for the food- I do not understand all the raving about their mussels- I have tried far better in many other local establishments (White Dog Cafe, Twenty Manning just to name a few) as I always seem to order them whenever I go out to dinner. If you are looking for a variety of types of mussels, then Monk's has far more than the usual White Broth or Red Broth variety. Were they good? Yes. Best in the city- absolutely not. The fries were good, but I wish they came with a few more. I also ordered a burger which was ok. Once again, nothing I would come back specifically for. Overall, good experience. Not sure if i will be rushing back though unless my friend is looking for some vegan options.
(3)
Kristen B.
Excellent beer selection, several delicious vegetarian options, and the fries are some of the best in the city! It's small, so get there early and claim your seat!
(4)
Jimmy M.
Obviously large beer selection. Great deal for a generous amount of mussels. Burger wasn't great, only ok and I'm not a picky foodie by any means. Very tight and cramped in the lobby/bar area (nowhere to stand) and not much more room in the back where we were seated. Recommended if you like trying new beers and don't mind tight/small places.
(3)
Kara K.
Who doesn't love Monk's? A Philly staple - awesome beer selection - great mussels and frites and fabulous burgers as well. Yum. I need to go back more often!
(5)
A P.
Everyone raves about this place so I finally decided to try it. I ordered the small tub of Thai curry mussels. The portion was large and fries came along for a mere $10. However the mussels did not impress me and the fries were soggy. The ambience is dark, and like a typical pub-nothing fancy. Everyone in our party felt our server was very rude and uncomfortably sarcastic. Consequently, I won't be returning here.
(2)
JB K.
I ate here one afternoon when I had time to kill before my flight home. The menu consists mainly of Belgian meats, cheeses, and beer--how can you go wrong? Ambiance is very casual, with street-side window seating and also a darkly-lit area in the back. This place was a borderline hole-in-the-wall, but clean, and the service is the kind I like--functional and unobtrusive, but attentive. We sampled a bunch of the appetizers, including the charcouterie plate, which had some kind of delicious loaf-like meat (rabbit terrine), assorted sausages, fruit, and delicious soft Belgian cheeses. Also tried the barbecue wings (not the HOT HOT HOT wings the menu warned us against--but they were still very hot) and fresh cut fries; also partook of the smoked trout with toast points--that and the meat plate were far the best items we chose. I drank copious amounts of Allagash White (a Belgian wheat) whilst eating and conversing in the darkened bar with a coworker. We emerged into the daylight again some four hours later, refreshed and ready for the airport.
(4)
Ami O.
Small and busy when you walk in. Be prepared to be cramped inside especially when trying to find a spot at the bar. Spacious is not the word to use. However, it is well worth elbowing past the crowd to wait for your table where you will sit down to one of the best beer menus in the city and the food stands up to that reputation as well. Mussels are the obvious go to here and won't disappoint. I've had a ton of other things here too but those are my staple. And the fries of course. It's loud, dimly lot and cramped and I love every second of it to find that seat or corner to bunker down in with good friends and chat w the very knowledgeable staff- give them your likes and they'll find something for you.
(5)
Schuyler L.
I had to meet a friend here after I'd exhausted my choices of bars in West Philly. Just kidding, we had to talk about relationships. I had the leek and blue cheese burger and a Allagash White. She had the duck something or other. We shared fries. Everything was delicious. We finished everything except the fries. I had them for lunch the next day. Warmed up they were still great. But why are they all only one inch long? As far as the burger goes, the bun was my least favorite type ever. Virtually tasteless and tough even in it's freshest form. Other than that, no real complaints. I took pictures but they didn't all turn out appealing, so I'm only posting one. Service was very good, friendly older servers are always reliable imo.
(3)
Ming T.
Mussels were outstanding! Overwhelming and divine beer selection and bartender is knowledgeable. Love this place!
(5)
C's M.
For $10 you can get a bucket of mini-mussels in a variety of broths. Very good, served with fries and crusty bread. The choices of beer are unprecedented. We had their draft beer, superb. Service was great. Atmosphere is like stepping into a century gone by.
(5)
Brad P.
I've never had a bad time here. Monk's is a near flawless bar, with a fantastic beer selection and excellent food. Every time I go to Monk's, I try a beer that I've never had before and that I think is awesome. The crowds are a bit much on the weekends, but I don't hold it against the establishment. The crowd is always friendly and if you pick someone up here, there is a higher-than-average chance that they are a good conversationalist. I have a little criticism - The pommes frites are fantastic, but they are cursed with two major weaknesses - they are too small and soft. When I dip them, they buckle, for their stiffness loses out to the surface tension of the spicy mayo dip. As a result of this, I always end up getting spicy mayo on my fingers when I dip them. I usually end up turning to using my fork to eat them halfway through the meal. I don't enjoy doing this but I have no choice because they taste great. If any Monk's employees are reading this, please make the pommes frites a little bit more resilient and longer.
(4)
Miguel R.
Wow...the beers...and the food is pretty good too. The fries were fantastic, but I was disappointed in the frog legs which were just doused in hot wing sauce. Servers are very knowledgeable about the beers and can easily recommend something. Great place, but it can get packed so get in early.
(4)
Robby S.
In Philly for the night, I joined a good friend of mine and had dinner and drinks at Monk's Cafe. Great, dark, little spot with an amazing Belgian-style beer list, my friend had the Dupont Speciale Belge while I had the Allegash White wheat beer. For food, we shared the large Brussells Mussells, which comes with a side of pomme frites. For the main dishes, my friend had the Chicken sausage sandwich, while I had the Pulled Pork. Both were excellent! The beers kept comin'. My friend switched to the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale, which he seemed to enjoy more than the Dupont. I stayed with the Allegash and was quite full after three of these. Very cool atmosphere. If you get there around dinner time, expect a little wait.
(4)
Isabelle J.
Love beer? You need to come to this place and merrily drink. Don't drink beer? Come and just try the Lost Abby's Red Poppy Ale and enjoy the great atmosphere. So I'm the latter. I didn't have bottles after bottles of beer, but I still had a great time here because this place was just... interesting. The beer bible--LOVE IT! I immediately instagramed that shiz. Matching glasses for every beer--They have you guessing what sort of goblet, thistle, or tulip glass comes with your next beer. More instagrams! The mussels were very good... for $10, get it! Next time a beer lover friend of mine visits Philly, I'll definite take them to Monks.
(4)
Walter K.
I like spicy food. Generally, when I order wings, I ask for the hottest ones without a second thought. I'm here to tell you that if you are like me, and decide to go to Monk's, you are about to make a mistake. These wings are painfully spicy. I was dining with my good friend Callen, and we had a great night. It's fantastic to get someone who regularly drinks Miller Lite to enjoy a Delirium Tremens. As usual, the mussels here were fantastic. This was also my first time sitting at the back bar, and I love the atmosphere back in that little room. The wings are a slowly growing fire in your mouth, and it sticks with you. One of the worst things is that if you have any other food or beer, you can forget about tasting it. Luckily, I saved the wings for last. By the end of the six wings I ate, I was visibly sweating and involuntarily crying. I'm not sure if that's embarrassing. These may be the hottest wings I've ever had. Bottom Line: If you're looking for a challenge with incredibly hot wings. Stop by Monk's. Order these to go. Then take them home so people don't see you cry.
I love monks sour ale! I'm not a huge beer fan, but this is delicious! We also love the scallops here they are made with a sauce simliar to the sour ale. This place gets super packed and is very popular.
(5)
Gordon M.
The food was good. The selection of bottled alcohol was awesome. The service was positive, helpful, and engaged. I just felt that what I paid for two for lunch was pricey! It's not a place you can generally take customers, put it on your expense report, and still look good to your boss.
(3)
Stephanie Y.
YUMMMM MUSSELS!!!! Monk's is always a good time and sharing buckets of mussels with friends, all with dirty hands in the same pot, makes it all the better. Of course the draft selections are always great! They're also one of 2 places I know in Philly that have lindemann's framboise on tap. The place does get pack quit, so be sure to arrive early!
(4)
Diana H.
Not a beer fan, but the selection's so broad anyone can find a liking. Mussels are fantabulous.
(4)
Kathleen M.
I've been a regular at a few of these Belgian-centric uber beer bars (if you're curious, the now-defunct Brickskeller in DC and The Porter in Atlanta are my haunts), so the overall premise is one that I enjoy but not one that I'm necessarily impressed by. That being said, I very much enjoyed my lunch at Monk's. We weren't presented with the full menu, instead just chose from what they had on draft. Luckily the Corsendonk Christmas had just arrived so I was a happy camper. For lunch I was stoked about the mussels, and I wasn't disappointed. Be warned, the large order is LARGE. Definitely enough to share with friends. And I loved that it came with two rolls, because really, the best part of mussels is sopping up the sauce. Don't deny it. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, the place was cozy, and I'd happily return for lunch. I don't know if I'd be down when it's crowded on a Saturday night, but when you can get a seat it's worth your while to at least stay for a beer or two.
(4)
Jaime K.
The beer list is fantastic and the vibe is superb. My biggest is the menu, which I think gets more credit than it deserves. Their famous burgers are clearly pre-made or frozen, and their mussels often still have beards on them. Nonetheless I will continue to come as this is an important Philadelphia institution.
(3)
A L.
I've been to Monk's several times, and in terms of food, Eulogy edges them out by a bit. My review is mainly based on the food and atmosphere. Provence mussels: I ordered the small pot which was a decent size for $10. The mussels are cooked well, but their size tend to be on the small side. The flavor of the broth is pretty good - fume, celery, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, leeks, garlic, parsley & cream. However, I would love if there was more broth for the mussels to bask in and for the bread to soak up. Pomme frites: The fries came with the mussels as this is a customary pairing. I prefer Eulogy's thicker fries more than that skinny fries at Monk's, but their bourbon aioli/mayonnaise sauce is delicious! I usually use up my sauce before I finish my fries! I'm not a beer expert but I think Monk's has a pretty wide selection (pages and pages) of beers to choose from, so you would be hard-pressed to find something you didn't enjoy. Many of their beers are Belgian (of course). Monk's is pretty dingy-looking and loud, but this isn't a place that you go to for the atmosphere. You come here for the beer and mussels.
(3)
Nope M.
YUM. Love the mussels. Great service; I can actually credit their servers for helping me develop a taste for beer. Fun atmosphere. I always recommend it to people coming to the city.
(4)
Gerard Z.
Frog legs were delicious. Leek tart was different and enjoyable. The veal cheeks were under seasoned; could have used a little salt. Fries were fine, but nothing spectacular. Overall, its crowded, loud, and pretty typical of Philly beer bars.
(2)
KJ S.
Be prepared to wait a while for a table, but it is worth it- decent food & a great beer selection. My suggestion? Get a couple at the front bar & then ask for a table near the back bar to experience it well-- and buffalo frogs legs can't be beat :)
(3)
Ed W.
mussels and good beer enough said
(4)
Jason M.
So its safe to say that the Mussels are Amazing Pommes Frites are Amazing and the Beer is Amazing I took my girlfriend down to monks cafe this past weekend after hearing about the beer and food selection. This is a small place but def filled up quick. To my surprise we only waited 10 mins for a table which gave me plenty of time to check the beer bible on there selection they have. Tried a couple different beers but i must say the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale was my favorite. As stated in the beginning the Muscles and Frites are good so i will skip that and go to my main course which was Chicken & Apple Sausage. Not a big fan of sausage so ordering this was a step out of the norm for me but it was worth it. All and all everything that people says is great about this place is true and i know i will defiantly be stopping by again in the near future!
(5)
Chris W.
Monks Cafe is great! I went on a Friday night and it was a full house. My friend and I sat at the bar and ordered drinks and food. They serve food until 1 am and have an extraordinary beer selection. I was impressed with their menu, drinks, and service. My friend tried two of their cider and I tried a couple beers on their featured taps. I must say the hard ciders were the best we've every had. The English one was amazing and highly recommended. Their menu was simple and classy. There prices vs portion and quality were top notch. We ordered the scallops and apple and garlic mussel. With our food fries and an amazing dipping sauce. The mussels and scallops were so fresh they tasted like the ocean. Next time I will try a different variation of their mussel(they have around 8). All in all the food was great, the atmosphere was rustic and fun, and the service was exceptional. Monks Cafe is a great Philly spot whenever you cant decide on where to go out. My experience here will have me coming back for both the food and beer selection.
(4)
Christopher S.
I like it but is tight. Great beer selection but no where to sit. Unique bar look. For sure a place a beer drinker has to check out. More of a guys bar.
(4)
Jason G.
I have read about Monk's in Beer magazines for some time now. When my annual conference was scheduled for Philly, I was excited to finally be able to try this place out. As we bellied up to the bar I was absolutely shocked by two things: the prices and the number of beers on tap. Only five beers??? I was expecting dozens, hundreds, unfathomable quantities of European elixirs! Not five measly brews. Nothing wrong with the beers they had. They were five really top-rated beers. A couple I'd never tasted before. That was great, but I was just expecting more. Bartender was zombie-like and was definitely not trying to be helpful or nice. Tips must not be of any interest to her. Maybe she just comes in for the beer. Better places to drink in Philly. The bar in the back of the Reading Terminal Market was much more lively, had better food, and the beers were half of the price.
It's hard to get a table here because it's the best pub in Philadelphia. Mussels, burgers, beers, and fries, oh my - all delicious. The waitresses with their Philly 'tudes are professional and attentive.
(5)
Jordan R.
Mussels N Frites. You can select the liquid goodness that the mussels come in. Use the bread to soak it up. The atmosphere is awesome - a little dark with old pews used for seats. Also - fantastic beer selection. 'Nuff Said.
(4)
Connor L.
I've never been able to get a table, and it's PACKED every time I try to visit Monks, so we always end up holding extremely expensive beers while standing in a small space just waiting to leave. I imagine if you'd come during off-peak hours, and expensive Belgian beers were your thing, then you'd love it! But if you were just looking for a quick drink after work or before heading to another bar, then avoid!
(2)
Michelle C.
Monk's mussels with pomme frites and a La Fin du Monde (or 4). Best. Meal. Ever. Minus one star because I strayed from my staples last time and ordered a sausage sammie that was more roll than sausage. Also, the service has been pretty shameful in my experience.
(4)
Ann L.
While waiting for a table, a very obnoxious drunk bastard was shamelessly hitting on me and my two friends. Once it was our turn to be seated, I heard him request the hostess to be seated near us. She said back to him, "I don't think they want to sit near you." Now that's service. Even better service- they put him in a different room than us. Great food, great drinks, great server. Minus a star just because they told us we would be seated next and then they sat someone else... and that just makes me bitter.
(4)
Ben W.
One of my favorite bars in Philly! The beer selection is phenomenal, as is the knowledge of the bar staff. For a beer fan, this is the place to go! If you're not a beerofile, or others in your group are not, you may find the bar charming, but "meh". My wife and I have visited numerous times, the food was consistently good, beers from the tap taste fresh, and their beer list never gets old!
(5)
Sarah T.
best duck salad but last time i had it was back in the early 2000's lol
(5)
Gabriella G.
DELICIOUS! I loved their variety of beers and laid back atmosphere. We had the Brussels Mussels (haha), but without the fennel (gross) & the Pommes Frites & I would definitely recommend both to share among 2 people. The bread (almost like a fresh out of the oven 7-grain wheat roll) they give with the Mussels is a huge plus too. The portions are pretty big so I would recommend sharing.
(5)
Michael S.
Great Mussels and a huge variety of beer. You cannot go wrong with a night out at monks.
(3)
Archie G.
This pub has character that goes well with its great selection of beer. It was nice to uncork and share a bottle of Belgian beer called Chimay with my uncle. And yes, the bottle comes with a cork. It made the trashy experience of drinking beer seem a little more classy. Ran into a variety of people here. Notably, a lady with the cutest two little girls who were out at dinner and about to go see a musical. I also talked to a particularly unattractive; yet, extremely confident girl that went to Penn State for law school. She asked where I was from and I said San Jose and I was here to visit my uncle and drink some beer. She then said, "Well, you came in the right place." I responded, "I always come in the right place." She laughed and spit out some beer in the process. Good times.
(4)
Emily M.
Monk's is a Philly classic, and if you haven't been, I highly recommend it! The mussels and fries are out of this world; the burgers are terrific too (plus, they have a variety of toppings to choose from!). I've been to Monk's for lunch, dinner and a late night snack, and due to its dark atmosphere, I definitely prefer it at night. Additionally, the tables in the front of the restaurant by the window are the best -- if you don't mind waiting, it's definitely worth it! Monk's has a terrific selection of Belgian beers; I love their own sour brew, too!
(4)
Matthew I.
One of the best beer selections in the city coupled with great food makes for a bar I'd put in my top three. Just make sure you get to Monk's early enough. The bar gets really crowded during the night.
(4)
Matthew R.
The food and beer are amazing, but the small space doesn't allow you much comfort- even if you are lucky enough to get a table! Don't expect that to change because it is part of the charm.
(4)
Conner F.
Great beer and muscles.
(4)
D K.
Food was delicious. Leak tart was heavenly. Great vegan food also. Beer selection phenomenal although obviously leaning towards belgians, they had plenty of high quality and hard to get other styles.
(5)
B P.
Gotta love the beer selection here. But the atmosphere is total crap. The bar is short and the tables are for food only--not to mention that the whole place really just looks uncomfortable. You can get Monk's Sour at other spots in the city, so why spend time here? For an Allagash White on draft? I came in at about 1:30 one night and the bartender was asleep or near asleep--and took about 15 minutes to serve me with only one other person in the bar. Eh.
(2)
Anthony F.
The best selection of beers that I have seen in Philly. Knowledgable, friendly wait staff. Come for the drinks, not for the food - food is mediocre at best, and you definitely pay a "Rittenhouse Square" premium for what is essentially ritzed up bar food. Also, the place is kind of small and confined and can definitely feel cramped when it is busy - which it almost always is on the weekends.
(4)
Marcus S.
Ill get the obligatory mussels portion out of the way first...try the mussels, they are fantastic! My wife and I shared a small pot of the provencal style and it was worth every penny. Combined with the fries w/bourdon sauce, the mussels were perfect. Absolutely fantastic beer selection. This was the last stop on our northeast beer/baseball tour and we were not disappointed! I enjoyed the dark secluded ambiance to the bar. I will sum up my review by stating this: I will make a trip up to Philadelphia solely because of this place. Great food, great beer, great bar.
(5)
Kristin W.
We were thrilled to be seated at 7:30pm on a Monday without any wait - evidently, this is unheard of on the weekends, so consider trying Monk's on a weeknight. Based on Yelp reviews, I was interested in trying the Duck Salad Sandwich, but was happy to find a twist on this option: the Monk's Duck Salad. I was very pleased with the portion of the duck and the freshness of the greens - definitely still a good option in the non-wrap form.
(5)
Rebecca C.
Found Monk's Cafe after a waterlogged drive from NJ. A proverbial safe haven from the storm. Wood paneling and tasteful brewery artwork uplift Monk's Trappist inspiration. Their "Beer Bible" is expansive and thorough, and it saved this review from being only three stars. I ordered A Small Pot of Red Light mussels, which boasted white ale, fume, toasted chile de arbol, chervil and garlic. Unfortunately, the garlic headlined while the remaining ingredients played backup -- including the mussels. Served with pomme frites featuring homemade bourbon mayo (the first was a little too salty, but the second was delicious). My friend got the Mac and cheese -- great meal, the cheeses complimenting each other well. If I'm in town, I'll be back.
(4)
Lisa R.
Killer beer selection...check! Full bar...check! Reasonably priced food...check! Great scene with zero pretentiousness...check! Monk's Cafe is exactly what my BF and I were seeking out when we got into Philly. A cool place with a great menu. The bar/restaurant is pretty busy but the staff is friendly and made our wait pretty easy. We had such a great time that we went to it again for a second visit during our 3-day weekend here! Minus 1 star for the crappy fries. They're fries kept making us think we got the tiny bits from the bottom of the fryer, but when I looked over at the next table, I realized their fries basket looked just like ours. Besides the fries thing, the rest of the food we had here was great.
(4)
Jae C.
How could you not like this place? They must have hundreds of beers to select from, and the waiters are quite friendly and helpful in narrowing choices based on your personal taste preferences. Mussels are plentiful and cooked in beer broths. They provide some bread to soak up the broth after you finish your mussels. Fries are perfectly crisp and pair nicely with the mussels. Only complaint is that I found a few than fresh mussels in my batch.
(4)
Ken E.
Mussels + Frittes + Incredible Beer selection = thumbs up. This place isn't famous for no reason. Dark, hole in the wall tavern not far from Rittenhouse. The Frittes alone are worth the trip. Can get very, very packed especially on the weekends. Plan ahead.
(4)
Tiffany T.
Came here on a Saturday morning for some moules & frites. Don't bother ordering anything else, their mussels and fries are fantastic. We ordered a small pot of thai curry and brussels style mussels ($10 each) and it was very filling. It seemed to be about 2 dozen mussels per small pot. The mussels were cooked perfectly, plup and juicy. Both sauces were so delicious I wish I could slurp it up. The mussels came with a side of fries (ask for the delicious aioli sauce too!) and a breadroll speckled with seeds for you to dip in the sauce. It was just the perfect combo for a rainy Saturday morning. I also tried the Spanish Flies chicken wings, also served with fries. Don't order this unless you can handle the heat. I have a very high tolerance for spicy foods and the wings stung a bit. Not the lingering OMG heat, but a punch here and there. I didn't like these wings too much because it lacked flavor. It was a bit bland to me, hard to describe...it was just spicy, not sweet or salty or anything else.
(4)
Jeannie K.
4.5 stars - As good as it gets is right for the beers and the food - just lacks on lighting and decor but that's never stopped me from drinking up and eating lots. I miss the Rodenbach Gran Cru, my favorite Flemish Sour by far. Great burgers, great mussels, everyone says the same thing... I just miss it a lot :(
(5)
H K.
We went to Monk's on a Friday afternoon and there was plenty of space. Quite dark restaurant that plays really fantastic music and serves up tasty homemade food and has a varied beer selection...loved all the veggie choices, too. The frites with bourbon mayo, so yummy! As an out of towner whose favorite beer is Monk's Sour Ale, I was thrilled to find out that this place exsists! I was not disappointed.
(4)
Cris L.
These people have a pretty extensive collection of beers, mostly Belgian, and with the proper glasses. They are a bit expensive, though. But considering you don't come across most of these too often on this side of the Atlantic, I'll let that slide. What I don't let slide is the waiter being obnoxious about us not allowed to sit on the tables. They are reserved for food. Even though we came in at 11:30pm. And all but one table was empty. And the bar was completely full. With people eating.
(4)
Sean W.
I've never gone wrong here. Whether just to hang out with friends, or on a date, it's always trustworthy and straight forward. The beer list is tremendous, and the food definitely shows it off, but I'm a fan of their wine list too. I always look for the Simmard to go with the pate and fries. You're not going to deal with the crazy wine prices you see most everywhere else in the city, so it's refreshing. I love it when it's packed. The energy and the crowd are great, and you don't see too much of the "pissy pants" syndrome here. People are content with hanging, meeting each other, and just enjoying themselves. It's a great place I always recommend.
(4)
kathy c.
Great burgers and great beer. I don't even like beer.
(3)
Kathleen T.
whenever my friend todd would come in from pittsburgh, we'd all get together and spend the better portion of an afternoon here. always great for conversation, fine mussels and the lucifer, monk's never let us down. sadly, i haven't seen todd in over 4 years, nor have i been to monk's in the same amount of time. what a drag....
(3)
David R.
Glad to see these boys have it right... Monks is excellent. Fries need a fork for proper consumption, burgers are good, duck salad is the bomb... Can't be beat the beer selection, bottles, drafts, the bible. Buy a copy for $5 and learn something about the bubbly nectar... I suggest the Stanley Express... 'never an empty hand, never the same thing twice'... stick it out for 3 to 5 hours, pour yourself out of there, and call a cab. Ok there's no Express, at least on their menu. It was a once in a lifetime afternoon/evening of food and beer like you've never seen before... If you like beer, this place is worth a pilgrimage...
(5)
Evan K.
Maybe the one time I went to Monks was a fluke, but I really don't see what the big deal is about this place. I went here one night with two friends and we ordered a round of beers (none of which were all that obscure). The bartender was a straight up prick, who took 15 minutes to pull his thumb out of his ass before he decided to open two bottles and one can and saved up enough energy to hand them to us. Bastard bartender aside, we were floored to find our 3 beers cost 25 effing dollars. That is straight up ridiculous. So, if you have too much money in your pocket and want to impress your friends with how much "knowledge" of imported beers you have, then be my guest. But you might want to consider just walking down to Foodery and getting twice as many of the same beers for half the cost and just go to a byob where you don't have to put up with shit service.
(2)
Lauren M.
My husband and I dined at Monk's with our toddler. I was a little leery of the place based on some of the reviews, but it couldn't have been a nicer experience. We were just visiting Philly, but had to try this place. Though Monk's is definitely not "kid-friendly," our particular kid is used to being in grown-up places and enjoyed the chicken fingers from the appetizer list. The waitstaff could not have been more accommodating and helpful. I'm not a mussels person, but my husband thought well of them. I had an amazing duck sandwich. Highly recommend.
(5)
Elisabeth W.
I was really excited to try monks since I saw they have several vegetarian options. Sadly, my meal was a HUGE disappointment. Maybe I should have just stuck with the veggie burger but I wanted to try something different and went with the veggie meatballs... what a mess! I have been on a polenta kick so i was excited to try it but it was just a mushy tasteless mess. The meatballs were probably the worse I've ever had. I will usually eat my meal even if it isn't that great but this was horrible. They do have good fries and tasty beers but if you are a vegetarian be careful what you get.
(2)
Zoe P.
Mussels are as good as they say. Burger had gone downhill last time I visited . . .
(4)
Judy E.
Wonderful place! The beers are the best EVER, and the food is delicious! The variety of sauces for mussels is great, and the fries, and especially the sauce for dipping them in, should not be missed. Yes, it's loud and crowded, but good boisterous fun.
(5)
Deb E.
Excellent beer selection, very good food. The staff totally know what they're talking about and can make good suggestions if you're not sure what to get. Only complaint would be sometimes it gets a little crowded, but you could also say it's homey.
(4)
ray p.
If there were once place in this city i could spend every penny i had on drinks this would be it. Although it fills up almost every night you can not go wrong in this place, if you are new to the amazing world of beer-snobbery the bartender or your server will be happy to suggest something for you and even give you some background information on the beer. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is great, and god damn is the beer menu perfect. An easy place to blow 100 bucks on beer and the best hangover of your life. I don't care how far you live from this place, you have to make a pilgrimage to get here and get some drinks in. 10/10 hands down the best place to drink if your credit limit will allow it.
(5)
Juicebomb X.
Monk's is an easy choice when looking for a cozy (though not quiet) place to grab a burger and some tasty beers. They have an excellent selection of domestic and international beers and a consistently delicious menu. This is definitely one of those places where you order the same thing every time you come in, because when you find a good thing, you hold on to it. Monk's is owned by Philly's best-known barman, Fergie, who also holds sway at the Standard Tap and Fergie's. He knows his beer and isn't afraid to skip mass-market swill, so don't bother ordering a Bud Light. Try a Stella Artois instead...you get the picture. The food at Monk's is pub grub with a belgian twist: steamed mussels in a broth, pommes frittes, and beef/chicken/tuna/veggie burgers offered in a number of styles. For instance, my favorite smothers boursin cheese and alfalfa sprouts on top of whatever burger variation you choose, on a chewy Le Bus bakery roll. It's dark, it's no longer smoky, and it's very convenient in CC.
(4)
Greg B.
I went to this Belgian Beer joint on a string of Belgian Beer hoppings with my friend who I hadn't seen for over a month. It was a pretty good experience. The waitress definitely had an attitude. The cramped space kind of unnerved me at first, too. But when the bartend said "don't worry about the bill for now, take a load off, sit back and relax," I was soothed. The beer menu's pretty damn extensive, and the beer on tap is great. Be ready to pay top dollar for the beer, though, as it's some of the best you can get. I would have preferred a nice New England microbrew but I doubt they carried anything other than Allagash from Maine (which is fine). Had the fries that everyone seems to love, and they were pretty damn good. Small portion, but the sauce made them what they are--bourbon mayonnaise I believe! It's an intimate place but be ready to get crammed into a corner since even on the Tuesday we went it was just plain packed.
(4)
Jessica W.
Monk's is fabulous. I've never had a bad meal at this place, and I've never had a bad beer. I especially love that they bring you a dessert tray instead of a menu, because it feels extra classy.
(4)
Jaime V.
Monks Cafe is sooooo good. The food is excellent. However there is always a wait and the bar is very small. I recommend eating there during the week for faster service.
(4)
eli p.
best mussels, frites and mayo, burgers, and beer!!!! love it! nice how it's not smoky anymore.
(5)
Jen R.
you love beer and better-than-average pub food. eat at monk's! a few things: 1. it's really crowded on the weekends (but you already knew that) 2. the frites are great (you knew that too) 3. they have a great selection of lambic beer, and not just the sweet stuff. they'll pour you the sourest of the sour all night long. frites + lambic = 4 stars
(4)
matthew l.
What can you say about Monk's that hasn't been said. Great beers served at the correct temperature and in the right glass, cozy, read crowded, room and interminable waits. Servers friendlier than the hostesses. terrific burger. I've loved Monk's since they opened but have had consistency problems at times, with the fries and the mussels, yes the mussels. Not a big deal, but for me its like Yogi Berra said about PJ Clarks at the height of its popularity, "nobody goes there anymore, its too crowded" Good problem for the owners to have.
(3)
Vivek C.
The best beers in the town....amazing selection - name a beer from Europe and chances are they have it...personal favorite is Franziskaner Hefe Weisse in sync with the famed pouring ability of some of the servers...
(5)
Chris L.
Great place to hang out for a nice lunch break. Must get the mussels and fries cuz they are AWESOME. I've never tried the beer since I'm not a beer drinker, but based on other reviews I see, it looks pretty good too. Prices are pretty reasonable too.
(5)
Katrina F.
Monks is a cool hang out spot to go to and chill with a friend or three. Their Pommes Frites are amazing! The beer selection is awesome. The atmosphere is: Pub. The crowd is just all over the place (a different mixture of people) which I like. Don't go expecting to get a table right away but if you just want to sit at the bar and chill with an appetizer or two and a beer or four, Monk's Cafe is the spot.
(4)
Phoebe S.
The wait can be hellish, but once you're seated (after up to 2 hours) seems worth it. We always get the mussels (Bruges, Monks, Flemish, Provence), the amazing duck salad with walnuts and chevre, and the steak frites salad. The fries and garlicy mayo are super (not crazy about the cold mixed rolls - would prefer regular, maybe warm, french rolls for my mussel-broth-dipping).
(5)
Mike W.
Awesome beer selection. Somewhat friendly staff. Only stopped in for a couple beers to get the Belgian bar experience outside of the Detroit area. Overall decent time.
(4)
Zoran M.
Great beer selection - only ales. Great bar food - sausages and salads. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Only downside is that most beer is expensive, but the selection is phenomenal.
(5)
Dave E.
Went for the first time a couple of days ago for a late lunch on a visit to Philly, and was completely blown away. Started the meal with the DeKonnick's mussels and fries, and everything about them was excellent. The fries were great, and had a great sauce (a spiced mayo, we thought) coming with them. Had the Boudin Blanc Sausage Sandwich, and everything about it was fantastic. It was complimented by the Monk's Flemish Sour Ale (I think that was the name), and it was euphoria of the mouth. The people with me had the Chicken and Apple sausage sandwich and the steak sandwich, and plates were cleaned quickly. A great beer list, a great and ecclectic variety of music, and great service made this alone worth the trip to Philly. The guy who brought us absolutely glowed about this restaurant, and I thought he had to be exaggerating. Now I don't know if he really did it justice.
(5)
Lena B.
if monk's cafe's $10 mussels and gazillion belgian beers don't make you happy, you are a sad, sad person.
(5)
erika d.
nice, dark, laid-back spot to unwind. loved the duck salad and the fries w/sauce. friendly service. will return.....
(4)
Ryan W.
Well, it has been about a year and a half since I last went to Monks. I was with two other people who wanted to go here, so I obliged. We waited over 45 minutes for a table of three, while masses of other groups, who arrived after us, were seated immediately. Apparently, they will refuse to let a group of three sit at a table for four. They will rather let the table stay empty for the entire night. At one point, the whole front of the restaurant was completely empty, and they still made us wait. When we confronted the hostess, she basically told us to stop complaining and if we didn't like the policy, we should just leave. We did just that. Unquestionably the worst customer service I can remember at any restaurant I have ever gone to. I will never go back to Monks and I make sure I tell everyone I know just how bad the service is.
(1)
Drew B.
Duck salad sandwich was amazing. Duck, goat cheese, walnuts, cranberries and lettuce - five distinct flavors all meshing into one lovely Hallelujah. The fries and special mayo sauce was very good and worth ordering again. Tons of belgian and other beer, with about 20 on tap. Next time: burgers - they looked delicious.
Really reasonable and consistently good quality food and portions. Love, love their salad nicoise. The french fries are pretty finger licking good too. If you get here after 11:30am for lunch or after 6pm for dinner you're most likely to have a bit of a wait for a table.
(4)
Tony R.
This place definitely has the best beer choices anywhere in Philadelphia. The service is decent even when it's packed and your forced to stand. I would recommend for any beer lover.
(4)
Sally f.
wow, what a beer selection. funny thing - i went to boston this weekend and met two ppl (separately) who had visited philly and they both mentioned going to monks and being impressed. so thanks monks for representin.
(4)
Russ C.
What could be said that hasnt already been said about Monk's? I'll make it short and sweet. If you like beer, you'll like Monk's, they have more beer on tap than needed...which is great for a beer consumer.
(4)
Anna Y.
Huge beer selection, juicy burgers and awesome fries. I don't know what else you need to know to try this place. Oh, try to go during the week because weekends are crazy.
(5)
J G.
I can't seem to finish a Philly trip ever without going to Monk's. I you don't mind waiting in a crowded bar (for 20-40 minutes typically, no reservations taken) to get a table, you will love this place, just like I do. The beers are to die for. Try the Ghent mussels or the Provence mussels.
(5)
Cindy C.
beer list is still extensive but their mussels now too dead (long before cooking) to kiss my disappointed ass...this place def needs a major overhaul/makeover to restore it to former/original goodness
(2)
Jeff R.
I want to go on record having said this is by far the best belgian beer bar in the country. There selection is tops. The owner gets kegs and bottles of beers you won't find anywhere else. Always ask what's new or what's limited. The frites are awesome, the mussels are hot, and you can wash it down with some of the best made beer in the world. On top of that, the atmosphere is nice and cozy. The place gets REALLY crowded in the evenings so be warned. I like to go on weekend afternoon when I am back home in Philly so I can sit back and relax and just chill.
(5)
Bill U.
Monk's probably does not need any more accolades so I will keep this short. It is clearly on of the best beer bars in America. The selection of premium Belgian Ales on tap will delight any hopmeister. The food such as a cheese, or charcuterie plate pairs well with the featured drought selection. The place though is unbelievably small and I have been disappointed on occasion to not be able to get through the door! If you are only in Philly for a visit, try this place for lunch if you want a table; otherwise expect to stand face-to-face with many a happy beer drinker at night. n.b. The "Spanish Flies" will knock you off your ass, and continue to punish well into the next morning... they are the hottest chicken (don't call 'em buffalo) wings you will ever find.
(5)
Rueben C.
Look, I went to Eulogy before I went to Monk's (And I hate yelped eulogy -read my review). In fact, when I first moved to Phila from San Francisco I had no idea that Belgian bars had a presence in this city. But honestly my assessment is this: if you want a Belgian bar go to Monk's. The mussels are delish (better), the burgers are delish and the beer is served correct. Yea sure the waits are long but YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. The best restaurants are usually crowded, and it's for good reason (this doesnt mean a crowded restaurant is a great restaurant ie Lolita's - crowded and I don't have to go back there anytime soon.). The food at monk's seems to be prepared and the food at eulogy is cooked. To me serving food should be a preparation for a gastronomic experience. As such I will always come back to Monk's and skip Euology.
(4)
Julianne H.
Mussels, fries, delicious beer. It doesnt get any better. If you havent been, you MUST go.
(5)
Eug S.
Monk's is good. Great beer selection both on draft and bottled. Food is excellent and the house is always crowded but it's worth the wait once you get a spot at the bar or a table.
(4)
joe m.
they have the best staff. they do a great job of guiding you to the right beer and food combos. the fries are the perfect compliment to the mussels. if you haven't been, you need to go. now.
(5)
Stewart Z.
The Monk's burger with fries complements my beer exploration perfectly. Worth the wait.
(5)
David L.
Everything about this place is outstanding from wide selection of german brews to the delectable menu. Nothing beats a hang over like some Spaten and a cheese and fruit platter.
(4)
Justin B.
great chill atmosphere, locals...GREAT belgian beer selection - had the mussels - awesome, with crusty bread. yum.
(4)
Catherine F.
monk's is definitely one of my most favorite places in philly....super delicious beer, great food (especially the mussels) and charming atmosphere, all enjoyed by a diverse crowd. the one downfall is that it gets really crowded, even relatively early. so don't go with more than 1 other person, and be willing to sit at the bar.
(4)
Keith R.
99 bottles of beer on the wall... Ok, it's a lot more than 99 they have beers from all over and beers you've never heard of. I had Young's Double Chocolate Stout tonight and it was amazing. The food here is top notch, nearly everyone loves their burgers, their frites are crispy and you'll be licking the plate. Tonight some friends and I shared two plates of their enormous chicken wings. If you like it hot, you'll love these though they fill you up big time. Monk's is an all around fun place that you can keep coming back to without ever trying the same thing.
(4)
T C.
My husband and I love this place! It's a great place to take people from out of town. The fries are unreal. I love the chicken boursin sandwich. My husband loves the beer bible. It always has a great crowd. The only drawback may be the dining room in the back...very close seating and not the most enticing atmosphere...but you'll be happy you squeezed in once that Pilsner Urquell and steaming mussels arrives!!
(5)
mike l.
yet another time I'd prefer to slap another half-star up there. if you like rude waitstaff slinging pricey fare in a claustrophobic space, then Monks is awesome!!! Go for the experience of needing 45 minutes to decide on a beer.
(3)
shilpa p.
its a little crowded, but that's because it's a pretty cool place. great mussels in beer. i don't drink beer, but it's definitely a beer drinkers haven.
(4)
Won S.
Monks is a great place to go out for the night, but I can't eat there. The fries are inconsistent. some are crispy, some are soggy. The Mussels, are also inconsistent. Some of the sauces are good, like the thai red, but the butter and garlic is blah. I think the butter and garlic moules are at least the basic standard and you can't mess that up. The other Pet Peeve is the doneness of the mussels. If you order the large bucket, the top tends to be good while what's left halfway to the bottom, a good portion of the mussels, are raw or undercooked. I like raw shellfish, but not when they are slightly warm. Their bread is good. Their beer selection is good. But I can get the same beer selection and better mussles at Eulogy. Eulogy may not be as trendy, but the food is better, the bar tenders and servers are more relaxed and friendly (unless you ask for a coors light) and you have the rest of Olde City after you are done. Monks would be great, if the food is better, but my wife and I are Foodies and the quality of the food is important to us.
(2)
Kap N.
this is by far the best place if you are a fan of beer. they have by far the best selection of beer in philadelphia. second best would be tria.
(5)
Robert B.
This place is wonderful. It has a darkened tavern vibe with low lights and dark woods throughout the establishment. They have a superior beer selection on tap and available by bottle. You can choose between, domestics, imports, craft beers and rare beers. I went on a Monday night before a concert, so we had no wait to get in. We were afforded to have several bottles come out to the table just to look at them. Just to glimpse at a marvelous brew we would not purchase. Which led to a special bottle at discount being given to the table. Some brewers event in the front bar was going on, and they snatched a tasting for us at $3. That was special, although I had my fill of beer at that point. The food is above average. A wonderful selection of gastro delights to please a wide variety of people. The frites and dipping sauce is marvelous. I had a Chicken and Apple sausage for dinner. It had a sweet raspberry sauce that had been barbecued onto it. It was scrumptious and a perfect price. You can order high priced items or reasonably priced ones. Something to fit everyone on the menu. The bathrooms, tough to get into even on a Monday night. For some reason they are frequently used. The waitress we had, should be a little more knowledgable about the beer selection. She had to go get someone else when we asked what they had available. And she should be able to rattle off several beers of a particular style if you say this is what I like in a beer. She could only go as far as the stuff on tap. The beer list is extensive, so I can understand the challenge. There were some brews I would have ordered differently if given a little help initially.
(4)
Lisa L.
This place was good, not great - although I did love the hole in the wall feel of it, and the frites were excellent conversation we overheard when we came in for lunch, which made me like Monk's that much more drunk old man "I just realized that this place was probably in the dark last night [when the Phillies won the world series] because I don't think you have a television in here" bad ass bartender "no sir, we do not have a television" drunk old man "a bar with no television, I don't believe that" bad ass bartender "the world has seen worse"
(3)
Caitlin B.
Terrible hosts. They gave our table to people who came after us, and two hours later we were still waiting. They kept changing their story, about which tables we would be seated at, and how long the time would be. I left, but my party eventually got seated almost 3 hours after putting their names on the list.
(1)
Tom C.
Super sweet bar keep Lack luster decor but with low light perfection Heading back to our cars we passed Monk's and based on the shear volume of comments and praise (and the desire for just one more) we rolled in. I'll be honest and say I expected a bit more...maybe a more ornate bar...just felt it a bit plain. But who cares, they have beer and a LOT of it! You know the term paralysis by analysis...that was totally us. Choices were made, beers were bought, laughs were had. I would not hesitate to go back, but don't know that I would say to myself, "Self, let's go to Monk's"
(3)
Beth M.
This place is well established enough that it accommodates rather than welcomes newcomers, but I did enjoy a gueuze that I would otherwise not have known of from their extensive and upscale beer list.
(4)
Alex V.
A must visit when you're in the Philadelphia area. Monk's has inexpensive good food, and a wide selection of Belgian beers. Be sure to try the Pomme Frites and Mussels, as you enjoy a fine Belgian Ale. Monk's also has a good selection of craft brews from the US, and around the world. The place is always packed, and the seating is cramped. The staff are professional, and they know their beer, but they can be inattentive at times.
(4)
Arshbir G.
I agree with other reviewers that Monk's Cafe is a must visit if you are in the Philadelphia area. It's a small dive-ish bar with a few tables. They don't take reservations, so depending on the time you go the wait can be anywhere from 15-35 minutes, sometimes more. My boyfriend ordered the Chimay, the beer made by monks. For dinner, I got the veg. burger. THE BURGER HAD GOAT CHEESE! It made the burger sooo much better. I absolutely loved it! This is a good place for a causal date and for groups!
(5)
Ed M.
So I was in Philly for work in February and my friend who recently moved there demanded we go here for dinner on a Monday night. The place was crowded, but not too crowded to get a table...still an impressive crowd on a Monday. The beer selection was fantastic, Belgian beers I have not heard of, delicious Belgian beers I did know about. A couple beers later and our amazing mussels came out. Between the three of us, we ordered 2 pots of mussels to start, and they were great. Ordered a cheeseburger for my meal and it was quite delicious. Next time I am in Philly, I am absolutely making sure I come back here.
(5)
Chan K.
This place was really crowded, and it took forever to get a table for 6. It was a good place, but I'm not sure what all the fuss is about... I went with the pulled pork sandwich. It was really good, but not good as what you can get in the south. But probably close to the best for the northeast. The fries were too salty. I tried some of the mussels. It was great. Great selection of beer. A little pricey though. I'm more of a Bud Ice or PBR type of person. I would definitely go back, but not during dinner time.
(4)
Bethany R.
there's not much i can say about Monk's that hasn't already been said by the 600 people who reviewed it before me. i came here for the first time almost ten years ago, a fresh faced 21 year old who hated beer. thankfully, i wised up, grew some tastebuds, and moved only five blocks away. needless to say, i'm here often. the beer list, draft and bottled, really is unparalleled, and might possibly be the best in all of Philadelphia. the staff really knows their stuff. the food is very good, though not as good as the beer. standouts include the mac and cheese with asparagus and the steak frites, which are wonderful. the fact that they serve food until 1 am every day is amazing, and something every gastropub should consider doing. come here on a week night for a mellow atmosphere full of regulars. on the weekends it's loud and you can barely move. i've also had very pleasant experiences coming here on a weekend afternoon just before dinner.
(4)
Joyce L.
This place has great beer and delicious mussels. The beer menu is excellent and has good variety--high praises for some unique stuff like the Dogfish Head Black & Red. Would definitely come back and bring friends/visitors!
(5)
Lawrence W.
The restaurant doesn't look very appealing from the outside, but I feel that is part of it's own appeal. The beer list (the beer bible) is tremendous and I've also heard that they offer tours of their beer cellar. I always get the mussels. They are about 6 varieties of the mussels and they all come with fries and this AMAZING dip. (don't really know what's in it) I've also had the Spanish Flies, which are these crazy spicy and crazy huge wings. Warning - these wings can burn your tongue and ruin your dining experience for the rest of the night.
(4)
Lynda Z.
Monk's used to have the best Cheeseburger around. My friend and I ate here the other day after not being there for awhile. I ordered the cheeseburger that I usually do and I noticed that it was served on a hard round roll. I could have sworn that it was served on a fresh brioche roll before, but I could be mistaken. The roll I got the other day was too hard. It took away from the flavor. It made a perfect 10 burger drop down to a 7 at best. The beef, cheese and bacon were good, but would have been so much better with a yummy roll. What made up for it though was the twice fried Pom Frites. Let me tell you about these delicious little morsels of love. They are so good on their own...just little thin french fries cut small and fried twice so they're slightly crunchy. But, what makes them 10 times better than anything else around there is that they're served with a Bourbon mayo that is AWESOME. I couldn't get enough of it! I told the server that it was like crack and I was addicted to it. She said, "I've been addicted to that crack for over 10 years". It really makes a big difference. Go try them and dip away my friends! Oh, btw, the beer selection is awesome too!
(4)
Luke H.
Crowded. Warm. Cold Beer. Hot Mussels. Check your coat Philly style (throw it on the pile) and grab a seat. Wash down the fantastic bar food with a cold bohemian beer.
(4)
Jeff G.
Monk's feels like an old European house where every room has an ornate wood-carved or copper bar stocked with Belgian beers and an attractive bar tender (or maybe it was just the lighting...) It is a little crowded inside. That was my only issue with the place - you are packed pretty tight - but that is like every popular pub near a university, I guess. Although I'm not really into sampling different beers - you almost have to try something new at this place. The list is long and I have never heard of most of the beers. (Of course, I don't even remember what I tried, so it will be the same next time as well.) My friend and I ordered a big bucket of Monk's steamed mussels, which goes along surprisingly well with the beer. You know what else feels like old Europe? The mass transit system in Philadelphia. It is pleasant and relatively efficient, but its like something from pre-WW2 Europe (without the Fascism.) Seriously... If you are from out of town, try taking a train from the big East Market station downtown to the airport. Leave a little extra time. Its a fun experience.
(5)
Kevin L.
I am such a huge fan of Monk's. It may even be my favorite place in Philadelphia at this point. Everything I love is here: Dim lighting, great bread, and great beer. The burgers are fantastic (you must try the Ardennes) and Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale was the first sour ale I've ever had, and to be honest, ever heard of up to the time I went here, it pretty much opened up a whole new world for me in terms of how creative you can be with beer.
(5)
Brandon R.
This is your place for anything BEER! Especially Belgian beer (hence the name - monk's). Fantastic selection. Can get a bit pricey since there are so many specialty beers to choose from. Good place though.
(4)
Laura S.
Plenty of people with more knowledge of beer have extolled the virtues of the bar aspects of Monk's, so I will leave that to the experts. As someone who enjoys drinking beer but is not an aficionado, I got a kick out of reading the Beer Bible, and had some fun trying new drinks. The English cider I had was good but a little bland - kind of like alcoholic apple juice. Which, if you're looking for something easy to drink, is not necessarily a bad thing! I also tried Three Philosophers, which is a Belgian Quadruppel - and got to learn about what that actually means in terms of how it's made and flavor. Other than telling you what I had to drink, though, I can't tell you much more about Monk's beverages. I can with much more confidence talk to you about the food. I know my food. And this food was damn good. I'm not surprised by bars with solid pub fare - burgers, fries, even a well-executed pulled pork sandwich wouldn't catch me by surprise. But veal cheeks and braised rabbit? Now THAT is something new! We sampled a variety of plates and everything was wonderfully tasty. We started out with the veal cheeks, which were lovely and tender and had a very rich, earthy flavor. Definitely a great winter food. I am not a big fan of mussels, but a friend ordered the Brussels Mussels and I really liked the broth. The fries, as the other reviews attest, are phenomenal! The highlight of my meal was the Lapin a la Gueuze - braised rabbit with root vegetables. The rabbit was very tender and the braising liquid had an incredible flavor - I ended up scooping some of the carrots and onions from the plate with my fingers because I did not want to miss a bite. The dish also came with sugar snap peas - I didn't eat many of them, since they didn't really seem to go with the rest of the dish, but they also didn't take away from it. Even if this place didn't have its reputation for being a beer mecca, I'd still head there for the food. We had very good service and I definitely did not feel rushed as others have described. We came in at 9p on a weeknight, and waited about 15 minutes for a table. We were able to get drinks at the bar while we waited - although we did have some trouble getting the bartender's attention when we wanted to settle our bill so that we could head to our table. Our server was new, but fessed up quickly (as if the deer-in-the-headlights look wasn't going to tip us off!), and she was quick to find someone to answer our questions when she couldn't do so herself. I can't imagine everything you'd need to learn to work here, so props to her! The more experienced server who came over to talk to us about beer had seriously encyclopedic knowledge.
(4)
Jun V.
my wife got me to stop by Philadelphia with this spot and I'm glad she did. chimay all day!
(4)
Shazia S.
My boyfriend and I went out to another place first, looking for a nice pub/bar to drink and have a good time at. He's really into sitting down and having drinks, much like a dive bar and I'm really into the vibe and energy of a place. Needless to say, we visited two different places before ending up at Monk's Cafe. It was the perfect place for a late night drink. You walk in and it looks like any other bar/restaurant (at an earlier time of the day), but then you realize that it has a whole back room. The back was also equipped with another bar, friendly staff and a fantastic menu. We ended up not only having drinks, but taking a stab at their well-known mussels as well. It was fantastic! Candlelit, but not too formal, friendly, but not divey, just the ideal place for drinks and fun in the privacy of a back room and intimate setting. My only issue with Monk's Cafe (and I'm biased) is that it was more of a sit-down place than an area with fun, energetic music and dancing. I prefer some dancey people moving around on a Friday night, but everyone in Monk's was having a great time. They had a soundtrack playing as well that caters to the more music-wise crowd. All around a good place. Go and it might become a regular spot.
(4)
Betty M.
Pros: Good selection both beer and mussels Cons: It's not great Thoughts: This place has a very good beer selection as well as a good list of mussels made Belgian style. We enjoyed the Wit Beer and the Mussels but I still enjoy Eulogy a bit better. Their mussels are more flavorful and cheaper. The cost friendly factor also goes the same for the beer. Both atmospheres are similarly dark however, Monk's probably has a slight edge over in that it doesn't look like a zombie home.
(3)
Robert M.
I can't comment on the food, but I do know they were a shining oasis of pure beauty as I left the Rittenhouse square, need to pee so badly, having been shunned and rebuked by the fancy hotels there, and there, as we crossed the blocks, me thinking, "A bar will appear soon, a bar will appear soon," I saw it and rejoiced because I knew immediately I had stumbled upon something much grander than simply a bar with its obligatory bathroom. The selection of Belgian beers was excellent. They even have a deal with Cantillon such that bottles are printed with custom labels bearing their name. And they also had Rogue's special brew on at the time, Brewer, which was simply awesome, along with a few other choice American selections. I appreciated the willingness to provide more than just Belgian/French/Continental beers, though they certainly specialize.
(5)
Jeff B.
I've been to many beer bars throughout the country, but Monks is by far the best. Great selection of rare beers for those looking to trying to expand their tastes. For best service, see the back bartender Eddie. He has a incredible knowledge of beer and will recommend something perfect for you.
(5)
Steve R.
I ate dinner at 5 on a Monday, but the bar was still crowded. Always a good sign in a beer bar. Personally, I'm not into many Belgian beers, but I had heard nothing but good things about Monk's beforehand, and I was in the neighborhood, so I had to give it a shot. I went for a Chimay triple to drink, after listening to the impressive beer knowledge displayed by my waiter. For my meal, I chose the duck salad sandwich. Overall, the food was nothing to write home about. The duck was cooked very well, but the rest of the flavors of the sandwich were lost in each other. I had the "famous" fries on the side, and they were indeed pretty good. In all, I was happy when I left. I was full and no longer thirsty, two very good signs when considering a bar/restaurant. If I were to rate how satisfying the beer was, i'd have to go with a 2, but I've already mentioned my personal bias against Belgian beers. If you're really into Belgian food and drink, give this little place a try. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Zeynep S.
excellent food! We had the charcuterie plate as the appetizer, a small plate/bowl of mussels ( if small is this big, how big is the large?), the duck confit, and the pumpkin cheesecake. Oh my! Everything was delicious. the mussels we're amazing ( we got the genthi version and the combination of blue cheese, bacon, leeks and mussels was to die for). The cheese on the charcuterie plate was not extraordinary but the sausages were very good. I am sure that we would enjoy duck confit much more if we were not already too full, but despite that, it was very very good. I don't have sweet tooth but oh my, that pumpkin cheesecake was the best! We also had very good beer (even though we are mainly wine people). oh yes, we will be back!
(5)
Anjali M.
Frites, frites, frites! That sauce is so damn good. I would really like a bottle, thanks. Chicken in bruges with lettuce and tomato filled me up well without making me feel extremely fat for eating a whole sandwich. This is a little random, but I really liked the bread that my burger was on. And again, those fries..awesome. I went here for lunch so I abstained from any alcohol but the beer selection is ginormous, but I'm sure you already knew that. What's up with the cramped quarters? We had a party of three and we were seated in this tiny tiny nook, probably more like a cranny. Horrible. Re-do the set-up of this place, seriously. And go for lunch if you want a meal that doesn't feel like it's rushed or crowded. Overall, 3.5 review, but bumped up to 4 due to the lingering thoughts of those fries ;)
(4)
Jay T.
Too busy to get in.
(2)
Ling X.
I'm not a really big beer drinker. And I didn't partake in the mussels, which I guess are supposed to be really good. Beer list is pretty insane. But the serviced really sucked. Even though the place was super busy, the bartender was taking her sweet time. She was holding long conversations with customers while people (like myself) were waiting to order. And when we did order a couple of beers, she took her sweet time getting it. It didn't really make any sense to me. I mean, she was kind of sweet. But damn, I don't care how nice you are if you're taking forever to get me my drink.
(2)
Carolyn S.
After several years of hearing about my friend's favorite pub ever, I finally had a chance to head to Monk's in Philadelphia. High praise means high expectations (I'd heard of plans to spend bachelor parties at this place.) Being a huge fan of good beer on tap, I wasn't disappointed. Monk's is small, cozy and dark in the been-there-forever-but-without-the-sticky-floors kind of way. Be prepared to wait for your dinner because tables are hard to come by. Although the number of beers on tap can't compare to that of Sunset or the Public House in Brookline, the atmosphere more than makes up for it. I had a Geants Goliath while waiting for a table. This triple beer was described as having a "Golden/Orange color. Medium body. A bit of sweetness in the front, but finishes somewhat dry. Hints of fresh stone fruit (peaches?). Yummy!" ("Yummy" was actually written on the beer list.) For two nights in a row I ordered the most expensive item on the menu: the Rochefort-stuffed filet mignon grilled medium rare and topped with Rochefort 10° Trappist Ale sauce (someone else was paying.) The first night, my cut was fabulous. The second night, the sauce was fantastic, but the meat was a bit on the fatty side. Ah well. I sopped up all the delicious juices with the homemade mashed potatoes and was still quite satisfied. I would definitely go back again.
(3)
Karen S.
My husband and I were told to try Monks. When we entered this very dark bar, we were escorted to the back section near the kitchen. We were seated at a very small table for two. I asked the server if we could move to one of the larger tables across from us. (Two of the larger tables were occupied by two people at each of them). I was told that those tables were for larger parties only. ???? Our server was very pleasant and the food was adequate. The wait staff were all standing around the kitchen door with some of their friends that had stopped in. The were so loud, talking about a party. we had a hard time hearing each other speak. I would not return.
(1)
Candace C.
wow, im SHOCKED at how well reviewed this place is! im commenting on the food, which was very blah. i had some moules frite, and it was really disappointing! the frites are really bad! and the moules are really average. . the ones here are kind of dinky. i've purchased mussels at whole foods and cooked them myself. and ive also had other mussels in philly that were so much better. overall, the food here was pretty disappointing. and this place is so small, dirty, and crowded. the beer selection was a redeeming quality about this place though, and i think the bartender was nice. im still unpleasantly surprised at how bad the fries were.
(2)
Emily P.
Monk's, I am in love with you. Your beer selection is divine, your "Beer Bible" can educate even the most adamant connoisseur, and your pommes frites are exquisite. I never thought I'd say that about french fries, but there it is. But while all of these things made me swoon, none of them were responsible for my falling head over heels in love with you. That would be the work of your lovely bartender (Maggie?) who made the smart decision to play Elliott Smith records in their entirety on a Friday night. It sounds like a bummer, but really it was just right - most people were talking over the music, and sensitive souls like me were quietly enjoying it. This was certainly a back bar experience to remember.
(5)
Matt D.
Stopped in for dinner and drinks a couple weekends ago with my girlfriend. Since we arrived at 6pm on a Saturday, the 45 minute wait seemed reasonable and we made our way over to the front bar in hopes of sampling that legendary beer list. After nearly a half hour of awkwardly motioning towards the bar (the place was packed and the area surrounding the bar is quite narrow), we finally snagged two seats and anxiously opened the menu. Needless to say, their reputation wasn't all hype. This beer list was massive, featuring a ton of American micros, almost everything Belgium has to offer, obscurities from France and Switzerland, Russian River on tap (a rarity for Philly pubs) and vintage Thomas Hardy old ales. I grabbed the Rosee d'Hibiscus (which was intriguing) and my girlfriend had a La Fin Du Monde. Although the bartender was attentive and knowledgable, he was way too busy to get us a second drink as we waited for nearly another hour for a table. Finally, around 7:30pm, we were seated at a small table near the door. We immediately ordered more drinks and I got a Cuvee de Alex Rouge and my girlfriend got another La Fin Du Monde (she's a little less adventurous than I). For food, we got the Flemish Grilled Scallops as an appetizer and the Flemish Mussels and Salmon Framboise as our main courses. Around 8:30, our scallops arrived (sadly, there were only 3) and our dishes came at nearly the same time. My mussels were passable, but the salmon was coldly and slimy. Although the Salmon was taken off the bill, the damage was done and my girlfriend and I left thoroughly disappointed after a nearly 3 hour trip that only got us 2 beers a piece and empty stomachs.
(2)
Greg G.
I was here on a roadtrip and stopped here with a buddy who was from Philly. Incredible selection of beer. We ordered the appetizer platter sampler and to be honest it was a meal within itself. We could hardly eat the entrees we were so stuffed. I will be going back.
(5)
Rick C.
Small place, but great craft beers on tap and a nice selection of mussels.
(5)
Brianne C.
Why should you go to Monk's? The international beer bible. The mussels (oh, the mussels). The crispy bintje frites with aioli. The tender, flavorful coq au vin. The braised veal cheeks and rabbit terrine. The warm wood furnishings. The intimate lighting and wonderful music selections. Truly, Monk's is a Belgian bar par excellence. Why shouldn't you go to Monk's? I'd like to enjoy a Belgian beer, savor an expertly prepared continental dish, and linger at Monk's with my friends at an actual table on Saturday night. My fantasy will be ruined if everyone who lives in Center City is clamoring for beer and frites at this intimate cafe. It's happened before, and you don't want to be responsible for that. If Monk's is crowded, I'll know who to blame.
(4)
Mike S.
Friday night at 9p is not the best time to hit up Monk's if you're already hungry. Lesson learned! We arrived at 9p on the dot and asked to be seated for dinner. We were told "about a half hour wait for a 2 top". We were seated a few minutes after 10p. D'oh! While waiting for a table, we ordered a couple drinks from the grumpy lady tending the front bar. I tried the Allagash white wheat and it was damn good. My girl had a vodka drink in which neither of us could taste vodka. When I asked the bartender if she wouldn't mind topping it off with a little more vodka, she told me she already poured the drink heavy and that I'd have to pay for another shot. Ok. The baffling part of this is that she charged me more for the extra shot than the initial drink. I was in too good of a mood to argue. Our waiter was a strictly business middle-aged guy who was very fast, but courteous too. I had the savory seitan cheesesteak. When it came out, I initially thought the portion looked a bit small, but my eyes were deceiving me and I barely finished it. The St. Nectaire cheese was a perfect match for seitan. She had the chicken and apple sausage sandwich and was happy with it. Bourbon mayo for dipping fries was tasty. Can't imagine this being my home bar or even a regular stop with a lousy bartender, but I also can't imagine not going back for a good beer and bite if I'm in the neighborhood.
(3)
Oz G.
What a joke. The hostess took one hour and 30 minutes to sit us down. Good luck ordering a pint o beer at the bar. Bartender takes her sweet time. It took 15 minutes to get two pints of $9 beers. Skip the mussels. Burgers and sandwiches are good. Stick with the basics. Hold off on ordering beer until you sit since you will enjoy their selection and it comes to your table much faster.
(2)
Michelle S.
I have a confession to make. Despite Monk's being perhaps one of the finest places in the US to indulge in Belgium beer, when I go I order wine. It all stems from an incident 8 years ago, I was a novice to Belgium beer. I drank 3 Delerium Tremens and lost an entire weekend. I know exactly how many glasses of Malbec will cause me to black out, not so with most of the beers on Monks extensive beer menu. The beer list is huge and somewhat intimidating, even if you aren't a slave to domestic lagers. But , the staff is pretty up to speed and will answer any questions, usually with out making you feel like an idiot. Monk's offers some great pub style comfort food as well. I love the Duck Ragout. Tender, delicious slices of applewood smoked duck breast, and pasta that is hand made locally ( South Philly). Not only is it tasty, it is the kind of dish that can transport you out of your no good very bad day. Duck alway makes me feel better. I also recommend the Mussels Ghent, and the Steak Sandwich. Service is usually very good, although sometimes they can be a little indifferent about seating you. If you go on weekend be prepared to wait.
(4)
Gabriel L.
Absolutely love this place. Incredible beer list. Great food. Open late. Really cannot be beat. I will definitely be spending a lot of time here over the next two years.
(5)
Diane R.
Fantastic mussels, pommes frites and Belgian beer! We were following a beer tour on the iphone, and had many bars to visit... so we didn't sample more food. But we'll definitely be back next time we're in Philly, for more of the awesome beers and mussels.
(5)
Ali J.
I finally tried Monk's last night with some friends for happy hour and after hearing how freaking amazing it was, I think I set me expectations waaay to high. The staff was not super friendly at all, I would say they were just present to say the least. The bar tender, server, everyone, they were just...there... If they have a happy hour, I didn't even know about it because my Sierra Nevada Torpedo was $6 and the bar tender certainly didn't mention any specials. Actually, she didn't say much of anything. The server was a bit rude. I don't know, I'm not asking for a red carpet, but there were just some things he said, especially in a particular tone that I didn't care for. He asked if our table would like a basket of fries and I said no thanks, then he goes "Have you ever been here before?" I said no, then he goes "so you're going to tell people you went to Monks and didn't even try their fries?" I said I've tried the fries at Belgian Cafe and he convinced me they were different..so I caved and got them. Mother f*cker played me. After wards I realized, wait Monk's is known for their beer NOT their fries...come on! And then when I got them, they were exactly like Belgian - and I let him know. His response? "Oh really? I haven't been there in a while." REALLY?! When you told in the first in the place that they were different? Dude freaking lied to me. Don't play your guests like that. I always tip over 20% but I left just 20 because I was not too pleased with that. The beer of course is good. The establishment is a lot like Belgian Cafe, but it has more Northern Ren paintings which I looove. I also liked how dark it was because it resembled what a monastery would actually be like. Food, beer and ambiance were good, but service as not spectacular. I'll probably go back, but I won't run there.
(3)
Bob S.
I like Monk's but have found that it has not kept up in the consistency department. It seems they are only interested in collecting as much money as they can and then cashing out. A place for serious beer drinkers and professional pub crawlers. Food is passable, but there are better places to go. Last time I was here - the place was a fire trap and it was dirty. I go when forced by my friends.
(2)
Van S.
Whenever I'm in Philly, Monk's is basically the first place I head. I discovered it by accident--we were tired of hoofing it around downtown (after walking all the way from South Philly to Penn's Landing to the art museum and back...) and we stumbled into the first place we came across. An obsession was born. The burgers are tasty, the mussels are to die for, and of course the beer selection is matched by few locations in the US. I credit Monk's as being the place that I learned about and learned to love beer. Nuff said.
(5)
Brian K.
Belgian beer list that is amazing. Come for the brew and get the mussels.
(5)
Stephanie S.
It was so great! What a cute atmosphere,...soft lighting, old dark wood accents the place. There's a back room too with another bar. The food was absolutely delicious. I had a burger, and my boyfriend had the lamb. What an AMAZING beer selection! They had every kind of Chimay, which is my favorite. =-) In fact, they have the largest beer list I've ever seen. There are definitely some regulars that sit at the bar and sort of great everyone when they first come in. They are total beer enthusiasts, and recommended some good stuff to us. My only complaint is it's super tiny. We got very lucky when we found a place to sit. And you better be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes for a table on the weekend. It's worth it though.
(5)
Emily C.
Great mussels and fries. I didn't really like mussels until I had it at Monk's. I've liked all the mussels and flavorings I tried-- Brussels, Monk's, Provence and Ghent. It's usually packed and you will have to wait. I would refrain on going with large groups since the place is small and they don't have many large tables-- only two that I have seen.
(5)
Amy K.
great beer. GREAT mussels. try the one with cheese and apples. pomme frites were soggy. long wait on saturday nights so get there early. not the friendliest staff.
(3)
Mark S.
I sat at the bar and service was pretty good. The beer selection is top notch. I had the mussels in the Brussels sauce. They were quite good. I also had the Brussels burger (bacon and cheddar). The burger was cooked properly but the bun was almost impenetrably hard and dense. I would not get it again. The frites were good but not in keeping with the style of Belgian frites.
(4)
Anna K.
SO GOOD. Whether you get the traditional mussels and fries, or the roast chicken (my personal fave here), I love this place. It feels relaxed, the food is tasty, and there's a HUGE beer list. However, having become gluten-intolerant recently, I'm disappointed at the lack of gluten-free beer (I don't think there's one on the menu, but I'm not sure). The chicken, however, makes up for lack of drink (I'm happy with some Pinot Grigio or just plain water anyway), and as a cute place with a hole-in-the-wall feel, I will definitely come back multiple times in the future.
(5)
Whitney G.
Can't go wrong with the mussels and burgers here. The best part about the mussels is the variety of ingredients they are prepared with; I've tried every style on the menu and have enjoyed them all. There is also an extensive beer selection, and bartenders who are very knowledgeable and helpful when you are trying to pick a beer.
(5)
Doug R.
Went to the monk with a party of eight. Everyone had a great time. We counted 318 beers on the beer bible and all that we ordered were in stock. The muscles were great but the burger someone had was very small for the large bun it was on. More like a bread sandwich. Monks was a great time and I am looking forward to doing it again soon.
(4)
Grace G.
I know the place gets completely mobbed at night so how do I get to enjoy all things Belgian beer and mussels? Start drinking at lunch (wow, that really looks bad when I typed that). Actually, we start our Saturdays here for lunch and go from there. I just like the feeling of stepping out into the sunlight with a full belly and a nice buzz and knowing I still have the rest of the day to enjoy! The wait can be ridiculous in the evenings but if you can squeeze a space at the bar and prepare yourself to camp out for a while, the beer tastes exactly like it would if you were sitting at a table... Usually enjoy the mussels but on occasion, have tried the duck sandwich, burger and steak frites salad. Staff is knowledgeable and have always gotten great service every time we've been there.
(4)
Marc B.
I had a beer here that tasted like kind bud in a really good way, the best fries in town, and y'all better get your muscles on before the oil spill ruins all seafood forever.
(4)
Mark H.
I am addicted to Monk's. Why? The beer selection is awesome - beers (emphasis on Belgian) on draft and in bottles you just can't find anywhere else! And NO beers you can find everywhere else! Most importantly, the servers really know their stuff. The atmosphere and background music - perfect for drinking beer....divey, dark and real. And the food is the perfect accompaniment, Goat mac and cheese is the bomb, burgers are creative and awesome, but I always order the Thai mussels with frites. The desserts - not-so-mini tarts (key lime pie and pecan I've tried) are awesome, worth the caloric intake. There is no kiddie menu here, but the servers are always nice to kids, and even though they are always busy the kitchen will simplify dishes to make them appeal to the pre-teen palette. We always take our kids here, as do other Monkophiles, and my kids have grown to love the place. What would I improve? The place is too damn small for its popularity, and the bathrooms even more so. If you are in a group, get there early. If you do, you will have a great time. And if you don't, you will have to stand in an overly crowded room, but you will still have a great time....
(5)
Mai H.
Hands down this is my husband's favorite restaurant. He always orders the pulled pork sandwich. Mussels: I like the Ghent and red light. Fan of: Burgers (the Ghent was excellent), lamb, chicken and apple sausage sandwich. Not a fan of: duck salad and salmon. I have to agree that service is quite slow. I don't mind in between dishes but it takes forever just to get the check after it has already been requested. On a Saturday, if you don't send someone ahead to put your name in, you won't encounter a wait if you eat dinner at "old people time" around 4pm. Any later, you might be SOL unless you are willing to wait at least 2 hours.
(4)
Emily P.
Couldn't have found a better Belgium lunch spot. All I was looking for was a simple place to have a good beer, good food and read my book and I ended up here. Not only was my server attentive AND attractive the ambiance was great for sitting back and getting lost in my book, a 'Bruges-style' vegan burger, pomme frites and a couple Chimay's. I just may have to come back here and do it all over again tomorrow!
(5)
Kelly D.
Fine beer and I used to be best buddies back in the day and after a traumatic head injury that completely f'ed with my taste buds, things are slowly coming around in terms of good beer and how it tastes. Now that I am back in the swing of things, the first place I want to revisit is Monk's. Years ago I discovered this little unassuming gem while on a date with a complete beer snob. Not yet knowing the twists and turns that a Trappist Ale could provide my palate, I was tempted to order my old standby-Yuengling Lager. The look of horror on my companion's face was enough to convince me to look further into the handy beer bible that was provided. Did I have any clue what I was ordering? Hell no. Did this trusty reference guide help me? Absolutely. Chimay, Spanish Flies and Pomme Frites were my first taste of Monk's and what can I say? I was hooked. After countless trips back with many different friends, I am convinced that this is one of the best bars to sit and have a low key hang out session with friends. I encourage everyone to please check this place out, even if crowds typically annoy you. Once you get a seat, soak up the loud noises of the boisterous crowd, drink up some of the finest beers a Philadelphia bar has to offer and start thinking of your next beverage-there are plenty to choose from!
(4)
Michael L.
Super great atmosphere. A million beers on the menu (*many* special brews over $20 a pop). Easy-going staff. Great Tuna steak sandwiches that can be prepared a multitude of ways. Very fresh, large and plump mussels. Tried the Monks and the Provence mussels -- both were unfortunately bland. Will definitely be back to soak up the atmosphere and try the Red Curry and/or Ghent mussels!
(4)
Sta t.
This review is more of the same about this place: like many good bars, it's small, dark, and has been packed the few times I've been there. The beer selection is great, but the mussels are what bring me back. I could eat them at least twice a week if I lived near this place. The half bowl is a more than generous helping and is served with a piece of bread that works wonders for soaking up those tasty juices at the bottom. You'll be glad you tried this place.
(4)
Molly D.
Considering that beer has only passed my lips maybe twice in my life... I feel like the whole point of Monks is wasted on me. I always feel a little funny ordering cocktails here, though the staff never skips a beat and completely takes care of me every time. I have never had food here that wasn't amazing... from the steak salad, to the fries, to the mussels, to the burgers (and by the way, when you order it rare, you get it RARE!!)... everything is absolutely delicious!
(4)
Gabriele A.
Ugh. I really missed this place. Been here sooo many times and it's my all time fave spot!!! Definitely one of my favorite places to eat & drink in the US. This is the place for real beer drinkers!! Helloooo...sorry but no miller or amstel light here :P The Belgium beers are among my favorites, but they always have good beers on tap, and not to mention Monk's delicious steak frite salade!!! I want to go back to philly just to hit Monks! Seriously! Mussels, burgers, sandwiches are all delish! Beer list is very extensive, but if you know what you like and why not be adventurous once in a while? Oh, and be ready if you walk in thu/fri/sat night! Crowded! There is also a second bar in the back, more selections of beer on tap ;)
(5)
Karl M.
I was in Philly from San Diego for a conference. This joint has a fantastic Euro-beer selection, although it's euro-centric focus neglects the equally outstanding beers in the USA. This is fine, except that Monk's does include SOME American beers, which means they exclude some great American stuff to satisfy their euro-beer ideology. So, for example, they had one beer from my town's world-class Stone Brewery, but NOT Stone's best beer (their IPA). This is obviously a minor complaint. The service was mixed. The manager or owner was excellent and accommodating, but the hostess was a totally annoying dipshit. Fire her. She pretended to be friendly, but erred on the side of enforcing house rules. Case in point: Four of our six showed up and asked for a table for six. There was a table right there in front of us and we assured her our other two would be right there, but no, she wouldn't give up the table. We ended up waiting like 40 minutes to sit after our two others showed up after ten minutes. I understand the rule, but it should be bendable. The fries were not Belgian fries. There were pretty good, but not the super crisp, semi-thick ones you expect. The food was pretty good, but not universally great. I loved the veal cheeks. Didn't love the rabbit. If I lived in Philly, I am sure I would hit up Monk's for beers after work. The room is really warm and cozy and the beer selection is badassed. But the place doesn't seem to hit on all calendars.
(3)
Erin K.
limpy but flavorful fries...hmmm... perhaps i'm partial to Markt or Les Halles in NYC. I recall they had crisper fries. I do have to say the ones at Monk had lots of flavor. I actually had the burger which was ok but nothing special. The duck salad was good but I wanted a bit more dressing. My beer was very yummy. We went very early on Friday and I'm glad we did b/c it got crazy crowded.
(3)
Thomas N.
I have been to Monks at least 5 times and absolutely love the atmosphere, tastes and service. Lets be honest, Monks is not your "Let's go out and have a Friday night mixer, hit it and quite it" establishment. It's a cafe, and as is the tradition of cafe's (European or not) Monk's is a place to bring your friends, meet new ones and share a sampling from their bold menu. For those of you that haven't been to Monks, this "cafe' is more of a hometown bar that you may recognize from movies like "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Woodsy, moody and very well worn. I have taken a client to this place for an afternoon beer and burger, and shared a nice later afternoon relaxer with my wonderful girlfriend while listening to Jim Koch (yes, owner of Samuel Adams) share his love of brewing. Some of the reasons why people might find it difficult to find spaces to sit is because the regulars and locals are die-hard Monk's inhabitants, while other times Monks is being scheduled for dinner and beer pairing nights (Hosted by Home Sweet Home Brew's George & Nancy). World Class!! With that said, if you aren't a beer enthusiast like I am and can't handle a little elbow rubbing with some Classy folk, then you should take yourself down to street to Continental for their sub-par food and service with more room to breath so that the people who truly love Monks have a place to sit.
(5)
John K.
I like Monks and have been there a number of times over the years.I must say that unless you're really into beer or are with someone who is, there is not much point in going here.The food is pretty good but not outstanding .The beer prices are high but that is to some degree justified.The selection is comprehensive and adventurous. What is not to like ? A few things.The music is way too loud.I can't understand this.Music is fine but being able to hear is better and volume at this level is damaging and dampens your ability to talk without screaming.It is incredibly easy to fix this but most places seem not to grasp that this is an issue.I also was a bit turned off by the staff eating McDonalds at the bar. Come on go in the back or something, you're not exactly advertising the virtues of your own place.So a little tweaking would be wise here.Monks Kettle in San Francisco has them beat by a fairly substantial margin and there really is no reason for that to be so.
(3)
Tim S.
Worth the wait. Enjoyed the steamed Mussels and the Duck Salad was out of this world. IPA's were a perfect fit.
(4)
Christopher C.
Anyone in Philly would tell you this is one of the best places to get beer in town, and they'd be right. The place is laid back, the staff knows and loves beer, and the selection is great.
(4)
John D.
Monk's Flemish Sour was the first beer I ever enjoyed. Monk's hot wings--or at least the couple of bites I took--were hot enough that I could just about see God and still delicious. Their fries and burgers are excellent. If you come at the wrong time of day or on the wrong day, don't expect to be able to eat or drink there without waiting for a while. Most times I've tried to stop by for drinks and/or food, it's been packed. Monk's has an great selection of beer, and the staff are mostly beer snobs. There are two types of beer snobs--the cool type who can help anyone find an enjoyable beer based that person's sense of taste and the condescending type who find the beer-ignorant to be a tiresome lot unworthy of their time and attention. In my experience, much of Monk's staff falls into the latter category--it's a real shame.
(3)
C K.
Really awesome fries and burgers. Lots of beers to choose from, and the mussels seem to be quite popular.
(4)
Maura G.
lots of mussels and delirium tremens on tap. nuff said. i first went here because my nephew was a chef there. so we were lucky and got the hook up. i forget what the name of my mussel dish was, but it had bacon and blue cheese, which equals heaven in my book. i NEED to go back and try everyone of the mussel dishes. desert was great too-pumpkin cheese cake oh yeah. lots of awesome beer. they have this really good raspberry one that tastes more like juice than beer. beer snobs, go here. non-beer snobs, still go here and expand your horizons. service was great, but since my family worked there, my view may be a little biased. haven't been there since he left, but i will definitely be back soon. the place is tiny, and fills up fast. for a reason people!
(5)
Theresa L.
Honestly this place doesn't look very nice from the outside and once you get in it looks like a dingy pub. Nothing looks nice about it and maybe that's the point. If you sit in the back of the place be caffinated... it so dark I probably could have taken a nap back there. I wasn't in the drinking mood but the food we ordered was fantastic! Didn't expect it at all especially when the place was so... unappealing. Mussels... are delic. Fresh and flavorful. We got the small pot but they give you a decent amount for only $10, by we I mean we shared it amongst 3 people. Also comes with a side of fries and a roll to use to dip in the extra juices the mussels leave behind, I could have used 4 more rolls. Wings... dear God! Make sure you are ready and love spicy food. They burned my lips off. They are probably by far the hottest wings I have ever eaten but again flavorful. Not just douced in hot sauce but they were rubbed down and made with love. I probably won't order these again just because I wasn't able to enjoy them as much as I would have liked. I would recommend trying the BBQ ones. Duck Salad Sandwich. YUM!!! My favorite part of the meal. Sweet and salty, filled with perfectly cooked duck, goat cheese, nuts, cranberries and a nice vingarette. The salad that comes with it has pretty much the same. VERY fresh & healthy tasting. Loved it!
(4)
Alan R.
Great beers, great food, good atmosphere. I need to get back there ASAP. Ya might want to try and go at slighty off hours or be prepared to wait.
(5)
Toby K.
So I've heard this place has an amazing beer selection and burgers. After reading a few reviews it seems that I had a similar experience as a few others. My friend and I show up just looking for some good food and beer. We are waiting on another friend of ours who was running late. We were told that we would have to wait until the third person showed up. She didn't offer to let us grab a beer at the bar, so we stood there awkwardly for 5 minutes and then left. It was a strange experience.
(2)
Jason B.
Ate here a long time ago while visiting Philly. Good beers and interesting plates - I remember the fries being worth the side dish.
(4)
Jae R.
I went there for late happy hour. It seems like there were lot of beer choice, but it was too difficult to decide. There were actually more seating in the back. You should expect to wait long for dinner or seating. By the way, their spicy wings are really really really spicy
(3)
Kristine M.
Beer, beer, and more beer! Belgian beer! The mussels were yummy and I had an amazing salad with apples and bleu cheese. A few folks at the table got the venison pot pie and one friend swore it was not venison but beef, and the other friend said it tasted like venison but his pot pie only had two small pieces of venison in the entire thing! Disappointing for them, but the beer and mussels made it worth while. The service could have been a bit better.
(4)
Yum N.
Great beer selection! I had the best sour beer at this place. Yum!
(4)
Miller W.
great beer.. food is hearty
(4)
Tolga E.
Very, very overrated. 2 stars really. BUT, since this place apparently has some history to it and some good cred, and because it helped popularize Belgian Beer and Belgian Fare in America, and because it is one of the primary roots the Belgian gastropub explosion from DC to SF, I will give 3 stars. When you walk in, you can see why this place became famous. It stayed true to European style. By this I mean, there was a tiny entrance by a tiny front window, a tiny bar and a tiny eating area, full of lots of people who don't grasp the tiny intimacy of what they are trying to create. The food here was mediocre and a bit overpriced at best. The frites too were nothing special. Belgian double-fried frites can be so much better. Everyone was content with the food, but eh, I was expecting a lot more. Sadly, the most important reason for this place's existence - the BEER - was not amazing by any stretch. The menu was not the most extensive I've seen the past two weeks let alone ever. But if this really was one of the original belgian joints, it's pretty respectable. But really, there was nothing on there that blew me away. I did appreciate that they had several French beers. Unfortunately, the bartender was fairly clueless. He had no idea how to handle the volume of business he had. And in doing so, he was not an active and useful beer advisor - which is absolutely critical at a place like this one. He also did not pour any of our drinks correctly due to his rush. Sad sad sad. But, for the trend it started, I still have some respect for Monk's Cafe.
(3)
Bill E.
I lived down the street and around the corner from this place for 3 years. it was my neighborhood joint. I guess was a regular, eventually... But, this is not a place to stop and slam a few brews, this is serious. Strong, hard to find bad ass Belgian Ales. the food was always great, it was almost as good as I remember. I think I will always go here when I visit Philly, i feel like I owe it to them, and myself. I have a few/many beer glasses that may or may not have left the establishment with me on a few semi-drunken nights... Oops.
(5)
JJ N.
Great beer, food, and mussels. Small spot but I love it. I always get mussels which are top notch. I love the apple sausage sandwich with cranberry mustard. Everything is good here. If you are in town on business, spot by here it will not disappoint.
(5)
Ralph B.
If you go to drink Belgian beers and share a pot of mussles, this place is the best. The mussles are perfect, much better than at similar bar Eulogy. However I think the other food is only so so and overpriced and beer is a little expensive. Usually pretty crowded. Many good mainstays and rotating beers, usually hard to go wrong with any beer you order.
(4)
Susanne J.
I enjoyed myself at Monk's. It's a good standby to have in your arsenal for the out-of-town guests, but not great. Our service was a bit spotty and I felt like our waitress was totally uninterested in us. I enjoyed the burger I ordered, but the fries were nothing to rave about. Also, it annoys me when places make you order fries as a side instead of just providing them with your meal. Of course, the beer selection is enough to make your head spin.I had a few tasty brews that made the trip worthwhile. Maybe next time I'll just come for drinks and skip the food.
(3)
Olga E.
I have to start by saying that I have friends that swear by this bar! I am not like that but I greatly greatly appreciate it. I recommend this place to absolutely anyone visiting Philly and I think it's almost as much a part of local Philly culture as the cheese steak. The restaurant is quite small, with small tables and close and comphy atmosphere. You can start off your meal/night by ordering any number of Belgian beers from the Beer Bible (the drinks menu) or the tap. The restaurant usually rotates tap beers and there are always cool choices to try. For the meal, I absolutely recommend the mussles and fries. They are absolutely delcious and filling. I was in Philly with a friend of mine and she actually asked to go to Monk's twice to eat the mussles AGAIN! I'm telling you, it's that good. Overall, this place is absolutely great. Probably the only drawbacks are: the beers are a bit pricey ($8+) and the place is generally pact.
(5)
Carrie E.
If a liquid lunch is your thing, then cab it over to Monks, because they have some beer there that will kick your butt. As an extra added bonus, it's one of the most extensive and inventive beer menus around, which makes it a great find for beer snobs like yours truly. Sure, it kinda feels like you're sitting in your cousin Helen's rec room circa 1982, and the food is ok (at least the pulled pork sandwich I got and the broccoli / veggie sandwich my friend had were pretty average) - the service is great and they won't kick you out if you stay too long (thank you, bespectacled waitress). Next time I go I'll make sure to eat more and drink less, because I have a feeling that I didn't experience Monk's to its fullest potential. Or maybe I did...is this how they kick it in Belgium?
(4)
Chrissy R.
My best friend and I went here on her birthday to grab some dinner and a few drinks before we met friends at another bar. The wait for a table here was pretty long, and there was next-to-no standing room because the place was so insanely crowded, especially for a weekday when there didn't seem to be any apparent specials. When we finally did get a table, I was happy. Our waitress was friendly and accommodating [especially considering how busy they were]. My friend got a salad and I ended up with chicken and french fries [basically my staple]. My food was delicious for such a boring meal, and the fries were great shoestring fries. Our drinks were replenished quickly, whether we were ordering them from the bar or from our waitress, and the prices weren't too high. Definitely a nice little place to go if you're looking for some Belgian beer/food. Just nothing too amazing, either. But I'd definitely go back.
(3)
Todd V.
I'm willing to give this a 3 star review until I most likely return again soon because friends love this place. The frites are by far the best thing about this place. The dipping sauce is heaven. Otherwise, 3 things I adore (mussels, beer and burgers) were pretty terrible. Mussels were flavorless and didn't seem particularly fresh. My MR burger was pushing well done. I only sampled two beers in the entire bible, but considering they were picked as 2 of the 20 beers on tap, I expected awesomeness. Food was 1 star, but I'll give two extra for the overall cool factor of the vibe here and the dipping sauce for the frites.
(3)
Reality B.
Mussels were great as everyone says. Beer list is a tad overwhelming but the selection is first rate. Sausage was okay. Award-winning fries were a let down. Soggy and cold. Dipping sauce was good. Super loud venue Tough to have a convo. Not my favorite place in philly but I would go back for the mussels and beer.
(3)
Holly T.
Monk's is the type of legendary place I had heard about for years and years before visiting and then finally moving here. I completely appreciate its place in history and for what a magical place this must have been in the not-too-distant past, before craft beer became easier to come by. I also totally appreciate what it must be like to come here if you've never had access to so many Belgian beers in one place before. I have to say, though, that each time I've been here it's only been a so-so experience, and each time makes me less likely to return. They do what they do, and they do it well, but it just doesn't change much. It's still a wonderful place to go for Belgian beer, and I'm lucky that it's so close by, but there are so many other wonderful places to go for beer now, that it takes a little more than that to get me to come back. I've had better food at both Eulogy and Belgian Cafe (especially mussels), both of which also have somewhat better lit and more pleasant atmospheres. There's nearly always a wait at Monk's, and it's very cramped. Beer for me is all about relaxing, preferably with good food and good friends, and that's not necessarily easy to do here. Still, Philly is very lucky to have Monk's. You know you're spoiled when this is only one of many fantastic places for beer lovers to choose from.
(3)
Stacey S.
Probably my favorite beer bar in the city. Tons off good Belgians & other delights on draft.. endless bottles. The food is amazing- try the mussels & if you can actually stand real "hot" wings- get the Spanish Flies... my favorite wings in the city (flavorful & VERY spicy.) But really, anything on the menu is surprisingly good. Deceptively cozy- this place stretches way in the back (go to the back bar if the front is packed- much more quaint for small groups/couples.) Can be expensive but damn it's worth it. Gotta love Monks! :)
(4)
Thao T.
My experience at Monk's Cafe was the end of a very satisfying adventure into Philadelphia. It was my first, and won't be the last! Nothing beats GOOD beer and fresh steamed mussels!
(4)
Ryan H.
I am not a fan of muscles, but when I go to Monk's that goes out the window. All of the food is really good and very reasonably priced. At times it can get crowded so you may have to wait, but it's def worth it. The burgers are unique and taste great. I don't drink beer, but they have a large selection.I would recommend getting the muscles as an appetizer and a burger to fill you up. The salads and other sandwiches are delicious as well. Oh and the service is good too!
(5)
Mike R.
We had a late night dinner here, my first time, after a show at the Wilma; I think we sat at 11. I had the Ardennes burger with parma ham and some king of gooey, delicious cheese. I liked the over-sized bun; you could eat the burger on a date and not worry about everything spilling out on your table (or lap). We also shared a basket of their fries, I mean pommes frites, and they were very good. Slightly spicy with a nice bourbon dipping sauce. Not being a beer guy, nor is she, we relied on or server for several suggestions. I think that our server, Jim K, did a real fine job picking out several beers based on our thin descriptions of our tastes. He was attentive without being intrusive and gave us extra time to review the menu and beer list. He, and the very nice hostess, earned Monk's the fifth star. We finished with two fruit tarts. Some king of cherry pistachio that was ok and a sweet potato and pecan that was incredible. I look forward to coming back and trying the mussels and duck salad...or I might just stick to a burger and beer.
(5)
Raechel M.
Marry me, Monk's; I'll be so good to you. We can run away to a little wooded place, maybe the San Juan Islands (?), where we can eat sunsets and forgo water for much tastier potables. Think about it. I'll wait for your answer at the bar.
(5)
Paige W.
Over dinner on Saturday night, a friend of mine who still lives in Philadelphia looked at me with a deadpan glaze in his eyes and said, "I am SOOOOO over Monk's." But I have the good fortune of having spent one glorious, sticky summer in Philly, many nights of Monk's burgers and beer perfectly preserved in my heart and mind. The wait was never anything short of ridiculous, and to call the hostess rude would be a gross understatement. But once you're seated, prepare to pray at the altar of the Beer Bible. I had my first taste of Lindeman's lambic at Monk's -- framboise, peche, kriek -- as well as a few knock-your-socks-off Belgian beers I've forgotten after this long. (I'll admit I'm more of a wine girl, myself.) And, oh, the burgers. Whether you like the Abbot with soft herbed cheese and sprouts, the Monk's with leek and blue cheese (my personal favorite) or the standard-issue Brussels with cheddar and bacon, you can't go wrong. They're served perfectly cooked on a fresh bun dusted with flour, and you're retarded if you pass on the hot, salty fries with garlic aioli. Retarded -- yeah, I said it. My friend may be over Monk's, but in my mind that means more for me, if I make it back to Philly anytime soon.
(4)
Daniel F.
Food, beer, ambience...all three in a great package. If you have never been to Belgian place, this is an excellent introduction and example. Pick any one of the mussel pots and of course copious amounts of pommes frites. That combo is some of the best stuff you'll ever had, but be sure leave room for sausages or hearty sandwiches in addition to an excellent beer selection. If you want to extend your palette further, be sure to try a Monk's Flemish-style Sour Ale, though the depths of dubbels, tripels, strong ales, kolsches, and lambics will be sure to please any palette. My buddies took me to this place in a large group and had an amazing time; I intend to go back whenever I get back to Philly.
(5)
Christine J.
Even though I'm the 434th reviewer and my review will probably not be seen by anyone, I feel like after the lunch that I had here I owe it to the food (and beer!) loving community to join in with singing Monk's praises. I came here on a day trip from NY and had heard that Monks was the best place for beer and mussels. Neither disappointed me and it was totally worth the 3 hour drive. Me and the BF ordered the last bottle of Cantillion's Fou' Foune, the frog legs and two small orders of mussels. The beer was phenomenal, just the right amount of sour and funk with apricots mixed in. Mmmm, the BF got me into sours and I'm starting to salivate like a Pavlovian dog just thinking about them. The frog legs were really good, they were tossed in a buffalo sauce and served with the BEST bleu cheese ever. And the mussels... they were like tender little gifts from heaven. I can't recall having a better lunch. I will definitely be coming back here again. God I love Philly!
(5)
Milena M.
I consider this place worth traveling from anywhere in the world to sample the wonderful array of beers. The bartenders always have suggestions to fit your taste and the story behind the opening of the bar is awesome. The owner bought all of the fixtures at yardsales when he was first starting up and most of his staff has been with him for 20 years. It gets very packed very early but if you're lucky you can get a table or a seat at the bar. This place has one of the best bar type atmospheres and the beer is so flavorful you won't want to go back to anything commercially made.
(5)
Kevin P.
I don't mean to be a hater, but I was unimpressed the couple times I went to Monks. The food was fine and the beer good, but far from the amazing experience I was led to believe I would have. It is overpriced for average pub-type food, and having a lot of expensive Belgian beers doesn't mean all that much in a city where the most generic of bars is likely to have several great local craft brews on tap! So, I certainly didn't hate it, but I also didn't find what everyone said made it so special...
(2)
J P.
Beer list that goes on for days. They serve some cool meats. Rabbit anyone? Delightful. Octopus? Yup, its good. Even the chicken fingers arent that bad. I think they actually use chickens and not scraps of whatever is in the back alley. Its loud in here. And getting seated can take a while. Dont go if its raining outside, thats where you'll wait to be seated. Also, dont let them seat you near the door.
(3)
Chris B.
It's gonna be loud and at the bar you're going to hear everyone's conversation and they're going to bump into you, but it will be worth it. Tons of great rotating Belgian beers. Mussels and fries are great.
(4)
Robert R.
Great atmosphere. Great beer. Didn't try the food, but other peoples food looked good.
(4)
Brian L.
Just the place we were looking for when we had a layover in Philly!
(4)
Josh S.
good beer selections, and I liked the mussels even though I'm generally not a fan.
(3)
Dave F.
Stopped in on a Thursday night around 11pm for a couple of beers, no food. I have the Triple Chimay and the Flemish Sour Ale that were on tap in the back bar. (Yes they have two) They were $7 and $8 respectively. The chimay came in a chalice and the ale came in a standard pint glass. Both were amazing and I hope to find such flavors again sometime. The bartender was nice and on point despite the crowd and lack of seating. I wish I could go back, but I'm only visiting.
(5)
Barbara G.
this place is great, in the heart of Philly. Great beer and food what more can you ask. You must try the seitan sandwich, it is crazy good! I had the a fish meal, but I was starring at my boyfriends meal the whole time. I took on bite of his and wanted to trade! Great place and in walking distance to all these cute shops. A must go, if you go to visit Philly!
(4)
K E.
My favorite place. I always order mussels and beer - the Monk's Sour Ale is amazing. And different. The sauce with the frites is also spectacular. Word of advice: Try to hit it on off-times, or you will have a long wait and they don't take reservations.
(5)
Stephanie S.
I got the Salmon Framboise. The salmon itself was very good, albeit VERY small. I've had bigger pieces of fish at diners, for MUCH less the price. The waitress was very inattentive. The rice wasn't even identifiable as rice, mainly because it was SO DARK in there. I didn't like how the lights were VERY dim in there. Hard to see what was on the plate. The tables are WAY too close together to each other. The food and beer was overpriced. My boyfriend enjoyed it, but I didn't. I will not be coming back..
(2)
Kyle M.
Beer Lovers Mecca. A dozen Belgium powerhouse beers on tap everything from Chimay Cinq Cent to St. Bernardus 12 degree - wow! You could sit at the bar and have amazing biers for hours... then comes the mussels, and frites, and braised duck sandwich. The food is fantastic. Some remarkable pairings with the beer. Everything is reasonably priced - cheap even. The amount of mussels and frites your get for 10 bucks is a meal unto itself. Definitely the best 3 hours I have spent indulging mysel for quite sometime. Monk's would definitely be home to my dream date with Natalie Portman.
(5)
Louie V.
Great Belgium beer and food. Not much else to say. Will definitely go again when I'm in Philly.
(4)
Kathy L.
I think this place is more difficult than it's worth to get in during peak times. The aioli with the monks fries are good, but I thought the fries themselves were a little on the oily and soggy side. I also assumed belgium place meant thick cut fries, but these are skinny. We shared the ghent (sp?) mussels (with bacon) and I got a burger. The burger bun was kind of like a ciabatta roll, which I don't enjoy as much as something more spongy and brioche-like. For dessert, the key-lime pie was good, but had that "been sitting in the fridge for a while" experience (though it was still yummy). Overall, with a few beers, it comes out to be a decent tab... Maybe I don't appreciate the beer selection enough, but I wouldn't really make it a point to come back here (though I would eat here again if necessary). I think my expectations were too high.
(3)
sarah t.
Great place. Inside reminds of me an old place you'd find somewhere in Europe. The beer selection is pretty phenomenal and the food is tasty as well. Tried the mussels and the cheese/meat plate and it was extremely satisfying.
(5)
Taylor H.
Great mussels and incredible beer selection. Every bit as good as being in Belgium. Very busy on the Friday nightbthat we visited.
(5)
Kristan P.
5 stars for food --- outstanding food and beer selection. BUT worst service I have had after living in philly 2 years....by far. Slow and apathetic staff -- and slow food service. BUT what was MOST terrible....is that if an establishment makes a rule that "you cannot be seated until your whole party is present" it would be logical to make sure the bartender has the desire to actually serve the people waiting at the bar. ...the last time I was there ----that b8tch of a bartender (long curley hair) allowed me to SIT AT THE BAR for at least 10-15 minutes waiting to even be acknowledged for a drink. It wasn't busy. I wasn't even given a chance to be unkind/rude/ or a bad customer in anyway. The b8tch just simply didn't care!
(3)
Sheila E.
Beer oasis... I love going here with out-of-towners and beer snobs. Both would appreciate the "Bible" Only problem with this place is that it's always packed, so try to get to Monk's early. I like their mussels and their bread. Goes well with whatever beer you're having.
(4)
Ali M.
Love this place! The food is good, not fantastic, but good. However the beer is to die for. Come for the beer. The back room has awesome ambience. It can get a little loud at meal times, but we love to come for an afternoon drink and fries. This is a very genuine place, so please don't come with attitude. You'll ruin the vibe.
(4)
Rick F.
Outstanding! They have a very specific vision and achieve it to perfection. Monk's is the premier American location to enjoy the finest belgian beers in the world, as well as delightful cuisine inspired by and created with those beers. They also have a very good selection of American Craft beers which rotates often.
(5)
Christine N.
The bf LOVES beer. He's taught me a lot and has definitely expanded my palate in regards to beer. So when we were in Philly for a biz trip and learned about Monk's, we had to make a stop. According to "All About Beer Magazine," Monk's is one of the top 10 places in the world to have a beer before you die. That's serious high praise. Monk's is a serious beerlover's haven. We arrived around lunchtime and stayed for about two hours. We didn't have to wait for a table and we didn't feel rushed. The beer selection was astounding. I've only seen more choices in Belgium itself. For food, we ordered the mussels & frites (one was in a standard, white wine broth and the other was cooked with bacon). Unfortunately, they were both bland and didn't taste super fresh. The frites were limp and got cold fairly quickly. I wouldn't come here for dinner, but I'd ordered something to go with the beer (beer tastes better when you have something to munch on IMO). Take Monk's for what it is: a place where you can get beer you can't get anywhere else and you won't be disappointed. If you're not a beer drinker: this is a GREAT place for you to learn/find something you'll like since they have so much stuff. They have beer that doesn't taste like beer.
(4)
Tony P.
Thanks to fellow yelper LydiaH for setting up this Philly UYE. We stopped here after our museum visit for lunch. The establishment was small but comfortable. The menu is a focus of typical bar food and belgian fares to complement their extensive craft and belgian beer offerings. They had the Russian River Damnation on tap which is one of my favorite pale ale. I opted for the Dogfish Theobroma. The beer is based on chemical analysis of pottery fragments found in a Honduran archeological dig thought to be one of the earliest known alcoholic chocolate drink. The flavors were profound. A wonderful herbaceous fragrance with a subtle sweetness and a strong chocolate finish. The provencal mussels (moules) was good albeit not authentic. The sauce was creamy and lightly sweet but I didn't taste any indication of a white wine reduction. The meal came with a side of fries that was savory with their mayo based dip. Overall, it was a pretty good spot to kick back and enjoy some really good beer and even better company.
(4)
Meghan C.
We had a 40 minute wait for our table, but we went to the back bar to sample beers from their extensive offerings. The features menu was very helpful. We were seated, and enjoyed a nice meal (I, a steamed mussel's pot of blue cheese and bacon reduction) and my friend (with a filet). Food was great, but our service was rushed, being that it was a very busy night. Overall- great experience!
(4)
Kyle C.
Awesome beer and food, with endless choices. Upon entering the tiny restaurant I saw bottle after bottle decorating the walls. This is when I realized, tonight I'm getting drunk. I did not get drunk that night, but the meal was still great. I ordered a small pot of mussels. As soon as I got the pot I was irritated. Looking at the massive pot I immediately thought "this god damn waiter gave me the large pot, son of %#*%.". So you can Imagen my surprise after he told me that this WAS the small pot. :-) The fries or "Pommes Frites" were delivered to Monk's from some god. (I'm pretty sure wikipedia said that somewhere). If nothing else go for the fries. The beer was fantastic. I decided on the Belgian beer (of course), which was a tad pricey but expected. My wallet started bleeding after the 3rd beer so it was time to call it a night. While only buzzed, I was however pleasantly full and happy.
(5)
Lisa W.
A beer lover's paradise! I'm more of a back bar type of girl. I've found the vibe to be friendlier and slightly less crazy back there. There is always something new on tap to try and the bartenders are pretty good with suggesting something that you'll love. I've never had a problem getting a taste of something if I wasn't sure about it. The beers add up quickly (both in price and buzz) and if you're not careful you could wind up spending a fortune, but in my opinion, it's worth it. The food is typical Belgian fare. The burgers are big and juicy. My menu favorite is the steak frites. It's a small steak cooked to your liking served over a salad with a side of frites. Yum! My husband enjoys the mussels. Getting a table can be a problem during peak hours so be prepared to wait.
(5)
Charles K.
One of the best beer bars in Philly. Outstanding selection. Many hard to find brews. Mussels are great here too. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ingrid K.
This review is based off of service and food. I am not a beer drinker! We waited in front of the hostess booth for almost 10 minutes before being greeted. After the 30 minute wait for a table, the waitress did not show up until about 10 minutes after we were seated. This was alright since I was new to the place and took my time going over the menu, but it would be a downer on my second visit. The atmosphere reminds me of the Prancing Pony Inn that frodo and his friends go to in LOTR before they meet strider. The steak salad was great because I've never had beef (that wasn't bulgogi or tartare) with so much fresh garlic rubbed onto it. The large mussels bucket had mussels-a-plenty with day-old bread to dip into it to soften the carbs up with the juices. I like my belgian fries thickly sliced and easy to grab. So although their bourbon mayo was reeeeal good, their fries fell short of their expected stature.
(3)
p d.
great beer, good food, One of my favorite daytime drinking spots
(4)
Roll T.
3.25 stars. Monk's is probably best known for an extensive beer list, and I was not disappointed with their selection. Indeed, not only was the list massive, but they had all of their beers in stock. We sampled obscure beers from throughout the world (as well as American seasonals) while devouring an assortment of mussels and burgers. The best mussels that I sampled here were the Thai Red Curry Mussels. The peripheral heat from the curry base provided an excellent compliment to the shellfish. I thought the mussels here were slightly dry (probably from overcooking) and small, but they were fine for the price ($9.95 for 2 dozen). Still, I wouldn't necessarily go for the mussels, but rather I would potentially order them as a food item to pair with my beer. Two of my dining companions ordered burgers. While both of them seemed to enjoy them, I wasn't too impressed with the bites I took out of the goat cheese/Trappist burger. Then again, in a city where the Five Guys chain still apparently reigns supreme (please prove me wrong Philly!), the bar hasn't necessarily been set very high for burgers. I was really impressed with the fries at Monks. Light and flavorful, the fries were served with a spicy mayo based sauce that provided an excellent finish to each tiny potato morsel. If I went back to Monk's, I might just order a huge plate of fries with my beers. While they were not subliminal, they were definitely solid. Overall, Monk's is a fine location for grabbing a few drinks over a casual meal with friends. Given that was our goal, I would deem it a success.
(3)
Ed D.
Everything positive you've heard about Monk's is true. And everything negative you've heard about Monk's is also true. The point is... THIS PLACE IS AN INSTITUTION! I am writing this review because I'm pissed by the negative reviews of "oh I waited so long" and "oh, it was pricey".... This place has one of the most extensive beer menus in the US, and has been serving a books worth of beers for more than most of us have been alive. So seriously, check your attitude at the door, and appreciate the opportunity to participate in a Philly institution....even if it means that it's a pain, and you may pay a bit much. PS the fries and the fry sauce are like crack and crack's even more addictive cousin....
(5)
George G.
One of the best beer selections around. Have to get there fairly early on a Friday or Saturday or kegs kick quickly.
(5)
Gretchen D.
My one word review of Monk's would be: BOOTY! And for the men out there, this is the bad sort of 'booty'! Decided to hit Monk's after realizing it was only blocks away from our hotel, and knew we were going to be drinking LOTS of beer - hooray for short walking distances! Had I stuck to just the beer, this joint would have easily rated four stars. But then I messed up and tried the moules and frites. Hey - I'm a Granville's girl, and I wanted to see what the competition had to offer. The answer to that question: a big fat NUTHIN'! I won't even bother talking about the beer except to say the listing is extensive and long. I wasn't overly impressed - plenty of other places have huge beer lists as well - but obviously it's hard to find fault when you can pretty much drink your way to Nirvana - or Hades, depending on your limit. So I peruse the moules listing... The flavors were okay, but not a lot of diversity. At the waiters suggestion, I try the Ghent. Upon arrival, I could see there was a problem. The frites were seriously disappointing. WTF!? You boast about your - and I quote - "award winning" frites, and then serve what basically looks like nubby shoestring fries in a tiny saucer!? Noooooooo! And no variety of dipping sauces, just your lame-o bourbon mayonnaise!? Even more NOOOOOOO! I get more annoyed as I have to use my fingertips to even get a good grip on these sorry frite imposters! And just for the record, good frites should be held with the pads of your fingers. You shouldn't have to use your fingertips as if you were eating those old skool fried shoestring potato snacks that came in the round tin. Just had to clarify that... I finally move on from the basket of yuck, and check out the moules. More issues. I hate to make comparisons, but it can't be helped. At Granville's the moules are on average about 1 1/4 inches long - the meat, not the shells. They were plump and juicy and oh-so tender. Just yumehhhh!! Monk's... The average moule was less than an inch. When I ordered the 'small', I thought it referred to the portion size, not the size of the moule itself! Was this a seriously 'off' night in the kitchen!? After a while, it was like eating crabs: a lot of effort for very little payoff. It was so damn frustrating, I had to order more beer to take my mind off my anger!! In fact, perhaps that's their strategy - screw the moules and frites, just keep the beer flowing until you don't notice how truly sub-par this meal is! That has GOT to be the diabolical scheme that keeps people drinking the Kool-Aid - or beer, in this case - night after night. Alas, I live in DC, and while I go to Philly fairly often, Monk's will not be on my future Philly To Do list. In fact, my most pressing concern is getting back to Granville's to rid my mind and palate of that disappointing experience. I can only hope Teddy's been keeping the place on it's toes in my absence!
(2)
Elaine L.
I came here with a friend a few months ago and we had a great experience coming in around late lunch. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait too long so that's always good! The last time we came here around 7PM was a terribly terrible idea. The beer list is fantastic although not as great as Eulogy's beer list, in my opinion. The beers though are absolutely superb but service is terrible. We had to wait a good 20 minutes to get a waitress to add in our second order of beer. However, the highlight of the day must have been those WONDERFUL, drool worthy mussels. I got the ghent mussels while my friend got something with bacon or apples I think? Either way,. both of them were fantastic. We were both asking for more bread by the end of the day because we just wanted to soak up every morsel of that broth. In the end, we had to resort to drinking the broth using mussel shells. As ridiculous as that sounds, this should be a testament to just how great their mussels were. We also got some sliders which were good but clearly not as memorable as those mussels. A must go to in Philly and absolutely delicious!!
(4)
Brittany M.
We stopped in late on a semi-busy weeknight, hoping to grab some food and beers. After spotting an open table, we walk to the host asking if we can sit there. "No, that's only for parties of 3 or more." (We were two). "I can put you on a list for a table." "How long?" "20 minutes." So you're perfectly willing to have an empty table sitting there waiting for a mystical party of three that's nowhere nearby rather than seat two paying customers that are just one short? Beyond stupid. We went elsewhere (to a place with no such logistical nonsense.)
(2)
Doodly D.
Great beer selection and good food. It does get very crowded quickly so I usually get there early for dinner.
(4)
mishel c.
I used to go to Monk's a decent amount when I worked in Center City -- their beer list is amongst the best (if not, THE best) in Philadelphia + the menu is adequate. They have vegan options, which I appreciate. I didn't rate Monk's higher for a few reasons....the first being it's kind of dim + grimey. I never feel like anything is particularly clean in there - least of all the bathrooms. Second, if you go after 6 p.m. you are guaranteed to wait a billion years for a table. Third, some of their more common beer is overpriced -- I can see charging more for the more esoteric stuff, but sometimes the more common beer is also expensive. In all, if I want to hit a Belgian-type place, I usually just go to the Belgian Cafe in the Art Museum area. Monk's was great when it was near my job, but now it's not worth the trip, really.
(3)
Shannon O.
Whenever I'm at Monk's, I sort of feel like I should expect to see a Dostoevsky character weilding an axe in the corner... That said, Monk's deserves all its fame. The best way to go at this dark belgium bar? Start with good friends and delicious pomme frittes, drink beers you've never heard of (no matter how educated you are, I promise there are many), and maybe call it dinner with a duck salad sandwich (perfect duck breast--mr-m, with spicy walnuts, goat cheese and mixed greens), or an above average burger. I don't love mussels, so I won't give a fair review, but if you do--you're in the right place.
(5)
Emerson C.
Great food. Duck breast was nice. I like the salad. Interesting to see a bar scene with great food (and not just burgers/fried foods). Didn't get the mussels but hear they are a hit here.
(4)
Emy D.
I spent a fair amount of time in Belgium whilst backpacking through Europe several years ago, and was very surprised to see a small part of it had set up shop in Philadelphia... I was visiting a girlfriend in Philly a few weeks back and we stumbled upon Monk's during a search for not-to-crowded or sceney late night grub near Rittenhouse. I am SO happy we did! Yummy muscles and fries with a not-to-be-missed spicy burbon mayo with a great selection of beers were followed up well by a really tasty sweet potato tart for dessert. I was a little annoyed with my fellow yelpers when I couldn't find a suggestion for the best kind of muscles to try. We ordered one at random, which was great. We ended up ordering a second that night, and then went back a few days later for a third kind at lunch. We tried just as many beers. All I can say is that you can't go wrong! Great spot!
(5)
Jason H.
Monks cafe' food is delicious moderately priced and is only outdone by its extremely large selection of fine beers. They have a beer bible at each table to help you with your selection and a friendly staff that are very helpful with suggesting and explaining the beers they offer. I love Monks and recommend it to anyone who has a taste for rare and fine beers.
(5)
Julia N.
Monk's is one of my favorite spots in the city. The beer list is unparalleled, with a frequently-changing selection of interesting drafts. Best fries in Philadelphia, and decent vegetarian options - I like the seitan cheesesteak best. The veggie burgers are frozen patties, but the delicious toppings and perfect rolls go a long way. The place is crazy packed every weekend and doesn't take reservations - I don't even think about going here on a Saturday night. I recently discovered that they do takeout, so you can skip the crowds and eat their food with a homebrew or whatever you've got on hand for a DIY Monk's experience.
(5)
Adam C.
Ok the main reason I have given this place two stars is based on one day here, earlier this year, perhaps in February?, which now seems like so long ago. Time does have a funny way of flying... Well, anyway I met up with a couple of my co-workers for an evening of some good beer drinking and food but we had the pleasure of having perhaps the worst waiter in history. I myself had shown up a lil' later then the rest of the crowd and at that point was not hungry. So they said I could, if wanted to, nibble at a few of the appetizers, which at that point they were wondering why hadn't any come out at this point? They had already been there for an hour and had ordered some entrees around the same time ago along with beers which they all had. I asked for a draft on tap. We wait patiently and continue having a well conversation about people, places, life, what episode of Lost we missed... the usual. Our waiter at this point has an interesting sense of humor butting in on our conversation and using a heavy dose of sarcasm, which isn't necessarily good with general public atmospheres. Etiquette? So finally one of us ask the waiter what is taking so long for the food. He says, "Oooo it should be ready shortly". Meanwhile other waiters are bringing out food to patrons whom been here much less than our arrival, including my own, which at this point, I've been here for over thirty minutes. Things only get better as the waiter brings out the wrong beers we asked for several times. Asks if we could please drink it anyway since it's a waste. I shrug and I don't mind. It was tasty after all. Though he did get the correct beers for the ones who could not drink whatever he decided to believe was our original choices. I am told at this point that apparently he hasn't been seen writing anything down and even when they ordered food, he told them "No sweat! Got it all down here!" Pointing to his head which at this point meant what's in there? Air? Acorns and squirrels? So time elapses on and on and as my five o'clock shadow begins to sneak in, one of us finally grabs the waiter. "WHERE IS OUR FOOD?!" "Oooooo... huh? Hold on!" He dashes to the back to where the kitchen is. After another five minutes or so he returns with some interesting news. "Um.... Apparently he didn't get the order. It certainly isn't my fault" and he goes to grab another one of his co-workers "It's all this guys fault. I'm sorry guys I'll get it straightened out". Now it's bad enough that he obviously had made a mistake but being silly and pointing the finger elsewhere is just ridiculous plus it only gets better... "Hey guys I had a loooooonnng day. I had classes all morning since 8am and I'm working here till 2am. So please cut me some slack guys..." Now had we even raised our voices or gave him any beef at this point? No. Besides just asking the simple question "Where's our food?!" "...I'll get him started on your food. Might take a while" and it does as he finally brings the order to the chef. We wait another good fifteen minutes and at last appetizers come out. Except not what we ordered. "I didn't order this soup" "I ordered one empanada" "Where's my fries?" The waiter scratches his head and continues to tell tall tales and excuses using his hardships of studying at a cushy college and classes all day as his reason for our misfortune. Finally the rest of the food comes out. I just ate a bit of this and that and to me it tasted mediocre. Not bad but not worth what they are charging either. As we continue to gorge since some of us at this point are starving and even I had worked up an appetite one of us gags a bit, removing from the orifice a couple of bones that were apparently in his pot pie. The waiter returns and one of my good friends asks, "Why are there bones in his pot pie?" The waiter lets the words sink in to perhaps try and create a logical answer. Instead of saying "I'll tell the cook" he says, "Oh... it comes like that. The bones are supposed to be in it. Just be careful when eating" One of us smiles weakly as he goes back to his usual business of possibly asking other tables for pity on his behalf. Finally we finish and lose all interest in doing anything else for the night which by this point is after midnight. Due to, well you know... "Hey guys thanks so much! I took the liberty of not charging you for the drinks because of all the trouble. Thank you so much and have this bottle on me" He brings out a large bottle of one of their stouts to share between us which perhaps is the only smart thing he had done all night. Having trouble opening it, as well as pouring our glasses and spilling some on the table, he manages to win us over with his... charm? Now if I might say we shouldn't get charged diddle, on the contrary I do hope this hard-working educated boy gets fired from Monk's or has already by this point. If not? The "Monk's" have a lot of praying to do. All pun intended.
(2)
Taylor R.
Great beer, great food. The scallops were some of the best I've ever had.
(4)
Kelly P.
pretty good vibe for a center city spot
(3)
Shaun O.
I finally visited this Philly legend, as I suggested it as an outing for our softball team (Yes, Kevin S and I are on the same team). Monk's did not disappoint. I found myself literally overwhelmed by the selections of beers available (over 90+ and from all around the world), I went with a Belgium beer- Belle Elle Etvee (or something like that). Despite my inability to pronounce it right, the bartender was still able to grab the right bottle and hand me my beer. Kudos! One note-its a great bar and thus popular. Definitely worth the wait and dealing with a crowd. Also beers start at $8 and up, but again definitely worth it. I definitely plan to come back, as I need to check out the food fare also, which is highly recommended.
(5)
Dan H.
Amazing: If Mussels is your thing and your into beer this is the place. The Belgian beers are really good. The Mussels were fantastic and so was the chicken..Just remember you might need some help to finish it, I love this place and will be back here to taste more beers from the bible.
(5)
Jim M.
3.5 stars. I've been here twice now so I can probably give a fair and balanced review(No not the Fox News type). Monk's is located just off of 16th St. and Locust. It's a medium-small space with some tables up front and some booths in the back as well as a bar. On a slow Sunday evening it was pretty relaxed. However on my last visit Saturday night it got ridiculously packed. Be prepared to wait for a table if you have a group. The beer menu there is pretty extensive, but I"m not sure its THE biggest I've ever seen. Both bartenders that have served me did impress me with their knowledge of beer and made pretty good suggestions. I finally got to try an Ommegang that I'd been wanting to drink. The Chimay Triple I had last time was pretty dang tasty. Other beers were less noteworthy, but still good. I've had the boudin sausage and the pulled pork sandwich here. The boudin sausage was pretty good, and paired nicely with some good mustard and fresh greens. The pulled pork sandwich was very mediocre. The frites were pretty good both times I visited,as was the accompanying sauce. Service was good when I sat at the bar on the slow Sunday night. The bartender Saturday night was as fast as he could possibly be given the swarm of people. Frankly, they needed another person to handle the bar there. I hate it when places cheap out and don't staff adequately. Really good food, decent food. I'll probably be back at some point for beer and mussles, just not a weekend night.
(3)
Andrea G.
Monks can be great if your in that dive bar dark and rustic place. They have a good beer selection and their mussels are pretty tasty. Not really my cup of tea but the boyfriend loves it so we occasionally visit. Good place to meet up with others or to start the night out.
(3)
Lucas B.
Monks' reputation speaks for itself...not much I can add. They have perfected the combination of mussels, fries, and great rarely found beers. A must for any visitor to Philly. The roast duck salad is also great, so you don't have to get mussels if you don't want. The wings were not so good in my opinion. I'm from Buffalo and I LOVE heat. Their sauce is not much of a wing sauce. It tastes like a burned version of the Vietnamese garlic pepper sauce you find next to sriracha in the Asian food section. They call this "chipotle" but I disagree. Also an FYI. The house Flemish Sour Ale is true to its name...sour. It is very good, but you should be aware of this before you order it.
(4)
Aaron K.
Monk's has an amazing beer selection. The best I've seen. I love mussels. I love their mussels. Even the burgers were great. They have great ideas and take great care in their food. Get prices on dessert before picking from the dessert tray.
(5)
Judith C.
Well, it's not like this place needs another review on Yelp, but since they have introduced me to 2 of my favorite beers in the world, Sour Flemish Ale and Gueuze, so I really owe them a 5 star. The mussels are always fresh, too. Really, if you are ordering anything else, you are making a mistake. If you are vegetarian, just get the veggie burger. The other stuff is a little weird. The fries are also not the crispy kind, but I don't mind for some reason. So listen to me, and you will have a 5 star experience every time!
(5)
Kristin B.
Any bar with a bible for beers is one that is after my own heart. Monks. What can I say? One of my favorite bars in the city. This place has the most extensive beer list I have seen in awhile - and not only do they have all these amazing beers, but the servers know about them. Since I go so often, I always make it a point to try something new and "exotic", and whenever I ask about any of them, the servers know their stuff. I have never gotten something I haven't really enjoyed. Being that it is a Belgian bar, this is not a place for the lighthearted of beer drinkers. What it IS for everyone is amazing food. I've had a lot of their stuff, burgers, fries, what have you, and while all of them are delicious, NOTHING beats their mussels. They have a multitide of different types, from your standard mussels to the spicy thai mussels. It's a great place. Grab a chimay and some mussels - just don't forget the gum.
(5)
Alexandra D.
The food is great but the service tends to be a bit pretentious. When asking questions about the menu, I don't like the feeling of being spoken down to for doing so.
(4)
Justin S.
I have only done beer here. The selection is very large, Belgian inspired, and nice if you just want something different. Most bars are offering really unique micro brews and imports now though, so this was more original a few years back, but it still is nice if you want a good beer.
(4)
Joe P.
Wife and I stopped here after a show . Nice cozy pub . We were able to get a table and we shared a bacon cheeseburger and apple sausage sandwich . Both were very good . Waitress helped us pick a few beers off the large beer menu . Beers went well with the food
(4)
Austin F.
Well, I still love Monk's for their tasty treats, and I like the ambiance (though Monk's layout and general feeling is not unique--it can be found in many restaurants crammed into row homes). However, I'm getting tired of the service--you get the feeling that no one on the staff cares if you are there or not. In fact they probably don't care, because the number of eager patrons consistently outstrips the available seating; while this is a sign that the rest of the world likes Monk's too, it also means that a 40 minute wait on a Friday night is common. As I said above, I still love Monk's, but I'm more likely to revisit on a weeknight or an afternoon.
(4)
Christian F.
Been to Monk's a few times for drinks but ate there for the first time on a Friday. Took a while to get a table for the 4 of us but that is expected on a Friday., so we hung out at the back bar for drinks. The food was above average and reasonably priced. "Small" pots of mussels, which were decent sized, were $10 and included fries and bread. One of the girls ordered a pulled pork sandwich and liked it. Certainly not the fanciest place in the city but a good spot to grab a quick bite.
(4)
Greg Y.
First yelp ever and decided to rate a place that I think is one of the most overrated places in town. Yea they have great beer, but there's great beer all over Philly. The food and dining experience have fallen off quite a bit. Menu hasn't changed in forever and the food is just ok. The duck sandwich is decent. Mussels were salty and not plump.
(2)
William Y.
This is a superb restaurant. I had the Ardennes burger, my dining companion had the duck confit salad, and we shared the Ghent mussels. I was rather safe with beers I was familiar with (but not too familiar with), Russian River Damnation and Delirium Tremens. She had a succession of very different Belgian beers, including one [fermented?] in a Scotch casket that was very different and interesting. The service at the bar was unobtrusive and helpful. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Z D.
I took my girlfriend to Monk's on Friday night and I am completely appalled by the rude service and illogical thought-process that went into it. The standing bar-area was completely packed, except for 2 seats near the bar-keepers entrance and there are at least 6 or 7 open tables. We sat down at the bar and the bartender said "we're going to be walking in and out of here all night, you may want to move down." Well there was no more room to move down. So we move to a table with our drinks and we were immediately told by a waitress that we couldn't sit there because it was for "full dining." We didn't even get asked "are you guys interested in full dining?" We were just told to move like children and the word "sorry" was never a part of the exchange. Now I could understand if there were people waiting to eat and reservations out the wazoo - but this was MIDNIGHT and there's 6 or 7 tables open! Instead of forcing us to down our drinks and leave, why weren't we offered the table (we would have stayed and ordered many drinks.) If the tables filled up, we could have THEN been asked to move. *IF YOU ARE THE OWNER OR HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THIS PLACE, YOU SHOULD BE HEAVILY ALARMED AND TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. I'M AN ENTREPRENEUR AND MARKETING DIRECTOR - THIS WOULD NEVER FLY IN ANY VENTURE I ASSOCIATED MYSELF WITH. PRO TIP - FIRE THE RUDE CHILDREN YOU HAVE PRANCING AROUND AND HIRE SOMEONE WITH ETHICS AND HONOR. Here's a slogan for you to sum up my experience: "I went here on a whim just to find out how disappointing it is."
(1)
Alex S.
Monks: great beer list, yes. Great beer shop around the corner, Food & Friends or Foodery, yes. Monks: delicious mussels, yes. Equally delicious mussels at Eulogy, yes. Monks: WORST SERVICE IN PHILADELPHIA, which is saying something, YES. -Have had several occasions where parties that came in after me, of the same size as mine, were seated before me during a 40-90 minute wait. I worked in service, I know how seating goes. This was blatant seating of friends. This has happened to friends of mine where the bartender said "it's like the godfather here, you have to know people". No it's not. It's a pretentious bar in a city full of great bars with equally impressive offerings that would love to have my money. -Waitress circled the tip part of my check like i wasn't going to tip! I have never in my life seen anything that tactless and insulting. Why do i keep going back? Because, I don't want to believe service can be that bad. But I go back, 1.5-2 years after each previous encounter and always leave feeling violated, robbed of my money and estranged by servers that treat you like you're the lucky one to be in there spending money. Ok, the beer list, the beer list - listen, you are in Philadelphia, there are so many phenomenal beer lists around it could make your head explode. Honestly, it's not all it's hyped up to be and not worth your time. Perhaps karma is why a septa bus ran into the front window a few years ago? (Just another reason not to go)
(1)
Steve W.
If you're looking for Mussels and Belgium beer, Monk's is the place to go. I had them in the Thai curry broth which was fantastic with just right amount of spice. They come with a nice small piece of dense country style bread and fries (which I'll comment more on below). My wife had the mussels in the Provence broth which was more traditional and very good as well. There are at least 8 different options here, can't wait to try the rest! The portion size is very generous and at $10, its a bargain. The Belgium beer selection is good and the wait staff knowledgeable enough to offer good recommendations. The interior seating is kind of tight but adds to the pub atmosphere and makes for easy talking to people at other tables or even seated at your same table. Fun. The only knock is, for a place that emphasizes the authentic Belgium everything, i.e. mussels, beer, their French fries are are so off the mark it's amazing. They're spicy, over cooked and the mayo is spiced up as well. Don't get me wrong, tasty but nothing close to what you get in Belgium here. Probably more popular for American tastes, but they should at least offer an option to get "real" pommes frites and mayo with your mussels.
(4)
Bob F.
Can't say enough about the beer menu. I'm a big fan of the large selection and always enjoy trying something new. The menu is excellent and the food is always great! Stop in and give it a try.
(5)
Scott K.
Good beers. Bummed they don't allow tastings, but I guess that makes sense based on the fact that everyone would be requesting them. Good service too. Looking forward to coming back.
(4)
Brad S.
Great beer selection here. I was able to try beers I haven't seen anywhere else. I had the Ghent burger for dinner and it was do r just right. It was quite good.
(4)
Abhishek Y.
Summary: Great beer collection (and "beer bible"), good food, okay service, okay cost. Monk's is a little bit further down 16th street than I've been before, but finding myself relatively free on a Sunday afternoon, I wanted to cross-off one of my Philly "bucket-list" restaurants - a list of must-visits before I leave the city. Monk's was there on my list due to recommendations from friends and colleagues, so I figured that a Sunday afternoon was a good a time as any to visit! Took the subway to 15th, and it's a solid 10 minute walk from the station to the place. Once you get there, it's a rather odd entrance which seems more akin to making the place look like it's someone's home. That being said, it sort of adds to the look and feel of the place, in a good way! Inside, it's a rather narrow (but long) place, with the bar right out in the front. Decor-wise, it's nothing to blow you away, but it certainly looks all right. We asked the waitress for suggestions on the food and a beer for my friend, and she seemed to be having a hard time suggesting anything on either front. It didn't seem like she was new, but you never know. Maybe she was just having a bad day...? She did happen to bring over their "beer bible," which is an extensive list of most of the items that they have in their collection. The list runs for several pages, leading me to believe that they have well over 200 different ones in stock at any given time, ranging from 5$ to 140$ (the highest one I happened to see). In addition, they had a nice section at the back of the "bible" regarding different beers and brewing processes. Cool stuff, and fun to read. We ended up getting the chicken wings to start (called the Spanish Flies), and per my standards, all their warnings about how excessively spicy these things were going to be was a bit of a let down. Sure - it's going to be spicy for some, and it really depends person-person, but I didn't feel that it was too off-the-wall. For mains, my friend went with the chicken breast burger and I went with the vegan burger. They have a bunch of different styles for the burgers (mostly named after different cities located around Bruxelles - nice cultural touch), which all seemed to look rather good. We both went with the Ghent, which is sauteed broccoli rabe (w/ garlic) & cheddar on the waitress' suggestion (one of her few contributions to the meal). The wings came out in 4-5 minutes, and the burgers shortly after we finished with the wings. The Ghent style topping was a fantastic decision and I highly recommend it. As for the burgers, my friend loved the chicken, and I feel that my vegan burger was one of the best I've had in Philly, bar the Masala Burger from Trader Joe's (definitely try it if you haven't done that before). The check took around 10 minutes to come out after we requested it, which was a bit surprising since it didn't look to be THAT busy, but either way, I'll give our server the benefit of the doubt here and only dock a single star from the review. All in all, a fun place to visit with friends and not terribly expensive. All in all, came out to be ~45 including tip for 2 people.
(4)
Howard R.
Solid food and great beers!
(4)
Logan Lynn R.
There is nothing like drinking Delirium Tremens, starting with the Frog Legs & finishing with a Monk's Burger that melts in your mouth. Make sure to get extra fries, you'll thank me. It's always busy but never annoyingly so. A fantastic Philly staple.
(5)
Ben W.
Great atmosphere and superb beer list.
(4)
Daniel T.
Great dive destination in Center city Philly. Grab a beer and some mussels and frites for a nice wind down from the day.
(3)
Steven D.
I love coming to Philly. As a Belgian living on the West coast near SF, I'm spoiled with good food and drink choices. That said, when I come to Philly I love exploring new restaurants. This time, I came to Monk's with a colleague who totally loves this place and used to live around the corner. Little did she know that I'm Belgian. One of the last times I was in Philly I had tried Eulogy Tavern, a sister restaurant to this place. Long story short: great and friendly service, a huge selection of Belgian beers, excellent mussels...what more can you ask for. The fries are good but I have to say not quite belgian enough. Too salty. And they come with a funky mayo sauce. But overall, I am going to rate this place 5 stars. Its a hole in the wall with a ton of character. Go check it out!!
(5)
Howie A.
It is Belgium Beer heaven !
(5)
Brandon M.
Five stars for the beer list alone. You won't find one with such an extensive offering of Belgians...anywhere outside Europe, to my knowledge. That said, Monk's does charge a premium and is missing a few notable American and Canadian craft brews, but you don't come to Monk's for American and Canadian beer. The food here is quite good. The veal cheeks, mussels and chicken fingers are all excellent. Hamburgers are decent and the fries -- small, crispy, and served with a spicy mayo -- are the best in the city (mostly because of the addicting spicy mayo). Overall, I've had better pub grub elsewhere, but this does the trick when you're loading up on 10% abv Trappist brews. Service can be spotty and the place itself can get really crowded, and extremely hot in the summer. I try to sit in the back area, which is usually less crowded and a little quieter. Coveted bar seats are hard to come by at peak hours, which is to say 10pm onwards on weekends. If you're not into beer, I have to say there's no point in coming here unless you really like the place for some reason. There are many better bars, with better drinks, better food and better spaces. But if you like and can appreciate a good beer, I can't think of anywhere else to go. (Okay, Eulogy is a pretty good substitute.)
(5)
Cherie C.
How did I forget to yelp Monk's? They have an extensive menu of Belgian ales. They take their beer seriously, so don't come looking for PBR. Even if you aren't a beer fan, they can probably recommend something that will make you give beer a second chance. Great place to take beer connoisseurs and foodies. The Belgian food menu is delicious. The mussels are legendary and come with your choice of flavorful broths. Monk's is not cheap, but it's definitely worth the extra dollars. it's not extravagant--just a bit more than my budget will allow for a regular hangout. Vegetarians will be pleased to know that they have more than just veggie burgers for them. The chef offers veggie fare that is more than just an afterthought. Expect to wait for a table at dinner. Even on weekdays, this small place can get packed.
(4)
Lily G.
I love this bar. They have great food and a huge selection of belgium beer. It's always a great place to take out of town visitors because they have something for everyone on the menu - beer and food! Even vegetarians! The desserts are pretty fantastic, too. The waitstaff were all very friendly.
(4)
Lorac L.
mussels mussels and more mussels with hot fries and beer, though i am not a big fan of beer, but what the heck, when you are in monk, you got to have mussels with beer! Been here few times and always have to wait for a table, from 30mins to an hour but worth the wait.
(4)
Will T.
Founder's Kentucky Breakfast Stout? Yes, please. I would give Monk's 5/5 just for carrying this beer (although for a limited time) and the fact the food is great certainly doesn't hurt. I normally go with the Mussels as they are a great deal at $10 for a decent size pot. I like the Monk's , Brussels, and Flemish seasoning. Their burgers are also pretty good, with a wide variety of toppings. Oh, and the fries are delish dipped in the jalapeno mayo! But anyway, back to the beer. I'd recommend any of the Russian River, Monk's private label, or any of the Founder's that might happen to have. Either way, you can't go wrong!
(5)
Celia S.
GREAT beer. Lots of options on tap and tons of bottles. If you are into "girly" drinks they have lambic's and cider type things that are quite good. The servers are usually knowledgeable about the beers which is a good thing because they are usually pretty complex flavors and just a huge selection. They have some pretty great food... vegetarian friendly with their vegan burgers. I really like their salade nicoise. Their Pomme Frites are a bit salty... at least they were when I was there. Slightly on the pricey side if you are looking for a low key beer joint but the beers on tap range from about 6.50 - 9.00 but its a smallish glass. Then again, these are not your typical Sam Adams or Guiness.
(5)
K H.
As a patron who spent over $60 by myself, I find this place to be very overpriced and unsatisfactory. Go to Tria or another nice bar that I have not tried yet in Philly. You'll enjoy better food, better service, and much better value for the beers and food. The bartender poured an expensive beer for me with 1/3 head. That's ridiculous. I'm ashamed of myself for not complaining.
(2)
Kathryn M.
Great food, so so bar. I know I am going to be torn to pieces for this review, but i didn't particularly like the bar. The beer was a bit overpriced, the selection was good but seemed to stay to a particular style and the bar area is brutally crowded every time I attempt to get in here. Never bring a crowd (there is absolutely no room for you to wait for a table) and be sure you aren't in any rush!
(3)
Mark A.
This is the 88th review of Monk's Cafe, so how can I add anything new? How about the fact that if this is such a great beer place with an awesome selection, how come I can't get a Schaefer? It's the one beer to have when you're having more than one, for God's sake! We had a 45 minute wait, which is typical on a Friday evening. We ordered a few beers from the front bar and the guy bartender was a real tool. We know it's crazy busy and my wife and I tend to become opaque, even invisible. No one pays attention to us. So,since we're lushes and all hungry and shit, we got a bit pushy to get a drink before our 45 minute wait was up. Boy, did we got major attitude; and that's after waiting ten minutes for them to acknowledge us. $9.00 for a non-Schaefer beer and we need that horseshit? Well, we got a table and our waitress wasn't much cheerier. Not that you have to be all smiles, but a non-scowly server is always appreciated by the "opaque ones". Food was less than stellar. It used to be better but the mussels were "feh". Chic's in Bridgeport is loads better. Does it still have a nice vibe and great Belgian ale selection? Absolutely. But a little less attitude will take places miles with my wife and I. And don't get me started about their lack of Meister Brau. I mean, it's like the best import ever...and they don't have it? Some "beer" palace this place is.
(3)
Quinn V.
rude rude rude, we travel a lot and there are so many places in Philadelphia to have a great dinner and beers. These people could care less about anything and whats more is they care more about causing you problems than they do about making sure you come back. Since we stepped foot in the door they gave us a hard time... many places in philly will open the door to you like you are family dont waste your time with people like Tom and his coworkers. Go see Frank and Bobbie at Pesce's or le beque fin, or if your in for a nice night Tria on 18th they will make you feel like they actually care if you do your business there
(1)
Paul W.
Monks versus Eulogy. Who will win the battle of the Belgium Beer Bars? French Fries: I prefer the thin cut crispy goodness of the Monks fries to the twice fried steak-fries at Eulogy. Both come with delicious spicy mayo. (Point goes to Monks) Moules (mussels): Both "House" recipes are delicious. The portions at Monk's seemed a bit bigger and the mussels more tender but in terms of flavor the Eulogy mussels outshined their cross town competitor competitor. (Point goes to Eulogy) Atmosphere: Both are dark and crowded and have that European feel. The crowd at Monks is a bit more touristy and at Eulogy you get the "underage vibe" at times due to it's proximity to the college drinking mecca that is Mad River. (Point goes to neither) Verdict: Tie. Go to both and decide yourself...
(4)
Emily A.
Holy Shit- what happened to this place?!!!! I think that Fergie needs to get his ass in here more often- cause whoa' nelly has the service gone way downhill!!!!!!! I hadn't been there in awhile, and granted it was a Friday night- but the bartender muttered something about wishing he had a bazooka after I asked him a question about one of the beers. Nice. So,I agree 110% with what Marissa said about this place... "If you are going to be an emporium of belgium beers then your staff should know enough about the beer to make a thoughtful recommendation." I also know my beers, but did not know about one of the sours they had on draft. Well fuck me- I may as well have asked this guy if I could punch him in the face, cause his face was horrified when I asked for a tasting. Now, for a $9 draft that I had never heard of- I couldn't even try a shot? That is downright greedy Fergie. I agree that the beer selection is AMAZING, but the food was really underwhelming; with shitty service I won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Chris R.
Great beer, great mussels, great fries....do you really need more detail? OK, fine....beer - while they focus on Belgians (and do a great job at that), the selection is much wider...check out their website. The staff is also pretty knowledgeable, which is nice. The mussels and fries are very good - order a couple different pots (fires come with) and share and enjoy. Oh, come early. Either early enough to get a table right away - we got there before 6 on a Friday and got seated immediately, but it was filling up as we left - or build the time you'll spend at the bar enjoying the beer prior to getting a seat into your plans.
(4)
Colleen D.
I had been here a few times before for a drink but this past Friday evening, I finally decided to go there to eat with a girlfriend after hearing from others that they have great food. Boy was I disappointed. First of all, when we walked in the place was packed, there was no where to go or stand, and the servers that walked by were rude and acted like we were so annoying for even standing there. When we asked the hostess if we could change it to 3 of us as a friend would like to join, the host gave us a big sigh as if we were burdening him from his 10$/hour stand there like I'm important but I don't do shit job" then refused to seat us until our third friend came. Now I expect this from maybe a fine dining establishment, but from a pub? I'm sorry Monk's but you're not that special. While we waited, I tried to to order a cider for my friend who has a gluten allergy. We were told that they only had one kind, a 25 oz $16 bottle and when we said no thanks, the bartender acted like it was a a huge burden to put it back in the fridge. This might come as a shock to you Monk's that most people don't want to spend $16 on a beer. The only saving grace about this place was our server, a middle-aged man, maybe early 40s, who was very attentive and friendly. He brought out our $8.50 burgers, not a bad price, I thought - until it came out with nothing, and i mean nothing on it. no onion. no tomato. and two of the tiniest spring leaves of lettuce i have ever seen. Talk about CHEAP. They don't even give you fries. That's another $5 if you want those. I actually had to ask for the traditional toppings (LTO) that to me are just a given. And the annoying server who walks around in thick dark glasses came by our table 3 times to ask us if we were done paying our bill - god forbid if we sit and chat for five more minutes after we scarfed down our mediocre burgers. In a city with so many great places to eat and drink, I will not be coming back to Monk's. Monk's should take a few notes from Silk City - great food, great service, great atmosphere, great portions, fair prices
(1)
Darin P.
Belgium beer bar...nothing else needs to be sed
(4)
Jeffrey M.
The mussels with blue cheese and bacon and leeks and some other stuff are smashing. The sweet little birds flittin around to sit or serve ya will drive you silly and wanting to pull your wanker out and see whats what you know
(4)
Rachel F.
Monk's, in my opinion, is actually kinda overrated. I got really excited when people said '"beer list a mile long!" and "biggest selection anywhere!" However, I find the beer list completely overwhelming and the service not geared to helping customers throuhg the selection. Monk's is also annoyingly strict about seating: make sure you have all members of your party with you, or they won't seat you. Its almost always crowded and noisy, so don't look forward to some quiet conversation. All that said, they have delirium tremens (delicious....) and good fries, so I'm willing to forgive some of the sins.
(2)
Liz G.
