Cheeky Monk

The food as great but the service was not. Our waiter wasn’t too happy to be working and although there were only four other people eating in the restaurant, his service was extremely slow.

We came here around 1pm on a Wednesday and there wasn’t a whole lot going on. I wasn’t sure what beer I wanted so order a couple of samples, but two of the four I wanted weren’t in, a little disappointing, but many others to choose from. If you like Belgian beer I’d recommend checking this place out. Didn’t try lunch but the food we saw come out looked decent.

We really like this place.
Food — very good. The steak frites is a wonderful choice when you want a nice steak, but don’t want to deal with a steakhouse. The mussels are wonderful. The Gorgonzola pasta is a generous portion and pairs great with chicken or sausage.
The beer selection is incredible.
Convenient parking directly south of the building.
Sometimes when they are very busy the service can suffer.

It would be zero, but this is the lowest I can review. I ordered wings from here got my order and took a bite and it was completely raw! What really sucks is I didn’t realize until after I finished the bite. The manager Sarah Thompson was as if she didn’t understand the gravity of the situation. Check your chicken or better yet don’t order any from here as I over herd the cook say she was cooking frozen wings. Bar rescue would be up this managers ass for that!

Very disappointing. Came here for a charcuterie board date and got chilled deli meats arrayed with two small blocks of cheese. It’s not that it tasted bad, just wasn’t an authentic charcuterie board like we were hoping. Went during happy hour and unknowingly, none of our beer was discounted. That was disappointing. We also got the artichoke dip and wow! That is the spiciest artichoke dip I’ve ever had. Tasted somewhat okay, but hard to taste at all through that spice. Best part of it all was the little toasts that came with each appetizer. Service was horrible. Sweet girls, but my word I’ve never had such slow and inattentive service. I watched a family walk out in frustration. Can’t blame them, honestly. It almost became funny by the end of the experience, how bad it all was.

Came here to grab a couple appetizers and beers with my wife, and I won’t ever do it again.
Got in around 5:15 or so and there were only 2 other full tables in there, and we sat at a super dirty table. Our waitress was nice and personable, but it took a solid 15 minutes for us to get our order taken after we decided (did I mention there were only 2 other tables?).
Got our food (charcuterie board and artichoke dip) in a reasonable time, which was good, but we had no knife to spread the mustard. Took another good 10 minutes to get our knife after many many attempts to get a server’s attention. It was seriously like they were avoiding making eye contact/​ignoring us. Also overheard a loud complaint from another customer about the service and they ended up leaving.
The food was really bad. It was not good at all. It was so bad.
Beer was good. The staff was friendly when they were present.

This location is ok… I think. We’ve been here twice now and I’m still indifferent about it. While I’ve passed it by so many times while driving along Colfax, nothing really brought me in. Their menu is standard and they even have a hefty selection of mussel dishes-​who knew? So Groupon finally brought us in here and we liked it so we bought another Groupon and found ourselves in again. The first time I had the Habernero Shroom burger along with fries and it was killer. The second time I tried the chicken and waffles and it was good. They serve it with a spicy maple syrup which is a lovely contrast to the sweet and savory notes of the chicken and waffles but also have regular upon request. My gripe was that they give you one measly piece of chicken for four waffles, boo on you Cheeky Monk. This most recent time, we actually sat at a four top but the server that appeared to be working our area kept passing us by without acknowledging us so we ended up going to the bar and were served right away.
But even after these two visits, I’m just not in love with the place. Their menu items are priced for my budget and I really wouldn’t see myself coming here unless I had a coupon to save me some bucks.

I like the mussels what a great place to stop in and have delicious food and cider. Also got the croquettes and they were super delicious too. My timing was good too as we’re here at happy hour so discounted drinks and more right now. Definitely a must try down town.

Ended up here by accident, and must say it was worth it!
The staff was friendly and attentive, with good suggestions from the massive list of beers. It made my boyfriend’s day to see his favorite beer on tap, he hadn’t been able to find it anywhere other than the east coast. I enjoyed the variety of sours available. Dinner was fun and tasty. Between us we had Bangers and Mash and the Bacon Mac & Cheese. Both were full of flavor and just the right size.

