Monkey Bar Chatswood

7.3 Recommended

Drinks  8      Ambience  7      Service  4      Value  10     

Been there a couple of times since a new chef started and the food and menu are worth going for. I had skewered prawns with a wonderful sauce and it was like a 5 star restaurant dish. Had the Toblerone Ice Cream dessert and it was also terrific, with a very imaginative presentation. Others with me had the ribs (better than Hurricane's) with an awesome sauce and the sticky date pudding. The downside is the ambience with dirty tables, beer slops, staff hard to find let alone get any attention. If you can put up with this, try the kitchen for fine dining.

Jul 09, 2011 

7.5 Recommended

Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7      Food  8     

I met a friend for after work drinks and a feed. The bar staff and waitress was friendly enough. It's a good place to unwind and relax. I had thai sweet chilli beef which was very tasty if not too spicy at time, the beer helped to cool me down. So be warned with that dish!

The frosted glass in the toilets didn't both me as it's frosted enough not to make out anyone in detail, so don't let that put you off. I visited the Chatswood bar (the website only mentions that Rozelle bar). It's very handy about 5 minutes from the station. I would come here again if in Chatswood.

Dec 13, 2010 

6.5 Recommended

Drinks  8      Ambience  5      Service  8      Value  5     

Went here on a Saturday night for a drink. Our first impression was "well staffed wasteland". There was a 21st upstairs, which looked to have a great crowd, but the over abundance of security guards ensured that we didn't venture up the stairs. The bar staff were lovely, and helpful, but the bar itself was zoo like/ lobbyesque and empty. The toilets were alarming, they have gone with the frosted glass in a very small area, so you can see the person sitting next to you, and I fear if there was a line, then everyone would know what stage you were up to. Wrong.

May 16, 2010 

9 Highly Recommended

Drinks  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

It's refreshing to find an up-scale bar without the ego driven crowds or greasy pub food. A good spot where you can enjoy a proper meal and laid back atmosphere. Don't be discouraged by the ongoing construction on the street, it is a great find.

May 11, 2008 

8 Recommended

Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

I like The Monkey Bar, it has a nice vibe. The staff and the service is excellent and the food is decent. The antipasto plate is pretty good. It's a great little place to kick back and enjoy some time with friends.

Apr 30, 2007 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  9     

Perfect place for a quick meal before the movies. value for money great & good selection of pub food. definitely will go again for a quick meal, or with a crowd, not for that special occasion.

Nov 01, 2006 

6 Average

Drinks  6      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  5     

Went to the Monkey for the first time back at the beginning of the year. I have to say - it was the best steak I think I have eaten anywhere bar none. My boyfriend and I were so impressed by it. We have since gone back, I'd say probably about 5 times and it gets worse every time. I'm not sure if the chef has changed or what the go is but tonight took the cake. We get the same meal every time - steak and mash wih red wine jus and ordered our usual tonight. I asked for both of our steaks to be medium to well done and our food was on our table in about 10 minutes. My first bite was of the edge of it so understandably, it was a bit crusty and burnt around the edges but it didn't get any better throughout the middle either. My boyfriend asked how I ordered it (medium, well done, or burnt) and both of us were very unimpressed. The meat was so tuff that as we cut into each piece, our table shook constantly (I'm not sure if this was cos of the steak or the bodgy knives). I'm not too fussy with my meat and I have to say I enjoy it when it's a little burnt as I like the flavour of it but this was just wrong. Totally inedible and I ended up leaving half of it on the plate. The mash that the steak came with was lovely to begin with but then, as I didn't eat the steak, I left it till last and it seemed to also take on the burnt taste. We have given the Monkey numerous chances since our first brilliant steak and have been let down time and time again. We won't be back to the Monkey.

Oct 14, 2006 

7.8 Recommended

Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Went here last wednesday night and was surprised by the vibe. Not totally abandoned like many bars on a weeknight that aren't in the city, all ages and types but good vibe for a quiet drink and a nice meal. Good cocktails (concubines are awesome!), and decent food for a pub - the 15 dollar steak with mash a jus was a good deal.

Jul 27, 2006 

8 Recommended

Drinks  7      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

Tried the prawn linguine special which was absolutely divine. Prices are a little more than your usual bar food but definitely worth it for the quality and atmosphere. Staff are friendly and service prompt.

May 30, 2006 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

How nice to find a bar that's not too crowded on a Friday night where you can sit and sip a cocktail, have some food and carry on a conversation without shouting or drowning in people. The bartender made a fabulous martini to begin with, then brought my next drink to the table for me. The food here is reasonably priced, well prepared and good sized serves for dinner or a light snack. I had the mixed antipasto (fish cake, spring rolls, salt and pepper calamari and other bits) for $16 and my partner had the steak sandwich for $13. And the food is served very fast. Very convenient to trains and buses and a great pre-theatre option if you're going to the Zenith.

Apr 08, 2006