So, several months have passed since my second review in July. It's only fair that I post my newest review of Chatty Monks. This time around (i've been back twice this month), the beer tasted MUCH better. I'm not sure if it was an issue with quality control when they first opened, but everything just tasted so much yummier. The pumpkin (crash test #2, I think) was delicious... And I'm kinda picky with my pumpkin beer. I also got to try the nachos. A friend ordered them with chili... Delicious! Overall, the place is a wonderful addition to the area, and the bartenders are very friendly. We will certainly visit more again.:) I've given this place a second try. I really really want to love it, but I just don't. The Zythos IPA had a strong alcohol taste, but my dining partner described it as his "glass tastes dirty". It wasn't very good. Farmhouse Ale was tasty...the others were just ok. I came for nachos, which are listed on their online menu. I tried calling ahead of time to see that they had them (last time they did not). No one answers the phone. We walked there to find the nachos were not on the menu again. Furthermore, and perhaps the most disappointing- the bartender mentioned to another patron that the reason you cannot purchase a full glass of the Belgian Trippel is because it is "so close to 10%" and so it doesn't "hit you" so hard. Uh, it's 8.6% abv. Are you KIDDING me? I'm not a child. I can handle 8.6%. Disappointed! read more

Love the ambiance upstairs!! Mahi fish tacos, wings and veggie panini are delicious... def get their handcut fries My favorite place to grab a beer on the ave. Friendly staff and I always have a good experience. They have entertainment throughout the week too and if you don't like beer they also have liquor and wine options! read more

I am not one to post reviews, but felt the need to after visiting Chatty Monks yesterday. First for the purpose of validating [and thanking] the Yelpers who left their positive feedback and guided me to this gem. I was with the family, visiting Albright College to take care of some admissions business for my step-son. When it came time to leave and get some lunch I pulled out my phone, opened Yelp and perused some reviews - deciding on Chatty Monks. The Milk Stout was excellent. If it wasn't for the fact that I had a two-hour drive ahead of me, I could have sat there and drank them all day. The Mrs. ordered an unsweetened iced tea, but upon tasting her Dad's Blonde, quickly amended her order to include a beer for herself. The table shared a Smoked Bacon Jalapeño Popper dip which had the perfect balance of heat and flavor. I had the Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich and my father-in-law got the platter. The reviews are correct - the pulled pork was absolutely delicious! The staff was friendly, attentive, and very helpful. I can't wait for "move-in day" at Albright when I'll be in the area again so I can go back to Chatty Monk's and have some more of that delicious Milk Stout. read more

I'm not a huge review writer.. But since other yelper reviews led us to this place, we needed to chime in as well. The food was DELICIOUS --- his quote last night about our Jalepeno Popper Bacon Dip --"this is the best dip I ever had", which I've never heard before. The Monkey Wings were perfect! Sweet, hot, moist with a perfected crispness to the outside! My smoked Prime Rib Sandwich was Soo flavorful!!!! & huge!!!! I'm not big with taking home leftovers - but something about that smoked moist meat and caramelized opinions with the au jus on the side, needed to come home with me! Our Bartender Chris - yes, we sat at the bar - was VERY attentive through out the whole night (and the place was packed by 6:30!), & his patience with our "choosing" was very admirable for a busy bar with one tender. The all around experience here will have us back again when we are in the area :) read more

Didn't go for the beer but second time around and it was better than the first. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. The service was impeccable, the server even remembered me from my first visit. Pretty impressive. Manager even came to the table to make sure we were satisfied. Small cafe but just enough room to be comfortable. Now to the food.... it was superb! They have a way of blending in hops like I never had before. The shrimp appetizer was crusty with a subtle bite, very nice. I just can't seem to get past seeing "chicken wings" on a menu and not try them, so...I did! Am I glad I did they were crispy, tender and what an awesome sauce that covered the wing but did not over power them. Finally we had a skirt steak with homemade hoppy fries that was cooked to perfection. Medium rare with the perfect pink middle. If I lived near this place I would definitely be a regular. Not over priced and great food and service what more can you ask for!!! read more

My g/f and I stopped in here for a brew. The decor inside looks great. The beer, even better! This is hands down the best beer I have ever had. I am actually saddened due to the fact that I do not live in this part of the state. At a glance, the food looked great. The portions were huge. Next time I swing through this area I will give it a try amongst their awesome tasting beer! read more

Great food, great beer, great staff! I was served by Leah, who was very friendly and quick. I had great beer, great cider, and an incredible burger. I will definitely come here again! read more

