When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Ugly Monkey Party Bar
Why Ugly Monkey Party Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Ugly Monkey Party Bar is a vibrant and casual cocktail bar located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It offers a lively atmosphere that makes it an excellent place to meet up with friends for an evening of fun and relaxation. The bar is known for its American-style decor, featuring a cool and inviting interior design that appeals to a diverse crowd. Guests can enjoy a selection of well-crafted drinks and cocktails, alongside a variety of appetizers that complement the social setting. One of the highlights of the Ugly Monkey is its selection of games available on-site, which adds an entertaining dimension to the experience and encourages interactive fun among patrons. The venue also plays music that enhances the energetic party vibe, making it suitable for casual gatherings, celebrations, or just hanging out after work. Smoking is allowed outside, which caters to guests who prefer an outdoor experience. Its convenient location close to central landmarks in Raleigh further contributes to its popularity as a meetup spot. Whether for a casual night out or a group event, the Ugly Monkey Party Bar offers a distinctive and enjoyable environment to socialize and unwind.
Here's what people think of Ugly Monkey Party Bar
As of recent, Ugly Monkey Party Bar holds a 4.2-star rating based on 895 reviews.
Reviews of the Ugly Monkey Party Bar present a generally positive impression with some noted concerns. Many patrons appreciate the bar's lively and fun atmosphere, often highlighting the design and the availability of games as significant pluses. Positive reviews frequently commend the quality of drinks and the overall American-style bar experience, which many find authentic and enjoyable. Staff members like Misty have been specifically praised for their friendliness and service, contributing to a welcoming environment. However, some negative reviews point out issues such as slow service, particularly when the bar is busy and staffed by only one or two bartenders, which can impact the overall experience. A few complaints also focus on customer service lapses, including reports of billing discrepancies and slow responses from management regarding concerns. Additionally, some reviewers describe the venue as less appealing, citing rude bartenders and aggressive security personnel, though these accounts are less common. Overall, while the Ugly Monkey Party Bar has a solid base of satisfied customers who enjoy its festive ambiance and offerings, prospective visitors should be aware of occasional service inconsistencies. The bar holds a respectable rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on nearly 900 reviews, indicating a broadly positive reputation with room for improvement in service and management responsiveness.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Leia Batchelor
Great atmosphere, everyone seemed so friendly and a great vibe, which you don’t always get at a bar. Bartenders were awesome and sweet and very attentive. Food was okay, wish it was more on the menu. Drinks were great and overall I would definitely go back. No cover charge when I went either.
Erin Haebig
This bar gives off the exact fun dive bar energy you're looking for- however beware the prices are NOT DIVE BAR PRICES. It is 7pm Friday and we are the only people in here for that exact reason I'm sure. Be ready to pay $2 for pool games and 10$ per beer. I might be back due to the location and good vibes but you're more likely to find me at my local dive with a $3 beer and $5 shot instead. I will add that unlike the other reviews the staff was fabulous to us! But if I wanted a $15 drink I'd go to the excellent martini bar across the street over my plastic cup ranch water here.
monica fernandez
Service at ugly monkey is always phenomenal. There’s a pool table for a quick fun game. The bartenders are sweet and helpful! Their Jell-O shots are a go to for me and my friends, and their curly fries are sooooo good! 10/10 dive bar, will continue to stop by for drinks with my friends
Jem Murdock
Trent is too good! Best bartender in downtown and the best bar to be at! Games, pool, and good music! Name a better place? Enjoy ladies! ;)
Liz Sosa
Misty was great! Came out to ugly monkey for the first time and had a great experience overall. I had passed by the place before and the place caught my eye. Music, service, and atmosphere were good and the food was decent as well. I will definitely be returning.
How to reach Ugly Monkey Party Bar
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Why Ugly Monkey Party Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ugly Monkey Party Bar with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a night out is about more than just the drinks; it’s about the energy, fun, and memories you create together. Ugly Monkey Party Bar in Raleigh offers an ideal venue for such a meetup. With a solid 4.2-star rating from nearly 900 reviews, this bar has carved out a reputation as a lively and engaging spot where groups thrive. The atmosphere combines a casual, American-style bar vibe with plenty of space designed for socializing, making it welcoming for groups of any size. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a birthday, unwind after work, or just catch up with friends, Ugly Monkey’s mix of energizing music, games, and friendly staff helps everyone let loose and enjoy themselves. The venue’s spacious layout lends itself perfectly to group dynamics, allowing conversations to flow easily while still keeping the excitement alive. Its location near downtown Raleigh also makes it a convenient and attractive option for meetups, especially if your group is interested in exploring multiple spots in one evening. Overall, Ugly Monkey Party Bar combines the essentials of good drinks, engaging entertainment, and a vibrant social setting, which makes it a great place to rally with friends and create fun memories.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Ugly Monkey Party Bar?
