They sure make some delicious drinks here! The bartenders and service staff are nice. The atmosphere is lively and fun but not snobby at all. I tried the eggplant sticks, they were fried well but desperately needed some salt. It was served with a very tart marinara. When I ordered I asked for aioli (as advertised on the online menu) and they said they didn't have that but would bring out some remoulade with it instead. They did not bring it out and the bartender said she would get it but forgot. I ended up wasting some of it because it just was not good with the marinara. But it was only $6.50, so it was okay.
Review Source:I very briefly lived a couple of blocks away from Monkey Hill during football season a few years ago and ended up here on more than a few occasions simply due to proximity. It's a decent spot to grab a few drinks and even watch a game-- especially if you get there early enough to get a spot on one of the couches. It can get pretty crowded at times, so securing a spot is definitely a priority if you're planning to settle in for the long haul.
I enjoyed my times at Monkey Hill... but I also haven't been back since I moved to a different part of Uptown. All that being said, I can totally see myself ending up back here on an afternoon when I don't have anything else going on. Those couches sure are comfy.
Wandered in here after doing a lot of shopping and walking on Magazine. I was surprised when I saw the inside - it's much nicer than what it looks like outside. Big couches and chairs for people to sit on, a HUGE projection screen TV, and a nice, long bar.
It was mid-afternoon so the place wasn't crowded. They had a huge drink menu, which I love, with things like bananas foster and cupcake martinis. They are pricey though.
They're also smoking, which for some reason didn't fit considering how classy the decor was inside. As my friend and I stayed longer time started to push up against the start of an LSU game and the crowd began to grow exponentially. Seemed to be mostly a 20-30 something professional crowd with men and women who were dressed nicer than they would have been had they only been there to watch a football game.
Pros: beautiful bar, excellent drink menu
Cons: smoking, expensive, the crowd on a weekend night brought me back to my 20s before I was married and still "dressed up" to go to the bar. It's not them, it's me.
They were playing "Candy Rain" (by Soul for Real) as I walked in, how cool is that? Seriously, any place daring enough to have random music from when I was in like 8th grade is good in my book!
I went to a lot of bars while in NOLA and would have to say this one was more my style than most. Â At about 1am or so on a Saturday night the couches in the lounging area were available so we eventually made our way towards those, although shuffle board would've been a nice option if I didn't want to mainly relax, and if I were any good at it.
It may not have been too packed, although there were like 3 bouncers out front when we approached. Â They made sure we didn't bring our own booze inside. Â I think I mainly had Abita Amber to drink, but don't completely remember (since my friend got my drink and I went to so many places it's easy to lose track).
This was the end of night 1 for me while in NOLA and was a great start to my trip...
This place is such a departure from your average New Orleans bar that I don't even know where to start. I really dig the lounging areas with the couches and what not. I also really dig the fact that my friend and I had 8 (?) drinks between us and the bill didn't break the bank at all. But I think my favorite part of the place is the ladies restroom- by far the fanciest I've seen on Magazine. (And we know I have a thing about bar bathrooms...)
What I don't understand is the mix of people that were there. It was a Friday night, late-ish, and I feel like the general scene was hipster frat boys who were trying to NOT be hipster frat boys. But not "Dude lets get WASTED!" frat boys; more like "Man, I don't know where I'm going to park my yacht this weekend". Or maybe I'm just use to dive bars where everyone is in jeans and t-shirts. I'd say the average age was mid to late twenties, which was a plus, but then there were also a random amount of older people, possibly pushing their 50's, and THAT is who I noticed getting wasted. I had a good time though, and this place was great for people watching if nothing else. I do think I should probably ditch my SoCal ways next time and possibly wear heels, or at least not my flip flops, which truthfully is kind of a bummer, but definitely not out of the question.
Ok, so I was in search for a normal bar in New Orleans. Â Not a popped-collar kind of place, not a place with questionable activities going on in the corner, nor a place where people stare at you when you walk in to 'their' bar.
