The Monastery

I think the last time I was at The Monastery was probably 7 years ago? I live on the opposite side of town, so I haven't had a chance to check the place out since then. Tonight, I made a last minute decision to check out some live music. Bad Co. Experience was performing tonight I was looking forward to giving them a listen. Being that it was a Thursday night, I wasn't expecting a large crowd or anything, which is fine by me.I had no problem finding parking and I was greeted by several staff members when I walked into the courtyard. I found myself a table relatively close to the stage where the band was setting up. I was happy to see ashtrays on the tables so I could smoke one of my cigars during the show. I forgot how huge the outdoor area is. Lots of seating and covered areas.Shortly after seating myself, a gentleman came to my table to ask if I'd like something to drink. He took my order and told me that he wasn't my server, but he'd get me started and then hand me off to the server assigned to the section I was seated in. I thought that was very cool! Shortly after, the assigned server came back to my table with my beer and introduced herself. I placed a food order for their Famous Monk Burger.I really don't have high expectations for bar food. Typically it's nothing fancy and mediocre at best. I must say though, the burger was damn good! It was seasoned well and it was cooked as I ordered it - medium! The fries were... meh. Of course, I'll rarely rave about battered fries from anywhere since they're the bane of my existence.Service throughout the evening was excellent! I wish I could remember her name to give her some recognition here. She had long red hair. She was friendly attentive and efficient!Based on my experience here, I'm a bit shocked by some of the reviews. Maybe being here on a Thursday makes a difference? All I know is, I had a great experience and I won't hesitate to return for future live band events.

Hadn't been here in a while, but was excited to celebrate a friend's bday. I honestly have nothing to say that's bad. While the whole place has changed, we had a great time. The music was right up our alley and my husband even won the "ugly sweater contest". $100 to the monastery! We put the bday boy's pic on it. Everyone thought it was hilarious, hence the 1st place award. Food was good, especially the fries. Drinks came out quick too even though the place was packed! We plan on going back soon to spend our $100 gift card!

My husband and I truly enjoy checking out "new to us" local flare. The Monastery was our choice a week or so ago. We were pretty sure that the absolutely packed parking lot was a good sign, more folks were heading inside than out.I was a little nervous parking my car right under a tow away zone sign, but being a Saturday night, I prayed the stars aligned in my favor. I loved the entrance, they have dedicated parking spots for bikes. It really feels like you are entering an old monastery as you walk in.It was confusing once inside, there were SO many people, everywhere, and it was hard to distinguish where to go or who to talk to for service. Unlike traditional eating establishments, there was no one welcoming us as we walked in and there wasn't a directional flow. We walked through the maze of the inside area, and outside area, trying to capture the attention of anyone to help us find a spot to sit, no one said anything. we had to stop a server and ask where to go. There were several events happening, many of the tables were blocked as reserved, and the scene was incredibly chaotic. After a bit of a search, we were able to find an empty and non reserved table on the left side of the stage next to the patio. Deciding that spot was adequate, we seated ourselves and wondered what would happen next.After about 15 minutes a staff member stopped by and took our drink orders. Drinks were served in plastic cups, which is a great idea for an outdoor setting. We ordered our food and relaxed in the Arizona fall evening. Considerable people watching commenced, as there was a volleyball game going on, and lots of kids running around playing.This was such a FUN night! Seeing all these people out living, after the last two years we have all experienced, was so refreshing. There were young families, and old families. Kids dancing, adults dancing, humans interacting. Everyone was smiling and happy. I think I ate the most enjoyable hamburger of all time that night, because I was happy too.The band came on at 7 and we had already been there for an hour and a half. The music was pretty ok, not great, not awful and we could sing along. We stuck around for the first 20 minutes or so and then headed out. We were still smiling. We are still smiling today.

Wow! Such a great space and such a poor service to area... (Malibu) prices in a (Mesa) Desert retirement community!

Paper every thing and they have the nerve to charge those prices. Food barely palatable.

One of our favorite places, great outdoor venue with great bands! Not crazy about the food menu, fish and chips wereProbably the best thing on it and they recently took it off sowe go elsewhere for food,You can't be the atmosphere with the fire pits,Cornhole and outdoor volleyball, we love this place!

Poor service, high prices, instant fry food, almost no inside seating, and they charge you an additional 3% to use your credit card. UNACCEPTABLE! When it's not over 100 degrees outside, it can be a fun place to hang out. It's like your backyard.

Yesterday, me and my whole family (a pretty big one) came to celebrate 2 of my relatives turning 60 and also any birthdays within the last 5 months. I wanted to give a HUGE shout out to Westin (hopefully I am spelling it right! so sorry if I'm not!) who attended to all of us with such care and a smile the whole entire time! I myself am I bartender/server so I 1000% understand the pressure of doing a party of 20+ with people constantly being added and cashing out, moving around, etc etc. He's way better than me! We've been here a a few times as a large group since we love the atmosphere and no one has been as kind and quick as Weston/Westin! We appreciate you so much dude!! If we are back in the near future, we will definitely be requesting him if he's cool with that:D

Terrible all around. Unless you like old, drunk people stuck in the 70s-80s nostalgic music scene. Dirty, old, dark inside, food was terrible. It's definitely a bar for older people and not a place to eat.

Fun times, excellent service, and great atmosphere!Looking forward to "TOO BROKE FOR COUNTRY THUNDER"!