Based on a hotel magazine recommendation (how good can those really be?) and some stellar yelp reviews (go yelp!), I decided to get dinner at Monk's while in town for work. Everything I had read was true, the scallops and mussels were amazing. The scallops had this mustardy, garlicy sauce fit perfectly with the fresh scallops. The mussels were plentiful and the largest I had had in a while (if there are mussels on a menu, I will most likely order them). There were many broths/ sauces to choose from so everyone can have them how they like. I hate the red light mussels which were in a wheat beer broth that had an amazing spice to it on the back end. Summary of the food: great portions, excellent seafood. On to the beer - Monk's has hundreds of beer to choose from. So many that when you ask for the 'beer list' they hand you the 'beer bible'. I am a lover of draft beer and between the 2 bars (front and back) they had about 20 beers on draft. I tried 3 and they were all unique and delicious. The strangest being a cross between a belgium triple and an american IPA. Looked and smelled like a beligum wheat but finished like an IPA. Strange and delicious. It was crowded when we entered but the 15 minutes we were quoted to a table ended being only about 10. I went to Monk's as a beer lover but ended up just as impressed with the food. Go here, now.
(5)
valerie v.
Went for the first time for less than 2 minutes l and we had to leave... Got an attitude as soon we wanted to have a differente table than the only one pointed to us in the corner... On Friday night the place wasn't crowded and we could have easely be seated elsewhere... But they started to have an attitude we decided to just leave the place and don't let them waste our time and evening... Went to an another pub few blocks down and it was fantatstic... I usualy don't trash places and prefer silence to gossip but this one seams to make their reputation by themselves... Too bad menu looked good....
(1)
Lynne B.
This place is great. My favorites: steak frites salad or the flemish mussels. You can pretty much count on waiting forever for a table on the weekends. Go on a weeknight instead and you'll be fine.
(4)
Chris B.
Where else can you get moules & frites (fries cut smaller and crispier than the plank-style frites at other Belgian places), rack of lamb, and grilled octopus at the stroke of midnight, all served with nearly whatever beer your heart desires? OK, I'm majorly biased about Monk's...before Monks I was a Belgian pub virgin. I visited this place years ago on a vacation, had a great time pouring over the menu a.k.a. "Bible" and have been sending people there since. This place was so legendary among my beer circle below the Mason-Dixon that when I brought back a purloined copy of their menu it was a subject of intense study to my friends, like a Shakespeare manuscript. Of course, as a kid I used to read the dictionary for fun. {BTW...you need to PAY for these if you want a souvenir...thanks for pointing that out KB!} I prefer the cozy setting of the back bar to the bustle of the front bar...head back there to settle in. A great restaurant for contemplative beer worship or chummy conversations with friends.
(5)
Patricia S.
So I was in Philly this past weekend, hanging out with a college buddy. He has a penchant ... er, OBSESSION with belgian beers, so we decided to eat lunch at Monk's. Let me just start off by saying that their "Beer Bible" is completely amazing and mindblowing. I was too hungover from the night before to imbibe, but apparently my friend was not and ordered some kind of sour beer, a Monk's home brew. I tried a few sips and it was delicious! Sour beer?!?? Who woulda thunk it? For an appetizer we ordered some kind of scallions that were tender and delicious. For my meal, I opted for the pulled pork sandwich and he got the salmon. My sandwich arrived looking entirely too big to fit in my stomach (in the best way possible), and it came with a basket of fries that we joked might have been sprinkled with crack. Cuz they were so good. The service was a little spotty, but since it was my 1st time there, I am going to chalk it up to the large table sitting next to us filled with HUMONGOUS men with mustaches drinking large quantities of beer. There were maybe like 12 of them. It looked like the waitress had her hands full. They actually looked very much like the clientele I would have expected from a place like Monk's (also in the best way possible). All in all, a great time. I just wish I hadn't been so hungover :P
(4)
christy c.
This bar is amazing for beer and for a bar atmosphere (go to the back!) Unfortunately, someone told us to come here because the vegetarian food is "really good"... I beg to differ. We got a veggie burger (nothing spectacular) and the "Phllly Cheesesteak" (recommendation of our waitress because she advised AGAINST the meatloaf.) Okay, so the Philly Cheesesteak (fake, obviously) sandwich was not bad...it was tasty, but pretty greasy. I mean, anything sliced thin and cooked in that much grease? If it's NOT good? That's kinda bad. Stick to beers and you'll be ecstatic...Eat elsewhere as Philly has a ridiculous amount of vegetarian restaurant options :).
(4)
Joey M.
Perusing through the "Beer Bible" I discovered the owner of the restaurant was "knighted" in Belgium for beer making. I'm not sure if I really read this or if this was a beer induced fantasy. Regardless if I ever met the owner of Monk's Cafe, he would certainly be my knight in shining armor. First, let's start with the beer selection which is close to infinite. Though they specialize in Belgian beer with some of the best beers I've ever had, they also have quite a selection from other countries. My favorite's are the geuze's, which to me taste like sweet tarts. The awesome thing about geuze's are that each batch is different because of the wild fermenting process. The selection let's you figure out what you love. Next the food. I have yet to find something I dislike on the menu. All the mussel varieties are fantastic and many of them are cooked with their very own beer. The Thai Curry variety seem to be made with some kind of red curry and once the mussels are finished I always take one of the mussel shells and sip on the broth. The Abbot's burger or chicken breast is fantastic. It has the perfect amount of boursin and sprouts... so simple. Spanish flies are for spice lovers. Though the place is crowded you get a varied crowd from old Philadelphians (if that's a term), to tourists, to local young professionals and college kids. The ambiance is perfect, not to pretentious and not too divey. Go there and enjoy.
(5)
Margaret T.
This. Place. Rocks. The beer selection is VERY amaze [sic]! Like 100s of bottled beers including some really rare choices on top of almost two dozen beers on tap. I heard they're one of the only places on the east coast with Russian River Brewing Co. beers on tap including the super tasty Blind Pig IPA. They also have their own sour beer on tap! woo! When you walk in, it looks insanely crowded. Just stroll in like you own the place and keep heading towards the back to the...SECOND BAR! Yes, this bar will also be crowded but slightly less so. The bartenders are busy but really knowledgeable and will help you navigate the impressive selection. As impressive as their beer selection is, you really must also try the food! We had an order of their mussels and fries along with a few other dishes. They were ALL amazing. So, in closing: 1. Very amaze beer selection 2. Bartenders super nice and beer-geekalicious 3. Food that: a. goes well with the drinks b. you don't have to be drunk to enjoy Go here. Like, NOW. You're welcome.
(5)
Jose R.
I recently visited Monks to celebrate my wedding anniversary with my wife and must say I was pleasantly pleased with the food, level of service, and most of all the selection of premium beer. Me and my wife enjoy craft beer and love tasting new and exciting food. This place had everything we were looking for. My experience started with somewhat of a wait to get seated but seeing that this place is downtown and it was a Friday night it's to be expected. We both grabbed a seat at the bar while we waited for a table and looked over the massive selections of beer that were available. Neither of us are experts on craft beer and really were a bit overwhelmed with the selection. The bartender was more than helpful giving us great detail on each beer and what to expect. Very courteous of him considering he took time out from a busy Friday night to help us out. When we got seated we ordered the mussels ghent. A tall Allagash Tripel to split. Wife had a duck salad and I settled for the burger. I can't think of anything that was wrong with the food. Our waitress was very nice, the food arrived timely and hot, and everything had an amazing flavor. Now you may be asking why I gave this place a 4 out of 5. Well the reason for that is ultimately because of the cramped space of the seating area. When ever I adjusted my seat I was either hitting the wall to my right or hitting the guy sitting behind me. (If your reading this, I'm sorry again!) Monks is a place the I will definetly be visiting again and will definetly be telling all my friends about.
(4)
Lili W.
I called Monks from 2 blocks away, I was told there was no wait and that I'd be seated right away. I showed up in slightly less than 3 minutes only to find that the wait was at least 30 mins long with 6 parties ahead of me. C'mon brah, honesty is the best policy.
(1)
Ningxi X.
The Monk's and red light mussels were good, and all the mussel entrees come with a piece of bread, fries, and Monk's house-made mayonnaise. The beer menu is gigantic and for sale if you're interested. I had the glass of riesling instead and it was great. The downside of no reservations is you may have to wait a while to get a table when the place's busy. We came on Saturday evening and had a half hour wait. However, when we finally got our table it took probably over ten minutes to get any service. Our hungry friend had to leave the table and hunt down a server so we could get our orders in. Once the process got rolling, though, the drinks and food came reasonably quickly. The Spanish flies were pretty spicy, but delicious. I liked red light mussels better than Monk's, which seemed to be blander. Each serving is about 1.5 pounds and definitely the size of a full meal with the fries and bread to soak up the broth. I would come back.
(4)
Jessie H.
I was going to rate this 3 but then I remembered I've been here 3 times so it probably deserved a 4. I like the mussels and fries but the mussels are a bit watered down so the flavor is kind of hard to taste, still good though. The fries are delicious!!! I love the sauce they give you to dip (it has a spicy kick to it). Excellent beer selection. This is a great dinner spot to meet and catch up with friends! It wasn't that quiet but still quiet enough to have a conversation with people. Next time I come here I will try something else. My friend loved her burger. This is a good place to meet up, grab a bite and some drinks then head out for a night out in the city. I would not recommend coming here in large groups. It is pretty hard to get seated already. There's always a line. I came here on Sat and waited 90 min before I was seated (we had a group of 5). We squeezed in a booth.
(4)
Justin L.
Monk's Cafe is one of the very best beer bars I've ever gone to. Consistently ranked among the top in the country, they have the awards, crowds and raves to prove it. The place plays up the monastery motif as you can expect. Service when I was there was friendly and knowledgeable but also a bit rushed; given the layout of the place with multiple tap locations I'm not surprised. The taps themselves live up to the hype. I got to try Pliny the Elder for the first time, and stuck with Russian River for the 2nd round as well with Damnation (think Duvel). There was a lot else worth trying on the list though; if I wasn't there for business I could've stayed there all night "exploring". The bottle selection was as good as I've seen anywhere although a bit pricey as you could expect. I tried to snag a bottle of Firestone Walker PNC, but alas they had run out. Not that there weren't other options if I really wanted something though (probably 10-15 comparable options). A place like this could just hang its hat on the beer and call it a day. But what I didn't expect here was that the food would be as good as it was. Smelling my business associate's grilled scallops appetizer drove me crazy to the point that I asked him for some. The scallop was perfectly seared and cooked just right; it came in a light butter sauce that suited it perfectly. The pots of mussels coming out looked great but I'm glad I passed. The burger I got was awesome. I had been craving a blue cheese burger for weeks and this absolutely hit the spot. It was also cooked to a perfect medium rare as requested, with a very good bun. The fries were perfectly crisp and they came as a huge portion. All in all not only did I enjoy the meal, but it was one of the best I had last year.
(5)
Kellie K.
Not much else needs to be said about this place since it has 1,000+ reviews, but this has been the fella's Holy Grail of beer bars he's been trying to get to. I'm pretty sure "unbridled joy" is an understatement for how he felt sitting at the bar. They have amazing, super rare beers on tap and in the bottle. I say this as a non-beer lover, but if you can't find something to drink here that you love, you're doing it wrong. The atmosphere is dark, but it doesn't feel seedy. The music was fun and funky, and our bartender was awesome - she didn't even seem annoyed with all the pictures I was taking. It's a good thing we got there early (around 4:00 on a Thursday) because the place was chocked full about an hour later.
(5)
Diana L.
This place was awesome! Highly recommend it! Great for the regular folk and vegetarian friends! ****FOOD*** 1) Mussels and Frites: Deciding which mussels to get is the first step. They have ~5 different kinds. I chose the Ghent mussels (Saison dupont, fume, parsley, caramelized leeks, bacon, bleu cheese & garlic). I was hesitant at first because I don't like bleu cheese, however, it blends nicely into the mixture and you don't taste the actual bleu cheese-just adds more depth of flavor! Also the amount of mussels! WOW. I was impressed. Coming from Boston, I rarely get that many mussels for this price. The frites were good as well. I would have preferred crispier/less oily fries but still enjoyed them. 2) Seitan Cheese Steak My friend got this vegetarian sandwich (seitan -wheat meat- sauteed with onions and mushrooms; served on a long roll and topped with st. nectaire cheese). I've never heard of seitan before but it actually looked like a steak sandwich!!! She really enjoyed it! ***BEER*** They have a ridiculous beer selection (300 bottles and ~12 draft). I was a little overwhelmed by the selection and told her I like wheat beers so she recommended the Allagash White. Loved it and the price ($5). ***SERVICE/PLACE*** Our waitress was awesome! Super friendly and helpful. As for the place: there is the initial bar and seating area, then a long corridor that opens into another room with its own bar. Orange, toasty, woody, and warm throughout! This was an awesome first dinner to start of the week!
(5)
Lindsay H.
I would have given this place a much better review if it wasn't for the terrible service I received. The food was good and the menu was unique. The atmosphere was also great for relaxing with friends. My complaints stem from the response we received when we indicated the beer we were served had gone bad. Normally, I will not send food or drinks back but the beer was straight up rotted. It smelled like horse manure. The waitress didn't seem concerned and was not very willing to take the beers back. She even agreed they smelled bad. At any other restaurant the costumer is always right but they didn't take the beer off the bill at this place. It was just poor costumer service!
(2)
William R.
If you want a great beer selection and good food, this is the place to be. But make no mistake, it's a very busy place so seating will come at a premium. I ended up waiting over 30 minutes for a bar seat, but once I was seated the bartender was accommodating and I ended up having a good time. My only gripe is that the website wasn't updated properly and the beers I saw online was not available at the bar. Now I understand that beers can tap out pretty quickly, but one beer I wanted that was showing as available was "up next". Not a big deal, just something to be careful of.
(4)
Geraldine U.
I finally came here after so long! And I will say that it lived up to the hype. I came for the mussels and burgers, so that's what I got. The mussels were fantastic. $16 for a large bowl of mussels, which was easily shared by 3 people, is not a bad deal. We got the DeKoninck mussels, which had a flavorful savory taste and a little bit of sweet snuck in there with the apples. We also tried the Antwerp burger and the duck salad sandwich. The burger was juicy, tender and packed with rich flavor. The duck salad sandwich was a good balance between sweet and savory. The juicy pieces of duck were pleasantly mixed with cranberries and walnuts. I just wish there was more duck to the dish - but I guess, you can never have enough duck.
(4)
Rae C.
I legitimately believe I ate the most delicious thing I have EVER eaten in my life here. I ordered the caramelized leek and olive tart, and after the first bite I tried to eat as slowly as possible to enjoy every last morsel of that meal. I have been Googling in earnest to find a recipe that might even compare to the glory that their tart introduced to my taste buds. Outside of the best meal ever, I loved this bar. Teeny tiny, somewhat off the beaten track, dark, and populated by respectful adults and a quirky beer menu, I was in heaven. Beer options abound. Don't be fooled, as I was, by the draught menu. The booklet that accompanies it, which also quotes All About Beer Magazine saying this is one of the "Top 5 Places in the World to Have a Beer," has a ton of additional options as well as some informational material about different styles of beer. The bartender was polite and kind, the people sitting at the bar were polite and kind, and in general it felt like your local neighborhood bar, that is, if your local neighborhood bar had the best food in the world and a bajillion beer choices.
(5)
Sumita R.
Came here for lunch during a work day so I couldn't try any of the beers. I had the fries which come with a flavorful mayo. Then the cheesesteak with seitan. Even though I am vegetarian, I had never had seitan before. It was really delicious! Much better than I expected and mixed with onions mushrooms and some French cheese. I actually wish the bread was toasted with some melted cheese on top, but it was still good. Can't wait to come back and try the beers! They seem to have a huge selection!
I came here with my friend a few months ago. I have heard many wonderful things about Monk's in the past and was happy to find that all of them were true. They have one of the most impressive rare beer menus that I have ever seen with a specialization in Belgians. The beer we got was amazing, and that was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what was available. It can get a bit expensive, but I feel like the beers they sell cost quite a bit in the store to start. Keep in mind that it can get super crowded, and that it's quite a small space, so come early if you have even a slightly larger party. I look forward to coming back during my next romp in Philly.
(5)
Michael G.
Only had some mussels/fries and some beer here. The mussels were ok, pretty standard. The beer was Belgian, not much to say about it. I love Belgian beer, but now it's so mainstream that you can go almost anywhere and have very similar beer. So this place doesn't really stand out in any way from any number of other pubs. I'd go back simply because I have friends who like it. But it's really much too busy, uncomfortably so.
(3)
Scott P.
I've always had their mussels and they are amazing! A really nice portion that can be shared if you desire. Their beer selection will NOT disappoint!
(5)
Alisa W.
It's always crowded, no matter what. Super tiny and cramped inside, but don't let that stop you from going. Great beer selection, and typical, hearty pub food, and the Monk-famous steamed mussels. Great place overall
(4)
Kered N.
Sat in the way, way, back room with no windows. Couldn't decide what beer on tap to order...would have been nice to taste at least one but that was not offered. Decided on the Chimay which was good but would have been fun to try something new. Ordered the mussels and fries. The mussels were plentiful and good but was disappointed with the broth, not very flavorful and with all the mussels on the top couldn't even get to it :(. The fries were old and soggy. Gosh I have had such good food and beer at Monk's in the past I hope that things aren't changing. My wait staff was not rude but I got the feeling he wasn't that easy going either.
(3)
Eric C.
Good beer selection, however the sever was not knowledgeable at all in the beers that they carry, so you have to do your homework to get what you want. I ended up sticking with Pliny the Elder. Also, even though there were open tables towards the front in the air conditioning, they crammed us with as many people as could fit in the back room. Not all that impressed.
(2)
Sneha K.
I came here with a couple of friends on a Friday night. The place was packed, including the back room! It was also sort of narrow and hard to walk through the place. I only came here for drinks, which were alright, but the mussels from the nearest table smelled amazing! I hope to come back here for food someday but for now, I thought the brews I tried were so-so and the place was way too crowded.
(3)
Hank S.
I took my brother-in-law here for a couple pints and some frittes. Monk's is billed as the best beer bar in Philadelphia, and in many ways it deserves that title. Monk's maintains a strong line of Belgian beers. It's their cornerstone. They also branch out into some of the more high-end craft brews. Their beer books have taken quite a beating over the years. We tried the Russian River Damnation, Pliny the Elder, and the Lost Abbey anniversary. Great beers. Make no mistake, you will pay for these beers. The Frittes were a nice bar snack, but I can't say they were special. I want to come back and try the regular menu. Word of warning, Monk's gets very crowded during the weekend, so choose wisely.
(5)
Joseph D.
As far as beer is concerned, this is as good as it gets. However, either the food is simply uninspiring or we caught an off day. Perhaps their good chefs take Sundays off. First, lets talk about the beer. While my party enjoyed the Chimay Triple on tap and stuck with that, please note that there are about a dozen draft beers here. But they have a beer bible that includes hundreds of bottled beer selections from all over Europe. If you are not a beer drinker, you don't belong here. While the beer is a hit, our food was a bit disappointing. We had the Brussels Mussels which were a bit too sandy. While you may expect some sand to be in your mussels, I feel they could have rinsed them way better. The mussels themselves were okay. It's a shame because many people rave about the mussels here. But I just don't see what that hype is about. While the mussels sucked, the Pomme Frites, hand cut fries were excellent. They were great tasting, nice and crispy, and thinly cut. My wife and mom ordered the duck salad sandwich. The duck lacked flavor as the skin was a bit charred and left them with a bitter aftertaste. Therefore, the service and beer is the saving grace of Monk's. My server was attentive from start to finish and it would be unjust to blame her for the shortcomings of the kitchen. The beer list is endless and they also have rare Belgian beers you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere in the U.S.
(3)
kevin c.
Have been wanting to try this place for a while. Very busy, small place with excellent beers and great food. Mussels with many different sauces were good. Burgers are great! They are simple and well done. Beer selection is some of the best I have seen anywhere. Draft selection is quality and the bottles selection vast. They have some very hard to find (in the east) beers. It is crowded seating, but that is to be expected considering the places size. Service was good. One of the top beer destinations in the US.
(5)
Ada C.
We topped our pub crawl up here with Rusty Nails and some bar food to soak it up. The wings were tasty and the french fries were great. I really enjoyed it. The bar was packed so not ideal for large parties but it has a great atmosphere!
Legendary brews. I am warming up recently to Belgian Beers and this was a good place to start. It appears Russian River is distributed here quite often which is always good for beer connoisseurs. It was suggested to come here through untappd so I knew it had to be good. Let's just say if I lived closer I would probably become a regular. Loved their beer selections obviously. Loads of exceptional rare finds. From what I could tell the food looked delicious but let's face it, it's the beer you want. One visit was not enough!
(4)
Zeb M.
Amazing beer bar. This place crushes the Hopleaf in Chicago. The mussels are good, but I think the mussels were actually larger 10 years ago. They are not wild caught, but not much is nowadays, sigh.
(4)
Michael M.
This place sucks. The hostess isn't familiar with Saturday as I was unreliably informed the wait would be 30 to 40 minutes. I've been here for over an hour and thirty minutes so I think a single star is generous! Several guests that arrived after me got a table so I guess I'm not 'on the list'. Seated and food came out promptly; what a Belgian beer buzz kill :( McDonalds fries are crispier with less grease (but the mayo is good). It's a Monday-Wednesday place, otherwise avoid!!!
(1)
Peter N.
This is a serious place for craft beer .Take advantage of their "back of the bar" beer selections. They had rare beers that are kept in kegs at the back of the bar. Some of them were Russian river blind pig and Pliny the elder just to mention a few. Jude, the bar tender, was very cordial and very informative. Especially about the various beers on sale. Monks cafe speciality is mussels,but I had beef cheeks and a burger. The food was phenomenal. Also you can ask for a sample of beer prior to buying. They open at 11:30am and close at 2am.
Coming from the Netherlands, monk's is as good as it gets to feeling home. It's a brown Cafe, amazing selection of beers and the mussels are super fresh. Just a shame it's always so crowded, or I would be here much more often.
(5)
Christina H.
Great place for beer, burgers, sandwiches, fries and most important MUSSELS!!!!! I have been many times and keep going back. So happy to have such a yummy, reasonably priced restaurant in philly!
(5)
Rachel G.
Mussels. All I can really say is mussels. And a fantastic beer selection (Raspberry Framboise, baby). Honestly, everyone I've brought here has left the restaurant smiling. It's such a gem in Philadelphia! But because of this fact it's usually pretty crowded, although somehow they always get you seated fairly quickly. GO NOW!
(5)
Thom Y.
Cane here for drinks. The beer selection is great! Belgian beers are my favorite. Get the Delirium Tremors beer! Bartender service was slow! Good music. (David Bowie, Portishead and Beirut)
(4)
Chloe M.
Food is delicious, great burgers, service was pretty good as well. Atmosphere was odd and quirky, not really a cafe but still fun. Most disgusting bathrooms in Philly though, floors caked in pee and very sticky.
(4)
Charlie H.
Another voice in favor of the mussels! With gorgonzola, bacon, & something else good.
(5)
John S.
The food was good and the service was excellent... until the end of our meal.. Our waiter losing his temper ruined an otherwise pleasant evening. We ordered a caesar salad and were brought a salad with bacon and explained to the waiter that we hadn't seen bacon on the menu (we honestly didn't). He seemingly understood, looked at the original salad and left it on the table before bringing the corrected salad at the very end when we were finished eating. We waited until all the food came out and finally ate the salad when we realized he was leaving it for us. Later we were charged for both. When we asked him about the bill he got angry at us and told us to read the menu. Ultimately this is the fault of the waiter for not clarifying with us that we were being charged for a second salad. It was obvious we were asking for a replacement salad because of the bacon and not ordering a second salad halfway through our meal. Most importantly though, there is a professional boundary in which customers should not be scolded. He made several condescending comments to us. Ultimately this misunderstanding was over a $7.50 salad, a very small part of a much larger bill with two entrees, two appetizers, and multiple drinks. Plus the salad consisted of romaine, cold bacon bits, and bottled ceasar dressing- a very SMALL cost to the restaurant. We tipped above 15% out of courtesy but frankly we shouldn't have. Separately, the food was only so-so. Three stars for the food. Five stars for the beer. Zero stars for this waiter.
(1)
Brandon A.
Love Monks whenever I'm back in my hometown of Philly. Maybe it's because I live in Boston now and don't get back to Philly that often, but I'm always crazy impressed with their beer list. Definitely up there for best in the city. I will say the three times I've been to Monks they were out of Pliny the Elder on draft. I understand the cult following so I get it. I love mussels a lot so Monks definitely hits the mark on their offerings. I've tried the Ghent, Brussels, and DeKoninck. I think I like the DeKoninck the best thus far. Portions are solid and they come with crispy frittes with pretty tasty bourbon mayo for dipping. I had a Russian River IPA which was crisp and refreshing. I also enjoyed the Monks' sour ale they have made for them in Belgium. Pretty cool option to have if you like sours which goes fantastic with a pot of the DeKoninck mussels I must say. In the past I've had the frog legs which were tender and unique as well as the Pulled Pork sandwich. Service was a tad bit slow but nothing to complain about. Pretty nice ambiance in terms of Belgian bar feel albeit a bit musty. For sure to return, hold a Pliny for me please!
(4)
Zack B.
Certainly an impressive amount of beer on the menu. I'm not too knowledgable about beer but I appreciated that my waitress was able to thoroughly explain them to me. Food was excellent, and I appreciated the unique flavors of each burger. I like a restaurant that's not afraid to offer unusual cheeses or vegetable combinations. Minus one star for atmosphere. The place was lively but the building is old and musty.
(4)
N N.
Great beer selections. Good customer service. Delicious food. These are the reasons I come back here.
(4)
Charlie J.
I've literally been to 100's of bars since I've turned 21 but this one is definitely my favorite. Eat here drink here and be merry. The mussels are the best I've ever had. I usually get the Ghent mussels. For 10 bucks you can't beat the amount given. Last time I was here, a guy next to me was talking about his pulled pork sandwich as if god himself made it. I plan on trying that next time. Service is outstanding. All the employees are knowledgable and attentive. According to my friend, most have been here for a long time. The best part of this place - the beer selection. They have a beer bible and it's loaded with craft beers. Considering it's a Belgian bar they are also loaded with my guilty pleasure which is sours. The owner has great connections to some of the best Belgian brewers on Earth. I always get lambics and geuzes here but my wallet is never happy with that decision.
(5)
Billy T.
Awesome beer selection. But with the amazing selection comes high prices and the food was average. I came here around midnight on a Friday and was pretty happy that the kitchen is open until 1AM. The place is pretty dark and a bit loud. In my opinion, its more of a Bar and Grill than a Cafe. Our waiter was extremely knowledge about the beers they had, which were over 100 different bottled beers. Sadly, my friend had to order 3 different times as they were out of the first couple beers that he choose. Duck Salad - Decent, but nothing special. I wish that the duck was seared more or the fat was allowed to render. It ended up being kind of just chewy when I ate it. The salad was assorted greens and I don't remember tasting any dressing or vinaigrette. Monk's Burger - The bun was soft and chewy, but it was really dry and didn't suck up any moisture from from the patty. But that might have been the burger patty's fault as it was a bit dry. The burger overall didn't come through with any great memorable flavors. Mussels - I really liked the mussels. They had great flavor and was cooked well. The broth that it came out with had a good herb flavor and I enjoyed dipping the bread into the broth. If I'm in the mood for some craft beers, I'd probably come here. But not my first choice for food.
(3)
Ron H.
If anyone leaves less than 5 stars, they dont understand what this is supposed to be. Dark room, 300+ different beers. Mussels and broth with good bread to soak up all that flavor, and to keep you there longer to drink more beer. There's no better dark booth to drink with a date at. There no better place to sample so many beers in Philadelphia. Do not judge, just order another bottle of something you've never heard of and enjoy!
(5)
Jennifer R.
Really tasty mussels and beer. Our server was very personable and really knew the beer menu. Always nice when a server at place with and extensive beer list can personalize recommendations and even take the time to bring you samples to try. I got a veggie burger when I was here which was pretty tasty! We were impressed with the types of burgers and options. Not too too pricey and had some great charm.
(4)
Stephanie S.
For as many times as I've been here, I can't believe I haven't written a review yet! This bar is my favorite Belgain Pub in Philly (yes, it beats Eulogy in Old City, in my opinion). There are 2 full bars (front and back), but this pub is mainly for beer drinkers. There are like 300 bottled beers, some really rare stuff you can't find anywhere else. There's also ever-changing kegs in both front & back bars, so you can go several times and have different beers on tap each time. The food is amazing. The mussels are delicious, several different kinds. The veal cheeks are my favorite, the meat literally melts in your mouth! Never had anything like it before. I've also had the pulled pork, fish, steak, frog legs, burgers, so many dishes and I've loved everything. Never gotten a bad meal here, or bad service. The waiters are all cool as hell, they are very knowledgeable about the beer menu, so ask for suggestions! The bartenders are also wonderful, so ask them for help too! Your experience here will be the best if you're not intimidated by the beer menu, and ask for suggestions. Only draw-back is its ALWAYS crowded. Getting a seat at the bar is unlikely, especially on weekends. However, there's a reason why its always crowded, and that's because everyone knows this place is the BEST. No kidding. I'm here once a month. Oh, and it sucks they don't do HH specials.
(5)
Anna H.
Where else can you get some of these beers east of the Mississippi? Nowhere. Any beer lover would be like a kid in a candy store here and I'm not sure if it gets any better than this. The food is pretty awesome, too. The four of us shared four small bowls of mussels, each a different flavor and it was more than enough for all of us. All of the flavors were excellent, but I particularly enjoyed the Thai curry. Stepping in here makes you feel like you're a completely different place than Philadelphia. Loved every second of it!
(5)
Calvin Y.
As someone who only drinks Belgian beer, the selection is great. The place offers a great selection of seasonal ones as well. Pair your beer with a traditional pot of mussels for an amazing meal.
(4)
Graham K.
I thought this place was OK. I liked the scallops app, but not the frogs legs, which were really fishy - which is not how I remember them tasting. It had been years since I had frogs legs though - but I do recall enjoying them and I hate fishy flavor. The mussels were not great, again, kind of fishy - didn't want to send them back after already doing that with the frogs legs. Good wine list. Scotch pour from the bar made me laugh, kind of. One of the lightest pours ever, they must have a thimble behind the bar. If you want a decent drink keep yelping. I actually complained about it, which I generally won't do (except on yelp), but jeeez. Management brought me a comped thimble and tried to explain that liquor is expensive in PA. Yeah, whatever, there are plenty of places in PA that know how to pour a decent drink. Nice guy, but..... The pork Shank for dinner was good - not great. $450 tab ($150 bottle of wine) and all I can think of was how lousy that pour was - hear me? Our server (Debby) was awesome - she almost got them the third star, but the bartender took it for his personal stash. ;-)
(2)
HM P.
If you are a beer fan, you definitely need to come here. There are no happy hour specials but drafts are about $5-$8, depending on which beer you get. The beer selection (both draft and bottle) is extensive and the servers were very knowledgeable, so I would highly ask them what they recommend. The mussels we got were okay -- nothing to write home about. However, the pommes frittes with the bourbon mayo was deliciously rich and creamy. I got the duck breast salad which was cooked perfectly at medium/medium rare and the crust had a slight crunch which made it even more delectable. Other people at my table got the pork shank and duck confit and as they all cleared their plates, I can only assume those entrees were tasty. Also, we arrived at around 6:30 on a Tuesday night and the restaurant was already pretty full so I would highly recommend reservations.
(4)
Laura G.
People rave about this place! I have lived on the block for almost a year and finally tried it. Unfortunately I only had 45 minutes to get in and out. There was a 5-10 minute wait for two of us. Once we got our table we told the woman we had to leave in 30 minutes. We ordered mussels, and two sandwiches, assuming that we were crazy to think we would be done in 30 mins. Food was incredible and we were out in 25 minutes. Great service. Great food. Definitely need to go back for a longer visit!
(5)
Jaci H.
There's a reason this place is so famous... Monk's Cafe = amazing beer. If you're in Philly, you have to find yourself here at some point or another. Considered one of the best beer bars in the US, Monk's definitely lives up to the hype. It's smaller than I expected, with a number of tables in the front bar and the back for people to eat from their tasty looking food menu. My hubby and I opted to sit in the back-bar and enjoyed the lively camaraderie of the staff. They were playing awesome music (Joe Strummer) and offering great beer options when we were being indecisive. Thanks to their knowledgeable staff, we discovered a few new breweries and enjoyed a few options not available to us in NY. I'm sure this place gets packed later on, so come early for a seat the bar so you can learn all about the joys of beer.
(5)
Amy C.
Great mussels and fantastic burgers. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are in an old pub from the civil war times. Excellent service and terrific food!
(5)
Cherpumple F.
Great selection of brews, especially holiday ales from Europe on draft and in bottles. Food is delicious, but your standard upscale bar food. One suggestion-grilled bread (or at least warm?!) bread to soak up the mussles juice instead of cold, hard rolls? I know you get fries but....sometimes a girl just gotta get her extra carbs!
(4)
Kim M.
Came to Monk's Cafe with a group of friends after hitting up the PHS Pop Up Garden. We were hungry and my friends insisted the food was good ... and THEY WERE RIGHT. The mussels. OH THE MUSSELS. Even though my friend's pulled pork burger and all the other burgers ordered looked good, and they were pleased with it, I don't think I could have anything else besides the mussels. There are a variety of options and all come with a side of fries with this mayo?-mustard? dip. But I had the Provence mussels (fume, celery, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, leeks, garlic, parsley & cream ). A small pot was plenty for one, go for large if you're ambitious or for a group (or if you're really drunk). Considering we each ordered our own dish and half of us got drinks, the bill was only $21 per person including tax and tip and between 6 of us. Pretty affordable given how full and satisfied we felt when we left. There IS a wait though. I was told either going really early or late is the best bet to getting a table.
(5)
Arnold W.
Great place to eat and drink! Comfortable atmosphere, great service and the food is very tasty
(4)
Fanie S.
wow, the vegetarian Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich its great! i love this place! itsa Pub, but they have too a couple options with vegetarian food! the fries are jummy and they have 300 beer from around the world! how cool!! :-)
(5)
Stephen S.
My only complaint with Monk's is that it's popular. It's a Philadelphia institution, they've been pouring Belgian beer before you could find it on a map and long before you could tell the different between a dubbel, trippel, and quad. Great beer selection divided up between the front and back bar. Love the food. If I could reliably get a table or a place at the bar I'd be here all the time.
(4)
Vy D.
I love Monks and I'm not even a buddhist. Great selection of imported beers. Fabulous quality of food as well. The duck salad sandwich is delish. The burgers are one of the best I've ever had. The fries are addicting. If you're meeting with a group of friends in the city to catch up, monks is what I would recommend. Great beer with great food is an amazing marriage. Oh yeah, the service here has also been top notch as well.
(4)
Bonnie M.
I LOVE the food here! I have eaten here several times and everything has been cooked perfectly. I'm not a big beer person, but I've always been able to find something I like to drink. Tip of the Day: Don't sit at the front right corner table (looking at the street). It smells like a urinal--and is the ONLY reason my review is not 5 stars.
(4)
Jeannie L.
Came here on a weekend trip to Philly based on the reviews. The ambiance was fun and had a pub like feel to it. It was a little cramped inside and took us 45 minutes to be seated but we were happy to drink a couple beers while we waited. The beer selection is on point and I'm not even much of a beer person. Once we were seated we ordered the wings. I was really excited about them because the menu describes them as "hot hot".and I'm a huge fan of spicy food. I love the burn! But alas, like most places, when they came out they were not as spicy as I envisioned. Still tasty though! The mussels and fires were definitely not disappointing as they came out in a giant pot and were really good. The service was also pretty prompt. I would recommend you try this place out if you ever find yourself in the neighborhood but don't be fooled by the elusive spiciness of the touted "hot hot" wings...
(3)
Dylan K.
Amazing beer selection--Russian River on tap was heaven for me. Nice/great staff, pretty accommodating. Big negatives: Beer prices are outrageous. Philly is not NYC and prices should reflect the difference. In fact, prices were more than what I pay in the city. No tastings! This is the biggest no-no for me. All good/legit beer bars allow you to taste beers before you get a pint. I was stunned when I asked for a taste of a Green Flash on tap and was told they didn't do tastings. I mean, who the hell are you people?! Anyways--great taps, great staff, crap tasting policies. Three stars.
(3)
Rob Y.
1019 Yelp reviews, with an average rating of 4-5 stars. What contribution will my review have to this establishment? I will provide you with the 1020th reason to come here. Food (9.5/10) = Big ass pot of thai curry mussels (Thai red curry, garlic & coconut milk) and fries. The curry and spice level wasn't overpowering, and the mussels were as fresh as can be. Bread made it easy to sop up the residual curry, not letting anything go to waste. The Mac & Cheese (weissebeir braised French ham, asparagus, goat, cheddar, swiss and sottocenerre truffle cheese), was surprisingly good. Usually not a fan of Mac and Cheese as the main entree, since it usually becomes disgusting half way through. Monk's mac and cheese succeeds in making even the last bite damn good, and begging for more. Beer = Got the Cantillon Classic Gueuze, and Schneiderweisse Hefe Weiss. Ultimate win. The beer selection is enormous. Ambiance (8.5/9.0) = has a European feel to it. Whatever, the only ambiance I cared about was what was on my table...the mussels and beer, hah. Service (8.0/10) = our waitress was attentive, and food and beer arrived promptly. Overall Opinion = This review is the 1020th reason for you to come to Monk's cafe. Booyah!
(5)
Heshan W.
The Pomme frites was amazing and the they have a very extensive and legit list of Belgian ales! This one of a "select few " bars/pubs in the U.S. that carry authentic ales made by monks in Europe. Pretty cool, right?! I also had the Smoked Salmon salad, and that was done very well. For $10, it was a very good deal. Overall, a place I would visit again just to drink another one of their beautifully crafted beers.
(4)
Leslie W.
Another bar around the corner from me with a large following. I've been here about 5 times and while I suggest it to friends, it's pretty low on my list of places to go. The good: * Really great beer selection * The mussels are as good as everyone says -- cheap and you receive a huge portion. * A nice place to hole up during a cold winter day * Bartenders who know their beer The bad: * No windows, so its pretty dark in there * Beer prices are somewhat high * Limited seating/cramped spacing so its a better place to go to eat rather than for drinks. The worst: Had gone with friends to eat at the bar. The bartender served us waters and beer. We got through most of our meal and then my friend noticed that there was a very large shard of glass in her water glass. Turns out a glass had been broken into the ice bin and no one had emptied it. The bartender was somewhat apologetic and comped the bill, but this incident stuck with me as we were worried my friend may have ingested a smaller piece of glass or that other people had done the same. All staff should be trained to melt the ice and clean the area if theres a glass broken in the bar area. Really dangerous and turns me off from drinking anything but beer from here again.
(3)
Erika L.
Very unaccommodating. I went there last night and we were meeting people there. I was with two elderly gentleman. They had recently gotten married due to the new change in legislature, which I explained to the host. The hostess would not let us sit down because there were only five of us when I said there would be 6. There were two large tables that remained unseated for at least 20 minutes. Then they put 4 people at one six person table. Finally our 6th person showed up and they said they were just about to put 5 people there. We waited about 15 minutes more before a table opened up. I understand that businesses have to make money, but we did spend a lot of money there. I just wish that people could be nice every now and then.
(2)
Kiki V.
I loved this place for a long time. I was one of those people who told everyone I met to check out Monk's next time they were in Philly. However, after the last few times I visited I have no intention of going back - ever. The staff, who used to be friendly and welcoming, are now rude. I had a friend visiting from out of town, and I thought we'd pop in for lunch. We sat at the bar and started browsing the draft list. I told the bartender I was on the fence about my selection and asked for a taste and was told (with a fair bit of attitude I might add) that they don't do that there. Don't do that? Name another bar that has draft beer and doesn't let customers taste before buying! There are other places to get great beer, and if you're stuck on the Belgian beers like I am - go to Eulogy instead.
(1)
Josh B.
I came in with my ninety year old grandfather, as he is Belgian hinself. The place was packed, but we stood drinking beer, and some nice people let my grandfather his seat. The burger i had was wonderful and rich, and didn't fall apart. My grandfather had beef tongue- it was tender and full of flavour.
(5)
Di P.
This place is pretty solid. But mostly if you're into beer. So when I have my friends come from out of town I know I can bring them here and people can find something they like. I use to frequent here more often, but now I only come when I've got someone on my hands who really enjoys beer and doesn't want to go anywhere fancy. It's dropped out of my weekly stop because it does NOT have a happy hour and I should probably stop spending all my money on food and alcohol and save for a car. Sad face. I've had the thai curry mussels & their basic fennel and garlic + herbs mussels which I actually enjoyed more than their talked about burger. Honestly, this place is probably neck-to-neck with Eulogy except Eulogy has a happy hour. The food selection here at Monk's is probably a little more sophisticated. If you're that type. It's really hard to write a review for something that's been reviewed 10000000 times. I feel so unoriginal. But hopefully helpful.
(4)
Marygrace T.
I LOVE Monk's. They have the best beer selection in Philadelphia and their vegetarian cheesesteak is the best around. The only reason I don't give it five stars is because you often have to wait a LONG time for a table on the weekend (we've waited as long as 90 minutes). And even if the restaurant isn't packed, they won't seat a small party at a large table. So large groups who come in after you might get seated before you, even if you've been waiting for a while. Still, as long as you're prepared to wait, it's totally worth it.
(4)
Tiffany E.
This came highly recommended by several locals. It was just "OK" - of course, if they had heat we may have had a better experience. It is 12 degrees outside and about 13 degrees inside of Monk. We all wore our coats while we dined on mussels (meh), lamb (meh), the Monk burger (meh) and the frites (good!). Our server, Kat was very friendly and nice - she was the highlight. She should go get a job where there is heat.
(3)
Nicky H.
This place is a typical hole in the wall beer joint. Crowded. Loud. Rude. I only agreed because my friend invited Me. The service was bad. People were rude. It was dark and dingy. I heard the fries were good so I tried them. They were good but not good enough to get me to go back.
(2)
Sarah A.
Their mussels are so bangarang I can't even.
(4)
Steve M.
Love coming here with new people - always fun to explore the beer books and pick out a new one of the extensive beer list beers. Had the lamb once, and while the outside was good, it got a little cold towards the inner area. Come for the beer, won't be disappointed!
(5)
Bill T.
You should be on this place like a dingo at a day care center if you like beer. Stopped by for a return visit before catching the train back to the BK and lo and behold, they had a Russian River beer on tap! For me, seeing a Russian River is like spotting Bigfoot...you just don't see it that much on the East Coast. It was the Damnation and it was good. Then I was talking to the bartender and he casually mentions "Oh yeah, we had some Pliny the Elder in a couple of weeks ago". After my jaw hit the bar, he said they might get it back shortly, which clearly necessitates another trip to Philly just to try it. If Damnation is Bigfoot, then Pliny the Elder is like a unicorn. A unicorn with rainbows shooting out its tail! Frites were delicious and I could eat the bourbon mayo dipping sauce with a spoon. I'm pro-Monk's and I approve this message.
(5)
Gretchen E.
Based on the near-bazillion reviews, I'm going to make this brief. Monk's is good for: - Late night drunchies - Quality draft on tap. e.g. Delirium Tremens, Monk's sour - Soggy yet hard-and-nubbly french fries - Beer broth mussels (get the Ghent) - Garlic - Aloof servers who seem annoyed by your existence - Slightly overweight guys with facial hair wearing black shirts and glasses - People talking about beer, and the making thereof - More garlic - Running into people you know - Noise. Therefore, unrestrained belly laughing - Super worcestershire-saucey bloody marys (I do not recommend) - Dates, if you don't mind garlic breath Well this ended up being longer than I thought. I'd keep listing, but your attention span has better things to do like... hey look! squirrel!
(3)
Cameron P.
An AMAZING selection of beer-200 or more bottles and a great rotating draft list. Russian River Damnation and Delirium Tremons. Score. Mussels are great and the burger/chicken sandwiches are good too. I like mine Bruges style. This place gets super crowded and they will not seat you until your entire party arrives. Small prices to pay for good food and great beer.
(4)
Sara E.
Extremely delicious and nice variety of mussels! They even come in their own cute little pot :) could literally drink the broth in a martini glass. I really like the feel and the crowd that attends. No RSVP available so be prepared to wait but the wait is definitely worth it.
(5)
Em L.
Horrible experience here on a rainy warm summer day. They were so rude. Waitress was in a huge rush when we were ordering and our food was abs gross. The mussels were dry and there ws a no good way to get to the broth. Once we did it was so lack luster that it was not worth it. The chicken tenders were weak sauce. No clue why ppl like this place so much
(3)
Lauren C.
Oh Monks... you're like one of my best friends in that we can not talk for months, but when we hang out, we pick up right where we left off in the good times. Oh Monks- we have the greatest time together!!! It's been a while, but I found myself a few adult beverages in last night, hanging out with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. We opted to abandon our french-fry latent present establishment in hopes of more gourmet fare- to Monks! I've begun a recent foray into seafood. Bivalves for now... and it has to be an occasion- no clams casino in chafing dishes... and Monks presented quite an opportunity as I've heard people raving about their mussles for the past 13 vegetarian years. We split the mussels red light which were delicious and spicy and tasty- made only more awesome by the big chunk of bread that came with them... and of course the pommes frites and the spicy dipping sauce. Wash it down with a big pint o flemish sour ale and life is just so so so good. We also opted to split the appetiser scallops. That was my first ever scallop... so its hard for me to be too 'review-ie' with it... as i don't have much of a basis for comparison. What I can say is if this is a normal scallop- i love scallops, and I'll be eating lots more of them because it was really really amazing. Monks- thanks as always for a lovely evening. You really know how to wine and dine some ladies. It was great catching up. Till we meet again!
(5)
Steph V.
SO MANY BEERS ON TAP. AM I IN HEAVEN? I THINK SO! They have Pliny the Elder. Already enough for 5 stars alone with that. We got a giant bucket of mussels to share between four people. It was delicious! And excellent to pair with the beers. PLINY + MUSSELS = LOVE
We were excited about checking this place out, having found it in NYT's 36 Hours in Philly, looking so charming from the street, and being seated so quickly with menus...! Things, unfortunately, went downhill from there... As you can see from other reviews, this place is a beer temple of sorts, with TONS of beer on tap. Every other beer institution I've ever visited, particularly Belgian, likes to share their love of the stuff by educating folks via tastes/samples. If I don't know it, how am I supposed to know what to order? Well, they (or this server) refused my request for sampling any of their draught beers, and said they "don't do that here." Huh??? We sat and ordered beer and food (green salad, fried chicken and mussels) food. 10 minutes later, the waiter asks me if I would like to order a drinks.. umm, dude, I just ordered one from you...? He didn't apologize for forgetting my order. He brought out my husband's food order, and says mine will come out soon. My husband generously shared his meal with me while we waited to share mine. (The fried chicken was fantastic). The table behind him, who arrived after us, was already well into their mussel order. Soon, our plates were empty. Then cleared. We waited. And waited some more. I was looking forward to sharing our meals together, so I was done when the beer was done. My husband politely called our witer over and suggested that my mussels must have been forgotten, but that was ok- but would he just take it off the bill so we could pay now? He exclaimed, "Oh, I thought you were coursing the meals, it will be right out!" Since when is it up to a waiter to decide whether to course a patron's meal?? Ridiculous. We left after paying. I'm sure this place has its charms for some, but horrific service, and not being able to make a well-informed decision about my beer selection at a place that allegegly prides itself on being a beer institution, is not the place for me.
(1)
Christine V.
My boyfriend and I came here for an early dinner, so there was barely a wait. The place is much bigger than it seems on the exterior. I didn't realize how far deep the restaurant dives into. We got seated in the back room, and it was pretty loud. But it was a very fun atmosphere with people enjoying their drinks and food. This place has a huge beer selection, which was a joy for my boyfriend. We ordered a small bucket of mussels and the duck salad. We saw an order of mussels at the table next to us and assumed they ordered a large because it looks like so much. When our waiter brought out our order, our mussels were in the same size bucket as the table next to us. Such generous portions! I love it. The duck salad was excellent as well. I cannot wait to go back here and try more of the menu items! A great place to go if you're in the area.
(5)
Ari S.
Why is everyone so obsessed with Monk's? Eulogy is just as good, if not better, and takes reservations (but maybe I should have kept that to myself). I won't lie, the food is good (3.5 stars) and the beer choices are great (5 stars), but the service is pretty terrible. I came in with my parents and asked for a table for three, knowing full-well it could be an hour wait. The hostess said it would be about 45 minutes. Luckily there was one spot at the bar for my mom to sit, so we all had a beer. An hour later, I asked the hostess, and she said they are cleaning up a table now. Great, not bad. However, they take us to the table, and it's very clearly a table for 2. The third person would have been smushed between bar patrons and the table, without room to breath. I don't know about you, but I like to breath when I sit for dinner. An hour later and they finally sat us at a 4-top. 2 hours is a lot more than 45 minutes. When it takes that long, you should generally offer your customers something (like a free app or beer) to apologize for the long wait, but no such luck here. Save your time and money, and go to Eulogy.
(2)
Patrick J.
You won't beat the beer list in Philadelphia. With 200-300 bottles available and more taps than you can imagine, Monk's Cafe has your beer needs locked down. Their branded lambic contract brewed for them in Belgium is delicious as well and well worth quaffing. Get in there!
(5)
Catherine C.
From NOLA, in town for a convention. Picked this place based on Yelp reviews, and there's a reason it gets so much online love, it's definitely well earned. We had scallops, salad and the mollusks. All amazing, and the drinks were strong too. Great atmosphere that definitely references the namesake. A fantastic place to grab lunch or dinner!
(5)
Megan P.
Great beer selection! Great place to grab a drink with friends. I stopped in on a Monday afterwork for a beer and ended up ordering food also. I had a Monk burger which had bleu cheese and grilled leeks on it and their homemade fries with bourbon mayo. It was delicious!
(5)
Gina C.
We used to love this place as a college student, but not loving it any longer. The beer selection is still very impressive, but this review is for the food only. We ordered the following: - Mussels: this may be our fault, but we selected the Monk's broth. Next time (if there is a next time) we will order the Thai Chili broth. The Monk's broth was so bland, it might as well have been water. - Frites: great mayo dipping sauce. But it looks like we get the left over fries - they were small, short and extra greasy - Burger: we ordered the swiss and mushroom topping. it was okay, nothing special. Had to add the mayo from the frites to make it edible. We have no intentions of returning.
(3)
Andrew W.
I am sure the food is good, and from the time we spent at the bar, I can say there beer menu is impressive. However, in what seems to be a growing trend, this place's ability (or inability) to communicate & seat potential patrons was abysmal. The hostess, who was apathetic at best, condescending at worst, informed me we could not be seated until our entire party arrived. 20 minutes after this had happened, and after seeing several people that arrived after us get a table, I approached the hostess to see what was going on and she blatantly ignored me, think a child who knows they messed up so the best way to deal with it is shut down. Owners should be more aware of what the front line employees are doing.
(1)
Eunni C.
Had couple visits there so far. I had mixed feeling about this place. My first time there was amazing. Mussel dish was huge, fresh and delicious. Bread was moist and good too. Had wonderful experience and couldn't wait to go back. Second time was so so. Mussel's size was tiny and broth didn't have much flavor. Bread was tough and dry. I hoped my third visit would be a charm but wasn't so lucky. Not sure if I should give another shot or not. Indecisive.
(3)
Mikey D.
The food here is good. I shared a burger, fries, Mac & Cheese with my boyfriend. It arrived very quickly. The good stuff: food is good, beer selection is amazing, food arrives quickly. Areas of improvement: the dining room is tight space. I don't know if they have AC but it was very very warm in the dining room.
(3)
Valerie F.
Came to this place after hearing very good things and excited to see their beer selection. The beer selection lived up To my expectations and myself as well as the 3 friends I was with enjoyed the different drafts. There food was good but I thing special, we had burgers, fries and a hummus platter. I would have given this place 5 stars had it not been so loud in the dining areas. The dimly lit rooms and older looking decorations were fitting for the place but it was so loud that it was difficult To have a conversation with the person across from me.
(4)
Ben V.
Ok, so at the time of this review- Monk's has 1,331 reviews that average 4 stars. There really isn't much I have to say that hasn't been covered already. The beer is great, the food equally so, the bar tenders are brilliant, the quarters are almost new wave Gothic hybridized with a Canterbury Tales-persona in appearance. What's not to love? Well, if you don't like beer and mussels and having a great time then sure- you're gonna hate this place buddy!
(4)
Madeleine Q.
Dining at Monk's is worth the wait. Even on a typical weeknight, you will have to wait for about 30-45 minutes for a table of two. Since it is close to the Rittenhouse Square and the shopping area, you can take a brisk walk around the surrounding neighborhood while you wait for your table. I was not as impressed with their Red Light (too oil and not enough spices) and I think they have diluted their mussel broth over the years as the sauce/soup does not taste the same these days. But this is still one of my favorite Belgian pub places to go to in philly.
(4)
Jaide P.
Overrated, service slow and not very polite. Except when they are ready to give you your bill to move you out so they can seat others. Ordered scotch eggs and they came out with the pork raw and slimy. When mentioned this the waiter said that it is normal because the sausage is homemade. No the pork should not be gooey. The burger and fries were good, but nothing to rave about. Spanish fly chicken wings boast of being HOT HOT HOT, hardly. Would not come again, not recommend this place.
(2)
Diana F.
Monks is one of my favorite bars to get quality beer! The bartenders are knowledgable in case you don't know what you want. The ambience is great! Best beer place in Philly thus far!
(4)
Courtney A.
Stopped here for drinks last night before dinner. Their beer selection was everything I was hoping for and had heard it would be. Great brews for every taste. I liked the fact that there is a front bar and a back bar with two different beer menus. Don't be alarmed to walk through a creepy hallway that you'll barely fit through shoulder to shoulder...you'll be at the back bar soon enough. The only reason I'm giving this place a 4 out of 5 is because the place was so small and confined. If you weren't ordering food, you couldn't sit at a table and there wasn't much room to stand between the bar and the tables.
(4)
Gwendolyn P.
I wanted to update my review since I think that Monk's over the years has gone from a great place to a so so place. It seems like every time I go there that the prices are going up and the quality and quantity of the food is going down. A $14 hamburger should be enough to at least be filling but the patty was about the same size that you would get off of the $ menu at McDonalds. So the reason for the three stars is for the beer. The beer selection is fantastic and is the best in the city - it is just a shame it seems like they are resting on their previous reputation to bring folks in as the quality of the food has gone way down.
(3)
C T.
I don't get the mussel hype... It was slight better than average but the place is loud and crowded the mussel's really weren't that great. Good beer selection however.
(3)
Ann C.
Best bar to drink a beer in! It's a smaller establishment that's known around the world so use your heads people.... It's going to be crowded! The bar staff is knowledgable and overall really has a great time. Which in return gives the guest a spectacular time! Mussels are fresh and the different broths range from classic styles (parsley, beers, garlic) to more unique like the Thai curry. If you want to enjoy Monks when it's less crowded go during the day. Have some fun with the vibrant Irish red head (she makes a great cocktail)! The environment transports you to a European pub. It's dimly lit and nice and cool! To me this is an environment to drink beer in. Not like all those sterile bars that keep popping up! Strangelove's, tria taproom (iPad ....ughhhhh). I want comfort, tasty food, fabulous beer and bartenders that know what there talking about. Cheers!
(5)
Gautam T.
A Philly Phavorite for sure! you come here to chill out, you're not going to find people socializing at this bar, its about coming with friends and sharing a beer and some drinks without having to deal with the distractions (or attractions) at the other center city bars. The beer list is phenomenal, the food choices are amazing. Everyone swears by the mussels, its true they are glorious!!! The wings aren't bad if you like spice, the burgers are on point. The best time to come here is after work to wash down the grind with a cold one and some good food!!!
(4)
Julia E.
My need to be honest overcomes my feelings of guilt in giving the legendary Monks Cafe a 3 star review. Yes I will be back to eat here, yes I admire how they have shaped the Philly beer scene, and yes I even enjoyed their collaboration beer with Dogfishhead. However, I just don't feel like Monks is in what my opinion a 5 star place to enjoy a meal is. I came on a sunny day at 2pm, out my name down for a table and while waiting I ended up squished against a wall chugging my beer so it wouldn't spill all over me when the millions of people crammed inside pushed past me. This wasn't fun!! What is a place that serves great beer if I can't comfortably enjoy it? Once we were seated to eat after waiting an hour, things improved. I ate the duck salad, it was tasty and reasonably priced. My friends got the mussels and raved about them, I could tell they were good as I could track my friends down the rest of the night just by following the smell of garlic emitting from their pores.
(3)
Denise K.
The beers are 5 stars but the food is only 3 stars. I had the flat bread and spreads which wasn't very good. Only the red pepper and feta dip were good. The hummus was way too garlicky and the butternut spread had no flavor. Chicken fingers were just ok. Husband had the seitan sandwich which they could have been more generous about. I would say go for drinks, not food.
(4)
Lisa R.
My sister and I were excited to go to Monk's Cafe on our last visit to Philadelphia. Here is a summary of our experience: Ambience: This place was WAY too dark. When I walked in, people at the front bar and front dining room were using their phones to look at the menu. We came in before a group of about 10 people, and they were a very disrespectful and annoying bunch. They didn't even check in with the server for a table. They saw an empty table and just sat down (taking our spot). The waitress was so perturbed and she apologized to us but promised we would be seated shortly. Drink selection: The beer selection was very extensive and they have some beers that are extremely difficult to find anywhere. One of my sister's favorite breweries is Cantillon, and they had numerous varieties available. We tried a bunch of different ones, and they were all spectacular. This is definitely the place for a beer connoisseur. Food: We got the large pot of mussels which was delicious and easily satisfied the four of us. It is served with some bread to soak up the juices/broth, but I must admit the bread was a little tough for my taste. We got the duck salad which I must say was the highlight of the meal. . I would recommend that to anyone dining. The pommes frites were of course delectable as well. Service: Service was average-above average. Definitely a place to check out!
(4)
Tracy A.
This is THE place to go if you love mussels and/or Belgian beer. My friends ( who are NOT beer drinkers) loved the selections I made for them. And all of us loved the mussels. Be adventurous. You cant go wrong!
(4)
Jennifer M.
Amazing beer selection. Decent food, especially the mussels. Can get very crowded during special events. Service is usually good but the waiters can be a bit snobby.
(4)
Claudia L.
Great mussels here and great beer for serious beer lovers. However, their veggie burger is always served too raw. Worst experience with their bartender, Bernadette. She is the most rude bartender ever. Not only does she ignore you, she is downright ignorant to customers. My brother in law was in town from NC. Knowing how much he loves beer, I brought him to Monk's. Bernadette was so impatient with him and said "Read. The. Words." as she pointed to the beer list. Just because she couldn't hear/understand him. It took everything in me not to jump over the bar and kick her ass.
(1)
Steve C.
I was really torn with the rating for Monk's, I kept wavering back and forth between a 2 and a 3 star review mainly because the food and service for the most part deserve a low star review, but the beer selection and the mussels deserve a more generous review. I think for me, the deciding factor always comes down to customer service and atmosphere which was lacking when we were there and made us feel it was not worth us returning in the future, The only regret I may have with this decision to not go back would be the mussels, wow, they were truly awesome and may one day tempt me back in through their doors, who knows maybe if I return one day their staff will be better trained and more attentive!
(2)
Megan R.
LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is my absolute favorite place in the city. If possible i would eat here for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday! The Monks Sour Ale is amazing and unique, if you want to try a different beer - than you must try this house specialty! It is actually made by real Monks especially for this bar (or so they say). They also have an enormous selection of other great beers. Food - their food is fantastic. I have never had anything here that I wasn't fond of, but their Mussels are my favorite. They are to die for! They have a variety of different broths for the Mussels and they come with their delicious fries and dipping sauce for the fries along with an assortment of bread to dip in the Mussel broth. If you are a fan of Mussels you must stop in to Monk's Cafe. They never disappoint! I honestly cant say enough about this place, did i mention its my favorite?
(5)
Mr. A.
Just awful service. Went here on a Wednesday - it was packed with a nice crowd (but, seems like most places I walked past in downtown were also packed). There's a small L-shaped bar - I sat down about the time of the shift change, and got a Pliny the Elder (they have a decent variety on tap, more in bottles). The Pliny didn't taste right, but whatever - I didn't complain. Had the veal cheeks - bland. The first bartender was unsmiling, but the second, a guy with star tattoos on his elbows, was an absolute unprofessional tool - no smile, no "sir" no "thank you." The guy misheard my order, then acted like he was doing me a big favor by getting it right. Much friendlier staff at the Tap House - I won't be returning to Monk's..
(1)
Mimmi M.
Went with 4 friends, we all took different dishes and nothing were actually good. Have been at Monks many times since I live around the corner. Soo disappointed! Something has happened here... The mussles were really bad and dry!!:/
(1)
Sam S.
I really liked Monk's Cafe. The food was perfect, I really enjoyed the wings and the burger. And of course the beer list is impressive with a great selection of draft beers and bottles. The service was also great and our waiter made great recommendations for beer and food. The only reason that I didn't give 5 stars is because it's too dark in my opinion. If you are going to serve excellent food and beer make sure that your customers can see it! After all, we eat with our eyes, right?
(4)
Andrew C.
Quick hits since this place has 1200+ reviews: 1) Belgian beers and beers galore 2) Wait time may seem a bit long based on first sight. Just know that this place is rather large and continues down the hall and down another hall into another open space + bar. Don't be scared by the crowded area up front. 3) Frog legs were eh 4) Duck breast salad was delicious. $13.95ish 5) Large pot of mussels are actually a large pot of mussels. Went with the Ghent but willing to try others. Seems to be a nice spot to kick back and have a beer. I'd recommend it
(4)
Cristina H.
Amazing beer selection, they have a beer bible and their mussels menu is fantastic. I was in Philly for work and walked to Monk's from the Ritz. It was crowded and had a great atmosphere, I was on my own so I didn't have to wait long for a spot at the bar. The bartender was great, I asked for a local beer reco and he told me to go with the Bell's Hopslam (which is a Michigan beer I think) because it's such a rare release that I had to try it. It was a great IPA, I also noticed they had a sign for Pliny the Elder which is a Northern California beer and very hard to find in even in so cal, and he said the owner of Monks is extremely good friends with those Brewers so their amazing beer selection is due to his expansive beer network. The bartender also recommended the mussels and I ordered the Mussels Ghent with blue cheese and bacon, he said another favorite is the Thai mussels. It was a huge potion served with fries and bread, it was so good I finished everything except the fries. Everything else on the food menu looked equally appetizing. They're kitchen is open later than some of the bars in the area. I really wish we had a similar place in LA but it makes me really look forward to going to Philadelphia again. If you are a foodie or love beer this is your Mecca.
(5)
Marybeth S.
We stopped in here yesterday for a beer ,wound up staying for 3. The bartender was knowledgeable, attentive and not annoying. The beer was fantastic and the music was a great mix of interesting tunes. The clientele seems to be mostly white men in their 20s and 30s.
(5)
Stph F.
WOW. My partner and I were just here and wow!! WOW!! Amazing Belgian selections and awesome menu! I had the chicken seitan cheesecake plus fries and my partner had the burger with truffle cheese and shiitake mushrooms. We could not stop eating the fries, it was a better version of Baltimore's brewer's art fried (but don't tell them this!). The food was amazing and we got some amazing brews, the staff was friendly and helpful... We had a smooth and great experience overall!
(5)
Nikki T.
I came here with a friend from NY, yes we drove just to visit Monk's Cafe. We had to try Piney the Elder, and this is the only place we know of that has it on tap. It was well worth the trip alone, but the food and other beers made this trip AMAZING. I also had Damnation and a cucumber beer from Cigar City. Damnation is my new favorite beer, the cucumber beer was different but not something I could finish. For food we shared the cheeks, thai mussels, mac and cheese, and two desserts. Our appetizers and entrees were DELICIOUS!!! And we devoured them. The two desserts were horrible but our server was kind enough to remove them from the bill and the manager even apologized. The staff was professional and very knowledgable and made great recommendations for beers and pairings. The atmosphere is very laid back. This was a very cool place to visit and if I'm ever in the area will definitely stop back again.
(5)
Jacqueline O.
The best place in the city to come for beer. I love to bring visitors from out of town here because it is seemingly a whole in the wall with amazing food and the longest most impressive beer list you have ever seen. The lighting is low inside so you never seem to realize how drunk you are until you stand up and walk outside. It's a total time warp! About the food. The mussels are to die for. In fact just order the mussels. I ventured off the path and ordered the Mac and cheese once but truely it was not for me. I guess I'm more of a Mac and cheese purest and this had too much other stuff going on inside. I give this a 4 star only because the place is so small and getting seating is nearly impossible.
yooooo monk's, so good to finally make your acquaintance! this place has literally been in my bookmarks for 6 years. SIX YEARS PEOPLE! but the fact that i'm never in this part of town coupled with the rumored scary wait times meant i haven't had a chance to go here.. practically ever. but last monday night, i found the place surprisingly free of wait at 7:15pm for a party of 3. service is great -- the hostess, bartender (two of us had been there since 6pm drinking), and waitress were all fantastic. for a non-beer drinker, the fact that there is good scotch and wine available is enough to make me happy. alcohol prices are typical, so it can get quite expensive if you're looking to have more than just a drink or two (me me me!). but really, i came here for the MUSSELS i'd heard so much about. i got the monk's mussels... and honestly, for a namesake dish i was not that impressed. maybe the mussels were too hyped up for me, but i didn't think it was any better than if i had gone to a quality seafood/french restaurant and gotten mussels. don't get me wrong, still good food. so if you're craving mussels in a low maintenance atmosphere and you fancy a good beer, definitely come here (preferably at an off-peak time if you hate waiting). for me, time is money, so i wouldn't wait more than 15-20 mins for these mussels.
(3)
Valentino G.
Came here on a Wednesday night, barely packed, just a small crowd. Great selection of beer, had my first Pliny the Elder here and it was amazing. I definitely want to come back for some food! I will return
(4)
Perry H.
I've been here so many times and with each visit the time grows between the next and when I finally go back I'm reminded why. It's crowded, loud, and there's always a wait for sub-par food. On this occasion I called before walking over and was told there was no wait. I get there and there's a 30 minute wait. Pretty hard to believe, but okay, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. While waiting outside on the sidewalk I could hear the noise inside and sure enough once seated, it was bordering on insane. Granted, in a place this small if one table is loud, the volume of everyone else around them increases. That was the case here but it became almost unbearably loud and impossible to have a conversation. Onto the beer...both beers we saw on tap before we decided to walk over were now out. Bummer. We opted to split two small bowls and the duck salad sandwich. I will say, the portions were very big and a small is definitely enough for 2-3 people to share as an appetizer or possibly even a meal for one person. The fries and bourbon mayo were amazing. That said, the mussels, while a good size, just didn't have much flavor. One style we tried with spinach & tomatoes was dreadfully under-seasoned and thai curry were fine, the broth just didn't have a deep flavor as I've had at other places. The duck sandwich was pretty good, a bit fatty, but tasty. The service was good, friendly and attentive, and I felt the value was there for what we ordered. But in the end, its just not worth the wait or noise for the standard food.
(2)
Liia R.
This place is awesome. It's my family's go-to-city spot when they drag themselves out of the suburbs for epic mussels and craft beer galore. The servers are always so friendly and read the table well - if you are on a date, they leave you mostly alone. If your grandfather is feeling especially needy, they're jovially accommodating. If your dad wants to tell lots of dad jokes, they'll even laugh! Servers aside, even the pickiest beer drinker can find something they'll enjoy here. And beer enthusiasts, this is your spot. Just move in because it doesn't get any better. And the food is DELICIOUS! The fries are like crack. The mussels come in a variety of flavors (I like the thai coconut ones) and will blow your mind. The other stuff is good, my partner raved about the mac and cheese, but the mussels sing to me every time and I don't stray. It can be crowded and it is dark and can be loud, but it's worth it. Go go go, now! You won't regret it.
(5)
Arin S.
At 11:30 on a Saturday there was no wait to be seated, though it quickly filled up. The beers were incredible (you can apparently purchase their "Beer Bible" for $3, I guess that's saying something). But actually being not much of a beer person myself, I was happy that the food was also good! The chicken sandwich is great (why had I never had "truffle cheese" before? Yum) and mussels were good also. A dark wood-paneled bar with great food and beer = great place to hole up for a couple hours on a rainy day.
(5)
Paul G.
Believe the hype. This place is a keeper. Beer selection is off the wall, that is if you like Belgian style beer. You have to come once, to at least sample the brews. Food was excellent. I got a duck sandwich. Duck was cooked well, flavorful, and on a hoagie roll with goat cheese was a new and fun experience. Wifey got the Apple sausage which was equally delicious. Friets are excellent. One curiousity is they all seemed to be short, dunno if this is on purpose or we got the end of a batch. Service was friendly and for the most part prompt. We did need to flag down the server for another round of beers. It was a Saturday afternoon, there was a brisk business, but it's not like they were slammed.
(4)
Blake H.
Flew in tonight on our friend immediately took us here for dinner and brews. I had the mac-n-cheese which was amazing!! Oh my goodness. The creaminess of all the cheeses with ham and asparagus, all my favorite foods in one bowl! Our table also had the Monks burger with fries (the fries were addicting) and the duck salad sandwich (which my husband loved). 45 minute wait but snagged 3 seats at the back bar. Lots of people, but it is Saturday night! The nice girl next to me let me try a mussel and it was so good!!! Guy the bartender was great!
(4)
Jessica S.
Monk's used to be one of my favorite spots to go for a casual dinner. I lived around the corner from it a few years ago, in the "good ole days", when you could get a table within 15 minutes of walking in and the mussels were 10 dollars for a small pot and 20 for a large. My significant other and I would happily split 2 small pots of mussels, grab a few beers, and be full and satisfied for a small chunk of change. Over the last few years, we have waited progressively longer and longer to dine there and gotten more frustated about their no call-ahead, no reservations policy, especially because there is not much room to stand around their always-packed bar. I recently went on a Tuesday night with a group of friends and waited almost 2 hours to be seated.. 2 hours. On a Tuesday. We obviously were desperate for some mussels and fries. After we were finally seated in the back bar area (after multiple times of tracking the hostess down to see where we were on the list and multiple times getting rude responses back), I opened the menu only to stare at their new pricing in utter disbelief. I guess I hadn't been in a while, but I was so accustomed to enjoying my 10 dollar pot of mussels that 16.95 just seemed like a huge huge rip-off. The 10 dollar pot with bread and fries was perfectly portioned for me.. and I can eat a lot. I begrudgingly ordered a pot of the red light mussels which has always been a favorite of mine (also love the dekoninck and ghent, don't care for the thai curry at all). They were good, not as good as I remember (maybe I was bitter about the price), but a lot of the mussels were empty and I didn't find them floating around in the broth.. frustrating. However, even with the empty ones, I couldn't finish the pot and sadly I had to leave behind perfectly good mussels. I really don't get why their portions/prices had to change. Are they making money now that they're charging people 7 dollars more, but also wasting food at the same time? Seems silly. I was buzzed and full at the end of the meal so I guess that counts as something but I'm pretty bummed out at the transition of this place. Sums it up perfectly: Text to the husband: "Monks increased their mussel price.. 17 bucks." "WHATTTTTTTTT"
My boyfriend and I split the Ghent mussels as an appetizer to our burgers. It included a huge bowl of mussels cooked in a savory broth with bacon, onions, blue cheese, and garlic, served with dipping bread, as well as some of the best french fries I've tried in Philadelphia. In retrospect, we should have never ordered those burgers; I was too full by the time we got them. I'm not a huge beer drinker but my boyfriend was impressed by their selection and especially liked The Abyss by Deschutes brewery. Bathroom was small and disgusting. I felt more dirty coming out of it than going in. Also it was very crowded. That's not really their fault though-- their mussels are just that popular! I look forward to coming back and trying the other mussels they have.
(5)
Meg W.
The mussels are absolutely amazing. The atmosphere is pretty intimate and the other patrons are usually very friendly/chatty with their neighbors due to the close proximities. It can get very crowded during peak times. Parking (like everywhere in this area) is a nightmare. It's only a couple blocks from the PATCO, though. They also have an email list where you can get notifications about rare beers being available/breweries that are visiting/tastings. They once had a guy come in with a bunch of ciders.
(5)
Heather S.
Great spot with a ton of great beer choices. We visited in the middle of a Saturday afternoon, and the tables were all full. Both bars were too. We were told tables were only for full dining, so we waited a while for spots at the back bar which was kind of pain since no matter where we stood we were pretty much in the way of everyone. The food looked like standard English pub food; a lot of people seemed to be eating mussels and oysters,and we've heard good things about the burgers, but we didn't eat anything while we were there. The bartender was friendly and could be heard chatting with various customers, making recommendations, giving feedback, etc. The craft beer options were decent and bottled beer options were overwhelming. A great spot to grab a drink. Probably a good place for a meal too, but not great for a large group.
(4)
Denny S.
Beer Greasy food Burger Moules Frites More beer Moules Frites and some more beer!!! I love this place, try not to go during weekend because it's usually packed and you have to wait for a table. Really awesome Moules Frites!!! all of them, any kind..my fave was blue cheese, leek, and bacon...Who would've thought blue cheese and mussels?...
(5)
Lauren B.
I just went back here recently on a trip to Philly. I went to college at Penn and used to frequent this place years ago and it's still as awesome as I remember it. This is where I discovered good beer, before Craft beer became the popular thing. Their beer list has an amazing selection of interesting and rare Belgian and other varieties. And their Belgian style food, including several delicious assortment of mussels is quite good. I also have enjoyed their hamburgers that have gourmet cheese options. This place can get quite crowded though so expect to wait for a table or come during less busy hours in the afternoon.
(5)
Jane H.
I suppose it was just a hiccup when we didn't get seated soon after arrival (it was late afternoon, and the place was neither full nor empty), because the service afterwards was quite wonderful. This place has a very earthy air -- perhaps its all the dark woods they use that gives it the feel of a ye-olde-timey tavern. We got an order of mussels and a cider and their sour ale. The food was great, and the non-stop bread to sop up the broth from the perfectly cooked mussels was a plus. The sauce that came with the frites was addicting! I didn't like how tiny the fries were, though. The prices are reasonable.
Incredibly crowded ... Solid beer list. Prob the most extensive Belgian beer list I have seen in Philly. Impressive. Pals got mussels. I hate mussels, but they assured me their bottom-feeding seafood was yummy.
(4)
Sam H.
Amazing mussels, they come with a side of pomme frites Ive had a few of the entrees here an have never been disappointed. The desserts are great too and it's reasonably priced for local bar food. Recommend it for a late night dinner, they serve their whole menu until 1 am
(4)
Dan H.
I really need to catch up on my reviews. Was here over a week ago at this point and the memory is starting to get a bit foggy. Came in here on a rainy Sunday afternoon with Sue, her sister and an old friend of mine who came into town to see me. We were in here just for a quick drink. Most of us ordered beers. They had a nice selection. I forget how expensive beers can be in big cities like Philadelphia as well as on the east coast. Monk's seems to be known for their mussels. We didn't order any food, but if we had decided to, I would definitely have gotten the mussels. The guy at the next table had the small order and it was quite large. Next time.
(3)
Charlotte D.
Stopped in for a beer here on a Wednesday night. The hostess asked if we were here for drinks or food. We said drinks and she informed Us that tables were only for dining and we could look to see if there was seating at either bars. After finding none, I left back out. Meanwhile there were a bunch of tables open, I would think that they would let people sit down who were just having drinks because it wasn't a busy night. On a weekend day or night I could understand this rule but I don't want to stand up in a not -packed bar. This equals bad service to me, and there are too many other places in the city to deal with this on a midweek evening.
(1)
Jenn F.
Love this place! Great beer selection, delicious mussels and frites! The ONLY reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars was due to a rather unfriendly hostess when I was there in December.
(4)
Dan S.
Yum yum yum! Monk's is one of the best gastropubs in Philadelphia. Their selection of draft and bottled brews is phenomenal and their food is full of flavor. They have a great atmosphere and a knowledgeable wait staff. When it comes to their food, I HAVE to get their mussels every time I visit. They have a selection to choose from and they're all good options. I also really enjoyed their mushroom cheese steak and their pita platter. Definitely try them out!
(5)
Nick H.
Beers 10 Food 10 Service 0 ... But you'll still go back for the beer and food. And they know that so they don't care and I guess neither should you. I let my tip do the talking. Just know that walking in and you'll be ok. But you gotta go if you're in Philly. It's a staple. Beer Mecca.
(4)
Jennifer M.
Stumbled upon here when we were starving, tried frog legs for the first time, so good!!! Great beer selection, friendly staff, good food!
(4)
Luba P.
I feel like I am not their target audience...at all...and I loved it! - I don't like beer - Loved the raspberry beer they had - I don't like mussels - I loved the mussels and they were awesome and come in a big bucket/pot filled with different mussel juices you can pick - I've never had duck - The duck sandwich was amazing! - I never get mac and cheese - Their mac and cheese is literally the best in the city...seriously....get one to split between like 5 people and everyone will be happy and full Plus it is cute, dark and cozy!
(5)
Yahn C.
Based on beer selection only....ridiculous! Over 300 options and its all laid out for you in their Beer Bible. I recommend a Pliny (if they have it). Food smelled great too...didn't try and either. Also...Pliny is short for Russian River - Pliny the Elder
(5)
Chuck Z.
Wow, among the best meals I have had in a while. I saw a lot of folks ordering the muscles and ordered the thai curry steamed muscles. Great meal! Another added plus was the Russian River Beers... which are a rare find outside of the California area. Pliny the Elder was a smash. Great service, great food and beer.... must visit.
(5)
Jacqui S.
There isn't one thing I've ever ordered from here or Belgium Cafe that I haven't liked. Best known for their mussels (with pommes frites), their menu is inventive, savory and comforting...my favorites being the portobello reuben and salmon burger.
(5)
Jessica K.
We already know that their mussels are the bomb. Try their scallops though!!! Yum yum in the tum tum.
(5)
Nancy P.
I had plans to meet up with a gf and a guy friend at Monk's. My gf recommended it because it was a good place for mussels and beers. Well, I don't like either of those but alas I still went. I got there before either friend so I put my name in for a table at dinner. They wouldn't seat me without everyone being there. The wait was about 30 - 45 mins around 7:30. We ordered some mussels for the table (though I didn't eat it, I tried the broth with some bread - mehh). The frites were awesome though. I like the mayo dipping sauce that came with it. I ordered the Antwerp burger, med rare. It came out cooked perfectly to my temperature. It also came with a side of frites and the mayo sauce. The burger was very tasty though it was very truffly. For dessert, we shared the creme brulee with espresso ganache. It was super sweet and the texture for the crust was really hard when I tried to cut into it. Good place to check out if you like mussels and beer. Very casual though the artwork in the place is a bit eccentric.
(3)
Pat G.
Outstanding beer selection and food! 300-400 different bottled beers and great selection of beers on tap. Lots from Belgium but also from around the world. Many that you can't find anywhere else. There is even a Belgian brewery that brews a Flemish Sour Ale just for them! The mussels are very popular but all of the food is top notch with lots of European influence. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and I love how environmentally conscious Monk's is!
(5)
Olivia R.
Monk's brews their own beer and it's fantastic. The selection changes often and the bar tender was very good at recommending various beers according to our tastes. It was very crowded so if you go for dinner, get there early. We did not eat, but everyone around us had the muscles and they looked delicious. There are two bars and dining rooms which is nice because the space is needed. Definitely come here if you like good quality beer and food that goes well with it.
(4)
Melissa S.
World-class beer bar, enormous beer selection, ample Belgian inspired menu, including mussels prepared in multiple types of sauces. A Belgian beer lover's paradise!
(5)
Andrew B.
Mellow place to grab good beers and frites. Wasn't too crowded or too expensive. Knowledgable bartenders.
(4)
Celia B.
We were so happy to have come across Monk's! We had read about how popular it was, and had anticipated a long wait, but were seated fairy quickly (we arrived on a weeknight, and maybe it was just a slow week). The mussels were amazing, and it was a pretty large portion! We got the "Ghent " muscles, per our waitress's recommendation, and they sure were impressive (mmm, bacon). All of the other food that we tried was delicious, as well, and the service was pretty fantastic. It was a bit pricey, however, everything in this area is. But, I do remember the beers being especially pricey. We will return next time we are in town, for some delicious food, great service, and a long list of beers! I highly recommend Monk's, and hopefully you will have a quiet experience there, like we did.
A favorite. Some things have changed in the past few months. For example, there is now only one size of mussels to choose from and curiously the fries are not as good as they once were, but this place is still consistently tasty.
(5)
Jennifer B.
Must try the Pomme frites and Ghent muscles. Hint, the muscles comes with fries and we didn't know that so we basically got two orders or fries. Good beer! There was a 30 min wait for a table for 2 on a Friday night around 730 pm. The place is pretty small but it's a great environment and great service
(5)
David S.
Seriously, who doesn't love this place? The mussels are super amazing... And the fries that go with it? GAHHH. SO DELISHH. Everyone says it, and i'm sure i'll get lost in all the other reviews, but an amazing selection of beers, and great mussels. There has to be a reason why everyone is saying the same thing, right? If you don't believe me, then just go yourself. haha.
(5)
Lindsay H.
Well well well.. Went here on a recommendation from a friend. Due to work, I was staying quite far but once you find your way here it is worth the wait! Food was incredible- had the DeKoninck mussles and Brussels burger.. All amazing.. And let's talk about the service.. We got to sit in the back room and Eddie served us... He was knowledgeable, polite, attentive, and fun. As long as Monk's keeps up these things they will have my business plus my recommendation to anyone who wants good food and drink in Philly.
(5)
Gabriela R.
I've been here a couple of times since I come to Philly a lot for work. PROS: LOVE the duck salad. It is hands down one of the best duck dishes I have had without the steep price normally associated with duck. CONS: Didn't particularly enjoy the service from one of the female bartenders. As I said, I come to Philly for work so I am usually alone when I go out for a bite. When I went there with a friend, it was a bit noisy, crowded with a long wait but the food was good, the service was good and we enjoyed it. However, when I ventured in alone to get takeout, when it wasn't very busy, the bartender was particularly icy, inattentive and kept me waiting for no reason while the food was there (and she wasn't busy, just more practicing avoidance). I could understand if I were rude or didn't tip before, but that wasn't the case (though I wasn't willing to tip well for bad service after all of that). I love the duck so I will come back but I hope they get more friendly staff! It has deterred me from wanting to come back here for a while.
(4)
Mark Z.
I really like this bar and I am glad a friend suggested it. The place has a dark ambiance that creates a good intimate atmosphere. The beer selection is vast, so you'll find something you will enjoy. The burger I tried was phenomenal and the staff was very courteous. It tends to get crowded though and gets real cramp, but it is still a cool bar.
(4)
Tobias W.
Great beer selection! Try the back bar and ask for recommendations, you will be most positively suprised :)
(5)
Stephen G.
An awesome bar, which is a lot more difficult to come across in Philly than you might think. Their draft selection is really good, with a lot of different styles and prices for beer and champagne wallets alike. Everyone raves about the mussels and for good reason, they're amazing (try the Ghent or thai curry). Burgers are pretty decent too. Their fries alone are a reason to come. Not your most typical bar scene which is good for people like me who try to avoid the droves of bros at the irish pubs down on South St.
(4)
Sooji L.
Don't understand the hype of Monks Cafe. Service was very poor. Chicken tenders were dry, re-fried, and burnt . The Antwerp burger was neutral- nothing to rave about nor bash about; was able to barely taste the truffle cheese. Wouldn't go back.
(1)
bernadette g.
We are traveling and took the recommendation of a local to come to Monks and I am so glad we did. We are beer novices and our server was very knowledgable and picked a beer for each of us and they were all spot on. We started with the mussels, monk style and they were delicious. The fries and sauce... Omg. I would come back for those alone and I live 2000 miles away. We had a pulled pork sandwich, a burger, and chicken fingers and all were great. Upon the recommendation of our server, we had the coconut cream pie for dessert and it was absolutely out of this world. Great meal, solid service- definitely a go to spot in the city.
(5)
Julie O.
This isn't a review about the food at Monk's, because obviously those have been done. This is about the management and their bizarre policy of not letting people take home leftover mussels. I went to Monk's recently with three friends late one weekday night, when the restaurant was not that busy so we were able to be seated right when we arrived and were served our food rather quickly. At the end of our meal I asked to get our leftover food to-go, and was told by the server that they couldn't do that. Food waste is a big pet peeve of mine, so I pressed the issue and asked to speak to the manager. When I did speak to the manager he was rather condescending throughout the whole exchange, and didn't once at least express some sympathy to my position (even something along the lines of "I understand what you're saying but I don't want to get in trouble with my boss" would have at least made me feel like I was being heard). Now I know this isn't an issue most people would get so annoyed over, but it's just one of the things my frugal parents drummed into me--don't waste anything you can avoid wasting. So I'm sorry, but if I paid for it I should get to take it home, without snide remarks about "food safety concerns" from the management. Aside from the issue of food waste--which apparently Monk's isn't concerned about--this isn't even something based on actual science or FDA recommendations (which states that cooked shellfish can be safely kept if properly refrigerated for 3-4 days). I cook a lot, even with various kinds of fish, so I knew this even before I requested a take-home container. I really do not appreciate a manager telling me that the food I paid for will go bad by the next day (which is most definitely will not unless I leave it out on my kitchen counter or unless they didn't cook it properly to begin with) and therefore their policy is to never let people take mussels home. A) It should be none of your business what I do with the food I buy from you--maybe I was going to eat it that night, give it to a homeless man, hell, use the shells to crush up for a garden path--and B) if your going to force your staff to pigheadedly defend a policy at least do some research before establishing that policy. I mean even on the surface it makes no sense--if what the manager was claiming was true the Italian place down the block would never be able to pack up your leftover clam linguine, not to mention that all sushi places would have to have a strict no take-out policy (which of course they don't, and uncooked fish has an even shorter shelf-life). So long story short, because of their bizarre policy and management that couldn't be bothered to show an ounce of sympathy, I will not be going to Monk's again (or any of the other restaurants owned by the same people)--which to be honest is a shame because the beer selection is nice and I do like the food. Good thing you can't throw a stick in this city without hitting a good restaurant that serves mussels (Eulogy, Oyster House, Valanni, Royal Tavern, pretty much any Italian restaurant, etc.), so I'll be able to satiate my mussel cravings at places with more thought-out policies and nicer staff.
(1)
Boris K.
I've been to Monk's several times and I'm a big fan! If you are a fan of beer, you must go to Monk's at least once. It has by far the best beer selection in the city. But I was also pleasantly surprised by how good the food is. They have some of the best mussels I've ever had and their burgers are always a hit. I was also a big fan of the Monk's Duck Salad. They do get very packed during the evening (especially on the weekends) so you might have to wait for a table, but if you go during the day that should not be an issue.
(5)
Laura K.
We've been here before and it has an excellent food and drink menu.. But I came with friends on a Monday around 5 to grab some drinks after work. There weren't enough seats for us at either bars but the tables were empty for the most part. The six of us were told that we weren't welcome to sit at the tables if we weren't ordering food. Seems like a bad business concept considering we would've been gone before the dinner rush and the place was pretty much empty. Won't bring friends back here again.
(2)
Shannon C.
It's a literal hole in the wall with superb beer and food. Don't miss this experience! There is so much to choose from and the food was phenomenal. I got a burger, because you can never go wrong with a burger, which came with shoestring fries and an amazing dip. The burger was savory and sweet with caramelized onions and blue cheese. I absolutely want to go back as soon as possible.
(4)
Erika R.
Literally the best pub I have ever been to. Their mussels are to die for. I recommend the monks burger and if you like pale ales to try the the Corsendonk Belgium beer. This place is a true Philly gem.
(5)
Beau G.
Great mussels and beer. They have a extensive beer bible. I would also recommend the burger.
(4)
Sean T.
Great beer selection. Excellent bar food. Monk's is at least a once-a-month spot.
(4)
David M.
Busy on a Wednesday in the freezing cold.... Clearly this place must be great. I've never had sour beer and I was also looking for an old style un-hopped ale made with grout(sp?) a preservative and combination of herbs used before hops. They had amazing sour beers and perfect service... Not to mention mussels to die for but my search for medieval ale continues.
(5)
Lisa X.
Amazing mussels! I came with two friends and we each got a small bucket for $10. Definitely more food than we expected. The mussels were seasoned perfectly, and the fries and bread went very well with them. Surprised to say I was extremely full and satisfied when I finished! Next time I will try the beer
(4)
Eunice L.
Oh how I love their fries and clams! Amazing combo! Service was great (except I wish they would let me sit at the table instead of making me wait for my group).
(4)
Josh P.
I was toying with going 3 stars or 4. But I'm in a good mood. I have returned to monks for multiple times and the reason for my 3 stars is their inconsistency. The muscles, which I have gotten multiple times were not FANTASTIC!! And they were sub par. The rest of their food is good. Beer selection deserves it's own rating of a 5. But anyone who knows their beer would not be deterred by my rating. Will I go back again... I'm not sure.
(3)
Chelsea H.
I love their beer selection, they always have something I can try new. The pomme frites along with the mayo they give you makes me wanting to go back for more. They offer mussels with different herbs and broth which I think is a great idea..I think I have had almost all the flavors. Although it is a tight squeeze it never bothers me because everything about this place is good. Friendly staff, looking forward to trying the frog legs next!
(5)
Kelly W.
Monk's is a wonderful place to have a beer (or 3- no more than 3 for me) whether its 10 degrees on the streets or 110 degrees. It's dark and inviting with knowledgable staff and an obviously incredible beer menu. Only downside are the tiny bathrooms and inefficient layout, but that is part of the charm of this place. Also, can get quite crowded at the bars and take awhile to get a beer.
(4)
Phil C.
O had a dinner here- I sat at the front bar (didnt know there was a back room bar at the time). Ambiance is nice, food was average plus. I thought the taps options in the bar was a bit slim, and the bar tender didnt seem to want to go to the other bar where there might have been more tap stuff available (the back room). I kind of left a little underwhelmed overall but it was comfortable and though crowded not particularly loud.
(3)
Jody P.
Go with a muscle loving friend so that you can try a few varieties. The small pot is more than enough to have as a meal for one person, and comes with a dinner roll to soak up the goodness, plus pom frites with spicy mayo dipping sauce. They have a beer bible... 'nuff said. I agree with Brad P.'s review that the crowd is always friendly, I've conversed with strangers at the bar on several occasions. Be warned that it is a very dark pub atmosphere so if you go during the day you will come out squinting like a mole.
(4)
Kaitlyn B.
Really good food and beers. Great vibe.
(5)
Scott L.
A locals hang out in city center has such charm that the new england atmosphere easily outshines the good food. Attractive staff with edge, worldliness and smiles, groups in deep discussion and laughter in the dark vaulted pub blanketed me and my travel companion into our own deep conversation. Yes the mussels with apples and cheese were good, (i wanted to sip the broth out of the pot) and so was the juicy and tender pulled pork sandwich but the deep Irish pub essence will perhaps heal you in the time it takes to get half way through a glass. Affordable, cozy, crowded and old.
(4)
Jason B.
Great beer Selection, beers you can't find anywhere else. Delicious food, but only stuck to appetizers.
(4)
Pourio L.
Came down here after class at around 9:30pm because I had been craving a good burger and one of my classmates highly recommended this place for some good burgers and brews. Parking in this area is an absolute nightmare. I would contend that it's worse than the parking situation in Downtown Los Angeles. It's bad and the streets are poorly maintained. When we got there, there wasn't much of a wait but we got there a bit late for dinner but it was still pretty packed. We snagged the last table in the very back next to the bar. I had one of their signature burgers and one of their dark stouts on tap (I'm a huge fan of Guinness that's poured just right and they had good stouts on tap here). They have a pretty large selection of beers and wines for you to try out. Many local and microbrews with very few global name brands. Now the meat was cooked and seasoned just right but I have to say that the bread was quite disappointing. The buns were stiff and dry and oversized for the meat patty. I'm not exaggerating but the meat patty was 2x too small for the buns they provided. The skinny fries were decent. The beer was great. I wish I had more cash on me (their ATM/credit card machine went down that night and the closest ATM machine was a block away) otherwise, I would've definitely had a few more beers. Service was decent if not a bit slow but considering this place is a bit busy, I can understand. This place gets packed and the seating arrangement makes for some tight spaces so be prepared to share conversations with your neighbors. If only the buns on my burger (and my friend repeatedly said that the bread isn't normally this dry or stiff and that it's much better, maybe it was an off-night) were softer, tastier and not like thick cardboard, I definitely would've given this place a higher rating. Maybe next time they'll get it right. Parking: Hell Price: $25+ per person (including one beer) Wait: 15+ mins
(3)
Lauren A.
Brought here by a local who loves beer just as much as I do! In the mood for mussels and sour beer... Let's do this! The place was busy, but we got a beer quickly at the back bar while we waited for our table, the selection of beers is impressive! Fell in love with Belgian Sour Beer! Once seated out server was very prompt and extremely attentive. Mussels = AMAZING! Mac n cheese also very impressive! Overall a great place! Be patient and you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Kristen L.
Love love love it at Monks! My SO always gets the Spanish Flies--super spicy got wings-- and the Duck Breast Salad. I always love the Ghent mussels! Everything is always delicious and the mussels are so reasonably priced on top of that. The fries alone are worth it. The waits are sometimes very long, so be prepared to get a drink at the bar while you wait for a table. But it is certainly worth it! They also have a FANTASTIC draft beer selection. It's always interesting, changing, varied, and delicious. One of my favorite places in Philly.
(5)
Ben K.
Beer selection was great. Food was really really good. Service was pretty terrible. Bartender acted like it was such a chore to come to the end of the bar to serve me and he was soooo cool....must have been the stars on his elbows.
Terrific beer list. I do wish they had more information on the beers listed, as a number of them I have never heard of. I imagine this would make the "Beer Bible" much bigger, and I suppose that is what smartphones and the internet are for. Plenty of interesting things on tap, but the true beauty here are in the bottles that are offered. Many rare bottles and limited brews available, but you might find them to be out of brews listed. Seating is reserved for those eating, which I never have.
(4)
Zuri P.
Ok, we were here in February 2014. My husband was able to grab a couple seats at the bar. It was a Saturday, there had been a huge snowstorm the day before, and the place was packed. It was loud and dark and fantastic, just the way I like. You have to lean in to hear what your mate is saying. Our bartender (female, long red hair, funny, and a touch sarcastic) was a pro and set us up with our food and drinks. Service was swift. We started with mussels petit dejuener and a couple Belgian beers. I had a quadruple and the hubs had a triple. Delicious and strong, both! We had also the seitan (vegetarian) Philly cheesesteak with the pomme frites. I did not expect that the sandwich would be the best. We live in Southern California and have bomb vegetarian food there. I've learned from experience not to expect home away from home. I have to say, this sandwich was a top competitor! The pomme frites were great but not the best I've ever had (that prize is for Wurstkuche in LA, so far). Can't wait to visit again! I will def be back at this spot for the beer and food; wanna try the scallops next time.
(4)
Jeff B.
Go for mussels and beers, you wont be disappointed. Service was excellent, leave your phone home and engage in the lost art of conversation, everyone benefits.
(4)
Christina G.
We arrived around 9pm on a Friday night and the four of us were seated in minutes and spent about 3 hours at our table ordering food and drinks. These may be the best mussels that I have had in Philly. The small pot was huge so I can't even imagine what the large pot must be like. The 4 of us split 3 small pots of mussels and 2 sandwiches and were stuffed. The mussels also come with a side of bread and French fries. The Portobello sandwich was good, but I think their burgers are even better. They also have a decent beer menu. The 4 of us had 3 pots of mussels, 2 sandwiches and countless beers over a 3 hour period and our bill came to about $160, and we left very full and satisfied. Service was decent. They do need to fix their bathroom sink because the cold water faucet did not work at all.
(4)
Eddie L.
I have been to monks many times before and i always leave happy, but this time I left fully impressed. The beer bible is amazing but finding a beer in it can sometimes be a daunting task, especially to someone who can never make up their mind. I was sitting at the front bar and experiencing this exact problem. Chris the bartender came over and he was so patient and helpful. Even though the bar was packed he took time to get a couple different types of beers, explain to me all about each beer and then happily served my choice to me in a nice glass, but the best part was that he really seemed to enjoy it; never did i feel that i was bothering him in any way. The food was amazing and came out quickly, the music playing was good and not too loud, people were nice and courteous, But Chris made this visit really special. I can't wait to come back to monks again.
(4)
Adam P.
How could anyone not love Monk's? What cruel soul can't appreciate fresh mussels and delicious craft beer? Vegetarians?!? PRUDES?!? In all seriousness, whenever someone asks a good place to grab a bite and drink, I always direct them to Monk's. Their tap list rotates regularly but always features some world-class beers (read: Pliny the Elder). Yes, it's dark in there and can get a little loud when they're busy, but that just adds to the cool vibe at Monk's. As for food, you NEED to go with the mussels. I've heard good things about their burgers, duck salad sandwich, etc., but there are few things I would rather spend $10 on than Monk's moules frites. The portion is insane (INSANE!) and they're always fresh and plump (never had a chewy mussel there) and there's like 10 ways you can get them cooked. As if that wasn't enough, they come with duck fat fried french fries and delicious bread to dip in your broth. My mouth is literally watering thinking about it. And in case you skipped over this part, that whole meal will only cost you ten measly bones (leaving you with enough money for a couple rounds of beer). Speaking of beer, the prices at Monk's are reasonable for what you get. There's a lot of places in Philly that will charge you way more for the same stuff and come off as pretentious while they're at it. Bottle list at Monk's is unparalleled in the city. Stop reading, go eat (and drink) at Monk's.
(5)
Benjamin R.
For the uninitiated, Monk's is actually a world-renowned Belgian beer bar. Literally. This place was much cooler 10 years ago before all the people in the Pennsy burbs and New Jersey found out about it. I know that sounds really snobby, but honestly, expect an hour to an hour-and-a half wait or more for a table on weekends. And because it's really small in here, be prepared to fight for both the front and back bartenders' attention, and a place to just stand. It's SO crowded. Agoraphobes and claustrophobes beware. You're going to be rubbing up on all KINDS of strangers. That being said, it's a really charming place. If you like Belgian beers, you'll feel right at home. Avoid Chimay--there are much better options. The draught list is incredible and the bottle selection is the most extensive you've ever seen. The food is excellent. The mussels are some of the best you'll find in Philly, and they always have solid vegan options. Despite being harried and overwhelmed, the service is generally good. If you really want to have a good Monk's experience, come for lunch on a weekday. It's by far the best experience (and one of the best lunches) you'll have.
(4)
Arlene M.
Holy moly, the trout is to die for! Started with the chocolate stout, then trout that sent me into heaven and followed by some sort of creme brulee with chocolate deliciousness. So delicious. The server was a sweety and the booths were cozy and perfect for a why wonderful dinner.
(5)
Louise S.
Monks cafe has a real old pub charm to it. I'm from England where old school pubs are being replaced by modern gastro pubs. Monks cafe claims gastro pub but retains all that creaky floor charm that everyone adores. As for the beer...I'm not a beer drinker but here you will find beers for everyone. I mean everyone! They have a beer bible to find what beverage might suit you best. I love sour ales which can be hard to find and monks cafe had 4 different sour beers! Score! I'm also a huge fan of mussels. Moules et frites just make me happy. Here they have mussel options. 6 different flavors to choose from. The fries were crispy double fried perfection and yes the mussels were delicious. Monks cafe does get very busy though. We went on a Saturday at around 1 pm and got a seat in the very back room. As we left it was even busier with folks standing up waiting. Very popular pub very close to rittenhouse square. If I lived in Philly I'd be such a regular here!!!
(4)
Jessica C.
LOVE the beer selection here. My favorite things are the mussels and twice fried french fries. It's usually really crowded but the service is always great.
(5)
Mindy Y.
Yes, you Monk's Cafe - I love you... why don't you move to California with me? SERVICE: had to wait on the list for a bit ... so come early when you're not so hungry. We walked around the block for a bit... it was good... got to see pretty much the whole of Philly. Jks. FOOD: (1) Mussels: came in a pot and omg ... garlic... yes please .. lots of garlic. 5 stars. (2) Duck Burger: amazing... duck, duck melts in your mouth. 5 stars. DRINKS: Can't remember what I got ... but ... huge, huge beer selection **OVERALL: Beer, mussels and duck burger. Mind blowing .. will come back again...
(5)
Darwin G.
I heard that I needed to stop by here during Philadelphia Beer Week and boy did this place not disappoint. I was able to get both Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig in one place. For a beer geek, this place is heaven. The service here is fantastic. I turned away for a second while sitting at the bar and without even asking for more water, the bartender had reached over with the water gun and filled up my glass. Now that's service! Most importantly, co-owner Tom Peters just an amazing guy. I randomly got into a conversation with him and then eventually learned I was speaking to the owner. We geeked out on beer for quite a while and he was nice enough to buy me a beer. If you get the chance, introduce yourself and say Hi because he really is a great person to talk to and has played such an important role for the beer community in Philadelphia and on the East Coast.
(5)
Erica L.
This place is a favorite and institution in Philly for good reason. Unparalleled beer menu, fantastic food. I recommend the monks mussels, the key lime pie, and pommes frites with homemade bourbons to. Fantastic. The back bar with the tapestry, old school steins, and Trappist decor is phenomenal. And the monks sour ale is a must. I tried the vegan burger for the first time and it was flavorful and full of veggies. Love this place and will keep coming back.
(5)
Rocio R.
Finding a parking spot on the street was a real pain. Parked about 3 miles away but we finally made it. Place was pretty packed on a Saturday afternoon but we got seated fairly quickly. I ordered the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale and loved it. Can't recall which beer J had though. We shared an order of the mussels and they were fantastic. Steaming piping hot mussels came with bread and fries. Fries were delicious also.
(5)
stephanie b.
I wanted to really like this place. I really did. After waiting an hour for a table for two (note: larger groups get seated almost immediately), my person and I started with beers (no complaints) and the charcuterie, which for $18.95, was a real disappointment. Two tiny slivers of brie with bread that looked like it had been gnawed on. While the spinach and feta cheese sausage was good, the unidentified canned like meat and mystery spreads were a let down. I could get a better, cheaper cheese tray with more of an assortment from Wegman's. I ordered the mac and cheese that had pieces of ham and asparagus incorporated throughout with a dollop of cream atop. Not impressed. Maybe that's not the establishment's fault or maybe I'm just a simple mac and cheese kinda gal. My person ordered a small pot of Ghent mussels, who admitted they were good for the price, but was more impressed that the order came with french fries. The fries were the highlight of the entire trip. While sitting at our slanted table, I was told that I'm not allowed to pick our next dinner spot...
(2)
Renee M.
Monk's is my new favorite spot in Philly. Not that I really had another favorite spot in Philly before this... but anyway. The beer selection is pretty fantastic and the food is delicious as well. I've had their burger and fries as well as their mussels and everything was very good. The layout is kind of awkward and it tends to get crowded which is not too surprising since it is a great place to drink beer with your friends. If you like beer (especially Belgian beer), Monk's is a must visit bar in Philly :) Go go go
(5)
Lauren D.
The quality of food has SEVERELY gone down hill, and I just don't have the patience to deal with this place ever in my life. It's a good tourist location, but I've lived in Philadelphia for over 2 years now and know of plenty of bars with the same quality and selection of beer. Sorry, Monk's. I just think we're better off seeing other people.
(3)
Paul S.
Quite possibly the best beer selection in the country. They carry some pretty nice beers on tap. If you can get here at midnight when everyone else is going out to clubs and bars, it's really nice. the back room clears out from around 12 to 2
(4)
E B.
We were passing through Philadelphia, stayed at the Sheraton in University. Some of our friends used to live in Philly, so we called them for suggestions. He said, "If you are only in Philly for one night, you HAVE to go to Monks." As a fellow foodie, we typically respect eachothers' food suggestions. He also said that there are 20 other GastroPubs just like it, but this was THE one to go to. We parked, somewhere where they took our car and gave us a card, walked a half a block over to Monks and opened the door. It was packed, and it was about 7pm. We found 2 seats at the bar, and grabbed 'em. Next was the beer menu, for the love of god - what a huge menu! I ordered the Delerium Tremons & the hubby ordered the Dogfish Head. It absolutely amazed me that all the beers come in their signature glass. Our friend suggested the mussels...and I thought, there is NO way I am ordering Mussels at a pub. But I did, and they were some of the best mussels I've ever had. I ordered the Provence Mussels, and the hubby ordered the burger. Both were fantastic! I looked around, and I would say more than not - there were couples that did the same...the chic had mussels, the guy had the burger (interesting). By the way, I have to note the staff. I read about this place here on yelp before we went. Most people talk poorly of the staff. I don't agree. I work in the hospitality industry, I'm a chef. Seriously, if YOU were that busy trying to make all of your customers happy, and you have a million of them there at one time, all the time - would you appear happy and relaxed?? Give 'em a break, they're offering great service and great food, and wicked beer! We will be back ;)
(5)
Frank S.
Awesome! Every place with that beer selection is a winner. Yes, bla, bla, the mussels are great, you know that already. BUT, with a little bragging about home home, some of the best beers are still coming from Northern Bavaria. Try "Mahr's Brau Bamberg", Germany, you will not be disappointed...
(4)
Mark K.
I miss Philly for a few key reasons. One: the good friends I left behind. Two: actually having seasons to enjoy. Three: Monk's amazing selection of beers and mussels. Damn. Beers as far as the eye can see, and true pleasure is not just eating the mussels. It's actually at the very end where you take your bread and sop up the inside of the pot full of flavor and chunks of garlic. Damn. The only real pain in the butt is the wait... but it IS well worth it.
(5)
Johnny S.
Went to Monks last night for my birthday. Everything was top notch as expected from the reputation and reviews. The beer bible is THE best beer list I've seen. Tried a number of different beers for the first time. As for food, we were pretty impressed actually. Web had the hummus plate, some mussels and pomme frites, and burgers. One other thing to note; our server was great. I read reviews of them being pretentious, but she was anything but. Great times, great experience, will be back.
(5)
Rose N.
Monk's is the place to If you love rich, flavorful beer. It's a great place to come drink some beers, hang out with friends. The food is great... mussels and frites is a must!
(4)
Natalie M.
Really? I haven't reviewed Monk's yet? It's hard to believe... There is not much to say that hasn't already been said time and time again, so I'll keep this one short. I love Monk's. The mussels are some of the best in the city and are reasonably priced, and come with a side of fries with fabulous dipping sauce. The Belgian beer selection is awesome, and they have beers on tap that you rarely see in the US. The bartenders know a ton about the beers they are serving, if they'll deign to actually answer your questions AND if you can hear over the din around you. It's always super busy, so be prepared to wait... Although generally the wait is shorter than their estimate... Service can be a little slow, so be prepared to sit back and enjoy your meal, not to rush through it. For all the little annoyances, it's still a place that I love.
(5)
Mary K.
I am a mussel afficianado and have a tendency to be uber critical; Monk's gave me nothing to be critical of...the mussels were cooked perfectly, the bread for sopping the juice was superb and all those WONDERFUL belgian beer choices makes Monk's my hand's down favorite Philly bar...can't wait for the next time!
(5)
Sally T.
SUPER crowded so if you're hungry, good luck. The beer selection is definitely impressive, but even more impressive is how spicy their wings are. I swear, if I ate them in the winter, the steam that would be vaporizing off of me would melt the ice. Don't let the 4 pieces they give you fool you one bit, because they're big and hella spicy! The mussels are fantastic, the burgers are good, but if I'm paying that much, I expect a bigger burger. The frites are a little on the sad side since they do come out soggy sometimes because of all the grease. If you don't want to be frustrated by the very small "waiting area" / bar for food, I suggest going on a weekday, just not during lunch because that can get ugly too. Overall, I like the place.
(4)
Jedi M.
Very expensive imported Belgium beer, tasty, but pricey. The selection of the rotating brews was impressive, but did I mention they were spendy. The talked up seasoned fries were just OK, I think ours were from the bottom of the batch, I would give them a second chance, they had potential. The only thing that saved it for me from a 3 star was the AMAZING duck salad sandwich. Just typing this review I want one right now. I am afraid of trying to recreate it at home, don't want to ruin such a good memory ( but I am still going to try one day). If you go here the duck sandwich is a must!
(4)
Christine Y.
Oh God in Belgium, those double-fried fries with bourbon mayo....have you heard of them? Of course you have. Do you care if they're "not exactly what I remember growing up as a young Belgian monk"? (Some of these Yelpers, sheeeeesh...) The multiple awards they have won aren't lyin': I could eat them all day. I even asked for another shot of the bourbon mayo and GOT IT, fo free. Best bartender ever, by the way - how he managed to maintain such speedy, friendly service when the teeny place was jam-packed, I'll never know. They must practice meditation techniques. I had a Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot (barley wine, 11.1%) for $6 and it was worth it. Not much else to say. It was dark, but I sat right under a light at the tiny bar that lines the wall across from the real bar (and protrudes out about half as far) and read a book, and it was possible. It seems like the only thing around in that immediate area from the outside, but I don't know Philly, or Jack.
(4)
Cray Z.
Mussels look like both female and male reproductive organs. But when cooked in a tasty broth with garlic, chili, tomato and celery in abundance - it makes you forget their role as part of our oceans' natural sewage system. But what's good enough for Belgians - hey, it's good enough for me. And something else that is good enough for me - hundreds of imported and domestic beers to chose from, with some wine on offer too. We ended this fine dining experience with an espresso-chocolate tart.
(5)
Jackie D.
This bar was nice! I had the frog legs and mussels. The description of the food wasn't very clear and the frog legs had a buffalo style sauce on them, which was good but a little overwhelming (that's why I gave it 4/5 stars). Oooh and the Chimay beer was great! I'll have to come back with some friends.
(4)
Jubin K.
I rate on taste... all the other stuff like atmosphere and service doesn't make a difference when the food is beyond anything else you've tried. Those people who rate on Yelp based on wait times and service are ruining the ratings for other people to try these restaurants for their unique flavors. The food here is amazing, and hell, you're in philly, do you expect to be treated like a king? You'll be lucky if they say hi to you. The Monk's burger with the skinny fries and horseradish dip is one of a kind and you will not find anything like it anywhere else in the world. Down it with a flemish sour ale or your choice of over a thousand kinds of unique beers and it's heaven for your taste buds. The Ghent steamed mussels are my favorite. Thai Curry is good too. The small pot is plenty for one person. The large for a large person, pretty straightforward. I usually end up asking for another piece of bread to soak up all the juices at the bottom of the pot, will even ask for spoon and drink it like soup. Two must have's when I'm around philly is Monk's and Jim's cheese steaks.
(5)
Eunice D.
This has become a regular stop when I'm in Philly. Thai mussel pot is fabulous and the beer selection is outstanding! I think about this place all the time and wish I could transplant it to the Bay Area!
(5)
Neetu B.
I am big fan of Monk's Cafe. The beer list is FANTASTIC. Chimay on tap! The food is great as well. Definitely get a pot of mussels, you won't be disappointed. I've had the Provence style and the Brussels style. Both were great. I definitely recommend the Duck Salad Sandwich with Pomme Frites. So, why four stars? This place gets out-of-control busy. If you get there when there is no bar space available and want to grab a table, be prepared to order some food. This place isn't cheap, so I wouldn't recommend this place for large groups looking for a night out.. This is definitely a place to eat, drink, and enjoy as an experience, but if you are just looking for great beer, try somewhere else.
(4)
Chad T.
Great mussel broth (we got the Ghent), good mussels (though on the small side and a little over-cooked), good beer list (though somewhat over-priced). Highlight: excellent service. Disappointment: the pommes frites weren't the least bit crunchy.
(3)
Robin C.
So I have to say it's not as amazing as everyone says. Yes, they have a great bottled beer selection but their tap beer selection isn't amazing. I did enjoy a few beers I wouldn't have tried otherwise but I wasn't horrible impressed. I was amused to find out that a SEPTA bus crashed into it only in August which explained the rather unfinished look to the hallway leading into the restaurant. I might go back for a beer but I don't think I'd eat here since I wasn't digging the atmosphere.
(3)
Tesh S.
Great burgers, fries, mussels, and beer of course! Loved the chicken burger with the Monks and Brussel dual topping (even though extra money was worth it)
(4)
Steven S.
I'm breaking with (my) custom and giving Monk's five stars, because it really was my introduction to the world of high quality beer, long before the current craft craze took off, and I always make a point of stopping in whenever I'm in Philly (which is as infrequently as possible). The beer is excellent Belgian or Belgian-style ale, and the mussels and pommes frites draw devotees from all over. There's a reason this place has been around for so long and gets so much repeat business. It may find a special place in your heart, too. If not, more for me.
(5)
Mark D.
Monk's has a about 20 Belgium beers on tap. So if you are into this style beer, you HAVE to stop here. They also have a large selection of bottled beer. I had the Belgium mussels and,by far, they were the best mussels I have ever had! They were cooked perfectly and had a nice broth. They were accompanied excellent frittes and by a dense crusty roll that was perfect for sopping up the broth. Great place! I will go back again, maybe tonight!!
(4)
J. J.
Great food and great beer! If you like belgiums, tis the place to go. Always a favorite place of mine in Phila. Tends to get busy and a bit crowded on a lazy Sunday, but I guess thats what I get for going at peak hours. I dont eat mussles but the other half does, and he loves them!
(4)
Karin F.
The mussel pots here were divine. The beer selection is also fabu. Can't wait to go here again... we keep saying that we're going to get back here soon, and we're working on it !!! If you are in Philly and looking for a place to grab a beer and gnosh on something wonderful, go to Monk's... The downside was that it was crowded, but that's par for the course on the weekend; but don't walk away if it's crowded, wait it out, have a beer, the mussels are worth the wait!
(4)
kathy t.
Interesting beer. Crispy stubby fries [edited- during off hours, I think the fries are crispier. When it's busy, you have a higher chance of getting underdone, kind of crappy fries, which is really annoying.] Duck salad. The duck salad is not like chicken salad with mayo, it's a mixed greens with ?goat cheese and ?cranberries (dried red fruit I forget if it's cherries), some candied nuts, lightly dressed with a vinaigrette, and a sliced medium rare duck breast. At the risk of making it more crowded when I go, try going at off hours, ie NOT weekdays 5-8 or weekend meal times. If you're just there for beer and snacks during prime meal times, sit at the bar. If you can't see the bar b/c of all the people hanging off it, (and note that the back bar is sometimes less crowded than the front b/c the ppl waiting for tables aren't there), go somewhere else and come back later. Also there are two tables that can seat at least 6, but it's mostly 2 & 4 tops.
(4)
Mark L.
I love love love love this place from my philly days. Unmatched selection of Belgian beer in the states. The mussels are a 4/5 but the beer wins out. There are many Belgian bars now in philly but you never forget your first (and best)..
(5)
Natalie H.
Alright, Monk's is a great place, great beer, good food, but not necessarily my favorite place to go. The bartender was a bit of a snob, made no conversation when my boyfriend tried to chat with him. He was just one person, so I've been back and have to say the combination of good beer and good food trumps a less then friendly bartender.
(4)
Anne-Marie M.
Love monks! The food is tasty. I enjoyed their duck sandwich with a really nicely dressed salad. Now, anyone whose been to monks knows what I'm going to say next. The mussels... are perfection! I think we always get the house mussels... the one with all the garlic. So sood. This place is known for its beers which is great, but I like that they have a decent wine list for when I'm not in the mood. The bartender that served me, allowed me to taste before she poured which, in my book, should be a "always do". Why am I not giving it 5 stars.... hmm... b\c 5 stars for them should be a little cheaper... or the food should just get a little better. Otherwise, a must dine restaurant in philly.
(4)
Happy M.
The Beer Bible. That's all I have to say for now. ********** God, I love their mussels and pomme frites with the accompanying sauce (pomme frites shouldn't be crunchy, quite contrary to an earlier reviewer's complaint!). The burgers are fantastic and, now that I hear the Copa franchise has closed, Monk's may be the last place where you can get really great customizable burgers (beef, chicken, veggie, portabella with a variety of themed toppings with Belgian related names). While I'm not a fan of sausages generally, I recognized their sausage sandwiches were excellent. But most of all, this is the place that began my love of Belgian ale in particular and snobbery regarding beer in general. This is where I first tasted Abbey de Leffe Blonde, Chimays, Lindemans' Lambic Framboise, Duvel, Wittekerge Wit, and trappist beers in general. The place that educated me on the fact that good beers ought to be served at their ideal temperatures in their own glasses. I would surmise that all this is true for not only me but a lot of others. I miss the Beer Bible. Friday evenings and nights are packed. Don't even think about trying to find a table if you don't get here early as happy hour starts since the happy hour crowd tends to stay until late in the night. Best to make reservations. Service can leave a bit to be desired.
(4)
Kimberly H.
I hate to give Monk's only 3 stars, but since they got an awesome review in a Beer Mag a few years ago, it's gone completely down hill. Yes, Monk's has awesome mussels, awesome pommes frites, and a phenomenal beer selection, but I just can't stand to go there anymore. It's always packed (I waited for a table for 2 hours one night for 2 people), and this is not fun when you're waiting or even when you're sitting since everyone is so close together. It's just not fun anymore... For an alternative, I recommend their sister restaurant Nodding Head to get those same great mussels and drink some locally brewed (the drums are in the restaurant) beer with them. Plus, the wait staff isn't nearly as taxed and are SO much nicer and more attentive.
(3)
Melissa K.
Monks is quite possibly the most overrated burger and beer place in the city. Yes -- they have a wide beer selection, but it's not worth waiting to be seated or waiting for the boring food. The service is average and the food is really not that great. If you want Belgian beers, you can get many of them at other bars in the city like Eulogy, Prohibition, and even Jose Pistola's.
(3)
Scott F.
I had been saving this beer mecca for a special occasion and finally ended up taking my girlfriend here on a date. Both of us being very into good beers found the selection left us satisfied. The food however was another matter. The mussels were good, but came with horrible bread. We ordered frog legs and they tasted like they had sat unwrapped in a freezer for days. I will return to retry Monk's Cafe, but I'm skeptical of the food.
(3)
Jessica C.
I love this place because it's really one-of-a-kind in Center City, but I write with the bias that I came here with a group on a Friday night which happened to not be extremely crowded, so our service was most excellent. I love Belgian beer but am a total lightweight, so I was excited to discover their selection of Lindemans. Don't miss the frites (almost good enough to rival Rudy's in New Haven) and the mussels, which were extremely flavorful. Prices are quite reasonable considering the quality of the food. This is a don't-miss, one-of-a-kind find!
(5)
Brittini S.
This place is my new favorite watering hole! Great selection of food and even better menu of beers. The waitress made a great suggestion since I was not sure what beer to order and she was very friendly the rest of the evening. My friend and I had delicious mussels and really enjoyed ourselves. If only they gave us spoons to drink that delicious sauce! I will most definitely be going back!
(5)
Benjamin W.
I think its been about six years since I first fell in love with Monk's. Incredible place. Sit at the bar, it does get busy. I can't think of a better place to hang out grab a beer, a Monk's burger and an order of pomme frites - its a food orgasm. On a recent quick trip back east, I had to experience love again. I don't get in enough as I used to as I now live in hell (so Cal), I miss you Monk's :'(
(5)
E M.
Amazing beer selection, great ambiance with mahagony wooden bar and low lighting....muscles are a must to get here! Try to sit in the back, the scene is the best there if you are looking to eat dinner. The front has the main bar though. This place doesnt take reservations which is annoying!
(4)
Joe L.
The best place for beer in Pennsylvania, period. I have yet to eat here; beer only thus far. But that's good enough. To call the selection "extensive" is an understatement. Belgian beer only, as far as the eye can see, and that's a good thing. Many fine examples of Belgian beer on draft, most of which are hard to find, or damn near impossible to find elsewhere (I'm looking at you, Monk's Flemish Sour Ale.) If you like beer, you can't go wrong here. It's packed on the weekends, but worth it. Important note: many beers are provided by Shangy's, in Emmaus, PA. This is near my home, so I can get many of these beers in bottles and kegs for home consumption. The draft beers here are pricey, but justifiably so. A 1/6 barrel of most tips in at over $150, on the low end. By comparison, and 1/4 barrel of local favorite Yeungling comes in around $40.
(5)
John V.
Monk's was rated in the top ten of world bars-this place is abeer loversheaven upon the Earth. The downside tot his location is the limited,. if any available parking at all, $$$$ parking lots, small bar, huge crowds on weekends, and even week nights, and $$ priced ales. However, at least checkingout this place once in your life is amust if you are a beer lover, as I am. Monk's has the honor of serving unique ales that can only be found here, besides Europe at times. The aesthetics of the place reminds me of bars in Brussels, very authentic, with an upscale clinetel. The food is fine, but the beer is where it's at!! A must see if you love beer and are i nthe center city Philly area,
(5)
Christopher T.
I think I died and went to heaven. This has got to be the best place to grab a belgian beer in the US... hands down. The place was packed but we must have had someone on our side as there happened to be a single two-person table just waiting for us. Our waitress was incredibly knowledgeble and friendly and even tried to protect us from ourselves... asking if we were familar with their menu when I ordered a Gauze (i.e. are you sure you know what you're asking for?). We had the mussels and pommes frites along with many belgian ales. Everything was excellent!
(5)
Jeanie V.
everything was great, food and services especially dessert, mine only complain is that its always crowded lol so the wait is always long.
(5)
Ani P.
The Belgians know how to cook mussels and fries. The mussels come out in a large steamy pot. They are so good that I ate every single mussel and licked the inside of the pot. The french fries are tiny, match stick like, and can be eaten with a fork. The french fries are greasy and pair wonderfully with the mayo dip. Good beer (ridiculous assortment of beer to choose from), good mussels and good fries. The first place I'd stop at if I were ever in Philly.
(5)
Lily B.
My friends and I had lunch here. We were lucky, we didn't have to wait for a table. I ordered the mussels (the Thai one), and it was delicious! The prices were also very reasonable. I'm trying to find the time to go back and eat here again.
(5)
Anna Marie C.
the pluses: decent mussels, a huuuuge selection of beers the minuses: crowded, crowded (even on a weekday). spendy for what you get. loud. and the fries are short, which means i have to either: a) dip my entire hand into that yummy sauce, or b) use a fork. i don't really like either choice. i'd rather go to grace.
(3)
Jonathan K.
I miss me some Monks! Those delectable Spanish Flies (unbelievably make-you-sweat-and-cry chipotle hot wings), the insane selection of mussels (all types of tasty broth), the Trappist burger, and all those lovely Belgian beers on tap! I'm guilty of taking the train back to Philly to "visit with friends and relatives", when all I really wanted was to go hit Monks.
(5)
Penelope P.
Great food and beer, but the service provided by the hosts/hostesses is unacceptable. It's pretty dumb that they won't take reservations, but it's unbearable that if you call and ask how long the wait is, they make something up rather than actually checking (yes, this was actually admitted to me). I used to be a regular customer here, but I just can't take it anymore. Get your shit together, Monk's.
(2)
James T.
It hasn't changed over the years. The waitstaff knows the beers if you slow down and talk with them. If you love wine, give this variation on fermentation a try. World cuisine - well, European beer cuisine in the heart of Philly.
(5)
Jenna C.
Why is Monk's unable to make a burger anything but well-done? mmmmm... the Thai Curry muscles more than make up for any downfalls this restaurant may have. Sure, they're always super busy. Sure, their burgers are only made well-done, despite asking how you want your burger. Sure, you can sometimes get a little bit of attitude from the servers (I've never encountered this- but they do get busy so I'm sure it's bound to happen). But- oh- those thai curry muscles.... So super yummy! I've really only encountered good here. Bar tenders have listened to my uninformed opinions of beers and offered suggestions. Servers have been attentive and helpful in making suggestion. And, most importantly, the food and beer have been super yummy! I love Monk's. I just don't ever plan on buying Skullsplitter again. Oh, and a word to the wise: if you ever order food for carry out, make sure you go wait at the back bar... otherwise, by the time you realize you're supposed to wait at the back bar, your food will be a little bit cold!
(4)
Barbara L.
Great beer selection and great atmosphere. The bartender was wonderful to me and my friend :)
(4)
Jen D.
When I first passed by Monks, I thought it was a shack. Actually, it still kinda looks like a shack, even from the inside, but this is a great place! Monks sparked my initial interest for Belgium beer. They have an impressive selection of beer on tap and in the bottle. I'm sorry, but I can't write about the food, as I don't really remember it. I was here for the beer, and the beer only.
(4)
Kristen B.
my fiance is a total beer snob. there are hundreds of bottles of fancy shmancy beer in his cellar. I dont really love beer like that. It is ok, but i dont really appreciate its finer characteristics. Im more of a wine lady. that being said, i made reservations for the nye 6 course beer dinner this year. I figure id just bite the bullet. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that monks offered a wine option with the dinner, and i have to say, this was the best dinner we have ever been to. It might be because we were totally wasted after stopping by nodding head for a few, and getting a drink once we arrived then proceeding to the 6 glasses of wine (or beer) and then a glass of champagne. But it was really good, and money well spent. Will go again next year.
(5)
Dina M.
I spent the weekend in Philly visiting some college friends. My first night's companion and her boyfriend took me to Monk's, which apparently has her favorite beer (I think it tastes like sweet and sour sauce poured into a perfectly good beer). All in all, Monk's was pretty good. It's supposedly a cafe, but don't go there for the cafe atmosphere. It's crowded, dark and noisy like a bar. If you're going to go, go for the beer. The selection is great and usually decently priced. I had a big pilsner glass of hefe weiss for about $6.50. The mussels there are supposed to be great but I found them to be just satisfying, nothing amazing. The same goes for the "pommes frites," or rather over salted french fries. The people I was with didn't help make the experience particularly memorable either. I wish you could review people on Yelp. This is really a bar that happens to have decent food. The word cafe is misleading. As a bar is near top notch, as anything else is just alright.
(3)
Random J.
Belgian food AND Belgian beer? And an Ipod full of hipster standards? Count me in. There are two ways to experience Monk's - as a bar and as a restaurant. It basically excels at both for the same reasons. The atmosphere is perfect; it feels small but not too cramped and the people are cool but not too cool. They do have the often mentioned Beer Bible, which features a bazillion bottled beers that I've never heard of, and their taps are all Belgian as well. Chimay triple on tap...need I say more? I'd say the beer makes the wait for dinner on a weekend night tolerable. You can always just go and put your name in and then go wander off somewhere else if you want. The food is also great. I'm not a huge fan of mussels but the spicy mussels at Monks were good enough that even I wanted to have a few. I had a burger, of which they have many varieties with all manner of toppings, and it was cooked just about right. The fries (frites? whatever.) are also a must have. The mussels actually come with a few but if you're a big fan you should spring for the side. They serve them with this spicy mayonnaise thing and the fries themselves are seasoned with salt and pepper and possibly a few other things. The food and beer combination there is truly unique, and I know I'm going to be craving it again sooner than I think.
(4)
Kelly S.
Monk's is located at 16th and Spruce, and it's a nice little Belgian beer bar and restaurant. If you go, I suggest that you order the mussels and, of course, Belgian fries. They have several varieties of mussels, and they arrive at your table in their own cute little pot with handles. The real draw, of course, is their beer selection. They've got a very extensive selection of Belgian and imported beer. I really enjoy this place and have gone with friends on more than one occasion. I just have to be prepared to spend a lot because they are pricey. This place has two drawbacks, though. First, it's pretty tiny, and it is always (and I mean ALWAYS) packed. So it's tough to get a table or place at the bar. You're best bet is to go on off hours, really early for dinner or something. But it'll still be crowded, just less so. Second, the staff is pretty snobby, although I'd say the bartenders are more snobby than the regular waitresses. Case in point: I went to the Philadelphia Craft Beer Fest over the winter, which featured well over 100 beer brewers. Each person got a 4 oz. glass with a 2 oz. fill line on the glass, and you went around and got 2 oz. samples of as many different beers as you want. Now, I know my beer. So I went to the Monk's table and ordered their sour ale. And the stuck-up chick working there told me that I should take a sip before she gave me the whole 2 oz. because she didn't want me wasting their good beer. Come on. First, 2 oz. is seriously 2 sips. Second, they were there to give out unlimited free beer for the night (well, I paid for admission, but still...). Third, that was SO condescending to assume that I don't know what I like. So that turned me off. And the bartenders in the actual restaurant can be just as stuck-up and condescending for no reason. In all, I am a much bigger fan of Eulogy at 2nd and Chestnut. They have 300 different varieties of Belgian and imported beer, the same food (just as good), but without the attitude. However, Monk's still has some great products, so it's not horrible. I just prefer to go elsewhere when I can.
(4)
Meg P.
Little known fact, I used to live in Philly. I returned for a few days and the only place I really wanted to go was MONK's. Also little known fact, I used to live in Belgium, so this place is a little slice of heaven for me. I usually try the tap beers, going from light to dark and that means I usually get really drunk because between the front and back bar there are 16 beers on tap. The best thing to do when you're wasted in Monk's is eat Frites. Now, they aren't the frites I was used to in Belgium, but who cares, they are fantastic! The other food is damn good too. Whenever I go to philly, this is going to be my first stop, so save me a seat!!
(5)
Jennifer C.
Always bustling with activity, this place is great! I personally love being seated in the way back, it's well worth the wait if you have to. They have a ton of amazing beers and libations to choose from if you're into great drinks. The food is really good. BEST calamari (grilled octopus) hands down. Everything else is great too. I have never been to Belgium but I'm told this place is as close as you can get. BEST fries....hands down again! I need to go again!
(5)
Mike M.
Who doesn't love a good Belgian beer... but does Monks have the food to back it up? I think so. Their mussels are top notch, but I think a menu needs some standout, unique items to earn a four star yelp. A couple weeks ago, I had a craving for a duck sandwich. I didn't know where I could find something like this but a quick search revealed that Monks was serving exactly that. I got over there on Friday and was not disappointed. Some nice juicy duck breast, fresh greens, craisins, walnuts... all around a delicious sandwich truly honoring the tasty, web-footed aquatic bird that died to make the meal possible. Wash that water foul down with some Duvel Green and you've got a great meal!
(4)
Yu Ting Y.
cheap and decent mussels.
(3)
jenn m.
I've been to Monk's more often than anywhere else in town. The BF and I have both had memorable dishes here that were fan-tab-ulous. Things I especially love: The beer menus. Because when there are sooo many awesome beers to choose from, it's nice to have something to go by besides just the name. The frites are great but the dipping sauce is out of control. The surprisingly large selection of interesting and satisfying vegetarian food options, including a tasty seitan philly cheesesteak. Some people have mentioned the over-crowdedness, and yes, it can be a problem if you go at certain times (and there's not a lot of room to wait inside). The service has always been very professional and accommodating, never rude. The charming and cozy atmosphere along with the scrumptious foods & beers (oh, and awesome pumpkin cheesecake!) outweigh any minor inconveniences.
(5)
lena k.
OMG. I hated living in Philly because there is nothing to do there except eating (yes, restaurants are fantastic in Philly!). But even though I never miss the city, I miss Monk's cafe! I love their mussels, best fries EVER!, and the crazy list of beer!!!!!! Aw man, I never minded all that long wait in cold winter because as soon as I put those fries in my mouth, all the anger and frustration and cold just magically disappeared!
(5)
J S.
The food is really only 3 stars, but the great beer selection earns it a fourth. The beer prices are good given that they are high-end, imported beers. The atmosphere is very nice and the staff are pleasant. If you enjoy expensive beer, you'll love this place.
(4)
Jaemie D.
This is a GREAT place if you are into Beligan beer. They have many many many beers on tap and imported from Europe. The staff are all very knowledgeable about the beers that they serve, so don't be scared to ask for suggestions!
(4)
Louis T.
Love the mussels and the beer, hate the fact that everybody else does too. If you're old like me, go for lunch in the middle of the week.
(4)
Mike D.
5 stars for the scallops alone. Went pre-father's day on a very, very busy Friday night and waited an hour. Not too much of a problem though as I was able to get a few beers from the front bar with a little bit of a wait. The scallops are my favorite in the world, please get the scallops if you go! Once again, I love beer and I was not and am never disappointed in this department. Finally got a table and order came relatively quickly considering how busy it was. I ordered tuna and it came very well done and was not enjoyable, however, I simply asked the waitress how it normally is cooked and when she replied mid-rare I said, "ok, just checking." I didn't want to be a pain so I did not ask to have it replaced but she could sense it and asked for me with no problems. The next piece came out and was perfect! It was an excellent night and I almost got a parking spot immediately out front....oh well I can't parallel that well anyway.
(5)
Eddie P.
I have been to monk's a bunch of times. Good place to grab a beer you havent tried before. For food it is an over priced disaster. It is restaurant priced with a terrible service staff. There are quite a few places that you can take a short walk to and get good food for the same if not cheaper prices. I recommend starting or ending your night there. Boooo monk's
(1)
Patty G.
Great Food, beer and atmosphere, the service is so so but the staff work their asses off so whatever thats the only problem I had, oh and the fries are good but much too small : )
(4)
Lindsay T.
First, they have a really interesting menu. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options, but also a lot of meat and seafood. Fine by me! Second, they have an amazing beer list to the point that its quite intimidating. I stick to the hoe. Third, I go tthe vegan lesagne, and it was just lacking. Therefore, 3 stars.
(3)
idurtp -.
I'm not going to write a long review as many people have extensively written their thoughts on this place. -Staff was knowledgeable and enjoyed helping me select a beer. -Food was good. I had a burger and fries. -Place gets cramped really fast. I would definitely go again.
(4)
Ellena S.
My boyfriend loved, loved LOVED his burger (he had it with the truffle cheese & shiitake mushrooms, medium). Juicy, and as soon as he took a bite, he said we have to come back. As a vegetarian, I just had the mixed greens salad. It was larger than I expected, and the dressing was good. I did indulge in a lot of my boyfriend's side of fries - they were far too salty to be palatable. The sauce they came with (an aioli of some sorts) was too heavy on the mayo, but had a very subtle kick. The 4 stars came mainly from how much my boyfriend loved his burger. We'll be back so he can sample more toppings, but I think I'll just stick to trying beers next time.
(4)
Jason O.
Killer muscles. Amazing beer list...Belgians to Japanese to local brews. Only 4 stars because I've been here 4 other times when it was so crowded we couldn't wait the hour+.
(4)
jen s.
Worth going here just for the umpteen Belgian beers they have to offer. Even if you're not a beer drinker per se, there is probably a beer that you will like and the staff knows their beer, so they are good at making suggestions. Authentic Belgian food too. You can get a bucket of mussels -- if you're into that sort of thing -- and the frites are awesome. Every time I've been there, which has been for dinner, it's been pretty packed, but we've been able to get a table without too long of a wait. Parking garages in the area are expensive, as someone mentioned, but still worth it.
(5)
D S.
Monk's has been an important part of my life since 1998. I had always loved beer, but the beer education I received after spending hundreds of hours (and thousands of dollars) at Monk's changed my life. Okay, maybe that is hyperbole, but I have so many fond memories of drinking at Monk's with friends, going there on dates, or stopping in for a beer and lunch with work colleagues. I moved away in 2006, but every time I am back in town, my wife and I are sure to make a pilgrimage to Monk's. The food is excellent. Try the Thai mussels to start and then a Bruges burger with pomme frites. One problem is that it gets very crowded, so I suggest you arrive early, b/c the waits can be long especially on Thurs-Sun nights.
(5)
Alex T.
Being a vegetarian in a sea of meat-eating foodies, I often have a bit of trouble finding something that doesn't involve a veggie sandwich or is entirely based on sides (french fries for dinner, yum!). Monk's, however, provides an awesome option for me, personally: the vegetarian cheesesteak. It's so tasty it's actually a sin - and their fries (and amazing sauce) are seriously ridiculous. I inhale my meal and my Allagash White every single time.
(5)
Jeannine K.
Had guests visiting this weekend and decided to give Monk's a try. They have a large beer selection and a decent sized menu. I ordered a burger and it was really good. My table shared 2 baskets of fries and they were amazing, I enjoyed the sauce that accompanied them. I felt as though the place was a little dank but the service was friendly and prompt. I will definitely go here again.
(4)
Oski B.
Decent burger, but I'd still much rather go to Good Dog. Woof. Didn't get to try the mussels because my punk friends had eaten cheesesteaks before dinner so they were stuffed. Seriously, who does that?
(3)
Dom R.
Belgian Beer Emporium? Yes, it's true. Monk's Cafe is a Philadelphia staple when it comes to the beer scene. Great for beer geeks and mussel lovers alike. The mussels and frites with house aioli never disappoint. Ask for some extra bread to sopp up that mussel broth. Often crowded and congested in the front bar and dining area, head to the back bar for some relief and order any of the offerings on draft from Russian River Brewing Co. They are fairly priced for such a popular brand. Monk's is a good go-to place to take that out-of-town relative or friend who wants to experience Philadelphia's excellent beer scene.
(4)
Jake P.
After walking by for years, and hearing countless self-proclaimed "night life experts" praise Monk's, I decided to brave the "place to be." I had a large party with me. We dutifully tried to make arrangements earlier in the week for a reasonable, less-trafficked hour on Saturday. We were told that no reservations were taken. That said, we entered earlier than planned, and by the snippiest, rudest hostess I've seen in my life, we were told that not only would it take at least 2 hours to get seated, but that our party would be split, and the second seating would be 90 minutes after the first. When we inquired further, we were brutally reminded to "call ahead next time!" What kind of joke is this? When we evaluated how to proceed in the bar, we were very much in the way, and treated rudely by other staff. Fed up, I walked out, and decided that my night would be exponentially happier spent on the sidewalk than here. Shortly thereafter, I was met by the rest of my party. I'm an atheist to Monk's holy beer bible. I'm smart enough to know where to get all of these beers elsewhere in the city. Moreover, I don't care whether I'm in Studio 54, The Century Club, or the hottest spot in Miami, NOBODY is treating me or mine like that. Monk's, you're a bridge & tunnel amateur night hangout. I can drink your brews elsewhere, and I can eat your recipes in copycat bars that respect my dollar. Others may love it, but I never needed a "soup nazi" to make the soup taste better... I like what's genuine, respectful, and truly good, and I will never return.
(2)
Will M.
I had some belgium white beer and mussels (provence style). Yummy. Definately most not miss if you have the chance. The locals say it get packed...so try and get there a little early...
(4)
Jennifer J.
Delicious! Loved sitting at the bar. Too many good beers to choose from! I tried thd Belgian beers (since this is a Belgian restaurant) - Duvel draft and Chimay triple ale. Try what they're known for - a small pot of Monks Mussels and pommes frites! Just the right amount of food with bread to dip in the sauce.
(5)
Jason M.
Those who know me will not know this little fact about me. Mussels, fries w/mayo and Belgian beer is my favorite meal in the world. Here it's served in aces. The mussels come in several different broths including traditional white wine and a non-traditional curry broth. The pomme frites come with paprika spiked garlic aioli. Really any place that serves fries with mayo WITHOUT having to ask for it is *****. And the Belgian beer is ON TAP. Say no more, say no more... Prepare to empty your wallet, this kind of loving comes at a price.
(5)
Dave Z.
Awesome. The food is delicious, and I love the Belgian steamed mussels, of course. Even the time they ran out of mussels (gasp!), I thoroughly enjoyed their burger. Perhaps even better than both are the amazing pommes frites and dipping sauce. On top of that, they have a great Belgian beer selection, including their own private label Flemish sour red ale that is both refreshing and goes well with the mussels. There's nothing fancy about the place, but the food is great, service great, and the atmosphere classic neighborhood pub. Except for maybe having to wait a tick for a table in the small-ish space, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Bob Z.
OK, I've been here a few times and here's my take... the beer selection is good but I don't think that simply serving something that someone else made (like beer) is all that much of a culinary challenge. Having said that, the beer selection is good, if not, overpriced. The food? Mussels are the top of the list and everything else goes downhill quickly and is pretty much bar food (or is that Barf food?). I can't see why anyone raves about their hamburgers when there are at least a half a dozen places that do them better (Good Dog, Village Whisky and Royal Tavern are not far away, for example). Today however was new low, my burger was a fuckin hockey puck with cheese and broccoli rabe and what I thought was a marginally stale bun. What is it about you Philly diners? Someone serving you a selection of beers is not good food! It'll be a cold day in hell before I spend my money there again.
(1)
Helen D.
I really wanted to give MONK's a good review but after my last visit I really couldn't. Yes their beer selection is extensive. If you want a Miller High Life or Yuengling this is NOT the place for you. The food was disappointing. The wings were gross - it was like the whole chicken leg, wing, foot, toes -- not JUST the wing like most places serve. The skin was rubbbery, yuck. The steak sandwich was literally that. A slab of beef thrown on a roll. What's the BEEF? Seriously - THAT is NOT a "steak sandwich. Give us a sandwich we can bite into & not need a knife & fork to eat it. In the past I've had their mussels & liked them. Maybe that's what I need to stick with?
(2)
Lark P.
Love the beers and love the mussels. Wish I was there now.
