Laughing Monk Brewing

We love going to Laughing Monk…whether it is a dinner out with the kids or a date night for a cocktail & good convo at the bar, they always seem to deliver exactly what you need in the moment. The environment, patrons, and staff are bright spots bringing a sense of community even amongst strangers. Everyone who works there does it with a smile on their face; it is obvious that great service is a priority. We’ve particularly appreciated running into Ava in the front who always greets us immediately with enthusiasm and a warm sense of hospitality…setting the tone for what is always an amazing evening ahead!

Absolutely loved this place. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming, lively, and perfect for both casual hangouts and date nights. The food was exceptional—fresh, well-portioned, and clearly made with care. Every bite delivered on flavor. The service really stood out: attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely friendly. You can tell the staff takes pride in what they do, which makes the entire experience even better. MATT the GM is AWESOME, and KENTON made the best drinks. If you’re looking for great food, quality drinks, and a relaxed yet energetic vibe, Laughing Monk Brewing and Gastropub is a must-visit. This is the kind of place you come back to—and bring friends with you. Highly recommend.

We love Laughing Monk! The food is consistently great and the beer is delicious. It’s become our favorite spots to come with family and friends. There is something for everyone, including great options for different appetites and tastes. Everyone loves their tacos and I am obsessed with the Asian chicken salad. The atmosphere is perfect for kids, and still really fun for adults and watching sports. Their breakfast service is also amazing and honestly an often slept on”meal, it’s our favorite for brunch!

We are so lucky to have this place in Scotts Valley. They have good food, good service, and are always supporting the community. I know it’s somewhere I can take my kids, go on a date night, have a girls night, etc and it will always be a hit. They get busy for sure, but that just means they’re doing it right. We love Laughing Monk! They also have a great happy hour. Their wings and their Parmesan garlic fries are the best!!!

I had an AMAZING time at the Laughing Monk! Wowowow this place is SPECTACULAR! Amazing vibes, great environment, and totally tubular service. Ava thompson was hosting and greeted us with the best smile and warming personality. We got our food served by Scarlett who was so attentive and friendly! Julia also helped us out when we had some questions and she was just awesome! Shoutout also to Zoe! All around amazing staff, those are just a few of the workers that stood out to me! Anyway, definetly a place to check out, food is delicious! 10/10 experience!

I go to the Laughing Monk pretty often with my family and I have to say the atmosphere is great in there. the staff is very attentive and kind. One food runner in particular, Julia, is great at her job and has awesome energy. She brings food fast and is always there to get anything we need! I Definitely recommend the SV Laughing Monk!

I came in for dinner last night with my wife and some friends and had a great time. Our waiter, a tall gentleman, was prompt, friendly, and attentive. The food came out quickly and was delicious. I got the fish tacos and my wife got the mushroom burger, highly recommend both. The restaurant is big and lively, and the staff seemed to be enjoying themselves which is always a good sign in my book. It was my first visit last night, but it won't be my last!!

Great food, service, and atmosphere. Arrived and had a short wait til seated. The waitress came over right away to take our order. We got some of the seasonal beer which was fantastic as usual. One of our favorite reasons for coming back. On top of that I got the Mediterranean Bowl and my husband got the prime rib. Both were delicious. This spot never disappoints and is a staple for us. We will definitely be back!

From the moment you walk in, the best hostess Ava is there with a cheery, welcoming smile. It’s like we’ve known her forever. This location is like the show Cheers. Grab a bevy, or yummy pretzel with beer cheese and gets you ready for the weekend. They are so friendly and it’s a great meeting spot for mom nights out or shows that they throw from time to time. Fun spot and great hostesses!!

Some restaurants win you over with a signature dish. Others with a clever cocktail list. This place did both competently, but the real headline, the thing you keep talking about the next day, was Scarlett, the food runner who turned a good meal into a memorable night. From the first plate to the last, Scarlett moved through the dining room like controlled lightning. Orders arrived hot, perfectly timed, and announced with confidence, not the rushed mumble you often get when a place is busy. She knew exactly what she was placing down, how it was prepared, and which sauce was going to make you irrationally happy. When someone at our table hesitated, she had a recommendation ready, delivered with wit instead of salesmanship. What stood out most was her awareness. Empty water glasses vanished and returned full without interrupting conversation. Extra napkins appeared before anyone asked. A side of sauce we casually mentioned wanting somehow materialized moments later, as if the restaurant itself had been listening. There’s a rare professionalism in that kind of anticipation, and Scarlett wore it lightly, pairing it with humor and an easy smile that never felt forced. The food itself absolutely deserves praise. Well-seasoned, thoughtfully plated, and clearly made with care. The kitchen knows what it’s doing, and the menu balances comfort with ambition. But great food is everywhere. Great service is not. Scarlett elevated the entire experience. She made the room feel alive, synchronized, and genuinely welcoming. It’s easy to overlook food runners, but this restaurant has a secret weapon sprinting between the kitchen and the floor. If management is smart, they already know it. Come for the food. Stay for the Scarlett.

