Spice Monkey
| Address: | 1628 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA |
| Phone: | +1 510-268-0170 |
| Site: | spicemonkeyrestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 5PM–12AM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 19
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Nick Hennen
Amazing, historical structure, and the food looked tempting but... I sitting with my date at a table and the bartender greets us with "Hey ladies!" What the heck? I coudnt even respond. My date was all, "did that just happen?" It was our first date so it totally ruined the mood. Why would someone do that? I dont look weird mind you, just a regular guy. I have no idea what she was thinking. So we commence with ordering. my date orders, goes fine, I say Id like a pale ale so she says there are two. I say I hadnt heard of these but I select one anyway. she says, "okay, want a sample?" I said, "sure." (thinking she wants to make sure I like it no big deal and really nice) So she brings dates drink and my drink sample but theres only one and its not the one I ordered. When she comes back to check she says, "want that instead?" -- like, how would I know? I said I hadnt tried those before. I was just like, er no just bring me the one I ordered. Thankfully, it was good. I just thought it was off. So in the end heres my parting tips: 1. Im a guy so not 100% sure, but -pretty sure- its not okay to say "hey ladies" in 2017. 2. If you were doing it to be cheeky, or embarass me in front of my date you failed. I recovered. 3. If you think ^ this dude looks like a "lady" you need to hit up the eye doctor immediately. dont pass go, or collect any money, just go. Its important
AN
Andra Borsan
We came here for the comedy club and that was a blast! Weve been to two Comedy Machines where comedians compete against each other and both times the comedians were hilarious. You can order food and drinks while enjoying your show or you can eat at the restaurant below. If youre coming for a show, its best to get there earlier because it gets really crowded (its not a very large room). The first time we got there 30 mins before the show and had a few appetizers at the restaurant, but the second time we got there late and barely found seats that werent in the very front.
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Vincent Sauve
This restaurant has a very charming atmosphere with good food. It is unique for the area in its cooking and the decor as it is in what was probably the front office decades ago of the Howden Building, a building that has exquisite tile work inside and out. The restaurant has a beautiful fireplace and wishing well inside from when it was a showroom. The quality of that kind of tile work is a lost art form in this part of the world. The owners of the restaurant have now opened an upscale beautiful market next door. Both are worth a visit.
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David Ochroch
This restaurant is close to excellence but still has some stumbling blocks in the way. #1: House wine quality is below standard (last nights Chardonnay was 1 1/2 stars at best); #2: You need to pre-heat the plates for hot dishes!; #3 The Pollo Verde was way too spicy...what was the chef thinking?; #4: You need to warn customers that youre going to slather healthy fish, lentils, and squash in a cream sauce. That said, the Mahi-Mahi, lamb burger and the chicken part of the pollo verde were delicious. Best sliced potato fries ever.
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A Private User
Oh, I kept meaning to go to this place just b/c of the name, and when I finally did, it exceeded my expectations. I love the atmosphere, great beer selection, interesting and good food. I think I just want to eat more variety of their food before giving a full 5-star, but so far its an A! Also, since its so close to me, I will be happy to start going here regularly.
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Anita G.
I met a friend here one evening just for appetizers and tea. We ordered the Mosaic Mezze Platter which was good, but a bit pricey. The atmosphere is funky but comfortable with a lot of natural light up front. They do have a space upstairs that was closed for a private party but Im guessing that would be convenient for small gatherings.
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Heliana Mano
Came here with hubby on a Thursday night for Oakland Comedy series! We were seated upstairs and had 2 different IPAs and monkey fingers. Efficient and fast service, good finger food and beer. Friendly staff and clean bathrooms. Lovely decor downstairs with lots of tiles and a mini fountain inside - WOW! Definitely want to come back!
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Roman Macias
Its located in the best building in Oakland with one of my favorite murals. The food was very flavorful and Id order everything I had again (pork belly Asian tacos, cornmeal chicken fingers and spicy mint tea). The girl who helped me did not seem demonic despite her black monochromatic tattered clothing and Satanic Feminist t-shirt.
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Faye Marshall
Lunch staple for those working in Uptown! Love the atmosphere, artsy, great light and laid back. The menu has an eclectic variety so there always seems to be something for everyone (if you have tried to coordinate coworker lunches, you know what I mean). AND the owner is super sweet and gracious host.
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A Private User
i sat at the bar, had some beers, and waited for my friend to arrive. the servers were so nice. they were talking about some live music they had planned for that night. i didnt try the food, but it really looked and smelled good! Anyways, definitely a good place to meet a friend for a beer.
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John Davis
Awesome food here! The Alfredo take was delicious!! Chicken skewers were a delicious apitizer as well. Service here was Mediocre not a very friendly staff but not rude by any means. Basically dont expect to be waited on hand and foot, just expect delicious food
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Phil DiNuzzo
Based on dinner, I was very unimpressed. Seems like a great place with nice staff, but my overcooked and lukewarm ribs seemed like they were originally cooked many days ago. Sides were bland to boot. Id stick to drinks and snacks at this place.
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Margee Burch
Veggie pot pie was gross, mac and cheese was cheesy and fine, turkey burger was okay. Service was quick given that there was only one waiter for the entire restaurant, which meant they were ridiculously under-staffed. Beer was delicious.
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Phil Dangler
They were very nice to me when I was accosted by a crazy lady at the bar on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Finished beer outside and caught some rays. Ill try the lamb burger next time. That was a whole lot of crazy, though!
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Jay Colingham
I have been to spice monkey a couple times. The food is great and the venue is eclectic and very Oakland. We also appreciate the comedy nights upstairs. 5 shows a week and the prices are not too high!
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cami lippert
Simple restaurant with good atmosphere when it comes to food i love their salad there are certain food that theyre not good at like the Veggie pot pie dont like the taste.
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Marlon Evangelista
Tried their tandoori wrap with monkey potatoes, and both were delicious (especially with the aioli that the potatoes came with). Service was friendly even for a busy day.
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Damon Tighe
Great dishes. Ive never been disappointed with a meal here and the wine selection is usually well chosen. I wish they had more space between tables in the front room.
JO
Joel Palmer
Stopped in a few times when my girlfriend lived near Lake Merritt. Very tasty spins on things (the lamb burger was great) and the building is gorgeous.
