Blue Monk

Chose to come here for lunch. I’ve been here before but never actually sat down to enjoy the food, it’s mostly been drinking with a couple of apps and those times were always great.
Lunch was a different vibe, much less people and much more sobriety. We chose to go with the calamari, mussels and the entrees included burgers and salad.
The citrus salad was excellent, the chicken accompanying it was sub par. The burgers were both cooked well and were delicious. Not as delicious as Griffons (best burgers in buffalo hands down), or even Grovers for that matter, but were decent nonetheless. The duck frites accompanying them were mediocre also. The mussels were great, full of flavor and awesomeness. The calamari were definitely not as great. They were kind of soggy and salty.
Beer as always is plentiful, with great variety and on point.
All in all a 4 star experience as the food definitely brought it down a star. I could argue that a 3 star rating was also warranted but I can’t expect much from a bar during lunch. This is a bar not a restaurant and therefore it is a 4 star bar and not a 3 star restaurant.

One of my all time favorite restaurants! Great Belgium bar food. The Duck ruben is amazing. The duck burger was a little different, if you have texture issues I would not recommend this. They had a boar burger for special one night… PHENOMENAL! The beer selection is impressive. They even have several non– alcoholic beers on draft.
I personally have not had the mussels, but my guests did and loved them.

Loved the Onion soup!

One of the best beer selections around. Some are pretty obscure, and you might have to wax your handlebar mustache and adjust your skinny jeans before ordering (yes, I am making fun of hipsters…)
The duck frites are the bomb. So are the mussels.

When I’m on my deathbed (probably due to Blue Monk induced cirrhosis) my one regret will be not going to Blue Monk enough. I really don’t have anything to compare Blue Monk to. Ever since My first visit I completely stopped going to other bars.
Everything is phenomenal. They fry their frites in duck fat which makes them full of flavor. The frites are perfectly paired with two choices of aioli, I recommend the honey cayenne. The fish fry is one of the best in Buffalo. My favorite thing about Blue Monk is how extensive the beer menu is, as well as how frequently it changes. I go there at least once a week and can never try everything I want to. The staff is very knowledgeable about every beer on tap, which is impressive considering that BM has approximately 30 beers on tap every day. Oh yeah, and the Belgian onion soup is amazing.

Lots to offer in the food and beer arenas. Create your own flight options… Amazeballs pretzel and beer cheese… No Beef on a wick… Online menu is out of date.

This is one of the many bars that litter Elmwood Avenue. One of the things that sets Blue Monk apart is their nearly infinite selection of beers on tap, wines, and traditional liquors. You almost always expect it to be busy at night time. In the summertime, they have a outdoor seating area in the back that allows you to enjoy the sun while you have a good drink. They also have patio seating in the front, but the availability of that is dictated by how many people are eating there and how generous the host /​hostess is feeling that night. There is a fair amount of street parking nearby, although it can get pretty full during busy nights.
Overall a safe place to go with multiple drink options for mixed crowds.

Full disclosure, I may be biased of my love for the Blue Monk as I live within feet of it, but nothing beats the Blue Monk’s beer selection. If you love Belgian beer, or craft beer in general, you will love this place. I find the bartenders and wait staff to always be friendly and accommodating, even when the the bar is packed (basically at all times). Their steamed mussels can’t be beat — I get them every time I have a meal there. In short, I’ve never had a bad experience here and this is a must for anyone to go to in the Elmwood Village. The end.

Brunch menu is way better than the dinner menu … Beer selection is fantastic, so many to choose from. But if I had to choose I would say if you’re going there, you have to go for brunch. Chorizo burrito was huge and delicious!

Impressive beer selection. Very good food. The service is a toss up, but I would still recommend checking this place out.

