Such a treat to return to beloved Monk's to find it still the perfect pub tavern resisting Chicago restaurant modernity! In the 90's this was the spot for us young lawyers to have top 5 burger and beers to unwind after court. My return 30 years later and burgers still tops for a true beef monster, not some wimpy Small Cheval garbage but a man's burger, lol. The ONLY beef I have is no more peanuts. We'd hang for hours eating peanuts, shells on the floor. I have to be this old Gen X guy and also say they have TOO many beers now. There was a great simple charm to have the darks and lights they had and now that the microbrew boom is over and people are drinking less - this old dawg attorney wants you to bring back peanuts and pair down that beer list to 10. Otherwise such a gem and grateful the owner resisted and fought selling and modernizing!! read more

Our first stop on a weekend full of Chicago fun. Monk's is lively, great taps, helluva house-made veggie burger, outstanding pickle fries, friendly and hardworking waiters. Also love the cozy decor - perfect "pub" experience. read more

Monk's Pub - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I still love this place, but mostly for the beer selection. I went there for a real dinner on my most recent trip to Chicago and the food was just ok. The extensive beer selection made for the bland veggie wrap. My friend loved her turkey burger and fries, and the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad that we split as an appetizer was also very good. I was just disappointed that the vegan entree lacked flavor. The waiter who served us was a fun kind of sassy--which I thought was charming. I look forward to coming back for the beer and company. read more

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We stopped into Monk's Pub to get out of the cold while being touristy downtown. This was our first visit. We arrived right in the middle of a shift change, so our initial interaction was a bit rushed--the first bartender had us pay for our first round of drinks immediately. However, things improved drastically when Trevor took over! Our second bartender, Trevor, was awesome. He was attentive, friendly, and even gave us helpful information for navigating the Chicago train system. We ended up having a wonderful experience overall. read more

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Great lunch service yesterday. Had a group of 6 co-workers. We walked from the office and were seated right away. Place did fill up as our lunch hour continued but didn't look like anyone waited very long for a table. Our server was awesome, brought tons of energy and had a good time with us. Food was very good as well. My chicken was cooked to perfection and the curly fries were a nice side choice. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered and nobody left hungry. Very cool vibe inside as well. Super old pub vibe with intricate wood work, old books, very old world tavern feel. read more

Monk's Pub - Grilled chicken (blackened AND with Sriracha glaze) - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Server was fabulous! Went with husband and a few of his co worker's on a Saturday. Those cheese curds are everything! Burger was phenomenal and I will be back. read more

Monk's Pub - *The Maple Bacon Brisket - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Monk's has been doing it since '69! A much coveted third place spot with a terrific vibe and a serious beer selection. Love, Love, Love me some Monks. read more

Monk's Pub - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came here to drink and if you are seeking the same, i strongly recommend asking for Robert. Robert is amazing! I shared my preferences and let him take the lead--he absolutely nailed it. Not only was the drink delicious, but he also shared the history behind it, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. It's rare to get both a great beverage and a mini history lesson. Refreshing in every sense of the word! read more

Monk's Pub - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ok - I did not know what to expect. Was in town for a conference and had a couple of hours to kill before the evening events. Met up with a buddy who is local - and he took me here. I was just looking for a place to grab a quick pint - did not expect to be pulled into a Chicago staple, that prides itself on its beer selection and a crowd that's packed into this place like sardines. We were lucky to quickly get a table and ordered some bar food. It was about as good as bar food gets. Mostly I just liked the vibe of the place - and the energy of hundred of people talking at the same time over beers. The McCormick area - where we had the conference, was so quiet compared to this. Am glad I made the hike. The service is quick and there is enough variety of beer to satisfy the most discerning. I could see myself at this spot regularly if I ever lived or worked in downtown Chicago read more

