DESCRIPTION: This used to be great for excellent European cuisine at reasonable prices. The secret was in saving the costs usually sunk in location and decor by setting up your operation in a bare bones storefront complete with vinyl chairs and plastic tablecloths! If you did not arrive with the early birds, you were always stuck in a line to order your food and then to find an empty table. And when done, you were responsible for busing your own table. Besides the lines, jostling for a table or dealing with the folks playing vulture and hanging over you while you eat can be uncomfortable. But the food was exquisite. My favorite was a boneless chicken breast in Marsala sauce. In addition to the Austrian, French, and Italian entrees, there were salads, pizzas and some sandwiches at lunch. And an extensive beer and wine list. Take out is also an option for those who don't like the crowds or the table vultures. But, the chef moved on and left Cafe Monti in the hands of the employees. Haven't been there since the management change, so not sure if the same standards are being maintained. But if they are, just the experience of eating good value, fine food in a not-so-fine dining room is worth at least one visit!
DATE: 2004-01-01
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Chicken Marsala

Little has changed
DESCRIPTION: It's unfortunate that the reader never returned as nothing noticable has changed at the restaraunt other than a few faces, although the man who cooked with Monti for so many years is still around and still turning out some of the best food in town. The prices aren't "cheap," but they are affordable, and every dime truly goes into the quality of the food. This is not a place for ambiance. I've rated the service and ambiance average because quite honestly, they are for what you're there for. This is not a place to be waited on and you can bus your own tables.
DATE: 2004-09-18
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Any of the dozens of specials.