It had been recommended to us by a relative who is a local that if we wanted a really good lunch in a casual place, this was the place to be. I don't think we would have ventured in here if we hadn't had the suggestion, thinking that it was just another bar. I did hesitate upon first stepping in. It had the old-time tavern feel. It seemed to be a local’s bar, which is usually a good sign when it’s full. You could either belly up to the bar or walk to the rear, where there is booth seating and extra seats on a second floor. It had an old tin ceiling and brick walls with sports memorabilia and an extensive collection of fire department patches on the walls. Service was fast to say the least, and so was the food. This was well worth the trip, and the food was excellent.
We ordered a Reuben; a jumbo brat with fried onions; cheese curds, of course; and Brew City onion rings. No plates are allowed, and everything was served on waxed paper or in paper containers. Sandwiches run between $5 and $6, and appetizers are between $4 and $7, with the cheese curls being the highest. I thought that was strange, really. Beers were the cheapest we had seen here at an eatery in the Dells at $2.75. Our son's root beer was more than the beer at $2.95.
This is definitely a must for a great sandwich. We were very impressed with the quality of the food and service. If you are downtown in the Dells, don't pass by Monk's thinking it’s just another bar. Give it a try and I bet you’ll return to it again, too.