When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Brass Monkey
Why Brass Monkey is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Brass Monkey in Marathon, Florida Keys, stands out as a quintessential hometown bar that offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. Known for its unpretentious vibe and friendly crowd, this establishment combines the warmth of a local hangout with the fun of live music nights, providing enjoyable evenings throughout the week. Patrons often praise the energetic bartenders who craft great cocktails, contributing to a lively yet comfortable environment. The bar also features top-notch food offerings such as smash burgers and bratwurst sandwiches, paired with affordable prices, making it a popular spot for casual dining and drinks. Whether you're looking to unwind after a day exploring the keys or seeking a night filled with entertainment and good company, The Brass Monkey delivers a memorable experience. Its consistent blend of welcoming service, excellent food, and vibrant live music makes it a great place to catch up with friends and enjoy a taste of Key West nightlife in Marathon.
Here's what people think of Brass Monkey
As of recent, Brass Monkey holds a 4.1-star rating based on 2039 reviews.
Reviews of The Brass Monkey reflect an overall positive reception, with many customers appreciating its hometown bar appeal, friendly staff, and nightly entertainment. Positive reviews highlight the friendly bartenders who work hard to serve great drinks and the high-quality food options like smash burgers and bratwurst sandwiches offered at reasonable prices. Customers particularly enjoy the live music that runs seven nights a week, adding a dynamic layer to the casual and comfortable atmosphere. The bar's vibe is frequently described as unpretentious and welcoming, making it a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention isolated disturbing experiences and occasional service issues that have left certain patrons disappointed. Despite these, the majority of feedback praises the venue's entertainment and community feel. Overall, the reviews underscore The Brass Monkey as a dependable and enjoyable place to socialize and relax, with the positives far outweighing any criticisms.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rebecca Drum
Stella for the Bella! Great little spot we found by the high line. Looks dark from the outside, but they’ve got a great rooftop space. Service here was great too. The bartender recommended the lovely Dogfish IPA to my friend and I had a few of the Coney Island Pilsners. Played banger after banger as well.
Kanad Banerjee
This is easily one of my favorite pubs in NYC in all respects — location, staff, interior, food…in no particular order. Whenever I’m in the meat-packing district, I head over for a beer and a quick bite. On my last visit I had a fish taco…one word: delectable!
Nado
Went to the rooftop on Monday night and was treated disrespectfully by one of the lady waitresses. I started asking her questions about the menu but she clearly did not care and would not even look at me. Her colleague did not bring us the beer we ordered from him and we had to go get it ourselves. I literally tipped way too much (18%). I have had much better experiences in NYC where I tipped nothing or less, so I regret it even more that I tipped without receiving any service at all. For anyone coming here, tip after you have received your service, otherwise you might end up being treated in a way you do not appreciate. However, the staff downstairs was really nice, including the bouncer. Food is obviously overpriced for what you get, but considering the area where the bar is located, this is probably the norm.
Crash Gregg
A very cool bar in the meat packing district with three floors, each with its own bar. Service is top-shelf and the bar has a great old-school vibe with lots of exposed beams, brass, and brick walls. Be sure and check out the rooftop bar! We showed up when they were closing but they stayed open for us since we had driven here to check out the bar. The manager Homero went over and beyond to make us feel welcome and told us about the bar's history. Be sure and try out the fish or shrimp tacos, or the cheeseburger if you're in the mood to eat some good food. The Brass Monkey is now one of our favorite bars here in NYC.
H P
Nice spot to stop by for a quick drink and a snack. Ordered two drinks and the Guinness beer cheese with potato wedges. The beer was a nice pour; the staff was very friendly. The potato wedges were cooked to perfection, and the cheese sauce was very tasty.
How to reach Brass Monkey
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Why Brass Monkey may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Brass Monkey with your friends?
If you are looking for a warm, welcoming, and lively spot to meet up with friends or family, Brass Monkey stands out as an exceptional choice. With a solid rating of 4.1 from over 2,000 reviews, it consistently earns praise for its friendly atmosphere, excellent drinks, and a great mix of entertainment that caters to groups. What makes Brass Monkey truly special is its hometown bar vibe that instantly puts everyone at ease, offering a relaxed yet vibrant social setting. Whether catching up over expertly crafted cocktails, enjoying live music, or just soaking in the easygoing ambiance, this venue feels like a second home where every guest counts. The bartenders are known to be hardworking and attentive, crafting drinks that hit the mark, making it clear that quality is a priority. Friendly locals, great pricing, and a place where mingling, laughter, and good times flow naturally create an inviting setting to rally with friends. Beyond just a bar, Brass Monkey is a gathering place where connections deepen and memories are made, making it an ideal venue for group meetups.
What activities can you enjoy at Brass Monkey?
Brass Monkey offers a variety of activities that make any group gathering fun and engaging. One main attraction is its live music, which features local musicians adding soulful or upbeat tunes to the atmosphere most nights. This live music creates a festive vibe and gives groups something to enjoy collectively, whether it’s dancing or just tapping your toes while catching up. Another highlight is the quality food menu, featuring tasty options like smash burgers and bratwurst sandwiches, praised for their flavor and reasonable prices. These menu staples serve as perfect sharing plates for friends or a hearty bite before or after drinks. For those who enjoy watching sports, multiple screens around the venue show games, creating a lively backdrop and a communal cheer experience suitable for sports fan groups. Add to that a friendly bartending team, quick service, and a setting that combines both indoor and outdoor spaces, and you have a place well-equipped to host varied activities tailored to each group's mood – from casual chats to energetic celebrations.
Why is Brass Monkey perfect for a group meetup?