Grace Kau

We are so lucky to have this place in Scotts Valley. They have good food, good service, and are always supporting the community. I know it’s somewhere I can take my kids, go on a date night, have a girls night, etc and it will always be a hit. They get busy for sure, but that just means they’re doing it right. We love Laughing Monk! They also have a great happy hour. Their wings and their Parmesan garlic fries are the best!!!

Vinny V

I’ve been coming here for a while and love the atmosphere especially the bartenders Charlie, Diane, Kenton, and Aubriana. Always a good time jokes, great beer and the food never disappoints would recommend to anybody that loves a good craft beer or cocktail they do it right here. If you’re craving a burger they got along with French fries that will savor your mouth with every bite.

Phoebe Cahill

Always a great time at Laughing Monk! Food is great, it’s family friendly, and the waitstaff is so kind and attentive. I also love how often they give back to our community. Highly recommend.

GoodVibesOnly

Great food, service, and atmosphere. Arrived and had a short wait til seated. The waitress came over right away to take our order. We got some of the seasonal beer which was fantastic as usual. One of our favorite reasons for coming back. On top of that I got the Mediterranean Bowl and my husband got the prime rib. Both were delicious. This spot never disappoints and is a staple for us. We will definitely be back!

Maraya Smith

We love Laughing Monk! The food is consistently great and the beer is delicious. It’s become our favorite spots to come with family and friends. There is something for everyone, including great options for different appetites and tastes. Everyone loves their tacos and I am obsessed with the Asian chicken salad. The atmosphere is perfect for kids, and still really fun for adults and watching sports. Their breakfast service is also amazing and honestly an often slept on”meal, it’s our favorite for brunch!

New Earth Natural Farming

This is going to be a bit of a longer review so stay with me. I was in town last week for business, and was looking for somewhere to watch the Chargers game on Sunday, decided to try this place out. The young ladies working behind the bar on were very friendly, got the game on for me right away, and didn't mind I stayed a while while watching. My IPA was good, burger was good, overall good experience. I tried to go back for dinner on Tuesday only to find a sign that they were closed, giving their staff a few days off after the holidays. A little frustrating, but thats a nice thing for a business to do. I must have missread the dates on the sign because I tried to go back on Thursday and some of the staff cleaning tables and shelves on their patio informed me it was their annual deep cleaning day, and would be open normal hours the next day. Again, a little frustrating but that was my fault for not reading the sign right. I went back again for dinner last night and it wasy BUSY. I had to wait a bit for a table, but the girls at the front desk were very nice. Got seated under the awning, and was ready to just get another burger and enjoy my last night in town. My server, Kenton, informed me of the prime rib special they do on Fridays. Couldn't pass up a prime rib for 25$. The portion was huge! Cooked perfectly, came out quickly, beer was great again. All around amazing meal. After reading some of the negative reviews on here I feel like I need to share my experience. Everyone working had a smile on their face, I was greeted with nothing but kindness. Taken care of quickly, and the place has a great atmosphere. For a business to care about their staff enough to close after the holidays for some rest is unheard of where I live. Even on their deep cleaning day the young men i talked to seemed to be having a good time. If I lived in the area I would be a regular, and will 100% be back when I am in town again in a few months. Great job Laughing Monk!!

Will Sanders

I came in for dinner last night with my wife and some friends and had a great time. Our waiter, a tall gentleman, was prompt, friendly, and attentive. The food came out quickly and was delicious. I got the fish tacos and my wife got the mushroom burger, highly recommend both. The restaurant is big and lively, and the staff seemed to be enjoying themselves which is always a good sign in my book. It was my first visit last night, but it won't be my last!!

Jeff Simmons

Food, drinks, atmosphere and service are all great. Has been my regular lunch spot for a while and decided to leave review after bartender recommended getting wings “Scotty style” which is mango, buff and ranch mixed over the dry rub. Crazy good, def worth ordering when you go in. Can’t go wrong with this place

Didn’t expect an enormous restaurant when i went search g for this brewery. It can be difficult to find the entrance as the parking area is behind the building. I’ve been to this shopping center a half a dozen times and never knew this gastropub existed, and I love beer! Got a great patio and out door area. Inside there is plenty of seating. There are fire pits and heaters available outside, as well as shade if needed. The menu is quite diverse. If you can’t find something to love, stay at home, grumpy. Lots of great beer selections as well. Only gripe? We got our food before our drinks.

KDG

Didn’t expect an enormous restaurant when i went search g for this brewery. It can be difficult to find the entrance as the parking area is behind the building. I’ve been to this shopping center a half a dozen times and never knew this gastropub existed, and I love beer! Got a great patio and out door area. Inside there is plenty of seating. There are fire pits and heaters available outside, as well as shade if needed. The menu is quite diverse. If you can’t find something to love, stay at home, grumpy. Lots of great beer selections as well. Only gripe? We got our food before our drinks.

