The Monkey Barrel — Restaurant in Denver

I have been really debating whether or not I should post this review, but I’ve been really bothered by what happened, so I’ll leave it out there as a word of caution as you order from the bar.

We’ve frequented Monkey Barrel at least once every couple of weeks and never had any bad experiences before last night (10/21/25). We’ve come when there happened to be a gathering of 50-70 Volo Kids Foundation members and a festival in the park across the street and we’ve gotten better service. The bartender there was always very kind to me and attentive. Granted, he was the only one running the bar last night and still very nice, but the lack of service I received from him this time was so-not-him and disappointing enough we won’t be coming back.

My husband and I arrived what seemed to be a fairly quiet Tuesday night at around 6:45. We settled in table D3 and I went to the bar to place our order. I got myself in line behind a group of maybe 4 people who were already sitting and standing at the end of the bar. After about 5 mins, he finished helping them, I moved up closer to the bar so he could see me because I’m very short. I knew there was another group of maybe 3 on the other end of the bar by the kitchen window, so it was expected that he went to help them first. Another a good 3 minutes passed and he did acknowledge me. He said he’d be right there and I said “sure” and then a big group of at least 10 women showed up (who did see me), decided to form a line on the other side of the bar closer to the kitchen and he continued to help them. He turned to me and said he’ll be right over. As I waited, he kept asking the next person in that line for their order, while I was waiting by myself on other side of the bar. After taking few more people, he said he would come right over… then after a few more people, he kept asking “who’s next”, “who’s next” to only that side of the bar as I stood waiting, expecting him to pull away at any moment because entry single one of them had individual checks so it wasn’t like he couldn’t have just broken away from one of them and helped me, but instead he helped the entire party of 10+ while I waited another 15 mins. At that point, I lost my appetite so I only ordered for my husband a cheeseburger and beer. He did apologize profusely, but at that point I was already broken and felt humiliated. I went to my table and told my husband why it took so long, and he was so upset with what happened to me and stormed out and said we would never come back again. I was upset that I’d already paid and we ended up leaving without our food. Even though there is a burger and beer special, I’m not sure how my bill came out to $21, but that was really no big deal as I still...

This review is not to disparage...just stating my factual experience, which seems to have reoccurring themes...that I really wish I'd caught wind of before I reserved their most expensive brunch table.

There is absolutely no verification/reservation list of names or purchasers of tables/booths at this venue. I'd purchased beverages and food for 5, and upon arrival was simply directed that it would only be for 4, by some lady who couldn't be bothered, and to seat ourselves "wherever". At least 3 times I had to go out of my way to locate months old emails and provide screen shots of my purchase to prove the host & staff/runners wrong...this was ridiculous.

The drink menu was altered from what was originally advertised, and there was no communication on how that affected pre-purchased drinks; and what you were actually "ordering" after walking up to the bar, and showing bartenders the custom brunch/drink menu directly in front of them. If it's going to be that confusing, just drop the witty names, since your staff obviously doesn't "get it".

Apparently, there is only "runner/bussing" service at this venue...aka...you have to go to the bar to order any food or drinks yourself.

This, on it's own, is pretty weird...but I was absolutely flabbergasted when the bar staff couldn't even be bothered to listen to me/my order and then, courtly, requested to take my cell phone/notes I was reading off of (for 5 orders...2 of which were duplicates??) away to their register to enter the table's food order.

This was just absolutely absurd...get a physical notepad, or a clue, or just let me enter the flipping order myself at this point...but nobody should ever have to hand over their personal cellphones AT the bar, or anywhere else, to have orders entered into a register 4ft away...if you can't handle taking one table's order directly over a bar, as a "bartender"...you seriously need to look for a new profession.

Food was OK...drink selection was decent...64s were neat...music was cool and I was (initially) really excited to go, and was looking forward to future events. I've been published in Birdy, and dug the decor/art...but, I probably won't be back...and certainly won't ever get a +$150...

Update: Saturday, October 7, 2023

The husbear and I were looking for lunch and wanted to go in walking distance so we decided upon the Monkey Barrel.

We both got a cheeseburger (mine had bacon) a side of fries and some fried pickles. The food was AMAZE-BALLS!!!🫠🙃 The burger patties were the perfect size, fit on the bun (which was oh so soft and fresh) perfectly, covered with the appropriate amount of cheddar and topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion. I don't know what the dressing was made of (sorta resembled thousand island dressing in color) and it perfectly fit the taste of the burger.

The fries were excellently salted and fried to a perfect golden color. Oh, and let's not forget the fried pickles!! OMG I could have simply ate a basket of those suckers and would have been just as happy.

Then there were the drinks and the service. According to the instructions on ordering, I was supposed to order at the bar, give our table number, and the food will be brought to the table when ready. Further the instructions went on to say someone would be out to clear our plates and then check in on us. Well, they were true to their word. The only thing I could suggest for future visits is to ask for light ice for the sodas. We both ordered Cokes and due to the amount of ice in each we could actually see through the beverage; meh, water was readily available for self-serve. I've come to the Monkey Barrel infrequently since they came into the neighborhood and they've gone from great to good to now just below mediocre.

Terrible service. The bar staff were fairly rude and inattentive. Those two bartenders/servers seemed like they were former Shotgun Willies employees. They were doing an excellent job flirting with the male customers and that's about it.

The bar staff used to be friendly and engaging and talkative and not rude and hustling for tips. There used to be great food options and now not so much. Not certain who gave the vote for best burger, however, I am certain there needs to...