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MONKEY BAR

Updated

Phone: (212) 404-0365

Address: 60 EAST 54 STREET 10022

$$$Mains mostly $38.99–$79.99

TLDR

A glamorous, historic haunt offering an immersive old-school NYC vibe, perfect for classic cocktails, decadent desserts, and indulgent American comfort food.

Reddit Sentiment for MONKEY BAR(based on 494 Reddit opinions)

52% Positive36% Neutral12% Negative

Reddit Sentiment Over Time

Unique Posts Over Time

Tags

american 112steakhouse 6chinese 6burger 73crab rangoon 17pasta 16View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Instagram Posts References

The post showcases a variety of brunch dishes, including two stacked burgers topped with eggs, pulled meat, tomato, and avocado. Another dish features crispy croquettes served with a dipping sauce, and a third plate presents fried shrimp with a side of sauce. The presentation of the food is elaborate, with decorative garnishes and colorful plating.

The post features Monkey Bar as one of New York's most iconic dining rooms, emphasizing its classic ambiance. A specific recommendation is given for the chocolate martini available on the dessert menu, highlighting it as a key item to try.

Monkey Bar is presented as an iconic New York City dining institution, operating since 1936. The post emphasizes its classic ambiance and recommends a specific dessert, the chocolate martini, as a must-try item. The overall sentiment suggests a place that embodies the essence of old New York.

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.

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.

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

positive

A historic, swanky Midtown landmark under new management, serving an extravagant menu of steaks, pasta, and classic cocktails.

• Aug 10, 2026

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is mentioned alongside others.

Mentioned In

Highlighting the American dining experience at Midtown East's Monkey Bar.

• Jul 13, 2026
Mentioned In
New York's Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Getting Into the City's Most In-Demand Restaurants
positive

Monkey Bar, a revived swanky Midtown spot, now managed by the group behind 4 Charles Prime Rib, offers an extravagant menu of steaks, pastas, and classic cocktails. Walk-ins are accepted at the bar.

infatuation • Jun 22, 2026
Mentioned In
The Best Old School Restaurants In New York City
lean positive

Step back in time at Monkey Bar, a 1936 institution known for its iconic monkey murals and a kitchen now run by the team behind Au Cheval. Don't miss the prime rib or shrimp cocktail.

Siobhan Reid • Jun 18, 2026
Mentioned In
The 38 Best Places To Eat Lunch In Midtown
positive

Noah Devereaux suggests visiting Monkey Bar at lunch for easier reservations, describing its old-school New York haunt atmosphere and menu highlights like miso black cod and vodka rigatoni, though recommending the burger.

Will Hartman • Date unknown
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

This Midtown East destination offers a transportive, old-school New York atmosphere characterized by its historic monkey murals and red vinyl booths [1]. Under the management of the Hogsalt group, it serves an upscale American menu that consistently impresses diners [2], [3]. While securing a reservation can be quite competitive, walk-in guests often find success at the bar area [4], [5].

Food Overview

The menu focuses on elevated American classics and steakhouse staples, often served a la carte [1]. Standout items include the indulgent truffle monkey bread, savory king crab rangoon, and the highly recommended prime rib French dip [2], [3]. While many items are beloved, some guests have noted that certain dishes, such as the burger, can feel over-salted or inconsistent compared to sibling establishments [4], [5].

Highlights / Recommended

Diners consistently recommend the truffle monkey bread, king crab rangoon, prime rib French dip, and the signature chocolate pie [1], [2]. The wedge salad and vodka rigatoni are also frequently cited as excellent orders [3], [4].

Customer Sentiment

Patrons frequently praise the vibrant, lively atmosphere and attentive service, often describing it as an essential city experience [1], [2]. However, some diners find the reservation process challenging and occasionally label the pricing as excessive for the experience provided [3], [4].

Most Mentioned Dishes

  • 01
    Burger$29.99
    70 mentionsMenu: Double Cheeseburger
    The burger is frequently debated, with some calling it excellent ...
  • 02
    French Dip$39.99
    24 mentionsMenu: Prime Rib French Dip
    The French dip is highly recommended by multiple reviewers, with ...
  • 03
    Crab Rangoon$29.99
    21 mentionsMenu: King Crab Rangoon
    The crab rangoon is frequently praised as the best the reviewer h...
  • 04
    Monkey Bread$34.99
    19 mentionsMenu: Truffle Monkey Bread
    This dish is a must-order, described as remarkably delicious, war...
  • 05
    Caesar Salad$27.99
    17 mentionsMenu: Smoked Whitefish Caesar
    The Caesar salad, particularly the whitefish version, is highly p...
  • 06
    Martini$25.95
    15 mentionsMenu: Monkey Bar Martini
    Martinis are consistently praised, with descriptions like 'great,...

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About MONKEY BAR

A glowing, detailed review praising the whitefish caesar salad, king crab rangoon, truffle mac & cheese, and chocolate pie.
A thread dedicated to the best strategies for securing a seat at the bar, emphasizing the importance of arriving early.
A discussion regarding the atmosphere and the feasibility of accommodating large groups, highlighting the bar's mid-century aesthetic.
A focused discussion on the best menu items, with frequent mentions of the crab rangoon, whitefish caesar, and burger.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: I Went To 4 Charles Prime Rib And It Didnt

"The restaurant is mentioned as sharing the same 'over-topped' burger style as 4 Charles."

Neutral
Sep 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: If I Always Have Great Meals At Quality Bistro

"Listed as a recommended option."

Positive
Sep 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Hard To Get Reservations That Are Now Getable And

"Still maintains high hype; martinis are recommended, though missing out on the monkey bread is a regret."

Positive
Sep 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Eloping In The Les Where Should Two Foodies

"Does not feel worth the effort."

Negative
Sep 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Has Anyone Gone To 4charles Monkey Bar Au Cheval

"The burger was the worst of the three, with bread that was difficult to bite through."

Negative
Sep 2, 2026View Comment →

Often mentioned with Monkey Bar

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