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. Beautiful decor, with a smoking patio.
  2. The ambiance of this place is great.
  3. 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.
  4. Amazing decor, plenty of room to invite everyone you know to get a taste of this new Hollywood hot-spot's bustling nightlife.
  5. The atmosphere is stunning and inviting.
  6. The Blu Monkey is my destination for a comfortable evening, a warm and inviting atmosphere that is reminiscent of old Hollywood.
  7. The ambiance was great even out on the smoking patio.
  8. beautiful decor inside and a great outdoor area in the back.
  9. Excellent bartenders, great music, really good cosmos a little too many LOL, and just a really fun night.
  10. Great atmosphere, great drinks, great music.
  11. friendly attitude and great atmosphere
  12. The decor, the music and the vibe were all incredible and my guests were very happy and impressed.
  13. highly recommend the blu monkey lounge for your next party or just for a fun night out.
  14. 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.
  15. was having so much fun, I lost my favorite hair clip.
  16. 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.
  17. The decor was pretty cool and gotta love the 8o's music playing.
  18. The atmosphere was wonderful.
  19. Great atmosphere, good place to meet up with a group of friends for cocktails.
  20. comfortable bar that makes you feel at home.
  21. 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!
  22. The decor is beautiful, the staff was friendly and quick, and the dj was excellent.
  23. There are so many lounges that tout the one thing Blu Monkey actually has, a combination of hip and class with a comfortable vibe.
  24. Friendly staff,friendly bartenders,its a romantic place,no coverage at all!
  25. If you're out for a pleasant and fun evening with good energy avoid the Blu Monkey!
  26. The atmosphere was so great!
  27. Long spacious bar, comfortable sofa areas and VIP areas for private groups still able to feel like a part of the action.
  28. The decor is awesome, the DJ's spin tight music like funk, break beats, and fusion!
  29. drinks were a bit pricey, but for the atmosphere and the no attitude it was worth it.
  30. The service is great, I love the ambiance, and people were dancing all night.
  31. The lounge is gorgeous, the bartenders were friendly and fun, and the prices decent.
  32. The couch like seating is quite comfortable and there is a nice patio outside for enjoying warm LA nights.
  33. 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.
  34. 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.
  35. Blu Monkey has it all, great atmosphere and music.
  36. Who doesn't like a bar with fun appetizers, even better drinks and an awesome location!
  37. 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.
drinks
82.81000137329102% positive
  1. 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.
  2. The drinks where good and best of all there was no cover and they don't even charge for reservations.
  3. absurdly expensive for the poor service and weak drinks!
  4. Great place, Great Staff, Great bar!
  5. Long spacious bar, comfortable sofa areas and VIP areas for private groups still able to feel like a part of the action.
  6. Great atmosphere, good place to meet up with a group of friends for cocktails.
  7. The staff was really nice, the Dj was great, the drinks were perfect.
  8. 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.
  9. comfortable bar that makes you feel at home.
  10. The bartender took her time to make sure I liked my drinks.
  11. 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.
  12. The bouncers are great, the drinks strong, and valet is reasonably priced.
  13. Also, drinks were expensive, and service was lousy.
  14. There was a mixed crowd, good music and the drinks were at a reasonable price.
  15. the owner was very friendly, offering a few of us some drinks on him.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Great atmosphere, great drinks, great music.
  19. The drinks were great
  20. was relaxing with an overpriced watered down drink when the "band" came on.
  21. Best new bar in Hollywood!
  22. Finally, a hip bar close to home that I can walk to and enjoy drinks with friends.
  23. find the bartenders to be very friendly and accommodating even when the bar has been at its busiest.
  24. Looking for a great place to have drinks in Hollywood without the attitude?
  25. 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.
  26. You'll love the drinks!
  27. 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.
  28. drinks were a bit pricey, but for the atmosphere and the no attitude it was worth it.
  29. excellent bar
  30. 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
  31. Who doesn't like a bar with fun appetizers, even better drinks and an awesome location!
  32. Wet dirty cushions on the patio and having my drink taken away for going outside to smoke and get my a** soaked.
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. Looking for a great place to have drinks in Hollywood without the attitude?
  3. 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!
  4. This a great place to come chill with some friends.
  5. This is a great place to stop by after work for happy hour!
  6. Went on a Saturday and it was a great place to meet up with friends and hang out.
  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. great place!
service
86.84000015258789% positive
  1. the owner was very friendly, offering a few of us some drinks on him.
  2. 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
  3. Although I liked the fact that they let our party bring their own food/appetizers, the service from the bartenders was horrible.
  4. absurdly expensive for the poor service and weak drinks!
  5. The staff was very friendly and pleasant, not snobish at all like some other bars Ive recently been too.
  6. By 11 though, the DJ came out, people started dancing and it was awesome music!
  7. Excellent bartenders, great music, really good cosmos a little too many LOL, and just a really fun night.
  8. The owner was very helpful, the deal was very reasonable and the staff was very friendly.
  9. And the service is awesome.
  10. 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.
  11. The service was very good and the DJ was awesome.
  12. The staff were so nice.
  13. The decor is beautiful, the staff was friendly and quick, and the dj was excellent.
  14. find the bartenders to be very friendly and accommodating even when the bar has been at its busiest.
  15. friendly attitude and great atmosphere
  16. The crowd was friendly and down to earth.
  17. This is a trendy relaxed lounge with great bartenders, the service was rapid.
  18. 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.
  19. The bartender took her time to make sure I liked my drinks.
  20. Nice vibe, mixed crowd,awesome dj, great staff, and a cool smoking patio off the back.
  21. The staff was really nice, the Dj was great, the drinks were perfect.
  22. went with a group of friends and not only was the staff friendly, but so were the other patrons in the lounge.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. The owner is amazing and very accomodating even if you have a large group of people.
  26. The service is great, I love the ambiance, and people were dancing all night.
  27. love the wonderful colors and great vibe, the owner is always there and the bartenders and doormen actually remember you.
  28. The waitress was super friendly.
  29. worst bartenders i've ever encountered
  30. The lounge is gorgeous, the bartenders were friendly and fun, and the prices decent.
  31. Also, drinks were expensive, and service was lousy.
  32. 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.
  33. There are places to sit, nice people, I loved it!
  34. Has got to be, hands down the worst service i have ever had.
  35. The bartenders are amazing and the owners are cool and regularly there.
  36. The DJ is great at knowing what people want to hear.
  37. Friendly staff,friendly bartenders,its a romantic place,no coverage at all!
  38. Comfortable setting, good service and no attitude (from either the staff or the customers).
value
69.22999858856201% positive
  1. prices are reasonable as well, at least a lot better than the trendy supposed hot spots down west on sunset.
  2. Drinks were good and at a fair price.
  3. Also, drinks were expensive, and service was lousy.
  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. was relaxing with an overpriced watered down drink when the "band" came on.
  6. absurdly expensive for the poor service and weak drinks!
  7. The lounge is gorgeous, the bartenders were friendly and fun, and the prices decent.
  8. 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.
  9. drinks were a bit pricey, but for the atmosphere and the no attitude it was worth it.
  10. 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.
  11. there is also an outdoor area, which i found to be a huge plus.
  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. There was a mixed crowd, good music and the drinks were at a reasonable price.
wait time
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. These girls were so slow and obnoxious to top their poor skills.
  2. The decor is beautiful, the staff was friendly and quick, and the dj was excellent.
  3. 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 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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