I'm in my late twenties, so I'm looking for something as fun as a college bar but toned down a few notches. Anyway, I feel like this place fights right into what I'm looking for. Professional young adults in control of their bodily functions yet still having a good time. Yay!
Monkey Hill - Not great, but better than AT2.
Like my friend Marielle said "Monkey Hill is one of those bars that you want to check out during the week, and avoid like the plague on the weekends".
I have been to Monkey Hill on the weekends and weekdays and the weekdays are significantly more enjoyable. There is a large lounging are with couches and chairs which was quite comfortable on a weekday. When I went on a Saturday, this area was jam packed, and there was no possibility of carrying on a conversation.
The bar has a decent beer and liquor selection. In addition, the bartender was very cool filling my water over and over when I wasn't drinking.
On my last trip I pretty much ignored the other clientele, but the weekend trip was not my kind of place.
In short, disregard my entire review except for the part i plagiarized, and you will know all you need to know.
I went on a quiet night during the week and it reminded me of a bougie hunting lounge. Â There was no cover when I went in and it was full of older folk and the occasional guy watching Monday night football. Â
I did meet some nice people who recommended the coconut lime verbena. Â Next time. Â I was only there for a bit but I didn't feel super welcome there, so...maybe no next time.
I'll be honest. The first couple of times I went to Monkey Hill Bar (almost a decade ago when I was an undergrad at Tulane), I hated it. Well, that's not entirely correct. I hated the fact that there was ALWAYS a cover, no matter what was happening. I'm like, "why would I pay you to come inside and pay you more to drink your booze? That's stupid."
However, things have changed. First of all, Treme happened, and it was one of the very few places I was aware of that were showing it during the first season. So that was cool. Then I went to meet up with a friend for the Saints game the other day (they show it on their big projector screen) and learned that Monkey Hill has apparently been acquired by new owners (like, a long time ago), and they don't do the whole cover thing all the time anymore. So that's super awesome, and removes my major grudge against this place.
Yes, it's Uptown, and therefore *really far away* from where I live. And yes, it's seemingly full of collar-popping d-bags, but really, it's more of a young professional kind of crowd than a frat boy crowd, as far as I can tell. It's a nice place, they have shuffleboard (which is AWESOME), and overall, I'd say I'm a fan. I'll probably even be back, now that I'm fairly confident they won't try to take my money in order to let me in.
P.S. Â Oh, and there are a lot of couches.
This bar certainly used to be a four or five but has suffered some setbacks over the years. Â As a life long preppy fellow I appreciate the generally more dressed up nature of the crowd here but unfortunately too many poorly dressed, hipster type, and non-preppy folk have taken to crowding this bar over the last few years. Â It has seemed to be making a comeback lately and I do hope those that don't like preppy folk and don't understand that our "dressing up" is just what we wear everyday for work AND fun so they will probably be much happier at our great dive bars with their sloppy unprofessional looks. Â It is a great thing to be sloppy and go to a dive bar sometimes but it is also great to have a place you can go in your work clothes... well actually I go all preppy all over the place and I really like wearing a suit in Snake n' Jakes!!! Â
Overall Monkey Hill is a very comfortable bar and they do some good drinks with good service. Â The crowd has been very variable over the last few years so it is hard to predict what you will find until you get there.
I will never forget the first time I stepped into this bar. I remember expected someone to come down stairs and yell "Hey! what are yawl doing in my house!" I say this because it is so relaxed, and it gives off a feeling of being at home. Couches, TV, lamps, and other items that you would fine in an everyday home. I remember sitting on the couch, drinking, and a friend asked me "Are you ready?" "For??" "To go." Then I remembered that I was at a bar!
So basically this bar gives a feeling of not being at a bar, even though you are. I know right. Just go and you will see what I'm talking about.
**ALL MONKEY BUSINESS WITH THE HH DRINKS**
I liked this place.
