Monk's Kettle

Brandon H

Great New Spot, but Missing the Old Favorites We lived just two blocks away from The Monk’s Kettle in the Mission and were regulars there, so we were sad to see it close earlier this year. Coincidentally, we moved to the East Bay just a couple of months after they closed the Mission location, so we were excited to see them reopen in Rockridge and finally made it in for dinner. The new spot has a similar cozy vibe but was packed, which is great to see. It feels like they’ve found a better fit here with a more family-friendly crowd and a great location. The back patio looks charming—we sat at the bar this time but will definitely try it next time. As for the food, it was solid but didn’t fully capture the magic of the Mission menu. I got the bricked chicken sandwich, which was flavorful and had some of the familiar tastes we loved, but I really miss the fried chicken sandwich from the old location. My girlfriend had the Monk’s Burger, which tasted just as good as we remembered. The fries, though, were a bit disappointing. These are denser, skinny fries—likely the same as their Terra Linda location—and don’t compare to the amazing Kennebec hop salt fries they had in SF. The bartender explained their fryer situation is smaller here, which might explain the change, but we really miss those fries. It’s great to see them thriving in this new home, and we’ll definitely be back. Still holding out hope that the fried chicken sandwich and those perfect fries might make a comeback someday!

Ferocious Five

Flights available! 4 oz each- this is Halloween themed Ossuary from Ghost Town in Oakland , Spooky Puppy from Temescal in Oakland , Boney Fingers from Moonlight in Santa Rosa

Brian C

The pork chop with spoon bread was amazing. Extensive draft beer selection. Friends cleaned their plates too!

John Gronberg

Monk’s Kettle was one of my favorite beer bars in SF. I’m so happy that they’ve perfectly translated it to their new location in Rockridge. Amazing beer list and a standout burger.

Lanana

I mean… it’s like eating out before Covid when slightly elevated food and service were worth paying for. No notes!

Second visit and they are 2/2, 10/10! We got the moussaka (with impossible mince) and the veggie curry - both were delicious!!! Last time my group of 4 all got meat dishes and loved them (the burger looks so good, even as a vegetarian) If you like beer there are SO many on tap and my wife loved her wine! The co manager took great care of us and match the awesome vibe of the server from last month (when my guy’s book club used the Monks Kettle as our meet up location). We will be back and will definitely get the cookie’s to go (again!). I am eating the chocolate one (stuffed with peanut butter) at home after 10’seconds in the microwave… OMG…

The Monk’s Kettle was a great find while we were out exploring the area and decided to stop in for lunch. The place immediately stood out with its cool, relaxed vibe and welcoming feel. The food was really good and hit the spot. We ordered the mac n’ cheese and the black bean burger, and both were excellent. The mac n’ cheese was rich, comforting, and flavorful, and the black bean burger was one of the better ones I’ve had, well seasoned and satisfying. The beer selection is also a big highlight. There’s a solid variety to choose from, making it a great spot whether you’re a craft beer fan or just looking to enjoy a good drink with your meal. The atmosphere makes it easy to hang out and enjoy your time without feeling rushed. It feels like a place that works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a longer visit. Cool place, great food, and an excellent beer selection. I’d highly recommend stopping in, especially if you’re in the area and looking for a relaxed, quality lunch spot

Cute little gastropub on College! I went around 7pm and the place was pretty popular! It was dark and moody in the best way possible. I got the pickles, mushroom toast, and octopus for appetizers. The octopus incredible! Tender and flavorful, swimming in this incredible light bean broth. I was definitely scraping the bottom of the plate. For the main I got the steak frites, the fries were very garlicky, I love garlic so I couldn’t get enough! The steak was cooked perfectly and ridiculously tender. Service was wonderful, they were all very attentive. The beer and wine list was impressive. Great place, I will be back!

