A taste of Belgium here in the States

I've never been to Belgium. In fact, I know very little about Belgium or Belgian culture, except that Belgian waffles aren't Belgian.

Luckily, no knowledge is required to acquire a seat at Monk's Cafe and Beer Emporium, a restaurant and bar that prides itself with a fine selection of Belgian and other international beers.

In fact, it is perhaps an understatement to say that Monk's Cafe, located at 16th and Spruce Street, has a fine selection of beer when they sport no fewer than 200 beers from various countries, about 90 of which come from Belgium.

Yes, Monk's takes its beers seriously, even offering a Beer Bible (which diehard patrons can purchase for $3) that gives a history of beer, a lesson in how beer is made, a glossary of beer terms and expositions on some of Monk's top sellers.

And such uninspired brews as Miller, Budweiser, and Heineken -- "crap," as they are called in the Beer Bible -- are nowhere to be found at Monk's.

Instead, true beer connoisseurs can partake in draughts of Dupont Saison, Cantillon, Lindemains -- a Flemish Sour Ale brewed exclusively for Monk's from Belgium -- Coniston's XB from England or Dogfish Head and Thirsty Dog "Old Leghumper" Porter from the States.

Monk's also features two separate bars -- one in the front and one in the back -- and each one offers a selection of different beers unavailable at the other.

But Monk's is also a restaurant, and it offers more to its customers than just pints of Belgian beer. Monk's has a wide menu with fare as simple as one of its "Monk's Burgers" or more gourmet options like mussels or roasted pheasant.

One of the more simple offerings is also one of its best; Monk's specialty fries -- or "pommes frites," for all you Francophones out there -- are not to be mistaken with McDonald's fries. These "pommes frites" are thinly sliced potato fries served with a bourbon mayonnaise dip.

And while I was only daring enough to try a "Monk's Burger" -- topped with blue cheese and caramelized leeks -- and a bit of filet mignon with boursin, both were excellent.

The atmosphere at Monk's contributes as much to the experience as the food and Beer Bible.

While incredibly crowded on weekend nights -- exacerbated by the narrowness of the building and the fact that Monk's does not take reservations -- the place definitely has a friendly and positive ambience that seems to invite drunken revelry.

The staff is incredibly polite and helpful in catering to people, especially in recommending particular beers from their extensive list. Based on your particular preferences and your food selection, they are able to recommend a suitable complimentary brew.

While dining at Monk's won't drain your savings account, it is not incredibly cheap. A burger costs $7.25, while an order of "pommes frites" is $3.50.

And the true cost of a meal at Monk's Cafe lies in the beer, with prices ranging from $4 to as high as $50 for a taste of the very rare Cantillon St. Lamvinous.

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