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(212) 838-2600
60 E 54th St
New York,
NY
10022
40.76
-73.9732
Neighborhoods: Midtown Center, Midtown
What People Are Saying About Monkey Bar
The Editor
Josh Ozersky
Citysearch
In its latest incarnation, Monkey Bar is the playground of Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter, and a kind of uptown cousin to his Waverly Inn. There's a new mural that looks like it's been there for fifty years, and the art deco vibe has been art-directed to a T. But unfortunately, the menu is still as dull and unimaginative as always, with the same Kung Pao chicken serving to soak up alcohol for the Wasp-y crowd.
07/01/09
wow. this is terrible.
by iliketo_eat at Citysearch
This place looks great especially since it's guests are skinny celebs and their hanger-ons. But as far as a restaurant goes.....It is not on the same level as some mediocre New York restaurants. Food is sub-par, cocktail list is boring and uninspired, and the wine list...well lets say they should just get rid of it. If your in the hood go to PJ Clarks, Bobby Vans, or Houston's.
- Pros: looks nice
- Cons: crowd, noise, food, cocktail and wine list.
04/22/08
Best upscale Asian cuisine since the original Nobu
by MrDukes at Citysearch
I went into Monkey Bar just to have a drink before heading to another restaurant for dinner, the bartender suggested a small appetizer with our drinks, being one to try anything I went for it, we got the foie gras buns, they were quite simply one of the most decadent rich appetizers I have ever had the pleasure of eating. My guest and I decided to stay and have dinner in the dining room, I had been there before, when they served steak, the remodel was impressive, one of the best looking dining rooms I've ever been in, very open it's great for a date, I've since returned with my girlfriend, she loved it to. On to the food, for starters we had a few pieces of dim sum the springrolls with the white truffle foam were excellent, we also had the glazed ribs, sweet, spicey, melted off the bone. For our entrees we chose the black cod, and the chicken with cashews, the cod was amazing with the bbq glaze you could really tell the fish was fresh, and that the chef really cares about his food, the chicken came two ways one grilled breast which was juicy and tender, not dry at all, and in a mooshu wrap filled with braised dark meat, there was a sweet and sour sauce on top of the chicken that added a great taste to the dish, and crushed cashews adds that decadence that occurs in all the food I had that night, we also had the rice trio, which makes it nice and easy for me because I love rice, garlic ginger rice, jasmin, and cocnut sticky rice, all great good size portions for two people to share. All in all we had a great experience from the food to the wine to the attentive service, all the people I came in contact with at Monkey Bar genuinely seemed to love what they do. Give a excellent experience.
- Pros: Great food, room was beautiful, service was on par with my favorite restaurants
03/21/08
Incredible Rebirth
by FoodKing1 at Citysearch
I have been to the Monkey Bar many times over the years since even before it was a Steakhouse but it was never this good. The bar which had been run down looks great and the dining room is to die for. It looks like a slick downtown lounge. The host sat us in the corner banquet which was great so we could take in the room. We started we some specialty cocktails. I had the Tea Infused Bourbon Julep which was spicy and sweet. To start we had Bao Buns with Foie Gras and the Apple Salad. The Bao Buns were so decadent and delicious. The salad had a ginger dressing which was a nice complement to the apples. Next we got the Black Cod, Pork, and Wok Veggies. Hands down the cod was the best. It was like butter. The pork was also great with ginger and pineapple on top. Although I wanted to have dessert it was not going to happen this time around. I happy that they finally got it right. Looking forward to next time...
- Pros: food, service and space
- Cons: music at times
The Details on Monkey Bar
Know Before You Go:
If your ears are sensitive to the shrill noises coming from the bar, enter and exit through the separate Hotel Elysee entrance.
What to Drink:
The wine list starts around $30, which happens to be the price of a lightly floral bottle of C. Audoin rose that pairs well with much of the menu.
When to Go:
The bar opens an hour earlier and closes an hour or so later than the restaurant.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Hotel Restaurants, Historic Setting, Business Dining, Bar Scene
General Info:
Open 7 Days