(5)
Noah S.
Contrary to the quiet monasteries which produce their irresistible ales, Monk's consistently packs in throngs of thirsty Philadelphians on a nightly basis. Whether its the mugs of bold brews or beer-marinated mussels they're craving, patrons patiently weather the notoriously long waits for a table knowing that the allure of this establishment extends far beyond the legendary bar "bible". A few Flemish Sour Ales later, my frustrations from the standing wait were forgotten as I savored the soft, succulent veal cheeks smothered in a rich gravy sauce. Once my server delivered the pot of mussels, there wasn't much this restaurant could do to rattle my euphoric state. Living up to their famed reputation, each bite of these tender mussels released tangy juices which complemented the ale perfectly. Although a lukewarm, bland apple tart dessert sourced from an Olde City bakery failed to meet the standards of house specialties, this precious gem of a pub stands as Philly's best bar/restaurant in my bible.
(5)
aki b.
I'm not going to bore you with some long review. I had a dirty hoe and a seitan cheese steak with fries on the side. Heaven.
(5)
Evan H.
I hate to do this. I actually liked Monk's for the first year we lived here, and the list of restaurants I deem acceptable in Philly feels like it's shrinking. But we were in last night and I have to downgrade this place. It's tough to do, because for a change last night the service was pretty nice--the host was gracious and helpful, and the bartender in the back room was polite despite attending a huge crowd. So the staff get points. Nothing else really does, here, anymore, except the aioli. Last night we ordered two vegetarian cheese steaks and an order of fries to go, an Ephemere for the lady and a Racer 5 for me, then tried to find space to wait and talk (there was a 2.5 hour wait for a table). We expected the above. The real trouble is that the website said Kasteel Rouge was on tap. That's my partner's favorite beer, and after going to Eulogy yesterday and they'd taken it off, we figured we'd have a Valentine's Day Kasteel Rouge at Monk's, since they were advertising it, braving the masses. This was a mistake on two levels. One, we should've anticipated the website would be out of date, so we should've called. Of course they didn't have what they'd advertised having--even in bottles. Two, we had to brave the masses. I got to watch a guy buy an expensive bottle-conditioned beer and turn it on its side, stirring up all its sediment, all the while holding forth like he knew what he was doing to the guy next to him. Philly is a city that shouldn't do pretentious and/or that guy was a moron. Anyway, so the lady settled for an Ephemere, although it wasn't her heart's desire. The Racer 5 at least came in a pint glass--since the rule of thumb here is that bar's rip you off by serving your drink in a goblet. In some cases--the high octane and expensive Belgian's, for example--this makes sense. For other beers, it doesn't. At least Monk's had the sense to give me my 13 ounces of beer (which is about what pints in bars measure to), and the Ephemere was better on tap than it is in a bottle. Anyway, so we waited for our food. It arrived! We got a good hold of the handle and squeezed through the hordes of people waiting for tables and drinking fancy beer, headed to our car. Yes, we ate Valentine's Day dinner in the car. Yes, it was disappointing. Probably the filling for one cheese steak was split between our sandwiches. They still tasted pretty good, and the aioli (sp?) is delicious as ever--but these were some TINY sandwiches. And the fries were awful. EXTREMELY salty and cut tiny--like little tiny fry pebbles, they were really hard to eat. Sort of like eating sand. Now, maybe it seems like I'm complaining. That's because I am. I dropped over $35 for two beers, two sandwiches, and one order of fries. Before tip. Now, if the beers were around $10, something doesn't add up here. The food wasn't worth $25. Really. $10 each for the sandwiches and $5 for the fries or whatever they charged? Wow. Yeah, it was a holiday. Yeah, we ordered take-out. But did that mean we deserved to be gouged? After fighting our way through a mob? We'll think twice before we come back. Sorry, Monk's. I remembered you better.
(2)
Brian M.
The absolute best beer bar in all of Philadelphia hands down. Forget for a moment that they have absolutely decadent pots of mussels with a large variety of ingredient choices, forget the simply lovely shoestring fries with a great aoili mayo, forget the burger from some other world. Just look at the Beer Bible and this place has already earned 4 stars, If they only served Hot dogs it would be 4 stars, now add back in the absolutely great food and you have got one of the best places in Philly to go out for a bite.
(5)
James M.
Monk's gets CROWDED! Do yourself a favor and do not go with more than 3 people. Actually a pair is best cause even on a Monday or Tuesday night it gets packed. The beer selection is awesome albeit a bit pricey, and the food excellent. The "small" pot of Thai Curry mussels was more than enough for just myself, and I ordered the Spanish Flies... four huge whole wings in a spicy spicy sauce. The waitress warned me that they were spicy and they were. Not a problem though because I eat really spicy. The steak salad was nothing to lose your shirt over, but the pommes fritas (fries) were pretty darm good. My friend ordered two orders. I spent two months in Germany last autumn, and this place was not bad... not bad at all. =)
(5)
Bethanne S.
I miss monk's!!!!!!!!!!! My yearly trek to Philly is not enough to satisfy my cravings for those mussels and fries. I think this is my favorite restaurant ever. I don't even drink beer when I'm not at Monk's, so the beer bible is a trusted resource. Tasty vegan eats too... Why can't they have a SF satellite!
(5)
Gabriel S.
Fantastic food and one of the most eclectic and amazing beer lists I've ever seen. Service is spotty and you will usually wait 30-45 mins for a table. But its worth it. The ambiance is great, the restaurant a bit grimy but in a nice way. Order the mussels.
(4)
Karl M.
I do love Monk's fries, and the sandwiches are some of the best. I could seriously eat a whole table full of those fries. One thing that could use some work - they wont seat you without your whole party - which i TOTALLY understand. But they are kinda mean about it. Oh well, once you get the lay of the land, you are set.
(4)
Mark P.
I've been trying to get to Monk's for years - finally made last Sunday night. First, it seems there are some negatives attached to this place: noisy, kind of snobby. Wrong and wrong. Yeah, it's not the biggest place but the service is very good, the famous mussels deserve their acclaim and the beer selection, well, the beer selection will make you want to move to Belgium. i walked in on a crowded night, bar tender spotted me and asked ME if I wanted a beer list before I ordered. What else do you need to know?
(4)
Wade J.
Best fries and burgers in town. Like everyone says, its frequently packed but the food is worth the wait. Service can be spotty but the food never disappoints. Oh yeah, and a crazy long beer menu.
(4)
My T.
Burger, Beers and Fries. Master those elements and immortality is yours. No matter what day of the week it is, when it comes to dinner, I can never say no to those three elements. That is why Monk's Cafe holds so dear to my heart. They have a massive collection of beer on tap, serve my meaty burger medium, and fries that are supremely satisfying. Win-Win
(5)
Aprille H.
Went to Monks on Saturday for the first time with my brothers. I was not impressed at all. I had heard all theses thing about best mussels and best burgers. First of all we waited over an hour when we were told 25 minutes. The host even gave our table away when we were standing right there waiting. Clearly they need to improve on there organization of seating people. The place was dirty as well. When we finally got sat we ordered. We got wings and mussels to start. I had heard all about them. There was not alot of flavor in the broth. The only good thing was the fries and some sauce they came with. I order the duck sald which was good. My brothers both ordered the burgers. They were little and over cooked . I would not suggest making a special trip to eat here when there are so many places in philly. Oh and ps besides the restaurant being dirty the bathrooms were too. You know what they say dirty bathroom means a dirty kitchen. Ewwww
(1)
Tom C.
Monk's has a great pub feel, but mediocre pub food. It does have great beers if you are partial to Belgian style ales.
(2)
Bryan J.
What a great place! A co-worker of mine took us to Monks on a business trip and I have to say I fell in love with the atmosphere and the food. Great selection of beers and the mussels are fantastic!! Be prepared to wait but it is worth it.
(5)
Fabrizio C.
I love this place. The wait on a busy night can be a bit of a drag, but they have great Belgian beers (I'm already a fan), very nice food (awesome sandwiches for a beer place, and as everybody is mentioning great mussels), and a very cool environment. I wish there was a place like this where I live.
(4)
John D.
Went to lunch there yesterday with my wife, daughter and her boyfriend. The beer list is extensive, many of which the average beer drinker will not know. Go for the drafts, they are super fresh. Mussels were pretty good, and there were plenty of them. Hamburger was on the smallish side, very dry and the roll dwarfed the meat. French frys were good. I was told that the pulled pork was just alright. Just go for the beer.
(3)
ciana h.
I know people absolutely love this place (it's impossible to get a table) so this review is mostly for the vegetarians: The seitan cheesesteak is awful! It's not real seitan, it's just tvp. It was mushy and had a dogfood like look and texture. I assume they use the same "seitan" in their meatball dish and springrolls. The accompanying salad was literally just lettuce and it was way overdressed. The atmosphere at Monks also does nothing for me; it's dark and dirty. Our server was okay but not too friendly. She seemed surprised and offended that I asked for my sandwich without cheese, but that's hardly a difficult request to accommodate. After all these years of not being willing to wait for a table, I finally got one and was so let down. It's pretty rare that I actually dislike a meal, but it happened here, so sorry for the two stars. However, I love their sister place Belgian Cafe! Real seitan and much more veg friendly, plus a nice open airy feeling dining room and outdoor tables in the summer!
(2)
Melissa L.
I must rant and rave this place on behalf of all the guys that keep telling me it's the best place in philly. They love the beer selection. I don't drink beer, but if I did, I would have to live at Monks because they have a huge selection of beer from all over the world, and I would be tempted to try them all. I tried the veggie burger with the goat cheese, I don't remember the clever name it had, but it was very good. Of course, the fries lived up to the hype. Everyone should try that place if they're in the area.
(5)
Coley W.
If you don't like Belgian beer, then Monk's probably isn't the place for you. Then again, if you don't like Belgian beer, then you can go back to Russia, you commie! Monk's serves beer for serious beer drinkers. That means the prices are a little high, but so is the alcohol content, generally. Most of the beers are served in glasses that were designed specifically for that beer. The menu, like the beer, is a cut above what most bars offer.
(4)
Nicole R.
With a superb selection of domestic and imported brews, heavily focused on the Belgians, this place is not to miss for anyone with an adventurous palate. The menu provides something for everyone whether you are strictly carnivorous or a don't eat anything with a face. The staff are professional and curteous and make the inevitable wait tolerable. My favorite mussels are the Red Light--mmm dip the fries in the juicy stuff at the bottom of the steel bowl and you have instant heaven. You can also pimp the burgers to your spec. I particularly enjoy goat cheese and sauteed mushrooms. Their entrees are excellent and reasonably priced. The rack of lamb is to die for. The only drawbacks are the wait and if you are in any way indecisive, the girth of the beer bible can be a bit daunting.
(4)
jamie v.
Awesome beer selection so if you are looking for that it's worth the trip. Food is fairly good. . .burgers could be bigger and 3 leafs of greens do not a salad make. Fries are good but i would say not distinctive enough to be OMG excellent. Spicy mayo is a 10! Service: would give it a 3. The staff are abrupt you can not sit at a booth if you are only a party of 2. It is very very dark which I like but it becomes a bit of a challenge to read the extensive beer selection so hopefully you've got an iphone app with flashlight. Overall a 4. Would come back
(4)
jaimie k.
so many people have reviewed this that i must be brief. it's ok. good, even. but it's not heaven and the hostess has no right to be rude and all gate-keeper-y. for those who really love their oddball beers, it might be worth the wait amongst the people who congratulate themselves for being as cool as those hipster kids. (if the people are the kind that congratulate themselves for that explicitly, i'd call them worse than the faux-dirty people they emulate.)
(1)
Rachel Z.
I haven't been to Monk's in a while but the beer selection was amazing, you could order a tempeh burger at the same joint you could order any other meat lover's (fancy) bar fare (I just love places that a vegetarian can go out with her meat loving friends and order something legit) and Magnetic Fields came on the stereo. Monk's charm isn't simply because of its Belgianess, they just do simple things that make you wonder what other minor adjustments could all bars do to bring us the loveliness of Monk's.
(5)
Jonathan F.
I have been here twice (my visits were about five years apart). The presence of vegetarian entrees are a plus. The Belgian Beer selection is equal to any other place that I have been, but other places have better selections from other places... I was disappointed with the fries. I have been to Markt in NYC, and I don't remember their fries but I am guessing they were, as Yoonjee, describes, crispier. Also they were longer and served in one of those metal canister things. I for sure know the fries at Frites at Pomme Frites , and Cafe De Bruxelles in NYC and know I like those better for such reasons. ... Still this is a very good place.
(4)
Jed S.
Not much to say here; this place is as good as it gets for beer and mussels. It's ranked as one of the top places to get a beer in the world.
(5)
Mark P.
insanely enstensive beer list. Unreal burgers. The rest of the menu is just as banging. Fun place, great food and great beer - what more do you need?
(5)
Sid E.
Best beer selection that I've found so far in Center City. The mussels never disappoint. Great place to grab drinks and food and removed feel you get when you go in, especially in the back room.
(4)
Kate L.
It's Friday night and me and boyfriend debate where to have dinner. We know we should try something new, expand our horizons, blah, blah, blah. After twenty minutes of debate, we end up at Monk's where we can count on good beer, great frites and interesting burger choices. On a weekend the wait is long, and don't expect any of the staff to make a fuss over you. In fact, you're lucky to get a smile. But, they can behave any way they want because the line is usually out the door.
(4)
Winston C.
Incredible beer selection, a great place to enjoy a Chimay and burger- better yet you get to avoid the pretentious cosmo-sipping and obnoxious jäger-bomb-slamming crowd.
(5)
Khoi L.
Bible of beers! Good food and moderately priced.
(5)
Chrissy R.
I am not a foodie or a beer snob but I love Monk's. Hanging out in the back bar room with various varieties of mussels and beers makes for a really good evening.
(5)
Rodney w.
Dark warm cozy bar with great food. Go for the Belgium beer stay for the mussels.
(4)
Jon P.
Awesome place to go for a beer, just expect a wait. The food is awesome as well, service good. Cramped space, what you'd expect for an international beer destination.
(4)
Bill a.
Food was great and not expensive. Nice atmosphere.
(5)
Chris R.
the only reason i gave monks a single star is because the mussels are decent. the staff is rude and acts as if you are privileged to merely be in their company, the service from the moment we walked was miserable. the consensus of our party was that nobody had ever been treated so poorly eating out before. there are plenty of other places in the area to grab a excellent beer - i suggest trying one as you stroll past monks.
(1)
Jeff T.
Was at Monks the weekend of the 18th. Great place. Huge selection of beers. I believe they have something over 300.. The bartender was very helpful in choosing a nice beer. I found out the owners of Monks are also the owners of Nodding Head. I didn't eat here but I must say as waiters carried food past me I wanted to steal everything off the plates. The Muscles and Clams looked unreal. Def a place to visit. Moderate Drink prices also.
(4)
Terri Y.
I love seafood so this place was perfect. Frites, mussels, and beer! All yummy. The selection of beer was excellent. This is a great place to go out with a friend or two.
(4)
Scott M.
Belgian beerhaus. I really can't think of how it can get better. Even the long waits for tables and snug seating (unless you are in a booth) adds to the charm. Mussels, burgers, beer... mmmm.
(5)
Wendy C.
It was crowded when we arrived in the front of the bar at 5pm. The hostess informed us it would be a 30 minute wait if we wanted to get a table. Since there was no spot to stand, we wandered into the back of the bar. It wasn't as loud as the front, but it definitely had a rowdy sports vibe. The middle aged inebriated men were obnoxious at first, but they graciously stepped aside & offered us their seats at the bar. There were 14 beers on tap at the front, 19 beers in the back. It was a great selection on the menu. Below are the ratings for each beer we've tried: Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA (7% abv): Lots of Cascade & Columbus hops, giving it a grapefruit nose. It was medium in body, both malty & hoppy...5 stars! Scaldis Noel strong ale (5% abv): It is a full body Belgium, bronze in color, a little sweet but a dry finish. It was dry hopped for 4 weeks...4 stars! Steelhead Double IPA (11.75 abv): This is dryer than most IPAs I've had. It is citrus in the nose & finish...5 stars! Saint Bernardus Christmas Ale: This is a strong spicy ale with notes of raisin & chocolate...4.5 stars!
(4)
Carina C.
1st rule: take the speed line in if you are coming from Jersey. Your curiosity to try as many beers as you can, will get you toasted. Awesome atmosphere. I already plan on making another trip back. Bar in front was packed, but the back bar is less crowded and my friends and I managed to all get seats at the bar on a Saturday night. Bartender knew the answers to every question about the beers. Very knowledgeable.
(5)
Guy D.
I knew we would have to wait for a table as it was a Friday evening. Got there about 20 minutes before my wife and asked for a table for two. They told me it would be 15-20 minutes. Perfect, I thought. My wife arrived after twenty minutes. I asked about our table and they told me it would be another 20 minutes because, "your party was not complete." What kind of nonsense is that? I would give these cretins zero stars if I could. We left and walked over to Estia and had some great grilled octopus. You can get good beer and food at many places in Philly. Skip the poor customer service at Monk's and go elsewhere.
(1)
Cameron Y.
Came here with bf around 5PM after shopping all day. Got seated by the window right away and our waiter came to get our order in a couple minutes. Don't remember the waiter's name but he was VERY polite and friendly. We started off with two beers and the ghent mussels which were delicious. The frites were awesome and we couldn't help but order more. We were supposed to come here for dinner but the mussels and frites were already so filling that we ended up sharing the beef stew as our entree. The stew was also flavorful and they definitely didn't go cheap on the beef, which a lit of places tend to do. In short, we were both very satisfied with the beer, the food, and the final tab. Will definitely come here again next time we're in the area.
(5)
Sarah A.
It is 8:48 pm on a Tuesday and me and my party got here at 7:30 and we still have not been served dinner. While we were waiting to be seated two parties were let in before us. Let's see when our food arrives......
(2)
Mike N.
Monk's Cafe has one of the best beer selections in Philadelphia. The "Beer Bible" will assist you in selecting your beverage, and I'd recommend pairing your beer with mussels of your choice. My favorite mussels are Petite Dejeuner, which is comprised of oatmeal stout, baby spinach, goat cheese, garlic, tomato and basil. The pommes frites are also excellent here. The staff could be friendlier, but most of the times I was there, it was very crowded so they were probably overwhelmed.
(4)
Alex S.
I first came here for the immense beer selection but then came to the realization that the food is amazing as well. As a result I now periodically have the Monk's burger craving.
(5)
Sheila F.
Monk's is a cool little spot with a huge selection of beer. I have tried the fries and the mussels, both are standard. Monk's is a place I go for the beer, so I'm probably not qualified to review the food in depth. The atmosphere is cool, but the place is just so small. I don't like being so crowded. I recommend checking out Monk's during an off time if you want to have a place to sit.
(3)
Suzy D.
Monks are ascetics. Ascetics refrain from the pleasures of life. One pleasure of life is beer. There is no shortage of beer at Monk's. 3.5 stars I don't understand the name but the name isn't the only thing religious here - Monk's has a beer bible. It's huge and full of a ton of great beers, but it's so big, and overwhelming if you don't know what you're looking for, that you may be better off just drinking something on tap or asking a bartender for assistance. On a Friday night Monk's was packed and the hostesses wouldn't let us grab a table unless we were going to order dinner (not snacks, dinner, and this was very late into the evening). Instead we searched the front and back bars, staking out individuals who looked like they may leave soon so we could at least grab enough of a counter to set our beers and then, as the night progressed, some actual bar stools. The layout for the bars isn't too conducive to standing in groups so be prepared to keep moving out of the way of servers carrying food and of tipsy people heading towards the bathrooms. The bathrooms are the main reason I'm rounding down. Well, not so much the bathrooms as the persistent smell of urine that seems to have permeated the entire structure. It's actually quite distracting and makes the bar feel way more divey than it ought to given the great food and beer menus. The bathrooms themselves were the smallest and grossest I've seen in a constructed building, outside of some frat houses and a few horrible bars that cater to a frat crowd. Given the configuration of each, which make it difficult to squat or aim in the right spot, it's no wonder there seemed to be more piss on the ground than could have made it into the toilet, and thus not surprising given the overall smell. If you're going to be drinking bottles, you're better off getting them at Beer Heaven ( yelp.com/biz/beer-heaven… ) and taking them to your clean house.
(3)
Lisa S.
Was it worth the 45 minute wait in the crowded front bar for a table? If you like Belgian beer, excellent food and great service like I do, then the answer is a resounding "yes". Homemade veggie burger was yummy, beer selection amazing. Everyone in our party of four enjoyed our first time here. Good frites and dipping sauce accompanying all burgers. Coming back for the mussels and to check out their extensive "beer bible" again soon.
When the regional director tells me I'm going to Phili for work, I tell him I've never been, and he tells me to get a cheesesteak...I don't bother to mention I'm a vegetarian. I was pretty confident I'd be able to find a vegetarian version of cheesesteak, and then I could just report back, yah, I had one, and it was great! Thank you Monk's Cafe for being that solution. The "Wheat Meat" and mushroom cheesesteak was perfect, and I will now use the phrase "wheat meat" whenever I can. Bathrooms are in the back, like a little closet on the left and the right, not gender-specific. This one stumped me, so hopefully I've just spared you standing around looking like a baffled idiot. or maybe thats an impossible task. I don't know you.
(4)
Justin T.
Mussels here never disappoint. I've gotten them every way on the menu and I can't pick a favorite! This place is a lot bigger than it looks. When you first walk in, the main bar room and seating is pretty tight, but walk down another hall way and it opens up quite a bit. Not the grandest bar, but it's a tight PHILI dive for sure. Awesome selection of imported beers. Service is alright. Haven't had a complaint yet. Waitresses know their beers so that's a plus if you're looking for something new and want to explore a wide variety of beers. Go for the mussels, stay for the beers. Enjoy!
(4)
Katie H.
Just awesome. Beers that I've traveled cross country to bring back for my boyfriend are all on tap here! Pliny the Elder (Russian River), Port Brewing, Lost Abbey - and, felt very proud of Westchester to see Captain Lawrence on this line up. Ambiance is dark, like you're sitting in someone's basement. We went in about 9pm on Saturday night and it was standing room only - and barely standing room at that. However, patrons were great. Obviously love this place and got excited about getting us beers. My boyfriend who is in the craft beer industry for a living, so he was literally in heaven. The bartenders were on their mark, and the servers are obviously very experienced in maneuvering around a wall to wall crowd. Sadly we had just eaten dinner so we didn't get to try the food, but folks were raving about the fries and the mussels. Definitely will be going back for more great beer and test out the food next time we're in town.
(5)
Rebecca G.
I had wanted to try frog's legs for a couple of years, and I finally did the other evening at Monk's Cafe. Hot-wing style, Monk's serves them up on a plate, complete with celery and dip. While A-OK, I definitely wasn't a fan- and wouldn't order them again. To accompany the legs, we also ordered the fries, which consisted of tiny slivers of potato, often charred. These were disappointing, but at least were paired with a side of tasty aioli. Finally, in need of some greens, we split the caesar salad, which was delicious! We washed it all down with a couple of beers from their extensive beer list, ordering the first round at the bar, where we waited over an hour for a table. We were lucky to eventually get these seats though, because it was uncomfortable to stand at a crowded bar through which servers have to pass and groups stumble. So because they don't take reservations, I recommend going on an "off night;" perhaps a weekday.
(3)
Jack F.
Yeah, the accolades aren't enough for this Monk's Cafe. After 1400 reviews, I'll highlight my favorites. (1) The House Sour Ale from Belgium. Hints of vinegar? Don't knock it until you've tried it. This beer is surprisingly refreshing by being subtly sweet and just enough acid that you'll lightly smack your lips. If you've ever put a slice of orange in your beer, then it's pretty much like that. (2) Duck Salad Sandwich? Yeah, I could eat another. Portions are good enough that you could share but you end up regretting having to share. (3) Frites and Mussels? Yeah, good size portions. Broth you wish you had more bread for dipping. (4) Best part? Open late. Kitchen doesn't close weeknights until 1AM I believe. Overall, Monk's Cafe epitomizes European comfort food after a long day on the road or when it's cold and wet outside. [Original Visit: November 2014]
(4)
Aditi M.
I have to give this place a 5 star because everything was just perfect.. They do not take reservations, so we had to wait for about 30 minutes (not bad at all) .. We got a very good table for two (perfect for our date night) .. The wine and beer were great .. The ambience was perfect .. We ordered fries because we saw them at very table and they were really good. I ordered the salmon and my husband ordered trout for the entree and they both came out well cooked and tasty. (tip: The plate will look much cleaner they serve broccolini instead of broccoli with the fish. For dessert, they bring out an entire tray of all available desserts for you to see and choose while they explain what each is. We shared the blueberry cheesecake and it was soooooo good :D For, people who like beer - they have a beer bible on every table .. interesting ..!
(5)
Danan R.
The mussels here are still as amazing as ever. $16 will get you a large pot cooked in your broth of choice. I highly recommend the provence or classic brussels. The provence is creamier but both are incredibly savory. While the mussels themselves are on the small side, they are very flavorful and tender. Use the accompanying bread to soak up the last drops of broth! The burgers here are very standard and I would head to Devil's Alley or Village Whiskey. The vegetable curry over rice pilaf was also just passable, although i did like the buttery pilaf. Just go straight for the mussels and you'll be in good shape. We also tried the Deschutes Black Butte Porter, which was a slightly bitter, dark brew with a hint of chocolate. Will definitely be back to try the Christmas Ale! The service was great and the ambiance is fun and busy, as always. Still a Philadelphia institution!
(4)
Justin K.
Huge beer selection but really who cares when the service is so bad its almost antagonistic and the decor is like every other dive bar in Philly. These days you can get primo craft beer from almost any bar. There's no reason to put up with the complete lack of consideration from the service staff. Monks may have been an institution once, now it's just a museum piece from the days when bartenders and servers could treat their guests like shit and get away with it. Do yourself a favor, grab a few brews from any decent bottle shop in the area (any there are a number), take them to a decent BYOB. The beer will be just as good, you'll be guaranteed better food and someone might actual smile at you.
(2)
Alee G.
I've been meaning to come here for awhile, but always seem to go somewhere else. First time here and the food was AMAZING! The menu has a decent variety of food: mussels, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and main dishes (land, sea, and for vegans). I had the Monk's Mussels (1 1/2lbs), which came with a side of fries and a baguette (I think sourdough). This was definitely enough food for me and the price was extremely reasonable (especially for the amount of food I received). When I asked for dessert they brought out a tray and EVERYTHING looked good. I settled for the Keylime pie/tart and I wasn't disappointed AT ALL! I will definitely be coming back her again. Cheers!
(5)
Bryce C.
Muscles , beer , Jodie Truly what more could you ask for ? How about same fantastic environment !
(5)
Chris C.
A long time ago (5 years?) I came to Monk's when visiting Philly and had the worst customer experience of my life. An aggressive, irritated bartender who alternated between being non-responsive and overly antagonistic combined with a crush of drunken humanity, a misguided order, and my own lack of beer knowledge led to a pretty lousy experience. Once I moved here, I decided to give Monk's another shot on the basis of its fantastic beer selection and it definitely redeemed itself. Service is still not the best, but not bad either. It seems like sitting down at a table gets you more attention and better service than sidling up to the bar, but note that tables are required to order food. The bars fill up before the tables, so getting there early is a must. Besides the beer, the mussels are the star attraction--so many different flavor options and they're generous with the portions. Two people could almost make a full meal of just one mussels order. The other options aren't bad either--salads are pretty good, sandwiches and burgers are very large, and they have some interesting flavor combinations. Think higher quality bar food overall without necessarily being a "gastropub." It's solid and not that expensive all things considered. One caution: The beer lists online aren't always updated to what they actually have--if it's been a week since it's last been updated, it's probably out of touch since it seems they go through beer pretty fast here. Anything rare is also probably going to be sold out faster than you can get there. But they have such a good number of options that you're guaranteed to find something of similar quality and the waitresses are quite helpful with beer selection choices.
(4)
Alyse L.
A very unassuming place from the outside. Nestled close to Rittenhouse Square, my husband and I always try to make a stop here on our visits to town. Great things to order: Monks style mussels- this place is known for it's mussels and they have quite a selection! The Ghent burger (I add mushrooms) so tasty!! Their fries which come with the two above are yummy!! So is the aioli that come on the side. Most recently we tried the wing appetizer but with the sauce on the side (best call!) the sauce is tasty but smokey (chipotle) and VERY spicy! The duck salad sandwich is also very good. They have an extensive beer list which rotates seasonally. We love this place for the burgers and mussels mostly. It's just above a dive atmosphere but well worth it!!!
(5)
David M.
Two stars for the beer. Because a place with a list like this...it hurts me to give it a rating this low. But boy are they asking for it -- this was probably the worst bar service experience I've had in a long time. So surly, so unhelpful, so inattentive, almost as if they don't want you to pay them to drink. (Which presumably is their purpose to exist.). Dark, dungeon-like space. Tables full of bro-groups. I'd advise coming at an off-hour.
(2)
Adam G.
One of my favorite places to go in the city. The most extensive beer list of anywhere I've seen stateside in recent memory. Anywhere that has mead gets 5 stars in my book. If you don't like the crowds, hit this place after work through the week, there's plenty of room.
(5)
Mark H.
I love everything about this place. Except, perhaps how crowded it is on nights/weekends and that it's rather small. The burgers are out-of-this-world fantastic (I've never had a mediocre one, but I've heard about some who have...) as are the fries, which come with a bourbon aioli. Addictive. Chicken fingers are great (it's just that I feel guilty when eating them), and the beer selection is wonderful, of course. But you knew that already. If you're a Belgian beer/good food fan, you must visit. Damn, I'm getting hungry thinking about it. I wish I still lived in Philly!
(5)
Andi C.
Came here a few times when I was in college outside of Philly, and have been meaning to come back next time I'm in the area. I'm not a beer drinker, but you have to get a glass of something when you're at Monk's--I'm sure this place is nothing short of paradise for those who are. I've only ever gotten one thing on the menu, because it's impossible to pass up: the mussels. Amazing, beautiful, perfectly prepared mussels, brought to you in a pot to fish them out of, complete with thin, crispy/soft Belgian frites, a delicious mayo dipping sauce, and a roll. There are few more perfect meals. Especially for the $10 you pay for it. It does get crowded as heck...be prepared to come in and hang by the bar for at least 45 minutes (though easily longer) if you come with a group on a Saturday night. The food is worth it though. And the beer too of course, if that's your thing.
(5)
Susan L.
Fantastic Belgian beer selection. Cozy, inviting, crowd has people of all ages. Yummy food. I haven't had to wait the 2 times I've been, but judging by some other reviews this might have been an anomaly. Makes me wish I liked mussels from the way my friends were gurgling over theirs!
(5)
Steve G.
I'm surprised at the prevalence of high marks for Monk's. The food is decent, but by no means anything special. You're almost always going to have a long wait. The best thing about this place would have to be the availability of tough-to-find Belgian beers.
(3)
Steph M.
I recently went here late on a Saturday night after avoiding the place (where I used to dine regularly) for over a year due to the horrifically long waits. At almost any other restaurant in town, arriving for dinner after 9:30 PM would net you a table in a reasonable amount of time. Not so at Monk's, where we were told it would be 30 minutes and then proceeded to wait for over an hour to be seated. That said, I do like the mussels here (usually the Bruges ones) and the stringy fries. We also got the charcuterie plate to start with this time and it was quite good. I do sort of wish the waiter had given us a rundown of the various cheeses and sausages featured but they were tasty nonetheless. I guess if I was more of a beer snob I'd rave about the extensive list of brews, but I always order the framboise. In summary: good food, good drinks, but I rarely have the patience to wait for them.
(3)
Richie R.
Awesome beerlist!!! Watch out for dinner time on weekends as it gets jam packed and waiting for a table can take quite some time. Mussels, beer and a good burger is always a nice idea, but the burgers seem to get smaller every time I go. Belgian fries are a must! Steak Frites Salad is a hidden gem, gets you the fries, a nice steak, and a side of salad!
(3)
Geoff G.
I can't say that I've had much exposure to Belgian cuisine before, but I tried this place on the recommendation of a good friend and I was blown away. The beer selection was quite overwhelming for me (someone who's idea of a great bear is Coors Light), but the guidance of a blonde haired/blue eyed friend was priceless. Not only did I have a few bottles of the good stuff, but also a mouth watering sampling of the best mussels I've ever had in my life (and I DO love shellfish!). The establishment is a bit on the small side and tends to have a loud but festive din. So bring your appetite and come thirsty...You'll leave satisfied and yearning to come back for more!
(5)
Matt B.
My favorite spot for mussels, Belgian beer and relaxed vibe. Monk's is a Philadelphia landmark in my mind.
(5)
Amy Y.
I've been putting off writing about this place because everyone else has. It seems to be the trendy hot spot in Philly. I've been here a few times, and never had that great experience everyone raves about. Maybe it was the people I was with, who knows. But besides the beer, this place has little to offer a gal such as myself. It's crowded, dark, the menu very much revolved around the exotic palates, and prices high, especially for the beers. I have really tried to love this place. In fact my boyfriend nearly blacks out calendar blocks for this place, but I just can't get into it. Sorry guys, I would rather stay home then spend another weekend night smashed between the shoulders of those piled into this joint.
(2)
Ashley T.
One of my favorite places in Philly. Great beer selection. Lots of mussles and frites. Good sandwiches too. It's sometimes hard to get a seat, with long waits and a crowded bar, but it's worth it. Try it during the week, and I promise that you will be back. My favorite is the Monks Mussels or gardenburger with leeks and blue cheese and a Fin du Monde (End of the World in French - from Canada).
(5)
Jud P.
Monk's is the ultimate restaurant for beer fans. I've been to a lot of great beer bars, but this is tops. The food is wonderful. The mussels and frites are superb and my girlfriend's Cesar salad was fresh and delicious. But you didn't come here just to eat great good, you came to drink some of the best beers in the world. And that you will. Let's face it, nobody does beer quite like the Belgians, and Monk's has an amazing selection both on tap and bottle. The beer bible is helpful if you aren't an expert or not sure what you're in the mood for. The staff is also knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful if you can't decide. The atmosphere is dark and relaxing, just what you want to enjoy what they offer. And the music is good too. I would also suggest that you try to pair your beer and your food here, as you would wine and fine food. The cuisine is great for this kind of experiment. You'd be surprised what flavors can come out in both the beer and the food with a good pairing. Monk's is the kind of place that makes me wish I lived in Philadelphia, it's that good.
(5)
Jessica M.
I am having great difficulty getting good service in this city recently and I am not sure why. I assure you Philadelphia I am actually quite a generous tipper. Anyway, monk's has always been a favorite of mine for burgers and this time was no exception. The service was terrible and they really mean medium like pink to red in the center when you ask for it so keep that in mind. Oh, you have to get fries. Maybe I should give it four stars but my wine was also terrible so it gets three.
(3)
Toni V.
belgian beer is my type of beer by choice. give me some mussels and fries on the side and i'm a happy camper. This is my fave bar to shoot the sh*t with friends over good eats and unpretentious vibe. Much better than the belgian cafe in the art museum area. Be prepared to fight the crowd, because as long as this place has been open it's still bumpin. Be careful to avoid drinking and driving - while the belgian brews are tasty, they are brutal in getting you intoxicated at a blink of an eye.
(5)
Nicholas A.
This place is a classic burger joint. Good every time.
(5)
Projmersch P.
If you are a beer drinker, you need to go to Monk's. Great list. Great drafts. Excellent, knowledgeable staff. Mussles and frites were great. We went in the afternoon and had plenty of choices as to where to sit. Chose the bar and had fun. Seems to be the type of place that is very crowded at night, so glad we were there at a time to enjoy what Monk's had to offer.
(5)
deb b.
I went back to Monk's this past weekend for the first time in a few years and had a great experience. Perhaps Monk's has, to some degree, heard the complaints about service? Because service was fantastic on a Saturday early evening--- around 7. The beer, given the quality (good Belgian isn't cheap, friends!) is fairly priced and our food was great. The fries were a wee soggy, but the flavor of them and the spicy aioli were perfect. For those saying Monk's is merely "trendy," I have to disagree. I personally think of Monk's as more of a Philadelphia standard. It's been around for some time and has always been a go-to for all sorts of people. The crowd is far from homogenized, which is refreshing and people go for the great beer. Simple as that. I second those comments regarding the veggie food options. I always know I'll have at least 2 vegetarian options there, which keeps me coming back for more than the beer. It's one of the few places that really makes me miss Philly, its people, relaxed bar scene, and reasonable prices. Monk's, thanks for a lovely Saturday escape from the heat!
(4)
Totally I.
I'm on the other side of the fence on this one... for a bar that everybody likes, I just don't. I love great beer and they have some great beers. for me that's about where it ends. Maybe if I ever manged to get a seat by the window I'd see it in a different 'light' - but that's next to impossible unless you stake it out at 3:00 in the afternoon (edit: okay, I was finally able to get a table by the window... at some ludicrous hour on a dead night, and I must say - it added NOTHING. I've always left this place regretting to some degree that I'd walked in in the first place). The place is a cave, and I'm not always in the mood for spelunking. They have about two beer 'bibles' left and claim that they don't make more because people keep stealing them... WTF, A-how the hell are we supposed to know what you have then? B-Print them on some cheap paper and let people steal them all they want! That's just BS... The bartenders have always been pretentious - a total turn off at a dirty, whole-in-the-wall bar. I've just had too many bad encounters/experiences with Monks and it's people and way too few good ones to carry a positive attitude towards this place. There are too many alternatives... maybe I just don't love a good beer THAT much.
(2)
Rich B.
Overpriced and overrated. Great selection of beer; if you don't mind exorbitant pricing. Food is just O.K. Do not care for the attitude of most of the employees I've come in contact with.So many better gastropubs in this city, I cannot understand what all the hype is about.
(2)
Vincent F.
If you are a beer fan or you want some mussels, this is the only place you need to go.
(3)
Barry P.
4.5 stars! This place was everything and more that it's hyped up to be. I can't believe it took me over a year living in philly to finally come here. I'm not the greatest fan of beer, but I'm definitely starting to warm up to it. And honestly, what better way to learn more about beer than Monk's? Their selection is mind boggling, and quite daunting. If you're anything like me you'll definitely be intimidated, but the server's and bartenders know beer. So don't be afraid to ask for advice, but beware if you're a miller light/bud light kinda person, you're definitely at the wrong spot. I believe the policy is it's looked down upon and you can get it there but they'll charge you $10 for it. Bottom line. Don't do it. They carry a ridiculous about of bottles and have a bunch on draft as well, I'd tell you more about it, but you really just have to go there to understand the ridiculous amount of beer they carry and stock. On to the food! Their mussels are AMAHHHHZING. No Joke. I had the Thai Curry ones and I definitely plan to come back to try out all the other ones. I also ordered the Addenes(?) burger, probably one of the best burgers I've had. Their pomme frittes are also really good too. All in all it was a wonderful experience. What's better than good drink, good food, and good company. Do yourself a favor and visit Monk's Cafe, you really won't regret it.
(4)
Sameer S.
the beer selection at monk's is fantastic. one can manage to get a couple delicious pints (or 750mls) that will raise the ABV quite quickly. however... the bar is so small and unfailingly so crowded that it is hard to get seated at all (and this is not a place you really want to be standing around). that is why i am being stingy with the magical yelp stars. a bar may be great, but if you can't experience it, what's the point!?! all in all, find a place to sit down and you can have a good time. if you don't (as i typically do not), you'll have to sop yourself in belgian beer somewhere else.
(3)
James W.
Knowledgeable staff (which is needed with the expansive list of beers) and delicious mussels and fries. The burgers are good too. If the beer and food was any less delicious the ambiance would be something to complain about but as it is it makes it part of the experience.
(5)
Alexandra M.
Monk's has national repute and it deserves it. In fact whenever I tell a fellow foodie in San Francisco that I'm from Philly they ask me if I've been to Monk's. The answer is yes, I've been there twice, but I think that was enough to say it's worth talking about. In fact it's such a dream that people are talking about it 3,000 miles away. We San Franciscans can only hope (perhaps in vain) that places like the newly opened Monk's Kettle in the mission district may one day meet it halfway, but as my friends have already reported 'It just ain't no Monk's'. So back to Philadelphia the city of brotherly love. Walk up 16th street between Locust and Spruce streets on a Saturday night and you'll be sure to see crowds headed towards this ever popular spot. Unfortunately if you're looking to sit down you might be waiting a while as they don't take reservations. If you're just coming for a drink, there's no problem though. Hit up the bar and get any of the hundreds of beers (200 bottled) or more. There is no need for me to describe the beer here, just think of something you like and boom....it's most likely there. Now find yourself a place to stand in the crowded bar, complete with narrow hallways, and you're set to enjoy an exceptionally tasteful drinking experience. While any Belgian ale house has some good drinks, they don't always have amazing food to pair them with. Monk's doesn't have that problem, and for the price you pay the fare you bite into here is quite exceptional. On my last visit my server recommended the Braised Veal Cheeks as an appetizer - which are braised in Abbaye de Leffe Brown Ale (this is a pretty high par ale for cooking, but I couldn't complain) with other veggies, herbs, and Spanish olives. We also ordered a smaller pot of mussels, a necessary treat if you are to eat here. We settled on the Ghent mussels which are cooked in Saison Dupont, fum, parsley, carmelized leeks, bacon, bleu cheese & garlic. My own Saison Dupont went well with this to say the least. The mussels were extremely tender and flavorful, especially accompanied with the slippery smooth and pungent slices of bacon. The stew they resided in was full, not watery, because of the blue cheese and the bacon making it well worth dipping your bread into after the mussels were all gone. Speaking of the bread, Monk's serves raisin filled wheat bread. I believe that a white bread may have been better, but if you enjoy a mixture of the savory and the sweet than I'm sure you would disagree. Accompanied with the mussels were Monk's famous 'frites' served with a unique and delicious dipping sauce . The dipping sauce is what makes these fries so popular, but if you've ever been to Philadelphia's other popular Belgian brewery, Eulogy, you'll find that the fries themselves are rather puny. Eulogy's fries are fat and soft with a crispy covering. They are served hot as can be and are by far better than the fries served at Monk's. Speaking of Eulogy, until I tried my second dish I was unsure if Monk's had anything over this other popular tavern set in Old City. However, the tenderness of the Braised Veal Cheeks that came out after the mussels made this question even more difficult to answer. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor the veal cheeks oozed out delicious spicy juices upon each bite. The meat itself seemed to dissolve, leaving no awkward moments of excessive chewing. This dish, somewhat citrus in flavor, went well with the heartier mussels. Though Eulogy is not a place I'd ever forget in my trips to Philadelphia, I believe those juicy veal cheeks make it's fare seem a tad more pubish than the dishes at Monk's. (A more concreate ruling is yet to be determined though, so experiment if you please). All and all Monk's fare was beyond impressive for its price. I had no idea that something so popular, something even San Franciscans knew about, could still retain it's caliber even after becoming a gigantic tourist attraction. So there you have it, not only is Monk's a good restaurant and world famous brewery, it's also a place with integrity and that's worth mentioning no matter where you are.
(4)
Julie M.
Absolutely delicious. Love the Provence style Mussels. Love the beer. The crowd is hard to avoid. Go early or late. Avoid prime time.
(5)
hany s.
Great beer selection. Both the mussels and burgers are to die for. But it is very busy so make sure to pass by and get a reservation couple of hours before u dinner.....
(5)
Joe J.
OK. Its a great dive place. Mussels are great, burger was yummy. Beer has tons of options with everything you can imagine. I think Eulogy still wins my favor. But will make it a point to come here whenever I say in Philly!
(4)
Hayley G.
Really good. I'm not a beer aficionado so I don't think I can really appreciate it to its fullest but the burgers are amazing and the duck salad is delicious. It's always super packed though.
(4)
Michelle E.
Like everyone else, I have had long waits at Monk's. More often than not, I end up leaving and going elsewhere. You're welcome for my sloppy seconds, Nodding Head. I decided I might fare a little better on a middle of the afternoon weekend visit and i was correct. I had about a 5 minute wait. This place looks far different in the day time, and I must say a dark, cold nighttime visit is preferable. I pretty much had the experience I expected. Their vegan burger with goat cheese, lettuce and tomato was pretty delicious, as were the frites. There was a wintery/holiday beer still available on draft that I had and enjoyed, and whose name escapes me at the moment. I also had a favorite of mine, Franziskaner. The service was okay but not great. The overall experience was positive but didn't blow me away.
(3)
Jennifer Q.
Very cool little place to grab some great food and some serious beers. Had dinner here the Friday night of my trip with my Philly coworkers and we had a blast! Highly recommended! Get the scallops!
(4)
Ron G.
This place totally could be 5 stars, but after being here more than 5 times, their constant hit or miss service gets one taken off. Calling the beer selection good is an insult, its unfathomably awesome. The food is pretty good too, delicious mussels, pommes frites, and burgers are all I really get and have no complaints. The ambience is chill, dark, good for medium sized groups up front, and more intimate seating in the back. The service is.....eh. When they are very crowded, I understand pushing patrons a bit to order, however, on numerous, non busy occasions, the wait staff was very pushy, and made several unintentional references to his frustration with the amount of work he had. When we asked for a box to take food with us, the hostess said sure, waited 8 minutes, and comes back to her podium. We get up and walk to the door and she simply says, "bye!" Don't forget your customers!
(4)
Dee B.
*3.5 stars* but I'm sure that would be 4 stars if I were a beer drinker! Do not bother coming here on a Saturday night at 7pm, as you will be greeted first by a line of people in the corridor, and then by a hostess who will inform you that there is an hour-and-a-half long wait for a table for 2. Even at 4.30pm on a Sunday there was a bit of a wait for a table, but it wasn't more than 10 minutes. Naturally, if you are a beer person, you'll love the beer list. The hamburger was tasty, albeit a tad under-seasoned (but the bun complimented it very well - not the type of bun which will fall apart as you enjoy your burger) and the chicken sandwich was good. The fries were not the best I've had, but I did like them. I was pleased with the dessert selection -- I truly had a difficult time deciding, as everything looked and sounded delicious. I chose the flourless chocolate cake, which could have used some whipped cream or something else to balance out the denseness which was a bit dry. The hostess seemed to be in an off-mood, and our server was nice enough. Overall, a decent meal and experience, but nothing that fantastic.
(3)
Al G.
Love the expansive beer list and dark, cozy ambience. The food (especially the mussels, the duck, and the burgers) is pretty tasty. I like sitting in the back room where they have an additional bar. Gets crowded on weekends but doesn't take reservations.
(4)
Zareen S.
I have now waited 3 months to write this as doing justice to this place is difficult with just words. What better time than making Monk's my 100th review while just turning Elite'13? Joy. Mussels DeKoninck: This one with the apples, gruyere, caramelized leeks and garlic has got to be my favorite kind. If you are a person who does not really like fruits in their food, give this a shot. Might sound weird at first, but it works nothing but flawlessly the sweet and tangy leeks. Brussels: This is probably your most common and traditional kind. If you aren't an adventurous eater, this is the way to go. Ghent: with the bleu cheese, it has a very sharp and distinct taste, so if you like bleu cheese, I guess you know what you are doing. Not to mention it has bacon?! Petite Dejeuner: oatmeal stout, baby spinach and goat cheese, this babe is my 2nd favorite and absolutely a stunning beauty in the whole list. Thai Curry: Made with Monk's flemish sour, basil and coconut milk, it sounds amazing but it def proved me wrong. I quite did not like what I tasted, all the thai flavors quite does not compliment the mussels, only takes away from it. Best way to try this is to make someone else order it! The Pommes Frites, those whom of us has put these deliciousness in our mouths know what the big deal is. The bourbon aioli is nothing short of ecstasy. Also, the curried butternut squash hummus in their app menu is probably one of the surprise your tastebuds. Must try! After everything said and done, I love nothing more than getting a[many] Petrus and my mussels, sitting at the back room, kicking back and having some quality conversation with my loved ones. If you are in the mood for sweets, ask to see the dessert tray and pick from all the delectable tarts and cakes and mousses they have to offer. You can't really go wrong in this place. Did i tell you they have 6packs of Petrus to go? Yessire!
(5)
Joe M.
Above average for a meal. But it can't escape it college town bar feel to be much more than that, alas.
(3)
Greg C.
The worn-in authentic Belgian beer cafe that everyone in Philly and elsewhere knows. A great mix of hosts, servers, and bartenders to be had with your tasty brews and eats. I enjoy any of their burgers (with my favorite being the Ghent) but my favorite is the seitan cheesesteak. The prices here are reasonable and I hear the beer dinners are unmatched.
(5)
Jihye T.
Great, great place for beer aficionados. Do people even drink wine at this place? It gets a bit too crowded on a weekend night... but who is stopping you from stepping in to the dark room for a nice afternoon beer? Also note that depending on the beer you order, your glass size varies.... I think to match the abv of your beer... Tricky.
(5)
Devon L.
I've been to Monk's a handful of times, and have never had a bad experience here. One word of warning - every time I've been here on a Friday or Saturday night, the expected wait time was no less than 45 minutes to an hour. It is always jam packed here. I've had the pleasure of sitting in the very front section by the window overlooking the street, and also in the back bar area - which I prefer the back bar area. It is cozy and intimate and less hustle-bustle than the front area. The beer list here, or should I say BEER BIBLE, is extensive and ever-changing which is awesome. I can't remember which beers I had last night besides Allagash white, but there's pretty much something for everyone here as far as beer goes. I highly recommend the mussels - I tend to get them as an appetizer to share with my boyfriend, as a small pot is a decent amount, and it comes with a bit of bread and french fries as well. We had the Monk's Mussels last night and they are always a great choice, garlicy and delicious. The mussels could easily be a meal for someone, if you aren't craving a delicious burger which is my go-to here. Last night we each ordered the same thing, which is completely unheard of because my boyfriend thinks it's weird, but he knows I won't change my mind when I've made a decision, and last night he wouldn't cave and change his mind either :) Both of us had the Brussels Burger cooked medium. It is delicious and cheesy and bacony, and the burger rolls are big and delicious.. my only complaint is my burger was done a bit more rare than medium last night, but not being one to send food back and I didn't want them to cook the heck out of it, so I just ate it as it was which wasn't bad anyways. You get the choice between a side of fries or a side salad, and I always get the fries. Basically, I have nothing bad to say about Monk's. In all the times we've been here, the service has been good despite how busy it always is. All of the waiters/waitresses are pleasant and check back on you without being too overbearing. Last night when we were waiting at the bar for our table, the bartender at the front bar was hustling his ass off, and I think everyone realized it. Monk's has a decent ambiance, and it's a great place to go for a good meal, and some great beer selections.
(4)
Anthony B.
Absolutely love this spot. Hands down the only place to get mussels. Huge selection of fantastic beers, and eight different flavors of mussels... you can't go wrong here. Great portion size and really reasonable prices for the quality you get. Check it out!
(5)
Katelyn I.
I do not have enough great things to say about this place. But make sure you get there early and are prepared to wait, it gets crowded quickly... Which is understandable since it's so amazing. I come for the mussels and stay for the beer! You really can't go wrong here. I've also enjoyed a couple burger selections and the mac and cheese. And make sure you check out the sister to this place up in Fairmount, the Belgian Cafe
(5)
Candice L.
Double fried fries fried in peanut oil. Chicken burger. Very nomnom but dark inside. Belgian beer
(4)
J M C.
3 1/2 stars. Crowded, loud and cramped, just how you want a Belgium beer joint. Interesting beer selection. House wines ok. As for the food. I really wasn't impressed. I did like the hot chicken wings, beef cheeks. The duck confit was a little dry and missed the mark on flavor. The duck salad looked at tasted better. The muscles were a little over cooked. The Mac and cheese was a little gummy. The burger was so so and and not able for an entree. All in all you're good in small groups just a few tables can handle more than 4 people. Not sure I would be back. It's a big city with many good eats to be had.
(3)
kate j.
My boyfriend is a complete beer snob and has been obsessed with this place since the first time we tried it. The beer list is totally unmatched in the city and probably even a lot of the philly suburbs. I also had my first ever experience with mussels here and have yet to try any that are as good anywhere else. This place is great, too, because it has a divey feel to it but everything about it is exceptional, including the friendly and knowledgable staff.
(5)
Mr O.
Monks in definitely worth a visit if you're beer adventurous & mussel bound. Beer was great, server was knowledgeable made very good suggestions. Last time I was there, the pommes frits were pretty soggy beyond the top level. Back bar is cool.
(4)
Alicia O.
Monk's won me over with their mussels. Good mussels can be hard to find. I've been to restaurants where they've been too small, overcooked, mushy, and so on. The worst is when you get a whole pot and most of them are barely open. Ugh. The mussels at Monk's are excellent. Huge and perfectly cooked. My favorite is the Brussels: tomato, fennel, garlic. A small pot is more than enough for one person and you also get excellent fries on the side... $10! Loved their charcuterie as well which included chicken sausage, mustards, and cheese. And like most Belgian bars, their beer menu is great too. Yeah. I really need to visit Monk's more often.
(5)
Ryan M.
Good beers and good food. One of the widest international beer selections available in all of the city. It is what they are really known for. Have been here around 10 times so far. I plan on coming back.,
(5)
Selena D.
Went to Monks and were told we had a 30 minute wait and then the hostess seated 2 other tables that walked in after us. When we asked about it she said because there was only 2 of us we would have to wait longer for a table. We ended up leaving so I didn't get to try the food, but the service was terrible.
(1)
Stacey W.
I came here on my weekend trek to Philly for a wedding. Looking for a snack, we decided to come here for a beer and the mussels. Beer selection as long and varied, something for everyone. We ordered the Red Light and the Brussels for the mussels, it arrived in a cute and efficient silver pot. Both flavors were delicious,. A great spot I would imagine to catch up with friends or on a cold winter's day. A great spot to relax. Prices were reasonable, the seafood was fresh, no line or wait time, and good beer, a win for me. .
(4)
Callan W.
Sure Monk's is known for their beer list and mussels, but on a recent lunch date, I had one heck of a burger. The pommes frites were amazing as noted in other reviews. It was a bit quiet, but it was nice to sit by the front window. Service was perfect, as usual. If you are in this neck of the woods for lunch, go a little south and find yourself one enjoyable meal.
(4)
Rango K.
Overrated. Perhaps at one time this place was something special, but after all e rave reviews hand out by my friends, I made it here and was very unimpressed. Food was mediocre and the selection of beers was nothing special. Perhaps it's what I've got used to with the Armsby Abbey in Worcester, far better than here, as well as many places in San Francisco.
(2)
Kevin B.
I've been meaning to come to Monk's for years and I finally got my wish back around Christmas. I came here with a few friends (fellow Belgian beer lovers) and we had a blast. Their beer selection is amazing and the drafts were fairly cheap for such great quality brews. The mussels were amazing and their frites are damn good! This is what a Belgian restaurant should be: great food, great beer = happiness. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Philly! P.S. Definitely try the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale!!
(5)
Juliana K.
I love monks. You must get the mussels. Any kind. They are all delicious!!! The fries dipped in the sauce they come with is awesome. Duck salad is so good. Perfect flavor balance. Duck is cooked perfectly. Yum! Burgers are solid. The burger buns are a little big, but the meat is tasty! I've always had a great meals at monks. The beer selection is extensive and I love Belgium beers. Service is friendly and fast. Longggg wait times at night and especially on weekends. No reservations. It's worth it.
(4)
Marie S.
Excellent beer selection. I was overwhelmed with awe and joy upon seeing Russian River beers served on the east coast for the first time (even if my bottle of Supplication was $25) but drafts were cheaper. Food was excellent too except that mussels were sandy. Otherwise this would've a 5 star spot for sure.
(4)
Mark C.
Mussels Brussels are legit, enormous beer selection, place is kind of dark though, service- friendly and knowledgeable of the menu
(4)
Jane V.
So this review is primarily for the beers. The food smelled delicous, but I already ate before getting here. So we got here early enough for the seat by the bar. Amazing selection of beer, super attentive bartender, and such a fun place to chat with strangers at the bar. Apparently, Monk's has a reputation with out-of-towners. Met so many interesting people in town for concerts, conferences, etc. Definitely want to check it out for a meal (and drinks) next time I'm in the neighborhood.
(4)
Caitlin B.
Pretty cool layout. Have been there twice now and wish I lived closer so I could go more often! Both times had their tafferty veggie burger which is absoloutley delicious. First time I was going through a vegetarian stint. Second time had it again cause it was THAT delicious. Definitley my favorite place in Philly.
Sat at the bar for 15 minites. Made eye contact with the bar tender 3 times.......no order taken. we left. I don't care how good the food is. No excuse for horrible service. We will not be back.
(1)
Jon E.
Mussels and good beer? I'm in. Tried to grab some Pliny the Younger here but so did everyone else and their entire family......Not going to hold it against you guys, keep up the good work Monk's.
(4)
Laura M.
Food is great. Love the duck salad. Great beer selection. Mussel's are INSANE: dip your fries in the juice and you'll want to come back daily. My boyfriend loves the hot wings and buffalo frog legs. They also have great vegetarian options. Very well rounded menu. The atmosphere is weird. Very dark and loud and a little cramped. Don't want to make it sound like a bad thing because it's not. It's just something you have to be in the mood for.
(3)
Will F.
Amazing beer - great atmosphere- - good food- wish there was something similar closer to DC
(5)
Andrew T.
Monks is the first place I got a drink in Philly when I moved here. Since then visit after visit I've always been impressed. Don't be fooled by the front bar, the back bar is where it is at. They have a lengthy beer bible, $10 small (and maybe endless) pot of mussels that comes with frites bourbon mayo (love) and dinner rolls, my personal favorite are the frog legs and more beer. What else could one ask for? and for all you gluten free people they even have a realistic gluten free beer (no this isn't cider its beer). The only thing I wasn't blow away with is their burger. Roll was too firm, not a lot going on with the beef and it just didn't have that holy sh!t this is a good burger vibe, so skip it.
(4)
Renton R.
There is always that one spot, where you can keep going there over and over again, knowing that every time, there will be something new on the drinks menu, and the food is always great.....Monks is one of those places. Remember if you are planning to go there on the weekend, be prepared to wait for about 15-20 mins for a seat, as the place is really popular. Talk about a beer selection, some of the best in the city. Not only do they sport two bars, but each bar is featured with a different draft list, and no this is not your average draft beer list, this draft list has beers that I am convinced are sucked right out of oak kegs under the vintage bar. Quick Fact: Monks has a Sour Beer on their draft menu that is brewed uniquely all the way in Belgium for this very location, It is great! Get the mussels, i repeat get the mussels, If you grew up in a town close to the ocean and you want the taste of some fresh mussels, get them here. There are several broths to choose from, I have come to like the ghent and the red Thai, the red Thai is spicy but delicious. Dunk the bread, there is no better way of eating the breads that they give you on the side. Also the fries are really good, they pair really well with the spicy garlicy sauce that accompanies it. As long as I live close or in this city, I will be going here over and over again.
(5)
Marcus K.
Was looking for a quiet place for lunch. And I was looking for Belgian Beer. And oysters. Hmmm. Where to go? Say how about Monks. Yup, Monks is the place. When I walked in, the front room and bar were pretty full. This was 2 pm mind you, so well after lunch time rush. But hey, no problem, they have a big back room with another bar. The tender helped me pick out some good beer, and a pot of oysters to complement. Within minutes I was making my tummy happy. Im drooling all over myself right now remembering how good it was. Sure could go for another but by this time, I'm somewhere on the West Coast again. Oysters were boiled in tomato, garlic, onion, and some other things. It was delicious!!. The pot also came with fries and a roll. I could barely finish the oysters so did not even get much into those items. Did have a caesar salad and that was also good. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. Its mmmm' good.
(5)
Lindsey A.
Still awesome. Normal weekend day, still busy though not as busy as during an event. The bartender was friendly and helpful, the mussels and fries were delicious and reasonably priced, and we got to try some really delicious things on tap. I think they have about 12 taps total, plus a decent bottle list. Anyway, if you're in Philly and you love beer, you've probably heard about this place so you owe it to yourself to stop in. Parking is kind of rough, street spots only.
(5)
Sid W.
Great beer options at decent price and interesting food. We tried frog legs and some sandwiches. Servers were courteous. Parking may be available on street.
(4)
Samuel L.
Went to Monks today with the family for lunch and left very satisfied.. I had the pork sandwich, my mother had the veggie burger, dad went with the burger and the little brother had chicken fingers. Everything came it great and tasted great. The fries are very good and the dipping sauce is delicious. If you like good food, a nice atmosphere and good beer then go here!
(5)
Peter M.
Straddles the line between divey and perfect. Beers are wonderful and food is good. I had the duck salad sandwich which was $1 cheaper than the duck salad. Judging from how old the roll was I think it's justified to pay me $1 to eat it. The duck meat was tender and cooked well.
(3)
ADL A.
Good beer, good frites
(4)
Gabie L.
I and my hubby went there and ordered several food like frog leg and Brussels. Food are just great and beers are just super great! One thing I wanted to share is that you have to wait a long line for Friday and weekend night as you guess. We've waited about an hour to have a table. You can wait near a bar while having beer though!
(5)
Louisa E.
Love the veggie burger, mussels and frites and AMAZING beer selection. You must go there if you like good beer. Great sour selection. Also surprising vegan menu options that are delicious!
(5)
Olivier D.
Monk's is a Belgian Style Cafe, but not run by Belgians. That shows when going to the roots. Fries are French cut and mayonnaise is NOT mayonnaise. But is is a great comfort no less when you are. So far away from home ;)
(4)
Jack Y.
The Ghent mussels and fries were delicious at Monks Cafe. Broth, bread, everything was great, nice beer selection as well. This place was recommended by one of my clients, many thanks to her for the advice! Just what I needed after a horrible experience at Square 1682/Palomar.
(5)
Justin Y.
Nice little restaurant. Pros: Good beer, nice and knowledgeable servers who are without pretension. The menu is on the small side, but the food is very good. A bit eclectic (frogs legs, beef cheeks, etc), but very tasty. The mussels are excellent. Cons: Smaller space. The service can be a little bit slow. Menu is smaller and some of the eclectic options aren't that special. Good little place. Would visit again.
(4)
Andre B.
Well everyone says that Monk's is the place to go for beer in Philadelphia and I would tend to agree. There are many bottle shops and beer bars in town, but I was told on more than one occasion that Monk's started it all. The only drawback that I see is that the place is tiny and really popular. We crammed into the back bar area and had a few brews. Maybe 20 taps between the front and back bars with some mainly hard to find beer or rare unknown ones even to this beer snob. The bottle list is where all the variety and quality is in my opinion. I enjoyed both my pint of Russian River Blind Pig and my 375ml bottle of Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus. The bottle list can be pricey, so you can save up for a special occasion or use your expense account. It's cheaper to drink Cantillon here than fly to Belgium, but going to Belgium would be cool too. Monk's also has a real cool laid back vibe, and I will definitely return on future trips to Philly. The food menu seemed good as well and I will likely eat and drink on my next visit.
(5)
Arthur K.
has been in business in one form or another since it was 16th Street Bar & Grill in the 1980s. Monks Cafe offers a HUGE variety of brews, a very full bar, a superb & eclectic mediterranean menu which is reasonably priced, and a very hip atmosphere right in the heart of downtown, the art school area, the theater district and essentially all that is happening. They dont take reservations but no worries-just stand near the bar and imbibe! they have two tables in the front for people watching and a good sized rear room for dining. best time to go is a week nite. this is one of the unsung jewels of philly cuisine.
(5)
Don N.
Visited here very late in the night after landing in Philadelphia. Service was excellent, food was great ... ordered the belgian mussels and whatever draft beer they had that night. I would definitely return if given the opportunity.
(4)
Carla V.
There is literally nothing bad you could say about this place. You could complain that it takes a long time to get a table but that's how you know that you absolutely must eat here. The beer selection is outstanding and is one of the best in the city. Of course it also has been forever, since way, way before craft beer was so popular. If you're eating here for the first time you must get the mussels. Really you should probably get them every time you go here so you can try all of the different flavors, and so you will be delirously happy.
(5)
Calley G.
Very, very good beer selection (duh, you already knew that if you're on their page). The mussels are great and the fries equally good. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgable. This place is smallish and fills up fast. Get here early if you want a good seat.
10 years coming to this place & have never been disappointed. Excellent Mussels selection. My favorite is the Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad. Great Burgers. Fabulous beers in a dark wooded bar & old Philadelphia architecture charm. There is always good energy in this place.
(4)
Matt T.
This is a must stop for the craft and import beer fan. Great world class Belgians you wont find in most beer bars...great craft selection, and the mussels are a great choice. Overall, these guys are great. Great.
(5)
Sam W.
Extensive beer selection, good muscles/burgers/fries. It always seems to be packed otherwise I would come back more often.
Top 5 in the world?? I had to come! I came earlier today and experienced beer drinking on a whole different level. The setting was intimate, lights were dim, people talking, and beers poured into glasses, etc. it felt like I was inside an underground dungeon for the socialites lol. I sat down at the bar and ordered Westmalle which was a Belgian import for $11!! Kinda exp but the taste was simply amazing. It wasn't too heavy, it was creamy, had coffee notes, a wine flush, and a smooth aftertaste. I got to mingle with a few people on the bar and it was fun! I appreciate beer more after coming here. I have to come back for more and for mussels!
(5)
Thomas B.
Monk's has one of the best beer selections in the city! Now, lots of places have craft, imported and other exotic beers these days, but what makes monk's different is their "Beer Bible", which gives detailed information about each beer and an explanation of the it's type. Truly unique. The Pomme Frites are also delicious!
(4)
Alison L.
Cool bar in a trendy and upbeat part of the city. I've heard this place has some incredible brews, and that beer connoisseurs make it a point to check this place out. I'm not a huge beer drinker, so I'll just stick to the atmosphere and experience: The bar is incredibly dark without much lighting, but it adds to the underground vibe, coupled with indie & popular rock music playing in the background. It gets pretty loud--I found myself shouting for some parts of our table's conversation, but it's not too different from many other busy places. The server came over every fifteen minutes or so to check up on drinks and if we needed anything else. My chair had a bunch of liquid on it (that you can't see because it's so freaking dark), so I question the cleanliness of the place if all of the lights were to switch on. Also, it's not a huge space from what I gathered, and it only has a couple of tables that seat more than 4 people. Other than that, I enjoyed the couple of hours I was there. Again, I think beer lovers might have different ratings for the beer selection, but the physical place itself was fine.
(3)
C C.
Monk's makes me want to be a better writer, or at least own a more comprehensive thesaurus. It's the food, ambiance, and scene that dreams are made of. I first went to Monk's while in town on business, as it was the best-rated place open in a ~6-block radius. It's now become a staple of my Philly visits. I'm not sure whether it's best to start on the food or drinks. The menu is simple but immaculate. Everything I've ever ordered has been delicious, well-prepared, and flavorful without being overpowering. While the entire menu is worthwhile, the standout order will always be the mussels. They steam/prepare them about eight different ways, ranging from simple wine bases to complex bacon taste palates. If you've never had mussels, it's a great place to try many preparation styles; and if you're a lover you'll want to come hippo-levels of hungry, hungry. Monk's beer menu is also unparalleled. A draft list of dozens and a complete beer list of almost 300, specializing in West-European beers to keep with their Belgian style. They've got beers I've only been able to get in the small towns near the breweries/monasteries in Europe. I treat their beer list like gifts from the Mafia: Don't ask where it came from or how they got it, just thank them with a smile and enjoy the fruits of someone else's labor. Finally, the ambiance is stellar. Old wood is everywhere, from intimate booths to slightly-larger and more-communal tables. It's typically dark, warm, and like the best of old European taverns. You know what, now that I think of it, forget I said anything. I don't want to have to start waiting for a table late at night. Nothing to see here--move along. Monk's is almost too good to share.
(5)
Jackie M.
To state the obvious: there is a reason Monk's is regarded as one of the best beer establishments in the world. The selection is outstanding and you won't find much of it anywhere else. Also, they've got some of the best vegetarian food in the city - the veggie buger is to die for. Staff is really friendly, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth. Already excited for our next visit.
(5)
Dennis C.
The mussels were PHENOMENAL. Girlfriend and I left this place raving about it. Beer selection is great. Was one of our best decisions to stop in.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Shawn B.
Good food. Incredible selection of beer. Highly recommend.
(5)Scott W.
Great beer list. The mussels and fries are both amazing.
(4)William S.
Mussels Monk, pommes frites, Pliny the Elder (draft), Scythe & Sickle (draft), Liz Phair - Divorce Song, Pavement - In the Mouth a Desert, The Black Keys - Set You Free, Pavement - Gold Sounds, Wilco - Box Full of Letters. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
(5)Emily W.
*this is more like a 2 1/2 star place, but I rounded up because it's not bad for bar food Not being a beer drinker, I don't even know if it is fair for me to give this place a review. But I'll do it for all of those other non-beer drinkers whose friends all want to grab dinner here. This really is a no-frills sort of place. The tables are all a little cramped, the lights are perpetually dimmed, it's a little noisy, and it requires lots of teamwork to get the waitstaff's attention. The food is pretty good, but a few changes would make it even better. For instance, I like to get the grilled chicken sandwich with broccoli rabe and cheddar (Ghent style). The bread it's served on is large and tasty on it's own and a little reminiscent of a sourdough boule, but it's not good for serving with burgers or chicken sandwiches. For one, the bread dwarfs what's inside and secondly, the bread requires way too much chewing. You end up feeling full of bread before you can even finish the main protein. The Ghent preparation is really tasty on the chicken sandwich because it transforms a potentially dry chicken breast into something moist and flavorful. My boyfriend is a sucker for the truffled cheese in the Antwerp style burger, and again, it's well-cooked and tasty, but the oversized, chewy bun detracts from the leisurely burger eating experience. I'll admit that have a pretty extensive beer selection and for all of those people who haven't read Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential and still eat mussels, there's a nice selection of those too. Just be sure to bring your ID because they check it at the door.
(3)Kristen F.
The first few times I went to Monk's I really liked it. But, over the last first years I have noticed a severe decline in their service and the overall atmosphere. The staff's general snobbery is atrocious, the food and beer is over priced and really and truly who wants to pay a hefty bill for an attitude sandwich? You're better off going to 'Devil's Den' or 'Hawthorne's' in South Philly and actually enjoying the money you spend.
(2)Barney B.
Did you know that Belgium is the salt capitol of the world? Neither did I - but when eating food at Monk's, you surely would think so. OK, sure, the frites should be salted. But the bun, chicken, leeks, cheese, salad? everything just made you pucker. Genious plan to get you to drink more beer, but all I wanted was a gallon of water. sadly, I only got a glass, from the under-enthused bartender.
(2)Tim C.
I had never been to Philadelphia before, but I enjoyed my brief stay! This restaurant reminded me of one of my favorite places in Boston, The Public House. The menu offers a wide selection of craft beers. I had an IPA which was fantastic. I had a cheeseburger with leeks which was also quite good and cooked just right. My only complaint would be that fries did not come with the burger. I tried some of the muscles which I am not crazy about, but they were good and the reason we were brought there in the first place.
(4)Constance H.
When people complain about Monk's, my heart does a sad, little flip- flop in my chest. Where is everyone going that's better than Monk's? Seriously. I want to know. Monk's has an unparalleled beer selection, 'crack in a basket' fries (frites) with delicious dipping sauce, casual ambiance, superior music and competent waitstaff/bartenders. Not to mention that patrons can roll in at 1pm on a sunny day and never experience even the slightest twinge of regret - much like being in a cool, comforting cave that serves beer and wants to feed you fancyish, fried things covered in mayo. Doesn't get much better than that as far as I'm concerned. The steak frites salad is divine. Not a fan of mussels generally but met an out of towner chef (at Monk's actually) who was in for a conference and had come to the restaurant specifically to sample the famous fare. What really makes this one of the best resty's in the city is that it maintains the most crucial elements of Philadelphia itself: crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. You may have to work a little harder to get past the grit but once you do, it's more than worth it.
(5)Sophia L.
The service was horrible therefore my experience sucked! Our waiter was unfriendly and a bit rude!!! Never did try anything on the dinner menu
(2)Michael P.
Did not eat, just drank,....drumroll please..... Russian River Damnation
(5)Elizabeth B.
I think Monk's has some of the best food in the city. I really do! I have been coming here for a long time and it is consistently good. The plusses: 1)excellent selection of burgers with interesting toppings. I have never grown tired of this. I don't recommend the vegan burger though -- tastes too much like a boca burger and I like my veggie burger to taste like veggies ... well maybe that's the distinction between "vegan" and "veggie" in this case, but I digress. 2)the mussels are so wonderful here. I love mussels and I love the variety. The small pot is enough for one and the pommes frites are a perfect complement. 3)the beer selection is pretty cool. I like how they separate the menu by region. I know a lot of places do that but I can still like it, right? The minuses: 1)it is hard to eat here. It is pretty much always jam packed. I guess you could come on a weekday for lunch or early dinner (around 5) and get a table. 2)if you have a group and you arrive at different times, they won't seat you until your entire party arrives. I can't say this will happen every time, but it has happened to me on at least three occasions. 3)the service is sometimes painfully slow. During a recent visit, the waitress took our drink order ... we waited ... she came back to take our food order, no drinks ... drinks came and she asked if we were ready to place our food order? I know it's busy but come on. 4)they don't serve Yeungling Lager, which is fine with me -- the "minus" in this case is that I've seen bartenders be downright rude when a simple "no we don't serve that" will suffice. Still -- come prepared to wait and the food will be worth it!
(4)Christine G.
Beer selection is impeccable - and the food was great too. Tried the duck salad sandwich, mussels, and hummus with pita, and all was delicious.
(5)Kelly G.
I really really really wanted to love monks. I wish I could give more stars but it was literally just OK. The beer selection is of course large and they had some of my favorites on tap (Delirium Tremens, Chouffe Houblon, etc) which I did enjoy. However, the food was mediocre. I do understand that Monk's might not be the place to get a veggie burger but really the one I got was barely edible. The bun was about 3 times the size of the burger and it had a strange, tangy flavor. My two dining mates got mussels (provencal and monks I think), and they were fine. Just fine. The frites were soggy. Etc. I usually give places a second chance, so I'll try Monk's again at some point. And reyelp about it.
(3)Vicki B.
Non-beer drinkers who go here: There is hope for you! The real reason I've given Monk's three stars is because I'm not a beer person, who was tagging along with beer people. The beer people thought this place was great and had 6-7 different beers each. Husband said it "felt like was back in Europe" and I had to agree. The place does have a very nice atmosphere, espeically on weekend nights. The food is good and unusual (I had the scallops) and we shared the salty, salty Belgian fries; and the music is low as well as the lighting, making the atmosphere perfect. The issue is that, having such a huge beer selection, prices become...well..pricey,quickly. And you often have to buy the "Beer Bible" beforehand to know what you've tasted. Additionally, our waiter on Saturday night wasn't too helpful in suggesting beers, but usually all the staff is pretty knowledgeable, almost making me want to be part of the beer in club.
(3)Catherine B.
Great beer. Great mussels. Possibly the best mussels I've ever had and they have a veggie cheesesteak that might be what all the hoopla is about when you hear about this philly cheesesteak thing. Its amazing. I think the vegetarians are winning for once. They're beer list is unbelievable. I didn't realise how much so until a recent visit to belgium and I couldn't believe how many beers I had already had at monks. It is an institution and we are lucky to have this little oasis in our town. They have always had a really late kitchen which is a fantastic thing. My favourite time to pop in is in the afternoon or late night because it gets crazy busy at dinnertime. Something you might not know......the desserts ......oh my gosh.......don't go anywhere else
(5)Daniel H.
This is a dynamic place - I'd imagine it's great to hang there after work and grab a couple of nice beers. It's decent for dinner too, but I want to talk about the burgers. DON'T GET THEM. A burger needs to have all the right components. Monk's burgers are served on quite possibly the WORST roll ever. Very tough, very thick, and it ruins the entire thing. Also, the burger doesn't come with any sides, not even french fries. Beware - the server will talk up the french fries, but don't be fooled. They're thinly cut and come with a mayo dipping sauce. They weren't bad, but I've certainly had better. Don't believe them when they tell you they're the best you'll ever eat. Fantastic beer selection, if you're into Belgian beers. Despite my feelings on the burger, I'd try this again to see what else they've got. Place is charming, and conveniently located. Try it out!
(3)ruth s.
Best veggie burger and fries in the city. Great beer selection, of course, and a pretty decent martini.
(4)Christopher R.
In my previous review, I complained about the lack of room at Monk's but that hasn't really kept me away. My love of its vast selection of beer has forced me to give up on it as a nighttime destination and to seek out new hours to head there for a drink. So, I've starting heading there for a long lunch on Friday afternoon--against my will, I assure you--and I'm glad I've accepted my fate as an afternoon-only Monk's patron since it has finally allowed me to try their food. It also seems like the lighter crowd has the effect of making the bartenders much more attentive in helping me select a good beer. The Ardennes Burger is pretty good, though the taste of the cheese is overwhelmed by the meat and the parma ham to the extent that you might as well leave it off--disappointing since the nuttiness of the cheese was something I was really looking forward to when I ordered it. The burger itself is incredibly juicy. The pulled pork is likewise good eatin' but nothing special if you've ever experienced actual pulled pork. The sauce wasn't quite as tangy as I would have liked, too. That's my fault for having unachievably high expectations for my barbeque though. For both, the artisan bun it is served on accomplishes the trick & the side of fries with garlic mayo is worth adding on to your sandwich. I look forward to trying the mussels, duck salad sandwich and chicken pot pie on future lunches, as they all look quite promising.
(4)C P.
Stopped in for a late dinner on a Friday night. The place was not too crowded and we were seated right away. Amazing beer selection and the menu was helpful in choosing which ones to try. I had a burger, which wasn't the best I'd ever eaten, but decent. The artisan roll was too big for the burger, which was well done even though I ordered it medium. I would definitely come here again to try some more beers and sample some other menu items.
(4)Brian B.
I try to go to this place whenever I visit Philly. Last weekend I had an excellent seitan cheesesteak. I'm not sure how they sauteed the vegetables and seitan but it was perfect. Seriously one of the best sandwiches I have ever had - hands down. Their selection of beer is great. I really enjoyed the Belgian witbier on tap and the Monk's Sour Ale was amazing. I need to find a beer store or bar in DC that carries it. I will definitely visit this place again.
(5)Stephanie H.
We loved this place so much we came here two days in a row for lunch! Burgers and mussels were delicious. Loved all the different unique burger toppings that were available...we had the Antwerp (sottocenare truffle cheese & shitake mushroom), Ardennes (ardennes-style ham (think sweet parma) & Belgian cheese), and Trappist (goat cheese, lettuce, tomato & raw onion)...all were great but I loved the Antwerp the best. Meat was moist and delicious....would be great even w/o the toppings. The bun was a bit too big for the burger so I actually ate my burgers open faced and saved the bun for the dipping in the mussel broth.
(5)Albert H.
Monk's is one of the original beer enthusiast location to visit in Philly. Keep in mind there's two bars inside, so if it is busy up front you might find a cozy chair in the back. Monk's offers extremely rare offerings at times. For example, I was able to enjoy a pint of Victory Old Horizontal that was aged for several years, served on tap here at Monk's. Top quality local craft and a wide range of Belgian imports are the norm. Atmosphere is intimate, comfortable, and somewhat upscale compared to some places that are more like a college frat boy bar atmosphere.
(4)Jake V.
I like the bizarro world that restaurants kind of live in. They forget that there are places like the Foodery that sells the same beer they do for about half the price which is still really inflated. Usually, though, this can fly because you're in a restaurant being taken care of in a comfortable condition. You are paying for that service that allows you not to have to work or worry about food. For all the hype and clamor, I think that Monk's has forgotten that fact in the hurry of cramming 250 people into a space that can hold 100. Listen, it's great that they have rare esoteric beers coupled with gourmet food. It really is. But between the sensation of dining in a refrigerator, being bumped by people constantly moving around, having the pleasure of being ignored by our waiter, and kind of wondering why I just $45 for that experience really sours whatever quality they are serving. Oh well.
(3)Lynda T.
Yay! yes, this was a great place to end the day. We had pomme frites, veal and chicken sausage, greens, and spicy mayo for dipping. I warmed myself with a glass of merlot. For dessert, yes they do have dessert, we had chocolate tart filled with creme brulet filling....(salivating, yet?) I think I will bring colleagues here... the fries are thinly sliced and little soggy with oily goodness, and nice and hot..we difpped them in spicy mayo the best part was our dessert! yeah and they had beer, too. enjoy! and try it! our server was chipper and in a good mood for as late as it was...she was helpful and served us immediately...
(4)Bixley T.
Why this place consistently gets excellent reviews puzzles me. Myself and pretty much the majority of my social circle is over Monks. First of all, unless I sit at the bar, and even then sometimes, the service sucks. I get that they get busy, but if you don't check on my table ever, and my food comes out dead (that means it sat in the window of the kitchen forever and became gross), then you are either a terrible server or you are under staffed, and I find it hard to believe that a place as popular as Monks has any trouble attracting competent, experienced wait staff. So what's the problem? And what ever happened to the salad that comes with the sandwiches? There were 5 pieces of baby lettuce on my plate, I'm not sure that constitutes a "salad." Beer selection is good, but the prices are a bit steep and reflect the fame of Monks and not reality. Plus it's super lame that the prices for beer aren't shown on the menus. It kinda just screams "we're ripping you off!" The only reason I even came in the other day, for the first time in two years (because I had had it with the terrible service here) was because I had a serious burger craving, and everyone else was doing brunch, and my burger came out over cooked.
(2)Yolanda Y.
Came here for lunch today for the first time ever and goddamn it was good. I wasn't expecting a lot and the waiter wasn't super friendly, so I thought this would be kind of average. My friend got the duck salad and I got the vegan seitan pita. I tried a piece of the duck - yum! My pita was also really good. The food is definitely worth the price. The environment is just so unassuming, you think beer is their thing, and then (surprise!) the food is kickass too! The duck comes out pretty rare (deliciously so), so if you want it cooked longer, let them know ahead of time. I imagine the mussels are great because they smelled really good too. Credit-card-friendly.
(5)p e.
This place is amazing- there's not much I can add to all the reviews written here. There are actually very, very few Belgian themed bar/restaurants which cover all the bases as well as Monk's. In NYC, where I live, there are loads of great beer places, even a few that serve good food, like Petite Abielle. But as far as quality of food and great selection of beer, the only places I've ever been to that surpass this (hence the 4 stars) are: the Hopleaf in Chicago .... and a very obscure place in Duryea PA called AuRants (review coming soon!)
(4)Josh K.
Habit forming... like a Monk's habit. Get it? I'm stupid. My little sister showed me this place when I came to visit in Philly. Honesty, you can't beat mussels, pommes frites, and good beer. A great ambiance and a great beer selection are two things that always make me smile. Now I understand why Belgium still exists as a country and hasn't been partitioned between France and Holland. Actually, I don't. Why does Belgium still exist? Whatever, this place rocks.
(5)N M.
Pub like atmosphere, HUGE beer list from all over the world. Chimay on tap, steamed mussels, pommes frittes .... just doesn't get any better. The line and service at time can be pretty frustrating, or it would have a five str rating from me. If you can catch this place during the week before it is insane it is an amazing find. If you know one of my other reviews ... Brugge in Indiananapolis ... this is like a more established, larger and more publike version.
(4)Zulay V.
Delicious food! The burgers are amazing, very juicy and very good. I got the Antwerp, it was amazing. The fries are good... though I personally prefer thicker fries. The dipping sauce is nice and spicy. The mussels were good, though there were 3 that were unopened and a few with cracked shells.... NOT OKAY. It is a GIVEN that the chef should toss out unopened mussels and make sure no shells are floating around broken. The desserts were very good, especially the coconut cream pie. Service was much, much too slow though. There weren't very many people, and it was a Sunday afternoon. It took a long time to get water and our orders taken. The waitress was nice, but the hostess/girl who bussed our table had a bit of an attitude. Still, the food was really good and the music was AWESOME.
(4)Hannah G.
Monk's is one of my favorite spots downtown. Massive beer selection and tasty food. The mussels are practically a steal given the size of the order. I've made out like a bandit splitting the "small" pot of mussels and one burger or appetizer with my boyfriend.
(5)Rich U.
My second favorite beer bar in the Northeast after Mahar's in Albany, New York! I know nothing of their food (although I hear its pretty good), but God bless those Trappist monks from Belgium and this Philly purveyor of their premium ales on tap. For me, this place defines Philly at least as much as their cheesesteaks (which I love), their hostile fans (who beat me up once twenty years ago), and that bell with the crack in it. Are the people who say there's no room in this place aware that there's a second bar in the back?
(4)Jessica S.
Service at the bar was very disappointing. Since we had a 45 minute wait for a table we tried to get a drink at the bar, as suggested by the hostess . Two bartenders working around 7PM on a Friday night. It didn't seem like they were necessarily slammed and couldn't get to us, it just seemed like they were not at all motivated to serve people who were not sitting at the bar. Even after trying to get their attention twice, bartenders seemed more preoccupied fixing the music and changing out bills in the register. We never got a drink during our 45 minute wait. It seems they should have more bartenders during a busy shift, or bartenders should be aware that with long a long wait for a table, its customary for guests to order a drink at the bar. Food was OK, nothing spectacular. Service at the table and beers were very good.
(2)Kevin S.
I finally had an opportunity to experience the legend that is Monks this past Friday with a group from my Softball team. It was totally packed, so instead of grabbing a table, we went straight for the bar. And what a bar it is! After the customary what-do-you-want, what-have-you-got, I have a small green book in my hands, appropriately named the 'Beer Bible'. Indeed, listed in these pages are well over a hundred brews from all over the world, peppered with all manor of interesting factoids about beer and its creation. You'll find everything from local favorites such as Yards and Victory and the Philadelphia Brewing Company, to a huge list of Belgian beers, with all sorts of rare obscurities and traditional favorites in between. I promise you this: No matter how esoteric your tastes, you'll find something that pleases you in the beer bible. Of course, the worlds most impressive beer list is just a list without a knowledgeable staff to keep you supplied. And, even on a busy Friday night we were well taken care of. Monk's has a warm and casual atmosphere, and an amazing bar. Five stars.
(5)Dave L.
Beers and burgers. What else is there? If you're like me, you've been in the City of Brotherly Love (& Sisterly Affection) a few times and you're tired of hearing about "Philly's best cheesesteak." Jim's, Pat's, Campo's... Forget all that. Stop by Monk's and drink with the locals. You'll never get bored with their dizzying selection of beer. They even have a beer bible. Mmm... sacrilicious! For eats, the mussels, burgers and pommes frites are must-trys! Myself, I go for the Monk's Burger. Tips: If you're looking for something like Monk's in southern California, try Father's Office in Santa Monica.
(5)Anne B.
If you're walking in the cold in Center City, what better way to warm up than with a beer and a burger? Friends and I went into this brewery and had minimal wait for a table on a Saturday mid-afternoon. I got the Russian River Damnation (I know it's a Belgian beer joint, but my Cali roots run deep) and the Brussels burger (bacon and cheddar). The wait for food was very long. Maybe like an hour. It was hard to tell as the Damnation was really putting me in a time warp, but my dining companions also thought it was a long wait. Once the food arrived, it was hot and delicious. This is the kind of burger you've got to put your whole face into. I walked out full and happy, feeling like the cold couldn't touch me. :)
(4)Heydi H.
Totally in love with this place. Ever since we visited here we have been trying to find a similar place back home in NYC. The truth is we loved Monk's sour ale, which they tell us is made specially for Monk's in Belgium! So good luck to us trying to find a duplicate. We'll keep trying. The selection of food and beer is out of this world. Cannot wait to go back there again.
(5)Meg C.
Even though I had been to Monk's before, I wanted to try it one more time before I wrote a review. This was because I kept hearing/reading that it was the same as Belgian Cafe, a place that earned a two-star review only because of the beer menu. And, thank goodness, my warm memories of Monk's remain intact. The wait for two on Friday was 45 minutes, not too bad. The restaurant is decorated with fresh wreaths right now, the smell is amazing. Unfortunately, we were seated near the kitchen, which always seems to happen here. But our server was quick and attentive, which made up for it somewhat. We ordered small pots of the Ghent mussels, which were surprisingly light considering they had bacon and blue cheese in the broth. They had big, plump, succulent bellies. They were fully cooked and the cooking liquid was rich and plentiful. The frites were good, the mayo sauce was amazing as always. Chimay was great, of course, although I wasn't a fan of the other beer I ordered. Oh, and don't skip dessert, this is the only place I consistently order it because everything is so good.
(4)Jibreel P.
Mussels. Fries. Beer.
(5)Jim S.
This place should have 5 stars, not 4. This is the only reason why I'm writing a review. These are the best mussels, pommes frites and selection of Belgian beer that I have seen outside of Belgium. Nothing else that I have been to in Philadelphia, New York, DC, or London compares. Monk's Flemish sour is the best I've had.
(5)Josh G.
I didn't get to eat here, as the place was packed and I finally got tired of waiting to get a seat at the bar. I did get to spend a lot of time perusing their beer menu. Not only was it very busy, but the bartenders seemed a bit....spiky. The beer list everyone raves about isn't that impressive. Maybe it's because our brewpubs and microbreweries suck so hard, but Boston has the beer bar down to a science. Monk's doesn't cut it. The Belgians they have are interesting-- clearly this is the part of the menu they really thought about. But nearly everything is overpriced. Meh. Surely Philly has a better beer bar than this?
(2)Alex F.
My wife and I stopped there for an early dinner on 7/8/2010 after dropping my son off for his first quarter at AIPH. Not being a beer person like I am, she was a bit hesitant at going there. She ended up having a few glasses of wine from their short winelist, while I had a few of the Belgian specialty brews a Cantillion kriek and an oak aged sour Petrus both were quite good. The brew list is impressive, heavy on the Belgian styles (the main reason I wanted to try the place), but there are quite a few selections from other parts of the world (around 200 varieties overall). Overall the brew selection is slanted towards the higher alcohol styles. The food - We had the Charcouterie Platter as a starter. The rabbit terrine was wonderful as well as the grilled sausages and the mix of Belgian and English cheeses. The coarse mustard included on the platter was one of the best that we have ever had. She had a small pot of the Ghent style mussels (leeks, bleu cheese and bacon in a DuPont Saison) while I had the grilled duck salad. She said that the mussels were great (I can't eat them, as I sometimes become violently ill while eating mussels - something to do with whatever they were feeding on rather than the mussles themselves, so I avoid eating them altogether). I had a vew of the pomme frites that were served with the mussels, and was not impressed with them. The cut of the potatoes was all wrong, limp skinny shoestrings rather than thick cut & chunky, the included burbon mayo was quite good however. The duck salad included a perfectly cooked half breast, and a nice slice of fresh goat cheese but the mesclun green salad was rather average. The included spiced walnuts were good, but nothing to shout about. When I get back there again, I will probably just have a burger. Overall, I would give it a 6/5 (yes I know the scale only goes to 5 but the list was well above average) for the beer and a 3/5 for the food - call it a 4 overall.
(4)Abigail O.
beer is so, so, so delicious. we got there around 8 on a random wednesday night and somehow managed to snag two seats at the bar even though they were on a wait for tables. started off with a bottle of cantillon gueze right off the bat, just to get the party started the right way. moved on to a couple abbey dubbels and two kinds of mussels -- ghent and provence. i'd been looking forward to coming to monk's for a long time, and the mussels were nearly beginning to catch up with the beer in my anticipation. perhaps that was the problem... i enjoyed the flavor combinations and the mussels themselves (huge, meaty, and steamed perfectly so they were falling out of the shell but not chewy). however, it seems as if all the items were tossed into the pot with the mussels at the same time and steamed all together, instead of, say, caramelizing the onions in a pan, then frying the bacon, etc. we were eventually joined by friends and moved to a table where we continued to drink beer and ordered the duck salad, which was incredible. i like duck but i'm pretty picky about it, and this was cooked and paired to perfection with the rest of the goodies on the plate. ended with the dogfish head fort, because finishing off the night with an 18% abv beer is always an awesome idea. overall, i loved the cave-like atmosphere reminiscent of the monks from whence the name and brewing style came. service was eh... i'd give it 2 stars at the bar and 3 at the table. for such an awesome place i wish they'd have better staff, but i'll still be back!
(3)Nicholas W.
Monk's is one place that I really enjoy going. It can get crowded at times, and that is due to the layout of the building and is by no means on knock on what they do or how service is. Monks has a great food menu(frites, mussels, burgers especially). The beer menu and draft selection is the shining crown jewel at this center city eatery. It has something for everyone and then a whole lot more. Be ready to spread your wings and try some interesting beers. The staff is very knowledgeable of the products they sell.
(4)Loic C.
When I travel to Philly I always want to go to Monks a great Belgian Bistro. The beers selection is amazing. They have 100s of bottles and great draft. Mussels: All the mussels are delicious. I have tried them all. either cheeses or bacon or herbs, beer or wine all the toppings work. Get it Burgers: The burgers are good. The bread is from a local bakery and really enjoyable. The toppings are interesting. The meat is average. Fries: The fries are thinly handcut but the best is the spicy mayonnaise. I just love it. Duck Salad: It is a nice duck breast (magret) salad. I think the amount of duck on the plate went down over the years. Too bad. Rabbit: I love rabbit. It is hit or miss at Monk's and I had it several times. I think that the meat is frozen. I want this dish to be good so bad.
(4)Jennifer D.
Best beer selection in Philly, fantastic food, consider this your hot wing warning. They're throat burning, eyes watering, nose running hot (not recommended for a first date, unless you're into that!)
(4)Justin H.
Two bars with rotating taps with great beers... And a beer bible with virtually any bottled beer you can think of! The pulled pork sandwich, burgers, and mussels are delicious... But you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. If you like INSANELY hot wings, then try the Spanish Flies. Beer plus over the top bar food and the great service will keep you pleased... Definitely worth it, even if there's a long wait!
(5)Joe L.
Besides my complete lack of ability in pronouncing Belgian beers, it's an amazing selection of great beers. They do carry many beers from around the globe, not just Belgian. I had the mac and cheese, which honestly was average.. The duck salad sandwich was the absolute highlight of the dinner. Ghent mussels were great, if no one was looking I would've stuck a straw in the pot and finished the broth in a second. The lamb Cheeks were very good as well, think very tender, fatty (in a good way) pot roast. We went on a Saturday night at 7:00, completely packed and took an hour and 15 minutes to get seated for two. No a knock at all, a good restaurant should be impossible on a Saturday night, just a heads up if you're either starving or trying to get a quick bite to eat.
(4)Vinny P.
There's not much new to say about Monk's so I'll keep it short. Go right after work, you'll have the best chance of getting a seat. Bring money, it's not cheap. Get some mussels (any kind, they're all delicious) Drink some great beer. Try something you've never tasted, trust me they have it. Enjoy.
(5)Tom M.
Possibly the best restaurant ever! Amazing beer/wine/drink selection, Spanish fly and mussels are incredible, and service is excellent!! As a non-philly native, I visit this culinary gem every time I'm in the area. Waits can be long, but it's very worth it! Can be troublesome with large groups!
(5)Ben P.
Great atmosphere. I LOVE the mussels and the huge beer selection.
(5)Ariana B.
Great selection of bottled beers and some of the most delicious mussels you will ever have. Service could be better. They kind of have that beer snob thing going on, but they aren't fancy enough to pul it off. The food and beer make up for it, though.
(4)Rebecca C.
Fantastic beer selection, great food, nice atmosphere, but also a painful victim of the Rittenhouse-yuppie overflow syndrome. I recommend going here on off-days to fully enjoy the experience, but then again I hate people so don't take my word for it.
(4)Nina T.
Great beer selection! We shared the veal cheeks and it was so incredibly tender and flavorful. We also had the Ghent mussels. Between two people, we ordered the small and there was plenty of mussels for both of us. It came with a side of fries and also some bread to sop up the juice at the bottom of the mussels pot (I wasn't crazy about the type of bread).
(5)Gregory D.
Great place for a beer and appetizers!
(4)McKenzie R.
Great place- sometimes a bit more crowded than I would like, but I can't blame them! Of course great beers, and of course great mussels, but my boyfriend had the duck sandwich and that was awesome too! Bar tenders were great and wait staff is OK.
(4)Jason C.
Great food, great beers, but a tiny space. Gets crowded in a hurry.
(3)Ian P.
Great vegan options & a beer list that never gets old! Good luck getting a table...it's not easy.
(5)Christopher J.
If you're a beer snob, this is your place. Great beer, and and an amazing selection. Make sure you try the traditional Belgian moules-frites.
(5)Seth S.
Monk's is a Rittenhouse institution. It has a very good beer selection and the vibe is laid back but also upbeat. It can get a bit loud at times, but not to the point that conversation becomes difficult. As for food, their seitan sandwich is good, though of course I wouldn't mind seeing another veggie option or two on the menu.
(4)Shannon M.
Awesome beer selection and the food is incredible. I tend to only visit on weeknights, as the wait on the weekends tends to be long. If you are a beer person, this is a must stop while in Philadelphia!
(5)Clare H.
Yeah, that guy who got food poisoning, that's my boyfriend. After three cases of food poisoning between two people, I can't help but say that my love affair with Monk's is over. Not like Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth over, but like Britney Spears and Kevin Federline over, (though I would prefer not to be compared to either of the two).
(2)Jess D.
Great atmosphere, perfect for beer snobs or those who are craving some delicious Mussels! Their version of "fries" are fantastic! Always pretty hopping but never overly crowded. Definitely a place to add to your list of favorites.
(5)Kevin Y.
They have tons of great beers on tap and in bottle. Mussels are great, as well as some of their sandwiches and large plates. They obviously feel like they don't have to be nice to me because they have a great reputation and put out a quality product. However, I can't stand the condecending attitudes that the staff seems to always have. The last time I was in, the bartender was sitting on the beer cooler, reading a book while my glass was empty. She didn't smile, talk to me, or express any interest that I was even there; and it was a slow Wednesday with only a half dozen or so people at the bar. Because I love rare and obscure beer from time to time, I can't help but to revisit Monk's probably once every six months or so, always hoping the service improves, but I've yet to see anything that makes me want to come in more often.
(2)Stef S.
The imported beer is sooo expensive. Okay fine. They can't help that. I'd say 4-5 stars on the selection of beer. Otherwise the place is crowded and dark. There is no place to sit. And we're not even allowed to sit at the tables when it's midnight and no one is eating. Just because. While the food was good, I'm sure, the ambiance left much to be desired.
(2)Prasath S.
This place ta kes Belgian Food to another place...AMAZED !!! Despite waiting for 45mins last night for a table for 2, we had a memorable time here...Started off with the Fiery Wings (At a Belgian Place?) These were no Buffalo Wings that you find at a typical bar...These were soaked and blended with pickled chipotle peppers and had actual pepper skin on the sauce..so hot !!! I could only eat a few...the Pomme Frites that came along with them...different story....Thin, Crispy and served with a Paprika/Garlic Aioli that puts other fries to shame...We also had the Monk's Receipe style mussels ( felt it tasted a little too oceany) but didn't bother as much...next time we'll get red light or thai receipe....We finished off the meal with the Duck Salad SW !!! (This dish needs to be Michelin Rated !!!) Tender pieces of duck breast sliced thin...cooked medium rare..served on a long roll with goat cheese, cranberry pieces and walnuts....Heaven on a bun !!!!
(5)Lauren O.
While the service was pretty terrible the night we were there, the beer selection and food were awesome. My honest rating based on my one experience would truly be more like a 3 1/2, because the hostess clearly skipped our name (or failed to "find us" as we were promised she would), but tried to cover it up instead of admitting it and seating us ASAP after that. Our "45 minute wait" ended up being more like an hour and a half wait. Luckily, we were able to wait out some seats at the bar during that time and just ate there. The portions are hearty and everything we ordered was cooked perfectly. I would recommend the pomme frites appetizer, any of the burgers, and the duck confit entree. Delicious! I could see this being a favorite haunt if I lived in Philly, but I would definitely not return on a Saturday night at 8pm again.
(4)Kevin O.
My wife came here for the mussels, but all the food here is amazing and the alcohol varieties mind boggling. No wonder people are always lined up to get in. Not very expensive either. A gem in Philly, and a well deserved landmark.
(4)SM F.
Provided you can get a seat and are ok with a very noisy place, the beer selection is one of the best in the country and has won numerous accolades. The owners of Monks own a few other local restaurants worth checking out where the food is better. A nice place to visit in pairs, but you'll likely have a lengthy wait if you are in a group, particularly on weekends.
(4)Ramon L.
Deep belgian beer list. Not particularly cheap on the beer. I recommend the Gulden Draak: insane carmaely goodness. I had a severely underdone burger here once. Did not like that one bit. The muscles are a good deal. And passable. Not transcendent or anything, but you will be full for ten bucks! They come with nice breads and things to sop up the broth.
(4)Caitlin C.
Obviously the beer selection is awesome. I also throughly enjoyed my trifecta, which I usually get at beer parlors like this: green salad (good spicy dressing), mussels (the Red Light was delicious), and fries! Yum yum yum.
(4)Sarah C.
We got some cider, beers and mussels. All Delicious!!
(5)Chloe C.
Waitress was such an idiot, overpriced.
(1)Liz L.
Our server was friendly and knowledgable. TONS of beer options and a pretty good sized menu. I was happy to see more than a couple of vegetarian options. The food was fine, I have no complaints, but I can't say I'm not dying to go back either.
(3)Dan C.
I really want to give Monk's 4, or even 5 stars. The problem is I've been twice and enjoyed it immensely, and been twice more and had to leave without getting anything because it was so crowded. I am already planning to go back, but know that I either have to go for dinner in order to secure a table, or get there before the dinner rush to drink at the bar. Taking the crowd out of the equation, Monk's is pretty awesome. A simply epic beer list, including hard to find Belgian and American craft beers. The food is solid but unspectacular. Can't go wrong with the muscles. The atmosphere is so-so. Dark, but this is ok for some reason. Too loud though. A bit on the pricey side, but this is to be expected for such high quality beer. Can't wait to go back, but again, needs some serious planning.
(3)Juliana C.
Both times I've been here, the service was disappointing and the food just OK. I keep wanting this place to be great, but I'm not sure I'll go back a third time. Good beer selection.
(3)Laura S.
I really enjoyed our dinner at Monk's Cafe. The place was packed on a weeknight, but we were able to get seated within 30 minutes. The interior is quite dark and reminiscent of a British pub, definitely unpretentious, casual and comfortable. They have the largest assortment of beer that I have ever come across in one establishment. It really is impressive. The beer menu doubles as an informational booklet that includes a glossary of types of beer, complete with country of origin and flavor notes. I ordered a kriek lambic (black cherry beer), and it was really yummy. My boyfriend ordered stronger brew, which he also enjoyed a lot. For food, we got the Provence mussels (fumè, celery, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, leeks, garlic, parsley & cream) and split the duck salad (baby greens with duck breast (grilled medium/medium rare), goat cheese, spicy walnuts & craisins). THE MUSSELS WERE DELICIOUS. A small order for $9.95 was the perfect amount. The mussels were fresh and succulent and the broth was amazing. The fries with homemade bourbon mayo were awesome as well. And not to be outdone, the duck in the duck salad was tender and flavorful, while the veggies were crisp and refreshing. They even split it into two plates for us. I just gotta comment on the mussels again. These were probably the best mussels I've had for as long as I can remember. I can assure you, you won't be disappointed in ordering them. The only thing that was a bit disappointing was that I found the same lambic that they served being sold at BevMo! for a lot less.
(5)Jesse B.
Duck Salad Sandwich not to be missed. Wonderful.
(4)Rachel E.
Best Mussels I've ever had! The beer selection is awesome. I'm honestly not a fan of their burgers (the brioche buns are really dry!), but everything else I've had there is great!
(4)Dave H.
If you don't like sours or Belgians at all, skip it. If you actually know what beer should be and would rather cut out your own tongue than choke down a cow-piss Budweiser, this might be the place for you. The sour cask ale is from heaven. Pricey and a wee small, still worth a visit, to be sure!
(4)Chuck L.
I'm giving three stars because I've not eaten here; only had drinks on two occasions. The first time I went to Monk's was late on a Thursday, so it was easy to find a place in the back bar (always go to the back bar) and get drinks. The second, just recently, was around dinner time and I had a very different experience. First, the hostess, was borderline rude. Not just to me and my girl, but to the small group who got in right before us. I am getting so tired of pissy attitudes from service staff. If you don't like your job then go somewhere else. I'm paying to be there. It costs you nothing to be professional. I'm not even asking for polite. Just professional. Maybe we had interrupted her texting. If so, my bad. Like many, many, many other travelers, I've spent a great deal of time in Belgium. I lived on the border of Germany and Belgium for about 8 years. And I love me some Belgian beers. I rarely drink anything else. When I first found this place, I was so happy. And they really have an amazing beer selection. I only have two gripes about this as a Belgian beer establishment. The first is the selection of Belgians on tap. That's actually a little rare in Belgium as most of the Abbey beers are brewed specifically for the bottle and are lesser for being on tap. Americans tend to think a beer needs to be out of a keg to be great. Not true. But the bar staff tends to think that as well. Which leads me to my second gripe. The bar staff did not seem to know much about Belgian beers. They had Dutch beers listed as Belgian, recommended a non-Belgian beer as an Abbey beer, did not know what Trappist meant, and gave one recommendation of an anise flavored beer to someone asking for a typical Belgian. I don't want to be a snob and if there was only Duvel or Chimay available, I wouldn't care if they didn't know about Trappists, but this place advertises as a Belgian cafe. Learn yourselves some about the region! But yes, they have many wonderful beers and some that are a bit rare. So, I approve. However, if you want a more knowledgeable staff, go to Eulogy on Chestnut and 2nd. Or so, that was my experience. BTW: you should never drink Triple Karmeliet on tap. It's brewed for the bottle and is like pure liquid gold.
(3)Rashawn J.
Awesome! Get the mussels!
(4)Kelly G.
Everyone in my party loved their fries. It was gone in a flash! Loved the mussels! They were not dried out and kept their plumpness. Beer Bible was long, but the beers I picked were not suited to my tastes. Dark atmosphere and cozy. Nothing particularly stands out in my experience though. Wouldn't mind coming back at someone else's suggestion, but wouldn't come back of my own volition.
(3)Jen Y.
This place was recommended by a friend that swore by it "best mussels ever" but my boyfriend and I thought it was okay. We got the Monk Mussels and the Red Light Mussels...the Monk Mussels were just ok. We thought it was going to be super flavorful since they named the dish after their restaurant, but it just tasted bland. The Red Light Mussels were way more flavorful. Careful at the end of the meal, it's tempting to use the bread to dip into the mussel sauce, but it's really salty! The bread they originally gave us was cold, dense and not good...there were seeds all over the bread, not ideal for dipping. We dined at this restaurant with some local Phillies, and they agreed that it was just "ok" and that Chickies and Pete's was better.
(3)Nick P.
The staff here is courteous, genial and prompt. They have a beer list to die for. The food is delicious and surprisingly varied in selection. What more could you ask for?
(5)Elysia M.
Awesome. Awesome food (generous serving of the Ghent mussels full of delicious onion, bacon, even goat cheese in a bomb-ass broth, great fries even though a bit "short", and duck salad sandwich) awesome beer (my friend and I had 4 between the two of us- recommendations from our waiter that were a perfect match for our tastes), awesome service (see beer matching comment above!!). A little hidden haven. Must-visit. Can get a bit pricey with drinks, but worth it.
(4)Stephanie P.
#176 Finally got seated in the back room today! To be completely honest, I was always under the impression that the door on the left side in the back actually led to the second floor - silly me. At first, my friend and I had the place to ourselves, save for the bartender, which was perfect for a nice catch-up session. However, over time, more and more sorority and fraternity alums showed up, taking over the room and forcing us to raise our voices to unusually high pitches. No dice! Regardless, I ventured out of my comfort zone with the menu and went for the Smoke Salmon Sliders appetizer as an entree. Smart move, if I must say so myself. Delicious slices of smoked salmon sitting on top of cheese and pumpernickel with sprouts - so amazing. I actually dragged my boyfriend back with me for dinner the same day just to get those sliders again. I also found out that I'm not a fan of dark, sweet ales. I'm more a fan of brown ales that have a bit of a hoppy taste to them. Of course, also love their Pommes Frites, which came with our order of Red Light Mussels ($20 for a kilo!).
(4)Jenny M.
A casual stroll around the city on the first night of one of my many visits spawned a mini bar tour with me and my vacation companion. We stopped in here, inspired by the crowd and the term "beer emporium." Also, the bar area reminded me of a bar in my home region so I thought It had to be good! Unfortunately, it ended up not living up to what I expected. The crowd was kind of ridiculous: a mix between older guys trying to hang onto the frat life and couples. It took FOREVER to get a beer. I think we were just getting snubbed because we aren't "regulars" or because we weren't all dressed up (we ARE however hot chicks so deal with it). Seating was non existent, but we saddled up along the wall to chug. Which is exactly what we did, because we felt like leaving almost as soon as we arrived. I'd probably go back though. The bar looks charming. With the right mood in place, I'd enjoy it more.
(3)S Z.
Although quite pricey, the beer and food is authentic, unique and delicious. Be prepared to spend $60+. Minus 2 stars for the lousy service. The place is also dark, crowded and noisy.
(3)Candice C.
My Boyfriend and I decided to do a date night at Monks Cafe on suggestion from an acquaintance. The crowd was eclectic and the atmosphere was great, it was pretty jam packed but with very good reason. The "beer bible" is really well organized with amazing variety and selections. But I have to say the burgers were the highlight of the night! Trappist/ Monk's burger, I can't even find words to describe their wonder. Overall the great food, beer, and atmosphere made us happy as clams... or mussels considering I've heard great things about those too. (insert snare)
(5)Sandee L.
Awesome cafe with tons of imported beers on tap and great food! The three of us ordered the duck salad and the Ghent mussels. The duck was cooked a perfect medium rare, was juicy and delicious and went very nicely with the creamy goat cheese and walnuts. The mussels were amazing!!! They came with frites as well as rolls and we wasted no time sopping up all the juice on the bottom them. A must have! Service was very friendly and efficient, and the prices are a steal for what you get. The kitchen is open until 1am everyday. Score!
(4)Coco K.
Everything about this place was great. Ghent Mussels, Duck Salad Sandwich, Beer selection, etc. I had to deduct two stars because of the lousy choice of bun for my hamburger. A tough, chewy bun should never be employed for a burger. The bottom of the roll disintegrated and the top was bullet proof. You take a bite, the patty sqeezes out the back. It ruined my lunch. To the Chef- take a walk over to Grace Tavern on 25th and South, go inside and order a Burger. Notice the bread.
(3)Lina S.
Do you love beer? Then go here. They have an insane amount of beers and the bartenders are very knowledgeable and give great recommendations based on what you say you like. The mussels are great; I usually order two small pots and share with a friend. I've had a number of things from the food menu and none of them ever disappointed. There's an old/dark/murky vibe in there, so if you are in the mood for something bright, and cheery then maybe skip Monk's this time.
(4)Arjun N.
Excellent beer selection, excellent burgers, and excellent mussels. This place is fantastic. I'm personally a fan of the mussels (they are affordable and great, and you can get good burgers elsewhere), but you must try the burgers and curly fries sometime as well. Addendum: I don't know what they put in the mayonnaise, but I suspect it starts with a "c" and ends with "ocaine". It's that good. Minuses: Forget about going here on weekends. The wait is ridiculous. The waitstaff can be curt (which I'm willing to accept given how busy this place is at all times). I use this as my goto place to entertain visiting out of town friends, who are always amazed that you can get this good an experience for this cheap a price. It's a Philadelphia gem.
(5)Kay S.
Can't beat their seitan cheese steak and fries. Their house sour Flemish ale makes the meal even better. Good pub food, darker atmosphere but really fun.
(4)Michelle C.
Yeah, it's true. I'm that girl who never got excited about a trip to Monk's. My first experience was so-so and one subsequent trip for a quick beer during last winter's snowpocalypse didn't win me over, either. For me, Monk's was a Philly fixture that blended with the urban landscape. Why I heard myself suggesting the place as a lunch option the other day is still a mystery. Divine intervention? Perhaps. Because the pot of Ghent mussels, bathing in a Saison Dupont broth filled with bacon, leeks and blue cheese, were life-changing. Also, it appears my previous gripe is null and void. Burgers are now served with a choice of greens or - wait for it - frites. Reunited and it feels so gooooood!
(4)Ethan S.
Monk's is a great place to go if you want delicious burgers and an absolutely massive beer list. If you're going for food and drinks, you have to try the burgers at least once. Otherwise, enjoy choosing from the endless list of beers that will leave you desperate to try the next. If you go late on a weekday or Sunday night, you'll have a great time. Any other time you'll still have fun but might be a little squished. Still worth it!
(4)Lulu X.
I experienced Monk's for the first time last weekend with a buddy of mine. He had nothing but good things to say about this place. After one dinner there, I see what he was raving about. This place is fantastic. They do not take reservations at Monk's so be ready to wait for your delicious grub. Although, with a ginormous beer menu in your hands, you shouldn't have much of a problem waiting. I had a couple glasses of Allagash White during our wait. This is a tradition Belgian wheat beer. Very tasty. When they were ready to seat us, we followed the hostess through the front dining room, down a hallway to another dining area, then down yet another hallway to a back dining room. This place is a lot bigger than you would expect with 3 dining areas. I wanted to try everything on the menu, but since there were only 2 of us, we ordered the frog legs, pomme frites, Monks mussels, and Lapin a la Guauze (the rabbit entree). The frog legs were cooked buffalo wing style - deep-fried and covered in buffalo sauce. It was meaty and tender. Pomme frites came with a yummy garlic mayo. Monks mussels were tender and juicy steamed in a white parsley and garlic broth. The rabbit was braised in gueuze lambic. Everything was cooked to perfection. This place deserves 5 stars and 2 exclamation points!
(5)Dredge K.
belgian beer is all i need some days
(4)Ting Ting W.
THey have a GREAT beer selections. both draft and bottled. Every time, I will get the Monk's Flemish Sour Ale and it is delightful. Food is pretty good!
(4)Sam H.
The beer menu is extensive, bordering on overwhelming, so I didn't even bother with imbibing during my visit. First impressions, its dark but a good kind of dark. The kind of dark that'll shave 5 years and 10 pounds off of you. Their lighting game is on point. The smell of the place was fantastic. We ordered take out. The staff was polite and the food was ready quickly. We were both scratching our heads wondering why their pomme frites were so acclaimed. Don't get me wrong, we both finished our respective orders including the little crispy nubs, however, they weren't life changing. I appreciated the flavors, salty, horseradishy (?) and the bourbon sauce was ok. I think I went there with expectations that were frankly, too grand to be exceeded. If the website menu said "A lot of people think our pomme frites are pretty good, you should give them a try" I would have been all 'Hmm, I'll be the judge of that' and I may have enjoyed them more. Under promise and over deliver. My sandwich, the pulled pork, was pretty good, a bit on the small side, especially when taking the price into account. The bread was really great, soft, kind of chewy but a little soggy but I'll chalk that up to the walk time from the restaurant to hotel. My wife enjoyed her seitan cheese steak. Our one complaint was the lack of gratis forks and knives and napkins. Go for the pomme frites, stay for the beer.
(3)Joshua S.
i do love monk's atmosphere and the staff is friendly. the prices are a little unfortunate but their rent is probably pretty high so it's understandable.
(4)Rick o.
Monk's is a THE place for trying craft beers - specifically Belgian varieties. The food is nice as well, especially the pomme frittes. The only problem is space. Since this is a very popular bar, seating is really limited, even for dining.
(4)Felix P.
I've been there multiple times and have loved everything I've tried. They do not take reservations, it's first come first serve and you must be 21 or older. They have what a beer bible which has more beers than you can count(or at least that I can count, it's a lot)
(5)Arin W.
A great spot! Great service, food and drink menus. May be difficult to get in with a group. Busy on the weekends. Definitely recommend.
(4)Antima C.
I love Monk's Cafe. My current boyfriend, aka. love of my life, took me there on our first date. So, I may be slightly biased in my rating. However, the fries and the mayo are fantastic and an absolute must-have. On our first date, we ordered the fries, the smoked trout, and beer (it wasn't a dinner date). I would highly recommend getting a specialty beer there; they have a great selection. And the fries--get the fries. Enjoy!
(5)Scott B.
Great beer selection very very crowded though. I found staff to be less than accommodating. If I had to choose I would rather go to eulogy.
(4)Steven B.
I've lived in the Philly area for 15 years and have been visiting Monk's since year one. I've been for lunch, dinner, happy hour, brunch, or just a quick beer in the middle of the afternoon. I think I'm qualified to comment about this place. I believe that Monk's success is due in large part to their ability to meet the needs of several audiences. Let me explain. The Beer Lovers- This is arguably the biggest group. Monk's is literally a legend in the beer world. Not just in Philly but across the country. Their beer list is superb. I once sat at the bar on a Saturday afternoon with a couple who had driven for hours from Maryland just for the beer. Not to have lunch. Not to visit the Philly historic sites. Just to drink beer at Monk's. The Mussel People- At the moment they have six flavors and people go crazy! I've seen tables where patrons order pots of all six. Trust me; these people are devoted to this place. The Foodies- You can be surprised here. How about "Monk's Flemish Grilled Scallops" as a starter? Follow it with Salmon Framboise and if you love seafood you have one heck of a meal. There are also plenty of choices for carnivores. If you are a newbie you may be a little surprised by the physical space. There is a short dingy hallway that leads from the street to the main door. The rooms are quirky, homey, and just a little bit beat up. It all adds to the famous Monk's charm! I'm sure I'll be back again and again for another 15 years!
(4)Mike G.
good beer.
(4)Michael F.
A great selection of beers from around the world, including many Belgians on tap, does not make up for being overly crowded and overpriced. After struggling to get a spot at the bar, a small group of friends and I (four in total) then struggled to get any attention from the bartenders. Luckily, our neighbor passed over the list of beers on tap so we could get our evening started. Once we got menus, we ordered a few items for picking, which took well too long to get out. I should note the food review is merely apps, but again we found them nothing to write home about. Pricing was fair, although some of the rare and very rare beers could get rather expensive (more so than I have seen at other places which carry these types of beers). I will given them credit for a totally awesome beer selection and always rave about their "Beer Bible". It is such a shame everything else fell short. I hold out hope that is was just an off night, as I've heard too many wonderful things about this bar for it to have been this disappointing...
(2)Alie A.
Okay..... So, I'm just going to throw it out there: I wasn't all that impressed! Came here for dinner recently with a couple of girlfriends. Definitely a hipster vibe as you enter. I do really like the "Beer Bible", as well as its notification to "please refrain from stealing the beer glasses". HA. Clever, Beer Bible. Very clever. We all shared the curry mussels. They were really disappointing. Lots of juice, but lacking flavor and very small in size. FYI..a small pot is a plentiful serving for an appetizer for three people. I ordered the infamous duck sandwich. Honestly, for $12+, I was expecting a lot more than what I can only describe as a "morose-looking Wawa shorty roll" with some sliced duck and a goat cheese spread with a spring mix salad. The flavor was excellent, but the presentation was, most simply put, sad. The rest of the table ordered burgers, which blatantly appeared to be the better option. Next time around, I'll be ordering the classic.
(3)Joseph C.
Great food, great beer, cool atmosphere, I'm a big fan of this place. Starting with food - As others have pointed out, the fries and the mussels are both awesome. Really good fries aren't exactly rare in a city so densely populated with gastropubs, so they aren't a reason to go here, but if you are here you should get them. As for the mussels, I usually feel pretty lukewarm about seafood, but two different times I tried other people's and was seriously impressed. They give you a lot of mussels too. The food is really high quality other than the mussels and fries though; good burgers (again not rare but still always a plus), more variety and interesting dishes than even most gastropubs, and the duck salad sandwich was one of the better sandwiches I've ever tasted. As for the beer, you're going to be in heaven if you like dark beer, as their beer list is chock full of it (which sort of fits their atmosphere). The beer list also has really good descriptions of the beer, which is a nice change from the typical beer-list scrawled upon the chalkboard w/o prices or abv% that leaves you wondering what half the beer up there is gonna be like. I've found the staff there to be quite knowledgeable and helpful as well. Sounds like some other reviewers have had bad issues with service here, but I've always had a good experience and have found the wait staff and bartenders perfectly friendly (and its not like I'm a regular or friends with anyone there). This isn't the best place to go with a big group, but if you're with a date or a friend or two and want some awesome food and good beer, I think you will be quite happy here.
(5)Michael D.
Beer and food is great, but the crowd seems to be overwhelming...which I guess is a good sign for how good the place is....
(4)Kristen K.
Excellent mussels and fries! And pretty extensive beer list! Only 4 stars because i was sweating balls inside, some A/C please!!!!
(4)Scott R.
The beer selection is good but even better is the food. The pulled pork sandwich was awesome!!! My only complaint was they only give you a tiny side salad on the plate and I was till hungry afterwards. We also had their fries with their sauce which were pretty good as well. I also had a bite of their duck salad sandwich, which was really good as well, but I'd go back for the pulled pork-- it was one of (if not the) best pulled pork sandwich I've ever had. They ID'd us even for lunch, which was weird. Can you not eat here if you're under 21? I dunno. A baby got in though.
(4)Mario N.
The best beer bar in Philly. They bartenders really understand what they are offering and even the people at the bar will give you insight. The tap and bottle sections is out of this world. Its so good that sometime when a special brew comes along - Monks is the only spot on the east coast to get it. if your a beer geek - you must visit this place. The mussels are really good but I think the pom frits are over rated.
(5)DanaJoy88 ..
good beer list AKA Bible and the mussels can't be beat....love this place
(4)Roger B.
So unhappy about the attitude and rudeness of the staff at this place I was really looking forward to try. I totally understand they had a special event last night, a beer and food pairing with Sierra Nevada Beer. With that said the hostess asked us if we were their for the food event, we explained no. She explained that we would not be able to stay long maybe have enough time for one or two beers tops. Understandable with us. No problem. So we head down to the bar, take a seat. The one female bartender makes eye contact with both of us and then runs off without asking what we would like to drink. The other bartender sees us, make eye contact and continues to clean up. Runs off for a minute. He continues to cleanup while we are looking over the beer menu. About 10 minutes pass while we wait for the bartender to attacked our drink order. He finally goes up to us to tell us that he closed out and will not be taking any more beer orders due to the event. Real nice of him to not say anything when we first came in. Wait 15 minutes while we sit their like idiots to tell us. He was pretty snotty about it. So we walked out not very please with this establishment. I understand they had an event. All the bartender had to do when we sat at the bar was inform us that he was not serving anymore instead of letting us sit their for more then 15 minutes just to tell us we could not order. Not cool at all. BAD SERVICE I MUST SAY
(1)Steve T.
Noisy, crowded, cramped, eternal wait, and then....beer...delicious, fresh, Belgian style beer...followed up with a pot of savory mussels in a spicy red sauce...."waitress bring more bread for dipping in this divine elixir"...more noise, more beer, noise....beer........heaven.
(4)Chiller G.
The food was as good as every.
(5)Patrick D.
I first have to point out the old man bartender needs to retire, he's loosing it. His son or who ever that juice head is needs to learn some customer service skills because he was useless. Now back to the review. The mussels were in a perfect sauce, should have ordered more. The fries were out of the world and the bourbon mayo to dip them in was AMAZING!!!! Our server was very attentive and helpful although she was very busy she was great. I will go back every time I go to Philly.
(4)Chris A.
The fries are pretty good, and the burger is juicy.
(4)Laura R.
Great beer selection and the mussels are seriously spec-tac-u-lar.
(4)Steve S.
Come for the beer. Stay for a few more.
(5)Joe S.
I can see why everyone loves it here. Pros: Prices are standard Belgian beer prices. Huge selection of bottles. Mussels where great Frites were even better. Their bourbon mayo was the star of the whole trip Cons: My wife got the burger and I think I would pass on it next time around. Small, dark, and weird music No enough beer on tap Brought me the Flemish sour ale in a little wine glass. Really? They brought other beer in tulips. I was confused. Overall: I would definitely go back with friends.
(4)Lan G.
The disclaimer is that I am not a beer fan. The only beer I have had at Monk's is Allagash White which is like a typical Belgian wheat beer. I get excited about going to monk's because of the food. What I love: 1. Mussels, mussels, more mussels: I really like Provence ones. It also makes a pot of delicious dipping for the bread. 2. Frog legs and veal cheeks: they don't taste as strange as they may sound. Veal cheeks is rather tender and it makes a great dish to share among a few people. 3. Duck salad sandwich: it's something I would never expect to be made so well here. But they did it. Always a safe option for people who are not into shell fish. Overall, this is a great dining/hanging out spot for anytime of the day. My only question is: why don't they have outdoor seating?
(4)L L.
Top notch and interesting beer selections, backed by some good food. Great spot.
(4)Dia S.
Monks is a great great Philadelphia spot. Great menu, and great bar selection. The Monks Sour Ale is particularly good. Their menu is open late and the staff is very friendly. Advice, go back and every time get a different type of mussels on their menu. Definitely a spot to remember and visit regularly.
(5)Aaron K.
A really special Belgian beer cafe. They have excellent beers on draft, at reasonable prices. There is a nice, intimate atmosphere. The mussels are supposed to be good, but I haven't tried them yet.
(5)Krystal G.
best mussels everrrr and great beer
(4)Dan P.
Oh Monk's, how do I give a fair and accurate portrayal of you using only a five star overall rating system. Your food is wonderful, you beer selection is amazing. If I could vote on those separately, they would each get 5/5. Your prices are fair, but your atmosphere sucks. Your bartenders are strange and inattentive, and your policy of not letting anyone sit at a table without food (even when there are plenty of empty tables available!) is absurd for a place that calls itself a bar, not a restaurant.
(4)Matthew S.
This place is amazing. The beer selection is wonderful and the food is great. I had the duck salad sandwich after reading a review here. The staff was so kind to this out of towner and patient. It's a little tight in there so get a seat and stay put.
(5)Katy O.
I've already given this place a rave review, but I have to update and say that the service I received on my last visit was phenomenal! I went for a nice dinner and some beers with my boyfriend, and the waiter was very attentive and thoughtful. Asking if we wanted another beer, splitting our entrees for us, bringing out the mussels first with a pot for shells for each of us. Along with their awesome beer and food, the service at Monk's earns a special place in my heart (and stomach).
(5)Tyler M.
Awesome mussels. Great draft list. One of my favorite go to spots in philly.
(5)A B.
Excellent draught selection - this is the one place I can ALWAYS count on to have an Allagash on tap. Love it. Burgers and mussels are outstanding, and my meals have always been cooked perfectly. The servers, both at the bars and at the tables, are patient and willing to explain the different types of beer. My only complaint is that, twice now, tables of three to five people, have not been politely vacated after meals are finished. Most recently, my group of four waited at the back bar for about an hour and a half on a Saturday evening; meanwhile, a table of four, who had finished their meal (plates cleared) just as we were arriving, sat with their nearly-finished drinks for an hour after they signed the check. While it was nice that they weren't kicked out, polite prompting should have been given on a busy Saturday night. A huge shout-out is due to the hostesses, who keep tabs on those waiting for a table, and come find you when the table is almost ready. They allow you to actually enjoy yourself at either bar rather than worry about remaining in-sight of the hostess. Bottom Line: Monk's is a place where you can always count on a terrific burger, a terrific beer, and friendly service.
(4)Sarah H.
All right, monk's I'm giving you another chance. Well, at least another weekday, middle-of-a-storm, outside peak busyness kind of chance. Translation: I love you, but not in a "willing-to-wait-two-hours-to-dine-with-you" kind of way. Perks: Pot of mussels, basket of frites & mayo, and fresh roll all for $9.95. Beer bible "menu" covering the world and back (even though we all know you want Belgian beer, anyway) Genuine, "I was born with it" character. Wrap-up: Come during the week. At a random time or for lunch. I promise the experience will be considerably more enjoyable.
(4)Krystal H.
I'd round it up to 3.5 stars if I could. Bad service knocks 'em down a peg. We made the mistake of going on a busy weekend night, but other than the hour + long wait and horribly bitchy waitstaff, this place is awesome! All of the food we got was incredible. The three of us sampled: Charcouterie Platter, flemish grilled scallops, duck salade and monk's mussels. (I may be forgetting a few items) The scallops and mussels were at the top of my list and I strongly recommend them. Also, as a dark beer drinker I ordered a Russian stout. The bartender was nice enough to tell me that I had chosen a $25 stout prior to getting it for me. She could have just given it to me and burned me on the bill. I got it anyway and it was worth the price. More of a night-out-with-friends than a date night spot in my opinion. Next time I'll go on a weeknight. And earlier.
(3)Allison B.
I have two words for you: SEITAN CHEESESTEAK. It ain't vegan, but it was the most perfect sandwich for a no-red-meat eater like myself at a place known for their burgers. The roll was fresh, the seitan was full of flavor, the cheese wasn't too heavy, and the mushrooms/onions combo really pulled it all together. It's served with a lovely side salad for just $8.50. Highly recommended if you shy away from beef and are just sick and tired of chicken!
(5)Allie O.
Monk's Cafe is badass, and everyone who is anyone knows that if you're looking for good belgian beer and friggin french fries, you need look no further than Monk's. First of all, the bartender has great hair and great t shirts, and she wears fishnets and bikes to work. Just sayin. Secondly, they serve mussels with bacon. Come now. Stop it. Armed with a beer list to rival.....well that saying would work better if first I was like "so and such place has a beer list to rival Monks". Yeah. It's like that. Definitely pay the extra 50 cents to get the extra trappist cheese on the burger, and definitely grab a booth or table. The bar is great and everything, but it's small and there's not much elbow room. If you're into that sort of thing. Lastly, Monks features extravagant beer dinners with well planned, themed menus and intentionally special pours. One such coveted dinner that i attended was a Russian River dinner where the adorable (cheeks begging to be pinched) brewer himself and his lovely wife were there, PLUS a great Canadian chef they flew in just for this special night. The menu theme was "Stuffification" where every dish was "stuffed" with something. We ate scallop ceviche stuffed with black truffles (REAL truffles! Not truffle oil or essence of truffle or $50 shaving on top of pasta, but real, deliciously delicate french black truffles.) Amazing. Oh, and they re-poured. So we enjoyed at least 50 ounces per person of wonderful, yeasty california beer, and an amazing 7 course menu for a little over a hundred dollars per person. You can't get that at the mall.
(5)Natasha C.
I love, love, love this place. Make reservations on the weekend or you will be waiting for quite some time to get a seat. The mussels are delicious.
(5)Andrew L.
My boyfriend is yarfing out of his mouth and butt because of your cuisine. Specifically, your pulled pork sandwich. I told him he was delusional for thinking your food was any good. Your place has gotten progressively "crappy" over the years. What a dump.
(1)Dan K.
A great spot to grab a Belgian brew and some sophisticated grub. The seating, however, leaves a lot to be desired. Other than that, it's a great place for all kinds of occasions: a date, catching up with friends, or simply just to eat and drink.
(4)Parry P.
its a change from the norm
(4)Ray L.
Excellent mussel, a surprising find at Philadelphia! I ordered the duck sandwich and the Monk's mussel, both were prepared so well it is unbelievable. Also to try is the scallop starter. Very well prepared, the ambiance is a bit dark but at night after 9pm the bar is hopping. Lots of interesting home brew Belgium beer to taste and overall a great place for meal.
(5)Shawna W.
Excellent place for delicious mussels in all types of flavors! The burgers weren't really my taste since they were quite greasy. I still would go back b/c the mussels are only 10 bucks for a small bucket and very good!
(4)Chris V.
Yesterday (Sunday 3.4.12) I decided along with my buttercup that we needed a little more culture in our lives. So we hopped into the hoopty and ventured out into the city from the quiet solace of the burbs. First stop was to Holts for some cigars then we walked from there over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Frankly, now I know why I'm not cultured. Art is one of those things I just don't get. Anyway, I'm not here to talk about that. Since we walked from Walnut St, over to the Art Museum, all over the museum itself and back to Walnut we worked up a pretty good appetite. I had parked over on Latimer St. where there are a ton of options to mull over. We were hemming and hawing over where to eat (Good Dog, Fado, Max Brenner etc., etc.) but kept on walking around. Finally, we turned the corner and she spotted Monks. Remembered a few people mentioning it's a decent place to grab a brew and a bite so we figured why not. Also helped that it was right around the corner from where we parked. Didn't wait at all for a table, which apparently can be a problem at times, but that's were the good ends. I didn't keep track of time but it was a while before anyone acknowledged us being there. Then, when our server finally appeared they seemed annoyed at me asking them to help decide between two brews. We ordered our booze and food then waited. And waited. Then waited some more. Finally our appetizer appeared which was actually really good but a bit pricey. Then, a good 30 min after that our entree's finally arrived. Not that I consider a pulled pork sandwich and a burger an entree. Why it took so long to get from kitchen to table I'll never know. But when they did arrive, you guessed it, the food was cold. At this point we were so tired from the boorish table next to us not shutting the f up coupled with all the walking we had done earlier we just ate the cold food, paid the bill, and left promptly. The best part of the experience was the beer. I'd go back for a brew or five, but that's it. So, if you want great beer with mediocre food, agitating hipster clientele, and apathetic servers Monks is for you.
(2)bobbyjack s.
Best Belgian cafe outside of Brugge!
(5)Sarah B.
The Beer Bible - wow! It was so extensive, it left my head spinning! (In a good way.) I saw plenty of beers that I wanted to try but settled on a lambic framboise at $12 for 12oz. I HATE raspberries but I LOVE this beer. It's bright red and so tasty. My boyfriend ordered a 25oz Chimay (Premiere, I believe) for $20. The waiter wasn't great - he seemed really impatient with our group of four and not at all friendly. We ordered a side of steak frites that were very good. The other couple with us ordered the Provence Mussels and I tried one - I can't wait to go back and try all of the other varieites.
(4)Carlo D.
Totally enjoyed myself tonight so A++++++ for everything guys I have nothing to complain about. other than I wish I could have eaten more :O
(4)Jeff D.
If I lived in Center City, I would be here at least once a week! Monk's is among the elite few which rises above the average pub in Philly. Where do I begin? The beer selection is the best that I have ever seen in my life! Every time I go, I always want to try something new. You could also spend an hour or two reading about all of the different beers and how they are made in the booklet which is provided to you. Food is also amazing! Good burgers and the frites are soo addicting. The sauce! Oh my God, what makes that dipping sauce soo good?? My girlfriend always gets the muscles and attests that they are the best. 4/5 stars because service can be slow at times and they recently raised the price of their large pot of muscles from $15 to $20. Other than that, prices are reasonable. Overall, Monk's is very good! P.S. Don't even try to go on a Friday or Saturday night. Week nights are much better.
(4)ellainne v.
Local bar, which is nice, but the waitress with long wavy dark hair and tattoos on her left arm was a total bitch. My cousin and I were standing next to a table that a couple recently left from and still needed to be cleaned. We weren't trying to sit at the table but merely put our drinks on the table to put away our wallets. The waitress comes by and immediately says 'Aaaaaa, you can't do this.' Do what...put our drinks down for a quick second just to put something away?! It was extremely annoying that she assumed we were trying to take the table w out checking in w the hostess. After we told her we weren't trying to take the table she blew us off and said 'oh ok.' WTF!$&@ I'm all about service and she totally ruined our experience there. We quickly downed our drinks and went to another bar to spend our money. I know I sound harsh, but she could of totally approached that situation in a different and more courteous manner. Jus sayin.....
(1)Regina F.
Monks is dark and has a pretty great beer menu - but it's kind of a puzzle because the same beers (or maybe not) are listed according to origin, type and something else. That's really inconsequential when you're just looking to quench your raging thirst for whatever lambic, stout, porter, pilsner, lager, or cask beer you're in the mood for. The tap selection will leave you yearning, and the open glass refrigerators will taunt you with their vast selection of alcoholic brews. If you fancy conversation, Monk's isn't a terrible spot. If you fancy wild parties, you'd best buy your case of Natural Ice and find a frat house.
(4)Peter M.
Star #1: Bowl full of mussels made with garlic, bacon, and blue cheese. Star #2: Awesome wait staff. Star #3: Dark, taverny, cool atmosphere. Star #4: Unbelievable bottled beer list. Star #5: Pliny the Elder on draft. Who are we kidding? This place is 5-stars even if stars 1 through 4 didn't exist and they served Pliny out of an old boot. Crazy excellent and one of the best beer bars in the country.
(5)Tyler R.
Monk's is a landmark in Center City when it comes to beer, mussels, and small spaces. The bottled beer list is infamous as one of the largest in the US, and the mussels are notoriously good (try the Provençal), especially the pool of delicious broth that is left at the bottom of the pot. They rave about their french fries, and people seem to like them. That's all well and good, but it's not all it's really hyped up to be. The beer selection is very good, that's true; however, they are missing plenty of great beers, and they are all very pricey. You're better off visiting the Foodery and grabbing a few bottles of your favorites or some you haven't explored. They also have a limited draft list, and that's disappointing. The mussels are good, probably the best in the city. I have not other comments about this. You should go here for the mussels. I greatly dislike their frites (french fries). They are low in quality, and the serving you receive is minute all things considered. They are little shoe-string pieces that aren't all that tasty. If you want the best fries in the city-- Eulogy. If you want something with potato that isn't a frite? Village Whiskey for their tots (they are that incredible). Bottom line, I wouldn't come here for the fries. I can't get too down on Monk's-- it serves its purpose for its location. But, it's not as great as everyone makes it out to be. The mussels are incredible, I'll give you that. The beer list is very extensive-- no complaints there. BUT, it's not the best Belgian beer bar in the city, and the frites aren't all that great. The space is also very cramped if you try to go any reasonable hour. The rest of the menu-- I have no idea about that. Maybe I'll try that next time.
(3)Angela J.
Mussels? YES PLEASE!!! Small pot or large pot? Um....LARGE POT of course! Would you like a beer with that? Sure! Don't mind if I do! Can we get a table for ten on a Saturday night at 8 pm? HAHAHAHA...yes...but you're gonna have to wait for it! In the meantime, head to the back bar where you MIGHT luck out with a seat at the bar, try some of the beers of the evening (or their impressive bottle list) and by all means keep CLEAR of the walkways so those hard working waiters can get the burgers and mussels distributed quickly to speed the clearing of the table you are eagerly waiting for. A better idea...come on a quiet night, just a couple of you, and it's MUCH easier to score a seat and a bite :)
(4)Marcus T.
Great place for a good time and great food,
(4)Kevin W.
I was lookin forward to coming here because I heard how good their burger was but left disappointed Bun--above average but nothing special Meat-high quality not very well seasoned Toppings-nothing special Overall it didn't blow me away and was just ok
(2)Shannon R.
Monk's is everything I want and need in my food and drink life. The beer list is chock full of amazing options, and tell any server your favorite beer attributes and they'll point you in the right direction--Flemish sour ale is what I get every time. Mussels are incredible--really any style, but Ghent is a favorite--and the frites are freaking great with that BOURBON MAYO. Hot n Spicy people: try the hot wings ("Spanish Flies"). They have such a unique flavor and are wonderfully hot. Ask for their version of "bleu cheese" on the side--it's crazy good and helps curb the fire in your mouth. Not for the faint of heart, especially if you come on a night with a very happy chef. To top it off, it's such a cozy atmosphere and usually full of people. Enjoyyyy your bad self. If you really like it, try Grace Tavern or Nodding Head--same owners.
(5)Meghan P.
Although their beer bible is top notch (but on the pricey side) their subpar service and management is a deal breaker for me. While this place was once on the 'bar crawl' list for my out of town guests that come to visit I will NEVER take friends here again after that last AWFUL experience I had with the people they choose to employ. There are plenty of other bars in the area that have great beer and great service there is not reason to not to have both!
(1)Marlon T.
I love places with imported beer and well-prepared food. You should order: Ghent Mussels Duck Salad Sandwich (awesome) A tasty Belgian beer (ask your server for some suggestions) The burgers weren't that good--the bread is too thick and the meat wasn't really tasty to me. I'd stick with mussels and beer. Great spot in Philadelphia that's open relatively late.
(4)Ron N.
Beer liver's paradise. I meant lover but hey this is healthy beer! Over 300 beers. 8 kinds of Mussel's. I had the Duck Confit. I don't think I appreciated it as I was thinking Duck A l'Orange. The portion was small, crispy and a little dry. Maybe that's the way Duck Confit should be? The mussels were fantastic. Available in a variety of sauces and preparation. We shared The Brussels and The Dejeuner and loved both. This is a place I would like to visit everyday for a month and try the entire menu. Service was o.k. and the place was packed at 10:00. The wait was only 20 minutes although the hostess said it would be an hour. It's worth the wait for the healthy beer and outstanding mussels.
