Seemor
Monkey BarA-Worth Trying
60 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022
· American restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1617 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Iconic Midtown room with strong cocktails, standout monkey bread, tartare, and burgers; premium steaks and seafood at high prices, service can swing from impeccable to aloof.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Monkey Bar earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality anchored by signature dishes like truffle monkey bread and steak tartare, paired with outstanding setting appeal that captures iconic Midtown charm. Strong service attentiveness and balanced cocktails round out the experience, though occasional host-stand friction and inconsistent execution on secondary dishes prevent grade A territory. It's a refined, destination-worthy brasserie that delivers on its promise of elevated-classic dining in a beautifully designed room.
Restaurant Summary
Slip into Midtown’s glow where red leather booths, murals, and low light make the room feel warm and buzzing. Guests rave about attentive servers and balanced cocktails, though several recount icy host stand moments. One diner summed it up: "Gorgeous old New York vibe that instantly sets the mood." The cooking skews elevated-classic rather than experimental: think tartare, dry-aged steaks, rich pastas, and seafood with caviar options. The hits—truffle monkey bread, steak tartare, and the wagyu burger—earn repeated praise, while fries and a few mains draw critiques. It is best for those who enjoy refined comfort dishes with premium ingredients. Families can do fine here if kids like familiar favorites: burgers, pasta, fries, chicken parm, and gelato are on hand. The vibe is adult-leaning and reservations are tight, so consider bar seating off-peak if bringing teens; adventurous seafood and high prices may not suit picky eaters.
At a Glance
- Iconic room with standout ambiance and classic New York feel
- Must-order truffle monkey bread and excellent steak tartare
- Strong cocktail program and bar ideal for solo dining
- Host stand experiences can feel unwelcoming or rushed
- Prices are high; a few dishes underwhelm for cost
What Sets It Apart
- historic_midtown_room
- signature_truffle_monkey_bread
- bar_good_for_solo_diners
What People Love
- That transportive, classic Midtown room
- Truffle monkey bread that lives up to hype
- Silky, balanced steak tartare
- Burgers that satisfy, especially the wagyu
Points of Concern
- Host/door interactions can be brusque; some felt unwelcome
- Large parties face strict timing and limited flexibility
- A few reports of oversalted or inconsistent sides (fries, mac)
- Seafood illness claims are isolated but notable; choose fresh items confidently sourced
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$95-135 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Sharing strategy: Monkey Bread + Tartare, then split Wagyu Cheeseburger and Vodka Rigatoni, finish with Chocolate Cream Pie (~$140-170 for two before drinks).
- Seafood splurge path: Oysters to start, Chu Toro Crudo, then Miso Black Cod, finish with Lemon Meringue (~$160-200 for two before drinks).
- Bar bite: Double Cheeseburger + Pommes Frites + martini offers the room at a lower spend.
Perfect For
- Old-school NYC date night
- Business dinner with cocktails
- Solo bar bite and martini
- Special-occasion splurge
Location Insights
Area: Upscale Midtown office and hotel corridor with classic power-lunch and evening cocktail crowd.
Safety: Busy, well-lit corporate district; high foot traffic and generally safe even late.
Nearby: Near Fifth Avenue shops, office towers, luxury hotels, and other high-end dining rooms.
Turtle BayTurtle Bay offers a mix of upscale dining options, casual eateries, and classic New York delis catering primarily to office workers and residents. The atmosphere is professional during weekdays with a quieter, more residential feel in the evenings and weekends.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:45–22:30
Tuesday11:45–23:00
Wednesday11:45–23:00
Thursday11:45–23:00
Friday11:45–23:00
Saturday11:45–23:00
Sunday11:45–22:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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