Monkey Bar
“Storied Monkey Bar Restored by Graydon Carter "Editor in Cheif Vanityfair ..”
“In all seriousness this is a nice, classy joint located within/connected to the Hotel Elysee.”
“Decor is classic – the murals in the bar area are original, which is authenticity that is hard to find these days.”
Monkey Bar
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Has Pool Table: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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I came for RW. Granted, that is probably not the best indicator – but unlike some other fine spots that WILL serve food from their regular menu on their RW menu, Monkey Bar did not. Furthermore, they will be extremely particular about absolutely no substitutions to this menu (I happen to come when I'm doing a pretty hard sugar detox diet).
The food was mediocre at best. The appetizer – a simple raw crudo, was actually very nice, except there was what looked to be a dairy based sauce on the plate (that I was able to avoid), though the waitress promised the sauce was a just a simple oil and vinegar. It really annoyed me that she did not get that right after I explained my strict diet. Her response, when she asked how everything was later on, was to basically ask if I were allergic.
It really matters not if a customer is allergic to something or not. If a customer does NOT want something, she should NOT have to tolerate it! I did not appreciate that attitude.
For the main, the only option I could get was the chicken breast on what was supposed to be spinach – but was so brown, tough and salty, it might have been kale. The chicken was dry and salty, but substantial. I did get a bit extra spinach, since I could not have the faro it came with.
I had to skip dessert. At another RW spot, I was able to substitute that for an extra side dish, but not here – that's just blasphemy!
Service, needless to say, was extremely subpar for the establishment. When me and the first of 5 guests arrived, the waitress seemed anxious to serve and checked in on us three times. Once our friends arrived, however, service became very slow. Finally, as suggested above, I did not like the attitude.
The setting is cool and feels fun. Too bad the unhappy server doesn't let you enjoy it. Of course, coulda been a fluke day for her.
Prices on the regular menu are just laughable considering how poor the food was off the RW menu. I should think RW is a chance to entice customers to come back. It did the entire opposite for me.
I love coming to the Monkey Bar for drinks — they have a great ambiance, wine list, and small bites menu. However, I found myself disappointed when I came here for dinner. The food is good but nothing life-changing, the portions are microscopic, and each plate costs a small fortune. There are so many great deals in the city that I don't see myself grabbing a full meal here any time soon.
ok. this place is simply fantastic. Do you need a place to escape all the street noise and fuss? This is it. excellent cocktails and snacks. it was such fun, and shad such good cocktails, that I came back later in the evening
This review is for drinks only. The service was great and I love the ambiance. It's a very fun twist on a classic, white tablecloth, red leather booth sort of place. The Nuts & Rye, a whiskey cocktail, may be the best cocktail I've had in the city and I don't say that lightly. It's become one of our staples.
Hotel bar with beautiful decor and fancy drinks. Staff is warm and welcoming and they've got a wide selection of wines. My only gripe with this place is that they close relatively early – Yelp has it listed as 1am but it's really midnight! 🙁
*This review is for a post-dinner cocktail and app*
Who: The Monkey Bar is a 'safe space' for New York elites to get trashed. The bar area is filled with wealthiest of NYC's silver foxes blowing off steam after a stressful dinner at 'The Palm' or 'Maloney & Porcelli'.
What: The Monkey Bar is an establishment full of history. The decor of the venue is a cross between timeless class and a tropical vacation. The Howard's from Gilligan's Island would enjoy themselves quite a bit here. The Monkey Bar's signature cocktails all play into a tropical monkey theme with 'charming' names such as "Monkey Gland". They have standard high-end cocktail prices with beautiful presentation. In addition, I ordered the tuna tartare which came out quickly and was excellent.
Where: Midtown East
When: If you're looking to people watch, I recommend coming on a late-night weekday.
Why: The food.The drinks. The decor. The people.
Cute bar with really tasty (and pricey) cocktails. I got the Beijing Peach, or was it Peach Beijing? Anyway, I definitely could have sucked down more than one of those but managed to muster enough self-control to stop after just one. The cocktail was comprised of jasmine tea infused vodka, peach and lime. Yum! The fries are decent if you're wanting a greasy snack, and the simple green salad is also decent if you're needing something a little lighter and healthier. The cheese plate is also a good choice, although I would pass on the arancini. The fried risotto balls served with a bit of tomato sauce missed the mark a bit in the flavor and texture department. Overall, the food is a little expensive for what you get. Our waiter was very pleasant and friendly.
Wow. So, yes… It is pricey. However, my experience at the Monkey Bar was nothing but a classic New York night on the town. Classy, elegant ambiance… Well dressed, smart looking crowd with a polished service staff that can't be beat. My cocktails were SO well done… smooth and mouth watering. I had a few. :-). The food was really good… I tried the a few of the pasta dishes and wasn't disappointed. Eddie was our server and he was awesome. A really wonderful evening.