New York City’s cocktail scene just got a little wilder. Monkey Thief, the latest venture from Avi Singh, Rishi Rajpal, and David Muhs—the team behind Sama Street in Greenpoint—has been shaking things up in Hell’s Kitchen since late 2024. With a menu inspired by the flavors of Asia and an atmosphere that fuses jungle vibes with the energy of a bustling night market, this new bar is quickly becoming a go-to destination for adventurous drinkers and food lovers alike.
A Cocktail Menu That Thinks Outside the Glass
At Monkey Thief, the cocktail menu, crafted by Head Bartender David Muhs, is an exploration of bold Asian flavors, blending familiar ingredients with unexpected twists. Fans of Sama Street will recognize the 7 Long Years, a sesame oil-infused, spicy margarita with tequila, green chili, pineapple, and lime. But it’s the inventive new creations that are turning heads—like the Major Tom, a cocktail inspired by Thai Tom Kha soup, featuring gin, shochu, lemongrass, ginger, chili, coconut cream, cherry tomato, and even a touch of fish sauce.
Other highlights include:
Holy Trini-tini – A martini-style drink with roasted garlic & scallion gin, ginger vermouth, and a pickled ginger garnish.
Duck Hunter – A rum-based take on duck sauce, mixing white rum, salted plum, Aperol, apricot, and ginger.
Kulfi Flip – A creamy, decadent drink inspired by Indian kulfi, blending cognac, montenegro, pistachio, rose, cardamom, egg, and cream.
Lychee, No Lychee – A lychee martini without lychee, instead using vodka, white rum, shochu, jasmine, and grapefruit for a refreshing twist.
For those who like their drinks prepped and ready, Monkey Thief also offers cocktails on tap, including the Keepin’ It Kosho, a carbonated gin highball featuring tomato water, yuzu kosho, and a savory kick of MSG. A Nitro Espresso Martini, mixed with vodka, yuzu, cold brew, and sherry, rounds out the on-tap offerings.
A Food Menu Designed for Sharing
To complement the cocktails, Monkey Thief serves a menu of small plates designed to be shared. Every table is greeted with Corn Nuts dusted with housemade zaab seasoning, setting the stage for an adventurous meal. The offerings range from raw bites like Beef Koi Tartare with quail egg and lentil crackers to comforting dishes like Crispy Fried Rice, customizable with fried egg, pork belly, or shrimp.
Standout dishes include:
White Fish Crudo – A delicate blend of young coconut, yuzu jelly, coconut flakes, and basil oil.
Lamb Kebab Skewers – Paired with a fresh, herby mint chutney.
Fried Chicken – Coated in cumin, Sichuan peppercorn, and chili, served with cooling cucumber yogurt.
Dumplings – Stuffed with beef and lamb, served in a rich chili-scallion soy sauce.
Thai Tea Basque Cheesecake – A sweet and tangy finish, topped with condensed milk espuma and lime.
A Space That Feels Like a Journey
The design of Monkey Thief is as immersive as its menu, bringing elements of urban Asia into the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. The 60-seat bar is filled with lush greenery, copper accents, and warm lighting, with an eye-catching purple neon sign illuminating the space. A painting by Eileen Coyne, featuring a macaque monkey enjoying a cocktail, sets the tone for the playful experience that awaits.
Other design touches pay homage to sister bar Sama Street, with wooden masks on the bathroom doors, tiki mugs, and travel trinkets decorating the back bar. Even the small details—like silver caddies made from repurposed coconut milk tins—add to the bar’s distinct personality.
Meet the Team Behind the Bar
Co-owners Avi Singh and Rishi Rajpal bring deep personal connections to the flavors and culture that inspire Monkey Thief. Raised in New Delhi, Avi’s upbringing took him across Romania, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.S., instilling a lifelong passion for food. Rishi, with his Indian-Chinese heritage, developed an appreciation for diverse flavors through travel and family traditions. The two reconnected in New York City and, along with head bartender David Muhs, opened Sama Street in 2019, building a reputation for creative, flavor-packed cocktails.
Muhs himself brings over 15 years of experience to the project, having honed his skills at Rubirosa, Celsius Bar, and Burke & Wills. With Monkey Thief, he continues to push boundaries, transforming familiar Asian flavors into bold new drinking experiences.
Plan Your Visit
Monkey Thief is open seven days a week from 5 PM to midnight. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out with friends, a unique date night spot, or just a place to explore innovative cocktails and bites, this Hell’s Kitchen newcomer is a must-visit.
