Knox-Henderson has always been one of Dallas’ most competitive stretches for dining and nightlife.
Restaurants open with buzz and close just as quickly, new cocktail concepts appear seemingly overnight, and entire blocks seem to reinvent themselves every few years. Through all the turnover, one pub has managed to remain a constant. Since opening in 1998, The Old Monk has established itself as a Dallas landmark, one of those rare places that feels as familiar on your first visit as it does after years of returning.
The Old Monk’s menu reads like a well-balanced golf course: a mix of reliable pars, bold challenges, and a few crowd-pleasers that keep you coming back. The Fish & Chips is one of the pub’s signatures, beer-battered cod fried crisp and golden, served with fries and slaw. It is a dish that doesn’t need reinvention, and the kitchen treats it accordingly – simple, classic, and satisfying, the culinary equivalent of a trusted mid-iron that finds the green every time. For those seeking more firepower, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich provides plenty. Juicy fried chicken comes topped with spicy mayo and enough kick to make you reach for another sip of water (or beer). It is one of my personal favorites, though fair warning: the heat can catch you off guard. Think of it as the risk-reward par five or drivable par 4 on the menu – tempting, rewarding, but capable of punishing you if you can’t handle it.
Cooler weather calls for the Beef Stew, a hearty bowl filled with tender beef, simmered vegetables, and rich broth. This is comfort food at its core, warming you up on a gray day and sticking with you long after you’ve left the table. If the Spicy Chicken Sandwich is about boldness, the Beef Stew is about reliability – the culinary version of laying up to your perfect number on a par 5. Burgers also play a starring role here, with the Whiskey Cheddar Bacon Burger at the top of the list. Smoky bacon, sharp whiskey cheddar, and a pile of fries make it a heavyweight, the kind of order that will bring you back time and time again. It is indulgent, satisfying, and will certainly leave you full, which is exactly how a pub burger should be. My friends and I like to refer to it as a “Knox-Henderson delicacy.”
Those not in a burger mood still have dependable and delicious options. The Reuben stacks corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, and Thousand Island between grilled bread for a tangy, savory classic. The Turkey Club Sandwich goes the other direction, layered with turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a straightforward but great choice that will rival any club sandwich you might come across at the course. Both come with fries, and here the fries deserve a special mention. They arrive in generous portions, crispy and golden, enough to share, but you probably won’t want to. For something a little different, the European Cheeseboard is a pleasant surprise. A rotating trio of cheeses paired with fruit, nuts, and bread, it shows The Old Monk has always been more than a simple burger-and-beer joint. Shared among friends or paired with a Belgian ale, it adds a touch of country club vibes to the pub. The Chipotle-Avocado Chicken Sandwich adds a Tex-Mex flair to the lineup, layering grilled chicken breast with melted Monterey Jack, sliced avocado, lettuce, and tomato. The real star is the spicy chipotle salsita, which gives the sandwich a smoky heat that balances the creamy avocado. It’s hearty without being heavy, and one of the more underrated choices on the menu.
On weekends, the pub shifts into brunch mode, drawing regulars and newcomers alike. After an early tee time, few things hit the spot like settling into the patio with a hearty breakfast plate and a pint or mimosas. The brunch menu strikes a balance between traditional and new school, offering eggs and bacon for those who want to keep it simple and more creative options for those looking to stretch out the morning. The crowd is lively but relaxed, more about conversation and comfort than trying the newest trending brunch spot on Instagram. In a city where brunch often feels like a production, The Old Monk keeps it grounded, which is part of why it has become such a steady weekend stop.
Of course, no pub experience is complete without drinks, and The Old Monk shines here as well. The beer list rotates regularly, balancing local Texas craft options with countless European imports. The Dallas Blonde has been one of my favorites over summer, a crisp, easy-drinking brew that pairs well with just about anything on the menu. When I want something for when the weather cools down, the Medical Grade IPA steps up, its punch standing shoulder to shoulder with the Whiskey Cheddar Bacon Burger or that fiery Spicy Chicken Sandwich. For cocktails, the Texas Ice Pick is my go-to – a simple mix of vodka, iced tea, and lemon. It’s refreshing, deceptively strong, and perfectly suited for a warm Dallas afternoon. The back bar is equally impressive, with shelves of whiskey and scotch that invite both simple pours and more adventurous sampling. The variety here ensures that no matter your taste, there is always something new to try. If plans are on the horizon after The Old Monk, the espresso martini is great and will provide you with enough energy for the back-nine charge. For those who love an old fashioned, I encourage you to give The Irish Old Fashioned a run, a standard version with Buffalo trace is also available. Happy hour runs from 3-7pm on weekdays, and at $7 a cocktail, it is one of the best deals you’ll find around Knox-Henderson.
Taken together, The Old Monk succeeds because it keeps its focus simple: hearty food, quality drinks, and an authentic atmosphere. There is no gimmick here, no trend-chasing concept that will be gone in a year. Instead, there is a consistency that has made it one of Dallas’ most dependable pubs. For golfers, it is an ideal 19th hole – casual enough to unwind after a round, versatile enough to accommodate a group or a solo visit, and the perfect spot to remind everyone about that wedge you stuck close on 18.
Whether you are chasing comfort food on a cool night, knocking back a Texas Ice Pick on a hot afternoon, or easing into brunch after an early tee time, this Dallas institution continues to deliver. And if you’re in the mood to expand your pub tour, The Old Monk is operated by Pubsmith LLC, which also runs The Skellig and Spider Murphy’s, both nearby on Henderson and providing the same impeccable service as The Old Monk. Each offers its own spin on the neighborhood pub experience, giving you even more reason to return to this part of Dallas the next time you finish a round and need a reliable 19th hole