top 10

Monk's Cafe

Claim
marker

264 S 16th St (at Spruce St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19102

marker
(215) 545-7005
Incorrect info? Correct your listing
Photos
Monk's Cafe - Philadelphia, PA
Monk's Cafe - Philadelphia, PA
Reviews
( 69 )
( 42 )
( 18 )
( 5 )
( 28 )

Best

After reading some of the negative reviews...I felt like I should post my recent experience at Monk's. I felt the service was very professional. Both bartenders were pleasant ...

Worst

Great beer selection and cozy ambience if it's not too crowded. Service can be slow and sometimes rude regardless of how busy they are. The food is good (especially the fries), ...

Odd couple 1/23/2003

I agree that the Monk's burger itself is outstanding. I also like the sourdough roll on which it is served, but they don't match well together. The bun is much too chewy (and a bit too large) for the burger....something that tender deserves a softer roll. Fado and Copa II are better. more
Reply | Report abuse |

This is it! 1/20/2003

This is it, Philadelphia in a bottle. Beer town, class act in NYC's shadow, spiritual town that respects beer, the working man, and beauty. The food is American-Belgian, not really authentic but delicious nevertheless. One drawback: no reservations and it fills up quickly every night. Get there early! Pros: food, beer, atmosphere Cons: crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

This is it! 1/20/2003

This is it, Philadelphia in a bottle. Beer town, class act in NYC's shadow, spiritual town that respects beer, the working man, and beauty. The food is American-Belgian, not really authentic but delicious nevertheless. One drawback: no reservations and it fills up quickly every night. Get there early! Pros: food, beer, atmosphere Cons: crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

Mmmmmm Beer! 12/15/2002

Soooo many beers, so little time! It's a great place to hang out chat and drink beer. (of course) The fries and burgers are the best in the city, and it's an excellent place to take an out of town beer lover. It does get very crowded, (especially on the weekends) and makes for some rather stifling atmosphere at times. But you'll be to busy enjoying one of over 40+ beer and trappist ales to notice. Pros: Enormous Selection, Decent beer prices Cons: Crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

Mmmmmm Beer! 12/15/2002

Soooo many beers, so little time! It's a great place to hang out chat and drink beer. (of course) The fries and burgers are the best in the city, and it's an excellent place to take an out of town beer lover. It does get very crowded, (especially on the weekends) and makes for some rather stifling atmosphere at times. But you'll be to busy enjoying one of over 40+ beer and trappist ales to notice. Pros: Enormous Selection, Decent beer prices Cons: Crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

Bartender Sucks 12/15/2002

Sunday brunch - was made to wait outside in the cold for 15 minutes by the bartender cos he decided to open late....refused to let us sit inside...then went on to insist that we could not have a table until our entire party arrived. The place was EMPTY!!! then proceeded to tell us that we had an attitude problem...food is good but get rid of this guy.........he suckssssssssss As a side note, the waitresses were nice. Pros: good food Cons: bartender sucks more
Reply | Report abuse |

Bartender Sucks 12/15/2002

Sunday brunch - was made to wait outside in the cold for 15 minutes by the bartender cos he decided to open late....refused to let us sit inside...then went on to insist that we could not have a table until our entire party arrived. The place was EMPTY!!! then proceeded to tell us that we had an attitude problem...food is good but get rid of this guy.........he suckssssssssss As a side note, the waitresses were nice. Pros: good food Cons: bartender sucks more
Reply | Report abuse |

Fantastic 12/14/2002

The best fries in the world and in Philadelphia. The french fries are worth every calorie. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Fantastic 12/14/2002

The best fries in the world and in Philadelphia. The french fries are worth every calorie. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Not for Snobs... 12/12/2002

Reading some of the past reviews, it seems that some went to Monk's with certain expectations. That said, if you want a place that has good food, good beer, and just a fun, casual place...go to Monk's. If you are looking for something 100% Belguim, then book a flight and go there. If you are looking for something that brings the Belguim flavor to the U.S. then go to Monk's. While the atomosphere is crowded (mostly on the weekends), the people that go there are fun. I have great conversations with numerous stragers whenever I go. Great place to relax and have a good time. Pros: Food, Value, Beer Cons: Getting seated, Crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

