Tucked inside the Hotel Elysee on East 54th Street since 1936, Monkey Bar has quietly become one of those spots that longtime New Yorkers know about but tourists mostly walk right past.
Run by the team behind Au Cheval and 4 Charles Prime Rib, this place blends old-school Midtown glamour with a menu that swings from crab rangoon to chicken parm without missing a beat.
Why This Historic NYC Bar Has Both Locals AND Tourists Hooked
Of all the dishes worth mentioning, the crab rangoon is first on the list because that’s genuinely where most people start when they walk in.
It’s deep-fried, blistered, and stuffed with a filling that actually tastes like real crab instead of the usual cream cheese filler, and it’s become such a signature item that some reviewers say they’d order it even if they didn’t like crab going in.
Then there’s the burger situation, which honestly deserves its own headline as well.
Given that this restaurant group also runs Au Cheval, it’s no surprise the Wagyu Cheeseburger gets constant praise, with thin patties, a soft bun, and just the right amount of pickle to cut through the richness that makes it the kind of burger people compare to some of the best in the city, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.
What’s surprising is how well the pasta holds up here, too.
The Vodka Rigatoni keeps coming up as a dish nobody expects to be this good at a place known for steaks and burgers, and the Spicy Shrimp trofie with Calabrian chilies runs a close second.
It’s proof that this kitchen isn’t just coasting on nostalgia; they’re actually putting in the work across a genuinely massive menu.
If you’re going for the first time, start with the King Crab Rangoon and split a Wagyu Cheeseburger with someone at the table, then add the Vodka Rigatoni if you’re still hungry.
Skip the Ribeye Steak Frites though; the cut tends to be thinner and less charred than the rest of the steaks, so if you’re craving red meat, go for the New York Strip or filet mignon instead.
Food Highlights
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King Crab Rangoon: Deep-fried, blistered, and stuffed with real king crab and cream cheese wrapped in a crispy wonton, the King Crab Rangoon is the most photographed and most talked-about dish on the entire menu.
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Wagyu Cheeseburger: Two thin patties welded together with melted American cheese and impossibly thin pickles on a soft, fluffy bun, the Wagyu Cheeseburger gets compared constantly to some of the best burgers in the city.
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Vodka Rigatoni: Tossed in a chunky vodka sauce with ribbons of melted parmesan on top, the Vodka Rigatoni surprises just about everyone who assumes a steakhouse can’t do pasta this well.
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Prime Rib French Dip: Loaded with tender prime rib and served with au jus for dipping, the Prime Rib French Dip rivals the version at the group’s sister restaurant 4 Charles, and some say it might even be better.
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Smoked Whitefish Caesar: A twist on the classic Caesar salad topped generously with smoked whitefish, the Smoked Whitefish Caesar has become one of the most frequently ordered starters on the menu.
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Baked Crab Cake: Made almost entirely of blue crab meat with virtually no filler, the Baked Crab Cake comes as an order of two, easily enough for an entree or a next-day lunch.
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16oz Dry-Aged New York Strip Steak: Sourced from Snake River Farms and dry-aged for extra depth of flavor, the New York Strip Steak stands out as one of the top steak orders for anyone craving a proper cut of red meat.
Atmosphere
Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve walked back in time, vintage murals line the walls, and the whole space carries that classic, timeless New York energy that’s hard to fake.
It’s the kind of place that immediately makes sense once you learn it’s been around since 1936, even with its modern culinary refresh.
Service here gets consistent praise for being professional and attentive without feeling stiff or overly formal, which fits the old-school steakhouse vibe the restaurant is clearly going for.
It’s a spot that works well for a date night, a business dinner, or just a nostalgic drink at the bar before heading elsewhere.
Bottomline
Monkey Bar is the Midtown spot to hit when you want proof that a menu spanning crab rangoon, vodka rigatoni, and prime rib can genuinely deliver on all fronts, whether that’s through the iconic King Crab Rangoon or the crowd-favorite Wagyu Cheeseburger.
With a historic setting, professional service, and a menu big enough to keep you coming back for different dishes each visit, it’s easily one of NYC’s more underrated dinner destinations.
Address:
60 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022
📞 +1 212-308-2950
🕔 Open Tue–Fri 11:45 AM–11:00 PM; Sat 11:45 AM–2:30 PM (Sun–Mon 11:45 AM–10:30 PM)