Monkey Bar has been on our list for quite some time. Lunch reservations are easy enough to snag, but dinner is another story. Unless you’re up for a 10 p.m. weekday table, prime-time slots are difficult to come by. We kept our options open, stalked Resy notifications, and finally grabbed a 5:10 p.m. table on a Thursday.

Walking in, the vibe is exactly what you’d expect from a spot known to attract celebrities (yes, even Taylor Swift has been spotted here). Dark, moody, and intimate and not a huge space, which makes it feel even more exclusive.

What We Ordered

Because this is NYC, we knew the bill would be steep. We also did our homework and cross-checked Reddit for the most-talked-about dishes.

For appetizers, we went with:

• King Crab Rangoon’s – Definitely a step up from your local takeout version. Fresh, generously portioned, and tasty, though not something we would rush to order again.
• Steak Tartare – Also a large portion and very well done. Expensive, but at least you feel like you’re getting substance for the price.

For entrées, we went with:

• Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich
• Wagyu Cheeseburger

Both were solid and satisfying, but nothing groundbreaking. Two really good sandwiches, sure, but not destination-worthy on their own. Also worth noting entrées don’t come with sides, so be prepared to add extras if you’re hungry.

To finish, we shared the Chocolate Mousse Cake with Oreo Crust. Rich, indulgent, and definitely one to split.

The Verdict

Monkey Bar is a cool experience, especially if you’re chasing that buzzy, celebrity, New York vibe. The portions are large, the food is good, and the atmosphere is memorable. That said, with so many incredible restaurants in NYC, we wouldn’t prioritize going back.