Probably my new favorite bar in Seattle! We... stumbled... upon it while lost in Capitol Hill (ok bad joke) and were immediately intrigued. I ordered a Pauwel Kwak which came in the most elaborate and amazing glass I've ever seen. The glass had to be supported by a wooden stand, immediately making it way more epic. The bar is filled with random old board games, which makes it a great place for groups if you want to post up for a while. TIP: It was hard to find seating at first, but just remember there's a pile of fold-up chairs hidden in the back! read more

What other bar has people playing board games, exploring on their laptops, and just chatting with friends all in the same space without crashing? The Monk! The beer selection can be considered expensive but is amazing. And when you think about the fact that most of the beers are over 10%, you get more for your money than in other bars. Every beer comes in a specific glass for that brewery - it is all very personalized. The bartenders are great - always attentive and making sure everything is clean, in order, nobody is too drunk, and chat with you when there is not a crazy amount of people in the bar. There is booths to sit in, some bar space, and tables in the remaining areas. Lots of board games (old school ones like Sorry/Scrabble and fun new ones like Dirty Minds and Worst Case Survival Handbook). I also love the bar for the fact that there is not loud blazing music that one has to scream over. I come to the Monk to have a conversation, to play a game, or to rest up after a stressful day and people watch. All things that it is easy to do in such a friendly place. The only real minus of the bar is how crowded it can get at peak times - nowhere to sit and Belgian beer is not something that you gulp down - it needs to be enjoyed over a conversation. So it can be disheartening to arrive with nowhere to sit, but be on the lookout and it will appear? Oh and if you don't like beer - try 'duchesse de bourgogne' - it is sweet, but not as sweet as a Lambic, got a little bit of a sour zing to it and still has the amazing Belgian yeast. My hands down favorite. read more

Fantastic escape from downtown for beer geeks. Small but distinct list of wicked good unknowns with a comfortable list regulars for Belgian beer nerds read more

The Stumbling Monk - List - Pubs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The awesome thing about belgian beers is they have beers for people who don't drink beer! aka Lambics aka chick beers. And they have my fave, hard to come by, Cassis flavor Lambic. YUM! Haven't been in a while but need to go back! read more

This is one of those places that makes you regret the smoking ban. It's small, it's dirty, it smells and it only serves beer and a couple of wines: it's perfect for sitting in a corner, angry at your friends for going where *they* wanted to go (and not offering to give you a seat, buy you a beer, or anything else "birthday-like"), while puffing like a stack. I guess if my boyfriend and I had been *expecting* this for his birthday party it would have been one thing, but we weren't, and the servers didn't make it easier. When the boyfriend asked if they had soda, the bartender said "yeah" and then acted offended when boyfriend asked for a Coke/Pepsi. "Well, we don't have THAT." Um...k...anything with caffiene? "No. Just Thomas Kemper." Oh. Well fine then. My attempt to purchase a glass of wine was also fraught with frustration. By the time we got our drinks (and were pressed into the barstools, ignored by our friends at an actual table) we'd given up. I downed that (mediocre) glass of wine, boyfriend finished his soda, and we politely made our exit. I can see beer-snobby hipsters loving this place (hence the three stars), but sadly, I'm not one of them. read more

Love the Monk! My good buddy lives around the corner from the Monk, so I hit this place about once a month or so. If you like Belgian beers, this is the place. The first time I went in here I only recognized a few of the beers in the cooloer, but now that I have been educated in the ways of Belgians, I still don't know more than a few. Mainly I come here because they have the Duchesse de Bourgogne on tap, which if you have to ask, you are missing out on one of the pure taste treats in the beer community. It's the only thing I drink anymore without making a fuss about how shitty they taste. Anyway, the Monk isn't big on decor or atmosphere. It sort of like a clubhouse with second-hand furniture and second-hand board games with some of the pieces missing. It is the reverse image of any Cap Hill "Smile pretty, chicky!" place. Also, bring your wallet as the beers here are all imports and they all carry a pretty hefty pricetag, depending on how jiggy you care to get. read more

