Known for hosting some of the hottest names in Aussie music, this underground (literally) venue is worth making a southern excursion for.
Technically a restaurant with a licence to serve alcohol, this basement venue is ambient and intimate - a great place to get up close and personal with musicians in a low-key setting.
Staffed by a friendly, knowledgeable crew, the Monkey attracts a more mature crowd than some of the suburb's bigger drinking establishments. The decor is simple, with comfy armchairs and communal tables, red velvet curtains framing the stage and walls decorated with an array of music posters.
It's important to note that this is a live music venue, so you'll always pay a cover price to get in. Musically, expect a definite bias towards jazz, blues, roots and folk performers. Such notable names as Little Birdy, The Whitlams, Sarah Blasko, Wendy Matthews and Vince Jones have taken centre stage in the past.
The restaurant's crowd-pleasing tapas menu is designed to offer sustenance without interfering with the main attraction, the music. Options such as mezze plates, finger foods and salads cater for light eaters, while gourmet pizzas are also available for those who like to share.
Jen Paterson
