Monkey Bar
About This Spot
Stepping into Monkey Bar is like entering a refined yet lively gathering spot nestled right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The warm glow of its classic red leather booths and the artful curtains envelop the space, creating a feeling that’s both intimate and inviting without ever being austere. Here, the pace has a gentle rhythm—unhurried but energizing—drawing you into the layered hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and soft music that frames the experience with subtle elegance.
This is a place where the atmosphere truly informs the meal. Whether you find yourself perched at the bustling front bar or settled into a cozy booth, there’s a sense of thoughtful attention to the details that make time spent here feel meaningful. The playful monkey-themed décor scattered throughout adds a lighthearted touch, hinting at a spirited personality beneath the polished veneer.
The food arrives as an extension of this mood—comfort with a refined edge. Sharing a basket of warm truffle monkey bread or savoring a meticulously crafted tenderloin tartare becomes less about hurried bites and more about savoring moments. Cocktails like the expertly balanced Monkey Bar Martini or a bold espresso martini mingle seamlessly with dishes that range from indulgent classics like a wagyu cheeseburger to elegant seafood offerings. Every plate tells the story of ingredients given space to shine, paired with a service style attentive yet unobtrusive.
As daylight fades and the city lights flicker on, Monkey Bar gently transforms, capturing the timeless appeal of a New York institution where atmosphere and cuisine converse effortlessly. It’s a space that rewards those willing to linger a while, whether they arrive with plans or happen upon a quiet corner by chance.
What’s Available Here
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Delivery
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Fast service
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Great cocktails
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Great coffee
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Great dessert
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Assistive hearing loop
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Coffee
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Private dining room
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Vegetarian options
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Cosy
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Historic
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Romantic
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Trendy
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Upmarket
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Groups
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LGBTQ+ friendly
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Tourists
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Transgender safe space
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Brunch reservations recommended
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Lunch reservations recommended
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Dinner reservations recommended
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Credit cards
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Paid parking lot
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Paid street parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:45 AM - 10:30 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:45 AM - 11:00 PM | |
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| Wednesday | 11:45 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:45 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:45 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:45 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:45 AM - 10:30 PM |
Travis Shepherd 20 Dec 2025
It’s not easy to get in here but fortunately we were finally able to get a reservation. We arrived a little early & had cocktails in the bar area up front, we got the Tokyo Old Fashioned & the espresso martini both of which are excellent. We loved the atmosphere of the dining room: red leather booths with white tablecloths, curtains that lent a feeling of focus without isolating you, lighting that successfully struck the balance between relaxed/classy yet still being able to see fine. The service was great, our waiter had strong recommendations and was very attentive without at all becoming intrusive. We had the oysters, chu toro crudo, steak tartare, ribeye steak frites, and vanilla gelato (with hot fudge). Everything was wonderful, I’d say the steak tartare and vanilla gelato were our favorites. We’re so glad we were finally able to get in! Highlights: Tokyo Old Fashioned, coconut Cadillac margarita, steak tartare, vanilla gelato Date visited: 1/2/26
Bianca-Alexandra Moise 14 Nov 2025
We had an absolutely unforgettable meal at Monkey Bar. We were lucky to secure a lunch table, as a last-minute spot opened up that morning and we’re so glad it did. Monkey Bar totally lived up to the hype. To start, the truffle monkey bread was fluffy, buttery and insanely delicious. We also shared the tenderloin steak tartare and it was hands down the best we’ve ever had (and we’re true tartare enthusiasts). The wagyu cheeseburger was out of this world, perfectly balanced, literally melting in your mouth, especially paired with the fries and garlic aioli (a must). On top of the food, the vibe is fantastic, stylish, dimly lit, with that classic NYC energy. It is definitely a place we’ll be coming back to.
