The trio behind Sama Street in Brooklyn have opened a new cocktail bar in the heart of Manhattan, Monkey Thief
A new Asian-inspired cocktail bar has opened in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen, Monkey Thief. Created by Avi Singh, Rishi Rajpal, and David Muhs–the trio behind Sama Street in Brooklyn–the Manhattan space is inspired by the owners’ upbringings and travels throughout Asia.
Monkey Thief will offer a variety of drinks and small plates featuring flavors from China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and other countries. Head bartender Muhs has created a cocktail menu featuring a variety of cocktails, including Sama Street-favorite 7 Long Years (a Spicy Margarita riff made with sesame oil, Tequila, green chili, pineapple and lime). Elsewhere, the Major Tom reimagines Tom Kha soup in cocktail form (gin, shochu, lemongrass, ginger, chili, coconut cream, cherry tomato, and fish sauce). The Holy Trini-tini, meanwhile, blends roasted garlic and spring onion gin with ginger vermouth, garnished with pickled ginger and spring onion. The Duck Hunter features white rum, salted plum, Aperol, apricot, and ginger, while the Kulfi Flip is a play on the frozen Indian dessert, featuring Cognac, Montenegro amaro, pistachio, rose, cardamom, egg, and cream.
Along with the aforementioned drinks, the bar also offers cocktails on tap, including Keepin’ it Kosho (a carbonated Gin Highball with MSG, tomato water and yuzu kosho) and the Nitro Espresso Martini (made with vodka, yuzu, cold brew, and Sherry). There are also a variety of alcohol-free options available, including the Buckwheat Bubbly and the Barely Sunkissed.
The food menu is divided into raw options, snacks, skewers, small plates, rice sides, and two desserts. There are oysters, corn nuts with housemade zaab seasoning; beef tartare with a quail egg; fries with chaat masala and hot and sweet sauce; and calamari with togarashi. Larger options include baby Bok choy, a grilled coconut salad, skewers, dumplings, and fried chicken.
The site features a total of 60 seats, along with expansive windows and plenty of greenery, complemented by copper adornments and a glowing purple neon sign. A custom painting by artist Eileen Coyne sits just next to the bar.
Monkey Thief is located at 401 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036 and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm-12am, Friday from 5pm-2am, Saturday from 4pm-2am, and Sunday from 4pm-12am. For more information, head over to the bar’s official website.
Photo by Alex Staniloff