Brass Monkey’s combination of atmosphere, amenities, and attentive service makes it almost tailor-made for group meetups. The bar’s unpretentious vibe ensures that everyone feels comfortable, whether you’re meeting old friends or making new ones. Its size and layout support socializing, offering enough space to accommodate groups without feeling cramped. For larger gatherings, the venue’s team is experienced and efficient, ensuring drink orders and food come promptly, keeping the energy high. The live music seven nights a week acts as a social catalyst, giving groups a common interest to bond over and often sparking impromptu dancing or singalongs. The reasonable prices on both drinks and food help keep things affordable for bigger parties without sacrificing quality, which is key for group outings. Moreover, the friendliness of both staff and patrons has been emphasized repeatedly in reviews, which helps ensure that meetups feel safe, warm, and inclusive.
What kind of drinks and food can you expect at Brass Monkey?
At Brass Monkey, the drinks menu is a highlight, expertly crafted by bartenders who take pride in their work. You'll find classic cocktails made just the way they're supposed to be, keeping traditional flavors alive and pleasing every taste. Whether your group loves a good martini, a rum-based specialty, or a perfectly poured lager, Brass Monkey covers the bases with finesse. The cocktail quality and variety are often cited as reasons people return time and time again, underscoring the bar’s mixology skills. Complementing the drinks is a solid food menu featuring crave-worthy items like the much-loved smash burgers and bratwurst sandwiches, which pair perfectly with your favorite beverage. These food choices offer a satisfying bite and are perfect for sharing among friends, helping to keep the group fueled throughout the night. The engaging combination of drinks and food transforms the gathering into a full sensory experience, balancing taste and social vibrancy.
How does the atmosphere at Brass Monkey enhance social gatherings?
The atmosphere at Brass Monkey sets the tone for memorable nights out and lively conversations. It blends the casual with the vibrant — a hometown bar energy combined with a polished approach to music, drinks, and service. Guests often mention the relaxed but buzzy feel, where it's easy to both talk and dance, making it versatile for different social vibes. Whether you want to settle in a quieter corner for intimate conversation or stand at the bar soaking in the energy and chatting with bartenders and locals, Brass Monkey accommodates. The music selection, driven by DJs or live musicians, carefully balances upbeat tunes and relaxing beats, ensuring the environment feels festive without overwhelming guests trying to catch up. Additionally, the venue’s clean, well-lit interiors mixed with opportunities for outdoor seating provide an inviting backdrop that encourages groups to stay longer and enjoy themselves thoroughly. This atmosphere nurtures connection and conviviality, essential ingredients for successful meetups.
What makes the service and staff experience at Brass Monkey outstanding?
An essential component of Brass Monkey’s appeal is the dedication and friendliness of the staff. The bartenders are noted for their hard work, quick service, and skill in mixology, ensuring orders don’t linger and drinks meet high standards. Beyond technical skill, staff members are hailed for their warmth and genuine friendliness, reinforcing the neighborhood bar feel where everyone is greeted like a regular, even on the first visit. This attentive service helps groups feel cared for, accommodating for special requests or adjusting to larger party dynamics smoothly. The positive interactions with staff create an atmosphere of trust and friendliness that significantly enhances the overall experience. Visitors often express appreciation for how staff contribute not just to logistics but to the spirit of fun and relaxation at Brass Monkey, which is crucial to making any social gathering successful.
How accessible and welcoming is Brass Monkey for different group types?
Brass Monkey’s inclusive and easygoing nature makes it accessible for a wide range of group types. Whether you are coming with a close-knit circle of longtime friends, family members of different ages, or a mixed group of colleagues, the environment adapts seamlessly. Reviews highlight how the venue feels like a “second home,” suggesting a strong sense of community that crosses typical social boundaries. The food and drink options cater to diverse preferences, with tasty, affordable sharable plates and expertly mixed drinks satisfying most tastes. Live music appeals across generations, making it a spot where younger crowds and older guests alike can find something to enjoy. The presence of sports on screens adds another focal point for groups with differing interests, allowing for lively discussion and shared cheering moments. Overall, Brass Monkey promotes a welcoming spirit that encourages everyone to feel comfortable, included, and free to be themselves.
What makes Brass Monkey stand out compared to other venues?
What distinguishes Brass Monkey is a potent mix of authenticity, consistency, and atmosphere. It doesn’t strive to be flashy or trendy but instead embraces a genuine, unpretentious charm that resonates powerfully with regulars and newcomers alike. The combination of superb live music, good food, and well-made drinks underpins its reputation as more than just a bar but as a social hub. The location benefits from a strong local vibe, with patrons describing it as a “hometown bar” that is always buzzing with friendly faces, lending an inviting energy that few places can match. Pricing is fair, especially given the quality on offer, making it accessible for everyday meetups or special occasions alike. Furthermore, the attentive and upbeat staff transform the space into a place where guests not only drink and eat but connect and celebrate together. This mix of tangible quality and intangible community spirit makes Brass Monkey an excellent choice for hosting group meetups.
How do patrons describe their overall experience at Brass Monkey?
Patrons consistently describe their experience at Brass Monkey using words like fun, friendly, and authentic. Reviews depict a place where people come back repeatedly—not just for drinks but for the spirit of the place itself. Many emphasize the great times had with friends, the joyous vibe created by live music, and the pleasure of being welcomed like family by staff and regulars. The friendly atmosphere encourages celebration of good times and comfort during quieter moments. Alongside the quality drinks and food, these social factors bring the Brass Monkey experience to life. Guests truly appreciate the care invested by staff and musicians alike, helping make each visit memorable. This consistent positive feedback underlines why Brass Monkey enjoys high ratings and strong local and visitor loyalty. It’s clear that beyond the physical space, this venue fosters genuine human connections—a priceless quality for any meetup location.