This place has a ton of beers to choose from. I went with a ginger Radler suggested by the waiter who was super nice. The bartender greeted us as we came in and let us pick out our seats. The beer suggested was awesome. We just stopped in here for a small bit of food and a beer. I got the soup of the day (vegetable) and my girl got some Mac and cheese. The soup had huge chunks of veggies, I seen celery, mushrooms, carrots, onions and potato in some tasty broth. The Mac and cheese was creamy and the noodles were not cooked to mush like most places. Still a lot of texture to the actual noodle. I hate Mac and cheese mush and this place is doing Mac and cheese right. The bread crumbs on top of the Mac was a nice touch. I have to mention again how polite the waiter was who helped us. That really made our experience nice. If you decide to eat here, please tip the wait staff if they do right by you. It really makes a difference to peeps in the service industry and these heads seem to care about their customers even if they spend less that $ 20 on a visit. I’m a very happy customer. This would be a 4 star review but that waiter wAs awesome!
My second trip here lowered the rating. I came in Sunday night and stood up front for 10 minutes looking at a please wait to be seated sign and the waiter comes up to me and ask «what do you want?» After that rude interaction I proceeded to follow him and he acted like I was dumb for standing up front waiting on him. I was in a good mood dude, you just ruined that and a $ 10 tip for yourself. 3 stars at best and will never be back cause I just walked out after that service

Stopped through the other day for a quick bite and a beer. First off, there beer list is impressive and quite thorough — options for every type of beer drinker. The food menu is kind of all over the place, serving Belgium fare, burgers, some French-​like dishes, and a few traditional sandwiches. We ordered the Reuben sliders and fish and chips. The fish and chips lacked flavor and was way over-​breaded (a very small amount of cod compared to batter = big bites of straight batter). The Reuben sliders were very tasty but absolutely drenched in 1000 island. That much 1000 island, plus melted Swiss, plus brioche buns made for a very heavy appetizer — it was hard to even taste the sauerkraut and corned beef. Also, they looked understaffed but service wasn’t too bad.
I’ll definitely stop back in for beers but might avoid the menu. Maybe we just didn’t order well. Who knows.

Went to the cheeky monk my boyfriend. He ordered a different soup than I asked, then requested the other soup When the waitress said that was ok, but said she was going to charge us for for the soup that we didn’t want. She tried to justify the we were going to be charged for both soups. I’m very disappointed in poor service to their customers. I DO NOT recommend this place unless you want to be charged twice for changing you mind for food. The manager /​waitress was Sarah who continually tried to justify why they charged us smh. And she lied to us telling the reason we had to pay for the soup was because the chef had yelled at her for returning the soup

Got sat by one person. A different person gave us water. We were ignored for 20 minutes without even a beer order. No wonder this restaurant has to advertise cheap lunch deals.
Here’s a tip: Try Lost Highway next-​door. Good beer and good service.

Amazing beers and foods, I go with the mussels every time

I have been to the Cheeky Monk over a dozen times. I have also taken business associates to the Cheeky Monk because of how the restaurant used to be. After last night’s visit, I will be less likely to return. There are too many good restaurants on Colfax to choose from to have to endure crappy service and mediocre, overpriced food.
Our server was Micah (according to the receipt, I don’t think she introduced herself or wore a nametag). My companion asked for a recommendation for a beer. Micah recommended one choice given the preferences of «light» and «yeasty», this leads me to believe that Micah may not know her way around this «beer café’s» menu, which is a shame for customers. Not wanting to commit to the one beer being offered, my companion asked for a sample of the beer. Micah acted like this was a big deal, like she would have to make a special request to the owner to accommodate such an outlandish order. Micah did bring a small sample of the beer and my friend did not enjoy it, and instead, ordered the Timmermans I also ordered. At this point, my friend was carded. My 40 something friend was CARDED AFTER BEING SERVED, so it felt passive aggressive. We ordered the charcuterie. The menu lists «assorted meats and cheeses with two mustards.» We were given a cutting board of little piles of fatty lunch meat that would not rip apart. The food was dropped off without explanation to what all the little piles were. The baby pickles smelled and tasted a bit fishy. Since we had gotten off to such a rocky start with Micah, we decided not to say anything about the disappointing, mysterious charcuterie. My friend ordered the Ruben sliders, and I ordered the croquettes (almost like fried cheesy mashed potato balls). My friend wasn’t super impressed with hers and my croquettes were served with a grainy mustard. I believe that these used to be served with a maranara in the past. Micah was neither attentive nor accommodating.
Also. This whole ordeal was $ 60 before tip.
This disappoints me because this place was a hidden gem for me in the past. The food is underwhelming and sauces and sides seemed mismatched. Too bad.