The Ugly Monkey Party Bar goes beyond just serving drinks; it is an activity-packed venue catering to groups looking for more than a traditional bar experience. One of its main draws is a variety of games available to patrons. You can challenge your friends at the pool tables or test your skills on the punching machine game, which adds a fun and active element to the night. Another unique feature is the “dancing cages,” spots where you can dance and show off your moves in a playful, energetic setting that amps up the party vibe. These interactive games and features encourage friendly competition and make breaking the ice easier among groups or new acquaintances. Additionally, the bar offers appetizers and American-style bar food to fuel the fun. While some reviews mention slow service at times, the overall focus remains on creating an entertaining environment where groups can linger, enjoy food and drinks, and participate in engaging activities. This variety ensures that everyone in a group, regardless of their preferences, finds something enjoyable to do, making Ugly Monkey particularly suitable for meetups planned around shared entertainment.
Why is Ugly Monkey Party Bar perfect for a group meetup?
Ugly Monkey Party Bar’s design and vibe uniquely support group gatherings. For one, its spacious interior allows groups to spread out comfortably without feeling cramped, which is critical for conversation and interaction. The venue is known for its diverse crowd, which adds to a lively, welcoming atmosphere that feels inclusive to different types of friend groups or family parties. Moreover, features like interactive games and dance spaces provide a natural way for groups to engage collectively beyond just sitting around a table. The combination of music and activities stimulates a more immersive social experience, ideal for celebrations or casual meetups. Moreover, its downtown Raleigh location puts it at the heart of a social scene, allowing groups to incorporate it easily into a larger night out or weekend plan. While some patrons have noted issues such as slow service or occasional staff concerns, many reviews highlight the overall positive experience and fun atmosphere that outweigh such inconveniences. In essence, Ugly Monkey’s mix of social space, entertainment variety, and friendly environment make it a go-to spot when you want to rally a mixed group of friends or family for a memorable outing.
How is the food and drink selection tailored for group fun?
Food and drink are fundamental parts of any good meetup, and Ugly Monkey Party Bar pays attention to this aspect with a focus on American-style bar offerings. The menu features popular appetizers that are easy to share among groups, such as wings, nachos, and fries, designed to keep the energy up and satisfy a variety of tastes. Their drink selection includes classic cocktails, beers, and mixed drinks that complement the lively environment, suitable for everyone from casual drinkers to cocktail aficionados. Happy hour specials and themed drink events add value to group outings by keeping the price reasonable and the choices exciting. Though some reviews mention slow service or billing issues, most guests agree that the food and drink quality fits well with the overall atmosphere. The casual, comfort-food style menu helps groups settle in and enjoy the night without any fuss, reinforcing Ugly Monkey’s role as a friendly, approachable party spot that understands what groups need to keep the party going.
What kind of crowd and vibe can you expect at Ugly Monkey Party Bar?
The crowd at Ugly Monkey Party Bar is known to be diverse and energetic, creating a dynamic social environment that is neither too formal nor too rowdy. It attracts a mix of locals, visitors, young professionals, and groups celebrating special occasions, all contributing to a lively and inclusive atmosphere. The music is upbeat, often featuring a mix of popular hits and party anthems, which naturally gets people moving and enjoying themselves. The bar staff and management aim to keep the vibe fun and safe, though some reviews have raised concerns about service speed and individual staff interactions. Despite these occasional criticisms, many patrons emphasize the vibrant energy and community feel as reasons they return. The venue’s openness to different groups and its variety of entertainment options create a welcoming atmosphere where both newcomers and regulars feel comfortable joining in. This inclusive and spirited vibe makes it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to host a group event where the main goal is to have fun together in an upbeat setting.
How accessible and convenient is Ugly Monkey Party Bar for hosting group events?
Ugly Monkey Party Bar is located at 400 W Morgan St, Suite 102, in downtown Raleigh, which makes it highly accessible for both locals and visitors. Its proximity to other popular nightlife spots means groups can easily plan multi-venue nights, hopping between Ugly Monkey and other bars or restaurants. Public transportation options and ride-share services are readily available in the area, which adds to safe and convenient group travel. The bar’s layout supports accommodating larger parties or meetups with its open floor plan and dedicated spaces for dancing and games, reducing the hassle of crowding in tight quarters. While the bar does not have extensive private event rooms, its overall ambience and flexibility in hosting groups make it fit well for informal gatherings, birthday parties, or casual celebrations. Booking ahead or communicating with staff can help ensure your group’s needs are met and you get the best experience possible, especially during busier weekend nights. This combination of location, space, and accessibility makes Ugly Monkey Party Bar a practical and appealing choice for hosting group meetups in Raleigh’s vibrant social scene.