This is a place you go to when you want to hang out with friends from work, have a couple Beers and talk about life. Me and some of my friends that I work with (Alex & Tommy Wilhelm, Cody Grasso, RJ Graber and Ben Hutton) went out for a B-​Lated Birthday Dinner (not only were we celebrating me but we were also Alex). We arrived a little after 6:30 and our Waitress sat us on the upper deck near the balcony overlooking the Bar and downstairs part of the Restaurant.
While we were waiting for Cody and RJ to arrive (who were running a little late) we got some drinks Alex got the American Flight (Sampler) for us to Share: #7 Founders Rubaeous Nitro from Michigan (Fruit Beer that flavored with Raspberries), #9 Southern Tier Warlock Imperial Stout from New York City (Stout Beer flavored with Pumpkin that is laced with Coffee and Dark Chocolate) #17 Evil Twin Al Pastor Imperial Pilsner from South Carolina (Pilsner brewed with Natural Flavors and Chili Pepper) and #23 Southern Tier Pumpking also from New York City (Pumpkin flavored Beer) These beers were amazing and I thought these 6 ounce portions were perfect to sample instead of trying 4 to 8 tall glasses and getting completely hammered.
For our Appetizer me and Ben split the Poutine with Melted Gruyère Cheese shredded bits of Duck confit and Duck Gravy mixed in (Whats better than French Fries smothered in a Gravy made with the Fat from the Duck Breasts they render out plus shredded Duck Leg Meat cooked in the oven in its own fat until it becomes fall off the bone Tender, also that Oozy, Nutty Cheese on top), This would (for me) be a Guilty Pleasure (Guilty because of it being so heavy but pleasureable because it tastes so Good).
Shortly after Cody showed up and we ordered our entrees: Ben got the Pretzel Crusted Calamari (I tried a piece, I would’ve liked it a little more Crispy and a little more Salt), Tommy got the Thelonious Burger (it was topped with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Balsamic Onion Compote Gruyère Cheese and Arugula), Cody got the Blue Monk Burger (it was topped with Ommengang Abbey Ale Caramelized Onions and Smokey Blue Cheese), Alex got the Duck Poutine that me and Ben Shared plus a big glass of the Evil Twin Al Pastor Imperial Pilsner,
RJ showed up 15 minutes after we ordered our food, he sat Down (the gang’s all here) he ordered Nano’s Wedge Salad (Crisp Iceberg Lettuce, Gorgonzola Dressing, Bacon and Fried Shallots, plus for 4 bucks he added a breast of Cornish Hen) He like his salad but said that he wanted more Bacon (not just one strip) and the Cornish Hen was the size of the Palm of his Hand). I got one of their specials: Grilled Whole Trout (which was basted in a Citrus Butter Sauce) over Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and topped with a Caperberry Chutney (Fish was perfectly cooked with that Crispy Skin, I loved eating the Eyeballs which freaked the others out although I found a few Pinbones, Potatoes were crisped up Nicely but I wasn’t crazy about the Chutney, Caperberry’s got a mix of Sweet & Salty with a hint of Spicy on the end. There was just too much of it, I would’ve like less of it and more Fingerlings).
RJ treated me to a Glass called the Prairie Bomb (an Imperial Stout that is aged with Espresso Beans, Chocolate, Vanilla Beans and Ancho Chile Peppers) It was 13% Alcohol, Strong Stuff (Just one sip will get you wasted). For dessert I split a slice of White Chocolate Key Lime Mousse Cake topped with Chocolate Sauce and Fresh Blackberries (Although it was Smooth and Creamy I wish I could’ve tasted more of the White Chocolate, but I loved the Tartness that those Blackberries gave it).
Everything was Great, the Food (everything here is under 20 Bucks) Service and the Atmosphere (like I said at the Beginning: a comforting place where you can come, Drink Beers and talk about your Day) the guys enjoyed themselves too (We’ve been planning this since working our Shifts at the Fair). Our waitress did a great Job (between the 6 of us, we gave her about a $ 40 Tip). Next time its gonna be the Duck Confit Rueben and a big pot of Mussels !!!

Drooooool. Came here on a Saturday around 12/13:00, after a longggg night out. Ordered a beer (ya know, to balance myself and eliminate any possible headache). They have quite the extensive beer list.
My table split the Mac and cheese to start. Tip: there is bacon in it, so if you are vegetarian, do not get this (yes, someone at my table learned the hard way). But UGH it was so so yummy.
I also got the onion soup, which was heavenly. Cheese overflowing the sides (the dream) and crunchy but soft croûton/​bread in it.
For my entrée I got the Theloneous burger (spelling?). There was bacon, arugula, cheese and balsamic glaze. YUM. It was cooked exactly as I asked for it.
They were attentive in refilling our waters and we got seated right away.
Overall a fantastic experience and would definitely come back.
X’s and O’s!
J

You walk in to a two level bar first we waited to be seated at the bar… Had a number 2 Sierra Nevada brew it was delectable and my wife had Brooklyn lager which is always good. We were seated in about 10 minutes, enough to have two beers. The waitress took our order … Which I ordered the Hoision duck sandwich and my wife ordered the Ommegang Rare Vos Braised Short Rib Sandwich.
These took exactly one hour to get to us. Which I was disappointed about… Everything was hitting on all cylinders then a complete stop. We had a concert to attend after the meal, so we ate quickly … The food was excellent but the length of service kinda blew it
So this gastropub would be a five if it didn’t take so long to get our order to our table.

