Blu Monkey Bar & Lounge

(323) 957-9000

5521 Hollywood Blvd (Western Avenue)
Los Angeles, CA 90028 34.10174 -118.309983

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Neighborhoods: Hollywood, Central LA

theblumonkey.com

Hours:

Daily 8pm-2am

Last updated 9.05.09

Category:

Bars & Clubs, Lounges, Bars & Pubs

Payment Methods:

Visa, MasterCard

What People Are Saying About Blu Monkey Bar & Lounge

Featured Review

Tara Lis

Contributor

In Short – Designed by Mary O' Grady, who also did the interior of the Figueroa Hotel, Middle Eastern influences abound, from the vibrant palate of maroon, teal and tangerine to the sultry mosque-like shapes and patterns. Monkey images pop up in the design scheme as well--their plastic counterparts dangle from cocktail glasses of in-the-know Eastsiders. A walnut wood bar takes center stage, with a raised, cushioned VIP area off to the side and long linear couches in front.

Editor's Tips

Parking:
Parking is available in the back of the building.
Where to Sit:
There's a private smoking patio behind the bar, which offers minimal seating.
ambiance
95.95000267028809% positive
  1. The atmosphere was wonderful.
  2. Who doesn't like a bar with fun appetizers, even better drinks and an awesome location!
  3. If you're out for a pleasant and fun evening with good energy avoid the Blu Monkey!
  4. Excellent bartenders, great music, really good cosmos a little too many LOL, and just a really fun night.
  5. After 9, there are 15-20 people in the place, a DJ starts playing music loud enough to burst your eardrums, ending any hopes of using the comfortable conversation areas to ACTUALLY have a conversation.
  6. The lounge is gorgeous, the bartenders were friendly and fun, and the prices decent.
  7. The decor was pretty cool and gotta love the 8o's music playing.
  8. Long spacious bar, comfortable sofa areas and VIP areas for private groups still able to feel like a part of the action.
  9. The ambiance of this place is great.
  10. The service is great, I love the ambiance, and people were dancing all night.
  11. plus i'm a smoker, so it was a huge plus having been able to enjoy a smoke and my cocktail while sitting in a comfortable outdoor atmosphere.
  12. Amazing decor, plenty of room to invite everyone you know to get a taste of this new Hollywood hot-spot's bustling nightlife.
  13. The atmosphere was so great!
  14. Blu Monkey has it all, great atmosphere and music.
  15. The DJ spun great music, the atmosphere was beautiful, the smoking patio a huge plus, and the bartenders friendly- as opposed to most "bar star" bartenders here in Hollywood, that won't so much as look at you when ordering a drink.
  16. It's a really nice place with a great vibe,romantic scene,relaxing,i'm running out of words to describe this place so you just have to go there and see it for yourself!
  17. There are so many lounges that tout the one thing Blu Monkey actually has, a combination of hip and class with a comfortable vibe.
  18. Just far enough from the Sunset Strip to make the pricing reasonable and affordable and parking plentiful, yet still frequented by a cool, cutting edge crowd.
  19. The ambiance was great even out on the smoking patio.
  20. The decor is awesome, the DJ's spin tight music like funk, break beats, and fusion!
  21. comfortable bar that makes you feel at home.
  22. Great atmosphere, good place to meet up with a group of friends for cocktails.
  23. The decor is beautiful, the staff was friendly and quick, and the dj was excellent.
  24. highly recommend the blu monkey lounge for your next party or just for a fun night out.
  25. was having so much fun, I lost my favorite hair clip.
  26. The Blu Monkey is my destination for a comfortable evening, a warm and inviting atmosphere that is reminiscent of old Hollywood.
  27. The live DJ was a plus and the atmosphere was good, but the soft liquor and attitude from the bartenders will keep me away from this place.
  28. The decor, the music and the vibe were all incredible and my guests were very happy and impressed.
  29. overall i'm glad i found this bar in my neighborhood, great djs on the weekend and a mellow kick-back atmosphere during the week.
  30. friendly attitude and great atmosphere
  31. beautiful decor inside and a great outdoor area in the back.
  32. The atmosphere is stunning and inviting.
  33. The couch like seating is quite comfortable and there is a nice patio outside for enjoying warm LA nights.
  34. Great atmosphere, great drinks, great music.
  35. Beautiful decor, with a smoking patio.
  36. Friendly staff,friendly bartenders,its a romantic place,no coverage at all!
  37. drinks were a bit pricey, but for the atmosphere and the no attitude it was worth it.
drinks
82.81000137329102% positive
  1. The bouncers are great, the drinks strong, and valet is reasonably priced.
