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I have to admit: Once a Northeast naysayer, I’m finding more and more reasons to like my new ‘hood. While I’ve always appreciated the short drive to the gloriously seasoned crab fries at Chickie’s & Pete’s, I’ve been craving more variety on the nights when I’m just not in the mood to make my friends chauffeur me into town.

Over the past few months, I’ve found plenty of options. First, I fell hard for the pulled pork and tender ribs at Sweet Lucy’s, a modest BYOB serving arguably the best BBQ in town. Then, Grey Goose Lodge won my heart with its stellar beer list and above-par pub grub. Now, the object of my desire is Three Monkeys Cafe, an adorably homey bar/restaurant that’s very Center City, but without the cosmopolitan price tags. I dare you to find a restaurant in town serving sinfully spicy $3 Bloody Mary’s during Sunday brunch. Three’s the magic number on Monday too “” thanks to $3 margaritas, $3 martinis and $3 Manhattans served all day long. Cheap drinks aren’t the only reason to check out Three Monkeys though. The reasonably priced, sometimes adventurous menu is worth a look too. Try the cheesesteak soup, Asian wings, fresh avocado stuffed with crab salad, salmon BLT and, of course, the monkey bread “” my favorite dessert EVER.

Okay, so I’m officially on the Northeast bandwagon. You comin’ along for the ride?

3 Monkeys Cafe
9645 James Street, Philadelphia, PA 19114
(215) 637-MONK