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    Monks Kaffee Pub

    4.6 (89 reviews)
    InexpensiveCoffee & Tea, Bars
    Closed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Monks Kaffee Pub Photos

    Business Info

    MONKS KAFFEE PUB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Hipster
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Monks Kaffee Pub

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    Joshua D.

    Review Visit: September 26th, 2021 Monks blessed us with some coffee... er... kaffee. It was time to leave the Galena area. We couldn't do that without getting coffee. My friend Ying is the one who discovered Monks and said we should go there. Those of us who were up and able hopped in the car and headed that way. It was but a 10 minute drive from our hotel. Monks was, in my opinion, difficult to spot from the road. It wasn't until we were right in front of it that I realized we were there. We took the rickety steps up and headed in. Monks has the feel of a house mixed with a bar mixed with a coffeehouse. A pretty unique combination for what seems to be a pretty unique place. From looking around, it seems like there is a downstairs/basement where they have a stage for events. I didn't go down there so take that with a grain of salt. There was a singular barista (possibly the owner) serving drinks behind the bar. Yep, this place has an espresso machine next to a fridge full of beer. Alcohol being served at a coffeehouse isn't a new idea but the fact that this place seems to marry the two ideas seamlessly is... fun! The vibe I got from this place was that it's a place with no inhibitions. You can come in and get coffee or beer and just chill with whatever drink you get. The place was pretty quiet for a Sunday. The barista was making some drinks as we came in so we had to wait a few minutes before getting our orders in. We were ordering drinks for everyone, even those back at the hotel, so we hit the unfortunate fella up with a large order. Since each drink seemed to be an espresso, it took the barista forever to make them as he had to start from scratch on each of them. This lead to there being a small line of people behind us. We apologized to them for having such a large order. But, at long last, we had our drinks and I snagged some jalapeno cheddar chips to go with my iced caramel latte. The chips were going to be a snack for the ride home, so don't think of me as a monster who snacked on them while drinking my drink. As for the drink itself, it was decent. I really can't think of how to describe the drink besides it being just decent. The caramel flavor was there but it wasn't at the same time. I'm truly at a loss for words on how average it was. But, it was full of caffeine and that's what we all needed to get us geared up for the drive home. I would definitely love to revisit Monks for a beer and/or a show, to really get a feel for the kind of unique place that it seems to be. Side note: The jalapeno cheddar chips didn't survive the trip home. I was hoping to save half the bag for my work lunch the next day but once I started snacking on them, I knew they wouldn't last that long. Shame we don't get those chips in my area. We lack some good spicy chips in Central Illinois that isn't a national brand.

    a chalkboard with a menu on it
    Stephanie P.

    An awesome blink and you'd miss it coffee joint! Visiting from Arizona and we had to try out this place. It has a upstairs and downstairs area, also a back patio area to hang out. Local art covering the walls, lots of local love and flavor. We came here two mornings in a row. The first time the barista was so friendly and welcoming! He was the best. The second day a different barista looked like they would rather leave, than make our coffee order. The coffee was still so good, the rude service didn't matter. We would've gone back a third day but they weren't open around 9am on Sunday. Not sure about the hours or if they're accurate, so we had to sadly get coffee elsewhere our last day in Iowa. Do not pass this place up, I'm an avid coffee drinker and will miss getting their coffee in the morning.

    Monday night local stand up comedy night!  Good time!
    Shayn L.

    Had a fun time visiting this unique place while passing through town. Monday night was their local stand up comedy night. We had a great time! Would stop back again if ever passing trough. Nice craft beer menu! Cheers

    Leigh A.

    Great local coffee place. My mocha was delicious. They are for food as well but I just picked up a couple of quick premade items made by another local bakery. The homemade granola was excellent too. Super friendly barista. They serve alcohol here too if you are interested. Outdoor seating on the front and in the back a nice private outdoor deck.

    Relaxing on a bed is optional here.
    Kimberly B.

    Comfortable and friendly. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. If you don't feel like caffeine or dairy, they have plenty of alternative options: try a Sprecher's Blueberry Soda or a bottle of Delirium Tremons. This is a great spot to take an afternoon reading break if you're on a site-seeing trip. Bathroom was sufficiently clean. Don't hang out too long - you'll overhear talk about who all the local drunks are.

    View from the bar
    Michael S.

    Stopped in for a quick drink on the way back to our B&B. What a cool place! Small but cozy; even though it's tight we wouldve spent more time reading there if possible. Coffee was great but not hot; it was kept in a 'pump' dispenser, which doesn't insulate well. Otherwise, loved my time here.

    If you want a chill spot to grab a coffee or something harder this is the spot an eclectic clientele and staff  Great place
    Matt C.