For having heard about this place for ages, by the time I got around to it, I was already doomed by wheat, gluten, and other food allergies that make beer a serious no-no. Which is sad. But they carry a solid selection of interesting brews. I tried a stout and Jesse tried a sour beer. Both were delicious, though I'm not sure my brain knew how to react to the flavors of sour beer. I don't dislike it, it's just different. I will definitely be back to try more, and to try sour beer again (despite how evil it is to my allergies). Bonus? They have tons of board games. Woot! read more

This and the Elysian are the only places in Capitol Hill that serve Belgian ale, as far as I've been able to find. (The QFC in the Harvard Market has a rockin' selection if you'd rather drink at home though.) The location is good, but the place is tiny. During the winter, if the windows are fogged up, it's usually a good indicator that you won't be able to sit inside. If you homebrew, they put their bottles out for recycling on Tuesday nights, if I remember correctly. (The Grolsh style ones can be hard to find/expensive locally otherwise.) read more

This place's decor is pretty divey, but it transcends dive-bar status thanks to its unique beer selection. I actually didn't expect to be a huge fan, considering I don't drink a lot of Belgian beer and wasn't sure what to expect. But it's a friend's all-time favorite so I was eager to pop in. I started off with a really decent Belgian, but was also pleased to find that their inventory went beyond that. I also had a good porter and a really excellent IPA. (I have to give them four stars if only for that IPA: Russian River's Pliny the Younger triple IPA.) I had never heard of the brands of any of the beers I had, which probably just means I'm sheltered, but I was glad to try out a few new brews. Warning, though: the only food that appears to be available is chips. Apparently they don't care if you bring in your own nosh, though. read more

Definitely a place to go if you love beer! Lots of tasty selections from both North America and from foreign lands.It's a small place so not so good for big groups of friends. There are, however, games available for you to borrow if you'd like to just sit down and chill. I'd love to visit this place more and check out the different selections they have. The beer is priced accordingly, not too crazy, but definitely not your average $4-5 since it's all fancy. Worth stopping by! read more

IMO it's unacceptable for a Belgian Bar not to have any belgian wheat beers. They didn't. They also had a lack of non-alcoholic beverages, except for orange Fanta. .. (??) Salty bar tender. No Thanks. read more

This place is fantastic. A small place to get a variety of different kinds of beer. It is never super busy, there is alway a place to sit, and it's doesn't attract the lame bar kids that want to find a boyfriend/girlfriend. It's more like going to a coffee shop but with beer instead of coffee. It's a great place to go during the week to have a drink and a conversation. Yes, I love it. read more

Been here a couple of times now and I've enjoyed each visit immensely. Dark, cozy, and laid-back are the words I would use to describe the Stumbling Monk. So dark in fact that when I walked up to it on Saturday night I thought it was closed. Luckily that was not the case. And most importantly the Monk is free of the pretentious, beer-douche vibes you get at some other places (Brouwer's, I'm looking at you). Tap list is pretty evenly split between American craft beers and imported selections favoring Belgium. Seems like they usually have a couple of sour ales on tap at all times too. Delicious! Beers are served in their appropriate glassware as well. And we all know that beer is granted +1 to Tastiness when served in the correct glass. Prices are good and as others have said you have a choice between no food, chips, or bringing your own. read more

This is a great little bar. Lots of a character, very laid back, and has a bunch of Belgium beers on tap. Where else will you find a divey bar with Chimay? Only problem, I can't stand Belgium beer. Otherwise, great place. read more

