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  • The Monarch

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The Monarch
The Monarch
  • Address:
    1745 W North Ave
    Chicago, IL 60622
    Neighborhood:
    Bucktown / Wicker Park
  • Cuisine:
    Contemporary American
    Price: $30 and under

The Monarch Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Dining
  • Website: http://www.MonarchChicago.com
  • Email: Info@MonarchChicago.com
  • Phone: (773) 252-6053
  • Hours of Operation:

    Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am - 4:00pm

    Dinner: Nightly: 5:00pm - 10:00pm

    Late Menu: Nightly 10:00pm - 1am
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Contemporary American, Comfort Food, Beer Garden
  • Executive Chef: Michael DeStefano
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Private Party Contact: Colin Burke (773) 252-6053
  • Entertainment: Open Kitchen, Music Videos, Sports

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Wood
  • Public Transit: Damen Ave Blue Line
    North Ave Bus
    Ashland Bus
    Damen Ave Bus
  • Parking: Street Parking
A word from The Monarch


Elevated American fare and Midwestern hospitality collide at The Monarch, a lauded restaurant-bar located in the trendy Bucktown / Wicker Park neighborhood. While its name rightfully conjures up its sophisticated setting, The Monarch’s unpretentious dining experience celebrates American… achievements with a royal twist. The casual, clever fare and hand-crafted cocktail menu pay tribute to the famous—and infamous—titans of American history.
Constructed of exposed brick walls, industrial oak floors, and 25-foot ceilings, The Monarch also features subtle heraldic symbols hidden in the walls, softened by the light of silver candelabras. The bar beckons upon entering, while an idyllic, newly renovated outdoor patio sits just beyond the dining space. Combined, these elements unite patrons of all ranks.
Ascend the throne for a regally relaxing dinner, and stick around for late-night revelry, as The Monarch transforms into a royally refined party well into the evening.Continued
Foodspotting photos
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Diner Reviews
  • "This is a great hidden gem in Chicago. The service was outstanding and the food was terrific as well. We will definitely go back. We were treated like regulars and this was our first time at The Monarch. I highly recommend this restaurant if you want to enjoy great food and have a fun time."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "My friend and I went here and shared a few small plates which was perfect. The reviews were really good so we chose to go here. Really enjoyed the food. Sadly we were the only table there so I would recommend folks go to this place so they can stay in business."
    Dined on 2/25/2014
  • "We love The Monarch! Especially for brunch on the weekend which is a great value and very delicious. It's also a welcoming evening spot with wonderful staff. The owner is always there with a smile to greet you. We bring everyone who visits us to this place and can't wait until the patio opens this summer!"
    Dined on 3/2/2014
  • "I made the reservation for the Monarch from a friend's recommendation. My friends and I were blown away by the outstanding service, friendly owner, knowledgeable staff, free champagne, and excellent food. The evening exceeded my expectations, which is rare. The Monarch is a true Chicago gem!"
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "We found that the food was overpriced for the quality. Everything was a bit underwhelming. The fries were too salty and the pork shoulder had tons of gooey fat. The cocktails were actually the greatest part of our experience. We liked the ones with champagne and the tequila one. The service was really great which helped our experience a lot."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "The pork brunch sandwich is simply amazing. One of my favorite places."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Right in our neighborhood and the food was delicious ! The on tap beers are Fabius ! Definitely going back !"
    Dined on 2/17/2014
  • "The food at this place was great! Everything we had was amazing! The best Truffle Aoli dip I've ever had hands down - and I have a lot of experience in that area! Basically everything our server recommended, was always spot on. This place is a great place to have great food and also be chill at the same time. Can't wait to go again!"
    Dined on 2/16/2014
  • "loved the music; was great for brunch. And I liked that the music videos were being played. The food was good, but served a little cold. And the drinks were not good, unfortunately. Between the 2 of us, we each tried 3 different drinks and didn't like any of them."
    Dined on 2/16/2014
  • "I was late for my reservation so they gave my reservation away. However the host was nice enough to give us water and accommodate us. Once we were seated by the bar we were given fast service. The food was delicious."
    Dined on 2/16/2014
  • "We came here for a birthday dinner. We had a fairly large group, but they assured us they would be able to accomodate us. We asked how we should separate checks, and our server said she would do it all. She then spilled all over her menu and lost our seat listings. We wrote out which items went on each check, but they they double charged us for multiple items AND added additional items after we approved the bill and gave them out cards. The process of paying took 30 mins and we got nothing for it. The food is yummy, if a little pricey. But they brought things out at different times and completely forgot one couples entree. This place would be good for a very small group and if you have a lot of time. It's pretty and the food is good."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "The Valentine's Day prefixed menu was good but not great. I expected more after reading the reviews I suppose. I'll be back another day to try something different. Service and ambience was cool with the blue lights."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "I was surprised by the menu at this place. I assumed it was a burger and beer place, but it is so much more. The menu was well put together and the flavours were unique and interesting. This will definitely go in our regular rotation of restaurants!"
