A client of mine told me to check this establishment out. And especially that it's just a few blocks away from where my fiance and I live, I'm glad that I pulled him out today to have lunch. I have to say, that it was one of the best philly cheesesteak sandwiches I've ever had! especially now that we are aware of the drink specials... we will definitely be coming back for food and drink. Our server was very sweet as well. Glad we found this place... it just might be a new hangout for us! read more

LOVE THIS SPOT!! Awesome cheese steaks! Was looking for a low key place to eat and have a drink with my girl on a Friday night and this place definitely answered. I'll be back read more

Awesome!!! The Pizza steak was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had!! The chicken wings are amazing!! Great beer selection. Can't wait to come back!! read more

Simply put, this place rocks!! From the extraordinary service of Natalia to the spot on cheese steaks, to the great home made soups. This PA native has found his spot for a samich in the Chi !!! Monti and James are great hosts and fun people. $1 fireball shots don't hurt either. My favorite is the cheese steak hoagie! Get the foot long you'll be glad you did. I also love the Rocky, it's got a nice kick! read more

Amazing Philly cheesesteak. This rivals any Gino's or Pats sandwich in Philly. Chicago you need to come here for an amazing sandwich.

So came here with my a girlfriend to hangout we ordered the philly cheese steak with cheese fires had a few cold beers and played uno for a while. To be honest it was an amazing time full of good food and drinKs and laugher. Waiter was cool to let me get a few tester of beer read more

As good as it gets in Chicago. Brought my son and had 12" cheesesteaks provolone, with. Tasted great. The meat was good quality, not gristly or greasy. They do a nice job cooking in the onion and cheese. They prepare the meat with the chopped up method. I found out that they will cook it in strips if you ask ahead. That's how I like it, so next time I will try it that way. The Amoroso's roll put it over the top. I can't wait to try a hoagie with one these rolls. Service was very attentive. Quick to refill drinks. Staff was very friendly, that part was not authentic Philly. read more

Fantastic authentic Philly cheesesteaks! Small neighborhood feel. Great customer service. My fiancé and I come here a few times a month. They also have a full service bar with TV's for sports games and $1 fireball whiskey shots everyday. read more

Really delicious spot for cheesesteaks. I'm not an expert on the cheeseteak front but our friends from philly said they're doing it right. Food is priced fair and service is always good. They often have drink specials, too. Have heard great things about their wings and am looking forward to trying them eventually but it's hard to turn down the cheesesteak once I set foot inside! read more

Really good cheesesteaks. But, its pricey and just a decent sandwich. I could see myself ordering if I am hard up for a cheeseteak.

i think they have the best philly cheese steak in Chicago. great atmosphere,,, check in on yelp and get an awesome desert for free! i had a steak sandwich with mushrooms, american cheese and provolone cheese topped with lettuce and tomatoes. that's all you need folks! read more

Hands down best Philly cheesesteaks. Got the Sample platter to try 3 different ones all good. Football fireball an excellent deal for a dollar. Fries were good. Soft Pretzel nuggets good. All in all excellent food excellent service thank you. Will be making the ride to be back agian read more

Well, my barber down the street, Mat, at Lincoln Square Barbershop sent me over last summer. Can't believe it took me this long to write a review. But I specifically schedule my haircuts around their hours so I can stop in. I recently moved over near Loyola and take CTA. The trip is worth it! read more

Called in an order for a pizza at 7:25, they said 20-25 min would be ready to pick up... at 8:30 was told it needed another 10 (you can do the math), pizza still not in hand by 8:45 read more

Having seen this place on the Great American Food Truck Race and living nearby I finally got around to trying this place for lunch. I see on here that a lot of people find their cheesesteak sandwich to be amazing. It was good, nothing more. I liked the cheese and the onions, but nothing about the meat was particularly impressive. The soup was a winner flavorwise, not so much size-wise. It was nice to see a Tomato Basil soup that actually included a bunch of finely cut vegetables. When you factor in the expensive price and the modest portions it's even less appealing. Fifteen dollars for a mini-sandwich and mini-cup of soup with a coke after tax and tip is terrible. On the plus side the service was fast and reliable. They appeared to be doing pretty well because the place was near capacity and they had just opened--though the place is fairly small. I'd give it a 3/5. Don't think I'd return with so many better sandwich options out there though. read more

What a gem this place is. Excellent beer selection, tasty cheesesteaks & Tasty Cakes. Doesn't get a whole lot better for a solid lunch, a low-pressure date or night time drinking & a snack. To add cherry on top, Monti is super-friendly & it's always nice to put a face w/ a name. Definitely check this place out - you shan't be disappointed. read more

Came here for lunch after discovering it on The Eater. I'm originally from Philadelphia so I know a good cheesesteak and hoagie. I don't live in the neighborhood so it was a trek for me...but well worth the trek. Ordered the original cheesesteak and it did not disappoint. Got a cold hoagie to go....excellent. Fast, friendly service. Wish it was closer, but will definitely be back on a regular basis. read more

Great high qualit meat nice gravy on it.... Ingredients.bread.everything great.top.of the.line AWESOME serviceawesome steak read more

Without question, THE Philly Cheesesteak spot in Chicago. I've been to Philly's Best, Great Steak & Potato, and a host of other cheesesteak joints and, while good, they just don't compare to Monti's. Every aspect of their Cheesesteak is just top shelf; The bread, meat, sauces, toppings, etc... Great for picking up or going in with a group of friends. Great staff and service, they know what they're doing. A wide selection of beers and TV's while you dine in. Can't be beat. read more

I've visited Monti's on a few occasions, enjoyed the food. Unfortunately last night I had a heartbreaking experience. First of all they didn't stock any of the cocktails that my boyfriend and I ordered, claimed they were out, anyhow we compromised and ordered alternatives, no problem. I chose Monti's because it's local and I like the food and it was an early Valentines, I know Saturday would be crazy. When we were seated, I used the restroom and when I wash my hands, I have the bad habit of removing rings, as I did here as well. I exited the bathroom and in 5 seconds realized I forgot the ring on the sink, immediately went back to the restroom and unfortunately for me, someone found it and took it, and instead of doing the right thing and handing it to the manager that it was left accidentally, they took it. I'm devastated over the loss. I don't understand the dishonesty of some people, I'd of turned it in because I would of imagined the woman who lost it would of been frantic, as I was. I was there around 7:30, and this all happened within 5 minutes, needless to say, I did not enjoy my early Valentine dinner. I left my name and number with the manager, in case a sense of overcomes this person and decides to return it. I can probably replace the ring itself but not the sentiment, my childhood girlfriend literally gave it to me on her deathbed on December 12, 2014 and she lost her battle with cancer on December 15,21014. She gave it to me as a token of always being with me and that can't be replaced. The loss of the ring was on Thursday night around 7:30ish, February 12,15, if you have a conscience, do the right thing and return it to the manager at Monti's. read more

The Philly cheesesteaks are unparalleled. There's no need to try anything else. Fries & pretzel pretzel bits are delicious, too. This is a wonderful neighborhood gem. read more

Let me start off by saying I've had many a cheesesteak in many a traditional Philly joints--Geno's, Pat's, Jim's, etc. I've also had many a cheesesteak at places outside of Philly. Cheese, meat, and bread usually make a good combination any day ending in Y, but that doesn't make it a cheesesteak. I couldn't believe how authentic the cheesesteaks at Monti's were. At first I was skeptical that the aged cheddar sauce wouldn't really be as good as whiz like I'm used to getting. But, I was totally wrong. The meat is also just like you would expect on an authentic cheesesteak. The real star of the show is the bread though. I think the key to making any sandwich lies in the bread and at Monti's their traditional hoagie is what pushes their cheesesteak over the top. I'm glad I can now get a true cheesesteak without having to travel 800 miles. read more

Great service. Ambience is perfect for date night. Even though Im from Pittsburgh, I've always had a soft spot for Philly Cheesesteak. This place is the best I've had in Chicago. Plop this place in Philly and it would hold its own. read more

Not bad. It's clean and small but very very dark. The staff was attentive and polite. We had an Italian hoagie and a Philly cheesesteak. Both were pretty good, though neither the best that we've had. The Italian arrived put together like an open face sandwich, so when you fold it closed all the meat is on one side and the dressing and veg is on the other making getting consistent bites impossible. I would call the food very casual and more appropriate to take out. read more

Delicious food selection with legit and authentic Philly cheese steak sandwiches. The best ones you'll find in Chicago. $1 Fire Ball shots, all day every day plus an amazing beer selection make this joint a great place for anyone to patron, whether you are hanging out with friends or looking for a place to take the family, Monti's is the place to go. Come by and get the sampler to try 3 different types of cheese steak sandwich options and you'll find yourself coming back again. Staff here is composed of the nicest and friendliest people you'll ever find. read more

A delicious and welcome addition to Lincoln Square. A mom n' pop in a pleasent way serving authentic Philly cheesesteaks. There is a connection here to Rockit so fries deserve our attention. Seemingly hand cut they were baked into the price of our cheesesteak, though we note that you can actually opt out of their purchase for a dollar off. Do the fries come dusted with curry? Must be something, they taste better than the average bear and are not in immediate need of ketchup improvement. The cheesesteaks were good and I will definetly be back for another. I will say no more of them because I cannot speak to their claim to authenticity. Service deserves a nod. We told our waitress our cheesesteaks were to serve as a snack and without provocation we were served a cheesesteak cut in two, with fries, on seperate plates. Very nice touch for any place, particularly a casual one. A cheesesteak, fries, Golden Monkey draft, and a coke totalled about $20 before tip, prices are appropriate for the neighborhood and a place that is more restaurant than bar. My desire to visit Philadelphia has been cemented. read more