It was my speed.
Cool and comfortable.
Bartender was friendly and efficient.
We sat at the bar but I noticed there were couches nearby for lounging, if needed.
I liked the lofty ceilings and it felt airy on extra-hot days.
HH drinks were solid.
Not sure if it's a place for craft cocktails, but it was good enough for a decent Sazerac.
RECOMMEND.
I love this place especially on a thursday or friday night.
This is my kind of bar. It is busy but you arent back to butt with people. The bartenders are friendly and fast. They dont call themselves mixologists but you can order from a long list of specialty cocktails. I like that i can sit at the bar or on one of the comfy couches. Finally, the bathrooms! They are the cleanest bathrooms i have ever seen! Not being afraid to put my purse on the countertop is an absolute plus! One of my favorite spots!
I've been here a handful of times... Great place to socialize. They have a nice pool table and comfy couches to chat on. I love the ambiance of this place. Don't come here if you want to dance or get wild. Come here if you're tired of trying to have a conversation with someone Since the music isn't blaring in your ears.
Review Source:Well I found myself here after wearing a pair of severely uncomfortable high heels for too long of a time. Oh sweet puffy empty couches, you sat there in this unknown bar just waiting for me. I did not care if you were stained or what had sat on you before, it was meant to be that I found you that night.
Although I can't remember too many other details about this place, except that the Mardi Gras decorations were lavish and a bit excessive. Also I noticed one minute we were enjoying ourselves early, curled up on those sweet couches with a bottle of wine, and the next we were surrounded by what I would refer to as the douchiest guys in town.
Here's an example of why: I came out of a quick trip to one of the surprisingly cleanest bar bathrooms I've seen in New Orleans and suddenly could walk no further. There was a man, in the common polo button down, reeking of hair gel and the desire to appear young, purposely standing in my way. He looked off into the distance and acted as though I was not standing beside him saying excuse me. When I stepped off to the side, he casually swung his sucked in belly back in my way, still ignoring me! Â He was not joking either. I took a step back, amazed at how there are still people like this and how lucky I'd been to avoid them for so long. His friend loudly apologized for him and physically pushed him out of my way.
I decided to close my tab and forgo anymore couch time as I didn't want another encounter with this guy or anyone similar, and most of them looked pretty damn similar.
Monkey Hill = Murray Hill
Don't know how many Nola yelpers know their way around NYC but this is it. Â This bar is in a great location, the space is cool, the drinks are good, but the crowd is the killer. Â I'm not even quite sure who the crowd is here but I do certainly know that they annoy me. Â It's mostly young 22-30 types that are college grads but I don't really know what they are doing. Â Some may be professionals and some may be just drifting but they all look like they are either going to catch crocodiles or watch a croquet match. Â
It's very bro'ed out with the guys and pretty damn jappy with the girls. Â If you have a frat side that needs to get unleashed or you slick back your hair and pop your collar at least once a week you might just love it here. Â If you don't you will likely be a bit annoyed.
It is comfy though, and I like the setup with the few couches. Â They made a pretty damn good Bombay Sapphire martini. Â The only part that was different than murray hill was that there was smoking here so I just generally was annoyed.
Monkey Hill is one of those bars that you want to check out during the week, and avoid like the plague on the weekends.
Definitely a more upscale bar, Monkey Hill is located by river road. Â It's a good size place with a nice bar area and a nice sitting area with sofas and chairs, where you can sit with a big group or get to know new people.
My only complaint is, on the weekends, this place gets packed with college age regulars who are dressed like they are going to watch a tennis match. Â That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I have always preferred to go during the week. Â
Worth checking out, if you are looking for a nicer uptown experience.
so i tried this bar again last night because i had a christmas party in the area and needed some pre-festivity holiday cheer. Â sadly, it's still like vanilla ice cream dressed in wayfarers and deck shoes. Â though, i'll give one extra star because the bartender actually fixed a really good cocktail.
note: douche central starting around 10 pm.