Joshua Michael

The Monk’s Kettle was a great find while we were out exploring the area and decided to stop in for lunch. The place immediately stood out with its cool, relaxed vibe and welcoming feel. The food was really good and hit the spot. We ordered the mac n’ cheese and the black bean burger, and both were excellent. The mac n’ cheese was rich, comforting, and flavorful, and the black bean burger was one of the better ones I’ve had, well seasoned and satisfying. The beer selection is also a big highlight. There’s a solid variety to choose from, making it a great spot whether you’re a craft beer fan or just looking to enjoy a good drink with your meal. The atmosphere makes it easy to hang out and enjoy your time without feeling rushed. It feels like a place that works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a longer visit. Cool place, great food, and an excellent beer selection. I’d highly recommend stopping in, especially if you’re in the area and looking for a relaxed, quality lunch spot

Marisa Blanco

Cute little gastropub on College! I went around 7pm and the place was pretty popular! It was dark and moody in the best way possible. I got the pickles, mushroom toast, and octopus for appetizers. The octopus incredible! Tender and flavorful, swimming in this incredible light bean broth. I was definitely scraping the bottom of the plate. For the main I got the steak frites, the fries were very garlicky, I love garlic so I couldn’t get enough! The steak was cooked perfectly and ridiculously tender. Service was wonderful, they were all very attentive. The beer and wine list was impressive. Great place, I will be back!

John C

Second visit and they are 2/2, 10/10! We got the moussaka (with impossible mince) and the veggie curry - both were delicious!!! Last time my group of 4 all got meat dishes and loved them (the burger looks so good, even as a vegetarian) If you like beer there are SO many on tap and my wife loved her wine! The co manager took great care of us and match the awesome vibe of the server from last month (when my guy’s book club used the Monks Kettle as our meet up location). We will be back and will definitely get the cookie’s to go (again!). I am eating the chocolate one (stuffed with peanut butter) at home after 10’seconds in the microwave… OMG…

Andy McElroy

I love Monk's Kettle! I've enjoyed all their locations since they opened. I brought a group to this newest one the other day and everyone was blown away not only by the beer selection but also the quality of the food. "You just don't expect food this good in a place so focused on the beer menu." I said well now you can. Got some new converts!

Solid food with interesting flavors and a FANTASTIC beer list! It's incredible how many different beers these guys have on draft let alone their gigantic list of bottles. As for the food, I really liked both the bricked chicken sandwich and the chicken Caesar. The chicken sandwich was juicy and flavorful without feeling overly greasy like a fried chicken sandwich would. The Caeser salad was also interesting -- the flavors weren't nearly as strong as a traditional caeser you'd get at another restaurant and they used a cabbage blend rather than romaine, but I really liked the crunch and the unique spin Monk's Kettle put on it. I've also sat inside and at the patio out back, and both are lovely! Overall this is a fun spot to stop into if you want a place with a wide selection of beers and unique food options.

The chicken sando was really good, they have a great selection of beers too.

Good food, I'd probably give 4.5. Solid chicken burger, meat was juicy and the sauce was really fun. The moussaka was also really good. The impossible meat was super soft in a way I haven't seen done before, and the eggplant and crust went really well together. It was almost too salty, but I liked it. I think none of the dishes were mind-blowing, but just exactly what you'd expect, done right. I'd come again!

Solid gastro pub in the cozy Rockridge neighborhood. Menu is small, but the signature Steak Frites was an easy choice (make sure to order your fries extra crispy — the dish is JUICY!). Ordered the charred octopus on the recommendation of the waitress, and it was an excellent suggestion. The octopus was tender and full of flavor. The waitstaff was attentive, if a bit overeager, but it’s awesome to have a place like this open late. I’m sure their burger or chicken sandwich would be perfect after a night out.

