Ukko-Munkki

This place is that cosy local, you can easily enter on a very bad hair day wearing pyjamas. Despite the fact that the place really isn’t too fancy, the food has always been good. Wouldn’t go there for a romantic dinner, but for many other occasions — oh yes. Very good for chilling and relaxing with friends.

Munkkiniemi + Pub = Ukko-​Munkki. I’ve patronized this venerable pub many times over the years — it’s my local. For those making a trip here, it’s conveniently located near a Tram 4 stop. They have seasonal outside seating, and inside the upstairs is more for dining while the downstairs is a bar setting. (It is not strict, just a guideline.)
The on tap selection is fairly limited, the bottle selection slightly broader. I started with a bottled domestic Huvila Pale Ale (Malmgårdin Panimo). They keep a rotating seasonal draft — this time it was Brooklyn Lager. I had a pint since I don’t recall having seen this on tap in Finland.
Storied tradition notwithstanding, what differentiates Ukko-​Munkki from any other random Helsinki pub is the food. They serve up hearty portions from Finnish classics like meatballs, to steaks, burgers, and pizzas. On this particular Saturday afternoon visit I ordered the escargot with goat cheese — my personal favorite. Tasty — hadn’t changed at all since the first time I had it years ago.
So if you’re in Munkkiniemi with a hankering for a traditional pub setting, look no further than Ukko-​Munkki!

Last year was my first time ever in Ukko-​Munkki — during Vappu.
It was a festive affair and many drunken Fins congratulating eachother.
I thought the place was allright. Different than what I know in Edinburgh, but a nice place to be nonetheless. Onnea!