This place is almighty. It's not just a pub. It's not just a bar. To quote my bosomed girlfriend, this is a "Beer Parlor". And that it is. No super loud music so you can't hear what your friend or cohort or esteemed colleague is saying. No fancy lights. No pretentious flair or decor. No "Asian Themed Tapas". (:P) It's a great hole in the wall with an absolutely phenomenal beer selection - especially the great Belgian beers on tap and in the bottle. I'm particularly keen on the Sour Red. But they've got local stuff too with reasonable prices. Just a great place to hang out, enjoy a great beer, and relax if you're not into the thumping techno, metrosexual, Banana Republic mania of the "trendy" bar scene. read more

Bar #10 on the E Olive Way pub crawl. Personally, I didn't get a drink here. But I do love Belgian-style beers so I wish I had. It was Saturday so we had a hard time finding a seat, but ended up spending a good amount of time chatting with some strangers that ended up joining us on our next and final stop. I honestly don't have many helpful things to say about the Monk. I wish I did. For what its worth, I liked it and will be back. They only offer beer so don't go here if you don't. And I recall that it was unnaturally hot and sticky in there. read more

I'm sorry this beer bar is too good. You want a gueuze, done. You want a NW craft IPA done, you want a choice of 5-6 Belgian triple's done. New beers coming in and out of this place, and prices are almost cost. Rock bottom. No noisy TV's or music to yell over. Just you and your beer, and the fellowship of good friends. There is so much love inside the Stumbling Monk that the windows fog up. read more

I'm not a big bar fan generally - mostly because that means loud settings with cramped seating / standing room. (I'm also not much of a drinker.) Anyways, this place, while small, is comfortably sized and sports an all aroung sweet social setting. Aaaaaaand they have board games. Speed Scrabble kicks ass. read more

I moved down the street from Stumbling Monk just because of the Stumbling Monk, no not really but I am glad I found this place. Huge, huge, huge fan of the sour beers. A great selection! Board games, fun people and the cute bearded bartender. The beers are super cheap compared to anywhere else. I went to the tap house recently and saw a beer the Stumbling Monk had and it was at least 4 dollars more. This place is dog friendly (yes!) and a nice place to enjoy your yummy beer. They don't serve food, just chips but you can always order delivery or go wander to a place near by. The place is usually packed with people playing games which end up hogging all of the seats. read more

This place is pretty great. My friends and I go when it's raining, cold and when we're in need of some serious beer. Their beer and wine lists are both impressive and the staff is very knowledgable. I've had many good suggestions come from the bar tenders. The service is quick, the company is always cheerful and the beer is excellent! The decor is something like an old world pub. The dark wood booths are dimly lit and perfect for a conversation or a board game, which they have. read more

THE BEST BELGIUM BEER BAR IN SEATTLE. There, I said it. Someone had to. This place is the best. It's cozy. The staff are lovely. It's a truly wonderful place to enjoy a rich beer for a non-rich price. I'm so sick of pretentious 'Belgium Beer' bars doubling their prices like their own offspring carried the kegs on their backs, all the way across the Atlantic (it's far! pay more!). Stupid. Also, although it's easy to go over your limit with a 15% beer; the bar keeps make sure no one gets unruly...they seem very cautious that no one hurts themselves and/or others :) Here's the breakdown: Staff 5+ Selection (both Belgiums and locally brewed in Belgium style) 5++ Prices 5++ Ambiance 5++ Board games 5+ Randomly talking with awesome regulars 5+ Cool dogs (allowed...sometimes) 5+ Location (close to bus, walk, easy cab) 5+ read more

Awesome place! As a self proclaimed beer snob I value quality beer and this place amazed me with their selection. They seem to specialize in Belgian styles, having a surprising number of sours available, though they do have other styles. I was most pleased and surprised at the price. I have never seen Chimay go for $6! It's usually at least $8. The prices here are really good. If you enjoy beer you should absolutely stop by. I know I will be here again. This place received one of my few 5 stars. read more

Bored? Want to grab a drink with your friend? Want to play boardgames while you drink? ...well stumble into this monk! They have some really great old school boardgames that you can use while you hang out with friends and grab an inexpensive pitcher or two of brew. It's laid back, fun, and comfy...and they have a good selection of beers. So if you are lacking board games like Sorry!, Scrabble, Shoot and Ladders in your life..amongst many others, and some tasty beer would make you happy, check this place out! Cheers! read more

