DID YOU KNOW ?
- Before Monk's occupied the current building, Nig's was the owner.
- The benches on the second level are originally from Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.
- Helen Heineke, Monk's wife, sold the business to Jane and Tom Heller in 1982 who plan to continue the traditions that Monk and Helen started in 1947.
- Monk's is not named after the Monkey but after the original owner, Monk Heineke.
- Jim and John Heineke, Monk's sons, excelled as linemen for the Badgers during the heydey of the 50's.
Monk's Bar was started in 1947 by Gustave Adolph Heineke and his wife Helen on Oak Street, just 1/2 block from its current downtown location.
Monk's original menu consisted of a 1/4# hamburger, 1/4# cheeseburger, ham & cheese sandwich, liver sausage on rye, chips, chili and bean soup. 
In approximately 1962, Monk's moved to its current location and the interior became a shrine of Badger memorabilia, due to the fact that Monk and Helen’s sons, Jim and John, were very successful athletes and excelled playing football at the University of Wisconsin for the Badgers. Included in the memorabilia are autographed photos from Jim and John’s teammates through the years of 1952-1958. The bar has since added contemporary Badger and Packer memorabilia.
In 1982, seven years after Monk’s passing, Helen sold the bar to Tom and Jane Heller who continue to hold on to the tradition of the Badger sports bar and have tried to expand and develop the business to remain competitive in today’s market. They broadened the menu and seating in 1981. Then in 1999, the bar was completely gutted and the second and third levels were added to create the bar as we know it today.
Through the last 25 years, because of the hard work and determination of key management and dedicated employees, Monk’s has developed into a must stop for visiting families and a favorite watering hole for locals.
Monk’s Bar & Grill is known throughout the Midwest as THE place to go for a great burger and friendly service.