(5)Esther C.
Huge selection of beer, mussel flavors, and burger flavors. Fries and dip are delicious as well. Basically they do everything right. I come to Monk's at least once a quarter to get my fix!
(5)Aaron R.
If it was less popular, this place would be perfect. Extensive beer list: but just get the Monk's sour on tap. You can buy this stuff bottled all over the city, but its significantly tastier on draught. The mussels are delicious, and come with the best fries in the city, but don't let that stop you from ordering the other things on the menu which are also excellent. The one negative: If you come on a Friday night, expect to wait.
(5)Marie T.
Get the mussels and get the fries. Oh, and get some beer. They have so many types of beer, it makes my head spin. Pages and pages of beer. Monk's has all sorts of tasty steamed mussel options, and the portions are huge. You get a steaming heaping pile of mussels that are really delicious. Then, you should start eating the fries, which are really good, but the most amazing part is the bourbon mayonnaise. You'll be licking the cup it comes in by the time you're done. It's that good. I've been here a lot, and I get the burgers often. They're so-so. The inside is good, but their buns suck. Get the mussels and the fries.
(4)Anthony S.
Went to monk's a few weeks ago. We went for a later diner, I think around 9ish. I had already made myself a nice diner at home but some friends invited me out and I couldn't resist going there for the first time. We walked in and of course the place was packed. The wait for a table was about 30 minutes. This meant 30 minutes of standing "somewhere" around the bar trying not to get in the way of the staff, preventing myself from spilling my beer on myself or the other people around me, all the while still wearing my winter coat and scarf. As I stood and eavesdropped on other peoples conversations, I took note of the bar tender who was extremely knowledgeable about all the beers and wines that he had the absolute pleasure of pouring you. This man loves his job and that's awesome. Once we were seated, we all agreed we just wanted to try a bunch of different appetizers along with our rotating round of beers - how any person could drink ONE kind of beer here is beyond me. The food was all extremely good! Among a few other items, we had the Charcuterie Platter which was different kinds of chilled sausage and cheeses. This was soooo good! I highly recommend this! We also had some of their hot wings [I forget what they were called]. These wings should totally be illegal. First, they aren't some dinky little buffalo wings from Fridays. these are the full thigh, leg and wing - you get five of them. Four was enough for me. The hot "sauce" they coat these babies in is some sort of hot chili paste with a lot of red pepper flakes. Your face is going to look like the kid from A Christmas Story after he dunks his whole head in the mashed potatoes! It's ok though!! More impressively, your mouth is going to remind you precisely how hot it is in hell. I love hot foods, but these wings are torturous. They taste so freakin good but are almost impossible to eat. Good luck!
(4)Moondog J.
Must've come on an off night because I experienced none of what all these other glowing reviews rave about. First the service was a huge disappointment. We got there fairly early for a Saturday night, and the place was already buzzing. I figured there would be a wait, and I have no problem waiting for a good meal. The hostess said it would between 30-45 minutes, so we went to the bar. After seeing other parties just grab booths that would open up we asked the hostess how much longer, said she couldn't give us an answer. Closer to 2 hours later we are finally seated at a table for 4 for our party of 5, they said all their extra chairs were broken. We of course started with moules and frites. The mussels were decent but nothing great, the frites were so small you couldn't even pick them up to dip them in the aioli. My burger was decent enough, but again nothing to write home about. The food would have been more passable if it wasn't for the awful service. Good beer selection, but I would go to EULOGY(BEST BELGIAN TAVERN IN PHILLY) any day of the week over Monk's. Don't think I'll coming back.
(2)Dan G.
Went to Monk's for dinner and a couple brews... had fun and a very good selection beer... we were killing a couple hours before hitting a show at the Kimmel and Monk's served that purpose well... many choices of beer and mussels... I had the Ghent Mussels and thought they were great... then followed with a burger that was ordered medium and it came out well... not making it my favorite... also the fries were a little puny... overall if a choice I might frequent another place that was a little nicer inside and a little more room between tables... we sat in the back and were very crowded. Anyway, really just an average experience.
(3)foodie j.
Great choice of beers and appetizers. Not a great place to sit down and enjoy a good meal. Good for hanging out at the bar.
(3)JAson S.
Best mussels I ever had and cool atmosphere
(5)Alex M.
Perfect spot for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Its dark and dreary yet full of cool, happy people. The fries are a bit overrated, their burgers a bit big, and the wait a bit long but its all well worth it. The beer list is impressive and I know absolutely nothing about beer. I usually go for something that tastes like chocolate or raspberries. Yeh, I'm a little bitch. Even if you're not a little bitch I'm sure they have something to make you happy, maybe even drunk. Cheers!
(4)Mara K.
I am over Monk's and will not return. Over the years, I have visited this place hoping that service and food would improve. If anything, Monk's has gotten progressively worse over the years. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the hostess, that appears confused, and as always, offers a seat at the bar to eat your meal, as opposed to the MANY open tables around. The wait staff is inexperienced, and could care less about service. I cannot tell you how many of them ran by while my water glass remained empty. Not one offered to refill it, nor did any of them ask if everything was okay after the food was delivered. The fries are NOT what they used to be. Small, soggy, heavily salted and inconsistent. In this day and age, there are too many restaurants in this city that appreciate the business, and make you feel welcomed. This place makes you feel as if they are doing you a favor simply by seating you at one of their tables (that need to be scrubbed down, and thoroughly cleaned). My friend and I left disgusted. I hope this place either cleans up their act, or closes it's doors. There are too many other places to go to these days.. Monk's is not the one. Don't waste your money or your time.
(1)Julie T.
I loved the food and atmosphere but the waitress practically kicked us out. It was the end of the night and no one was waiting so it didn't really make sense.
(3)John H.
There are always beers on tap here I have never heard of, and the only reason I really go to bars is to try different beers. The dark wood, pews, and tapestries make this my favorite place to sit and have a beer with a burger or mussels. Tuna burger is also excellent. The fries are good, though not crispy, but I like the sauce they give you for dipping.
(5)Amy L.
Good food, great atmosphere, amazing beer selection as long as you're prepared to wait for a table. We waited 45 minutes on a Tuesday for a party of 2. The food was good, I wouldn't call it great. The bun on my burger was cold and the mussels were pretty standard. Go for the beer, not the food.
(4)Andrew K.
I love this place. The Belgian food concept could do so well in so many places. The mussels, fries, and beer are first-rate and all in such a wonderful, dark, cozy, window-watching, downtown environment. I would go twice a month on the clock were I to live in Philly.
(5)a c.
If you are are looking for a good beer, this is your place! Sorry, but the burgers aren't nearly as impressive as the beer. We ordered several different beers, shared a basket of fries, I got the Ardennes and my date had the Antwerp. The burgers weren't anything to get excited about. In fact, would have been happy just eating the fries. The place is worth trying. But the beer is the main attraction, not the food.
(3)K W.
Have to come back here every time I visit. It's dark, the alcohol is abundant and the food is awesome. Try the burger with bleu and pomme frites with lots of aioli.
(5)William T.
I'm a little torn on this one. On the one hand, they do have great food at reasonable prices. The burgers are great and the mussels are awesome. On the other hand, the staff is rude as hell. They treat customers like it is a privilege to walk through their door. Every time I go there, I have the same experience. I leave my name with an extremely rude hostess, who tells me the wait is about 20 minutes, I then notice customers who arrived after me being seated, only to finally get my table an hour later. I curse to myself that I will never go back, but the food is GOOD, and I ultimately end up returning.
(3)Brendan c.
I really like it. I agree with Alex M.'s review. The fries are overrated and the place is dark and dreary; but still good food, great burgers, excellent beer menu and that the dark and dreary is part of the charm
(4)Ryan S.
the first couple times i went, i was so amazed with the place. i think that had a lot to do with my age, but the beer and food were memorable too. now, after going there all too often for a burger and beer, i can call it what it is, a great restaurant to have a burger and beer. yea, the beer selection is ridiculous, but I've noticed that if your not looking for Belgian or obscure beers, do not ask for help from the staff; they'll look at you like your scum. if you order fries, and you MUST order fries, ask for them out first, or you may get them with the food, and then there's no time to enjoy the fries before the food gets cold, or the other way 'round. hmm. oh, it also makes a great place for after work with coworkers or vendors; there's enough stimuli to make conversations have less to do with work. ...oh, and for any out of towners, parking SUCKS in CC!!!
(4)V. C.
I probably had really high expectations and therefore was disappointed and possibly giving a slightly low grade.. I'd probably do 3.5 if I could. Ok, so the beer selection is great. There's tons of beers available. But, I thought they were not that well-priced. Kinda pricey. I guess you're paying for the extra variety and specialty beers. I got mussels, as I'd heard they were amazing there. They were ... good... but kind of dry, could use a little more flavor, and my pot was sadly lacking in broth! I love having the hot broth to dip my mussels into and I was disappointed there was barely any in the pot. The fries were decent. Anyway, I'd try it again probably but it didn't wow my world like I was hoping.
(3)Haltone H.
Great atmosphere, extensive and unusual beer selection. Food is very good - not amazingly good, but very good. Staff is competent, maybe slightly aloof. But I always enjoy coming to Monk's.
(4)Sarah G.
This might be one of my favorite bars in the country. Sure, it's a little tight and loud, but when enjoying some of the finest Belgian and Belgian style beers on offer (in the U.S. at least), the more, the merrier. I had an *incredible* night here and love, love, loved the special Russian River offering -- Publication. You will *not* find this beer anywhere else...drink it while you can! The moules frites options were all enticing but I went with the apple & caramelized leek and it blew my mind. And $10? This doesn't happen in LA! I will no doubt be visiting Monk's Cafe *every* trip I make to Philly!
(5)Tommy T.
Best beer selection so far in my Philly journeys. One problem -- they don't allow tasting. The food is outstanding. I had the "Trappist burger" (goat cheese spread, lettuce, tomato & raw onion) and it was perfectly cooked and mouth-watering good. Can't wait to go back and enjoy a good brew!
(4)Brendan M.
Incredible beer selection. Great food. Looking forward to stopping in again soon.
(5)Mary D.
We stopped for some birthday drinks with my friends, the beer menu was great, but the service was terrible. Our waitress kept coming at our terrible trying to get us to order food (it was 9.30pm) while 2 out of 5 of us had ordered food already and the rest were drinking beers. After being there for 1.5hours she brought us the check without us asking.... So rude!
(4)Todd R.
Excellent mussels and quite a variety of broths....atmosphere is rather authentic
(4)Lin P.
Best draft belgian beer selection eva. Mussels were delicious. Unfortunately I had a really dry burger on my last go there. Nevertheless, I will return over and over again because I remain loyal to belgian beer.
(4)Vincent J.
This place is a classic for Philadelphia. If you are visiting and love beer make sure you hit this spot. The food is very good also, try the Red Light Mussels.
(5)Yousef K.
Great food. Great food. And great food. Monk's cafe is reasonably priced and has great food and beer. My only complaint is that on the weekends it gets very crowded and there isn't a lot of room to move around. This has more to do with the location then anything. All and all I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)Daniel L.
Seriously awesome. Love the atmosphere, crowded and loud. Great selection of beers too.
(5)Andy R.
I have to stick with the status quo 4 star rating.. The food and beer selection deserves a 4.5, It really does.. (but the consistently STALE bread.. What's up with that?) The atmosphere is a mix.. Cool interior.. Abbaye stijl.. A lot of oud bruin wood.. great wall hangings.., but FAR too dim.. The lighting is about the same as a night flight or an over-night bus. It skates the fine line bordering charming and seeming a bit dirty-under-the-nails.. That's OK.. but it's the SERVICE that really takes away from Monk's.. Absolutely wretched. Hollow, robotic, monotone and soulless.. No smiles, no pleases, no thank-yous.. And only towards the end of the meal are you even checked up on.. much less paid any care too.. For example; Ask for the cheque, and the water you had to ask for 3 times miraculously gets refilled.. (which is almost adding insult to injury.. because it only proves that it's in thier capacity to provide decent service). * Creative moules frites and burgers.. Veal Cheeks are GREAT... Beers are great, though there could, and indeed SHOULD, BE MORE to offer ON DRAFT/ tap (!) For beer and low-land lovers in the city, it's a must.. But the crap service doesnt intice one to come back for anything other than the chance craving that can't be satisfied elsewhere. Dear owner, Shape up your staff or waste a good thing.
(4)E P.
Great vegetarian lunch. Yes the beer selection is extensive. But what really surprised me about this place was how many vegetarian food there was. Our lunch was the great pomme frites, an excellent seitan cheesesteak (the cheese was dairy) and the vegan Monk's burger, which was decent. It was all a little bit on the greasy side, but with a big glass of Lambic, it was the perfect veg meal. There are many other vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, in addition to lots and lots of meat.
(4)angela p.
I wish I lived in Philly so I could come here all the time...
(4)Jon C.
Great beer selection, and the mussels may be the best in the city. It is a small and dark restaurant, but that seems to add to the experience.
(4)Mike V.
Great spot, gets 4 stars because its always so crowded, but good beer selection and good food. If you've never been, definitely check it out. Try the mussels and the burgers.
(4)Scott J.
One of the best lunches that I've ever had was at Monk's, the first stop on a mini-pub crawl organized for my best friend's Bachelor Party Weekend. The Beer Bible is massive, the Belgian fries couldn't have been more perfect, and the mussels were succulently delicious. We all enjoyed our sandwiches or sausages as we sat in the downstairs cellar. Our large group was well accommodated and they didn't mind our noise, or the fact that were already drinking beer at noon. It's nice to have a place like this and the next time I'm back in Philly, I will definitely hit it up for quality food and drink. Beer drinkers, this is an absolute MUST stop for you.
(4)Christina Q.
They serve food the latest and they have great food. THe beer is amazing as well as the fries and mussels!
(5)Kayla C.
The duck was very tasty and plentiful.
(4)Skippy S.
Mussels and scallops, amazing ! Fries with that sauce, amazing ! Beer menu, Amazing !. I miss Philadelphia but miss Monks even more.
(5)Abby C.
Beer: great selection and very knowledgable staff. Bf ordered a beer that ended up being served at room temperature because it was in the cellar (???). Beer should be cold and ready to be served, no excuses. Frites: amazing!! Served with a delicious mayo. Yum! Frog legs: served in hot sauce, chicken wing style. The hot sauce overwhelmed the meat. Would've been better off just ordering wings. Monks mussels: these were the reason we tried this restaurant in the first place. Monks has a reputation as the best mussels in town and these did not live up to that reputation. The mussels themselves were a good size and not fishy, which is a great place to start. But everyone knows its all about the broth. This broth tasted like a combination of watered down wine and old garlic with some herbs thrown in. It was tasteless and a huge disappointment. Don't waste your time. The three stars come from the beer selection, frites, staff, atmosphere, and frites. It's all about the frites!! Unfortunately we will likely not be returning.
(3)Lia B.
my sandwich tasted like it came from the bottom of a dumpster.
(2)Joey F.
Beer selection is fantastic. Staff is friendly and knowledgable. Atmosphere is fun, vibrant, and divey. A Philadelphia classic. I'm not a fan of their mussels. Ive tried several pots and I'm just not impressed. Other menu items are much better. Sandwiches are good, veal cheek was tasty, and the fries are always good (not the best in the city tho). My favorite thing on the menu right now is the celeriac steak vegan dish. The soy cream sauce, dijon mustard, and fresh pepper create a very robustly flavorful dish. Definitely, the best way i've eaten celery root.
(3)A. N.
Amazing beer selection. Mussels are awesome and come with pomme frites (a must try). Aside from being known for their great beer selection (which is also used in their cooking) true surprise for me was their dessert. Creme Brule like cake w/ espesso was exactly what I needed. Also love that they're open till 1am. Hard to find good food & booze spots late at night. Great at what they do!
(5)Jason C.
They have a great Beer selection, and I usually get the Urthel Hop-it when I go there. They don't have a lot of room to sit and are usually packed during dinner time. I would recommend the scallop appetizers and the burger, although this is really a place to check out the vast drink selection and not their cuisine.
(3)Dave M.
I was simply overwhelmed by the food and beer choices! The mussels were amazing and the sandwich wasn't bad either. Just beware, this place is always crowded and noisy. Not the best date ambiance.
(4)Anthony M.
Monk's is the best place in the world for.... mussels. Okay, beer too. But if you're a fan of mussels Monk's is the absolute best. They have 5 kinds and all of them are delicious. The other food is top quality too. Maybe the best chicken fingers i've ever had. And the burger is definitely one of my go-to choices. Monk's Flemish Sour Ale is tops.
(5)Pam S.
Monks, you've stepped up your game. Some wimpy vegan food has been replaced, and it's a good thing. Moroccan pita? Yes please. And yeah, a basket of fries too. I'll often think of you on a Saturday afternoon and grab a table, spend way more on beer than food, and enjoy the tasty fries. And you impress everyone I bring there? Yeah, you're all right. Thank you for being a friend.
(4)Bill M.
It's kind of sad for me to do this since I've been coming here since I was 22 (cue Edit and Archie singing "Those Were The Days"). But in a lot of ways Monk's has been a shadow of it's former self for far too long. It's not completely their fault because it's largely due to the influx of crowd factor that has hit it over the past couple of years. But once that crowd factor has hit them they really lose their groove to the point that it severely hurts the quality of their food and service. And often times it ends up not being worth putting up with their super crazy wait times as a result. And while their still a beer lovers paradise that manages to bring in a lot of different varieties to the table, that experimental edge that once made them the king has gone kind of stagnant. But there's still a lot of beers, and mussel pots that can still make it worthwhile.
(3)Hybrid R.
Every beer you could ever imaging and then some. I've been going here for years and try to make it there any time I am looking for a great atmosphere and some fantastic mussels.
(4)Greg E.
Absolutely love this place - the beer is delicious, the atmosphere cozy, and the food routinely delicious. Minus one star because our mussels were overcooked or something once, making them too chewy and flavorless. The other dozen times I've been were fabulous.
(4)G F.
Amazing bartender helped me pick out the best beer for me- great selection. The burgers are fabulous and the mussels are pretty amazing- all very affordable. Definitely will be coming back!
(4)Christine B.
There's always a wait, but if you find a place to hang out and not be in everyone's way, it's worth it. Recently went on a Monday night around 7, told wait would be 30 minutes, probably closer to 20. Was able to grab a beer at the bar while we waited. I went with the Antwerp burger and my friend tried the Thai mussels. The burger was fabulous, although I didn't love the roll. Truffle cheese should be put on everything. The mussels were good, but I didn't get how the broth was a Thai broth. We really couldn't taste any curry, and there was a lot of fennel. I question whether we were given the wrong sauce, but it was good, just didn't seem Thai. The fries were excellent as usual as was the dipping sauce.
(4)Jessica E.
My first visit to Monk's was fantastic. We were looking for a place to get some great mussels and beer, and this was the perfect choice. We started out with some Port High Tide IPAs suggested by the bartender which were really great - my favorite beer that I've had recently. For dinner we shared a mixed green salad with goat cheese, veal cheeks, and two half-orders of mussels. The salad was fresh, not overdressed, and huge. The one we ordered came out split into two for us and I really can't imagine eating the whole thing by myself, unless it's all you're having for dinner. The veal cheeks were a real treat. The most tender beef stew-ish type meat I've probably ever eaten, served with a creamy polenta. The mussels were also lovely, plump and fresh with no funk/sand to them at all. They have about 5-6 different broth choices, and you order by the half pot or whole pot. We got a half of Thai curry and a half of Ghent (bleu cheese, bacon, leeks). The Thai curry was particularly good, not too sweet like it can sometimes be. Mussels are served with with frites with a delicious spicy bourbon mayo. Service was really nice also - casual and friendly yet efficient. Our server, Paul, was really knowledgeable about the food and it was obvious that he really enjoys Monk's offerings as well which I really appreciate. The hostess and bartender were the same way. Will definitely be back! Paul suggested that we become his Sunday night regulars, and I think that I will have to make that happen.
(5)Tom Z.
OMG! LOVE IT! Being a beer nerd, my friends and I had to hit this place while in Philly and it was worth it. The only place I know of on the east coast to sit and drink Russian River brews. I can not wait to return. The frog legs were pretty tasty too (my first time ever having frog legs) lol.
(5)Julia P.
Everything was amazing, from the friendly bartenders/servers to the extensive beer list to the amazing burgers to the delicious coffee/desserts. You know it's a good sign when a Belgian beer bar actually has good coffee. The whole place smelled garlicky and delicious, probably because of the mussels (which we didn't order), and they have about 5 different burger varieties, all of which are $11.95 which is reasonable. My waitress told me I could "create my own" burger if I wanted to, which I did, at no additional cost. The burgers come with fries and an amazing homemade bourbon mayo. All in all, everything was super good and reasonably priced. I definitely will be coming back. Be prepared to wait for a table/wait at the bar though - we went on a Sunday night at 6 PM and it was pretty crowded. I recommend hanging out in the bar in the back. It's less crowded/frantic back there.
(5)Carolina H.
My fries were soggy. My mussels tasted a bit too ripe. Server was sweet though, and I appreciated that a beer list tilted heavily toward Belgians included a couple of truly special, Northwest-style IPAs.
(2)Nikki C.
My spider senses kicked into over drive as I drove down 16th in search of the hotness that this city had to offer and by clicking on my phone to check out yelp, the reviews just confirmed my tingling in my toes. I spent the better part of the day doing other philly things to leave this place as a last stop oasis and it was a great move as there was an open bar stool up front right by the cheery Dan the bartender (also the ipod dj of the night) who made this place homey on a late night Sunday. The AC was a cranking on a not so hot night, but the place still felt warm so I can only imagine how hot it gets when packed. The beer menu was a little beat up and made for fun reading as so many mouth watering choices were calling out. 6 taps up front and another 12 in the smaller back bar, but many bottled choices from around the world. I settled on the Russian River Blind Pig and in an instant tasty cold hoppiness quenched out the dust of an old city in my throat and made for the end of another fun adventurous day. for more details read the other reviews. I stop here as that's all I can remember;p
(4)Jess S.
The beer selection was, of course, amazing and nearly overwhelming (just try flipping through their Beer Bible and you'll see what I mean). The Belgian-style food was also quite enjoyable and well-suited to the beer. However, the experience was tainted, ever so slightly, by the uncomfortably close quarters--our table for two nearly touched our neighbors' table, making it difficult to have even a semi-private dinner conversation. If/when I return, it would likely be for a beer or two and not for an entire meal--as delicious as their fare was, I'd prefer to not have to worry about bumping elbows with the stranger beside me while chowing down on some mussels.
(3)Lisha P.
I have come in here a few times and walked into the back room for beers. Generally, Monk's does have a good selection and I have enjoyed how chill the environment is. Walking in today with a group to head into the back room, I was grabbed... I mean, grabbed... by one of the staff members who asked to see ID and gave me a lot of attitude when I inquired about the wait to be seated. I am five feet tall, a woman, and maybe 130 lbs, so that definitely wasn't necessary. I can understand why bar staff can get a little surly, especially on a late night when you are dealing with inebriated clientele... but this was an afternoon and I certainly wasn't surly or inebriated, so the only conclusion is that the staff sucks.
(2)Caroline L.
I had a nice experience here. Of course, 90% of what you go for is the beer/cider selection, which is fabulous! Our table had the mussles which were very flavorful and fresh. The burger was a bit of a letdown given how great everything else was. It was overcooked and not that flavorful. I'll definitely go back and give it another try, though!
(3)Michelle L.
*Gasp* I have to echo Candace C.'s incredulousness at how well-loved this place is... I've even met New Yorkers who wouldn't otherwise be caught dead in Philadelphia kowtowing to its superiority. But I haven't drunk the Kool-Aid, at least not yet. Admittedly, I'm not a beer snob which is apparently Monk's (Monk's'?) target demographic. Actually, it's not quite true to say I'm not a beer snob - in a way I am the ultimate beer snob, because I don't like beer period. My ever-persuasive friend ordered the Allagash White for me ("this is the beer beer-haters like"), and I did like it! Eureka, Allagash White is the gateway beer! But this discovery didn't make up for the mediocre-to-slightly above average food, and CERTAINLY not the service. I think the same hostess has worked here for the past few years, and she's never honest OR gracious about the perpetual wait. I have a pretty imperturbably lighthearted mood, but she always gets my Monk's experience started on the wrong foot.
(3)Amy L.
If you need beer and mussels then stop by. Reward yourself with a beer or two or ten since you just made an excellent choice to stop by Monk's. Try their duck salad--you'll like it! Friendly service and just a awesome place to chit chat with friends without feeling the rush from the waiters.
(4)Alex S.
Just in case you don't know about this place, this place has incredible food (it cannot possibly get any better). I reccomend the mussels, the duck salad, and the burgers. And to anyone who is actually reading this and has never been to Monk's, well the french fries (with the dipping sauces) are the best I've ever had in my life. Tons of belgian and craft beers on tap and in bottles (food is reasonable prices, beer's a little expensive and will probably cost more than the food). I must warn that I've waited for up to an hour for a table for 2 people (still isn't going to stop me any time soon).
(5)Julian B.
Nothing beats mussels (Provence are the best) and some yummy beer. Recently had the Mac and Cheese which was decadent and super delicious. Other favorite are the Spanish flies (mega mega spicy so be warned) and the frog legs are one of my favorite dishes in the city.
(5)L C.
The place seems to have an identity crisis-- the seats are spread out like you can converse like a group of friends, but the place is so small that you will constantly be bumped into and asked to move. The decor is old and dark, but the menu is upscale and out of place. I'm perplexed. Apparently the menu is good for beer aficionados, but since I don't consider myself part of that group, I didn't get anything from the experience.
(2)Greg K.
Great beer selection. Wings are just plain hot, without having good flavor. Fries are alright.
(3)Barrett L.
I came here last night after arriving late on a long and tumultuous bus ride. I had always heard about Monk's, the mussels, and the beer list, but never had the opportunity or time to check it out. When I finally did, it was life changing. First, the beer list is phenomenal, albeit overpriced for Philly standards (most beers on tap are $8). Free from "lager", they feature a slate of regional and European craft beers, as well as many, many, many, many bottles from all over the world. And you have to read the beer bible if you can, if not for the humor and light-hearted approach to beer, for the informative lessons about how its made and the many different types. Even your beer snob buddies might learn a thing or two. Second, we knew it was clearly a foodie place when we got there after 10 and STILL had to wait for a table (much to the disbelief of some passerby). The wait at that point was pretty short, but it would all be worth it for the other main reason why you come here: The Mussels. You cannot get better mussels anywhere else in Philly. Why? Because you get a huuuuuge pot of gourmet mussels with fries and bread for $10. Seriously. It's like one of the city's best kept foodie secrets. And they're really good mussels too. I had the Ghent mussels (amazingly savory with bacon, bleu cheese, leeks, fume, and simmered in Saison Dupont), while he had the Red Light (Hoegaarden Broth with spicy chili peppers, chervil, and garlic). Why do more people not take advantage of this amazing deal? Apparently, they have really good burgers too, but that'll be for the return trip. For now, this was hands down one of the best, if not the best dinner I've had in a really long time in Philly.
(5)Robert L.
Wait, wait...BEEERRRRR! This place is fantastic! Where can you go for a really long list of great beer and a top it off with a complimenting atmosphere? HERE! I like the place and keep coming back - it feels like a second home.
(5)Justin J.
Mussels, Burgers and Beer oh my!! This iconic belgian beer house is a must visit if you are in Philly area, be prepared to spend a little more but you get what you pay for. Mussels are my normal go to when here cant beat the Ghent or the Thai mussels.
(5)Steph C.
Come here with all your friends! Came with 7 people and ordered 6 different types of mussels and shared family style. Add the Delirium and Chimay beer selections and it was fantastic. We went pretty early for dinner on a friday, so didn't have to wait...
(5)Casey K.
The beer is great, the mussels are pretty decent too. They do have this Philly-pretentious vibe, but I can give them credit, given their amazing beer list.
(4)Rosemary B.
My husband has always wanted to come here he is a beer LOVER. Stopped in Saturday for a snack and a drink. The service was very slow and inconsistent...I love mussels and we ordered 2 small bowls...one thai curry and one with the gorgonzola cheese and bacon...the thai curry wasn't very good, it could have used a splash of coconut milk, but the other order was delicious, very very good. All of the mussels were open and they were a decent size. However, the "frites" were limp, soggy and cold which was a disapointment. My husband enjoyed his beer and I was happy to have a glass of Chardonnay (which is advertised as Stone Cellars on the menu, but served and billed just as "NAPA" at $3 more (but much better tasting, it just should have been mentioned) I wouldn't go back, and even with the amazing beer selection I don't think my husband would either. Overall it wasn't anything amazing.
(2)Jay R.
If you are going there just for the beer, A+. Off the charts list of beer. (If you are a bud light, coors light drinker, you might as well turn around and walk out...) As most of the reviews state, their mussels are fantastic, hard to ever get them anywhere else again. Burger itself was very good, I enjoyed the toppings and the flavor was wonderful, not my perfect choice for a bun, I prefer a more 'Brioche' style roll. I ended up eating it open-face and using the top to soak up more deliciousness broth from the mussels...
(5)Maggie M.
Want to know how NOT to get a tip? stare at the table of four young(ish) women you are waiting on and say, "let me get this straight-- you want **four** orders of fries with your meals???? are you seriously going to eat that much?" but what would monk's be without scornful, mocking waiters? (that might just be because i am a beer idiot) or incredibly delicious, top 3 in philly French Fries? or big savory salads? or giant tubs of mussels (which i don't like but my friends just looooove)? i'll tell you what monk's would be-- only the best place to drink incredible belgian and german beers made in all kinds of different ways i don't understand and will never remember! I always try at least two new brews each time I go (this time Lindeman's Frambois-- i never like the fruity ones, i don't know why i let people convince me-- and St. Feuillien Brune-- okay but not memorable), but I admit I finish my nights with Gaffel Kolsch (hence my continued status as a beer ignoramus-- i know what i like, and it's mostly what people call baby beers...) every couple months 3 of my friends and i meet up at monk's to catch up and, yes, probably mostly to gorge ourselves on hearty beers and salty, crunchy, potatoey goodness! as traditions go, it's one i look forward to and can wholeheartedly recommend to others. Monk's is dark and cool and loud and just a great place with great ambience all around... (snide waiters included free of charge for your entertainment...) one piece of advice: Lie, lie, LIE like a rug to the hostess and tell her YES your party is all present and accounted for. It'll still take a half hour to get your seats, and wouldn't you rather have them call your name 5 minutes after that last, late, jerky friend gets there then be just starting another 30 minute wait when they arrive? a word to the wise, though-- make sure you really trust the friend to get there in time or it all goes for naught... ooh-- and you'll have much better luck if you go there for a late lunch or late dinner... prime time is *prime time*, people, so beware :) p.s. we really did tip the waiter...
(4)Sandra O.
Great service, great food (especially the Mussels), and a wonder inspiring selection of beers. Every time I have been here, I have left happy. It is near some very good BYOBs and we often go here first for a drink and appetizer (the mussels of course) while waiting for a table.
(5)Adam F.
This is a dark, noisy, wonderful place for a fantastic beer. Went by myself on a work trip and the service was fantastic. I was able to ask several questions about the beers they had on tap and their selection was probably the best I've seen in the US. The food was wonderful and I highly recommend the mussels even though everything on the menu is divine.
(5)Charlotte M.
I want to love Monks. I did love Monks. Food is delicious. Beer is delicious. But the service is plain bad, and it affects the experience significantly. They're not not skilled, just not nice. Yes we all know Monks is very busy and important, but that's not an excuse to be rude. Don't even think of going with a big group.
(2)Elissa B.
I brought my parents here in October. It was my third visit (the first time was in Jan 2001 with my dad, actually). It was very disappointing experience. It's pretty loud first of all but that is to be expected. It's also very popular so we waited for a while for a table. We were seated at a small table in the back (good because it wasn't as loud in there). When a larger table opened up across the way, we asked if we could move and they were very nice about moving us. The issues we had were with the food. I ordered the seitan cheese steak. I specifically had asked if it had dairy or eggs in it. The waitress said no. When I took a bite, the bread tasted like it had butter on it. So I had to scrape off half the bread. My father ordered the veggie burger. He didn't like the taste and it fell apart. My mom got the duck and it wasn't prepared properly, either. So, overall, it was a rather disappointing experience at Monk's. The only good thing was the beer, unfortunately. I don't think I'll be back.
(2)Monica L.
PROS: Cheap, consistently delicious mussels, good selection of beer CONS: Overpriced dessert (HA!) Order the mussels!!! In fact, get a bunch of friends and try the mussels in different flavors. Each pot comes with bread and fries. The fries are absolutely delicious, and the bread SHOULD be used to soak up the rich, flavorful mussel-juice from the pots. Mmmm. I want me some mussels now.
(5)Rachel F.
I studied abroad in Belgium & this place totally reminds me of the bars I used to go there. Monk's Sour is always on tap and is one of my favorites. Get a burger or mussels.
(5)Jessica E.
Love Monks, one of my most missed restaurants after leaving philly. This review is solely for the new years eve beer dinner last week. There were 6 courses and the food left a lot to be desired. Scallops in buerre blanc-fantastic, but you only got one. Beer pairing was almost too harsh for the delicate scallop. Duck spring rolls- ok, nothing memorable. Salad- frissee with a few crumbles of gorgonzola (love) but again nothing special. Filet mignon with foie gas and truffle, roasted potatoes- had very little flavor, beef, truffles, foie gras or otherwise. Beef was in serious need of salt and pepper, but the portion was huge if you're into that. Our entire table ordered medium rare and they were all medium well. Cheese plate- laughable, one square of cheese the size of my thumbnail and a piece of stale bread the same size with some kind of chutney that was so flavor less I couldn't tell you what it was. Dessert- meh chocolate wafer bar (obviously frozen) with a raspberry sauce that helped a little. Reminded me of sugar wafer cookies. Flavors of the beer pairings were very good but unfortunately the food didn't really stand up to them. Also, the pace of the courses in the beginning was super slow, then all of a sudden they're coming at you rapid fire, I had trouble keeping up with the beers. Every other restaurant on nye is serving steak and lobster, dare to be different and do what you do well, Monks! So for $125 on New Year's Eve I do realize that this could be considered a "deal" but the food just didn't do it for me. We were looking for something different to do and this was a bit of a disappointment. They also kicked us out right after dessert, obviously so that they could have their after party. We were looking forward to hanging out and having a few drinks after the dinner, oh well
(2)Josh S.
Monk's Flemish Sour Ale is the ultimate beer. Before you couldn't buy Yuengling west of the PA border...It's only a matter of time before you hear people yelling for this ale west of the city. You will see all walks of life in this gastro pub. Don't be discouraged if you walkin and every table is filled...walk all the way to the back (stay to the left) and there is a bar that typically never fills up...almost reminds me of a speakeasy. The beer list is broad and the staff is very nice. At times they can be a little short staffed but they will always take time to answer questions. My fiancee loves the mussels, we have friends that come in from LA and always want to go to monks. The fries are cooked in duck fat and are the best thing on the block. I love their hot wings...WARNING...by hot, they mean HOT! If you don't like burn get them without sauce. I like the feeling I get (yes I am twisted), eyes watering, mouth burning, and nose running...something strange and intriguing about that feeling.
(4)Amber L.
Monk's is essential if you live any where downtown. The one great thing about it is that it remains 'local.' There is a good mix of philly folk there - not so much bridge and tunnel. There are the occasional rittenhouse snobs, but mostly it's for folks who like first rate gastro-pubs. These folks put that phrase on the map. The have an amazing selection of beer from all over the world, really informative and friendly staff. You should go here. Just do it. Get yourself a Duval, mussels, and fries with aoli mayo summer or winter...
(5)A C.
This is a must-visit if you go to Philly! Beer lover's heaven, with a list that could keep you busy for years. Always something off-beat or uber rare offered, with an unbeatable selection of Belgians and other Euro's. It also has a great selection of American craft beers here too... Food is great, haven't had a bad meal in 5+ visits. The only thing holding it back is the staff. Don't get me wrong, it's not like they are bad, but only one time did the bartender even attempt to strike up a conversation with me. I mean, c'mon, you're at a 8-10 person bar MAX, you've got some time to chit-chat with your patrons, maybe make a few extra bucks... Mind you, I haven't been in about a year, but it seemed like non-conversatinal bartenders were the norm every visit. Whatever though, go with a friend or three and it won't matter!! As long as they keep on bringing in the fantastic brews it's worth the trip! Try the Monks Cafe Flemish sour on tap, you'll thank me later
(4)Brian C.
It's terribly difficult to get a seat or a table at Monk's. For some, this is a good sign, for others, not. For the beer drinkers, I agree, Monk's is a wonderful place with an amazing assortment of beer that range from the lightest pale to the darkest, chocolate color. Variety is a plus. The reason I go to Monk's is for the mussels. My personal favorite are the Ghent mussels since I love blue cheese, and the bacon with it is a plus. The fries are also very good, perhaps a bit too salty and also slightly spicy. The Thai curry mussels are good too. The problem I have with Monk's is that the mussels are great, the beer is good, but it's not worth the aggravation of being smashed in the little corner by the hostess station, or waiting in a very very long, noisy line for, or having drinks and mussel juice sloshed onto you for. I know that may be part of the attraction for some, and Monk's is certainly a wonderful place, but for my old self, I usually opt out. There are other places that offer similar fair with less of the headache.
(3)Teri R.
Monk's is always a win: the food is delicious and creative, the beer selection is deep and wide. And the place is sort of equidistant to every other point in the city! Great choice if you're seeing a show on Ave of the Arts... Mussels and Chimay fortify the soul. And the caesar salad dressing is noteworthy. They are always busy. Always.
(5)Angela U.
I came here for dinner on a Monday night with my boyfriend and his family. Everything was PERFECT! We had a great, friendly waitress, the food was out-of-this-world, the drinks were fantastic, and the prices were completely reasonable. Even the music was excellent! It's no surprise that the place was packed on a weeknight! There was such a fun atmosphere, everyone in the restaurant seemed to be having a great time, relaxing, and laughing. I would recommend this place to everyone!
(5)Jonny R.
Legendary. The best beer list in the country and one of the most consistently delicious menus I've ever had in town. It's always fun to go here! Frites are great, burgers are delicious, mussels are the best in town. And the bottle list is amazing. Some complaints are you can just drink in the dining room and the servers are snobby. I haven't experience the latter, and I understand the former for the most part. If you haven't visited here, I would recommend it going there promptly. A great bar, a great restaurant, and an important part of Philadelphia's culture.
(5)D G.
We went during a weekday and sat at the bar. The bartender was horrible. Very rude service. We had fries which were great as well as the beer selection. We also had a cheese plate that was ok. The place seems to be packed on most nights from what I hear. It was disappointing that I felt like the bartender was doing us a favor by pouring us a beer. I'd probably give it more stars if it weren't for the rude service.
(2)Tiffany C.
The food was definitely great and a huge selection of beers. Not a typical place I would go to again however. Way over crowded and uncomfortable atmosphere. Might be better for out of towners!
(4)Ankur D.
damn good food. only critique is the service. I got a burger that was more rare than medium rare, and when i asked the server, the only thing he said was "its steakhouse medium rare." Didn't really make sense because i've been to steakhouses and top burger places and never noticed a difference. We had: Spanish Flies - DELICIOUS. spicy and crispy wings. perfect. Monk Burger - Awesome. Only critique was the temperature of the burger Ghent Burger (Chicken) - it was good. chicken was a bit dry for my taste, but delicious never the less. Get burgers, stay for beers, and enjoy the atmopshere!
(4)Colleen M.
The trip to Monks last night... let's just say it's been a long time comin' and it was well worth it. I am a huge mussel fan and the Ghent mussels were amazing -- like, amazing, amazing. And a happy coincidence had me pair them with the Chimay Tripel which served as the perfect compliment. I also got the Morroccan Seiten Pita... but I have to say, the mussels outshone anything I could have ordered afterward and I was sorry I even bothered. Not that it wasn't good but it wasn't anything to yelp about. :) The beer list is extensive, as everyone already knows, so my thirst was quenched. Add that to my full belly and I was a happy camper.
(4)Emma M.
Monk's is just "eh" for me. It's not amazing, it's not bad, its just "eh" I came here last week for mussels and their sour ale, the mussels were good, not great, I had expected more, and the ale was decent. In hindsight I wish I would have ordered a bottle of Duchess of Bourghese because I think it has an overall better taste. I'll probably come back to monk's but I won't make it a regular stop.
(3)Megh R.
Yummy, but pricey food, and a fantastic beer menu. Don't come here unless you want to drink.
(4)Jayson W.
A gem. Monk's sets out to provide superb beer, superb mussels, and superb plates and exceeds the mark in all categories. What was once a little known hole-in-the-wall location has skyrocketed into one of the most popular spots in Philly. Portions are huge- when they say "Small Mussels" they mean "These mussels could feed a small family"- and the beer list with some hard to find Belgian brews is as unique as you'll find anywhere. Of note, on the front of the "Beer Bible" is a notation of where you can buy the fancy and charming glasses they use to serve their drafts. It's a store not too far away. This simply shows how down-to-earth of a location Monk's really is.
(5)Jocy C.
Monk's Cafe is pretty freaking amazing. Unpretentious... and fit for foodies! On a 2.5 day weekend trip... we ate at Monk's Cafe TWICE. It was THAT good. Yup. MUST GET dishes are the following: 1) Duck Salad Sandwich - their award winning salad served sandwich style on an Italian roll, baby greens with grilled duck breast, goat cheese, spicy walnuts and craisins. - Salty & Sweet combo. YUM! yelp.com/biz_photos/OdIB… 2) Mac & Cheese - weissebeir braised French ham, asparagus, goat, cheddar, swiss and sottocenerre truffle cheese. - Most sophisticated Mac & Cheese that I've had. My bf doesn't eat Mac & Cheese on a normal basis.... but HE FINISHED THE PLATE OFF! yelp.com/biz_photos/OdIB… 3) Veal Cheeks - slow braised in Abbaye de Val Dieu brown ale with olives, garlic & herbs... served on soft polenta. - Anything cooked in alcohol is usually amazing. yelp.com/biz_photos/OdIB… 4) Small Pot of Mussels (Monk flavor) - with gueuze, fumé, garlic & parsley. Mussels were very tender. Probably the best mussels we've had. Served with bread and fries with a mayo chipotle sauce. yelp.com/biz_photos/OdIB… yelp.com/biz_photos/OdIB… Monk's Cafe also has a BEER BIBLE! Amazing. Bf and I ordered the following beers on tap: 1) Duvel Green 2) Chimay Triple 3) Triple Karmeliet - described as a spicy blonde ale yelp.com/biz_photos/OdIB… ENJOY PHILLY!
(5)Dave H.
Monk's simply has the best beer selection I've seen anywhere in the world. Most beer bars focus on one style, genre or region to the exclusion of others -- not Monk's. Their 300+ beers cover all imaginable styles from all the major beer-producing regions in the world. When I visited, they had over a dozen different Belgian, Belgian-style and assorted other beers on tap, including Lindemann's Framboise which I have never found on tap before. Some of the Belgian styles are intimidating to beer novices, so if you're visiting with a friend or relative who prefers see-through light American lagers just help guide them to a Wit or ask a server to help out. They are (to no-one's great surprise) very knowledgable about beer. The beer alone would be worth driving to Philadelphia and standing in the crowded narrow bar area for an hour waiting for a table. The food puts the place over the top. I've only ever had better moules frites at Granville Moore's in DC. The spicy wings are near-nuclear but also flavorful. You can't go wrong and -- you guessed it -- there are at least a dozen beers that pair perfectly with any food choice.
(5)Kevin C.
A haven for beer lovers. When I think of "Beer Emporium" at its finest, I think Monks. Its small, so getting a table on a weekend can be rough. The menu isnt huge, but whats in it is quality. I usually go for the specials. One of the few places a guy can go and ask for a "Kreik" and not only will you not have to explain what it is, but they'll show ya where they are on the menu. The Beer Bible is overwhelming. I say try everything, and mark each one off your bucket list as ya go along.
(5)Hardik K.
This place can very crowded on a weekend. I usually come in on a Thursday night with my buddy. The beer selection is amazing its really what all the reviewers are saying about it. Fries to go with the beer selection, you just can't go wrong! Highly recomend this place if you have no tried it out yet.
(4)Brittany K.
The bartender was very knowledgable and kind. The atmosphere is very low key. So many beers to choose from in the "beer bible" book. Very unique menu items that can't be found anywhere else. Great place!!
(5)Monique B.
The fries...all about the fries!
(3)Brian B.
One of our favorite joints. The "Brussels Mussels" with a Duvel just hits the spot. If you are into weird, funky craft beers and unique dishes, in a busy atmosphere, this is the place for you! Lots of positive energy here!
(5)Jon D.
Excellent Belgian beer selection, very good Belgian-style fries and mussels, and the duck sandwich (or salad) is good too!
(5)Ashley A.
As a part of my "Farewell Philly" tour I had to stop off at Monk's since their frog legs have been on my must eat list. We had a few rounds of beers and ordered a small pot of Thai Red Curry mussels and an order of frog legs to split. Dem legs were tasty! They remind me of chicken, but a little less tender. The sauce on them is similar to buffalo, but I don't think it's exactly the same. Thanks for another great afternoon, Monks! I'll miss you.
(5)Peter K.
I have always found this to be a great place for a default dinner if you do not feel like cooking. Get here early though! Great BELGIAN food. Every meal here I have had was spot on perfect. Perfectly cooked burgers and tasty mussels. Everything has great combinations of flavor. You can also find the similar flavors interchanged with other foods. The beer bible. Inconvenient to navigate, so just go for the first few pages or the draft list. It is informative though if you have time waiting for a friend. They definitely picked some of the odder labels from some of the normal crafts. I have yet to have a bad beer here, unlike some other beer heavy menus elsewhere. Price range? It isn't the food the racks up your bill. $ for the food. $$$ for drink.
(4)Marc F.
Yum! Beer selection is fabulous, muscles are plentiful and delicious, as is the duck salad and veal cheek. Price is reasonable too. I can imagine the place getting annoyingly packed at times.But when we were there, most tables were full and there were a few folks at the bar. That created a nice atmosphere.
(5)Bill D.
Monk's café was ok. What is nice is that it has a good Belgian beer menu and they serve food really late. The service was good, staff friendly. The food was ok. I ordered the frogs legs and Spanish flies. The frogs legs were good, but I didn't realize they would be "buffalo" frogs legs but I did enjoy them. I also enjoyed the Spanish flies, they were really spicy which I love. My girlfriend ordered the chicken fingers, and we both agree the chicken fingers were the worst chicken fingers we've ever had.
(3)Tony F.
When I first moved to Philly last summer, I had many people tell me I needed to try Monk's ASAP. Somehow, it took me until a few weeks ago to get here (I blame the seemingly endless amount of bars and restaurants in Philly for taking me so long). I was never much of a beer drinker, but recently, I started to enjoy trying all different kinds of beer. Of course, that meant I needed to get to Monk's now. I don't know what I was expecting Monk's to look like, but walking down a weird hallway and into such a tiny place certainly was not it. However, don't let that stop you! Embrace the Beer Bible and draft list and enjoy the fact that you can spend many, many days here and not even put a dent in the beer list. I of course needed to have Pliny the Elder, and it was easily the best beer I've ever had. Add in some beer battered chicken and frites and I had a wonderful first trip to Monk's.
(4)Nissa G.
Monk's is the best! ALWAYS packed so be prepared for a wait if you want to eat there, or sit down, actually. Secret is to walk through the whole place, through the tiny hallway, to the back bar. Slightly less crowded back there. GREAT burgers and mussels, huge beer selection. DELIRIUM ON TAP = LOVE
(5)Sean L.
had the scallops appetizer, great sauce and perfectly cooked. had the burger with bleu cheese, it was good, but i have had better. skip the burgers. best thing i have ever eaten is the pomme frittes....wow. amazing sauce and perfectly crisp. you have to try them. beer was excellent - had 2 of the russion river IPA on draught. perfect. prices not bad. go here.
(4)Rachael S.
I wholeheartedly love this place. Slightly grubby, dimly lit, and utterly cozy - that would be enough to lure me in even without the amazing beer list (specializing in Belgian and Trappist ales, of course), the seriously good frites, and the many preparations of steamed mussels. Service is friendly too. My favorite place in Philly, no contest.
(5)Vinayak B.
Lots of selections for the beer snob. Mussels in brussels baby! (well close haha) Recommend their mussels and for those of you have some serious appetite for heat, Recommend their Spanish Flies. I mean seriously good heat and lots of flavor. I've had really hot wings and really flavorful wings but this is the best of both worlds. Packed with smokey chipotle goodness
(5)Bill B.
Monks is Monks. I stopped in with a friend who has never been here before to show him the place. I think the place is great but overpriced. We had a total of four beers and it cost $50. Trust me, we didn't have anything grandly outrageous. I always enjoy the atmosphere here but tone down the prices. I spend allot on high end beers but at the same time, I don't appreciate being raped for basic beers (St. Bernardus, etc.). The Belgian spot I always go to is Eulogy because the prices are more manageable with the same beers. I would still recommend checking this place out, but be prepared to have your wallet bleed green.
(3)Neil S.
It might seem blasphemous to give a Philly institution such as Monk's a tepid review, but the quality of the food I was served didn't match the hype. Monk's decidedly doesn't fit the bill for a quiet meal. The crowds can get raucous and the noise deafens. Despite this loudness, the waiters project well and the service is great. Everyone helpfully guides you through alcohol and food options. The mussels taste as good as advertised. I opted for a small order of Red Light mussels and was greeted with a pot full of medium sized critters in a broth aromatic with beer, garlic, and chilies. The mussels tasted of the sea with a pleasant, bivalve funkiness. They weren't the biggest I've had but certainly some of the tastiest. The wheat bread accompaniment, rather than the standard crusty white, baffled me, but it sopped up the juices efficiently, and ended up complementing the broth. The frites disappointed, as only a few had crispness. The rest were soggy, though not bad by any standard. Despite my positive mussel experience, my friend's salmon failed. It tasted fishy and had an off aftertaste, indicating a lack of freshness. The vegetables accompanying the dish tasted pedestrian, to the effect of a mediocre home-cooked meal. What Monk's prides itself on (mussels, beer, and frites to an extent) they do well. But they need to ensure the not-as-oft-ordered menu items are up to par with the best sellers.
(3)Kimberly M.
Hands down-one of the best places to get something to drink and eat! The selection of beers is mind altering! I came here with my husband and one of his friends and we had a wonderful time!! It's a very cozy, older, and unique. One of a kind! The beer selection at this establishment is all encompassing and literally every beer in the world is served here-AMAZING! The staff knows it all too! The food is top notch and they have some unique things on the menu such as frog legs! Between the three of us, we ordered a knock out burger, scrumptious mussels, and to die for mac and cheese! This place adds a special touch to their food and it's not the typical association one would think with these plates. Highly recommend and look forward to coming back and trying something new! Make sure to get there early before the dinner rush because you will be waiting outside for quite some time to get a seat at the bar or at a table!
(5)Kris H.
One of my favorite gastropubs in Dallas is The Monk, so had to try the non related Monk's Cafe in Philly. They are both fantastic. I'm giving my nod to Dallas however as it never gets this crowded, but that's the east coast for you. Enjoyed the beer list and food. Ate in the back dining room which i appreciated as it was also crowded but not as noisy. Food and service was all very good. It's definitely a neighborhood joint and then the word got out and well.... Looking forward to going back, but during off times - if there is such a thing when drinking a beer.
(4)Rachael S.
I didn't have any food but the beer selection alone is worth 5 stars. =]
(5)Sondra C.
Food, service and atmosphere are standard for a bar - friendly, cozy and warm. Mussels come in many flavors. Chimay and other great beer selections. Plenty of mussels come in an order for two if you also dip the bread and eat all the fries. Order more if you're really hungry. Tried frogs legs. Yes, they taste like chicken - tiny, frog-shaped chickens, with a hint of bog.
(3)John D.
This place is awesome - a lot of Belgian beers that you don't find anywhere else, a lot of great Micro Brew beers as well that you can't find a lot .. and their food is awesome. I usually get the duck salad sandwich - it's amazing, I love this place - best bar in Philly
(5)Nhi Q.
The mussels are a revelation! I mean, C'MON... a pot of two dozen mussels steamed in a light curry broth for $10?! Fuggedaboutit. Went on a Saturday night and as you can imagine the wait was ridiculous. We walked several laps around the neighborhood and still ended up waiting over an hour for a table. I witnessed dozens of diners walk into the restaurant AFTER us but very few people leaving, which made me wonder if they were getting seated before us, because there's virtually no standing room inside. The hostess was unhelpful regarding estimated wait time, and I think we only got a table because we kept pestering her. That said, the food really is divine. The pomme frites are nothing to write home about, but the mussels are delicious and there are a handful of different broths you can choose from. I also enjoyed the beer. Their sour ale was reminiscent of a hard cider, which I thought paired quite well with the mussels. You'll definitely have a great meal here, as long as you're willing to overlook the average service.
(4)Jeremy L.
Very nice and large selection of beers. ncie atmospher and friendly staff. Their belgian twist on the burgers is a very nice idea (belgian cheeses, beers and other wodnerful belgan savory specialities in the burger) and their other sandwiches are very original and modern (especially a very good bread, with a really crust that is not soft). However, for a belgian pub, I found it not up to expectations that their fries are not good. They were burned on the outside and almost not cooked inside. I guess any belgian guy going there will end up appaled by the "quality" of what is their national pride !
(3)Chad E.
Great beer selection and great food. It's gotten a little pricey in the last few years and the lines for dinner are a little unbearable at times but once you're in and have your seat it's a wonderful experience. Typically I'll visit during the afternoon nowadays because it becomes crowded around 5pm-8pm.
(4)Adam K.
Their mussels are some of the best in Philadelphia! On weekends, give yourself at least an hour waiting time. They do not take reservations and are always packed. If you are a Belgian beer person, then this is your spot.
(4)Jillian M.
Best burger ever! There is a huge beer selection which was wasted on us. It's small I would make a reservation or get there early but the staff is great.
(4)Wesley C.
Get the la Trappe Quadrupel while it's still available on draft!!!!! Ok. Now onto the review: Came here late Friday night with a buddy from Atlanta - shout out to Brickstore - well, last time I came here with my wife, we had a decent time. Tonight - my buddy and I had a GREAT time. Partly because we found out la Trappe was on tap!!! seriously - one of my favs of all time. complex, but easy to drink (or sip), just great with almost any food item . . . . and we did get some food :) Mussels - went with Ghent - it was good - but as is the case because of the way it is brought out in the pot, you gotta eat your way to the bottom where all the soup/sauce is. also, it's perfect for bread-dipping. i literally felt like picking it up and drinking it because it was just that darn tasty . . . . and it was good with my la Trappe. Burger - asked for medium-well, and it was definitely on the side of well. It was a little too dry in my opinion. I've even had well-done burgers that were still juicy before, so I know it can be done. overall, I was very pleased with the goat cheese - it was creamy and smooth, and went well with the burger (and la Trappe). Mac-n-cheesey - it was interesting - 4 different cheeses, one of which was also goat cheese. It came out with the goat cheese lumped on top - almost like a pile of whipped cream - kinda funny - but I guess that way, you can eat as much/little of it as you want. I found it interesting that they used regular elbow macaroni. Lots of places these days seem to get some fancy pasta (like orchietta or something like that). But all in all, it was solid. and great with my la Trappe. Overally, we had great drinks (la Trappe), good-great food, and great company (thanks for coming up Mike L!). I think we'll be visiting again soon (with our wives this weekend)!! and if it wasn't apparent in this review - GET THE LA TRAPPE QUADRUPEL AS LONG AS IT'S ON TAP!
(4)Katelin M.
People should really look into their food selection too. The food is pretty legit as far as I am concerned. Thumbs up!
(4)Lizzy K.
I come here every week. Eddy is the best bartender, so knowledgeable about beers. Friendly atmosphere. Great food- I recommend the Duck Salad or Scallops.
(5)Dan W.
Fantastic place. The beer selection is magica, and their mussels are easily the best in Philly. It's relatively pricey (I was a college kid but my budget didn't stop me from frequenting) but it's completely worth it. Unless you are a veteran beer geek, I'd recommend to get a beer recommendation from your server. They have an extensive list of Belgian ales and hard-to-find craft brews from all around the globe. From there, enjoy your company with pleasant conversation as there are no telly's to distract you from being social. As for food, depending on your taste buds, you cannot go wrong with their mussels, pommes frites (with that CRAZY sauce), burger (top it with Belgian cheese), a salad, or sandwich (duck salad sandy). Definitely worth hitting it up.
(5)Jasmine H.
Great food, great beer. Horrible service. I been here many times and I think I can only count 2 times when the servers were actually friendly and prompt.
(3)Eric E.
Tremendous beer selection, mussels, and well above average burger. Great fries as well.
(5)Erin D.
This place is solid, but didn't really meet my expectations. The reason for the low score is that I've been spoiled by going to Teresa's in Wayne, which is very similar (great food, a HUGE beer list that goes on for pages and pages). In comparison, Monk's fell a little short. Still, Monk's DOES have a good beer list, it is just not as extensive as other places I've been (like Teresas). I can't say anything about the food because thats not really what I've gone for. I do have a problem with how dark it is. I couldn't read the menu without my iPhone flashlight app, which I think is unnecessary. All in all, the beer here is solid, but I've had better.
(3)Marty L.
Loved the duck salad and great beer selection
(5)Julia M.
Philly is a beer drinker's city, and I do enjoy my beer. You can therefore imagine how spoiled I was when my ex was living in Philly. Every time I'd visit him, we'd either check out a bar (Foodery and Eulogy are also pretty great places for beer) or pick up a couple of beers from Food and Friends to take home (I wish we had "make your own 6 pack" deals like theirs in NY). I've been to Monk's on many, many occasions, and I've never once experienced bad service or subpar quality food. The waitstaff have a pretty decent to excellent understanding of what they are serving you, which is very helpful considering just how expansive the beer list is. At any bar with such an extensive list, you will always run the risk of your sense of adventure accidentally leading you to select a pretty boring beer (for me, anything described as having chocolate, hazelnut, citrus or coffee notes usually seals the deal for me -- and sometimes my tastes betray me). I will, however, say this: I've always made an effort to try something I've never before tasted, and all things considered, I've still enjoyed more beers at Monk's than I haven't. In terms of the food, I can make the following recommendations: 1. Try the Monk's Flemish grilled scallops. Yes, they're expensive ($13) and you only get two or three large ones, but they are -- hands down! -- the best scallops I've ever had in my life, and I'm pretty sure most of you will agree. 2. Something must be said for the creative broths in which the mussels are served; there are many interesting combinations of ingredients. These aren't the best mussels I've ever had, but these broths/stews more than make up for anything the shellfish may be lacking on their own. I've tried the Mussels Provence, which are light, delicate and filled with veggie goodness. I've also tried the Mussels Brussels, which definitely tasted like something a Belgian fishwife would ladle out of a cauldron on a nippy afternoon just before a squall (tomato, herbs, garlic, you know the drill). Lastly, I've had the Mussels Ghent, which were in a much thicker broth than the others; they make it with Saison Dupont, and there was bacon and bleu cheese in it, so it was definitely heavy and rich, but very flavorful, and an unusual pairing with seafood. These were all served with their pommes frites and bourbon mayo, which are good, but not the absolute best frites I've ever had. Regardless, I can't really complain too, too much about them. 3. The beef burgers are also pretty decent. I've had the Antwerp burger (mushrooms and cheese with truffles in it), which was, obviously, pretty shroomy and dreamy. I've also had the Ardennes, which didn't blow my socks off, but it was still pretty savory (sweet ham with cheese). The buns are good quality and fresh. RECAP: 1. Extensive beer list is great for those who want to try new things and/or stick to old classics. There is something for a newbie and something for a seasoned beer geek. 2. Staff is knowledgeable. 3. Food may sometimes be expensive, but decent, ESPECIALLY... ~ The Monk's Flemish Grilled Scallops, which are the BEST SCALLOPS EVER. ~ Mussels Ghent for their rich and thick broth made with Saison Dupont, bleu cheese and bacon (delicious!). ~ The Antwerp beef burger is lip-smackingly good what with all of that mushroom awesomeness. IMPORTANT NOTES: 1. If you're a burger aficionado, and you're coming here to look for the "best burger in the world," you won't find it here. They are tasty, but your particular quest will not be completed at this place. Don't be that guy who goes to Monk's looking for the "burger to rule them all," doesn't drink any beer or eat any mussels, and then gives this place only 3 stars. That's the equivalent of going to a steakhouse in Memphis that is famous for its ribs, ordering a salad and then giving the steakhouse 2 stars because the hardboiled eggs in the Cobb salad were too soft. That would make you a douche. 2. If you hate garlic, don't have any of the seafood. All of the seafood and shellfish dishes I've had here have had garlic in them. I love garlic, you may not.
(5)Matthew F.
Monks hardly needs another positive review but here is goes anyway. This place is a haven for beer snobs; if you love good beer and solid food please try Monks asap. The beer menu (bible) is off the charts delicious. Even if you're not hungry, go in for at least one Belgium draft. The food has remained solid for the 15+ years I've been going to Monks. I almost always get a vegan burger and fries , washed down with 3 or so Belgium how can that not be a perfect lunch? Also, ever since they banned smoking here, this place is great for dates as well.
(5)Laura H.
The fries at Monk's are to die for. They have a large selection of veggie burgers (well, and burgers in general) for fellow vegetarians. My boyfriend and I love the extensive beer list. I hear it can get pretty packed, but the four times I have eaten here have been midweek.
(5)Devon M.
Yes, yes, yes! I need to go back to try their oyster bowls, but the beers are fabulous. I went with a Belgian guy and he even said it rivaled some of the pubs back home. You have to get over the prices: these are GREAT beers. Good for a night of casual drinking, not over-indulging.
(5)Richie C.
It is this good, from the atmosphere to the bartender with the gorgeous hair before we sat down. Everything was phenomenal as always in the twelve years that I have been coming here. Jodie is an amazing bar tender and the food has never missed a beat and maybe I am getting old but somehow has gotten better. I do not mind the wait because it is so darn good.
(5)Taylor S.
Monks cafe is always a treat on any given day in Philadelphia. Well known for their Belgian style mussels that are always wonderful. I prefer to hit this upscale "divey atmosphere" for lunch because dinnertime it is a zoo! Always a wait and incredibly noisy. Great for business! Not great for a relaxed meal with a pal. And one cannot talk about Monks without mentioning their stellar beer selection. You want mouth watering Belgian brew this is the place for you!
(3)S C.
Holy. Damnit. This is the THING! I was staying on rittenhouse sq for work for a month and this was my go-to spot. The only thing more expansive than their menu of Belgian Brew is there list of muscles and broths. ...the later part of that sentence doesn't read as appetizing, I now realize. But the real deal is jaw dropping. Git it.
(5)Anandi B.
Always heard awesome things and i've tried comming here multiple times but it's always so packed and me being impatient always ended up somewhere else. but on this one glorious night--got a cute cozy nook with a few of my good friends. i tried the thai curry mussels, a small pot thats not very small of delicious mussels for 10$?! what the what?! and it came with fries?! who could hate on that. i def would get thai curry again. beer selection was overwhelming but a fantastic selection indeed. 5 stars all the way. woooo~
(5)Fuzzy D.
I have a seasonal soft spot for this place. The colder it gets outside, the more I want some mussels from Monk's. It's often hard to decide which style to pick and even harder if I hit the burger menu. And the frites. Can't forget the frites. Monk's also has beer for days - arguably one of the best beer spots in the city. They have crazy rotating taps and a huge bottle list. Downside is how packed-in and crowded it can get, so prepared to get cozy with strangers. For a less crowded experience, check out their outpost in Fairmount - Belgian Cafe.
(4)Claire D.
I loved this place. We went for lunch before a matinee - just happened to walk by it and I vaguely remembered hearing about it so we went in. It was a little crowded due to the small space but we managed to beat the rush. We were placed at the end of a 6-person table with 2 other people at the other end but it somehow didn't feel awkward. I'm also a large gal but even being squished in with other patrons it didn't bother me or make me feel out of place or uncomfortable like it normally would. Not sure if I was in a good mood that day or the vibe of the place was good, so ymmv. Server was very friendly. I asked about the mussels and he recommended a few of the dishes to try. We ended up splitting a burger and a small bucket of mussels. Both were excellent. The burger was cooked perfectly and the mussels were delicious, though I think I'd get a different version next time as they were a little too garlicky for my taste, especially given that I was going to a crowded theater afterwards (I got the Monk's version). I also thought you got a very nice amount for your $10. Now to the beer. Oh my. I think it was one of the best beers I've ever had. I tried the Christmas brew that they had on tap. I forget what my boyfriend got, but his was delicious as well. And reading the beer menu was fun. So much to try! I read one review which said it was pricy, but I think it really depends on the beer. I felt the draughts were fairly priced and so was the food. All in all, I plan on going back and trying a few more beers with another bucket of mussels!
(5)Vince A.
This place is simply amazing. World class beer and an amazing menu for food. Can't recommend enough. They do offer a full bar but that's not why you're coming here. The place is small, crowded and can get pricy but its worth it. This is the rare place that can do no wrong in my mind.
(5)Sumit D.
Fell in love with Belgian beer here. The only knock is that the back room gets very crowded and often there is not much room to stand.
(5)Jennifer T.
GREAT FOOD AND GREAT DRINKS!! I LOVE Monk's and I'm always bringing friends there. I always get the Framboise Lamic (raspberry beer) and all their mussels are delicous! All thier food is great...I've never ordered anything I didn't like. My brother loves beer and they have "beer bible" of over 200+ beers and its AMAZING!! He's in beer heaven everytime he goes. The only downside is that there can be pretty long wait for a table. But, with the impressive beer selection that they have, the wait is no problem =)
(5)Julia B.
This place is dark. I mean, my mother has this crazy thing where she likes to eat in super low light (you know, candles, dimmer switch almost to lights off), and this place is darker than that. So you know, bring a flashlight if you need help reading things, but it makes for a cool ambiance. The short version: food and drink are delicious. we tried two stouts and their sour. we had veal cheeks, two types of mussels and fries. I would eat these things again. Long version: The restaurant was running something they call 19 stouts + 1 sour. So all the beers on tap are stouts. I loved this because I love stout. The hubs does not like stout, he got the sour. It was like beer, with lemon (uhhhh sour?). It was good, and apparently not always on draft, so certainly worth a try. My stouts were delicious, the waitress helped me with the subtleties of the different varieties on the menu. We started with veal cheeks - something that I've had only a few other times in my life. They were super tender, well paired with the polenta below (I was worried it would be soft on soft, but there was plenty of texture). On to the famous mussels. The Brussels mussels were good, but I dare say a little boring. Then we tried the Red Light mussels. Holy chili...these were spicy delicious. A must try if you like spice. I will be attempting to recreate this at home. Mussels were fresh! I would eat all these things again. I would order a sour again. I will be drinking stout again regardless.
(5)Wayne P.
Just as advertised. We just went for lunch on New Years Day. Special beer codices All Stouts--perfect. Had traditional mussels/ Bruge Burger & Frits; all top of the line. Many variations on mussels, all kinds of lunch choices available. The service was even better. Atmosphere warm & casual : played the first two Led Zep albums during lunch-I could have stayed all afternoon. All I saw was happy faces-please try this place, you won't be sorry.
(5)Micah T.
Attention: Need to get out of a funk? Go visit the Monk!
(5)Aaron B.
Went there last Friday night... A bit of a business and business college crowd. But it was still a GREAT atmosphere and service. Not really my scene though so there's nothing much I want to write about.
(3)Jenny W.
Wow - I don't know that I have EVER not left a tip at a restaurant/bar but this experience was horrendous. Was there on the night before Thanksgiving and we sat at the bar where we were ignored by the barender who was NOT busy. After eventually catching her attention, she honestly threw the menus down in front of us and went back to texting on her phone. When we were ready to order we had to tear her away from her phone again and she was short, impatient and overall unpleasant. We tried to make conversation, ask her about different items on the menu, etc but to no avail. I had the burger which was okay - the fries were nothing great. At one point I ordered a beer that tasted nothing like the way it was explained on the menu. I very sweetly told her I didn't like it, and could I order something else. She said it was my fault for not asking her about the beer and they don't "exchange" beers. She also basically refused to clear our dirty dishes away once we finished eating and put off a vibe of hating us and hating her life. Will never return nor recommend.
(1)R R.
Best beers in Philly, mussels are tasty and an amazing deal! Great down to earth place, always something I recommend.
(5)Gabrielle W.
This place blows. I could go on a 3 hr diatribe about how shitty my experience was at Monk's but I'll break it down in 1 sentence. Our waiter was a prick, and the food was overrated. I would recommend Belgian Cafe instead of Monk's.
(1)Michelle E.
Good, solid burger. Place looks like it could use a good cleaning. We had a bit of a wait on a Sunday night. My water glass had lip marks on it upon arrival and my fork seemed to have been dirty as well. The frites were tasty and my husband's Moules Frites were also good.
(3)Shawn R.
As a beer snob, I love Monks and its selection. As a burger fan, I'm in love with their burgers and fries. Seriously, their dipping sauce for the fries is the absolute best in the area. To highlight this serious, I will describe to you how I would take a shower with their sauce rubbing it all over my body. Letting the sauce drip down as I make quick wipes of it with fries to my taste buds pleasure. Too much? No matter what time of day you go there, it always appears to have a wait. The place is really small for such an awesome one. I guess, the saying is true about good things come in small packages. Anyway, check out this hot Philly spot and explore your beer tastes and enjoy an incredible burger.
(4)Jim N.
Great food and beer TOTALLY ruined by the terrible service at the end by screwing up charging our bill. If you go there, avoid Eddie at all costs! Party of 5, and he ran one of our cards twice and one not at all. Then when this was pointed out, he got rude and disrespectful as if it was our fault. Really sad...such a great experience until literally the last second. If you wanna be a cash only place, then be that! Don't make us uncomfortable and unhappy because you can't count to 5... Talk about crashing the plane into the gate!
(1)Monica S.
If you're a fan of real Belgian beer (Blue Moon devotees, beware!), then Monk's might just be your new favorite watering hole. Boasting one of the best all-around beer menus on the Eastern Seaboard (familiarly referred to as the "Bible"), Monk's is a Philadelphia mainstay and a late-night oasis, known for a rare pairing of great beer and great food. A welcome departure from its greasy neighbors (think: Little Pete's), Monk's offers a refreshingly un-barlike menu until 1am every night. Try the house special mussels (there are quite a few styles, each named after a Belgian city -- I recommend the "Ghent" mussels, which come in a beer-based sauce flavored with bacon, leeks, and blue cheese), or the braised veal cheeks. If you're craving a more traditional midnight snack, order a burger with fries-- better than most burgers around town! Any way you go, Monk's promises to satisfy the palette and the gullet. If you can deal with a moderate wait and a crowd, then check out this bar as soon as you can.
(4)Andy C.
Went here for dinner, and sat at the bar. The place is dark, but not terribly so. Beer selection is huge, although i did not partake in any. The menu was kinda gross, sticky and probably the most poorly put together i have ever seen. Ordered: Spanish Flies - Spicy grilled wings. Very good. Different taste, and actually fairly spicy. Cheddar and bacon burger - Good quality patty, but the bread was way to big for the meat. Had to peel a good portion of the bread off. But the taste was good and it was satisfying. Overall a good place to get a bite.
(3)Alexander S.
Great food, great beer. A bit dark inside, and the bar area's crowded. But when I need a beer that doesn't taste like the Schuylkill, I go here first.
(4)Michael L.
I was so disappointed the last time i was here. i will never go back.
(1)Kendrah R.
They do have a very good Belgian beer list. Obviously. But I wish they had great Belgian food to accompany it. I find their menu a downer, the food completely average. I wish I could even tell you what I ate but it was so absolutely non-memorable that I can't recall. Admittedly, I am probably judging this place harshly against other great Belgian bars and restaurants I have been to elsewhere in the country, Hopleaf in Chicago setting the bar the highest.
(3)Anna V.
LOVE their Beer Bible... so many Belgian and craft brews to choose from! Beer and mussels were what we had because... it's what you have to get when you come here. They have a bar in the back room which gets pretty crowded because everyone just gathers there while they wait for their tables. Their mussels come in a lot of flavors/seasonings. We found it a good idea to split an entree with someone else so you can enjoy a larger selection of food. Everything came with their delicious thin fries. This place needs more restroom stalls though... they only had two of them, both of which are unisex but one of which was broken during the night we visited.
(4)Ed F.
Ordered spanish fly and sour ale beer.. you'll lose track of time... so good. Wish to find local place like this in SoCal.
(5)Adam S.
We arrived at Monk's around 3:30PM on a Saturday. This was my first time eating here, even though I've been hearing great things about it for years. Even at this off hour, we had to wait for a few minutes before being seated at a table for six that we shared with another random couple (the hostess was nice enough to ask if this was alright before seating us). Once seated, my wife ordered a beer and I ordered my typical diet Coke. After perusing the menu briefly, I decided that I was definitely going to go for the burger. I had heard wonderful things about it and it comes with an order of Monk's famous Pommes Frites. I went with the Antwerp burger (shitake mushrooms and truffle cheese) and my wife went with the Monk's burger (caramelized leeks and blue cheese). For appetizers, we decided to split the chicken fingers and the flatbread and dips. The chicken fingers were battered in a perfect beer batter and were made of incredibly moist white meat chicken. The chicken itself was a bit underseasoned, but this did little to take away from the dish. The peach barbecue sauce that the chicken fingers were served with tasted almost exactly like a generic grocery store barbecue sauce. I was not impressed. Despite its shortcomings, the dish worked. The flatbread and dips were impressive. The flatbread was fairly standard pita style bread, but the dips and even the olives were wonderful. The dish came with roasted lemon, lager and garlic hummus, curried butternut squash, and red pepper feta dips. Out for the three, the hummus was the most standard, but still very good. The butternut squash dip was surprisingly sweet, which perfectly countered the potency of the curry. The red pepper feta dip was pungent, sweet, and flavorful. Definitely get this when you go here. When my burger came out, my initial thought was one of disappointment. The burger looked small against the huge Portuguese style roll that held it. There were a decent amount of fries next to it and a tub of bourbon mayonnaise for dipping. My first instincts about the burger were completely wrong. It was a decent size, perfectly seasoned, and perfectly cooked burger. The roll complemented it well and soaked up all of the delicious juices from the meat. Even the shitake mushrooms on the burger were cooked perfectly (tender, but not soggy) and seasoned very well. They added a nice depth of texture and flavor to the burger. My wife's burger was also very nicely cooked. The blue cheese was very strong and the leeks added a slightly sweet balance to the cheese's pungency. Strangely enough, I was a bit disappointed in the Pommes Frites. I've been to the Netherlands (Belgium's neighbor to the north) and had Belgian style fries there. The fries there were cooked a lot thicker (these were about McDonald's thickness) and I like that style better. The seasoning on the fries was fine and the bourbon mayonnaise was also tasty. Nothing blew my mind, though, and I really wanted it to. I feel that Jose Garces has better (if slightly overseasoned) fries at JG Domestic. The fries were still incredibly good, just not as good as I've built them up to be. Service was good. Our waitress was fairly attentive and helpful when recommending items off of the menu. All in all, Monk's Cafe was very good. I would make the trip back for the burger alone
(4)Frank R.
After going back here a few times, the glimmer wears off rather quickly. This update pertains only and completely to the beer service. I have not eaten here. First off, the place is horribly over priced. Don't get me wrong, I usually have no problem pay top dollar for good beer. I make six packs from the Finger Lakes Beverage center for $40-$50. I know quality is costly. There are some fantastic beers here but they are ridiculously over priced, especially for an 8-10 oz draft. I can get the same exact beer at any number of other take out places for 1/2 the price. For example, I paid $22 for Dogfish Head Worldwide Stout. I get the same beer at Finger Lakes Beverage Center for $9. That frustrates me. I feel Monk's uses the term "Belgium" in the same sense as grocery stores use "organic", a term used to justify high prices. The service is terrible. I've been back here about 3 times since I first went. It takes a long time to get the bartender's attention, another 5 minutes to get your beer, and another 10 minutes to close your tab. I went here on 2-Jan-10 in the mid afternoon. It took an hour to order, drink, and pay for 2 beers. It wouldn't be too bad but considering my friend and I drank our delicious Scaldis Noel and Allagash White in a few minutes, most of our time was spent waiting. I don't necessarily think the poor service is due to the people working or the lack of workers to deal with the crowds. The back bar had 1 server for about 20 people. Not efficient. A lot of people like this place so its almost always crowded. If you're not at a table or the bar, you're constantly being jostled around like at a frat party. I typically avoid places like that. Monk's is definitely a beer drinker's "must visit" place, but you'll probably want to visit it once.
(2)Mama O.
If you are looking for a friendly bar for relaxing & having some drinks with friends- this IS NOT the place! I have NEVER been to a more UN- friendly place. The Staff is OBNOXIOUS , RUDE, SNOBBY. The Patrons are CLICKY & PRETENTIOUS. Aren't bars supposed to be fun??? As you can read in other reviews- they hit you with all these "rules" they seem to make up on the spot because I think they just don't like customers-? DEAR MONKS, Maybe you are confused by the fancy beer labels you surround yourself with, but NEWSFLASH: You Are Just Another Dingy Neighborhood Bar. Get over yourselves.
(1)John R.
Yet another beer snob heaven. Their selection is incredibly long and full of exotic beers from all over the globe. Be ready for a wait depending on when you show up. This place gets packed....fast. The service was great. The entire staff was attentive and truly love beer. They can answer any questions you may have. Lastly the food is pretty good. I had the duck confit. The flavors from the orange zest, garlic, rosemary and thyme really popped. Highly suggest trying it.
(4)Brian H.
i've been to monk's at least a half-dozen times and have yet to be disappointed. they have an excellent beer list - mostly begian (it is a belgian bar after all) but with a good selection of local and other domestic craft brews as well as other european offerings. the food is solid, though i can really only speak for the mussels as that's what i have ordered every time - between my own dish and sharing with my girlfriend, i have certainly tried every preparation they serve at this point - thai curry, monk's and brussels are my personal favorites, though they are all great depending on the time of year, weather, etc. service has always been fine, nothing to complain about or particularly applaud. wait-times are long on busy nights (thurs-sat) so come early or eat late. some other yelpers complained about it being a bit dark and i agree - it's *just* too dark in there, though i think much brighter would kill the ambiance... nothing that would keep me away though!
(4)Jon S.
What a great place. I came here (again) in search of beer, who knew the Grilled Chicken & Mango salad would be so wonderful. I am not one to normally order salad for dinner, but this one hit the spot! I can always be sure to find a beer here that I have never tried (which is becoming difficult these days). A good place to make it a point to visit if you love beer.
(4)Christina H.
There are very few places where I am willing to wait over an hour for a table. Monk's is it. But because of this, I don't go often, and I don't even consider going on a weekend anymore. The 6 of us went on Tuesday, and the place was packed at 6:30! Fortunately, we are Monk's savvy, and showed up an hour early to start our festivities at the bar, so by 7:30 we'd have a table. They don't take reservations and they won't seat you unless everyone is here, so once our last friend arrived at 7:30, we were seated at 7:45, not too bad. Their beer selections rocks, and I really don't like to drink beer anymore (the bubbles make me feel sick), but here, you have to drink the beer, so I had their chimay on tap, and a bells in a bottle. I promptly started to get a buzz since I was there on an empty stomach, so we order fries at the bar while we waited. I LOVE their dipping sauce. It's SO much better than ketchup, and almost makes you think ketchup is so declasse. I've tried to replicate this sauce at home, but it's just not the same. For dinner, I had a large pot of Brussels Mussels (it rhymes!) and their green mixed salad. It was plenty and I was full. Their expresso creme brulee really was a misnomer, but nevertheless decent with a cup of coffee. I guess I am biased, because if it was anywhere else, I'd probaby give it less stars, but I love their beer selection, their fries (really just the sauce), and their mussels, that I'm willing to deal with the wait, spotty service, and the loud atmosphere.
(4)Jessie C.
Great beer selection. I didn't eat here but I am certainly planning on it next time i'm in Phily.
(4)Sherman W.
Iconic Belgian beer cafe with high-end bar food, including frogs legs and mussels. The mussels are outstanding, and the selection of beers is extensive.
(5)Jason B.
I like Monk's well enough. For a more enjoyable experience, it helps to go at the right time (during off peak hours). I hate it when it's crowded and it's usually pretty crowded. I often sit at the bar and the service is consistently spot on. I went last week and was reminded of one of my first times. I think it was during the day on a weekend, well past brunch time. The place was nearly empty save for a table or two and one guy sitting at the bar. So, that one guy was drunk and started a conversation with me. Him: What are you eating? Me: The Vegan "Meat Loaf" (Their quotes, not mine). Him: Looks good, I'll have to try that sometime. Have you tried the Veal Cheeks? Me: Uh, no. Vegan Veal Cheeks? Very interesting. From that point on I knew he: A) wasn't listening. B) didn't understand the concept of Vegan. C) was talking to me only so he could hear his own voice. D) all of the above. P.S. So, I had some stuff to do and didn't get a chance to finish this review. When I came back to finish it, Yelp informed me "You have a draft." No, YOU have a draught! We're talkin' about Monk's, remember?
(4)Craig H.
Incredible craft beer selection - I had the Red River Damnation which was excellent. Try the Monks Flemish Sour Ale as well. The food is great. Fresh mussels prepared a number of different ways and pomme frittes which are great as well. A quick walk from suburban station and you're there. Highly recommend this place but it will get crowded so ask for a taxable and sit back and enjoy the ambience, food and BEER!
(5)Jim S.
Great place.The beer and mussels are great. I was there a couple of days ago, I ordered a hamburger.....bad choice. The burger was good but the roll was very hard and very large. The rustic bread was not hamburger worthy. Burgers need soft rolls.
(4)Adam G.
The sausage and mussels are amazing, and the beer selection is unique. They were offering some incredible sour ales the day we were there, so a little bit of luck goes a long way. The space is quite dark and kinda tight, but if you don't mind that, it's a great small spot to make a stop for some good Belgian/.
(4)Robert V.
impressive beer and food menu. place was packed with locals. we waited over an hour to get in and chowed down hard: pomme frites, grilled sausage and cheese platter, chipolte wings to start with. For my meal I let the waiter pick, and I got duck confit. it was cooked well and had that classic rich flavor known with confit. it was served with mashed yams and string beans. of course it was all perfectly balanced with my Chimay Blue Label (grand reserve). I'd come back again.
(4)Gene D.
Plus side: Terrific beer list. It's only a block from the Kimmel Center. Mussels Minus side: service. Desultory at best. those things they call frites. They are not even close to what they call frites in Belgium. They are not even close to what I'd call edible even if you call them something else. An overabundance of hipsters. I guess they need to leave their parent's basement sometime.
(3)Kate V.
Great place for Belgian beer. We settled in with the monk cafe at 11 and there was no wait. The restaurant/pub was pretty filled with people tho so we were glad there wasn't another 1.5 hrs wait ahead of us. Philly night club close at 2 so gotta have food quick. I had the raspberry beer and my friend had a Christmas something beer. The raspberry beer is amazing IMO. Very light, refreshing and delicious. My friend liked his beer but it was a pretty strong/bitter ale for my liking. Moving on to food. We ordered pomme frites. Ehhh my only experience with pomme frites was that amazing fries place in st mark in NYC (by 2nd&st mark?) and this is completely different. The fries cut were stick like compared to thr steak like cut at the nyc place. Mayo dip was not that spectacular. It was ok. We were hungry and gulped down the fries but I wouldn't order this again. I think this place has great vegetarian/vegan options. Tho I did not like my vegan pita. Way too acidic for my taste. I guess the chef Od on the vinegar? My friend order duck confit. I thought the portion was good but he ate a lot for his size (he's a cross country runner) and thought it was just ok. All in all, I would return again for the beer and check out their other vegetarian options. And would def recommend this place. Wait staff is friendly. Although if u eat late at night like us, u might see some drunk people acting ridiculous.
(4)Attila B.
Awful. A perfect example of what's wrong with Americans. Imagine waiting around for an hour for slow rude service, boring tasteless bland food and beer I could have ordered elsewhere. Its been a year since I went to monks. Geeee why don't I go back and give them a second try? NOT! I'm not sure why people think this place is great. Perhaps its the whole crowds attract crowds or perhaps, for many, its exciting to get seated after a very long wait, especially after all that time invested it just HAS to be good! Otherwise one might feel pretty darn stupid having waited uncomfortably squeezed up against smelly strangers in some doorway like some dumbass, just to get served slop. Its been a year since I posted my review but I just noticed it was removed so here I am writing the wrong, and even still I regret the time I spent there.
(1)Art S.
My recent visit here confirmed everything I love about this place, and why it's still my favorite place ever. Awesome beer, the most amazing veal-chicken-garlic sausage sandwich I've ever eaten, and braised veal cheeks that would make me get all stabby on a baby cow. God bless you, Monk's.
(5)Fran S.
We go here when we crave mussels and fries. Monks does mussels well. A few favorite preparations are the Brussels with tomato, fennel and garlic and the Ghent with leeks, bacon and bleu cheese. I know there are purists who say fish and cheese - never! I say can you really go wrong with bleu cheese? I can't. I have to say I cannot speak to the rest of the menu I really have never try it, but I do love the mussels.
(4)Adam R.
Took my parents from out of town to dinner here early one saturday night. Already at 7PM this place was hoppin. I can see why because the food was awesome, the place is just funky cool, and the beer...YES PLEASE. We ate: Mussels, Pulled pork sammich, and my dad had a burger. We all loved our meals and i LOVED looking through the beer list and trying a few. Go here- eat here, DRINK here and be merry!
(4)Jeff M.
I went to Monk's a couple times last year and just recently went back this year. The quality of the food and portion size both slightly decreased. I mention the portion size even though my entree on my last visit was more than ample. Monk's is very loud and busy. I'll only go here for lunch or if I get in the door for an early dinner by 5pm. They take no reservations and only seat full parties so you won't be able to drop someone off the get a table while you park. One time I witnessed the hostess tell a table they could not order any more food or stay longer unless they moved to the bar. I could not believe this actually happened. If this happened to me I'd never go back. I am disappointed that they took the rabbit terrine and venison pot pie off the menu. They have been replaced by a boring terrine and chicken pie, respectively, These were great unique dishes you'd have difficulty finding elsewhere in Philly. One of my favorite meals in Philadelphia is Monk's duck ragout with thick 'South Philly' pasta. The burgers are also very good. The fries are very rustic and some people swear by them. If you are getting mussels I'll let you in on a secret: if you order two pots you'll get more mussels at a lesser price and twice the variety if you want. I still have no idea why the server would tell me this. The beer selection is always changing and I found the servers to be very knowledgeable.
(3)Megan D.
I went to Monk's with my boyfriend, brother, and his girlfriend on a Friday night. It is a small, dark place but a great atmosphere. However, since it was Friday night it was super packed. They said it would be a 35 minute wait for a table so we got a few, very tasty beers. The beer list is beyond overwhelming, so choose wisely. It ended up being about an hour until we were seated at which point we were all starving. We got two orders of mussels in two different sauces that I could have drank. The frites were amazing. The duck salad sandwich was SO damn good. And even though we waited a long time, we did not wait long at all for our food. Definitely go here but maybe not on a weekend night unless it's a Sunday to avoid an extra long wait time.
(4)G D.
It's a classic. The fact that it's been around as long as it has tells you what you need to know. The space is a little cramped but other positive comments on the quality of the food and beer are correct.
(4)Ann M.
definitely get the pommes frites! you wont be disappointed. great food, ambiance and service!
(4)T M.
Very nice. Great selection of Belgium beers. Mussels are amazing.
(4)Rachel H.
Best mussels in Philadelphia. The thai coconut is always my go to. The trout salad is also phenomenal. I only wish that it wasn't so popular. The wait is never short, so be ready to drink at the bar.
(5)Christina W.
What happened? A month ago, Monk's was my most favorite place! Last Friday, we got to Monk's by 6, and there was no wait, but one of our party had run to the Kimmel Center to pick up will-call tickets, so they refused to seat us. When he got back 10 minutes later, the wait was 30 minutes. "Alright," we said, "unfortunate, but not a problem." 45 minutes passed. An hour passed. Nervously, we glanced at our watches, and computed that there was no way to eat and still make an 8pm show. So we left and got pizza. We came back after the concert, and we were promptly seated (around 10:30). Our food came quickly; the seitan meatballs were gross. The mussels were plentiful (over 2dozen for $10) but way overcooked, and flavorless, despite being cooked in all these different flavors (They were the DeKonnick mussels, so in ale, apple, guyere, leek, and garlic). The frites...oh the frites!... were cold, soggy, overly salted (like, WAY overly salted) and the mayo was disgustingly garlic-y. One of our party was constantly begging for water...granted he was being silly, but when the waiter joked about it, my friend replied, "you guys have got salty food here." It was said with a joking tone, but really, it was true. So sad!
(2)Devon D.
Just the beer and the mussels selection give this place 5 stars! The Belgian sour ale made for Monks is delicious and the other selections are really excellent as well. The atmosphere is great - a nice small place with lots of character. The service is really impressive as well. So glad we stopped in for dinner! Would gladly go there any night for the mussels. Other dinners looked excellent as well.
(5)Allison E.
I like the beer selection and find their food good. Knocking off 1 star for service. It is never GREAT, just always OK or GOOD. The staff isn't nice but they aren't rude either. Always a strange vibe from them. Usually just eat, drink and leave ASAP. Don't always feel comfortable relaxing at the table and taking my time eating and ordering.
(4)Joe B.
Tried Monk's tonight because I had read many good reviews here and on other foodie sites. Had a really delicious hoppy IPA on tap, and ordered the Duck Sandwich, an incredibly tasty experience. The duck sandwich is medallions of duck meat served on a submarine torpedo-style roll. There's greens, chunks of sweet walnuts, goat cheese, etc. The combo definitely works. There's a lot of different tastes and textures going on and it definitely works.
(3)Douglas H.
Absolutely awesome. I decided to head over for an early Sunday dinner on the first night of a work trip. At 4:30 there was no wait. Tried both the St. Bernardas abt 12 degrees, and the house Monk flemish sour ale. Both amazing beers. Pome frites were good, could have been crisper, only negative of the whole meal. Ghent mussles, awesome. Small order was overkill for single persons starter. Boudin blanc sausage sandwitch with abbots pomery crock mustard. Great sausage and the best mustard you can buy. I keep a jar at home (can't find in the regular supermarket but igourmet.com can mail order $$$). Very happy my friends recommended Monk's cafe!
(5)Isaac T.
Awesome burger, fries and beer selection
(4)Lils N.
My go-to place for mussels, sweet potato fries, and beer!!! It doesn't get any better than this. :) I would suggest only eating mussels or the burgers because I haven't heard many people raving about the other food on the menu. The mussels come in either regular bowls or large bowls. The large bowls are humongous and i'd only suggest it if you are starving or its your only meal for the day. The reason why is because all orders of the mussels come with a side order of sweet potato fries and a bread for you to dip in the mussel broth. So, indulging on another half pound of mussels is not necessary to leave feeling pleasantly full. My one suggestion is that if you are ordering mussels with a group of people and someone orders a large and another person orders a regular of the same flavor, make sure to tell them to cook them separately. My bestfriend ordered a regular and my other friend ordered a large, so what ended up happening is that my friend got all the uncooked mussels in her regular bowl and didn't have any broth in it whereas the large bowl had all the sauce and didn't have any raw mussels. That's our speculation because half of her mussels were closed and she also had a bad stomach ache afterwards. Otherwise, i love Monks!! yay!
(4)Amy J.
always fun and good. i always bring my friends here from out of town..good beer selection and great fast food. the burgers are yum.
(4)Elaine C.
The mussels here are amazing!!! I also really liked our waiter. He was real friendly and recommended some great brews for us to try.
(5)Carlin Y.
Awesome beer place. I haven't tried their food, but the beer selection was really fantastic and not too expensive. Bartender also helped out with picking and trying some beers when I stopped recognizing names on the list. A little hard to find, but totally worth it!
(4)Katie B.
Visited back in August and had such a fabulous meal! Sour Flemish Ale is definitely different and worth a try! My party spilt the duck sandwich and a pot of mussels. Worth every lick of the finger and penny.
(4)Gordon D.
Visited this "joint" twice recently. Old, dark and delightful. My kind of place. Good beer and friendly people.
(4)Sarah C.
Pot of Mussels in different sauces-YUM! Comes with a batch of fries. beer selection is great!
(5)Jill T.
I was kind of disappointed. I've heard really good things about Monk's, but I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. I think perhaps this is due to the fact that I wasn't drinking, and it's pretty obvious with their beer selection I would have been happy with any choice I made. The food just didn't cut it for me. It wasn't bad by any means, but just not as good as I expected due to all of the hype. I'm going to try Monk's again, I feel like maybe I haven't given them a fair shake.
(3)Steve L.
Thank you Steven B for recommending this place to me. Monk's Cafe is amazing! People love chicken and beer, but mussels and beer is the new thing. We had some of their house beer to start, and it was a delight to drink. I am not a big beer drinker, or any drinker really, but it was super smooth. We also enjoyed the Ghent Mussels. We didn't really know which ones were good, but we were assured that any flavor of mussels is good here due to the popularity of the place. Plus, it had bacon, so you can't really lose! These were delicious and cooked very well. They weren't puny and shrivelled up like many other places offering mussels. If you are in for a quick bite with good company and good beer, Monk's should be on your list!
(4)Douglas W.
Great food and the best beer selection you could ask for, all with a relaxed unpretentious atmosphere. Amazing place!
(5)John S.
Really enjoyed our dinner here. Great beer selection. Obviously lots of Belgium's but lots of craft beer as well. Food was very good. The only negative was that it was so dar inside. I couldn't help but use my cell phone light to read the menu. Would come again!
(4)Susan S.
Monks has a great atmosphere that can only be one upped by their menu. No matter where you are seated, the feeling is intimate and cozy. With a front bar and back bar and wait serviced seating in between, it somehow reminds me of a speakeasy. A place that in the dim lighting and continual din of conversation you can say anything without feeling too exposed. The amazing selection of imported beer helps with that too. At least 10 imported beers on draught at a time, with "the bible" selection of bottled beers that will make your head spin before you've even had a sip. You've probably read the other reviews about Monk's mussels. They are not overrated. Go- eat, drink and be merry.
(5)Melody L.
I was visiting Philly and a friend suggested Monk's Cafe. So, like any good Yelper, I went on to see what people recommended. There seemed to be a trend of rave reviews on the mussels and the Flemish Sour Ale, so we tried both. The mussels were amazing!! Juicy, delicious, and in this amazing broth. Highly recommended. We got the large size, which was perfect for 4 people as a snack. It also came with really awesome fries. We were just okay with the Sour Ale, however. I mean, it's exactly how it sounds. It's a sour ale.. really sour. So if you're in the mood for a regular beer, this probably isn't what you're looking for. If you're looking to try something a little more unique, and you like really tart flavors, then you might like it. I imagine this would be really good if you like sour beers, which I think is just strange. The other beers we did try: Dogfish Head Punkin : Amazing, as always Duvel : My husband said it was good, although I didn't have any. Rochefort 10: I picked this one because it was supposed to be really malty, which I like.. and, it was awesome. A bit on the pricier side, though, at $15 a bottle, but good nonetheless. If you like beer, then you are bound to find something you love here. They have a Beer Bible with well over 300 different beers from all over the country. Mostly Belgian, but a ton from other countries as well. I will definitely be coming back next time I'm in the city.
(4)Ryan C.
Monk's was a tremendous disappointment. On my third visit to Monk's, I was finally able to get a table. The two times I previously went the wait was over an hour. This time, my wife and I waited 45 minutes. The hostess told us that we would need to wait until the rest of our party arrived before they would seat us. This wasn't a huge issue. My wife and I took a walk to the back bar area to see if there was space for us to sit while we enjoyed a beer. The back bar area had several open booths as well as the area leading up to this bar. The booth we wound up sitting at had been empty the entire 45 minutes we spent waiting to sit down. Both bars were packed to the point where it was hard to get a drink...which makes me wonder...why would a restaurant not want me to be comfortably enjoying their beers sitting at a table they weren't using? Instead I was left standing for 45 minutes (while a half dozen tables remained vacant...only able to get one beer. Sad. The restaurant/bar doesn't have central air conditioning, but is instead chilled by wall mounted air conditioning units set at 75 degrees. On the day in questions, Monday , approx 90 degrees outside, the restaurant was hot. With the AC only set for 75 it's no wonder we were uncomfortable. I was sweating bullets by the time I was permitted to sit at the booth. The beer selection was wonderful and the menu was pretty decent also. The pomme frites did not live up to my expectations...not by a long shot. They were small and dainty. The bourbon mayo was good, but not "top 5 bars to have a beer" good. If you want excellent frites with over 20 sauces to pick from check out European Republic in Olde City. I orderd muscles, spicy thai style. They were good. This establishment, while having good food and drink, is highly overrated. It's not worth the headache...there are countless numbers of places in the city that serve food and drink on the same level, but that have a good staff, a reasonable wait and central air conditioning.
(2)Jessica K.
Ahhh Monks. The brew pub before there were brew pubs or yelp for that matter. I remember hitting this place up over 5 years ago when I lived around the corner and have been dreaming of their mussels since. Happy to come back for a nye appetizer of beer and mussels. Especially happy to see this place still around and doing well. Sure it's dark and what not who cares those mussels are fresh and the beer is plentiful and cold. Keep it up monks! The other brew pubs that try to copy offthe best are still trying to keep up. You've got it down! Thanks monks!
(4)Catherine L.
I'm sort of a glutton for punishment. I always come to Monk's hoping that it is not packed -- and then, as always, it is. I hope the reason it's crowded is because of the following: - ridiculously good beer selection - I mean, if you like beer, this place is for you - the mussels and frites are good (not incredible) - I dig the atmosphere, the back bar, the dark lighting, very european The reason for the punishment, I fear is because: - it's packed (for either the right or wrong reasons - the crowd can be questionable), - the service is often spotty - and the bartenders (though bad ass) definitely take their time, with 'tude in check to serve you if you're at the bar - on a busy, popular weekend night it's hard - sometimes downright impossible - to get a table - and you can't sit at the tables if you're only imbibing Fact is, if you're in the area, not agoraphobic and patient, it's a decent bar (compared to the alternatives) to get great beers and indulge in some frites and mussels... at your own risk, of course.
(3)Erin W.
Haters to the left, please. Seriously, I don't understand the complaints. I almost died when I read that rogue Septa bus smashed into the front of it; how was I going to survive for a week without Monk's mussels? This isn't Gianna's, vegans. And if you come here and order a seitan burger or a salad, you're wasting everyone's time, yours included. Sure, they have it on the menu. But you wouldn't buy sushi from a 7-11 just because it's there. You go to 7-11 for a slurpee when you are drunk. That being said, If you are looking for the best mussels in the city, look no further. Boyfriend and I have tried almost every kind of small pot they offer, with the exception of the apples and gruyere; there is no convincing the boyfriend that apples belong in entrees. Their mussels are divine, perfectly cooked every time, flavorful, beard-less for the most part, and in abundance. Is there anything more perfect than devouring an entire pot of mussels and dipping your bread in the delicious broth at the bottom, only to find a mussel that escaped his shell and had been hiding beneath a yummy sea of garlic and leeks? To me, it's like this: Do you remember Christmas morning as a child, after all the presents had been opened and your excitement was starting to wane and then you spotted one last box under the tree? That's what it's like. Eating mussels at Monk's is like Christmas morning. I can't speak to the extensive "beer bible" Monk's boasts, as the most beer-y thing I'll drink is a Lindemann's Framboise (much to the chagrin of the boyfriend, who considers it a joke that something bright pink and fruity would dare to call itself a beer), but the boyfriend has taken it for a spin on our many, many visits to this amazing restaurant, and has had nothing but high praise for both the beer itself and the number of options. It can get crowded on the weekends after 7, but there is usually room at the back bar to enjoy an adult beverage or two while you wait.
(5)JOHN C.
This place lived up to the hype for me. The beer list is immense (hence the Monk's "Beer Bible")...definitely one of the most comprehensive lists of Belgian beers that I've seen. And they've got a nice selection of American beers as well, including a variety of Russian River sours. They did not have Pliny the Elder on tap when I was there, but the tap list was decent nonetheless. Food is decent "pub grub." The more notable thing about the menu is that they have a fair number of vegetarian and vegan options (like a cheesesteak made with seitan instead of beef). In any event, it's probably not a place that you would go back for solely for the food. Service was decent. Place is constantly busy and there seems to be shortage of bartenders to pour the beers for both the bar and the dining room. Fortunately, we weren't in a rush. A must visit place if you are a beer lover and live on the East Coast.
(4)Marcello D.
Long before classy burger joints with exotic beer lists, pommes frites, and Le Bus buns became a trend in Philadelphia, Monk's was there. The high quality of their offerings remains a constant throughout the menu and the frites are a must-have with any order.
(4)Stewart K.
I'm glad to see that Monk's gets the positive recognition it deserves. Kind of a hole-in-the-wall walking up 16th street, really it's just looks like another bar. But go inside, and Belgium comes alive!!!! Well, not really, cause Belgium is not really lively country, kinda boring actually. Belgium is all about beer, mussels, and Tintin (you'll know him if you look him up). But in that respect, this place delivers. In fact, the mussels are better than "authentic" Belgian mussels cause, I presume, they come from this side of the Atlantic, where seafood just tastes better. Sorry Europe. Beers are great and plentiful, but my one gripe is that they do a lot of domestic Belgian-style brews, which, IMO always never taste as good as one made by a real monk in Belgium. With places like this, why do people ever go to Irish pubs?
(4)Jason T.
Holy Jesus, this is one of the places that made me love Philly when I moved here. Having previously lived in Pittsburgh and enjoyed the wonderful Sharp Edge and their fantastic Belgian and microbrew selection, I felt great joy when I was first introduced to Monk's. So what can I say that hasn't been said? The beer selection is amazing, though I'm surprised they don't have Bornem Dubbel or Tripel as a regular staple. The Monk Burger is the best hamburger in Philly that I have tasted so far. The other dishes I've tried are similarly tasty, especially the pulled pork. However, the hot wings are ridiculously so, seemingly slathered in nothing but ground habanero. They are some of the biggest wings I've ever seen served in a bar, though. Prices are what you'd expect (for the good brews, be prepared for seven bucks on up) and the help is very friendly, though they never seem to be able to slow down. Yes, Monk's is one of those perpetually crowded joints that doesn't seem to have a down time no matter when you choose to go. Yet even when it is slammed, the staff is always more than eager to make sure you are treated well and enjoy your visit. There are always some interesting tunes being played on the stereo and the crowd is as eclectic a mix as you could find anywhere. It is always amusing to see someone new to Belgian beers come in and not know what to get and then be surprised by how much faster they become buzzed thanks to many of the brews' higher alcohol content. Bottom line: Monk's is a must-visit of the city, especially if you are serious about your love for beer.
(5)Lena N.
As expected, the beer list is extensive, but don't be overwhelmed! After the first couple pages you'll find descriptions of different types of beers and a list of the similar beers under the description. That and the waiter's suggestion really helped with picking something I never tried. The food menu is excellent. Though I am not vegan, Monk's offers seitan, which was a thrill for my vegan dining companion who tried the seitan cheesesteak. Apparently it was so good she forgot to offer a taste, but I'll take her word for it judging by the way she wolfed it down.They offer "no frills" type service as its always busy and people are willing to wait to be seated; that's always a good indicator of a waits worth. Great beer, great food, knowledgeable staff, I will be back very soon!
(5)Jessica M.
I am so lucky to live so close to Monk's. Although I don't get there as often as I would like, when I do go I am reminded why I love it there so much. It is especially awesome in the winter time when its so cold outside and its so cozy and warm inside. While I can't contribute much more than what has already been said, I can confirm that this is a neighborhood gem and should not be missed by anyone visiting from out of town or locals that haven't been yet or haven't been in a while. On my most recent visit I had my favorite burger - The Abbot - with boursin cheese and sprouts,fries and St. Bernardus 12 to drink. It was the perfect combination of deliciousness and I have been thinking about it since I walked out the door. Head to the back bar for a chance to hideout, try some new beers and experience excellent service.
(5)Chris C.
This place is no secret. Food is good, Drinks are good; It is just simply good in every way. Lets get straight to the point. Red Light Mussels is a must try. It has a spicy kick to it. Dessert is a must try. They have these Belgium chocolate pastries that, god forbid, you should never pass. I think I have said enough.
(4)Kaitlin L.
Beer and mussels. These two words on a menu are enough to make me happy. But when a place goes above and beyond (IE and overwhelming selection of beer.. to the point of having a "beer bible", and six different selections of mussels) I may be in love. Granted, you may spend more on a beer than you do on your meal, but you'll be happy you did. As someone who wants to know more about beer and clearly is not there yet, Monks' rating as "top 10 places in the world to have a beer before you die" meant I had to go. The beer selection is overwhelming, but the staff will help you out. The mussels are well priced, and the small is more than enough. The staff isn't exactly the most friendly though, at least from my experience. And on most days, the wait here is absolutely ridiculous. It's worth going just to say you've been, but I wouldn't necessarily pick this over other Belgium bars in Philly.
(4)Jess S.
If you are in Philadelphia as a tourist, this is where I would tell you to go. Small place, with beers from all over the world. Food is phenomenal. From Sandwiches to mussels they'll satisfy you.
(5)Marc W.
This place is great. I lived in Belgium (Bruges) and I've missed the better sides of that country ever since. We had a great waitress who had been working there for some time, knew her stuff, was very friendly and welcoming. I can't remember her name but she was blond and in her mid 20's. They have a small booklet of beers, 90% of which are Belgian. I thought that I'd gone to beer nirvana. I had a small bucket of moules with some frites. The moules were plump and flavorful. The frites were crispy outside and creamy inside as they should be. And the whole thing was not too too expensive. I'll go again the next time I'm in Philly.
(5)Annie D.
Last night I was chatting with a friend about why I've put Monk's Cafe on double secret probation for an indefinite span of time. While having this conversation I realized I never yelped about that fateful night it all went down, so, here it is... One random Sunday afternoon I was shopping with a friend in center city. It was around 3pm and we decided to duck into Monk's for a pot of mussels as a pre-dinner snack. We walked in and were second in line to be added to the wait list by the m.i.a. hostess. While we were standing there a 3rd party came into the restaurant and cut all of us for the host stand. When the host appeared she assumed the latecomers were 1st in line and asked how many were in their party. Honestly, I could have cared less; the joint was empty and I knew we'd all be seated immediately, but the other party was non too happy. They told the host that they had been 1st and it wasn't fair that they weren't being seated as such. Here's where things went south. The host got really rude with the party and told them that she wasn't there when we all came in and it wasn't her problem that they hadn't asserted themselves at the host stand. Whoa! Once it was our turn, the host who was now in a fowl mood asked to see our ID's before seating us. My friend (who was of age) realized she had only left the house with some cash and her credit card since we weren't planning on going out to eat. We told the host that it would be fine if she flagged us with the waitress to not be served alcohol since we only wanted food and had no intention of drinking anyway. She told us that that wasn't good enough, no one could be seated w/o ID and she couldn't help us. At this point I was pissed. I pointed out that it was 3 in the afternoon on a Sunday and that we wanted a table not to sit at the bar. I mentioned that every other time I'd ever been to Monk's not only was I seated without showing ID, but I was also served beer. She got really nasty and told us that she didn't care, it was the restaurants policy and that we could show ourselves the door. Seriously, this town has so many great places to grab a beer not too mention a good pot of mussels. Monk's has had its day in the sun. I'll pass.
(1)Sofia C.
I love Monk's. The beer list is always great as are the Ghent Mussels.
(5)Scott H.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.... Monks has good beers.( any of these beers can be found at the foodery ....for the most part) you know what else monks has? Horrible bartenders! They think their s&!t does not stink. What's that you say? You want a recommendation...hahaha prepare to get the nose of the almighty monks elitist pointed down at you. Quick questions monks staff; did you ever stop to think I know a little something about your precious nectar as well, but possibly just wanted a suggestion. Been there. Done that. Will not return. If you feel like getting looked down upon, monks is for you.
(1)Michael L.
Fantastic! Just rolled with my buddy and girl to this new spot recommended by Emily C.! Wow, she nailed it ... told us what exactly to focus on -- mussels and beer -- and we were amazed. The mussels were absolutely the perfect texture, thickness, juiciness.. wow... it was great. I'm a huge fan of Lindeman's Framboise -- and yes, I still maintain my masculinity, but.. the salmon roasted in framboise (i.e. salmon Framboise) was perfect. I wish I could've tasted more of the framboise in it ... but i just ordered a framboise and poured some over to give it that extra uuumph! No disrespect to the chef.. but damn, i love me my framboise. Anyways, the meals are good... but the mussels and beer is great! I'd actually liek to do what my boy suggested... hit that up for a pre-game or post-game meal, and then head somewhere else to watch the games or ... instead.. do that as a post-dinner or post-show event. Whatever the case... 5 stars! Oh... don't waste time on french fries... c'mon... get the mussels and do beer!
(5)Andrew P.
Monk's kills it in every way. The draft selection is pretty much unparalleled, especially if you like Belgians, but Monk's is so much more than a one trick pony. Their food is outstanding. If you like spicy - do yourself a favor and get the Spanish Flies. These are HOT wings with a smokey and subtly sweet sauce, served whole (i.e. the wings have not been cut). Definitely a level up from generic buffalo style vinegar bombs. Two other things Monk's excels at are burgers and mussels (great variety, Ghent are my favorite). Watch out for the house mayo dipping sauce. Even the most health conscious may find themselves plunging fries or even bare fingers into this terribly delicious artery sauce. We never seem to want to leave Monk's, even if we only intended to stop in for a drink and a snack.
(5)K C.
Food is delicious, beer selection is great, bar tenders are hit or miss.
(2)Brendan O.
NOT a fan. Never liked Monk's that much to begin with, frankly, and as the years go by I like it less and less. The days are long gone when Monk's was on a very short list of craft-beer bars in town: There are now dozens where once stood only a handful. It is always too crowded there, the service at the bar is bizarrely inattentive and bordering on rude, the prices are on the high side, and the crowd is far too button-down Rittenhouse-y for my taste. The things Monk's does well (beer selection, mussels, Belgian frites) are all available in as-good-if-not-better forms all around town, and without the crowds and attitude.
(2)Derek H.
A must-stop for every trip to Philly I've ever taken. Great back-bar that's not nearly as chaotic as the front of the restaurant. Food is great, the Beer Bible is the real deal. If you love Belgian beer, any other imports, or a fine selection of American craft beers, you must go here.
(5)tony h.
not a bad place, but cramped and crowded. the food was great. the beer selection is overwhelmingly incredible. just get there early.
(3)Suzanne M.
Knowing we would be hungry after our Blue Man Group show, my boyfriend suggested Monk's for dinner. We hadn't been there for a handful of months to eat as we've previously tried - too packed or the wait too long, so we ventured elsewhere. It was again packed, but we were seated in a short time frame and the service was attentive. We each ordered a N'ice Chouffe, a holiday version of one of our favorites - La Chouffe. The beer selection is extensive and complimentary to the food served. Upon his suggestion, I immediately began thinking about their delish mussels - a sure bet every time. What kind to get this time round? We decided on Brussels; tomatoes, fennel, basil, thyme and garlic...the thyme lingered in my mouth after each bite. Great dish and full of flavor, although I'd probably try a different kind next visit. I ordered an Ardennes burger , wanting something a tad different than the typical burger, with Belgian cheese and prosciutto. I have to say it was quite tasty, cooked the way I wanted it and would order it again. He had ordered his usual chicken and apple sausage with spicy raspberry mustard - I didn't need to ask if he was enjoying it, his smile said enough. We both decided on side salad instead of frites; a nice accompaniment to our main dish. Enjoyable dinner overall, cheers!
(4)Cara P.
At Monk's my friends and I are notorious for turning into a pack of sea gulls and attacking the amazing fries and mussels as soon as they hit our table. My boyfriend and I brought his family from Spain, and they even said that the mussels reminded them of ones they had while visiting Belgium. And then there's the beer. I'm no beer connoisseur by any means, but I know what I don't like. As long as you know that, and keep an open mind, you are in for some awesome beverages. Save room for dessert because seeing that tray full of them will make you salivate (even though you are stuffed from mussels, burgers and fries). All in all, you can't go wrong at Monk's.
(4)Chiara I.
I might need to visit this place again to write a more comprehensive review. I was super excited to visit this place to try out their mussels and see what all the fuss was about. Try I did. 6 of us all ordered different mussels. Perhaps I had super high expectations, but the food was... ok. Some definitely better than others (coconut mussel one.... not so yummy). The pomme frites were... ok. Service was ... ok. In short, my experience was... ok. I'll give it another try tho. Perhaps drink more beer next time.
(3)Anthony C.
Pretty Good. Dark Atmosphere. Great selections
(3)Melissa W.
This will be the 500th review of Monk's, which renders this review pretty much useless. So I will only say this: Mussels.
(4)Chris W.
The mussles here are so good that the initial shock is like getting hit by a Septa bus! ehhhh anyway... I finally had the opportunity to give Monks a try. I was impressed and disappointed at the same time. Yes, I tried the mussles and yes... they were delicious. The beer is top notch and compliments the food very well. Everything was prepared nearly perfectly. The wait staff was polite and helpful with the menu. It was just soooooo crowded! It got very loud and it became hard to enjoy with people bumping into everything. I'd recommend going to Monk's when its not so busy or just ordering drinks when its crowded.
(4)Brian L.
This place is wonderful. They have such a large selection of beers, it's amazing. I have tried so many different beers here just because of that. And because of them, I tried a milk beer, lacto stout (it's Japanese), and it was sooo good. They have tons of Belgian beers of course, but they also have lots of beers from the rest of the world that they lay out for you in their menu. The bartenders are very good, nice, and knowledgeable here. I had some of their food here. I had the mussels, which I was impartial to, mainly because I don't like mussels in general. I've had their wings, which are uber hot. Not in the sense that your face wants to burn off, but the one where if you touch your mouth, it hurts. Still good though. I've had their scallops, which were decent (again, I don't like scallops, or seafood for that matter), but my friend who had them had to close their eyes when they bit into it, so I am guessing they were good to someone who likes scallops. And finally their frites are really good. A little soggy at times, but overall the flavor is good.
(4)Timothy B.
Mussels and good beer. Need I say more? Ok, a few more words: Good draft beer list specializing in belgians. Variety of mussels to try. Fries are good too. No need to order anything else. Just a few blocks from where I live, great place to grab a small bite after work or to relax with friends. Low key, friendly service, a place for any occasion.
(4)JR C.
I've tried to go to Monk's four times. Three times, it was too busy, and we couldn't get near the bar to order. We said screw it any went somewhere else. The last, we got in, and got a table right near the windows. We ordered the charcuterie plate and a few beers. It was ok. Not great. They've got an amazingly good beer selection, but their prices are high, even for the city. The server was pretty slow and not very friendly. It was like she couldn't be bothered with our table.
(2)Joe T.
This was the worst service I've had in years, if not ever. The server seemed to be annoyed that I only got water, despite buying a $14 dish along with it. Half an hour after being served, the five of us ended up sitting with empty plates and empty glasses and still hadn't seen our server. We would have happily ordered more drinks, but no one offered. When we were finally able to find her, she brought the check, then counted the cash we had left while standing over the table, threw it back down on the table and complained about not getting a big enough gratuity.
(1)Heesun K.
It took 45 minute of waiting even when we were the first in line. They were seating us according to the tables that were open but we were held up even though we saw multiple 4-persons tables open. I understand what they were doing but it was very annoying that 2 people cannot be seated for 45 minutes while bigger groups come in and are seated right away. NOT FAIR.... When we were FINALLY SEATED, we had two beers, Monk's mussels and Veal cheeks. All pretty good. No complaining about the food. I guess Veal cheeks were on the heavy side for me but the flavor was good. Mussels were good as everyone talks about. I would like to try other flavors too! Back to the service..... 10 min to get attention of the waiter to ask for check, 10 min to get our check, and another 10 min to get our card back to take off. I know that it's a packed busy place but it was unacceptable that there was like one person serving the whole room of people. Hopefully I'll have a better experience next time I go. I'm willing to give it a second try.
(3)John F.
Never disappoints. Dekonik mussles are my favorite
(5)Truth R.
Do yourself a favor, a big favor, and eat here. Get the mussels. Great simple service.
(4)Kaynaz M.
I can always be up for going to monks, its one of my fave restaurants in philly. They've got good beers, and I like that they offer a lot of belgian beers. Their Ghent mussels are the best mussels I've ever had in my life! I get them every time. I've tried the other mussels and none Compare to the Ghent. The thai curry would, however, would have to come in second place. The fries are so good and they serve it with this mustard sauce that complements them so well. I had a burger once and was not impressed. It was overcooked, and too much bun to meat ratio! I had a tiny patty and this gigantic bun. The spicy wings are good, if you like spice, don't pass them up. I wasn't too impressed with the dips appetizer, however.
(5)Zachary D.
Great beer, good burgers. The perfect spot for a casual dinner when the goal is to drink a lot and eat American food. The beer list is really impressive. I have enjoyed trying new beers here. When I ask for recommendations, I nearly always end up with a beer I have never tried before but end up liking. Be adventurous. Be warned, the wait on the weekend is absurd. They don't take reservations, and you can easily wait an hour for a table on a busy Friday or Saturday night. Then again, waiting while drinking some exotic beer is not exactly a terrible thing.
(4)Hannibal C.
Great place and the hot chicken legs where very spicy great taste
(4)Eric B.
Took my family (5 yr old and 2 yr old daughters) here for lunch while doing the 'tour-isty' things in Philly. Very cool interior - has the feel of an old-world pub/bar. The beer selection is as advertised, outstanding. If you're a fan of Belgian beer, and mussels, you'll love the selection of both. Overall, the service was good, the food was tasty, and the atmosphere was laid back and not crowded. Going to lunch with little ones can be tough, especially in a pub, but we knew that going into it. Based on all of the yelp reviews, we wanted to check this place out. We were not disappointed.
(4)Kasey R.
Always prepare for a wait here. Their extensive beer list is seriously impressive though. There are almost too many options to choose from, but I always get to try a new great-tasting beer anytime I've been here. As for food, I have only had the burger and fries. Both are very good; my only complaint would be that the bun is a little too dense. You can hardly fit the thing in your mouth! It's also worth noting that they reallllly squeeze patrons in there, especially in the back. You are practically on top of the table next to you. If that bothers you, Monk's probably ain't the place for you.
(4)Camilo M.
It's more of a 3.5. Food is decent, beer selection is excellent (although I went with Duvel as I don't know much about Belgian ales and their "bible" was overwhelming). Ambiance is excellent. The service was below average. If hipsters annoy you, don't go here.
(3)Brandon L.
The only reason this place gets 4 stars is because I read that they are supposed to have really good mussels and that wasn't the case when I went about 6 months ago. The mussels really didn't have any taste to them for some weird reason I can't explain. Thank goodness for the beer bible or I would have given them 2 stars. I've had the mussels at Triumph Brewery and Bierstube and they are way better.
(4)Louis R.
Great choices of beer...sometimes waits are long, but the food is fun and great. Great mussels. Also always a great bartender to help and serve
(5)Kailey M.
I came here for a late night bite the first time I visited Philly. I like mussels and beers, so this place was a must visit. This place is really tiny, we were lucky to get a table. We ordered the thai curry and Provençe mussels. The serving was bigger than we thought. I liked the provence better, not to say that the thai curry was bad. I miss this place. I want to come back to Philly to eat here and Alma de Cuba.
(4)Adam R.
Rumor on the street is that their hot wings (Spanish Flies) are HOT HOT HOT, and their mussels really good...so I had to see if it was indeed true. Being a big fan of heat I started with the Spanish Flies and upon finishing the first 2 I have to say they were incredibly flavorful. Smokey, and hot, but not super hot. I mentioned to everyone else at my table that I was expecting more heat...aaaaand then 2 minutes later the creeping heat slowly encompassed my entire mouth. It continued to build but was never over-powering, at least for a true capsaicin fan. Over all the Spanish Flies were delicious! I applaud & I'll have them again. They have 6-8 varieties of mussels, and I found myself unable to pick one. After lots of contemplation I elected to go with the "Petite Dejeuner" (atmeal stout, baby spinach, goat cheese, fumEe, garlic, tomato & basil). $10 well worth it, but the broth didn't pack as much flavor as I was hoping. This could be a direct result of having just had a rather intense heat wave roll through my mouth, sinus' & esophagus but I don't know for sure. More mussel exploration is needed. The beer selection, stupendous, and I was told that they "almost always" have Russian Rivers "Pliny The Elder" on tap!
(4)Adam F.
Awesome awesome place for great food and great drink. The beer selection is off the charts -- and the food is pretty legit too. Mussels are they to go --- you get a 1lb or so for $10, plus a side of their ever popular pommes frites (with special mayo dip). Also good is the duck salad sandwich. They serve food til 1am every night!!!
(5)Jodie S.
Monk's I love love love your mussels, the delicious french fries, and the wonderful bourbon mayo. The beer list is amazing and the atmosphere is pretty ok too. I have one comment ... please get new rolls for the burgers or at the very least ... warm them so they are a bit softer and not so cold please?
(4)Mike M.
Excellent! Amazing beer selection and fantastic food. Personal favorites include mussels, smoked trout salad and veggie burger.
(5)Kelly P.
dogfish tap takeover... i'd like to give myself more credit than i deserve for killing the pearl jam keg. that's right, i said it. split a small order of the DeKoninck mussels... can you say amazing? i only started eating mussels in the last year or so, but i will definitely tell the world about these. the whooooole wide world.
(4)Sara G.
Monk's is definitely unique, and they have a good selection of great beers (DT!!) as well as good food. The thing that keeps me from coming more regularly is that they won't give you a table unless you're ordering food. Even if the restaurant isn't crowded. And the 2 small bars fill up quickly, especially if you're bringing a larger party So...just something to take into account.
(3)Jason W.
Great beers, great mussels!
(4)Peter B.
HUGE beer selection. Rather pricey though. Burgers not worth the price tag. Oysters were incredible, though.
(4)Camellia S.
Great mussels but the broth seemed a bit oily. The beer on tap selection was awesome. The mood here is very dark and casual-- almost a bit divey. I probably would stop here for an appetizer and some beer next time I'm in town but I would probably choose some other Philadelphia food establishment for dinner!
(3)Nina B.
The beer is great and the food is pretty good, BUT (ah yes, the but), they're kind of jerks there. It's one of those places where sometimes it's worth it (if you're dying for a huge beer selection or amazing pulled pork sandwich), and sometimes it's not (you want to be treated nicely). You decide.
(3)Henry P.
More like Sucks Cafe. Everyone always raves about this place and it's not that good. I means it's probably good, but my friend and I had this horrible experience there. We came in on tuesday night and decided to sit at the back bar. The bartender took forever to serve us and pretty much acted like he didn't care that we were there. Then, a large group of butt-holes came in. We thought we'd be nice and move over to give them more space, but that wasn't enough. They wanted us to move all the way to the end of the bar in front of another table that was wedged next to the bar. So we were like, "how about we just get up and let all of you scumbags sit at the bar?" I said everything but the 'scumbag' part. so we sat at a small two seater which took the waitress forever to take our drink orders, then our meal, and she wasn't even nice to us. We got their burgers, which are supposed to be soooo good. The bun was way too big for meat. It was like a puck of meat in a way-too-large, dry, bready bun. They have an option for extra cheese -this really just means "an ordinary amount of cheese." They raped us. I think I have PTSD now. Also, it's overpriced.
(1)Elle M.
Was actually at another bar, and was convinced to change the atmosphere and get something to eat. Ordered the pommes frites (loved the bourbon mayo that accompanied it), chicken and apple sausage (more roll than sausage), and an assortment of beers (the drinking continued). The food was ok, the staff were great to us (friendly, funny, and knowledgeable), the beer selection was impressive! I'd come back just to try the diverse beer selection.
(3)Nathaniel O.
Bartender had an attitude when I asked for a taste of the Boneyard Nefarious. The wait staff were slow to serve. The food was okay but not great. The burgers were not tasty and were served on large buns that dwarfed the burger. The Mac and cheese was different, but not necessarily in a good way. The pulled pork was great as were the mussels. The beer and beer selection are outstanding. I would put at the top of my list of bars, but not restaurants.
(2)Gandhus M.
"It insists upon itself." - Peter Griffin. That's the best way to describe how I feel about Monk's. It's a Philly institution, it's honed its Belgian theme very well and captured the hearts and minds of most Philadelphians who've been there....and they know it. The food is okay. I like their mussels. They could use better rolls for the burgers, but the burgers themselves are good. The varieties of burger toppings and mussel styles are nice. The spicy dipping sauce for the frites is good. Their "Beer Bible" is extensive. I'm hardly a beer novice but frankly, I find it exhausting. They certainly live up to their namesake as there are more abbey beers here than you can shake a stick at. It's small, dark and cramped. The menus look old. People pile in and crowd the bar and aisle waiting for tables. The demeanor of the staff has a hint of self-importance no doubt cultivated from being consistently busy & revered. If you kneel at the altar of Belgian beer I can understand the adulation, but then again, there's always Eulogy....and you can get good mussels at several places around town. Monk's is alright once in a while. No pedestal required.
(3)Yann P.
I think I came here way back, but my friend wanted to try the beer, they have a huge selection of beer and it was actually good, I had his cuz I don't drink... But it was sweet not too strong, the only thing is that it was 9 dollars a beer. We also had steamed mussels I think his was better than mine I gotten the Thai red curry muscles not my fav flavor. But remember if you don't finish you can't take home as I recall they don't let you take seafood home because they are afraid it will spoil, I just remember I couldn't finish mine next time I am getting white wine sauce
(3)Catherine T.
Definitely a popular spot. The staff are friendly. Huge selection of draft beers. The Allagash White beer was great. The Red Light mussels were ok, not as spicy as billed. The small pot is more than enough for one person. I recommend the Baby Greens salad. The Monk's Flemish Sour Ale Vinagrette was a standout.
(4)D K.
I have always been a fan of Monk's Cafe ever since I knew it existed about...12-13 years ago (wow, can't believe its been that long since my first trip there!). I was living in Maryland at the time, and came up for a work trip w/ some coworkers. One of them had gone to school in Philly, so he took us to Monks, and I've been a fan ever since. Then...a few years later when I moved to Philly, I thought I'd go all the time, but funny enough, I go maybe once every couple years if that! Not b/c I don't love it, but maybe b/c I don't want to overdo it and then get tired of it. The food and beer is amazing here - this is where I came to appreciate and love beer (was never a fan before that). My favorite is the Val Dieu Brun, and if they have that on tap, definitely get it. They usually have it in only bottle though, but its still pretty good. For food - i'm not a big seafood person, so I can't vouch for the mussels. But - I usually get the apple sausage sandwich. And DEFINITELY get the fries (pomme frites)!! They are amazing w/ the sauce they come with (I always ask for extra sauce). I've had the spanish flies several times to - and they are incredible tasting, but also incredibly incredibly spicy hot!!! Giving it 4 starts instead of 5 b/c of the bathroom situation. There are 2 tiny unisex bathrooms (single units) at the back of the front room area....and they're not very comfortable. Not much room.
(4)Jacob M.
Monk's is a must for any beer connoisseur. I had my first Lost Abbey beer hear, and have not found one of their stouts since that visit. There are so many good beers, so survey the list carefully and pick out what you want before starting to order. I've never had their food here, but I hear good things about it. This place gets crowded, but it's manageable if you go to the back bar and stand there. It does get very crowded, so expect to have no space, and people bumping into you. Also, a lot of their beers are expensive, so come prepared to spend money.
(4)Cory R.
Great beer. Great food. Great bar. The mussels are amazing and be sure to check out the back bar too!
(5)David J.
$20 here gets you a big ass beer, a big ass pot of mussels, bread, and fries. Delicious...you can't beat it!
(5)E A.
spanish flies, Muoles frites and a Belgian beer. What else can I say?
(5)EC F.
If you love beer and mussels, Monk's is the place to be. I've tried their other food and it's not even worth bothering with. Just come for the mussels and your favorite beer! The mussel portions are massive and amazingly priced. There are a bunch of different flavors, so pick the one that suits your mood along with a beer from their massive list. A half bucket is probably enough for most normal people. Comes with a roll that's great for soaking in the bucket and some fries w/ dipping sauce. If you're feeling extra hungry, it might be worth getting two half-buckets rather than a single full-bucket (same price, but more flavors!). Also, if you don't mind putting in all the legwork up front, I like to de-shell all of the mussels before I start eating. It makes the dining experience a little more contiguous, and also lets you soak that roll a lot easier. Cheers! -C
(4)Kara C.
I don't get the hype. The mussels were bland, the fries were soggy. The service was terrible. The beers came after the appetizer was finished. The app - flat bread with dips - was gross. And it was so dark in the place I needed my flashlight app to see the menu.
(1)Andrea T.
Never has Monk's ever dissapointed me! The mussels are always tasty. The veal cheeks ( I never ate veal until my friend a chef suggested we get them as an app) i order every time without fail. The burgers are also tasty. The fries are excellent. The beer selection is phenomenal. The bartenders known their stuff and might be a bit snooty, but give them credit they know something about every beer in the joint they can be a little snotty. The music is good. It's a little loud sometimes and its busy every day of the week every night. Expect to wait, but its worth it!
(5)Jeff M.
Philly is rated as the best beer city the US for many reasons, and one of those reasons is monks cafe! Called one of "the top 5 places in the world to have a beer." Owner Tom Peters is friends with many brewers in Belgium, and is able to get some of the rarest most interesting brews from over there (including Tilquin Geuze). Brouwerij Van Steenberge even brews a beer especially for the cafe called "Monk's felmish Sour," which is always on tap and delicious over their scalops. Peters is also friends with the people over at Russian river brewing in Ca, and their brews are featured on tap more frequently than anywhere in the city. If you are a beer lover, Monk's will not fail to impress. They feature a front and back bar with 20 rotating taps, and a "beer bible" with over 200 beers and a variety of cellared beer that always promise a great deal of complexity. Even if you hate beer, you will love this place. The "beer bible" will satisfy even the most stubborn anti-beer drinker's thirst. Just ask them for a suggestion and they will be happy to point you in the right direction. Plus, the food is amazing! The pulled pork sandwich is a sweet and savory god send, and they also have a nice offering of vegetarian offerings (if that's your thing). It can get cramped a from time to time (especially when that have a Russian River Mon.), but you'll be sure to make some friends with some cool people who like beer.
(5)Frances L.
Monk's Cafe is not only a Belgian beer-lovers heaven, it's also an incredible craft beer bar showcasing some of the best beers from various brewers around the world. When I found out that we were taking a trip into Philly, I made sure to track down where some of my fellow Beer Advocates liked to wet their whistle, and Monk's seemed to have universal acclaim. We walked in on a busy Friday afternoon and lucked out with the last table for two in the house. Immediately, my gaze fell upon their Beer Bible. Over a dozen pages containing their incredibly extensive bottle list which included every Belgian beer I could possibly think of at moderate to high mark-ups (depending on rarity). They also had a very good tap list as well as a slew of California breweries that I was actually surprised to see on the list (including Russian River's Blind Pig). We had come here for beer, but were starving-- after one look at the menu, I knew I was in love. I didn't know what to expect of the food, but the beer lists were so impressive, I would have been okay with eating a piece of toast. However, their kitchen was just as fierce as their beer. Buffalo-style frog legs, you say? Diver scallops? A handful of different kinds of ways to order your mussels? Since the boy had never had frog before, we started with those. Surprisingly, these frog legs were quite tender and not "fishy" which is a sign of both freshness and cleanliness. They were moist, yet still had a nice fry to them and the buffalo sauce made them seem like the best wings you could ask for. My scallop appetizer was divine; perfectly seared and served medium rare, which most places don't know how to do correctly. The sauce (made with ale) that came with it was luxurious and buttery...I wish this came in a larger entree size. After being indecisive as to what sauce to get our mussels with, we stayed simple with Brussels style mussels in a white wine, fennel, and herb sauce; the small pot was enough for one entree or for two to share. If anything, I think it was the fries that were the weakest link of the meal although they were still good. Overall, the dark ambiance and neighborhood pub feel of this place matched with their delicious food (although a tad pricey) and incredible beer list, easily makes this one of my favorite spots in Philadelphia. I'd love to see a place as extensive as this back in L.A.
(5)Anna p.
Yea VEAL CHEEKS BABY!!!!!!!!!! I roll up order a Val Dieu Brown( i know I just spelled that wrong) and an order of fries while I wait. I get two orders of veal cheeks to go...... Go home, put the meat on a plate, clothes on the floor and his suit tie on my neck. Add candles.... ..... ..... Five stars for sure Screw the awesome tavern flare that eating in can provide, although nice, the food is soooooo damned good that even out of the to go container it can't be topped...
(5)Victoria H.
I love this place! The ambiance is very relaxed and even when there is a wait it's always worth it to just go hang and grab a beer at the back bar. Ask the bartender or waiter/waitress for a bear recommendation if you don't know what to order. Let them know what you like and they are always happy to guide you. I am no beer connoisseur and I NEVER feel judged for not knowing my stuff. I had the scallops for dinner and although it was small, it was an appetizer. I was not very hungry and it definitely filled me up. The sauce was delicious. I definitely recommend Monk's for a relaxed night out with friends. Great spot!
(4)Caitlin S.
Waited about an hour on a Saturday night at around 7pm for a table for 5 in the (very loud) back bar. Worth it. Scallops were delious. Mussels were perfect. Duck salad was tasty (though the duck could've had more flavor). Pulled pork was great. Chicken breast sandwish was a little bland (what can you expect?), but the fresh roll it was on made up for it. We ordered about 6 beers between us and all were wonderful. Cons: the bathrooms stink, and the hallway from the front bar to the back bar stinks even more. No idea what it smells like, but it's bad. Our waitress didn't help much in our selection (and we didn't get a beer bible, just the list on the menu!) - all she could say to describe the Delirium Tremens was "it's strong." All in all, I think I'll stick with Eulogy Belgian Tavern. The food doesn't stand a chance against Monk's, but I can get lots of tasty beers there and the waiter I had there was much more helpful and knowledgeable. Maybe that was a fluke. Random fun fact: Delirium tremens is Latin for "trembling madness," a violent sickness induced by alcohol withdrawal.
(4)Catherine A.
This place has recently become the place I go to meet a friend for food, apparently, since I've gone several times in the past month. The first time I went here, I admit, I was not too impressed. I had some kind of burger that was good but not great, and I was totally confused and intimidated by the massive beer menu. Recently I've gotten into the swing of things though, and my system is this: 1) Choose one appetizer, and whatever type of mussel pot friends can agree on. 2) Order these things, and then say to the waitress "So, what beer is good with that?" Works every time. Every type of mussel I've had here is delicious. The waitstaff will ask what kind of beer you usually drink, and pick something tasty that will complement your food. However, when they are not picking your beer, they can be a little slow, and they're not winning any awards for smiley-est service in the city. I don't really mind, though. Maybe I have lower service standards for a place known for beer than for other types of restaurants, but it doesn't bother me one little bit. If you don't want to wait and wait and wait to be seated, head here early and on a weeknight. It's nearly impossible to get a seat within a half-hour of arrival after 6:30, I've found. Due to the massive hole SEPTA recently made in the front of the building, you now have to be led in through a tiny, watery, alley, which actually, I like. I think it adds something to the atmosphere, and I'll be a little sad when I have to go in through the front door once more.
(4)David M.
A highlight of mine when I come into town. Love the mussels and the beer selection. I almost don't want to write a review so I can save it all for myself. But... There are about 800 five star reviews so it won't matter.
(5)Thomas G.
Hands down best beer list in Philly. The Grilled Portobello Sandwich was fantastic, and of course the mussels. I recommend this place as a beer/lunch/dinner-at-the-bar type place, and not a get-a-table restaurant. I took an out-of-town friend here for sit-down dinner and the service was pretty lousy, the food mediocre. Of course, it could have been an off night.
(4)Michael R.
The food was amazing, the beer was equally great. Crowded, but that's okay. Even better is to stop by for lunch when they aren't so crowded. Service (busy or not) is excellent and the prices are excellent. I cannot wait to go again.
(5)Truc N.
This place is awesome!!!! What an amazing find!! My bf and I took a trip to the east coast and was staying At a hotel down the street from here. We wanted to go out and have a light snack for the night. This was perfect!!! Great beer and good food! We ended up ordering more than we can finish because everything sounded so good! So we had the mussels, burgers and an order of their fries! Everything was delicious!! The fries were my favorite!! I'm a sucker for fries! I love the way they make their mussels too!! Very flavorful! But the best thing we had that night was their beer. The sour ale!!! My bf til this day is still talking about it!! That's the one thing we would go back to philly for!! Definitely gotta have the sour ale!!! Five stars alone!!!
(5)Steve M.
Great beer list focused on Belgian beers. Always serving some good sours, and they roll out some incredible events throughout the year, busting special and rare offerings out to celebrate BEER! Mussels are good, but really this place is for drinking. Only problem is the entire East Coast knows how good it is, so it is rarely roomy and quiet, and more often packed! But def worth a stop in a few times a month at off times or afternoon to suck down some great brews and peruse the #beerbible. Cheers Monk's!
(4)Alison C.
There isn't much not to love about Monk's. They have an amazing selection of beers (try the sour ale, you won't regret it) and really delicious food. I always get a burger, which is top notch, but I have had friends who have ordered the mussels and enjoyed them a great deal. I even have eaten there with a vegan friend and she had no trouble finding herself something fabulous. They'd get five stars except that their beers are a little pricey and it's sometimes nearly impossible to get a table. Don't go with a large party unless you're interested in waiting-- I once went with a group of seven friends and we waited for over 90 minutes. We would have left except that they kept assuring us that it would only be another "fifteen minutes." I don't really fault the staff on this one; often people seem to be wrapping up their stay at Monk's, and then they order another round of beers... The optimal number of people you should have in your party is two or four-- they tend to have very few tables that will accommodate more than that.
(4)Gabrielle B.
The best french fries I have ever had are here. They're paired with a perfect smokey, mustardy sauce and to be honest.. you might need to order another basket. They're THAT good. Also, very reasonably priced for what you get. Awesome beer selection, everything I tried was excellent. Not a big fan of the beer-snobby bartender but what should I expect at a place like this? I can't wait to return and try more items from the food menu, but I would go for just the fries and a beer anytime.
(4)Phil P.
This is long over due for me. I went here for the first time during beer week after saying I'd never go to Monk's. My reasoning for that is the fact I know it is the end all be all of gastro pubs in basically the world, so I didn't want to get into the hype. It's kind of like why I don't buy a Chase Utley jersey...because everyone has a Chase Utley jersey. I want to be the guy that is different. Having said that, I'm glad I finally came to Monk's because this bar is as exquisite as I knew it would be. I'm giving it a 4 star review simply because I don't like giving out 5 star reviews after just 1 visit. I also didn't eat anything there, so it's tough to judge what the food would be like. I had a few fries, and saw that the mussels looked incredible, but that's it. Anyway, onto the review on why I think Monk's is awesome. I have to start with the aesthetics. The place is kind of a whole in the wall. A+ for that, Tom Peters. It looks like a Belgian dive bar and not in the way the POPE tries to look like a Belgian dive bar. The tables are a little raggedy and the brick looks worn down. It's just such an at home feeling and I love that in a bar. I don't like too fancy, it makes me feel like I belong in Olde City with a popped collar on. Next I'll move onto the service. It was very good. She didn't seem to know anything about beer, but she was cute. I know cute always trumps knowledge unfortunately, but it is what it is. Maybe train these girls better? It's not like one of the best beer connoisseurs in the world owns this bar or anything. Still, all in all, niceness trumps beer knowledge, especially for a guy like me who knows too much about beer for my own good. Finally, onto the best part...the beer. They really might have had the best bottle selection I've ever seen. I honestly don't even know where to begin because it was so amazing. Fortunately for me and my wallet, I was there for the Bruery beer week event to get a Melange #3 and some other tasty Bruery beers, so I didn't even focus on the bottle selection. I'm planning a trip back to Monk's very soon to hit up this bottle selection and some mussels. One last thing about my review. The beer brewed for Monk's, the Sour Flemish Ale, is a fantastic beer. That also got factored into my 4 star rating. Expect an update before the summer is over.
(4)Nina N.