I love Blue Monk. I want to say it’s overrated and crowded, but I love it there. The dim, loud atmosphere is complimented with an EXTENSIVE beer list, with lots of flights to try. Each menu item has several complementing beers listed for your convenience. Whatever your taste in brew, Blue Monk has something perfect for you and a staff to make your selection as easy as possible.
Every time I go, I get the poutine. This is incredible poutine. Tender duck, cheese, gravy, and perfectly fried and cut french fries. My boyfriend and I always get the mac and cheese too: radiatore with thick slabs of bacon, creamy cheese and breadcrumbs. The Belgian onion soup is a unique alternative to french onion as well.
The Ommegang Witte mussels are to DIE for and served with a toasted baguette to dip in the leftover Witte, lemon, leeks, garlic and parsley.
Whenever I go, I order way too much food because everything on the menu sounds so enticing. And I’ve been blown away every time I sample something new. If you’re in the Elmwood area looking for a good beer and excellent food, Blue Monk is the place to go.

This is my go-​to spot in Buffalo. Everything about it is great– good, drinks, atmosphere & beer selection. The menu is small and mostly pub food but everything is prepared well and consistent (I’ve never had a bad meal there). Favorite items include mussel pots, smoked Gouda grilled cheese and of course the duck fat frites. The beer selection is excellent and their drafts are constantly changing and they source a good amount locally. In the summer they have an outdoor beer garden however that closes at 11pm due to the neighborhood noise ordinances.
Blue Monk is one of the original restaurants opened by this group which now owns others around the city including no ABV, Liberty Hound, Moor Pat & Coles. It’s a must visit for out of town guests and beer lovers. Great for lunch, dinner or just drinks and appetizers!

Came here from los angeles. Overall was «ok»
Yes tons of beer choices, seemly cool menu, decent service (it was fri evening around 7pm).
Hubby had the short rib burger (4 stars he said for soft bun, super tender meat and au jus in a mini pot). I had onion soup (4 stars delish, meatly onions) but the vietnamese hoisin burger killed it for me (and the duck fries that were under seasoned and kinda burtnish). Our beers not cold sort of room temp which is weird. And 7.00 hef? Wow… Is this LA?
The duck burger (i know its sous vide duck) but the texture was very mushy and odd like a crab cake gone bad… and the burger warm not hot) it just wasnt for me. Took 2 bites and i was done. Had 3 fries and i was done. Most Things tasted like super old oil kind of flavor. My chips tasted like fish (seems like they use same oil for fish n chips and it was sitting out was stale).
Sea salt and chipotle dips were «ok»…Forgetful.
No one came back to check on us for 20 min or so. By then i didnt want to be a dick and send it back so i ate some of the hubbys, finished part of the warm beer and called it a day.
We wont be back… Although the area is cool, short little strip of local business etc.

The frying oil here is horrendous. The food itself is passable, but anything that is fried (chips, fries…) comes out a lot darker than it should be because the oil is old. this totally put me off and I did not touch my fries. Just knowing this makes me wonder about the state of the rest of the kitchen.
Honestly, I do not understand the hype at all. Yes, there is an extensive beer list. That doesn’t mean customers should be treated like we should feel lucky and grateful that we can come here (that’s the vibe we got all night). It took at least 20 minutes for anyone to notice us and the service was really standoffish and snappy.
I really don’t see the appeal of this place– even the bartenders are rude!

After 7 hours of driving upstate to visit my brother, my family and I were dying for a decent meal, so my brother took us to Blue Monk. Despite being crowded, the service was friendly and attentive, and we were seated fairly quickly.
We started off with the Duck Frites – I can’t remember which sauces we got but they were both delicious (although Pommes Frites and their sauces will always have a special place in my heart). I ordered the Mac and Cheese, while the rest of my family got the Vietnamese Duck Burger, the Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, and the Fish Tacos. Although the Duck Burger was kind of lacking, we enjoyed the rest of the food that we ordered.