  2. This bar has a lot going for it: great music by a live DJ, an outdoor area for smokers and a funky and kitsch look on the inside.
  3. Long spacious bar, comfortable sofa areas and VIP areas for private groups still able to feel like a part of the action.
  4. The bartender was quick to make us a drink and before we knew it the place was packed with a dj palying some really great stuff.
  5. Great place, Great Staff, Great bar!
  6. Also, drinks were expensive, and service was lousy.
  7. The drinks were great
  8. Great atmosphere, good place to meet up with a group of friends for cocktails.
  9. Who doesn't like a bar with fun appetizers, even better drinks and an awesome location!
  10. absurdly expensive for the poor service and weak drinks!
  11. It's good for drinking at the bar or for vibing with the dj's who vary wildly in style on their great sound system.
  12. The DJ spun great music, the atmosphere was beautiful, the smoking patio a huge plus, and the bartenders friendly- as opposed to most "bar star" bartenders here in Hollywood, that won't so much as look at you when ordering a drink.
  13. overall i'm glad i found this bar in my neighborhood, great djs on the weekend and a mellow kick-back atmosphere during the week.
  14. the owner was very friendly, offering a few of us some drinks on him.
  15. Looking for a great place to have drinks in Hollywood without the attitude?
  16. The staff was really nice, the Dj was great, the drinks were perfect.
  17. The drinks where good and best of all there was no cover and they don't even charge for reservations.
  18. Great atmosphere, great drinks, great music.
  19. Were were having a great time for about an hour (the bartender was awesome, as well) until "Comedy Night" began -- we had no idea this cool, hip, eclectic bar was going to have "comedy night
  20. find the bartenders to be very friendly and accommodating even when the bar has been at its busiest.
  21. From the design and layout of the place there is a feeling of escaping noise of the Hollywood overdone scene and finding a spot to converse with a drink and maybe dance in the aisles to some great DJ's on selected nights.
  22. There was a mixed crowd, good music and the drinks were at a reasonable price.
  23. You'll love the drinks!
  24. was relaxing with an overpriced watered down drink when the "band" came on.
  25. excellent bar
  26. Finally, a hip bar close to home that I can walk to and enjoy drinks with friends.
  27. drinks were a bit pricey, but for the atmosphere and the no attitude it was worth it.
  28. comfortable bar that makes you feel at home.
  29. Wet dirty cushions on the patio and having my drink taken away for going outside to smoke and get my a** soaked.
  30. Best new bar in Hollywood!
  31. The bartender took her time to make sure I liked my drinks.
  32. admit that Upon finding out that I was heading to Western and Hollywood I didn't expect much but instead what I found was a beautiful bar (sort of a Moroccan vibe), with plenty of seating and great music.
food quality
50.0% positive
  1. The food was tasty.
  2. Although I liked the fact that they let our party bring their own food/appetizers, the service from the bartenders was horrible.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. the dj was great as well playing a wide variety of music.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. The live DJ was a plus and the atmosphere was good, but the soft liquor and attitude from the bartenders will keep me away from this place.
  2. This is a great place to stop by after work for happy hour!
  3. This a great place to come chill with some friends.
  4. Went on a Saturday and it was a great place to meet up with friends and hang out.
  5. great place!
  6. Looking for a great place to have drinks in Hollywood without the attitude?
  7. Great atmosphere, good place to meet up with a group of friends for cocktails.
  8. When the DJ's spinning it's a great place to go dancing or kick back on the sofa and watch the activity.
  9. It's a really nice place with a great vibe,romantic scene,relaxing,i'm running out of words to describe this place so you just have to go there and see it for yourself!
service
86.84000015258789% positive
  1. The bartender was quick to make us a drink and before we knew it the place was packed with a dj palying some really great stuff.
  2. The live DJ was a plus and the atmosphere was good, but the soft liquor and attitude from the bartenders will keep me away from this place.
  3. Although I liked the fact that they let our party bring their own food/appetizers, the service from the bartenders was horrible.
  4. love the wonderful colors and great vibe, the owner is always there and the bartenders and doormen actually remember you.