I love the idea of this place. And the name!
We try to come at random off times and it seems to be working.
The beer menu is pretty good — just be careful that you aren’t ordering a bomber… when you see a beer you like, confirm your order!
Definitely a fun place!
Mussels are tasty, fries are good, brussel sprouts are just ok, but tons of options, relaxed atmosphere!

If I could review based on the fact that they have outstanding cherry beer on draught (Kasteel Rouge) alone, there would be 5 stars. If I lived locally, I would return for that reason alone. You should go just to drink this amazing beer. Alas, I need to air my grievances:
— The service was weirdly slow, considering it was late Tuesday evening and more or less empty.
— For certain (draught) beers there is, apparently, a policy to not give splashes (=a small taster), and instead charge for a 4 oz pour. It’s really the principle here that I find insanely frustrating. Note to management: cut it out.
— Really severe underestimation of how much toast/​carrots/​celery ought to accompany the artichoke dip, charged for more toast. Again, this is a matter of principle; management: cut it out.

Get the Jalepeno Steak Sandwich (you can thank me later). I would seriously fly out to Denver once a week just to put that meat in my mouth. They have a huge beer list which I thought was cool. They have little 4 oz tasters of most of the beers on the list so you can try a few out and see what you like.

Love it! Oh my god!!! La chuffe, triple karmalet, delirium tremens, and more on tap. My favorite beers on tap

Really bad service. We were ignored for at least 30 minutes. He forgot our waters and didn’t even offer us food, but he knew we were hungry.

I had to join Unilocal to just how bad my experience was. Get this… a man walks into a bar and has to wait 17 minutes for a beer from the rudest waitress ever.

Terrible. We had been drinking beer all day and just wanted some cocktails before a show at the Fillmore. Server was ridiculously rude telling us that they are only used to selling beer. Then why do you offer a full cocktail menu?! Worst Moscow Mule I’ve ever had. Oh, and when I asked to switch it out since I don’t think there was ginger in it, the server said she would have to charge me for the replacement… or it would come out of her pocket. Truly awful customer service. We will NOT be going back.

I LOVE Belgium beer and Cheeky Monk was always on the agenda when in Denver. Last visit was 12 December for my anniversary (always our first stop) and was highly disappointed. Confirmed happy hour on the website, under beer tab, which said 11 – 2 (which is our normal go to time) and in another section it showed 11 – 6. Got there around 1 and no happy hour (a big difference when you’re buying $ 10 beers) Even worse, the bartender was not pleasant and didn’t care that there was some false advertising. In fact, it appeared he didn’t want to be there. We asked about some new beers and he didn’t have much to offer except that he didn’t even like beer. Later on in our visit we asked if he knew where the Lost Highway Brewery was. He didn’t know. Comical because it is literally next door… same building and same owners of the Cheeky Monk. Honestly, I will have a hard time going back. I hope the owners/​management read this post and contact me about this experience. On a good note, the young man at Lost Highway Brewery (think his name was Cameron) was awesome!
Kelly

This was such a cool find… reminded me of my time spent in Brussels. Their Belgium beer selection and the bartender’s (Mark) knowledge of the beer was impressive. Each beer is served in its own special glass just like they are served in Belgium. Not sure about the food but most patrons had good things to say. The staff was super friendly.

I had the creole soup tonight (think jambalaya) and a caesar salad. The salad was very refreshing even on a colder night on Colfax. Where do I start with the soup? Amazing, balanced flavor from top to bottom and nice and hot! I wasn’t feeling too great earlier in the day so I wanted to take it light for dinner. This place did the trick. Service was slower BUT super friendly and inviting. We will be back for sure! Oh yeah, they do serve their food on cutting boards. Kind of a groovy concept. All the food is artistically placed and the servings are right on par. I could’ve split my salad into 2 separate meals but I was hungry by 6:30 tonight for some reason. Would recommend parking just north of the intersection cause everything south is usually taken up fast!

An okay spot. A little overpriced on most of the food and beer options. Service can be hit or miss; I recommend you sit at the bar to get a little bit better service.
The fried pickles aren’t great. Thick cornmeal batter overpowers the pickles. Mussels were great; served with fries and a full meal at $ 15. Burger had some good toppings but the meat itself was pretty bland.
The selection of beer is good, but honestly there isn’t anything about this place that makes me want to visit again.

This place was a blast. Came the first night for the specialty tappings and great Belgian beer line up then came back in the morning for Brunch during the GABF week.
Even when packed our service wasn’t a problem, and this place was PACKED for the Bruery event. When the crowd was normal we found our service to be attentive and friendly.
My Chicken & Waffles brunch was great. I just wish there had been more of their spiced beer maple syrup as my waffles were a touch on the dry side without it. The chicken was amazing, well seasoned, perfectly crispy and all washed down with a delicious Belgian Quad!

