Primatey Colors: Three Monkeys

By Kristen Klempert Thu., Aug. 26 2010 at 4:35 PM

Categories: Drink Drank Drunk, Happy Hour Handbook

Kristen Klempert

The Joint: Three Monkeys
3153 Morganford Road; 314-772-9800

The Hours: Monday-Friday 4-7p.m. Graveyard Shift happy hour Saturday 7-9 a.m.

The Deal: $1.95 Domestic Bottles, $2 wells, $3 wines and $1off all drafts. Half off most appetizers. Graveyard Shift happy hour includes $2 mimosas and bloody marys.

Did someone say $2 mimosas?...

The Scene: The rich mahogany of the Three Monkeys soaks up natural light, giving the place a perpetual look of warm sunset. With the friendly, relaxed service, the Monkeys is perfect for casually sipping a beer. Given the name and the potential for an over-the-top jungle theme, it's a pleasant surprise to find the primate decorations are sparse. (The name refers to the three friends who pooled their investment in the restaurant/bar.)

The menu has its ups and downs: We say steer clear of the turkey burger (flavorless) and go instead for lobster Rangoon. They're soft and creamy, not soggy, and are served with a sweet chili sauce.

Why You'll Go Back: There's a casualness to be appreciated in the service here. Despite being busy, every employee in the Three Monkeys appears smiling and friendly in an honest way that can't be faked. Anything you need, it seems, they'll happily provide.

The Verdict: No excessively creative cocktails or overly impressive culinary concoctions here. The Three Monkeys is almost perfectly Midwestern: cheery, neighborly and laidback.