Few nightlife venues in western Berlin command as much instant recognition or visual awe as Monkey Bar. Situated high on the tenth floor of the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, this spectacular rooftop venue has redefined modern hotel bars in the capital. It bridges the gap between premium mixology and breathtaking sightseeing, offering guests an unparalleled vista that looks directly down into the outdoor enclosures of the historic Berlin Zoological Garden next door. Whether you are a traveler looking for the ultimate sunset selfie or a local seeking high-concept drinks in an vibrant setting, Monkey Bar stands out as a prime destination.
In this detailed, 1000-word review, we explore the Monkey Bar experience—detailing its design, drinks, service, location, and overall verdict.
The Design & Atmosphere: Chic Jungle Meets Urban Lounge
The concept of Monkey Bar is playful yet sophisticated, reflecting its proximity to the zoo. The design, curated by designer Werner Aisslinger, is a vibrant mix of urban industrialism and organic warmth. High glass walls stretch from the floor to the ceiling, flooding the space with natural light during the afternoon and framing the glowing city lights after dark. The central bar area is finished with colorful tiles, raw concrete pillars, and rich green plants that evoke a chic jungle oasis.
One of the most unique seating features is the stepped wooden amphitheater-style seating facing the window walls. This allows guests to sit at multiple levels, ensuring that even those seated further back have an unobstructed view of the zoo's monkey cages and elephant enclosures below. In the warmer months, the bar opens its spacious outdoor terrace, which is one of the most highly sought-after spots in Berlin for a sunset drink. The music is curated to match the transition from day to night, moving from laid-back lounge and bossa nova to energetic deep house and electro-pop as the room fills up.
The Cocktail Program: Exotic Flavors and High-End Execution
The drink list at Monkey Bar is far from basic. It changes seasonally, offering a creative range of signatures alongside flawless renditions of classic cocktails. Inspired by tropical flavors and classic spirits, the bartenders use high-quality house-made syrups, fresh infusions, and premium spirits.
During our review, we sampled three of their most popular offerings:
- The Mad Monkey: A highly refreshing signature cocktail featuring premium gin, fresh lime juice, basil syrup, and a splash of ginger beer, garnished with fresh mint. The balance of sweet, herbal, and spicy notes was outstanding, making it the perfect start to a warm evening.
- Monkey Grog: A complex, tropical blend of aged Jamaican rum, passion fruit juice, falernum, fresh lime, and aromatic bitters. Served in a custom tiki-style mug, it was rich, fruity, and carried a pleasant, warming spice kick.
- The Botanical Negroni: A modern twist on the classic Italian aperitif. They combine a floral local German gin with dry vermouth and a house-infused bitter liqueur. It was smooth, bitter, and beautifully balanced, served over a single hand-carved ice sphere.
A solid selection of local craft beers, organic wines, and well-designed non-alcoholic mocktails are also available to ensure all visitors find something to enjoy.
The Food: Bites from NENI
To complement the drinks, Monkey Bar serves a delicious menu of snacks and small plates curated by the adjacent restaurant, NENI Berlin, which is famous for its modern East-Mediterranean sharing plates. Guests can order signature dishes like warm, pillowy pita bread served with fresh, velvety hummus and olive oil, crispy sweet potato fries with spicy harissa mayonnaise, or falafel balls filled with fresh herbs. The food is light, easy to share, and packed with bold, zesty flavors that pair wonderfully with the tropical notes of the cocktail menu.