3.5 stars. The Reading area desperately needs better dining options and more diversity in terms of mediocre, non-chain restaurants. Nice to see a locally-owned brewpub finally come to West Reading. Inside the decorum is modern & tasteful. They did a nice job of renovating and utilizing the available space to make it feel as open as possible given the space limitations. Also like how they featured the 'bare bones' of the building too including the exposed brick which is so prominent in so many Reading buildings. It could use a bit more artwork. I wouldn't mind seeing them partner with GoogleWorks to bring in a bit more local artwork into the restaurant. It is also well-light inside.I know some restaurants like to have very darkened interiors especially at dinner. Never cared for that and with all of the track lighting here that isn't an issue. The only downside is that it was a bit difficult to hear my girlfriend across the table at dinner. It was a bit loud with the music and a packed restaurant and bar. As for the featured items, I had the Thelonious Milk Stout and the Relevation Ale. I wasn't crazy about the Thelonious Milk Stout in terms of either its body or its finish. Maybe it was because it was the end of a keg but it wasn't a good stout. I prefer other Stouts including from Stoudt's in Adamstown. The Relevation Ale was a quality beer and something I would even consider buying a case of potentially. My girlfriend had the Green Magic Pale Ale and enjoyed it enough even if she likes other similar beers a bit more. We split an order of the fries (which are done in peanut oil). I had the Ahi Tuna Tacos and she had the Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich. Tacos were okay but not something I would order again. Tuna was a bit overcooked and dried out. Smoked pulled pork sandwich had a good BBQ taste but it was a little overcooked too & dried out. Fries were good and were the best part of the meal. This is definitely a place I would go back to again when I am up in the Reading area visiting family especially to try some of their seasonal beer offerings in spring/summer. read more

I am staying in the area for business on a quiet Sunday here in Reading. I was told to walk on Penn Ave and came upon this new establishment for dinner. This placed reminds me of a favorite of mine in Westchester County - Growlers. Chatty Monks brews their own beers - which is different than Growlers in that Growlers has several beers from different breweries. The service was superb. My waiter was very attentive and friendly. I would have to say the pulled pork sandwich could have more spice to it. My one beer was fine - they were out of several (I assume as they just opened they have been quite busy). More selection would be great. They need a larger selection of food. Like my local pub - the kitchen is probably very small but they are ways to make it work. Also - more salad options would be nice. Like Growlers when it opened - I hope they check their reviews and alter as requests come in. Growlers is now top notch 5 stars - and I am sure this place will become a local gem. The decor is very nice - TVs for sporting events might be a good idea to compete with the place next door. I look forward to coming back to the area and stopping in to see how things are going. A definite must go as I see this being a huge success! read more

I was super excited when I heard about this place. It's about time West Reading gets a craft microbrewery. Great location and ambiance. We only stopped in to try the brews, but it seemed most people were also there for dinner. The food options are not your typical bar food, which is a nice to see. Another patron was raving about the hoppy fries. I had the Endoplasmic Reticulum IPA, awesome, hoppy yet smooth, I highly recommend it! We also tried the bitter, tasty but not my style. I truly hope this place gets great success, terrific addition to Penn Ave. Next time I'll be sure to try some of the food & get a growler to take home! read more

Chatty Monks Brewing - Endoplasmic Reticulum IPA - New American Near Me - West Reading, Pennsylvania

I used to recommend this place to everyone! Family, friends, co-workers and I worked front desk at the busiest and nicest hotel in this area so I sent them a lot of business because the food used to be really good (over time it hasn't stayed consistent) the atmosphere was nice and they had a few good beers so I used to go there pretty often with my boyfriend and one would think that they would start to get to know you but after we were seated upstairs when no one else was and it wasn't even that busy downstairs plus our waitress seemed to have forgotten about us so our food was cold when we got it (only after I had to go down to ask about it)- that was it for us. read more

My boyfriend and I stopped in today for lunch after finding it on Yelp. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. I had the indulgence White IPA which was good and not too hoppy. I'm not usually an IPA drinker but I enjoyed it. My boyfriend had 3 samplers of 3 beers so he could try everything on tap. His favorites were the Belgian Dubbel and the Belgian Rye Saison. The buffalo chicken panini and pulled pork sandwich were good. We added the hoppy fries instead of chips and they were amazing! It was a nice spot to relax and enjoy good food and beer. We'll definitely be back! read more

Chatty Monks Brewing - Beer on tap list and the Indulgence White IPA - New American Near Me - West Reading, Pennsylvania