This place is super hip and very happenin'. Rush hour here is pretty crazy...be prepared to wait for a lonnnggg time during those times. People tend to order more than one round of beer and most likely food to go with it so ya...plan a trip here strategically if you don't wanna wait for at least an hour! So my group and I tried: - Spanish Flies: really good and SPICY chicken wings. :] Comes with pommes frittes fries (which is accompanied by a delicious spicy mayo dip that totally enhances the two together - SO YUMMY - I'm a dip fiend so I love this dip so much). - Monk's Mussels: cantillon gueuze, fumè, garlic & parsley flavored. Not bad. It's lightly flavored and fun to eat. Comes with bread and also pommes frittes fries. - Bruguess (sorry can't spell :/ ) Burgers: love the mushrooms and the overall flavor of it in this burger. Very savory as mushrooms in a burger should be. A must try. Ok now...the BEER. Sorry folks but my group tried like 3 different kinds, all of which they liked, but I don't remember what they're called...the only one I remember was the Flemish Sour Ale which I was told was pretty sour but good. I'll be sure to take down the names and try to remember what it tastes like the next time I visit Monk's heh..heh.... Service...pretty friendly staff. Bartenders seem to really know their stuff about beer so do ask for suggestions if you don't know what to get. They're pretty helpful :]
(4)David M.
Okay, let's be frank...I love beer. And this is the place to do that. Selection...A+ for Belgium's.....had a nice selections of American and Belgium brews....and a steak sandwich to ' moderate it' it all all...well done. Friendly bar crowd...had a great chat with another Chicago group of folks there on a 'library' conference...sure, I believe that...and others as well...as well as with Chris the bartender who has been there 14..yes, 13 years....wow. Food...3 to 4 stars....beer....5 to 6...doesn't that equal out to 5? If in Philly...you gotta go there.
(4)Matt H.
There is a lot of good about Monk's: the mussels really are fantastic, the beer selection is very good, the atmosphere is small and fun, etc. The wait is often outrageous and it seems like the whole process is disorganized. My last server was not at all friendly and the bartender made my girlfriend pay in cash because he didn't want to bother with the machine. Oh well, it's close by and I'll go back.
(3)Diane K.
I went here back in July with a girlfriend for my 23rd birthday. I was really impressed with their beer list. The mussels were REALLY good, but honestly I hope it's not the best that Philadelphia has to offer, because then I'd be really disappointed in the city. One thing that I do find myself craving from this restaurant was that dipping sauce they serve with the french fries. I think I would go back to the restaurant just for that damn dipping sauce! A downside to the night I went was that it was just so damn hot! Philadelphia gets so humid especially in the middle of the summer, so after walking around all day I wanted to walk into a bar/restaurant that had some AC cranked up. Unfortunately, the combination of the summer heat, how crowded the place was, and the poor ventilation really did put a damper on my eating experience. All in all, yes.. I would go back.
(3)Horatio J.
I went here last Friday and the burgers and beer selection is as good as it gets. This time I had the tuna club and it was awesome. But you can't go wrong with a burger, especially because it comes with Monk's awesome fries. New edit: I had to knock it down a notch after a few more trips there. The service can be very spotty and the last good server I had there grabbed free tickets to the gun show. There is almost always a wait and their use of seating is not efficient.
(4)Justin F.
Monks always has some great beers on tap and a great place to enjoy a nice casual dining experience. The beer list is extremely thick and they rotate what is on tap throughout the evening. The red light mussels are my favorite in Philly and their sandwiches are decent as well. Pricing is decent but some of the more rare imported beers can be somewhat pricey. Overall Monks is one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia.
(4)Van H.
Visiting Philadelphia on business and saw Monk's on Yelp. Good vibe. Loved the mussels. Good draft beer selection. Perhaps it is a normal price for Philly - and, premium 16 oz drafts in San Diego (Hamilton's for instance) are about half the price. Overall a nice evening.
(3)D M.
HAIL SEITAN (Cheesesteak sammich)! Monk's Cafe is rad. How rad is rad? Remember the movie "Rad" from 1986 when BMX was all the radical rage and made us all want to be rad with our bikes? Well, think of that kind of rad and add 10^RAD and you will be somewhere close. You may be wondering, "Wtf does a movie about BMX and bad hair have to do with Monk's Cafe?". Chill, Winston and keep reading...also, stop interrupting, I will get to the damned point. Anyhow, Monk's is rad for the following reasons: 1. They have beers. 2. They have tonnes of beers. 3. Their list of beers was originally held up next to that Moses guy and his commandments, but they left that information out of the beeeble because they did not want beer to outshine his drug-induced preachings to the peeps. 4. They have seitan on their menu. -- Raddest thing of all, in my opinion. What is seitan? It is wheat gluten that resembles meat in texture, taste and visual representation. Yes, it is vegan. No, I am not a vegan. Yes, meat eaters can eat vegan food. Is it good? Go grab the seitan cheesesteak sammich at Monk's. Eat it, change your pants (because you will have creamed them over how damned good the sammich is) and then come tell me how rad it was and how you will follow me around like people used to follow that Moses guy. You cannot go wrong with Monk's Cafe (apart from the fact that it is in center city and I really do loathe going to the city) especially since they serve so many damned fine beers and have a menu of foods that will please your palate. So, with that, let's see what we have so far: 1. Rad review for Monk's beer and seitan selections? Check 2. Seemingly drug-addled and distracted writing? Check 3. Cynical remarks made toward religion? Check. 5. Numbers that are out of sequence? Check. My work is done here, folks. Go get some seitan and bow down to the fallen angel of the meat world. ****Note to those who did not like the service**** Have a nice quadruple while you are waiting for everything...you will be too pissed to even care about the service at that point.
(5)Rachel S.
Just be prepared to wait most of the time for dinner.
(4)Jon B.
Who doesn't love this place? It is an old Philadelphia staple. Amazing beer list, great bar food. Mussels and other shellfish are strong. Fries are great. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because I went there on a saturday afternoon for a meeting and they didn't want to give me a table for just drinks. Both bars were full and most tables were open. What's the big deal? So I ordered some food with my drinks and it all worked out.
(4)Michael G.
After almost 500 reviews... What can I really add? The food has been consistently good and the beer selection has been top notch. If you like moussels they apparently have some of the best in the city. It is a solid place to go on a rainy or snowy night! Get here early because it's going to be a long wait if you don't!
(4)Alexa D.
We found this place just walking by..so glad we went inside. Over 300 specialty beers to choose from and the bartenders were very friendly and knowledgable. The menu was amazing and deliciously unexpected. Their specialty is mussels and they were out of this world! We ordered a small-it was over 2 dozen and only $10! The french fries were to die for! The burgers were cooked to perfection and certainly not run of the mill. They even had an amazing selection of beautiful desserts from a local bakery- great end to our amazing meal. If your looking for a cozy diamond in the rough this is certainly the place! We will be back!!
(5)Maegen R.
No trip to Philly is ever complete without me eating a bucket of mussels at Monk's. I can't speak to anything else on the menu, but why bother with anything else? At my most recent visit, I had the red light mussels, a class of wine and frites. Even with a couple of years between each visit, the mussels have never disappointed.
(5)Mandy H.
Oh how I love Monk's! I love everything about it. I love the Belgium beers, the crispy frites and mussels. Its nothing fancy to look at inside, but the food and drinks are good. Monk's has been one of my go to places to bring out of towners as it pleases even the pickiest of eaters and never disappoints. I've had the frog legs, the mussels and frites in all their various sauces, the duck salad sandwich and the burger and I've loved them all! Go now and see for yourself!
(5)Christine E.
Came here for some Russian Rivers before going to dinner on a Saturday night. It was packed and lively, and by the beard of Zeus our party of four as able to nab some seats at the bar. The bartender was an old pro, and despite the place being mobbed we got our beverages in an extremely timely manner. Definitely a winner.
(4)Ellie W.
Love this place! It is frustrating that you usually have to wait to get seated, because they don't accept reservations. But it's worth it. This is one of my favorite places to take guests from out of town, and also to meet local friends. They have a fantastic beer selection, and I always get the steamed mussels a couple of different ways as an appetizer. It's a local Philadelphia gem, with a great atmosphere, good food and drinks, and not too expensive. Enough said. Yummy!
(5)Arielle L.
excellent beer selection - food was just OK. Really long wait and not much space to wait in. Would probably go back, but just for drinks.
(3)Marlon B.
Great selection of brews, the service was good also. Ordered some wings and they were slamming. Monk's by far has the best selection of craft brews that I have seen in the city. If you are a beer drinker you have to make a stop at least once.
(5)Daniel S.
So this place has been on my bucket list and finally made it the other night. It didn't disappoint. Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig on tap, as close as you get to heaven on the east coast. Add St Bernardus ABT 12 and it get's even better. Be aware if you're going and never been; The place is small and you must eat to get a table, so come prepared to eat. The good news here is that the food is great. The servers can be a bit quirky, but that's all to the good as far as we were concerned. Worth a trip from anywhere.
(5)Kevin M.
The original Unique Beer selection of Philadelphia. Great food, nice place, and they always have good beer on tap.
(4)Therese M.
Went to Monks for lunch on a Saturday. Make sure to get there early if you don't feel like waiting. First thing you should note is that they have a huge beer selection - I usually go for one on tap but they also have pages and pages of beer you can choose from in their Beer Bible. For an appetizer, we shared the Spanish Flies - these might be the hottest wings I've ever had. They were served whole and had lots of flavor. Next I had the Ghent mussels.. I'd been dying to try the mussels here and they did not disappoint. Mussels with bleu cheese and bacon? Delicious. Another plus was that the small pot was a lot bigger than I expected and they give you bread for dipping in the broth. My boyfriend ordered the Brussels burger with bacon and cheddar and really liked the roll it was served on. Everything we ordered, came with pommes frites and their house aioli. I was a big fan of the aioli. I'll definitely be back to try more of their beer and mussels.
(4)Amanda G.
I really don't have much to say about Monk's. I don't drink beer, but if I did, I might wait an hour for a table at this place. Since I don't, I will not be waiting any duration of time again for a table to eat. Also - service is not that great.
(2)Marissa B.
I've never eaten here, but. I almost fucking died when they wanted to charged me $42+tax for a 6 pack. It was post-midnight on 4th of July & my usual places near my old apartment closed early for the holiday. Bye, girl...
(1)Michelle P.
When I think of good beer bars in Philly, Monk's automatically comes to the top of my list. It's been ages since I've dined there, but I've been there for beverages recently so it's certainly worth reviewing. The atmosphere is dark and cozy, perhaps the way a bar would feel in Belgium. I have no idea if that's the case, but if I ever go to Belgium, I will certainly be comparing my experience to Monk's. I just learned there is a second bar and dining area in the back. The space isn't large but that's great there's more than I initially thought. Their bottled beer list is huge and focused on European brews. Understandably a chunk of the selection is Belgian but the US, Denmark, Germany and many other countries are well represented. I know I should be focusing on the foreign beers when I go there for a drink, but it really excites me that they carry Russian River on tap. I need to go there for a longer visit to really get my drink on and have some food. Even without having a recent "full experience," I can easily see why it's such a highly touted and well recognized Philly establishment.
(4)Mad M.
For the beer afficiando. Excellent beer selection from US microbrews to belgian sours, lambics, geuze. Decent food menu as well of belgian cuisine. Crowded!!!!
(4)Doug B.
I went to Monk's last night with friends, what a great beer bar! This is definitely the place to go when you're in the mood to drink beer, and good beer at that. They have a "Beer Bible" that helps you read up on your selection from over 300+ beers. NO - you will not find Miller Lite on tap, that's not what they do here. YES - you will get good service and the right atmosphere to enjoy some cold beers from all over PA and some parts of the world. If you like IPAs your set here! Aside from the beer selection, they do also have a house specialty for Mussels, and you can get them in a variety of ways (meaning, flavors...) we had them with Coconut Curry and this was a nice kind of hot. Not hot like you had to down a glass of water, hot like a good building heat from food spiced well. One serving is good for two to split, and it comes with two teardrop shaped pieces of sour dough bread..which you WILL use to soak up the juice from the dish after you got all the mussels and shells out. One of ours had a gourmet burger which he devoured. I say gourmet (because for $14, that better be damn good).. it was. Our waitress was attentive but not overbearing, just right. You will find me here again!
(5)Kimberly Y.
A solid 4-star establishment in Philly, but somehow way too crowded during weeknights... They told me a cold and rainy Wednesday at 6:30 for 3 people would be a 45-minute wait, so I left and came back a month later on a cold Sunday with much more availability. (And yes, they card even just for food apparently.) Service was just the right amount of attentive! The dining areas are quite dimly lit, but the bar has a bunch of cute winter lights hanging. The pomme frites are pretty delicious, but I had a hard time finishing my entree after I scarfed down all the fries! The roasted chicken was cooked well and the au jus really makes the dish -- well worth the price in my opinion. I also tried the duck salad, and for someone who's not crazy about duck, it was a great choice as well! Couldn't decide which was better. Wasn't feeling in the mood for drinks for my first time, but I'll be back to try some beers and the rest of the appealing menu!
(4)Aditi V.
Great place! Monk Duck Salad: 5/5 one of the best salads I've had. The duck was flavorful and in great portion. Some of them were a little bit tough but great. The salad was a perfect sweet delight - walnuts and craisans were excellent! I didn't actually use any of the goat cheese. Would have preferred if they mixed it in for me. Chocolate Tart: 5/5 amazinggggggg it wasn't completely chocolate-y! There was like a cream inside which made it perfection. Key Like: 3/5 too limey. Maybe that's just me but I thought it was a bit too sour. Overall, would definitely come back for the chocolate tart and duck salad!
(5)Rebecca R.
Accidentally stumbled upon this place because the restaurant we originally wanted to go to was closed. I am so glad that the other place was closed, because any place that serves Dupont is a-ok in my book. We had the frog lets to start and they were tossed in a buffalo-ish sauce. It was definitely different, but in a good way. I had the duck salad sandwich, because I was enticed by the words, "award-winning" and of course I wanted to see what all the hubbub was about. The hubbub was warranted. The sandwich was so tasty, and again like nothing I've ever had. That's why I like Monk's so much; you can find things here that you'd never be able to find anywhere else. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in the area!
(4)Joe R.
When I moved to Philly 5 years ago I, just by pure luck, moved across the street from Monks Cafe. What a glorious gathering and arrangement of international brews. To be clear, I couldn't afford any of them because I was in school and usually restricted myself to the single $ on Yelp, but this place is pretty sweet. The front bar is very traditional with a hammered copper top. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and professional, not to mention super friendly. The food menu is also very well formed. I'm not a mussel eater, but I hear they are excellent here and not too pricey. The burgers are good and I loved the fries. I was doing a little vegan stint for a while and they have a few options which I became interested in. I ate the saitan cheese steak with high expectations and was incredibly disappointed. It was mushy and the flavor was making me ill. Exclusively the reason why I take a star off. This is a very traditional European styled bar and if you'd like to have a quality time with friends in a semi casual environment I would recommend you check out Monk's Cafe!
(4)Janet G.
Great selection of beer. Excellent waiter. I thought it was overpriced $16.00 for a small pot of mussels. Not to mention 7 of mine didn't open. You can't feed 2 with the pot unless it's an appetizer. Mussels weren't fishy but very tiny. $16 appetizer of frog legs were good but only 5 small frog legs on the order. Wouldn't go back.
(3)Amanda N.
This place is known for the mussels, but I am so glad the BF and I were conservative with trying only one order of the mussels and branching out to try a variety of dishes that most importantly included the duck salad. I lovee meat and wow this duck was the best cooked duck I have ever had in my life. It reminded me of a really expensive clean cut of high quality beef with the perfect complements of creamy (?goat) cheese, soft fresh greens and cranberries.. such an enlightening meal that I will continue to dream of for a long time. The mussels were great, I think we ordered the Provence which was very yummy. The burger was also amazingly delicious. Beer bible is incredible. Everything was so good! THIS PLACE IS POPULAR! It was an extremely long wait as we came at rush hour sadly. So glad I finally got around to trying this place though and definitely recommend trying it out.
(5)Fiona P.
Monk's has gone downhill. I was a fan when I first visited, but this weekend the whole experience went sour for me (and not just because of the beer). It has always been annoying that you can't have a table unless you're eating, but fine, I get that you have to make money. Although plenty of bars do just fine with seating drinking only customers. This time, I told the hostess that two of the four of us were going to be eating, and they said they wouldn't seat us. I could maybe understand that if it was busy, but it was between meal times and there were plenty of open tables. When I finally got a seat at the bar I had chicken fingers, which seemed to be burnt. I was also pretty disappointed by the draft list. So many new beer bars have popped up bringing with them their A game, and I just don't think Monk's has kept pace. They get their second star for the always excellent Monk's sour.
(2)Susana G.
2nd time in this joint and I love it. Hasn't changed a bit in 5 yrs. Chimay all colors and lotssss of other choices. Dark, hole in the wall, authentic.
(4)Richard R.
It has been awhile since I have been to Monk's. My daughter is living nearby so we popped in there around 9:00 PM the other night for a quick late dinner. The beer selection is great, it always has been. I like the atmosphere at Monks too. It is a little dark but not too bad. Our waitress was great and super nice. I had the hamburger a few years back at Monks and that was really good. On this night, I went with the more traditional Belgian fare, Moules-frites. We had the muscles in Thai Curry -Monk's Flemish Sour, fumè, Thai red curry, bais, garlic & coconut milk and the Petite Dejeuner - oatmeal stout, baby spinach, goat cheese, fumEe, garlic, tomato & basil. My Thai Curry Muscles were good but not what I was expecting. It lacked some of the lemongrass and other flavors that I have had with Thai Curry muscles. (The best I have had is at Flex Muscles in NYC). The Petite Dejeuner was just OK, A bit on the bland side for us. The frites were cut thin Belgian style but a little soggy and heavily seasoned. Sketch Burger has unbelievable frites. The dipping sauce at Monks was great however for the sauce.
(3)Eduardo R.
With a multitude of fine-dining and high-end restaurants in the area, we were quite happy to find a down-to-earth pub/restaurant with a huge selection of beer and a food menu with plenty of options for both vegetarians and meatatarians. It was jammed packed but no one seemed to mind. The servers have got it down to a science. Food and drinks were delivered quickly and were delicious. The sauce which comes with the fries is creamy and spicy, kind of like an aioli or mayo, and was a welcome change from ketchup or gravy (although ketchup is available). Friendly pub atmosphere, un-pretentious, but crowded. You may have to wait to get a table so grab a drink at the bar until they're ready to seat you.
(5)Sarah E.
Awesome beer menu! All sorts of stuff that you don't normally see on tap. The bar staff was friendly. I only wish we lived closer to this place! If you're a big ol' beer nerd, you can't go wrong with Monks
(5)Grace H.
Came here on a second date with the promise of great beer and good food, and it did not disappoint. There was about an hour wait when we arrived, so we ordered some beers at the bar before getting seated. My first time getting an indian pale ale and I loved it! Our table ended up being just behind the bar in the back room, which was sort of hectic, and we were very close to the party next to us, but I didn't mind because the atmosphere was a bit louder. The waiter suggested the pulled pork sandwich, which was just okay, but the mussel dish was really the highlight of the meal. GO FOR THE MUSSELS! And for the beer.
(4)Bob B.
I rate Monk's a 5 star even though it fell a little short of my expectations. The draft list is not up to date on the website. Blind Pig was listed, but was kicked a few days before. Monks is in a solid neighborhood and the inside is dark and intimate. It is a cool place to grab a beer or two. The day I went there was an Allagash take over, but Tired Hands offerings were still on tap....yeah. There are tons of bottles to choose from as well. There are not a ton of taps (maybe 10), but it is focused on quality not quantity. I strongly recommend Monks.
(5)Tom T.
Take a trip back in time to a period when wine got all the respect, microbrews were a new concept and the term "craft" did not just roll off the tongue as it does today. Monks was around then and they were serving a massive selection of bottle beers with a compliment of quality beers on tap one just could not find in other bars. I remember being shocked by their on tap beer selection and found it such a treat to come in and see what Monks had on tap. Fast forward to now and Monks is still doing it. The enthusiasm for beer is still there and the beer selection shows. To sum it up Monks is serious about beer and is a landmark for beer drinkers in Philly. Beer, beer, beer! How about the food? The food is great as well. I typically get a burger and fries or "frites" as they call them. The burger always hits the spot and the frites are just awesome with that bourbon dipping sauce. I recommend getting the frites with whatever you get for a main course. I have to mention one beer, Orval. I recommend ordering at least one Orval at Monks. Not only is Orval one of the best beers in the world Monks cafe is an ambassador for this Belgian Trappist brewery. Only a few places in the world have this honor. As an ambassador this means Monks follows a protocol when serving an Orval. So you experience drinking an Orval will be more special than if ordering it somewhere else. Cheers!
(5)Connie H.
Yum! I love the mussels and pomme frites here. Their beer bible is also amazing. So many great beers, and the servers are good at providing recommendations too if you're unsure what you want because there are so many choices. I also like that the draft beers have descriptions under them about their flavor profiles so I can find one that sounds good to me. This was my third time here, each time is always solid. On weekend evenings it gets really crowded, especially late at night, but I just came on Wed at like 10pm and it was pretty calm. Got the ghent mussels with fries. The mussels are so flavorful! The ones on top tend to get cold pretty fast, so eat them quickly, but the ones in the pot on the bottom sitting in the broth are always hot and perfect. The pomme frites are amazing. We actually had to get a second order because we devoured the first one (the order is kind of small, too, if you're sharing). The mayo sauce it comes with absolutely makes this dish. We also got the duck salad sandwich -- get this! The duck is cooked so tenderly and the goat cheese and walnuts and cranberries are a perfect combination. My boyfriend isn't a huge fan of goat cheese, but even he liked this combo. The mac & cheese was good too, but was our least favorite of the things we ordered. But, to be fair, everything else was too good. They use the same goat cheese among others in this dish, with bacon and asparagus, so it's a nice, heavy dish. Very creamy so we got pretty full off of this pretty fast. My boyfriend and I probably tried like 6 draft beers total, and they were all great! The sour ale was great, and their belgians are delicious too.
(4)Elisa B.
Came here on a Friday with a group of 6 for some drinks and small bites. I was afraid that there was going to be a long wait, but we were seated right away - we got there around 5:45pm or so. Other Yelpers seem to mention happy hour, but when I asked if there were any happy hour specials, the waitress very sharply said "No" as if I had asked something so outrageous. Anyway, there is no happy hour here, which is a little bit sad for my grad school budget. We weren't looking to eat dinner per se, so we shared some plates of pomme frites (great dip and good portion to share), a bucket of the Thai mussels (delicious and seemingly endless even though all of us had a bite at it), chicken fingers (good but nothing to rave about), and flatbread with some vegetarian dips. Most of us ordered a few round of drinks, but the waitress seemed annoyed that we didn't order more food, which was kind of off-putting (especially given the happy hour interaction earlier). The beer bible was cool to look at, and we all got pints of Pliny the Elder, which is apparently a rare find according to my beer enthusiast friend. The bathroom was a little dingy and super tiny for a pretty sizable place. I left with a full and mostly satisfied belly, but I don't know if the mussels were worth the hype, and the service was definitely lacking. While I would probably return for another visit, I think I prefer Eulogy over Monk's.
(3)John A.
Beers and mussels so good, service is excellent looking for good food and beer y o u camt.f Go wrong
(5)GT W.
A pretty interesting place. Located pretty far from the main night scene in Philly and not in the safest part of town, this unassuming beer bar has a small entrance and glass window that displays some very rare beer bottles that seem out of place for the location. Inside is a small bar with some pretty good taps, cramped, with some tables. Middle of the complex is a row of about ten tables scrunched together. Then, as if you are going to find the bathroom, there is a secret back room that looks like the inside of the Kulminator: a cramped square room with all wood and a small bar behind a handful of tables. Here are the really rare drafts with the vintage bottle list prominently displayed. Lots of random vintage lambic and other Belgian rarities with high markup. It is Belgian themed beer and food wise with some excellent and generously portioned mussels on the menu. Dark interior space, lots of wood...almost tavern feel. Staff are highly beer knowledgeable, but sometimes have been a bit standoffish or disinterested. Prices are fairly high and the food is at a solid 4-star level. Make sure you check out the back room.
(4)Sean B.
3.5 stars. 5 stars: the beer selection 3 stars: their burger. Decently sized, done how I ordered it, tasted fine. Their fries were also average, but I do have to say the bourbon mayo was pretty great. 2 stars: the thai curry mussels. SUPER SUPER bland. They needed a lot more of everything (curry, coconut milk, lemon grass). It was a massive portion at least.
(3)Wing C.
To be honest, I was a bit turned off when we first entered - dark, dingy, and filled with nauseating, reeking alcohol smell. But with glowing recommendations, my husband and I decided to ignore the first impression and stuck around to give Monk's a try. Even though neither of us drank, we were impressed by the food alone. I was pleasantly surprised by the ginormous portioned smoked duck salad - the skin was perfectly crisped, the meat was flavorful, tender and juicy. The pairing of craisin, blue cheese, and candied walnut was genius. My husband ordered one of the famous burgers - nothing crazy over the top, well made and delivered exactly what my husband was craving. He loved the sauce that was served along and especially enjoyed the side of crispy fries. Overall, service was what one expect from a hole in the wall bar - couple of water refills when requested and that was it. Nevertheless Monk's won me over with their food! I would never expect such gourmet meal from a bar. Only wished we were in town longer so I can try out their mussels!
(4)Addison Y.
Service: I flew in from La on a trip to go to every state in the US, I was tired, hungry, and in NEED of for a beer, I asked a local in Philly and they recommended Monk's. As I went there, the workers were great but also real nice. The beer selection is amazing...they call it the beer bible. Food: I ordered a burger and fries (i believe no food in the world goes better with beer than burger and fries...) and it was nice, juicy, flavorful but nothing amazing, but the beers...jeez..every beer I had was amazing...from Ale to Lager to Stout....each one just gets better and better Ambiance: Outside it looks like an Irish Pub decor but when you walk in, it has a modern bar decor and has a nice feel to it.
(4)Herbie H.
I mean, what's not to love? I've been a number of times, each one better than the last. The beer selection is incredible, and from my experience, the staff is incredibly knowledgable and helpful - able to make recommendations or suggestions without being condescending. On my most recent visit, I came for lunch on a Saturday with some friends & family. My boyfriend and I split the Ghent burger (broccoli rabe & cheddar) and the Chicken & Apple Sausage Sandwich. Both were fantastic. I was blown away by the sausage sandwich. It was packed with flavor and might be a hidden gem on the menu, not reading as exciting as some of the other dishes. I've had a few other items on the menu, most notably the Thai Red Curry Mussels, which are pretty self-explanatory and delicious.
(4)Hope C.
Great beer list. Can't knock them for that. Just this list alone is worth checking out Monk's Cafe -- when we went recently, they had Pliny the Elder on draft. Pliny the Elder I say! That Russian River Brewery IPA that is rated 100 - 100!!!! - on Beer Advocate. I was so excited. And the beer was indeed delicious. But the attitudes at this establishment need a boost. The first problem is that there's no seating for beer drinkers. You either need to order food at a table or force yourself to endure the sardines-in-a-can experience squashed up by the hallway at the bar, which is, conveniently (ha!) a main thoroughfare. Staff are downright vicious about table-mongering, which I understand, but seriously. There's a problem with the space and layout at this venue. Why is it the patrons' faults?! Frites and moules are good. Prices are hefty. Beer selection legendary. Whole place is awkward.
(3)David S.
I really do enjoy monks. Plenty of seating typically, a plethora of beers on the menu, and standard pub type food.... That's exactly what you need occasionally. The options for casual pub type joint in the loop are some what limited, which is probably why this place is packed more often than not. Ask for the buffalo chicken sandwich ( not the wrap) if you into that kind of food. Theirs would get a 4.5 out of 5, but it's not on the menu and you have to know to ask.
(3)Michelle R.
Known for its beer selection, went here on a Saturday night and was not disappointed. Even after 8pm myself and my boyfriend had to wait for a table for dinner but the 15 minutes passed quickly at the bar. Had the Steak Frites Salad for dinner -- everything I wanted. Perfect portion of steak on top of greens with a heaping portion of fries, complete with a sauce for dipping that was out of this world. Boyfriend had the duck salad sandwich and loved it. Would most certainly come back.
(5)Paul K.
It's too dark in here to really see your food and they served me chicken wings that were raw and bloody in the middle--not a good combination. Then they copped an attitude instead of apologizing. I informed the manager that chicken not heated to 120F can harbor salmonella. "You're your not going to get salmonella!" she exclaimed. When I questioned her credentials, did she have advanced degree in microbiology or was an MD, she accused me of having had too much to drink. Shame on these arrogant, incompetent a##holes.
(1)Ian J.
Got kicked out once for walking in and sitting down at a table w/out being seated first. Yeah, don't do that. Well, escorted to the bar, not kicked out entirely. Bar is tiny, but if you can get in, the food is awesome. Vegan options. Great beer selection (mostly bottles, though).
(4)Kyle C.
I always make time for Monks, aside from the amazing beer list....no, this thing is a beer bible, the staff is awesome and the food is always good. At first glance it seems a little rundown but you quickly forget that issue. Like I stated earlier, the staff are always ridiculously friendly, the beer is always amazing and they staff listens to what you like and gives you honest/relevant suggestions. The food is awesome, scotch eggs are the best I've had and even the burgers are probably the best in the area. Point? Check this place out if you're in Philly (midtown)
(5)Yayi Z.
Monks is known for their muscles and beer for good reason. One of my favorite hang out spots to catch up with friends. their beer selection, as you can tell from the other reviews, is nothing short of amazing. Probably the most extensive in the area. Their mussels are also good and so is the rest of the food.
(4)Rob D.
It's a must see if rolling thru Philly. .. Sample their delicious and massive variety of beers..... Alongside some mussels. Boom.
(5)Bin L.
Overrated. The duck breast sandwich is okay. The size of mussels is big but the taste is very average. No surprise. Can't even say it's delicious. The beef rib is something I'd never order again. Not a delightful experience dining here.
(2)Grace Y.
**This review is on mainly the bar service and overall ambience** Not happy with this place at all. Dropped in close to 9pm on a weekend with two friends intending to grab some drinks, but were told "tables are reserved for diners". The place wasn't even completely filled; there were empty tables on both levels. I cannot even begin to fathom this policy. Disgruntled, we went upstairs and had to be awkwardly sandwiched smack dab in the middle of the upper level space between the people seated at the bar and the tables (one of which was unclaimed), as we begrudgingly sipped our beers. Speaking of beers and the debauchery we were hoping to achieve with Monk's (which didn't even come close to happening) - my friend Angie ordered a ginger cider which the three of us agreed tasted legitimately like vinegar. When she asked about the exchange policy, the bartend thought she was joking, but later stated they did not do exchanges. Bar service was just eye-rolls-worthy. Bartend took his time giving back our credit cards and, if paid in cash, our change. We shook our heads and moved downstairs to the bar seats, then quickly finished our beers and got out of there. Honestly, for an establishment that houses two FULL bars on BOTH levels, the way in which they treat people who only intend to drink repels such patrons rather than welcomes them. It would've been more tolerable to be limited to standing-only if there was some sort of distraction or entertainment, but there's no TV, no live music, no darts, not even some, I don't know, reading material. This rigid policy is like a subliminal message: if you come here looking for a pleasant experience, you'd better order some food. If you're not hungry or just don't feel like eating, get your ass somewhere else.
(1)Ashley T.
Found this place through phillytapfinder since i was looking for a place that served a particular beer at that moment. First went here fall of 2013 and not sure why i never reviewed it! Its a nice spot. Great for hanging with a friend or two. Service is great. They have a bar in the front and then another if you go to the back around a walkway. The only food items I have gotten from here are their fries since it comes with a specialty ketchup and mayo. Drink selection is nice as well. Since my first time over 2 years ago i've been here at least 5-7 times.
(4)Kathleen D.
I can't let my 2013 review stand any longer. It seriously states: "I'm not a beer drinker. Let's mention that first." So times have, um, changed... and now I enjoy beer quite a bit. I read my last review and wonder why my friend would order the Damnation for me when I didn't like beer. That seems silly. Nonetheless. I just wanted to say that I love Monk's despite what can be some crazy crowds and long waits on weekend nights. They serve some amazing beers! I also didn't like burgers in 2013 (....yeah, I don't even know) so I can also now report that their burger is delicious. Yep. Monk's is fantastic. I think that covers this update.
(5)Lin A.
I have been there for two times! It's the must -go place in Philadelphia for me. For the first time, I will rate them the perfectly five star: passionate service and tender duct confit! However, when the second time I came here, the sauce of duct confit was too salty. On the other hand, the service was an upset experience this time, and waitress' face seem really impatient. Beer there are amazing though! The food there is worthy for you trying one time but the service experience will depend on your luckï¼
(3)Ashleigh S.
Monk's is known for its beer selection. Perusing the beer bible, I agree that they definitely know what they are doing. We arrived around 10pm and the front bar was crowded with only standing room left. Finally after snagging some seats, we enjoyed a couple beers, a ginger cider, and their French fries. Cider was very gingery so I only recommend for those who like strong spices. The fries were salty and crisp on the outside but still soft on the inside. While these were good, what made them great was the sauce. I'm not sure what it was, but it almost had a French onion dip flavor. It was really hard not to lick the little cup clean when we were finished with the fries. We learned after that there was another bar UN the back of the restaurant. Here are where the regulars go instead of fighting with the masses at the front bar. One tip, while it's still cold out, definitely go to the back. So much warmer without the draft coming in from the door!
(4)Jinsol L.
Sometimes my random cravings for mussels reminds me of Monks, but each time I visit, I'm slightly underwhelmed. The service is good, but they don't take reservations which make it difficult to guarantee a seat and the waits can get long. The ambience has a typical dim pub feel; it's surprisingly large with two bar areas (at the front and back) and it does get kinda loud. And, onto the food! They used to have two sizes of mussels (small and large), but now they just have a standard medium for almost $17. It feels somewhat pricey, but the mussels are great and it comes with bread and fries, which makes it good and filling. I've also had the "award-winning" duck salad sandwich, was was delicious but personally, I felt that the duck meat was slightly sparse and the sandwich was a bit small in general. And the burgers were great as well, each for close to $14. All in all, the food was delicious but felt a tad pricey and somewhat messy to eat. Not bad for an occasional treat, but be prepared for the price and potential long waits!
(3)Maureen M.
Everything and more you'd expect from a Philly pub. Food is awesome and beer selection is endless.
(5)Tracy M.
I am a big Belgium beer drinker and the selection here is phenomenal! The bar in the front is a little tight but the back is more roomy. We also got to sit down for dinner and the food was a little underwhelming. We split some mussels and a burger. The mussels were nothing to write home about and the burger was dry. Come here for the beer and the beer events!
(3)Debra T.
We visited Monks for lunch....not as good as we remember it . We have not been for years and thought moules, frites and beer to start our weekend visit in Philly sounded like a plan....was just OK .... The frites or fries were soggy and thin....the mussels/moules were good but nothing great ... The beer selection good but the man who waited on us rude...it was not crowded not even close to a lunch time crowd ... And after that service I would not return and will certainly not suggest this place to others !!! With all the wonderful places in Philly this certainly on the bottom of the list !
(2)Renita M.
Great little divey bar with a stellar beer list and great food. We stopped in at 3 pm on a Friday for a late lunch. It's an unassuming place in a cute neighborhood, clean but a little ratty around the edges. First, the food: the menu is Belgium meets Philly. Mussels, frites, cheesesteaks, burgers. They do have a couple of vegan-friendly options. My husband and I had burgers, our friend had a vegan cheesesteak (yes I realize that's actually impossible; it's seitan and I think she left the cheese off). My burger (which had broccoli rabe and cheese on it) was super juicy and delicious and the french fries were amazing. So, so good. The beer list -- well, first there's the draft list, and then there's the bottle "beer bible". Now, in terms of presentation, I've seen more impressive looking lists. I've seen binders and bound menu-style books and tablets. The draft list was a print-out with a few beers crossed out that were gone; the "bible" was a bunch of printed out pages that had been folded in half and stapled, with a slightly raggedy cover. But the *content* of the lists was impressive. While there is a focus on Belgian beers, that still covers a pretty good range, and the bottle list has a pretty deep American selection too. There are good descriptions and it's generally interesting to read if you're into that sort of thing. Service was solid, nothing outrageously good but definitely friendly and competent. I hope it doesn't take me another 12 years to return to Philadelphia, and I hope next time I can come back here.
(5)Angelique L.
Came here on Monday night. We were sat immediately. Ordered beers and mussels. What else would you order here? Gotta go for the gold. Ordered three orders for the six of us, which turned out to be perfect. My absolute favorite was the Ghent. Super flavorful, and if you're a bacon lover, you will definitely appreciate it. I'm excited to go back. Definitely is part of my "take my tourist friends here and wow them" list.
(5)Chris C.
Awesome gastro pub with an incredible beer selection. I ordered starters - grilled octopus, buffalo frog legs & stewed beef cheek. All were awesome. The octopus was perfectly cooked, not easy to do. Beef cheek was also perfectly done as a stew. Buffalo frog legs, that's a first for me and I am glad I orders. Wait staff was great, witty with a smile.
(4)Emil C.
Beer: They have a good beer selection here and I believe most are served from a bottle. Come on, they even have a beer bible, which you can buy! I had the Centennial IPA, Stoudt's IPA, and Two Hearted Ale. All three beers were excellent. Food: Believe the hype! Get the Monk's duck salad and their mussels. They were both really good! The salad was one of the best that I've ever had, but it does help that I love duck meat. As for the mussels, I had their Ghent mussels which was flavored with Saison Dupont, fumé, parsley, carmelized leeks, bacon, bleu cheese, and garlic. I was hungry enough that I finished everything on my own with no problem. Do keep in mind that I had just run the Philly Marathon earlier in the morning! Overall: The beers and food really hit the spot after running the Philly Marathon. I would definitely want to come back here if I'm ever again in the area.
(5)Keanna J.
Called before I even walked to this restaurant. And when I get there at 1:03am the guy tells me he can't serve me because they don't serve food after 1am
(1)Andrew Z.
I only go to Monks a few times a year with some friends, but every time I go, I love everything I order. Monks is on 16th and Spruce which is close to where all the action is at Rittenhouse Square. If you don't want to pay Rittenhouse Prices at like Park or Rouge, but want a great dinner, I'd say go to Monks. Every time I have gone to Monks, there has been a wait. This place is very popular, so if you're going with a party of more than 4, I recommend making a reservation earlier in the day. There is a small bar as you walk in, with three main dining areas. You see people eating everywhere, from a rudimentary counter type seating to booths, to regular tables. The two dishes I recommend are the Brussels mussels (copied from the online menu, they're mussels with fumè, tomato, fennel, herbs de provençe & garlic with a side of french fries), and I get the Duck Salad Sandwich (menu again... baby greens with grilled duck breast, goat cheese, spicy walnuts and craisins). I order a small order of mussels, which I think come with 2 dozen. They are very large compared to the other mussels I order around the city, and are very fresh tasting. The duck salad sandwich is great and very tasty. My personal recommendation is to take the bourbon mayonnaise from the Pommes Frites (French Fries) and use it as a spread for the Duck Salad Sandwich. If you try it, give me credit!
(5)Phil T.
Quick shoutout: we had spectacularly good service from our server on New Year's Day around lunchtime. Apparently the staff was shorthanded. Given how packed the place was, our food and drinks all came out appropriately and he was pretty entertaining. Good times. Something tells me I'll be back here on NYD again.
(4)Gina S.
1. "Unbelievable" Mussels. 2. Tripel Karmeliet is amazing beer, worth writing home about. 3. The Staff was welcoming, I felt literally right at home away from home.
(5)Sharon U.
Went there last night to meet up with some friends. We arrived early and when I attempted to put my name down, I was told the wait was an hour. Fine, no big deal. I tried to put my name down and he asked if my full party was there. I said they weren't, but I expected them to be there in a few minutes so I was sure they'd all be around by the time we could be seated. His response? "Okay well that all depends on them. Let me know when they get here." The dialogue does not translate well on the Internet, but the guy was giving me a ton of attitude for no reason. It was a Saturday night, and they only had ONE bartender working. It took me forever to get a drink. The place was unbelievably crowded, to the point that it was close to impossible to maneuver. I understand places tend to be crowded on Saturday nights, but this was chaos, and the crowding could have been solved if they had someone else helping at the bar. When my friends arrived, I tried to tell the hostess (I guess two people were in charge of seating) that we were all there. She couldn't find my name and had to "confirm" with the other guy. Luckily that was squared away, and within an hour we were seated. The service was atrocious. My friend asked for water and he was very rude as he said he'd bring out water for everyone. Of course, the water was rarely refilled. It took forever to order beers, and our food took a long time to arrive. At first he gave me the wrong order, and then he came back with the right order. I ordered a burger medium rare. It was completely well done, but at that point I was way too hungry to send it back. The fries were pretty good, but probably not worth the wait. My burger was decent, but completely overcooked. The beer selection is very good, but I can't imagine myself going there for casual drinks. The beer is very expensive, and I would probably only indulge in something like that on special occasions. The service is terrible there, and I probably won't go back unless someone else insists on going to the place. I really didn't appreciate getting attitude when I'm eating at a restaurant, especially when these people don't seem to have a clue about how to manage a crowd.
(2)Jasti S.
Good mussels--though small, they give you plenty of them. A small pot is sufficient for two to share, and they come with fries and awesome dipping sauce. They have a brew bible O-M-G! Great place to come for beer is an understatement.
(4)Ginger S.
Tiny & dark. Good selection of Belgian and craft beers that are hard to find and the servers are knowledgable about them. Good burger, good mussels, loved the duck salad. The spicy mayo with the frites is excellent.
(4)Emily K.
I'm a little fenced by Monk's. I love it, but then sometimes I'm there and I can't help but think that there's really no reason why I love it. They have a fantastic selection of beer both on tap and bottled - but it's pretty significantly overpriced. The mussels can be great, but I've now had three experiences where more than half of my pot was unpleasantly undercooked and/or gritty. The burger is great, but too decadent for regular indulgence. It gets NUTSY packed at 6 PM on weekends, and some of the servers seem to get pretty frazzled by it (understandably), which is unfortunate. It's pretty fun for people watching when packed, but not quite as hilarious as Eulogy. Overall, it's an experience, and a Philadelphia landmark, but me personally - I'm trying to cut back.
(3)Zan F.
I'm a beer fan, I'm a burger fan. Yeah, this place is know for it's beer selection, so no shocker there. But what makes me want to come back is the burger. Hands down the best burger I've ever had. I don't know what they did but it was the perfect combo of burger, topping (I had the Antwerp aka Cheese and Mushroom), and bun. But this wasn't just any "bun". My sis introduced me to this place and told me they buy them fresh from a bakery down the street. This "bun" was the kicker. Forget the Cheesesteaks, I want to go back to Philly for this burger!
(5)Sarah R.
Pros: Great atmosphere. Fun beer selection. Great fries. Good burgers. Friendly staff. Cons: Often crowded and a wait for seating. If you're not eating, you're sitting at the bar or standing (seemingly in everyone's way). This is the place I take friends visiting Philly for the first time. Never disappoints.
(4)Joel D.
My favorite spot to eat in Philadelphia! Mussels, a thousand types of beer - and some are to find elsewhere - and fries to die for. What's not to love? This place is hardly a secret so it's basically packed all the time - be prepared to wait for a table if it's near any meal time. And, try an unusual European beer you've never heard of... pass the Chimay...
(5)Mary Kay R.
I was excited to visit Monks as I love beer and mussels. Food was good, beer selection great, but the service at the bar was insulting. While waiting for the rest of my group to show up, I took a seat in the bar area (across from the bar). After about 5 minutes and no acknowledgment from the bartender, I took a few steps to the bar and asked one of the people behind the bar for a menu. He barked at me, 'she'll get you one when she gets a chance!' Wow. I went back to my seat and waited another few minutes until the bartender brought me a menu. After another 5 minute wait, I saw the bartender standing at the trashcan, opening a piece of gum, so hesitantly ( I didn't want to get scolded again) approached and asked if she would mind getting me a beer. That was my first impression of Monks. Don't know if I'll bother going back. Service at the table was just ok. With so many places in Center City, I'll opt for better food and service. I might go back if I'm really thirsty.........
(3)Louis R.
A. Packed by 4pm B. Mussels and fries are a staple C. Way too much beer selection (that is a positive) D. Dark interior is a primo spot to impress a date E. Costs as much to eat/drink here as any other specialty spot F. Eating at the front bar is always an option if too long a wait for a table I will hit it again, but before 4pm.
(4)Hoa T.
Gotta love Monk's for their sense of humor. As you all know, Monk's was hit by a bus...literally. They are still under construction to fix the wall, but have no fear you can still have your fix of this Belgian place. It's now a "speakeasy" with the entrance to the right side of the restaurant. And the password is...drum roll please...SEPTA. How hilarious is that! You really can't close down this institution for long.
(5)Erin O.
Aaaah! I've just had dinner at Monk's at am STILL REELING. The beer selection is out. of. this. world! The bottled offerings are listed in a 24-page bound book. The draft menus are separate full-page sheets (different for the front and back bars). I recommend the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale. It's a house brew, and is like nothing I've ever tried - kind of like a Hefeweizen crossed with a Bock. An original, for sure. The food, while not the best I've ever had, is still very good. And, what it lacks in punch, it makes up for in character. My friend and I split a small pot of the mussels and were not disappointed. You could certainly make a meal of a large pot and call it a day. I also had the Seitan meatballs. Very good and unusual, but slightly bland. Still worth a try. Finally, the atmosphere is nice. It's very dark and intimate, best for small groups, or singles at the bar. If you love beer, you must try Monk's!
(5)Sophia S.
Monks is admittedly awesome. Great for trying beer, zesty muscles, succulent burgers, yummy fries. BUT, if you go, be prepared to wait and yell. It is ALWAYS loud and ALWAYS crowded.
(4)Kevin D.
There's really not much I can say that isn't really already out there. It's one of the best beer spots in the world. The food? Worth the wait. If I had one complaint, its trivial. The lighting. It can be tough to read the board or the beer bible, beyond that, seriously, take the trip and check it out!
(4)Jason T.
The oysters are worth every dime. The place is a bit tight and can be impossible to get into on some nights. I think the three of us sat at a table for two.
(4)Wendy W.
great pub feeling restuarant. i love trying the different belgium beer. sipping on artisinal beer while snacking on mussels and pomme frite is a perfect sunday afternoon meal. the mussels are prepared in 7 or 8 different styles and they all have a nice light flavor. do try the raspberry walnut tart for dessert. it is heaven on a flaky crust.
(4)Ben G.
I can't believe I've been coming here for two years. Hmm I guess its about time to take an inventory. Lets see... Beer selection is still unreal... Check Ghent Mussels still Rock... Check The Steak Frites Salad is still effing amazing... Check Yup, Still 5 big ones. Wouldnt see it any other way. This is still my goto restaurant in center city on a Monday or Tuesday as there is never any wait for a table... but lets be real, I'm normally at the back bar with the DT TAP.
(5)Ronnie S.
I did not eat any food, came for the selection on the beer bible.... Yes the beer bible. This place has a crap ton of beer. The selection of Belgian beers would make a yeti cry. Some of the beer is a little over priced but quit being a cheep skate. It is a small place and dank, but who cares they have the best beer selection in Philly. We didn't have to wait long to get a seat, but I was told that their can be a long line so I guess go some time during the week to check it out. Awesome place beer, beer, and beer
(4)Brad P.
Went here for my birthday last year, and had a great time. It's a little difficult to get a table, but once you sit down, enjoy the place. It's small, but there is a back and front section. The front section is extremely dark, but that's not a bad thing, reminds you of Europe a little bit. The wood features in the bar also give it a great flare that other bars just don't have in philly. The food was a bit pricey, and what I ate, I don't remember, but it wasn't bad...yet didn't leave an impression with me. The service was hectic, but the place was packed, and we had a party of 9 so I can't blame them. They were quick to rush us out of our table to make room for more guests, so we migrated to the back room, where we enjoyed amazing beers from the bar suggested by the barmaid. She was talkative and she could definitely dish out some sass to some of my drunk friends, so it provided for a humorous night. I'm not sure if we ran into the manager or the owner that night, but he was a funny and welcoming guy, who didn't make my friend pay for the fire alarm box that he broke off the wall on accident. Glad this place recovered from the accident with Septa last year, can't wait to go back this summer!
(4)BethandGus H.
We decided to sit at the bar since it was packed and we figured we'd be allowed to bring our cats to the bar....NO! No cats allowed. Minus 1 star for that. FYI, bring your ID - we were carded at the door, which we thought was weird until we met our bartenders, er, we didn't actually meet them. We introduced ourselves. We also had to get our beer list & menu from the patrons next to us. Maybe the bartenders have to take a vow of silence to work there? We each got Imperial Stouts, tis the season! They were yummy, but the aftertaste leads us to suspect unclean lines...buy by the bottle. Trust us!!!! For dinner Gus had the vegetarian cheesesteak that came with a side of 4 pieces of lettuce and Beth had the Mac and Cheese entree with one eyelash. Besides the eyelash, there was GOAT in it, yes! Definitely enough pasta, cheese, goat and eyelash to fill the $16.50 price, well done Monks. Gus' sandwich was sub par, which is expected in all vegetarian delights. We got two pints of our Imperial Stouts at 9.5 & 10% ABV, we nearly left without paying our bill! We'd totally go back...with a reservation.
(2)Robert B.
I'm not even sure that this place needs another review to confirm its superiority. When you have a place to which breweries across the world send their unique and rare beers, you know you have something. The mussels, the fries and the beer. I think I just convinced myself that I'm headed there again tonight...
(5)Zachary S.
Since I'm reviewer number 475, I don't think Monk's really needs my praise--I'll make it brief. Beer selection: amazing. Mussels: good but overrated. Ambience: what you'd expect. Burger: good Great place. Mainly because of the beer.
(4)Lily L.
Love this place! I've been here many times with just my fiancé and like to bring my out of town friends here as well. The beer selection here is incredible and it's fun to try something different every time I come. The decor definitely adds to the old time ambience I love about this place. Pairing your drink with the mussels here is a must. The other stuff are typical and not memorable.
(4)Ted C.
Definitely a fan of this place. Belgium beers here are rare and one of a kind. Mussels are delicious!!!!! Definitely the perfect place to impress a beer and mussel lover. Beers are well above average prices but......hey they are imported Belgium beers so there is nothing to complain about. Only complaint if any is that this place is always packed and hard to get a seat. Just wish I lived closer to this place however the "Belgium Cafe", which is owned by the same people is a few blocks away from me. Another great place, a little bit different atmosphere.
(5)Andrew C.
"Reader, if I had more space to write I would sing something at least about that sweet drink which I could have drunk forever, but since all the pages that were laid upon the loom for this second cantica have been filled, the curb of art lets me go no farther. From the most sacred waters I returned remade in the way that trees are new, made new again, when their leaves are new pure and ready to ascend to the stars."
(5)Ben S.
This is a great belgian cafe, of the numerous belgian cafes in Philly. The beer is dark, filling, and I can pretty much drink only 2 before I need to get something lighter somewhere else, or take a nap. It's almost always impossibly packed, but worth the wait, especially if you can score a seat at the bar. I usually just drink a few beers here, but I had a pork sandwich once and it was pretty good and reasonably priced. Nice dingy, dark atmosphere. A great pub for wintertime.
(4)Brian K.
Beer selection is amazing!
(5)Joseph B.
Always great food and beer. Can be crowded with slow service but that's part of the package.
(4)Serge B.
Alright, I get it, I will never be as big of a beer snob as the regulars and/or bartenders here, but it's always fun to try new beers. I deduct one star because the food is always spotty (burger was so-so and mussels vary from amazing to just OK) and it's tough to get consistent service. I know it may sound picky but I don't want to dislike this place just because they're always busy. Any place that's willing to provide new and exciting beers in this city is a good place in my book. Also, a bit pricey but I understand that you have to spend some money to bring us some good beer.
(4)Elizabeth F.
Great Food and Beer! Cannot stress that enough, it is also a fun place to go and hang out with your friends, but if you're tired of looking at hipsters every where you go and their less than amiable attitudes stay FAR FAR AWAY from Monk's. I've dined there about a half a dozen times in the past six months and each time have had a different host/server and their vapid demeanor is matched by the enthusiasm of their having to serve my friends and I. Plenty of places in Philly to receive great beer selection and food without the feeling that you're making the waitstaff''s life miserable.
(2)Zoe P.
My bf and I don't have many friends who are big beer enthusiasts like we are, so we don't get a chance to wax poetic over obscure microbrews with others (our kittens don't count). But one of his close friends, who is so into beer that now he brews his own, just moved back to Philly and as a first get-together we took him to Monk's Cafe. He had heard of Monk's (I mean, who hasn't?) and was thrilled to get a chance to check it out, so we planned on getting there around dinner time on a Monday. Thank god we arrived when we did (6:30) because if we were there a few minutes later we would have had to wait at least 20 min for a table. The moment we got seated a line sprouted for tables and got longer as the evening progressed. ON A MONDAY. Pretty darn popular place. Our server came and took beer orders (took us a little while to decide, even though I had checked out their list online first to narrow my selection down), and they arrived right when we were ready to order. Obviously I ordered the moules frites, Bruges-style (they have like 6 different kinds); you hear so much about them, you have to try them! These bivalves are some of my fav, I have to say Monk's Cafe does a top-notch job. I got a small pot, but when it came out I knew I wasn't gonna be able to finish it myself. Definitely perfect for one person (or two girls with small stomachs like me), and the mussels are perfectly cooked, not over-cooked and rubberly but succulent and juicy. Mmmmm!!! And those damn fries!! Yes, the limp factor is a bit unappealing, but they taste great on their own and even better with the spicy garlic mayo dip. I usually don't care for fries, nor anything involving mayo, but I consumed nearly all of them. The rolls though leave much to be desired, especially since the moules' sauce begs to be dipped into. The bf got one of their burgers with cheddar and broccoli rabe and our friend had the chicken fingers; everything was delicious, and considering that my bf ended up finishing off the remains of our food when we were done is a good sign of its quality. I barely even need to mention the beer we had (and probably can't quite remember the names anyway), but between the three of us we had a nice varied sampling of what they had on tap. Since our friend is so well versed in beers we really chose well, but I'm sure that anyone who works there would be able to assist those who have no idea what to choose. And while prices are more than what you typically pay at your local bar, they're not unreasonable; in fact, considering all the microbrews they offer, everything is priced to be about the same as what you'd pay at the store so instead of sitting at home with your pricey beer you can do the same at a nice bar! My enthusiasm for Monk's Cafe makes me want to just immediately give them 5 stars, but that's a little premature after only one visit. But I'll be back, and after many more visits I'm sure there will be a change in star rating.
(4)A W.
If you like beer, this needs to be your favorite place. Great food (and enough options that there was a hard decision even for vegetarians (and everything we did have was excellent.) The Seitan cheesesteak is a can't-miss...
(5)Matilda S.
Food is very good and they have an amazing selection of beer, of couse, and of veggie burgers (available in with most burger option). Also, the seitan cheese stake was awesome. Mussels are one better than the other and the service is typically pretty good.
(5)Charles R.
Been here a few times. First it was really good and wanted to go back for more of this mussels. Second time it was ok and service wasn't as good. Last time it just seemed like things had gone down hill from the first time. Food was ok, service was indifferent and mussels didn't have the same taste as before.
(3)Al S.
I recently visited Monk's again with four friends and had a wonderful experience. We went on a Sunday afternoon,around 2pm and there were more than enough seats to be had, which was a nice change of pace for this usually busy place. The duck salad sandwich was spot on, with the right combination of greasy meaty duck goodness, crisp greens, and a touch of jam in a tasty bun. The Thai curry mussels were delicious; the pot vanished in no time flat. I tried three different beers that were all tasty. Service was prompt and friendly without being overbearing. I will gladly return here again in the future.
(4)John H.
I was meeting an old roommate for dinner while we are both visiting Philadelphia. She is touring with "Wicked", which is at the Kimmel Center, and had her lunch break from 5:00-7:00 pm, so we were looking for a place in the Arts area. We arrived around 5:15, and greeted with a heavenly and welcoming aroma. We waited behind the the two other groups in front of us and we were seated (within 2 minutes) just beyond the bar area at a small table that is practically in a little nook. I thought it might be claustrophobic, but it wasn't bad, and made us feel like we were alone in the crowd. We ordered a platter starter that was chock full of grapes, blackberries, raspberries, cheeses, apples slices, orange slices, sausages, bread and more. A very nice start. The Roasted Chicken was unbelieving moist. The menu described it as organic, free-range chicken with a rosemary rub. The seasoning was wonderfully savory. The chicken was accompanied with asparagus and potatoes. Very delicious and with the starter, I needed to take 1/2 of my dinner home. The beer list was extensive and I tried the Monk's Cafe Sour Ale. It was slightly tart and one that I look forward to sampling again. We asked to split the bill on two credit cards and did so without any issue. When we were leaving at about 6:30 pm, we noted that the bar area was standing room only. From our experience, it is easy to understand why it was so crowded.
(4)Ryan W.
Monk's is a wonderful establishment. Where else can you find a beer list multiple PAGES long coupled with amazing food and even more amazing fries? If you're going to try Monk's, be adventurous. Try some new beers. While its possible to find some of the more mainstream beers here, it's fairly likely you're going to run into some off-the-beaten-path uncommonly awesome beers too... and maybe sometimes the not-so-awesome beers. But one of the best things about Monk's is that there is so much variety. I don't have any complaints about my experiences with Monk's. The food has always been impeccable and the drink has always been wonderful.
(4)Robin C.
There's not much else I can say here that other people haven't already said. The beer selection is fabulous (yay Belgian beer!) and the mussels are delicious. There has been a wait every time I've gone, but it's been well worth it. The service is good, even when you're with a large pain-in-the-butt group. This is a great place for yummy food, great beer and good times.
(4)Anthony M.
Despite living around the corner from Monk's, and drinking there often, I'd never had a meal there. While the beer selection is worthy of 5 stars alone, the food there is great as well. I'll be adding Monk's to my list of convenient, casual and cheap restaurants. Only downside was one SUPER CRANKY waitress who made up more rules than you could believe: everyone in your party must be eating to be seated at a table, a table can only have 1 extra chair pulled up to it, no split bills of any kind... oh well..
(4)Brian M.
This place would be great if it was larger than the bathrooms at it's sister restaurants. I get asked to go to Monk's a couple times a year - and each time I'm foolish enough to go. Sooner or later I'll remember what a miserable experience the restaurant usually is. My most recent try was a Saturday night - meeting three friends to eat and drink too much. We arrived by 8 and were told there would be a one hour wait. No problem - I expect that in a good restaurant this small. So I smash myself up against the wall and get to drinking. Now I'm a big guy - so it might make sense that I'd get bumped a lot in a crowd. However after the first half hour I began to pick up on the fact that none of the customers were bumping into me... but the servers were EVERY time they passed. Hour passes, we double check to see where we are on the list because people who showed up on the list AFTER us are seated. Turns out there was an "oversight" on the list - defined as the host (who does NOTHING but watch the door) didn't write our names down. SO we're told another half hour. EVERYone looking for a table was seated before us. God we wanted Monk's mussels... but not bad enough to not get seated before 10 when we showed up at 8. So we went off to Nodding Head. My problem isn't that this happened to me Saturday night. My problem is that this happens to me EVERY time I go if it's not at lunch. Upsides - Killer beer menu. Knowledgeable bar tenders. Great mussels and good menu in general. Downsides - Long wait, overcrowded, stuffy and uncomfortable seating. Always packed with beer snobs who are not leaving. Rude if not crappy wait staff. Now - I'm not saying Monk's has bad food or beer. If you can make it for lunch - definitely do. Otherwise - skip it and go to Nodding Head for food (owned by the same peeps - it has all the high points off the menu and good craft brews) or Eulogy if you're looking for Belgian beer.
(2)Laura S.
Great food, one of the best beer selections in the city, and great desserts. My favorite is the blue cheese and leeks burger, but the mussels are a close second. And they have really good key lime pie.
(5)Jason P.
Another place that has eluded me for years. Mostly because none of my friends ever want to go. Thankfully because of a belated Christmas gift, me and group of friends ventured over to give it a try. Having never gone, we didn't realize how little space there is to talk around. But I don't like to really grade this place upon that. This should be about service and quality of food/drink. First off, this place provides a list of Belgium beers (import and domestic) that could rival most NJ diner menus in it's expansiveness. It is truly an accomplishment and testament to their craft. While the prices for most of the imports are a little scary, there are some affordable options. I tried Monk's Sour Ale and Christmas Ale and appreciated both. As a table we ordered a bunch of fries and some flatbread/hummus. The fries are everything they are cracked up to be. Some of the best in the city. Girlfriend got the mixed greens and loved it, while someone else at the table got the duck confit and couldn't stop raving about it. I noticed about 80% of the patrons of Monk's were ordering the mussell platter. Duly noted for next time, and yes there will be a next time.
(4)James F.
Great little pub for a brew and a snack!
(4)Jack I.
The gold standard of Belgium bars and mussels in Philadelphia. Extensive beer bible that would take years of dedicated trips to finish. Exquisite food, the headliner being the Monks Mussels. Perfectly prepared with a touch of heat- don't be surprised if you order a second round. They are served with the monk's signature fries which are unlike anything else in the area. The cost is a little on the pricy side but if you are looking for the top of the tops you are going to find it here. The only drawback to their success is that they are always crowded. If you aren't in a booth be guaranteed that you will be arm to arm with someone at the next table- this can be annoying or enjoyable depending on who your table mates are. On one occasion my date and I talked to the people next to us and decided to push the tables together. Made great one meal friends and had a fantastic time. If you only have 3 hours in Philly and have already had a cheese steak- pop over to monks.
(5)P H.
You will not find a place with a better beer selection. This is where it's at for all the craft beer aficionados. Cheers!
(5)Jess M.
Swore I'd written a review for this national treasure. I've been here numerous times and have never had a bad experience. Definitely a beer drinker's paradise. Lots of choices from across the globe. Name it and chances are they've probably got it, along with a thousand other beers you've never even heard of. Great food, too! They're known for their mussels, which I've never had myself, but I'd like to sing the praises of the seitan cheese steak and the burgers. Great fries with spicy mayo for dipping. The atmosphere of the place is special. No TVs to distract you from your dining/drinking companions. I love that! I don't think I've ever seen the place empty -- there's always a loud buzz of conversation across the restaurant. The back room is my favorite place to be seated, a nice little hideaway to spend an afternoon, assuming you can afford it. It's not a cheap place to drink and dine, but it's definitely worth every penny.
(5)Mortimer S.
I've tried a lot of Belgian beers so I don't start creaming my pants when I see St. Bernardus 12 or Rochefort 10 (as amazing as they are), but Monk's goes beyond the high end Belgians one "usually" finds in beer stores and has a pretty amazing selection of stuff that you wouldn't normally find anywhere else. As should be obvious, the beer is the main draw here. The food is good, but that's not what you go for. I've had mussels there and have no complaints about them. Last time I went there was for lunch and I had a veal-and-something-or-other sausage which I just kind of shrugged my shoulders at. There wasn't anything else in the bun besides the sausage and mustard (there was too much of the latter) and for $9 I thought I should have gotten a bit more. The service is ok but food can take a long time even when it's not busy. It's a good place to go with a larger group and when you have a good deal of time (and money) to spend.
(4)Susan W.
Love the Mussels and burgers along with the beer selection.
(5)Carrie L.
I really wanted to like this place, and I was really, really looking forward to drinking and dining there. Unfortunately, the bartender was not looking forward to me drinking and dining there because he refused to acknowledge my presence. He continued to wait on people who came after me, people to the left and right of me, but did not so much as blink in my direction. I can understand waiting for a while because he was busy, but after he started waiting on more and more newcomers, I became frustrated. Even my attempts to get his attention went unnoticed. It's too bad for Monk's then, because I left and went somewhere else. I'm afraid I probably won't try it again.
(1)Ajay K.
Evil place. They serve an amazing selection of Belgian and other Beers. Evenings spent at Monk's have led to the following day being extremely low on the productivity scale. And we haven't even talked about the food. Veal cheeks... Duck salad sandwich... Boudin Blanc... All Excellent! Despite all the lost workdays, I'm sure we will be back!
(5)Shawn S.
It's a place i keep coming back too.... for tons of reasons, including: Mussel's or pommes frites ... that's what your going to get, that and some kick ass beer! Still impressive even with the current "local" beer craze, the staff knows the menu insideout, including EVERY beer they have! I always ask them what they will get, always a great recommendation/pairing. but if you stop at mussels/pommes/beer your missing out. Their other entree's including rabbit, and specials are amazing! i can't say enough! have to go atleast once! ok, i'm hungry just thinking about it....
(4)Ryan M.
Amazing! A beer list to die for, hot wings that are actually hot, and lovely pots of fresh mussels. The best Belgian cafe I've found not actually in Belgium!
(5)Joy T.
Best moules-frites ever! And of course, great beer selection.
(4)Ritu K.
What more can I possible say except that I love this place- mainly because the beer selection is so fricking awesome. I had the best beer on tap (similar to a Leffe Blonde but way better). Sooo soo good- if only I had stayed sober enough to remember the name... The hazards of drinking beer like its water... Fries and mussels are delic as well! Why the four stars- the crowds and the burgers. Too crowded and slightly greasy burgers- otherwise I love this place!
(4)Sooshi K.
for the amount and quality of mussels i would definitely give them 5 stars.but i really hate the long wait for this place. one time i had to wait 1 hr++ to be seated and they didnt seat my party for the longest time until I told them i was ordering for the one person missing. back to the food. mussels great! i love dipping the bread into juice with tons of flavor. can get kinda salty though. and fries are pretty darn good.
(3)Foodie H.
Very average Food for the non mussel eater. great drinks menu.
(3)Steph H.
259 reviews, what's one more? An even effin number, that's what. Soooooo Monks... What to write, what to write? Went on wednesday night around 7, didn't have to wait too long got a quiet table in the back. The waitress wasn't helpful in choosing one of the approximate MILLION beers listed and said something like "uhh one of the drafts".. thanks big helper. I got a great burger with goat cheese (and if you know anything about me and my history with goat cheese I say YES goat cheese). We also go this basket of "frites" and if anyone can help me pronounce that would that would be great fri-tes? frits? argh. I know they're supposed to be euro or whatever but to be completely honest, those "double cut" mini-fries are a pain to eat and share, though they were seasoned well. The beers that I had were really just alright. I know some of you are reading this and are saying something like "oh whatever she just doesn't know what a good beer is".. I donno I just wasn't blown away as I thought I was going to be. Perhaps I'll try it again sometime and I'll be inspired to write another review and change my rating.
(3)Mayra H.
Brews, Burgers, and Belgians. This place can do no harm - unless, you know, it does. Last time I graced this establishment with my presence (cocky, much?) I ordered the Monk's Burger w. caramelized leeks and bleu cheese. I ordered it medium rare, but ended up with medium. It's alright though - they were looking out for my well being. E. coli is no joke, yo. The ratio of leeks to bleu cheese was right on as the bleu cheese did not overpower the mild leeks and meaty glory. My ONE (just one) issue with this bite of bliss is the bun. It's far too dense and it dilutes my enjoyment, but not enough to give up on it. I just pushed the aforementioned culprit to the side. And like others before me, the pomme frites (translation: fries, papitas fritas) are crisped to awesomeness and that bourbon mayo is, well, delish. It's addictive; watch yo'self, before you wreck yo'self. And beer: I love me some Celebrator. I mean, you get to take a ram charm home! Now that's the life.
(4)Scott D.
I only give this place 3 stars because of the service. The food is top notch and I'm never disappointed. I get the scallops or the veal cheeks on a regular basis always prepared to excellence! The mussels are superb and you can't go wrong with any of them. I love the Ghent, Red Light and Provence, my girlfriend loves the Thai Curry mussels. The burgers are pretty good choice too. I absolutely loved the Duck Ragout. Now the bad: We have been disappointed with the rabbit of late and seems there is a new chef that can't get it right. Service was really good up until about a year ago. The wait for a table is extremely long and the host's don't seem to get the wait time right and seem to skip over the list and pick and choose. Do not sit at the bar if a eastern European lady is there. I waited 20 mins at the bar for a drink while she stood there looking at the computer and doing the service bar. When I finally did get a beer it had 2 inches of head. Now I usually don't complain about head, but when I am paying $8 for a beer I'd like as little as head as possible. I will continue to go to Monk's because it is an awesome spot, but the last few times have brought it back down to Earth.
(3)John B.
I came back and tried some different mussels that I haven't tried before. I think I've tried almost all different ones, and I like their redlight (the spicy kind) the best. Really flavorful broth...pretty spicy though. I guess I forgot how expensive this place was...I was waiting for table and quickly spent $22 on two glasses of beer. That's a bit ridiculous...but they are good beers. also it's comparable to beer price at Foodery (lol)... Their food isn't really that expensive and the mussels (which comes with fries) are pretty good deal. So it's bit forgivable if you plan to eat here. One big complaint for me is that they should improve their bread a little bit. Bread is the perfect "utensil" to pick up the mussel broth, but their bread was cold and hard. The fries...while nicely salted and flavored, they are "wilted" not sure if they are too skinny or if they need to be re-fried before being served.
(4)Laura K.
I've only been to Monk's a few times but it's made an impression and is on the list of places to eat when I'm in Philly. A friend turned me to this place. After a long flight into town, sometimes you just need some Good Food and Monk's delivers just that. The burgers are everything you need them to be - crusty roll and delectable beef. The fries are slightly seasoned and really good. The non-burger options are large and tasty (so says my dinner partner) and there is an extensive selection of beers. My only complaint is it's a touch on the dark side of lighting possibilities. Not terrible - just a little darker than I would prefer. Overall, a great place for good food in a cozy atmosphere.
(4)W S.
my little brother is and executive for Belgian Brewing Co. and on his last trip out here made this a must destination for us.. He was impressed with the selection and service was great.. though a little small for my taste...
(4)Dustin S.
Fantastic food and fantastic beer. It has a lot of very special belgium beer. Very flavorful and the mussels with Pom frites were very good. Over all the atmosphere was very relaxed.
(5)Sean G.
Food: 3.5 stars Service: 3.5 stars Ambiance: 4 stars Price: 4 stars I recommend the Large Scallops for appetizer. They are always very well prepared. The mussels are excellent, particularly the House preparation or 'Red Light' prep (if you like it more spicy). The beer selection is very impressive and the restaurant itself has a very fun, laid back experience. Overall: 4 Stars
(4)John C.
How can you go wrong with nearly infinite Belgian beer options + assorted flavors of mussel pots, replete with loads of garlic?
(4)Marc R.
This place is beer heaven. Beer list is comprehensive to say the least, and educational-some beer styles you may decide you hate, but at least you can try them. Burgers are very good as are the fries, but unfortunatley they got rid of the charcuterie platter which was awesome. Word of warning-this place gets absolutely mobbed. Best time to go is like Wednesday at 3pm-head straight for the back bar (go toward the kitchen and hang a left). If it's Saturday at 7pm, don't bother.
(5)Todd O.
Was heading to Philly so had to try Monk's Cafe. So far the hottest day of the year and I trekked many blocks for a cold pint(or two). It is a very nice looking pub. The beer selection on tap and bottles is top notch. I started with the Blind Pig and had one of the famous burgers. Very delicious, if I had a suggestion maybe a bit bigger to fill out the wonderful roll - fries hand cut w/ dipping sauce - great. The couple next to me did had the mussels and gave a thumbs up for them too. Worth the trip for a great pint of two and some great pub fare. The bartender was great too.
(4)Alex H.
Great beer list, as good as you can expect any specialty bar to be. Best place in the city to grab a Belgian beer if you know what you're looking for. If you don't, it might just be the best place to find out, too!
(4)Melissa M.
I've been twice, and the food and service were above par both times. The beer menu is staggering, and the servers know the beers well enough to make great recommendations. The food is delish - yesterday's specials included a tomato salad that I wished was a tad larger but included a pesto that made me want to lick my plate. The Monk's Mussels broth may likewise prompt you to forget your manners. They have a forager! He brings in cool bits that find their way into the specials, and fresh tomatoes from his garden, at least. Minor negs - the pommes frites are not amazing (although the dipping aioli is, so you may devour them anyway) - but I wish they were not mushy. We also long for some good, warm bread to mop up the mussels' broth. Torn between 4 and 5 stars... but giving 5 because the good bits are so good while the bad bits aren't really bad but just average.
(5)pracheta t.
Quite possibly my favorite bar to go to with good people. Beer selection is out of this world. I've only ate there a handful of times but I'm always pleased. Service is good and I don't really have much else to say except that it's a really fun place, especially if you appreciate a good beer.
(5)Caroline F.
The food is delicious -- they are primarily known for their mussels (which I haven't had but everyone I've spoken with who did has raved about it) and for their fries (which I have had and are awesome). It's nothing much to look at inside, but it has a nice, cozy feel. However, its most noteworthy aspect is its beer selection -- they call their menu a "Bible" for a reason; it's enormous and ridiculously comprehensive. Beer lovers would be in heaven here. I'm not giving it a higher score because some of the staff has been rude in times that I went which has negatively affected my opinion of the place. Several years back when I went to college nearby, my boyfriend and I tried to come here for brunch on a weekend but weren't aware of the under-21 at all times rule; I was 20 at the time, and neither of us thought that it was going to be an issue given the early hour we were going (most Philly bars won't let those who are underage in after 9 PM, but before then, it's usually not a problem at most places). The hostess was rude in general, but when she found out that I was under 21, she was extremely judgmental and unnecessarily hostile. Considering that this wasn't clearly advertised anywhere on their website (or even, from what I can recall, anywhere in the restaurant) and we were clearly not "trying to pull a fast one" but just didn't know, her attitude was hardly warranted. So, be aware of this policy for sure, but also that some staff members can be unprofessional and impolite.
(3)Jamie C.
Monk's is dark, raucous, and sports a beer list long enough that you might go cross-eyed trying to read it (in the dark.) It definitely keeps the "medieval bar experience" alive. If you're in Center City and want to enter that world, I highly suggest it. Go for the mussels and as much beer as you can afford. Go outside your comfort zone. Why three stars? Oftentimes it is so crowded that not only can you not get a seat, but you'll also have to jockey to get a position close enough to the bar that you can wave over someone's head and - maybe! - get the bartenders attention. Then once they've finally slid a drink to you through the throng (not the thong, for that you need to go to Delilah's), you'll most likely feel awkward drinking it in the corner with your friends while they bitch about overpopulation. Maybe that's just me though. I've also had plenty of good experiences here.
(3)kerry a.
The beer was excellent, and the mussels come with fries, making the small pot for only $8 quite a tastey deal (in SF you'd pay at least $8 for a bowl of basic white wine and shallots mussels, and another $4 for the fries). Mmm, Belgian beer and hot snacks on a cold rainy day make for a nice break from the outside. Service was awkward and not good, from the hostess to the bartender, and sitting at the bar, next to the hostess stand made it continue to be a bit awkward (sit farther down the bar if possible) and they won't let you have a table unless you're planning on having dinner...even if you're the only ones in the place, and they asked you which you'd prefer...
(4)Bryan K.
This place can get a little crowded but it's worth it! The mussels are cheap and good and the beer list is great.
(5)Dan P.
Extremely excited about Monks Cafe!! Mygirlfriend and I just hate a late night dinner at Monks(literally just got back to our hotel from there 10minutes ago). Everything about Monks Cafe is as good as the previous 400+ reviews previously posted about it. Monks is the first place I chose to eat at here on my first trip to Philly. And I'm gladi chose to go there. My girlfriend and I loved the atmosphere. A small dim lit pub setup that extends further into the back.. Both the front of the cafe and the back of the cafe has a full bar setup. So getting you drinks asap is no problem! Which is awesome! We stared out night with some drinks. I highly recommend the sour ale! It's got a familiar taste of Frambroise that I get from Bev' Mo.. But Monks sour ale is on another level. It has a good "beer-essense" to it. I had a couple of glasses and still want more! As for food, everything looked soooo good. It probably explains why we ordered so much, lol. We had the Pommes fries and Scallops for appetizers, which were both extremely good. The scallops were not rubbery at all, and the sauce covering the scallops was amazing. I caught myself dipping bread into the scallop sauce cuss it was that good. The fries where good as well, and came with a nice mayo based dip. I reccomend both. After appetizers we had the Monks mussels, and a Monks burger. Both were delicious. The mussels were good enough to fill us both up wtthout the burger. The mussels had a nice light garlic and herb flavor. Not one mussel was over cooked or under cooked. Nice ad easy to eat and mot messy at all. The Monk burger was perfectly cooked. The grilled leeks and blue cheese set that burger off! I really liked the leeks. It gave it a nice sweet touch without a overwhelming onion flavor. That burger paired with the sour ale was perfect. I highly recommend that combination for a good lunch. Monks Cafe met and exceeded my expectations. I definitely will recommend this place to anyone who will come to Philly. Good food, good atmosphere, good people... Open late! .. Perfect place.
(5)Sang A.
Okay on one of my very few excursions to Philly for a volleyball tournament, my friend suggested this place for a late lunch and happy hour. Its a dive bar in every sense of the word. It feels like a vintage irish bar but instead of Guiness and Harp posters all over the place everything is Belgian. The beer selection is great, I enjoyed a light apple beer that smelled like apples but didn't have the sweetness that beer lovers have qualms about "flavored" beer. The belgian style mussels were good, smaller in size than I would have liked though. They came with a small basket of fries and this delicious concoction of a dipping sauce. I could probably just come for beers and french fries to be honest. I made a mistake and ordered rabbit off the entree menu. (Who the hell serves rabbit at a pub anyway??) Overcooked, bland, bad idea. I should have just gotten a burger like my friend suggested but I generally just don't like to order burgers when i eat out since I make a great burger at home for a lot cheaper. Except for the poor entree choice, I liked this place. Quiet, cozy, unasssuming waitstaff, good beer, done deal.
(4)Sophie U.
Third stop on the Philly UYE. Baby, don't listen to what the other DCers say. Mama still loves you. And holy shit, your fries got better! Also, thank you sooooooo much for not fucking up my medium-rare burger! It's so hard to find a place that won't overcook meat. *hugs*
(5)Monica M.
I came here with a couple of friends after dinner. Since we were not eating, they could not give us a table but we managed to snag a couple seats at the bar in the back. They have a wide selection of beers and the bartender was happy to help me select a beer. It was extremely crowded on a Saturday night so I would like to check this place out during the week.
(4)Anni D.
Great beer selection and atmosphere. It tends to overcrowded though, so don't expect to get a seat without a long wait.
(4)Kristyn F.
This place is always super crowded and stuffy. Last time I was here I sat at (one of the few remaining) stools while my guy friends tried to stand by me but still clear a path for the foot traffic. The guy next to me kept elbowing me in the back and the bartender only spoke to me to get my order or tell me my total. On the PLUS side they do have an amazing beer selection - almost a novel of beers from all around the world including nøgne ø which is only found in 3 venues in this city. It seriously takes a bit of time to review their beer list because you have an unspeakable amount of choices! Go here you feel ballsy enough to try new drinks, but not to socialize.
(3)Mike C.
My fourth trip to Philly was easily the best trip to Philly because of Monk's Cafe. Sure, the wait was long. In fact, the wait was 2 hours long and would have been shorter had the hostess not given up our table to another party. BUT, the wait was worth it, the hype was true and yes, it did live up to expectations. I met a friendly UPS pilot at the bar who called Monks his "favorite place in the world." Period. I don't think there's higher praise than that. But truth be told, the place is small. Definitely don't show up with a party larger than 4. And lastly, prepare yourself for a long wait. The beer selection is excellent and will make the long wait seem short. The mussels and duck sandwich will make the wait seem trivial.
(4)Seth S.
can't beat the beer selection and $10 pot of mussels that will fill you up
(5)Paul H.
Yum. Spent several hours in a front window table at Monk's last night. It was the perfect ending to a long Summer Sunday. Dove into a big ppt of red Thai curry mussels and a big, frosty glass of Alagash white. It was tremendous. One thing, I almost got peanutted! As an allergy person, I have to be cautious about peanut oil, etc. On a whim, I asked if the mussels had peanut oil in them, they did not, but the fries did. It was a lucky break. We followed the mussels up with a burger, I had the Trappist, goat cheese, raw onion, lettuce and tomato. Perfection, medium rare on a wonderfully chewy bun.
(5)Your M.
It was disappointing. Service was ok. Management was condescending and they were questioning as to whether to seat us unless we ordered food. We then felt obligated to order lots of food. Management was after that still surprisingly smug. Not a good service experience!!
(1)Rebekah T.
This was another place to stop on my recent Beercation in Philly, although we simply just ran in to it on the way back from a lovely dinner at Alma De Cuba. Looking for another Belgian beer or two, we decided to stop in and check it out. The place was packed, so I grabbed the Beer Bible and studied up on my selection. They were out of my pick, it was something awesome by Evil Twin - so I settled for a 22oz. bottle of La Chouffe. Not bad, right? He ordered a Delirum Tremens, which is my favorite. It's nice to see that we have the same good taste in beer. Cheers to good beers!
(4)Lindsay V.
M and I met two friends here on a Friday night for food and drinks. It was a 30 minute wait for four people which ended up being only about 10 minutes. We were seated in the back room and proceeded in checking out the beer list. I went with a Dogfish Red and White. It was really good -- strong, but went down smooth (I am not a beer aficionado, obviously, haha). I got the Monk's Mussels (Gueuze, fumé, garlic & parsley), which are served with pommes frites and an awesome, very slightly spicy mayo dipping sauce. The fries are SO GOOD. I love fries that are fried dark like that. The mussels were also very good, perfectly cooked, although I wish the bread served with them was crustier. It was a soft roll, so it got super soggy as soon as it was dipped in the broth. For dessert, M and I got the peanut butter cheesecake and it was delish. Our friends got the chocolate covered creme brulee which was also good. Service was friendly but slow. It didn't really matter because we were chatting the whole time, but those that have someplace to go probably wouldn't appreciate it.
(4)Linh N.
Monk's Cafe had a wide variety of beer and some great dishes to go with it. It's like a bar but with better bar food. I came here early for lunch on a Sunday and it was empty. Really dim inside with only the windows to shine some light through. Curiously, the Monk's Ale was not too bad. For you non-beer-lovers, this tasted like grape soda with a hint of beer. Ordered about 4 plates to share and all were quite good. Started with the frog legs and it was really meaty, tasted like chewy chicken in a light buffalo sauce. Then we moved on to entrees, the Monly's Duck Salad is must get because the duck was cooked so perfectly, really tender and flavorful. The Rib Cap Steak was good also, maybe a bit on the tough side because it was hard to cut through but overall a passable dish. Finally the Provençe mussels was a bit of a let down, mussels were small, the pot of fume, celery, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, leeks, garlic, parsley & cream weren't tasteless...something heavier would've worked well with the mussels. In all, it's a good place. I bet it's even better at night when it gets more crowded and more rowdier. Guess I'll have to come back to find out, and get that duck again.
(3)Cliff J.
A credible beer and Scotch selection. I like Monk's, a lot! At it's heart, the owners and staff know beer and Scotch (among other things). My favorite are the mussels. The rest of the menu is also good to notably great. The service on a light crowd night is very good. As expected, on the busy nights, it's a little slow. BUT THEY KNOW THAT (and you should too). And while the service can be a bit slow, they have never screwed up my orders. And they'll even tell you when service might be slow and help you order a bit more to get you through it. The crowd is eclectic. But I've never had an issue. In fact, every time I'm here, I find folks that love to talk beer and Scotch. When I'm in the city, Monk's is a place I'm sure to go.
(3)Maria M.
I really love this place, and I go here every time I have a chance while in Philly, the city of Brotherly Love. I had stumbled upon this place around five years ago, and I came across the best duck salad of my life. Ever since, I have ordered the duck salad and it has never done me wrong. I also tried my first fried Frog Legs, and they were tasty! This is also a beer lover's paradise, and strangely enough, I don't drink beer. But I make an exception at Monk's Cafe. I get a sweet fruit beer (that doesn't taste like beer) and pay my respects to the art of Beer. The interior is cozy, small, and ecclectic. The staff is friendly, the bartenders are great, and the bathroom's clean (always brownie points for a clean bathroom at a dining facility). I was only upset once when they "ran out of soup" for the day at around 2-3PM. Please, stock up accordingly. It was the "Soup of the Day". There is no way. But I won't let that prevent me from giving this place five stars. They get a pass. Go on and try the best duck salad you have ever had, take a plunge and try something new, and drink some beer!
(5)Sam S.
Great spot to go on a cold winter night. I also recommend trying the seitan cheesesteak. Very good!
(5)Benjamin B.
I finally had the opportunity to eat at Monk's after some time of waiting, and my general comment would be that I expected more. Now, the beer selection definitely lived up to the hype. As many Yelpers indicate, the beer menu is a book, and Monk's has whatever your heart might desire. As an entre, I ordered the Provence mussels, which I hoped would tickle my taste buds. I actually hoped to experience something similar to Granville's in Washington, D.C., but the mussels did not have the strong flavor I hoped they would have. I will say that the quantity served was worth the price, but what the food was in quantity it lacked in flavor.
(3)Lisa S.
Overrated...beer selection excellent, but that is about it. Have been there multiple times, usually sit at the bar. This time our party of four wanted to sit at a table and order beers and apps--were rudely told by employee that was not allowed, although there were many open tables and no open room at the bar. Since I feel that this place is not really conducive to standing and hovering behind those sitting at the bar, especially in the midafternoon, we left and spent our money elsewhere. The only reason I am giving them three stars is because of the vast selection of beers. Please work on your customer service skills.
(3)Emily L.
Please, please, my friends, ignore the crappy service and get past the crowded, loud atmosphere. Please. You will be gloriously rewarded. I promise. I have had mussels in France and in Belgium, and these were better. They were perfectly tender, meaty and plump, signs of fresh ingredients and vigilant chefs. The broth was neither too salty nor too watery, just rich with flavor. Crumbles of bleu cheese had melted right in, the caramelized leeks added depth and texture, and the bacon was thin, chewy and smoky -- all elements complimented each other perfectly. I was speechless. Oh, they served this with two mini-loaves of homemade bread (pepita-studded and olive miche) AND crispy fries AND bourbon aioli. Yes, that's homemade mayonnaise with bourbon. All for $10, and two of us could barely finish it! I'm getting choked up just remembering the experience. Also, the beer? Is not going to be any better anywhere else on the earth. Sorry. Any place that stocks Cantillon, even if there's a limit, deserves a full prostration right there on the sticky floor. After the Rosé de Gambrinus, we moved on to a Belgian white, and IPA and a couple of lambics. Everything was wonderful. Yeah, the service sucks, except for the tall, Irish female bartender who took very good care of us. Everyone else acted like it was a huge favor to get us a menu, bring us another drink, walk around us on the way to the next table . . . After a couple of hours we just got tired of shouting to hear each other and moved to the back bar. But then we weren't allowed to sit because we weren't ordering food (we had just ordered food, but in the front.) That was dumb. So: It's really too crowded and loud to properly enjoy classy beer. But seriously, with food and beer this good, you roll your eyes and take the attitude and count the days until you can return. You'll see for yourself.
(4)M E.
We came for lunch and were seated immediately - maybe that is the way to beat the crowds noted in other reviews. I don't drink beer but enjoyed tastes from my companion's beers. He could not decide which beer to get, so they provided him with two half-beers. What a great gesture! The mac and cheese was probably the best that I have ever had - real true cheese, nice and creamy. We had the duck salad sandwich - excellent but it is actually slices of duck placed on salad leaves, not a "chicken-salad" type of minced concoction. My only disappointment was their limited selection of non-alcoholic beverages - had hoped for craft sodas and ciders - but few places offer those options, so no deduction in points on that score.
(5)Matt O.
Tons of beers. Definitely worth a trip just for beer. The burger was ok. I'd go somewhere else to get a good burger, like Good Dog. I've heard the oysters are phenomenal, but I didn't try them myself. Next time?
(4)E B.
Great selection of beers. I always order the steak frites salad. My girlfriend loves the duck salad. We are regulars here. Stop in for lunch or dinner. It's always a good time.
(4)Joseph C.
I've been to Monk's a few times and I've never been disappointed, but I've never been blown away either. The beer selection is great. The food is very good, but a little boring. There was probably a time when that was all you needed, but now a days every neighborhood has a handful of gastropubs with great beer lists and chef quality food. Monk's just seems dated and stuck to me. I could list 10 similar places with much better food off the top of my head. What really made me give Monk's 3 stars instead of 4 though is the service. Each time I've gone the servers and bartenders aren't all that interested in what they're doing and the waits are ridiculous (for food too, not just to get a table). I can't think of anything special about Monk's that would make the wait worthwhile, so I just head somewhere else.
(3)Danit H.
Its not what it use to be.. I use to love this place - great selection of beer and fresh delicious mussels.. not anymore? The mussels I ordered were not fresh.. and the place looked dirtier than ever. I don't know - not much to say.
(3)Sandra S.
"The Bernard Hopkins of all Philly beer snob bars." Translation: it is fucking good beer here.
(5)Vicky L.
Good food incredible beer great atmosphere just a great bar/café to visit. Nice place to go at night.
(4)John-Michael C.
Oh yeah! Nothing beats a long cold walk from your hormonally challenged college student filled hotel than some ale! Do yourself a favor and read up about what you imbibe. I know a learned a lot about what I intoxicate myself. And from the looks of the menus, it appears that a lot of other people have as well. Then get at least a pot of mussels and start with alcohol you dont have locally from where ever you are from. And then slowly work your way down the list of fermentation till you cant read anymore. City of Brotherly Love indeed! ;D
(4)Molly B.
Monk's Cafe was awesome! It was my first time there on Sunday, I loved the atmosphere - very cozy and warm and private feeling. Beer selection was great, and our server had some good recommendations. And the burgers? Outstanding! Got to love a good place to go for reasonably priced, delicious burgers.
(5)Amy U.
Typical dive bar with good pub grub. The cheeseburgers and muscles are delicious. This was an "emergency we need food now" place to stop and we don't live in the area, so we probably wouldn't be back. It's good though, overall.
(3)S C.
Just got drinks here with some friends. Good beer selection, good service and laid back vibe.
(4)Alison S.
I love Monk's. I love the Beer Bible...I mean really, who doesn't love the fact that they bash Coor's Light (which my husband drinks). I actually accidentally ordered rabbit. not a huge fan of bunny but I LOVED my whole meal!!! I like the atmosphere, I like the beer and I love the food. The service was welcoming and fun. Just relaxed and calm. I loved my evening here!
(4)Brad S.
Don't be fooled by the bottles decorating the window facing the street - this isn't a place that has 2007 Bourbon County Stout and Sam Adams Triple Bock in the fridge, but nevertheless, when it comes to Belgian beer, it's not going to get much better than Monk's. Even when it doesn't come to Belgian beer, there's plenty of stuff on tap that's a little closer to home (if only by virtue of being in the same country - Russian River isn't exactly home in Pennsylvania, though I can't argue with Pliny being on tap) and if you can't find something good to drink here, then you're not looking hard enough. I have no idea how the food compares to other beer bars in the PHL, but I can't help but be impressed by them putting the vegan dish right there at the top of the menu. Celeriac "steak" served au poivre style is not only the lighter type of meal I needed after having a later-than-planned lunch, but the price was also relative to the other entrees, and a relative bargain. Plus, it tasted pretty good. The dish didn't need a side of fries, but I needed to taste them. The thin cut strips of potato were worthy of being called 'frites', and I ate way more than I intended. A Russian River Blind Pig turned into a Cantillion gueze, and we sat and savored our meal. Some beer bars let the booze get in the way of having a good time. At Monk's it was simply the catalyst to enjoying all that my company, the city, and the cafe had to offer.
(5)Jessica B.
Great beer selection, and I like the atmosphere. My guy friends especially love this place mostly for the beer, and the close proximity to a lot of the other center city bars. Its a great place to get a few drinks before you head out, or grab a few more drinks after dinner at LaViola or one of the other BYOBs in the area. Its a great palace to be able and sit and talk with your friends, and I've never seen it too crowded to get to the bar easily or hear yourself talk. The bars aren't huge though, and the service is so-so. I haven't eaten here more than once, the foods good for pub-ish type food, but maybe a little pricy. If you are here just for some quick drinks order up some of the fries, some of the best I've had, and I'm a sucker for a good aioli... There are also a lot of choices to change up the typical burger and the portions are pretty generous.
(3)Baramee C.
This was definitely a nice chill place to hang out after a rainy day and needing to get out. The place is more happening downstairs at the bar and the upstairs is more the restaurant area. It's a total dive bar/pub, but roomy and yet intimate at the same time. We got some beers and grabbed some dinner. I got the crispy calamari salad. The crispy calamari in the salad were awesome. They had flavor, they stayed crispy and there was just a hint of spice. It was the perfect light meal. My friend got the infamous burger, which was delicious, except that the cheese wasn't so much in the middle of the burger (think jucy lucy style) and it oozed the back end as he ate his burger. The fries were pretty delicious also. I would definitely go back here.
(5)Tawny V.
Great food and beer! I've never been disappointed by their mussels, beer, or burger. It's a bit cramped, which isn't a huge deal, just get there a bit earlier for dinner (i.e. 7pm). However, I prefer its sister restaurant, Belgian Cafe, because Monk's still had carpet the last time I was there and I can only think about the accumulation of spilt beer and mussel broth over the years lol
(4)Bob M.
What can I add that the 900-odd (so far) other people who have reviewed Monks haven't already said? Probably not much. That said, Monks was probably one of the first "good beer" bars in the country when they first opened, and they still have a terrific selection of beer. Their "beer bible" describes the process of making beer, their current bottle selection, and a few other things. It seems to be a destination for people from all over the country. They've been around for quite a while, so they must be doing something right. Their food has always been good as well. Their chicken wings are the best in the city, imho. A constantly-changing list of beers on tap from around the world. The owners meet with Belgian brewers & distributors to try to get new beers over here. OTOH, the place is a bit dated on the inside. It feels like a grotto, with little light coming through the front window, and the dark panelling. Not that grottoes are a bad thing, but it gives a somewhat less-than-clean impression to the whole place. Also their menu has been pretty much the same for the five-plus years I've been going here. Some more menu variety is needed. Overall, Monks is a great place to try some hard to find beers, meet people from out of town, and have fun.
(4)Alex P.
Ah freaking mazing beers! Monks is legendary for me now. The bartenders know so much and there is such an extensive list to try from. The first time I went here it was PACKED with people in town for some National Beer conference. These people do beer for a living and Monks was their go-to. I haven't eaten here but the plates I saw coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled amazing.
(4)Alex G.
Terribly disappointing experience. Came here for the mussels and beer. We got the brussels mussels (fumé, tomato, fennel, herbs de provençe & garlic) and petit dejeuner (oatmeal stout, baby spinach, goat cheese, fumEe, garlic, tomato & basil). Both were awfully fishy. The sauces didn't spice up the flavor at all. The mussels at Eulogy and Jerry's Bar are significantly better. The pommes frites were too burned. They needed some kind of seasoning or herbs. The trout was also low quality. The only positive was the beer. Had the Triple Karmeliet. It was awesome.
(2)Ray L.
Lots of mussels. Delicious. And reasonably priced. Check, check, and check. Oh, and lots of beer? Double check. Monk's is a favorite for a lot of folks in Philly and for good reason. You honestly can't go wrong with any of the different varieties. Along with pomme frites and beer - you're good to go. The beer selection is pretty expansive, so if you're into beer, this is definitely a place to try out. Despite the delicious mussels I come here infrequently. It's always, always crowded. I don't think I've ever stopped by here without there being a really long wait. Word to the wise: prepare for a wait or come here early!
(4)Caroline B.
Last Saturday, we began our tri-state area tour, leaving Forest Hills early in the morning, spending the afternoon in Princeton, NJ with some of my family and friends, and then arrived at our final destination of Philadelphia where we planned to dine at Monk's Cafe with some of our friends. While we hit a couple obstacles along the way, ie traffic, road detours in shady neighborhoods and getting to Monk's right as they were ready to give our table to another party, we made it to dinner just in time. We all ordered beverages upon being seated--yes, Monk's has an extensive selection of beers--and then we ordered a big pot of mussels to share. I didn't know mussels could be that good! They were in some sort of buttery, garlicky beer broth and had a great texture. Note to self: look for a Belgian restaurant here in NYC. As for main courses, I ended up getting a burger and fries--something I rarely order but I knew it would be excellent here. The spicy dipping sauce that came with the fries was delicious as well. While I enjoyed my meal thoroughly, I was almost ready to send it back after trying a munch of the duck salad sandwich which was unbelievable. We had a terrific experience overall. I don't get down to Philly the way I used to, esp. when I was in college or when I was a kid and visited often with my family, but I would make a point of coming back to Monk's.
(5)Randy S.
Festive atmosphere and a truly amazing selection of Belgian beers. If you're not sure what you want, the barkeeps will help you select. Then there are the special events or introductions! The food is also very good -- for Belgian cuisine. Sweet potatoes mash are quite good though melting in some cheese would improve them. The duck confit was well prepared -- the meat nearly fell off the bone and was juicy. A definite place to go each trip to Philly.
(4)Drew B.
Just stopped in for a beer and an appetizer. Amazing! Prompt service and quality food and drink.
(4)Andrea S.
Such beer. Many food. Very like.
(5)Trang L.
This past weekend I went to Monk's Cafe to relive those college days when my friends and I would gravitate toward Monk's for their mussels and pomme frites. This time around, I started with the "flatbread and dips" which consisted of flatbread with 3 different spreads: lemon, lager, garlic hummus; curried butternut squash, and red pepper feta dip. All the dips were all pretty good, though my favorite was probably the red pepper feta dip. After the appetizer, our mussels came: Monk's Mussels and Red Light Mussels. They were good but definitely less flavorful than I remembered. I wish there was more of a kick, but the pomme frites with their bourbon mayonnaise dipping sauce definitely made up for it. The small pot ($10) is definitely more than enough for one person. You also get more bang for your buck if you order two small pots vs. one large pot ($20). Monk's also has a large selection of speciality beers. Check out their menu for what they have! Maybe next time I'll try a different pot of mussels for more flavor, but in general, I'd definitely recommend this cute Belgium spot for a good meal and good drinks. :)
(3)Taylor B.
This Place Rocks! What I liked: The beer list is amazing. The Food is to Die for. I love their frites and mussels - with the Thai Curry Sauce. Great rotating tap list. Great atmosphere. Good music playing. The back room is alot of fun to hang out in. The wait staff is very nice and are helpful with making recommendations. Although it is always busy you feel pretty intimate with whoever you are talking too. It is never too loud that you can't have a conversation. What I Dis-liked. Not Much. If anything I would say the beer menu can be alittle overwhelming just because it is so comprehensive. Also, there is almost always a wait, but at least you can stand around the bar while you wait Overall Great Bar! You must try
(4)Kate O.
In a moment of hope and audacity, looking for a meal that might satisfy me, a raw-leaning vegan, and my boyfriend, a locavore-minded pescatarian, as well as provide us with some tasty beverages, I typed 'vegan "craft beer"' near Philadelphia into my Yelp app, and was pleased to find quite a few results. But Monk's stood out for having a four-star average rating with over 800 reviews. Based on my usage of Yelp, I've noticed that at that quantity of reviews, it seems to be pretty rare to carry a high rating unless the place really is special. And since they had vegan options listed, several insistent reviews raving about the mussels, and a stunning menu of beers, we pointed our GPS that way. We were not, as my five-star rating will have already tipped off, disappointed. My boyfriend ordered the DeKoninck style mussels: DeKoninck ale, apples, guryere, carmelized leeks & garlic. He was not thrilled not only with the mussels, but with the bourbon mayonnaise that comes with the frites that accompany the mussels. I, meanwhile, enjoyed the tasty frites as we waited for our entrees. As a vegan in a non-vegan establishment, it's pretty rare to have two very compelling menu options, but it was tough to choose between the vegan burger (with more frites!) and the vegan celeriac au poivre. In retrospect, I can't understand why I struggled with that choice, but thankfully upon request for input, our server Jill suggested the celeriac. "It's different. You can have a burger anytime." Wisdom indeed. Back when I ate meat, steak au poivre was one of my favorite dishes. The insanely good vegan celeriac au poivre was almost enough to make me move to Philadelphia. My boyfriend, meanwhile, ordered the vegan burger, but dressed it up with Swiss cheese and mushrooms. He was pleased, but most of his focus was on the artisan bun it came on: apparently this bun was the true star of the burger show. And what really needs to be said about the beer selection? The draft options are generous and genuinely Belgian: from Delerium Tremens to Tripel Karmeliet, and the "beer bible" offers many, many more bottled varieties if you're looking for something more obscure. In summary, here's the abbreviated version: truly delicious food, great beer, charming atmosphere. We'll be back, for sure.
(5)Greg D.
Quaint place for beers. They have a wide selection of beers, although tonight they had less because of a charity event they have tomorrow. (Only reason why it is not 5) Tried a chocolaty stout, quite tasty. Place was packed for a Sunday night.
(4)Tom R.
Great selection of beers. Waiters know what you are looking for and suggestions are right on. Had mussels. All have beer in them and great pairings. Also great pub style food
(4)Rita C.
If you love beer and mussels (not to be confused with beer muscles), then you'll love Monk's. When you first walk in, you will immediately notice that Monk's is a small, dark place. (If you're coming here on a weekend, be prepared to wait!) There are actually two bars, one as soon as you walk in and another in the way back back (if you can find it). My advice is to walk in and immediately check the back bar for seating - usually I'm able to get lucky if it's just me and one other person. If you're coming with a large group, then, sadly, Monk's probably isn't the best place to do this. The beer bible. Can't go wrong with that. There's a draft list for the front and back bar that's constantly changing depending on availability. If that's not what you're looking for then definitely jump on it to the bottle beer listing. There's something for everyone! Now on to the menu - There are a bunch of things on the menu, but it's the mussels you want. Note that an order of mussels comes with pomme frites (and they are delicious). I have a personal goal to try all the different flavors of mussels and I'm about halfway through the list. (I'm guessing there's about ten of them total.) To date my favorite has been the Ghent (bacon & bleu cheese). The hunks of bacon and creamy bleu cheese in that broth is absolute heaven. On the flip side, my least favorite has been the DeKoninck. The main reason why I disliked this flavor is that all of the tasty guryere is melted at the bottom of the pot inside a couple of mussels. Maybe the guryere isn't the best cheese for this kind of thing? But that's just my opinion. The short of it - Go to Monk's, Drink Beer, Eat Mussels and Pomme Frittes, Be Happy. Amen.
(4)Maxwell P.
Great service from Paul. Small and dark but intimate. We came at 11pm and found great food and friendly laid back service. The scallops were cooked perfectly. The mussel portions are generous. I also tried the pulled pork. I was skeptical of the apple shreds but the flavors compliment amazingly well with the savory BBQ sauce. The fries are in my opinion the best deal. The sauce which they call a bourbon mayonnaise is incredible. Try the bourbon mayonnaise or your time will have been wasted for nothing!
(5)Frank L C.
An excellent spot for a quick meal and a craft beer before a show. We really enjoyed the locally produced and aged Rook & Leer smoked stout, as well as other beers. My pulled pork sandwich was moist, smoky, and delicious, served with a fresh salad and quite tasty. My friend's mussels were perfectly steamed, well dressed in Provençal style, and served with crispy fries and bourbon-laced mayo. After 7 the noise level went up and the light level went down. Why have we never gone here before?
(5)Brian G.
Visited Monk's while in Philadelphia last week. I love the place. It is all about a wonderful selection of beer at this somewhat dark joint. If you are a beer fan, you will not leave disappointed. As far as the food, I was there twice on the trip and both times had the small bucket of mussels. Night one, chose the Ghent Mussels and really enjoyed them. Make sure you get down into the juice at the bottom of the bucket, really good stuff. Night two, chose the Thai Mussels. I'm a big Thai food fan and love curry, so i really liked these as well. Also the frites are a must have and go great with any beer you choose. I will be back every time i visit Philly to watch the Flyers kick some butt. Penguins suck!
(5)Common R.
I want it noted that I went to this Belgian cafe the DAY AFTER the US soccer team's humiliating defeat at the hands of the Belgian squad. Despite the lingering bitterness, I drank Belgian beer, ate Belgian frites, and was generally cordial to the staff, most of whom admittedly were not Belgian. I did NOT compare the female waitstaff's nimbus-like hairdo with the similar hairdo of Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini. So I think I behaved very well, all told. The focus at Monk's is beer: Belgian beer, specifically, and lots of it. After experiencing how much great beer is brewed in Belgium, you understand why it has never felt the need to become a large, dominant country. Everyone is too sodden with the incredible brews. Who cares whether King Leopold is mad? Taste this Chimay! We had the Cease and Desist, the Tripel Karmeliet and the St. Bernardus. All were incredible. The frites were great, though not so jaw-dropping when you've lived with In-n-Out Burger fries most of your life. The flatbreads with dipping sauces were pretty good; could have been spicier. But really, you should come here for the beer. It was so good that I was able to ignore the incredibly loud guy in the booth near the center of the restaurant. I heard every word of his asinine business deals and his hoary frat boy anecdotes. So did everyone else in Monk's. Dude, you know who you are. Your girlfriend cares about you, but you have the loudest voice in Philadelphia, and this has got to stop before she ever thinks about marrying you.
(4)Elizabeth J.
Found this joint because a local friend recommended it. Tight quarters and crowded, but the service was still excellent and the selection of beers made it totally worthwhile. The mussels were delicious as was my salad. I'd love to visit this little gem of a Belgian bar again.
(4)Jenny L.
Why must you be so crowded during the weekend evenings? Multiple attempts trying to come here during the evenings only to be rejected with 45min-1hr waits for just 2 pple! I can only imagine going with my group of friends, I'll never eat. My tummy gets too hungry to wait that long, but finally came around 3:30PM on Saturday and huzzah, no wait! If you ever want some mussels and frites, here's the place to go! I can't tell you about their beer selection because I don't really drink or know anything about beers. Though I can tell you, beer drinkers would like it here. Another thing I can tell you that I absolutely love their Ghent mussels! The mix of garlic, bacon, and blue cheese in a pot with mussels broth just *A OK!* Disappointed with the DeKoninck, as I had hoped for a sweet and savory broth. Dip the bread in the Ghent broth and you will not be disappointed. Just make sure you scoop a little blue cheese, bacon, and broth onto each mussel (if the amount allows) for the full taste..
(4)Evan C.
Arguably the best beer selection in Philly, great for beer connoisseurs. It has a real beer tavern vibe, with a focus on Belgian-style beer. And the food is good as well. A must do for those visiting who want some great brews!
(5)Jordan E.
Went for a birthday and it was super packed. The back bar, were people eat is much cooler than the front but that night we were literally touching elbows while we ate. The draft list is super long and the food was pretty good. I think the ambiance is what won me over...quintessential Philly style I'd say.
(4)Alexa S.
Where do I start, the extensive and intimidating Belgian beer list, the wildy spicy but awesome wings or the always excellent mussels?! The beer...I always ask my server to recommend something based on what I'm feeling like drinking that particular visit. A saison, a typical lemony wheat beer - whatever it is, Monk's has the style you're craving and gets it right. The beers are served in the proper glassware and always at the perfect temperature (super cold!). While I am not a fan of their burgers, the wings, though not for the faint of heart, are awesome. Your server will definitely warn you that the wings are extremely spicy and trust me, they are not lying, but the flavor is really good and you'll order them again after your tongue forgets its reaction. The mussels are typically very good but I did have one bad experience where they didn't taste so fresh - it also happened to be a very hungover day which made it even worse. I always get the classic (Monk's) but the DeKoninck, Brussels and Red Light are yummy too. Apples and mussels don't sound like they'd be good together (DeKoninck) but they actually provide a textural contrast to the fleshy mussels and they're tart so it's not overly sweet. If you're a mussels and Belgian beer fan, and love pommes frites (super good dipping sauce), you'll like Monk's. Come early though as it gets crowded and it's not palatial.
(4)Michael H.
There is a fascination with this place that still evades me. My impression is that it is too small for the following, so everything from getting a beer, to a table and then food, just takes too long, and the price to quality ratio is off here.
(2)David M.
Monk's does what it says on the tin, monster list of Belgian beers including the classics and some weird ones, wide range of mussels and other comfort food. As a moules afficionado I was not that impressed with the size or succulence. The sauce was ok but not a really good moules marinieres or on a par with mouclade. Cheap and cheerful.
(3)Justin A.
For my 400th review, I am going to review Monks. Monks is a beer lovers haven and I love this place. I have been here a few times and was here recently for Zwanze Day. Wow, what an awesome place. The beer they got here on tap was absolutely incredible.. How many places can you find Cantillion and Russian River offerings in the area? Not many, if at all. Sure, the prices can be high, but the rarity makes it worth the while. Lots of other good offerings too with a large bottle list sorted by location. I also find it funny when people ordered a mixed drink or ask for shots here. It happens. Sure, the food can be better, but who the heck comes here for food. hi5.
(4)Leo Y.
The beer selection is as good as it gets. Seriously, i'd put the beer at Monk's up against any place. The fries were great, the mussels very good. My wife, who is a very picky eater, loved the veggie burger.
(5)Xerxes N.
With a name like café I thought I was going to be meeting a friend at a coffee shop. Turns out I was pleasantly surprised to be walking inside of a Belgian bar getting ready to experience what I think is the best mussel meal I've ever had. Don't be fooled by the outside. It appears very small but the place is deep. It's so deep that when I did a quick walk through to find my friend there was an entire bar/room in the back that I totally missed. My recommendation is to order the Monk's Café Flemish Sour Ale. It's a dark beer which is way off base of my "I'll have anything that is a light beer" talk when I go out. According to their menu this beer is brewed just outside of Ghent, Belgium. It has a reddish color, malt flavored with an acetic and lactic sourness. Whatever the hell it is I just took off the picture on my phone the beer was damn good. I've only ever had mussels that were soft, rubbery and chewy in texture. At Monk's I had something life changing...mussels that had a texture like I was eating regular food. They offer two sizes: a basic pot for $10 and a large pot for $20. A regular sized pot in itself is enough to act as a meal. With some 40 mussels it makes for a great appetizer if you're with a few friends. While I really couldn't tase the difference my friend ordered the DeKoninck flavor (ale apples, gureye, leeks and garlic) while I chose the Ghent (the bacon, bleu cheese and garlic as standouts on the menu). The pots come with a small bowl of delicious pomme frites. If I were to ever visit Belgium I suppose this served as a good idea of what I can expect their pubs to be like. Chances are I'll be back to Philadelphia before I head on over to Europe so I'll get my Belgium fix there next time I'm in town.
(4)Jamie U.
I take it back, I take it all back. Monks, you are awesome. Your veggie burger is delicious and your mussels are sexy. (I'd lose the celery root steak, it's not very good and it has an undercooked weird texture)
(4)Jenny K.
Fantastic (if overwhelming) beer selection and excellent, rich food for soaking up said beer. Don't be afraid to describe the type of beer you like to the bartender/server and they will hook you up. If you're going to branch out anywhere, you're in safe hands at Monk's. The bar in the far back is by far the best - super cozy. Enjoyable music that tends toward alt rock. Why no 5-star? Monk's is a victim of its own success. Often packed, and frequent enough turnover that you can't fully feel comfortable lounging around too long.
(4)Jin C.
I don't think I've ever been to a place that displays such devotion to beer. Granted, that might be a function of my limited experience, but Monk's Cafe is truly a haven for passionate beer aficionados. It's a dark, seedy looking place, but behind those grimy wooden counters are dozens of draft beers on tap. While drinking my beer of choice, I ate a duck salad, adorned with goat cheese, cranberries, and walnuts. The salad was simple but all the ingredients were fresh, and the duck was also cooked to a perfect medium rare. What I like the most was how the beers were exceedingly well-priced: my draft beer cost $6, which I thought was very affordable
(5)Blair G.
Beer is king here. The mussels and frites are just okay
(3)Misty M.
Loved the Thai curry mussels. Great deal! The small pot is huge
(5)Vichet O.
How have I not reviewed Monk's? It's pretty awesome. Lots of beer, good food, and friendly service all combine to make a pretty fly spot. The only downside is that I'm almost never in this particular part of center city. Anyway, here's what I had: Mussels - great. Fries - aight. Frog legs - good, and somehow what I expected Super spicy chicken wings - not as spicy as advertised, but good Beer - you kidding me? Awesome! All that, and it's a pretty beautiful space to boot. They definitely nail that Euro feel down pretty well. The place just has a glow to it. Again, dark wood, dim lighting = happy Vichet. So yeah, check it out. And seriously, don't be afraid of the frog legs.
(4)Jennifer M.
I love beer. I love burgers. I love mussels. And I'm only seriously liking the skinny fries, since the bourbon mayo makes up for it. I've been here on several occasions, and never have been disappointed. (A few, strong beers always helps!) Anyways, I wrote a poem about Monk's. Here goes! If you're in the area of 16th and Spruce, You must come to Monk's and let yourself loose. Try a new craft beer or fall in love with the Tripel Karmeliet. Head over to the intimate back bar, and order some pomme frites. The mussels are phenomenal, the broth full of delicious, unforgettable flavor. My favorite style is the Ghent. Order the large with more bread to dip and savor. Order some more beer. A good one to try is the fabulous Delirium Tremens. Keep going with another glass. Ask for the beer bible, it's heaven in your hands. Burgers are quite tasty. Antwerp is my choice for the shitake and melting truffle cheese Another beer I fancy? Russian River Damnation. Order, and say, "Yes, please!" I enjoy this place with a group of friends, but it does get crowded, so prepare for a wait. This is a neighborhood gem that is easy to find. I recommend you go here, and bring a mate!
(4)Nicole H.
Great mussels. Excellent beer selection.
(4)Tom B.
Great Belgium beers (the best beers!) take a look at the "beer bible"; the burgers and frita (fries) are very good and of course the multi flavored muscles are a crowd pleaser. Bring your wallet, not cheap.
(5)David H.
Recently came here with a friend and was reminded what a great place this is. Their beer menu is like the encyclopedia brittanica of all things hops-related, but I think the waitstaff does a great job at answering questions and articulating nuances when giving descriptions. All of their mussels are delicious - my favorite right now is their Ghent: Saison Dupont, fumé, parsley, carmelized leeks, bacon, bleu cheese & garlic. Awesome. And their bourbon mayo aioli dipping sauce for fries is seriously addictive. Will definitely be coming back here again.
(4)Natalie F.
An amazing selection of Belgian beers. Just up the street and one of my favs. Haven't tried out the food yet, but I have only heard good things!
(5)Richee R.
Great food !!! Burgers and frites are banging ! Little to cramped inside for my comfort and annoying being asked to show my ID at times . Service was also great ! Beer selection is great as well and love sitting in the back feels like your not in a city if your looking for that type of environment .
(4)Gia M.
I visited this place mainly because of the fact that they have THREE HUNDRED types of beer one can order. I have never heard of such variety before and felt the need to experience this myself. My first impression: extremely crowded and quite loud. Since I went on a whim and without a reservation, I was expecting to wait at least a half hour for a table. But I was pleasantly surprised when I was told it would be twenty minutes-- I decided to explore the place with my boyfriend and found out about the second bar in the back. We spent all of five minutes exploring and returned to the front. Just as we got there (about ten minutes after we arrived), we were able to be seated-- what! I was very pleased with the fast seating, especially because of how crowded it gets. Now, we weren't very hungry, so we just ordered chicken tenders and mac-and-cheese to share. The chicken tenders were pretty normal, but the barbeque sauce that arrived with them was really tasty (though it wasn't very peachy, as advertised in the menu). The mac-and-cheese more resembled macaroni in alfredo sauce and had a gourmet feel to it with the chunks of asparagus. While it did not make me ooh-and-ahh with its macaroni-and-cheese-iness, the dish itself was quite tasty. As for beer... we got two lists-- the one for the tap and the one I will henceforth refer to as "The Bible." The tap list was respectable (I noticed Russian River and Lost Abbey), but The Bible was totally overwhelming! I immediately skipped all of the super-expensive ones because I don't have THAT much money. I had not yet had Framboise before (it's just one of the ones that I've always forgotten to order), so I finally had that. I was glad I did-- it was like drinking grown-up raspberry juice. I could drink that all night. The boyfriend got the Monk's sour ale and was not very impressed with the taste (he felt it was flat), but was then very happy to find Dekoning, which he had not been able to find since he was in Belgium. Overall, a great place to try beer among friends!
(4)Melissa K.
Friend and I showed up at 7pm during a busy time, but hostess told us it would be a 30 minute wait. We grabbed beers & waited an hour until giving up as she kept assuring us we were next. Make a reservation if you're going during a busy time. The beers were decent.
(1)Ryan M.
If you want great no nonsense but tasty authentic belgian food and always a great selection of belgian beers from the source... Monk's is the place.
(5)Kuanie J.
Yummmm. I literally live at this bar, and every time my friends come from out of town, I drag them here!! The beer list - well, that's is what they are known for. Also, do yourself a favor and order the Ghent mussels and the duck salad salad. Literally the best pub food I have ever had. The beers and service never disappoint. :) the decor is so cool, and I already mentioned the beer selection. Just go - I have never been to another beer place like this before, and probably never will once I leave Philly. Sigh.
(5)Ms. V.
I'm not really a beer person, but their beer selection is ridiculous. The mussels were pretty good. My boyfriend had the chicken & apple sausage. The servers & wait staff were friendly. I probably wouldn't go out of my way for the food, but I would definitely go back if I happened to be in the neighborhood.
(3)Jennifer R.
A wonderful gastro pub. The mussels and the duck salad were amazing. Great atmosphere. Great crowd. Wonderful selection of beers. Highly recommend.
(5)Todd M.
Monk's was absolutely fabulous and probably deserves my first 5 star ever if it wasn't for the service experience at the beginning and my ego of thinking rabbit would be good. The beer list was amazing, I am a very fledgling beer junkie, but I was traveling with my boss who fancies himself a beer (especially a belgian beer) connoisseur. I was able to sample four different beers, 3 on tap and one bottled Saison. Excellent all around. We were with a party of 6 and got there around 7 and was told it would be about 20 minutes. 45 minutes later and still no table in sight. The host was a bit rude in his attitude, which basically consisted of ignoring us even though we were drinking right next to the host stand, until we were in his way, at which point he would just wedge his way past us by using elbows instead of excuse me's. Finally seated, we were pretty ravenous and had to wait another 15 minutes before we were waited on. Once we did have a waiter, he was pretty good and had lots of solid recommendations. We had small buckets of the Ghent Mussels and Thai Curry Mussels as appetizers. The Thai Curry were definitely fantastic for the flavor they added to the mussel itself, but the broth the Ghent mussels were steamed in was top top notch. The president of the company and I shared dueling mussel shells to scrap the broth. Finally when our meals were served and a waitress was clearing the pots, she asked if we were finished. I mentioned we were, unless she could bring a straw. She said it wouldn't have been the first time. I passed but am still kinda regretting it. The rabbit was very bland and forgettable. However, the Duck Ragout was fantastic along with the grilled lamb. Overall, terrific experience, one that I hope to duplicate soon.
(4)Karl K.
Can I pick 6 stars if I turn my iPhone to landscape mode? ----------- Make no mistake, I could dock a star for their service. But if you think about it, that's simply a product of slow table turnover. They don't rush you out once you finally get seated, and trust me - getting called for a seat feels like winning a small lottery! A summary of our experience: - An extensive beer list, with highlights including Delirium Tremens & all types of Chimay (I particularly like the Blue Chimay - smooth, like Colt 45!) I think I've tried half of one percent of all their beers. - Spanish flies - somewhat out of place in a Belgian brew pub, but a great addition. These wings were was ridiculously hot...MUCH hotter than those you find at your average wing joint! The best way to describe this degree of heat is the Szechuan concept of "ma la." Trust me, if you like heat, this is your kind of dish! The accompanying Belgian fries really helped put out the 5-alarm fire. (Embarrasingly, she edged me by one wing, without a sweat!) - Mussels: the highlight of our evening. I ordered the Provençe mussels; she, the Ghent mussels. A great balance of light cream, leeks, and BACON! I caught myself using the shells as a makeshift spoon, until I realized the bread roll does a much better job. I've had most of their mussels, and you pretty much can't go wrong, except the Thai curry mussles (it was a bit too gritty). - Needless to say, we will be back. In fact, since the waits are so long, we should put our name down now...
(5)Marina C.
My friend and I don't normally drink beer, but we were willing to try a couple. Our waitress was quite knowledgable, so we started with some of their lighter beers. I don't remember any of the names, but mine kinda tasted like apple juice which I liked. We were starving, so we ordered 2 small pots of mussels. One Thai Curry and I don't recall the other one, but it had a ton of garlic. It comes with bread and a plate of fries. A small pot is huge, really big enough to feed 2. My friend loved the mussels. They were just okay for me, I liked the ones I had in San Diego much more. The broth was more flavorful. This one was just too light, needed more richness. It wasn't as garlicky as it should've been, even though there were a ton in the pot. We didn't bother dipping the bread in the broth, too many extra carbs. We were going to share a Brussels burger anyway. Omg more fries.. comes with the burger. The waitress was so nice, she split our burger and fries for us. Not the best burger I've had, but possibly the best in Philly (but I've only been to Philly once). The bacon was salty good, and the meat tasted like butter. I couldn't finish my half of the burger, so my friend did even though he was so full. I think lunch was around $65 with tip (with 3 - 4 beers) which isn't bad considering that a small pot of mussels costs around $20 in nyc.
(4)Ju K.
Even though I think the food is good, I will not be visiting this establishment again because the service there is absolutely terrible! Monk's hostesses have consistently been extremely dismissive and rude. Either they don't want to be serving you or they are just in a plain old bad mood every time I visit! The red-headed hostess last night was not even cordial--short-tempered and was overheard yelling, "Are you lying, are you lying?" when someone said they didn't have a complete party because someone was smoking outside. Why be in a service sector if you don't want to serve? I live 10 minutes away from the bar, thus the reason for the frequent visits, but after last night, I will not be paying to be mistreated again.
(2)Laurence K.
Beer, Fries, Mussels = World Class. The other items are pretty great too. Awesome burger!
(5)Frank R.
Go for the Chimay Tripel on tap, stay for the mussels. I've been to many Belgian bars in Brussels, so I had that as a reference point. Monk's has a bit of that feel...but not quite. The Beer Bible is, as you can imagine, extensive and descriptive. But the place is so crowded that you don't get a total feel for the selection because they hurry you up. The food is good. I've had the burger and frites. And a couple different mussels concoctions. Both really good. Just know that when they tell you their wings are hot, believe them. (And remember to wash your hands BEFORE you use the bathroom.)
(3)Julia D.
I adore Monk's. I went through a phase where I had to eat there once a week or I would get really crabby. I'm all about the mussels- I've had almost every kind, and they're all good. I've been there with other folks who have ordered other things, and they've been good too, but I'm pretty loyal to the mussels. I love the versatility- I've been here with groups of girls, groups of dudes, co-workers, and my parents, and they've all reacted equally well. I love that in a place. Finally, it's obviously beer place, but I'm not a big beer drinker- and I love that the bartenders/waiters never mock me for ordering wine or cider.
(5)Heather K.
Of all the places in Philly, this place didn't really do it for me. We tried two types of Mussels, The provence (eh) and the Red Light (good). This place was dark, dingy, and our service was mediocre but the beer menu was impressive. I went for the Flemish Sour and it was tasty. Maybe it's a gem in Philly but i've had better food, better service with comparable beer menus at better places.
(3)Sean D.
My favorite bar in the entire city, but you aren't going here to get gourmet martinis. Monk's is designed like several European pubs I've enjoyed: small, cramped (esp. the bathrooms!), but with excellent food. The mussels area huge draw, as are the pomme frites. The one item I can't recommend is the trout - my single order of it was *doused* with salt (I didn't send it back to avoid complaining in front of my date, perhaps I should have). The best part of Monk's is, by far, the beer selection. The bible allows you to sample something from anywhere in the world, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Tell them a beer you typically enjoy, and they can point you to several alternatives for you to sample.
(5)Jessica E.
The food is delicious, the beer selection is the best in Philadelphia, and they know it. I have never experienced the waitstaff going out of their way to make sure I am having a positive experience at this establishment. It does not seem to hurt their business though since it is nearly impossible to get a seat at the bar and the wait for a table is at least half an hour on any given night of the week. When trying to decide which of their many beers to try, we asked for a sample of one of their on-tap beers and were told, "We don't do that. They are too expensive." If you are looking for a specific beer that is difficult to find and are not in a hurry, this is the place to go. If you are simply looking to try a new beer that suits your palate, I would recommend going to one of the dozens of other beer bars in Philadelphia that has a diverse and unique selection. Most of them have more personable service and will let you sample before committing to a $9 beer. If you are craving Monk's delicious burger, mussels, or frites with the dipping sauce, go to the Nodding Head (same owner). The menu is quite similar and you will most likely be seated promptly.
(3)Nicey J.
I give 5 stars to a place I stood up in for 5 minutes... y ??? BECAUSE monks had a BEER that I liked! I do NOT like beer.. I've tried tasting beer ever opportunity I had.. trying different flavors and brands all to find out that every time I hate it.. but a yelper told me I Should try monks for a BEER ( NOT CIDER!) . and try the lambic beers because they are similar to cider BUT are still BEERS! I tried this apple infused beer.. and a raspberry one.. I liked them both... so monks has broken the curse of me not liking ANY beers... though I'm still a tequila girl at heart.. I now know there are beers that I like... and the place smelled hella good =D next monk update will include feedback on what I hope to be delicious food b/c of its delicious smell
(5)Ally G.
I love the Monk's beer menu, "The Beer Bible." In it are pages and pages of different beers, ranging from many different places, rarity, types, and prices. The average beer enthusiast, especially those who love a good Belgium beer, must come to Monk's. Not only are their beers quite fabulous, their food is pretty tasty too. My pub mate had the homemade, beer-battered, golden fried chicken fingers. Not your average chicken finger, they were super good. I ordered the Monks mussels (cantillon gueuze, fumè, garlic & parsley), one of several different flavors you could choose from. For ordering the "small" size, I got a decent amount or mussels and their pommes frites w/ bourbon mayonnaise all for $10. Several people suggested the Thai Curry mussels (Monk's Flemish Sour, fumè, Thai red curry, bais, garlic & coconut milk). They sound very interesting, maybe I'll try them on my next visit! Overall Monk's was clean, cozy, and intimate. Even for a pretty busy night at the bar and tables, the sound traveled very well. I could actually hear what I was saying! Only thing that bugged me were that some of the servers were pretty rude, or looked like they realllly didn't want to be there. O well...
(4)Teresa L.
I love to go to Monks for mussels (the best in Center City!) and their ridiculous beer selection. There is always something new and affordable there, and it makes me so happy that I'm broadening my beer horizons!!! Most recently, I had a Red River (maybe the word "pig" was throw in the name) pint size draft for $6, and I just fall for all those fruity tones and that snap of a finish. I consistently get their Ghent mussels (bleu cheese/bacon = I'm there), but I've had their burgers before, and it was yummy, too. The only thing I don't like about Monk's is the wait. And they don't take reservations. (But what if I were to put a deposit down? Seriously!) Between 6-8 PM, expect to wait an hour for a table (especially if you're a larger party, like 6). Oh, and my other criticism is their fries. They're less than crispy, which is why I completely dunk them in the all-redeeming spicy sauce! The sauce is beautiful, and only a few other places, like Grace Tavern, has this same dip.
(4)Tom T.
Three stars for being completely torn about Monks. The first 3 times I went in here my party and I got stared at like some kind of baby killers, so we decided to leave. I've always felt that if people at a bar are willing to stop what they are doing when someone new enters then the place sucks. That said the last 2 times I've been here I sat and ate and the food, as well as the service has been pretty righteous. You won't find me there but you should probably like it.
(3)Jessica C.
I'm not a frequent visitor but I like the place and seems to be a hit. Nice pub environment with lots of beer selections on draft.
(3)Stacy B.
A couple of belgian beers and some of Monk's homemade pomme frites will put you in such a good mood, you might forgive George W. for being such a douche. Monk's has one of the best beer lists in the world. I won't be surprised if I go in there one day to find Tibetan Monks serving me a Trappist. And if you go in and ask for a Bud Light, they're going to give you a glass of water. 'Cause that's what you're asking for in their eyes. And, move along dude, this is not the bar for you.
(5)Pauline N.
My boyfriend and I stumbled upon Monk's Cafe about 2 months ago. We were wandering the streets until he turned zombie mode toward a Corsendonk sign outside the bar. Without any words, I followed him into the dim lit cafe where a hostess was there to seat us at the back bar. We looked at each other in puzzlement and a bit of excitement. There was such a wide selection of beer we both felt like kids in a candy store (or alcoholics at a liquor store). My favorite was the Unibroue (which I pronounced "Unibrow" - later I learned the correct pronunciation was "Uni Brew"). It had an apple finish and was not sugary or sweet at all like those nasty Smirnoff Ice flavored beers. It was refreshing and not overwhelming with fruit flavors (sorta reminded me of Abita Raspberry beer). The guy who sat next to us could not stop raving about how delicious the mussels were so we tried 2 types the second time we went. For about $10 you can get a bucket full of fresh mussels soaked in their specially seasoned broth. The "Thai Curry" mussels were good but the "Red Light" mussels were extremely good. It's all about the broth and what flavors you prefer though. We also tried the hot wings which were exactly as spicy as they advertised them to be. My boyfriend who can eat a spice rating of 5 stars ate the entire plate because I refused have my mouth on fire for the rest of the meal. The only thing I was not impressed with was the Bloody Mary because it had a wierd herbal after taste. Aside from that, we plan on visiting again soon.
(4)Elyse K.
Best Mussels and Beer selection in Philadelphia!!
(5)Rizwan A.
Ah, Monk's-- a great place to hang out, even if it is almost completely dark inside. They have some good food options but I was a little disappointed by the burgers that had buns twice the size of the of burger itself and seemed to be super stiff sourdough or something, not sure now but it was a bit of an exercise to get through it. They're not exactly known for the burgers though, so I can't judge them too hard on that. Service was also a little lacking in the back area of the bar. Speaking of which-- I didn't try the bar but they definitely get more attention for the beer and mussels than anything else. They offer some pretty unique beers, more than pretty much any bar I've ever been to and I'm pretty sure that's usually what ends up drawing the crowd. I like the vibe here and their appetizers are pretty easy American apps that do a good job of hitting the spot. Even though I don't drink, I'd come back with friends, everyone inside always seems to be having a great time.
(3)Luke M.
Crowded. We had to wait about 45 minutes for a table for four, but i'd do it again in a heartbeat. The mussels are good and the beer is better. Don't forget there's a second bar in the back.
(4)Casey C.
Wow! What a beer selection! Bar was crowded on a Sunday night at 9pm so we asked for a table though I wasn't super hungry. They put us in the very back of the back sitting room next to the kitchen which was really annoying so we asked to move to a booth. So many beer choices. The condition of the gross "beer of the week" menus aside (piece of soiled paper with the beer no longer in stock crossed out), there was an expansive selection of what you would expect from a good beer bar. I went with an beer similar in build to a Belgian while. The waitress took a little time to ask us our drink orders but was nice. I ordered the small Monk's muscles (but still got the large) - Gueuze, fumé, garlic & parsley. Served with two whole grain rolls. Was very good, the left over broth was tasty. Brussels burger with bacon and cheddar was cooked medium. So not sure if that played a part in it not being as juicy as I usually like. Burger was served on a roll that was a little too big for the burger which is a little bit of a peeve. The fries were really great - hand cut, nicely seasoned, great sauce that has just enough kick of heat to it Overall, I liked the old world, dark but cool, atmosphere. Casual staff. Could use some cleaned up menus that don't have finger prints and food on them. Would go back!
(4)Ashley K.
Great beer selection, delicious food. Two of us had chicken sandwiches, one of us had a burger. Both were cooked to perfection. We left amazed that we were seriously wowed by chicken and a burger.
(5)Judy L.
Good mussels and good fries!
(4)Beth B.
How have I never written about Monk's before?! Come to Monk's if you're in the mood for a lesson on great beer. The staff rocks and always has suggestions and is super knowledgeable. Monk's has hundreds of beers available... the menu is literally a book. Get the Flemmish Sour and thank me when you're done. You're welcome. If you're reading this and thinking that Eulogy has a better beer list... just shut up, go to Monk's, get your beer and order some Mussels and Fries. Then you'll be thanking me again. They're voted one of the best fries in Philly every year for a reason. I love the burger and mussels menu- lots of interesting options and flavors to play around with- and both are great. The atmosphere is what it is- a dark bar... not too small which I like. Just be prepared to wait if you're coming Primetime!
(5)Caitlin D.
Best Mussels. Best Beers. Loud, fun atmosphere. The cramped crowded bar area just adds to the uniqueness of this place. Must go if you are in Philadelphia.
(5)Michelle T.
Large assortment of beers to go along with your mussels. Can get really packed, so expect to wait!
(5)Danielle S.
I love this place, the mussels are amazing and the mac and cheese is so good! I usually go to the back bar, and the bartender back there is great! There's always great beers on tap and the staff is knowledgeable and make great suggestions. Yummy, thinking about Monk's makes me want to eat there right now.... Guess I know what I'm doing tonight!
(5)Joe Y.
Unfortunately I have mixed feelings after our experience here. We went on our first night in Philly after a long drive from Buffalo and stopping at 3 breweries on the way. The plan all along was get a hotel close to Monks since we probably will end each night there. So we unpacked the car, checking into the hotel, and set out for dinner at Monks Cafe. It was a Thursday night around 9:30 and the place was dead. We got a giant table right at the front for dinner since there was 7 of us. We found out Russian River Blind Pig was on tap and that was the whole reason we came here...hard to find beers on tap. So we ordered our food, I got a duck sandwich with a side of fries, and half the table got a pulled pork sandwich. Our waiter was attentive for the most part and the experience was going great...UNTIL the end. We all had our bills handed to us, most with credit cards, and one of the members of our party..who had driven all day and was rightfully exhausted and downed a few beers got a little loud for a minute. He wasn't cursing, or being rude, just screamed out "BOOM!" and at that point our waiter, who was helping the only other 2 customers in the restuarant at that moment, turned around and scolded him as if he was a child. It wasn't a polite "can you please quiet down?" It was something like "will you please stop that, it is obnixous like really." We all froze for a minute in disbelief especially since we were all in the process of writing our tips. I am all for asking a loud crew of people to please quiet down, but not in a way that makes people feel like children. Unfortunately for him we all scratched out our tips to $0.00 after that which I have NEVER done but you don't scold customers as they are writing your tips. Food was decent, beer list is always solid, but while we planned on making Monks a nightly stop we didn't step foot in there again the rest of the trip.
(3)Rick J.
Great, intimate place with European rustic charm. Great beer selection and wonderful food. Had frog legs in buffalo sauce...tasty and tender. Dinner was the Ardennes Burger. Great burger with tasty smoked ham and Belgian cheese on top. Packed by 6pm on a Tuesday night, so get reservations or show up early!
(5)Steve R.
We went for the mussels. Very nice bar and great atmosphere. Good food and reasonably priced.
(4)Sarah S.
When I lived in Philly I was on a quest to find the best mussels in town. Monk's cafe was definitely on my must try list. They don't take reservations, so it's a long wait, but the bar is amiable and the atmosphere, charming. The mussels were good, but not my favorite. If you are looking for a solid gastro pub with an extensive beer list in a great location, this place is for you. If you are looking for the best mussels in the city, I recommend Parc's moules frites (yes, I know, it's Parc but I swear the mussels are amazing).
(4)Pamela W.
Great food and wonderful selection of imported beer. I love this place, but I wont give it 5 stars, because its just too cramped. I tolerate the crush because the beer and the mussels are so good.
(4)Oren E.
For Belgian brews and tasty pub food, it doesn't get any better in Philly than Monk's. Monk's has a great atmosphere--dark, wood-paneled walls smattered with Belgian beer paraphernalia and old woven tapestries, with a great indie/rock soundtrack to boot. But really, you come to Monk's for the beer. They have their own branded Flemish Sour Ale brewed for them that is bomb. The Sour Ale is a MUST, and should be your first drink of the night. Always. The tap list is always rotating but never disappoints. Monk's does a great job of carrying some solid Belgian gems like Tripel Karmeliet, while also mixing in seasonal flavors, IPAs, and a few heavier beers. The Monk's beer guide is worth a look for kicks, but the tap list is so great than I've never found myself wanting anything bottled. For the non-beer enthusiasts, you can often find lambics that will satisfy. The bar is pretty weak in terms of liquor, but that's not their wheelhouse. Prices are rather high but won't kill you, especially if you're having fewer servings of boozier beers. Food is great, but good luck getting a table until late night. Odds are great that you'll be standing with your drinks until a bar stool or two open up--totally worth it for the the Monk's experience.
(5)Emmy M.
A friend who's a Philadelphia native recommended this place to me when I was here on a short vacation, and boy, am I glad he did. One of my favorite things in the world is sitting down to a special/unusual beer with some finger-lickin'-good snacks, and Monk's really delivered on both accounts. I ordered the Christmas Ale and the Ghent-style mussels (which came topped with leeks, bacon, and bleu cheese). The ale (as the menu described) was "really, really tasty." The mussels were certainly the best I've had, and I loved that there were so many options for toppings. The small portion is HUGE! I can't imagine how big the large pot would have been, but our waitress told us that there was once a tiny old lady who came in and ordered the huge pot all to herself, and finished every last one.
(4)Randi W.
Always packed, so 4 stars is because the wait can be intense, but the food is amazing. LOVE this place.
(4)Alison Y.
Best french fries in philly hands down. (I love thin cut french fries, if this helps.) Their booze selection is super bueno. The best mussels are Red Light and Thai Chilli. As a college kid, this place is also very affordable!
(5)Mana M.
Went here twice in one week because the mussels were that amazing. My first time there, I had the Red Light mussels which were surprisingly quite filling. The second time, I had the brussels mussels. The broth in the Red Light was a perfect level of spice and goes well with the bread and fries that come with the dish. As an app we ordered the Spanish Flies chicken wings. Even with an unusually high threshold to spicy food myself, this was not palatable. The hostess was a bit cranky and rude both times which was a bit off putting; however, the the food and warm, cozy atmosphere kept us coming back for more, especially on brisk winter nights. The place also has an amazing selection of Belgian beer on tap that rotates day to day, making this place a beer-lovers haven. The music selection was also up our alley which was a nice touch for us. This and the variations of mussel broths make this place worth revisiting time and time again.
(4)Tiffany T.
GOOD BEER, good mussels. Their choices for beer are endless :) I'm a fan. dogfish head 60 minute IPA $5. Their other beers range to more.. but they're good selections. I'm a big fan of delirium. Mussels - best deal in town. $10 for small pot? Come on now, hell yeah. I've gotten the Provence and Brussels, and I intend to try the Ghent ones next time. They're kind of small (which is why this is NOT a 5 star) but they're flavored simply, but delicious and it is a generous portion. Service is standard and good. Big fan. Will be back
(4)Melissa P.
Great mussels and fries. Extensive beer collection. Quiet, intimate atmosphere.
(3)Carol C.
Amazing mussels for ~10. Juicy burger but hard as rock bread cut up the roof of my mouth. But ironically, soggy fries. Insanely awesome selection of craft beers and drinks. Nice staff and cool ambiance. Fix the fries and the bread and it'd be a 5 star restaurant.
(4)Grant T.
Top 3 favorite Philly restaurants! awesome for vegetarians (celery au poivre, veggie burger option for any burger, seitan cheesesteak is freaking amazing!). Amazing variety if beers and most are cheap. And kitchen open until 1am everyday. WIN!
(5)Nick M.
The beer selection at this place is amazing, but the food kind of sucks. Don't even bother ordering a burger medium-rare, as it'll come out well-done regardless. Definitely not worth the usual long wait for a table.
(2)Benjamin M.
I finally got to eat here recently after stopping in for drinks this past spring. Yes, it was well worth a repeat visit. Two words: Ghent Mussels. Two more words: Large pot. Three last words: Order it now! Complimented with bread, fries and Dogfish Head special brew, the entire dinner was satisfyingly filling, leading me to immediately start planning my next visit. Stop by and enjoy!
(5)Shereen C.
Beer selection at Monk's is great. They had Petrus Aged Pale on tap once when I was here, and it was delicious. Food is solid to good. Mussels are solid, but not great. Bar food is executed better than average. I wouldn't come here for the food, but it's good accompaniment to the beer. It gets crowded and noisy here, and can be hard to snag a table when it's busy. Service is mixed -- depends how obnoxious the particular person is.
(4)Aditi C.
Excellent selection of beer, as just about everyone else has noted. THe grilled scallops were excellent. The burger was good in that the ingredients were of a high quality, but it was a little boring -- there wasn't much else in them and, as a consequence, they were rather dry.