I've always liked the Stumbling Monk. But, a good number of my friends smoke so, back before the smoking ban, they never wanted to go because it was non-smoking. Now that the smoking ban is effect, they still don't go. Instead, they'd rather go down to Clever Dunnes, with its god-awful bathrooms, and stand outside smoking there. It doesn't make any sense. Really, it doesn't. My wife and I still go there sometimes, grab a good Belgian beer, and play Scrabble. And, we really enjoy it when we do. read more

Who did this place bribe to get on the 100 best beer bar list? By far and away the worst of the list that I have visited. A rousing 8 taps and 20 bottles does not a 100 best beer bar make. Yes they had some solid belgian beers but nothing like Toronado in SF which doesn't even specialize in belgian beer. I actually liked the space though. Cozy and kind of dingy. It was like being in someones garage. Pass on The Stumbling Monk. There are plenty of other awesome bars/breweries in Seattle for you to check out. read more

Pure bliss: Decent priced Belgians Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable bartenders Chill, Classy but not pretentious atmosphere. A great place to stumble upon. read more

This place is okay. It's not divey, it's not pretentious. It's a bit warm in there and it may take you a while before you can actually sit down (especially if you have more than a few people in your party). The beers there are OK. Just okay, but then again I have particular taste. Don't go here if you don't like beer because they don't have liquor. read more

We got here by an accident. We got curious because of the location, and because it was cold out, and we saw the steamy windows... LOL Anyhow, It was a nice beer bar. Interesting beers they have. I am not a beer drinker, but we still stayed, I got the cask IPA for $4, what can be wrong with that? And the environment was a chill place to hang. OH! if you feel like playing some board games they have it too The have beer for all prices read more

The coolest bar I've ever been in Seattle- love the chill vibe, friendly bartender-- and the selection of beers. A great place to go with friends to chat, as it is nice and quiet inside. Even there are board games you can play! Highly recommended! read more

Incredible Belgian beer list and the prices are quite reasonable! This is a typical European style pub, with good beer, friendly people, and a relaxed atmosphere. Definitely my favorite bar in Seattle! read more

This is probably one of my favorite bars in the entire world. Amazing amazing beer, incredible atmosphere. I've been offered free pizza from fellow patrons. Free pizza is a great way to my heart, as is sweet and highly alcoholic beer. Seriously people, when drinking Belgium remember that one beer = two in terms of drunkenness. No one does when I first bring them here, and they always regret it the next day. Still- delicious and wonderful read more

Personally, I do not love this place. Why? Because it has a certain funky smell to it. I'm still a fan, and bring people here all the time. Besides that, I bring all my out of town friends here for Belgian beer. Although I personally like the Port Townsand the best. Avoid the Friday/Saturday night crowds. Place reeks with no ventilation and windows fog up. I prefer a casual weeknight with a few friends chillen in a booth. No food. Only chips. They only do pitchers of 2 types of beer. read more

One of my faves since the first time I stumbled in. It's definitely not a bar for people used to all-accommodating, something for everyone style of resto-pub. It's rough around the edges, and makes no excuses for it, which I love. The beer selection is what to go for. Some of the best prices on Belgian and Belgian-style beers you'll find anywhere in this city. And for the gripes on the beer here, I have to agree with Ivan T., Belgians aren't for everyone. If you love beer, and could give a rat's ass about the current top 40 booming over speakers or scoping out what's trendy from Nordstrom's Rack, come grab a pint and muscle into a game of scrabble. read more