It’s no secret that Blue Monk has one of the best (if not THE best) beer lists of any restaurant in the city. They have so many beer options I assure you that you won’t know where to begin choosing your beverage. Their menu is also quite unique in that they claim to serve foods that one would find in pubs in Europe with a focus on Belgian fare.
They are quite well known for their duck frites (duck fat fries) with house made dipping sauces. I recommend the duck frites for sure just to say you’ve tried them. Their house made dipping sauces were great and so full of flavor especially the bacon aioli mayo and Thai curry ketchup. I also ordered a Vietnamese duck burger which was okay but not out of this world amazing or anything. I definitely will be coming back in the near future to try out some more of their inventive menu offerings like the poutine and duck confit Reuben sandwich.
They have outdoor seating and a beer garden though the beer garden was closed when I was there. The inside of the restaurant has a pretty good atmosphere with a decent number of tables and a good sized wooden bar. Even if I wasn’t hungry I would definitely stop in here for a drink or a pub crawl.

It was Saturday night and I needed to find a spot to sit down and watch the NHL’s McEichel Draft Lottery. It was necessary that the bar I chose had a cool atmosphere, at least one TV in the bar and in the event the Sabres won the lottery, the bar needed to have an ample beer menu for celebration purposes. In addition, if the Leafs won the lottery, the bar needed an ample beer menu to drown our sorrows. I’ve heard so many good things about Blue Monk that I decided to give it a try. So, I rounded up some friends and headed to Blue Monk where I managed to satisfy all the necessary prerequisites, naturally, as this is the very reason I wear a «C» on my sweater.
Their beer menu is massive. So large that in order for the staff to hand write the beers currently on tap on their giant blackboard, it requires the use of a ladder! They add over one hundred bottled beers to that bounty. I wasted no time diving in to the drunkenness.
For dinner, my party and I started off with the Delirium Tremens mussels; mussels basted in a broth of Delirium Tremens Belgium ale, large chunks of smoked chorizo, red potatoes, charred tomatoes and poblano peppers. The dish had a distinct overall flavor of taco seasoning, which I wasn’t crazy about. I can’t tell you they were the best ever, because they were not. However, my criticism did not prevent me from slurping down the leftover broth right out of the pot when we were done, much to the dismay of the rest of my table and the wait staff, but hey, I don’t play by anybody’s rules.
The menu had so many delicious sounding options that it made my job tough trying to figure out what to order. I needed help, and I needed it fast. Our server Rose was super outgoing with just the right touch of awesomeness. She was wearing a Reservoir Dogs t-​shirt, which is one of my all-​time favorite movies. I immediately felt more comfortable with her once I knew we had that connection. So comfortable, in fact, that after removing one or two dishes on the menu from contention, I told her to bring me ANYTHING on the menu she thought I should eat. She called it a «dealer’s choice» and dealt me up a doozy: the Duck Confit Reuben with Duck Frites and black truffle ketchup. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
The Duck Frites are French fries cooked in a vat of duck fat. It wasn’t the first time I’d had duck fat fries so I knew what I was getting into: a painfully satisfied belly full of duck fat and potato. I can’t tell if they qualify for «comfort food» or gourmet, but either way you NEED to order the Duck Frites. They are a non-​optional food item at Blue Monk.
The Rueben was wild. Really wild. It had slow roasted duck and red sauerkraut sandwiched between grilled rye bread. It was so good that I forfeited my duck frites to my wife and friends so I could concentrate on eating it. And considering how good those fries were, you can only imagine how good that sandwich was.
I don’t know why I haven’t realized this before but duck is really good. It makes sense to me now how when you play Duck Hunt on Nintendo and you miss the duck, the dog pops up and shakes like a junkie going through withdrawal.
I also tried a bit of the fried cod cheeks. They are in the form of fish chips and are placed on top of fried corn fritters. They also were terrific.
After dinner, there was nothing that could spoil my mood. Not even the Sabres losing the draft lottery, which they did. No big deal. I shrugged it off and tilted back another pint. Besides, there were more than one ace in that hole. Welcome to Buffalo, #JackEichel.