history of Monks

Small Beginnings

In 2003 the 1920 brick building at 420 East Eighth Street was leased to provide a workshop and display area for a custom organic furniture business. A local artist/craftsman leased the building, having spent 20 years designing and building free form and organic furniture. The building housed a studio and workshop as well as the Craftsman Creek Gallery that featured the work of many area artists.

An Unlikely Bar

A local artist/craftsman leased the building, having spent 20 years designing and building free form and organic furniture. The building housed a studio and workshop as well as the Craftsman Creek Gallery that featured the work of many area artists.

Craft Beer Revolution

In 2007, it was necessary to create something completely new in this building and in the state of South Dakota. Having lived in Portland during the late 80s the gallery owner saw the beginnings of the craft brewing revolution and felt Sioux Falls was ready to experience “better beer.” He had owned a bar in Aberdeen in the 1970’s and swore he would never open another, the concept of a craft beer bar was just too hard to resist.

An Institution is Born

And so Monks House of Ale Repute was born. Bringing in rare and interesting beers by working with distributors and small breweries cemented Monks as a South Dakota staple.

Named after the gallery owner’s fondness of Belgian beers, Monks House of Ale Repute expanded to include a deck, patio, and open dining area.

New Beginnings

In May of 2020, Monks House of Ale Repute was sold to Justin Henrichsen, the owner of The Independent Ale House in Rapid City, SD. Justin provided some much-needed updates and renovations as well as a name change, and now Monks Ale House is the destination for craft beer lovers!