October 13, 2009 [ Updated October 19, 2009 ]
If your wallet is looking a little thin after spending a few hours at Monks, this place is the cure. The duck hunter mural veiled by decades of smoke is your first indication that this is an old bar; I love old bars. The staff and patrons were among the friendliest folks we found in Philadelphia and the beer selection wasn’t half bad either. Plenty of regional and micro stuff; I didn’t find anything to flip a lid about here beer-wise but folks weren’t drinking bud light either, everything I drank here was very quaffable. They had some carry out specials on Lagunitas beers that were very fair and the music was great. Not to mention that everything is served in a big dimpled mug. Unless you’re a real snob I’d say this place is a must.

August 22, 2009
Lousy weather and curiosity swept us into this establishment. First impression: did this used to be a strip bar? It sure had that look and feel. Second impression: Ashtrays all around. Can you smoke in here? Why yes, said the bartender, we have an exemption. Next impression: all this and good beers, too! Had maybe 11-12 on tap. Nothing rare, but diverse and mostly local. Hungry? You have a choice -- hot dogs or hot dogs with chili. And reasonably priced at .75 and 1.25. Funny thing is, when we first asked for a menu, the bartender had to send over the waitress (even though we were sitting at the bar) who then explained our options. We demured. Our lasting impression: cheap, interesting at first (but that soon wore off), an off beat mix, with a menu only a drunk - or tightwad - would love. But for some strange reason, I’m glad we stopped in.

November 14, 2007
Dive. I love dives, or, I used to anway. This place is very smokey. I see that as a disadvantage now that I don’t smoke. The advantages - cheap prices and a few decent beers. Chimay is cheap and so are the hot dogs (probably the sleezy gals that hang out here too). :) Friendly place but not much to look at. As for ratings, for a beer bar, low rating. For character, a high rating.

May 22, 2007
Excellent small time bar for those who like the traditional watering hole. Ordering light beer will get you frowned upon by the tattoo covered female bartenders. My favorite part about the bar is for some reason Guiness is reasonably priced barely above what you would pay from a beer/liquor store. Its got a dark inviting atmosphere that encourages you to stay and drink the day away. Stand bar food, will fill the stomach nicely

October 29, 2004
Great neighborhood tavern with the cheapest bar prices in Center City. Pint of Yuengling Porter will set you back $1.60. All beers served in English Dimpled Mug. Diverse clintele, a real slice of life of Philadelphians. Excellent jukebox, Ms. Pac Man machine, and don’t forget the cheap beer prices. Taps serve anything from Belgian to Boddingtons, Rolling Rock to Yards. Around the corner from Monk’s, worth stopping by.