Monk's Café has been pouring Belgian beer in Rittenhouse Square since Tom Peters started there in 1985; he now runs the place alongside proprietors Bernadette Roe and Rick Burns. The list runs 25 beers on tap and over 200 bottles, stored and served with the kind of care — clean lines, proper glassware, the right gas mixture — most restaurants reserve for wine. A full cocktail and wine program covers anyone not drinking beer.
Food is made in-house daily, with bread coming from Merzbacher's Bakery and Baker Street Bread. Regulars point first to the mussels and frites, alongside a burger and frog legs.
The James Beard Foundation named Monk's Café a semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program in 2023 and for Outstanding Bar Program in 2019.
Food is made in-house daily, with bread coming from Merzbacher's Bakery and Baker Street Bread. Regulars point first to the mussels and frites, alongside a burger and frog legs.
The James Beard Foundation named Monk's Café a semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program in 2023 and for Outstanding Bar Program in 2019.