Despite not having deserts nor a TV from this century, Monks is the jewel of the loop. I always want to bring the Pawn Stars or American Pickers to price the tchotchkes on the walls. All bartenders are great, Cheryl and Trevor know their stuff, but Savannah is the bomb. 5 stars! read more

I'd never been to Monk's Pub and was excited to finally check it out. Arriving just before 4pm on a Thursday, it was not too busy, but the spaces filled up within the hour. I noticed "Reserved" on many tables, so reservations may be for you if you're not going early. One thing I really liked is that among the cheese options for burgers, deep fried cheese curds was not an upcharge. I went with that on their classic burger, but once it arrived, there were no cheese curds, or any type of cheese. Instead of just bringing the curds after the fact, the server took my whole plate to the back and returned it as ordered with new lettuce as well. I ordered medium-well, but it was very well-done. The upcharge for onion rings as a side is only $1, and they were so tasty. Service was great, and beer was probably priced well for downtown. The place is well-decorated with many cool vintage lamps. I just feel like there are better pubs downtown, and Monk's did not make the impression on me I wished it had. read more

Monk's Pub - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Let's just start off saying we did not come to Monk's on an ordinary day. We came by on the Saturday before St Patrick's Day, so the river front area of Dow town was packed with revelers. After meeting up with friends we arrived about 15 minutes after opening (11:15). Line wrapping around the corner had already formed. We decided to wait and got in just before noon. Then another 10-15 minutes of lurking to snag a table. Props to the staff who were super friendly and working so hard! We only got drinks (beer, green seltzer, and a mead). Our friends ordered food, too, which came out pretty fast. Lively vibe and terrific beer menu. Would definitely return on a more mellow day. And fun to be there for the holiday! read more

Monk's Pub - I assume this is a holiday special. Some sort of green tropical(ish) seltzer (with alcohol) - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best Burger in Chicago. Great beer tap list, funny bartenders. All in all a great place to eat. Local place makes it even better.

Monk's Pub is old school bar that serves drinks and food and leaves one wondering just how long they've been open... hint: a LONG time! After coming here for a happy hour and hearing good things about their burgers I wanted to give them a shot. A friend and I stopped in for lunch and both went with burgers. The menu does have other options but the burgers sounded great! Sadly, they were just so-so. Nothing to write home about. Monk's itself is similar. The decor inside is... medieval? Or something along those lines, which sets an interesting vibe. With essentially no windows and an overall feel like everything could use a good scrubbing this spot exudes bar like Moe's Tavern. The one saving grace is that the people are very friendly. Our waiter was pleased to meet us and welcome us in, which is always a big plus. Monk's isn't my cup of tea but they must be hitting the right cords for a lot of people because they are an institution in the Loop. Give them a shot if you're feeling brave but I've had my fill. read more

Stopped in to meet my boyfriend while he watched the playoffs. The bartenders were pretty attentive. We had the pickles fries & wings. The pickle fries were good but it seemed like the grease was old & they were cooked just a tad too long. I forgot the flavor of the wings but it was a teriyaki flavor...I didn't much care for them & they seemed a tad overcooked also. The cocktails were pretty good! I had a Manhattan..pricing was pretty reasonable. read more

Monk's Pub - Wangz - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Finally stopped into Monks Pub on a Monday after work after walking past it countless times since moving to Chicago and I'm so glad I did. This place is the perfect weekday drinks and apps spot! It's surprisingly spacious inside, with plenty of booths, a big bar, and even more seating in the back, so you'll never struggle to find a spot to sit. The beer selection is solid, the cheese curds were excellent, and the service was friendly and attentive. Can't recommend this place enough, definitely planning to make it a regular stop whether I'm alone or with friends! read more

Excellent vibe here, and the servers and bartenders are always so friendly! When asking about the soup of the day, Trevor actually brought us a shot sized sample - talk about good service! The grilled cheese is also phenomenal. Drinks are a little pricey but that's very typical of a downtown location. We will be back! read more