The Stumbling Monk has been the backdrop to some odd decisions on my part, but I like it nonetheless. I think I would describe this place as quirky. I enjoy the big booths with weird lamps and the board games that they provide. This is the type of bar where someone would come to read. The bathroom does have some issues, not sure why it's a hot mess at all times (even when I was here at 5pmish one week day). The crazy person below was wrong that you could find all of this stuff elsewhere... Very unique selection, you certainly cannot find most of it at other bars (some like Hoegaarden are definitely more widespread though). It's a good place to try something new. I suppose Belgian beers might not be for everyone, but good... More for me! read more

Walked into the Monk straight and sober and immediately liked the atmosphere of the place. Since I came with a bunch of real beer aficionados, we eagerly scanned the list of drafts on the left side of the beer menu hanging above the bar. The list, while very small, is varied and contains a nice balance of well-known beers (like the Saison DuPont) and lesser-known, more local brews. Only catch: more than half of the beers on the list were not available! Huge bummer, we were forced to move to the right side of the beer list - the bottle list. It is a good one, with a broad choice, so in the end, we were satisfied. Having such a defunct draft list, however, is unacceptable. read more

This place is great! It's in a tiny one story building hidden in plain sight on olive, which you'd likely miss unless you're looking for it. Customers are greeted by a great wooden door which looks like it came straight out of some castle guard tower. Once inside the first thing that catches your eye will likely be a table (or two) of people playing board games. This place has a large selection for guests to play while they drink, and it's always a blast. As for the main attraction, the beer, let me get one thing out of the way: IT IS AMAZING. Stumbling Monk always has a great selection of rotating Belgian styles. I am a huge fan of trippel and quadrupel ales and this place always has at least a few. If you like strong belgian beer then this is the place to come! read more

The name says it all for me. I've dragged myself home from the monk plenty of times. Might not be the cheapest beer on the hill, but I really dig the atmosphere and having games to play when you're drinking rocks. Every Thursday they get a local cask in which is awesome. Great Belgian beers yum yum yum. Man I wish they were open now. read more

Is it a dive? Maybe, although when I think dive, I tend to think of MGD and video poker rather than St. Bernardus and board games. It is dark, and has a old, lived-in sort of feel. Whatever the case, I love this bar. I love the atmosphere. I love the beer on tap. I love the cheap local bottles when I can't take another heavy Belgian. When I go to Stumbling Monk, I feel at home, and stay much longer than I should given the strength of their beers. That said, now that it is beyond walking distance, I regrettably don't visit as much as I would like. read more

The Stumbling Monk is one of those peculiarly Seattle places I loved so much when I first visited that I decided to move here. It's a beer bar, but -- oh -- what beer. The Monk features a unique selection of Belgian brews and similar styles; think Hoegaarden, only more and even better: grand crus, dubbles, tripples ... I'm a fancy beer kind of guy and I rarely know much of what's on their menu. Keep in mind that this stuff often has alcohol content upwards of 6%. Since U.S. law generally defines beer as having a maximum alcohol content of 5% (thanks for mediocrity, Anheuser Busch lobbyists!), it's technically considered "malt liquor." Not that that's a bad thing ... Don't expect much in the way of atmosphere. It's a bit like "Mad Max IX: Seattle the Day After", but it's mellow enough that if you're prepared for it, you'll be charmed. Feel free to bring your canine companion, too. Finally, while the Monk doesn't really serve food, they usually don't mind if you bring some with you (I've even ordered pizza to be delivered here). Probably best to check with the barkeep first and make sure that's okay. read more

My friend Sean was visiting from Toronto. Being quite the beer conniseur, I knew the Stumbling Monk was where we'd end up. This place has a great selection of international beers. My favorite was the De Prouf, although their selection on tap changes quite regularly. Sean was pleasantly surprised that many of the Unibroue beers were available, including Fin du Monde and Maudit (the latter on tap as well as in bottle). The ambiance is somewhat lacking, but it does have a certain charm to it. The staff here are excellent. They really know their beers and take exceptional care in their work. One customer returned a beer half finished and the bartender gave it a quick whif to try and figure out if there was anything wrong with it. read more