Monk's Cafe - PA 19102

264 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States

+1 215-545-7005

$$$ European restaurant , Beer store , Belgian restaurant , Cafe

(4,088 Reviews)

Price Range $30–50

About Monk's Cafe - PA 19102

Welcome to Monk's Cafe, an enchanting slice of Belgium nestled in the heart of Philadelphia at 264 S 16th St, PA 19102. This European restaurant and beer haven is renowned for its authentic Belgian cuisine and impressive beer selection, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike.

As you step inside, you're immediately enveloped by a warm and inviting atmosphere, accentuated by rustic wooden interiors and charming Belgian beer memorabilia adorning the walls. The creaky floors and vibrant energy create a bustling yet cozy vibe, perfect for lingering over great food and drinks.

The culinary offerings at Monk's Cafe are a delightful homage to Belgian flavors, with standout dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Start your meal with the Monk's Duck Salad, a beautiful assembly of organic greens topped with succulent grilled duck breast, which has garnered rave reviews from patrons like Blake Rasmussen, who praised its excellence. For something a little lighter, the Beet Salad — featuring roasted red beets, Birchrun blue cheese, and hazelnuts in a refreshing citrus vinaigrette — offers a burst of flavor and a lovely contrast to the creamy richness found in dishes such as the Mac and Cheese, featuring a luscious blend of goat cheese, cheddar, and parmesan.

Of course, no meal would be complete without exploring Monk's impressive beer list. With an ever-rotating selection that spans local favorites and renowned Belgian classics, every visit feels like a new discovery. Customers like Erik Stratton are drawn to the chill ambiance that encourages conversation without the distraction of televisions. Whether you’re popping in for a casual lunch or a lively dinner, Monk's Cafe prides itself on its genuine, friendly service—customers have noted how welcoming and helpful the staff can be, making you feel right at home in this little Belgian gem.

Whether you're a beer aficionado or a casual diner, Monk's Cafe promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates rich culinary traditions. So, if you find yourself in Philly, don’t miss out on this iconic establishment. Grab your friends, savor the robust flavors, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Belgian cuisine—it truly feels like a home away from home!

Features

Accessibility

No wheelchair-accessible car park

No wheelchair-accessible entrance

No wheelchair-accessible seating

Service options

Offers kerbside pickup

Offers takeaway

Serves dine-in

No delivery

Highlights

Has fast service

Has great beer selection

Serves great cocktails

Popular for

Popular for lunch

Popular for dinner

Good for solo dining

Offerings

Serves alcohol

Serves beer

Serves cocktails

Serves coffee

Serves comfort food

Serves happy-hour drinks

Serves late-night food

Serves small plates

Serves spirits

Serves wine

Dining options

Serves lunch

Serves dinner

Serves dessert

Has seating

Amenities

Has bar on site

Has gender-neutral toilets

Has toilet

Atmosphere

Casual

Cosy

Historic

Trendy

Crowd

Good for groups

LGBTQ+ friendly

Popular with tourists

Transgender safe space

Popular with university students

Planning

Usually has a wait

Doesn't accept reservations

Payments

Accepts credit cards

Accepts debit cards

Accepts NFC mobile payments

Credit cards

Parking

Paid multi-storey car park

Paid street parking

Difficult to find a space

Photo Gallery

Location & Map

Openings Hours

Monday

05:00 PM - 11:45 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 11:45 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 11:45 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 11:45 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 11:45 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 11:45 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 11:45 PM

Guest Reviews

4088 Reviews

Martin Leroux

19 Nov 2025

The unofficial Belgian embassy in Philly, and I feel totally at home here. Easy to get to from downtown. Great atmosphere, warm and welcoming, with a lot of Belgian beer memorabilia. The tap list is always incredible, from locals to classics from le plat pays. Didn't try the food, but it did look good.

Gayle Westbrook

14 Nov 2025

Family had lunch here. Monk's was highly recommended and didn't disappoint! The food was fantastic, awesome beer options, our waitress was super cool and the place had a good vibe. Loved it!

Blake Rasmussen

27 Sep 2025

A really cool little Belgian beer bar - it reminds me very much of Belgium! Inside is all wood, the floors are creaky, and it’s bustling and noisy. The food is quite good and we were very happy with everything we got - the duck salad in particular is excellent! We have seen them win awards online for their duck salad and burger.

Brian Osweiler

21 Sep 2025

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!

erik stratton

18 Sep 2025

Food is so delicious. Mussels are usually my go too. Beer list is always great and always rotating. Always have my favorite Russian River brews. Completely chill place to enjoy with no distracting televisions.

John Michael Marino

15 Sep 2025

Absolutely packed on a Friday Afternoon at 3pm! Monk’s delivers an authentic Belgian experience complete with original cold draft brews w mussels. The pub atmosphere is for real (especially in the BACK BAR!) and the bartenders are quite friendly. We did find the background music to be “not our preference” but you can’t go wrong with Belgian brews that taste like something right out of the cellar of a Trappist Monk

Antje Worring

14 Aug 2025

Best beer bottle selection in America! Feels like classic Belgium style old-school saison brewery. Has A LOT of cantillion. Prices are competitive to store bought at a stylish homey spot. Owners all work here and crew is actually a group of beer enthusiasts. Food is great. Fries fried in duck fat only $6. 5 different styles of mussels to choose from and 5 different burgers. But indulge and get the cheese plate could literally be a whole meal right there! Lots of well behaved kiddos sitting with families so seems like a spot anyone can enjoy. THANKS, will be back to finish trying bottle list and food menu.

Alice Ong

28 Jul 2025

Tried good beer for the first time (I don't drink it often). We must've been so ravenous because everything tasted 30/10. The beers are worth every penny. Service was amazing. Will come back soon. We downed the salad within seconds. The thai curry mussels tasted ADDICTING that I was dipping my pomme frites in the sauce. Can't wait to come back!