NYC’s Times Square-proximate Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood was more than ready for a restaurant-slash-cocktail bar that actually delivers on both fronts—and Monkey Thief steps up to the plate. This fresh addition fills the gap with flair, offering a spot equally suited for leisurely brunches, light dinners, and late-night drinks.
Set the scene.
Monkey Thief has swung into New York City’s lively Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. From the crew behind Brooklyn’s beloved Sama Street, this trendy restaurant and cocktail bar feels cosmopolitan—think bold colors, louder vibes, and a menu that globe-trots through Asia.
What can we expect from the food?
Monkey Thief offers a solid dinner menu with light bites, but we came for the brunch—and it did not disappoint. In my opinion, brunch is the most important meal of the weekend, and this spot delivers creative takes on the classics, all infused with bold Southeast Asian flavors. Picture this: a Crab Rangoon Bagel topped with salmon roe; a BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese) wrapped in a buttery paratha with spiced eggs and melted Amul cheese; and a juicy Striploin Steak served with rice and a tangy Thai sauce. The sweet-toothed out there will adore the black sesame Banana Waffles with Miso Caramel or the pandan French Toast—the latter is a delicious concoction comprised of brioche, pandan anglaise, and passion fruit.
Tell us about the drinks.
Monkey Thief’s cocktail game is strong. Drinks include ingredients like sambal, fish sauce, and kombu. There’s a Bloody Mary with real bite, a fizzy mezcal number (I Know Kong Fu) with celery and sesame in the mix, and a wonderfully different yuzu-plum spritz. My favorite is the Too Cool for You, suffused with Pierre Ferrand cognac, Montenegro, pistachio, rose, raspberry, cardamom, egg, and cream.
Final thoughts.
Hell’s Kitchen needed an elevated place like this. With its inventive cocktails and brunch menu tinged with Southeast Asian flair, this Hell’s Kitchen newcomer brings serious flavor and fun to both the imbibe and dining gamut.
Top Takeaways
Location: Hell’s Kitchen, New York City
Address: 401 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
The vibe: Who said cocktail bars can’t do a delicious weekend brunch?
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: The French Toast, hands down.
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Saturday from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
