Restaurant Review: Cheeky Monkey Deli

Monkey see, Monkey eat! We trekked up to the Twin Cities this week to enjoy the neighborhoods we miss so much. This time around we mainly visited the St. Paul area, specifically the Cathedral Hill neighborhood. If you have a fondness for historic communities, then you'll love Cathedral Hill. And if you like sandwiches and soup, then you should stop in at the Cheeky Monkey Deli.



A giant three panel menu greeted us at the door.



For some reason Jonathan and I both gravitated to the meatloaf sandwich (must have been the subzero temperatures outside). We decided to share a sandwich and a bowl of chili. We ordered, took our designated number and sat near the fireplace. Unfortunately, a few moments later we were told (very apologetically) that they were out of chili. Oh no! The horror!! They suggested a turkey/vegetable soup instead and we acquiesced.

While we waited for our order, we looked around at the decor. Three colors dominated--red, black and white. Besides the expected prints of monkeys placed here and there, they also had framed album and comic book covers decorating the walls. Some albums made sense--The Monkees. Others not so much--Barry Manilow. As for the comic books, they needed more Gorilla Grodds, Monsieur Mallahs, Detective Chimps and Gleeks gracing the covers instead of those pesky super-humans. ;)

The uncomplicated chandeliers also caught our eye because the light bulbs looked like they came from another century.



When our food arrived we couldn't wait to dig in and enjoy. We weren't disappointed. The spices in the soup created a savory base that boosted the flavors of the large pieces of shredded turkey and vegetables.



And the meatloaf sandwich? Moist. Tasty. Spicy. More, please.



If you ever check out the Cheeky Monkey, get the Meatloaf Sandwich. I'm serious. Unless you don't eat meat. Then stay away from it, but don't fret because they have some delicious-looking options for the veggies out there too. Like the pressed swiss cheese, grass-fed gouda, provolone, caramelized onions on ciabatta sandwich or the grilled seasonal vegetables, hummus on ciabatta sandwich.

Hmmm...you're hungry now aren't you?

Well, put on your coat, head out the door and get over to the Cheeky Monkey Deli. It's easy to find, just look for the monkey...