    Dined on 2/2/2014
  • "For our first visit, management gave us a taste of champagne - nice start, Monarch! Food was well executed and delicious. Furniture was not very comfortable and there was cold air blowing. Loved the atmosphere and music videos; very narrow space so feels a bit jammed in. My drink was weak and big; my friend's drink was strong and small. Would stick to beer next time (or more of that champagne!)"
    Dined on 1/31/2014
  • "The overall experience was great. Our waitress checked on us constantly. That felt good. One thing that my wife and I noticed was the chef/owner, not sure which one, was going around saying hi to folks himself. I'm not sure if it was because there were larger parties there or what but he didn't come by us at all during the night. It would've been nice. This could make feel customers feel included regardless of your party's size."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "This place was good for a casual meet up. I was not impressed with the how quickly the service staff was ready to clear of your plates, as if to rush you to finish and get out for another party."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "I went to Monarch with a friend and was surprised at the bar feel of the place. I was expecting more of a restaurant with a good bar. In terms of food my friend LOVED it and I was more middle of the road about the food. My friend could have ate the brussel sprout salad forever, it was quite yummy. She also loved the burger, which I thought was good. She's from the south and comfort food, American style is her food passion. We both thought the music was loud and it has a busy vibe (in keeping with the bar theme) which was not our mood for the evening. Our waitress was the best thing of the night. She was attentive, friendly, helpful and efficient."
    Dined on 1/17/2014
  • "I recently visited The Monarch for Sunday brunch and was very pleased with the experience. The service was outstanding and our meal ( French toast and fried green tomato sandwich) were supurb. We will definitely be back!"
    Dined on 1/12/2014
  • "Exceptional service!!! Great food. Thank you for helping me celebrate my husband's birthday!!!"
    Dined on 1/11/2014
  • "not only is the food delicious, they have a unique cocktail list and a variety of beer/wine to choose from. i recommend the blue crab wonton appetizer! yum!"
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "Went here on NYE with another couple. We did the chef's tasting menu. Food was really good, but the drinks could a have been served a little more slowly (at one point I had 3 or 4 glasses in front of me!). Overall I was impressed and would go back. Great neighborhood spot!"
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "The food at Monarch is consistently great. We ordered a brussel sprout salad to share and even the sprout haters loved it. The restaurant owner stopped by and regaled us with stories; he obviously loves what he does and what he's accomplished. We've also had dinner here in the summer on the most lovely outdoor patio. This is a neighborhood gem."
    Dined on 12/20/2013
  • "I had a wonderful time at the Monarch with all of my friends for my birthday dinner and the staff, even the owner, all wished me a happy birthday. The kitchen closed towards the end of the night so one of the waiters went and bought me ice cream and candles to celebrate with! The food was absolutely amazing, something for everyone!"
    Dined on 11/23/2013
  • "There was nothing terrible but nothing great either. I was looking forward to the drinks but they missed the mark for me, sadly."
    Dined on 11/15/2013
  • "My boyfriend and I went to the bonarch on a friday night for dinner, our reservations were at 7:00 to beat the Friday night crowd which was great because the place started to get really busy after that. We were greeted by the owner who was just wonderful. Friendly, enthusiastic, and well prepared to go over his menu with us. He gave great recommendatons. He made it all sound so good that we ordered way too much for the two of us but my garbage disposal of a boyfriend didn't mind. We had the baked potatoe soup, snails burgandy, and the blue crab for starters which were all simple and delicious. I had the pork shoulder and he had the chicken and I couldn't stop stealing the polenta from his dish, SO good. Great atmosphere, must try!"
    Dined on 11/1/2013
  • "Dining at the kitchen table for two, we got a great experience for two hours of food and drink that was excellently prepared and served. From the creative loaded baked potato soup to the tagliatelle and trout dishes, it was clear Michael and James have had successful history in the fine dining world. The owner Colin served a slate of perfect pairings and so hospitable for a wonderful evening. Truly one of our favorite dining experiences in Chicago to date."
    Dined on 11/1/2013
  • "This place has a small menu, but what it makes up for in lack of options, you get slapped in the taste buds with creativity. Every single main dish I would order, no questions asked. Flavors were awesome, service was spot on, and it was just a great, fun time!"
    Dined on 10/19/2013
  • "Once eliminated the shellfish and pork/bacon, very limited menu. Sweet pea soup was way too sweet and trout with cauliflower was rather bland. Had high expectations given several people's recommendations."
    Dined on 10/9/2013