One of the best places that I've been to thus far!!!. A friend had a b-day get together and the location clientele and atmosphere was great. A good mix of people not at all pretentious as some of the other people commented on. Even though the place was packed, service at the bar was rather quick. The lounge area is very nice. The whole place was chill and I was feelin it. Took a star off cause they apparently allow smoking in the bar and I hate when my hair smells like cigarettes the next day, other than that I will definitely have to hit this place up more ofter :D
Prices were't that bad $7.50 for a grey goose & cranberry $4.50 for some dutch beer Dela something soemthing...
Okay all right, this place is a little pretentious, especially by New Orleans standards, but it's a nice little option for college kiddos and others hoping to spice things up with something a little different. Â
Monkey Hill is still very attracts a younger crowd so do bear that in mind, but since it's a more refined loungey atmosphere, everyone seems more inclined to restraining their inner frat boy or sorority girl. Â But there will be sporadic bursts of dancing, especially should the crowd reach a critical drunken mass. Â
The venue itself is moderately spacious and there's a fair amount of seating for actual lounging around and chatting it up. The bartenders are all right enough, drinks are a little pricier.
There's nothing too exceptional about this place and I can admit that had I actually frequented this place more than twice, I might be more inclined to give it two stars. Â It's not my type of crowd, so to speak, but I think it's a great getaway from the typical Magazine bars.
Has it been over a year already since my last review? Well shit... let me regale you with my first adventure at Monkey Hill.
So there I was walking along Magazine, before the days of Pinkberry when one could walk in peace without having to Red Rover through a line of Apple addicted hipsters, when I spotted a set of old wooden doors set right on the corner of a non-descript building.
"How strange", I thought, "there appears to be a dive bar here. I wonder if I should check this place out?" It was only then I noticed a sign set up on the sidewalk.
"Come watch the Saints on our 1,138 inch wide 3D HD screen! Cheap drinks and free food. Wild card, bitches!" Now this seemed an always sunny place I could get behind. So I stepped inside...
It was like stepping into a different world. Had I just walked through some kind of portal? I'd expected a dive bar and there I was inside some kind of high-class martini sports lounge complete with plush couches and mood lighting. This wasn't Cheers. If anything it was Cheerleaders, considering the beautiful lineup behind the bar, and the various sports playing on multiple strategically placed TVs.
"Did someone fire a portal gun while I wasn't looking? Is there cake in here?" I decided to approach the bar despite the warnings from my exhausted liver. As I walked forward, a dog came out of nowhere to greet my crotch. "Well hello there penis police. This place is dog friendly too? Where's your owner?"
And that's when she appeared, as if in a Yelp review. "I'm sorry, Action Jackson here can be a bit of a snout rapist. Can I buy you a bottle of Bordeaux?"
Was I dead? Had I fallen into heaven off Magazine? Would Lost end shittastically? "That would be amazing, thank you. What's your name?"
"Oh, I'm ######." (Like I'm going to tell you the name of my fantasy girl... write your own!)
We sat down at the bar and from there I could see happy hour lasted till 8pm on weekdays and a pool table was in the back, which my hobo-senses told me was even completely free were I to only ask for balls... preferably in a way that suggests testicles.
"You haven't been here before have you?" She asked with her perfect face and completely not Twilight-like dialog.
"Nope, this is my first time. What's this place called anyway?"
"Monkey..." And that's when a monkey dropped down from the ceiling in a rage of masturbation and feces.
"Bad monkey! Bad!" I cried out, but that didn't seem to work so finally I got in one little fight and my mom got scared and said "You're moving with your auntie and uncle in Bel Air."
I whistled for a cab and when it came near the license plate said fresh and there was dice in the mirror, if anything I could say that this cab was rare but I thought "Nah forget it, yo home to Bel Air."
I pulled up to a house about 7 or 8 and I yelled to the cabbie "Yo homes, smell ya later."