(4)Ashley L.
So I just tried the mac & cheese last night... I can't believe what I've been missing! It's not the traditional dish, but the ham, asparagus & goat cheese make it unreal. I do have to say that I think it's a little overpriced for what it is, but so good I'll definitely be ordering it again. I also tried out another type of mussel (wasn't too impressed with the Brussels on my last visit), and the Ghent is by far my favorite to date. The broth was delicious, and bacon pieces... yum! The reason I downgraded my previous review to 3 stars is because of the service. On my most recent visit, after waiting almost 40 minutes for a table, our waitress ignored us for another 15 minutes once we finally sat down. The restaurant is always packed and the bar is very narrow, so expect to wait. There have been a few times now where I've left because there was simply no place to even stand. With that being said, it's still a great neighborhood spot. You know what you're getting yourself into but the food is too good to pass up!
(3)Tasha J.
This place is great! The atmosphere is chill and has a casual feel. I highly recommend eating the mussels here! My favorite is the DEKONINCK which has: DeKoninck ale, apples, guryere, carmelized leeks & garlic Also, if you love beer they have a large selection of drafts on a daily basis. Monk's is warm, and cozy(perfect for a cold winter day!)
(4)Deb S.
Beer selection is great however the atmosphere needs some updating and attention to cleanliness. Service needs improvement along with attitude.
(3)Kim S.
Come for the beer but that's about it. Good for beer selection, food has gone downhill. The always crowded Monks with their long waits and no reservations used to be worth it until all their food shrank- seriously the burgers are way smaller than before, their mussels look like the tiniest mussels shriveled up and cooked to death until they're served to you rubbery. Their fries are still good though. You're better off going to Parc for a burger and mussels.
(2)Kt K.
I from the d.c. area and have been to Monks twice in the past month in search of Pliny the Elder. The second trip to Philly was when I actually found the unicorn! Not a myth. Pliny the Elder was on tap! It was pretty good, but I think I liked blind pig slightly better. None-the-less, I was satisfied that I got to have it. Monks is the best. The Thai curry mussels with fries and burger were great with the Russian River brews. The bartender also suggested that I try a raspberry frambroise beer. I didn't think I would like it, but I loved it! Very good. One of my favorite places in Philly now!
(5)Danielle H.
Monk's Cafe makes me feel like I'm back in Europe again. Love their pomme frites and great beer selection.
(4)Sarah W.
Mussels and Cheeseburgers with an amazing beer list. Can't go wrong. Does get crowded around dinner, so get in early.
(3)Alex K.
This place is awesome. I mean, really god damn awesome. I don't know if it was sitting at the bar, but I thought the food here was super under played. I didn't see people glaring at the menu or making moaning sounds when eating their dinners. But god damn it, the food was amazing. I started with the duck salad, which was definitely cooked to between rare and medium rare. Even in the darkness of the bar, I could see that less than an 1/8th of an inch of the meat was cooked and the rest red as the Yelp banner. The salad was amazing to be short (baby greens, goat cheese, spicy walnuts, and craisins), but be prepared to be chewing on some very under cooked (not a bad thing for me) duck meat. Then I had a small pot of the Red Light mussels with frites. Come on! Some of the BEST frites I've ever had hands down. I don't know what they're doing with these things back there, but order some or be sorry. The mussels were also on point, but I think it's hard to mess this up so long as you have some fresh mussels. Now let's talk about the beer. This list is amazing. There will not be enough time or times you will visit Monk's to have everything here. But that's OK, because you can get most of these beers elsewhere, but you will have a search a bit. The list is still one that I'm sure the manager/owner takes great pride in though. They have a menu that lists their beers in styles and locale. But some highlights I would like to mention: Monk's sour (their own sour beer), and the first place on the East Coast that had Pliny the Elder - Russian River from my neck of the woods (Santa Rosa, CA). Anyways, SUPER impressed, this place deserves nothing less than 5 stars. BTW, it's really hard to get a table here it seems, so I sat by myself at the bar and ate.
(5)Daryll M.
Beer. Beer. Beer. Beer. Beer. Lambic Beer. Beer. Wine. Beer. Lambic Beer Again. Beer. Fries. Mussels. Beer. If you have discerning taste when it comes to beer....this is where you come. No crap beer hiding in this place (Thank Gosh, I was beginning to think Philly was paid off by Bud and Miller. Yuck!)!!!! I loved the mussels and the fries. Freaking delicious. That and a lambic beer (or 3) and I. Was. Set. Do It.
(5)Steve M.
Well known place in Philly with a great selection of beer and delicious mussels. Be prepared to wait during happy hour because this place gets crowded, but that just goes to show how great this place is.
(5)Chris S.
Fantastic selection of beers and the food was definitely top notch. Went with a group of old college friends and, even though we waited about 30-45 minutes for a table, they were able to seat all 8 of us pretty quickly! Definitely highly recommended.
(5)Fan L.
Ghent mussels + amazing beer list. That's really all there is to say. I've only ever come here at lunch and random odd hours, so service has been great and the place isn't too loud. Yay. -1 star because it's a bit pricey
(4)B W.
Sat at the bar had great mussels and beer. Perfect spot for a winter meal. It was dark and mostly lit by candles and the glow of the bar's POS terminal . Not a location for large groups.
(4)Michelle P.
Monk's beer menu proudly proclaims the accolade of "One of the top 5 places to have a beer in the world" and while some may call that hyperbole, if you're a beer connoisseur with an unbridled passion for locales with top-notch selection of high-quality, world-renowned brews, well, you may just be inclined to enthusiastically agree with all the hype. Monk's delivers on its promise to provide top-caliber beers at reasonable prices. They have a more-than-decent variety of options, both draught and bottles, and my friend passionately proclaimed she has found her new favorite beer in the Russian River Damnation. But as just a moderate beer enthusiast, I would be remiss to ignore the food and only rave about the booze. We had the Ghent mussels, which had a bunch of ingredients, blue cheese and bacon being the main ones I cared about, and they were great. The small portion had about 25 (shout out to our awesome server who not only recommended this delicious menu option but didn't try to upsell us to the large, even when we naively asked what size we should get). They came with a small portion of the pommes frites, which had a good flavor but came out in sort of a less than ideal serving, with lots of little fries, almost fry bits, if you will, rather than your typical long fries (although maybe this is by design?). Finally, we shared the Mac & cheese, which was an 8 out of 10 for me (my friend was a bigger fan than I). It was good, even above-average, but just not outstanding for me - I like my Mac and cheese with sharper cheese as opposed to creamy, but still, a solid showing. The atmosphere is dark and pubby and the service was great. We will most definitely be back!
(4)Bill C.
Beer, Duck, Frog Legs, Mussels... What else could you ask for?! Be prepared for a bit of a wait though.. This place gets CROWDED.
(5)Andrew T.
AH Monk's. If you haven't been here, it's small dark and cramped environment that can easily over crowded on a busy night but it stills come outs on top as my go to spot to grab some good eats and fresh beer.
(4)Larisa S.
Who doesn't like Monks?!
(5)Diana R.
I love Monks! I love their mussels and fries! Not a fan of their long waits but I guess that's a fair price to pay.
(4)Dan H.
Monk's is one of the very best bars in the US for Belgian brews. They have an old-world atmosphere and a draft list to knock your socks off. Although there are front and back bars, getting a seat is always a challenge. Heads-up, table service is only available if you're ordering food, so be ready to compete for a seat at the bar. The bartenders here are knowledgeable and they only serve the best. If you like mussels, this is a great place for them. I'm not a fan of mussels, but I know lots of people who are and they love Monk's for them.
(5)Danielle F.
This place was pretty fantastic if you ask me. I came here with a friend for a late dinner and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. A co-worker who used to live in Philadelphia said we must visit this place, so I wanted to follow through on the recommendation. All she said was order beer and mussels and you will be happy. The wait for a table for two when we entered (maybe around 9:30 or so) was an hour, so we put our name in and informed the hostess we were going to grab a drink nearby and come back. She asked that I let her know when we returned. We grab our drink and return about 45 minutes later, and our timing was impeccable as our table was now available. We ushered to the back bar area and seated. Both rooms (front and back) have the tables packed in, so this is not a place for a quiet meal. Surveying the crowd, it was a great mix of folks out for the evening and enjoying the impressive beer list. I was happy to see such an impressive beer list, particularly the decent size draft list. While it is heavy on Belgians (both bottles and drafts), there were some choices outside of the genre. I decided to go local and tried the Stoudt's Pils which was quite refreshing and was very pleased with the choice. We decided to each order a small pot of mussels, but I had a hard time deciding which style to order. I finally decided on the Ghent mussels, while my friend went with the Thai Curry. The menu said that a small pot cost $10, so we figured we'd order something else after we finished out mussels. Both of us were quite surprised when a good sized pot of mussels, pommes frites, and a roll arrived. One look and I knew that this was going to be a very satisfying meal. The Ghent mussels had a ton of flavor from the leeks, bacon, and bleu cheese. The roll was a nice choice to sop up that flavorful sauce. These mussels were fantastic. The fries were excellent too, and they give you a lot of them. This was a great stop during this recent visit to Philly. It is a great spot to catch up with friends, eat some great food at reasonable prices, and work through an extensive beer list. Next time I am Philly, I will definitely return for those tasty mussels and beer!
(5)Eamonn C.
Unbelievably awesome.
(5)Courtney K.
If you don't love mussels and fries I can't be friends with you. No, seriously. Beer BIBLE. It takes me entirely too long to choose and just default to whatever the person I'm with is having. It's tiny, so prob not best for really large groups. They have different choices for your mussels which is nice and their fries come with a dipping sauce that just makes them even more irresistible. It really is a taste of Belgium in the heart of Philly.
(5)Rosalyn S.
A fantastic Belgian bar with an incredible beer bible. Their waitstaff is great and they are able to accommodate some food allergies. Of course the mussels are worth the sometimes long wait for a table.
(4)Every H.
THE Philly Belgium beer bar... Go prepared to spend some money and fight for a seat!
(5)Kim V.
Great beer selection! Great flavors in all the food we tried. Beer menus are a little gross, though. Months/years of people spilling beers on them. Wash your hands before you eat if you have to touch the menus.
(4)Cameron S.
I am not sure it has ever been harder to draft a review for me. Wow, where to start - I used to sing the praises of Monk's Cafe to every single person I know. I firmly believed it to be one of the best beer bars in America. And that is one thing I still believe to be true. I love the intimate vibe, beer list, and I have had plenty of nice nights here. Very memorable times. And then it all came crashing down in the span of three weeks. I went twice - and ate both times. And got food poisoning...BOTH times. Come on. The first time I had mussels so I understood. The second time I literally ordered chicken fingers. And my girlfriend got Hummus and Pita. And we both fell very ill... After that, I never once came back. I even had a $50 gift card that I couldn't bring myself to use because I now had an aversion to Monk's. What a roller coaster ride. From my favorite establishment in Philadelphia to a place I couldn't even force myself to spend $50 at. I have since moved on from Monk's, but it will always hold a special place in my heart. Until next time, old friend.
(3)Jason P.
Smart, chill, and down to earth atmosphere. Great beers. Great food.
(5)Erin C.
I've only been here a handful of time but the food+beer selection is also top of the line. I've never had something bad off the menu. The only complaint I have is it is a little cramped....but so are most all places in this old city of ours.
(4)Gabby M.
Monk's has a pretty big beer list. The beers on tap were great. I had the burger and it was okay; the bun was a little too big and somewhat dry. The fry sauce was amazing though!
(3)Carrie M.
I'm sure the food and beer are great. My husband was here with a friend. My friend and I wanted to join them. They were at a table for 2. It was late afternoon (not dinner or lunch rush). The host basically read us the riot act when I asked him if he could move my husband and his friend to a table for four so we could join them. "We are very busy, we can't just move people, this is a big deal." What. Like we were not going to spend money? TONS of empty tables, and he wouldn't accommodate. Eff you Aholes. I left.
(1)Khanh V.
I guess this will become my go to spot for late night cravings. I came here for the first time with friends for the "flies" and mussels and was blown away by the taste so I came back again the second day and the third.... On the first trip we came as a group and tried out all the flavors to the mussels. Some of us ordered burgers and we all tried the super spicy wings. I really like the overall ambient of the place. Monk's is definitely good for late night and not so for groups since we barely had a place to sit and had to squeeze in. But if you come with 4 or less, it should okay. Also I recommend ordering small pots of mussel rather than the large one since the flavors are better with the small size.
(4)Marc C.
Let me get straight to the point: Good beer selection, terrible service, A MOUSE RAN ACROSS THE DINING AREA. Got that? Ok. So yes, Monk's has a good beer selection that changes regularly. The server wasn't particularly helpful (see below) but the menu was full of information, so all was good on that front. The service was in the top 3 of the worst I have experienced in Philly in four years. Many Philadelphians will know that that isn't easy to reach, but our Monk's server did. Disinterested, unknowledgeable and with attitude, she reluctantly served us all evening before presenting us with a bill that included 20% service (table of 5). Finally, A MOUSE RAN ACROSS THE DINING AREA. In between bites of food (average quality, nothing special) I got to see some in house rodents, presumably between their bites of the humans' food and excreting in the kitchen. Aren't restaurant shut down for this kind of thing? So, Monks? If you like good beer but don't care about anything else, go there. If you dislike mice in your restaurants or bad attitudes, look elsewhere.
(2)Pete W.
Truly one of the small handful of places in Philly to have a great beer. No loud flat-screen high-def TVs to distract you. Just a staggering variety of taps and bottles (hundreds to choose from!), not to mention their equally satisfying if not addictive mussels and pomme frites to nibble on. Often crowded but absolutely worth Ye attempt to hang in there just for a seat.
(5)Bill C.
A rude bartender who chose to ignore me over regulars for quite a bit before taking my order. I then made the mistake of misprounouncing the name of the beer when I ordered it. This resulted in being ignored for considerably longer after my order was taken. Monks is not the only place for good beers, I dont need to be ignored by a rude beer snob. You are a bartender ginger boy, get over your self importance, the beer world will survive without you. I took my business elsewhere so I cannot comment on the food. They did have a nice beer selection.
(1)John O.
Great beers on tap. The food was also very good. Do yourself a favor and go to the back bar.
(5)Jayla P.
Love the mussels!
(3)Keith S.
Burgers average, scallops average, everything way overpriced and nobody would resolve the issue with the furnace. Everyone was freezing. Don't believe the hype about Monks.
(3)Tiffany L.
Went here for dinner at prime dinner time ~6pm. Decent wait, roughly an hour, but no problem. Definitely worth the wait! Got the LARGE pot of mussels - NOTE: this is REALLY big, I should have gotten the small. A large pot is a good sized portion, probably good for at least 2 people to share. Also, they do NOT let you take home leftover mussels, so be aware if you don't want to waste mussels, order the right size for you, or else be prepared to stay there a while and finish off as many mussels as you can! Otherwise, great experience so far, will be back in the future to try other items. Great beer selection as well.
(4)Shawn G.
My new favorite restaurant in Philly! We were in town for a wedding and had a Sunday all to ourselves. What do we do? Pull up Yelp and start searching for a fantastic dinner and a couple of drinks nearby. We find Monks Cafe right away. Over 700 reviews, 4 Stars and only a few blocks form the house? Yup! this is where we are going for dinner. I saw all of the reviews about the beer and the mussels and frites. I really wasn't in the mood for mussels though, or at least that is what I thought. We decided to order a small bowl as an app because so many people commented on them. Asked the waitress for suggestions. She gave us her 3 favorites and we narrowed down to the Ghent-style.. Leeks, Blue Cheese and Bacon. They were amazing. Cooked to perfection and devoured them in a matter of minutes. They are served with Frites (fries) and a bourbon mayo sauce. I was all over that sauce. I tried so hard to save some fries for my sandwich. I failed miserably. I may or may not have actually licked the cup when the fries were gone to get the last of the bourbon mayo out. No pics so you can't prove it. Now for the main course. She ordered the Mac and Cheese and I ordered the Duck Salad Sandwich. Both were amazing. The Mac and Cheese had chopped asparagus in it and, much to my surprise, I loved it (I am not huge on veggies, especially in my mac and cheese). It was creamy and had a great mix of cheeses. Definitely a must have. The Duck Sandwich was great as well. Grilled Duck, Med-Med rare, a bed of greens and some of that world famous Philly Bread. The sandwich had a variety of flavors that all melded very well together. What about the beer though? I consider myself a beer snob. I think I know beer pretty well. My favorite style is the Belgians be it a Tripel, White or whatever. I thought I had tried most Belgian beers throughout the years. I thought I knew Beer. I was way wrong. I was only on page 2 of the Beer Bible when I came across some that I had never heard of. I pointed tot he 1st Tripel I found and ordered it. I am not going to get into all of the details of the beers I drank and ordered just know that if you think you know beer or if you just like to try things you have never heard of you need to go here and check it out. Oh and you can buy the Bible for $3. I did and will be more prepared next trip to Philly.
(5)Christopher C.
5 stars alone for the selection. I really wish we had the mussels, next time for sure. St. Bernardus on tap, Scaldis...they have everything.
(5)Dave H.
Monk's is as popular as ever, so plan to wait for a table. Last I was here, friends and I were served at the bar by cool Catherine, who got us everything we needed. I nursed a framboise[1], and went to town on a pot of moules frites - still Monk's stand up offering - crispy fries and all. Their charming, colorful interior remains a perfect setting for good conversation and drink. Just don't be afraid to speak up; it can get hectic in there! [1] Yes, I actually drank beer. This IS a destination for beer drinkers, after all.
(4)Martha J.
It's a bar. Not a fine dining restaurant. The mussels were amazing, with fantastic bread and frites with a delicious sauce. Our waiter Paul, was extremely knowledgeable and efficient.(Awesome guy!) This was a rare place - we went both nights we were in Philly, even though there were literally dozens of restaurants in walking distance of the hotel. Cheap, fun and the best beer list I have ever seen. Only downsides - it can get really noisy, and the tables are really small, especially if you have pots of mussels.
(5)Mike H.
I've been visiting monks since the late 90's. It was the place to go before Belgian and American craft beers we readily available at other establishments. For beer it really is the holy grail in this city. They have enough connections and push enough volume to get beers that other bars cant get (russian river, etc...) so if you're looking for rare and unique beers, you will want to come here. Atmosphere and set up hasnt changed over the years. There are 2 bars, 1 upfront by the door and 1 in the back past the dining room. I prefer the back bar as its more intimate and is great for having a conversation with friends. My most recent visit was this past week. Service started off not great but realized a party of 20 kinda hit the bartender hard and was blocking the walk way to the dining room. He seem flustered and annoyed but he was much better and attentive when they left so I was ok with the service. Beer is top notch, we splurged on several large format bottles from LaChouffe and Achel, and had some Russian River, Chimay, and Lost Abbey Drafts. All were solid as i would expect. My only let down was the food. Ordered the spanish flies and they needed another minute in the frier as the skin was a lil flabby. The sauce used was hot and carried great heat but lacked flavor. It came with fries which is fine but felt that a dipping sauce to mellow the heat would have been a good addition. We also had mussels which were good but didnt have much flavor (ghent mussels). If you're into beer its worth checking out but in my opinion the food menu needs to evolve as its the same menu from 15 yrs ago.
(4)Robert B.
Monk's was one of the first gastropubs to succeed in Philly, and it's not hard to see why, A top rated bar not just in Philly, but nationwide; they have a huge selection of beers with a very knowledgeable staff of seasoned bartenders to help you choose. The menu is great as well, try the house made veggie burger, it's one of the best in Philly, also a great selection of mussels.
(4)Reid C.
I've had many, many great nights at this Philly staple. Writing this review makes me wish I was there right now settling in with some friends, ordering some fine beers and a couple pots of mussels on a crisp November night. The beer selection is the #1 draw. The draft list is always changing but if you are into IPAs, barley wines, belgian blondes and then like, there's always something for you. I remember going once and seeing Pliny The Elder on tap and being particularly delighted. The bartenders themselves are seasoned vets and they know their stuff. They're also incredibly friendly and easy going. When the place gets busy, and it does get busy and noisy, it just feels vibrant, never chaotic. There's a great energy there. I'm giving this place 5 stars because it's a long-time favorite of mine and it never disappoints.
(5)Casey H.
Most definitely a busy place. Went here with a few friends while in the city and had a good time. After spending 10 minutes trying to find a spot, we noticed that everyone had mussels. Ordered a small bucket and wow... amazing.
(4)Susan F.
While visiting a friend in Delaware, her boyfriend suggested we go to Philly to try Monk's Cafe, which he was a big fan of. Hearing that I too loved beer, he told me I'd be blown away by their selection, which I was! Their "Beer Bible" boasts over 300 bottled beers, and I quickly found some of my favorites for awesome prices (compared to Chicago). The only problem with the bible was that there was no description of the beer, nor alcohol percentage. I guess it was a rather thin bible, and adding any more descriptions would have made it almost as big as THE BIBLE itself, which no one wants to read inebriated anyways. What I was really looking forward to was the mussels. They came in about 7 different varieties in small or large size. Let's just say the small size did me just fine as it came with fries AND two rolls. I'd say there were about 20 mussels in that pot, for $10!! Winner. I got the 'Red Light' which had heat to them. I scarfed them down not only because they were delicious, but also because I was two beers deep at above 7% abv. Classy. The service was a little slow and the waiter forgot my friend's appetizer of pommes frites and didn't own up to it but whatever, I'll let it slide. They have a lot of vegetarian options as well. Besides the mussels, some of the apps and the entrees were a bit pricey. I guess you don't care if you're already boozed up... Maybe that's the trick. All in all, the experience was great and I left buzzed without shelling out too much $$ for my brews.
(4)Austin S.
Maybe the best burger in Philly. And if you are a beer fan, this is the place to go. It's been around for years, and it's still pretty crowded to get in there on a weekend night.
(4)Ho L.
There aren't many places in the city where you can get authentic Belgian cuisine, but Monk's Cafe is legit. Take a look at the extensive imported beer list, and you'l realize right away that they don't mess around. Add along some mussels and other regional fare, and you've got a lively venue with great food, and varied drinks.
(4)Migdalia G.
Best Mussels. DeKonik is magic.
(5)Mattie C.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? The beer list is indeed fantastic and is what attracted us here in the first place. They had an amazing beer that was their special brew which was really sour and really unique - we were going crazy for that! Sad this is the only place we could get it. Lots of other sour beers on tap, big plus! Between the four of us we drank all their draft beers available and there was not one that I found any less than fantastic. I was slightly less enthusiastic about my food. I got a piece of fish which itself was very delicious and moist (forgot what kind of fish though oops), but it came on a vegetable pile of carrots, beans and squash - three of my least favorite vegteables ever and I did not see a description of a vegetable pile on the menu. Boyfriend got a VERY SPICY wings and some mussels. I had a fingerful of wing sauce and it burned my tongue for about the next 30 minutes. If you like spicy food I definitely recommend that. Really, come here for the beer list. It is awesome and is allegedly known as one of the top 5 best place to get craft beers or Belgian beers in the country.
(4)Nicole H.
My husband and I ate at Monk's Cafe for the first time two years ago and my husband has talked about going back ever since. Last weekend we traveled to Philadelphia from Brooklyn, NY to see an art show and finally return to Monk's Cafe. We were not disappointed. We had muscles, caesar salad, and mac and cheese; all delicious. We also enjoyed several unique and difficult to find beers. The best part of our lunch was our server Kat. She was friendly, professional, and efficient, but most of all she was very knowledgeable about the beer menu and recommended beers that we had never tried but were exactly what we were looking for. I hope we make it back to Monk's Cafe soon for more great food and beer; when we do we'll definitely request seating in Kat's section.
(5)Jennifer R.
I came to Philly on business for a day. Monks Cafe alone made it worth the trip. I had two Bull Frog Blackberry Jujus and the Ghent mussels. Love the people and the atmosphere. I may have to come back to Philly just to try the rest of their mussels and work my way through their beer list.
(5)Tim M.
Went to monk's last night. It was packed as always. We were told a 30-40 minute wait, and that we would wait at the bar area... well, they skipped over us even though they were right next to us and we never heard our name called. Long story short, we got our table and a friendly server. I forget his name. He was helpful with menu choices and gave us great recommendations. Had the frog legs, they were very good and tasted like chicken wings with buffalo sauce and a blue cheese dip. Entrees we had basic stuff, wife had the trappist burger and fries. Awesome. I had the mussels with the red chili oil. I forget the exact name. They were some of the best I've had. Very good! Beer selection is killer and hard to choose. This is place is great, we go every year right before xmas. I love that it's not a chain restaurant! Only downside is that the bathrooms are awful. Think of the movie trainspotting! Regardless, we will go back
(4)Mike R.
stopped in here this past sunday afternoon.....really cool slightly divey bar....very narrow...dark...nice people...great bartender...low keyed.....never feel rushed......didn't get a chance to eat here bt I understand they are noted for there mussels....they definitely have a lot of different beers I never heard of.....next time I am in town I will definitely stop in
(4)Joseph L.
Though it is an institution within the craft beer community in Philadelphia, it earns every bit of the praise it receives. The beer list is always on-point with a slew of beers you simply don't see any where else (on draft) in the city. The food is equally laudable. The frog legs are indicative of a daring menu that strikes the right balance of accessible and adventurous. It is not a cheap spot, and getting in at night on a Friday/Saturday is an exercise in frustration, however it is a dining experience that no one who is somewhat serious about craft beer should miss.
(5)Andrew M.
My favorite spot in Philadelphia. It's known by beer connoisseurs as one of the best places in the WORLD to have a beer. They always have an outstanding beer selection between the two bars, plus a menu with literally hundreds of beers in bottle. It's legendary. While the beer selection is awesome, the MUSCLES there are just as incredible. They have about 7ish different varieties to chose from (the Thai curry muscles are absolutely delicious). They come in large or small pots for $10 or $20. A small is enough for one person. If you come with a few people just get a pot per person so you can try out a bunch of them. It usually gets very crowded in the evenings, so I'd recommend trying to go either around lunchtime or very late at night (after midnight) or a nice little snack. If you do go in the evening, you can grab a beer at either the front or back bar and do your best to find a place to stand while you wait for a table.
(5)Travis B.
I came here for dinner w/ my family and was told great things. I was not impressed! The beer selection is out of his world and the Mussels are great, but the rest of the food is not your typical bar food. In my opinion this bar has tried to do to much to easy food. If your looking for an "Anthony Bordain" experience this is not the place. The pulled pork was too smokey and steak frites was nothing like described. My father loved the mac and cheese and so did the rest of the fam. The service was not bad and the bar it self is cool, but gastronomically is not the best. You're better of just coming for beers and eating elsewhere. Oh and before ordering the hot wings try the sauce, nasty!
(2)Erica B.
We've wanted to visit Monk's for a very long time. It has the reputation for beer excellence, and I love some excellent beers. So we finally got around to heading in for lunch. Of course the beer was tops. Plenty of selection- in terms of location, style and brewery, and plenty of bottles. And the price wasn't too terrible. I went with a Michigan brew I had never had before. When they say an order of large mussels, they aren't messing around. The large is definitely worth the price- there are a ton of mussels. We got the Ghent mussels, and while there were plenty of mussels and bacon, the broth was pretty bland. And let's be honest, 50 percent of a good pot of mussels is the broth. I would have liked to taste more of the bacon, leeks or even the beer they were cooked in, but it all kind of came together to create nothing. After a large pot of mussels I was kind of kicking myself for ordering actual food, but I managed to get in a few bites of their duck salad sandwich before calling it quits. Like the rest of their menu, the sandwich is really creative. I had never had a duck sandwich before, but it was really delicious. The duck was cooked nicely and tasted amazing when paired with craisins, goat cheese, pecans and of course the raspberry vinaigrette and greens. My date got a burger, and I've never been much of a fan of burgers (bring on the judgement!), but he said it was pretty good. Nothing too thrilling, but nothing terrible. Overall, it's a cool place, and an awesome stop for beer lovers. I;d love to try out dinner, and some of their more unique menu options (frogs legs, anyone?).
(4)Sarah P.
This place is on a list of best beer places in Philly, so I had to check it out. I went on a Friday night and it seems nice for groups and for a date night. They have an incredibly extensive beer selection, and a helpful booklet that explains everything, from beer tastes to different terms. They even had a Berliner Weisser, a beer I've been looking for since I had one in Berlin. Our waitress was incredibly helpful in helping us navigate the giant menu, and I loved the beers she recommended. I got their vegan burger and it was amazing. Definitely one of the best I've ever had. And it was a lot cheaper than I expected. My only complaint was that it was really dark which made it hard to read the menu.
(5)Matt A.
LOVE this place.....the mussels are the best...fantastic high end euro bar food meets America many years ago....this place was so far ahead of its time even 10 years ago....maybe 20+ years ago Philly accepted this place because the food is great and the beers are perfectly set up to work with the food. Basically anytime you can get a seat in this place take it....you will love the place...its just like you took a plane and landed in Amsterdam when you open the door.
(5)Josh G.
Monk's is one of the premier beer emporiums in the city of Philadelphia, and it certainly has the best food among said beer emporiums. The Belgian style frites are outstanding.
(4)Margo K.
Alright...I got the mussels! Went here for dinner with my family after my graduation last week. Service was quick, attentive, and knowledgable. To be honest, I wasn't expecting this to be the case, based on the service I've had when just doing drinks here. We came in around 5:30 on a Thursday, and I recommend coming early if you want to be seated right away! To start, we shared the Monk's mussels which I really enjoyed. I will likely be back to try all the varieties. So many different varieties, enough to come here 10 times alone. How delightful! I had the Ghent burger that had broccoli rabe (LOVE) and cheddar on it. I recommend this burger. Not sure I'd get it again, but that's just because there are a lot of appealing items on the menu. Monk's is a place where once you've dined, you want to come back for more. You start to understand the appeal of the food here, which isn't as easy to understand just from looking at the menu. You gotta try it!
(4)Cat M.
Really enjoyable pub. Fabulous food that you wouldn't expect from the looks of the place. Also, an extensive beer selection. If you can't find a beer you like here, then there's something wrong with you! Mussels, pommes frites, veal cheeks, polenta... all delightful! Totally worth a visit, especially if you're already in Center City. It's not fancy, so I imagine most people wouldn't make a special trip to visit. But, the food stands up to some of the best joints in town. Don't let the looks of the place deceive you! I would actually go out of my way to eat here. It's that good.
(4)Sean R.
Great beer selection, but nothing I haven't seen at the Hulmeville Inn or Isaac Newton's in Bucks County (within 20 minutes of each other). I guess it gets more hype because it's in the city? No idea. Great atmosphere though. Cozy, dimly lit, polite staff. Mussels were great. Place was busy but not crazy packed. I'd go again for sure as it's a great place to grab a drink in a conversational volume type setting, but just don't get the "One of the Top 5 places in the world to get a beer" thing.
(4)Jona K.
Normally, good food until the owner decided to get cheap. $13.50 for a burger (which really is a slider). The owner should be ashamed for ripping off patrons for his pathetic little burger!
(2)Anthony S.
Obviously a dynamite beer selection, and the food was great! Veal Cheeks with soft polenta, Burger with broccoli rabe and cheddar, everything was wonderful.
(5)Claire T.
This dark and cozy bar was a great find. They had a large beer selection and I highly recommend the mussels. We got two "small" pots to share so we could try two different flavors and we were blown away by the flavor and portion. I can't stop thinking about them and would go back weekly if I lived closer!
(5)Parker S.
If you're looking for Belgium beer this is your place, while philly has unlimited good beer bars, they are mostly centered around the US craft scene which makes monks unique - 5 stars all the way in that department. In fact, you may want to check out their list before going so you aren't completely overwhelmed upon arrival. Also, be prepared for some sticker shock on some bottles if you aren't familiar with belgian beers. you have to think of some of the options as more like wine than beer since the prices can be more on par with good quality wine rather than a pounder of PBR. Their food is also good, with some of the best fries in the city. The problem is that this place is tight and I find it hard to stay anywhere this cramped for prolonged periods of time. On a number of occassions i've thought about going in only to reconsider my choice because i want a little bit of room to spread out. Definitely worth checking out if you want some unique specialty beers and with good food its worth coming in. maybe you'll get lucky and get there when their not busy.
(4)Katy A.
One of my favorite bars in the city! Always have great beer and the mussels are delicious!
(5)Lauren S.
On my mission to visit all the Top 50 Bars of 2012 in 2013 I finally made it to Monk's Café which I've heard nothing but good thing about for years. One reason I probably never made it over there is I live a block away from one of its sister bar Belgium Café. Although I liked Monk's, like Belgium a little better its far less crowded and much easier to get a seat or stand around at the bar. There is much larger draft selection at Monk's though. And if you are looking for something cozy is this the place.
(3)P E.
I'm a big fan of Belgian beer so this place has been on my list for a while. It's more of a bar in terms of atmosphere as it is dark, I had to out on my iPhone flashlight to read the menu! We enjoyed the mussels and fries as well as the salmon. Food good for the price. However, I was disappointed with the beer list. It was short for those on draught and many of those they supposedly had were crossed off the list. The beer we got was good, so no complaints. It's loud and crowded so come early to get a place to sit!
(3)Jena M.
Allagash white- check. Mussels in the bacon, blue cheese and onions sauce- check. Crispy seasoned fries with a tangy, 'lick the ramekin' sauce- check. I cannot wait to go back here. I went for lunch last week with a friend of mine and I got the small pot of mussels with the ghent sauce. OMG! The pot was huge, the mussels themselves were huge and the sauce was so phenomenal that even after I was stuffed and made my friend eat the rest of them, we ordered more bread to dip in it! It also came with fries and the best dipping sauce I've ever had. And this was just the small portion for $10! I wanna go EVERYDAY! The service was decent and the beer list is HUGE!! I WILL BE BACK!
(5)Tyler K.
Great beer, great burgers, the mussels are good. I highly recommend them. One important thing though is that it's very dark in the room so I really only like going after dark as it's a weird transition to going into a cave-like ambience when it's still light out. Highly recommend it though! Great bottled beer selection and great drafts!
(5)Jimmy J.
Went to Monk's for a couple drinks with friends... The beer list was UNBELIEVABLE! Go there just to read over the menu of just..beers. The food was also phenomenal, and it got pretty crowded, but we were able to get a table within minutes of arriving.
(5)Matt B.
Great beer selection. I had a beautiful duck breast salad, and my friend had the pulled pork sandwich. My salad was really well balanced, but as I am a native of Kansas City, I am very prejudice when it comes to BBQ, so I can't say the sauce was great, but the meat was cooked perfectly and it had a jalapeno relish on it -- I think jalapeno was the base -- and it was tasty as well. I'd go back.
(3)Jenni A.
Great beer selection, good food (have the mussels and chips). Only downside is that there is NEVER any room, you always wait for a table, can't reserve, and the staff aren't brilliant at dealing with this fact.
(4)Albert S.
The food was very good, but the beer was excellent.
(4)Steven P.
Good food and great beer list. One of my favorite places in the city. This would be a five star joint if the service wasn't so bad. Inattentive, unfriendly servers really bring down what could be an amazing experience. Get the mac and cheese or any of the mussels...you won't be disappointed.
(4)Bob D.
the best for beers and frits....
(5)Andrew W.
With a great beer list (no, an amazing beer list) and good food, Monk's is a mainstay for bar food in the rittenhouse area. My only complaint is that it gets really crowded, and for some unknown reason my cell phone doesn't seem to work in the back... but I'm not holding that against them.
(4)Laura B.
Heard Monk's had a good beer selection and boy they do! The Beer Bible has hundreds of beers listed by country of origin along with a detailed description of the different types of beer. I had their own Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale. It wasn't bad but probably would try something else next time. This was my first time having a sour ale and now know I particularly don't care for it. Glad I tried it anyway. Started off splitting the Brussels Mussels among 2 of us. They come with 2 rolls and pomme frites. The appetizer was definitely filling and so delicious! Had the pulled pork sandwich as my meal. You can't go wrong with pulled pork and the apple slaw added a nice flavor. Went on a Monday in May around 6:30/7:00 and was seated right away (party of 2).
(4)Matt F.
Enjoyed the beer and mussels. Looking forward to returning to this place on my next visit.
(4)Mike B.
my scouts down in Philly have known the awesomeness of Monk's for quite a while, but lacked the necessary resources to strategically occupy it. after several logistical delays, a tactical strike force consisting of local partisans and volunteers from NYC and Jersey occupied Monk's this past Saturday. neutrality be damned, we emerged victorious! support forces were hampered by transit difficulties, so the forward scouts established a beachhead. the waiting time (just under an hour! zoinks, Scooby!) sync'd up perfectly with the arrival of support actually. once inside, we were promptly seated at a table overlooking the street. this place is DARK, but illumination comes from dim lighting and neon signs. I dig. the beer list here is ridiculously epic (300 or so). it comes as a book that you can buy if you want! it's on the same scale of places such as Peculier Pub, though less of the "look how many countries we have" (some countries make terrible beer, let's be honest) and more focused on Belgian imports and American local/craft. a good amount of taps, but 95% of it is bottles. food supplies are also fantastic. we started off split a big pot of mussels among our group. I forget which beer broth they came with (they're all beer broths, and they all contain garlic), but the mussels were great. came with a side of fries and this amazing, spicy dipping sauce. my friend Chris and I decided to order a duck salad sandwich and an Ardennes burger and split them between us. the burger was good - topped with Belgian ham and cheese - but the duck sandwich was the knockout winner. tender duck, a bed of greens, and FLIPPIN' WALNUTS AND CRAISINS on delicious, chewy bread. I see people complaining about the pricing, but I thought that the prices were fair. it came to about $120 for a group of five - consider that we split a pot of mussels, ordered some extra fries, and everyone had at least one drink. so why are people complaining? service was excellent, fast, and friendly. the place was quite packed, but there are quieter booths in the back. I can't wait to return to Philly and re-conquer Monk's Cafe. General Mike B, over and out!
(5)Kwaine M.
So many mussels, only one stomach. I love the laid back late night atmosphere.
(4)Patrick G.
amazing mussels. great beers on tap. a little small and a little on the dark side but its is definitely the classic philly pub experience. one of the best anywhere.
(5)Christine S.
Pro: our waitress was accommodating and kind...she actually apologized for the rudeness of the owner. Cons: I am absolutely APPALLED at the service and unprofessionalism of the owner! I brought a group of 9 other people for my birthday dinner and we were treated with such disrespect by the owner. My friends were late (as always) but we already had our table and were ordering food. The owner came up to me and asked when the rest of my party was going to show up, I asked him who he was because he never introduced himself to me. He then began to banter and go on and on about this is being why he doesn't take reservations and he is having to turn people away and losing money. I could not believe that he would treat paying NEW customers to his restaurant like that as well as it being my birthday. Please keep in mind that our bill was about $400 by the end of the night! I hope he sees this review about his ignorant and unprofessional attitude and learns a lesson that no one should be talked to or treated like this. I am never going back there. You lost my business and everyone I know! I will make sure people know....your food is not worth it and you left a very sour taste in my mouth!
(1)Michael L.
really good and inexpensive Belgian Moules Frites! Excellent beer selection.
(4)Rob C.
Truly fantastic beer list. Frites were very good, other food was solid but not spectacular. Service was, well, a bit odd. Our server seemed to have a pretty big chip on his shoulder and was much more condescending than helpful. It's not like we were asking for Coors Lite or the like - this server was probably (hopefully) just an outlier. Would I go back to Monk's? Of course, but because of the service issue Monk's is now on double-secret probation.
(3)William H.
Boom batta! Belgium beers, amazing mussels, and great atmosphere. These guys got it down. Try: Mussels Charcuterie Scallops And drink tons of beers. They keep a great mix of imports rotating.
(5)Anthony D.
Gave this place two trys. This time we determined that we will not return. Great beer horrible, rude service. Waited 25 min for our beer only to be told it was only at the front bar so we would have to wait there.
(1)Robert G.
One of a kind place. The best.
(5)Luke O.
Very good selection of of Belgian wares and some of the finest brews in the world. Staff is knowledgable and the layout is bright and clean. I've been to other places in the city that may have this one beat on service and even a bit on prices, but Monk's is bigger and more comfortable. I don't mind paying a small premium to not feel crowded.
(4)Grace S.
Wow, there are over 400 reviews on this place. My conclusion: I never ever will come back here again. I've been here twice and each time, it was a 1-star experience so I'm going to take my 20s elsewhere. If you are a true beer enthusiast, this place is a great place to try new beers (if you can stand all the rowdy students--I don't know why this place attracts loud drunks; is that why they card no matter what? or what looks like the strangest mix of people I've ever seen in a popular downtown restaurant). Last night, I tried the Hercule stout which was decent ($8) and my bf had the Oaked Arrogant Bastard, which we both loved. The service was good considering our waitress promptly returned the watery and mushy mussels we got and came back with a piping hot, much more flavorful batch that was correctly cooked. The moules frites are the absolutely worst I've ever had (ok, not fair to compare them to ones I've had in Belgium, but even in the US, this is as bad as it gets). Could the mussels be any tinier? Could the sauce be any greasier (there was a cm-thick layer of oil on top of our broth, and even when we tried to mix it up with spoons, most of the ominous layer would not dissipate)? There is no flavor to the red light broth except a spicy kick, which isn't hard to do, you throw in some hot peppers. I cannot believe they would serve their mussels in such a flavorless broth. My bf has made moules frites at home and his sauce is a thousand times more flavorful. It also seems that they don't cook the mussels specifically for your dish. The pomme frites are good but they are doused in salt, cut up in tiny little pieces and they give you all of 10 fries. The bourbon mayonnaise is delicious but like I said to my bf, how do you mess up mayonnaise? I looked over at the other tables and there were plenty of burgers and sandwiches being served. I hope they are friggen out of this world because I don't know how people would waste their $20 on this place. There aren't fries at Audrey Claire, but try their mussels (or even moules frites at Nodding Head). Their broth is excellent--I've tried it 4 times and I've never gotten any undercooked, disgusting watery and mushy mussels, not once. I've been to a million and one moules frites places in Manhattan and other US cities and I'm not saying they are all excellent, but Monk's has been by far the worst moules frites I've ever had.
(1)Jack W.
This place was fantastic! The mussels were delicious as was the broth we had leftover which we used to dip our bread in. I can't remember which mussels we ordered but it was just the right amount of spiciness and garlic. The only issue I had with the mussels were that I thought the size of the mussels were a little small. I also ordered the Ardennes burger and it was really good too. I think their rolls were a little hard which I was surprised because Philly usually has such great bread. The beers were absolutely fantastic and they have a great selection. Overall, it was a really good experience and I'd definitely come back here again.
(4)Julia K.
Yes, horrible in the sense that they only like people to review if they like it. Extremely non professional comments from those who work there that further only reiterates my point that it is an overrated, "nothing special" kind of place.... I will never go back ... Better money spent at pretty much any other pub in town.:-) luckily Philly is full of them.
(2)Sandy T.
People keep raving about their fries and spicy chicken wings, but I just don't get it. The fries are always soggy and the spicy wings are over-seasoned yet not spicy. Despite this, everything else is good especially their extensive selection of beer. If love beer, you'll love this place!
(3)George S.
My fiancé and I have been living in Phili for 2.5 yrs now. One of our goals on our bucket list was to find the best hamburger in Phili. After months of searching on the internet and reviews and trying out at least 15 different places we finally found Monks, which for us took was hands down the best. I guess it was the combination of service, beer, and a great hamburger that made us fall in love with this place. Must try if in Phili; will not be disappointed.
(5)John P.
Greak place for beer and the duck sandwich is awesome. The decor could use a little updating.
(4)Michael A.
Monk's is a Philadelphia classic. It's down to hearth, cozy, and inviting, yet feels like you are stepping into a Abby in Belgium. It has one of the best selections of fine beers in Philadelphia, especially of fine Belgian beers, and a delicious menu as well. If you enjoy beer at all, check this place out.
(5)Jennifer K.
I love checking out the beer scene and enjoying microbrews and Monk's was a must stop on my list. My friend and I hit the back bar and we were not disappointed. The bartender was great and the beers were awesome. I didn't try the food, but it looked and smelled wonderful.
(5)Tabitha M.
Wow. My husband and I were at Nodding Head Brewery, not really enjoying ourselves, when I started searching for nearby restaurants/bars and learned about Monk's Cafe. I'm so glad I did! Don't let the outside fool you. We were seated at the back bar and given the draft sheets for the front and back bars, plus the huge "beer bible". I can't even guess how many beers they stock. I had a dark wheat beer from Germany, my first ever sour beer, a 25ounce beer, and, well, after that I kindof lost track. :) Loved: bartender let me charge my iPhone on his charger after hearing me lament to my husband about it dying. Didn't love: somewhat limited food selection, if you're not into mussels. My husband and I spent $130 before tip on an afternoon of drinking. It was an interesting walk back to the hotel, but worth every penny!
(4)Noah R.
For this review I will be using the standard 1-10 scale, 10 being pure excellence. Atmosphere-7, beer list-8.5, burger-8.5 (impressive burger, cooked perfectly, I ordered the monks,) Mac n cheese 8, service 6.5, fries-7, sauce that came with fries-9. It should be known I do not give 10s, as I believe 10s are a cop out. Ill definitely be returning.
(4)Cheryl S.
My husband and I were in Philly on vacation, and this was one of the planned events because of all the great reviews we'd read. Their beer selection is excellent, although the draft list was relatively short. Had their draft list been 2-3 times lengthier with the same quality of beers, I'd probably have given 5 stars. If you love hard-to-find craft beer, this is your place! Aside from the variety of beers, I have to say their food was excellent. Of course we tried the mussels, which was a tough decision because of the wide variety of flavors. We agreed on one that sounded tasty; it tasted even better than I expected! The pot was large and more food than I expected. The mussels come with fries. Now, I don't care if you're dieting. EAT THE FRIES, and you MUST try the Bourbon mayo. Trust me, you won't regret it. The service was very good, and our bartender was extremely knowledgeable about the food and beer.
(4)Michelle H.
i love Monk's...i used to work there and I still love it. As everyone has already said, their beer selection is fantastic. The mussels and pomme frites (and bourbon mayo dipping sauce) is awesome any time. The salads, desserts and veggie burgers are awesome as well. the only down side is the size, but hey, you can't have everything.
(5)Ken J.
Dinner here (for 2) on a Sunday evening. A very busy place but responsive. The on-tap beer selection is great. The food was very good. We ordered the burgers (med-rare), both came more medium but still very good. The waitress was really great. She suggested beers based on tastes and nailed it. She was also very helpful on order modifications. We sat in the front and unfortunately near some very loud patrons (they were seated perpendicular so the woman talking was VERY loud). However, I cannot blame that on the restaurant. The food was good. The service was very good. It seemed to attract young professionals (20-30s). I'd highly recommend this place and would love to go back.
(5)Beeg R.
Delicious burger. Great beer selection. Got to have a burger every time I'm here. We did order the mussels the other day and it was amazing. There were so much mussels that it was more than a meal.
(5)Chrystelle B.
Wish I had come here more when I lived in Philly. Great mussels, fantastic burgers and a great selection of beer.
(4)Ryan C.
Not a fan of the frog legs--tasted awfully fishy. The mussels are an awesome deal. But this place is noisy.
(3)Jason M.
The Mon Flemish Sour Ale is awesome. So were the mounds and mounds of mussels - the large pot comfortably fed three of us. Great experience!
(4)Esteban W.
ABSOLUTELY a winner. High end food, high end beer, awesome atmosphere and great staff... I come from a tropical land, that wouldn't know a gastropub if it was sleeping with their sister. Monk's though, was exactly what I was expecting. If not the epitome of a Gastropub, truly it at least reading the definition of what it should be. I enjoyed a duck sandwich with a couple glasses of Delirium and, my favorite, Chimay. Surrounded by amazing company, good friends and fellow professionals, I felt like I was in a euphoric world where nights lasted all day and work never existed. The GOOD: the sandwich - over stuffed with greens, walnuts, a subtle sweet/tangy sauce cranberries and finished off with perfectly pink duck medallions. The bread, for me, was fresh tasting and soft. Completely complimented the filling and, like few things, good to the last drop. The beers were abundant - and many, since I am not from the area - were a complete mystery to me. I took the advice of a fellow table mate and enjoyed a great tasting Delirium beer, it was smooth, light colored beer that just felt right in a dim and dark bar. Following that, I grabbed a beer I was familiar with and enjoyed a Chimay - which came in its proper chalice! score. The BAD: there really wasnt any bad. the only thing I could bitch about is that I wanted it to be larger (thats what she said...) but in reality, why would I want more people here and what do I expect them to do with limited space. The staff - although super busy - were attentive when they could be. I am not going to knock people down for being busy - the place was packed. OVERALL: Magical. and that is an understatement. People at my table ordered the muscles - and they looked amazing. the salmon on the other hand - looked small - I would have been disappointed if I had ordered that. the duck sandwich though - five stars alone. As an end to the perfect dinner, our large group ordered dessert... all of them. Every single bite was more perfect than the last - my favorite though, was a choco-espresso-tart thing. awesome sauce. Next stop in Philly will definitely include another hit of Monk's!
(5)Justin O.
Most complete beer list in the city. The mussels are a popular favorite, but the burger is a good value. For beer snobs, this is a great place to go to discover and try new ones - the staff is very knowledgeable.
(4)Bill B.
Incredibly delicious menu - I asked my sister if we could eat here daily during my visit. Sadly not, but we ordered 2 small pots of mussels (about 24 mussells each) in 2 of the 8 flavors. We also tried 4 of the roughly 250 beers available; about 20 are on tap, the rest bottled. I was impressed by the "beer bible" listing all the unusual offerings and the history and ingredients of brewing. Service was friendly and sincere, if a little scattered. Given how loud and crowded it was, I give them a free pass. I'd definitely like to come back!
(4)Chi-Chi S.
I don't know how this place got this name but it def has nothing to do with Buddhism. The mussels are the best mussels I've ever had, even better than the ones I had in Italy and Belgium. and they come quick. huge selection of beer...perhaps the biggest belgian selection you can find outside of Belgium. yet their beer bible seems kind of over the top...its scale is scary cos people don't wanna make mistakes. hands down my fav restaurant in the city. it's on the top of my Philly whirlwind trip list.
(4)Jose A.
Yeah it has a lot of beers, a lot. And I see how it got it's reputation, it's been around serving great beers and mussels long before that became the thing that every gastropub on every corner did. That said, I just don't like it that much. There are better areas to go hang out in. There are bars with better ambience, with more space, with cooler people. Yeah you don't have the same choice, the staff probably wouldnt be as knowledgeable as at Monks, but those things don't add much to my experience. So what if a bar has hundreds of cool beers, a regular gastropub may have five or six and that's more than enough for one night for me. So congrats Monks for being one of the firsts, and by all means if someone is visiting philly than bring them here because it has national notoriety, but I'll pass.
(2)Meghan C.
They have a tremendous bottle selection and typically have very unique brews on tap. I have never had a dish I didn't enjoy. I have two major issues with Monk's though...they kick their kegs at the strangest times...and their service is so, so rude. The handful of times I have had a table, we have been harassed to order more food and given a very bad attitude. It's like...we're order expensive bottles of beers, eating some mussels...don't worry, your mandatory 18% on parties of 6+ will be substantial. Lose the attitude! I honestly haven't been back since February - took my husband and a few people for a birthday happy hour, and the service was so obnoxious that I still have a bad taste in my mouth. I'd rather roll down to Eulogy.
(3)Brianna M.
Great beer selection, fantastic food, and relaxed atmosphere. The service was great! Our waiter was extremely helpful, have great recommendations and was incredible personal. I went with a big group and literally everything was delicious! Loved the Monk Burger!!
(5)Sarah B.
Great beer selection and cool atmosphere. It's pretty small though so don't qo with a large group on a weekend.
(4)Evelyn T.
I don't like beer and will only drink Lindeman's because it's like juice. They have it on tap!!..Dream come true! The duck salad is fancy restaurant level..and the mussels are ridiculously delicious. AND this place is open for lunch AND late night eats. Derrrrrricious.
(5)Kirby J.
Went here for the first time when I was a few weeks past 21 and was just a *tad* overwhelmed. Now that I've got a decent knowledge of beer, I can appreciate Monk's a lot more. Tell 'em your tastes and they'll happily recommend something. Food is also excellent, with a few vegan & vegetarian options for those like myself who prefer to be a staunch pain in the ass.
(5)B. C.
Monk's has a great beer selection (Belgian, obviously). The food varies; I've had the rack of lamb and some fries, and it was serviceable, but nothing to "write home about." Monk's gets very busy, so get there early and get your friends a table!
(4)A E.
I came in looking for something that could replace my favorite bar in my hometown, another Belgian style pub with a name so similar I have to suspect they owe it to this place. And in the end...it didn't quite measure up. That wasn't to say that I didn't like Monks. I liked it quite a bit, and I suspect that I would continue to like it after multiple trips but it was far from perfect. It took quite a while to get anyone over to take an order once I had been seated, even though the place was half filled at best. After that, there was another long wait to get served my drink. The duck salad sandwich was pretty good, with the duck perfectly cooked for me. However, I felt as if it really could have used a bit more seasoning, because flavor began to be lost when tucked into the roll. The fries were pretty good, but I've had better, especially at the place I was hoping to replace. In the end, the food was good, but not quite as good, the beer selection decent, but smaller than others and the prices affordable but still expensive. I'd like to see a few more esoteric items as well.
(4)Nissa P.
Food, service and drinks excellent!
(5)Brent K.
Let me first start by saying why I did not give Monk's 5 stars..... the atmosphere. As much as I love this place, I hate rolling the dice by hoping there will be bar space each time I go there. I guess that just means that you need to pick the time you want to go there wisely or come prepared to wait for a seat. Now that this is past us, let me tell you why this place is a must-visit. Beer Advocate rated Monk's as one of the best places in the world to grab a pint. So, the selection will be sure to impress just about any beer snob. I only wish they had more beers on tap but they do a good job of rotating their selection. Bottles on the other hand are almost always available, so no complaints there. The food is not just your average pub-style food. It's got a bit more class than that.... you must try the mussels and fries. Unfortunately, I cannot really speak to anything other than that as its the only menu items I've ever eaten. Is that sad or dedicated? Finally, the staff are almost always super friendly and knowledgeable. Some places that boast impressive beer selections tend to have overly beer-snobby staff.... not the case with Monk's. If you're a beer newcomer, ask the bartender for a recommendation.... they will guide you accordingly.
(4)Hillary S.
Monk's is always a solid choice when it comes to beer and good bar food. The beer selection is awesome and the mussels are known city wide for being the best. I tend to stick with ordering apps/sandwiches though, rather than their entrees. Entrees didn't impress me as much, This place is just a Philadelphia staple and a great place for a low key night.
(4)Shannon L.
I really like this place, but it takes so long to get a seat! We went around 10pm and it was craazy crowded! Tried the notorious Spanish Flies, it was better than regular wings, but really, not all that spicy. I finished 3/4 of it and my friends had the rest. The mussels were really cheap, but I don't eat mussels much so I can't vouch for if they were good or not, but they tasted okay. Nothing that would make me eat mussels more often. I loved the fries. I'm not sure how they make their fries but they are really good. The best thing about Monk's Cafe though, is the beer selection. This is what bumps it to 4*. But a lot has already been said about how awesome it is. A gripe is that a lot of stuff was unavailable though :( So you get all excited because you see a beer you've been wanting to try for a while and... nooo!!
(4)Linda T.
cool pub with good food. so many beers to choose from! sour ale was delicious-sweet and bubbly mussels were good. either in a small pot $10 or large pot $20. many different flavors like tomato, fennel, garlic or thai curry or bacon/garlic, etc... comes in a cute pot with 3 rolls and side of fries. duck salad was alright. duck cooked medium rare with cranberries, candied walnuts, and slab of goat cheese. didnt get the burger, but it looked huge and delicious. definitely seems like a good place to chill and relax
(4)Rebecca F.
The beer selection is out of this world! They also have great wings. Always a good date night, though sometimes hard to get in because of how crowded it gets. I always send out of town friends here. I could eat the fries all day every day.
(5)Yunica J.
Haven't tried the food yet, unfortunately, but the selection of beers is incredible. You will not be disappointed. I'm not even a huge beer fan to be quite honest, but they carry Belgian lambics infused with framboise (raspberry). Yum.
(4)Kate W.
Kate's single girl night out! Single as in, in town on work and going to a restaurant/bar by myself because why not! Take that world, I'm so self-assured I don't need anyone, just me, beer, a book and the duck breast salad! Easy seating if you're willing to sit at the bar alone! Not too expensive when you order the salad and no appetizers because you're dieting! And I'm pretty sure the bartender gave me a beer free because they felt sorry for me! Score! But seriously, a great restaurant/bar with a great feel and great food. Would recommend for singles and groups alike.
(5)Molly B.
Whether you are a well-developed beer aficionado or just interested in expanding your palate, Monk's has you covered. The large and extensive beer list may scare some, especially those new to the game--in that case just ask! The servers and bartenders know their stuff and are very helpful. Especially given the cost of some of these brews, this isn't where you take yourself to hot mess status on a Saturday night or drown your sorrows, but instead is the place to have a truly transcendent experience enjoying and savoring some of the best beer you will ever drink. In regards to food, I haven't tried any of their menu items, save for the fries--which are in my top five for Philly. Is there anything better though than stellar fries and beer so good you want to cry? That's enough for me.
(5)Jackie T.
Finally got a chance to check out Monk's cafe this past weekend. Monk's gets a lot of hype so I was afraid that it wouldn't meet my expectations, but they most certainly did. Their beer menu is extensive to say the least - they have lots of beers on draft to choose from and it's just a fun place to be. Can't wait to return!
(5)Aaliyah P.
We had heard amazing things about Monks and decided to go and see what all the fuss was about :) We went on Super Bowl Sunday ( before the big game of course) We decided to sit at the bar instead of a table. It wasn't crowded when we arrived and my boyfriend and I both ordered beers. im not into beers but decided i would since we were at one of the best places to have a beer at in the country. Obviously I couldn't order a domestic pint I had to go Belgian. Our bartender Maggie was super knowledgeable about the beers and menu. She offered us both some amazing options. I again am not the beer geek that my beau is so I asked a gazillion questions and Maggie was happy to help. Since I'm a fan of La Fin Du Monde- I tried the Tripel Karmeliet- It was amazing . We ordered the Kilo of the Ghent Mussels which were cooked perfectly and came w/ frites and some really great bread. We hung out and chatted w/ Maggie about her travels to Belgium and had a wonderful afternoon. So glad we listened to everyone and came to Monks We will return and SOON.
(5)Mariana I.
Lots of beer, good food, and friendly service all combine to make a pretty fly spot. Best of beers with delicious mussels! =)
(5)Jillian D.
Monk's has some of the rarest beers, and a wide selection. They also have great food! We had the mac and cheese, which was HUGE with ham and asparagus in it, costing $16. It was a shared entree between my husband and I which was more than enough. Highly recommended place but know that it can get very busy so go early!
(5)Katrinka K.
Great beer, great mussels, great prices. If you are going on the weekend try to go early for i don't think they take reservations and you will have at least an hour and a half wait.
(4)Jenn V.
A group of 6 of us came here recently strictly because one of us is vegan and finding someplace to accommodate this with a decent selection isn't all that easy to find. We were seating pretty quickly and ordered some beers- the selection they have is great. I can understand why it gets so much hype. Our server was so knowledgeable about each beer and made recommendations based on what we told him. He was also able to point out different things on the menu that were vegan for my friend and what he would recommend. Now for the food- I do not understand all the raving about their mussels- I have tried far better in many other local establishments (White Dog Cafe, Twenty Manning just to name a few) as I always seem to order them whenever I go out to dinner. If you are looking for a variety of types of mussels, then Monk's has far more than the usual White Broth or Red Broth variety. Were they good? Yes. Best in the city- absolutely not. The fries were good, but I wish they came with a few more. I also ordered a burger which was ok. Once again, nothing I would come back specifically for. Overall, good experience. Not sure if i will be rushing back though unless my friend is looking for some vegan options.
(3)Kristen B.
Excellent beer selection, several delicious vegetarian options, and the fries are some of the best in the city! It's small, so get there early and claim your seat!
(4)Jimmy M.
Obviously large beer selection. Great deal for a generous amount of mussels. Burger wasn't great, only ok and I'm not a picky foodie by any means. Very tight and cramped in the lobby/bar area (nowhere to stand) and not much more room in the back where we were seated. Recommended if you like trying new beers and don't mind tight/small places.
(3)Kara K.
Who doesn't love Monk's? A Philly staple - awesome beer selection - great mussels and frites and fabulous burgers as well. Yum. I need to go back more often!
(5)A P.
Everyone raves about this place so I finally decided to try it. I ordered the small tub of Thai curry mussels. The portion was large and fries came along for a mere $10. However the mussels did not impress me and the fries were soggy. The ambience is dark, and like a typical pub-nothing fancy. Everyone in our party felt our server was very rude and uncomfortably sarcastic. Consequently, I won't be returning here.
(2)JB K.
I ate here one afternoon when I had time to kill before my flight home. The menu consists mainly of Belgian meats, cheeses, and beer--how can you go wrong? Ambiance is very casual, with street-side window seating and also a darkly-lit area in the back. This place was a borderline hole-in-the-wall, but clean, and the service is the kind I like--functional and unobtrusive, but attentive. We sampled a bunch of the appetizers, including the charcouterie plate, which had some kind of delicious loaf-like meat (rabbit terrine), assorted sausages, fruit, and delicious soft Belgian cheeses. Also tried the barbecue wings (not the HOT HOT HOT wings the menu warned us against--but they were still very hot) and fresh cut fries; also partook of the smoked trout with toast points--that and the meat plate were far the best items we chose. I drank copious amounts of Allagash White (a Belgian wheat) whilst eating and conversing in the darkened bar with a coworker. We emerged into the daylight again some four hours later, refreshed and ready for the airport.
(4)Ami O.
Small and busy when you walk in. Be prepared to be cramped inside especially when trying to find a spot at the bar. Spacious is not the word to use. However, it is well worth elbowing past the crowd to wait for your table where you will sit down to one of the best beer menus in the city and the food stands up to that reputation as well. Mussels are the obvious go to here and won't disappoint. I've had a ton of other things here too but those are my staple. And the fries of course. It's loud, dimly lot and cramped and I love every second of it to find that seat or corner to bunker down in with good friends and chat w the very knowledgeable staff- give them your likes and they'll find something for you.
(5)Schuyler L.
I had to meet a friend here after I'd exhausted my choices of bars in West Philly. Just kidding, we had to talk about relationships. I had the leek and blue cheese burger and a Allagash White. She had the duck something or other. We shared fries. Everything was delicious. We finished everything except the fries. I had them for lunch the next day. Warmed up they were still great. But why are they all only one inch long? As far as the burger goes, the bun was my least favorite type ever. Virtually tasteless and tough even in it's freshest form. Other than that, no real complaints. I took pictures but they didn't all turn out appealing, so I'm only posting one. Service was very good, friendly older servers are always reliable imo.
(3)Ming T.
Mussels were outstanding! Overwhelming and divine beer selection and bartender is knowledgeable. Love this place!
(5)C's M.
For $10 you can get a bucket of mini-mussels in a variety of broths. Very good, served with fries and crusty bread. The choices of beer are unprecedented. We had their draft beer, superb. Service was great. Atmosphere is like stepping into a century gone by.
(5)Brad P.
I've never had a bad time here. Monk's is a near flawless bar, with a fantastic beer selection and excellent food. Every time I go to Monk's, I try a beer that I've never had before and that I think is awesome. The crowds are a bit much on the weekends, but I don't hold it against the establishment. The crowd is always friendly and if you pick someone up here, there is a higher-than-average chance that they are a good conversationalist. I have a little criticism - The pommes frites are fantastic, but they are cursed with two major weaknesses - they are too small and soft. When I dip them, they buckle, for their stiffness loses out to the surface tension of the spicy mayo dip. As a result of this, I always end up getting spicy mayo on my fingers when I dip them. I usually end up turning to using my fork to eat them halfway through the meal. I don't enjoy doing this but I have no choice because they taste great. If any Monk's employees are reading this, please make the pommes frites a little bit more resilient and longer.
(4)Miguel R.
Wow...the beers...and the food is pretty good too. The fries were fantastic, but I was disappointed in the frog legs which were just doused in hot wing sauce. Servers are very knowledgeable about the beers and can easily recommend something. Great place, but it can get packed so get in early.
(4)Robby S.
In Philly for the night, I joined a good friend of mine and had dinner and drinks at Monk's Cafe. Great, dark, little spot with an amazing Belgian-style beer list, my friend had the Dupont Speciale Belge while I had the Allegash White wheat beer. For food, we shared the large Brussells Mussells, which comes with a side of pomme frites. For the main dishes, my friend had the Chicken sausage sandwich, while I had the Pulled Pork. Both were excellent! The beers kept comin'. My friend switched to the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale, which he seemed to enjoy more than the Dupont. I stayed with the Allegash and was quite full after three of these. Very cool atmosphere. If you get there around dinner time, expect a little wait.
(4)Isabelle J.
Love beer? You need to come to this place and merrily drink. Don't drink beer? Come and just try the Lost Abby's Red Poppy Ale and enjoy the great atmosphere. So I'm the latter. I didn't have bottles after bottles of beer, but I still had a great time here because this place was just... interesting. The beer bible--LOVE IT! I immediately instagramed that shiz. Matching glasses for every beer--They have you guessing what sort of goblet, thistle, or tulip glass comes with your next beer. More instagrams! The mussels were very good... for $10, get it! Next time a beer lover friend of mine visits Philly, I'll definite take them to Monks.
(4)Walter K.
I like spicy food. Generally, when I order wings, I ask for the hottest ones without a second thought. I'm here to tell you that if you are like me, and decide to go to Monk's, you are about to make a mistake. These wings are painfully spicy. I was dining with my good friend Callen, and we had a great night. It's fantastic to get someone who regularly drinks Miller Lite to enjoy a Delirium Tremens. As usual, the mussels here were fantastic. This was also my first time sitting at the back bar, and I love the atmosphere back in that little room. The wings are a slowly growing fire in your mouth, and it sticks with you. One of the worst things is that if you have any other food or beer, you can forget about tasting it. Luckily, I saved the wings for last. By the end of the six wings I ate, I was visibly sweating and involuntarily crying. I'm not sure if that's embarrassing. These may be the hottest wings I've ever had. Bottom Line: If you're looking for a challenge with incredibly hot wings. Stop by Monk's. Order these to go. Then take them home so people don't see you cry.
(4)Sara P.
If you can say - "Well, we had to wait for 40 min outside (because it was so freakin' crowded), and our waitress was a real jerk, but.... I loved this restaurant and really want to go back!" - then, you know it is a REALLY special place! 3 girls. 3 shared plates of food: Frog legs; cheese/pâté/fruit plate; some kind of uber yummy french fries with cheese. Many beers. I'd say best beers ever. Happy buzzes. Full tummies. Yummy!
(4)H L.
I love monks sour ale! I'm not a huge beer fan, but this is delicious! We also love the scallops here they are made with a sauce simliar to the sour ale. This place gets super packed and is very popular.
(5)Gordon M.
The food was good. The selection of bottled alcohol was awesome. The service was positive, helpful, and engaged. I just felt that what I paid for two for lunch was pricey! It's not a place you can generally take customers, put it on your expense report, and still look good to your boss.
(3)Stephanie Y.
YUMMMM MUSSELS!!!! Monk's is always a good time and sharing buckets of mussels with friends, all with dirty hands in the same pot, makes it all the better. Of course the draft selections are always great! They're also one of 2 places I know in Philly that have lindemann's framboise on tap. The place does get pack quit, so be sure to arrive early!
(4)Diana H.
Not a beer fan, but the selection's so broad anyone can find a liking. Mussels are fantabulous.
(4)Kathleen M.
I've been a regular at a few of these Belgian-centric uber beer bars (if you're curious, the now-defunct Brickskeller in DC and The Porter in Atlanta are my haunts), so the overall premise is one that I enjoy but not one that I'm necessarily impressed by. That being said, I very much enjoyed my lunch at Monk's. We weren't presented with the full menu, instead just chose from what they had on draft. Luckily the Corsendonk Christmas had just arrived so I was a happy camper. For lunch I was stoked about the mussels, and I wasn't disappointed. Be warned, the large order is LARGE. Definitely enough to share with friends. And I loved that it came with two rolls, because really, the best part of mussels is sopping up the sauce. Don't deny it. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, the place was cozy, and I'd happily return for lunch. I don't know if I'd be down when it's crowded on a Saturday night, but when you can get a seat it's worth your while to at least stay for a beer or two.
(4)Jaime K.
The beer list is fantastic and the vibe is superb. My biggest is the menu, which I think gets more credit than it deserves. Their famous burgers are clearly pre-made or frozen, and their mussels often still have beards on them. Nonetheless I will continue to come as this is an important Philadelphia institution.
(3)A L.
I've been to Monk's several times, and in terms of food, Eulogy edges them out by a bit. My review is mainly based on the food and atmosphere. Provence mussels: I ordered the small pot which was a decent size for $10. The mussels are cooked well, but their size tend to be on the small side. The flavor of the broth is pretty good - fume, celery, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, leeks, garlic, parsley & cream. However, I would love if there was more broth for the mussels to bask in and for the bread to soak up. Pomme frites: The fries came with the mussels as this is a customary pairing. I prefer Eulogy's thicker fries more than that skinny fries at Monk's, but their bourbon aioli/mayonnaise sauce is delicious! I usually use up my sauce before I finish my fries! I'm not a beer expert but I think Monk's has a pretty wide selection (pages and pages) of beers to choose from, so you would be hard-pressed to find something you didn't enjoy. Many of their beers are Belgian (of course). Monk's is pretty dingy-looking and loud, but this isn't a place that you go to for the atmosphere. You come here for the beer and mussels.
(3)Nope M.
YUM. Love the mussels. Great service; I can actually credit their servers for helping me develop a taste for beer. Fun atmosphere. I always recommend it to people coming to the city.
(4)Gerard Z.
Frog legs were delicious. Leek tart was different and enjoyable. The veal cheeks were under seasoned; could have used a little salt. Fries were fine, but nothing spectacular. Overall, its crowded, loud, and pretty typical of Philly beer bars.
(2)KJ S.
Be prepared to wait a while for a table, but it is worth it- decent food & a great beer selection. My suggestion? Get a couple at the front bar & then ask for a table near the back bar to experience it well-- and buffalo frogs legs can't be beat :)
(3)Ed W.
mussels and good beer enough said
(4)Jason M.
So its safe to say that the Mussels are Amazing Pommes Frites are Amazing and the Beer is Amazing I took my girlfriend down to monks cafe this past weekend after hearing about the beer and food selection. This is a small place but def filled up quick. To my surprise we only waited 10 mins for a table which gave me plenty of time to check the beer bible on there selection they have. Tried a couple different beers but i must say the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale was my favorite. As stated in the beginning the Muscles and Frites are good so i will skip that and go to my main course which was Chicken & Apple Sausage. Not a big fan of sausage so ordering this was a step out of the norm for me but it was worth it. All and all everything that people says is great about this place is true and i know i will defiantly be stopping by again in the near future!
(5)Chris W.
Monks Cafe is great! I went on a Friday night and it was a full house. My friend and I sat at the bar and ordered drinks and food. They serve food until 1 am and have an extraordinary beer selection. I was impressed with their menu, drinks, and service. My friend tried two of their cider and I tried a couple beers on their featured taps. I must say the hard ciders were the best we've every had. The English one was amazing and highly recommended. Their menu was simple and classy. There prices vs portion and quality were top notch. We ordered the scallops and apple and garlic mussel. With our food fries and an amazing dipping sauce. The mussels and scallops were so fresh they tasted like the ocean. Next time I will try a different variation of their mussel(they have around 8). All in all the food was great, the atmosphere was rustic and fun, and the service was exceptional. Monks Cafe is a great Philly spot whenever you cant decide on where to go out. My experience here will have me coming back for both the food and beer selection.
(4)Christopher S.
I like it but is tight. Great beer selection but no where to sit. Unique bar look. For sure a place a beer drinker has to check out. More of a guys bar.
(4)Jason G.
I have read about Monk's in Beer magazines for some time now. When my annual conference was scheduled for Philly, I was excited to finally be able to try this place out. As we bellied up to the bar I was absolutely shocked by two things: the prices and the number of beers on tap. Only five beers??? I was expecting dozens, hundreds, unfathomable quantities of European elixirs! Not five measly brews. Nothing wrong with the beers they had. They were five really top-rated beers. A couple I'd never tasted before. That was great, but I was just expecting more. Bartender was zombie-like and was definitely not trying to be helpful or nice. Tips must not be of any interest to her. Maybe she just comes in for the beer. Better places to drink in Philly. The bar in the back of the Reading Terminal Market was much more lively, had better food, and the beers were half of the price.
(2)Jessica F.
My friend and I went to Monk's Cafe around 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. The place was packed! We only had to wait about 15-20 minutes for a table, but probably would have had to wait longer if we had a larger group. We were seated by the bar in the back, which was pretty secluded from the rest of the restaurant. The service wasn't that great. The staff barely passed by our table. They had a description of each beer in their selection which was great. We ordered mussels of course - DeKoninck (DeKoninck ale, apples, gruyere, carmelized leeks, and garlic) and Ghent (Saison Dupont, fumé, parsley, carmelized leeks, bacon, bleu cheese & garlic). The DeKoninck mussels were way better than the Ghent. The apples added to the sweet and savory tastes of the dish. Also, the mayonnaise that accompanied the pomme frites was delicious. They do not take reservations so you should get there early!
(4)Lemmonhead B.
It's hard to get a table here because it's the best pub in Philadelphia. Mussels, burgers, beers, and fries, oh my - all delicious. The waitresses with their Philly 'tudes are professional and attentive.
(5)Jordan R.
Mussels N Frites. You can select the liquid goodness that the mussels come in. Use the bread to soak it up. The atmosphere is awesome - a little dark with old pews used for seats. Also - fantastic beer selection. 'Nuff Said.
(4)Connor L.
I've never been able to get a table, and it's PACKED every time I try to visit Monks, so we always end up holding extremely expensive beers while standing in a small space just waiting to leave. I imagine if you'd come during off-peak hours, and expensive Belgian beers were your thing, then you'd love it! But if you were just looking for a quick drink after work or before heading to another bar, then avoid!
(2)Michelle C.
Monk's mussels with pomme frites and a La Fin du Monde (or 4). Best. Meal. Ever. Minus one star because I strayed from my staples last time and ordered a sausage sammie that was more roll than sausage. Also, the service has been pretty shameful in my experience.
(4)Ann L.
While waiting for a table, a very obnoxious drunk bastard was shamelessly hitting on me and my two friends. Once it was our turn to be seated, I heard him request the hostess to be seated near us. She said back to him, "I don't think they want to sit near you." Now that's service. Even better service- they put him in a different room than us. Great food, great drinks, great server. Minus a star just because they told us we would be seated next and then they sat someone else... and that just makes me bitter.
(4)Ben W.
One of my favorite bars in Philly! The beer selection is phenomenal, as is the knowledge of the bar staff. For a beer fan, this is the place to go! If you're not a beerofile, or others in your group are not, you may find the bar charming, but "meh". My wife and I have visited numerous times, the food was consistently good, beers from the tap taste fresh, and their beer list never gets old!
(5)Sarah T.
best duck salad but last time i had it was back in the early 2000's lol
(5)Gabriella G.
DELICIOUS! I loved their variety of beers and laid back atmosphere. We had the Brussels Mussels (haha), but without the fennel (gross) & the Pommes Frites & I would definitely recommend both to share among 2 people. The bread (almost like a fresh out of the oven 7-grain wheat roll) they give with the Mussels is a huge plus too. The portions are pretty big so I would recommend sharing.
(5)Michael S.
Great Mussels and a huge variety of beer. You cannot go wrong with a night out at monks.
(3)Archie G.
This pub has character that goes well with its great selection of beer. It was nice to uncork and share a bottle of Belgian beer called Chimay with my uncle. And yes, the bottle comes with a cork. It made the trashy experience of drinking beer seem a little more classy. Ran into a variety of people here. Notably, a lady with the cutest two little girls who were out at dinner and about to go see a musical. I also talked to a particularly unattractive; yet, extremely confident girl that went to Penn State for law school. She asked where I was from and I said San Jose and I was here to visit my uncle and drink some beer. She then said, "Well, you came in the right place." I responded, "I always come in the right place." She laughed and spit out some beer in the process. Good times.
(4)Emily M.
Monk's is a Philly classic, and if you haven't been, I highly recommend it! The mussels and fries are out of this world; the burgers are terrific too (plus, they have a variety of toppings to choose from!). I've been to Monk's for lunch, dinner and a late night snack, and due to its dark atmosphere, I definitely prefer it at night. Additionally, the tables in the front of the restaurant by the window are the best -- if you don't mind waiting, it's definitely worth it! Monk's has a terrific selection of Belgian beers; I love their own sour brew, too!
(4)Matthew I.
One of the best beer selections in the city coupled with great food makes for a bar I'd put in my top three. Just make sure you get to Monk's early enough. The bar gets really crowded during the night.
(4)Matthew R.
The food and beer are amazing, but the small space doesn't allow you much comfort- even if you are lucky enough to get a table! Don't expect that to change because it is part of the charm.
(4)Conner F.
Great beer and muscles.
(4)D K.
Food was delicious. Leak tart was heavenly. Great vegan food also. Beer selection phenomenal although obviously leaning towards belgians, they had plenty of high quality and hard to get other styles.
(5)B P.
Gotta love the beer selection here. But the atmosphere is total crap. The bar is short and the tables are for food only--not to mention that the whole place really just looks uncomfortable. You can get Monk's Sour at other spots in the city, so why spend time here? For an Allagash White on draft? I came in at about 1:30 one night and the bartender was asleep or near asleep--and took about 15 minutes to serve me with only one other person in the bar. Eh.
(2)Anthony F.
The best selection of beers that I have seen in Philly. Knowledgable, friendly wait staff. Come for the drinks, not for the food - food is mediocre at best, and you definitely pay a "Rittenhouse Square" premium for what is essentially ritzed up bar food. Also, the place is kind of small and confined and can definitely feel cramped when it is busy - which it almost always is on the weekends.
(4)Marcus S.
Ill get the obligatory mussels portion out of the way first...try the mussels, they are fantastic! My wife and I shared a small pot of the provencal style and it was worth every penny. Combined with the fries w/bourdon sauce, the mussels were perfect. Absolutely fantastic beer selection. This was the last stop on our northeast beer/baseball tour and we were not disappointed! I enjoyed the dark secluded ambiance to the bar. I will sum up my review by stating this: I will make a trip up to Philadelphia solely because of this place. Great food, great beer, great bar.
(5)Kristin W.
We were thrilled to be seated at 7:30pm on a Monday without any wait - evidently, this is unheard of on the weekends, so consider trying Monk's on a weeknight. Based on Yelp reviews, I was interested in trying the Duck Salad Sandwich, but was happy to find a twist on this option: the Monk's Duck Salad. I was very pleased with the portion of the duck and the freshness of the greens - definitely still a good option in the non-wrap form.
(5)Rebecca C.
Found Monk's Cafe after a waterlogged drive from NJ. A proverbial safe haven from the storm. Wood paneling and tasteful brewery artwork uplift Monk's Trappist inspiration. Their "Beer Bible" is expansive and thorough, and it saved this review from being only three stars. I ordered A Small Pot of Red Light mussels, which boasted white ale, fume, toasted chile de arbol, chervil and garlic. Unfortunately, the garlic headlined while the remaining ingredients played backup -- including the mussels. Served with pomme frites featuring homemade bourbon mayo (the first was a little too salty, but the second was delicious). My friend got the Mac and cheese -- great meal, the cheeses complimenting each other well. If I'm in town, I'll be back.
(4)Lisa R.
Killer beer selection...check! Full bar...check! Reasonably priced food...check! Great scene with zero pretentiousness...check! Monk's Cafe is exactly what my BF and I were seeking out when we got into Philly. A cool place with a great menu. The bar/restaurant is pretty busy but the staff is friendly and made our wait pretty easy. We had such a great time that we went to it again for a second visit during our 3-day weekend here! Minus 1 star for the crappy fries. They're fries kept making us think we got the tiny bits from the bottom of the fryer, but when I looked over at the next table, I realized their fries basket looked just like ours. Besides the fries thing, the rest of the food we had here was great.
(4)Jae C.
How could you not like this place? They must have hundreds of beers to select from, and the waiters are quite friendly and helpful in narrowing choices based on your personal taste preferences. Mussels are plentiful and cooked in beer broths. They provide some bread to soak up the broth after you finish your mussels. Fries are perfectly crisp and pair nicely with the mussels. Only complaint is that I found a few than fresh mussels in my batch.
(4)Ken E.
Mussels + Frittes + Incredible Beer selection = thumbs up. This place isn't famous for no reason. Dark, hole in the wall tavern not far from Rittenhouse. The Frittes alone are worth the trip. Can get very, very packed especially on the weekends. Plan ahead.
(4)Tiffany T.
Came here on a Saturday morning for some moules & frites. Don't bother ordering anything else, their mussels and fries are fantastic. We ordered a small pot of thai curry and brussels style mussels ($10 each) and it was very filling. It seemed to be about 2 dozen mussels per small pot. The mussels were cooked perfectly, plup and juicy. Both sauces were so delicious I wish I could slurp it up. The mussels came with a side of fries (ask for the delicious aioli sauce too!) and a breadroll speckled with seeds for you to dip in the sauce. It was just the perfect combo for a rainy Saturday morning. I also tried the Spanish Flies chicken wings, also served with fries. Don't order this unless you can handle the heat. I have a very high tolerance for spicy foods and the wings stung a bit. Not the lingering OMG heat, but a punch here and there. I didn't like these wings too much because it lacked flavor. It was a bit bland to me, hard to describe...it was just spicy, not sweet or salty or anything else.
(4)Jeannie K.
4.5 stars - As good as it gets is right for the beers and the food - just lacks on lighting and decor but that's never stopped me from drinking up and eating lots. I miss the Rodenbach Gran Cru, my favorite Flemish Sour by far. Great burgers, great mussels, everyone says the same thing... I just miss it a lot :(
(5)H K.
We went to Monk's on a Friday afternoon and there was plenty of space. Quite dark restaurant that plays really fantastic music and serves up tasty homemade food and has a varied beer selection...loved all the veggie choices, too. The frites with bourbon mayo, so yummy! As an out of towner whose favorite beer is Monk's Sour Ale, I was thrilled to find out that this place exsists! I was not disappointed.
(4)Cris L.
These people have a pretty extensive collection of beers, mostly Belgian, and with the proper glasses. They are a bit expensive, though. But considering you don't come across most of these too often on this side of the Atlantic, I'll let that slide. What I don't let slide is the waiter being obnoxious about us not allowed to sit on the tables. They are reserved for food. Even though we came in at 11:30pm. And all but one table was empty. And the bar was completely full. With people eating.
(4)Sean W.
I've never gone wrong here. Whether just to hang out with friends, or on a date, it's always trustworthy and straight forward. The beer list is tremendous, and the food definitely shows it off, but I'm a fan of their wine list too. I always look for the Simmard to go with the pate and fries. You're not going to deal with the crazy wine prices you see most everywhere else in the city, so it's refreshing. I love it when it's packed. The energy and the crowd are great, and you don't see too much of the "pissy pants" syndrome here. People are content with hanging, meeting each other, and just enjoying themselves. It's a great place I always recommend.
(4)kathy c.
Great burgers and great beer. I don't even like beer.
(3)Kathleen T.
whenever my friend todd would come in from pittsburgh, we'd all get together and spend the better portion of an afternoon here. always great for conversation, fine mussels and the lucifer, monk's never let us down. sadly, i haven't seen todd in over 4 years, nor have i been to monk's in the same amount of time. what a drag....
(3)David R.
Glad to see these boys have it right... Monks is excellent. Fries need a fork for proper consumption, burgers are good, duck salad is the bomb... Can't be beat the beer selection, bottles, drafts, the bible. Buy a copy for $5 and learn something about the bubbly nectar... I suggest the Stanley Express... 'never an empty hand, never the same thing twice'... stick it out for 3 to 5 hours, pour yourself out of there, and call a cab. Ok there's no Express, at least on their menu. It was a once in a lifetime afternoon/evening of food and beer like you've never seen before... If you like beer, this place is worth a pilgrimage...
(5)Evan K.
Maybe the one time I went to Monks was a fluke, but I really don't see what the big deal is about this place. I went here one night with two friends and we ordered a round of beers (none of which were all that obscure). The bartender was a straight up prick, who took 15 minutes to pull his thumb out of his ass before he decided to open two bottles and one can and saved up enough energy to hand them to us. Bastard bartender aside, we were floored to find our 3 beers cost 25 effing dollars. That is straight up ridiculous. So, if you have too much money in your pocket and want to impress your friends with how much "knowledge" of imported beers you have, then be my guest. But you might want to consider just walking down to Foodery and getting twice as many of the same beers for half the cost and just go to a byob where you don't have to put up with shit service.
(2)Lauren M.
My husband and I dined at Monk's with our toddler. I was a little leery of the place based on some of the reviews, but it couldn't have been a nicer experience. We were just visiting Philly, but had to try this place. Though Monk's is definitely not "kid-friendly," our particular kid is used to being in grown-up places and enjoyed the chicken fingers from the appetizer list. The waitstaff could not have been more accommodating and helpful. I'm not a mussels person, but my husband thought well of them. I had an amazing duck sandwich. Highly recommend.
(5)Elisabeth W.
I was really excited to try monks since I saw they have several vegetarian options. Sadly, my meal was a HUGE disappointment. Maybe I should have just stuck with the veggie burger but I wanted to try something different and went with the veggie meatballs... what a mess! I have been on a polenta kick so i was excited to try it but it was just a mushy tasteless mess. The meatballs were probably the worse I've ever had. I will usually eat my meal even if it isn't that great but this was horrible. They do have good fries and tasty beers but if you are a vegetarian be careful what you get.
(2)Zoe P.
Mussels are as good as they say. Burger had gone downhill last time I visited . . .
(4)Judy E.
Wonderful place! The beers are the best EVER, and the food is delicious! The variety of sauces for mussels is great, and the fries, and especially the sauce for dipping them in, should not be missed. Yes, it's loud and crowded, but good boisterous fun.
(5)Deb E.
Excellent beer selection, very good food. The staff totally know what they're talking about and can make good suggestions if you're not sure what to get. Only complaint would be sometimes it gets a little crowded, but you could also say it's homey.
(4)ray p.
If there were once place in this city i could spend every penny i had on drinks this would be it. Although it fills up almost every night you can not go wrong in this place, if you are new to the amazing world of beer-snobbery the bartender or your server will be happy to suggest something for you and even give you some background information on the beer. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is great, and god damn is the beer menu perfect. An easy place to blow 100 bucks on beer and the best hangover of your life. I don't care how far you live from this place, you have to make a pilgrimage to get here and get some drinks in. 10/10 hands down the best place to drink if your credit limit will allow it.
(5)Juicebomb X.
Monk's is an easy choice when looking for a cozy (though not quiet) place to grab a burger and some tasty beers. They have an excellent selection of domestic and international beers and a consistently delicious menu. This is definitely one of those places where you order the same thing every time you come in, because when you find a good thing, you hold on to it. Monk's is owned by Philly's best-known barman, Fergie, who also holds sway at the Standard Tap and Fergie's. He knows his beer and isn't afraid to skip mass-market swill, so don't bother ordering a Bud Light. Try a Stella Artois instead...you get the picture. The food at Monk's is pub grub with a belgian twist: steamed mussels in a broth, pommes frittes, and beef/chicken/tuna/veggie burgers offered in a number of styles. For instance, my favorite smothers boursin cheese and alfalfa sprouts on top of whatever burger variation you choose, on a chewy Le Bus bakery roll. It's dark, it's no longer smoky, and it's very convenient in CC.
(4)Greg B.
I went to this Belgian Beer joint on a string of Belgian Beer hoppings with my friend who I hadn't seen for over a month. It was a pretty good experience. The waitress definitely had an attitude. The cramped space kind of unnerved me at first, too. But when the bartend said "don't worry about the bill for now, take a load off, sit back and relax," I was soothed. The beer menu's pretty damn extensive, and the beer on tap is great. Be ready to pay top dollar for the beer, though, as it's some of the best you can get. I would have preferred a nice New England microbrew but I doubt they carried anything other than Allagash from Maine (which is fine). Had the fries that everyone seems to love, and they were pretty damn good. Small portion, but the sauce made them what they are--bourbon mayonnaise I believe! It's an intimate place but be ready to get crammed into a corner since even on the Tuesday we went it was just plain packed.
(4)Jessica W.
Monk's is fabulous. I've never had a bad meal at this place, and I've never had a bad beer. I especially love that they bring you a dessert tray instead of a menu, because it feels extra classy.
(4)Jaime V.
Monks Cafe is sooooo good. The food is excellent. However there is always a wait and the bar is very small. I recommend eating there during the week for faster service.
(4)eli p.
best mussels, frites and mayo, burgers, and beer!!!! love it! nice how it's not smoky anymore.
(5)Jen R.
you love beer and better-than-average pub food. eat at monk's! a few things: 1. it's really crowded on the weekends (but you already knew that) 2. the frites are great (you knew that too) 3. they have a great selection of lambic beer, and not just the sweet stuff. they'll pour you the sourest of the sour all night long. frites + lambic = 4 stars
(4)matthew l.
What can you say about Monk's that hasn't been said. Great beers served at the correct temperature and in the right glass, cozy, read crowded, room and interminable waits. Servers friendlier than the hostesses. terrific burger. I've loved Monk's since they opened but have had consistency problems at times, with the fries and the mussels, yes the mussels. Not a big deal, but for me its like Yogi Berra said about PJ Clarks at the height of its popularity, "nobody goes there anymore, its too crowded" Good problem for the owners to have.
(3)Vivek C.
The best beers in the town....amazing selection - name a beer from Europe and chances are they have it...personal favorite is Franziskaner Hefe Weisse in sync with the famed pouring ability of some of the servers...
(5)Chris L.
Great place to hang out for a nice lunch break. Must get the mussels and fries cuz they are AWESOME. I've never tried the beer since I'm not a beer drinker, but based on other reviews I see, it looks pretty good too. Prices are pretty reasonable too.
(5)Katrina F.
Monks is a cool hang out spot to go to and chill with a friend or three. Their Pommes Frites are amazing! The beer selection is awesome. The atmosphere is: Pub. The crowd is just all over the place (a different mixture of people) which I like. Don't go expecting to get a table right away but if you just want to sit at the bar and chill with an appetizer or two and a beer or four, Monk's Cafe is the spot.
(4)Phoebe S.
The wait can be hellish, but once you're seated (after up to 2 hours) seems worth it. We always get the mussels (Bruges, Monks, Flemish, Provence), the amazing duck salad with walnuts and chevre, and the steak frites salad. The fries and garlicy mayo are super (not crazy about the cold mixed rolls - would prefer regular, maybe warm, french rolls for my mussel-broth-dipping).
(5)Mike W.
Awesome beer selection. Somewhat friendly staff. Only stopped in for a couple beers to get the Belgian bar experience outside of the Detroit area. Overall decent time.
(4)Zoran M.
Great beer selection - only ales. Great bar food - sausages and salads. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Only downside is that most beer is expensive, but the selection is phenomenal.
(5)Dave E.
Went for the first time a couple of days ago for a late lunch on a visit to Philly, and was completely blown away. Started the meal with the DeKonnick's mussels and fries, and everything about them was excellent. The fries were great, and had a great sauce (a spiced mayo, we thought) coming with them. Had the Boudin Blanc Sausage Sandwich, and everything about it was fantastic. It was complimented by the Monk's Flemish Sour Ale (I think that was the name), and it was euphoria of the mouth. The people with me had the Chicken and Apple sausage sandwich and the steak sandwich, and plates were cleaned quickly. A great beer list, a great and ecclectic variety of music, and great service made this alone worth the trip to Philly. The guy who brought us absolutely glowed about this restaurant, and I thought he had to be exaggerating. Now I don't know if he really did it justice.
(5)Lena B.
if monk's cafe's $10 mussels and gazillion belgian beers don't make you happy, you are a sad, sad person.
(5)erika d.
nice, dark, laid-back spot to unwind. loved the duck salad and the fries w/sauce. friendly service. will return.....
(4)Ryan W.
Well, it has been about a year and a half since I last went to Monks. I was with two other people who wanted to go here, so I obliged. We waited over 45 minutes for a table of three, while masses of other groups, who arrived after us, were seated immediately. Apparently, they will refuse to let a group of three sit at a table for four. They will rather let the table stay empty for the entire night. At one point, the whole front of the restaurant was completely empty, and they still made us wait. When we confronted the hostess, she basically told us to stop complaining and if we didn't like the policy, we should just leave. We did just that. Unquestionably the worst customer service I can remember at any restaurant I have ever gone to. I will never go back to Monks and I make sure I tell everyone I know just how bad the service is.
(1)Drew B.
Duck salad sandwich was amazing. Duck, goat cheese, walnuts, cranberries and lettuce - five distinct flavors all meshing into one lovely Hallelujah. The fries and special mayo sauce was very good and worth ordering again. Tons of belgian and other beer, with about 20 on tap. Next time: burgers - they looked delicious.
(5)Sharon W.
The food is hearty and delicious. A great place to stop in during the winter. The café/bar is loud but serves a great assortment of beers and beer laced dishes. The mussels is a must have because they are fresh and flavorful. The pheasant which is marinated in beer is tender and juicy. The free ranged chicken with apple sausage and stuffing is hearty and flavorful. Monk's is a perfect place to enjoy with great company over a good glass beer.
(4)Sharon G.
Really reasonable and consistently good quality food and portions. Love, love their salad nicoise. The french fries are pretty finger licking good too. If you get here after 11:30am for lunch or after 6pm for dinner you're most likely to have a bit of a wait for a table.
(4)Tony R.
This place definitely has the best beer choices anywhere in Philadelphia. The service is decent even when it's packed and your forced to stand. I would recommend for any beer lover.
(4)Sally f.
wow, what a beer selection. funny thing - i went to boston this weekend and met two ppl (separately) who had visited philly and they both mentioned going to monks and being impressed. so thanks monks for representin.
(4)Russ C.
What could be said that hasnt already been said about Monk's? I'll make it short and sweet. If you like beer, you'll like Monk's, they have more beer on tap than needed...which is great for a beer consumer.
(4)Anna Y.
Huge beer selection, juicy burgers and awesome fries. I don't know what else you need to know to try this place. Oh, try to go during the week because weekends are crazy.
(5)J G.
I can't seem to finish a Philly trip ever without going to Monk's. I you don't mind waiting in a crowded bar (for 20-40 minutes typically, no reservations taken) to get a table, you will love this place, just like I do. The beers are to die for. Try the Ghent mussels or the Provence mussels.
(5)Cindy C.
beer list is still extensive but their mussels now too dead (long before cooking) to kiss my disappointed ass...this place def needs a major overhaul/makeover to restore it to former/original goodness
(2)Jeff R.
I want to go on record having said this is by far the best belgian beer bar in the country. There selection is tops. The owner gets kegs and bottles of beers you won't find anywhere else. Always ask what's new or what's limited. The frites are awesome, the mussels are hot, and you can wash it down with some of the best made beer in the world. On top of that, the atmosphere is nice and cozy. The place gets REALLY crowded in the evenings so be warned. I like to go on weekend afternoon when I am back home in Philly so I can sit back and relax and just chill.
(5)Bill U.
Monk's probably does not need any more accolades so I will keep this short. It is clearly on of the best beer bars in America. The selection of premium Belgian Ales on tap will delight any hopmeister. The food such as a cheese, or charcuterie plate pairs well with the featured drought selection. The place though is unbelievably small and I have been disappointed on occasion to not be able to get through the door! If you are only in Philly for a visit, try this place for lunch if you want a table; otherwise expect to stand face-to-face with many a happy beer drinker at night. n.b. The "Spanish Flies" will knock you off your ass, and continue to punish well into the next morning... they are the hottest chicken (don't call 'em buffalo) wings you will ever find.
(5)Rueben C.
Look, I went to Eulogy before I went to Monk's (And I hate yelped eulogy -read my review). In fact, when I first moved to Phila from San Francisco I had no idea that Belgian bars had a presence in this city. But honestly my assessment is this: if you want a Belgian bar go to Monk's. The mussels are delish (better), the burgers are delish and the beer is served correct. Yea sure the waits are long but YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. The best restaurants are usually crowded, and it's for good reason (this doesnt mean a crowded restaurant is a great restaurant ie Lolita's - crowded and I don't have to go back there anytime soon.). The food at monk's seems to be prepared and the food at eulogy is cooked. To me serving food should be a preparation for a gastronomic experience. As such I will always come back to Monk's and skip Euology.
(4)Julianne H.
Mussels, fries, delicious beer. It doesnt get any better. If you havent been, you MUST go.
(5)Eug S.
Monk's is good. Great beer selection both on draft and bottled. Food is excellent and the house is always crowded but it's worth the wait once you get a spot at the bar or a table.
(4)joe m.
they have the best staff. they do a great job of guiding you to the right beer and food combos. the fries are the perfect compliment to the mussels. if you haven't been, you need to go. now.
(5)Stewart Z.
The Monk's burger with fries complements my beer exploration perfectly. Worth the wait.
(5)David L.
Everything about this place is outstanding from wide selection of german brews to the delectable menu. Nothing beats a hang over like some Spaten and a cheese and fruit platter.
(4)Justin B.
great chill atmosphere, locals...GREAT belgian beer selection - had the mussels - awesome, with crusty bread. yum.
(4)Catherine F.
monk's is definitely one of my most favorite places in philly....super delicious beer, great food (especially the mussels) and charming atmosphere, all enjoyed by a diverse crowd. the one downfall is that it gets really crowded, even relatively early. so don't go with more than 1 other person, and be willing to sit at the bar.
(4)Keith R.
99 bottles of beer on the wall... Ok, it's a lot more than 99 they have beers from all over and beers you've never heard of. I had Young's Double Chocolate Stout tonight and it was amazing. The food here is top notch, nearly everyone loves their burgers, their frites are crispy and you'll be licking the plate. Tonight some friends and I shared two plates of their enormous chicken wings. If you like it hot, you'll love these though they fill you up big time. Monk's is an all around fun place that you can keep coming back to without ever trying the same thing.
(4)T C.
My husband and I love this place! It's a great place to take people from out of town. The fries are unreal. I love the chicken boursin sandwich. My husband loves the beer bible. It always has a great crowd. The only drawback may be the dining room in the back...very close seating and not the most enticing atmosphere...but you'll be happy you squeezed in once that Pilsner Urquell and steaming mussels arrives!!
(5)mike l.
yet another time I'd prefer to slap another half-star up there. if you like rude waitstaff slinging pricey fare in a claustrophobic space, then Monks is awesome!!! Go for the experience of needing 45 minutes to decide on a beer.
(3)shilpa p.
its a little crowded, but that's because it's a pretty cool place. great mussels in beer. i don't drink beer, but it's definitely a beer drinkers haven.
(4)Won S.
Monks is a great place to go out for the night, but I can't eat there. The fries are inconsistent. some are crispy, some are soggy. The Mussels, are also inconsistent. Some of the sauces are good, like the thai red, but the butter and garlic is blah. I think the butter and garlic moules are at least the basic standard and you can't mess that up. The other Pet Peeve is the doneness of the mussels. If you order the large bucket, the top tends to be good while what's left halfway to the bottom, a good portion of the mussels, are raw or undercooked. I like raw shellfish, but not when they are slightly warm. Their bread is good. Their beer selection is good. But I can get the same beer selection and better mussles at Eulogy. Eulogy may not be as trendy, but the food is better, the bar tenders and servers are more relaxed and friendly (unless you ask for a coors light) and you have the rest of Olde City after you are done. Monks would be great, if the food is better, but my wife and I are Foodies and the quality of the food is important to us.
(2)Kap N.
this is by far the best place if you are a fan of beer. they have by far the best selection of beer in philadelphia. second best would be tria.
(5)Robert B.
This place is wonderful. It has a darkened tavern vibe with low lights and dark woods throughout the establishment. They have a superior beer selection on tap and available by bottle. You can choose between, domestics, imports, craft beers and rare beers. I went on a Monday night before a concert, so we had no wait to get in. We were afforded to have several bottles come out to the table just to look at them. Just to glimpse at a marvelous brew we would not purchase. Which led to a special bottle at discount being given to the table. Some brewers event in the front bar was going on, and they snatched a tasting for us at $3. That was special, although I had my fill of beer at that point. The food is above average. A wonderful selection of gastro delights to please a wide variety of people. The frites and dipping sauce is marvelous. I had a Chicken and Apple sausage for dinner. It had a sweet raspberry sauce that had been barbecued onto it. It was scrumptious and a perfect price. You can order high priced items or reasonably priced ones. Something to fit everyone on the menu. The bathrooms, tough to get into even on a Monday night. For some reason they are frequently used. The waitress we had, should be a little more knowledgable about the beer selection. She had to go get someone else when we asked what they had available. And she should be able to rattle off several beers of a particular style if you say this is what I like in a beer. She could only go as far as the stuff on tap. The beer list is extensive, so I can understand the challenge. There were some brews I would have ordered differently if given a little help initially.
(4)Lisa L.
This place was good, not great - although I did love the hole in the wall feel of it, and the frites were excellent conversation we overheard when we came in for lunch, which made me like Monk's that much more drunk old man "I just realized that this place was probably in the dark last night [when the Phillies won the world series] because I don't think you have a television in here" bad ass bartender "no sir, we do not have a television" drunk old man "a bar with no television, I don't believe that" bad ass bartender "the world has seen worse"
(3)Caitlin B.
Terrible hosts. They gave our table to people who came after us, and two hours later we were still waiting. They kept changing their story, about which tables we would be seated at, and how long the time would be. I left, but my party eventually got seated almost 3 hours after putting their names on the list.
(1)Tom C.
Super sweet bar keep Lack luster decor but with low light perfection Heading back to our cars we passed Monk's and based on the shear volume of comments and praise (and the desire for just one more) we rolled in. I'll be honest and say I expected a bit more...maybe a more ornate bar...just felt it a bit plain. But who cares, they have beer and a LOT of it! You know the term paralysis by analysis...that was totally us. Choices were made, beers were bought, laughs were had. I would not hesitate to go back, but don't know that I would say to myself, "Self, let's go to Monk's"
(3)Beth M.
This place is well established enough that it accommodates rather than welcomes newcomers, but I did enjoy a gueuze that I would otherwise not have known of from their extensive and upscale beer list.
(4)Alex V.
A must visit when you're in the Philadelphia area. Monk's has inexpensive good food, and a wide selection of Belgian beers. Be sure to try the Pomme Frites and Mussels, as you enjoy a fine Belgian Ale. Monk's also has a good selection of craft brews from the US, and around the world. The place is always packed, and the seating is cramped. The staff are professional, and they know their beer, but they can be inattentive at times.
(4)Arshbir G.
I agree with other reviewers that Monk's Cafe is a must visit if you are in the Philadelphia area. It's a small dive-ish bar with a few tables. They don't take reservations, so depending on the time you go the wait can be anywhere from 15-35 minutes, sometimes more. My boyfriend ordered the Chimay, the beer made by monks. For dinner, I got the veg. burger. THE BURGER HAD GOAT CHEESE! It made the burger sooo much better. I absolutely loved it! This is a good place for a causal date and for groups!
(5)Ed M.
So I was in Philly for work in February and my friend who recently moved there demanded we go here for dinner on a Monday night. The place was crowded, but not too crowded to get a table...still an impressive crowd on a Monday. The beer selection was fantastic, Belgian beers I have not heard of, delicious Belgian beers I did know about. A couple beers later and our amazing mussels came out. Between the three of us, we ordered 2 pots of mussels to start, and they were great. Ordered a cheeseburger for my meal and it was quite delicious. Next time I am in Philly, I am absolutely making sure I come back here.
(5)Chan K.
This place was really crowded, and it took forever to get a table for 6. It was a good place, but I'm not sure what all the fuss is about... I went with the pulled pork sandwich. It was really good, but not good as what you can get in the south. But probably close to the best for the northeast. The fries were too salty. I tried some of the mussels. It was great. Great selection of beer. A little pricey though. I'm more of a Bud Ice or PBR type of person. I would definitely go back, but not during dinner time.
(4)Bethany R.
there's not much i can say about Monk's that hasn't already been said by the 600 people who reviewed it before me. i came here for the first time almost ten years ago, a fresh faced 21 year old who hated beer. thankfully, i wised up, grew some tastebuds, and moved only five blocks away. needless to say, i'm here often. the beer list, draft and bottled, really is unparalleled, and might possibly be the best in all of Philadelphia. the staff really knows their stuff. the food is very good, though not as good as the beer. standouts include the mac and cheese with asparagus and the steak frites, which are wonderful. the fact that they serve food until 1 am every day is amazing, and something every gastropub should consider doing. come here on a week night for a mellow atmosphere full of regulars. on the weekends it's loud and you can barely move. i've also had very pleasant experiences coming here on a weekend afternoon just before dinner.
(4)Joyce L.
This place has great beer and delicious mussels. The beer menu is excellent and has good variety--high praises for some unique stuff like the Dogfish Head Black & Red. Would definitely come back and bring friends/visitors!
(5)Lawrence W.
The restaurant doesn't look very appealing from the outside, but I feel that is part of it's own appeal. The beer list (the beer bible) is tremendous and I've also heard that they offer tours of their beer cellar. I always get the mussels. They are about 6 varieties of the mussels and they all come with fries and this AMAZING dip. (don't really know what's in it) I've also had the Spanish Flies, which are these crazy spicy and crazy huge wings. Warning - these wings can burn your tongue and ruin your dining experience for the rest of the night.
(4)Lynda Z.
Monk's used to have the best Cheeseburger around. My friend and I ate here the other day after not being there for awhile. I ordered the cheeseburger that I usually do and I noticed that it was served on a hard round roll. I could have sworn that it was served on a fresh brioche roll before, but I could be mistaken. The roll I got the other day was too hard. It took away from the flavor. It made a perfect 10 burger drop down to a 7 at best. The beef, cheese and bacon were good, but would have been so much better with a yummy roll. What made up for it though was the twice fried Pom Frites. Let me tell you about these delicious little morsels of love. They are so good on their own...just little thin french fries cut small and fried twice so they're slightly crunchy. But, what makes them 10 times better than anything else around there is that they're served with a Bourbon mayo that is AWESOME. I couldn't get enough of it! I told the server that it was like crack and I was addicted to it. She said, "I've been addicted to that crack for over 10 years". It really makes a big difference. Go try them and dip away my friends! Oh, btw, the beer selection is awesome too!
(4)Luke H.
Crowded. Warm. Cold Beer. Hot Mussels. Check your coat Philly style (throw it on the pile) and grab a seat. Wash down the fantastic bar food with a cold bohemian beer.
(4)Jeff G.
Monk's feels like an old European house where every room has an ornate wood-carved or copper bar stocked with Belgian beers and an attractive bar tender (or maybe it was just the lighting...) It is a little crowded inside. That was my only issue with the place - you are packed pretty tight - but that is like every popular pub near a university, I guess. Although I'm not really into sampling different beers - you almost have to try something new at this place. The list is long and I have never heard of most of the beers. (Of course, I don't even remember what I tried, so it will be the same next time as well.) My friend and I ordered a big bucket of Monk's steamed mussels, which goes along surprisingly well with the beer. You know what else feels like old Europe? The mass transit system in Philadelphia. It is pleasant and relatively efficient, but its like something from pre-WW2 Europe (without the Fascism.) Seriously... If you are from out of town, try taking a train from the big East Market station downtown to the airport. Leave a little extra time. Its a fun experience.
(5)Kevin L.
I am such a huge fan of Monk's. It may even be my favorite place in Philadelphia at this point. Everything I love is here: Dim lighting, great bread, and great beer. The burgers are fantastic (you must try the Ardennes) and Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale was the first sour ale I've ever had, and to be honest, ever heard of up to the time I went here, it pretty much opened up a whole new world for me in terms of how creative you can be with beer.
(5)Brandon R.
This is your place for anything BEER! Especially Belgian beer (hence the name - monk's). Fantastic selection. Can get a bit pricey since there are so many specialty beers to choose from. Good place though.
(4)Laura S.
Plenty of people with more knowledge of beer have extolled the virtues of the bar aspects of Monk's, so I will leave that to the experts. As someone who enjoys drinking beer but is not an aficionado, I got a kick out of reading the Beer Bible, and had some fun trying new drinks. The English cider I had was good but a little bland - kind of like alcoholic apple juice. Which, if you're looking for something easy to drink, is not necessarily a bad thing! I also tried Three Philosophers, which is a Belgian Quadruppel - and got to learn about what that actually means in terms of how it's made and flavor. Other than telling you what I had to drink, though, I can't tell you much more about Monk's beverages. I can with much more confidence talk to you about the food. I know my food. And this food was damn good. I'm not surprised by bars with solid pub fare - burgers, fries, even a well-executed pulled pork sandwich wouldn't catch me by surprise. But veal cheeks and braised rabbit? Now THAT is something new! We sampled a variety of plates and everything was wonderfully tasty. We started out with the veal cheeks, which were lovely and tender and had a very rich, earthy flavor. Definitely a great winter food. I am not a big fan of mussels, but a friend ordered the Brussels Mussels and I really liked the broth. The fries, as the other reviews attest, are phenomenal! The highlight of my meal was the Lapin a la Gueuze - braised rabbit with root vegetables. The rabbit was very tender and the braising liquid had an incredible flavor - I ended up scooping some of the carrots and onions from the plate with my fingers because I did not want to miss a bite. The dish also came with sugar snap peas - I didn't eat many of them, since they didn't really seem to go with the rest of the dish, but they also didn't take away from it. Even if this place didn't have its reputation for being a beer mecca, I'd still head there for the food. We had very good service and I definitely did not feel rushed as others have described. We came in at 9p on a weeknight, and waited about 15 minutes for a table. We were able to get drinks at the bar while we waited - although we did have some trouble getting the bartender's attention when we wanted to settle our bill so that we could head to our table. Our server was new, but fessed up quickly (as if the deer-in-the-headlights look wasn't going to tip us off!), and she was quick to find someone to answer our questions when she couldn't do so herself. I can't imagine everything you'd need to learn to work here, so props to her! The more experienced server who came over to talk to us about beer had seriously encyclopedic knowledge.
(4)Jun V.
my wife got me to stop by Philadelphia with this spot and I'm glad she did. chimay all day!
(4)Shazia S.
My boyfriend and I went out to another place first, looking for a nice pub/bar to drink and have a good time at. He's really into sitting down and having drinks, much like a dive bar and I'm really into the vibe and energy of a place. Needless to say, we visited two different places before ending up at Monk's Cafe. It was the perfect place for a late night drink. You walk in and it looks like any other bar/restaurant (at an earlier time of the day), but then you realize that it has a whole back room. The back was also equipped with another bar, friendly staff and a fantastic menu. We ended up not only having drinks, but taking a stab at their well-known mussels as well. It was fantastic! Candlelit, but not too formal, friendly, but not divey, just the ideal place for drinks and fun in the privacy of a back room and intimate setting. My only issue with Monk's Cafe (and I'm biased) is that it was more of a sit-down place than an area with fun, energetic music and dancing. I prefer some dancey people moving around on a Friday night, but everyone in Monk's was having a great time. They had a soundtrack playing as well that caters to the more music-wise crowd. All around a good place. Go and it might become a regular spot.
(4)Betty M.
Pros: Good selection both beer and mussels Cons: It's not great Thoughts: This place has a very good beer selection as well as a good list of mussels made Belgian style. We enjoyed the Wit Beer and the Mussels but I still enjoy Eulogy a bit better. Their mussels are more flavorful and cheaper. The cost friendly factor also goes the same for the beer. Both atmospheres are similarly dark however, Monk's probably has a slight edge over in that it doesn't look like a zombie home.
(3)Robert M.
I can't comment on the food, but I do know they were a shining oasis of pure beauty as I left the Rittenhouse square, need to pee so badly, having been shunned and rebuked by the fancy hotels there, and there, as we crossed the blocks, me thinking, "A bar will appear soon, a bar will appear soon," I saw it and rejoiced because I knew immediately I had stumbled upon something much grander than simply a bar with its obligatory bathroom. The selection of Belgian beers was excellent. They even have a deal with Cantillon such that bottles are printed with custom labels bearing their name. And they also had Rogue's special brew on at the time, Brewer, which was simply awesome, along with a few other choice American selections. I appreciated the willingness to provide more than just Belgian/French/Continental beers, though they certainly specialize.
(5)Jeff B.
I've been to many beer bars throughout the country, but Monks is by far the best. Great selection of rare beers for those looking to trying to expand their tastes. For best service, see the back bartender Eddie. He has a incredible knowledge of beer and will recommend something perfect for you.
(5)Steve R.
I ate dinner at 5 on a Monday, but the bar was still crowded. Always a good sign in a beer bar. Personally, I'm not into many Belgian beers, but I had heard nothing but good things about Monk's beforehand, and I was in the neighborhood, so I had to give it a shot. I went for a Chimay triple to drink, after listening to the impressive beer knowledge displayed by my waiter. For my meal, I chose the duck salad sandwich. Overall, the food was nothing to write home about. The duck was cooked very well, but the rest of the flavors of the sandwich were lost in each other. I had the "famous" fries on the side, and they were indeed pretty good. In all, I was happy when I left. I was full and no longer thirsty, two very good signs when considering a bar/restaurant. If I were to rate how satisfying the beer was, i'd have to go with a 2, but I've already mentioned my personal bias against Belgian beers. If you're really into Belgian food and drink, give this little place a try. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Zeynep S.
excellent food! We had the charcuterie plate as the appetizer, a small plate/bowl of mussels ( if small is this big, how big is the large?), the duck confit, and the pumpkin cheesecake. Oh my! Everything was delicious. the mussels we're amazing ( we got the genthi version and the combination of blue cheese, bacon, leeks and mussels was to die for). The cheese on the charcuterie plate was not extraordinary but the sausages were very good. I am sure that we would enjoy duck confit much more if we were not already too full, but despite that, it was very very good. I don't have sweet tooth but oh my, that pumpkin cheesecake was the best! We also had very good beer (even though we are mainly wine people). oh yes, we will be back!
(5)Anjali M.
Frites, frites, frites! That sauce is so damn good. I would really like a bottle, thanks. Chicken in bruges with lettuce and tomato filled me up well without making me feel extremely fat for eating a whole sandwich. This is a little random, but I really liked the bread that my burger was on. And again, those fries..awesome. I went here for lunch so I abstained from any alcohol but the beer selection is ginormous, but I'm sure you already knew that. What's up with the cramped quarters? We had a party of three and we were seated in this tiny tiny nook, probably more like a cranny. Horrible. Re-do the set-up of this place, seriously. And go for lunch if you want a meal that doesn't feel like it's rushed or crowded. Overall, 3.5 review, but bumped up to 4 due to the lingering thoughts of those fries ;)
(4)Jay T.
Too busy to get in.
(2)Ling X.
I'm not a really big beer drinker. And I didn't partake in the mussels, which I guess are supposed to be really good. Beer list is pretty insane. But the serviced really sucked. Even though the place was super busy, the bartender was taking her sweet time. She was holding long conversations with customers while people (like myself) were waiting to order. And when we did order a couple of beers, she took her sweet time getting it. It didn't really make any sense to me. I mean, she was kind of sweet. But damn, I don't care how nice you are if you're taking forever to get me my drink.
(2)Carolyn S.
After several years of hearing about my friend's favorite pub ever, I finally had a chance to head to Monk's in Philadelphia. High praise means high expectations (I'd heard of plans to spend bachelor parties at this place.) Being a huge fan of good beer on tap, I wasn't disappointed. Monk's is small, cozy and dark in the been-there-forever-but-without-the-sticky-floors kind of way. Be prepared to wait for your dinner because tables are hard to come by. Although the number of beers on tap can't compare to that of Sunset or the Public House in Brookline, the atmosphere more than makes up for it. I had a Geants Goliath while waiting for a table. This triple beer was described as having a "Golden/Orange color. Medium body. A bit of sweetness in the front, but finishes somewhat dry. Hints of fresh stone fruit (peaches?). Yummy!" ("Yummy" was actually written on the beer list.) For two nights in a row I ordered the most expensive item on the menu: the Rochefort-stuffed filet mignon grilled medium rare and topped with Rochefort 10° Trappist Ale sauce (someone else was paying.) The first night, my cut was fabulous. The second night, the sauce was fantastic, but the meat was a bit on the fatty side. Ah well. I sopped up all the delicious juices with the homemade mashed potatoes and was still quite satisfied. I would definitely go back again.
(3)Karen S.
My husband and I were told to try Monks. When we entered this very dark bar, we were escorted to the back section near the kitchen. We were seated at a very small table for two. I asked the server if we could move to one of the larger tables across from us. (Two of the larger tables were occupied by two people at each of them). I was told that those tables were for larger parties only. ???? Our server was very pleasant and the food was adequate. The wait staff were all standing around the kitchen door with some of their friends that had stopped in. The were so loud, talking about a party. we had a hard time hearing each other speak. I would not return.
(1)Candace C.
wow, im SHOCKED at how well reviewed this place is! im commenting on the food, which was very blah. i had some moules frite, and it was really disappointing! the frites are really bad! and the moules are really average. . the ones here are kind of dinky. i've purchased mussels at whole foods and cooked them myself. and ive also had other mussels in philly that were so much better. overall, the food here was pretty disappointing. and this place is so small, dirty, and crowded. the beer selection was a redeeming quality about this place though, and i think the bartender was nice. im still unpleasantly surprised at how bad the fries were.
(2)Emily P.
Monk's, I am in love with you. Your beer selection is divine, your "Beer Bible" can educate even the most adamant connoisseur, and your pommes frites are exquisite. I never thought I'd say that about french fries, but there it is. But while all of these things made me swoon, none of them were responsible for my falling head over heels in love with you. That would be the work of your lovely bartender (Maggie?) who made the smart decision to play Elliott Smith records in their entirety on a Friday night. It sounds like a bummer, but really it was just right - most people were talking over the music, and sensitive souls like me were quietly enjoying it. This was certainly a back bar experience to remember.
(5)Matt D.
Stopped in for dinner and drinks a couple weekends ago with my girlfriend. Since we arrived at 6pm on a Saturday, the 45 minute wait seemed reasonable and we made our way over to the front bar in hopes of sampling that legendary beer list. After nearly a half hour of awkwardly motioning towards the bar (the place was packed and the area surrounding the bar is quite narrow), we finally snagged two seats and anxiously opened the menu. Needless to say, their reputation wasn't all hype. This beer list was massive, featuring a ton of American micros, almost everything Belgium has to offer, obscurities from France and Switzerland, Russian River on tap (a rarity for Philly pubs) and vintage Thomas Hardy old ales. I grabbed the Rosee d'Hibiscus (which was intriguing) and my girlfriend had a La Fin Du Monde. Although the bartender was attentive and knowledgable, he was way too busy to get us a second drink as we waited for nearly another hour for a table. Finally, around 7:30pm, we were seated at a small table near the door. We immediately ordered more drinks and I got a Cuvee de Alex Rouge and my girlfriend got another La Fin Du Monde (she's a little less adventurous than I). For food, we got the Flemish Grilled Scallops as an appetizer and the Flemish Mussels and Salmon Framboise as our main courses. Around 8:30, our scallops arrived (sadly, there were only 3) and our dishes came at nearly the same time. My mussels were passable, but the salmon was coldly and slimy. Although the Salmon was taken off the bill, the damage was done and my girlfriend and I left thoroughly disappointed after a nearly 3 hour trip that only got us 2 beers a piece and empty stomachs.
(2)Greg G.
I was here on a roadtrip and stopped here with a buddy who was from Philly. Incredible selection of beer. We ordered the appetizer platter sampler and to be honest it was a meal within itself. We could hardly eat the entrees we were so stuffed. I will be going back.
(5)Rick C.
Small place, but great craft beers on tap and a nice selection of mussels.
(5)Brianne C.
Why should you go to Monk's? The international beer bible. The mussels (oh, the mussels). The crispy bintje frites with aioli. The tender, flavorful coq au vin. The braised veal cheeks and rabbit terrine. The warm wood furnishings. The intimate lighting and wonderful music selections. Truly, Monk's is a Belgian bar par excellence. Why shouldn't you go to Monk's? I'd like to enjoy a Belgian beer, savor an expertly prepared continental dish, and linger at Monk's with my friends at an actual table on Saturday night. My fantasy will be ruined if everyone who lives in Center City is clamoring for beer and frites at this intimate cafe. It's happened before, and you don't want to be responsible for that. If Monk's is crowded, I'll know who to blame.
(4)Mike S.
Friday night at 9p is not the best time to hit up Monk's if you're already hungry. Lesson learned! We arrived at 9p on the dot and asked to be seated for dinner. We were told "about a half hour wait for a 2 top". We were seated a few minutes after 10p. D'oh! While waiting for a table, we ordered a couple drinks from the grumpy lady tending the front bar. I tried the Allagash white wheat and it was damn good. My girl had a vodka drink in which neither of us could taste vodka. When I asked the bartender if she wouldn't mind topping it off with a little more vodka, she told me she already poured the drink heavy and that I'd have to pay for another shot. Ok. The baffling part of this is that she charged me more for the extra shot than the initial drink. I was in too good of a mood to argue. Our waiter was a strictly business middle-aged guy who was very fast, but courteous too. I had the savory seitan cheesesteak. When it came out, I initially thought the portion looked a bit small, but my eyes were deceiving me and I barely finished it. The St. Nectaire cheese was a perfect match for seitan. She had the chicken and apple sausage sandwich and was happy with it. Bourbon mayo for dipping fries was tasty. Can't imagine this being my home bar or even a regular stop with a lousy bartender, but I also can't imagine not going back for a good beer and bite if I'm in the neighborhood.
(3)Oz G.
What a joke. The hostess took one hour and 30 minutes to sit us down. Good luck ordering a pint o beer at the bar. Bartender takes her sweet time. It took 15 minutes to get two pints of $9 beers. Skip the mussels. Burgers and sandwiches are good. Stick with the basics. Hold off on ordering beer until you sit since you will enjoy their selection and it comes to your table much faster.
(2)Michelle S.
I have a confession to make. Despite Monk's being perhaps one of the finest places in the US to indulge in Belgium beer, when I go I order wine. It all stems from an incident 8 years ago, I was a novice to Belgium beer. I drank 3 Delerium Tremens and lost an entire weekend. I know exactly how many glasses of Malbec will cause me to black out, not so with most of the beers on Monks extensive beer menu. The beer list is huge and somewhat intimidating, even if you aren't a slave to domestic lagers. But , the staff is pretty up to speed and will answer any questions, usually with out making you feel like an idiot. Monk's offers some great pub style comfort food as well. I love the Duck Ragout. Tender, delicious slices of applewood smoked duck breast, and pasta that is hand made locally ( South Philly). Not only is it tasty, it is the kind of dish that can transport you out of your no good very bad day. Duck alway makes me feel better. I also recommend the Mussels Ghent, and the Steak Sandwich. Service is usually very good, although sometimes they can be a little indifferent about seating you. If you go on weekend be prepared to wait.
(4)Gabriel L.
Absolutely love this place. Incredible beer list. Great food. Open late. Really cannot be beat. I will definitely be spending a lot of time here over the next two years.
(5)Diane R.
Fantastic mussels, pommes frites and Belgian beer! We were following a beer tour on the iphone, and had many bars to visit... so we didn't sample more food. But we'll definitely be back next time we're in Philly, for more of the awesome beers and mussels.
(5)Ali J.
I finally tried Monk's last night with some friends for happy hour and after hearing how freaking amazing it was, I think I set me expectations waaay to high. The staff was not super friendly at all, I would say they were just present to say the least. The bar tender, server, everyone, they were just...there... If they have a happy hour, I didn't even know about it because my Sierra Nevada Torpedo was $6 and the bar tender certainly didn't mention any specials. Actually, she didn't say much of anything. The server was a bit rude. I don't know, I'm not asking for a red carpet, but there were just some things he said, especially in a particular tone that I didn't care for. He asked if our table would like a basket of fries and I said no thanks, then he goes "Have you ever been here before?" I said no, then he goes "so you're going to tell people you went to Monks and didn't even try their fries?" I said I've tried the fries at Belgian Cafe and he convinced me they were different..so I caved and got them. Mother f*cker played me. After wards I realized, wait Monk's is known for their beer NOT their fries...come on! And then when I got them, they were exactly like Belgian - and I let him know. His response? "Oh really? I haven't been there in a while." REALLY?! When you told in the first in the place that they were different? Dude freaking lied to me. Don't play your guests like that. I always tip over 20% but I left just 20 because I was not too pleased with that. The beer of course is good. The establishment is a lot like Belgian Cafe, but it has more Northern Ren paintings which I looove. I also liked how dark it was because it resembled what a monastery would actually be like. Food, beer and ambiance were good, but service as not spectacular. I'll probably go back, but I won't run there.
(3)Bob S.
I like Monk's but have found that it has not kept up in the consistency department. It seems they are only interested in collecting as much money as they can and then cashing out. A place for serious beer drinkers and professional pub crawlers. Food is passable, but there are better places to go. Last time I was here - the place was a fire trap and it was dirty. I go when forced by my friends.
(2)Van S.
Whenever I'm in Philly, Monk's is basically the first place I head. I discovered it by accident--we were tired of hoofing it around downtown (after walking all the way from South Philly to Penn's Landing to the art museum and back...) and we stumbled into the first place we came across. An obsession was born. The burgers are tasty, the mussels are to die for, and of course the beer selection is matched by few locations in the US. I credit Monk's as being the place that I learned about and learned to love beer. Nuff said.
(5)Brian K.
Belgian beer list that is amazing. Come for the brew and get the mussels.
(5)Stephanie S.
It was so great! What a cute atmosphere,...soft lighting, old dark wood accents the place. There's a back room too with another bar. The food was absolutely delicious. I had a burger, and my boyfriend had the lamb. What an AMAZING beer selection! They had every kind of Chimay, which is my favorite. =-) In fact, they have the largest beer list I've ever seen. There are definitely some regulars that sit at the bar and sort of great everyone when they first come in. They are total beer enthusiasts, and recommended some good stuff to us. My only complaint is it's super tiny. We got very lucky when we found a place to sit. And you better be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes for a table on the weekend. It's worth it though.
(5)Emily C.
Great mussels and fries. I didn't really like mussels until I had it at Monk's. I've liked all the mussels and flavorings I tried-- Brussels, Monk's, Provence and Ghent. It's usually packed and you will have to wait. I would refrain on going with large groups since the place is small and they don't have many large tables-- only two that I have seen.
(5)Amy K.
great beer. GREAT mussels. try the one with cheese and apples. pomme frites were soggy. long wait on saturday nights so get there early. not the friendliest staff.
(3)Mark S.
I sat at the bar and service was pretty good. The beer selection is top notch. I had the mussels in the Brussels sauce. They were quite good. I also had the Brussels burger (bacon and cheddar). The burger was cooked properly but the bun was almost impenetrably hard and dense. I would not get it again. The frites were good but not in keeping with the style of Belgian frites.
(4)Anna K.
SO GOOD. Whether you get the traditional mussels and fries, or the roast chicken (my personal fave here), I love this place. It feels relaxed, the food is tasty, and there's a HUGE beer list. However, having become gluten-intolerant recently, I'm disappointed at the lack of gluten-free beer (I don't think there's one on the menu, but I'm not sure). The chicken, however, makes up for lack of drink (I'm happy with some Pinot Grigio or just plain water anyway), and as a cute place with a hole-in-the-wall feel, I will definitely come back multiple times in the future.
(5)Whitney G.
Can't go wrong with the mussels and burgers here. The best part about the mussels is the variety of ingredients they are prepared with; I've tried every style on the menu and have enjoyed them all. There is also an extensive beer selection, and bartenders who are very knowledgeable and helpful when you are trying to pick a beer.
(5)Doug R.
Went to the monk with a party of eight. Everyone had a great time. We counted 318 beers on the beer bible and all that we ordered were in stock. The muscles were great but the burger someone had was very small for the large bun it was on. More like a bread sandwich. Monks was a great time and I am looking forward to doing it again soon.
(4)Grace G.
I know the place gets completely mobbed at night so how do I get to enjoy all things Belgian beer and mussels? Start drinking at lunch (wow, that really looks bad when I typed that). Actually, we start our Saturdays here for lunch and go from there. I just like the feeling of stepping out into the sunlight with a full belly and a nice buzz and knowing I still have the rest of the day to enjoy! The wait can be ridiculous in the evenings but if you can squeeze a space at the bar and prepare yourself to camp out for a while, the beer tastes exactly like it would if you were sitting at a table... Usually enjoy the mussels but on occasion, have tried the duck sandwich, burger and steak frites salad. Staff is knowledgeable and have always gotten great service every time we've been there.
(4)Marc B.
I had a beer here that tasted like kind bud in a really good way, the best fries in town, and y'all better get your muscles on before the oil spill ruins all seafood forever.
(4)Mark H.
I am addicted to Monk's. Why? The beer selection is awesome - beers (emphasis on Belgian) on draft and in bottles you just can't find anywhere else! And NO beers you can find everywhere else! Most importantly, the servers really know their stuff. The atmosphere and background music - perfect for drinking beer....divey, dark and real. And the food is the perfect accompaniment, Goat mac and cheese is the bomb, burgers are creative and awesome, but I always order the Thai mussels with frites. The desserts - not-so-mini tarts (key lime pie and pecan I've tried) are awesome, worth the caloric intake. There is no kiddie menu here, but the servers are always nice to kids, and even though they are always busy the kitchen will simplify dishes to make them appeal to the pre-teen palette. We always take our kids here, as do other Monkophiles, and my kids have grown to love the place. What would I improve? The place is too damn small for its popularity, and the bathrooms even more so. If you are in a group, get there early. If you do, you will have a great time. And if you don't, you will have to stand in an overly crowded room, but you will still have a great time....
(5)Mai H.
Hands down this is my husband's favorite restaurant. He always orders the pulled pork sandwich. Mussels: I like the Ghent and red light. Fan of: Burgers (the Ghent was excellent), lamb, chicken and apple sausage sandwich. Not a fan of: duck salad and salmon. I have to agree that service is quite slow. I don't mind in between dishes but it takes forever just to get the check after it has already been requested. On a Saturday, if you don't send someone ahead to put your name in, you won't encounter a wait if you eat dinner at "old people time" around 4pm. Any later, you might be SOL unless you are willing to wait at least 2 hours.
(4)Emily P.
Couldn't have found a better Belgium lunch spot. All I was looking for was a simple place to have a good beer, good food and read my book and I ended up here. Not only was my server attentive AND attractive the ambiance was great for sitting back and getting lost in my book, a 'Bruges-style' vegan burger, pomme frites and a couple Chimay's. I just may have to come back here and do it all over again tomorrow!
(5)Kelly D.
Fine beer and I used to be best buddies back in the day and after a traumatic head injury that completely f'ed with my taste buds, things are slowly coming around in terms of good beer and how it tastes. Now that I am back in the swing of things, the first place I want to revisit is Monk's. Years ago I discovered this little unassuming gem while on a date with a complete beer snob. Not yet knowing the twists and turns that a Trappist Ale could provide my palate, I was tempted to order my old standby-Yuengling Lager. The look of horror on my companion's face was enough to convince me to look further into the handy beer bible that was provided. Did I have any clue what I was ordering? Hell no. Did this trusty reference guide help me? Absolutely. Chimay, Spanish Flies and Pomme Frites were my first taste of Monk's and what can I say? I was hooked. After countless trips back with many different friends, I am convinced that this is one of the best bars to sit and have a low key hang out session with friends. I encourage everyone to please check this place out, even if crowds typically annoy you. Once you get a seat, soak up the loud noises of the boisterous crowd, drink up some of the finest beers a Philadelphia bar has to offer and start thinking of your next beverage-there are plenty to choose from!
(4)Michael L.
Super great atmosphere. A million beers on the menu (*many* special brews over $20 a pop). Easy-going staff. Great Tuna steak sandwiches that can be prepared a multitude of ways. Very fresh, large and plump mussels. Tried the Monks and the Provence mussels -- both were unfortunately bland. Will definitely be back to soak up the atmosphere and try the Red Curry and/or Ghent mussels!
(4)Sta t.
This review is more of the same about this place: like many good bars, it's small, dark, and has been packed the few times I've been there. The beer selection is great, but the mussels are what bring me back. I could eat them at least twice a week if I lived near this place. The half bowl is a more than generous helping and is served with a piece of bread that works wonders for soaking up those tasty juices at the bottom. You'll be glad you tried this place.
(4)Molly D.
Considering that beer has only passed my lips maybe twice in my life... I feel like the whole point of Monks is wasted on me. I always feel a little funny ordering cocktails here, though the staff never skips a beat and completely takes care of me every time. I have never had food here that wasn't amazing... from the steak salad, to the fries, to the mussels, to the burgers (and by the way, when you order it rare, you get it RARE!!)... everything is absolutely delicious!
(4)Gabriele A.
Ugh. I really missed this place. Been here sooo many times and it's my all time fave spot!!! Definitely one of my favorite places to eat & drink in the US. This is the place for real beer drinkers!! Helloooo...sorry but no miller or amstel light here :P The Belgium beers are among my favorites, but they always have good beers on tap, and not to mention Monk's delicious steak frite salade!!! I want to go back to philly just to hit Monks! Seriously! Mussels, burgers, sandwiches are all delish! Beer list is very extensive, but if you know what you like and why not be adventurous once in a while? Oh, and be ready if you walk in thu/fri/sat night! Crowded! There is also a second bar in the back, more selections of beer on tap ;)
(5)Karl M.
I was in Philly from San Diego for a conference. This joint has a fantastic Euro-beer selection, although it's euro-centric focus neglects the equally outstanding beers in the USA. This is fine, except that Monk's does include SOME American beers, which means they exclude some great American stuff to satisfy their euro-beer ideology. So, for example, they had one beer from my town's world-class Stone Brewery, but NOT Stone's best beer (their IPA). This is obviously a minor complaint. The service was mixed. The manager or owner was excellent and accommodating, but the hostess was a totally annoying dipshit. Fire her. She pretended to be friendly, but erred on the side of enforcing house rules. Case in point: Four of our six showed up and asked for a table for six. There was a table right there in front of us and we assured her our other two would be right there, but no, she wouldn't give up the table. We ended up waiting like 40 minutes to sit after our two others showed up after ten minutes. I understand the rule, but it should be bendable. The fries were not Belgian fries. There were pretty good, but not the super crisp, semi-thick ones you expect. The food was pretty good, but not universally great. I loved the veal cheeks. Didn't love the rabbit. If I lived in Philly, I am sure I would hit up Monk's for beers after work. The room is really warm and cozy and the beer selection is badassed. But the place doesn't seem to hit on all calendars.
(3)Erin K.
limpy but flavorful fries...hmmm... perhaps i'm partial to Markt or Les Halles in NYC. I recall they had crisper fries. I do have to say the ones at Monk had lots of flavor. I actually had the burger which was ok but nothing special. The duck salad was good but I wanted a bit more dressing. My beer was very yummy. We went very early on Friday and I'm glad we did b/c it got crazy crowded.
(3)Thomas N.
I have been to Monks at least 5 times and absolutely love the atmosphere, tastes and service. Lets be honest, Monks is not your "Let's go out and have a Friday night mixer, hit it and quite it" establishment. It's a cafe, and as is the tradition of cafe's (European or not) Monk's is a place to bring your friends, meet new ones and share a sampling from their bold menu. For those of you that haven't been to Monks, this "cafe' is more of a hometown bar that you may recognize from movies like "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Woodsy, moody and very well worn. I have taken a client to this place for an afternoon beer and burger, and shared a nice later afternoon relaxer with my wonderful girlfriend while listening to Jim Koch (yes, owner of Samuel Adams) share his love of brewing. Some of the reasons why people might find it difficult to find spaces to sit is because the regulars and locals are die-hard Monk's inhabitants, while other times Monks is being scheduled for dinner and beer pairing nights (Hosted by Home Sweet Home Brew's George & Nancy). World Class!! With that said, if you aren't a beer enthusiast like I am and can't handle a little elbow rubbing with some Classy folk, then you should take yourself down to street to Continental for their sub-par food and service with more room to breath so that the people who truly love Monks have a place to sit.
(5)John K.
I like Monks and have been there a number of times over the years.I must say that unless you're really into beer or are with someone who is, there is not much point in going here.The food is pretty good but not outstanding .The beer prices are high but that is to some degree justified.The selection is comprehensive and adventurous. What is not to like ? A few things.The music is way too loud.I can't understand this.Music is fine but being able to hear is better and volume at this level is damaging and dampens your ability to talk without screaming.It is incredibly easy to fix this but most places seem not to grasp that this is an issue.I also was a bit turned off by the staff eating McDonalds at the bar. Come on go in the back or something, you're not exactly advertising the virtues of your own place.So a little tweaking would be wise here.Monks Kettle in San Francisco has them beat by a fairly substantial margin and there really is no reason for that to be so.
(3)Tim S.
Worth the wait. Enjoyed the steamed Mussels and the Duck Salad was out of this world. IPA's were a perfect fit.
(4)Christopher C.
Anyone in Philly would tell you this is one of the best places to get beer in town, and they'd be right. The place is laid back, the staff knows and loves beer, and the selection is great.
(4)John D.
Monk's Flemish Sour was the first beer I ever enjoyed. Monk's hot wings--or at least the couple of bites I took--were hot enough that I could just about see God and still delicious. Their fries and burgers are excellent. If you come at the wrong time of day or on the wrong day, don't expect to be able to eat or drink there without waiting for a while. Most times I've tried to stop by for drinks and/or food, it's been packed. Monk's has an great selection of beer, and the staff are mostly beer snobs. There are two types of beer snobs--the cool type who can help anyone find an enjoyable beer based that person's sense of taste and the condescending type who find the beer-ignorant to be a tiresome lot unworthy of their time and attention. In my experience, much of Monk's staff falls into the latter category--it's a real shame.
(3)C K.
Really awesome fries and burgers. Lots of beers to choose from, and the mussels seem to be quite popular.
(4)Maura G.
lots of mussels and delirium tremens on tap. nuff said. i first went here because my nephew was a chef there. so we were lucky and got the hook up. i forget what the name of my mussel dish was, but it had bacon and blue cheese, which equals heaven in my book. i NEED to go back and try everyone of the mussel dishes. desert was great too-pumpkin cheese cake oh yeah. lots of awesome beer. they have this really good raspberry one that tastes more like juice than beer. beer snobs, go here. non-beer snobs, still go here and expand your horizons. service was great, but since my family worked there, my view may be a little biased. haven't been there since he left, but i will definitely be back soon. the place is tiny, and fills up fast. for a reason people!
(5)Theresa L.
Honestly this place doesn't look very nice from the outside and once you get in it looks like a dingy pub. Nothing looks nice about it and maybe that's the point. If you sit in the back of the place be caffinated... it so dark I probably could have taken a nap back there. I wasn't in the drinking mood but the food we ordered was fantastic! Didn't expect it at all especially when the place was so... unappealing. Mussels... are delic. Fresh and flavorful. We got the small pot but they give you a decent amount for only $10, by we I mean we shared it amongst 3 people. Also comes with a side of fries and a roll to use to dip in the extra juices the mussels leave behind, I could have used 4 more rolls. Wings... dear God! Make sure you are ready and love spicy food. They burned my lips off. They are probably by far the hottest wings I have ever eaten but again flavorful. Not just douced in hot sauce but they were rubbed down and made with love. I probably won't order these again just because I wasn't able to enjoy them as much as I would have liked. I would recommend trying the BBQ ones. Duck Salad Sandwich. YUM!!! My favorite part of the meal. Sweet and salty, filled with perfectly cooked duck, goat cheese, nuts, cranberries and a nice vingarette. The salad that comes with it has pretty much the same. VERY fresh & healthy tasting. Loved it!
(4)Alan R.
Great beers, great food, good atmosphere. I need to get back there ASAP. Ya might want to try and go at slighty off hours or be prepared to wait.
(5)Toby K.
So I've heard this place has an amazing beer selection and burgers. After reading a few reviews it seems that I had a similar experience as a few others. My friend and I show up just looking for some good food and beer. We are waiting on another friend of ours who was running late. We were told that we would have to wait until the third person showed up. She didn't offer to let us grab a beer at the bar, so we stood there awkwardly for 5 minutes and then left. It was a strange experience.
(2)Jason B.
Ate here a long time ago while visiting Philly. Good beers and interesting plates - I remember the fries being worth the side dish.
(4)Jae R.
