TLDR
A glamorous Midtown institution featuring iconic murals, red leather booths, and an upscale take on classic American comfort food. Known for a lively bar scene and a transporting, old-school NYC vibe.
Instagram Posts References
Monkey Bar, a glamorous Midtown dining room, offers an upscale rendition of the classic American cheeseburger.
This post highlights Monkey Bar as a historic Midtown institution, operating since 1936. The author visited for a late brunch and found it packed, indicating its popularity. The small plates were consistently delicious, with the 'viral monkey bread' being the star of the show. Service was described as flawless, attentive, and warm. The restaurant is praised for its iconic ambiance and status as a New York City landmark. Specific dishes mentioned include Truffle Monkey Bread, King Crab Rangoon, Crispy Potato Pancakes, Truffle Mac & Cheese, and a Double Cheeseburger. A cocktail, the 'Tokyo Old Fashioned,' was also noted.
The post showcases a dramatic presentation of a whole Peking duck set aflame, indicating a theatrical and potentially traditional cooking or serving style. The visual emphasizes the crispy skin and succulent meat, suggesting a high-quality culinary experience. Other dishes, like stir-fried greens and a soup with duck meat, are also implied, pointing to a comprehensive Chinese dining experience.
The post highlights a restaurant that is offering a special sushi platter for customers to enjoy during the FIFA World Cup Final. Patrons have the option to dine in at the restaurant's dining room or order catering for their at-home watch parties. The post also mentions that reservations are still available via OpenTable.
The post highlights the excellent lighting at Monkey Bar, suggesting it's a great spot for photos. The author found the lighting so good that no filter was needed.
Monkey Bar is noted for its difficult-to-obtain reservations, which are released on Resy around 20-21 days in advance at 9 AM. The post specifically mentions that dinner reservations are extremely difficult to secure, especially on weekends, and gives it a rating of 9.5/10.
This restaurant is recommended for its burgers, specifically mentioning a 'burger so confident it has just cheese and a raw onion on it.' This suggests a classic, no-frills burger experience.
Monkey Bar in Midtown is recognized for its distinctive and whimsical mural that covers the walls, depicting circus-like figures and animals. This unique artwork creates a lively and memorable atmosphere.
Monkey Bar is highlighted as a classic New York restaurant known for its exceptional vibe, food, and service. The dining experience began with highly recommended espresso martinis and continued with an unforgettable truffle monkey bread. Main courses included a Wagyu burger with French fries and vodka rigatoni. The meal concluded with an elaborate sundae featuring three ice cream flavors and a variety of toppings, especially for a birthday celebration. The overall impression of the restaurant was extremely positive, with the entire experience rated 10/10.
A classic New York institution in Midtown East, Monkey Bar is recognized for its elegant, old-school charm and refined American comfort food. It features a lively bar scene and a sophisticated dining room, making tables challenging to obtain.
A historic, swanky Midtown landmark under new management, serving an extravagant menu of steaks, pasta, and classic cocktails.
Details
A timeless Midtown East destination since 1936, this restaurant offers a nostalgic, old-school New York atmosphere complete with red vinyl booths and distinctive monkey murals [1]. Operated by the team behind 4 Charles Prime Rib, the menu features a sophisticated blend of American comfort food, steakhouse classics, and craft cocktails [2]. While gaining access can be highly competitive, diners frequently praise the indulgent experience and the lively, transporting vibe of the dining room [3], [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on elevated American classics, with standout items frequently cited including the prime rib French dip, truffle monkey bread, and various indulgent desserts like carrot cake and chocolate pie [1], [2]. Customer feedback is generally strong, though some diners find specific items like the burger to be over-salted or less impressive than competitors like Minetta Tavern [3], [4].
Highlights / Recommended
Mentioned Dishes:
- •burger(68)This burger has a wide range of opinions, with some calling it a star and others...
- •french dip(24)This French dip garners strong recommendations, with some calling it potentially...
- •crab rangoon(21)The crab rangoon is frequently praised as the best version reviewers have ever t...
- •caesar salad(17)The Caesar salad, particularly the whitefish variant, is highly acclaimed and de...
- •truffle monkey bread(16)This dish is a standout, described as 'insane,' 'remarkably delicious,' and a 'm...
- •chocolate pie(12)This chocolate pie is a highly praised dessert, described as a surprising stando...
- •martini(11)Reviewers consistently praise the martinis, with many calling them some of the b...
- •truffle mac and cheese(9)This dish is highly praised, with multiple reviewers calling it some of the best...
