Monkeys in a Concrete Jungle: Dinner at Monkey Bar
Are you searching for a restaurant that offers a memorable dining experience in New York City? Look no further than Monkey Bar. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Monkey Bar has established itself as a popular destination for those seeking high-quality food and an inviting atmosphere.
Most restaurant goers in Manhattan will have heard of the revered 4 Charles Prime Rib, known for its difficulty in procuring a highly coveted reservation. Having been one of the lucky ones fortunate enough to have eaten at 4 Charles, I can say that it is well worth the hype and is probably one of my top 5 restaurants in the city. Monkey Bar, originally opened in the 1930s, has been passed through several owners over the years. Hogsalt Hospitality, the owner of 4 Charles, is in fact the most recent owner of this institution. You may also be familiar with some of their other establishments like Au Cheval and Sawada Coffee in Chicago. I had high expectations going into dinner, and I was not disappointed.
Reservations for Monkey Bar open up to 14 days in advance at 9AM ET and you have to be quick! I was able to lock in a reservation through Resy 2 weeks in advance for a Friday night, which is no easy feat. I tried the next day to make another reservation for Saturday prime dinner hours, but in the 2 seconds I tried to confirm my reservation all of them were already gone. The good news is that you at least have a chance of getting a prime reservation, whereas for 4 Charles the process is even more difficult. There is also a section for walk-in seating at the restaurant’s front area in case you’re unable to get a reservation in advance.
The restaurant features a classic yet modern décor permeated with quirky monkey figurines and retro wall murals, with a classically designed bar area and more elegant dining room. The dimly lit ambiance creates an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends or coworkers.
Monkey Bar is known for its innovative cocktails, and the Oaxacan old fashioned is a must-try. This cocktail is a twist on the classic old fashioned, made with tequila and mezcal instead of whiskey. It is a delicious drink with a smokey flavor and serves as a good pre-dinner cocktail. I also enjoyed a midtown pour of the 2018 Band of Vintners Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with the main entrees since they were heavily red meat focused dishes.
For starters, we tried the fresh east coast oysters and chu toro crudo. The oysters were served on a bed of ice with a classic mignonette sauce, cocktail sauce, and lemon wedges. They were fresh and briny. The chu toro crudo, a dish made with thinly sliced tuna belly, was also exceptional. It was served with bread and a white ponzu sauce, which complemented the delicate flavor of the tuna.
Monkey Bar offers the option to make the handmade pastas into 1/2 size portions, allowing customers to try more options. We tried the vodka rigatoni and spicy shrimp. The vodka rigatoni was creamy, rich, and flavorful. The pasta was cooked to perfection and had a slight bite to it. The spicy shrimp pasta was also delicious – the sauce had a nice kick to it.
For mains, we had the truffle burger and 10 oz filet mignon. The truffle burger was decadent and indulgent. The burger was juicy and cooked to perfection, and the truffles added a rich, earthy flavor that took the dish to the next level. I would have also liked to try the double cheeseburger. The 10 oz filet mignon was also exceptional. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and it was tender and flavorful. The buttery mashed potatoes and creamed corn were the perfect sides to accompany the mains.
We ended our meal with the chocolate cream pie with chantilly cream and an Oreo crust. The dark chocolate filling was smooth and creamy, and the crust was crunchy. It was the perfect end to a delicious meal – not too heavy but very satisfying.
Overall, our experience at Monkey Bar was exceptional. The food was delicious, and the service was attentive and friendly, and the vibe was great. We ordered a lot of food because we wanted to try everything so we had to take some home, but it was still great even the next day. The prices are certainly on the higher end, but the quality of the food and the experience makes it worth the splurge.
If you are looking for a restaurant that offers a memorable dining experience in New York City and you just can’t seem to get into 4 Charles Prime Rib, Monkey Bar is definitely the place to go. Whether you are looking for a cocktail, a light bite, or a full meal, you will find something to satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to try one of the burgers and the chocolate cream pie – they are must-haves on the menu. Hope you visit hungry!