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Monkey Bar Reviews List

Monkey Bar

Established in 1936, Monkey Bar was returned to its former glory in 2009 by Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter. The dining room's lush red leather banquettes and dim, attractive lighting have restored the fizzy thrill of dining in a restaurant - both attractive and cozy - and harken back to a bygone era when a gentleman never left the house without a tie and a lady always had a pair of white gloves in her purse. Monkey Bar's menu boasts American classics alongside seasonal dishes using sustainable and organic products whenever possible.
See more Monkey Bar details
102 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
(102 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 102 reviews
5 stars
(30)
4 stars
(58)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(3)
Food 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • special occasion(36)
  • vibrant bar scene(33)
  • fit for foodies(32)
  • neighborhood gem(29)
  • romantic(29)
  • hot spot(24)
Monkey Bar Reviews List
Review 1 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Monkey Bar is not kid's stuff

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"Monkey Bar is sophisticated, elegant and the sets the perfect mood for tasty food. The decor and music only add to enjoyment of dining at Monkey Bar."
Dined on 6/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Special, special

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/06/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"With the fabulous, whimsical murals, the terraced seating and the red leather banquettes, you feel like you are dining during the most glamorous Manhattan era. Food very good, service excellent but it's the atmosphere that really gets me. I love this place."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Perfect!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/21/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We loved it! Great food, service and setting!"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/15/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food is OK, the wine list is VERY expensive, ambiance pays the visit."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 5 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ain't what it used to be

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The room is special with red banquets and the famous mural. The menu is like so many others: chicken steak fish pasta. My salad was fresh crisp perfect. My fettuccine was tasty but it arrived warm, not hot. The waitress could not have been nicer."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Perfect Evening in New York

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 12/17/2012
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"A fun and lively bar scene with excellent cocktails. Dinning room is beautiful, service was quite good, menu selections and presentations are very nice. Didn't want the evening to end."
Dined on 12/17/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 7 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

nadja

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Scrumptious breakfast, mushrooms omelette was delicious and the accompanying spring greens looked like they came straight from the farmer's market.
Wonderful service, attentive but discreet. Perfect for my business meeting!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2012
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Review 8 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Superb evening in a super

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Superb evening in a super buzzy Manhattan restaurant. Charming and efficient staff who made us feel really well looked after.
Can't wait for next visit...
"
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 9 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Well treated and service was

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Well treated and service was attentive and engaging..."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Had just got off a long flight,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Had just got off a long flight, glad we stayed awake! Adults and teenagers all enjoyed.
It was our wedding anniversary and they gave us a special pudding. Thank you.
"
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2011
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Review 11 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Classic New York City retro

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Classic New York City retro atmosphere including the music and ofcourse the murals. Hard to find a place that nails the food, service, and ambiance the way this place does."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 12 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The service was outstanding.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The service was outstanding. Robert, was helpful with the wine selection, he understood we had theatre tickets and although we didn't have a lot of time to linger at dinner we also did not feel rushed. The restaurant was a good choice before seeing Lucky Guy, everyone at our table enjoyed the experience!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 13 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Loved the decor and food was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Loved the decor and food was wonderful."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding restaurant and

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Outstanding restaurant and bar service. Extremely accommodating,especially if you have booked in advance. Great ambiance."
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2012
Special Features: late-night find, hot spot
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Review 15 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

My husband and I were in town

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My husband and I were in town for business and took our daughter and friends to the restaurant. There were six in our party. The appetizers were average with people getting a variety of different ones. However, almost all of us were interested in steak as our entrée. We specifically asked if the Dry-Aged, Bone-In Sirloin was fatty (as then tend to be). The other choice was a NY strip steak. Our waiter told us that the Sirloin has “no fat.” So, four of us ordered the Sirloin at $55 per person. We also ordered two bottles of wine so we were going to be a nice check for the waiter. When the steaks arrived to one in our party they were so fatty as to be inedible. None of the four of us ate even 25% of our steak. We asked the manager"
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
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Review 16 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food was average, nothing

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was average, nothing special"
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2011
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Review 17 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Great food and service, funky surroundings."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 19 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent food.. we had a

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Excellent food.. we had a great time."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 20 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Second time around here ...

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Second time around here ... very enjoyable."
Dined on 03/04/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was very good. Not a

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was very good. Not a crazy menu, but interesting.
Service was great.
Well planned busy bar area adjacent/easily accessible to, but separate from the dining room which was lovely.
"
Dined on 02/26/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 22 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food is good as is the

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food is good as is the servie but the menu is lacking. I wish they would bring back the old one!"
Dined on 01/28/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Wonderful place! Excellent

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Wonderful place! Excellent food and service. The atmosphere is not to be missed."
Dined on 02/21/2013
 2009
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Review 24 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Classic establishment with charm

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Monkey Bar is a classic NYC establishment. I experienced it for the first time on a Friday evening and I was taken by its charm. I walked through the crowded bar room towards the dining room where not a soul was seated. Perplexed, I made my way back to the bar to order a drink. Not liking any of the cocktails on the menu, I asked the bartender to make me a martini. It took some convincing, but I managed to persuade my dining companion to eat in the bar room instead of the desserted dining room. I ordered the Monkey Bar Burger, which was deliciously cooked to perfection. My dining companion ordered the Fettuccine Carbonara, which was divine once I was able to get my fork in for a bite. Only downside is the high prices."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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Review 25 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good restaurant. Not very

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Good restaurant. Not very crowded (Saturday, 7:30pm) but that could have been that we caught the restaurant between theatre dinner sittings."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2005
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This is an elegant restaurant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is an elegant restaurant with a vintage feel, but also relaxed in keeping with the whimsical mural of pre-WWII denizens of the establishment that wraps around the restaurant walls. The service is attentive, but not snobby or hovering.
It is a great place for a romantic dinner for two. Perhaps even more noteworthy for NY is that it is a classy place where a family or group of friends can settle down in one of the plush booths with some privacy and the ability to hear each other talk, while still feeling part of a bustling NY locale. We went for Valentine's Day because the style goes so well with my wife's vintage dresses, but I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I recommend the beet salad and pork chop with plum jam.
"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great place to savor the New

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great place to savor the New York dinner/nightlife scene of years past."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 28 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Monkey Bar is a standard of

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Monkey Bar is a standard of mine. Go there frequently. It is always great."
Dined on 02/20/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 29 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Loved the ambiance,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Paneled walls, red leather banquettes, very romantic. My husband and I went on Valentines Day. They should have been giving out red roses, it would have been very much in keeping with the atmosphere. We ordered the sea bass and pork chop for our entrees, and wedge salad and oysters as starters. Everything was delicious! Service was relaxed but attentive. We plan to return everytime we visit NYC."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Monkey Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The first time I had ever

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The first time I had ever been, and from the moment I walk in, the bar area seems lively yet cozy. My friend and I were seated at a lovely booth where the service was attentive, the ambiance warm and inviting the entire time, and as I looked around and sipped my Reisling and my friend her crisp and refreshing cocktail, I exhaled a sigh of pure relaxation...so that when the BEST lobster risotto, scrumptious ravioli, and shockingly delicious grilled brussell sprouts were finally consumed(this from someone who absolutely hated brussell sprouts), it's came as no surprise that I wanted to start all over again...I hope you do too!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Monkey Bar
Based on the average of (72) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
12 out of 14 recommend this product
Food 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic