Monkey King

Monkey King Restaurant Review:

Set in a former underground gambling establishment owned by Chinatown's most influential businessman, Monkey King restaurant nods to the Prohibition-era past while chef Brendan Mica delivers modern day flair to his Chinese cuisine that focuses on local farm fresh ingredients. The menu appeals with easy-to-share plates like Drunken Lobster Hong Kong style, a whole one-pound lobster served with grilled scallions and a classic red chili sauce; house-made dim sum; hoisin barbecue baby-back ribs; and crispy glazed spicy shrimp. Entrées also include Peking Duck Chow Fun and a 12-ounce Prime NY strip served with a black pepper Sichuan sauce. A massive rectangular bar anchors the room, draped in greenery where talented barkeeps shake up noteworthy craft cocktails with Asian twists like the All Thai’d Up, a tasty sipper of tequila with coconut lemongrass tea and fresh lime, or the Jade Mule with cucumber vodka, Thai Ginger kombucha, muddled cucumber and fresh lime. The high-energy Monkey King is perfect for late-night dining as it's buzzing until midnight Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. on weekends.