Monk's Cafe

One of my favorite places in Philadelphia. Awesome beer selection and really great food. It can get very, very busy and it’s not a very big place. If walk in and it looks packed, be sure to note there is another bar in the back that you can’t see, so it’s probably worth walking all the way back to check out. Mussels are excellent (Ghent for the win). Order a Pliny. Update from another visit - love this place! Added more photos.

Now I understand why this place is so popular! Expect a wait but it’s very worth it. Very cool ambiance and friendly + knowledgeable staff. They have an outrageous selection of Belgian beers on tap, what a treat, and the perfect food to accompany it. Or vice versa. Got the duck sandwich, phenomenal. And my girlfriend got the Monks burger. Was unreal and one of the best burgers I’ve ever had - really! Amazing flavor and quality meat. Also got the mussels for an app which were great, and a large quantity. Came here around 2pm on a Sunday and was able to be seated immediately. Even so, was still filled. Next time I’ll come on a weekday afternoon. So good, come here 100%

Great beer selection!!! What surprised me was that the food was also phenomenal - burgers perfectly cooked to our preferences (no ketchup) and the fries are just right. Down side: very popular and they do not offer reservation so either wait or plan to come slightly earlier or later. We opted for later and got seated within 15 mins Even though they are very crowded, we got served and taken care of regularly enough that we didn't feel neglected. Highly recommended

There are two kinds of people. Those that have been to Monk’s and understand it’s awesomeness, and those that have not yet been. Which are you ? My wife says the fries and bourbon mayo goodness were to die for. Our burgers were outstanding. Plus you can get Pliny the Elder on tap. What more do you want out of life??

The mussels and unique Belgian beers are the star of the show at Monk’s Cafe. The spot is also super cozy. We tried the Monk’s Mussels which are loaded with garlic, parsley, and a broth made with Allagash White. They’re super flavorful and MEATY. Mussels come with their twice fries french fries, which come with a delicious bourbon mayo dip. The fries are unique in their shape and size. They’re small like shoestring fries, you gotta stab at some of them with a fork. The short rib was pretty good, the celery and onion were really nice but I do wish the gravy was a bit darker and thicker. Not sure what type of beer they use in the braise but seems like a red wine or porter/stout would do the trick. The short rib was a bit dry but I think a thicker gravy could tighten it all up. In all, Monk’s Cafe rocks and definitely deserves a visit.

Had the BEST vegetarian cheesesteak sandwich here. I mean, I can't stop thinking about it and wishing I had gotten one more before leaving Philly. Service was great and the atmosphere was lively on a Tuesday afternoon. Plus, I got to have a Belgian beer I hadn't had since I'd visited Belgium a few years ago.

Super nice place to stop and have a bite to eat. Stopped here on a whim and I wasn't disappointed that I stopped. Great food, with fabulous flavor. A nice place to stop to recharge yourself after a long day if either traveling, work, or both. Beer selection is good, so you need to definitely try one that's on tap. Staff is great and super polite.

Never been to Monk's, but I understand it is a staple of Philly. Food was great - we had several salads, mussels, and their cheese plate while we enjoyed a few tasty beer selections. Everything we had was fresh, flavorful and truly delicious. They also have an extensive number of beer options, as well as non-beer beverages, too (I'm pretty sure - but we really focused on their beers). The service was excellent - our server/bartender took very good care of us, and helped us with recommendations of beers to try based upon hearing those that we enjoy. Would highly recommend to anyone who really enjoys craft beers - they have a lot of options to try. Ask for their Beer Bible for some light reading.

4.5. Great food, awesome tap list. Came here on a rainy Friday night and had to wait about 25 minutes for a table. It was definitely worth it! We had the duck salad sandwich which had some of the best tasting duck around. Frog legs were tender with a crispy skin. We also had the mussels, which were good, although not my favorite. I love the diverse tap list. Beers were a tad expensive, but I thought it was worth it for the varieties I’ve yet to see anywhere else. Would definitely return!