Seemor
The Drunken Munkey - UESB+Worth Trying
338 E 92nd St, New York, NY 10128
· Indian restaurant, Cocktail bar
· 4.4/5 Google (1017 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Stylish Anglo-Indian restaurant with standout cocktails, reliable favorites, and lively service; mostly excellent but with occasional service lapses and order errors.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Drunken Munkey delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by reliable crowd-pleasers like butter chicken and biryani, plus gracious, proactive service and distinctive speakeasy-style design. However, occasional consistency lapses—cold appetizers, order mix-ups, variable spice—prevent a higher grade, while the intimate but tight room limits appeal beyond date nights and small celebrations. Worth seeking out for Anglo-Indian cocktails and comfort food in a lively UES setting.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a speakeasy shimmer—crystal cups, sharp-suited bartenders, and a bar that hums. One diner put it simply: "Walked in and thought, wow, did not expect this setting." Service often feels gracious and proactive, with hosts chasing down forgotten leftovers, though a few guests reported rushed or curt moments on busy nights. The cooking leans Anglo-Indian comfort with playful touches: butter chicken that is rich and crowd-pleasing, biryanis that stay moist and aromatic, and irresistible starters like chilli cheese toast and pani puri. Desserts are a stealth highlight—gajar halwa and the rum chocolate cricket ball win raves—while the cocktail list brings creativity without gimmicks. Expect occasional variability in spice levels and the odd miss on speed or temperature when slammed. For families, the menu has plenty kids will actually eat: butter chicken and naan, saffron rice, mixed vegetable korma, and simple biryani. Portions are sensible, spice can be kept moderate, and desserts are a safe bet. Space is tight and noise rises at peak, so earlier seatings work best for younger diners.
At a Glance
- Standout cocktails with knowledgeable bartenders
- Reliable crowd-pleasers (butter chicken, biryani, desserts)
- Occasional service rudeness or rushing at peak times
- Order mix-ups and cold appetizers reported by a minority
- Romantic, lively setting ideal for dates and celebrations
What Sets It Apart
- anglo_indian_cocktails
- festive_birthday_rituals
- cozy_old_world_barware
What People Love
- Cocktails that feel crafted, not flashy
- Desserts that end the meal on a high note
- A cozy room with old-world charm
- Staff who go the extra block—literally—for guests
Points of Concern
- Pricing feels higher than typical neighborhood Indian, though quality and ambiance offset for many
- Some reports of rushed or brusque service during busy windows
- A few order errors and temperature issues (cold apps, wrong items) noted
- Review patterns show mild marketing tone in a few posts, but overall signals suggest authentic experiences
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$50-70 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair chilli cheese toast with a whiskey-based cocktail
- Order a biryani and one curry to share with naan to manage portions
- Save room for gajar halwa or the cricket ball dessert
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails and sharable starters
- Small celebratory dinners with lively energy
- A dessert-first outing with drinks
- Solo bar dining when tables are booked
Location Insights
Area: Residential Upper East Side block with neighborhood foot traffic; date-night and bar crowd in evenings.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit residential area with steady evening activity.
Nearby: Close to Yorkville bars, small restaurants, and second avenue transit; neighborhood dining strip.
East HarlemEast Harlem, also known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio, has a rich cultural heritage with a vibrant street life and a growing dining scene that blends traditional Latin American cuisine with new, trendy eateries. The area is undergoing gradual gentrification, leading to a mix of old-school neighborhood charm and emerging upscale dining options.
East 90s CorridorThe East 90s corridor is a transitional zone within East Harlem, featuring a mix of traditional bodegas, casual eateries, and some newer restaurants catering to a diverse clientele. It maintains a community-focused atmosphere with a blend of cultural influences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–00:00
Tuesday16:00–00:00
Wednesday16:00–00:00
Thursday16:00–00:00
Friday16:00–01:00
Saturday11:00–01:00
Sunday11:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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