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Brass Monkey
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 6 pm - 10 pm
Thu 6 pm - 12 am
Fri-Sat 6 pm - 3 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
30 reviews for Brass Monkey
Review Highlights
"In recent times, it hasn't been too crowded, which is great."
(in 4 reviews)
"Such a fun place with such a great variety."
(in 3 reviews)
"Review of Peyote Cafe."
(in 3 reviews)
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Chris D.
Washington, DC
2/9/2011
Brass Monkey aka Peyote Cafe aka The Spaghetti Garden aka "whatever that rooftop place is called" is fun as hell. That's all you have to know.
As long as you're not a pretentious pri- excuse me - person, you'll enjoy the laid back atmosphere and the dozens of different ways to have fun in this multi-leveled bar.
This was the seminal bar of my college years and whenever I'm feeling like getting crunked, this is still my go to place in Adam's Morgan.
Top Floor: Rooftop bar (roof is usually packed with people smoking but it's a nice option to cool off).
3rd Floor: A bunch of cum-stained couches and people just chillen. A nice break from the wildness below.
2nd Floor: A covered pool table and dozens of people crowded around the bar. It's just sort of there, doesn't serve much of a pupose.
Main Floor: Just a bunch of regular people having a good time and dancing. Is usually crazily packed (after 11:30pm) on weekends and hard to maneuver through for drinks but you're usually too drunk to care.
Basement: Karaoke! Just pay the DJ (who's a bit too serious about his job for my liking) a nice tip and you shouldn't have to wait too long. Great and usually supportive atmosphere down here.
During the day it's "The Spaghetti Garden" and though I've never been there before 11pm, I recommend you stay as far away from the "Spaghetti Garden" as possible. No good can come from it. -
Review from Jenny T.
6/21/2011
I should probably NOT write a review for Brass Monkey yet since I was bareelllyy conscious by the time we made it to Adams Morgan... BUT I do remember we went up some stairs, and there was ample space to dance around, and there was a DJ spinning some jams...and I remember not being able to dance to a lot of the songs. hahah. Maybe I needed more to drink (even though I could barely stand--get my drift)?
This review is solely based on my 'dance-ability' criteria. I have no clue how their drinks, service, etc, are. -
Review from Cassie D.
Newport News, VA
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I enjoyed the rooftop seating and the fact that all three levels had bars, so ordering drinks didn't take forever. There are plenty of places for groups to sit back and hang out and there is also a good amount of space to dance.
The downside was the bartenders. One didn't know several common drinks and had to be told what to mix. Another was flat out rude. They don't salt or sugar glasses, (for drinks like margaritas or lemon drops) which isn't a big deal, but it's also surprising and a little disappointing.
I would go back, but I think I would also try some other places down 18th. -
Review from Chang W.
Gaithersburg, MD
10/1/2007
Brass Monkey is the reason why I'll never go back to Adams Morgan again. Well, never, meaning not until my friend asks me to next time. But, only if he bribes me with a falafel. Umm yeah, I feel like a dirty old man here. Either I'm getting older, or the girls are getting younger, or it's a combination of both. The music isn't particularly good; the dancing, I'm not really into; the crowd, while not particularly shady for AM, was uninteresting. Speaking of shady... what's up with the random dudes loitering along the sidewalks on 18th St, smoking all night. Don't you have to be somewhere? Why are you getting in my way and blowing smoke in my face?
Nevermore.....nevermore.....Listed in: Places That Suck Ass--2008…
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Review from Laura T.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2007
I walked in, climbed up the rickety stairs, pushed my way through the crowd of braaaaahs in polo shirts and flip-flops, looked at the monkey murals and the neon Smirnoff sign on the walls and the enormous line at the bar and thought, "This is going to suck." A couple of shots and a completely unexpected TV on the Radio song later, I thought, "Don't be so critical. It might be fun!"
Then they started playing "Paradise City" and a bunch of guys in striped button-down shirts and white sneakers started bouncing around and mouthing the wrong lyrics and I decided that snap judgements really are the way to go.Listed in: DON'T WINCE! [DC Nightlife], A Cool Glass of Hatorade
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Review from Erika S.
Barrington, IL
2/5/2009
This is one of the few places in Adams Morgan that I actually like. In recent times, it hasn't been too crowded, which is great. There's a pretty large area in the back for dancing, and *gasp* more than one toilet for each sex! If you're having trouble getting someone's attention at the bar on the main level, head upstairs by the bathrooms to the upper bar which is usually empty.
Music is pretty standard for AdMo. I don't really care if it's cheesy so long as it's fun to dance to. Brass Monkey is certainly better than most other AdMo bars to me (and I pretty much hate AdMo) so sure, I'll keep going back. -
Review from Timmy C.
Columbia, MD
6/14/2008
This place was a pretty standard bar, lots of young people, loud music, and people getting down.
The dance floor here wasn't particularly large but the DJ was playing great music and everyone seemed to be dancing. Beers were $4 which seems to be the norm in AM and it didn't take to long to get the drinks. We got here pretty late so I was already quite loaded. The crowd didn't seem to mind how Ess faced I was and some seemed to even enjoy it.
I read in a review that they no longer serve free pizza here which actually isn't true as we got some last night. That was a nice touch to a pretty decent bar overall. No frills, just fun.
Whatchooknowaboutmytwosteppppp? -
Review from Liam D.
Washington, DC
9/9/2007
I haven't rated this place yet? I'm shocked!!!!! So Brass Monkey and Roxanne are two inter-connected bars at the lower part of the 18th St Strip in Adams Morgan, and whenever I say I'm going to Adams Morgan, my friends always go "brass monkey?" I've become that predictable I suppose, but that's fine because when I find something I like, I stick with it!
The crowd at brass monkey/roxanne/spaghetti garden/peyote cafe (yes 4 bars that are accessible from either entrance - awesome) is really just your chill crowd of 20-somethings looking to get blamo'd, have good conversation with friends, perhaps find an (semi) attractive member of the opposite sex for some good times, and maybe sing a song or two or ten down in the karaoke bar called peyote cafe. For some reason, every time I come here I think that I am Axl Rose and more often than not, I get thumbs down, but the great thing about the place is that you just don't care cuz you're having such a great time.
The first floor of Brass Monkey (which is technically Spaghetti Garden by day) is usually pretty packed, so I try my best to avoid it. I'll go upstairs to Brass Monkey's second floor where there is a pool table and couches, but the real gem of the place is the rooftop of Roxanne, where there are plenty of tables and benches. But as Zach H points out, you've got to get there early to stake claim to a table and try to contain yourself from breaking the seal because walking through the crowd to the bathroom is tough. Because it's at the bottom of the strip, getting there early means "1030 or 11" if you want to be seated outside. It's a really great atmosphere, since most other places in AMO with patios require you to wait like 20 minutes to get to it (ahem, Reef, ahem).
This is an unassuming place with a chill crowd of younger 20-somethings where everyone can have a good time - whether you're looking to shoot pool, sing karaoke, or just chill out, this is a great spot to do it. Best of all, you won't break the bank here. Definitely 2 thumbs up to the Monkey. -
Review from Jeremy W.
8/24/2010
Great setup w/ 1 room downstairs, 2 upstairs, and a small outdoor area. 3 big bars, plenty of space, reasonable prices, and not too tough to get a drink.
Good mix of new music and throwback jams.
Pretty good seating, too, including some couches upstairs, in case you're feeling lazy or find that special someone for the night! -
Review from Zach H.
Washington, DC
6/20/2007
Brass Monkey is an old staple for the 21-30 crowd in Adams Morgan. Those who frequented this establishment way back in the day know they used to serve free pizza on the first floor, before all three floors and different bars were connected.
The place was revamped a few years back and connected to the building next door. Now one can flow through the different rooms/bars, which include Brass Monkey, Spaghetti Garden, Roxanne, and the Karaoke bar.... whatever that is called. All this extra space makes for a less crowded atmosphere compared to other bars in AM. But I can't lie, it is still a mad house.
The most ideal spot is the outdoor roof area, but you have to stake a claim here early to get a table. And maybe don't plan on getting up to use the bathroom or get drinks. Designate someone for that.
Getting a drink can be difficult, but your best bet is to head down to Karaoke. There is almost always space down there for those who can tolerate the music. -
Review from Merida F.
2/7/2011 1 photo
I have been here several times on a weekend but also for birthdays. In fact I cosponsored a birthday here and it ended up being my best birthday to date. This is a great set-up because Brass Monkey has multiple bars on different levels and has something for everyone. Our friends ended up going downstairs and singing at Peyote and then some went upstairs and played pool. The DJ played my home made CD for our birthdays( oh yes I did it) and let me DJ that night. Made my night!
Listed in: Best places for a birthday
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Review from David G.
Washington, DC
8/30/2010
If you are going to subject yourself to the raucousness that is Adams Morgan, Brass Monkey is a winner. This establishment is actually the home of Brass Monkey and a different bar downstairs. The access to different levels is exceptional and you can really spend your time where your mood fits.