Got the jalapeno popper burger. Food portion size is huge. It is pretty yummy but I wouldn't say it was anything special. The place is dark and feels like you're walking into another world, but the vibes are great. Our server was nice and food also came out quick. Overall good experience. Even though it is a sit down, it was a nice quick lunch stop. read more

Monk's Pub - *The Jalapeno Popper - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A SURPRISING GEM! I had to run a package to UPS off of Lake Street and on my way out, I saw Munk's Pub from the corner of my eye and figured I'd stick my head in because a family friend who loves pubs and dive bars is coming to Chicago in a few weeks and I admittedly don't know where to take him lol. If you have followed my Yelp adventures for a while, you know I tend to go to more trendy spots. So I'll be honest, the street appeal isn't very alluring and quite deceiving but the second I stepped into the space, I was transported into an unexpected WOW mode! All sorts of quirky vintage lights, colorful chandeliers and old leather bound books gave this very large pub unique character. The bartender shouted "hi there, welcome in" to lure me to the bar, I asked "do you have a food menu I can look at?" The reply was a very happy "oh you bet and I must say, we have the best burgers in the city!" FULL STOP... what? Ok that was all my hungry belly needed to hear and I decided to sit down. Game on! This is a big claim to make to a gal who loves a juicy burger. Haha. Well, after looking at a very comprehensive menu, I decided on the Smokehouse BBQ ($18) burger all loaded up with onion rings, cheddar cheese, bacon and spicy bbq. It comes with steak fries but for a $1 more you can upgrade to curly fries, sweet potatoes waffle fries, pickle fries or garlic fries. Sweet potato waffle fries were stellar and a generous quantity! The burger itself OUTSTANDING! The bar is all beautifully carved wood and is massive. Apparently there are so many beers in seasonal rotation in addition to the brews on tap that they have a separate QR menu just to have an up to date list of them all. Impressive really! Beyond that, they have a whole staff of very upbeat people who seem to enjoy working there. One fella was even dancing between food runs. As far as the service: extremely welcoming, knowledgeable about the menu, and unbelievably attentive. I asked for an extra side of BBQ and was brought out two extras and another sauce to try that the waiter thought would compliment my waffle fries all completely complimentary (most places charge these days so I was pleasantly surprised). Then without me even asking he fills up my drink, brings over new lemon wedges and hands me a few wet napkins. He suggested dessert but I was super stuffed! He then prepared the tab and said. "please come back to see us soon, you need to try the other burgers and don't forget to bring your friends on a game day! We have a good time here". So color me happy! Monk's pub just won me over. If anyone wants to meet up for burgers, h/t I'm in. Ambiance: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10 Value: 10/10 read more

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Monk's Pub is a great place to hang out and have beers. I was there with my brother while our wives were seeing Les Miz at the Cadillac Palace. We had seats at the bar and were watching Monday Night Football. It is very comfortable and service was excellent. They have a great selection of beers on tap--I tried four or five of them. All were great. We had dinner earlier, but did have some onion rings that were very good. Then I saw others really enjoying their food. Definitely worth a visit! read more

I met up with a coworker at Monk's for lunch yesterday at 1pm. There were only a few occupied tables and we were seated immediately. The waitress came over after a few minutes and took our drink orders. I only got water and it took about 5 minutes until she came back with our drinks (my coworker got an Arnold Palmer). We ordered food and were served within 7 minutes. I got the buffalo chicken salad, which was fine but did not have enough chicken to merit its price. Also, the waitress was very inattentive throughout the entire meal. I had an empty glass of water for about 15 minutes before she ever came back after initially dropping our food off. If it was busier, I would've been more understanding, but there were only about 15 people in the entire restaurant. Overall, I was disappointed with the quality of the service but the food was passably good. My coworker's turkey Reuben looked better than my salad so maybe I just didn't order the right thing. The restaurant does have a very cool, old-school literary pub vibe. We were seated in the library section, which was cool and unique. I'll come back here because it's close to my downtown office, but I would be hard pressed to recommend it over the myriad lunch options in downtown Chicago. read more