PRETENSION AT IT'S FINEST...
Overpriced! Rude staff, and Obnoxious Patrons. This place is filled with blazer and Dock shoe wearing douches. New Yuppies, Tulane Grads that never left, the spawn of New Orleans old money, and the Cougars that prey upon them. Reliving High School / College days gone by. Everybody knows one another.
Pros: Free Pool, Hot - as - Hell waitresses/ bartenders, Cougars
Generally, bars in New Orleans that try at all to be upscale end up being merely pretentious. This is a city that whole heartedly embraces and celebrates the neighboorhood-dive bar concept and most bars that try to escape that tradition cater to tourists or just the douchebaggery.
  To the credit of Monkey Hill, it has managed to bridge the fragile fault line between neighboorhood bar and upscale scene for quite some time. Thanks to the great service, friendly atmosphere, and
phenomenal selection this bar is a consistent hot spot in a category that is in constant flux. Yes, it can occasionally become overrun by yuppies but it also serves a diverse crowd and the couches are usually a great place to observe beautiful people, and maybe even make out with them.
   There's a reason this place is always one of the most happening spots uptown. Friday happy hour pops off. You won't ever get your drink on for too cheap but the cocktails are stiff and it's worth it for the quality company of the staff and patrons. The specialty drinks keeps many people coming back week after week. Top notch pool table and shuffleboard are available and they even have an obscenely nice 65 inch high def projection screen for big games.
  My only complaint is that the jukebox music relies heavily on Classic Rock standards and rarely plays anything to get people dancing. Other than that, is the closest thing New Orleans has to the Hybrid of bars- upscale, friendly, tasteful.
Eclectic mix of customers - but most are Tulane-associated and/or local yuppies. Â Usually a nice crowd of people that are easy on the eyes. Â Like most bars, there is a general lack of seating.
There is one pool table in the back that provides some diversion from the hustle and bustle of what some would consider an Uptown meat market.
I liked this bar a lot! Â Maybe because it was of the company I had, or perhaps the intense game of Golden Tee that was going on between us, or the unmentionable amount of beer that was consumed, I really liked it here. Â I do have to mention the variety of liquor and beer that is available was rather impressive too!
Sure, it was completely dead on a Wednesday night, but I loved the inside of the bar, it was quiet, and service was awesome. Â Plus, drink prices were very reasonable. Â That being said, I'm happy I wasn't here with all the yuppies and sorority sisters that my fellow Yelpers have warned us about!
3 stars for their chocolate martini.
This bar looks very nice, during the day.
but the douches and yuppies come out at night.
If you're allergic to guys with gel compacted hair, who wear their sunglasses at night OR
chicks wearing dresses the size of shirts with fresh bright orange tans,
stay away.
A bar that tries to be swanky, upscale and hip would be the best description of this Uptown bar. Note the keyword being 'tries'. A very nice interior (except the pool table in the back kinda detracts from the upper scale feel they were going for, IMHO) and high drinks prices does not make a good bar. But some nights are better than others. After having been on both school nights and party nights, go with the school nights - better atmosphere and 'higher quality' Uptowners/patrons. I really do love the interior (nice wall art) and those couches just suck you into comfort, especially when the girlfriend is all snuggled up to you like you're at home.
Review Source:When I was in my final year of college as an undergrad, I thought hm, this crowd is a bit too old for me in their late 20s and early 30s. Now at 26, I think I would appreciate this bar much more because of its cushy couches and tasteful decor. Despite the name, this bar is on flat land and does not involve any sort of climb :) Fear not, my out of shape friends!
Review Source:Yuppified but nicely-adorned bar that is home to hotting and hollering frat-types and the ladies who dote on them. Â Drinks are overpriced, which is a shame because this neighborhood is awesome. Â If you have to go here, don't park in the Perlis lot and don't urinate outside. Â You will be caught on tape.
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