On a nice summer night I recommend the upstairs patio, but hey I always like to drink outside. -
Review from Nelson A.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2006
Brass Monkey. Yes, I've sung the appropriate song nearly a dozen times before entering, passing by, or just thinking about this place. This place is usually happening but not insanely so (which is more than you can say about most of the places in Adam's Morgan). Three things make me love this place enough to drop a 4-star on it:
1) There is no cell service in the back. Excellent excuse for not answering your phone!
2) There is an upstairs, sort of.
3) I've seen three people kicked out of this place that involved the cops.
Oh, and there's kind of a fourth. I keep running into people from college (I was schooled about 400mi away) in here, and no where else. That's not always a great thing, but obviously this place is special. -
Review from John B.
Washington, DC
11/6/2006
I thought I saw my old girlfriend as soon as I walked in the door here, so I made a point to keep my eyes elevated and stay aloof from the crowd, but still I will comment the best I know how.
I headed straight for the basement, where Karaoke was being sung. Two dudes were dueting on "Feel Like Making Love", and it was bringing down the house. It was definitely that kind of place. Since I was in the mood for that sort of place, I went to request a song. "All booked up for the night, hoss," said the DJ, "but there are ways of getting around that." He shook a pint glass full of five dollar bills. It was still two hours til closing...what a bastard, I thought.
I went back upstairs, looking for a friend. My friend was engaging two eager looking college-aged girls. I remember a suited man spilling beer on me, and the next thing I knew, a bachelorette party was asking me to buy a drink for the bride.
My only conclusion is that this is place for young people of all types to come and get sloppily drunk. Fun, but nothing special = Three Stars. -
Review from Colleen M.
Washington, DC
Updated - 1/31/2011
Such a fun place with such a great variety. Have been here to dance, to sit and mingle, fr karaoke (ha) and to play pool. One of the few adams morgan bars I can stand and doesn't get too crowded. Bartenders are pretty friendly too. All around a fun place, especially when I'm going out with a big group of people. I like the crowd it attracts.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/23/2010
I'm not a huge fan of the admo scene, but I really like this place. Its big enough that there's… Read more »
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Review from Gretchen H.
Savannah, GA
7/10/2008
I really don't know what to say about this place. It's a mixed bag of sleaze and I'm just hanging out!
The drinks were a little weak if I recall correctly, but the layout of the place is really interesting.
I just...don't know about this place....I never would've gone here if I wasn't on a mission to go to every bar in Adams Morgan before leaving DC! -
Review from Mary B.
Arlington, VA
4/7/2009
Ok so this is a kind of intense following David W's review considering mine is basically about going out and drinking.
Sooooo..I was not there that night that David was talking about, but the night I was there it seemed like a pretty cool, chill place to hang out with friends and talk (I was upstairs). Drinks were cheap, quick and good. It was not too crowded which was really nice and I agree with others about the bathroom thing (super nice for girls). I didn't see tons of d-bags in the area I was, well maybe a few, but def less than what you see walking around on the streets of d.c. every day. I also agree with previous reviewers of the couches and watching out for vomit on them.
This is def a place I would go back to (upstairs) again and just hang out with friends. The people here also seemed chill and nice. -
Review from Jason K.
Santa Monica, CA
1/21/2008
Review of Peyote Cafe:
Not the classiest joint, but the alcohol is cheap, the karaoke songs aren't bad and they bring out free pizza slices for all as the night grows old. Just not sure why they have a bathroom attendant...Listed in: I went to DC
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Review from Todd V.
Washington, DC
2/2/2007
Love this place. If I have to meet friends amongst the lushes in Adams Morgan, this is where I make it happen.
Its one of the only places that is a refuge from the worst of the worst and also has a cool staff, a ton of bars and rooms and you can stay here all night and not feel like you have been stuck in the same place.
I have never had a bad time here. And as was said before, somehow I always run into acquaintances from college here.
If you're not an a**, check this place out and have some fun! -
Review from Mel B.
Washington, DC
5/23/2007
I love this place because it somehow is never overcrowded, although that doesn't mean that you can necessarily get a drink any faster for some reason. There are three floors including an outdoor roof which- and this is my favorite part- is actually a DIFFERENT BAR called Roxanne. I feel like it's a " best kept secret" of the strip- music is great for dancing, not too crowded, the odds are good to get seating against the wall, well lit. I'd probably stay off the couches in Brass Monkey- they look like they've been through one too many vomitings. They do crowd control really well so I am always looking to make a stop here on any night in AM.
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Semra E.