Great restaurant atmosphere is Belgium like (I am from Belgium) Max is a very friendly server attentive an suggest me a great beer the food: their mussels are on my option the best in Denver the Bangers great ant grilled cheese had a great twist crispy and yomy
Will be back.
They also have great specials selections (4 beers with food for 20)
Cool go and visit them!!!

Cool Spot! Great service, awesome beer selection and some SOLID food.
The layout of the bar was really cool and woodey!
I was pleasantly surprised at their beer menu… everything from big Hop Bombs to really funky and rare sours being poured on draft and in bottles. Knowledgable staff held my hand as I found my beer.
The BANGERS AND MASH were fucking bomb. Recommended by the manager, she hit it on the head… can’t wait to go back.
Cheers!

My boyfriend and I used to be big fans of Cheeky Monk. He’s a big beer enthusiast and I just love food, and since most of our friends also love one or the other, it was our favorite spot to take friends and out-​of-​town guests.
I don’t understand what prompted them to change their menu, but suddenly one day, the food was being served on blocks of wood, and it just wasn’t good anymore. We tried it a few times just to make sure, but everything we had loved about the old Cheeky Monk food was gone… they were officially trying to be something they’re not. Silly blocks of wood, new menu, and terrible food. We accepted it and moved on… until last Saturday.
It was Great American Beer Fest weekend and I heard that Cheeky Monk was doing a brunch event with the Bruery. I was a little bit hesitant because there was very little info about it on the Facebook event page, and no menu listed, and when I called the restaurant to get details, the girl I spoke with didn’t even know what the menu was going to be. But we love the Bruery, and it sounded like fun, so we went.
The brunch menu selection was decent. Typical brunch fare. Breakfast burritos, croque monsieur, chicken and waffles, eggs benedict and Belgian waffles. Our friend ordered the chicken and waffles and my boyfriend and I ordered the eggs benedict. The waitress was kind enough to offer me the option of subbing out spinach for the home fries since I always have to be «that guy» and order the healthy stuff. When our food came out, it looked like they had gone to Costco and bought generic English muffins, topped them with dried out Oscar Meyer ham, plopped an over-​baked (not poached, and very well done) egg on top and called it good. The hollandaise was super lemony (I asked for mine on the side). It was the most unappealing dish I have ever been served at a restaurant, aside from maybe a $ 5 truck stop meal on a road trip. I would have been better off with an Egg McMuffin from the McDonald’s across the street. Seriously.
When the waitress came to check on us the first time, we complained about the consistency of the eggs and the fact that my hollandaise wasn’t on the side. The manager came over and actually told us that their «poached» eggs aren’t supposed to be runny. Ha! When our food came out looking just as pathetic the second time, we gave up. Fortunately, the staff was very nice about it. They didn’t charge us for our bad food, and the beer was delicious.
We really tried to continue giving Cheeky Monk our business. We gave it a valiant effort, but we were repeatedly let down. So that’s that. Crossing them off the list for good.

I like the monk! They have a million beers to try — and are sure to have something for all. My only issue was the food. Not the best burger I’ve ever had. It tasted like the Char on the Grill and not so much like actual burger. (Char broiled does not mean that I want to eat the char from the grill guys) The fries were tasty and everyone who ordered the mussels seems to be quite happy. So I think it’s a hit or miss depending on what you order from the basic bar type food options.
They are not the cheapest beer house in town, but that is because of their extensive options. So many I couldn’t decide. I recommend that you make it an afternoon and grab lunch at the Monk, then try some local brew next door at Lost Highway.

If there were 100 stars that’s what they deserve… literally created beer heaven
Service food and staff bring the standard up WONDERFUL

Four of us walked in on Saturday afternoon at around 1600. The place was almost empty. That meant some quietness so we could enjoy congenial conversation. Yea!
Five beers on Happy Hour for $ 3. That is where we started. But, then Joshua (our excellent waiter) started talking about all the Belgian beers (you know, the Monk part of the name) and pretty soon we were enjoying incredible beers for $ 9. Did he upsell us. Yes, he did and we were/​are happy about that.
Moules and Frites were tasty and enough for the 4 of us to share 2 of them. The fries are not traditional, but high-​tech with extra coating so they stay crispy longer. A good idea.
We had a wonderful time and will return again some quiet Saturday afternoon.