Monk's Café

pubscout

New Jersey

4.65/5  rDev +7.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4

This review will probably raise the ire of those Monk's Cafe purists who believe that the place is a solid five all the way around, but they shouldn't fret.

In terms of beer--which is what this site is all about--it's a five for sure.

A couple of beer geeks and I hit the cafe one summer afternoon about 3 PM, which, judging from the other posts, was a good time to get there. We were escorted directly into the back room. That convoluted separation was one of the things I didn't like about the place, even though I was immediately delighted and impressed with the big Lucifer's Tap Handle that dominated the bar.

A place can't be held accountable for limits on its physical configuration, but I like my pubs to be view-inclusive if possible. The setup made me envision some interesting body contortions when the place gets busy, which might be great if you have to squeeze by Brittany Spears holding a Nodding Head Ich bin Ein Berliner Weisse. But God forbid if NY's 500 lb. Congressman Jerry Nachman wants egress or ingress.

Apart from that, I found the food to be adequate, nothing more, and certainly nothing to gush about.

But I didn't visit Monk's for food; I visited it because my beer life would have been incomplete without doing so, and it was another necessary notch in my pen.

Great beers on tap, an incredible selection of others, and the sense that one is quaffing on Sacred Ground makes the Monk's Cafe a bona fide beer destination.

Don't miss it.

10-27-2002 05:47:59 | More by pubscout

jmatthew

Pennsylvania

4.72/5  rDev +9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 5

From a Philly native, Monk's is the best. It deserves in every right its prestigous reputation. The beer menu is just large enough to not be ridiculous and the selection is well thought out, featuring not only premier Belgians but also well chosen Americans. The atmosphere is appropriately appointed, particularly in the back room where the best taps are. And the Belgian fare is excellent: great burgers, mussels and pommes frites. Hands down, this is the place to go in Philly. And if the crowds annoy you, try going there for lunch when it's quieter.

(Remember, crowds are a sign that you're in the right place)

10-10-2002 10:07:38 | More by jmatthew

jrancan

New Jersey

5/5  rDev +15.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5

Prior reviewers have pretty much said it all, but I thought I might as well throw my 2 cents in. Of the countless times I've been here, I have never had a problem with either the exceptional food or outstanding beer. Although the taps are usually reserved for hard to find Belgian's, July brought about the tapping of 7 or 8 great American selections, Arrogant Bastard, J.W. Lee's Brooklyn Best Bitter (cask), Rogue Double Incinerator, Tupper's Hop Pocket etc. Outstanding!!
The one small issue I have is the crowds, but I guess that's what happens when a place this good comes along.

08-22-2002 11:03:09 | More by jrancan

frank4sail

New Jersey

5/5  rDev +15.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5

What can I say... this place is my church. I have never had a bad time here. The food is always consistant and good.. you must get the mussles and fries and a burger.. The burger is on a LaBus roll (awesome). The beer selection is second to none.. When entering put your name in at the podium and then go to the back ber... very quaint and the staff is knowledgable.

Tom will go out of his way to help a customer and to get a beer to the US just for you. If you like Belgian Beer this place will knock your socks off. It is not cheap... but for the city it is a great value. I know for a fact the beer engine is clean as a whistle. It is a "beer advocate" kind of place.

07-23-2002 08:26:18 | More by frank4sail

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +15.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5

What establishment can possibly score a 5.0 on every point - only Monk's! And that's pretty much all that needs to be said, but let me also interject that it's not just Monk's - it's Tom Peters! Chimay on draft! Their own house beer! Where else? Belgium? This guy does it all - I'd say he breaks his balls but I think he enjoys it WAY TOO MUCH for that. It's what he's about. That should be enough to get your ass over there. Even if you have to drive from Maine... plan to show up during the week and enjoy some of the finest Belgian cuisine and the biggest selection of Belgian beers in the area!

07-16-2002 18:34:25 | More by NeroFiddled

WilliamPhilaPa

Pennsylvania

4.83/5  rDev +11.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 5

Simply amazing place as far as Belgian beers goes. The look and feel… I think is somewhat gothic, but whatever it is, it’s cool in my book. The seats in the back area appear to be old church pews. There are over 200 bottled beers to choose from!There is approx 20 taps, if you only notice four, ask the BT where the back bar is...I was lucky to have some of the Chimay White that was tapped for the first time ever in North America! It was excellent! The food is excellent also! If you ever come to Philly, Monk’s is a must stop for Belgian beers, they also have a good selection of beers from Germany, England, US, Austria, Chech Rep, and a few other countries. Overall a must stop when coming to Philly…

06-22-2002 14:23:14 | More by WilliamPhilaPa

QXSTER1

Pennsylvania

4.83/5  rDev +11.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 5

Everything I have read and heard about this stellar establishment was proven correct after my recent Belgian beer pilgrimage to Monk's. This was not the sole reason for a my trip to Philly, but it was near the top. The night we were there it was crowded, but after putting our name in for a table we headed to the back bar and sampled the Belgian taps. Three drafts of beer to die for and we were seated and ordered the mussels and pomme frites along with a rack of lamb. Everything came together for one of the most memorable meals I've had in a long time. The food was complemented by the superlative beers providing an experience any Belgian beer lover would savor.

05-06-2002 18:48:14 | More by QXSTER1

jreitman

California

4.95/5  rDev +14.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5

A great bar in the center of Philadelphia. Monk's specializes in Belgium brews and will not dissappoint with their selection. Their beer "bible" is pretty sizable and the staff very knowledgeable. If you go, you must try their french fries... some of the best I have ever had. The back bar is definitely more cozy and inviting than the front, but if you are with friends and want a table, the front section is your best bet. Bottom line...if you are in Philadelphia and like belgium brews (or want to experiment with them), you MUST stop at Monk's.

04-16-2002 09:10:51 | More by jreitman