Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileMonkey's Bar
Knoxville, TN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Monkey's Bar pours an adventurous cocktail list with playful names and precise builds, from the clarified Mitchell's Painkiller to the espresso-forward Pink Pony Club. The nonalcoholic program mirrors that creativity, and the spirits shelf reaches for premium bottles like Blanton's and Don Julio 1942. Wine and beer stay practical, with reasonable prices and a few recognizable labels. A neighborhood spot that takes its drinks seriously without taking itself too seriously.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Mitchell's Painkiller, a clarified rum number with pineapple and coconut that shows real technique. For a nonalcoholic option, the Sabrina's Martini layers NKD tequila with orgeat and espresso. If you prefer something straightforward, the Creature Comforts Tropicalia IPA is a solid pour.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail drinkers who appreciate original recipes and a sense of humor will find much to like. The extensive mocktail list and THC-infused options make it a good pick for groups with varied preferences. Spirits enthusiasts can explore premium pours like Whistle Pig 10 Year or Macallan 12.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $12-$13, mocktails $10-$12, and beers $3.75-$6. Wine by the glass is $6-$10, with bottles $20-$40. The boozy affogato is $12, and the NA version $8. Premium spirits are available but not priced on the menu.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu leans into clever, ingredient-forward drinks like the Hot in Herre with jalapeño-infused tequila and tajin rim, and the Grey's Anatomy with Earl Grey gin and prosecco. The nonalcoholic range is unusually deep, including a THC-infused Lazy Day and a NA affogato. A full-service bar that also hosts events.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Original cocktails with detailed descriptions, priced $12-$13, plus seasonal specials and boozy affogato desserts. The menu spans vodka, tequila, mezcal, bourbon, rum, gin, and scotch, with playful names and thoughtful ingredient combinations.
Menu strengths
- — Creative, well-described cocktails with a wide base-spirit range.
- — Reasonable pricing at $12-$13 for original drinks.; Seasonal specials and boozy affogato desserts add variety.
Standout selections
- — Mitchell's Painkiller: clarified rum, pineapple, coconut, and nutmeg.
- — Pink Pony Club: vodka, espresso, borghetti, amaro sfumato.
Pricing: $12-$13 per cocktail
Wine
Red, white, and rosé by glass or bottle, including non-alcoholic and THC-infused options. Prices are accessible, with house C.K Mondavi at $7 glass/$22 bottle and premium pours like Bonanza Cabernet at $10/$40.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple wine styles available by glass or bottle.
- — Includes non-alcoholic and THC-infused wine selections.; Affordable pricing across the list.
Standout selections
- — Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon: $10 glass/$40 bottle.; Acrobat Pinot Gris: $8 glass/$35 bottle.
Pricing: $6-$10 glass, $20-$40 bottle
Beer
Draft, canned, and bottled beers including lagers, IPAs, stouts, and ciders. Beer and shot combos are offered. Prices stay low, with standards like Coors Banquet and Miller High Life at $3.75, plus craft options like Creature Comforts Tropicalia.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of styles from lager to cider.; Beer and shot combos available.
Standout selections
- — Creature Comforts Tropicalia IPA: $6, 6.6% ABV.; Blake's Big Jam cider: $6, 8% ABV.
Pricing: $3.75-$6 per serving
Nonalcoholic
Extensive mocktail menu with creative options using NKD spirits and Lyres, priced $10-$12. Includes NA affogato at $8, non-alcoholic beer, wine, and THC-infused drinks. The Lazy Day mixes Nowadays THC spirit with pineapple and coconut.
Menu strengths
- — Creative mocktails that mirror the cocktail menu's inventiveness.
- — Includes NA beer, wine, and THC-infused options.; Lower price point for NA affogato at $8.
Standout selections
- — Sabrina's Martini: NKD tequila, orgeat, espresso.; NA Traditional Affogato: vanilla gelato, Giffard NA aperitif, espresso.
Pricing: $10-$12 mocktails, $8 NA affogato
Spirits
Liquor inventory spans tequila, bourbon, rye, gin, vodka, rum, and scotch. Premium selections include Don Julio 1942, Blanton's, Whistle Pig 10 Year, Monkey 47, and Macallan 12 Year. Available as shots or in cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive spirits inventory across all major categories.; Premium pours like Don Julio 1942 and Blanton's.
- — Spirits are used in cocktails and available as shots.
Standout selections
- — Don Julio 1942 Añejo Tequila.; Blanton's Bourbon.; Macallan 12 Year Double Cask Scotch.
Pricing: Not listed
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