  5. find the bartenders to be very friendly and accommodating even when the bar has been at its busiest.
  6. The owner is amazing and very accomodating even if you have a large group of people.
  7. the owner was very friendly, offering a few of us some drinks on him.
  8. went with a group of friends and not only was the staff friendly, but so were the other patrons in the lounge.
  9. Also, drinks were expensive, and service was lousy.
  10. Comfortable setting, good service and no attitude (from either the staff or the customers).
  11. The crowd was friendly and down to earth.
  12. And the service is awesome.
  13. worst bartenders i've ever encountered
  14. The owner was very helpful, the deal was very reasonable and the staff was very friendly.
  15. By 11 though, the DJ came out, people started dancing and it was awesome music!
  16. Were were having a great time for about an hour (the bartender was awesome, as well) until "Comedy Night" began -- we had no idea this cool, hip, eclectic bar was going to have "comedy night
  17. The bartender took her time to make sure I liked my drinks.
  18. The bartenders are amazing and the owners are cool and regularly there.
  19. The DJ spun great music, the atmosphere was beautiful, the smoking patio a huge plus, and the bartenders friendly- as opposed to most "bar star" bartenders here in Hollywood, that won't so much as look at you when ordering a drink.
  20. The service is great, I love the ambiance, and people were dancing all night.
  21. The staff was really nice, the Dj was great, the drinks were perfect.
  22. This is a trendy relaxed lounge with great bartenders, the service was rapid.
  23. Friendly staff,friendly bartenders,its a romantic place,no coverage at all!
  24. The staff was very friendly and pleasant, not snobish at all like some other bars Ive recently been too.
  25. absurdly expensive for the poor service and weak drinks!
  26. The decor is beautiful, the staff was friendly and quick, and the dj was excellent.
  27. The DJ is great at knowing what people want to hear.
  28. Excellent bartenders, great music, really good cosmos a little too many LOL, and just a really fun night.
  29. There are places to sit, nice people, I loved it!
  30. friendly attitude and great atmosphere
  31. The lounge is gorgeous, the bartenders were friendly and fun, and the prices decent.
  32. Has got to be, hands down the worst service i have ever had.
  33. The staff were so nice.
  34. The waitress was super friendly.
  35. After 9, there are 15-20 people in the place, a DJ starts playing music loud enough to burst your eardrums, ending any hopes of using the comfortable conversation areas to ACTUALLY have a conversation.
  36. was there on October 2 for a friend's Sat night birthday bash and encountered a woman bartender who was not just rude; she was positively hostile and aggressively sarcastic.
  37. The service was very good and the DJ was awesome.
  38. Nice vibe, mixed crowd,awesome dj, great staff, and a cool smoking patio off the back.
value
69.22999858856201% positive
  1. after reading some of the negative reviews i felt as though i'd like to add my 2 cents worth as well, and say i have never had a bad experience.
  2. Also, drinks were expensive, and service was lousy.
  3. drinks were a bit pricey, but for the atmosphere and the no attitude it was worth it.
  4. plus i'm a smoker, so it was a huge plus having been able to enjoy a smoke and my cocktail while sitting in a comfortable outdoor atmosphere.
  5. The lounge is gorgeous, the bartenders were friendly and fun, and the prices decent.
  6. The DJ spun great music, the atmosphere was beautiful, the smoking patio a huge plus, and the bartenders friendly- as opposed to most "bar star" bartenders here in Hollywood, that won't so much as look at you when ordering a drink.
  7. absurdly expensive for the poor service and weak drinks!
  8. There was a mixed crowd, good music and the drinks were at a reasonable price.
  9. there is also an outdoor area, which i found to be a huge plus.
  10. Drinks were good and at a fair price.
  11. was relaxing with an overpriced watered down drink when the "band" came on.
  12. prices are reasonable as well, at least a lot better than the trendy supposed hot spots down west on sunset.
  13. Just far enough from the Sunset Strip to make the pricing reasonable and affordable and parking plentiful, yet still frequented by a cool, cutting edge crowd.
wait time
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. The decor is beautiful, the staff was friendly and quick, and the dj was excellent.
  2. The bartender was quick to make us a drink and before we knew it the place was packed with a dj palying some really great stuff.
  3. These girls were so slow and obnoxious to top their poor skills.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/20/12

