Brunch at Monkey Thief did not come to play. The space is small and cozy, but the design is beautiful and gives off Southeast Asian vibes that really set the tone. The food was packed with flavor and felt like a fun twist on brunch favorites.
Everything we ordered hit the spot, especially the creativity behind each dish. That said, the lamb burger could’ve been better for the price. At $21, the patty was a lot smaller than expected, and there was more bun than burger. It looked great but just didn’t deliver on portion. Also, one of our dishes didn’t make it to the kitchen due to a mix-up, but we were fine skipping it and still left full and satisfied.
It’s the kind of spot that feels like a hidden gem. I’d definitely come back next time I’m visiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Burger, French Toast
Romey Louangvilay
Hosted a small get-together at Monkey Thief, and honestly, it was incredible. The food—a mix of Thai and Indian flavors—was so good, and the cocktails? Next level.
The vibe in Hell’s Kitchen is already fun, but this spot really stands out. The staff made us feel like we were the only ones there—super attentive and welcoming.
If you go, definitely try the crispy fried rice and the fried chicken. You won’t regret it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Miriam Liggett
Drinks are top-tier! Liked most of the menu items we tried. It's mostly small plates/ bites. Great place to eat before the theater.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Rocio Cervera
Solid 5! What an amazing bar! Loved everything from the ambiance, to the service and most importantly, the drinks! Steve and Sam are passionate, knowledgeable and make the experience unforgettable. Can’t wait to go back and try their food, which I’m sure, is amazing too.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Jeremy Ham
Amazing staff and food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jordan Bennett
Great service and drinks!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Meera Mohan
Saturday evening visit with a reservation (recommended). The atmosphere was lively, yet conversation-friendly. Shae, our server, was friendly and attentive - a great start.
The Indian-inspired menu offered a pleasant twist. Spiced nuts arrived first, followed by creative cocktails: Lychee No Lychee and Prize is Raita. Both refreshing and well-made. Appetizers stole the show: lamb kebabs were tender and flavorful, while crispy fried rice with garlic and shallots was addictive.
We ordered another round, trying Better Call Paul and Too Cool for You. Solid choices. Overall, a great experience with unique flavors and excellent service. Would definitely return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nic Casaula
Cool bar, unique cocktails, great ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christian Rahui
Amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice, Major Tom, Beef Koi, Croquettes, Calamari
Great spot if you like spicy food. They have non-spicy things, but their tartare and bok choy are both very spicy. They also serve giant corn-nuts or quicos and they are delicious.
The drinks are fantastic. Especially the Too Cool For You. I asked about a whiskey sour, but the bartender recommended this. I am so glad I got to try it - it is so easy to drink and comes with an amazing pistachio cookie. I could drink a gallon of it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Koi
JJ Marinaro
Nice place but the cocktails are super expensive and batch mixed and very sugary. Tastes more like fruit juice than actual liquor. Attentive staff, but a little too attentive, our wait staff stopped at our table literally every five minutes to ask how things were going and picked up our dishes before we were completely done more than once. Maybe a bit more training on not interrupting conversations or rushing people out would be helpful? We felt a bit pushed out. Paid over $200 for four people with a couple of drinks each, felt a bit excessive. Quite pricey for the experience, there’s lots of other options in the area with a less hefty bill and stronger cocktails
Jack Pearl
10/10 this place rules! Had 7 long years and tried a bunch of different items on the menu and everything was awesome. Inventive cocktails, knowledgeable staff and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice, Croquettes, Dumplings, Chicken Bao
Joy F
I visited for the Planteray Rum Tiki Week because I work at the Distillery where the rum was made and OMG! The staff, the food, the drinks and the vibe was just amazingggggg. I had the best chicken kebabs! They were so so good. I had the Mai Tai with the planteray rum which was really good! I had the opportunity of meeting David the manager who was very nice and engaging! Shay the bartender was also very helpful and nice to talk to. BIG shoutouts to Cheyenne! Wasn’t able to meet her in person but spoke to her on IG. She was very helpful and knowledgeable and made sure everyone knew who I was before I came. I’ll recommend this bar to anyone visiting the NY area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Satay, Lamb Kebab
suresh rajpal
Incredible service, drinks and food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice, Major Tom, Beef Koi, Croquettes, Dumplings, Corn Nuts, Calamari
Brunch at Monkey Thief did not come to play. The space is small and cozy, but the design is beautiful and gives off Southeast Asian vibes that really set the tone. The food was packed with flavor and felt like a fun twist on brunch favorites.
