Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Monk's Kettle, Oakland, CA

Monk's Kettle

4.4
4.4
57 Reviews
$30 and under
American
5484 College Avenue , Oakland, CA 94618

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for craft beers
  • Hot spot
The Monk’s Kettle is a neighborhood tavern in Oakland's Rockridge district offering upscale pub fare and a broad and balanced list of craft beers, ciders, small producer wines and more.

At once a restaurant, a bar, a gathering place. The Monks Kettle is all of these, all the time, to all comers. A place where all are welcome, where the mission is simply to create a place people want to be.

Named the Best Beer Bar in California. Named one of the best Burgers and Chicken Sandwiches in the region.

For parties of 9 or more, please email Christian@monkskettle.com.

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Oakland
  • Cross street
    College Ave between Lawton and Taft
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

What 57 people are saying

Monk's Kettle reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Monk's Kettle offers an "excellent selection of beers" and "fantastic service." The "lamb shank exceeded expectations" and the "kale salad was flavorful." While some food items were hit or miss, the "welcoming environment" and "cozy outdoor seating" make it a popular spot. Perfect for beer enthusiasts and casual dining.
57 Reviews
  1. Gaius C VIP

    San Francisco63 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We ate out in the back. The menu has probably 18 or so draft beers. Normally I get one, but they happened to have Gulden Carolus in a bottle, and last time I was here I drank the St Bernardus tripel on draft. So I decided to have the Carolus today. The St Bernardus is a great beer, but Carolus is even better (a 99 vs a 97). Waiter was excellent and fixed my order when there was a problem. My wife was very content with the Monk's special burger. I would invite the bar to get more Belgian beers on draft. Here are a few terrific beers to consider: Gulden Carolus quad, Arend tripel (the 100 tripel - best tripel in the world), Kasteel tripel or quad (also 100), Ename, and Brigand beer. So glad this place opened up on College Ave.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I researched menu options on yelp, and I was immediately captivated by a picture of a stunning lamb shank, and knew I had to order it. I was not disappointed, it exceeded my expectations, and tasted even better than it looked. It was a feast, so I had to pass on the appetizers, which was a shame, so next time, I think I’ll just dine on those, as they look incredible

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco3 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on March 13, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Food is solid, as is the beer selection. Service needs work, push to turn tables as quick as possible. Hard to enjoy meal and company.

    1 person found this helpful

  4. Todd

    San Francisco1 review

    2.0

    Dined on March 10, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Had lunch at the bar -- Smash burger was ok, not seasoned. Fries were terrible. Whatever Sysco bag they are using needs to GO! Service was meh. Beers are great.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. Paul

    San Francisco15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Happy they opened a place in Oakland! Nice lunch spot - good variety of salads and sandwiches. Excited to stop by for a beer after work.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Karen

    San Francisco21 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 26, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best part of our experience was the service and the long list of draft beers. I loved that they brought around a description of the different beers too. Given that the beer is the focus, I understand why the menu choices are rather small. I had a brick chicken sandwich which I thought was bland and I had to request mustard. The best part of the meal was the kale salad that came with a sandwich. I also enjoyed the warm olives and the mushroom toast.  The staff and the ambience made this a very enjoyable experience.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Michael

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our beer and cookie pairing was outstanding. One of the cookies we had was truly life changing. Beer list is always tip top and the service is always friendly, timely, and helpful.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Rachel VIP

    San Francisco5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent service at their new spot and delicious food options per usual! Always a good call to go to Monks Kettle for a snack or a meal. Welcoming environment for all!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Linda VIP

    San Francisco16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beer choices are amazing! Wonderful food, too. The chips and guacamole was such a luscious surprise! My lamb shank exuded the most amazing aroma and tasted wonderful, succulent and balanced by a crunchy Greek salad. The cookies!!!!! Our server was attentive and quick. Can't ask for more. We love this place.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Michael

    Palm Springs46 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazingly delicious burger and hop fries. Great addition to the Rockridge dining scene!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Monk's Kettle offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 865-9523.

Monk's Kettle is rated 4.4 stars by 57 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. East Bay
  5. Oakland

Make a reservation


Booked 8 times today
Google Map for Monk's Kettle

5484 College Avenue , Oakland, CA 94618

Additional information

  • Cross street
    College Ave between Lawton and Taft
  • Neighborhood
    Oakland
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:30 am–12:00 am
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Gastro Pub, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo