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Monkey Bar
Master Critic Review
Monkey Bar
8.4
A revived Midtown icon inside the Hotel Elysée, Monkey Bar pairs Jazz Age murals and dim lighting with a menu of rich American comfort food and thoughtful gluten-free accommodations. It’s where power lunches turn into martini-heavy dinners, with staff that can guide gluten-avoiding guests through the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Monkey Bread, Vodka rigatoni, Wagyu cheeseburger on lettuce bun
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Old-New York glamour with clearly flagged gluten-free-friendly dishes and savvy servers.
Who should go: Gluten-free diners wanting a buzzy, classic Midtown night out
When to visit: Prime-time dinner or late lunch for full room energy
What to order: Truffle Monkey Bread, vodka rigatoni, Wagyu cheeseburger lettuce-wrapped
Insider tip: Book the bar area for easier last-minute seats and a livelier view of the room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; nearby garages on 54th–56th St typically run $35–$50 for the evening. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—blazers, dresses, and elevated denim all fit the room’s Old New York feel.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; conversation is doable at tables, slightly louder at the bar during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for bar seats; tables typically require reservations.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; often seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including salads, pastas (often adaptable), and vegetable-led starters.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 modifiable dishes; confirm with the server for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Very strong—many dishes can be prepared gluten-free, and staff proactively guide modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dim lighting, jazz-forward atmosphere, and polished service create a flattering, conversation-friendly setting with just enough buzz.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Your best chance is the bar area, especially early evening or late night. Prime-time tables are rarely available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. It’s more suited to adults; older teens are fine, but there are no kid-specific menus or amenities, and the ambiance skews mature.
Best For
Better for: A polished, gluten-free-friendly Midtown evening with classic New York glamour and attentive guidance from staff.
Skip if: You want casual dining, a quiet room, or a menu with extensive vegan options.