I went there for late happy hour. It seems like there were lot of beer choice, but it was too difficult to decide. There were actually more seating in the back. You should expect to wait long for dinner or seating. By the way, their spicy wings are really really really spicy
(3)Kristine M.
Beer, beer, and more beer! Belgian beer! The mussels were yummy and I had an amazing salad with apples and bleu cheese. A few folks at the table got the venison pot pie and one friend swore it was not venison but beef, and the other friend said it tasted like venison but his pot pie only had two small pieces of venison in the entire thing! Disappointing for them, but the beer and mussels made it worth while. The service could have been a bit better.
(4)Yum N.
Great beer selection! I had the best sour beer at this place. Yum!
(4)Miller W.
great beer.. food is hearty
(4)Tolga E.
Very, very overrated. 2 stars really. BUT, since this place apparently has some history to it and some good cred, and because it helped popularize Belgian Beer and Belgian Fare in America, and because it is one of the primary roots the Belgian gastropub explosion from DC to SF, I will give 3 stars. When you walk in, you can see why this place became famous. It stayed true to European style. By this I mean, there was a tiny entrance by a tiny front window, a tiny bar and a tiny eating area, full of lots of people who don't grasp the tiny intimacy of what they are trying to create. The food here was mediocre and a bit overpriced at best. The frites too were nothing special. Belgian double-fried frites can be so much better. Everyone was content with the food, but eh, I was expecting a lot more. Sadly, the most important reason for this place's existence - the BEER - was not amazing by any stretch. The menu was not the most extensive I've seen the past two weeks let alone ever. But if this really was one of the original belgian joints, it's pretty respectable. But really, there was nothing on there that blew me away. I did appreciate that they had several French beers. Unfortunately, the bartender was fairly clueless. He had no idea how to handle the volume of business he had. And in doing so, he was not an active and useful beer advisor - which is absolutely critical at a place like this one. He also did not pour any of our drinks correctly due to his rush. Sad sad sad. But, for the trend it started, I still have some respect for Monk's Cafe.
(3)Bill E.
I lived down the street and around the corner from this place for 3 years. it was my neighborhood joint. I guess was a regular, eventually... But, this is not a place to stop and slam a few brews, this is serious. Strong, hard to find bad ass Belgian Ales. the food was always great, it was almost as good as I remember. I think I will always go here when I visit Philly, i feel like I owe it to them, and myself. I have a few/many beer glasses that may or may not have left the establishment with me on a few semi-drunken nights... Oops.
(5)JJ N.
Great beer, food, and mussels. Small spot but I love it. I always get mussels which are top notch. I love the apple sausage sandwich with cranberry mustard. Everything is good here. If you are in town on business, spot by here it will not disappoint.
(5)Ralph B.
If you go to drink Belgian beers and share a pot of mussles, this place is the best. The mussles are perfect, much better than at similar bar Eulogy. However I think the other food is only so so and overpriced and beer is a little expensive. Usually pretty crowded. Many good mainstays and rotating beers, usually hard to go wrong with any beer you order.
(4)Susanne J.
I enjoyed myself at Monk's. It's a good standby to have in your arsenal for the out-of-town guests, but not great. Our service was a bit spotty and I felt like our waitress was totally uninterested in us. I enjoyed the burger I ordered, but the fries were nothing to rave about. Also, it annoys me when places make you order fries as a side instead of just providing them with your meal. Of course, the beer selection is enough to make your head spin.I had a few tasty brews that made the trip worthwhile. Maybe next time I'll just come for drinks and skip the food.
(3)Olga E.
I have to start by saying that I have friends that swear by this bar! I am not like that but I greatly greatly appreciate it. I recommend this place to absolutely anyone visiting Philly and I think it's almost as much a part of local Philly culture as the cheese steak. The restaurant is quite small, with small tables and close and comphy atmosphere. You can start off your meal/night by ordering any number of Belgian beers from the Beer Bible (the drinks menu) or the tap. The restaurant usually rotates tap beers and there are always cool choices to try. For the meal, I absolutely recommend the mussles and fries. They are absolutely delcious and filling. I was in Philly with a friend of mine and she actually asked to go to Monk's twice to eat the mussles AGAIN! I'm telling you, it's that good. Overall, this place is absolutely great. Probably the only drawbacks are: the beers are a bit pricey ($8+) and the place is generally pact.
(5)Carrie E.
If a liquid lunch is your thing, then cab it over to Monks, because they have some beer there that will kick your butt. As an extra added bonus, it's one of the most extensive and inventive beer menus around, which makes it a great find for beer snobs like yours truly. Sure, it kinda feels like you're sitting in your cousin Helen's rec room circa 1982, and the food is ok (at least the pulled pork sandwich I got and the broccoli / veggie sandwich my friend had were pretty average) - the service is great and they won't kick you out if you stay too long (thank you, bespectacled waitress). Next time I go I'll make sure to eat more and drink less, because I have a feeling that I didn't experience Monk's to its fullest potential. Or maybe I did...is this how they kick it in Belgium?
(4)Chrissy R.
My best friend and I went here on her birthday to grab some dinner and a few drinks before we met friends at another bar. The wait for a table here was pretty long, and there was next-to-no standing room because the place was so insanely crowded, especially for a weekday when there didn't seem to be any apparent specials. When we finally did get a table, I was happy. Our waitress was friendly and accommodating [especially considering how busy they were]. My friend got a salad and I ended up with chicken and french fries [basically my staple]. My food was delicious for such a boring meal, and the fries were great shoestring fries. Our drinks were replenished quickly, whether we were ordering them from the bar or from our waitress, and the prices weren't too high. Definitely a nice little place to go if you're looking for some Belgian beer/food. Just nothing too amazing, either. But I'd definitely go back.
(3)Todd V.
I'm willing to give this a 3 star review until I most likely return again soon because friends love this place. The frites are by far the best thing about this place. The dipping sauce is heaven. Otherwise, 3 things I adore (mussels, beer and burgers) were pretty terrible. Mussels were flavorless and didn't seem particularly fresh. My MR burger was pushing well done. I only sampled two beers in the entire bible, but considering they were picked as 2 of the 20 beers on tap, I expected awesomeness. Food was 1 star, but I'll give two extra for the overall cool factor of the vibe here and the dipping sauce for the frites.
(3)Reality B.
Mussels were great as everyone says. Beer list is a tad overwhelming but the selection is first rate. Sausage was okay. Award-winning fries were a let down. Soggy and cold. Dipping sauce was good. Super loud venue Tough to have a convo. Not my favorite place in philly but I would go back for the mussels and beer.
(3)Holly T.
Monk's is the type of legendary place I had heard about for years and years before visiting and then finally moving here. I completely appreciate its place in history and for what a magical place this must have been in the not-too-distant past, before craft beer became easier to come by. I also totally appreciate what it must be like to come here if you've never had access to so many Belgian beers in one place before. I have to say, though, that each time I've been here it's only been a so-so experience, and each time makes me less likely to return. They do what they do, and they do it well, but it just doesn't change much. It's still a wonderful place to go for Belgian beer, and I'm lucky that it's so close by, but there are so many other wonderful places to go for beer now, that it takes a little more than that to get me to come back. I've had better food at both Eulogy and Belgian Cafe (especially mussels), both of which also have somewhat better lit and more pleasant atmospheres. There's nearly always a wait at Monk's, and it's very cramped. Beer for me is all about relaxing, preferably with good food and good friends, and that's not necessarily easy to do here. Still, Philly is very lucky to have Monk's. You know you're spoiled when this is only one of many fantastic places for beer lovers to choose from.
(3)Stacey S.
Probably my favorite beer bar in the city. Tons off good Belgians & other delights on draft.. endless bottles. The food is amazing- try the mussels & if you can actually stand real "hot" wings- get the Spanish Flies... my favorite wings in the city (flavorful & VERY spicy.) But really, anything on the menu is surprisingly good. Deceptively cozy- this place stretches way in the back (go to the back bar if the front is packed- much more quaint for small groups/couples.) Can be expensive but damn it's worth it. Gotta love Monks! :)
(4)Thao T.
My experience at Monk's Cafe was the end of a very satisfying adventure into Philadelphia. It was my first, and won't be the last! Nothing beats GOOD beer and fresh steamed mussels!
(4)Ryan H.
I am not a fan of muscles, but when I go to Monk's that goes out the window. All of the food is really good and very reasonably priced. At times it can get crowded so you may have to wait, but it's def worth it. The burgers are unique and taste great. I don't drink beer, but they have a large selection.I would recommend getting the muscles as an appetizer and a burger to fill you up. The salads and other sandwiches are delicious as well. Oh and the service is good too!
(5)Mike R.
We had a late night dinner here, my first time, after a show at the Wilma; I think we sat at 11. I had the Ardennes burger with parma ham and some king of gooey, delicious cheese. I liked the over-sized bun; you could eat the burger on a date and not worry about everything spilling out on your table (or lap). We also shared a basket of their fries, I mean pommes frites, and they were very good. Slightly spicy with a nice bourbon dipping sauce. Not being a beer guy, nor is she, we relied on or server for several suggestions. I think that our server, Jim K, did a real fine job picking out several beers based on our thin descriptions of our tastes. He was attentive without being intrusive and gave us extra time to review the menu and beer list. He, and the very nice hostess, earned Monk's the fifth star. We finished with two fruit tarts. Some king of cherry pistachio that was ok and a sweet potato and pecan that was incredible. I look forward to coming back and trying the mussels and duck salad...or I might just stick to a burger and beer.
(5)Raechel M.
Marry me, Monk's; I'll be so good to you. We can run away to a little wooded place, maybe the San Juan Islands (?), where we can eat sunsets and forgo water for much tastier potables. Think about it. I'll wait for your answer at the bar.
(5)Paige W.
Over dinner on Saturday night, a friend of mine who still lives in Philadelphia looked at me with a deadpan glaze in his eyes and said, "I am SOOOOO over Monk's." But I have the good fortune of having spent one glorious, sticky summer in Philly, many nights of Monk's burgers and beer perfectly preserved in my heart and mind. The wait was never anything short of ridiculous, and to call the hostess rude would be a gross understatement. But once you're seated, prepare to pray at the altar of the Beer Bible. I had my first taste of Lindeman's lambic at Monk's -- framboise, peche, kriek -- as well as a few knock-your-socks-off Belgian beers I've forgotten after this long. (I'll admit I'm more of a wine girl, myself.) And, oh, the burgers. Whether you like the Abbot with soft herbed cheese and sprouts, the Monk's with leek and blue cheese (my personal favorite) or the standard-issue Brussels with cheddar and bacon, you can't go wrong. They're served perfectly cooked on a fresh bun dusted with flour, and you're retarded if you pass on the hot, salty fries with garlic aioli. Retarded -- yeah, I said it. My friend may be over Monk's, but in my mind that means more for me, if I make it back to Philly anytime soon.
(4)Daniel F.
Food, beer, ambience...all three in a great package. If you have never been to Belgian place, this is an excellent introduction and example. Pick any one of the mussel pots and of course copious amounts of pommes frites. That combo is some of the best stuff you'll ever had, but be sure leave room for sausages or hearty sandwiches in addition to an excellent beer selection. If you want to extend your palette further, be sure to try a Monk's Flemish-style Sour Ale, though the depths of dubbels, tripels, strong ales, kolsches, and lambics will be sure to please any palette. My buddies took me to this place in a large group and had an amazing time; I intend to go back whenever I get back to Philly.
(5)Christine J.
Even though I'm the 434th reviewer and my review will probably not be seen by anyone, I feel like after the lunch that I had here I owe it to the food (and beer!) loving community to join in with singing Monk's praises. I came here on a day trip from NY and had heard that Monks was the best place for beer and mussels. Neither disappointed me and it was totally worth the 3 hour drive. Me and the BF ordered the last bottle of Cantillion's Fou' Foune, the frog legs and two small orders of mussels. The beer was phenomenal, just the right amount of sour and funk with apricots mixed in. Mmmm, the BF got me into sours and I'm starting to salivate like a Pavlovian dog just thinking about them. The frog legs were really good, they were tossed in a buffalo sauce and served with the BEST bleu cheese ever. And the mussels... they were like tender little gifts from heaven. I can't recall having a better lunch. I will definitely be coming back here again. God I love Philly!
(5)Milena M.
I consider this place worth traveling from anywhere in the world to sample the wonderful array of beers. The bartenders always have suggestions to fit your taste and the story behind the opening of the bar is awesome. The owner bought all of the fixtures at yardsales when he was first starting up and most of his staff has been with him for 20 years. It gets very packed very early but if you're lucky you can get a table or a seat at the bar. This place has one of the best bar type atmospheres and the beer is so flavorful you won't want to go back to anything commercially made.
(5)Kevin P.
I don't mean to be a hater, but I was unimpressed the couple times I went to Monks. The food was fine and the beer good, but far from the amazing experience I was led to believe I would have. It is overpriced for average pub-type food, and having a lot of expensive Belgian beers doesn't mean all that much in a city where the most generic of bars is likely to have several great local craft brews on tap! So, I certainly didn't hate it, but I also didn't find what everyone said made it so special...
(2)J P.
Beer list that goes on for days. They serve some cool meats. Rabbit anyone? Delightful. Octopus? Yup, its good. Even the chicken fingers arent that bad. I think they actually use chickens and not scraps of whatever is in the back alley. Its loud in here. And getting seated can take a while. Dont go if its raining outside, thats where you'll wait to be seated. Also, dont let them seat you near the door.
(3)Chris B.
It's gonna be loud and at the bar you're going to hear everyone's conversation and they're going to bump into you, but it will be worth it. Tons of great rotating Belgian beers. Mussels and fries are great.
(4)Robert R.
Great atmosphere. Great beer. Didn't try the food, but other peoples food looked good.
(4)Brian L.
Just the place we were looking for when we had a layover in Philly!
(4)Josh S.
good beer selections, and I liked the mussels even though I'm generally not a fan.
(3)Dave F.
Stopped in on a Thursday night around 11pm for a couple of beers, no food. I have the Triple Chimay and the Flemish Sour Ale that were on tap in the back bar. (Yes they have two) They were $7 and $8 respectively. The chimay came in a chalice and the ale came in a standard pint glass. Both were amazing and I hope to find such flavors again sometime. The bartender was nice and on point despite the crowd and lack of seating. I wish I could go back, but I'm only visiting.
(5)Barbara G.
this place is great, in the heart of Philly. Great beer and food what more can you ask. You must try the seitan sandwich, it is crazy good! I had the a fish meal, but I was starring at my boyfriends meal the whole time. I took on bite of his and wanted to trade! Great place and in walking distance to all these cute shops. A must go, if you go to visit Philly!
(4)K E.
My favorite place. I always order mussels and beer - the Monk's Sour Ale is amazing. And different. The sauce with the frites is also spectacular. Word of advice: Try to hit it on off-times, or you will have a long wait and they don't take reservations.
(5)Stephanie S.
I got the Salmon Framboise. The salmon itself was very good, albeit VERY small. I've had bigger pieces of fish at diners, for MUCH less the price. The waitress was very inattentive. The rice wasn't even identifiable as rice, mainly because it was SO DARK in there. I didn't like how the lights were VERY dim in there. Hard to see what was on the plate. The tables are WAY too close together to each other. The food and beer was overpriced. My boyfriend enjoyed it, but I didn't. I will not be coming back..
(2)Kyle M.
Beer Lovers Mecca. A dozen Belgium powerhouse beers on tap everything from Chimay Cinq Cent to St. Bernardus 12 degree - wow! You could sit at the bar and have amazing biers for hours... then comes the mussels, and frites, and braised duck sandwich. The food is fantastic. Some remarkable pairings with the beer. Everything is reasonably priced - cheap even. The amount of mussels and frites your get for 10 bucks is a meal unto itself. Definitely the best 3 hours I have spent indulging mysel for quite sometime. Monk's would definitely be home to my dream date with Natalie Portman.
(5)Louie V.
Great Belgium beer and food. Not much else to say. Will definitely go again when I'm in Philly.
(4)Kathy L.
I think this place is more difficult than it's worth to get in during peak times. The aioli with the monks fries are good, but I thought the fries themselves were a little on the oily and soggy side. I also assumed belgium place meant thick cut fries, but these are skinny. We shared the ghent (sp?) mussels (with bacon) and I got a burger. The burger bun was kind of like a ciabatta roll, which I don't enjoy as much as something more spongy and brioche-like. For dessert, the key-lime pie was good, but had that "been sitting in the fridge for a while" experience (though it was still yummy). Overall, with a few beers, it comes out to be a decent tab... Maybe I don't appreciate the beer selection enough, but I wouldn't really make it a point to come back here (though I would eat here again if necessary). I think my expectations were too high.
(3)sarah t.
Great place. Inside reminds of me an old place you'd find somewhere in Europe. The beer selection is pretty phenomenal and the food is tasty as well. Tried the mussels and the cheese/meat plate and it was extremely satisfying.
(5)Taylor H.
Great mussels and incredible beer selection. Every bit as good as being in Belgium. Very busy on the Friday nightbthat we visited.
(5)Kristan P.
5 stars for food --- outstanding food and beer selection. BUT worst service I have had after living in philly 2 years....by far. Slow and apathetic staff -- and slow food service. BUT what was MOST terrible....is that if an establishment makes a rule that "you cannot be seated until your whole party is present" it would be logical to make sure the bartender has the desire to actually serve the people waiting at the bar. ...the last time I was there ----that b8tch of a bartender (long curley hair) allowed me to SIT AT THE BAR for at least 10-15 minutes waiting to even be acknowledged for a drink. It wasn't busy. I wasn't even given a chance to be unkind/rude/ or a bad customer in anyway. The b8tch just simply didn't care!
(3)Sheila E.
Beer oasis... I love going here with out-of-towners and beer snobs. Both would appreciate the "Bible" Only problem with this place is that it's always packed, so try to get to Monk's early. I like their mussels and their bread. Goes well with whatever beer you're having.
(4)Ali M.
Love this place! The food is good, not fantastic, but good. However the beer is to die for. Come for the beer. The back room has awesome ambience. It can get a little loud at meal times, but we love to come for an afternoon drink and fries. This is a very genuine place, so please don't come with attitude. You'll ruin the vibe.
(4)Rick F.
Outstanding! They have a very specific vision and achieve it to perfection. Monk's is the premier American location to enjoy the finest belgian beers in the world, as well as delightful cuisine inspired by and created with those beers. They also have a very good selection of American Craft beers which rotates often.
(5)Christine N.
The bf LOVES beer. He's taught me a lot and has definitely expanded my palate in regards to beer. So when we were in Philly for a biz trip and learned about Monk's, we had to make a stop. According to "All About Beer Magazine," Monk's is one of the top 10 places in the world to have a beer before you die. That's serious high praise. Monk's is a serious beerlover's haven. We arrived around lunchtime and stayed for about two hours. We didn't have to wait for a table and we didn't feel rushed. The beer selection was astounding. I've only seen more choices in Belgium itself. For food, we ordered the mussels & frites (one was in a standard, white wine broth and the other was cooked with bacon). Unfortunately, they were both bland and didn't taste super fresh. The frites were limp and got cold fairly quickly. I wouldn't come here for dinner, but I'd ordered something to go with the beer (beer tastes better when you have something to munch on IMO). Take Monk's for what it is: a place where you can get beer you can't get anywhere else and you won't be disappointed. If you're not a beer drinker: this is a GREAT place for you to learn/find something you'll like since they have so much stuff. They have beer that doesn't taste like beer.
(4)Tony P.
Thanks to fellow yelper LydiaH for setting up this Philly UYE. We stopped here after our museum visit for lunch. The establishment was small but comfortable. The menu is a focus of typical bar food and belgian fares to complement their extensive craft and belgian beer offerings. They had the Russian River Damnation on tap which is one of my favorite pale ale. I opted for the Dogfish Theobroma. The beer is based on chemical analysis of pottery fragments found in a Honduran archeological dig thought to be one of the earliest known alcoholic chocolate drink. The flavors were profound. A wonderful herbaceous fragrance with a subtle sweetness and a strong chocolate finish. The provencal mussels (moules) was good albeit not authentic. The sauce was creamy and lightly sweet but I didn't taste any indication of a white wine reduction. The meal came with a side of fries that was savory with their mayo based dip. Overall, it was a pretty good spot to kick back and enjoy some really good beer and even better company.
(4)Meghan C.
We had a 40 minute wait for our table, but we went to the back bar to sample beers from their extensive offerings. The features menu was very helpful. We were seated, and enjoyed a nice meal (I, a steamed mussel's pot of blue cheese and bacon reduction) and my friend (with a filet). Food was great, but our service was rushed, being that it was a very busy night. Overall- great experience!
(4)Kyle C.
Awesome beer and food, with endless choices. Upon entering the tiny restaurant I saw bottle after bottle decorating the walls. This is when I realized, tonight I'm getting drunk. I did not get drunk that night, but the meal was still great. I ordered a small pot of mussels. As soon as I got the pot I was irritated. Looking at the massive pot I immediately thought "this god damn waiter gave me the large pot, son of %#*%.". So you can Imagen my surprise after he told me that this WAS the small pot. :-) The fries or "Pommes Frites" were delivered to Monk's from some god. (I'm pretty sure wikipedia said that somewhere). If nothing else go for the fries. The beer was fantastic. I decided on the Belgian beer (of course), which was a tad pricey but expected. My wallet started bleeding after the 3rd beer so it was time to call it a night. While only buzzed, I was however pleasantly full and happy.
(5)Lisa W.
A beer lover's paradise! I'm more of a back bar type of girl. I've found the vibe to be friendlier and slightly less crazy back there. There is always something new on tap to try and the bartenders are pretty good with suggesting something that you'll love. I've never had a problem getting a taste of something if I wasn't sure about it. The beers add up quickly (both in price and buzz) and if you're not careful you could wind up spending a fortune, but in my opinion, it's worth it. The food is typical Belgian fare. The burgers are big and juicy. My menu favorite is the steak frites. It's a small steak cooked to your liking served over a salad with a side of frites. Yum! My husband enjoys the mussels. Getting a table can be a problem during peak hours so be prepared to wait.
(5)Charles K.
One of the best beer bars in Philly. Outstanding selection. Many hard to find brews. Mussels are great here too. Highly recommended.
(5)Ingrid K.
This review is based off of service and food. I am not a beer drinker! We waited in front of the hostess booth for almost 10 minutes before being greeted. After the 30 minute wait for a table, the waitress did not show up until about 10 minutes after we were seated. This was alright since I was new to the place and took my time going over the menu, but it would be a downer on my second visit. The atmosphere reminds me of the Prancing Pony Inn that frodo and his friends go to in LOTR before they meet strider. The steak salad was great because I've never had beef (that wasn't bulgogi or tartare) with so much fresh garlic rubbed onto it. The large mussels bucket had mussels-a-plenty with day-old bread to dip into it to soften the carbs up with the juices. I like my belgian fries thickly sliced and easy to grab. So although their bourbon mayo was reeeeal good, their fries fell short of their expected stature.
(3)p d.
great beer, good food, One of my favorite daytime drinking spots
(4)Roll T.
3.25 stars. Monk's is probably best known for an extensive beer list, and I was not disappointed with their selection. Indeed, not only was the list massive, but they had all of their beers in stock. We sampled obscure beers from throughout the world (as well as American seasonals) while devouring an assortment of mussels and burgers. The best mussels that I sampled here were the Thai Red Curry Mussels. The peripheral heat from the curry base provided an excellent compliment to the shellfish. I thought the mussels here were slightly dry (probably from overcooking) and small, but they were fine for the price ($9.95 for 2 dozen). Still, I wouldn't necessarily go for the mussels, but rather I would potentially order them as a food item to pair with my beer. Two of my dining companions ordered burgers. While both of them seemed to enjoy them, I wasn't too impressed with the bites I took out of the goat cheese/Trappist burger. Then again, in a city where the Five Guys chain still apparently reigns supreme (please prove me wrong Philly!), the bar hasn't necessarily been set very high for burgers. I was really impressed with the fries at Monks. Light and flavorful, the fries were served with a spicy mayo based sauce that provided an excellent finish to each tiny potato morsel. If I went back to Monk's, I might just order a huge plate of fries with my beers. While they were not subliminal, they were definitely solid. Overall, Monk's is a fine location for grabbing a few drinks over a casual meal with friends. Given that was our goal, I would deem it a success.
(3)Ed D.
Everything positive you've heard about Monk's is true. And everything negative you've heard about Monk's is also true. The point is... THIS PLACE IS AN INSTITUTION! I am writing this review because I'm pissed by the negative reviews of "oh I waited so long" and "oh, it was pricey".... This place has one of the most extensive beer menus in the US, and has been serving a books worth of beers for more than most of us have been alive. So seriously, check your attitude at the door, and appreciate the opportunity to participate in a Philly institution....even if it means that it's a pain, and you may pay a bit much. PS the fries and the fry sauce are like crack and crack's even more addictive cousin....
(5)George G.
One of the best beer selections around. Have to get there fairly early on a Friday or Saturday or kegs kick quickly.
(5)Gretchen D.
My one word review of Monk's would be: BOOTY! And for the men out there, this is the bad sort of 'booty'! Decided to hit Monk's after realizing it was only blocks away from our hotel, and knew we were going to be drinking LOTS of beer - hooray for short walking distances! Had I stuck to just the beer, this joint would have easily rated four stars. But then I messed up and tried the moules and frites. Hey - I'm a Granville's girl, and I wanted to see what the competition had to offer. The answer to that question: a big fat NUTHIN'! I won't even bother talking about the beer except to say the listing is extensive and long. I wasn't overly impressed - plenty of other places have huge beer lists as well - but obviously it's hard to find fault when you can pretty much drink your way to Nirvana - or Hades, depending on your limit. So I peruse the moules listing... The flavors were okay, but not a lot of diversity. At the waiters suggestion, I try the Ghent. Upon arrival, I could see there was a problem. The frites were seriously disappointing. WTF!? You boast about your - and I quote - "award winning" frites, and then serve what basically looks like nubby shoestring fries in a tiny saucer!? Noooooooo! And no variety of dipping sauces, just your lame-o bourbon mayonnaise!? Even more NOOOOOOO! I get more annoyed as I have to use my fingertips to even get a good grip on these sorry frite imposters! And just for the record, good frites should be held with the pads of your fingers. You shouldn't have to use your fingertips as if you were eating those old skool fried shoestring potato snacks that came in the round tin. Just had to clarify that... I finally move on from the basket of yuck, and check out the moules. More issues. I hate to make comparisons, but it can't be helped. At Granville's the moules are on average about 1 1/4 inches long - the meat, not the shells. They were plump and juicy and oh-so tender. Just yumehhhh!! Monk's... The average moule was less than an inch. When I ordered the 'small', I thought it referred to the portion size, not the size of the moule itself! Was this a seriously 'off' night in the kitchen!? After a while, it was like eating crabs: a lot of effort for very little payoff. It was so damn frustrating, I had to order more beer to take my mind off my anger!! In fact, perhaps that's their strategy - screw the moules and frites, just keep the beer flowing until you don't notice how truly sub-par this meal is! That has GOT to be the diabolical scheme that keeps people drinking the Kool-Aid - or beer, in this case - night after night. Alas, I live in DC, and while I go to Philly fairly often, Monk's will not be on my future Philly To Do list. In fact, my most pressing concern is getting back to Granville's to rid my mind and palate of that disappointing experience. I can only hope Teddy's been keeping the place on it's toes in my absence!
(2)Elaine L.
I came here with a friend a few months ago and we had a great experience coming in around late lunch. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait too long so that's always good! The last time we came here around 7PM was a terribly terrible idea. The beer list is fantastic although not as great as Eulogy's beer list, in my opinion. The beers though are absolutely superb but service is terrible. We had to wait a good 20 minutes to get a waitress to add in our second order of beer. However, the highlight of the day must have been those WONDERFUL, drool worthy mussels. I got the ghent mussels while my friend got something with bacon or apples I think? Either way,. both of them were fantastic. We were both asking for more bread by the end of the day because we just wanted to soak up every morsel of that broth. In the end, we had to resort to drinking the broth using mussel shells. As ridiculous as that sounds, this should be a testament to just how great their mussels were. We also got some sliders which were good but clearly not as memorable as those mussels. A must go to in Philly and absolutely delicious!!
(4)Brittany M.
We stopped in late on a semi-busy weeknight, hoping to grab some food and beers. After spotting an open table, we walk to the host asking if we can sit there. "No, that's only for parties of 3 or more." (We were two). "I can put you on a list for a table." "How long?" "20 minutes." So you're perfectly willing to have an empty table sitting there waiting for a mystical party of three that's nowhere nearby rather than seat two paying customers that are just one short? Beyond stupid. We went elsewhere (to a place with no such logistical nonsense.)
(2)Doodly D.
Great beer selection and good food. It does get very crowded quickly so I usually get there early for dinner.
(4)mishel c.
I used to go to Monk's a decent amount when I worked in Center City -- their beer list is amongst the best (if not, THE best) in Philadelphia + the menu is adequate. They have vegan options, which I appreciate. I didn't rate Monk's higher for a few reasons....the first being it's kind of dim + grimey. I never feel like anything is particularly clean in there - least of all the bathrooms. Second, if you go after 6 p.m. you are guaranteed to wait a billion years for a table. Third, some of their more common beer is overpriced -- I can see charging more for the more esoteric stuff, but sometimes the more common beer is also expensive. In all, if I want to hit a Belgian-type place, I usually just go to the Belgian Cafe in the Art Museum area. Monk's was great when it was near my job, but now it's not worth the trip, really.
(3)Shannon O.
Whenever I'm at Monk's, I sort of feel like I should expect to see a Dostoevsky character weilding an axe in the corner... That said, Monk's deserves all its fame. The best way to go at this dark belgium bar? Start with good friends and delicious pomme frittes, drink beers you've never heard of (no matter how educated you are, I promise there are many), and maybe call it dinner with a duck salad sandwich (perfect duck breast--mr-m, with spicy walnuts, goat cheese and mixed greens), or an above average burger. I don't love mussels, so I won't give a fair review, but if you do--you're in the right place.
(5)Emerson C.
Great food. Duck breast was nice. I like the salad. Interesting to see a bar scene with great food (and not just burgers/fried foods). Didn't get the mussels but hear they are a hit here.
(4)Emy D.
I spent a fair amount of time in Belgium whilst backpacking through Europe several years ago, and was very surprised to see a small part of it had set up shop in Philadelphia... I was visiting a girlfriend in Philly a few weeks back and we stumbled upon Monk's during a search for not-to-crowded or sceney late night grub near Rittenhouse. I am SO happy we did! Yummy muscles and fries with a not-to-be-missed spicy burbon mayo with a great selection of beers were followed up well by a really tasty sweet potato tart for dessert. I was a little annoyed with my fellow yelpers when I couldn't find a suggestion for the best kind of muscles to try. We ordered one at random, which was great. We ended up ordering a second that night, and then went back a few days later for a third kind at lunch. We tried just as many beers. All I can say is that you can't go wrong! Great spot!
(5)Jason H.
Monks cafe' food is delicious moderately priced and is only outdone by its extremely large selection of fine beers. They have a beer bible at each table to help you with your selection and a friendly staff that are very helpful with suggesting and explaining the beers they offer. I love Monks and recommend it to anyone who has a taste for rare and fine beers.
(5)Julia N.
Monk's is one of my favorite spots in the city. The beer list is unparalleled, with a frequently-changing selection of interesting drafts. Best fries in Philadelphia, and decent vegetarian options - I like the seitan cheesesteak best. The veggie burgers are frozen patties, but the delicious toppings and perfect rolls go a long way. The place is crazy packed every weekend and doesn't take reservations - I don't even think about going here on a Saturday night. I recently discovered that they do takeout, so you can skip the crowds and eat their food with a homebrew or whatever you've got on hand for a DIY Monk's experience.
(5)Adam C.
Ok the main reason I have given this place two stars is based on one day here, earlier this year, perhaps in February?, which now seems like so long ago. Time does have a funny way of flying... Well, anyway I met up with a couple of my co-workers for an evening of some good beer drinking and food but we had the pleasure of having perhaps the worst waiter in history. I myself had shown up a lil' later then the rest of the crowd and at that point was not hungry. So they said I could, if wanted to, nibble at a few of the appetizers, which at that point they were wondering why hadn't any come out at this point? They had already been there for an hour and had ordered some entrees around the same time ago along with beers which they all had. I asked for a draft on tap. We wait patiently and continue having a well conversation about people, places, life, what episode of Lost we missed... the usual. Our waiter at this point has an interesting sense of humor butting in on our conversation and using a heavy dose of sarcasm, which isn't necessarily good with general public atmospheres. Etiquette? So finally one of us ask the waiter what is taking so long for the food. He says, "Oooo it should be ready shortly". Meanwhile other waiters are bringing out food to patrons whom been here much less than our arrival, including my own, which at this point, I've been here for over thirty minutes. Things only get better as the waiter brings out the wrong beers we asked for several times. Asks if we could please drink it anyway since it's a waste. I shrug and I don't mind. It was tasty after all. Though he did get the correct beers for the ones who could not drink whatever he decided to believe was our original choices. I am told at this point that apparently he hasn't been seen writing anything down and even when they ordered food, he told them "No sweat! Got it all down here!" Pointing to his head which at this point meant what's in there? Air? Acorns and squirrels? So time elapses on and on and as my five o'clock shadow begins to sneak in, one of us finally grabs the waiter. "WHERE IS OUR FOOD?!" "Oooooo... huh? Hold on!" He dashes to the back to where the kitchen is. After another five minutes or so he returns with some interesting news. "Um.... Apparently he didn't get the order. It certainly isn't my fault" and he goes to grab another one of his co-workers "It's all this guys fault. I'm sorry guys I'll get it straightened out". Now it's bad enough that he obviously had made a mistake but being silly and pointing the finger elsewhere is just ridiculous plus it only gets better... "Hey guys I had a loooooonnng day. I had classes all morning since 8am and I'm working here till 2am. So please cut me some slack guys..." Now had we even raised our voices or gave him any beef at this point? No. Besides just asking the simple question "Where's our food?!" "...I'll get him started on your food. Might take a while" and it does as he finally brings the order to the chef. We wait another good fifteen minutes and at last appetizers come out. Except not what we ordered. "I didn't order this soup" "I ordered one empanada" "Where's my fries?" The waiter scratches his head and continues to tell tall tales and excuses using his hardships of studying at a cushy college and classes all day as his reason for our misfortune. Finally the rest of the food comes out. I just ate a bit of this and that and to me it tasted mediocre. Not bad but not worth what they are charging either. As we continue to gorge since some of us at this point are starving and even I had worked up an appetite one of us gags a bit, removing from the orifice a couple of bones that were apparently in his pot pie. The waiter returns and one of my good friends asks, "Why are there bones in his pot pie?" The waiter lets the words sink in to perhaps try and create a logical answer. Instead of saying "I'll tell the cook" he says, "Oh... it comes like that. The bones are supposed to be in it. Just be careful when eating" One of us smiles weakly as he goes back to his usual business of possibly asking other tables for pity on his behalf. Finally we finish and lose all interest in doing anything else for the night which by this point is after midnight. Due to, well you know... "Hey guys thanks so much! I took the liberty of not charging you for the drinks because of all the trouble. Thank you so much and have this bottle on me" He brings out a large bottle of one of their stouts to share between us which perhaps is the only smart thing he had done all night. Having trouble opening it, as well as pouring our glasses and spilling some on the table, he manages to win us over with his... charm? Now if I might say we shouldn't get charged diddle, on the contrary I do hope this hard-working educated boy gets fired from Monk's or has already by this point. If not? The "Monk's" have a lot of praying to do. All pun intended.
(2)Taylor R.
Great beer, great food. The scallops were some of the best I've ever had.
(4)Kelly P.
pretty good vibe for a center city spot
(3)Shaun O.
I finally visited this Philly legend, as I suggested it as an outing for our softball team (Yes, Kevin S and I are on the same team). Monk's did not disappoint. I found myself literally overwhelmed by the selections of beers available (over 90+ and from all around the world), I went with a Belgium beer- Belle Elle Etvee (or something like that). Despite my inability to pronounce it right, the bartender was still able to grab the right bottle and hand me my beer. Kudos! One note-its a great bar and thus popular. Definitely worth the wait and dealing with a crowd. Also beers start at $8 and up, but again definitely worth it. I definitely plan to come back, as I need to check out the food fare also, which is highly recommended.
(5)Dan H.
Amazing: If Mussels is your thing and your into beer this is the place. The Belgian beers are really good. The Mussels were fantastic and so was the chicken..Just remember you might need some help to finish it, I love this place and will be back here to taste more beers from the bible.
(5)Jim M.
3.5 stars. I've been here twice now so I can probably give a fair and balanced review(No not the Fox News type). Monk's is located just off of 16th St. and Locust. It's a medium-small space with some tables up front and some booths in the back as well as a bar. On a slow Sunday evening it was pretty relaxed. However on my last visit Saturday night it got ridiculously packed. Be prepared to wait for a table if you have a group. The beer menu there is pretty extensive, but I"m not sure its THE biggest I've ever seen. Both bartenders that have served me did impress me with their knowledge of beer and made pretty good suggestions. I finally got to try an Ommegang that I'd been wanting to drink. The Chimay Triple I had last time was pretty dang tasty. Other beers were less noteworthy, but still good. I've had the boudin sausage and the pulled pork sandwich here. The boudin sausage was pretty good, and paired nicely with some good mustard and fresh greens. The pulled pork sandwich was very mediocre. The frites were pretty good both times I visited,as was the accompanying sauce. Service was good when I sat at the bar on the slow Sunday night. The bartender Saturday night was as fast as he could possibly be given the swarm of people. Frankly, they needed another person to handle the bar there. I hate it when places cheap out and don't staff adequately. Really good food, decent food. I'll probably be back at some point for beer and mussles, just not a weekend night.
(3)Andrea G.
Monks can be great if your in that dive bar dark and rustic place. They have a good beer selection and their mussels are pretty tasty. Not really my cup of tea but the boyfriend loves it so we occasionally visit. Good place to meet up with others or to start the night out.
(3)Lucas B.
Monks' reputation speaks for itself...not much I can add. They have perfected the combination of mussels, fries, and great rarely found beers. A must for any visitor to Philly. The roast duck salad is also great, so you don't have to get mussels if you don't want. The wings were not so good in my opinion. I'm from Buffalo and I LOVE heat. Their sauce is not much of a wing sauce. It tastes like a burned version of the Vietnamese garlic pepper sauce you find next to sriracha in the Asian food section. They call this "chipotle" but I disagree. Also an FYI. The house Flemish Sour Ale is true to its name...sour. It is very good, but you should be aware of this before you order it.
(4)Aaron K.
Monk's has an amazing beer selection. The best I've seen. I love mussels. I love their mussels. Even the burgers were great. They have great ideas and take great care in their food. Get prices on dessert before picking from the dessert tray.
(5)Judith C.
Well, it's not like this place needs another review on Yelp, but since they have introduced me to 2 of my favorite beers in the world, Sour Flemish Ale and Gueuze, so I really owe them a 5 star. The mussels are always fresh, too. Really, if you are ordering anything else, you are making a mistake. If you are vegetarian, just get the veggie burger. The other stuff is a little weird. The fries are also not the crispy kind, but I don't mind for some reason. So listen to me, and you will have a 5 star experience every time!
(5)Kristin B.
Any bar with a bible for beers is one that is after my own heart. Monks. What can I say? One of my favorite bars in the city. This place has the most extensive beer list I have seen in awhile - and not only do they have all these amazing beers, but the servers know about them. Since I go so often, I always make it a point to try something new and "exotic", and whenever I ask about any of them, the servers know their stuff. I have never gotten something I haven't really enjoyed. Being that it is a Belgian bar, this is not a place for the lighthearted of beer drinkers. What it IS for everyone is amazing food. I've had a lot of their stuff, burgers, fries, what have you, and while all of them are delicious, NOTHING beats their mussels. They have a multitide of different types, from your standard mussels to the spicy thai mussels. It's a great place. Grab a chimay and some mussels - just don't forget the gum.
(5)Alexandra D.
The food is great but the service tends to be a bit pretentious. When asking questions about the menu, I don't like the feeling of being spoken down to for doing so.
(4)Justin S.
I have only done beer here. The selection is very large, Belgian inspired, and nice if you just want something different. Most bars are offering really unique micro brews and imports now though, so this was more original a few years back, but it still is nice if you want a good beer.
(4)Joe P.
Wife and I stopped here after a show . Nice cozy pub . We were able to get a table and we shared a bacon cheeseburger and apple sausage sandwich . Both were very good . Waitress helped us pick a few beers off the large beer menu . Beers went well with the food
(4)Austin F.
Well, I still love Monk's for their tasty treats, and I like the ambiance (though Monk's layout and general feeling is not unique--it can be found in many restaurants crammed into row homes). However, I'm getting tired of the service--you get the feeling that no one on the staff cares if you are there or not. In fact they probably don't care, because the number of eager patrons consistently outstrips the available seating; while this is a sign that the rest of the world likes Monk's too, it also means that a 40 minute wait on a Friday night is common. As I said above, I still love Monk's, but I'm more likely to revisit on a weeknight or an afternoon.
(4)Christian F.
Been to Monk's a few times for drinks but ate there for the first time on a Friday. Took a while to get a table for the 4 of us but that is expected on a Friday., so we hung out at the back bar for drinks. The food was above average and reasonably priced. "Small" pots of mussels, which were decent sized, were $10 and included fries and bread. One of the girls ordered a pulled pork sandwich and liked it. Certainly not the fanciest place in the city but a good spot to grab a quick bite.
(4)Greg Y.
First yelp ever and decided to rate a place that I think is one of the most overrated places in town. Yea they have great beer, but there's great beer all over Philly. The food and dining experience have fallen off quite a bit. Menu hasn't changed in forever and the food is just ok. The duck sandwich is decent. Mussels were salty and not plump.
(2)William Y.
This is a superb restaurant. I had the Ardennes burger, my dining companion had the duck confit salad, and we shared the Ghent mussels. I was rather safe with beers I was familiar with (but not too familiar with), Russian River Damnation and Delirium Tremens. She had a succession of very different Belgian beers, including one [fermented?] in a Scotch casket that was very different and interesting. The service at the bar was unobtrusive and helpful. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Z D.
I took my girlfriend to Monk's on Friday night and I am completely appalled by the rude service and illogical thought-process that went into it. The standing bar-area was completely packed, except for 2 seats near the bar-keepers entrance and there are at least 6 or 7 open tables. We sat down at the bar and the bartender said "we're going to be walking in and out of here all night, you may want to move down." Well there was no more room to move down. So we move to a table with our drinks and we were immediately told by a waitress that we couldn't sit there because it was for "full dining." We didn't even get asked "are you guys interested in full dining?" We were just told to move like children and the word "sorry" was never a part of the exchange. Now I could understand if there were people waiting to eat and reservations out the wazoo - but this was MIDNIGHT and there's 6 or 7 tables open! Instead of forcing us to down our drinks and leave, why weren't we offered the table (we would have stayed and ordered many drinks.) If the tables filled up, we could have THEN been asked to move. *IF YOU ARE THE OWNER OR HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THIS PLACE, YOU SHOULD BE HEAVILY ALARMED AND TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. I'M AN ENTREPRENEUR AND MARKETING DIRECTOR - THIS WOULD NEVER FLY IN ANY VENTURE I ASSOCIATED MYSELF WITH. PRO TIP - FIRE THE RUDE CHILDREN YOU HAVE PRANCING AROUND AND HIRE SOMEONE WITH ETHICS AND HONOR. Here's a slogan for you to sum up my experience: "I went here on a whim just to find out how disappointing it is."
(1)Alex S.
Monks: great beer list, yes. Great beer shop around the corner, Food & Friends or Foodery, yes. Monks: delicious mussels, yes. Equally delicious mussels at Eulogy, yes. Monks: WORST SERVICE IN PHILADELPHIA, which is saying something, YES. -Have had several occasions where parties that came in after me, of the same size as mine, were seated before me during a 40-90 minute wait. I worked in service, I know how seating goes. This was blatant seating of friends. This has happened to friends of mine where the bartender said "it's like the godfather here, you have to know people". No it's not. It's a pretentious bar in a city full of great bars with equally impressive offerings that would love to have my money. -Waitress circled the tip part of my check like i wasn't going to tip! I have never in my life seen anything that tactless and insulting. Why do i keep going back? Because, I don't want to believe service can be that bad. But I go back, 1.5-2 years after each previous encounter and always leave feeling violated, robbed of my money and estranged by servers that treat you like you're the lucky one to be in there spending money. Ok, the beer list, the beer list - listen, you are in Philadelphia, there are so many phenomenal beer lists around it could make your head explode. Honestly, it's not all it's hyped up to be and not worth your time. Perhaps karma is why a septa bus ran into the front window a few years ago? (Just another reason not to go)
(1)Steve W.
If you're looking for Mussels and Belgium beer, Monk's is the place to go. I had them in the Thai curry broth which was fantastic with just right amount of spice. They come with a nice small piece of dense country style bread and fries (which I'll comment more on below). My wife had the mussels in the Provence broth which was more traditional and very good as well. There are at least 8 different options here, can't wait to try the rest! The portion size is very generous and at $10, its a bargain. The Belgium beer selection is good and the wait staff knowledgeable enough to offer good recommendations. The interior seating is kind of tight but adds to the pub atmosphere and makes for easy talking to people at other tables or even seated at your same table. Fun. The only knock is, for a place that emphasizes the authentic Belgium everything, i.e. mussels, beer, their French fries are are so off the mark it's amazing. They're spicy, over cooked and the mayo is spiced up as well. Don't get me wrong, tasty but nothing close to what you get in Belgium here. Probably more popular for American tastes, but they should at least offer an option to get "real" pommes frites and mayo with your mussels.
(4)Bob F.
Can't say enough about the beer menu. I'm a big fan of the large selection and always enjoy trying something new. The menu is excellent and the food is always great! Stop in and give it a try.
(5)Scott K.
Good beers. Bummed they don't allow tastings, but I guess that makes sense based on the fact that everyone would be requesting them. Good service too. Looking forward to coming back.
(4)Brad S.
Great beer selection here. I was able to try beers I haven't seen anywhere else. I had the Ghent burger for dinner and it was do r just right. It was quite good.
(4)Abhishek Y.
Summary: Great beer collection (and "beer bible"), good food, okay service, okay cost. Monk's is a little bit further down 16th street than I've been before, but finding myself relatively free on a Sunday afternoon, I wanted to cross-off one of my Philly "bucket-list" restaurants - a list of must-visits before I leave the city. Monk's was there on my list due to recommendations from friends and colleagues, so I figured that a Sunday afternoon was a good a time as any to visit! Took the subway to 15th, and it's a solid 10 minute walk from the station to the place. Once you get there, it's a rather odd entrance which seems more akin to making the place look like it's someone's home. That being said, it sort of adds to the look and feel of the place, in a good way! Inside, it's a rather narrow (but long) place, with the bar right out in the front. Decor-wise, it's nothing to blow you away, but it certainly looks all right. We asked the waitress for suggestions on the food and a beer for my friend, and she seemed to be having a hard time suggesting anything on either front. It didn't seem like she was new, but you never know. Maybe she was just having a bad day...? She did happen to bring over their "beer bible," which is an extensive list of most of the items that they have in their collection. The list runs for several pages, leading me to believe that they have well over 200 different ones in stock at any given time, ranging from 5$ to 140$ (the highest one I happened to see). In addition, they had a nice section at the back of the "bible" regarding different beers and brewing processes. Cool stuff, and fun to read. We ended up getting the chicken wings to start (called the Spanish Flies), and per my standards, all their warnings about how excessively spicy these things were going to be was a bit of a let down. Sure - it's going to be spicy for some, and it really depends person-person, but I didn't feel that it was too off-the-wall. For mains, my friend went with the chicken breast burger and I went with the vegan burger. They have a bunch of different styles for the burgers (mostly named after different cities located around Bruxelles - nice cultural touch), which all seemed to look rather good. We both went with the Ghent, which is sauteed broccoli rabe (w/ garlic) & cheddar on the waitress' suggestion (one of her few contributions to the meal). The wings came out in 4-5 minutes, and the burgers shortly after we finished with the wings. The Ghent style topping was a fantastic decision and I highly recommend it. As for the burgers, my friend loved the chicken, and I feel that my vegan burger was one of the best I've had in Philly, bar the Masala Burger from Trader Joe's (definitely try it if you haven't done that before). The check took around 10 minutes to come out after we requested it, which was a bit surprising since it didn't look to be THAT busy, but either way, I'll give our server the benefit of the doubt here and only dock a single star from the review. All in all, a fun place to visit with friends and not terribly expensive. All in all, came out to be ~45 including tip for 2 people.
(4)Howard R.
Solid food and great beers!
(4)Logan Lynn R.
There is nothing like drinking Delirium Tremens, starting with the Frog Legs & finishing with a Monk's Burger that melts in your mouth. Make sure to get extra fries, you'll thank me. It's always busy but never annoyingly so. A fantastic Philly staple.
(5)Ben W.
Great atmosphere and superb beer list.
(4)Daniel T.
Great dive destination in Center city Philly. Grab a beer and some mussels and frites for a nice wind down from the day.
(3)Steven D.
I love coming to Philly. As a Belgian living on the West coast near SF, I'm spoiled with good food and drink choices. That said, when I come to Philly I love exploring new restaurants. This time, I came to Monk's with a colleague who totally loves this place and used to live around the corner. Little did she know that I'm Belgian. One of the last times I was in Philly I had tried Eulogy Tavern, a sister restaurant to this place. Long story short: great and friendly service, a huge selection of Belgian beers, excellent mussels...what more can you ask for. The fries are good but I have to say not quite belgian enough. Too salty. And they come with a funky mayo sauce. But overall, I am going to rate this place 5 stars. Its a hole in the wall with a ton of character. Go check it out!!
(5)Howie A.
It is Belgium Beer heaven !
(5)Brandon M.
Five stars for the beer list alone. You won't find one with such an extensive offering of Belgians...anywhere outside Europe, to my knowledge. That said, Monk's does charge a premium and is missing a few notable American and Canadian craft brews, but you don't come to Monk's for American and Canadian beer. The food here is quite good. The veal cheeks, mussels and chicken fingers are all excellent. Hamburgers are decent and the fries -- small, crispy, and served with a spicy mayo -- are the best in the city (mostly because of the addicting spicy mayo). Overall, I've had better pub grub elsewhere, but this does the trick when you're loading up on 10% abv Trappist brews. Service can be spotty and the place itself can get really crowded, and extremely hot in the summer. I try to sit in the back area, which is usually less crowded and a little quieter. Coveted bar seats are hard to come by at peak hours, which is to say 10pm onwards on weekends. If you're not into beer, I have to say there's no point in coming here unless you really like the place for some reason. There are many better bars, with better drinks, better food and better spaces. But if you like and can appreciate a good beer, I can't think of anywhere else to go. (Okay, Eulogy is a pretty good substitute.)
(5)Cherie C.
How did I forget to yelp Monk's? They have an extensive menu of Belgian ales. They take their beer seriously, so don't come looking for PBR. Even if you aren't a beer fan, they can probably recommend something that will make you give beer a second chance. Great place to take beer connoisseurs and foodies. The Belgian food menu is delicious. The mussels are legendary and come with your choice of flavorful broths. Monk's is not cheap, but it's definitely worth the extra dollars. it's not extravagant--just a bit more than my budget will allow for a regular hangout. Vegetarians will be pleased to know that they have more than just veggie burgers for them. The chef offers veggie fare that is more than just an afterthought. Expect to wait for a table at dinner. Even on weekdays, this small place can get packed.
(4)Lily G.
I love this bar. They have great food and a huge selection of belgium beer. It's always a great place to take out of town visitors because they have something for everyone on the menu - beer and food! Even vegetarians! The desserts are pretty fantastic, too. The waitstaff were all very friendly.
(4)Lorac L.
mussels mussels and more mussels with hot fries and beer, though i am not a big fan of beer, but what the heck, when you are in monk, you got to have mussels with beer! Been here few times and always have to wait for a table, from 30mins to an hour but worth the wait.
(4)Will T.
Founder's Kentucky Breakfast Stout? Yes, please. I would give Monk's 5/5 just for carrying this beer (although for a limited time) and the fact the food is great certainly doesn't hurt. I normally go with the Mussels as they are a great deal at $10 for a decent size pot. I like the Monk's , Brussels, and Flemish seasoning. Their burgers are also pretty good, with a wide variety of toppings. Oh, and the fries are delish dipped in the jalapeno mayo! But anyway, back to the beer. I'd recommend any of the Russian River, Monk's private label, or any of the Founder's that might happen to have. Either way, you can't go wrong!
(5)Celia S.
GREAT beer. Lots of options on tap and tons of bottles. If you are into "girly" drinks they have lambic's and cider type things that are quite good. The servers are usually knowledgeable about the beers which is a good thing because they are usually pretty complex flavors and just a huge selection. They have some pretty great food... vegetarian friendly with their vegan burgers. I really like their salade nicoise. Their Pomme Frites are a bit salty... at least they were when I was there. Slightly on the pricey side if you are looking for a low key beer joint but the beers on tap range from about 6.50 - 9.00 but its a smallish glass. Then again, these are not your typical Sam Adams or Guiness.
(5)K H.
As a patron who spent over $60 by myself, I find this place to be very overpriced and unsatisfactory. Go to Tria or another nice bar that I have not tried yet in Philly. You'll enjoy better food, better service, and much better value for the beers and food. The bartender poured an expensive beer for me with 1/3 head. That's ridiculous. I'm ashamed of myself for not complaining.
(2)Kathryn M.
Great food, so so bar. I know I am going to be torn to pieces for this review, but i didn't particularly like the bar. The beer was a bit overpriced, the selection was good but seemed to stay to a particular style and the bar area is brutally crowded every time I attempt to get in here. Never bring a crowd (there is absolutely no room for you to wait for a table) and be sure you aren't in any rush!
(3)Mark A.
This is the 88th review of Monk's Cafe, so how can I add anything new? How about the fact that if this is such a great beer place with an awesome selection, how come I can't get a Schaefer? It's the one beer to have when you're having more than one, for God's sake! We had a 45 minute wait, which is typical on a Friday evening. We ordered a few beers from the front bar and the guy bartender was a real tool. We know it's crazy busy and my wife and I tend to become opaque, even invisible. No one pays attention to us. So,since we're lushes and all hungry and shit, we got a bit pushy to get a drink before our 45 minute wait was up. Boy, did we got major attitude; and that's after waiting ten minutes for them to acknowledge us. $9.00 for a non-Schaefer beer and we need that horseshit? Well, we got a table and our waitress wasn't much cheerier. Not that you have to be all smiles, but a non-scowly server is always appreciated by the "opaque ones". Food was less than stellar. It used to be better but the mussels were "feh". Chic's in Bridgeport is loads better. Does it still have a nice vibe and great Belgian ale selection? Absolutely. But a little less attitude will take places miles with my wife and I. And don't get me started about their lack of Meister Brau. I mean, it's like the best import ever...and they don't have it? Some "beer" palace this place is.
(3)Quinn V.
rude rude rude, we travel a lot and there are so many places in Philadelphia to have a great dinner and beers. These people could care less about anything and whats more is they care more about causing you problems than they do about making sure you come back. Since we stepped foot in the door they gave us a hard time... many places in philly will open the door to you like you are family dont waste your time with people like Tom and his coworkers. Go see Frank and Bobbie at Pesce's or le beque fin, or if your in for a nice night Tria on 18th they will make you feel like they actually care if you do your business there
(1)Paul W.
Monks versus Eulogy. Who will win the battle of the Belgium Beer Bars? French Fries: I prefer the thin cut crispy goodness of the Monks fries to the twice fried steak-fries at Eulogy. Both come with delicious spicy mayo. (Point goes to Monks) Moules (mussels): Both "House" recipes are delicious. The portions at Monk's seemed a bit bigger and the mussels more tender but in terms of flavor the Eulogy mussels outshined their cross town competitor competitor. (Point goes to Eulogy) Atmosphere: Both are dark and crowded and have that European feel. The crowd at Monks is a bit more touristy and at Eulogy you get the "underage vibe" at times due to it's proximity to the college drinking mecca that is Mad River. (Point goes to neither) Verdict: Tie. Go to both and decide yourself...
(4)Emily A.
Holy Shit- what happened to this place?!!!! I think that Fergie needs to get his ass in here more often- cause whoa' nelly has the service gone way downhill!!!!!!! I hadn't been there in awhile, and granted it was a Friday night- but the bartender muttered something about wishing he had a bazooka after I asked him a question about one of the beers. Nice. So,I agree 110% with what Marissa said about this place... "If you are going to be an emporium of belgium beers then your staff should know enough about the beer to make a thoughtful recommendation." I also know my beers, but did not know about one of the sours they had on draft. Well fuck me- I may as well have asked this guy if I could punch him in the face, cause his face was horrified when I asked for a tasting. Now, for a $9 draft that I had never heard of- I couldn't even try a shot? That is downright greedy Fergie. I agree that the beer selection is AMAZING, but the food was really underwhelming; with shitty service I won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)Chris R.
Great beer, great mussels, great fries....do you really need more detail? OK, fine....beer - while they focus on Belgians (and do a great job at that), the selection is much wider...check out their website. The staff is also pretty knowledgeable, which is nice. The mussels and fries are very good - order a couple different pots (fires come with) and share and enjoy. Oh, come early. Either early enough to get a table right away - we got there before 6 on a Friday and got seated immediately, but it was filling up as we left - or build the time you'll spend at the bar enjoying the beer prior to getting a seat into your plans.
(4)Colleen D.
I had been here a few times before for a drink but this past Friday evening, I finally decided to go there to eat with a girlfriend after hearing from others that they have great food. Boy was I disappointed. First of all, when we walked in the place was packed, there was no where to go or stand, and the servers that walked by were rude and acted like we were so annoying for even standing there. When we asked the hostess if we could change it to 3 of us as a friend would like to join, the host gave us a big sigh as if we were burdening him from his 10$/hour stand there like I'm important but I don't do shit job" then refused to seat us until our third friend came. Now I expect this from maybe a fine dining establishment, but from a pub? I'm sorry Monk's but you're not that special. While we waited, I tried to to order a cider for my friend who has a gluten allergy. We were told that they only had one kind, a 25 oz $16 bottle and when we said no thanks, the bartender acted like it was a a huge burden to put it back in the fridge. This might come as a shock to you Monk's that most people don't want to spend $16 on a beer. The only saving grace about this place was our server, a middle-aged man, maybe early 40s, who was very attentive and friendly. He brought out our $8.50 burgers, not a bad price, I thought - until it came out with nothing, and i mean nothing on it. no onion. no tomato. and two of the tiniest spring leaves of lettuce i have ever seen. Talk about CHEAP. They don't even give you fries. That's another $5 if you want those. I actually had to ask for the traditional toppings (LTO) that to me are just a given. And the annoying server who walks around in thick dark glasses came by our table 3 times to ask us if we were done paying our bill - god forbid if we sit and chat for five more minutes after we scarfed down our mediocre burgers. In a city with so many great places to eat and drink, I will not be coming back to Monk's. Monk's should take a few notes from Silk City - great food, great service, great atmosphere, great portions, fair prices
(1)Darin P.
Belgium beer bar...nothing else needs to be sed
(4)Jeffrey M.
The mussels with blue cheese and bacon and leeks and some other stuff are smashing. The sweet little birds flittin around to sit or serve ya will drive you silly and wanting to pull your wanker out and see whats what you know
(4)Rachel F.
Monk's, in my opinion, is actually kinda overrated. I got really excited when people said '"beer list a mile long!" and "biggest selection anywhere!" However, I find the beer list completely overwhelming and the service not geared to helping customers throuhg the selection. Monk's is also annoyingly strict about seating: make sure you have all members of your party with you, or they won't seat you. Its almost always crowded and noisy, so don't look forward to some quiet conversation. All that said, they have delirium tremens (delicious....) and good fries, so I'm willing to forgive some of the sins.
(2)Liz G.
Based on a hotel magazine recommendation (how good can those really be?) and some stellar yelp reviews (go yelp!), I decided to get dinner at Monk's while in town for work. Everything I had read was true, the scallops and mussels were amazing. The scallops had this mustardy, garlicy sauce fit perfectly with the fresh scallops. The mussels were plentiful and the largest I had had in a while (if there are mussels on a menu, I will most likely order them). There were many broths/ sauces to choose from so everyone can have them how they like. I hate the red light mussels which were in a wheat beer broth that had an amazing spice to it on the back end. Summary of the food: great portions, excellent seafood. On to the beer - Monk's has hundreds of beer to choose from. So many that when you ask for the 'beer list' they hand you the 'beer bible'. I am a lover of draft beer and between the 2 bars (front and back) they had about 20 beers on draft. I tried 3 and they were all unique and delicious. The strangest being a cross between a belgium triple and an american IPA. Looked and smelled like a beligum wheat but finished like an IPA. Strange and delicious. It was crowded when we entered but the 15 minutes we were quoted to a table ended being only about 10. I went to Monk's as a beer lover but ended up just as impressed with the food. Go here, now.
(5)valerie v.
Went for the first time for less than 2 minutes l and we had to leave... Got an attitude as soon we wanted to have a differente table than the only one pointed to us in the corner... On Friday night the place wasn't crowded and we could have easely be seated elsewhere... But they started to have an attitude we decided to just leave the place and don't let them waste our time and evening... Went to an another pub few blocks down and it was fantatstic... I usualy don't trash places and prefer silence to gossip but this one seams to make their reputation by themselves... Too bad menu looked good....
(1)Lynne B.
This place is great. My favorites: steak frites salad or the flemish mussels. You can pretty much count on waiting forever for a table on the weekends. Go on a weeknight instead and you'll be fine.
(4)Chris B.
Where else can you get moules & frites (fries cut smaller and crispier than the plank-style frites at other Belgian places), rack of lamb, and grilled octopus at the stroke of midnight, all served with nearly whatever beer your heart desires? OK, I'm majorly biased about Monk's...before Monks I was a Belgian pub virgin. I visited this place years ago on a vacation, had a great time pouring over the menu a.k.a. "Bible" and have been sending people there since. This place was so legendary among my beer circle below the Mason-Dixon that when I brought back a purloined copy of their menu it was a subject of intense study to my friends, like a Shakespeare manuscript. Of course, as a kid I used to read the dictionary for fun. {BTW...you need to PAY for these if you want a souvenir...thanks for pointing that out KB!} I prefer the cozy setting of the back bar to the bustle of the front bar...head back there to settle in. A great restaurant for contemplative beer worship or chummy conversations with friends.
(5)Patricia S.
So I was in Philly this past weekend, hanging out with a college buddy. He has a penchant ... er, OBSESSION with belgian beers, so we decided to eat lunch at Monk's. Let me just start off by saying that their "Beer Bible" is completely amazing and mindblowing. I was too hungover from the night before to imbibe, but apparently my friend was not and ordered some kind of sour beer, a Monk's home brew. I tried a few sips and it was delicious! Sour beer?!?? Who woulda thunk it? For an appetizer we ordered some kind of scallions that were tender and delicious. For my meal, I opted for the pulled pork sandwich and he got the salmon. My sandwich arrived looking entirely too big to fit in my stomach (in the best way possible), and it came with a basket of fries that we joked might have been sprinkled with crack. Cuz they were so good. The service was a little spotty, but since it was my 1st time there, I am going to chalk it up to the large table sitting next to us filled with HUMONGOUS men with mustaches drinking large quantities of beer. There were maybe like 12 of them. It looked like the waitress had her hands full. They actually looked very much like the clientele I would have expected from a place like Monk's (also in the best way possible). All in all, a great time. I just wish I hadn't been so hungover :P
(4)christy c.
This bar is amazing for beer and for a bar atmosphere (go to the back!) Unfortunately, someone told us to come here because the vegetarian food is "really good"... I beg to differ. We got a veggie burger (nothing spectacular) and the "Phllly Cheesesteak" (recommendation of our waitress because she advised AGAINST the meatloaf.) Okay, so the Philly Cheesesteak (fake, obviously) sandwich was not bad...it was tasty, but pretty greasy. I mean, anything sliced thin and cooked in that much grease? If it's NOT good? That's kinda bad. Stick to beers and you'll be ecstatic...Eat elsewhere as Philly has a ridiculous amount of vegetarian restaurant options :).
(4)Joey M.
Perusing through the "Beer Bible" I discovered the owner of the restaurant was "knighted" in Belgium for beer making. I'm not sure if I really read this or if this was a beer induced fantasy. Regardless if I ever met the owner of Monk's Cafe, he would certainly be my knight in shining armor. First, let's start with the beer selection which is close to infinite. Though they specialize in Belgian beer with some of the best beers I've ever had, they also have quite a selection from other countries. My favorite's are the geuze's, which to me taste like sweet tarts. The awesome thing about geuze's are that each batch is different because of the wild fermenting process. The selection let's you figure out what you love. Next the food. I have yet to find something I dislike on the menu. All the mussel varieties are fantastic and many of them are cooked with their very own beer. The Thai Curry variety seem to be made with some kind of red curry and once the mussels are finished I always take one of the mussel shells and sip on the broth. The Abbot's burger or chicken breast is fantastic. It has the perfect amount of boursin and sprouts... so simple. Spanish flies are for spice lovers. Though the place is crowded you get a varied crowd from old Philadelphians (if that's a term), to tourists, to local young professionals and college kids. The ambiance is perfect, not to pretentious and not too divey. Go there and enjoy.
(5)Margaret T.
This. Place. Rocks. The beer selection is VERY amaze [sic]! Like 100s of bottled beers including some really rare choices on top of almost two dozen beers on tap. I heard they're one of the only places on the east coast with Russian River Brewing Co. beers on tap including the super tasty Blind Pig IPA. They also have their own sour beer on tap! woo! When you walk in, it looks insanely crowded. Just stroll in like you own the place and keep heading towards the back to the...SECOND BAR! Yes, this bar will also be crowded but slightly less so. The bartenders are busy but really knowledgeable and will help you navigate the impressive selection. As impressive as their beer selection is, you really must also try the food! We had an order of their mussels and fries along with a few other dishes. They were ALL amazing. So, in closing: 1. Very amaze beer selection 2. Bartenders super nice and beer-geekalicious 3. Food that: a. goes well with the drinks b. you don't have to be drunk to enjoy Go here. Like, NOW. You're welcome.
(5)Jose R.
I recently visited Monks to celebrate my wedding anniversary with my wife and must say I was pleasantly pleased with the food, level of service, and most of all the selection of premium beer. Me and my wife enjoy craft beer and love tasting new and exciting food. This place had everything we were looking for. My experience started with somewhat of a wait to get seated but seeing that this place is downtown and it was a Friday night it's to be expected. We both grabbed a seat at the bar while we waited for a table and looked over the massive selections of beer that were available. Neither of us are experts on craft beer and really were a bit overwhelmed with the selection. The bartender was more than helpful giving us great detail on each beer and what to expect. Very courteous of him considering he took time out from a busy Friday night to help us out. When we got seated we ordered the mussels ghent. A tall Allagash Tripel to split. Wife had a duck salad and I settled for the burger. I can't think of anything that was wrong with the food. Our waitress was very nice, the food arrived timely and hot, and everything had an amazing flavor. Now you may be asking why I gave this place a 4 out of 5. Well the reason for that is ultimately because of the cramped space of the seating area. When ever I adjusted my seat I was either hitting the wall to my right or hitting the guy sitting behind me. (If your reading this, I'm sorry again!) Monks is a place the I will definetly be visiting again and will definetly be telling all my friends about.
(4)Lili W.
I called Monks from 2 blocks away, I was told there was no wait and that I'd be seated right away. I showed up in slightly less than 3 minutes only to find that the wait was at least 30 mins long with 6 parties ahead of me. C'mon brah, honesty is the best policy.
(1)Ningxi X.
The Monk's and red light mussels were good, and all the mussel entrees come with a piece of bread, fries, and Monk's house-made mayonnaise. The beer menu is gigantic and for sale if you're interested. I had the glass of riesling instead and it was great. The downside of no reservations is you may have to wait a while to get a table when the place's busy. We came on Saturday evening and had a half hour wait. However, when we finally got our table it took probably over ten minutes to get any service. Our hungry friend had to leave the table and hunt down a server so we could get our orders in. Once the process got rolling, though, the drinks and food came reasonably quickly. The Spanish flies were pretty spicy, but delicious. I liked red light mussels better than Monk's, which seemed to be blander. Each serving is about 1.5 pounds and definitely the size of a full meal with the fries and bread to soak up the broth. I would come back.
(4)Jessie H.
I was going to rate this 3 but then I remembered I've been here 3 times so it probably deserved a 4. I like the mussels and fries but the mussels are a bit watered down so the flavor is kind of hard to taste, still good though. The fries are delicious!!! I love the sauce they give you to dip (it has a spicy kick to it). Excellent beer selection. This is a great dinner spot to meet and catch up with friends! It wasn't that quiet but still quiet enough to have a conversation with people. Next time I come here I will try something else. My friend loved her burger. This is a good place to meet up, grab a bite and some drinks then head out for a night out in the city. I would not recommend coming here in large groups. It is pretty hard to get seated already. There's always a line. I came here on Sat and waited 90 min before I was seated (we had a group of 5). We squeezed in a booth.
(4)Justin L.
Monk's Cafe is one of the very best beer bars I've ever gone to. Consistently ranked among the top in the country, they have the awards, crowds and raves to prove it. The place plays up the monastery motif as you can expect. Service when I was there was friendly and knowledgeable but also a bit rushed; given the layout of the place with multiple tap locations I'm not surprised. The taps themselves live up to the hype. I got to try Pliny the Elder for the first time, and stuck with Russian River for the 2nd round as well with Damnation (think Duvel). There was a lot else worth trying on the list though; if I wasn't there for business I could've stayed there all night "exploring". The bottle selection was as good as I've seen anywhere although a bit pricey as you could expect. I tried to snag a bottle of Firestone Walker PNC, but alas they had run out. Not that there weren't other options if I really wanted something though (probably 10-15 comparable options). A place like this could just hang its hat on the beer and call it a day. But what I didn't expect here was that the food would be as good as it was. Smelling my business associate's grilled scallops appetizer drove me crazy to the point that I asked him for some. The scallop was perfectly seared and cooked just right; it came in a light butter sauce that suited it perfectly. The pots of mussels coming out looked great but I'm glad I passed. The burger I got was awesome. I had been craving a blue cheese burger for weeks and this absolutely hit the spot. It was also cooked to a perfect medium rare as requested, with a very good bun. The fries were perfectly crisp and they came as a huge portion. All in all not only did I enjoy the meal, but it was one of the best I had last year.
(5)Kellie K.
Not much else needs to be said about this place since it has 1,000+ reviews, but this has been the fella's Holy Grail of beer bars he's been trying to get to. I'm pretty sure "unbridled joy" is an understatement for how he felt sitting at the bar. They have amazing, super rare beers on tap and in the bottle. I say this as a non-beer lover, but if you can't find something to drink here that you love, you're doing it wrong. The atmosphere is dark, but it doesn't feel seedy. The music was fun and funky, and our bartender was awesome - she didn't even seem annoyed with all the pictures I was taking. It's a good thing we got there early (around 4:00 on a Thursday) because the place was chocked full about an hour later.
(5)Diana L.
This place was awesome! Highly recommend it! Great for the regular folk and vegetarian friends! ****FOOD*** 1) Mussels and Frites: Deciding which mussels to get is the first step. They have ~5 different kinds. I chose the Ghent mussels (Saison dupont, fume, parsley, caramelized leeks, bacon, bleu cheese & garlic). I was hesitant at first because I don't like bleu cheese, however, it blends nicely into the mixture and you don't taste the actual bleu cheese-just adds more depth of flavor! Also the amount of mussels! WOW. I was impressed. Coming from Boston, I rarely get that many mussels for this price. The frites were good as well. I would have preferred crispier/less oily fries but still enjoyed them. 2) Seitan Cheese Steak My friend got this vegetarian sandwich (seitan -wheat meat- sauteed with onions and mushrooms; served on a long roll and topped with st. nectaire cheese). I've never heard of seitan before but it actually looked like a steak sandwich!!! She really enjoyed it! ***BEER*** They have a ridiculous beer selection (300 bottles and ~12 draft). I was a little overwhelmed by the selection and told her I like wheat beers so she recommended the Allagash White. Loved it and the price ($5). ***SERVICE/PLACE*** Our waitress was awesome! Super friendly and helpful. As for the place: there is the initial bar and seating area, then a long corridor that opens into another room with its own bar. Orange, toasty, woody, and warm throughout! This was an awesome first dinner to start of the week!
(5)Lindsay H.
I would have given this place a much better review if it wasn't for the terrible service I received. The food was good and the menu was unique. The atmosphere was also great for relaxing with friends. My complaints stem from the response we received when we indicated the beer we were served had gone bad. Normally, I will not send food or drinks back but the beer was straight up rotted. It smelled like horse manure. The waitress didn't seem concerned and was not very willing to take the beers back. She even agreed they smelled bad. At any other restaurant the costumer is always right but they didn't take the beer off the bill at this place. It was just poor costumer service!
(2)William R.
If you want a great beer selection and good food, this is the place to be. But make no mistake, it's a very busy place so seating will come at a premium. I ended up waiting over 30 minutes for a bar seat, but once I was seated the bartender was accommodating and I ended up having a good time. My only gripe is that the website wasn't updated properly and the beers I saw online was not available at the bar. Now I understand that beers can tap out pretty quickly, but one beer I wanted that was showing as available was "up next". Not a big deal, just something to be careful of.
(4)Geraldine U.
I finally came here after so long! And I will say that it lived up to the hype. I came for the mussels and burgers, so that's what I got. The mussels were fantastic. $16 for a large bowl of mussels, which was easily shared by 3 people, is not a bad deal. We got the DeKoninck mussels, which had a flavorful savory taste and a little bit of sweet snuck in there with the apples. We also tried the Antwerp burger and the duck salad sandwich. The burger was juicy, tender and packed with rich flavor. The duck salad sandwich was a good balance between sweet and savory. The juicy pieces of duck were pleasantly mixed with cranberries and walnuts. I just wish there was more duck to the dish - but I guess, you can never have enough duck.
(4)Rae C.
I legitimately believe I ate the most delicious thing I have EVER eaten in my life here. I ordered the caramelized leek and olive tart, and after the first bite I tried to eat as slowly as possible to enjoy every last morsel of that meal. I have been Googling in earnest to find a recipe that might even compare to the glory that their tart introduced to my taste buds. Outside of the best meal ever, I loved this bar. Teeny tiny, somewhat off the beaten track, dark, and populated by respectful adults and a quirky beer menu, I was in heaven. Beer options abound. Don't be fooled, as I was, by the draught menu. The booklet that accompanies it, which also quotes All About Beer Magazine saying this is one of the "Top 5 Places in the World to Have a Beer," has a ton of additional options as well as some informational material about different styles of beer. The bartender was polite and kind, the people sitting at the bar were polite and kind, and in general it felt like your local neighborhood bar, that is, if your local neighborhood bar had the best food in the world and a bajillion beer choices.
(5)Sumita R.
Came here for lunch during a work day so I couldn't try any of the beers. I had the fries which come with a flavorful mayo. Then the cheesesteak with seitan. Even though I am vegetarian, I had never had seitan before. It was really delicious! Much better than I expected and mixed with onions mushrooms and some French cheese. I actually wish the bread was toasted with some melted cheese on top, but it was still good. Can't wait to come back and try the beers! They seem to have a huge selection!
(4)Rob W.
Impressive place - the beer options are almost overwhelming in their breadth and diversity. Seriously, I think it took a good 10 minutes to peruse their beer bible and settle on a beer each time. You can tell the beer selection is well thought out, and they take great care to serve each style in the proper glass. The space is excellent - dark yet welcoming, as a bar should be. The food selection is quite excellent (and takes advantage where they can of their excellent beer options, such as mussels steamed in Saison Dupont). The burgers are equally inspired (sautéed broccoli rabe and cheddar, boursin and sprouts, caramelized leeks and bleu cheese), and there are excellent and varied vegetarian options, and not just the appetizer dips - someday I'll pass up the mussels or the burgers to try the fascinating-sounding Seitan Cheese Steak... someday. This place is well worth checking out for anyone, and is absolutely essential If you are a fan of craft beers.
(4)Jason C.
I came here with my friend a few months ago. I have heard many wonderful things about Monk's in the past and was happy to find that all of them were true. They have one of the most impressive rare beer menus that I have ever seen with a specialization in Belgians. The beer we got was amazing, and that was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what was available. It can get a bit expensive, but I feel like the beers they sell cost quite a bit in the store to start. Keep in mind that it can get super crowded, and that it's quite a small space, so come early if you have even a slightly larger party. I look forward to coming back during my next romp in Philly.
(5)Michael G.
Only had some mussels/fries and some beer here. The mussels were ok, pretty standard. The beer was Belgian, not much to say about it. I love Belgian beer, but now it's so mainstream that you can go almost anywhere and have very similar beer. So this place doesn't really stand out in any way from any number of other pubs. I'd go back simply because I have friends who like it. But it's really much too busy, uncomfortably so.
(3)Scott P.
I've always had their mussels and they are amazing! A really nice portion that can be shared if you desire. Their beer selection will NOT disappoint!
(5)Alisa W.
It's always crowded, no matter what. Super tiny and cramped inside, but don't let that stop you from going. Great beer selection, and typical, hearty pub food, and the Monk-famous steamed mussels. Great place overall
(4)Kered N.
Sat in the way, way, back room with no windows. Couldn't decide what beer on tap to order...would have been nice to taste at least one but that was not offered. Decided on the Chimay which was good but would have been fun to try something new. Ordered the mussels and fries. The mussels were plentiful and good but was disappointed with the broth, not very flavorful and with all the mussels on the top couldn't even get to it :(. The fries were old and soggy. Gosh I have had such good food and beer at Monk's in the past I hope that things aren't changing. My wait staff was not rude but I got the feeling he wasn't that easy going either.
(3)Eric C.
Good beer selection, however the sever was not knowledgeable at all in the beers that they carry, so you have to do your homework to get what you want. I ended up sticking with Pliny the Elder. Also, even though there were open tables towards the front in the air conditioning, they crammed us with as many people as could fit in the back room. Not all that impressed.
(2)Sneha K.
I came here with a couple of friends on a Friday night. The place was packed, including the back room! It was also sort of narrow and hard to walk through the place. I only came here for drinks, which were alright, but the mussels from the nearest table smelled amazing! I hope to come back here for food someday but for now, I thought the brews I tried were so-so and the place was way too crowded.
(3)Hank S.
I took my brother-in-law here for a couple pints and some frittes. Monk's is billed as the best beer bar in Philadelphia, and in many ways it deserves that title. Monk's maintains a strong line of Belgian beers. It's their cornerstone. They also branch out into some of the more high-end craft brews. Their beer books have taken quite a beating over the years. We tried the Russian River Damnation, Pliny the Elder, and the Lost Abbey anniversary. Great beers. Make no mistake, you will pay for these beers. The Frittes were a nice bar snack, but I can't say they were special. I want to come back and try the regular menu. Word of warning, Monk's gets very crowded during the weekend, so choose wisely.
(5)Joseph D.
As far as beer is concerned, this is as good as it gets. However, either the food is simply uninspiring or we caught an off day. Perhaps their good chefs take Sundays off. First, lets talk about the beer. While my party enjoyed the Chimay Triple on tap and stuck with that, please note that there are about a dozen draft beers here. But they have a beer bible that includes hundreds of bottled beer selections from all over Europe. If you are not a beer drinker, you don't belong here. While the beer is a hit, our food was a bit disappointing. We had the Brussels Mussels which were a bit too sandy. While you may expect some sand to be in your mussels, I feel they could have rinsed them way better. The mussels themselves were okay. It's a shame because many people rave about the mussels here. But I just don't see what that hype is about. While the mussels sucked, the Pomme Frites, hand cut fries were excellent. They were great tasting, nice and crispy, and thinly cut. My wife and mom ordered the duck salad sandwich. The duck lacked flavor as the skin was a bit charred and left them with a bitter aftertaste. Therefore, the service and beer is the saving grace of Monk's. My server was attentive from start to finish and it would be unjust to blame her for the shortcomings of the kitchen. The beer list is endless and they also have rare Belgian beers you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere in the U.S.
(3)kevin c.
Have been wanting to try this place for a while. Very busy, small place with excellent beers and great food. Mussels with many different sauces were good. Burgers are great! They are simple and well done. Beer selection is some of the best I have seen anywhere. Draft selection is quality and the bottles selection vast. They have some very hard to find (in the east) beers. It is crowded seating, but that is to be expected considering the places size. Service was good. One of the top beer destinations in the US.
(5)Ada C.
We topped our pub crawl up here with Rusty Nails and some bar food to soak it up. The wings were tasty and the french fries were great. I really enjoyed it. The bar was packed so not ideal for large parties but it has a great atmosphere!
(4)Alyse H.
I stopped by Monk's café after reading reviews and seeing pictures of lucky bastards downing pints of Russian River beers on Yelp. I was on a trip for work, so I went by myself. I was seated at a table surrounded by 3 large groups of loud people. Apparently because I wasn't loud and annoying, no one found it imperative to acknowledge me for at least 15 minutes. Despite this, I was already incredibly bummed and annoyed to see that both Russian River beers they had on tap were tapped out! On a Saturday afternoon!! What are you gonna serve the masses on Saturday night? So I finally ordered my duck salad sandwich and it came in a reasonable amount of time. This was the highlight of my visit to Monk's. The duck was cooked perfectly, the bread soft and chewy, and a hearty spread of goat cheese made it hard for me to not devour this sandwich at break-neck speed. Overall, service and tap beer selection was very disappointing. I would come back for the food if I was feeling extremely patient.
(3)Ben T.
Legendary brews. I am warming up recently to Belgian Beers and this was a good place to start. It appears Russian River is distributed here quite often which is always good for beer connoisseurs. It was suggested to come here through untappd so I knew it had to be good. Let's just say if I lived closer I would probably become a regular. Loved their beer selections obviously. Loads of exceptional rare finds. From what I could tell the food looked delicious but let's face it, it's the beer you want. One visit was not enough!
(4)Zeb M.
Amazing beer bar. This place crushes the Hopleaf in Chicago. The mussels are good, but I think the mussels were actually larger 10 years ago. They are not wild caught, but not much is nowadays, sigh.
(4)Michael M.
This place sucks. The hostess isn't familiar with Saturday as I was unreliably informed the wait would be 30 to 40 minutes. I've been here for over an hour and thirty minutes so I think a single star is generous! Several guests that arrived after me got a table so I guess I'm not 'on the list'. Seated and food came out promptly; what a Belgian beer buzz kill :( McDonalds fries are crispier with less grease (but the mayo is good). It's a Monday-Wednesday place, otherwise avoid!!!
(1)Peter N.
This is a serious place for craft beer .Take advantage of their "back of the bar" beer selections. They had rare beers that are kept in kegs at the back of the bar. Some of them were Russian river blind pig and Pliny the elder just to mention a few. Jude, the bar tender, was very cordial and very informative. Especially about the various beers on sale. Monks cafe speciality is mussels,but I had beef cheeks and a burger. The food was phenomenal. Also you can ask for a sample of beer prior to buying. They open at 11:30am and close at 2am.
(4)Andrea F.
I'll give this generally the same review I gave its sister restaurant, Belgian Café. Beer list is obviously impressive, but the food leaves little to be desired. Crunchy pomme frites are tasty and addicting and the appetizers are pretty solid, but the portions and flavor of the bigger dishes are underwhelming, especially for the burgers. A guest I was with said the burger tasted dirty and having had the burger from both Monk's and Belgian Café, I can attest to that. The bun is soggy and can't hold up to the toppings, and the beef doesn't look or taste fresh in the least bit. Not worth it at all. I got the duck salad sandwich which is 'award-winning' and while the goat cheese/craisins/baby greens went perfectly together, the duck itself was chewy and I couldn't bite into it without the whole piece falling on to my plate. They seemed overwhelmed and confused during the busy lunch hour and while there were four people, none of us got alcohol so I'd say it's pretty pricy for the quality of the food you get. Overall, I'd still make my way over there if only for a happy hour- dive atmosphere, craft beer, and pomme frites, but that's it.
(3)Mary P.
Coming from the Netherlands, monk's is as good as it gets to feeling home. It's a brown Cafe, amazing selection of beers and the mussels are super fresh. Just a shame it's always so crowded, or I would be here much more often.
(5)Christina H.
Great place for beer, burgers, sandwiches, fries and most important MUSSELS!!!!! I have been many times and keep going back. So happy to have such a yummy, reasonably priced restaurant in philly!
(5)Rachel G.
Mussels. All I can really say is mussels. And a fantastic beer selection (Raspberry Framboise, baby). Honestly, everyone I've brought here has left the restaurant smiling. It's such a gem in Philadelphia! But because of this fact it's usually pretty crowded, although somehow they always get you seated fairly quickly. GO NOW!
(5)Thom Y.
Cane here for drinks. The beer selection is great! Belgian beers are my favorite. Get the Delirium Tremors beer! Bartender service was slow! Good music. (David Bowie, Portishead and Beirut)
(4)Chloe M.
Food is delicious, great burgers, service was pretty good as well. Atmosphere was odd and quirky, not really a cafe but still fun. Most disgusting bathrooms in Philly though, floors caked in pee and very sticky.
(4)Charlie H.
Another voice in favor of the mussels! With gorgonzola, bacon, & something else good.
(5)John S.
The food was good and the service was excellent... until the end of our meal.. Our waiter losing his temper ruined an otherwise pleasant evening. We ordered a caesar salad and were brought a salad with bacon and explained to the waiter that we hadn't seen bacon on the menu (we honestly didn't). He seemingly understood, looked at the original salad and left it on the table before bringing the corrected salad at the very end when we were finished eating. We waited until all the food came out and finally ate the salad when we realized he was leaving it for us. Later we were charged for both. When we asked him about the bill he got angry at us and told us to read the menu. Ultimately this is the fault of the waiter for not clarifying with us that we were being charged for a second salad. It was obvious we were asking for a replacement salad because of the bacon and not ordering a second salad halfway through our meal. Most importantly though, there is a professional boundary in which customers should not be scolded. He made several condescending comments to us. Ultimately this misunderstanding was over a $7.50 salad, a very small part of a much larger bill with two entrees, two appetizers, and multiple drinks. Plus the salad consisted of romaine, cold bacon bits, and bottled ceasar dressing- a very SMALL cost to the restaurant. We tipped above 15% out of courtesy but frankly we shouldn't have. Separately, the food was only so-so. Three stars for the food. Five stars for the beer. Zero stars for this waiter.
(1)Brandon A.
Love Monks whenever I'm back in my hometown of Philly. Maybe it's because I live in Boston now and don't get back to Philly that often, but I'm always crazy impressed with their beer list. Definitely up there for best in the city. I will say the three times I've been to Monks they were out of Pliny the Elder on draft. I understand the cult following so I get it. I love mussels a lot so Monks definitely hits the mark on their offerings. I've tried the Ghent, Brussels, and DeKoninck. I think I like the DeKoninck the best thus far. Portions are solid and they come with crispy frittes with pretty tasty bourbon mayo for dipping. I had a Russian River IPA which was crisp and refreshing. I also enjoyed the Monks' sour ale they have made for them in Belgium. Pretty cool option to have if you like sours which goes fantastic with a pot of the DeKoninck mussels I must say. In the past I've had the frog legs which were tender and unique as well as the Pulled Pork sandwich. Service was a tad bit slow but nothing to complain about. Pretty nice ambiance in terms of Belgian bar feel albeit a bit musty. For sure to return, hold a Pliny for me please!
(4)Zack B.
Certainly an impressive amount of beer on the menu. I'm not too knowledgable about beer but I appreciated that my waitress was able to thoroughly explain them to me. Food was excellent, and I appreciated the unique flavors of each burger. I like a restaurant that's not afraid to offer unusual cheeses or vegetable combinations. Minus one star for atmosphere. The place was lively but the building is old and musty.
(4)N N.
Great beer selections. Good customer service. Delicious food. These are the reasons I come back here.
(4)Charlie J.
I've literally been to 100's of bars since I've turned 21 but this one is definitely my favorite. Eat here drink here and be merry. The mussels are the best I've ever had. I usually get the Ghent mussels. For 10 bucks you can't beat the amount given. Last time I was here, a guy next to me was talking about his pulled pork sandwich as if god himself made it. I plan on trying that next time. Service is outstanding. All the employees are knowledgable and attentive. According to my friend, most have been here for a long time. The best part of this place - the beer selection. They have a beer bible and it's loaded with craft beers. Considering it's a Belgian bar they are also loaded with my guilty pleasure which is sours. The owner has great connections to some of the best Belgian brewers on Earth. I always get lambics and geuzes here but my wallet is never happy with that decision.
(5)Billy T.
Awesome beer selection. But with the amazing selection comes high prices and the food was average. I came here around midnight on a Friday and was pretty happy that the kitchen is open until 1AM. The place is pretty dark and a bit loud. In my opinion, its more of a Bar and Grill than a Cafe. Our waiter was extremely knowledge about the beers they had, which were over 100 different bottled beers. Sadly, my friend had to order 3 different times as they were out of the first couple beers that he choose. Duck Salad - Decent, but nothing special. I wish that the duck was seared more or the fat was allowed to render. It ended up being kind of just chewy when I ate it. The salad was assorted greens and I don't remember tasting any dressing or vinaigrette. Monk's Burger - The bun was soft and chewy, but it was really dry and didn't suck up any moisture from from the patty. But that might have been the burger patty's fault as it was a bit dry. The burger overall didn't come through with any great memorable flavors. Mussels - I really liked the mussels. They had great flavor and was cooked well. The broth that it came out with had a good herb flavor and I enjoyed dipping the bread into the broth. If I'm in the mood for some craft beers, I'd probably come here. But not my first choice for food.
(3)Ron H.
If anyone leaves less than 5 stars, they dont understand what this is supposed to be. Dark room, 300+ different beers. Mussels and broth with good bread to soak up all that flavor, and to keep you there longer to drink more beer. There's no better dark booth to drink with a date at. There no better place to sample so many beers in Philadelphia. Do not judge, just order another bottle of something you've never heard of and enjoy!
(5)Jennifer R.
Really tasty mussels and beer. Our server was very personable and really knew the beer menu. Always nice when a server at place with and extensive beer list can personalize recommendations and even take the time to bring you samples to try. I got a veggie burger when I was here which was pretty tasty! We were impressed with the types of burgers and options. Not too too pricey and had some great charm.
(4)Stephanie S.
For as many times as I've been here, I can't believe I haven't written a review yet! This bar is my favorite Belgain Pub in Philly (yes, it beats Eulogy in Old City, in my opinion). There are 2 full bars (front and back), but this pub is mainly for beer drinkers. There are like 300 bottled beers, some really rare stuff you can't find anywhere else. There's also ever-changing kegs in both front & back bars, so you can go several times and have different beers on tap each time. The food is amazing. The mussels are delicious, several different kinds. The veal cheeks are my favorite, the meat literally melts in your mouth! Never had anything like it before. I've also had the pulled pork, fish, steak, frog legs, burgers, so many dishes and I've loved everything. Never gotten a bad meal here, or bad service. The waiters are all cool as hell, they are very knowledgeable about the beer menu, so ask for suggestions! The bartenders are also wonderful, so ask them for help too! Your experience here will be the best if you're not intimidated by the beer menu, and ask for suggestions. Only draw-back is its ALWAYS crowded. Getting a seat at the bar is unlikely, especially on weekends. However, there's a reason why its always crowded, and that's because everyone knows this place is the BEST. No kidding. I'm here once a month. Oh, and it sucks they don't do HH specials.
(5)Anna H.
Where else can you get some of these beers east of the Mississippi? Nowhere. Any beer lover would be like a kid in a candy store here and I'm not sure if it gets any better than this. The food is pretty awesome, too. The four of us shared four small bowls of mussels, each a different flavor and it was more than enough for all of us. All of the flavors were excellent, but I particularly enjoyed the Thai curry. Stepping in here makes you feel like you're a completely different place than Philadelphia. Loved every second of it!
(5)Calvin Y.
As someone who only drinks Belgian beer, the selection is great. The place offers a great selection of seasonal ones as well. Pair your beer with a traditional pot of mussels for an amazing meal.
(4)Graham K.
I thought this place was OK. I liked the scallops app, but not the frogs legs, which were really fishy - which is not how I remember them tasting. It had been years since I had frogs legs though - but I do recall enjoying them and I hate fishy flavor. The mussels were not great, again, kind of fishy - didn't want to send them back after already doing that with the frogs legs. Good wine list. Scotch pour from the bar made me laugh, kind of. One of the lightest pours ever, they must have a thimble behind the bar. If you want a decent drink keep yelping. I actually complained about it, which I generally won't do (except on yelp), but jeeez. Management brought me a comped thimble and tried to explain that liquor is expensive in PA. Yeah, whatever, there are plenty of places in PA that know how to pour a decent drink. Nice guy, but..... The pork Shank for dinner was good - not great. $450 tab ($150 bottle of wine) and all I can think of was how lousy that pour was - hear me? Our server (Debby) was awesome - she almost got them the third star, but the bartender took it for his personal stash. ;-)
(2)HM P.
If you are a beer fan, you definitely need to come here. There are no happy hour specials but drafts are about $5-$8, depending on which beer you get. The beer selection (both draft and bottle) is extensive and the servers were very knowledgeable, so I would highly ask them what they recommend. The mussels we got were okay -- nothing to write home about. However, the pommes frittes with the bourbon mayo was deliciously rich and creamy. I got the duck breast salad which was cooked perfectly at medium/medium rare and the crust had a slight crunch which made it even more delectable. Other people at my table got the pork shank and duck confit and as they all cleared their plates, I can only assume those entrees were tasty. Also, we arrived at around 6:30 on a Tuesday night and the restaurant was already pretty full so I would highly recommend reservations.
(4)Laura G.
People rave about this place! I have lived on the block for almost a year and finally tried it. Unfortunately I only had 45 minutes to get in and out. There was a 5-10 minute wait for two of us. Once we got our table we told the woman we had to leave in 30 minutes. We ordered mussels, and two sandwiches, assuming that we were crazy to think we would be done in 30 mins. Food was incredible and we were out in 25 minutes. Great service. Great food. Definitely need to go back for a longer visit!
(5)Jaci H.
There's a reason this place is so famous... Monk's Cafe = amazing beer. If you're in Philly, you have to find yourself here at some point or another. Considered one of the best beer bars in the US, Monk's definitely lives up to the hype. It's smaller than I expected, with a number of tables in the front bar and the back for people to eat from their tasty looking food menu. My hubby and I opted to sit in the back-bar and enjoyed the lively camaraderie of the staff. They were playing awesome music (Joe Strummer) and offering great beer options when we were being indecisive. Thanks to their knowledgeable staff, we discovered a few new breweries and enjoyed a few options not available to us in NY. I'm sure this place gets packed later on, so come early for a seat the bar so you can learn all about the joys of beer.
(5)Amy C.
Great mussels and fantastic burgers. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are in an old pub from the civil war times. Excellent service and terrific food!
(5)Cherpumple F.
Great selection of brews, especially holiday ales from Europe on draft and in bottles. Food is delicious, but your standard upscale bar food. One suggestion-grilled bread (or at least warm?!) bread to soak up the mussles juice instead of cold, hard rolls? I know you get fries but....sometimes a girl just gotta get her extra carbs!
(4)Kim M.
Came to Monk's Cafe with a group of friends after hitting up the PHS Pop Up Garden. We were hungry and my friends insisted the food was good ... and THEY WERE RIGHT. The mussels. OH THE MUSSELS. Even though my friend's pulled pork burger and all the other burgers ordered looked good, and they were pleased with it, I don't think I could have anything else besides the mussels. There are a variety of options and all come with a side of fries with this mayo?-mustard? dip. But I had the Provence mussels (fume, celery, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, leeks, garlic, parsley & cream ). A small pot was plenty for one, go for large if you're ambitious or for a group (or if you're really drunk). Considering we each ordered our own dish and half of us got drinks, the bill was only $21 per person including tax and tip and between 6 of us. Pretty affordable given how full and satisfied we felt when we left. There IS a wait though. I was told either going really early or late is the best bet to getting a table.
(5)Arnold W.
Great place to eat and drink! Comfortable atmosphere, great service and the food is very tasty
(4)Fanie S.
wow, the vegetarian Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich its great! i love this place! itsa Pub, but they have too a couple options with vegetarian food! the fries are jummy and they have 300 beer from around the world! how cool!! :-)
(5)Stephen S.
My only complaint with Monk's is that it's popular. It's a Philadelphia institution, they've been pouring Belgian beer before you could find it on a map and long before you could tell the different between a dubbel, trippel, and quad. Great beer selection divided up between the front and back bar. Love the food. If I could reliably get a table or a place at the bar I'd be here all the time.
(4)Vy D.
I love Monks and I'm not even a buddhist. Great selection of imported beers. Fabulous quality of food as well. The duck salad sandwich is delish. The burgers are one of the best I've ever had. The fries are addicting. If you're meeting with a group of friends in the city to catch up, monks is what I would recommend. Great beer with great food is an amazing marriage. Oh yeah, the service here has also been top notch as well.
(4)Bonnie M.
I LOVE the food here! I have eaten here several times and everything has been cooked perfectly. I'm not a big beer person, but I've always been able to find something I like to drink. Tip of the Day: Don't sit at the front right corner table (looking at the street). It smells like a urinal--and is the ONLY reason my review is not 5 stars.
(4)Jeannie L.
Came here on a weekend trip to Philly based on the reviews. The ambiance was fun and had a pub like feel to it. It was a little cramped inside and took us 45 minutes to be seated but we were happy to drink a couple beers while we waited. The beer selection is on point and I'm not even much of a beer person. Once we were seated we ordered the wings. I was really excited about them because the menu describes them as "hot hot".and I'm a huge fan of spicy food. I love the burn! But alas, like most places, when they came out they were not as spicy as I envisioned. Still tasty though! The mussels and fires were definitely not disappointing as they came out in a giant pot and were really good. The service was also pretty prompt. I would recommend you try this place out if you ever find yourself in the neighborhood but don't be fooled by the elusive spiciness of the touted "hot hot" wings...
(3)Dylan K.
Amazing beer selection--Russian River on tap was heaven for me. Nice/great staff, pretty accommodating. Big negatives: Beer prices are outrageous. Philly is not NYC and prices should reflect the difference. In fact, prices were more than what I pay in the city. No tastings! This is the biggest no-no for me. All good/legit beer bars allow you to taste beers before you get a pint. I was stunned when I asked for a taste of a Green Flash on tap and was told they didn't do tastings. I mean, who the hell are you people?! Anyways--great taps, great staff, crap tasting policies. Three stars.
(3)Rob Y.
1019 Yelp reviews, with an average rating of 4-5 stars. What contribution will my review have to this establishment? I will provide you with the 1020th reason to come here. Food (9.5/10) = Big ass pot of thai curry mussels (Thai red curry, garlic & coconut milk) and fries. The curry and spice level wasn't overpowering, and the mussels were as fresh as can be. Bread made it easy to sop up the residual curry, not letting anything go to waste. The Mac & Cheese (weissebeir braised French ham, asparagus, goat, cheddar, swiss and sottocenerre truffle cheese), was surprisingly good. Usually not a fan of Mac and Cheese as the main entree, since it usually becomes disgusting half way through. Monk's mac and cheese succeeds in making even the last bite damn good, and begging for more. Beer = Got the Cantillon Classic Gueuze, and Schneiderweisse Hefe Weiss. Ultimate win. The beer selection is enormous. Ambiance (8.5/9.0) = has a European feel to it. Whatever, the only ambiance I cared about was what was on my table...the mussels and beer, hah. Service (8.0/10) = our waitress was attentive, and food and beer arrived promptly. Overall Opinion = This review is the 1020th reason for you to come to Monk's cafe. Booyah!
(5)Heshan W.
The Pomme frites was amazing and the they have a very extensive and legit list of Belgian ales! This one of a "select few " bars/pubs in the U.S. that carry authentic ales made by monks in Europe. Pretty cool, right?! I also had the Smoked Salmon salad, and that was done very well. For $10, it was a very good deal. Overall, a place I would visit again just to drink another one of their beautifully crafted beers.
(4)Leslie W.
Another bar around the corner from me with a large following. I've been here about 5 times and while I suggest it to friends, it's pretty low on my list of places to go. The good: * Really great beer selection * The mussels are as good as everyone says -- cheap and you receive a huge portion. * A nice place to hole up during a cold winter day * Bartenders who know their beer The bad: * No windows, so its pretty dark in there * Beer prices are somewhat high * Limited seating/cramped spacing so its a better place to go to eat rather than for drinks. The worst: Had gone with friends to eat at the bar. The bartender served us waters and beer. We got through most of our meal and then my friend noticed that there was a very large shard of glass in her water glass. Turns out a glass had been broken into the ice bin and no one had emptied it. The bartender was somewhat apologetic and comped the bill, but this incident stuck with me as we were worried my friend may have ingested a smaller piece of glass or that other people had done the same. All staff should be trained to melt the ice and clean the area if theres a glass broken in the bar area. Really dangerous and turns me off from drinking anything but beer from here again.
(3)Erika L.
Very unaccommodating. I went there last night and we were meeting people there. I was with two elderly gentleman. They had recently gotten married due to the new change in legislature, which I explained to the host. The hostess would not let us sit down because there were only five of us when I said there would be 6. There were two large tables that remained unseated for at least 20 minutes. Then they put 4 people at one six person table. Finally our 6th person showed up and they said they were just about to put 5 people there. We waited about 15 minutes more before a table opened up. I understand that businesses have to make money, but we did spend a lot of money there. I just wish that people could be nice every now and then.
(2)Kiki V.
I loved this place for a long time. I was one of those people who told everyone I met to check out Monk's next time they were in Philly. However, after the last few times I visited I have no intention of going back - ever. The staff, who used to be friendly and welcoming, are now rude. I had a friend visiting from out of town, and I thought we'd pop in for lunch. We sat at the bar and started browsing the draft list. I told the bartender I was on the fence about my selection and asked for a taste and was told (with a fair bit of attitude I might add) that they don't do that there. Don't do that? Name another bar that has draft beer and doesn't let customers taste before buying! There are other places to get great beer, and if you're stuck on the Belgian beers like I am - go to Eulogy instead.
(1)Josh B.
I came in with my ninety year old grandfather, as he is Belgian hinself. The place was packed, but we stood drinking beer, and some nice people let my grandfather his seat. The burger i had was wonderful and rich, and didn't fall apart. My grandfather had beef tongue- it was tender and full of flavour.
(5)Di P.
This place is pretty solid. But mostly if you're into beer. So when I have my friends come from out of town I know I can bring them here and people can find something they like. I use to frequent here more often, but now I only come when I've got someone on my hands who really enjoys beer and doesn't want to go anywhere fancy. It's dropped out of my weekly stop because it does NOT have a happy hour and I should probably stop spending all my money on food and alcohol and save for a car. Sad face. I've had the thai curry mussels & their basic fennel and garlic + herbs mussels which I actually enjoyed more than their talked about burger. Honestly, this place is probably neck-to-neck with Eulogy except Eulogy has a happy hour. The food selection here at Monk's is probably a little more sophisticated. If you're that type. It's really hard to write a review for something that's been reviewed 10000000 times. I feel so unoriginal. But hopefully helpful.
(4)Marygrace T.
I LOVE Monk's. They have the best beer selection in Philadelphia and their vegetarian cheesesteak is the best around. The only reason I don't give it five stars is because you often have to wait a LONG time for a table on the weekend (we've waited as long as 90 minutes). And even if the restaurant isn't packed, they won't seat a small party at a large table. So large groups who come in after you might get seated before you, even if you've been waiting for a while. Still, as long as you're prepared to wait, it's totally worth it.
(4)Tiffany E.
This came highly recommended by several locals. It was just "OK" - of course, if they had heat we may have had a better experience. It is 12 degrees outside and about 13 degrees inside of Monk. We all wore our coats while we dined on mussels (meh), lamb (meh), the Monk burger (meh) and the frites (good!). Our server, Kat was very friendly and nice - she was the highlight. She should go get a job where there is heat.
(3)Nicky H.
This place is a typical hole in the wall beer joint. Crowded. Loud. Rude. I only agreed because my friend invited Me. The service was bad. People were rude. It was dark and dingy. I heard the fries were good so I tried them. They were good but not good enough to get me to go back.
(2)Sarah A.
Their mussels are so bangarang I can't even.
(4)Steve M.
Love coming here with new people - always fun to explore the beer books and pick out a new one of the extensive beer list beers. Had the lamb once, and while the outside was good, it got a little cold towards the inner area. Come for the beer, won't be disappointed!
(5)Bill T.
You should be on this place like a dingo at a day care center if you like beer. Stopped by for a return visit before catching the train back to the BK and lo and behold, they had a Russian River beer on tap! For me, seeing a Russian River is like spotting Bigfoot...you just don't see it that much on the East Coast. It was the Damnation and it was good. Then I was talking to the bartender and he casually mentions "Oh yeah, we had some Pliny the Elder in a couple of weeks ago". After my jaw hit the bar, he said they might get it back shortly, which clearly necessitates another trip to Philly just to try it. If Damnation is Bigfoot, then Pliny the Elder is like a unicorn. A unicorn with rainbows shooting out its tail! Frites were delicious and I could eat the bourbon mayo dipping sauce with a spoon. I'm pro-Monk's and I approve this message.
(5)Gretchen E.
Based on the near-bazillion reviews, I'm going to make this brief. Monk's is good for: - Late night drunchies - Quality draft on tap. e.g. Delirium Tremens, Monk's sour - Soggy yet hard-and-nubbly french fries - Beer broth mussels (get the Ghent) - Garlic - Aloof servers who seem annoyed by your existence - Slightly overweight guys with facial hair wearing black shirts and glasses - People talking about beer, and the making thereof - More garlic - Running into people you know - Noise. Therefore, unrestrained belly laughing - Super worcestershire-saucey bloody marys (I do not recommend) - Dates, if you don't mind garlic breath Well this ended up being longer than I thought. I'd keep listing, but your attention span has better things to do like... hey look! squirrel!
(3)Cameron P.
An AMAZING selection of beer-200 or more bottles and a great rotating draft list. Russian River Damnation and Delirium Tremons. Score. Mussels are great and the burger/chicken sandwiches are good too. I like mine Bruges style. This place gets super crowded and they will not seat you until your entire party arrives. Small prices to pay for good food and great beer.
(4)Sara E.
Extremely delicious and nice variety of mussels! They even come in their own cute little pot :) could literally drink the broth in a martini glass. I really like the feel and the crowd that attends. No RSVP available so be prepared to wait but the wait is definitely worth it.
(5)Em L.
Horrible experience here on a rainy warm summer day. They were so rude. Waitress was in a huge rush when we were ordering and our food was abs gross. The mussels were dry and there ws a no good way to get to the broth. Once we did it was so lack luster that it was not worth it. The chicken tenders were weak sauce. No clue why ppl like this place so much
(3)Lauren C.
Oh Monks... you're like one of my best friends in that we can not talk for months, but when we hang out, we pick up right where we left off in the good times. Oh Monks- we have the greatest time together!!! It's been a while, but I found myself a few adult beverages in last night, hanging out with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. We opted to abandon our french-fry latent present establishment in hopes of more gourmet fare- to Monks! I've begun a recent foray into seafood. Bivalves for now... and it has to be an occasion- no clams casino in chafing dishes... and Monks presented quite an opportunity as I've heard people raving about their mussles for the past 13 vegetarian years. We split the mussels red light which were delicious and spicy and tasty- made only more awesome by the big chunk of bread that came with them... and of course the pommes frites and the spicy dipping sauce. Wash it down with a big pint o flemish sour ale and life is just so so so good. We also opted to split the appetiser scallops. That was my first ever scallop... so its hard for me to be too 'review-ie' with it... as i don't have much of a basis for comparison. What I can say is if this is a normal scallop- i love scallops, and I'll be eating lots more of them because it was really really amazing. Monks- thanks as always for a lovely evening. You really know how to wine and dine some ladies. It was great catching up. Till we meet again!
(5)Steph V.
SO MANY BEERS ON TAP. AM I IN HEAVEN? I THINK SO! They have Pliny the Elder. Already enough for 5 stars alone with that. We got a giant bucket of mussels to share between four people. It was delicious! And excellent to pair with the beers. PLINY + MUSSELS = LOVE
(4)Lili B.
Went to Monk Café yesterday night (Wednesday) and that place did not disappoint me. We got there at 8PM and this place was SERIOUSLY crowded! We put our name on the waiting list and were told the wait would be ~30 min. We sat at the bar and grabbed a beer. 30 min later, we were seated. Monk's café has a good drinks selection and the prices are pretty reasonable. We ordered the Provençe Mussels and Mac & Cheese (with ham, asparagus, goat cheese, swiss and sottocenerre truffle cheese) which both were AMAZING. The mussels came with fries and some bread and everything was just delicious. The service was fast and the prices were reasonable. I am really looking forward to go back there but I will probably go there later at night to have a smaller crowd and less noise (it was pretty difficulty to hear my friend at the bar)
(5)Cynthia L.
We were excited about checking this place out, having found it in NYT's 36 Hours in Philly, looking so charming from the street, and being seated so quickly with menus...! Things, unfortunately, went downhill from there... As you can see from other reviews, this place is a beer temple of sorts, with TONS of beer on tap. Every other beer institution I've ever visited, particularly Belgian, likes to share their love of the stuff by educating folks via tastes/samples. If I don't know it, how am I supposed to know what to order? Well, they (or this server) refused my request for sampling any of their draught beers, and said they "don't do that here." Huh??? We sat and ordered beer and food (green salad, fried chicken and mussels) food. 10 minutes later, the waiter asks me if I would like to order a drinks.. umm, dude, I just ordered one from you...? He didn't apologize for forgetting my order. He brought out my husband's food order, and says mine will come out soon. My husband generously shared his meal with me while we waited to share mine. (The fried chicken was fantastic). The table behind him, who arrived after us, was already well into their mussel order. Soon, our plates were empty. Then cleared. We waited. And waited some more. I was looking forward to sharing our meals together, so I was done when the beer was done. My husband politely called our witer over and suggested that my mussels must have been forgotten, but that was ok- but would he just take it off the bill so we could pay now? He exclaimed, "Oh, I thought you were coursing the meals, it will be right out!" Since when is it up to a waiter to decide whether to course a patron's meal?? Ridiculous. We left after paying. I'm sure this place has its charms for some, but horrific service, and not being able to make a well-informed decision about my beer selection at a place that allegegly prides itself on being a beer institution, is not the place for me.
(1)Christine V.
My boyfriend and I came here for an early dinner, so there was barely a wait. The place is much bigger than it seems on the exterior. I didn't realize how far deep the restaurant dives into. We got seated in the back room, and it was pretty loud. But it was a very fun atmosphere with people enjoying their drinks and food. This place has a huge beer selection, which was a joy for my boyfriend. We ordered a small bucket of mussels and the duck salad. We saw an order of mussels at the table next to us and assumed they ordered a large because it looks like so much. When our waiter brought out our order, our mussels were in the same size bucket as the table next to us. Such generous portions! I love it. The duck salad was excellent as well. I cannot wait to go back here and try more of the menu items! A great place to go if you're in the area.
(5)Ari S.
Why is everyone so obsessed with Monk's? Eulogy is just as good, if not better, and takes reservations (but maybe I should have kept that to myself). I won't lie, the food is good (3.5 stars) and the beer choices are great (5 stars), but the service is pretty terrible. I came in with my parents and asked for a table for three, knowing full-well it could be an hour wait. The hostess said it would be about 45 minutes. Luckily there was one spot at the bar for my mom to sit, so we all had a beer. An hour later, I asked the hostess, and she said they are cleaning up a table now. Great, not bad. However, they take us to the table, and it's very clearly a table for 2. The third person would have been smushed between bar patrons and the table, without room to breath. I don't know about you, but I like to breath when I sit for dinner. An hour later and they finally sat us at a 4-top. 2 hours is a lot more than 45 minutes. When it takes that long, you should generally offer your customers something (like a free app or beer) to apologize for the long wait, but no such luck here. Save your time and money, and go to Eulogy.
(2)Patrick J.
You won't beat the beer list in Philadelphia. With 200-300 bottles available and more taps than you can imagine, Monk's Cafe has your beer needs locked down. Their branded lambic contract brewed for them in Belgium is delicious as well and well worth quaffing. Get in there!
(5)Catherine C.
From NOLA, in town for a convention. Picked this place based on Yelp reviews, and there's a reason it gets so much online love, it's definitely well earned. We had scallops, salad and the mollusks. All amazing, and the drinks were strong too. Great atmosphere that definitely references the namesake. A fantastic place to grab lunch or dinner!
(5)Megan P.
Great beer selection! Great place to grab a drink with friends. I stopped in on a Monday afterwork for a beer and ended up ordering food also. I had a Monk burger which had bleu cheese and grilled leeks on it and their homemade fries with bourbon mayo. It was delicious!
(5)Gina C.
We used to love this place as a college student, but not loving it any longer. The beer selection is still very impressive, but this review is for the food only. We ordered the following: - Mussels: this may be our fault, but we selected the Monk's broth. Next time (if there is a next time) we will order the Thai Chili broth. The Monk's broth was so bland, it might as well have been water. - Frites: great mayo dipping sauce. But it looks like we get the left over fries - they were small, short and extra greasy - Burger: we ordered the swiss and mushroom topping. it was okay, nothing special. Had to add the mayo from the frites to make it edible. We have no intentions of returning.
(3)Andrew W.
I am sure the food is good, and from the time we spent at the bar, I can say there beer menu is impressive. However, in what seems to be a growing trend, this place's ability (or inability) to communicate & seat potential patrons was abysmal. The hostess, who was apathetic at best, condescending at worst, informed me we could not be seated until our entire party arrived. 20 minutes after this had happened, and after seeing several people that arrived after us get a table, I approached the hostess to see what was going on and she blatantly ignored me, think a child who knows they messed up so the best way to deal with it is shut down. Owners should be more aware of what the front line employees are doing.
(1)Eunni C.
Had couple visits there so far. I had mixed feeling about this place. My first time there was amazing. Mussel dish was huge, fresh and delicious. Bread was moist and good too. Had wonderful experience and couldn't wait to go back. Second time was so so. Mussel's size was tiny and broth didn't have much flavor. Bread was tough and dry. I hoped my third visit would be a charm but wasn't so lucky. Not sure if I should give another shot or not. Indecisive.
(3)Mikey D.
The food here is good. I shared a burger, fries, Mac & Cheese with my boyfriend. It arrived very quickly. The good stuff: food is good, beer selection is amazing, food arrives quickly. Areas of improvement: the dining room is tight space. I don't know if they have AC but it was very very warm in the dining room.
(3)Valerie F.
Came to this place after hearing very good things and excited to see their beer selection. The beer selection lived up To my expectations and myself as well as the 3 friends I was with enjoyed the different drafts. There food was good but I thing special, we had burgers, fries and a hummus platter. I would have given this place 5 stars had it not been so loud in the dining areas. The dimly lit rooms and older looking decorations were fitting for the place but it was so loud that it was difficult To have a conversation with the person across from me.
(4)Ben V.
Ok, so at the time of this review- Monk's has 1,331 reviews that average 4 stars. There really isn't much I have to say that hasn't been covered already. The beer is great, the food equally so, the bar tenders are brilliant, the quarters are almost new wave Gothic hybridized with a Canterbury Tales-persona in appearance. What's not to love? Well, if you don't like beer and mussels and having a great time then sure- you're gonna hate this place buddy!
(4)Madeleine Q.
Dining at Monk's is worth the wait. Even on a typical weeknight, you will have to wait for about 30-45 minutes for a table of two. Since it is close to the Rittenhouse Square and the shopping area, you can take a brisk walk around the surrounding neighborhood while you wait for your table. I was not as impressed with their Red Light (too oil and not enough spices) and I think they have diluted their mussel broth over the years as the sauce/soup does not taste the same these days. But this is still one of my favorite Belgian pub places to go to in philly.
(4)Jaide P.
Overrated, service slow and not very polite. Except when they are ready to give you your bill to move you out so they can seat others. Ordered scotch eggs and they came out with the pork raw and slimy. When mentioned this the waiter said that it is normal because the sausage is homemade. No the pork should not be gooey. The burger and fries were good, but nothing to rave about. Spanish fly chicken wings boast of being HOT HOT HOT, hardly. Would not come again, not recommend this place.
(2)Diana F.
Monks is one of my favorite bars to get quality beer! The bartenders are knowledgable in case you don't know what you want. The ambience is great! Best beer place in Philly thus far!
(4)Courtney A.
Stopped here for drinks last night before dinner. Their beer selection was everything I was hoping for and had heard it would be. Great brews for every taste. I liked the fact that there is a front bar and a back bar with two different beer menus. Don't be alarmed to walk through a creepy hallway that you'll barely fit through shoulder to shoulder...you'll be at the back bar soon enough. The only reason I'm giving this place a 4 out of 5 is because the place was so small and confined. If you weren't ordering food, you couldn't sit at a table and there wasn't much room to stand between the bar and the tables.
(4)Gwendolyn P.
I wanted to update my review since I think that Monk's over the years has gone from a great place to a so so place. It seems like every time I go there that the prices are going up and the quality and quantity of the food is going down. A $14 hamburger should be enough to at least be filling but the patty was about the same size that you would get off of the $ menu at McDonalds. So the reason for the three stars is for the beer. The beer selection is fantastic and is the best in the city - it is just a shame it seems like they are resting on their previous reputation to bring folks in as the quality of the food has gone way down.
(3)C T.
I don't get the mussel hype... It was slight better than average but the place is loud and crowded the mussel's really weren't that great. Good beer selection however.
(3)Ann C.
Best bar to drink a beer in! It's a smaller establishment that's known around the world so use your heads people.... It's going to be crowded! The bar staff is knowledgable and overall really has a great time. Which in return gives the guest a spectacular time! Mussels are fresh and the different broths range from classic styles (parsley, beers, garlic) to more unique like the Thai curry. If you want to enjoy Monks when it's less crowded go during the day. Have some fun with the vibrant Irish red head (she makes a great cocktail)! The environment transports you to a European pub. It's dimly lit and nice and cool! To me this is an environment to drink beer in. Not like all those sterile bars that keep popping up! Strangelove's, tria taproom (iPad ....ughhhhh). I want comfort, tasty food, fabulous beer and bartenders that know what there talking about. Cheers!
(5)Gautam T.
A Philly Phavorite for sure! you come here to chill out, you're not going to find people socializing at this bar, its about coming with friends and sharing a beer and some drinks without having to deal with the distractions (or attractions) at the other center city bars. The beer list is phenomenal, the food choices are amazing. Everyone swears by the mussels, its true they are glorious!!! The wings aren't bad if you like spice, the burgers are on point. The best time to come here is after work to wash down the grind with a cold one and some good food!!!
(4)Julia E.
My need to be honest overcomes my feelings of guilt in giving the legendary Monks Cafe a 3 star review. Yes I will be back to eat here, yes I admire how they have shaped the Philly beer scene, and yes I even enjoyed their collaboration beer with Dogfishhead. However, I just don't feel like Monks is in what my opinion a 5 star place to enjoy a meal is. I came on a sunny day at 2pm, out my name down for a table and while waiting I ended up squished against a wall chugging my beer so it wouldn't spill all over me when the millions of people crammed inside pushed past me. This wasn't fun!! What is a place that serves great beer if I can't comfortably enjoy it? Once we were seated to eat after waiting an hour, things improved. I ate the duck salad, it was tasty and reasonably priced. My friends got the mussels and raved about them, I could tell they were good as I could track my friends down the rest of the night just by following the smell of garlic emitting from their pores.
(3)Denise K.
The beers are 5 stars but the food is only 3 stars. I had the flat bread and spreads which wasn't very good. Only the red pepper and feta dip were good. The hummus was way too garlicky and the butternut spread had no flavor. Chicken fingers were just ok. Husband had the seitan sandwich which they could have been more generous about. I would say go for drinks, not food.
(4)Lisa R.
My sister and I were excited to go to Monk's Cafe on our last visit to Philadelphia. Here is a summary of our experience: Ambience: This place was WAY too dark. When I walked in, people at the front bar and front dining room were using their phones to look at the menu. We came in before a group of about 10 people, and they were a very disrespectful and annoying bunch. They didn't even check in with the server for a table. They saw an empty table and just sat down (taking our spot). The waitress was so perturbed and she apologized to us but promised we would be seated shortly. Drink selection: The beer selection was very extensive and they have some beers that are extremely difficult to find anywhere. One of my sister's favorite breweries is Cantillon, and they had numerous varieties available. We tried a bunch of different ones, and they were all spectacular. This is definitely the place for a beer connoisseur. Food: We got the large pot of mussels which was delicious and easily satisfied the four of us. It is served with some bread to soak up the juices/broth, but I must admit the bread was a little tough for my taste. We got the duck salad which I must say was the highlight of the meal. . I would recommend that to anyone dining. The pommes frites were of course delectable as well. Service: Service was average-above average. Definitely a place to check out!
(4)Tracy A.
This is THE place to go if you love mussels and/or Belgian beer. My friends ( who are NOT beer drinkers) loved the selections I made for them. And all of us loved the mussels. Be adventurous. You cant go wrong!
(4)Jennifer M.
Amazing beer selection. Decent food, especially the mussels. Can get very crowded during special events. Service is usually good but the waiters can be a bit snobby.
(4)Claudia L.
Great mussels here and great beer for serious beer lovers. However, their veggie burger is always served too raw. Worst experience with their bartender, Bernadette. She is the most rude bartender ever. Not only does she ignore you, she is downright ignorant to customers. My brother in law was in town from NC. Knowing how much he loves beer, I brought him to Monk's. Bernadette was so impatient with him and said "Read. The. Words." as she pointed to the beer list. Just because she couldn't hear/understand him. It took everything in me not to jump over the bar and kick her ass.
(1)Steve C.
I was really torn with the rating for Monk's, I kept wavering back and forth between a 2 and a 3 star review mainly because the food and service for the most part deserve a low star review, but the beer selection and the mussels deserve a more generous review. I think for me, the deciding factor always comes down to customer service and atmosphere which was lacking when we were there and made us feel it was not worth us returning in the future, The only regret I may have with this decision to not go back would be the mussels, wow, they were truly awesome and may one day tempt me back in through their doors, who knows maybe if I return one day their staff will be better trained and more attentive!
(2)Megan R.
LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is my absolute favorite place in the city. If possible i would eat here for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday! The Monks Sour Ale is amazing and unique, if you want to try a different beer - than you must try this house specialty! It is actually made by real Monks especially for this bar (or so they say). They also have an enormous selection of other great beers. Food - their food is fantastic. I have never had anything here that I wasn't fond of, but their Mussels are my favorite. They are to die for! They have a variety of different broths for the Mussels and they come with their delicious fries and dipping sauce for the fries along with an assortment of bread to dip in the Mussel broth. If you are a fan of Mussels you must stop in to Monk's Cafe. They never disappoint! I honestly cant say enough about this place, did i mention its my favorite?
(5)Mr. A.
Just awful service. Went here on a Wednesday - it was packed with a nice crowd (but, seems like most places I walked past in downtown were also packed). There's a small L-shaped bar - I sat down about the time of the shift change, and got a Pliny the Elder (they have a decent variety on tap, more in bottles). The Pliny didn't taste right, but whatever - I didn't complain. Had the veal cheeks - bland. The first bartender was unsmiling, but the second, a guy with star tattoos on his elbows, was an absolute unprofessional tool - no smile, no "sir" no "thank you." The guy misheard my order, then acted like he was doing me a big favor by getting it right. Much friendlier staff at the Tap House - I won't be returning to Monk's..
(1)Mimmi M.
Went with 4 friends, we all took different dishes and nothing were actually good. Have been at Monks many times since I live around the corner. Soo disappointed! Something has happened here... The mussles were really bad and dry!!:/
(1)Sam S.
I really liked Monk's Cafe. The food was perfect, I really enjoyed the wings and the burger. And of course the beer list is impressive with a great selection of draft beers and bottles. The service was also great and our waiter made great recommendations for beer and food. The only reason that I didn't give 5 stars is because it's too dark in my opinion. If you are going to serve excellent food and beer make sure that your customers can see it! After all, we eat with our eyes, right?
(4)Andrew C.
Quick hits since this place has 1200+ reviews: 1) Belgian beers and beers galore 2) Wait time may seem a bit long based on first sight. Just know that this place is rather large and continues down the hall and down another hall into another open space + bar. Don't be scared by the crowded area up front. 3) Frog legs were eh 4) Duck breast salad was delicious. $13.95ish 5) Large pot of mussels are actually a large pot of mussels. Went with the Ghent but willing to try others. Seems to be a nice spot to kick back and have a beer. I'd recommend it
(4)Cristina H.
Amazing beer selection, they have a beer bible and their mussels menu is fantastic. I was in Philly for work and walked to Monk's from the Ritz. It was crowded and had a great atmosphere, I was on my own so I didn't have to wait long for a spot at the bar. The bartender was great, I asked for a local beer reco and he told me to go with the Bell's Hopslam (which is a Michigan beer I think) because it's such a rare release that I had to try it. It was a great IPA, I also noticed they had a sign for Pliny the Elder which is a Northern California beer and very hard to find in even in so cal, and he said the owner of Monks is extremely good friends with those Brewers so their amazing beer selection is due to his expansive beer network. The bartender also recommended the mussels and I ordered the Mussels Ghent with blue cheese and bacon, he said another favorite is the Thai mussels. It was a huge potion served with fries and bread, it was so good I finished everything except the fries. Everything else on the food menu looked equally appetizing. They're kitchen is open later than some of the bars in the area. I really wish we had a similar place in LA but it makes me really look forward to going to Philadelphia again. If you are a foodie or love beer this is your Mecca.
(5)Marybeth S.
We stopped in here yesterday for a beer ,wound up staying for 3. The bartender was knowledgeable, attentive and not annoying. The beer was fantastic and the music was a great mix of interesting tunes. The clientele seems to be mostly white men in their 20s and 30s.
(5)Stph F.
WOW. My partner and I were just here and wow!! WOW!! Amazing Belgian selections and awesome menu! I had the chicken seitan cheesecake plus fries and my partner had the burger with truffle cheese and shiitake mushrooms. We could not stop eating the fries, it was a better version of Baltimore's brewer's art fried (but don't tell them this!). The food was amazing and we got some amazing brews, the staff was friendly and helpful... We had a smooth and great experience overall!
(5)Nikki T.
I came here with a friend from NY, yes we drove just to visit Monk's Cafe. We had to try Piney the Elder, and this is the only place we know of that has it on tap. It was well worth the trip alone, but the food and other beers made this trip AMAZING. I also had Damnation and a cucumber beer from Cigar City. Damnation is my new favorite beer, the cucumber beer was different but not something I could finish. For food we shared the cheeks, thai mussels, mac and cheese, and two desserts. Our appetizers and entrees were DELICIOUS!!! And we devoured them. The two desserts were horrible but our server was kind enough to remove them from the bill and the manager even apologized. The staff was professional and very knowledgable and made great recommendations for beers and pairings. The atmosphere is very laid back. This was a very cool place to visit and if I'm ever in the area will definitely stop back again.
(5)Jacqueline O.
The best place in the city to come for beer. I love to bring visitors from out of town here because it is seemingly a whole in the wall with amazing food and the longest most impressive beer list you have ever seen. The lighting is low inside so you never seem to realize how drunk you are until you stand up and walk outside. It's a total time warp! About the food. The mussels are to die for. In fact just order the mussels. I ventured off the path and ordered the Mac and cheese once but truely it was not for me. I guess I'm more of a Mac and cheese purest and this had too much other stuff going on inside. I give this a 4 star only because the place is so small and getting seating is nearly impossible.
(4)William C.
We were wondering around looking for a place to catch the world cup matches and walked into Monk's Café--no TVs. However, what caught our eyes were the generous mussel portions and the massive beer list. The fries that came with the mussels had a bourbon mayonnaise dip and it was like crack, I swear I must have licked the container cleaned. The mussels were delicious and very fresh--only found 1 dead one in the whole order. The beer list is HUGE! I ended up asking our server for a recommendation and she was able to match my taste to a beer. I would give them 5 stars, but our server was very hard to flag down after she took our order. We wanted more food and booze, but it seemed like she might have been a bit overwhelmed during dinner rush. I would definitely come back next time i am in Philly! Atmosphere - B+ Service - B- Food - A
(4)Yiwen S.
yooooo monk's, so good to finally make your acquaintance! this place has literally been in my bookmarks for 6 years. SIX YEARS PEOPLE! but the fact that i'm never in this part of town coupled with the rumored scary wait times meant i haven't had a chance to go here.. practically ever. but last monday night, i found the place surprisingly free of wait at 7:15pm for a party of 3. service is great -- the hostess, bartender (two of us had been there since 6pm drinking), and waitress were all fantastic. for a non-beer drinker, the fact that there is good scotch and wine available is enough to make me happy. alcohol prices are typical, so it can get quite expensive if you're looking to have more than just a drink or two (me me me!). but really, i came here for the MUSSELS i'd heard so much about. i got the monk's mussels... and honestly, for a namesake dish i was not that impressed. maybe the mussels were too hyped up for me, but i didn't think it was any better than if i had gone to a quality seafood/french restaurant and gotten mussels. don't get me wrong, still good food. so if you're craving mussels in a low maintenance atmosphere and you fancy a good beer, definitely come here (preferably at an off-peak time if you hate waiting). for me, time is money, so i wouldn't wait more than 15-20 mins for these mussels.
(3)Valentino G.
Came here on a Wednesday night, barely packed, just a small crowd. Great selection of beer, had my first Pliny the Elder here and it was amazing. I definitely want to come back for some food! I will return
(4)Perry H.
I've been here so many times and with each visit the time grows between the next and when I finally go back I'm reminded why. It's crowded, loud, and there's always a wait for sub-par food. On this occasion I called before walking over and was told there was no wait. I get there and there's a 30 minute wait. Pretty hard to believe, but okay, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. While waiting outside on the sidewalk I could hear the noise inside and sure enough once seated, it was bordering on insane. Granted, in a place this small if one table is loud, the volume of everyone else around them increases. That was the case here but it became almost unbearably loud and impossible to have a conversation. Onto the beer...both beers we saw on tap before we decided to walk over were now out. Bummer. We opted to split two small bowls and the duck salad sandwich. I will say, the portions were very big and a small is definitely enough for 2-3 people to share as an appetizer or possibly even a meal for one person. The fries and bourbon mayo were amazing. That said, the mussels, while a good size, just didn't have much flavor. One style we tried with spinach & tomatoes was dreadfully under-seasoned and thai curry were fine, the broth just didn't have a deep flavor as I've had at other places. The duck sandwich was pretty good, a bit fatty, but tasty. The service was good, friendly and attentive, and I felt the value was there for what we ordered. But in the end, its just not worth the wait or noise for the standard food.
(2)Liia R.
This place is awesome. It's my family's go-to-city spot when they drag themselves out of the suburbs for epic mussels and craft beer galore. The servers are always so friendly and read the table well - if you are on a date, they leave you mostly alone. If your grandfather is feeling especially needy, they're jovially accommodating. If your dad wants to tell lots of dad jokes, they'll even laugh! Servers aside, even the pickiest beer drinker can find something they'll enjoy here. And beer enthusiasts, this is your spot. Just move in because it doesn't get any better. And the food is DELICIOUS! The fries are like crack. The mussels come in a variety of flavors (I like the thai coconut ones) and will blow your mind. The other stuff is good, my partner raved about the mac and cheese, but the mussels sing to me every time and I don't stray. It can be crowded and it is dark and can be loud, but it's worth it. Go go go, now! You won't regret it.
(5)Arin S.
At 11:30 on a Saturday there was no wait to be seated, though it quickly filled up. The beers were incredible (you can apparently purchase their "Beer Bible" for $3, I guess that's saying something). But actually being not much of a beer person myself, I was happy that the food was also good! The chicken sandwich is great (why had I never had "truffle cheese" before? Yum) and mussels were good also. A dark wood-paneled bar with great food and beer = great place to hole up for a couple hours on a rainy day.
(5)Paul G.
Believe the hype. This place is a keeper. Beer selection is off the wall, that is if you like Belgian style beer. You have to come once, to at least sample the brews. Food was excellent. I got a duck sandwich. Duck was cooked well, flavorful, and on a hoagie roll with goat cheese was a new and fun experience. Wifey got the Apple sausage which was equally delicious. Friets are excellent. One curiousity is they all seemed to be short, dunno if this is on purpose or we got the end of a batch. Service was friendly and for the most part prompt. We did need to flag down the server for another round of beers. It was a Saturday afternoon, there was a brisk business, but it's not like they were slammed.
(4)Blake H.
Flew in tonight on our friend immediately took us here for dinner and brews. I had the mac-n-cheese which was amazing!! Oh my goodness. The creaminess of all the cheeses with ham and asparagus, all my favorite foods in one bowl! Our table also had the Monks burger with fries (the fries were addicting) and the duck salad sandwich (which my husband loved). 45 minute wait but snagged 3 seats at the back bar. Lots of people, but it is Saturday night! The nice girl next to me let me try a mussel and it was so good!!! Guy the bartender was great!
(4)Jessica S.
Monk's used to be one of my favorite spots to go for a casual dinner. I lived around the corner from it a few years ago, in the "good ole days", when you could get a table within 15 minutes of walking in and the mussels were 10 dollars for a small pot and 20 for a large. My significant other and I would happily split 2 small pots of mussels, grab a few beers, and be full and satisfied for a small chunk of change. Over the last few years, we have waited progressively longer and longer to dine there and gotten more frustated about their no call-ahead, no reservations policy, especially because there is not much room to stand around their always-packed bar. I recently went on a Tuesday night with a group of friends and waited almost 2 hours to be seated.. 2 hours. On a Tuesday. We obviously were desperate for some mussels and fries. After we were finally seated in the back bar area (after multiple times of tracking the hostess down to see where we were on the list and multiple times getting rude responses back), I opened the menu only to stare at their new pricing in utter disbelief. I guess I hadn't been in a while, but I was so accustomed to enjoying my 10 dollar pot of mussels that 16.95 just seemed like a huge huge rip-off. The 10 dollar pot with bread and fries was perfectly portioned for me.. and I can eat a lot. I begrudgingly ordered a pot of the red light mussels which has always been a favorite of mine (also love the dekoninck and ghent, don't care for the thai curry at all). They were good, not as good as I remember (maybe I was bitter about the price), but a lot of the mussels were empty and I didn't find them floating around in the broth.. frustrating. However, even with the empty ones, I couldn't finish the pot and sadly I had to leave behind perfectly good mussels. I really don't get why their portions/prices had to change. Are they making money now that they're charging people 7 dollars more, but also wasting food at the same time? Seems silly. I was buzzed and full at the end of the meal so I guess that counts as something but I'm pretty bummed out at the transition of this place. Sums it up perfectly: Text to the husband: "Monks increased their mussel price.. 17 bucks." "WHATTTTTTTTT"
(3)Jim T.
Finally I am doing a review on Monk's Café, I have been here to many times to even start counting. I love this place! There beer selection is always top notch. Was there last week, met up with some friends for a business meeting and enjoyed various draft selections that night. Along with a kickass burger!!! Started off with St. Bernardus ABT 12, huge flavor Belgium beer would have been satisfied drinking this all night but to many choices to try. I had the Tripel Karmeliet next which was full bodied and a great finishing beer!!!! If you haven't been to Monk's yet, please do it's a Philly Staple when it coms to great beers!!!
(5)Dhia P.
My boyfriend and I split the Ghent mussels as an appetizer to our burgers. It included a huge bowl of mussels cooked in a savory broth with bacon, onions, blue cheese, and garlic, served with dipping bread, as well as some of the best french fries I've tried in Philadelphia. In retrospect, we should have never ordered those burgers; I was too full by the time we got them. I'm not a huge beer drinker but my boyfriend was impressed by their selection and especially liked The Abyss by Deschutes brewery. Bathroom was small and disgusting. I felt more dirty coming out of it than going in. Also it was very crowded. That's not really their fault though-- their mussels are just that popular! I look forward to coming back and trying the other mussels they have.
(5)Meg W.
The mussels are absolutely amazing. The atmosphere is pretty intimate and the other patrons are usually very friendly/chatty with their neighbors due to the close proximities. It can get very crowded during peak times. Parking (like everywhere in this area) is a nightmare. It's only a couple blocks from the PATCO, though. They also have an email list where you can get notifications about rare beers being available/breweries that are visiting/tastings. They once had a guy come in with a bunch of ciders.
(5)Heather S.
Great spot with a ton of great beer choices. We visited in the middle of a Saturday afternoon, and the tables were all full. Both bars were too. We were told tables were only for full dining, so we waited a while for spots at the back bar which was kind of pain since no matter where we stood we were pretty much in the way of everyone. The food looked like standard English pub food; a lot of people seemed to be eating mussels and oysters,and we've heard good things about the burgers, but we didn't eat anything while we were there. The bartender was friendly and could be heard chatting with various customers, making recommendations, giving feedback, etc. The craft beer options were decent and bottled beer options were overwhelming. A great spot to grab a drink. Probably a good place for a meal too, but not great for a large group.
(4)Denny S.
Beer Greasy food Burger Moules Frites More beer Moules Frites and some more beer!!! I love this place, try not to go during weekend because it's usually packed and you have to wait for a table. Really awesome Moules Frites!!! all of them, any kind..my fave was blue cheese, leek, and bacon...Who would've thought blue cheese and mussels?...
(5)Lauren B.
I just went back here recently on a trip to Philly. I went to college at Penn and used to frequent this place years ago and it's still as awesome as I remember it. This is where I discovered good beer, before Craft beer became the popular thing. Their beer list has an amazing selection of interesting and rare Belgian and other varieties. And their Belgian style food, including several delicious assortment of mussels is quite good. I also have enjoyed their hamburgers that have gourmet cheese options. This place can get quite crowded though so expect to wait for a table or come during less busy hours in the afternoon.
(5)Jane H.
I suppose it was just a hiccup when we didn't get seated soon after arrival (it was late afternoon, and the place was neither full nor empty), because the service afterwards was quite wonderful. This place has a very earthy air -- perhaps its all the dark woods they use that gives it the feel of a ye-olde-timey tavern. We got an order of mussels and a cider and their sour ale. The food was great, and the non-stop bread to sop up the broth from the perfectly cooked mussels was a plus. The sauce that came with the frites was addicting! I didn't like how tiny the fries were, though. The prices are reasonable.
(4)Dan M.
Well, went back to Monks Café tonight. Sorry to say things have not gotten any better. We called ahead because we had a large group. They said they did not take reservations or call aheads, but to come on over and that things were pretty slow. Upon our arrival we were told our wait would be 35 to 45 minutes. The place was packed. It is obvious that the person that answered the phone was completely lying to us. We made the decision to stick it out for a table. So it was time to get a beer. Only to find out that several of us were forced to go to the back bar to get a beer. When we asked if we could have a small sample of one of their tap beers we were told no. Unbelievable. Who offers that many beers and refuses to give a small sample? On to dinner. Our group ordered from all corners of the menu. And no one was overwhelmed. The food here is absolutely nothing to write home about. Plus it took forever to get the food out of the kitchen. Overall, I would encourage anyone from out of town to stay away from this place. It is painfully obvious that they are only interested in working with their local clientele.
(1)Frank H.
Had lunch today at one of my all-time favorite's, monks Café. Been coming here for over 20 years. And have to say the first time I have ever been slightly disappointed. Two problems. The mussels and frites were excellent as usual. But it seems that they got new crocks that are about three quarters of the size of the old large crocks. And of course at the same price. Secondly, The rolls that the burgers and chicken breasts have been on for the last 20 years has changed. The waiter told me that they switched about two months ago. He says that they are getting mixed reviews. The new roll is a very good roll. It's just not that heavy, dense, crusty,awesome roll that they used to serve. Why would they ever change?!!! It is still one of my favorites. I just think that the prices are getting much too high for what it is. But then again, the place is always packed. But there is a fine line. And I hope they don't ever cross it.
(3)Stephanie A.
Went to Monk's last night for my boyfriend's birthday because he loves beer (and they have like 300). I'm not a huge beer person myself, so as far as food goes, we had mixed feelings. The veal cheeks appetizer was really tender and delicious, and the fried frog legs were also very good. For our dinners, I got the duck confit (which I was very excited about) and he got the mussels Ghent. My dish was really under-seasoned, so I was adding salt every few bites. His mussels were cooked well but were underwhelming overall. The desserts, on the other hand, were surprisingly good. I highly recommend the blood orange cheesecake and the chocolate espresso creme brûlée.
(3)Matthieu K.
Incredibly crowded ... Solid beer list. Prob the most extensive Belgian beer list I have seen in Philly. Impressive. Pals got mussels. I hate mussels, but they assured me their bottom-feeding seafood was yummy.
