Monk's Cafe

This place was SO much fun! I really enjoyed the seitan cheesesteak and pomme frites and the chocolate creme brulee was excellent. My husband loved trying the Belgian beers and the bartender was so lovely. Reminded me of Europe more than Philly. Can't wait to be back!

Go here. There may be a wait, wait. Highly recommend ordering for family style to get to try things. The duck salad, muscles, and wings were amazing. I understand the warning on the wings. They are on the low end of spicy if you are a hot sauce on food or anything over med at Wing places person. The flavor of they sauce is amazing. Great beer selection. I particularly like the house sour. The staff were incredible. Also, do what you want but please be considerate of table space at a smaller restaurant. A six top could be two or three turn overs for a server and the restaurant. Don't pitch a tent only asking for water refills from 6 till 9.

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!

I usually don’t ever write negative reviews - you can see that from my other reviews. I have been to this establishment countless times for food. Never been required to provide ID for dinner service and in this instance I did not bring it because it was never needed before. I want stress for others who may have difficulty getting places or that going out is limited because of invisible disabilities that even though this establishment is listed as a cafe in their window or as European Restaurant on Google - they are a bar and won’t serve you food without a physical ID. I was told the establishment does not have control over how they are listed on Google. Not sure how European was specified, but not the word “restaurant”. Their actual website does not state that ID is required to eat on their landing page either. When I pointed this out as feedback to have changed so people can plan, I was met with clipped responses and defensive tone. I’m not asking the rules to bend. I understand the law. I just wanted acknowledgment that there was a lapse in consistency and communication. Repeating the policy over and over is not helpful. It makes me think you believe I’m a moron. It is belittling. Even though people appear able bodied - getting places may be difficult and there may have been a whole effort behind trying to get to your establishment. I was told in an aggrieved, sarcastic tone that my feedback will get to management. I have a sincere feeling it won’t. This went from the one place I wanted to eat to celebrate not needing a surgery, to somewhere I have no interest in patronizing again.

This was my favorite meal from my weekend in Philly. Everything we had here was excellent. I will say the must orders have to be the mussels and the seitan philly cheesesteak, and of course a beer! Service was excellent. They don't take reservations, so just put your name on the list and go for a walk.

I had an incredible time here and was unbelievably surprised at how fantastic the selection was and the service as well. Very happy could not recommend more this is an absolute must see if you're in the Philly area do not miss this opportunity to take some of the most incredible beers from all over the world

I ordered the Monk’s Mussels. They are plentiful, but most lack flavor. The ones that have flavor taste like the smell of cow dung. I asked the server for some butter to add some good flavor, but was told that the only butter they had was in the freezer. I was served a baguette with my meal. No butter. No butter?! In a Belgian restaurant?!?! Wait…butter in the FREEZER?!?! I am literally still sitting at the table while writing this review. This is a sad excuse for a Belgian meal.

We had a friend recommend this place and we’re glad they did! Love the atmosphere, as it’s down to earth, but very warm and inviting. The staff is super friendly and helpful, the food was really solid and the beer selection was crazy good. If you’re nearby and haven’t been to Monk’s, get there soon. You’ll be glad you did!

One of my favorite spots in Philly. Always a stellar beer selection, and the seitan cheesesteak with frites is the perfect meal.

amazing place, will definitely be coming back and bringing my friends. the beer selection is great, the service even better, s/o Cas and Sean. the fries were a bit overhyped but still great, the sauce was amazing. but the Duck Sandwich.... a work of art. one of the best sandwiches I've ever had, one of the best sandwiches in the city for sure, if not the best, in my opinion. can't wait to come back!