Monika’s Cafe Bar
“In summer, patio furniture set up in front of Cafe Bar's signature stained-glass windows makes for a lively sidewalk scene.”
“Funky décor, from rainbow windows to Barbies designating the bathrooms, gives the place a relaxed vibe.”
“It's got lots a vegan and gluten free options, as well as a very generous variety of gourmet healthy food.”
Monika’s Cafe Bar
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Cafe Bar is the gift to Astoria/LIC that keeps on giving. The locals know it as Monica's after the elusive owner rumored to be depicted in the seductively posed and birthday suit clad stained glass art-piece that once adorned the rear wall of the bar. The official name is Cafe Bar but however you know this eclectic gem of a spot, there's little debate as to the quality and taste of their awesome recipes.
I'm not a vegetarian, I eat vegetarians. But my absolute favorite menu item from Cafe Bar is the vegetarian dish. It comes with an excellent quinoa component and my favorite spiced mushrooms. The side dips rule too.
Staff is generally friendly and efficient. My only gripe is that the cook keeps screwing-up the temperature on my burgers: I order medium rare and I typically receive medium-well. They always offer to change it it and I never take them up on it. I just wish that they get it right the first time.
PS 1/2 price bottle of wine on Mondays and Tuesdays!
I've enjoyed Cafe Bar for years. I used to live and work in the area and we got take out from here for lunch quite regularly. I'm a fan of the fish tacos especially, although it has been a couple years since I've had the chance to indulge.
Most recently I visited Cafe Bar for brunch. They have some great options for meals that come with a choice of cocktail. Their Bloody Mary, although quite small, packs a punch. It has good flavor, plenty of spice, and just enough booze.
I decided to get the English, which features two poached eggs atop English muffin halves, home fries made with mushrooms and green beans, baked beans, grilled tomato, and bacon. Overall, I really enjoyed the dish. It's kind of all over the place, but hits a lot of flavors I enjoy. The freshness of the tomato is great, along with the delicious beans, and nicely flavored potatoes. There was a HUGE pile of bacon which I didn't finish, but no worries. My only real complaint is that my poached eggs were completely solid. No runny yolk. Not even a drop.
I didn't complain or send it back. I didn't want to make my fellow diners wait for my food since we were on a schedule. Overall I still enjoyed the dish but really missed that runny yolk.
Although I love the fish tacos, and overall have had decent experiences at Cafe Bar (and will continue to return because there's rarely a wait, there's great outdoor seating, and it's super close to my friends' apartment), it's not my absolute favorite by any means. The menu is ethnically diverse yet pretty limited. You don't have tons of choices.
Overall, I think Cafe Bar is a good option if you're in the area, but I don't think it's the BEST option.
As a writer living off 34th avenue who is always looking for a chill spot to write at, I genuinely appreciate this place. Especially in the summer, when the outdoor tables are set up on this uncharacteristically quiet block in Astoria. Their brunch menu is varied and fantastic. The eggs Benedict salad is literally the only salad I've ever ordered purposefully, even when I'm not "trying to be good."
Not to mention, while this place does get busy, it's never so jam packed that i feel bad taking up a whole table to myself. Free wifi further sweetens the deal.
If you're looking for a laid back outdoor brunch spot, I highly recommend. You won't be disappointed.
Better known as Cafe Bar to Astoria locals…
What a cute spot! I came here for an early dinner on a Thursday (around 5:30pm) and there were a few tables with people. We sat inside, unfortunately, but that's because we had to do work and needed Wifi and no glare from the sun. The nice part is, all the doors are open so you still get an outdoor vibe even if you're inside. Plus, trees are a part of the interior decor.
We shared the guacamole appetizer and it was fine. For my entree I got the earth bowl and added tempeh. Though they originally forgot to put the tempeh on, the waiter was very quick to bring me a side order of it. Now, I'm not one to leave food behind, but the portion was so huge I had no choice but to leave some quinoa behind. Sad Jackie couldn't join the clean plate club. However, the bowl was absolutely delicious. It was fresh and packed with superfoods. Cafe Bar is one of those hidden healthyish food places with unhealthy options, but everything is great quality so you still feel like you're sticking to your diet.
The service is good, the prices are normal, AND you can sit outside. Excellent.
Sometimes it's just good to go with the flow or when you can't walk any further after a spin class you plop down somewhere random. What a delight and surprise for randomness. Food and service was pretty darn good. I enjoyed the English breakfast to the belly fullest, everything was tasty; my guest had the french toast she ate it all with not one complaint. If I ever end up loosing my mind and doing another early morning spin class I will for sure stop here.
This is an alright brunch spot. I had the English breakfast with a bellini, Earl Grey tea, and a Hot Buttered Rum. My meal was good and reasonably priced, with the exception of my tea which was an absurd $3.67! Sorry, but that is a crazy amount for a single cup of tea.
Additionally, our waiter wasn't very attentive to our table and every time we needed something we had to flag him down. When our meals came out, there wasn't even utensils on the table.
Overall, it's a cute little place and the food is decent, but between the service and price for tea, I can't see me coming back here any time soon.
What an eclectic looking place! Monika's is a cute cafe/bar with an interesting variety of dinner and brunch options with a Mediterranean influence. I came here for brunch which is served from 10am-5pm (long right?) Each entree comes with a free Mimosa, Bloody Mary or Bellini which is nice. Pay a bit extra, you can get all boozied up as much as you'd like for 1 hour.
I ended up ordering the Cypriot Breakfast which was good. The plate consists of Fried Eggs, Greek Sausage, Grilled Halloumi, Olives, Tomatoes and Homefries. I ordered my eggs poached and unfortunately they were overcooked but since the place was very busy, I ate them anyway. Even though the eggs were a bit of a disappointment, the sausage and grilled halloumi were a nice touch and the star of the meal. Its makes for a different take on breakfast sausage and sides. My free Bellini was okay although a bit watered down.
Overall, my brunch was good. I think there were a few errors cooking-wise, but I would come back for another visit for their dinner options.
Also! I don't know if this is a big factor… but you can bring your dog to brunch. Outside area of course.
I came here a little bit ago for drinks with some work friends on a Friday night. This place was decently busy, but not packed. The happy hour with a 2 for 1 is always a sweet deal, especially when the price hasn't been jacked up to accommodate it. I got a sandwich here that was pretty average as a bite to eat. It's cute, but the whole place needs an energy boost or something. Even the right places buzz with an energy and life even when their empty, and this place feels lifeless even when there's life here.
Not to mention the wallpaper in the bathroom is the creepiest thing I think I've ever seen in real life.