Monkey Barrel

It's on like Donkey Kong at the Monkey Barrel. Touting it's the "Gen-X Home of the Mile High City", this neighborhood bar has a bit of everything. Multiple photos and movie posters adorn the walls of the inside with familiar faces from the 80s and 90s. As Tiffany looked over my shoulder at my table in the bar, I definitely did not think we're alone now as there were many other customers in the gaming area as well as the patio outside. QR menus are everywhere to look at food and drink menus. Drinks must be ordered at the bar. Food is run to your table. My friend tried one of their nostalgic cocktails. All have names based on 80s & 90s favorites such as Pearl Jam, Mortal Kombat, and Otter Pops. I went with a basic vodka soda since most seemed a bit on the sweet side. There are many forms of entertainment for customers. We went during the day on break so there were several children enjoying video games and pinball in the game room, and the extra large Connect Four outside. This Gen-Xer and my Millennial Bestie entertained ourselves with a memory game we created on the spot of guessing who each celebrity was when a photo of them was randomly displayed on one of the bar TVs. One of my favorites was preteen JT and Ryan Gosling back in their Mouseketeer days. Cue the music:M-O-N: eNjoyed our time hereK-E-Y : why, because it's different B-A-R-R-EL

I really enjoy coming here, most of the time. The instances where I have a lesser experience are mostly due to the intermittent popularity of the venue. Trivia here is a bit of a draw. Open Mic (Pallet City Comedy) can sometimes really pull in an audience. And other events here also have a fan base. With that in mind, I have my best experiences when the venue is at 70 to 80% capacity. The beer is cold. The prices are reasonable. The bar staff is attentive. And the audience members, although not amazing, are a cut above many other venues.

Fun concept for those who hold dear the last two decades of the 1900s. Monkey Barrel is located across the street from Chaffee Park. They have a beer garden type feel on the outside as there are several picnic tables and yard games for any ages to play. Inside, Monkey Barrel is dedicated to the best two decades of 1900s with fun art, arcade games, and Nintendo 64 consoles set up in each booth (there were 4 booths) for your entertainment. The most entertaining part for us Gen Xer and Millenial was trying to figure out who was the celebrity from pictures taken 40 years ago. The menu is also dedicated to the great musicians of the 1990s. I selected the Pearl Jam, which a Monkey Barrel's take on a Dirty Shirley Temple. The place was happening during mid-day, so this place has definitely made a name for itself which is why it is on Westword's 100 Bars for this year. Monkey Barrel is also supposed to have great food - which could be concluded by the number of pick up orders that were constantly coming through.

Friday night hangout with a great live band and fun drinks. Lots of outdoor space on 2 patios so you can decide how close to the band to be or if you'd rather converse further away with some mild ambiance We didn't eat, but the burgers walking by looked great. Such a great 90s feel. Warm and friendly. And the pickle shots! Get a pickle shot. They do them right here.

Monkey Barrel is a neat bar located in the upper Highlands area with beer, cocktails, food, and games! The games consist of pinball, cornhole, and, get this, Nintendo 64! What a blast from the past! My group did not play any games but we definitely will need to play some next time we visit.The beer selection is decent. However, the cocktails leave quite a bit to be desired... I ordered the Blind Melon (Watermelon Margarita, Espolon Silver Tequila), Pearl Jam (Pearl Cherry Vodka, Club Soda, Maraschino Cherry, Lime), and a tequila pineapple. All of them tasted off and not in a good way. The Pearl Jam in particular was unpleasant. Next time, we will stick with beer and games!

Being a child of the 90's, how did I not know this place existed?A couple of girlfriends and I went to watch a friend's 90's cover band, BSides, last night. It was such a cool little venue with 90's memorabilia adorning the walls, N64 games, and a spacious patio with lawn games and enough seating for larger parties. The great thing about the patio is that the buildings block the sun in the afternoon so you're not being scorched while you're trying to enjoy happy hour.You order drinks from the bar and then find your seat. I got an Aperol Spritz and a pickle shot. Both tasted like a Friday and exactly what I needed after a long week. The service was quick and efficient.The band went on at 7pm and rocked some deeper cut nostalgic 90's songs until 10pm. They also have events like open mic night and showcase other 90's inspired genres. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more shows at The Monkey Barrel.

Monkey Barrel is the perfect neighborhood dive bar! We lived in the area for a year and instantly felt welcome every time we walked in. It's such a fun spot to catch a football game and unwind while playing video games on the vintage arcade machines. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly--definitely a local gem we'll keep coming back to!

Great bar with indoor and outdoor seating and some fun games! My friends and I enjoy the drinks and food here and the bartenders are so friendly. They have great prices and there is usually a few people here but not overly crowded.

It is a bar with food. Not amazing in any way but completely serviceable. They need a bit more seasoning on everything.

I will never forget my night at the Monkey Barrel. One word: Rob.My skin started to burn, sweat was beading from my forehead. It wasn't the Sun that was beaming... it was Rob. If infectious smiles could kill, Rob would be on Death Row. In preschool, I was tasked with finding something I wanted to be when I was older.Garrett said Astronaut, I said Chip Truck driver. I always hated Garrett. But what Garrett neglected to understand is that there is a bliss in the simplicity. As I pack up my Ruffles truck and leave this bar, I am reminded of how a smile can make remember how simple life can be. It grounds you. And that's how I feel at the Monkey Barrel