  • "This was a nice little spot. Our server was very pleasant and the food was tasty."
    Dined on 10/6/2013
  • "We were looking for a place for lunch and wanted to try this place. We were disappointed! Not really what we consider a restaurant-more like a bar with food. The food was good but limited menu. Not really what we were looking for!"
    Dined on 9/28/2013
  • "The owner personally served us and took great care explaining the food and beverages. It was clear he was very passionate about the menu... And everything was well prepared and tasted great! And the champagne provided since it was our first visit was a nice and memorable touch!!"
    Dined on 9/7/2013
  • "I loved everything about my experience at Monarch!!! My girlfriends and I had a wonderful dining experience! I will definitely be going back!"
    Dined on 9/1/2013
  • "We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Monarch. Owner Colin Burke and staff made our evening a real treat and we felt both gastronomically and intellectually satisfied. As a table of three, we decided to share smaller and larger plates and that allowed us to each sample across a wide variety of Monarch's fare. Our dinner included salad, flank steak, mussels, lovely trout and even imported snails, and each was more delightful and beautifully prepared than the last. The small wine list is well chosen and delicious. Colin also spent time educating and entertaining us, and speaking knowledgeably and insightfully on the needs and challenges of business owners and how midwestern cities can rise up and get to the top of their game again."
    Dined on 8/28/2013
  • "My friends and I went here to celebrate my birthday. None of us had really heard of monarch but after a yelp search and the great reviews I had read I decided we should check it out. We were all very pleased with our experience. They greeted us with a round of champagne to celebrate and the great service continued from there. Our waitress was very knowledgeable on the food and helped us pick some great stuff. Notable apps were the crab cake dip. The mussels were delish and the truffle mayo that came with the fries was amazing! I had the pork blade steak (so incredible I'm still thinking about it) another entree that was really enjoyed was the trout. Finally for dessert they offer treats you would find on an ice cream truck :)"
    Dined on 8/13/2013
  • "Very good food and service. I would say unexpectedly good food based on the unassuming facade and little bit off the beaten path in Bucktown."
    Dined on 8/11/2013
  • "The owner was our waiter, and bent over backwards to make sure we enjoyed the place. Great drink recs, apps were stellar. I'd definitely come back."
    Dined on 6/30/2013
  • "I can't say enough good things about the Monarch. The food is incredible, the bar is cozy and the wine is fabulous. But what keeps me coming back is the service. We are treated so well every time we come in - and always feel so welcome and taken care of. We really enjoy our dining experience every single time. We have become regulars, but at a place as good as the Monarch with such a range of food and dishes, you should be asking yourself why your not a regular too."
    Dined on 6/25/2013
  • "The Monarch was great at accommodating my group. They ever gave us free champagne to celebrate my graduation! How thoughtful!!!"
    Dined on 6/16/2013
  • "5 Big screens showing two different images simultaneously: 1. Hockey game (not the hawks) 2. Old 80's/90's MTV videos of Madonna, Prince etc. (with soundtrack). Can't comment on food as the kitchen ran out of non-meat choices before we could order. ? ?Maybe next time?"
    Dined on 6/8/2013
  • "Recently had dinner here and the food was absolutely amazing. Everything our table ordered was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The chefs here are very talented! They have a great outdoor patio that's beautiful when the weather is nice. I highly recommend everyone eat at this restaurant - I will certainly be back."
    Dined on 6/8/2013
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    Sunday, April 20, 2014›
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  • $15 Wine Bottles for SCANDAL Watch Party
    Thursday 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM›
    SCANDAL -- watch the Hit TV Show here with the SOUND ON. $15 bottles of Wine. Excludes Tax and Tip. Call and ask for specific seats at the Bar for better TV viewing. Special valid Feb 27, 2014 - May 27, 2014 on Thursdays from 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM. Offer valid February 27, 2014 - May 27, 2014
  • Geeks who Drink Trivia - Pub Quiz starts @ 8pm
    Monday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM›
    20% Appetizers and $3 Tiger Lager Tall Boys visit www.geekswhodrinnk.com for Pub Quiz details. Excludes Tax and Tip. Think it’s just trivia? Think again...*The only Pub Quiz that Matters*. Special valid Feb 27, 2014 - May 27, 2014 on Mondays from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Offer valid February 27, 2014 - May 27, 2014
  • 50% Off Select Wines
    Wednesday 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM›
    50% Off Select Wines. Excludes Tax and Tip. Wednesday is WINES-Day at The Monarch - ALL bottles marked Half Off. Special valid Feb 28, 2014 - May 28, 2014 on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM. Offer valid February 28, 2014 - May 28, 2014
  • 50% off Bubbles & Mussels
    Tuesday 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM›
    Half Price Champagne AND Mussles w/ white wine, butter, fresh herbs. Excludes Tax and Tip. Special valid Mar 5, 2014 - Jun 5, 2014 on Tuesdays from 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM. Offer valid March 5, 2014 - June 5, 2014
  • Earn 1,000 Dining Points
    See 1,000-Point Times›
  • See all 6 deals and offers
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