Not for Snobs... 12/12/2002

Reading some of the past reviews, it seems that some went to Monk's with certain expectations. That said, if you want a place that has good food, good beer, and just a fun, casual place...go to Monk's. If you are looking for something 100% Belguim, then book a flight and go there. If you are looking for something that brings the Belguim flavor to the U.S. then go to Monk's. While the atomosphere is crowded (mostly on the weekends), the people that go there are fun. I have great conversations with numerous stragers whenever I go. Great place to relax and have a good time. Pros: Food, Value, Beer Cons: Getting seated, Crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

I'd travel 200 miles for Monk's Fries 12/4/2002

Okay, that's an exaggeration. But whenever I travel to Philadelphia, I make it a point to stop at Monks for a great beer, great mussels, and those great fries. I'm not a big mayo fan, but that bourbon mayo is terrific with the fires. Now if they'd open up a Monks in VA, I'd be happy..... Pros: inexpensive, serious beer list, great food Cons: too crowded, no good waiting area, smoky more
Reply | Report abuse |

I'd travel 200 miles for Monk's Fries 12/4/2002

Okay, that's an exaggeration. But whenever I travel to Philadelphia, I make it a point to stop at Monks for a great beer, great mussels, and those great fries. I'm not a big mayo fan, but that bourbon mayo is terrific with the fires. Now if they'd open up a Monks in VA, I'd be happy..... Pros: inexpensive, serious beer list, great food Cons: too crowded, no good waiting area, smoky more
Reply | Report abuse |

Beer leads to mussels 11/19/2002

Monk's has the best mussels, hands down. It's selection of Belgian beer is second too none. What more do I need to say. It's a great place to go with friends for food and fun. Pros: worth the wait, Belgian beer Cons: long wait for a seat, smokey more
Reply | Report abuse |

Beer leads to mussels 11/19/2002

Monk's has the best mussels, hands down. It's selection of Belgian beer is second too none. What more do I need to say. It's a great place to go with friends for food and fun. Pros: worth the wait, Belgian beer Cons: long wait for a seat, smokey more
Reply | Report abuse |

The only place for Mussels! 10/8/2002

Monk's is fabulous. Their selection of beers is great, if not a bit overwhelming. The mussels are always tastey and the fries are the best. It's almost like being in a pub in Belgium - fun to escape Philadelphia for a little while... Pros: delicous food, great beer Cons: always crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

The only place for Mussels! 10/8/2002

Monk's is fabulous. Their selection of beers is great, if not a bit overwhelming. The mussels are always tastey and the fries are the best. It's almost like being in a pub in Belgium - fun to escape Philadelphia for a little while... Pros: delicous food, great beer Cons: always crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

Awsome 10/3/2002

Excellent Belgian Bar with great mussels and sandwiches. The back bar is cozy but usually a bit crowded. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Awsome 10/3/2002

Excellent Belgian Bar with great mussels and sandwiches. The back bar is cozy but usually a bit crowded. more
Reply | Report abuse |

MMM...Mussels! 9/19/2002

I'm not sure why a few people complained about the service- I've been to Monk's about 6 times, and have always had good service. I highly recommend going if you enjoy mussels and a great beer selection. The burgers are pretty good, the fries are great, and the mussels are flavorful and juicy- I recommend the spiciest two (ask your server- they're very helpful in this respect). The weekend crowd is friendly and classy, and the ambiance is terrific in the back room- a great place to take a few friends. Pros: Great mussels, Beer selection, Cozy Cons: Loud at times more
Reply | Report abuse |
< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next >
Menu for Monk's Cafe


Summer SALE!!!:
15% OFF all yearly plans
Use year15 at checkout. Expires 1/1/2021
Editorial

  • In Short
    Dark and narrow, this brasserie boasts two bars, a few booths and the best Belgian brews in town. Monk's may not be the fanciest of joints, but its friendly and knowledgeable...

  • 8/7/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Daily 11:30am-2am
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover
  • Neighborhoods: Center City, Rittenhouse Square
badge