Monk's Cafe
264 S 16th St, Philadelphia
(215) 545-7005
Recent Reviews
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This is a supreme beer bar.
The selection is very well sourced and thoughtfully curated, including Chimay, Chouffe, and other pillars of Belgian brewing. They also feature elite American craft beers, including ales from Alchemist and Russian River during our visit.
The food includes barroom staples, like burgers, with more Belgian classic, like frites and mussel. The pairing is solid and affable.
The atmosphere is cozy, compact, and unpretentious. Most importantly, there are no televisions here, which keeps the vibe warmer and the focus on your drinks, meals, and conversation.
Due to its popularity and smaller size, there is often a wait for a table of barstool. It’s worth the wait, or visiting on a weekday or off-peak hour.
Got the seitan Philly cheesesteak, absolutely divine and they have an option for daiya mozzarella.
One of the best beer bars I've had the pleasure of visiting. The food is solid, the beer list is incredible, and they make their own Flemish sour ale, which is exceptional. All that and the bartenders are really friendly. It does get very busy during primetime, however. Definitely worth a visit or 3.
Feels like I’m in a bar in Eastern Europe! Meatballs were good but a little smaller than I was expecting. Cocktails are good. Service is fast and atmosphere is lively
Excellent place, excellent service. Cass is the man and was just a great host for us!
Pliny in draft?!
The vegan food options here are very limited. The vegan burger is a dr pragers patty with basic lettuce tomato and onion. When I’m here today they also have sautéd veggies and a vegan gazpacho that are pretty good. I would say this place isn’t worth seeking out for food as a vegan, but is a great cozy spot to enjoy some interesting beers and grab a bite if you get hungry. The staff I’ve interacted with are all super friendly, knowledgeable and understanding. If I were rating this place just on their beer, I would rate it a 4. Most beers I’ve seen here are vegan, but not all. So pay attention to that. Updated from previous review on 2025-06-23
Customer service was awesome. Food was delicious. Wait time was great. Atmosphere was relaxing.
My partner and I aren't in Philly often, but when we are, we absolutely have to stop at Monk's for the smoked trout dip and Ghent mussels, and whatever tasty brew from the extensive beer selection. Highly recommend!!
Great selection of beers you won't find on tap in many places. They also have an awesome vegetarian or vegan cheese steak!
Vegetarian options: Is an amazing vegetarian or vegan cheesesteak and a lion's mane crab cake style dish that I still want to try, among other attractive vegetarian options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Food is surprisingly good!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great food, beer, and atmosphere!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best beer selection in the city. What more can be said?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Saturday night barman Cass was absolutely on point. We lucked out and snagged two seats at the bar, and this man made our dinner super fun. He gave us the best recommendations: Lion mane mushroom cake, as well as the chocolate crème brûlée for dessert. My burger—with Gruyère and mushrooms—was perfection. Food was excellent, but service was fire! This is why I love the restaurant industry. What he does with a smile is not easy to pull off. Thank you for a memorable evening. It is indeed appreciated.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A one of a kind collection of unique beers and good food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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