Midtown Lunch

It is safe to say Monk’s is a favorite beer bar of Philly locals and visitors alike. One of the popular menu items, and pretty much the only things not over $10 are the bowls of mussels. The small bowls are $10 and come with frites and a roll.

I picked the DeKoninck with beer, apples, gruyere, and caramelized leeks. The gruyere did not melt as well as I had hoped. I should have stuck with a more traditional ingredient combo. But the mussels were all plump and sweet. It is safe to say you can trust a place with as much traffic as Monk’s to keep a quality supply.

So the fries recently won the Best Fries in Philly award. While I completely enjoyed them, especially in the bourbon mayo, but I wouldn’t quiteeee call them the best. They were a tiny tiny bit soggy. Still, the pile was generous and I came close to finishing them all. Not a bad match for a fall appropriate beer.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Best fries in Philly depending on who you ask
• Great beer selection

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Not all the mussel combos are perfect

Monk’s Cafe, 264 S 16th St., 215-545-7005