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Truly excellent service by Ryan at the Farmers Market stand! Two weeks in a row we have stopped to and he is phenomenal! We had the Pumpkin Porter and the Oktoberfest today both were great. Last week we had h Crash Test Pumpkin, also a winner. Waiting for my fries because I have order envy from the couple next to us! You have to stop by here! read more

This was a good place! Great atmosphere and good beer. All the food was a bit spicy but that wasn't my reason for 3 stars. The service was terrible! It took forever to get drinks we got our food the same time as we got beer. When we visited the open mic night upstairs the entertainment was great but again service terrible! We were ignored and it took over 20 Minutes for them to take our order for one beer. They are loosing money if they cannot get the beer served.... read more

Good food and drinks. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. My friend snd I came in at 9 pm yet the server snd chefs did not rush us through our charcuterie snd salmon plates. It was a great first time experience . Service is every bit as important as the food to this reviewer. read more

Food and beer was fantastic !!! Fish and chip was the best!!! Service was great and super friendly ! The hostess was great with getting our group of ten settled with a toddler!! Great atmosphere ... def go again! read more

Chatty Monks Brewing - Fish n chips!!! So good!!!! - New American Near Me - West Reading, Pennsylvania

My son and I were in town and ate there last night. Everything about this establishment was outstanding. To start, the hostess was very friendly and helpful with getting a table that suited us, smiling the entire process. The bartender that served us at the bar while we awaited a table was friendly, knowledgable and very professional. We don't particularly care for a hoppy type beer that so many others do, so she got us a taste of the Mosaic Pale Ale and the Petite Fleur Saison of which we had the latter and thoroughly enjoyed it. The nachos were hearty and delicious and I had fish and chips, which were done to perfection while my son had a bratwurst that he still referenced today. We are still in town, so guess where we are going tonight. Give this place a try. You will not regret It! read more

Chatty Monks Brewing - New American Near Me - West Reading, Pennsylvania

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Great atmosphere and good food. Plus the beer was very tasty. Can't wait to go back. Jim from NH

Seated quickly. Great service. Good beer selection. Food is good. Had chili, fish and chips (generous portions) and fresh fries served with tartar and siracha. Also had ultimate bratwurst, smaller than hoped and not spicy as hyped. Will certainly come again read more

Chatty Monks Brewing - New American Near Me - West Reading, Pennsylvania

This is my favorite restaurant on Penn Ave. Excellent micro brewery and an on point menu. I've enjoyed every entree I've had here, although my favorite is a guilty pleasure: the loaded nachos. It may be bar food but hey, it's a bar. They have out door seating on Penn Ave and you can bring your dog which makes it an easy choice for lunch on the weekend. The wait staff is friendly, fast and responsive. If you get Morgan you can expect to be well taken care of. read more

Have been to the CHATTY MONKS bar/stand at the Reading Fairground Market couple of times a month for about 6 mos. now. First of all, they do brew some top notch beers which they usually have about 8 different selections on Tap (of their multitude of craft beers they brew). Every selection is excellent in it's own way! Also, great minds collect there and get into some very interesting discussions. Every BARTENDER that worked there were great, especially RYAN who is one of the most helpful in remembering which beers I liked in the past and explaining differences with new selections...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS/GALS!!! read more

we found them on Yelp and were intrigued with the 'hoppy fries'. We were coming from the Lancaster area on the way back to Jersey and very hungry. Every thing was great from the music, ambiance, flights of beer, great menu and service from Christine and Aiden. The hoppy fries did not disappoint. read more

Stopped in today for the first time. I've been dying to get here, and boy did I leave happy. Sat down at the bar and ordered a flight. After telling the bartender it was my first time, she was awesome! Told me all about the place, the different beer, what people liked, etc. Unfortunately, I had other lunch plans and didn't get to try any food, but hey, just an excuse to come back!! Thanks Chatty Monks for a great beer drinking experience. read more

The food was great, the beer was greater. Morgan was the best server. We all really enjoyed our time! Love it here

Malik is the GM and is absolutely the best! He completely opened up the top floor for us and made it feel like I was at a friends chilling! He was so attentive and kind, hands down one of the best people we've ever met! read more

Had a wonderful time here today enjoying some beautifully crafted beer and expertly prepared food. The hop fries are a must! As is from the two I tried (farmhouse ale and nitro milk stout) any of their house crafted beers. I see myself spending much more time here. read more

Chatty Monks Brewing - My beer was as happy to see me as I was to drink it. - New American Near Me - West Reading, Pennsylvania