Philadelphia Cheeseteak!!!!!!! I LOVE Philly Cheesesteaks and Monti's does them right (although they forgot my onions) and will definitely go back. Been going to Philly's Best, which is also good, but Monti's has the advantage of a GREAT beer menu which makes it more gastro pub then just a place to grab a sandwich. read more

Had a hankering for a lunch of Cheesesteak so we tried Monti's, our first. Nice clean bar, very friendly waitress. The three of us tried different portions of the cheesesteak. Some with salad some with fries. All were rewarded with a generous portion. A most pleasant lunch treat when the urge strikes you. On the whole a good experience. Happy to recommend it. CB read more

Best cheesesteaks I have ever had. I've been to Philadelphia and went to the tried and true tourist cheesesteaks (I was 19 and didn't know better) but only once I came to Monti's did I realize truly how wonderful a cheesesteak can be. read more

Cheesesteak sandwich was tasty, but a little too heavy on the salt. I should have gone with the traditional smoky cheddar sauce, but opted for provolone instead. Atmosphere was comfortable, so I'll probably give it another try. read more

This cheesesteak is legit! I lived in Philly for 7 years and this cheesesteak is authentic. Save the money on airfare and go to Monti's instead of back to Philly. read more

A Philly native who has been in Chicago for years, I've always went to Philly's Best to get my cheesesteak fix. And while that had been an all right sandwich, my biggest "beef" has always been the roll they use. Finally Monti's has fixed that by bring Amoroso rolls to Chicago! Great cheesesteak and great fries. I might go easy on the onions next time, but that is a personal preference. Good service with friendly waitstaff as well. The beer gripes in other reviews are legit, but it seems like Monti's is taking steps to fix this. I would give this more stars if not for the prices. $11 for an 8inch and $14 for a 12 inch cheesesteak is a little high. I understand there is a higher cost for shipping the rolls in, but I really think that these prices might cost some business. Maybe forgoing the fries and dropping the price might help. But I know at these prices I won't be frequenting as much as I'd like to. One other minor thing that a lot of transplanted cheesesteak places seem to get worng. There is no substitute for Cheese Whiz on an authentic Philly cheesesteak. While aged cheddar sauce might be a more "quality" ingredient, you wouldn't find it in a legit place in Philly. All in all, I am exicted for this place and plan on leaving in a minute to have another, but I hope as they work out their kinks the prices might come down a bit. 2 hours later..... Just bumped it up a star after have a Pizza Cheesesteak. They are some damned good. read more

Went there last night for the first time ... will NOT be the last. The food and service were both outstanding. Plus, they have a great list of craft beers and ciders! read more

Love the atmosphere (upscale quick service), and the food is excellent! Comfortable seating, clean tables, friendly service, great TV's to watch the game - but well placed so they don't dominate the room... Good music - just the right volume... Recommended for anyone and everyone to check out! read more

The cheesesteaks are meaty and cheesy! What's not to like? Also, if you check in, you get a sorbet, which was good! My friends and I shared it. read more

Ate here so much that I hate love it. The rocky is to die for! Perfect amount of heat, I must say I make my own modifications to the rocky by using LC Pho's spicy mayo instead of the mayo they usually put on themselves (little more of a kick and slightly sweeter) we don't usually have appetizers but the fried calamari are very good as well and every time I go I must have them. read more

Best Buffalo nuggets in the world good philly cheese steak Did I mention the best Buffalo nuggets in the world

Service was great our server did an awesome job she had a little accent but explained the difference between each sand which and made it easier for us to order however the food wasn't all that good I don't know what the hype is all about, the meat tasted bad like it was old, but the bread was really good and fresh. read more

OMFG...Hands down, The BEST cheesesteaks I EVER had!!! My boyfriend and I got the philly sampler with the Southside Johnny, cheesesteak hoagie, and Niko the Greek...my mouth is just watering as I'm giving this review! All I can say is, I Don't Want Another Cheesesteak From ANYWHERE ELSE!!! I hate I have to wait till my next visit to the Chi to go back there. read more

I don't know how I haven't written a review of Monti's sooner. My all time favorite sandwich is the Philly Cheesesteak, and I had a craving for one, so I googled for a new place to try out, and the google gods smiled upon me that day because I discovered Monti's! Their Cheesesteaks are the best I've had in Chicago, it is just so good! The sizes are perfect, since they have multiple size options, the price is right on, and the beer selection is fantastic. Huge plus for me is that Hella's bakery (amazing bakery) is next door so I like to get some baked goods for later on the way out... My wife and I generally get cheesesteaks, a couple beers, and the pretzel bites, which are like crack good. One of these days I'll try the wings, because those looked really good on the table next to us the other day, but till then all I can say is YUM! I can't say enough good things about this place. The people are all super friendly, they always have a game on the TV to watch, and it's just a great atmosphere to be in. We're actually moving in month just a few blocks from there. Not saying Monti's was a deciding factor (at least not that I'm willing to admit to my wife), but I'm so excited to be within walking distance to one of my favorite restaurants in the city! read more