Joe L.
Yelp
"A 60's Palm Springs vibe"
That's how one of my drinking companions described this place, and I would agree. I think Don Draper would have felt at home here, and there is even a cocktail named for him. If you want to relax with friends and feel like you are on vacation, check out Monkey Bar for yourself.
I made it just under the wire for happy hour, and Tyler hooked me up with a Drunken Monkey. It's half price from 4 to 6 pm, Mondays through Fridays, and a pretty good deal at that. It's more of a refreshing sipper than a toxic tiki drink, so feel free to get more than one.
I was here on a Thursday night, and the music combo was pretty good. I enjoyed my drink, and I got a Stone Delicious IPA afterward because it was National IPA Day. Tyler and the other bartender who served me were great. All in all, Monkey Bar is a place with chill vibes and a mellow atmosphere.
I can't comment on the food, though, because it doesn't look like there is anything vegan on the menu. Not one thing. ARLO (the restaurant next door) has a vegan entree, so maybe they would let you order that? Personally, I'm glad I ate before I came.
Maybe next time I'll visit at night and hang by the fire pit. I'm glad Monkey Bar is in San Diego instead of Palm Springs.
Tip: you have to get your parking ticket validated at ARLO, and it's good for three hours.