Monk's Pub - Buffalo Chicken Salad (grilled) - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We were seeing a show at the Cadillac Theater and stopped here for dinner before hand. The location was super convenient and the medieval decor was a fun twist. Drinks were alright. I had an Irish coffee which was very strong which I guess is good but it was a bit too strong for me. For my meal I had the buffalo chicken wrap with slaw. The buffalo and slaw paired really well together but the wrap was SO messy which made it difficult to enjoy. read more

Monk's Pub - *The Smokehouse, The BLT, Buffalo Chicken Wrap - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Not 5-star FANCY but 5-star FOOD. Some of the best burgers and onion rings anywhere, consistently, for the 24 years I've been visiting. We split two different specialty burgers and they were both spectacular. Close to work and activities, always good service. I am now craving a burger. Go! read more

I would only recommend this place if you like way overpriced draft beers or substandard cocktails, both which are expensive even by downtown standards, in a dive bar with rude service. Walking in, I was digging the retro dive bar feel. I thought it was pretty cool and was ready for a good experience. That didn't happen. I'm not sure if our server was having a bad day, or was upset about something else, but it felt like she took it out on our large group. She seemed annoyed taking our order. I asked for a glass of water three times and after the third time I finally got it. People are human and forget, but she seemed annoyed that I kept asking even though she wasn't bringing it. She would also stop by quickly and ask if we needed anything else and then turn around and walk away without waiting for an answer. We did not get any food, just drinks. A couple of the people had an espresso martini that they were not able to consume because it was so bad. I had a cocktail that was mediocre at best. Draft beers were $12 for a pint. We left disappointed in the drinks, service, and bill. read more

Classic pub in the Loop. It even looks older because the outside is medieval. Monk's Pub is a popular gathering spot for downtown workers. Has the drinks and food you expect in a place like it. The prices also are about what you expect in a hip area though. Anyone looking for classic old pubs in Chicago has to come here. It's been here quite awhile, but with the old looking exterior it looks even longer. They have some kind of medieval theme. Just too bad they don't have old time prices. There's some pretty pricy stuff. Beer list is pretty big. Lots of local ones to choose from. It's about $9 for a basic cocktail. There's better ones that are even for expensive though. As for the food, pretty good, but expensive. There's typical pub fare like burgers and wings. Also they have a Beyond Burger. It's $16 and comes with a side. Good in spite of the price of course. The last time here the food came out fast and the atmosphere was good mostly. Gets pretty busy at lunch. It has plenty of workers from nearby coming in and when they get off. This is also one of the few places around here open on the weekends. read more

Monk's Pub - Whiskey And The Beyond Burger - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Continued props to this Loop institution for maintaining all of these years, but I had the strangest experience at lunch today. There was an off-leash dog walking around the crowded dining room. It almost tripped the server at least twice and begged for food from total strangers. Clearly not a service dog, so WTF?!? read more

Used to come every Friday for lunch 20 years ago and was pleased to see it's just as good today. Service: ***** Prompt, friendly, efficient. Server came by at appropriate times to check on us. Ambiance: ***** For me, this is the best part. The dark wood paneling, wooden booths, and dark books set into cases in the walls. Little nooks, plus dark lighting, even during the day, and tiffany lamps in the ceiling. feels like old school Chicago. Surprisingly quiet during lunch rush - 20 years ago it used to be far more crowded. Food: ***** I'm impressed that there is not only a Beyond burger, but also a veggie burger. And easy to exchange any side for the fries. I loved the curly fries, but my friend liked her soup. Easily my favorite downtown pub. read more