Shahram Mehraban

First time visiting laughing monk brewery. We came here since it was ranked as #1 place to dine in Scott’s valley on yelp. The place was packed and the parking was full. There was a private party in the patio by the parking lot Inside there were a few open tables so we were seated promptly. We ordered a flight of beer which all tasted fresh and nice. For dinner I got the chicken pesto sandwich and my wife got the mahi mahi tacos and my son ordered the brewsky burger. They were all put tgeyher nicely and tasted good but nothing really special. Service was fairly fast. It’s an all around solid 4.

Decent place. With a lot of seating. Nice back patio. Had the Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich. It was pretty darn tasty. Good flavor, meat was nice and tender. Fries were just ok. Ordered the Mac n cheese too, but was kind of bland to me. Service was nice

Loud bar scene 80% of the time. Bummed by service when we came in before six and they took a good while to seat us then, then the waitress took 10 plus minutes to stop by…. My wife asked for something off the happy hour menu that ended at six and was told no, and was suggested to her that she should have gotten here earlier… so not a great look. There are many ways to handle asks and even say no. That is not one of them. I felt the response was a bit lack luster from management as well ( offered to comp a round but I’m we all had water). I get busy, I get tired, mistakes happen but for Thursday night this was unfortunate. We have had some decent food and service in the past so I’m hopping this was just an outlier. Food was decent but mine (burger) was barely warm, Shane for the good looking fries.

Griffon Walker

Loud bar scene 80% of the time. Bummed by service when we came in before six and they took a good while to seat us then, then the waitress took 10 plus minutes to stop by…. My wife asked for something off the happy hour menu that ended at six and was told no, and was suggested to her that she should have gotten here earlier… so not a great look. There are many ways to handle asks and even say no. That is not one of them. I felt the response was a bit lack luster from management as well ( offered to comp a round but I’m we all had water). I get busy, I get tired, mistakes happen but for Thursday night this was unfortunate. We have had some decent food and service in the past so I’m hopping this was just an outlier. Food was decent but mine (burger) was barely warm, Shane for the good looking fries.

Deanna Delgado Prichard

EDIT: went back and enjoyed the beyond burger! I loved the atmosphere and the waiter was nice but my food honestly sucked. I got beyond steak tacos and the meat was so hard my fork couldn’t even stick into it. It was hard as a rock and dry. My husband really enjoyed his burger even though he did as for no onions on his burger and had to scrape them off. The coke was also very flat. I will be back to try some other items eventually but the tacos were not a good choice. Maybe consider a beyond beef crumble rather than chunks if they’re going to be like rocks. My husband really enjoyed the wings and the cauliflower was good as well.

This is not like the one in San Jose. The cheese curds are just as good. We had to wait to get seated and it was not busy at all. The hostess was too busy sitting at the bar. I didn’t get a picture of her sitting at the bar but she was sitting there when we came in and she pretty much sit there the whole time while we ate after we waited for her to seat us. On the other hand we did have a good server, he just want very friendly or happy.

240weatherby

This is not like the one in San Jose. The cheese curds are just as good. We had to wait to get seated and it was not busy at all. The hostess was too busy sitting at the bar. I didn’t get a picture of her sitting at the bar but she was sitting there when we came in and she pretty much sit there the whole time while we ate after we waited for her to seat us. On the other hand we did have a good server, he just want very friendly or happy.

Management no longer cares about the quality of food and quality of service. A year ago the food was fresh. The staff were attentive and friendly and now Staff are more interested in speaking to one another, had to wait 15 minutes for the staff to stop talking to even notice that we were sitting and waiting. Food was pre-cooked and reheated. Metal seats are incredibly uncomfortable. Reading reviews on Facebook, I have not read one positive experience in the last year. I hope management sees this and desires to make positive changes and reach out to the community requesting to give you a try again. Until then, I will never set foot in that place again.

Karen Luxon

Management no longer cares about the quality of food and quality of service. A year ago the food was fresh. The staff were attentive and friendly and now Staff are more interested in speaking to one another, had to wait 15 minutes for the staff to stop talking to even notice that we were sitting and waiting. Food was pre-cooked and reheated. Metal seats are incredibly uncomfortable. Reading reviews on Facebook, I have not read one positive experience in the last year. I hope management sees this and desires to make positive changes and reach out to the community requesting to give you a try again. Until then, I will never set foot in that place again.

Keith Britany

We went here for Santa Cruz Restaurant Week and the experience was terrible. It took forever to order and then get our hors de oeuvres after which the waitress disappeared, only returning to ask if we’d like our check (no dinner or dessert yet)! In the meantime a couple who were there for his 75th left because they got no service at all. The dinner, when it finally arrived after many sorries, was edible. They then forgot the ice cream for the sundaes. I left the lowest tip I have ever done. We are not coming back ever.