Monkey Thief Review - Hell's Kitchen - New York - The Infatuation
"From the same team as Sama Street in Greenpoint, Monkey Thief is a great choice for an interesting cocktail and a light bite in Hell’s Kitchen—before a show, with the coworkers you’re most looking forward to gossiping with, or maybe on a date that you’re not positive is a date just yet. With the unpretentious, playful vibe you’d rightly expect once you see the portrait of a macaque drinking a flower-garnished cocktail, this place is suitable for just about any kind of evening you intend to have, from a dressy pre-theater night out to the most casual of hangs. Various shades of neon glow throughout the space, and natural-fiber pendant lights at the bar give off a cozy, golden light, prettily illuminating the stacked cocktail reference books and a Creature From The Black Lagoon novelty tiki mug. Expect your utensils and napkins to arrive in an Aroy-D coconut milk can. photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff Food Rundown Major Tom Our favorite drink here. Imported from Sama Street, this cocktail alchemizes lemongrass, ginger, coconut, and fish sauce into a harmonious, savory-sweet, Bombay Sapphire-spiked version of tom kha. Lychee, No Lychee The Lychee, No Lychee tastes uncannily like a lychee martini, despite the fact that it contains no lychee whatsoever—a magic trick pulled off with Daiyame sweet potato shochu for flavor, and Thai basil seeds for viscosity. Chicken Satay Need a snack? These moist and herby skewers, served with peanut sauce, are only $4—so you might as well order two. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Potato Croquettes These crunchy croquettes have a pillow-soft filling, leveled up with fragrant curry leaf and Amul cheese. Fried Chicken The tingly cumin and sichuan pepper-spiced fried chicken, available in small or large portion sizes, should be your go-to for something more substantial at Monkey Thief." - Molly Fitzpatrick