Everything we ordered hit the spot, especially the creativity behind each dish. That said, the lamb burger could’ve been better for the price. At $21, the patty was a lot smaller than expected, and there was more bun than burger. It looked great but just didn’t deliver on portion. Also, one of our dishes didn’t make it to the kitchen due to a mix-up, but we were fine skipping it and still left full and satisfied.
It’s the kind of spot that feels like a hidden gem. I’d definitely come back next time I’m visiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Burger, French Toast
Hosted a small get-together at Monkey Thief, and honestly, it was incredible. The food—a mix of Thai and Indian flavors—was so good, and the cocktails? Next level.
The vibe in Hell’s Kitchen is already fun, but this spot really stands out. The staff made us feel like we were the only ones there—super attentive and welcoming.
If you go, definitely try the crispy fried rice and the fried chicken. You won’t regret it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Drinks are top-tier! Liked most of the menu items we tried. It's mostly small plates/ bites. Great place to eat before the theater.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Solid 5! What an amazing bar! Loved everything from the ambiance, to the service and most importantly, the drinks! Steve and Sam are passionate, knowledgeable and make the experience unforgettable.
Can’t wait to go back and try their food, which I’m sure, is amazing too.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Amazing staff and food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great service and drinks!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Saturday evening visit with a reservation (recommended). The atmosphere was lively, yet conversation-friendly. Shae, our server, was friendly and attentive - a great start.
The Indian-inspired menu offered a pleasant twist. Spiced nuts arrived first, followed by creative cocktails: Lychee No Lychee and Prize is Raita. Both refreshing and well-made. Appetizers stole the show: lamb kebabs were tender and flavorful, while crispy fried rice with garlic and shallots was addictive.
We ordered another round, trying Better Call Paul and Too Cool for You. Solid choices. Overall, a great experience with unique flavors and excellent service. Would definitely return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cool bar, unique cocktails, great ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice, Major Tom, Beef Koi, Croquettes, Calamari
Drinks are amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great spot if you like spicy food. They have non-spicy things, but their tartare and bok choy are both very spicy. They also serve giant corn-nuts or quicos and they are delicious.
The drinks are fantastic. Especially the Too Cool For You. I asked about a whiskey sour, but the bartender recommended this. I am so glad I got to try it - it is so easy to drink and comes with an amazing pistachio cookie. I could drink a gallon of it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Koi
Nice place but the cocktails are super expensive and batch mixed and very sugary. Tastes more like fruit juice than actual liquor.
Attentive staff, but a little too attentive, our wait staff stopped at our table literally every five minutes to ask how things were going and picked up our dishes before we were completely done more than once. Maybe a bit more training on not interrupting conversations or rushing people out would be helpful? We felt a bit pushed out. Paid over $200 for four people with a couple of drinks each, felt a bit excessive. Quite pricey for the experience, there’s lots of other options in the area with a less hefty bill and stronger cocktails
10/10 this place rules! Had 7 long years and tried a bunch of different items on the menu and everything was awesome. Inventive cocktails, knowledgeable staff and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice, Croquettes, Dumplings, Chicken Bao
I visited for the Planteray Rum Tiki Week because I work at the Distillery where the rum was made and OMG! The staff, the food, the drinks and the vibe was just amazingggggg. I had the best chicken kebabs! They were so so good. I had the Mai Tai with the planteray rum which was really good! I had the opportunity of meeting David the manager who was very nice and engaging! Shay the bartender was also very helpful and nice to talk to. BIG shoutouts to Cheyenne! Wasn’t able to meet her in person but spoke to her on IG. She was very helpful and knowledgeable and made sure everyone knew who I was before I came. I’ll recommend this bar to anyone visiting the NY area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Satay, Lamb Kebab
Incredible service, drinks and food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice, Major Tom, Beef Koi, Croquettes, Dumplings, Corn Nuts, Calamari
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