    When in Dubuque be sure to stop in and say hi to Trish, Casey and Randy for a great cup of coffee or something harder. Relaxing atmosphere and lots of outdoor seating, capped off by the great staff and the ecclectic customers make this a can't miss spot

    Alexis O.

    Very cool atmosphere. Stopped in to kill some time waiting for the art gallery down the street to open. Local joint. Cool stuff on the wall. Would def frequent here if I were staying longer, given that they seem to have lots of live music. That being said, this is a no frills coffee joint. I would have loved to order something here that I can't get anywhere else. Menu is just the basics. But I can be into that too.

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    7 days ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Super hip combination of bohemian coffee shop and neighborhood brew Haus. Solid customer service.

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great coffee and brews. Always a chill vibe. Friendly staff. Margs on Thursdays keep 'em coming back!

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    My favorite spot for a Carmel latte. And if you have some nice weather there are two porches to sit and relax.

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    13 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Very cool and funky eclectic place with a nice owner and his wife working the coffee and bar. Nice coffee and wide beer selection.

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    12 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    I love this place. The people are great, and the atmosphere is funky. A great place to get a coffee, beer, or cocktail.

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    4 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Love Monks :) Great atmosphere and delicious drinks. Thanks for being there during Covid for outdoor seating

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    14 years ago

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Monks Kaffee Pub

    Review Highlights - Monks Kaffee Pub

    Unique place which has a bar just as you walk in the front door.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    The Lift

    The Lift

    3.6
    (19 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    This is one of my favorite rock n roll clubs/bars in Iowa! Located right off the Mississippi where…read morethe boats are docked to shore, this is a great place to cast your anchor and hang out for a night and watch some music! When entering the bar you might think you are in a different land, and in a different time! It feels kinda like an Irish pub in a dungeon! But there's a pool table so you know your safe! There are two long bars one on the side room where the music is and one in the main room! I have been here numerous times of the past 10 years and the bar tenders always seem to be the same. And they are great! Prices are great too, you can get your fancy whisky or craft brews, but they also carry cans of PBR, and Old Mil for us on a budget! The music room is great, it has great sound, and Aaron H. who has booked here for years brings in great stuff, a totally curated room of music! The locals just come here cause there is live music and they usually leave satisfied in their choice cause Aaron has great taste! I have been lucky enough to play here a few times and every time I have had a great time! They have a great back patio as well, but like I said they are right off the Mississippi so it might get kinda buggy sometimes! This is a total gem if you find yourself in Dubuque!

    Old school vibe here. We randomly came across this place after we went to Vinnys for supper. Then…read morewe randomly ran into out of town friends. We had a blast. Its not anything fancy here just a nice casual bar.

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    Stage!
    Stage!
    Can you play Taps?
    Can you play Taps?
    Main bar.

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    Main bar.
    The Hub

    The Hub

    2.9
    (9 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $

    EXTREMELY UPSET of how one of the bartenders treated me. I walked up the street and realized I…read moreforgot to close my tab out. Went back in only a couple minutes later and the lady told me she didn't have my card. I KNEW for a fact that they did since it wasn't in my wallet... a nice lady corrected her and gave her my card and apologized from how the other bartender was acting. The RUDE bartender proceeded to say that I left a long time ago... not sure where the hell she went to school to come up with the math that a couple of minutes equals a long time, but they already closed out my card for me... if I am mistaken, majority of businesses close out a tab at closing time when the card is left??? Everyone else in the facility was very nice and I have never had a bad experience until now. I feel very disrespected :/

    Too bad there is no "incomplete" rating for joints on Yelp. I've been to my share of bars in my xx…read moreyears on this planet, and I have never been to a place like The Hub on Main. It's as if we had stepped into a David Lynch movie. Tony, the barkeep, was playing darts on the mechanical board and we were the only people in the place. He reluctantly came over to take our drink order. I'm used to Virginia, where bars are legally obligated to have a functioning kitchen, and apparently in Iowa that's not a law. But he suggested ordering a pizza from the place next door, and bringing in to the bar. The bar was long and clearly made for live music, which they didn't have on the Sunday night we visited. Instead they had Comedy Central blasting on the big screen. There was a painting of JFK that adorned one of the walls; not quite the decor you'd find in a joint like this. Tony told us the crew who renovated this old warehouse to open the bar found the painting behind one of the sealed walls. At some point in the evening, downtrodden Iowa ladies came in: They were either pot growers, pot dealers, or unkempt hookers. They talked trash, looked like trash, and seemed intrigued with us. OK, time to wrap up that strange Thai pizza we ordered and get going.....

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    The Hub
    The Hub
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    Monks Kaffee Pub - coffee - Updated June 2026

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