American restaurant

Monkey Bar

Midtown EastManhattan

4.5· 1,713 reviewsOpen until 11PM
Monkey Bar — american restaurant — in Midtown East — Manhattan — NYC
Monkey Bar interior — Midtown East

Midtown East

Manhattan

The brief

About Monkey Bar

Retro murals & swanky furnishings fill this exclusive American eatery with a powerful clientele.

Health inspection

NYC DOHMH Grade A

A

Score2(lower is better)

Inspected12/2/2025

Grade A is the highest mark from NYC's Department of Health — about 90% of restaurants earn it.

How grades work

Community Rating

4.5

½

out of 5

1,713 community reviews

Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.

Community-sourced rating

Reviews

What diners say about Monkey Bar

15 verified Google reviews · 1 with owner response

4.9

15 reviews

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Tayler ELocal guide
3 weeks ago

I was really excited to try this restaurant out as i have heard many great things. We did not have a reservation as we know it’s extremely hard to get. So we decided to walk in around 8:45 pm and put our name down. The hostess was friendly and reassured us she can’t guarantee we get a table. We waited around and by 10 pm she came up to us and let us know that she could seat us. Shout out to her! I don’t remember her name but It’s a breath of fresh air when you get to experience nice front of house staff in this city.<br><br>Our waitress , well two of them were very nice and let us know their opinions on the menu.<br><br>We decided to order the ..<br>famous monkey bread 8/10 the butter is what saves the bread. But i feel like it could’ve had more flavor<br>Crab Rangoon 7.5/10 i thought there would be more crab filling , but the flavor was good.<br>Double cheeseburger 8/10 it was good but nothing to seriously rave about. I like the au cheval burger better.<br>Maple thick slice bacon - 9/10 it was very good! I really enjoyed the flavor profiles and the perform added a nice touch.<br>Fries - 7/10 nothing special just fries . The aioli was decent but kind of a tangy aftertaste.<br>Drinks :<br>Vera - really delicious, fresh yet strong !<br>Old fashion - hubby said he enjoyed his drink as well<br><br>We did have leftovers and i am quite disappointed to find out the man who packed out food did not include any of the condiments / sauces that went with our food. I asked him to include everything and I didn’t check the box considering I can trust someone to do their job correctly at this type of establishment , however he fell short on that part :/<br>Overall the experience was pleasant and I will return to try some of the other dishes!!

Joli DouLocal guide
a month ago

Had the pleasure of dining here twice (lunch and dinner), and Monkey Bar never gets old! Extremely hard getting a reservation (opens on Resy, 9 AM EST 21 days in advance), but lunch is slightly more manageable than dinner. They’re extremely professional- when I had to last-minute cancel my anniversary res due to a family member’s passing, they waived the cancellation fee and helped me rebook!<br><br>Onto the food: the menu may be classic, but everything is SO well-executed. The good: bagel platter- nothing insane, but beautifully played with fresh ingredients. The great: steak frites, meatballs. The frites are so addicting (optimally thick, iykwim), and the steak is perfectly done- truly a textbook steak, and I’ve seen many steaks.<br><br>AMAZING: monkey bread, carrot cake. Unfortunately, the hype is real. The monkey bread melts in your mouth like a sweet and savory cloud, perfectly dusted with cheese. It pulls apart like a dream, and I could eat it all day every day. The carrot cake…I consider myself a connoisseur in this area (I’ve tried From Lucie, Lloyd’s, etc.) and WOW the Monkey Bar carrot cake is never-before-seen. Not sure what they laced it with but every bite is heavenly- the perfect ratio of cream cheese frosting, with just the right amount of fresh carrot texture in each bite. The cake itself is moist and rich without being overly dense.<br><br>The ambiance and service are just as amazing- a swanky vibe perfect for a date or night out with friends. Dress up, set your alarm, and grab that Monkey Bar reservation.

Anthony WongLocal guide
Edited a month ago

Service, Service, Service! Exceptional. Kudos to the entire staff for treating everyone with great attention to detail. Eleni was great and made my wife's birthday special in every way. The Monkey Bread, bibb lettuce salad and the French Dip were all Exceptional. The chocolate pie with whipped cream was a great way to finish the meal. Also Jill was great delight in telling us about the restaurant and the menu highlights. The ambiance and energy will just put a smile on your face.

Kali Shaffer
Edited 2 months ago

Loved the vibe! Very attentive staff. Beautiful restaurant. Loved the food. French dip, cheeseburger & bread were so yummy. Butter made the bread special! Caesar salad had great flavor from white fish addition.

Aleksis KnelLocal guide
2 months ago

Had such a nice dinner at Monkey Bar. The atmosphere is beautiful and very classic NYC, which I loved. The food was really good overall — everything we tried was fresh and flavorful. Even the salad was really good, I’d definitely order it again. The pasta and dessert were my favorites. Overall just a really nice experience, I’d definitely come back.