(4)Sam H.
Amazing mussels, they come with a side of pomme frites Ive had a few of the entrees here an have never been disappointed. The desserts are great too and it's reasonably priced for local bar food. Recommend it for a late night dinner, they serve their whole menu until 1 am
(4)Dan H.
I really need to catch up on my reviews. Was here over a week ago at this point and the memory is starting to get a bit foggy. Came in here on a rainy Sunday afternoon with Sue, her sister and an old friend of mine who came into town to see me. We were in here just for a quick drink. Most of us ordered beers. They had a nice selection. I forget how expensive beers can be in big cities like Philadelphia as well as on the east coast. Monk's seems to be known for their mussels. We didn't order any food, but if we had decided to, I would definitely have gotten the mussels. The guy at the next table had the small order and it was quite large. Next time.
(3)Charlotte D.
Stopped in for a beer here on a Wednesday night. The hostess asked if we were here for drinks or food. We said drinks and she informed Us that tables were only for dining and we could look to see if there was seating at either bars. After finding none, I left back out. Meanwhile there were a bunch of tables open, I would think that they would let people sit down who were just having drinks because it wasn't a busy night. On a weekend day or night I could understand this rule but I don't want to stand up in a not -packed bar. This equals bad service to me, and there are too many other places in the city to deal with this on a midweek evening.
(1)Jenn F.
Love this place! Great beer selection, delicious mussels and frites! The ONLY reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars was due to a rather unfriendly hostess when I was there in December.
(4)Dan S.
Yum yum yum! Monk's is one of the best gastropubs in Philadelphia. Their selection of draft and bottled brews is phenomenal and their food is full of flavor. They have a great atmosphere and a knowledgeable wait staff. When it comes to their food, I HAVE to get their mussels every time I visit. They have a selection to choose from and they're all good options. I also really enjoyed their mushroom cheese steak and their pita platter. Definitely try them out!
(5)Nick H.
Beers 10 Food 10 Service 0 ... But you'll still go back for the beer and food. And they know that so they don't care and I guess neither should you. I let my tip do the talking. Just know that walking in and you'll be ok. But you gotta go if you're in Philly. It's a staple. Beer Mecca.
(4)Jennifer M.
Stumbled upon here when we were starving, tried frog legs for the first time, so good!!! Great beer selection, friendly staff, good food!
(4)Luba P.
I feel like I am not their target audience...at all...and I loved it! - I don't like beer - Loved the raspberry beer they had - I don't like mussels - I loved the mussels and they were awesome and come in a big bucket/pot filled with different mussel juices you can pick - I've never had duck - The duck sandwich was amazing! - I never get mac and cheese - Their mac and cheese is literally the best in the city...seriously....get one to split between like 5 people and everyone will be happy and full Plus it is cute, dark and cozy!
(5)Yahn C.
Based on beer selection only....ridiculous! Over 300 options and its all laid out for you in their Beer Bible. I recommend a Pliny (if they have it). Food smelled great too...didn't try and either. Also...Pliny is short for Russian River - Pliny the Elder
(5)Chuck Z.
Wow, among the best meals I have had in a while. I saw a lot of folks ordering the muscles and ordered the thai curry steamed muscles. Great meal! Another added plus was the Russian River Beers... which are a rare find outside of the California area. Pliny the Elder was a smash. Great service, great food and beer.... must visit.
(5)Jacqui S.
There isn't one thing I've ever ordered from here or Belgium Cafe that I haven't liked. Best known for their mussels (with pommes frites), their menu is inventive, savory and comforting...my favorites being the portobello reuben and salmon burger.
(5)Jessica K.
We already know that their mussels are the bomb. Try their scallops though!!! Yum yum in the tum tum.
(5)Nancy P.
I had plans to meet up with a gf and a guy friend at Monk's. My gf recommended it because it was a good place for mussels and beers. Well, I don't like either of those but alas I still went. I got there before either friend so I put my name in for a table at dinner. They wouldn't seat me without everyone being there. The wait was about 30 - 45 mins around 7:30. We ordered some mussels for the table (though I didn't eat it, I tried the broth with some bread - mehh). The frites were awesome though. I like the mayo dipping sauce that came with it. I ordered the Antwerp burger, med rare. It came out cooked perfectly to my temperature. It also came with a side of frites and the mayo sauce. The burger was very tasty though it was very truffly. For dessert, we shared the creme brulee with espresso ganache. It was super sweet and the texture for the crust was really hard when I tried to cut into it. Good place to check out if you like mussels and beer. Very casual though the artwork in the place is a bit eccentric.
(3)Pat G.
Outstanding beer selection and food! 300-400 different bottled beers and great selection of beers on tap. Lots from Belgium but also from around the world. Many that you can't find anywhere else. There is even a Belgian brewery that brews a Flemish Sour Ale just for them! The mussels are very popular but all of the food is top notch with lots of European influence. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and I love how environmentally conscious Monk's is!
(5)Olivia R.
Monk's brews their own beer and it's fantastic. The selection changes often and the bar tender was very good at recommending various beers according to our tastes. It was very crowded so if you go for dinner, get there early. We did not eat, but everyone around us had the muscles and they looked delicious. There are two bars and dining rooms which is nice because the space is needed. Definitely come here if you like good quality beer and food that goes well with it.
(4)Melissa S.
World-class beer bar, enormous beer selection, ample Belgian inspired menu, including mussels prepared in multiple types of sauces. A Belgian beer lover's paradise!
(5)Andrew B.
Mellow place to grab good beers and frites. Wasn't too crowded or too expensive. Knowledgable bartenders.
(4)Celia B.
We were so happy to have come across Monk's! We had read about how popular it was, and had anticipated a long wait, but were seated fairy quickly (we arrived on a weeknight, and maybe it was just a slow week). The mussels were amazing, and it was a pretty large portion! We got the "Ghent " muscles, per our waitress's recommendation, and they sure were impressive (mmm, bacon). All of the other food that we tried was delicious, as well, and the service was pretty fantastic. It was a bit pricey, however, everything in this area is. But, I do remember the beers being especially pricey. We will return next time we are in town, for some delicious food, great service, and a long list of beers! I highly recommend Monk's, and hopefully you will have a quiet experience there, like we did.
(4)Devon H.
Monks Café is for the die-hard beer fans. I've been here a few times but I will have to warn you- those beers sneak up on you! I've only had food once and it was wonderful. The mussels and frites are a perfect snack for the strong, heavy beers you knock back. This place is always busy. I came here on a Saturday afternoon (around 2pm) and both bars were packed. If you come on a Friday or Saturday night, expect to wait a long time for a table. It also helps to have an idea of what kind of beer you want to drink...their Beer Bible is overwhelming. The table service is a bit cranky but the bartenders are super friendly.
(4)Kurt H.
A favorite. Some things have changed in the past few months. For example, there is now only one size of mussels to choose from and curiously the fries are not as good as they once were, but this place is still consistently tasty.
(5)Jennifer B.
Must try the Pomme frites and Ghent muscles. Hint, the muscles comes with fries and we didn't know that so we basically got two orders or fries. Good beer! There was a 30 min wait for a table for 2 on a Friday night around 730 pm. The place is pretty small but it's a great environment and great service
(5)David S.
Seriously, who doesn't love this place? The mussels are super amazing... And the fries that go with it? GAHHH. SO DELISHH. Everyone says it, and i'm sure i'll get lost in all the other reviews, but an amazing selection of beers, and great mussels. There has to be a reason why everyone is saying the same thing, right? If you don't believe me, then just go yourself. haha.
(5)Lindsay H.
Well well well.. Went here on a recommendation from a friend. Due to work, I was staying quite far but once you find your way here it is worth the wait! Food was incredible- had the DeKoninck mussles and Brussels burger.. All amazing.. And let's talk about the service.. We got to sit in the back room and Eddie served us... He was knowledgeable, polite, attentive, and fun. As long as Monk's keeps up these things they will have my business plus my recommendation to anyone who wants good food and drink in Philly.
(5)Gabriela R.
I've been here a couple of times since I come to Philly a lot for work. PROS: LOVE the duck salad. It is hands down one of the best duck dishes I have had without the steep price normally associated with duck. CONS: Didn't particularly enjoy the service from one of the female bartenders. As I said, I come to Philly for work so I am usually alone when I go out for a bite. When I went there with a friend, it was a bit noisy, crowded with a long wait but the food was good, the service was good and we enjoyed it. However, when I ventured in alone to get takeout, when it wasn't very busy, the bartender was particularly icy, inattentive and kept me waiting for no reason while the food was there (and she wasn't busy, just more practicing avoidance). I could understand if I were rude or didn't tip before, but that wasn't the case (though I wasn't willing to tip well for bad service after all of that). I love the duck so I will come back but I hope they get more friendly staff! It has deterred me from wanting to come back here for a while.
(4)Mark Z.
I really like this bar and I am glad a friend suggested it. The place has a dark ambiance that creates a good intimate atmosphere. The beer selection is vast, so you'll find something you will enjoy. The burger I tried was phenomenal and the staff was very courteous. It tends to get crowded though and gets real cramp, but it is still a cool bar.
(4)Tobias W.
Great beer selection! Try the back bar and ask for recommendations, you will be most positively suprised :)
(5)Stephen G.
An awesome bar, which is a lot more difficult to come across in Philly than you might think. Their draft selection is really good, with a lot of different styles and prices for beer and champagne wallets alike. Everyone raves about the mussels and for good reason, they're amazing (try the Ghent or thai curry). Burgers are pretty decent too. Their fries alone are a reason to come. Not your most typical bar scene which is good for people like me who try to avoid the droves of bros at the irish pubs down on South St.
(4)Sooji L.
Don't understand the hype of Monks Cafe. Service was very poor. Chicken tenders were dry, re-fried, and burnt . The Antwerp burger was neutral- nothing to rave about nor bash about; was able to barely taste the truffle cheese. Wouldn't go back.
(1)bernadette g.
We are traveling and took the recommendation of a local to come to Monks and I am so glad we did. We are beer novices and our server was very knowledgable and picked a beer for each of us and they were all spot on. We started with the mussels, monk style and they were delicious. The fries and sauce... Omg. I would come back for those alone and I live 2000 miles away. We had a pulled pork sandwich, a burger, and chicken fingers and all were great. Upon the recommendation of our server, we had the coconut cream pie for dessert and it was absolutely out of this world. Great meal, solid service- definitely a go to spot in the city.
(5)Julie O.
This isn't a review about the food at Monk's, because obviously those have been done. This is about the management and their bizarre policy of not letting people take home leftover mussels. I went to Monk's recently with three friends late one weekday night, when the restaurant was not that busy so we were able to be seated right when we arrived and were served our food rather quickly. At the end of our meal I asked to get our leftover food to-go, and was told by the server that they couldn't do that. Food waste is a big pet peeve of mine, so I pressed the issue and asked to speak to the manager. When I did speak to the manager he was rather condescending throughout the whole exchange, and didn't once at least express some sympathy to my position (even something along the lines of "I understand what you're saying but I don't want to get in trouble with my boss" would have at least made me feel like I was being heard). Now I know this isn't an issue most people would get so annoyed over, but it's just one of the things my frugal parents drummed into me--don't waste anything you can avoid wasting. So I'm sorry, but if I paid for it I should get to take it home, without snide remarks about "food safety concerns" from the management. Aside from the issue of food waste--which apparently Monk's isn't concerned about--this isn't even something based on actual science or FDA recommendations (which states that cooked shellfish can be safely kept if properly refrigerated for 3-4 days). I cook a lot, even with various kinds of fish, so I knew this even before I requested a take-home container. I really do not appreciate a manager telling me that the food I paid for will go bad by the next day (which is most definitely will not unless I leave it out on my kitchen counter or unless they didn't cook it properly to begin with) and therefore their policy is to never let people take mussels home. A) It should be none of your business what I do with the food I buy from you--maybe I was going to eat it that night, give it to a homeless man, hell, use the shells to crush up for a garden path--and B) if your going to force your staff to pigheadedly defend a policy at least do some research before establishing that policy. I mean even on the surface it makes no sense--if what the manager was claiming was true the Italian place down the block would never be able to pack up your leftover clam linguine, not to mention that all sushi places would have to have a strict no take-out policy (which of course they don't, and uncooked fish has an even shorter shelf-life). So long story short, because of their bizarre policy and management that couldn't be bothered to show an ounce of sympathy, I will not be going to Monk's again (or any of the other restaurants owned by the same people)--which to be honest is a shame because the beer selection is nice and I do like the food. Good thing you can't throw a stick in this city without hitting a good restaurant that serves mussels (Eulogy, Oyster House, Valanni, Royal Tavern, pretty much any Italian restaurant, etc.), so I'll be able to satiate my mussel cravings at places with more thought-out policies and nicer staff.
(1)Boris K.
I've been to Monk's several times and I'm a big fan! If you are a fan of beer, you must go to Monk's at least once. It has by far the best beer selection in the city. But I was also pleasantly surprised by how good the food is. They have some of the best mussels I've ever had and their burgers are always a hit. I was also a big fan of the Monk's Duck Salad. They do get very packed during the evening (especially on the weekends) so you might have to wait for a table, but if you go during the day that should not be an issue.
(5)Laura K.
We've been here before and it has an excellent food and drink menu.. But I came with friends on a Monday around 5 to grab some drinks after work. There weren't enough seats for us at either bars but the tables were empty for the most part. The six of us were told that we weren't welcome to sit at the tables if we weren't ordering food. Seems like a bad business concept considering we would've been gone before the dinner rush and the place was pretty much empty. Won't bring friends back here again.
(2)Shannon C.
It's a literal hole in the wall with superb beer and food. Don't miss this experience! There is so much to choose from and the food was phenomenal. I got a burger, because you can never go wrong with a burger, which came with shoestring fries and an amazing dip. The burger was savory and sweet with caramelized onions and blue cheese. I absolutely want to go back as soon as possible.
(4)Erika R.
Literally the best pub I have ever been to. Their mussels are to die for. I recommend the monks burger and if you like pale ales to try the the Corsendonk Belgium beer. This place is a true Philly gem.
(5)Beau G.
Great mussels and beer. They have a extensive beer bible. I would also recommend the burger.
(4)Sean T.
Great beer selection. Excellent bar food. Monk's is at least a once-a-month spot.
(4)David M.
Busy on a Wednesday in the freezing cold.... Clearly this place must be great. I've never had sour beer and I was also looking for an old style un-hopped ale made with grout(sp?) a preservative and combination of herbs used before hops. They had amazing sour beers and perfect service... Not to mention mussels to die for but my search for medieval ale continues.
(5)Lisa X.
Amazing mussels! I came with two friends and we each got a small bucket for $10. Definitely more food than we expected. The mussels were seasoned perfectly, and the fries and bread went very well with them. Surprised to say I was extremely full and satisfied when I finished! Next time I will try the beer
(4)Eunice L.
Oh how I love their fries and clams! Amazing combo! Service was great (except I wish they would let me sit at the table instead of making me wait for my group).
(4)Josh P.
I was toying with going 3 stars or 4. But I'm in a good mood. I have returned to monks for multiple times and the reason for my 3 stars is their inconsistency. The muscles, which I have gotten multiple times were not FANTASTIC!! And they were sub par. The rest of their food is good. Beer selection deserves it's own rating of a 5. But anyone who knows their beer would not be deterred by my rating. Will I go back again... I'm not sure.
(3)Chelsea H.
I love their beer selection, they always have something I can try new. The pomme frites along with the mayo they give you makes me wanting to go back for more. They offer mussels with different herbs and broth which I think is a great idea..I think I have had almost all the flavors. Although it is a tight squeeze it never bothers me because everything about this place is good. Friendly staff, looking forward to trying the frog legs next!
(5)Kelly W.
Monk's is a wonderful place to have a beer (or 3- no more than 3 for me) whether its 10 degrees on the streets or 110 degrees. It's dark and inviting with knowledgable staff and an obviously incredible beer menu. Only downside are the tiny bathrooms and inefficient layout, but that is part of the charm of this place. Also, can get quite crowded at the bars and take awhile to get a beer.
(4)Phil C.
O had a dinner here- I sat at the front bar (didnt know there was a back room bar at the time). Ambiance is nice, food was average plus. I thought the taps options in the bar was a bit slim, and the bar tender didnt seem to want to go to the other bar where there might have been more tap stuff available (the back room). I kind of left a little underwhelmed overall but it was comfortable and though crowded not particularly loud.
(3)Jody P.
Go with a muscle loving friend so that you can try a few varieties. The small pot is more than enough to have as a meal for one person, and comes with a dinner roll to soak up the goodness, plus pom frites with spicy mayo dipping sauce. They have a beer bible... 'nuff said. I agree with Brad P.'s review that the crowd is always friendly, I've conversed with strangers at the bar on several occasions. Be warned that it is a very dark pub atmosphere so if you go during the day you will come out squinting like a mole.
(4)Kaitlyn B.
Really good food and beers. Great vibe.
(5)Scott L.
A locals hang out in city center has such charm that the new england atmosphere easily outshines the good food. Attractive staff with edge, worldliness and smiles, groups in deep discussion and laughter in the dark vaulted pub blanketed me and my travel companion into our own deep conversation. Yes the mussels with apples and cheese were good, (i wanted to sip the broth out of the pot) and so was the juicy and tender pulled pork sandwich but the deep Irish pub essence will perhaps heal you in the time it takes to get half way through a glass. Affordable, cozy, crowded and old.
(4)Jason B.
Great beer Selection, beers you can't find anywhere else. Delicious food, but only stuck to appetizers.
(4)Pourio L.
Came down here after class at around 9:30pm because I had been craving a good burger and one of my classmates highly recommended this place for some good burgers and brews. Parking in this area is an absolute nightmare. I would contend that it's worse than the parking situation in Downtown Los Angeles. It's bad and the streets are poorly maintained. When we got there, there wasn't much of a wait but we got there a bit late for dinner but it was still pretty packed. We snagged the last table in the very back next to the bar. I had one of their signature burgers and one of their dark stouts on tap (I'm a huge fan of Guinness that's poured just right and they had good stouts on tap here). They have a pretty large selection of beers and wines for you to try out. Many local and microbrews with very few global name brands. Now the meat was cooked and seasoned just right but I have to say that the bread was quite disappointing. The buns were stiff and dry and oversized for the meat patty. I'm not exaggerating but the meat patty was 2x too small for the buns they provided. The skinny fries were decent. The beer was great. I wish I had more cash on me (their ATM/credit card machine went down that night and the closest ATM machine was a block away) otherwise, I would've definitely had a few more beers. Service was decent if not a bit slow but considering this place is a bit busy, I can understand. This place gets packed and the seating arrangement makes for some tight spaces so be prepared to share conversations with your neighbors. If only the buns on my burger (and my friend repeatedly said that the bread isn't normally this dry or stiff and that it's much better, maybe it was an off-night) were softer, tastier and not like thick cardboard, I definitely would've given this place a higher rating. Maybe next time they'll get it right. Parking: Hell Price: $25+ per person (including one beer) Wait: 15+ mins
(3)Lauren A.
Brought here by a local who loves beer just as much as I do! In the mood for mussels and sour beer... Let's do this! The place was busy, but we got a beer quickly at the back bar while we waited for our table, the selection of beers is impressive! Fell in love with Belgian Sour Beer! Once seated out server was very prompt and extremely attentive. Mussels = AMAZING! Mac n cheese also very impressive! Overall a great place! Be patient and you will not be disappointed!
(5)Kristen L.
Love love love it at Monks! My SO always gets the Spanish Flies--super spicy got wings-- and the Duck Breast Salad. I always love the Ghent mussels! Everything is always delicious and the mussels are so reasonably priced on top of that. The fries alone are worth it. The waits are sometimes very long, so be prepared to get a drink at the bar while you wait for a table. But it is certainly worth it! They also have a FANTASTIC draft beer selection. It's always interesting, changing, varied, and delicious. One of my favorite places in Philly.
(5)Ben K.
Beer selection was great. Food was really really good. Service was pretty terrible. Bartender acted like it was such a chore to come to the end of the bar to serve me and he was soooo cool....must have been the stars on his elbows.
(3)Scott S.
If I were to commit a capital crime tomorrow in the city of Philadelphia and were asked what I wanted for my last meal, I would without hesitation answer "The Duck Salad Sandwich, Ghent Mussels, and draft Pliny the Elder from Monk's Café." It's kind of hard to describe experiences like these, but every time I walk into Monk's Café and sit at their rustic bar waiting for my food and beer, it's as if I'm sitting on some sort of invisible, yet mobile spa; all my stress and worries just melt away from my shoulders and leave me in a state of complete relaxation and bliss... which soon shifts to ecstasy as soon as my food and beer arrive. Fluffy and flowery images aside, if you don't know already, Monks Café probably has the most extensive Belgian beer offering in Philadelphia and maybe in the entire USA. If you didn't know already, Monks Café probably offers the most authentic Belgian fare in all of Philadelphia and maybe in the entire USA. And if it hasn't hit you already, you should most definitely make this a to-go destination if you enjoy good food and beer, which probably means YOU, since you wouldn't be on yelp.com if you didn't enjoy good food and beer. I would also recommend stopping by here during the afternoon if you like a more serene, home-y atmosphere; make this place your destination in the evening if you like a more ambient, dive-ish under the candlelight atmosphere (to whomever called this a dive/hole in the wall: how dare you.) I love you Monk's Café. Never leave me.
(5)Jay W.
Terrific beer list. I do wish they had more information on the beers listed, as a number of them I have never heard of. I imagine this would make the "Beer Bible" much bigger, and I suppose that is what smartphones and the internet are for. Plenty of interesting things on tap, but the true beauty here are in the bottles that are offered. Many rare bottles and limited brews available, but you might find them to be out of brews listed. Seating is reserved for those eating, which I never have.
(4)Zuri P.
Ok, we were here in February 2014. My husband was able to grab a couple seats at the bar. It was a Saturday, there had been a huge snowstorm the day before, and the place was packed. It was loud and dark and fantastic, just the way I like. You have to lean in to hear what your mate is saying. Our bartender (female, long red hair, funny, and a touch sarcastic) was a pro and set us up with our food and drinks. Service was swift. We started with mussels petit dejuener and a couple Belgian beers. I had a quadruple and the hubs had a triple. Delicious and strong, both! We had also the seitan (vegetarian) Philly cheesesteak with the pomme frites. I did not expect that the sandwich would be the best. We live in Southern California and have bomb vegetarian food there. I've learned from experience not to expect home away from home. I have to say, this sandwich was a top competitor! The pomme frites were great but not the best I've ever had (that prize is for Wurstkuche in LA, so far). Can't wait to visit again! I will def be back at this spot for the beer and food; wanna try the scallops next time.
(4)Jeff B.
Go for mussels and beers, you wont be disappointed. Service was excellent, leave your phone home and engage in the lost art of conversation, everyone benefits.
(4)Christina G.
We arrived around 9pm on a Friday night and the four of us were seated in minutes and spent about 3 hours at our table ordering food and drinks. These may be the best mussels that I have had in Philly. The small pot was huge so I can't even imagine what the large pot must be like. The 4 of us split 3 small pots of mussels and 2 sandwiches and were stuffed. The mussels also come with a side of bread and French fries. The Portobello sandwich was good, but I think their burgers are even better. They also have a decent beer menu. The 4 of us had 3 pots of mussels, 2 sandwiches and countless beers over a 3 hour period and our bill came to about $160, and we left very full and satisfied. Service was decent. They do need to fix their bathroom sink because the cold water faucet did not work at all.
(4)Eddie L.
I have been to monks many times before and i always leave happy, but this time I left fully impressed. The beer bible is amazing but finding a beer in it can sometimes be a daunting task, especially to someone who can never make up their mind. I was sitting at the front bar and experiencing this exact problem. Chris the bartender came over and he was so patient and helpful. Even though the bar was packed he took time to get a couple different types of beers, explain to me all about each beer and then happily served my choice to me in a nice glass, but the best part was that he really seemed to enjoy it; never did i feel that i was bothering him in any way. The food was amazing and came out quickly, the music playing was good and not too loud, people were nice and courteous, But Chris made this visit really special. I can't wait to come back to monks again.
(4)Adam P.
How could anyone not love Monk's? What cruel soul can't appreciate fresh mussels and delicious craft beer? Vegetarians?!? PRUDES?!? In all seriousness, whenever someone asks a good place to grab a bite and drink, I always direct them to Monk's. Their tap list rotates regularly but always features some world-class beers (read: Pliny the Elder). Yes, it's dark in there and can get a little loud when they're busy, but that just adds to the cool vibe at Monk's. As for food, you NEED to go with the mussels. I've heard good things about their burgers, duck salad sandwich, etc., but there are few things I would rather spend $10 on than Monk's moules frites. The portion is insane (INSANE!) and they're always fresh and plump (never had a chewy mussel there) and there's like 10 ways you can get them cooked. As if that wasn't enough, they come with duck fat fried french fries and delicious bread to dip in your broth. My mouth is literally watering thinking about it. And in case you skipped over this part, that whole meal will only cost you ten measly bones (leaving you with enough money for a couple rounds of beer). Speaking of beer, the prices at Monk's are reasonable for what you get. There's a lot of places in Philly that will charge you way more for the same stuff and come off as pretentious while they're at it. Bottle list at Monk's is unparalleled in the city. Stop reading, go eat (and drink) at Monk's.
(5)Benjamin R.
For the uninitiated, Monk's is actually a world-renowned Belgian beer bar. Literally. This place was much cooler 10 years ago before all the people in the Pennsy burbs and New Jersey found out about it. I know that sounds really snobby, but honestly, expect an hour to an hour-and-a half wait or more for a table on weekends. And because it's really small in here, be prepared to fight for both the front and back bartenders' attention, and a place to just stand. It's SO crowded. Agoraphobes and claustrophobes beware. You're going to be rubbing up on all KINDS of strangers. That being said, it's a really charming place. If you like Belgian beers, you'll feel right at home. Avoid Chimay--there are much better options. The draught list is incredible and the bottle selection is the most extensive you've ever seen. The food is excellent. The mussels are some of the best you'll find in Philly, and they always have solid vegan options. Despite being harried and overwhelmed, the service is generally good. If you really want to have a good Monk's experience, come for lunch on a weekday. It's by far the best experience (and one of the best lunches) you'll have.
(4)Arlene M.
Holy moly, the trout is to die for! Started with the chocolate stout, then trout that sent me into heaven and followed by some sort of creme brulee with chocolate deliciousness. So delicious. The server was a sweety and the booths were cozy and perfect for a why wonderful dinner.
(5)Louise S.
Monks cafe has a real old pub charm to it. I'm from England where old school pubs are being replaced by modern gastro pubs. Monks cafe claims gastro pub but retains all that creaky floor charm that everyone adores. As for the beer...I'm not a beer drinker but here you will find beers for everyone. I mean everyone! They have a beer bible to find what beverage might suit you best. I love sour ales which can be hard to find and monks cafe had 4 different sour beers! Score! I'm also a huge fan of mussels. Moules et frites just make me happy. Here they have mussel options. 6 different flavors to choose from. The fries were crispy double fried perfection and yes the mussels were delicious. Monks cafe does get very busy though. We went on a Saturday at around 1 pm and got a seat in the very back room. As we left it was even busier with folks standing up waiting. Very popular pub very close to rittenhouse square. If I lived in Philly I'd be such a regular here!!!
(4)Jessica C.
LOVE the beer selection here. My favorite things are the mussels and twice fried french fries. It's usually really crowded but the service is always great.
(5)Mindy Y.
Yes, you Monk's Cafe - I love you... why don't you move to California with me? SERVICE: had to wait on the list for a bit ... so come early when you're not so hungry. We walked around the block for a bit... it was good... got to see pretty much the whole of Philly. Jks. FOOD: (1) Mussels: came in a pot and omg ... garlic... yes please .. lots of garlic. 5 stars. (2) Duck Burger: amazing... duck, duck melts in your mouth. 5 stars. DRINKS: Can't remember what I got ... but ... huge, huge beer selection **OVERALL: Beer, mussels and duck burger. Mind blowing .. will come back again...
(5)Darwin G.
I heard that I needed to stop by here during Philadelphia Beer Week and boy did this place not disappoint. I was able to get both Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig in one place. For a beer geek, this place is heaven. The service here is fantastic. I turned away for a second while sitting at the bar and without even asking for more water, the bartender had reached over with the water gun and filled up my glass. Now that's service! Most importantly, co-owner Tom Peters just an amazing guy. I randomly got into a conversation with him and then eventually learned I was speaking to the owner. We geeked out on beer for quite a while and he was nice enough to buy me a beer. If you get the chance, introduce yourself and say Hi because he really is a great person to talk to and has played such an important role for the beer community in Philadelphia and on the East Coast.
(5)Erica L.
This place is a favorite and institution in Philly for good reason. Unparalleled beer menu, fantastic food. I recommend the monks mussels, the key lime pie, and pommes frites with homemade bourbons to. Fantastic. The back bar with the tapestry, old school steins, and Trappist decor is phenomenal. And the monks sour ale is a must. I tried the vegan burger for the first time and it was flavorful and full of veggies. Love this place and will keep coming back.
(5)Rocio R.
Finding a parking spot on the street was a real pain. Parked about 3 miles away but we finally made it. Place was pretty packed on a Saturday afternoon but we got seated fairly quickly. I ordered the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale and loved it. Can't recall which beer J had though. We shared an order of the mussels and they were fantastic. Steaming piping hot mussels came with bread and fries. Fries were delicious also.
(5)stephanie b.
I wanted to really like this place. I really did. After waiting an hour for a table for two (note: larger groups get seated almost immediately), my person and I started with beers (no complaints) and the charcuterie, which for $18.95, was a real disappointment. Two tiny slivers of brie with bread that looked like it had been gnawed on. While the spinach and feta cheese sausage was good, the unidentified canned like meat and mystery spreads were a let down. I could get a better, cheaper cheese tray with more of an assortment from Wegman's. I ordered the mac and cheese that had pieces of ham and asparagus incorporated throughout with a dollop of cream atop. Not impressed. Maybe that's not the establishment's fault or maybe I'm just a simple mac and cheese kinda gal. My person ordered a small pot of Ghent mussels, who admitted they were good for the price, but was more impressed that the order came with french fries. The fries were the highlight of the entire trip. While sitting at our slanted table, I was told that I'm not allowed to pick our next dinner spot...
(2)Renee M.
Monk's is my new favorite spot in Philly. Not that I really had another favorite spot in Philly before this... but anyway. The beer selection is pretty fantastic and the food is delicious as well. I've had their burger and fries as well as their mussels and everything was very good. The layout is kind of awkward and it tends to get crowded which is not too surprising since it is a great place to drink beer with your friends. If you like beer (especially Belgian beer), Monk's is a must visit bar in Philly :) Go go go
(5)Lauren D.
The quality of food has SEVERELY gone down hill, and I just don't have the patience to deal with this place ever in my life. It's a good tourist location, but I've lived in Philadelphia for over 2 years now and know of plenty of bars with the same quality and selection of beer. Sorry, Monk's. I just think we're better off seeing other people.
(3)Paul S.
Quite possibly the best beer selection in the country. They carry some pretty nice beers on tap. If you can get here at midnight when everyone else is going out to clubs and bars, it's really nice. the back room clears out from around 12 to 2
(4)E B.
We were passing through Philadelphia, stayed at the Sheraton in University. Some of our friends used to live in Philly, so we called them for suggestions. He said, "If you are only in Philly for one night, you HAVE to go to Monks." As a fellow foodie, we typically respect eachothers' food suggestions. He also said that there are 20 other GastroPubs just like it, but this was THE one to go to. We parked, somewhere where they took our car and gave us a card, walked a half a block over to Monks and opened the door. It was packed, and it was about 7pm. We found 2 seats at the bar, and grabbed 'em. Next was the beer menu, for the love of god - what a huge menu! I ordered the Delerium Tremons & the hubby ordered the Dogfish Head. It absolutely amazed me that all the beers come in their signature glass. Our friend suggested the mussels...and I thought, there is NO way I am ordering Mussels at a pub. But I did, and they were some of the best mussels I've ever had. I ordered the Provence Mussels, and the hubby ordered the burger. Both were fantastic! I looked around, and I would say more than not - there were couples that did the same...the chic had mussels, the guy had the burger (interesting). By the way, I have to note the staff. I read about this place here on yelp before we went. Most people talk poorly of the staff. I don't agree. I work in the hospitality industry, I'm a chef. Seriously, if YOU were that busy trying to make all of your customers happy, and you have a million of them there at one time, all the time - would you appear happy and relaxed?? Give 'em a break, they're offering great service and great food, and wicked beer! We will be back ;)
(5)Frank S.
Awesome! Every place with that beer selection is a winner. Yes, bla, bla, the mussels are great, you know that already. BUT, with a little bragging about home home, some of the best beers are still coming from Northern Bavaria. Try "Mahr's Brau Bamberg", Germany, you will not be disappointed...
(4)Mark K.
I miss Philly for a few key reasons. One: the good friends I left behind. Two: actually having seasons to enjoy. Three: Monk's amazing selection of beers and mussels. Damn. Beers as far as the eye can see, and true pleasure is not just eating the mussels. It's actually at the very end where you take your bread and sop up the inside of the pot full of flavor and chunks of garlic. Damn. The only real pain in the butt is the wait... but it IS well worth it.
(5)Johnny S.
Went to Monks last night for my birthday. Everything was top notch as expected from the reputation and reviews. The beer bible is THE best beer list I've seen. Tried a number of different beers for the first time. As for food, we were pretty impressed actually. Web had the hummus plate, some mussels and pomme frites, and burgers. One other thing to note; our server was great. I read reviews of them being pretentious, but she was anything but. Great times, great experience, will be back.
(5)Rose N.
Monk's is the place to If you love rich, flavorful beer. It's a great place to come drink some beers, hang out with friends. The food is great... mussels and frites is a must!
(4)Natalie M.
Really? I haven't reviewed Monk's yet? It's hard to believe... There is not much to say that hasn't already been said time and time again, so I'll keep this one short. I love Monk's. The mussels are some of the best in the city and are reasonably priced, and come with a side of fries with fabulous dipping sauce. The Belgian beer selection is awesome, and they have beers on tap that you rarely see in the US. The bartenders know a ton about the beers they are serving, if they'll deign to actually answer your questions AND if you can hear over the din around you. It's always super busy, so be prepared to wait... Although generally the wait is shorter than their estimate... Service can be a little slow, so be prepared to sit back and enjoy your meal, not to rush through it. For all the little annoyances, it's still a place that I love.
(5)Mary K.
I am a mussel afficianado and have a tendency to be uber critical; Monk's gave me nothing to be critical of...the mussels were cooked perfectly, the bread for sopping the juice was superb and all those WONDERFUL belgian beer choices makes Monk's my hand's down favorite Philly bar...can't wait for the next time!
(5)Sally T.
SUPER crowded so if you're hungry, good luck. The beer selection is definitely impressive, but even more impressive is how spicy their wings are. I swear, if I ate them in the winter, the steam that would be vaporizing off of me would melt the ice. Don't let the 4 pieces they give you fool you one bit, because they're big and hella spicy! The mussels are fantastic, the burgers are good, but if I'm paying that much, I expect a bigger burger. The frites are a little on the sad side since they do come out soggy sometimes because of all the grease. If you don't want to be frustrated by the very small "waiting area" / bar for food, I suggest going on a weekday, just not during lunch because that can get ugly too. Overall, I like the place.
(4)Jedi M.
Very expensive imported Belgium beer, tasty, but pricey. The selection of the rotating brews was impressive, but did I mention they were spendy. The talked up seasoned fries were just OK, I think ours were from the bottom of the batch, I would give them a second chance, they had potential. The only thing that saved it for me from a 3 star was the AMAZING duck salad sandwich. Just typing this review I want one right now. I am afraid of trying to recreate it at home, don't want to ruin such a good memory ( but I am still going to try one day). If you go here the duck sandwich is a must!
(4)Christine Y.
Oh God in Belgium, those double-fried fries with bourbon mayo....have you heard of them? Of course you have. Do you care if they're "not exactly what I remember growing up as a young Belgian monk"? (Some of these Yelpers, sheeeeesh...) The multiple awards they have won aren't lyin': I could eat them all day. I even asked for another shot of the bourbon mayo and GOT IT, fo free. Best bartender ever, by the way - how he managed to maintain such speedy, friendly service when the teeny place was jam-packed, I'll never know. They must practice meditation techniques. I had a Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot (barley wine, 11.1%) for $6 and it was worth it. Not much else to say. It was dark, but I sat right under a light at the tiny bar that lines the wall across from the real bar (and protrudes out about half as far) and read a book, and it was possible. It seems like the only thing around in that immediate area from the outside, but I don't know Philly, or Jack.
(4)Cray Z.
Mussels look like both female and male reproductive organs. But when cooked in a tasty broth with garlic, chili, tomato and celery in abundance - it makes you forget their role as part of our oceans' natural sewage system. But what's good enough for Belgians - hey, it's good enough for me. And something else that is good enough for me - hundreds of imported and domestic beers to chose from, with some wine on offer too. We ended this fine dining experience with an espresso-chocolate tart.
(5)Jackie D.
This bar was nice! I had the frog legs and mussels. The description of the food wasn't very clear and the frog legs had a buffalo style sauce on them, which was good but a little overwhelming (that's why I gave it 4/5 stars). Oooh and the Chimay beer was great! I'll have to come back with some friends.
(4)Jubin K.
I rate on taste... all the other stuff like atmosphere and service doesn't make a difference when the food is beyond anything else you've tried. Those people who rate on Yelp based on wait times and service are ruining the ratings for other people to try these restaurants for their unique flavors. The food here is amazing, and hell, you're in philly, do you expect to be treated like a king? You'll be lucky if they say hi to you. The Monk's burger with the skinny fries and horseradish dip is one of a kind and you will not find anything like it anywhere else in the world. Down it with a flemish sour ale or your choice of over a thousand kinds of unique beers and it's heaven for your taste buds. The Ghent steamed mussels are my favorite. Thai Curry is good too. The small pot is plenty for one person. The large for a large person, pretty straightforward. I usually end up asking for another piece of bread to soak up all the juices at the bottom of the pot, will even ask for spoon and drink it like soup. Two must have's when I'm around philly is Monk's and Jim's cheese steaks.
(5)Eunice D.
This has become a regular stop when I'm in Philly. Thai mussel pot is fabulous and the beer selection is outstanding! I think about this place all the time and wish I could transplant it to the Bay Area!
(5)Neetu B.
I am big fan of Monk's Cafe. The beer list is FANTASTIC. Chimay on tap! The food is great as well. Definitely get a pot of mussels, you won't be disappointed. I've had the Provence style and the Brussels style. Both were great. I definitely recommend the Duck Salad Sandwich with Pomme Frites. So, why four stars? This place gets out-of-control busy. If you get there when there is no bar space available and want to grab a table, be prepared to order some food. This place isn't cheap, so I wouldn't recommend this place for large groups looking for a night out.. This is definitely a place to eat, drink, and enjoy as an experience, but if you are just looking for great beer, try somewhere else.
(4)Chad T.
Great mussel broth (we got the Ghent), good mussels (though on the small side and a little over-cooked), good beer list (though somewhat over-priced). Highlight: excellent service. Disappointment: the pommes frites weren't the least bit crunchy.
(3)Robin C.
So I have to say it's not as amazing as everyone says. Yes, they have a great bottled beer selection but their tap beer selection isn't amazing. I did enjoy a few beers I wouldn't have tried otherwise but I wasn't horrible impressed. I was amused to find out that a SEPTA bus crashed into it only in August which explained the rather unfinished look to the hallway leading into the restaurant. I might go back for a beer but I don't think I'd eat here since I wasn't digging the atmosphere.
(3)Tesh S.
Great burgers, fries, mussels, and beer of course! Loved the chicken burger with the Monks and Brussel dual topping (even though extra money was worth it)
(4)Steven S.
I'm breaking with (my) custom and giving Monk's five stars, because it really was my introduction to the world of high quality beer, long before the current craft craze took off, and I always make a point of stopping in whenever I'm in Philly (which is as infrequently as possible). The beer is excellent Belgian or Belgian-style ale, and the mussels and pommes frites draw devotees from all over. There's a reason this place has been around for so long and gets so much repeat business. It may find a special place in your heart, too. If not, more for me.
(5)Mark D.
Monk's has a about 20 Belgium beers on tap. So if you are into this style beer, you HAVE to stop here. They also have a large selection of bottled beer. I had the Belgium mussels and,by far, they were the best mussels I have ever had! They were cooked perfectly and had a nice broth. They were accompanied excellent frittes and by a dense crusty roll that was perfect for sopping up the broth. Great place! I will go back again, maybe tonight!!
(4)J. J.
Great food and great beer! If you like belgiums, tis the place to go. Always a favorite place of mine in Phila. Tends to get busy and a bit crowded on a lazy Sunday, but I guess thats what I get for going at peak hours. I dont eat mussles but the other half does, and he loves them!
(4)Karin F.
The mussel pots here were divine. The beer selection is also fabu. Can't wait to go here again... we keep saying that we're going to get back here soon, and we're working on it !!! If you are in Philly and looking for a place to grab a beer and gnosh on something wonderful, go to Monk's... The downside was that it was crowded, but that's par for the course on the weekend; but don't walk away if it's crowded, wait it out, have a beer, the mussels are worth the wait!
(4)kathy t.
Interesting beer. Crispy stubby fries [edited- during off hours, I think the fries are crispier. When it's busy, you have a higher chance of getting underdone, kind of crappy fries, which is really annoying.] Duck salad. The duck salad is not like chicken salad with mayo, it's a mixed greens with ?goat cheese and ?cranberries (dried red fruit I forget if it's cherries), some candied nuts, lightly dressed with a vinaigrette, and a sliced medium rare duck breast. At the risk of making it more crowded when I go, try going at off hours, ie NOT weekdays 5-8 or weekend meal times. If you're just there for beer and snacks during prime meal times, sit at the bar. If you can't see the bar b/c of all the people hanging off it, (and note that the back bar is sometimes less crowded than the front b/c the ppl waiting for tables aren't there), go somewhere else and come back later. Also there are two tables that can seat at least 6, but it's mostly 2 & 4 tops.
(4)Mark L.
I love love love love this place from my philly days. Unmatched selection of Belgian beer in the states. The mussels are a 4/5 but the beer wins out. There are many Belgian bars now in philly but you never forget your first (and best)..
(5)Natalie H.
Alright, Monk's is a great place, great beer, good food, but not necessarily my favorite place to go. The bartender was a bit of a snob, made no conversation when my boyfriend tried to chat with him. He was just one person, so I've been back and have to say the combination of good beer and good food trumps a less then friendly bartender.
(4)Anne-Marie M.
Love monks! The food is tasty. I enjoyed their duck sandwich with a really nicely dressed salad. Now, anyone whose been to monks knows what I'm going to say next. The mussels... are perfection! I think we always get the house mussels... the one with all the garlic. So sood. This place is known for its beers which is great, but I like that they have a decent wine list for when I'm not in the mood. The bartender that served me, allowed me to taste before she poured which, in my book, should be a "always do". Why am I not giving it 5 stars.... hmm... b\c 5 stars for them should be a little cheaper... or the food should just get a little better. Otherwise, a must dine restaurant in philly.
(4)Happy M.
The Beer Bible. That's all I have to say for now. ********** God, I love their mussels and pomme frites with the accompanying sauce (pomme frites shouldn't be crunchy, quite contrary to an earlier reviewer's complaint!). The burgers are fantastic and, now that I hear the Copa franchise has closed, Monk's may be the last place where you can get really great customizable burgers (beef, chicken, veggie, portabella with a variety of themed toppings with Belgian related names). While I'm not a fan of sausages generally, I recognized their sausage sandwiches were excellent. But most of all, this is the place that began my love of Belgian ale in particular and snobbery regarding beer in general. This is where I first tasted Abbey de Leffe Blonde, Chimays, Lindemans' Lambic Framboise, Duvel, Wittekerge Wit, and trappist beers in general. The place that educated me on the fact that good beers ought to be served at their ideal temperatures in their own glasses. I would surmise that all this is true for not only me but a lot of others. I miss the Beer Bible. Friday evenings and nights are packed. Don't even think about trying to find a table if you don't get here early as happy hour starts since the happy hour crowd tends to stay until late in the night. Best to make reservations. Service can leave a bit to be desired.
(4)Kimberly H.
I hate to give Monk's only 3 stars, but since they got an awesome review in a Beer Mag a few years ago, it's gone completely down hill. Yes, Monk's has awesome mussels, awesome pommes frites, and a phenomenal beer selection, but I just can't stand to go there anymore. It's always packed (I waited for a table for 2 hours one night for 2 people), and this is not fun when you're waiting or even when you're sitting since everyone is so close together. It's just not fun anymore... For an alternative, I recommend their sister restaurant Nodding Head to get those same great mussels and drink some locally brewed (the drums are in the restaurant) beer with them. Plus, the wait staff isn't nearly as taxed and are SO much nicer and more attentive.
(3)Melissa K.
Monks is quite possibly the most overrated burger and beer place in the city. Yes -- they have a wide beer selection, but it's not worth waiting to be seated or waiting for the boring food. The service is average and the food is really not that great. If you want Belgian beers, you can get many of them at other bars in the city like Eulogy, Prohibition, and even Jose Pistola's.
(3)Scott F.
I had been saving this beer mecca for a special occasion and finally ended up taking my girlfriend here on a date. Both of us being very into good beers found the selection left us satisfied. The food however was another matter. The mussels were good, but came with horrible bread. We ordered frog legs and they tasted like they had sat unwrapped in a freezer for days. I will return to retry Monk's Cafe, but I'm skeptical of the food.
(3)Jessica C.
I love this place because it's really one-of-a-kind in Center City, but I write with the bias that I came here with a group on a Friday night which happened to not be extremely crowded, so our service was most excellent. I love Belgian beer but am a total lightweight, so I was excited to discover their selection of Lindemans. Don't miss the frites (almost good enough to rival Rudy's in New Haven) and the mussels, which were extremely flavorful. Prices are quite reasonable considering the quality of the food. This is a don't-miss, one-of-a-kind find!
(5)Brittini S.
This place is my new favorite watering hole! Great selection of food and even better menu of beers. The waitress made a great suggestion since I was not sure what beer to order and she was very friendly the rest of the evening. My friend and I had delicious mussels and really enjoyed ourselves. If only they gave us spoons to drink that delicious sauce! I will most definitely be going back!
(5)Benjamin W.
I think its been about six years since I first fell in love with Monk's. Incredible place. Sit at the bar, it does get busy. I can't think of a better place to hang out grab a beer, a Monk's burger and an order of pomme frites - its a food orgasm. On a recent quick trip back east, I had to experience love again. I don't get in enough as I used to as I now live in hell (so Cal), I miss you Monk's :'(
(5)E M.
Amazing beer selection, great ambiance with mahagony wooden bar and low lighting....muscles are a must to get here! Try to sit in the back, the scene is the best there if you are looking to eat dinner. The front has the main bar though. This place doesnt take reservations which is annoying!
(4)Joe L.
The best place for beer in Pennsylvania, period. I have yet to eat here; beer only thus far. But that's good enough. To call the selection "extensive" is an understatement. Belgian beer only, as far as the eye can see, and that's a good thing. Many fine examples of Belgian beer on draft, most of which are hard to find, or damn near impossible to find elsewhere (I'm looking at you, Monk's Flemish Sour Ale.) If you like beer, you can't go wrong here. It's packed on the weekends, but worth it. Important note: many beers are provided by Shangy's, in Emmaus, PA. This is near my home, so I can get many of these beers in bottles and kegs for home consumption. The draft beers here are pricey, but justifiably so. A 1/6 barrel of most tips in at over $150, on the low end. By comparison, and 1/4 barrel of local favorite Yeungling comes in around $40.
(5)John V.
Monk's was rated in the top ten of world bars-this place is abeer loversheaven upon the Earth. The downside tot his location is the limited,. if any available parking at all, $$$$ parking lots, small bar, huge crowds on weekends, and even week nights, and $$ priced ales. However, at least checkingout this place once in your life is amust if you are a beer lover, as I am. Monk's has the honor of serving unique ales that can only be found here, besides Europe at times. The aesthetics of the place reminds me of bars in Brussels, very authentic, with an upscale clinetel. The food is fine, but the beer is where it's at!! A must see if you love beer and are i nthe center city Philly area,
(5)Christopher T.
I think I died and went to heaven. This has got to be the best place to grab a belgian beer in the US... hands down. The place was packed but we must have had someone on our side as there happened to be a single two-person table just waiting for us. Our waitress was incredibly knowledgeble and friendly and even tried to protect us from ourselves... asking if we were familar with their menu when I ordered a Gauze (i.e. are you sure you know what you're asking for?). We had the mussels and pommes frites along with many belgian ales. Everything was excellent!
(5)Jeanie V.
everything was great, food and services especially dessert, mine only complain is that its always crowded lol so the wait is always long.
(5)Ani P.
The Belgians know how to cook mussels and fries. The mussels come out in a large steamy pot. They are so good that I ate every single mussel and licked the inside of the pot. The french fries are tiny, match stick like, and can be eaten with a fork. The french fries are greasy and pair wonderfully with the mayo dip. Good beer (ridiculous assortment of beer to choose from), good mussels and good fries. The first place I'd stop at if I were ever in Philly.
(5)Lily B.
My friends and I had lunch here. We were lucky, we didn't have to wait for a table. I ordered the mussels (the Thai one), and it was delicious! The prices were also very reasonable. I'm trying to find the time to go back and eat here again.
(5)Anna Marie C.
the pluses: decent mussels, a huuuuge selection of beers the minuses: crowded, crowded (even on a weekday). spendy for what you get. loud. and the fries are short, which means i have to either: a) dip my entire hand into that yummy sauce, or b) use a fork. i don't really like either choice. i'd rather go to grace.
(3)Jonathan K.
I miss me some Monks! Those delectable Spanish Flies (unbelievably make-you-sweat-and-cry chipotle hot wings), the insane selection of mussels (all types of tasty broth), the Trappist burger, and all those lovely Belgian beers on tap! I'm guilty of taking the train back to Philly to "visit with friends and relatives", when all I really wanted was to go hit Monks.
(5)Penelope P.
Great food and beer, but the service provided by the hosts/hostesses is unacceptable. It's pretty dumb that they won't take reservations, but it's unbearable that if you call and ask how long the wait is, they make something up rather than actually checking (yes, this was actually admitted to me). I used to be a regular customer here, but I just can't take it anymore. Get your shit together, Monk's.
(2)James T.
It hasn't changed over the years. The waitstaff knows the beers if you slow down and talk with them. If you love wine, give this variation on fermentation a try. World cuisine - well, European beer cuisine in the heart of Philly.
(5)Jenna C.
Why is Monk's unable to make a burger anything but well-done? mmmmm... the Thai Curry muscles more than make up for any downfalls this restaurant may have. Sure, they're always super busy. Sure, their burgers are only made well-done, despite asking how you want your burger. Sure, you can sometimes get a little bit of attitude from the servers (I've never encountered this- but they do get busy so I'm sure it's bound to happen). But- oh- those thai curry muscles.... So super yummy! I've really only encountered good here. Bar tenders have listened to my uninformed opinions of beers and offered suggestions. Servers have been attentive and helpful in making suggestion. And, most importantly, the food and beer have been super yummy! I love Monk's. I just don't ever plan on buying Skullsplitter again. Oh, and a word to the wise: if you ever order food for carry out, make sure you go wait at the back bar... otherwise, by the time you realize you're supposed to wait at the back bar, your food will be a little bit cold!
(4)Barbara L.
Great beer selection and great atmosphere. The bartender was wonderful to me and my friend :)
(4)Jen D.
When I first passed by Monks, I thought it was a shack. Actually, it still kinda looks like a shack, even from the inside, but this is a great place! Monks sparked my initial interest for Belgium beer. They have an impressive selection of beer on tap and in the bottle. I'm sorry, but I can't write about the food, as I don't really remember it. I was here for the beer, and the beer only.
(4)Kristen B.
my fiance is a total beer snob. there are hundreds of bottles of fancy shmancy beer in his cellar. I dont really love beer like that. It is ok, but i dont really appreciate its finer characteristics. Im more of a wine lady. that being said, i made reservations for the nye 6 course beer dinner this year. I figure id just bite the bullet. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that monks offered a wine option with the dinner, and i have to say, this was the best dinner we have ever been to. It might be because we were totally wasted after stopping by nodding head for a few, and getting a drink once we arrived then proceeding to the 6 glasses of wine (or beer) and then a glass of champagne. But it was really good, and money well spent. Will go again next year.
(5)Dina M.
I spent the weekend in Philly visiting some college friends. My first night's companion and her boyfriend took me to Monk's, which apparently has her favorite beer (I think it tastes like sweet and sour sauce poured into a perfectly good beer). All in all, Monk's was pretty good. It's supposedly a cafe, but don't go there for the cafe atmosphere. It's crowded, dark and noisy like a bar. If you're going to go, go for the beer. The selection is great and usually decently priced. I had a big pilsner glass of hefe weiss for about $6.50. The mussels there are supposed to be great but I found them to be just satisfying, nothing amazing. The same goes for the "pommes frites," or rather over salted french fries. The people I was with didn't help make the experience particularly memorable either. I wish you could review people on Yelp. This is really a bar that happens to have decent food. The word cafe is misleading. As a bar is near top notch, as anything else is just alright.
(3)Random J.
Belgian food AND Belgian beer? And an Ipod full of hipster standards? Count me in. There are two ways to experience Monk's - as a bar and as a restaurant. It basically excels at both for the same reasons. The atmosphere is perfect; it feels small but not too cramped and the people are cool but not too cool. They do have the often mentioned Beer Bible, which features a bazillion bottled beers that I've never heard of, and their taps are all Belgian as well. Chimay triple on tap...need I say more? I'd say the beer makes the wait for dinner on a weekend night tolerable. You can always just go and put your name in and then go wander off somewhere else if you want. The food is also great. I'm not a huge fan of mussels but the spicy mussels at Monks were good enough that even I wanted to have a few. I had a burger, of which they have many varieties with all manner of toppings, and it was cooked just about right. The fries (frites? whatever.) are also a must have. The mussels actually come with a few but if you're a big fan you should spring for the side. They serve them with this spicy mayonnaise thing and the fries themselves are seasoned with salt and pepper and possibly a few other things. The food and beer combination there is truly unique, and I know I'm going to be craving it again sooner than I think.
(4)Kelly S.
Monk's is located at 16th and Spruce, and it's a nice little Belgian beer bar and restaurant. If you go, I suggest that you order the mussels and, of course, Belgian fries. They have several varieties of mussels, and they arrive at your table in their own cute little pot with handles. The real draw, of course, is their beer selection. They've got a very extensive selection of Belgian and imported beer. I really enjoy this place and have gone with friends on more than one occasion. I just have to be prepared to spend a lot because they are pricey. This place has two drawbacks, though. First, it's pretty tiny, and it is always (and I mean ALWAYS) packed. So it's tough to get a table or place at the bar. You're best bet is to go on off hours, really early for dinner or something. But it'll still be crowded, just less so. Second, the staff is pretty snobby, although I'd say the bartenders are more snobby than the regular waitresses. Case in point: I went to the Philadelphia Craft Beer Fest over the winter, which featured well over 100 beer brewers. Each person got a 4 oz. glass with a 2 oz. fill line on the glass, and you went around and got 2 oz. samples of as many different beers as you want. Now, I know my beer. So I went to the Monk's table and ordered their sour ale. And the stuck-up chick working there told me that I should take a sip before she gave me the whole 2 oz. because she didn't want me wasting their good beer. Come on. First, 2 oz. is seriously 2 sips. Second, they were there to give out unlimited free beer for the night (well, I paid for admission, but still...). Third, that was SO condescending to assume that I don't know what I like. So that turned me off. And the bartenders in the actual restaurant can be just as stuck-up and condescending for no reason. In all, I am a much bigger fan of Eulogy at 2nd and Chestnut. They have 300 different varieties of Belgian and imported beer, the same food (just as good), but without the attitude. However, Monk's still has some great products, so it's not horrible. I just prefer to go elsewhere when I can.
(4)Meg P.
Little known fact, I used to live in Philly. I returned for a few days and the only place I really wanted to go was MONK's. Also little known fact, I used to live in Belgium, so this place is a little slice of heaven for me. I usually try the tap beers, going from light to dark and that means I usually get really drunk because between the front and back bar there are 16 beers on tap. The best thing to do when you're wasted in Monk's is eat Frites. Now, they aren't the frites I was used to in Belgium, but who cares, they are fantastic! The other food is damn good too. Whenever I go to philly, this is going to be my first stop, so save me a seat!!
(5)Jennifer C.
Always bustling with activity, this place is great! I personally love being seated in the way back, it's well worth the wait if you have to. They have a ton of amazing beers and libations to choose from if you're into great drinks. The food is really good. BEST calamari (grilled octopus) hands down. Everything else is great too. I have never been to Belgium but I'm told this place is as close as you can get. BEST fries....hands down again! I need to go again!
(5)Mike M.
Who doesn't love a good Belgian beer... but does Monks have the food to back it up? I think so. Their mussels are top notch, but I think a menu needs some standout, unique items to earn a four star yelp. A couple weeks ago, I had a craving for a duck sandwich. I didn't know where I could find something like this but a quick search revealed that Monks was serving exactly that. I got over there on Friday and was not disappointed. Some nice juicy duck breast, fresh greens, craisins, walnuts... all around a delicious sandwich truly honoring the tasty, web-footed aquatic bird that died to make the meal possible. Wash that water foul down with some Duvel Green and you've got a great meal!
(4)Yu Ting Y.
cheap and decent mussels.
(3)jenn m.
I've been to Monk's more often than anywhere else in town. The BF and I have both had memorable dishes here that were fan-tab-ulous. Things I especially love: The beer menus. Because when there are sooo many awesome beers to choose from, it's nice to have something to go by besides just the name. The frites are great but the dipping sauce is out of control. The surprisingly large selection of interesting and satisfying vegetarian food options, including a tasty seitan philly cheesesteak. Some people have mentioned the over-crowdedness, and yes, it can be a problem if you go at certain times (and there's not a lot of room to wait inside). The service has always been very professional and accommodating, never rude. The charming and cozy atmosphere along with the scrumptious foods & beers (oh, and awesome pumpkin cheesecake!) outweigh any minor inconveniences.
(5)lena k.
OMG. I hated living in Philly because there is nothing to do there except eating (yes, restaurants are fantastic in Philly!). But even though I never miss the city, I miss Monk's cafe! I love their mussels, best fries EVER!, and the crazy list of beer!!!!!! Aw man, I never minded all that long wait in cold winter because as soon as I put those fries in my mouth, all the anger and frustration and cold just magically disappeared!
(5)J S.
The food is really only 3 stars, but the great beer selection earns it a fourth. The beer prices are good given that they are high-end, imported beers. The atmosphere is very nice and the staff are pleasant. If you enjoy expensive beer, you'll love this place.
(4)Jaemie D.
This is a GREAT place if you are into Beligan beer. They have many many many beers on tap and imported from Europe. The staff are all very knowledgeable about the beers that they serve, so don't be scared to ask for suggestions!
(4)Louis T.
Love the mussels and the beer, hate the fact that everybody else does too. If you're old like me, go for lunch in the middle of the week.
(4)Mike D.
5 stars for the scallops alone. Went pre-father's day on a very, very busy Friday night and waited an hour. Not too much of a problem though as I was able to get a few beers from the front bar with a little bit of a wait. The scallops are my favorite in the world, please get the scallops if you go! Once again, I love beer and I was not and am never disappointed in this department. Finally got a table and order came relatively quickly considering how busy it was. I ordered tuna and it came very well done and was not enjoyable, however, I simply asked the waitress how it normally is cooked and when she replied mid-rare I said, "ok, just checking." I didn't want to be a pain so I did not ask to have it replaced but she could sense it and asked for me with no problems. The next piece came out and was perfect! It was an excellent night and I almost got a parking spot immediately out front....oh well I can't parallel that well anyway.
(5)Eddie P.
I have been to monk's a bunch of times. Good place to grab a beer you havent tried before. For food it is an over priced disaster. It is restaurant priced with a terrible service staff. There are quite a few places that you can take a short walk to and get good food for the same if not cheaper prices. I recommend starting or ending your night there. Boooo monk's
(1)Patty G.
Great Food, beer and atmosphere, the service is so so but the staff work their asses off so whatever thats the only problem I had, oh and the fries are good but much too small : )
(4)Lindsay T.
First, they have a really interesting menu. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options, but also a lot of meat and seafood. Fine by me! Second, they have an amazing beer list to the point that its quite intimidating. I stick to the hoe. Third, I go tthe vegan lesagne, and it was just lacking. Therefore, 3 stars.
(3)idurtp -.
I'm not going to write a long review as many people have extensively written their thoughts on this place. -Staff was knowledgeable and enjoyed helping me select a beer. -Food was good. I had a burger and fries. -Place gets cramped really fast. I would definitely go again.
(4)Ellena S.
My boyfriend loved, loved LOVED his burger (he had it with the truffle cheese & shiitake mushrooms, medium). Juicy, and as soon as he took a bite, he said we have to come back. As a vegetarian, I just had the mixed greens salad. It was larger than I expected, and the dressing was good. I did indulge in a lot of my boyfriend's side of fries - they were far too salty to be palatable. The sauce they came with (an aioli of some sorts) was too heavy on the mayo, but had a very subtle kick. The 4 stars came mainly from how much my boyfriend loved his burger. We'll be back so he can sample more toppings, but I think I'll just stick to trying beers next time.
(4)Jason O.
Killer muscles. Amazing beer list...Belgians to Japanese to local brews. Only 4 stars because I've been here 4 other times when it was so crowded we couldn't wait the hour+.
(4)jen s.
Worth going here just for the umpteen Belgian beers they have to offer. Even if you're not a beer drinker per se, there is probably a beer that you will like and the staff knows their beer, so they are good at making suggestions. Authentic Belgian food too. You can get a bucket of mussels -- if you're into that sort of thing -- and the frites are awesome. Every time I've been there, which has been for dinner, it's been pretty packed, but we've been able to get a table without too long of a wait. Parking garages in the area are expensive, as someone mentioned, but still worth it.
(5)D S.
Monk's has been an important part of my life since 1998. I had always loved beer, but the beer education I received after spending hundreds of hours (and thousands of dollars) at Monk's changed my life. Okay, maybe that is hyperbole, but I have so many fond memories of drinking at Monk's with friends, going there on dates, or stopping in for a beer and lunch with work colleagues. I moved away in 2006, but every time I am back in town, my wife and I are sure to make a pilgrimage to Monk's. The food is excellent. Try the Thai mussels to start and then a Bruges burger with pomme frites. One problem is that it gets very crowded, so I suggest you arrive early, b/c the waits can be long especially on Thurs-Sun nights.
(5)Alex T.
Being a vegetarian in a sea of meat-eating foodies, I often have a bit of trouble finding something that doesn't involve a veggie sandwich or is entirely based on sides (french fries for dinner, yum!). Monk's, however, provides an awesome option for me, personally: the vegetarian cheesesteak. It's so tasty it's actually a sin - and their fries (and amazing sauce) are seriously ridiculous. I inhale my meal and my Allagash White every single time.
(5)Jeannine K.
Had guests visiting this weekend and decided to give Monk's a try. They have a large beer selection and a decent sized menu. I ordered a burger and it was really good. My table shared 2 baskets of fries and they were amazing, I enjoyed the sauce that accompanied them. I felt as though the place was a little dank but the service was friendly and prompt. I will definitely go here again.
(4)Oski B.
Decent burger, but I'd still much rather go to Good Dog. Woof. Didn't get to try the mussels because my punk friends had eaten cheesesteaks before dinner so they were stuffed. Seriously, who does that?
(3)Dom R.
Belgian Beer Emporium? Yes, it's true. Monk's Cafe is a Philadelphia staple when it comes to the beer scene. Great for beer geeks and mussel lovers alike. The mussels and frites with house aioli never disappoint. Ask for some extra bread to sopp up that mussel broth. Often crowded and congested in the front bar and dining area, head to the back bar for some relief and order any of the offerings on draft from Russian River Brewing Co. They are fairly priced for such a popular brand. Monk's is a good go-to place to take that out-of-town relative or friend who wants to experience Philadelphia's excellent beer scene.
(4)Jake P.
After walking by for years, and hearing countless self-proclaimed "night life experts" praise Monk's, I decided to brave the "place to be." I had a large party with me. We dutifully tried to make arrangements earlier in the week for a reasonable, less-trafficked hour on Saturday. We were told that no reservations were taken. That said, we entered earlier than planned, and by the snippiest, rudest hostess I've seen in my life, we were told that not only would it take at least 2 hours to get seated, but that our party would be split, and the second seating would be 90 minutes after the first. When we inquired further, we were brutally reminded to "call ahead next time!" What kind of joke is this? When we evaluated how to proceed in the bar, we were very much in the way, and treated rudely by other staff. Fed up, I walked out, and decided that my night would be exponentially happier spent on the sidewalk than here. Shortly thereafter, I was met by the rest of my party. I'm an atheist to Monk's holy beer bible. I'm smart enough to know where to get all of these beers elsewhere in the city. Moreover, I don't care whether I'm in Studio 54, The Century Club, or the hottest spot in Miami, NOBODY is treating me or mine like that. Monk's, you're a bridge & tunnel amateur night hangout. I can drink your brews elsewhere, and I can eat your recipes in copycat bars that respect my dollar. Others may love it, but I never needed a "soup nazi" to make the soup taste better... I like what's genuine, respectful, and truly good, and I will never return.
(2)Will M.
I had some belgium white beer and mussels (provence style). Yummy. Definately most not miss if you have the chance. The locals say it get packed...so try and get there a little early...
(4)Jennifer J.
Delicious! Loved sitting at the bar. Too many good beers to choose from! I tried thd Belgian beers (since this is a Belgian restaurant) - Duvel draft and Chimay triple ale. Try what they're known for - a small pot of Monks Mussels and pommes frites! Just the right amount of food with bread to dip in the sauce.
(5)Jason M.
Those who know me will not know this little fact about me. Mussels, fries w/mayo and Belgian beer is my favorite meal in the world. Here it's served in aces. The mussels come in several different broths including traditional white wine and a non-traditional curry broth. The pomme frites come with paprika spiked garlic aioli. Really any place that serves fries with mayo WITHOUT having to ask for it is *****. And the Belgian beer is ON TAP. Say no more, say no more... Prepare to empty your wallet, this kind of loving comes at a price.
(5)Dave Z.
Awesome. The food is delicious, and I love the Belgian steamed mussels, of course. Even the time they ran out of mussels (gasp!), I thoroughly enjoyed their burger. Perhaps even better than both are the amazing pommes frites and dipping sauce. On top of that, they have a great Belgian beer selection, including their own private label Flemish sour red ale that is both refreshing and goes well with the mussels. There's nothing fancy about the place, but the food is great, service great, and the atmosphere classic neighborhood pub. Except for maybe having to wait a tick for a table in the small-ish space, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Bob Z.
OK, I've been here a few times and here's my take... the beer selection is good but I don't think that simply serving something that someone else made (like beer) is all that much of a culinary challenge. Having said that, the beer selection is good, if not, overpriced. The food? Mussels are the top of the list and everything else goes downhill quickly and is pretty much bar food (or is that Barf food?). I can't see why anyone raves about their hamburgers when there are at least a half a dozen places that do them better (Good Dog, Village Whisky and Royal Tavern are not far away, for example). Today however was new low, my burger was a fuckin hockey puck with cheese and broccoli rabe and what I thought was a marginally stale bun. What is it about you Philly diners? Someone serving you a selection of beers is not good food! It'll be a cold day in hell before I spend my money there again.
(1)Helen D.
I really wanted to give MONK's a good review but after my last visit I really couldn't. Yes their beer selection is extensive. If you want a Miller High Life or Yuengling this is NOT the place for you. The food was disappointing. The wings were gross - it was like the whole chicken leg, wing, foot, toes -- not JUST the wing like most places serve. The skin was rubbbery, yuck. The steak sandwich was literally that. A slab of beef thrown on a roll. What's the BEEF? Seriously - THAT is NOT a "steak sandwich. Give us a sandwich we can bite into & not need a knife & fork to eat it. In the past I've had their mussels & liked them. Maybe that's what I need to stick with?
(2)Lark P.
Love the beers and love the mussels. Wish I was there now.
(5)Noah S.
Contrary to the quiet monasteries which produce their irresistible ales, Monk's consistently packs in throngs of thirsty Philadelphians on a nightly basis. Whether its the mugs of bold brews or beer-marinated mussels they're craving, patrons patiently weather the notoriously long waits for a table knowing that the allure of this establishment extends far beyond the legendary bar "bible". A few Flemish Sour Ales later, my frustrations from the standing wait were forgotten as I savored the soft, succulent veal cheeks smothered in a rich gravy sauce. Once my server delivered the pot of mussels, there wasn't much this restaurant could do to rattle my euphoric state. Living up to their famed reputation, each bite of these tender mussels released tangy juices which complemented the ale perfectly. Although a lukewarm, bland apple tart dessert sourced from an Olde City bakery failed to meet the standards of house specialties, this precious gem of a pub stands as Philly's best bar/restaurant in my bible.
(5)aki b.
I'm not going to bore you with some long review. I had a dirty hoe and a seitan cheese steak with fries on the side. Heaven.
(5)Evan H.
I hate to do this. I actually liked Monk's for the first year we lived here, and the list of restaurants I deem acceptable in Philly feels like it's shrinking. But we were in last night and I have to downgrade this place. It's tough to do, because for a change last night the service was pretty nice--the host was gracious and helpful, and the bartender in the back room was polite despite attending a huge crowd. So the staff get points. Nothing else really does, here, anymore, except the aioli. Last night we ordered two vegetarian cheese steaks and an order of fries to go, an Ephemere for the lady and a Racer 5 for me, then tried to find space to wait and talk (there was a 2.5 hour wait for a table). We expected the above. The real trouble is that the website said Kasteel Rouge was on tap. That's my partner's favorite beer, and after going to Eulogy yesterday and they'd taken it off, we figured we'd have a Valentine's Day Kasteel Rouge at Monk's, since they were advertising it, braving the masses. This was a mistake on two levels. One, we should've anticipated the website would be out of date, so we should've called. Of course they didn't have what they'd advertised having--even in bottles. Two, we had to brave the masses. I got to watch a guy buy an expensive bottle-conditioned beer and turn it on its side, stirring up all its sediment, all the while holding forth like he knew what he was doing to the guy next to him. Philly is a city that shouldn't do pretentious and/or that guy was a moron. Anyway, so the lady settled for an Ephemere, although it wasn't her heart's desire. The Racer 5 at least came in a pint glass--since the rule of thumb here is that bar's rip you off by serving your drink in a goblet. In some cases--the high octane and expensive Belgian's, for example--this makes sense. For other beers, it doesn't. At least Monk's had the sense to give me my 13 ounces of beer (which is about what pints in bars measure to), and the Ephemere was better on tap than it is in a bottle. Anyway, so we waited for our food. It arrived! We got a good hold of the handle and squeezed through the hordes of people waiting for tables and drinking fancy beer, headed to our car. Yes, we ate Valentine's Day dinner in the car. Yes, it was disappointing. Probably the filling for one cheese steak was split between our sandwiches. They still tasted pretty good, and the aioli (sp?) is delicious as ever--but these were some TINY sandwiches. And the fries were awful. EXTREMELY salty and cut tiny--like little tiny fry pebbles, they were really hard to eat. Sort of like eating sand. Now, maybe it seems like I'm complaining. That's because I am. I dropped over $35 for two beers, two sandwiches, and one order of fries. Before tip. Now, if the beers were around $10, something doesn't add up here. The food wasn't worth $25. Really. $10 each for the sandwiches and $5 for the fries or whatever they charged? Wow. Yeah, it was a holiday. Yeah, we ordered take-out. But did that mean we deserved to be gouged? After fighting our way through a mob? We'll think twice before we come back. Sorry, Monk's. I remembered you better.
(2)Brian M.
The absolute best beer bar in all of Philadelphia hands down. Forget for a moment that they have absolutely decadent pots of mussels with a large variety of ingredient choices, forget the simply lovely shoestring fries with a great aoili mayo, forget the burger from some other world. Just look at the Beer Bible and this place has already earned 4 stars, If they only served Hot dogs it would be 4 stars, now add back in the absolutely great food and you have got one of the best places in Philly to go out for a bite.
(5)James M.
Monk's gets CROWDED! Do yourself a favor and do not go with more than 3 people. Actually a pair is best cause even on a Monday or Tuesday night it gets packed. The beer selection is awesome albeit a bit pricey, and the food excellent. The "small" pot of Thai Curry mussels was more than enough for just myself, and I ordered the Spanish Flies... four huge whole wings in a spicy spicy sauce. The waitress warned me that they were spicy and they were. Not a problem though because I eat really spicy. The steak salad was nothing to lose your shirt over, but the pommes fritas (fries) were pretty darm good. My friend ordered two orders. I spent two months in Germany last autumn, and this place was not bad... not bad at all. =)
(5)Bethanne S.
I miss monk's!!!!!!!!!!! My yearly trek to Philly is not enough to satisfy my cravings for those mussels and fries. I think this is my favorite restaurant ever. I don't even drink beer when I'm not at Monk's, so the beer bible is a trusted resource. Tasty vegan eats too... Why can't they have a SF satellite!
(5)Gabriel S.
Fantastic food and one of the most eclectic and amazing beer lists I've ever seen. Service is spotty and you will usually wait 30-45 mins for a table. But its worth it. The ambiance is great, the restaurant a bit grimy but in a nice way. Order the mussels.
(4)Karl M.
I do love Monk's fries, and the sandwiches are some of the best. I could seriously eat a whole table full of those fries. One thing that could use some work - they wont seat you without your whole party - which i TOTALLY understand. But they are kinda mean about it. Oh well, once you get the lay of the land, you are set.
(4)Mark P.
I've been trying to get to Monk's for years - finally made last Sunday night. First, it seems there are some negatives attached to this place: noisy, kind of snobby. Wrong and wrong. Yeah, it's not the biggest place but the service is very good, the famous mussels deserve their acclaim and the beer selection, well, the beer selection will make you want to move to Belgium. i walked in on a crowded night, bar tender spotted me and asked ME if I wanted a beer list before I ordered. What else do you need to know?
(4)Wade J.
Best fries and burgers in town. Like everyone says, its frequently packed but the food is worth the wait. Service can be spotty but the food never disappoints. Oh yeah, and a crazy long beer menu.
(4)My T.
Burger, Beers and Fries. Master those elements and immortality is yours. No matter what day of the week it is, when it comes to dinner, I can never say no to those three elements. That is why Monk's Cafe holds so dear to my heart. They have a massive collection of beer on tap, serve my meaty burger medium, and fries that are supremely satisfying. Win-Win
(5)Aprille H.
Went to Monks on Saturday for the first time with my brothers. I was not impressed at all. I had heard all theses thing about best mussels and best burgers. First of all we waited over an hour when we were told 25 minutes. The host even gave our table away when we were standing right there waiting. Clearly they need to improve on there organization of seating people. The place was dirty as well. When we finally got sat we ordered. We got wings and mussels to start. I had heard all about them. There was not alot of flavor in the broth. The only good thing was the fries and some sauce they came with. I order the duck sald which was good. My brothers both ordered the burgers. They were little and over cooked . I would not suggest making a special trip to eat here when there are so many places in philly. Oh and ps besides the restaurant being dirty the bathrooms were too. You know what they say dirty bathroom means a dirty kitchen. Ewwww
(1)Tom C.
Monk's has a great pub feel, but mediocre pub food. It does have great beers if you are partial to Belgian style ales.
(2)Bryan J.
What a great place! A co-worker of mine took us to Monks on a business trip and I have to say I fell in love with the atmosphere and the food. Great selection of beers and the mussels are fantastic!! Be prepared to wait but it is worth it.
(5)Fabrizio C.
I love this place. The wait on a busy night can be a bit of a drag, but they have great Belgian beers (I'm already a fan), very nice food (awesome sandwiches for a beer place, and as everybody is mentioning great mussels), and a very cool environment. I wish there was a place like this where I live.
(4)John D.
Went to lunch there yesterday with my wife, daughter and her boyfriend. The beer list is extensive, many of which the average beer drinker will not know. Go for the drafts, they are super fresh. Mussels were pretty good, and there were plenty of them. Hamburger was on the smallish side, very dry and the roll dwarfed the meat. French frys were good. I was told that the pulled pork was just alright. Just go for the beer.
(3)ciana h.
I know people absolutely love this place (it's impossible to get a table) so this review is mostly for the vegetarians: The seitan cheesesteak is awful! It's not real seitan, it's just tvp. It was mushy and had a dogfood like look and texture. I assume they use the same "seitan" in their meatball dish and springrolls. The accompanying salad was literally just lettuce and it was way overdressed. The atmosphere at Monks also does nothing for me; it's dark and dirty. Our server was okay but not too friendly. She seemed surprised and offended that I asked for my sandwich without cheese, but that's hardly a difficult request to accommodate. After all these years of not being willing to wait for a table, I finally got one and was so let down. It's pretty rare that I actually dislike a meal, but it happened here, so sorry for the two stars. However, I love their sister place Belgian Cafe! Real seitan and much more veg friendly, plus a nice open airy feeling dining room and outdoor tables in the summer!
(2)Melissa L.
I must rant and rave this place on behalf of all the guys that keep telling me it's the best place in philly. They love the beer selection. I don't drink beer, but if I did, I would have to live at Monks because they have a huge selection of beer from all over the world, and I would be tempted to try them all. I tried the veggie burger with the goat cheese, I don't remember the clever name it had, but it was very good. Of course, the fries lived up to the hype. Everyone should try that place if they're in the area.
(5)Coley W.
If you don't like Belgian beer, then Monk's probably isn't the place for you. Then again, if you don't like Belgian beer, then you can go back to Russia, you commie! Monk's serves beer for serious beer drinkers. That means the prices are a little high, but so is the alcohol content, generally. Most of the beers are served in glasses that were designed specifically for that beer. The menu, like the beer, is a cut above what most bars offer.
(4)Nicole R.
With a superb selection of domestic and imported brews, heavily focused on the Belgians, this place is not to miss for anyone with an adventurous palate. The menu provides something for everyone whether you are strictly carnivorous or a don't eat anything with a face. The staff are professional and curteous and make the inevitable wait tolerable. My favorite mussels are the Red Light--mmm dip the fries in the juicy stuff at the bottom of the steel bowl and you have instant heaven. You can also pimp the burgers to your spec. I particularly enjoy goat cheese and sauteed mushrooms. Their entrees are excellent and reasonably priced. The rack of lamb is to die for. The only drawbacks are the wait and if you are in any way indecisive, the girth of the beer bible can be a bit daunting.
(4)jamie v.
Awesome beer selection so if you are looking for that it's worth the trip. Food is fairly good. . .burgers could be bigger and 3 leafs of greens do not a salad make. Fries are good but i would say not distinctive enough to be OMG excellent. Spicy mayo is a 10! Service: would give it a 3. The staff are abrupt you can not sit at a booth if you are only a party of 2. It is very very dark which I like but it becomes a bit of a challenge to read the extensive beer selection so hopefully you've got an iphone app with flashlight. Overall a 4. Would come back
(4)jaimie k.
so many people have reviewed this that i must be brief. it's ok. good, even. but it's not heaven and the hostess has no right to be rude and all gate-keeper-y. for those who really love their oddball beers, it might be worth the wait amongst the people who congratulate themselves for being as cool as those hipster kids. (if the people are the kind that congratulate themselves for that explicitly, i'd call them worse than the faux-dirty people they emulate.)
(1)Rachel Z.
I haven't been to Monk's in a while but the beer selection was amazing, you could order a tempeh burger at the same joint you could order any other meat lover's (fancy) bar fare (I just love places that a vegetarian can go out with her meat loving friends and order something legit) and Magnetic Fields came on the stereo. Monk's charm isn't simply because of its Belgianess, they just do simple things that make you wonder what other minor adjustments could all bars do to bring us the loveliness of Monk's.
(5)Jonathan F.
I have been here twice (my visits were about five years apart). The presence of vegetarian entrees are a plus. The Belgian Beer selection is equal to any other place that I have been, but other places have better selections from other places... I was disappointed with the fries. I have been to Markt in NYC, and I don't remember their fries but I am guessing they were, as Yoonjee, describes, crispier. Also they were longer and served in one of those metal canister things. I for sure know the fries at Frites at Pomme Frites , and Cafe De Bruxelles in NYC and know I like those better for such reasons. ... Still this is a very good place.
(4)Jed S.
Not much to say here; this place is as good as it gets for beer and mussels. It's ranked as one of the top places to get a beer in the world.
(5)Mark P.
insanely enstensive beer list. Unreal burgers. The rest of the menu is just as banging. Fun place, great food and great beer - what more do you need?
(5)Sid E.
Best beer selection that I've found so far in Center City. The mussels never disappoint. Great place to grab drinks and food and removed feel you get when you go in, especially in the back room.
(4)Kate L.
It's Friday night and me and boyfriend debate where to have dinner. We know we should try something new, expand our horizons, blah, blah, blah. After twenty minutes of debate, we end up at Monk's where we can count on good beer, great frites and interesting burger choices. On a weekend the wait is long, and don't expect any of the staff to make a fuss over you. In fact, you're lucky to get a smile. But, they can behave any way they want because the line is usually out the door.
(4)Winston C.
Incredible beer selection, a great place to enjoy a Chimay and burger- better yet you get to avoid the pretentious cosmo-sipping and obnoxious jäger-bomb-slamming crowd.
(5)Khoi L.
Bible of beers! Good food and moderately priced.
(5)Chrissy R.
I am not a foodie or a beer snob but I love Monk's. Hanging out in the back bar room with various varieties of mussels and beers makes for a really good evening.
(5)Rodney w.
Dark warm cozy bar with great food. Go for the Belgium beer stay for the mussels.
(4)Jon P.
Awesome place to go for a beer, just expect a wait. The food is awesome as well, service good. Cramped space, what you'd expect for an international beer destination.
(4)Bill a.
Food was great and not expensive. Nice atmosphere.
(5)Chris R.
the only reason i gave monks a single star is because the mussels are decent. the staff is rude and acts as if you are privileged to merely be in their company, the service from the moment we walked was miserable. the consensus of our party was that nobody had ever been treated so poorly eating out before. there are plenty of other places in the area to grab a excellent beer - i suggest trying one as you stroll past monks.
(1)Jeff T.
Was at Monks the weekend of the 18th. Great place. Huge selection of beers. I believe they have something over 300.. The bartender was very helpful in choosing a nice beer. I found out the owners of Monks are also the owners of Nodding Head. I didn't eat here but I must say as waiters carried food past me I wanted to steal everything off the plates. The Muscles and Clams looked unreal. Def a place to visit. Moderate Drink prices also.
(4)Terri Y.
I love seafood so this place was perfect. Frites, mussels, and beer! All yummy. The selection of beer was excellent. This is a great place to go out with a friend or two.
(4)Scott M.
Belgian beerhaus. I really can't think of how it can get better. Even the long waits for tables and snug seating (unless you are in a booth) adds to the charm. Mussels, burgers, beer... mmmm.
(5)Wendy C.
It was crowded when we arrived in the front of the bar at 5pm. The hostess informed us it would be a 30 minute wait if we wanted to get a table. Since there was no spot to stand, we wandered into the back of the bar. It wasn't as loud as the front, but it definitely had a rowdy sports vibe. The middle aged inebriated men were obnoxious at first, but they graciously stepped aside & offered us their seats at the bar. There were 14 beers on tap at the front, 19 beers in the back. It was a great selection on the menu. Below are the ratings for each beer we've tried: Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA (7% abv): Lots of Cascade & Columbus hops, giving it a grapefruit nose. It was medium in body, both malty & hoppy...5 stars! Scaldis Noel strong ale (5% abv): It is a full body Belgium, bronze in color, a little sweet but a dry finish. It was dry hopped for 4 weeks...4 stars! Steelhead Double IPA (11.75 abv): This is dryer than most IPAs I've had. It is citrus in the nose & finish...5 stars! Saint Bernardus Christmas Ale: This is a strong spicy ale with notes of raisin & chocolate...4.5 stars!
(4)Carina C.
1st rule: take the speed line in if you are coming from Jersey. Your curiosity to try as many beers as you can, will get you toasted. Awesome atmosphere. I already plan on making another trip back. Bar in front was packed, but the back bar is less crowded and my friends and I managed to all get seats at the bar on a Saturday night. Bartender knew the answers to every question about the beers. Very knowledgeable.
(5)Guy D.
I knew we would have to wait for a table as it was a Friday evening. Got there about 20 minutes before my wife and asked for a table for two. They told me it would be 15-20 minutes. Perfect, I thought. My wife arrived after twenty minutes. I asked about our table and they told me it would be another 20 minutes because, "your party was not complete." What kind of nonsense is that? I would give these cretins zero stars if I could. We left and walked over to Estia and had some great grilled octopus. You can get good beer and food at many places in Philly. Skip the poor customer service at Monk's and go elsewhere.
(1)Cameron Y.
Came here with bf around 5PM after shopping all day. Got seated by the window right away and our waiter came to get our order in a couple minutes. Don't remember the waiter's name but he was VERY polite and friendly. We started off with two beers and the ghent mussels which were delicious. The frites were awesome and we couldn't help but order more. We were supposed to come here for dinner but the mussels and frites were already so filling that we ended up sharing the beef stew as our entree. The stew was also flavorful and they definitely didn't go cheap on the beef, which a lit of places tend to do. In short, we were both very satisfied with the beer, the food, and the final tab. Will definitely come here again next time we're in the area.
(5)Sarah A.
It is 8:48 pm on a Tuesday and me and my party got here at 7:30 and we still have not been served dinner. While we were waiting to be seated two parties were let in before us. Let's see when our food arrives......
(2)Mike N.
Monk's Cafe has one of the best beer selections in Philadelphia. The "Beer Bible" will assist you in selecting your beverage, and I'd recommend pairing your beer with mussels of your choice. My favorite mussels are Petite Dejeuner, which is comprised of oatmeal stout, baby spinach, goat cheese, garlic, tomato and basil. The pommes frites are also excellent here. The staff could be friendlier, but most of the times I was there, it was very crowded so they were probably overwhelmed.
(4)Alex S.
I first came here for the immense beer selection but then came to the realization that the food is amazing as well. As a result I now periodically have the Monk's burger craving.
(5)Sheila F.
Monk's is a cool little spot with a huge selection of beer. I have tried the fries and the mussels, both are standard. Monk's is a place I go for the beer, so I'm probably not qualified to review the food in depth. The atmosphere is cool, but the place is just so small. I don't like being so crowded. I recommend checking out Monk's during an off time if you want to have a place to sit.
(3)Suzy D.
Monks are ascetics. Ascetics refrain from the pleasures of life. One pleasure of life is beer. There is no shortage of beer at Monk's. 3.5 stars I don't understand the name but the name isn't the only thing religious here - Monk's has a beer bible. It's huge and full of a ton of great beers, but it's so big, and overwhelming if you don't know what you're looking for, that you may be better off just drinking something on tap or asking a bartender for assistance. On a Friday night Monk's was packed and the hostesses wouldn't let us grab a table unless we were going to order dinner (not snacks, dinner, and this was very late into the evening). Instead we searched the front and back bars, staking out individuals who looked like they may leave soon so we could at least grab enough of a counter to set our beers and then, as the night progressed, some actual bar stools. The layout for the bars isn't too conducive to standing in groups so be prepared to keep moving out of the way of servers carrying food and of tipsy people heading towards the bathrooms. The bathrooms are the main reason I'm rounding down. Well, not so much the bathrooms as the persistent smell of urine that seems to have permeated the entire structure. It's actually quite distracting and makes the bar feel way more divey than it ought to given the great food and beer menus. The bathrooms themselves were the smallest and grossest I've seen in a constructed building, outside of some frat houses and a few horrible bars that cater to a frat crowd. Given the configuration of each, which make it difficult to squat or aim in the right spot, it's no wonder there seemed to be more piss on the ground than could have made it into the toilet, and thus not surprising given the overall smell. If you're going to be drinking bottles, you're better off getting them at Beer Heaven ( yelp.com/biz/beer-heaven… ) and taking them to your clean house.
(3)Lisa S.
Was it worth the 45 minute wait in the crowded front bar for a table? If you like Belgian beer, excellent food and great service like I do, then the answer is a resounding "yes". Homemade veggie burger was yummy, beer selection amazing. Everyone in our party of four enjoyed our first time here. Good frites and dipping sauce accompanying all burgers. Coming back for the mussels and to check out their extensive "beer bible" again soon.
(4)Jay G.
Monk's Café has been in my Bookmarks on Yelp for a while now as it is one of the most reviewed and popular places in Philadelphia. I finally decided to go here with my girlfriend for dinner to see what all of the hype was about. We found parking a block or so away in a self-park garage right off of Broad Street. The exterior of the restaurant can be easily distinguished and looks a bit divey, but the window is full of beer bottles which sends an invitation to anyone walking by that they pride in their beer variety. Inside, there is a bar and seating in the front, sides, and back. We were seated in the front by the window and I had a view of the rest of the restaurant which seemed to become packed very quickly. The restaurant had many different beers but I decided to go with a Chimay Premiere Ale while my girlfriend had a fruitier beer. For starters, we decided to get the frog legs and the veal cheeks. The frog legs were made buffalo style which were very good and provided a nice offset to the normal chicken wings. I enjoyed the veal cheeks but my girlfriend was not a fan. I would definitely recommend the frog legs here as well as the veal cheeks but I wish they didn't overload the veal cheeks with the soft polenta as they would taste even better served without it. Next, we decided to get mussels and after debating between the Ghent and Thai curry mussels, we ordered a small pot of the Thai curry mussels. The flavor was different than any other mussel dish we have ever had before but it ended up being pretty good. I kind of wish I had the Ghent mussels but I will try them next time. To finalize our meal, we had an Antwerp bacon cheeseburger cooked medium. I prefer my burgers medium rare but my girlfriend is a fan of medium well so we had to meet in the middle. The burger was very good, one of the better ones that I have had recently. The only issue with the burger is that the bun was much larger than the burger. I wish they would increase the size of their burger to properly accompany their roll. For dessert, we had some cake which was pretty good and was a nice finish to our big meal here. Overall, Monk's Café provided a nice dinner experience with a great beer selection and menu. I would definitely recommend it to anybody looking to enjoy a casual beer drinking lunch or dinner.
(4)Allison K.
When the regional director tells me I'm going to Phili for work, I tell him I've never been, and he tells me to get a cheesesteak...I don't bother to mention I'm a vegetarian. I was pretty confident I'd be able to find a vegetarian version of cheesesteak, and then I could just report back, yah, I had one, and it was great! Thank you Monk's Cafe for being that solution. The "Wheat Meat" and mushroom cheesesteak was perfect, and I will now use the phrase "wheat meat" whenever I can. Bathrooms are in the back, like a little closet on the left and the right, not gender-specific. This one stumped me, so hopefully I've just spared you standing around looking like a baffled idiot. or maybe thats an impossible task. I don't know you.
(4)Justin T.
Mussels here never disappoint. I've gotten them every way on the menu and I can't pick a favorite! This place is a lot bigger than it looks. When you first walk in, the main bar room and seating is pretty tight, but walk down another hall way and it opens up quite a bit. Not the grandest bar, but it's a tight PHILI dive for sure. Awesome selection of imported beers. Service is alright. Haven't had a complaint yet. Waitresses know their beers so that's a plus if you're looking for something new and want to explore a wide variety of beers. Go for the mussels, stay for the beers. Enjoy!
(4)Katie H.
Just awesome. Beers that I've traveled cross country to bring back for my boyfriend are all on tap here! Pliny the Elder (Russian River), Port Brewing, Lost Abbey - and, felt very proud of Westchester to see Captain Lawrence on this line up. Ambiance is dark, like you're sitting in someone's basement. We went in about 9pm on Saturday night and it was standing room only - and barely standing room at that. However, patrons were great. Obviously love this place and got excited about getting us beers. My boyfriend who is in the craft beer industry for a living, so he was literally in heaven. The bartenders were on their mark, and the servers are obviously very experienced in maneuvering around a wall to wall crowd. Sadly we had just eaten dinner so we didn't get to try the food, but folks were raving about the fries and the mussels. Definitely will be going back for more great beer and test out the food next time we're in town.
(5)Rebecca G.
I had wanted to try frog's legs for a couple of years, and I finally did the other evening at Monk's Cafe. Hot-wing style, Monk's serves them up on a plate, complete with celery and dip. While A-OK, I definitely wasn't a fan- and wouldn't order them again. To accompany the legs, we also ordered the fries, which consisted of tiny slivers of potato, often charred. These were disappointing, but at least were paired with a side of tasty aioli. Finally, in need of some greens, we split the caesar salad, which was delicious! We washed it all down with a couple of beers from their extensive beer list, ordering the first round at the bar, where we waited over an hour for a table. We were lucky to eventually get these seats though, because it was uncomfortable to stand at a crowded bar through which servers have to pass and groups stumble. So because they don't take reservations, I recommend going on an "off night;" perhaps a weekday.
(3)Jack F.
Yeah, the accolades aren't enough for this Monk's Cafe. After 1400 reviews, I'll highlight my favorites. (1) The House Sour Ale from Belgium. Hints of vinegar? Don't knock it until you've tried it. This beer is surprisingly refreshing by being subtly sweet and just enough acid that you'll lightly smack your lips. If you've ever put a slice of orange in your beer, then it's pretty much like that. (2) Duck Salad Sandwich? Yeah, I could eat another. Portions are good enough that you could share but you end up regretting having to share. (3) Frites and Mussels? Yeah, good size portions. Broth you wish you had more bread for dipping. (4) Best part? Open late. Kitchen doesn't close weeknights until 1AM I believe. Overall, Monk's Cafe epitomizes European comfort food after a long day on the road or when it's cold and wet outside. [Original Visit: November 2014]
(4)Aditi M.
I have to give this place a 5 star because everything was just perfect.. They do not take reservations, so we had to wait for about 30 minutes (not bad at all) .. We got a very good table for two (perfect for our date night) .. The wine and beer were great .. The ambience was perfect .. We ordered fries because we saw them at very table and they were really good. I ordered the salmon and my husband ordered trout for the entree and they both came out well cooked and tasty. (tip: The plate will look much cleaner they serve broccolini instead of broccoli with the fish. For dessert, they bring out an entire tray of all available desserts for you to see and choose while they explain what each is. We shared the blueberry cheesecake and it was soooooo good :D For, people who like beer - they have a beer bible on every table .. interesting ..!
(5)Danan R.
The mussels here are still as amazing as ever. $16 will get you a large pot cooked in your broth of choice. I highly recommend the provence or classic brussels. The provence is creamier but both are incredibly savory. While the mussels themselves are on the small side, they are very flavorful and tender. Use the accompanying bread to soak up the last drops of broth! The burgers here are very standard and I would head to Devil's Alley or Village Whiskey. The vegetable curry over rice pilaf was also just passable, although i did like the buttery pilaf. Just go straight for the mussels and you'll be in good shape. We also tried the Deschutes Black Butte Porter, which was a slightly bitter, dark brew with a hint of chocolate. Will definitely be back to try the Christmas Ale! The service was great and the ambiance is fun and busy, as always. Still a Philadelphia institution!
(4)Justin K.
Huge beer selection but really who cares when the service is so bad its almost antagonistic and the decor is like every other dive bar in Philly. These days you can get primo craft beer from almost any bar. There's no reason to put up with the complete lack of consideration from the service staff. Monks may have been an institution once, now it's just a museum piece from the days when bartenders and servers could treat their guests like shit and get away with it. Do yourself a favor, grab a few brews from any decent bottle shop in the area (any there are a number), take them to a decent BYOB. The beer will be just as good, you'll be guaranteed better food and someone might actual smile at you.
(2)Alee G.
I've been meaning to come here for awhile, but always seem to go somewhere else. First time here and the food was AMAZING! The menu has a decent variety of food: mussels, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and main dishes (land, sea, and for vegans). I had the Monk's Mussels (1 1/2lbs), which came with a side of fries and a baguette (I think sourdough). This was definitely enough food for me and the price was extremely reasonable (especially for the amount of food I received). When I asked for dessert they brought out a tray and EVERYTHING looked good. I settled for the Keylime pie/tart and I wasn't disappointed AT ALL! I will definitely be coming back her again. Cheers!
(5)Bryce C.
Muscles , beer , Jodie Truly what more could you ask for ? How about same fantastic environment !
(5)Chris C.
A long time ago (5 years?) I came to Monk's when visiting Philly and had the worst customer experience of my life. An aggressive, irritated bartender who alternated between being non-responsive and overly antagonistic combined with a crush of drunken humanity, a misguided order, and my own lack of beer knowledge led to a pretty lousy experience. Once I moved here, I decided to give Monk's another shot on the basis of its fantastic beer selection and it definitely redeemed itself. Service is still not the best, but not bad either. It seems like sitting down at a table gets you more attention and better service than sidling up to the bar, but note that tables are required to order food. The bars fill up before the tables, so getting there early is a must. Besides the beer, the mussels are the star attraction--so many different flavor options and they're generous with the portions. Two people could almost make a full meal of just one mussels order. The other options aren't bad either--salads are pretty good, sandwiches and burgers are very large, and they have some interesting flavor combinations. Think higher quality bar food overall without necessarily being a "gastropub." It's solid and not that expensive all things considered. One caution: The beer lists online aren't always updated to what they actually have--if it's been a week since it's last been updated, it's probably out of touch since it seems they go through beer pretty fast here. Anything rare is also probably going to be sold out faster than you can get there. But they have such a good number of options that you're guaranteed to find something of similar quality and the waitresses are quite helpful with beer selection choices.
(4)Alyse L.
A very unassuming place from the outside. Nestled close to Rittenhouse Square, my husband and I always try to make a stop here on our visits to town. Great things to order: Monks style mussels- this place is known for it's mussels and they have quite a selection! The Ghent burger (I add mushrooms) so tasty!! Their fries which come with the two above are yummy!! So is the aioli that come on the side. Most recently we tried the wing appetizer but with the sauce on the side (best call!) the sauce is tasty but smokey (chipotle) and VERY spicy! The duck salad sandwich is also very good. They have an extensive beer list which rotates seasonally. We love this place for the burgers and mussels mostly. It's just above a dive atmosphere but well worth it!!!
(5)David M.
Two stars for the beer. Because a place with a list like this...it hurts me to give it a rating this low. But boy are they asking for it -- this was probably the worst bar service experience I've had in a long time. So surly, so unhelpful, so inattentive, almost as if they don't want you to pay them to drink. (Which presumably is their purpose to exist.). Dark, dungeon-like space. Tables full of bro-groups. I'd advise coming at an off-hour.
(2)Adam G.
One of my favorite places to go in the city. The most extensive beer list of anywhere I've seen stateside in recent memory. Anywhere that has mead gets 5 stars in my book. If you don't like the crowds, hit this place after work through the week, there's plenty of room.
(5)Mark H.
I love everything about this place. Except, perhaps how crowded it is on nights/weekends and that it's rather small. The burgers are out-of-this-world fantastic (I've never had a mediocre one, but I've heard about some who have...) as are the fries, which come with a bourbon aioli. Addictive. Chicken fingers are great (it's just that I feel guilty when eating them), and the beer selection is wonderful, of course. But you knew that already. If you're a Belgian beer/good food fan, you must visit. Damn, I'm getting hungry thinking about it. I wish I still lived in Philly!
(5)Andi C.
Came here a few times when I was in college outside of Philly, and have been meaning to come back next time I'm in the area. I'm not a beer drinker, but you have to get a glass of something when you're at Monk's--I'm sure this place is nothing short of paradise for those who are. I've only ever gotten one thing on the menu, because it's impossible to pass up: the mussels. Amazing, beautiful, perfectly prepared mussels, brought to you in a pot to fish them out of, complete with thin, crispy/soft Belgian frites, a delicious mayo dipping sauce, and a roll. There are few more perfect meals. Especially for the $10 you pay for it. It does get crowded as heck...be prepared to come in and hang by the bar for at least 45 minutes (though easily longer) if you come with a group on a Saturday night. The food is worth it though. And the beer too of course, if that's your thing.
(5)Susan L.
Fantastic Belgian beer selection. Cozy, inviting, crowd has people of all ages. Yummy food. I haven't had to wait the 2 times I've been, but judging by some other reviews this might have been an anomaly. Makes me wish I liked mussels from the way my friends were gurgling over theirs!
(5)Steve G.
I'm surprised at the prevalence of high marks for Monk's. The food is decent, but by no means anything special. You're almost always going to have a long wait. The best thing about this place would have to be the availability of tough-to-find Belgian beers.
(3)Steph M.
I recently went here late on a Saturday night after avoiding the place (where I used to dine regularly) for over a year due to the horrifically long waits. At almost any other restaurant in town, arriving for dinner after 9:30 PM would net you a table in a reasonable amount of time. Not so at Monk's, where we were told it would be 30 minutes and then proceeded to wait for over an hour to be seated. That said, I do like the mussels here (usually the Bruges ones) and the stringy fries. We also got the charcuterie plate to start with this time and it was quite good. I do sort of wish the waiter had given us a rundown of the various cheeses and sausages featured but they were tasty nonetheless. I guess if I was more of a beer snob I'd rave about the extensive list of brews, but I always order the framboise. In summary: good food, good drinks, but I rarely have the patience to wait for them.
(3)Richie R.
Awesome beerlist!!! Watch out for dinner time on weekends as it gets jam packed and waiting for a table can take quite some time. Mussels, beer and a good burger is always a nice idea, but the burgers seem to get smaller every time I go. Belgian fries are a must! Steak Frites Salad is a hidden gem, gets you the fries, a nice steak, and a side of salad!
(3)Geoff G.
I can't say that I've had much exposure to Belgian cuisine before, but I tried this place on the recommendation of a good friend and I was blown away. The beer selection was quite overwhelming for me (someone who's idea of a great bear is Coors Light), but the guidance of a blonde haired/blue eyed friend was priceless. Not only did I have a few bottles of the good stuff, but also a mouth watering sampling of the best mussels I've ever had in my life (and I DO love shellfish!). The establishment is a bit on the small side and tends to have a loud but festive din. So bring your appetite and come thirsty...You'll leave satisfied and yearning to come back for more!
(5)Matt B.
My favorite spot for mussels, Belgian beer and relaxed vibe. Monk's is a Philadelphia landmark in my mind.
(5)Amy Y.
I've been putting off writing about this place because everyone else has. It seems to be the trendy hot spot in Philly. I've been here a few times, and never had that great experience everyone raves about. Maybe it was the people I was with, who knows. But besides the beer, this place has little to offer a gal such as myself. It's crowded, dark, the menu very much revolved around the exotic palates, and prices high, especially for the beers. I have really tried to love this place. In fact my boyfriend nearly blacks out calendar blocks for this place, but I just can't get into it. Sorry guys, I would rather stay home then spend another weekend night smashed between the shoulders of those piled into this joint.
(2)Ashley T.
One of my favorite places in Philly. Great beer selection. Lots of mussles and frites. Good sandwiches too. It's sometimes hard to get a seat, with long waits and a crowded bar, but it's worth it. Try it during the week, and I promise that you will be back. My favorite is the Monks Mussels or gardenburger with leeks and blue cheese and a Fin du Monde (End of the World in French - from Canada).
(5)Jud P.
Monk's is the ultimate restaurant for beer fans. I've been to a lot of great beer bars, but this is tops. The food is wonderful. The mussels and frites are superb and my girlfriend's Cesar salad was fresh and delicious. But you didn't come here just to eat great good, you came to drink some of the best beers in the world. And that you will. Let's face it, nobody does beer quite like the Belgians, and Monk's has an amazing selection both on tap and bottle. The beer bible is helpful if you aren't an expert or not sure what you're in the mood for. The staff is also knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful if you can't decide. The atmosphere is dark and relaxing, just what you want to enjoy what they offer. And the music is good too. I would also suggest that you try to pair your beer and your food here, as you would wine and fine food. The cuisine is great for this kind of experiment. You'd be surprised what flavors can come out in both the beer and the food with a good pairing. Monk's is the kind of place that makes me wish I lived in Philadelphia, it's that good.
(5)Jessica M.
I am having great difficulty getting good service in this city recently and I am not sure why. I assure you Philadelphia I am actually quite a generous tipper. Anyway, monk's has always been a favorite of mine for burgers and this time was no exception. The service was terrible and they really mean medium like pink to red in the center when you ask for it so keep that in mind. Oh, you have to get fries. Maybe I should give it four stars but my wine was also terrible so it gets three.
(3)Toni V.
belgian beer is my type of beer by choice. give me some mussels and fries on the side and i'm a happy camper. This is my fave bar to shoot the sh*t with friends over good eats and unpretentious vibe. Much better than the belgian cafe in the art museum area. Be prepared to fight the crowd, because as long as this place has been open it's still bumpin. Be careful to avoid drinking and driving - while the belgian brews are tasty, they are brutal in getting you intoxicated at a blink of an eye.
(5)Nicholas A.
This place is a classic burger joint. Good every time.
(5)Projmersch P.
If you are a beer drinker, you need to go to Monk's. Great list. Great drafts. Excellent, knowledgeable staff. Mussles and frites were great. We went in the afternoon and had plenty of choices as to where to sit. Chose the bar and had fun. Seems to be the type of place that is very crowded at night, so glad we were there at a time to enjoy what Monk's had to offer.
(5)deb b.
I went back to Monk's this past weekend for the first time in a few years and had a great experience. Perhaps Monk's has, to some degree, heard the complaints about service? Because service was fantastic on a Saturday early evening--- around 7. The beer, given the quality (good Belgian isn't cheap, friends!) is fairly priced and our food was great. The fries were a wee soggy, but the flavor of them and the spicy aioli were perfect. For those saying Monk's is merely "trendy," I have to disagree. I personally think of Monk's as more of a Philadelphia standard. It's been around for some time and has always been a go-to for all sorts of people. The crowd is far from homogenized, which is refreshing and people go for the great beer. Simple as that. I second those comments regarding the veggie food options. I always know I'll have at least 2 vegetarian options there, which keeps me coming back for more than the beer. It's one of the few places that really makes me miss Philly, its people, relaxed bar scene, and reasonable prices. Monk's, thanks for a lovely Saturday escape from the heat!
(4)Totally I.
I'm on the other side of the fence on this one... for a bar that everybody likes, I just don't. I love great beer and they have some great beers. for me that's about where it ends. Maybe if I ever manged to get a seat by the window I'd see it in a different 'light' - but that's next to impossible unless you stake it out at 3:00 in the afternoon (edit: okay, I was finally able to get a table by the window... at some ludicrous hour on a dead night, and I must say - it added NOTHING. I've always left this place regretting to some degree that I'd walked in in the first place). The place is a cave, and I'm not always in the mood for spelunking. They have about two beer 'bibles' left and claim that they don't make more because people keep stealing them... WTF, A-how the hell are we supposed to know what you have then? B-Print them on some cheap paper and let people steal them all they want! That's just BS... The bartenders have always been pretentious - a total turn off at a dirty, whole-in-the-wall bar. I've just had too many bad encounters/experiences with Monks and it's people and way too few good ones to carry a positive attitude towards this place. There are too many alternatives... maybe I just don't love a good beer THAT much.
(2)Rich B.
Overpriced and overrated. Great selection of beer; if you don't mind exorbitant pricing. Food is just O.K. Do not care for the attitude of most of the employees I've come in contact with.So many better gastropubs in this city, I cannot understand what all the hype is about.
(2)Vincent F.
If you are a beer fan or you want some mussels, this is the only place you need to go.
(3)Barry P.
4.5 stars! This place was everything and more that it's hyped up to be. I can't believe it took me over a year living in philly to finally come here. I'm not the greatest fan of beer, but I'm definitely starting to warm up to it. And honestly, what better way to learn more about beer than Monk's? Their selection is mind boggling, and quite daunting. If you're anything like me you'll definitely be intimidated, but the server's and bartenders know beer. So don't be afraid to ask for advice, but beware if you're a miller light/bud light kinda person, you're definitely at the wrong spot. I believe the policy is it's looked down upon and you can get it there but they'll charge you $10 for it. Bottom line. Don't do it. They carry a ridiculous about of bottles and have a bunch on draft as well, I'd tell you more about it, but you really just have to go there to understand the ridiculous amount of beer they carry and stock. On to the food! Their mussels are AMAHHHHZING. No Joke. I had the Thai Curry ones and I definitely plan to come back to try out all the other ones. I also ordered the Addenes(?) burger, probably one of the best burgers I've had. Their pomme frittes are also really good too. All in all it was a wonderful experience. What's better than good drink, good food, and good company. Do yourself a favor and visit Monk's Cafe, you really won't regret it.
(4)Sameer S.
the beer selection at monk's is fantastic. one can manage to get a couple delicious pints (or 750mls) that will raise the ABV quite quickly. however... the bar is so small and unfailingly so crowded that it is hard to get seated at all (and this is not a place you really want to be standing around). that is why i am being stingy with the magical yelp stars. a bar may be great, but if you can't experience it, what's the point!?! all in all, find a place to sit down and you can have a good time. if you don't (as i typically do not), you'll have to sop yourself in belgian beer somewhere else.
(3)James W.
Knowledgeable staff (which is needed with the expansive list of beers) and delicious mussels and fries. The burgers are good too. If the beer and food was any less delicious the ambiance would be something to complain about but as it is it makes it part of the experience.
(5)Alexandra M.
Monk's has national repute and it deserves it. In fact whenever I tell a fellow foodie in San Francisco that I'm from Philly they ask me if I've been to Monk's. The answer is yes, I've been there twice, but I think that was enough to say it's worth talking about. In fact it's such a dream that people are talking about it 3,000 miles away. We San Franciscans can only hope (perhaps in vain) that places like the newly opened Monk's Kettle in the mission district may one day meet it halfway, but as my friends have already reported 'It just ain't no Monk's'. So back to Philadelphia the city of brotherly love. Walk up 16th street between Locust and Spruce streets on a Saturday night and you'll be sure to see crowds headed towards this ever popular spot. Unfortunately if you're looking to sit down you might be waiting a while as they don't take reservations. If you're just coming for a drink, there's no problem though. Hit up the bar and get any of the hundreds of beers (200 bottled) or more. There is no need for me to describe the beer here, just think of something you like and boom....it's most likely there. Now find yourself a place to stand in the crowded bar, complete with narrow hallways, and you're set to enjoy an exceptionally tasteful drinking experience. While any Belgian ale house has some good drinks, they don't always have amazing food to pair them with. Monk's doesn't have that problem, and for the price you pay the fare you bite into here is quite exceptional. On my last visit my server recommended the Braised Veal Cheeks as an appetizer - which are braised in Abbaye de Leffe Brown Ale (this is a pretty high par ale for cooking, but I couldn't complain) with other veggies, herbs, and Spanish olives. We also ordered a smaller pot of mussels, a necessary treat if you are to eat here. We settled on the Ghent mussels which are cooked in Saison Dupont, fum, parsley, carmelized leeks, bacon, bleu cheese & garlic. My own Saison Dupont went well with this to say the least. The mussels were extremely tender and flavorful, especially accompanied with the slippery smooth and pungent slices of bacon. The stew they resided in was full, not watery, because of the blue cheese and the bacon making it well worth dipping your bread into after the mussels were all gone. Speaking of the bread, Monk's serves raisin filled wheat bread. I believe that a white bread may have been better, but if you enjoy a mixture of the savory and the sweet than I'm sure you would disagree. Accompanied with the mussels were Monk's famous 'frites' served with a unique and delicious dipping sauce . The dipping sauce is what makes these fries so popular, but if you've ever been to Philadelphia's other popular Belgian brewery, Eulogy, you'll find that the fries themselves are rather puny. Eulogy's fries are fat and soft with a crispy covering. They are served hot as can be and are by far better than the fries served at Monk's. Speaking of Eulogy, until I tried my second dish I was unsure if Monk's had anything over this other popular tavern set in Old City. However, the tenderness of the Braised Veal Cheeks that came out after the mussels made this question even more difficult to answer. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor the veal cheeks oozed out delicious spicy juices upon each bite. The meat itself seemed to dissolve, leaving no awkward moments of excessive chewing. This dish, somewhat citrus in flavor, went well with the heartier mussels. Though Eulogy is not a place I'd ever forget in my trips to Philadelphia, I believe those juicy veal cheeks make it's fare seem a tad more pubish than the dishes at Monk's. (A more concreate ruling is yet to be determined though, so experiment if you please). All and all Monk's fare was beyond impressive for its price. I had no idea that something so popular, something even San Franciscans knew about, could still retain it's caliber even after becoming a gigantic tourist attraction. So there you have it, not only is Monk's a good restaurant and world famous brewery, it's also a place with integrity and that's worth mentioning no matter where you are.
(4)Julie M.
Absolutely delicious. Love the Provence style Mussels. Love the beer. The crowd is hard to avoid. Go early or late. Avoid prime time.
(5)hany s.
Great beer selection. Both the mussels and burgers are to die for. But it is very busy so make sure to pass by and get a reservation couple of hours before u dinner.....
(5)Joe J.
OK. Its a great dive place. Mussels are great, burger was yummy. Beer has tons of options with everything you can imagine. I think Eulogy still wins my favor. But will make it a point to come here whenever I say in Philly!
(4)Hayley G.
Really good. I'm not a beer aficionado so I don't think I can really appreciate it to its fullest but the burgers are amazing and the duck salad is delicious. It's always super packed though.
(4)Michelle E.
Like everyone else, I have had long waits at Monk's. More often than not, I end up leaving and going elsewhere. You're welcome for my sloppy seconds, Nodding Head. I decided I might fare a little better on a middle of the afternoon weekend visit and i was correct. I had about a 5 minute wait. This place looks far different in the day time, and I must say a dark, cold nighttime visit is preferable. I pretty much had the experience I expected. Their vegan burger with goat cheese, lettuce and tomato was pretty delicious, as were the frites. There was a wintery/holiday beer still available on draft that I had and enjoyed, and whose name escapes me at the moment. I also had a favorite of mine, Franziskaner. The service was okay but not great. The overall experience was positive but didn't blow me away.
(3)Jennifer Q.
Very cool little place to grab some great food and some serious beers. Had dinner here the Friday night of my trip with my Philly coworkers and we had a blast! Highly recommended! Get the scallops!
(4)Ron G.
This place totally could be 5 stars, but after being here more than 5 times, their constant hit or miss service gets one taken off. Calling the beer selection good is an insult, its unfathomably awesome. The food is pretty good too, delicious mussels, pommes frites, and burgers are all I really get and have no complaints. The ambience is chill, dark, good for medium sized groups up front, and more intimate seating in the back. The service is.....eh. When they are very crowded, I understand pushing patrons a bit to order, however, on numerous, non busy occasions, the wait staff was very pushy, and made several unintentional references to his frustration with the amount of work he had. When we asked for a box to take food with us, the hostess said sure, waited 8 minutes, and comes back to her podium. We get up and walk to the door and she simply says, "bye!" Don't forget your customers!
(4)Dee B.
*3.5 stars* but I'm sure that would be 4 stars if I were a beer drinker! Do not bother coming here on a Saturday night at 7pm, as you will be greeted first by a line of people in the corridor, and then by a hostess who will inform you that there is an hour-and-a-half long wait for a table for 2. Even at 4.30pm on a Sunday there was a bit of a wait for a table, but it wasn't more than 10 minutes. Naturally, if you are a beer person, you'll love the beer list. The hamburger was tasty, albeit a tad under-seasoned (but the bun complimented it very well - not the type of bun which will fall apart as you enjoy your burger) and the chicken sandwich was good. The fries were not the best I've had, but I did like them. I was pleased with the dessert selection -- I truly had a difficult time deciding, as everything looked and sounded delicious. I chose the flourless chocolate cake, which could have used some whipped cream or something else to balance out the denseness which was a bit dry. The hostess seemed to be in an off-mood, and our server was nice enough. Overall, a decent meal and experience, but nothing that fantastic.
(3)Al G.
Love the expansive beer list and dark, cozy ambience. The food (especially the mussels, the duck, and the burgers) is pretty tasty. I like sitting in the back room where they have an additional bar. Gets crowded on weekends but doesn't take reservations.
(4)Zareen S.
I have now waited 3 months to write this as doing justice to this place is difficult with just words. What better time than making Monk's my 100th review while just turning Elite'13? Joy. Mussels DeKoninck: This one with the apples, gruyere, caramelized leeks and garlic has got to be my favorite kind. If you are a person who does not really like fruits in their food, give this a shot. Might sound weird at first, but it works nothing but flawlessly the sweet and tangy leeks. Brussels: This is probably your most common and traditional kind. If you aren't an adventurous eater, this is the way to go. Ghent: with the bleu cheese, it has a very sharp and distinct taste, so if you like bleu cheese, I guess you know what you are doing. Not to mention it has bacon?! Petite Dejeuner: oatmeal stout, baby spinach and goat cheese, this babe is my 2nd favorite and absolutely a stunning beauty in the whole list. Thai Curry: Made with Monk's flemish sour, basil and coconut milk, it sounds amazing but it def proved me wrong. I quite did not like what I tasted, all the thai flavors quite does not compliment the mussels, only takes away from it. Best way to try this is to make someone else order it! The Pommes Frites, those whom of us has put these deliciousness in our mouths know what the big deal is. The bourbon aioli is nothing short of ecstasy. Also, the curried butternut squash hummus in their app menu is probably one of the surprise your tastebuds. Must try! After everything said and done, I love nothing more than getting a[many] Petrus and my mussels, sitting at the back room, kicking back and having some quality conversation with my loved ones. If you are in the mood for sweets, ask to see the dessert tray and pick from all the delectable tarts and cakes and mousses they have to offer. You can't really go wrong in this place. Did i tell you they have 6packs of Petrus to go? Yessire!
(5)Joe M.
Above average for a meal. But it can't escape it college town bar feel to be much more than that, alas.
(3)Greg C.
The worn-in authentic Belgian beer cafe that everyone in Philly and elsewhere knows. A great mix of hosts, servers, and bartenders to be had with your tasty brews and eats. I enjoy any of their burgers (with my favorite being the Ghent) but my favorite is the seitan cheesesteak. The prices here are reasonable and I hear the beer dinners are unmatched.
(5)Jihye T.
Great, great place for beer aficionados. Do people even drink wine at this place? It gets a bit too crowded on a weekend night... but who is stopping you from stepping in to the dark room for a nice afternoon beer? Also note that depending on the beer you order, your glass size varies.... I think to match the abv of your beer... Tricky.
(5)Devon L.
I've been to Monk's a handful of times, and have never had a bad experience here. One word of warning - every time I've been here on a Friday or Saturday night, the expected wait time was no less than 45 minutes to an hour. It is always jam packed here. I've had the pleasure of sitting in the very front section by the window overlooking the street, and also in the back bar area - which I prefer the back bar area. It is cozy and intimate and less hustle-bustle than the front area. The beer list here, or should I say BEER BIBLE, is extensive and ever-changing which is awesome. I can't remember which beers I had last night besides Allagash white, but there's pretty much something for everyone here as far as beer goes. I highly recommend the mussels - I tend to get them as an appetizer to share with my boyfriend, as a small pot is a decent amount, and it comes with a bit of bread and french fries as well. We had the Monk's Mussels last night and they are always a great choice, garlicy and delicious. The mussels could easily be a meal for someone, if you aren't craving a delicious burger which is my go-to here. Last night we each ordered the same thing, which is completely unheard of because my boyfriend thinks it's weird, but he knows I won't change my mind when I've made a decision, and last night he wouldn't cave and change his mind either :) Both of us had the Brussels Burger cooked medium. It is delicious and cheesy and bacony, and the burger rolls are big and delicious.. my only complaint is my burger was done a bit more rare than medium last night, but not being one to send food back and I didn't want them to cook the heck out of it, so I just ate it as it was which wasn't bad anyways. You get the choice between a side of fries or a side salad, and I always get the fries. Basically, I have nothing bad to say about Monk's. In all the times we've been here, the service has been good despite how busy it always is. All of the waiters/waitresses are pleasant and check back on you without being too overbearing. Last night when we were waiting at the bar for our table, the bartender at the front bar was hustling his ass off, and I think everyone realized it. Monk's has a decent ambiance, and it's a great place to go for a good meal, and some great beer selections.
(4)Anthony B.
Absolutely love this spot. Hands down the only place to get mussels. Huge selection of fantastic beers, and eight different flavors of mussels... you can't go wrong here. Great portion size and really reasonable prices for the quality you get. Check it out!
(5)Katelyn I.
I do not have enough great things to say about this place. But make sure you get there early and are prepared to wait, it gets crowded quickly... Which is understandable since it's so amazing. I come for the mussels and stay for the beer! You really can't go wrong here. I've also enjoyed a couple burger selections and the mac and cheese. And make sure you check out the sister to this place up in Fairmount, the Belgian Cafe
(5)Candice L.
Double fried fries fried in peanut oil. Chicken burger. Very nomnom but dark inside. Belgian beer
(4)J M C.
3 1/2 stars. Crowded, loud and cramped, just how you want a Belgium beer joint. Interesting beer selection. House wines ok. As for the food. I really wasn't impressed. I did like the hot chicken wings, beef cheeks. The duck confit was a little dry and missed the mark on flavor. The duck salad looked at tasted better. The muscles were a little over cooked. The Mac and cheese was a little gummy. The burger was so so and and not able for an entree. All in all you're good in small groups just a few tables can handle more than 4 people. Not sure I would be back. It's a big city with many good eats to be had.
(3)kate j.
My boyfriend is a complete beer snob and has been obsessed with this place since the first time we tried it. The beer list is totally unmatched in the city and probably even a lot of the philly suburbs. I also had my first ever experience with mussels here and have yet to try any that are as good anywhere else. This place is great, too, because it has a divey feel to it but everything about it is exceptional, including the friendly and knowledgable staff.
(5)Mr O.
Monks in definitely worth a visit if you're beer adventurous & mussel bound. Beer was great, server was knowledgeable made very good suggestions. Last time I was there, the pommes frits were pretty soggy beyond the top level. Back bar is cool.
(4)Alicia O.
Monk's won me over with their mussels. Good mussels can be hard to find. I've been to restaurants where they've been too small, overcooked, mushy, and so on. The worst is when you get a whole pot and most of them are barely open. Ugh. The mussels at Monk's are excellent. Huge and perfectly cooked. My favorite is the Brussels: tomato, fennel, garlic. A small pot is more than enough for one person and you also get excellent fries on the side... $10! Loved their charcuterie as well which included chicken sausage, mustards, and cheese. And like most Belgian bars, their beer menu is great too. Yeah. I really need to visit Monk's more often.
(5)Ryan M.
Good beers and good food. One of the widest international beer selections available in all of the city. It is what they are really known for. Have been here around 10 times so far. I plan on coming back.,
(5)Selena D.
Went to Monks and were told we had a 30 minute wait and then the hostess seated 2 other tables that walked in after us. When we asked about it she said because there was only 2 of us we would have to wait longer for a table. We ended up leaving so I didn't get to try the food, but the service was terrible.
(1)Stacey W.
I came here on my weekend trek to Philly for a wedding. Looking for a snack, we decided to come here for a beer and the mussels. Beer selection as long and varied, something for everyone. We ordered the Red Light and the Brussels for the mussels, it arrived in a cute and efficient silver pot. Both flavors were delicious,. A great spot I would imagine to catch up with friends or on a cold winter's day. A great spot to relax. Prices were reasonable, the seafood was fresh, no line or wait time, and good beer, a win for me. .
(4)Callan W.
Sure Monk's is known for their beer list and mussels, but on a recent lunch date, I had one heck of a burger. The pommes frites were amazing as noted in other reviews. It was a bit quiet, but it was nice to sit by the front window. Service was perfect, as usual. If you are in this neck of the woods for lunch, go a little south and find yourself one enjoyable meal.
(4)Rango K.
Overrated. Perhaps at one time this place was something special, but after all e rave reviews hand out by my friends, I made it here and was very unimpressed. Food was mediocre and the selection of beers was nothing special. Perhaps it's what I've got used to with the Armsby Abbey in Worcester, far better than here, as well as many places in San Francisco.
(2)Kevin B.
I've been meaning to come to Monk's for years and I finally got my wish back around Christmas. I came here with a few friends (fellow Belgian beer lovers) and we had a blast. Their beer selection is amazing and the drafts were fairly cheap for such great quality brews. The mussels were amazing and their frites are damn good! This is what a Belgian restaurant should be: great food, great beer = happiness. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Philly! P.S. Definitely try the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale!!
(5)Juliana K.
I love monks. You must get the mussels. Any kind. They are all delicious!!! The fries dipped in the sauce they come with is awesome. Duck salad is so good. Perfect flavor balance. Duck is cooked perfectly. Yum! Burgers are solid. The burger buns are a little big, but the meat is tasty! I've always had a great meals at monks. The beer selection is extensive and I love Belgium beers. Service is friendly and fast. Longggg wait times at night and especially on weekends. No reservations. It's worth it.
(4)Marie S.
Excellent beer selection. I was overwhelmed with awe and joy upon seeing Russian River beers served on the east coast for the first time (even if my bottle of Supplication was $25) but drafts were cheaper. Food was excellent too except that mussels were sandy. Otherwise this would've a 5 star spot for sure.
(4)Mark C.
Mussels Brussels are legit, enormous beer selection, place is kind of dark though, service- friendly and knowledgeable of the menu
(4)Jane V.
So this review is primarily for the beers. The food smelled delicous, but I already ate before getting here. So we got here early enough for the seat by the bar. Amazing selection of beer, super attentive bartender, and such a fun place to chat with strangers at the bar. Apparently, Monk's has a reputation with out-of-towners. Met so many interesting people in town for concerts, conferences, etc. Definitely want to check it out for a meal (and drinks) next time I'm in the neighborhood.
(4)Caitlin B.
Pretty cool layout. Have been there twice now and wish I lived closer so I could go more often! Both times had their tafferty veggie burger which is absoloutley delicious. First time I was going through a vegetarian stint. Second time had it again cause it was THAT delicious. Definitley my favorite place in Philly.
(5)Derek T.
OMG! Mussels and Frites! Sour Beer! YES PLEASE!!! This is a great little front and back of the house pub. Yes it's small but it is fierce! Monk's Café is always a great and fun evening in the darkly lit pub that gives one the feel and vibe of being in an Amsterdam or London narrow and long pub. Monks Sour is a very good beer, and again the mussels and frites (i.e., French fries) are the best in Philly (which come in many varying preparations). Let's be honest this is a pub, so expect a loud but fun evening in a great pub which has a great Belgium beer list, and Belgium style fare.
(4)Allison F.
Sat at the bar for 15 minites. Made eye contact with the bar tender 3 times.......no order taken. we left. I don't care how good the food is. No excuse for horrible service. We will not be back.
(1)Jon E.
Mussels and good beer? I'm in. Tried to grab some Pliny the Younger here but so did everyone else and their entire family......Not going to hold it against you guys, keep up the good work Monk's.
(4)Laura M.
Food is great. Love the duck salad. Great beer selection. Mussel's are INSANE: dip your fries in the juice and you'll want to come back daily. My boyfriend loves the hot wings and buffalo frog legs. They also have great vegetarian options. Very well rounded menu. The atmosphere is weird. Very dark and loud and a little cramped. Don't want to make it sound like a bad thing because it's not. It's just something you have to be in the mood for.
(3)Will F.
Amazing beer - great atmosphere- - good food- wish there was something similar closer to DC
(5)Andrew T.
Monks is the first place I got a drink in Philly when I moved here. Since then visit after visit I've always been impressed. Don't be fooled by the front bar, the back bar is where it is at. They have a lengthy beer bible, $10 small (and maybe endless) pot of mussels that comes with frites bourbon mayo (love) and dinner rolls, my personal favorite are the frog legs and more beer. What else could one ask for? and for all you gluten free people they even have a realistic gluten free beer (no this isn't cider its beer). The only thing I wasn't blow away with is their burger. Roll was too firm, not a lot going on with the beef and it just didn't have that holy sh!t this is a good burger vibe, so skip it.
(4)Renton R.
There is always that one spot, where you can keep going there over and over again, knowing that every time, there will be something new on the drinks menu, and the food is always great.....Monks is one of those places. Remember if you are planning to go there on the weekend, be prepared to wait for about 15-20 mins for a seat, as the place is really popular. Talk about a beer selection, some of the best in the city. Not only do they sport two bars, but each bar is featured with a different draft list, and no this is not your average draft beer list, this draft list has beers that I am convinced are sucked right out of oak kegs under the vintage bar. Quick Fact: Monks has a Sour Beer on their draft menu that is brewed uniquely all the way in Belgium for this very location, It is great! Get the mussels, i repeat get the mussels, If you grew up in a town close to the ocean and you want the taste of some fresh mussels, get them here. There are several broths to choose from, I have come to like the ghent and the red Thai, the red Thai is spicy but delicious. Dunk the bread, there is no better way of eating the breads that they give you on the side. Also the fries are really good, they pair really well with the spicy garlicy sauce that accompanies it. As long as I live close or in this city, I will be going here over and over again.
(5)Marcus K.
Was looking for a quiet place for lunch. And I was looking for Belgian Beer. And oysters. Hmmm. Where to go? Say how about Monks. Yup, Monks is the place. When I walked in, the front room and bar were pretty full. This was 2 pm mind you, so well after lunch time rush. But hey, no problem, they have a big back room with another bar. The tender helped me pick out some good beer, and a pot of oysters to complement. Within minutes I was making my tummy happy. Im drooling all over myself right now remembering how good it was. Sure could go for another but by this time, I'm somewhere on the West Coast again. Oysters were boiled in tomato, garlic, onion, and some other things. It was delicious!!. The pot also came with fries and a roll. I could barely finish the oysters so did not even get much into those items. Did have a caesar salad and that was also good. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. Its mmmm' good.
(5)Lindsey A.
Still awesome. Normal weekend day, still busy though not as busy as during an event. The bartender was friendly and helpful, the mussels and fries were delicious and reasonably priced, and we got to try some really delicious things on tap. I think they have about 12 taps total, plus a decent bottle list. Anyway, if you're in Philly and you love beer, you've probably heard about this place so you owe it to yourself to stop in. Parking is kind of rough, street spots only.
(5)Sid W.
Great beer options at decent price and interesting food. We tried frog legs and some sandwiches. Servers were courteous. Parking may be available on street.
(4)Samuel L.
Went to Monks today with the family for lunch and left very satisfied.. I had the pork sandwich, my mother had the veggie burger, dad went with the burger and the little brother had chicken fingers. Everything came it great and tasted great. The fries are very good and the dipping sauce is delicious. If you like good food, a nice atmosphere and good beer then go here!
(5)Peter M.
Straddles the line between divey and perfect. Beers are wonderful and food is good. I had the duck salad sandwich which was $1 cheaper than the duck salad. Judging from how old the roll was I think it's justified to pay me $1 to eat it. The duck meat was tender and cooked well.
(3)ADL A.
Good beer, good frites
(4)Gabie L.
I and my hubby went there and ordered several food like frog leg and Brussels. Food are just great and beers are just super great! One thing I wanted to share is that you have to wait a long line for Friday and weekend night as you guess. We've waited about an hour to have a table. You can wait near a bar while having beer though!
(5)Louisa E.
Love the veggie burger, mussels and frites and AMAZING beer selection. You must go there if you like good beer. Great sour selection. Also surprising vegan menu options that are delicious!
(5)Olivier D.
Monk's is a Belgian Style Cafe, but not run by Belgians. That shows when going to the roots. Fries are French cut and mayonnaise is NOT mayonnaise. But is is a great comfort no less when you are. So far away from home ;)
(4)Jack Y.
The Ghent mussels and fries were delicious at Monks Cafe. Broth, bread, everything was great, nice beer selection as well. This place was recommended by one of my clients, many thanks to her for the advice! Just what I needed after a horrible experience at Square 1682/Palomar.
(5)Justin Y.
Nice little restaurant. Pros: Good beer, nice and knowledgeable servers who are without pretension. The menu is on the small side, but the food is very good. A bit eclectic (frogs legs, beef cheeks, etc), but very tasty. The mussels are excellent. Cons: Smaller space. The service can be a little bit slow. Menu is smaller and some of the eclectic options aren't that special. Good little place. Would visit again.
(4)Andre B.
Well everyone says that Monk's is the place to go for beer in Philadelphia and I would tend to agree. There are many bottle shops and beer bars in town, but I was told on more than one occasion that Monk's started it all. The only drawback that I see is that the place is tiny and really popular. We crammed into the back bar area and had a few brews. Maybe 20 taps between the front and back bars with some mainly hard to find beer or rare unknown ones even to this beer snob. The bottle list is where all the variety and quality is in my opinion. I enjoyed both my pint of Russian River Blind Pig and my 375ml bottle of Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus. The bottle list can be pricey, so you can save up for a special occasion or use your expense account. It's cheaper to drink Cantillon here than fly to Belgium, but going to Belgium would be cool too. Monk's also has a real cool laid back vibe, and I will definitely return on future trips to Philly. The food menu seemed good as well and I will likely eat and drink on my next visit.
(5)Arthur K.
has been in business in one form or another since it was 16th Street Bar & Grill in the 1980s. Monks Cafe offers a HUGE variety of brews, a very full bar, a superb & eclectic mediterranean menu which is reasonably priced, and a very hip atmosphere right in the heart of downtown, the art school area, the theater district and essentially all that is happening. They dont take reservations but no worries-just stand near the bar and imbibe! they have two tables in the front for people watching and a good sized rear room for dining. best time to go is a week nite. this is one of the unsung jewels of philly cuisine.
(5)Don N.
Visited here very late in the night after landing in Philadelphia. Service was excellent, food was great ... ordered the belgian mussels and whatever draft beer they had that night. I would definitely return if given the opportunity.
(4)Carla V.
There is literally nothing bad you could say about this place. You could complain that it takes a long time to get a table but that's how you know that you absolutely must eat here. The beer selection is outstanding and is one of the best in the city. Of course it also has been forever, since way, way before craft beer was so popular. If you're eating here for the first time you must get the mussels. Really you should probably get them every time you go here so you can try all of the different flavors, and so you will be delirously happy.
(5)Calley G.
Very, very good beer selection (duh, you already knew that if you're on their page). The mussels are great and the fries equally good. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgable. This place is smallish and fills up fast. Get here early if you want a good seat.
(4)Steve L.
Still very very good. So we all love the burger and fries here, but when you step it up to their entrées you will really see the craftsmanship shine. Duh: Beer. Any place that has a beer bible specializing in Belgians is gonna have GOOD BEER. However, a balanced diet means the food has to also be quality. Foods on my last visit include: The scallops app, Duck salad, Rib end steak, Buffalo frog legs?! Chocolate Creme brûlée...Daym! As usual, there is a wait to get a table here, be patient, have glass while in the narrow spot and enjoy. That what going out is about. Least favorite: Frog legs, my first and probably last. Not the flavor for me. Conclusion: Good food, drink and service with practicality. Will return again someday.
(5)Lauren C.
10 years coming to this place & have never been disappointed. Excellent Mussels selection. My favorite is the Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad. Great Burgers. Fabulous beers in a dark wooded bar & old Philadelphia architecture charm. There is always good energy in this place.
(4)Matt T.
This is a must stop for the craft and import beer fan. Great world class Belgians you wont find in most beer bars...great craft selection, and the mussels are a great choice. Overall, these guys are great. Great.
(5)Sam W.
Extensive beer selection, good muscles/burgers/fries. It always seems to be packed otherwise I would come back more often.
(4)Rachel A.
High brow bar food. What, your bar doesn't serve frog legs? Monk's Café does! Before I got all carried away in thinking all bars were like Monk's, Jocy C explained to me that the food at Monk's Café is not ordinary bar food. Enter the world of gastropubs. We had a feast for kings! - Monk's Flemish Grilled Scallop (Large sea scallops grilled to perfection! They were caramelized!) - Spanish Flies (Super spicy chicken wings! They make your mouth on fire!) - Veal Cheeks (One of my favorite dishes at Monk's and served on top of polenta. This is a polenta you will like. Soft and creamy with flavor. The veal cheeks are super tender.) - Monk's Duck Salad (Available as a sandwich as well. Their duck is my favorite above everything else on the menu. It's an ample serving of duck with goat cheese, walnuts, and craisins.) - Mac & Cheese (Very rich and indulgent as mac & cheese should be.) - Monk's mussels with pommes frites (This is their signature mussels blend using their beer. It's fantastic and pure. My only complaint is about the pommes frites. The frites are lame fries.) It has turned into an unspoken tradition that every time I go to Philly with a group we stop by Monk's Café. They have an extensive beer Bible which my friends get a kick out of and the menu pleases everyone. The funny thing is that they always get the same beer and the one time they tried something new they hated it. Monk's doesn't give samples because their beers are expensive but they were kind enough to give a small taste of one. Good thing too, because it turned out to be horrible. On my most recent visit, I decided to try something new in terms of food and got the Monk's burger (caramelized leeks & bleu cheese). I asked for it medium rare and it came out perfect. Pink, juicy, and with the flavor of meat. The bun was way too much bread though. Get new buns, Monk's! Cheers to gastropubs!
(4)Allister D.
Top 5 in the world?? I had to come! I came earlier today and experienced beer drinking on a whole different level. The setting was intimate, lights were dim, people talking, and beers poured into glasses, etc. it felt like I was inside an underground dungeon for the socialites lol. I sat down at the bar and ordered Westmalle which was a Belgian import for $11!! Kinda exp but the taste was simply amazing. It wasn't too heavy, it was creamy, had coffee notes, a wine flush, and a smooth aftertaste. I got to mingle with a few people on the bar and it was fun! I appreciate beer more after coming here. I have to come back for more and for mussels!
(5)Thomas B.
Monk's has one of the best beer selections in the city! Now, lots of places have craft, imported and other exotic beers these days, but what makes monk's different is their "Beer Bible", which gives detailed information about each beer and an explanation of the it's type. Truly unique. The Pomme Frites are also delicious!
(4)Alison L.
Cool bar in a trendy and upbeat part of the city. I've heard this place has some incredible brews, and that beer connoisseurs make it a point to check this place out. I'm not a huge beer drinker, so I'll just stick to the atmosphere and experience: The bar is incredibly dark without much lighting, but it adds to the underground vibe, coupled with indie & popular rock music playing in the background. It gets pretty loud--I found myself shouting for some parts of our table's conversation, but it's not too different from many other busy places. The server came over every fifteen minutes or so to check up on drinks and if we needed anything else. My chair had a bunch of liquid on it (that you can't see because it's so freaking dark), so I question the cleanliness of the place if all of the lights were to switch on. Also, it's not a huge space from what I gathered, and it only has a couple of tables that seat more than 4 people. Other than that, I enjoyed the couple of hours I was there. Again, I think beer lovers might have different ratings for the beer selection, but the physical place itself was fine.
(3)C C.
Monk's makes me want to be a better writer, or at least own a more comprehensive thesaurus. It's the food, ambiance, and scene that dreams are made of. I first went to Monk's while in town on business, as it was the best-rated place open in a ~6-block radius. It's now become a staple of my Philly visits. I'm not sure whether it's best to start on the food or drinks. The menu is simple but immaculate. Everything I've ever ordered has been delicious, well-prepared, and flavorful without being overpowering. While the entire menu is worthwhile, the standout order will always be the mussels. They steam/prepare them about eight different ways, ranging from simple wine bases to complex bacon taste palates. If you've never had mussels, it's a great place to try many preparation styles; and if you're a lover you'll want to come hippo-levels of hungry, hungry. Monk's beer menu is also unparalleled. A draft list of dozens and a complete beer list of almost 300, specializing in West-European beers to keep with their Belgian style. They've got beers I've only been able to get in the small towns near the breweries/monasteries in Europe. I treat their beer list like gifts from the Mafia: Don't ask where it came from or how they got it, just thank them with a smile and enjoy the fruits of someone else's labor. Finally, the ambiance is stellar. Old wood is everywhere, from intimate booths to slightly-larger and more-communal tables. It's typically dark, warm, and like the best of old European taverns. You know what, now that I think of it, forget I said anything. I don't want to have to start waiting for a table late at night. Nothing to see here--move along. Monk's is almost too good to share.
(5)Jackie M.
To state the obvious: there is a reason Monk's is regarded as one of the best beer establishments in the world. The selection is outstanding and you won't find much of it anywhere else. Also, they've got some of the best vegetarian food in the city - the veggie buger is to die for. Staff is really friendly, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth. Already excited for our next visit.
(5)Dennis C.
The mussels were PHENOMENAL. Girlfriend and I left this place raving about it. Beer selection is great. Was one of our best decisions to stop in.
(5)