Monk’s Café

8/18/2008 4:41:29 PM, monday, august 18, 2008
On my way to Camden for a concert we found time to stop in to Monk’s for dinner, and I couldn’t have been happier. What we found is what almost every other reviewer had to say about Monk’s. Great atmosphere, awesome beer list, taps and bottles, and very good food too. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. And the pricing, particularly on the beer is some of the fairest I have yet to see. We also had the privilege of meeting and sharing a bottle with Joe the owner, who couldn’t have been nicer and more hospitable. It’s simple, when in Philly go to Monks!

8/13/2008 11:11:59 PM, wednesday, august 13, 2008 [ Updated wednesday, august 13, 2008 ]
This was the greatest beer bar I have visited! True Belgian food and drink. YOU MUST GO HERE IF YOU’RE IN PHILLY...then go to Pat’s for a wit whiz

8/3/2008 8:25:34 AM, sunday, august 03, 2008
I had dinner here with my wife on 7/23/2008. Drove into Philly from our motel near the NJTP, and found it without any problem Parking is a bit of a pain, as there is limited street parking or expensive garage parking. Nonetheless, Monk’s is worth the the time and trouble. The food menu ranges form burgers and sandwiches to more adventuresome Belgian style fare. Mussels steamed in various Belgian beers, and other more elaborate entrees. Our waitress was attentive, knowledgeable about the food and the beer, and very helpful in all regards. There are two bars with some repeats, but the list of Belgians on tap is something to behold. An extensive bottle list, primarily Belgian is also available. I had three different drafts, a De Ranke XX, St. Feuillon Easter Beer, and La Rulles Tripel, all well served and worthwhile. The food was excellent, and I would recommend the mussels at the very least. If you’re in the area, I wouldn’t miss it. There’s good reason it’s an icon.

7/9/2008 5:49:03 PM, wednesday, july 09, 2008
you could spend a week here just studying cantillon, or thinking about what goes best with duck. you could meditate on the taste of farmhouses or seasons or lose your wits over wheats. The selection here is not merely encyclopedic-anybody can inventory a zilliion beers-it’s wise and adventuresome. I travel a lot, occasionally in beery territory and I have never seen a place that was half as much fun as monk’s.

7/8/2008 1:49:25 PM, tuesday, july 08, 2008
Cantillon Vigneronne on tap, what else needs to be said? Great tap list, great bottle list! Great food! We got very good, friendly service at the back bar. What is not to like about this place!

6/30/2008 9:13:05 PM, monday, june 30, 2008
What can be said but great beers on tap, extensive bottle list, vegetarian options and great fries (although they don’t call them that). The only drawback is that it is always crowed and no reservations. Best bet is to go for lunch or in afternoon. Service has not been bad when I have been there. If you are in Philly and like beer you are required to go there.

6/22/2008 1:55:56 PM, sunday, june 22, 2008
I have been here time a bunhc of times, just never got around to putting in a place rating. When it comes to beer in Pennsylvania, heck when he comes to beer in the US...actually I guess even in the world Monks Cafe is a must see. Credited for bringing Belgian beer to the US Monks brings Belgium to Philadelphia. The burgers are great and make sure you get frites with whatever you end up getting to eat. Beer line-up is pretty amazing with tons of Belgians in addition to some rare American Craft brews. The owners of Monks have some connections to don’t be surprised if you see rare releases from Russian River and Lost Abbey, although don’t always count on it. The one major downside of the place is that it’s rather small and it gets mobbed pretty much anyday after 6pm. I would suggest going to late afternoon or for lunch. Oh service can be hit or miss. Some of the girls working in there can be pretty rude actually.

5/23/2008 3:28:06 PM, friday, may 23, 2008
Awesome bar. Great selection of both draft and bottled beers - although the bottles are somewhat pricey. Great food - especially for the price. Friendly servers - great atmosphere. Strongly recommend stopping here if in the Philly area.

5/18/2008 5:16:12 PM, sunday, may 18, 2008
I went twice over a weekend trip to Philadelphia. This place is small, cramped, and packed with people. Still, it didn’t take me too long for a spot at the back bar Thursday night, and to get a table for six Friday night. Service wasn’t too bad, especially for as busy as they seemed to be. I tried three varieties of there mussels (Monk’s, Burges, and Provence). All were good, but I recommend the Provence with some extra bread for sopping up the liquid in the bottom of the pot. I had no problem finds interesting beer to drink, and I don’t think most people will. I think the Lou Pepe Kriek was the highlight beer of my visit.

5/13/2008 12:10:37 AM, tuesday, may 13, 2008 [ Updated tuesday, may 13, 2008 ]
Wowza...such a great place...such a shitty place. Service is pretty terrible...usually unfriendly and unhelpful (I’ve been there 5 times over 2 summers). Selection can be really kick ass...especially for being in PA and on the East Coast, but again...unless you are there for an event or relatively new to beer hunting...you’ll only find a few beers that are impressive...not to say that anyone shouldn’t be satisfied. Price is a little unreasonable. Food is actually pretty good...but you can eat cheaper and better in the neighboring blocks.