Bhaskar Mishra

Good food, I'd probably give 4.5. Solid chicken burger, meat was juicy and the sauce was really fun. The moussaka was also really good. The impossible meat was super soft in a way I haven't seen done before, and the eggplant and crust went really well together. It was almost too salty, but I liked it. I think none of the dishes were mind-blowing, but just exactly what you'd expect, done right. I'd come again!

Cam W

Solid food with interesting flavors and a FANTASTIC beer list! It's incredible how many different beers these guys have on draft let alone their gigantic list of bottles. As for the food, I really liked both the bricked chicken sandwich and the chicken Caesar. The chicken sandwich was juicy and flavorful without feeling overly greasy like a fried chicken sandwich would. The Caeser salad was also interesting -- the flavors weren't nearly as strong as a traditional caeser you'd get at another restaurant and they used a cabbage blend rather than romaine, but I really liked the crunch and the unique spin Monk's Kettle put on it. I've also sat inside and at the patio out back, and both are lovely! Overall this is a fun spot to stop into if you want a place with a wide selection of beers and unique food options.

Matty Easton

Solid gastro pub in the cozy Rockridge neighborhood. Menu is small, but the signature Steak Frites was an easy choice (make sure to order your fries extra crispy — the dish is JUICY!). Ordered the charred octopus on the recommendation of the waitress, and it was an excellent suggestion. The octopus was tender and full of flavor. The waitstaff was attentive, if a bit overeager, but it’s awesome to have a place like this open late. I’m sure their burger or chicken sandwich would be perfect after a night out.

AJM

The chicken sando was really good, they have a great selection of beers too.

Had a lovely time at The Monk's Kettle. They made a really solid burger, and the staff were very friendly. The ambiance was perfect, too – we got a nice spot out on the patio. Would return!

I recently visited The Monk’s Kettle on College Avenue in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, and it stands out as one of those places where craft beer culture and thoughtful pub cuisine come together in a polished but welcoming setting. Rockridge itself is known for its strong restaurant scene, and The Monk’s Kettle fits naturally among the area’s independent eateries and bars. The atmosphere feels refined without losing the comfort of a neighborhood pub. The interior blends warm wood tones, an organized bar lined with taps, and a dining room that encourages both casual drinks and full meals. The environment feels lively but still relaxed, making it a comfortable place to settle in for an evening. The beer program is clearly a central part of the experience. The tap list typically features a well-curated selection of craft beers spanning different styles, including local California breweries as well as Belgian and European influences. The variety makes it appealing for both casual drinkers and serious beer enthusiasts who enjoy exploring different brewing traditions. The food elevates the typical gastropub model. Dishes go beyond standard bar fare, focusing on well-executed comfort foods that pair naturally with beer. Items like burgers, hearty sandwiches, and shareable plates are prepared with attention to quality ingredients and balanced flavors. Service during the visit was attentive and knowledgeable. Staff were comfortable discussing beer styles and offering pairing suggestions, which adds an extra dimension to the dining experience. From a global travel perspective, The Monk’s Kettle reminds me of modern gastropubs found in cities such as Brussels, London, and Portland where strong beer culture and carefully crafted pub food intersect.

Jake Byman

Had a lovely time at The Monk's Kettle. They made a really solid burger, and the staff were very friendly. The ambiance was perfect, too – we got a nice spot out on the patio. Would return!