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This is probably one of the few smaller local feeling joints left in the loop. The jalapeño popper burger is good. Definitely a high quality burger. The Chicago Poutine CLEARS, I just know it CLEARS this menu. Amazing. 10/10. That said, service seemed fine. You have to call to order takeout which is very outdated by this point though. Guess it comes with the local charm. It would be fine if you didn't arrive there, wait a few minutes "to be seated" and then be told to go to the bar of all places to let the bartender know you placed a to go order, which he isn't sure if you placed it or want to order one now. It was just not as easy as it could be. They should update pick up orders somehow if they can. read more

Monk's Pub looks well broken in, serves great burgers, and satisfied my lunch needs. The look of Monk's is great! Lots of stuff everywhere, but not like a chain fast-casual, like a place that has seen some stuff. The vintage sign outside, the dark hued wood, and stained glass hanging lamps all over the place give a fantastic look. There's a sign in the entry touting the best burgers, so I gave that a whirl. The black and bleu burger was, frankly, excellent. Tots? Oh yes. Perfectly fried. Can service be described as "Chicago-style?" That's what I'd go with. Straightforward and a little salty. Also, take note that there will be no splitting of the tip. Every table gets a check and you figure it out. Overall, solid choice! read more

Monk's Pub - Black and bleu burger with tots - very good! - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been meaning to visit this place for the longest time. The chicken nachos and pickle fries were really tasty and plenty for 2 to share. The drinks were standard and fairly priced as well. They're very crowded on weekdays right after work from what I've noticed. Service was good overall! Would come again read more

Only good for a drink if you are in the area. The food is trash. If it's fried it tastes like the oil should have been changed 6 months ago.

Solid bar food and great service. Cocktails were not the best but there is a great beer selection. If you're looking for a classic pub experience, Monk's fits the bill. read more

Meg and I usually stop here our first night of every trip we make to Chicago. Vibe is always lively and upbeat. Beer list always has a great variety! Honestly, if we lived in Chicago, we would visit regularly!! read more

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We stopped in here for a beverage before going to the theater. Really cute bar, friendly staff, and reasonable prices! Didn't eat, but looked at the menu. Anything you could want. The onion rings looked really good. Definitely going to give it a lunch try. read more

I came here for lunch with co-workers. The restaurant was quiet & empty when we came around noon. I guess not many people wanted to face the cold weather like we did We got seated immediately, and the service was good. I ordered the chicken avocado wrap with a side of salad. The food portions are substantial. I ate my fill and still had some leftovers to take home. I liked what I ordered, but my co-worker ordered boneless wings that weren't that great. I would recommend the sandwiches/wraps over the wings. The wings tasted like they came from the freezer. I would give this restaurant 3.5 stars, but Yelp doesn't have that option, so I rounded to a 4. Overall, it's your standard pub. read more

Monk's Pub - Chicken Avocado Wrap - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It is a mix experience but overall, I like it here. Good food, friendly staffs, and fast service.

Not impressed with this divvy lunch spot. Sub par for an Irish bar, the cheese curds were ok and about the best thing we had at this stop. read more

Monk's Pub - Mediterranean Flatbread and Tempura Battered Cheese Curds - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very good beer, excellent service. I had the fish and chips, and the best part of it was the cole slaw. The fries were pretty good, too, but the fish was terrible, clearly just frozen fish nuggets, reheated. read more

Amazing beer selection - tons of Belgian beers on tap, even more trappist beers in bottles. Great friendliness and helpfulness from the bartenders Love the old-school, shells-on-floor vibe. One of my favorites for sure read more

First day in Chicago we dropped our stuff off at the hotel and ran over to Monk's for a late lunch and a beer. The atmosphere on the outside and inside was so fun. You definitely felt like you were transported to Ireland. Since we were eating junk on the plane we decided to eat something semi healthy so we got a side salad and their Mediterranean flatbread. They were both super good, light and fresh. Would highly recommend to someone trying to be slightly more health conscious. Price was a little steep for what you get but it is downtown. Service was friendly and quick. read more

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