Spunky Monkey Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Auburn

Always the busiest place at night in Auburn. Great food, drink and karaoke.

I believe they have karaoke every night starting at 9PM, and the sound system with a well balanced and thumping subwoofer. The system has a great sound for the karaoke, which also helps to overcome the issues of an off key singer making things brittle and a deterrent like other places. I havent done it yet, but the system does help singers feel like stars, and many walk through the bar and not have any issues with feedback, so they can engage with he other customers. That can be a lot of fun. And if not that good of a singer, it is usually bearable with this impressive sound system. The music is as in front as the vocals and sounds great.

And, there are some good singers that show up.

The menu is served until 1 AM and they do have theme nights here and there. Their website shows more.

The place is a little tight when it is packed, but that adds to the good time. And it is on the second floor so that does make a challenge for those that have a hard time with stairs. So be prepared for that. They do have lower seating, which always has some of the folks being like a community and usually welcoming. And that's great for taking a break from the sound and busyness, but it can get very busy there too. There is also a small covered outdoor seating available.

The staff is on their game and energetic, and they do engage with you and help you feel welcome. They are always moving around the building and checking on patrons so it won't be long before you see them. And, because it is a very busy place many times, they do have security on hand and who are also moving around the building and very responsive if problems occur. Very effective at handling issues as well.

If you haven't at least tried it, I suggest considering giving it a shot.

Note: As of my last visit, they did have something happen to the floor upstairs, but it looks like they are planning repairs [last seen as of 6/23/2022] so if you show up and see that, know that they do take care of the place so don't judge them on that. And there is construction on the street I'm front, but adequate parking in the back entered into the parking lot of Orielly's Auto Parts behind...

So, at first sight this place looked good from the outside. Not well lit on the side, but looks good from the front. I particularly like the windows that stretched the front of the building. The "Eat Here" sign and the main "Spunky Monkey" sign are bright. Makes it hard to miss.

Inside is interesting: all the seating (from what I could tell) was upstairs. Cool concept. Good vibe from the people inside at the bar. And from where we sat you had a good view. They do have a billiard area too, and I think I saw a beer garden when I used the ATM next door. Bar was pretty well stocked even though they didn't have what I wanted. (Johnnie Walker Black).

We ended up having a couple drinks. I had two Jameson on the rocks, my girl had a long island, and our friend had a Stella. Our total was $31 and change. That was rather expensive in my opinion. $8.50 a piece for my two. Most places I have been to are around $7-$8 for Jameson. The Stella was pretty low cost for what it is. My girls long island was a bit high too, but not the most I've paid.

Overall, not a bad impression. A bit spendy for a casual drink or two, but not outrageous. We didn't stay to eat, so I can't say anything about their food. I can say before we went in, a couple was leaving and said the food was great. So there is that.

The reason I gave two stars is this: when I asked to close my tab, as I was the one paying, the bartender asked one of the people in my party if they wanted one more after I aaked to close the tab. I understand if you asked me and I said I would have another, but I just asked you to close my tab. That is very rude to a customer, especially when I was paying for everyone and just asked to close it. This was even after he asked if I or my girlfriend wanted another drink and we both declined. I would highly suggest that next time, if someone says close their tab, do so without asking if someone else wants to add something else to it before it's closed when they aren't paying. I don't think I...

I've been coming here for 20 years and just found out everyone here is a snake. This place is garbage. Overpriced drinks (charging $0.50 for a tall glass when my mixer is water), backstabbing staff and an owner who gets wasted and treats everyone like garbage. It is dirty and the police have this place all over their radar. I'll never go in there again!

Donel, I don't have your phone number because you've never given it to me. You see me and pretend to be friendly after knowing each other for 20 years, but you won't accept my friend request on Facebook, etc.

I fractured my pelvis when I moved back to town and it resulted in me losing my job. I spent a lot of time (and money!) at the Monkey with people I thought were friends, but it turns out my medical and financial situation is a topic of discussion and gossip.

Also, I had drinks bought for me recently and apparently the person buying them didn't have enough for the tab, so because the staff had access to me via text and Facebook, I was told that I owed the remainder of his tab! Insane! Not my problem, and it was inappropriate for the staff to contact me for HIS card not going through.

After 20 years of my loyalty it hasn't been reciprocated so I'm done. My feelings are hurt and I'm angry. The Monkey needs to be managed and cared for BY THE OWNER, just like Robert Irvine said. It isn't a personal playground. And the last time I saw you, you were drunk and slurring and accused me of using different names when I worked for you, which made no sense.

There's cocaine running through the Monkey, the staff is dysfunctional and disloyal to regular customers as they gossip about them. The police are omnipresent and patrons are WAY over served. There's rumor of people having their drinks drugged lately, too. Again, this place is unsafe and needs to be managed.

Mic...