I come here once a week or so and it's amazing every time. You probably hear this a lot but LITERALLY everything is good and there is something for everyone. If you're vegetarian (or if you're not), try the Meditation, it's incredible. The wings and pulled pork are my go-to dishes and they're always perfect. Every beer is taste. I personally petition to bring back the Belgian Blonde Ale they had, but thats me. read more

Chatty Monks Brewing - Amazing wings and hoppy beer compliment each other - New American Near Me - West Reading, Pennsylvania

A lovely spot for my husband and I to enjoy drinks and eccentric food. We ate at the bar and had a great experience. Definitely will be going back read more

Buffalo Chicken Panini is out of this world! Had the American IPA on draft and was really great! read more

Chatty Monks Brewing - New American Near Me - West Reading, Pennsylvania

We are in Reading for the Berks Jazzfest and stopped in Chatty Monks (twice so far ). We were greeted by Morgan and her energy was great. She pointed us in the direction of one of their new realeases, Hazy Dance Moves (or party ) and it is great! The fries are also great. We will definitely be back! read more

Moved my son into his college house and lucky me I found Chatty Monk right down the street. They made a great IPA accompanied by really good food. I highly recommend this place to try and bookmark so you come back many times. Here is my call out to the owners, you need to offer fried pickles Ll the time, not just late night. Anyway, do not let that stop you from trying this wonder little micro pub. read more

What a great place to hang out! The bartender Morgan not only was up for great conversation but also gave great drink recommendations! Her super authentic genuine attitude was super welcoming and made you feel like part of something special when you sat at the bar. Super friendly place with great vibes! read more

Great location. Beer selection is pretty good. A lot of competition now in the area so I would suggest stepping the beer game up. Food and service has always been really good. Great addition to the 2nd floor for seating and dining. We live local so we will obviously continue the support of this business. read more

Great spot on Penn Ave delicious small menu, we went and tried just about every appetizer my favorites remain the hoppy French friars(dip served with it is AMAZING), chipotle wings, and the soup. Grape smoothie was delicious. Great beer selection, love supporting these amazing local businesses. read more

Chatty Monks Brewing - Hoppy French Friars and wings - New American Near Me - West Reading, Pennsylvania

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My husband and I were standing outside debating to try and two groups (1 going in and 1 going out) raved about it and told us to give it a try. We primarily were looking for a place for dinner and I don't think this place fits the bill. Great for a few drinks and bar appetizers! Atmosphere and decor is nice, new, and refreshing. Food was good. We had sandwiches and nachos. Giving it three stars because service was terrible. Staff is very friendly, but extremely slow. Our waitress seemed to forget about us and was constantly socializing with friends or regulars near the bar. Overall, will try again for drinks and appetizers. read more

Stopped in and enjoyed the food. I'm not much of a drinker but it seemed like the rest of the crowd enjoyed it. I liked it so much I went home with a shirt . I would stop by this place again. Cool area, neat restaurant, good food. read more

Had dinner here while I was in town. I like to try the local brewery when visiting areas. I was hoping they would have had some high octane brews, but they didn't have anything over 6%. So that's the reason I didn't give 5 stars. They offer wines for those that aren't into beer, so that's smart. But the food was good. I had a cup of chili and the "Q" dinner. Chili was thick and chunky with veggies and beef. I Highly recommend it. The Q dinner was pretty good, chili was better. The sauce they recommended for the pulled pork wasn't what I usually like, but still worth a taste. Service was welcoming and prompt. If you're looking for a local brew spot, I'd check them out. read more

Great food and service! Especially from Morgan, have been a few times and every time she's been friendly and fast, and has definitely been a reason for me to come back. read more

Came back again today with the same results we had about a year ago. Great service, good beer, really good food. Highly recommend the fish and chips (enough for 2) and the nachos are ridiculously good. As I said before, we will be back for sure. Keep it up read more

This was my second visit to this fine establishment. On my first visit I stopped in to sample the nice selection of their own in house craft brewed beers they had to offer. I haven't tried one I didn't like. My favorite was Thelonious Milk Stout. They have growlers you can purchase to take your favorite home or your welcome to bring in your own growler. My second visit was to try the foods they had to offer. (and of course the beer) I went with my Wife and nephew. Their Chipotle BBQ "Flying Monky" Wings are a must try! They were so sweet and tangy. It will definitely be my go to place for wings (and of course the beer). My wife had the "Bunker" Buffalo Chicken Panini and my nephew had the Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich which he devoured. Service was great. They were all very attentive. Did I mention the beer is really good. Make this your next stop for good food and delicious beverage. read more