- •steak(8)The steak at Monkey Bar receives high ratings, with recommendations for special ...
- •carrot cake(7)Described as an 'absolutely unreal dessert' and 'divine,' the carrot cake is gen...
- •fries(7)The fries are noted as great and fantastic, with a suggestion to order them unse...
- •pasta(7)The pasta is generally described as amazing and really enjoyed, though one menti...
- •desserts(6)Desserts are considered a highlight and travel well for takeout. Reviewers sugge...
- •prime rib(5)While some consider the prime rib a must-order and a taste of classic New York d...
- •steak tartare(5)The tartare appetizer is described as fantastic and delicious, with one mention ...
- •lemon meringue pie(5)This pie is recommended as a good order and is considered top-tier, though the r...
- •wedge salad(4)
- •vodka rigatoni(4)
- •crab cake(4)
- •sundae(4)
- •mushrooms(3)
- •creamed spinach(3)
- •chocolate cake(3)
- •classic old fashioned(3)
- •tuna crudo(3)
- •truffle bread(3)
- •bloody mary(2)
- •mud pie(2)
- •mashed potatoes(2)
- •sides(2)
- •lobster pasta(2)
Customer Sentiment
Visitors often rave about the exceptional ambiance, service, and high-quality drinks, though the difficulty of securing a reservation is a frequent point of frustration [1], [2]. While many consider it a worthwhile splurge for special occasions, some diners find it overpriced or feel it lacks consistency compared to similar establishments [3], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MONKEY BAR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Anniversary Dinner Recommendations With Safe Gf
"The restaurant is noted as having gluten-free options available for diners."
PositiveFrom post: Place With Hard Reservations But Doable Walk Ins
"The user suggests trying for bar seating right when they open."
NeutralFrom post: Golden Diner Or Monkey Bar For Saturday
"Mentions they really like the French dip."
PositiveFrom post: Thursday Night Dinner At Raouls Or Monkey Bar
"The user finds the food good but often overly salty and generally overrated, though they highly recommend the Bloody Mary."
NeutralFrom post: Thursday Night Dinner At Raouls Or Monkey Bar
"The user reports a great experience sitting at the bar with martinis, oysters, and mud pie."
PositiveFrom post: Thursday Night Dinner At Raouls Or Monkey Bar
"The user compares the restaurant to a Vegas strip venue, citing high prices and a generic feel."
NegativeFrom post: Thursday Night Dinner At Raouls Or Monkey Bar
"The user praises the martinis and general vibes of the location."
PositiveFrom post: Thursday Night Dinner At Raouls Or Monkey Bar
"The user had a disappointing experience, specifically regarding a poorly cooked burger and service issues."
NegativeFrom post: Thursday Night Dinner At Raouls Or Monkey Bar
"The user compares the establishment negatively to a chain restaurant."
NegativeFrom post: Thursday Night Dinner At Raouls Or Monkey Bar
"The user advises ignoring the negative sentiment and recommends the mashed potatoes and mud pie."
PositiveFrom post: Thursday Night Dinner At Raouls Or Monkey Bar
"The user considers the food mediocre, expensive, and criticizes the bread loaf pricing."
NegativeFrom post: Golden Diner Or Monkey Bar For Saturday
"The user did not find anything extraordinary at Monkey Bar."
NeutralFrom post: Golden Diner Or Monkey Bar For Saturday
"The user provides a critical perspective, calling Monkey Bar a 'glorified Hillstone' with worse food."
NegativeFrom post: Golden Diner Or Monkey Bar For Saturday
"Notes that Monkey Bar is highly popular and suggests making a reservation well in advance, also mentioning a scheduled closure."
PositiveFrom post: Golden Diner Or Monkey Bar For Saturday
"The user prefers Monkey Bar and specifically praises the French Dip."
PositiveFrom post: Golden Diner Or Monkey Bar For Saturday
"The user is an enthusiastic fan of Monkey Bar, wishing they could eat there daily."
PositiveFrom post: Golden Diner Or Monkey Bar For Saturday
"The user strongly prefers Monkey Bar."
PositiveFrom post: Golden Diner Or Monkey Bar For Saturday
"Lists various recommended menu items available at Monkey Bar."
PositiveFrom post: Golden Diner Or Monkey Bar For Saturday
"The user suggests choosing Monkey Bar for lunch."
PositiveFrom post: Corner Store Or Torrisi Is Corner Store Overrated
"The user is planning a walk-in visit here for a birthday celebration."
Neutral