KelseyLocal guide
Edited 3 months ago

We had a lovely time at this restaurant! After trying to get a reservation for weeks I finally secured one and I’m so glad I did. Sergio, our server was wonderful. He gave us such great recommendations. The truffle monkey bread and crab rangoons were the best appetizers ever! The burger was also so good and cooked to perfection. Everyone there was so kind and I hope to get another reservation when I visit NYC next!

George MLocal guide
3 months ago

Incredible restaurant with exceptional service.<br><br>The food was top draw, you have to get the crab cakes and the caesar, the Mac & Cheese was great, make sure to save room for dessert!<br><br>I wouldn’t have got the chips or burger again, very tasty but a little over salted.<br><br>Loved Monkey Bar and would definitely go back.

Nils KoopLocal guide
4 months ago

Loved it!! Had no reservation, so showed up just before opening time and got a great table in bar area. Really friendly staff and wonderful food. The monkey bread still has me dreaming about it!! Great cocktails too. Atmosphere was fantastic and we were not rushed out. Will definitely be back next time we’re in NYC!

Keith RichmanLocal guide
4 months ago

I am not kidding when I say that if I lived in NY, I would eat here every day if they would let me. It is one of the best blends of vibe, food, and accessibility I have found around the world. You can find foods on the lighter side, heavier side, cheaper dishes, blow the budget dishes....you name it.<br><br>If you ever do go, highly recommend getting the potato pancakes and the wedge....as well a Martini to start. The cheeseburger is so good as is the vodka rigatoni and prime rib sandwich. And you must must must get the Banana Split Sundae before you leave.<br><br>Highly recommend for business meals, family meals, or just solo!

MichelleLocal guide
4 months ago

Went here to celebrate my friend's 40th birthday! It was difficult to get the reservation had to request about a month in advance on Resy but it was so worth it! Ambiance/decor was really charming and old NY vibes. All the food was even better than I expected. I saw many raving reviews but I wasn't sure it would live up to expectations and it did! Ordered the monkey bread, Caesar salad (not fishy at all), cheeseburger (asked for it cut in half to share), and had the truffle Mac and cheese. Everything was 10/10!

Response from the owner

Thank you for choosing to celebrate with us, Michelle! We hope to welcome you back soon!<br><br>All The Best,<br>Monkey Bar

Chris CLocal guide
4 months ago

We finally got a reservation on Sunday at 2pm for brunch. When i entered the restaurant it was quite chaotic. It was almost zero degree and couldn’t seem to get someone to do the coat check (so I gave up). Also chaotic when checking in the reservation, but was at least seated pretty quickly. And things were a lot better after we got our table. Our server was so nice and friendly and kind. Love her! Truffle monkey bread was delicious and definitely not enough for 4 people to share cuz we all wanted a whole bread! Yummy! Highly recommend the crispy potato pancakes! I think it’s the best dish of the day. We also love the truffle mafaldine and the dry aged New York Strip steak.

Cliff AtlasLocal guide
4 months ago

The Monkey Bar is expressed as a New York staple. It is indeed that. This place oozes vibe, personality, history, and memories all through its walls, paintings, brass accouterments, the bar, the lighting, the service, the menu, everything.<br><br>If the Rat Pack was here at high noon, thr lighting and vibe inside continued the the party from the last evening and still felt like midnight and music to keep the party going.<br><br>The drinks, absolutely perfect. Tight, and mixed to great satisfaction. The flavors distinct, crisp and curated from fine liquors and mixers.<br><br>The food, fine dining, lunch and dinner. Selections bold. But great pride in their making and confidence in their delivery. They know they got it and they got it!<br><br>The service, impeccable. Professional and you are treated like you are their best customer at that moment through the experience. It was a great experience.

Alanna Warwick-SmithLocal guide
4 months ago

An institution for a reason. I managed a 5pm dinner reservation and it was the perfect timing for an 8pm show.<br><br>Be prepared to feel rushed. My only critique would be to the service.<br><br>I found I was either often left alone for extended stretches with an empty water glass or rushed at periods where I’d barely had a moment to enjoy my cocktail.<br><br>The service does not feel like the white glove hospitality it sells rather a “get tables in and out”. There seemed to be a performance management meeting next to my booth where someone expressed the same thing to a new member of the staff.<br><br>As a solo diner I was very pleased that they offered half portions for some items. The meal was excellent. Ambiance superb. I was pleasantly surprised at the value I felt for the whole experience but for the effort it takes to serve a reservation, I was expecting better table service.

Lena Al-RashedLocal guide
8 months ago

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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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 HabibiLocal guide
8 months ago

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.<br><br>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).<br><br>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).<br><br>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 🤤🤤<br><br>One of best experiences ever, and definitely looking forward to going back to this phenomenal place!

Reviews sourced from Google. Displayed for informational purposes. Ratings reflect reviewer opinions at the time of posting.

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