Best music in hollywood

by Jeff4Cali

The only bar/lounge that plays real hip-hop. The women are amazing and the drinks and bartenders are always on point. Special appearances all the time, you won't believe it till you see it.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/17/11

strong & cheap drinks!

by lizzy s

I went there friday night and the place was crackin...I hate trendy places...this place had a great vibe along with a great crowd. I hit the bar first and asked the bartender for a strong drink, im not too good with names so i told him to just surprise me with something fruity...that he did! i only had 2 when i realized that the alcohol in it was a generous amount...the dj was up on his game with the music...played all the hits, and u can tell cuz no one sat down, perfect amount of people in the bar, not empty but u still had room to walk around and not get annoyed with bumping into everyone...some girl was having her bday there...it looked like her and her crew were having a blast and u can tell the bar peeps made her feel special..by 1:30 or so the alcohol was wearing off and there was a convenient hot dog lady outside...that just topped off my night!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/12/09

A MUST GO 2 PLACE!!

by 007christine

I went to the Blu Monkey on Sat, it was an unbelievable experience. The ambiance of this place is great. The lighting was just right. The drinks are strong and in-expensive, seating is available at no cost. there is No cover charge at the door.Its comfortable, the music was live, the DJ's are hot. The crowd was really chill. My girls and I loved this place and have made this our new hot spot! Its a must GO To place! u wont regret it!

  • Pros: strong, in-expensive drinks, great music, no cover, chill pl
2 Star Rating: Below Average

04/29/09

What the......?

by adamjam

i was relaxing with an overpriced watered down drink when the "band" came on. wowzers

so loud, so darn loud.

the crowd that moved in were al friends of the band, no freindly, nice, good to look at, or anything else.

i would not go back. ever

  • Pros: comfy seating
  • Cons: noise (music), crowd (lame), drinks (weak)
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/16/09

Great Atmosphere

by niceandeasy

Went down last Saturday with a couple of friends for a few cocktails, we ended up staying all night. The energy of this place was great. The Dj was awesome. The mixed crowd was down to earth. The bar staff without attitude. Drinks were good and at a fair price. Beautiful decor, with a smoking patio. Best of all NO COVER. Everything I like in a Bar. Keep it up Blu Monkey.

  • Pros: Decor,crowd,music
  • Cons: none

The Details on Blu Monkey Bar & Lounge

Place Categories:

  • great place
  • great dj
  • great atmosphere
  • great music
  • great drinks
  • friendly excellent bartenders
  • friendly great staff
  • worst service
  • comfortable new bar
  • great vibe
  • beautiful decor
  • very accomodating owner
  • definitely recommend blu monkey lounge
  • never bad experience
  • favorite spot
  • reasonable prices
  • pricey weak drinks
  • huge plus
  • great ambiance
  • wonderful colors
  • comfortable conversation areas
  • recommended highly
  • quite comfortable couch
  • comfortable vip areas
  • nice smoking patio
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