Cocktails
Reviews highlight balanced cocktails, with the Chocolate Martini, Hot Toddy and Banana Banshee among the named favourites.
The Hungry Monkey Cocktail Lounge & Pub
Al Barsha
The Hungry Monkey is a cozy British-style cocktail lounge and pub in Al Barsha, with well-made drinks, board games and DJ-led evenings. Reviews make it a natural choice for relaxed drinks with friends, especially if you like a compact bar with a homey feel, affordable happy-hour offers and a little background buzz.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
378 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Board Games
A useful feature for groups: customers can play board games while having drinks, rather than just sitting at the bar.
Happy Hour
Happy hour is repeatedly mentioned as a strong value point, including one review describing it as available all day.
Live DJs
DJ sets give the lounge a livelier edge, with reviews mentioning Latin and Afro house on weekdays as well as weekend music.
Cozy Setting
The compact room is often appreciated for its intimate, home-like atmosphere and relatively relaxed volume.
Beer Selection
Customers mention good brews on tap, including Kirin praised for its temperature, freshness and taste.
Light Bites
Food is available for sharing, with one customer enjoying a platter of spring rolls, nuggets and squid rings.
Tips for a Better Visit
Book Ahead. Reserve if you are visiting with a group: reviews describe the bar as small and advise booking seats in advance.
Choose Timing. Weekdays can be quieter, while weekends are busier and more music-led; pick accordingly if you want conversation or atmosphere.
Check Volume. Ask about the evening’s music level if conversation matters, as some customers found the music too loud in the compact room.
Try Games. Ask for the board-game selection if you want an activity beyond drinks; staff have been noted for explaining the games.
Check Bill. Review the items before paying, as one customer specifically advised checking the bill carefully.
Use Offers. Look for the happy-hour menu before ordering; one review reported house cocktails at 25 AED during happy hour.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Donatello Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha1, Near Mall Of The Emirates - Sheikh Zayed Rd - near Mall of The Emirates
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 3:30 AM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 3:30 AM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 3:30 AM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 3:30 AM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 3:30 AM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 3:30 AM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 3:30 AM |
Common Concerns
Small Space
The lounge can feel cramped when busy, and several reviews say its size limits larger groups.
Loud Music
Music volume has sometimes made conversation difficult, particularly during busier evenings.
Smoke Smell
One customer said the smoke smell lingered in their hair for days, so this may matter if you are sensitive to smoky venues.
Uneven Food
Food feedback is mixed: one review found the pizza below expectations, while another called the food average.
Booking Issue
A customer reported being asked to leave despite having a booking when a larger table became available.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
25 AED
house cocktails
“They provide daily specials such house cocktails at happy hour for 25 AED”Google review · July 2024
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
The Hungry Monkey is a compact cocktail lounge and pub in Al Barsha, located inside Donatello Hotel. It suits an easy night of drinks, board games and DJ music rather than a formal dinner or spacious party. Cocktails are the main draw: reviews specifically mention the Chocolate Martini, Hot Toddy, Banana Banshee and a broad menu of more than 25 cocktail options.
The atmosphere can shift with the night. Many customers describe the room as cozy, intimate and home-like, while DJs bring a livelier feel, including Latin and Afro house on some weekdays. That small footprint is part of the charm, but it can become crowded; seating is often better for small groups than couples or larger gatherings.
Book ahead if you are bringing friends. Prices are commonly described as reasonable, and happy hour is a recurring highlight. One review reported house cocktails at 25 AED, while another mentioned beer at 25, though offers and prices may change.
Food is mainly supporting cast: spring-roll, nugget and squid-ring platters were well received, but feedback on pizza and general food quality is mixed. If you want a quiet conversation, check the music level first. A few reviews also mention smoke and one serious booking complaint, so those are worth keeping in mind.