Decent food and nice ambience but the service was rushed and almost non-existent. Stopped in for lunch today as I was craving for a burger. Been wanting to try this spot out ever since it moved into the neighborhood. When I walked in, the place was empty but it was fairly early (before noon). Cute rustic feel with lots of tables, booths, and a nice corner bar. Wouldn’t say that I was greeted warmly, but I was greeted. The lady who helped me wasn’t rude but she wasn’t friendly. Skipped the beer since this was a work lunch but opted for an iced tea and the smash burger. The food prices are actually in line with many of the other burger spots on the block which is convenient. The smash burger was just okay. They use a soft potato bun which has a tendency to disintegrate when there’s sauce on it. It got soggy and messy super fast. A crisper bun would be ideal for this kind of burger in my opinion. Burger patty has nice flavor and it was juicy. The fries were super salty but still good. The service is where this place is failing. Not once did my server come back to check in on me to see how I was doing. She waited until I was mid bite to ask me if I wanted anything else and all I could do was nod my head no since my mouth was full. Then she left the check on the table as I was still chomping. I guess I didn’t get my card out fast enough for her because next thing you know, she comes back to my table with a tablet and says that I can just tap my card to pay. What if I was paying with cash? There were literally only 3 other parties in the restaurant and it wasn’t busy at all. What’s the rush? I definitely felt like she was trying to get me out of there fast. So yeah… first impression was not a good one. This should really be a 2 star review, but given the ambience and also the fact that I didn’t try any of the beer here yet, I’ll round up to 3. At the point, I have no plans on returning. I’ll just stick to my old and faithful Ben N’ Nicks down the block and keep it moving.

Shay B

Decent food and nice ambience but the service was rushed and almost non-existent. Stopped in for lunch today as I was craving for a burger. Been wanting to try this spot out ever since it moved into the neighborhood. When I walked in, the place was empty but it was fairly early (before noon). Cute rustic feel with lots of tables, booths, and a nice corner bar. Wouldn’t say that I was greeted warmly, but I was greeted. The lady who helped me wasn’t rude but she wasn’t friendly. Skipped the beer since this was a work lunch but opted for an iced tea and the smash burger. The food prices are actually in line with many of the other burger spots on the block which is convenient. The smash burger was just okay. They use a soft potato bun which has a tendency to disintegrate when there’s sauce on it. It got soggy and messy super fast. A crisper bun would be ideal for this kind of burger in my opinion. Burger patty has nice flavor and it was juicy. The fries were super salty but still good. The service is where this place is failing. Not once did my server come back to check in on me to see how I was doing. She waited until I was mid bite to ask me if I wanted anything else and all I could do was nod my head no since my mouth was full. Then she left the check on the table as I was still chomping. I guess I didn’t get my card out fast enough for her because next thing you know, she comes back to my table with a tablet and says that I can just tap my card to pay. What if I was paying with cash? There were literally only 3 other parties in the restaurant and it wasn’t busy at all. What’s the rush? I definitely felt like she was trying to get me out of there fast. So yeah… first impression was not a good one. This should really be a 2 star review, but given the ambience and also the fact that I didn’t try any of the beer here yet, I’ll round up to 3. At the point, I have no plans on returning. I’ll just stick to my old and faithful Ben N’ Nicks down the block and keep it moving.

Great beer selection, but the food was only average and it took longer than it should have to have my order taken when there was only a few people dining. The Greek salad could have been thought out better- the execution of the cut and dressing left some to be desired.

Friendly + attentive server. Huge beer selection. Cute bar and back patio. But saw a dead desiccated cockroach under our table. Also, a 3 oz smash burger at $15 with a teeny tiny side of stale potato chips on a 6 inch plate is a depressing experience. Burger flavor was on point though. I understand inflation is breaking restaurant economics. But it’s an awful value.

Goldman Sackler

Friendly + attentive server. Huge beer selection. Cute bar and back patio. But saw a dead desiccated cockroach under our table. Also, a 3 oz smash burger at $15 with a teeny tiny side of stale potato chips on a 6 inch plate is a depressing experience. Burger flavor was on point though. I understand inflation is breaking restaurant economics. But it’s an awful value.

Tim Hewitt

Great beer selection, but the food was only average and it took longer than it should have to have my order taken when there was only a few people dining. The Greek salad could have been thought out better- the execution of the cut and dressing left some to be desired.

Gregory Lindae

Great food, great selection of beer! I've been here 2 times for lunch, each time the service did not match the food. Casual service is perfect for the atmosphere but poor service is poor. Sadly... Unnecessary really. Love the food we however.