The Brooklyn Monarch — Attraction in New York

Edit: so I had definitely caught them on a bad day. I've been back and it's been improved. The food window was open and they had a couple cans of other beer (possibly because 3 Floyd's was sponsoring the show) though it still lacks local options. The prices are still midtown Manhattan venue level (nearly $20 for a beer)

The confusing thing here is this is part of a larger complex that also includes the Meadows. The Meadows is significantly better with a lot more space, real food and better drinks. I still don't love The Monarch but the Meadows is excellent.

Original review: This place shows a total disrespect for their customers. I know venues have had a tough time since COVID and I want to give them my support, especially ones that will host metal shows. But come on: 1) They added two local bands onto a 3 band bill, making the show last 6 hours, but allow no reentry so you are stuck there on your feet for the whole time. 2) They don't post set times or any other information anywhere, physically or online, so you don't know how to time your arrival 3) They have a 'kitchen' but it wasn't open, so no food for those 6 hours (no reentry, not delivery) 4) Despite being within 20 minutes of about 100 local breweries, their entire beer 'selection' is Modelo, Corona, Heineken and Tecate. And these are at NYC club prices ($18 for a tallboy of Modelo).

The staff seemed nice though the woman at the door was utterly indifferent. The sound was typical NYC mediocre (no one attending a rock show in NYC has ever said 'I can't hear the drums').

I would only ever come back here if it was a band I just HAD to see, but if it was a band I just kinda 'want' to see, forget it. Show some respect for your customers and maybe they'll show up for more events and...

UNACCREDITED AND UNPROFESSIONAL SECURITY AND MANAGEMENT: I have frequented this venue many times, and each time something is “off” with their security personnel. From undermining a friends’ experience with someone grabbing her and forcibly trying to pull her away from our group and out of the venue(!), to inappropriately patting down another, and finally my and my boyfriends own horrible and traumatizing experience this past Friday night.

Two of their security guards(one whom I’ve met on several occasions) kicked my boyfriend out accusing him of lewd acts in their closed kitchen. WHAT! We were livid and confused, as my boyfriend had been next to his two friends the entire time he was there. Also, WHERE WAS THE OTHER PARTY?! Was she not kicked out?! None of it was making any sense at all. We asked to see proof and they assured us they’d show us the security tapes when they closed at 4am. 4am comes around and they completely refused to show any evidence to prove the accusations against my boyfriend were real. The man who claimed to be the venues owner and the manager both refused.

From start to finish( we still have no answers) this felt like a set-up. Unbased accusations, refusal to show proof, refusal to share any contact information for follow-up.

Their security is completely unaccredited; they are taking advantage of their position to treat others maliciously and unfairly. I would go so far as to say they have set many people up at the door to this venue,...

Updated review: Brooklyn Monarch has stepped up their game. I went back recently, and the search experience was courteous and professional. They have also put a lot of work into interior renovations/improvements and it shows.

Previous:

It's so close to being an amazing spot. The artists and crowds here are great, really good vibes all around. It's an intimate space, and I really like their setup with multiple stages.

But there are some problems. People have already mentioned the ridiculous drink prices, but worse BY FAR is the pre-entry search experience.

It's just gross. No one wants their body squeezed and felt up by some stranger. There are no handheld metal detectors in use, and the security staff wear no identifying clothing.

The people doing physical search used open palms and squeezed with their fingers; no wands, no probing with back or side of the hand, etc. Straight up grabbing. So just be aware of what you're in for.

Most venues of this size have search practices that are far more professional, comfortable, and honestly respectful. Invest some of those drink profits in some pro security staff; you're creeping out...