2/25/2010
It's been about 3 years since I've been here, but from what I remember the drinks are crack-tastic!!! I celebrated my 25th B-day there & it was magical. I was all over the place, nobody had to pay cover, there was plenty of space, the music was bumpin' and I could fill it with the 40 people I invited that DID show up....that's right, that's how awesome that B-day was for me thanks to Brass Monkey!!!
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Review from alexis g.
Falls Church, VA
8/31/2006
I enjoy Brass Monkey for the same reasons Nelson does -- it can be a good alternative to the other packed bars in Adams Morgan. This one is actually attached to several other bars, so you can pass throughout them pretty easily. The crowd here is always friendly -- I've made many "friends" here (even if I don't remember their names the next day). This bar is dive-ish, but not a true dive, in my opinion. The bartenders are really nice, and will humor you and your friends even when you get loud and obnoxious.
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Review from Lily T.
Brooklyn, NY
7/30/2007
the multiple-bars-in-one nature of this place gives it a slightly schizophrenic feel -- and i can't decide if i consider that to be a good or a bad thing. either way, this bar has been unbelievably crowded both times i've been there, and this past weekend (when it was about 90 degrees out and incredibly humid) that resulted in a sweaty scene. and it's pretty gross when strangers are trying to push their way through the crowd and, because it's unavoidable, their sweaty arms rub against your sweaty arms. yuck.
despite all of that, i'm giving the brass monkey three stars because they play fun music that's good for singing along as well as dancing, and because the people-watching there is quality. -
Review from traci l.
8/22/2008
One my favorite places to go in Adams Morgan. Good music, booze and just overall good times. When I was in DC, it seemed like everyone was having a good time at this place. Service was good and the bartenders were friendly.
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Review from David W.
Philadelphia, PA
3/29/2009
I am not going to write a normal review. I just wanted to say to anyone who went to the Brass Monkey last night and stood around while some guy laid in his own pools of blood while unconcious and didn't do anything to help, you people are disgusting. I don't even know the guy or why he was doing that but you don't just leave someone in a condition like that!!! How would you feel if it was you!!!!!!!!!!!
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Review from Kai F.
Washington, DC
10/11/2008
I've had mainly pleasant experiences in Adams Morgan until I made the mistake of meeting some friends at this place. Yes, it's not crowded and not terribly expensive - but those are really the only qualities. The douchebaggery in this place goes up to 11, coming at you from all sides. Popped collars? Check. Bow ties? You know it. Short, tight, leopard print skirt on a platinum blonde? Oh yeah. Beastie boys, Rage against the machine, House of Pain, and Journey's 'Don't stop believing' on the stereo, all played way too loud? Oh yes - it's officially a frat party.
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Review from Liza B.
Washington, DC
2/8/2009
I completely agree with Kai's review. The doucheness filling up this spot is ridiculous. It is def a frat house atmosphere with cheap drinks ($5 for well). The music upstairs is horrible. Downstairs plays mostly hip hop/dance music so it is a bit more tolerable. I added a star for normal restroom facilities...a good size and pretty clean. The bartender girls were all bitchy to the point where we stopped tipping them. The bouncers, however, were super chill and nice to all of our boys which is unheard of. If you're in DC looking for a good night spot look somewhere else.
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Review from Liz N.
College Park, MD
11/4/2010
very large, so good. drinks are expensive so bad. they patio is open until 10 or 11 which is really nice when it gets stanky up in the place but closes then it gets super claustrophobic. i've never really had any drinks in this place since i'm normally gone from going to dan's before hand. but it's pretty large and spacious for an adam's morgan bar.
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Review from Conor Q.
Arlington, VA
9/23/2010
every time i go here, i'm way too drunk and end up dancing on the tables. i haven't gotten kicked out yet, that's gotta be worth something
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Review from Maxwell S.
San Francisco, CA
11/3/2006
Go ahead, sing it out loud... THAT FUNKY MONKEY! Now that we've got that out of our system, I'll briefly tell you that this place is probably one of the best places in Adams Morgan. Connected at the hip to Roxeanne's, Brass Monkey is a really fun place with a great crowd. Everything is pretty standard, nothing is over the top, but there are so many parts to this ginormous bar that you can waltz around till you find people that are on your level... Whether it be age wise, drunk wise, or whatever it is that might lead you and a friend snooping around a bar. Maybe you want to listen to someone butcher a song downstairs where they have karaoke. Maybe you want to point and stare at the guy who has found himself in the middle of a circle of cheering patrons, making a fool of himself trying to dance but he's so wasted and everyone is cheering him on so he keeps going because this IS his moment. Or maybe you want to pass out in the back somewhere or make yourself a nice bed on the pool table. These are just some of the many options at The Brass Monkey. Check it out!
Listed in: The "Right" Crowd?