Tony 13 Nov 2025
Came on a Sunday late afternoon/early evening without a reservation and was able to get a seat at the bar without having to wait too long. The food was good, the service at the bar was good but my overall favorite was just the atmosphere of the place and all the monkey decorations everywhere. I ordered the Monkey bread, the double cheeseburger, the vodka sauce pasta, and the coconut cake which was probably my favorite of the food items. The drinks were all made well.
Sasha Agrano 05 Nov 2025
We were lucky to get a reservation. The restaurant is very fancy inside and the service was great. However, I found the food to be quite salty and overpriced. I ordered a burger, crab Rangoon, caesar salad, and pasta. It was good but I don’t think I’ll be coming back here.
Charlie Byrne 27 Oct 2025
I stopped by Monkey Bar around 10 p.m. on a cold December Wednesday and lucked into a rare open seat at the front bar. Being solo definitely helped. From the moment you step inside, the lighting and décor set an incredible mood. It’s a beautiful room with music playing at just the right volume and impressively attentive service, even though the place was packed wall to wall. I enjoyed a couple of beers before heading back to my hotel, already knowing I’d be back. Sure enough, I returned the next day with my wife after snagging a late lunch reservation in the bar room. (Reservations tend to book up almost instantly two weeks out, but pro tip: keep checking - cancellations often pop up in the last day or two.) We each ordered the Double Cheeseburger along with the Pomme Frites, and everything was outstanding. Our server, Nelson, was prompt, friendly, and thoroughly professional, which only added to the experience. My wife isn’t much of a “bar person,” but she was genuinely impressed by the ambiance and décor—and even suggested we make Monkey Bar a regular stop. We absolutely will.
Lena Al-Rashed 11 Oct 2025
Amazing all around. From the moment we walked in, we could tell this place was going to be special. The vibe is warm and welcoming, and every single staff member was genuinely kind and attentive. The wine and cocktail list is fantastic, and our server’s recommendations were spot-on. We ordered the beef tartare, Caesar salad, burger, and steak frites—and loved every single thing. It was my first time trying steak tartare, and I think I’m ruined for life because it was that good. The burger and steak frites were also incredible, but the real surprise star was the Caesar salad. The salt-and-vinegar chips in it? Genius. I’ll probably spend the rest of my life trying (and failing) to recreate it. They were also super careful with our food allergies, which made the whole experience even better. Monkey Bar is a must-try if you’re visiting NYC—and a total staple if you live there. Mind blown.
Leila Habibi 05 Oct 2025
One of the most (if not THE most) gorgeous restaurants I’ve ever been to! The vibe is unbeatable: the lighting, mirrors, paintings, wallpapers, and colors are all perfect. It feels so warm and joyful. Now, the food: the Caesar salad was hands-down the best I’ve ever had, definitely the star of the night for me! The king crab Rangoons were unbelievably good, with an amazing texture. The truffle mac and cheese was rich and delicious, and the button mushrooms were very flavorful (just a bit too salty for my taste). My partner loved both his cheeseburger and French dip. I tried a bite of each, the burger was amazing, though I wasn’t a big fan of the French dip (but I’ve never liked “wet” meat anyway). And finally, their famous chocolate cream pie… UNREAL! Perfect level of creaminess, perfect level sweetness, with distinct taste of chocolate and a mild cream on top to harmonize very thing One of best experiences ever, and definitely looking forward to going back to this phenomenal place!
Rach 26 Sep 2025
Obsessed with the service and the vibe! The hostess for reservations is in the back behind the bar, which was a tad confusing. Martini was 5/5 with Sipsmith gin. Surprisingly, the monkey bread was worth the $35. I was on the fence at first, because I know a lot of places go over the top with the truffles, but this was a tasteful truffle, as I like to say, not too heavy handed and perfectly balanced. We ordered the butter lettuce salad, double cheeseburger, steak frites, and side of broccoli. All very fresh and seasoned quite well. The double cheeseburger was melt in your mouth and the steak was cooked to perfection. Would I come back? Probably! But I wouldn’t go out of my way to make a reservation. Worth a try and definitely a fun, old school city feel.