Monk's Cell - Brookline

3.5 stars. Due to the pandemic we got a table outside when the temperature was high 30s. They didn't have outdoor space heater/lamps. Staffs were nice and attractive. Online menu you have you scan with your mobile phone. We got the monk fries and fried calamari. The monk frites fries with truffles were burnt. The calamari deep fried had after tasted like it was used in the same oil as crispy fried fish chips. Food priced were reasonable.

Great beers. We enjoyed the Belgian style muscles and frites Moules Frites. The Monk's Frites are fantastic as well. The beers were served at appropriate European temps (not too cold but not warm) and in appropriate glassware for the types of beer. Thoroughly enjoyable pub experience!

Located right off the C-Line near Washington Square, the Publick House is a rather large pub (given the cost of business in Brookline) that can have decently long wait times where there isn 't a pandemic. Given the COVID precautions and limitation imposed by the MA DPH you need to make reservations online ahead of time to get one of the tables. My recommendation is the Beer Garden Tables, a newly constructed outdoor (it 's a modified alley) seating arrangement that they clearly put a lot of time and effort in to. It 's a really nice and cozy place to eat that allows for dining but shields you from passerby 's. The best part of the Publick House is the beer selection. Several years ago I found a Peanut Butter Stout in VA that I absolutely loved and could find nowhere else. Last winter I finally found another place that has it, this one. Publick House has a rotating selection of unique beers from across New England and beyond. It adds an amazing uniqueness, to me, that every couple weeks I can find a different set of ales/stouts/IPA 's to compliment my meal, keeping this as a fresh experience. As others have said, it is loud, but given the size of the bar that should be a bit of a given. As far as food, it 's good for pub food. If you want good sized burgers to fill you up as you drink, or decent sized appetizers to pick at during a prolonged stay than this is as good a place as any. The food isn 't the best you 'll taste in Brookline, but it isn 't an afterthought and will not disappoint for the price. Given it 's proximity to the Green Line it also offers a safe choice for those who know they drink a little too much when they go out on the town. Parking in Brookline can be a hassle but there are spaces near Star Market you can pay for and plenty along the rail line as well. If you want to catch a Bruins/Celtics game at TD than this is as good a place as any to pregame, as the C-Line runs right to North Station without the need to change like you would for Fenway. Highly recommended.

The first thing that struck my husband and myself was the loud noise. This is not for a quite evening out. Be prepared to barley be able to hear or have a good conversation. Rather long wait for a table. Big social scene for 20-30 year olds. This is a pub/ restaurant for peeps in their twenties and thirties for socializing and meeting. Food was ok but not outstanding and on the expensive side for what it was. Couldn’t get a simple steak which was disappointing. Waitstaff were so over worked and rushed. Doorman told us to go to room to left. Waitress turned us back to the front hostess. Seems like one hand isn’t talking to the other. Wish there were better restaurants in the area.

This is a good place for a tasty and efficient dinner. Service is quick and friendly. Lots of options. Only problem is noise.