Beer and Mussels - where else but Monk's?
Written: Sep 12 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 200 beers, great food
Cons: limited seating
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| martytdx's Full Review: Monk's Cafe & Beer Emporium |
Like many other places in Philly, Monk's was a treasure that I was introduced to by a friend - I may have never heard of it otherwise, save for this angel who introduced me to a place in the heart of the city (264 S. 16th St., between Locust and Spruce) that serves great food, has a wonderful atmosphere and has more good beers on one menu than a man - or woman, since I always tend go with the same 3 ladies - could ever realistically ask for at one location.
Monk's is a small storefront, announced by the sign which hangs above the doorway like an old-style Belgian tavern. Insides, there barely looks to be room for a family, let alone a 100 or so savorers of the beverages and delectable delights within.
The first bar, located just inside the door, carries an old world charm as though it was shipped directly from Belgium itself (who knows, maybe it came over with one of the casks of Belgian Ale). The men and woman who staff it are always ready not only with a joke or a smile, but with a knowledge of fine beer that one rarely finds in the bars in the city. Like a pale ale, but want something a little more exciting - they'll steer you to a Belgian version which will make you forget that we have been consuming the weight of Belgium every year in pale comparisons (pun completely intended). From Duval to Horgoerden to Chimay, they have it all, including some signature brews that will open your eyes to the wonders of beers that have been around longer than most countries.
A back room with more seating and another bar (oh, will the wonders never cease?!?) gives more room for the masses to discover and find their own private space to enjoy the many things that Monk's has. Monk's is not exactly spacious, but there is usually enough room that you rarely have to converse with the people at the next table (although after a few Belgian Stouts, you will find yourself doing it anyway).
But although this place qualifies as a Wonder of the Beer World for the number of bottles and taps in their wonderful establishment, they don't rest on those laurels, but instead try to match it with their menu - food menu, that is.
The menu ranges from the normal bar-type food to the more exotic, but don't let the fact that they are chicken sandwiches and cheese steaks fool you - these are sandwiches raised to a higher level (well, okay, the cheese steaks are just cheese steaks, and in Philly you are better off with Pat's, anyway). They offer veggie sandwiches, tuna steak sandwiches, homemade recipe pretzels and perhaps the oddest thing - yet a fantastic signature item we always order - their famous mussels. They come in a bucket and usually last for a beer before being hauled away in favor of your meal. Also, their pomme frites - a delicious variation on the french fry, complete with spicy mayonnaise dipping sauce - are a must try. They also run dishes including scallops, fresh fish, rabbit and lamb - this isn't your normal bar, if you haven't already figured that out.
Service at the place is usually friendly but not always quick. It doesn't have to be - Monk's is not the type of place that you rush through, but instead you go to savor the time there, enjoy the cool rush of a good beer running down you throat and sharing food with friends. The staff is almost unilaterally friendly and helpful, and they know the beers. If you are undecided (and with 200 or so, it can be tough), ask and they will direct you to something that you will most likely enjoy heartily. Reservations are not taken, but Friday and Saturday nights can be crowded. Still, we have never waited more than 30-40 minutes, and with the multiple bars, that time is not unwisely spent finding new experiences poured from a tap.
Overall, Monk's is one of those places you don't try - you experience it, and then you find yourself drawn back whenever you return to the area. If you would like to learn more, check out their website at http://www.monkscafe.com.
NOTE: Other reviews of Monk's - as well as visitor comments, can be found at http://www.cuisinenet.com/cnet/philadelphia/rest/5740.shtml.
They also have a second bar with a lot less ambience known as the Nodding Head Brewery, which has much of the same menue but not nearly the same beer selection.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
martytdx
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Marty
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 481
Trusted by: 179 members
About Me:
Doing what I can to try new places, restaurants, books and beers.
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