(215) 545-7005
264 S 16th St
(Spruce St.)
Philadelphia,
PA
19102
39.9479
-75.1679
Neighborhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Center City
Monks Belgian Cafe
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Monk's Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
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 staff gives customers the closest thing to royal treatment. The menu offers a wide range of reasonably priced salads, sandwiches and other light fare, but the big draw here are Trappist ales--possibly the best selection this side of Antwerp.
12/20/08
Great beer selection and excellent food
by ElBombero at Citysearch
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 & prompt with service. Perhaps some of the complaining customers are used to be coddled or having their rear ends kissed...but nothing I saw of the staff could have possibly construed as rude.
As testament to that...both bartenders were patient & professional even when putting up with with the obnoxious group of early 20ish lawyers seated next to me.
The atmosphere was very cool. It's dimly lit, really good music over the house PA...just a really cool vibe.
I ate at the front bar. I had the Lapin a la Gueuze (braised rabbit and root vegetables) and thought it was perfect. I couldn't have been happier.
Overall...I think it was an excellent experience and I will definitely be going back. A word of warning...it's not the cheapest bar in the city...beers I drank were mostly in the $7-8 range. However...the quality is definitely worth it and personally...I think slightly higher prices chase away the riff-raff.
- Pros: Great beer selection
- Cons: can be a little pricey
12/06/08
Best Belgian in the city!!!
by Joanne987 at Citysearch
This place is a Philadelphia beer institution! Great atmosphere, incredible beer selection and awesome food! Love Monks!!!!
- Pros: Beer, Food
- Cons: none
11/19/08
Falling Faster than a Lead Zeppelin
by mattgay at Citysearch
Monks use to have good food and great beer with horrible service. Now it has horrible food and horrible service that makes me forget about the beer. The new owner has been making bad changes every day since he took over a few years ago. I won't be going back ever again since it's getting painful to see it's demise.
Most people I know go around the corner now to Jose Pistoles since the beers are $2 cheaper for the same beers and at least there you can get a burrito that isn't too bad.
- Pros: empty often now
- Cons: terrible food and terrible service
The Details on Monk's Cafe
Know Before You Go:
They won't take reservations, but they do what they can to squeeze you in somewhere.
What to Drink:
Monk's features 18 beers on tap.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Notable Beer List, Late Night Dining, Cheap Eats, Dine At The Bar
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
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