Los Angeles, CA.

The Brass Monkey

Expert Reviews of The Brass Monkey

Citysearch | For those whose singing deserves more than just a shower performance.

Karaoke brings people together, especially at Brass Monkey. The low ceiling, oversized hanging lanterns and eclectic crowd are not for the claustrophobic. The place is usually packed by the time singing begins...
citysearch.com - expert review - 04/18/2006
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User Reviews of The Brass Monkey

Yelp.com Review - by James Y.

4 of 5 stars. I got the bottle.. you got the cup..." c'mon ev'ry body-BRASS MONKEY
yelp.com - user review - 05/30/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Andy F.

3 of 5 stars. Los Angeles Drinking Society #3 (July of '06) 'Cafe' wouldn't really describe it for me. I had a hard time finding that listing because of that... Anyway, for us LADS, it was a long shot since karaoke…
yelp.com - user review - 05/15/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by N. P.

4 of 5 stars. After about the 3rd Jack and Coke, you can easily find yourself up on stage singing your heart out to Diana Ross... Fun, diverse, chill crowd. Feels like a lil cave which is a nice setting to sing…
yelp.com - user review - 05/12/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Melody V.

3 of 5 stars. It's small, and obviously full of regulars, and if you tip the KJ well (like with most KJs) you'll get ahead of line. The drinks are quite strong, and the service may not be the best, but hell I say…
yelp.com - user review - 05/06/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Brooke S.

3 of 5 stars. I've been going to the Brass Monkey for about 7 months now - started out by going to a friend's birthday party and then met all kinds of great people there. I think I have a genuine addiction - I'm…
yelp.com - user review - 04/30/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Amanda H.

1 of 5 stars. As much fun as this place is to go to, I would not want to become a regular. The regulars there are cool enough, however: 1. Don't bother making reservations for anything. They will eff it up every…
yelp.com - user review - 04/29/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Bianca W.

3 of 5 stars. I attended art school in the same building as the Brass Monkey, and let me tell you, during midterms and finals you could almost always catch us in the Monkey huddled up with a cocktail and ranting…
yelp.com - user review - 04/28/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Neil F.

1 of 5 stars. The people that go here are fantastic and fun. There's a lot of camaraderie. However the bar tenders and sometimes the Karaoke DJ's will cop an attitude. Perhaps it's due to fatigue or doing the…
yelp.com - user review - 04/27/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Genevieve M.

3 of 5 stars. Top 10 Good: 10) Luther singing Luther. ESL and R&B together in perfect harmony. http://youtube.com/watch?v=okhDMjTKTvE
yelp.com - user review - 04/25/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by barry m.

4 of 5 stars. This place is great! Thousands of songs.
yelp.com - user review - 04/21/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Christopher M.

5 of 5 stars. The key to getting "more than one song in" is to sign up before 8 PM. Then, as soon as it's your turn to sing, hand in another song selection. The Brass Monkey has the absolute best song…
yelp.com - user review - 04/14/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Mila B.

4 of 5 stars. The places is crowded, loud, and hella fun!! Its packed with drunk people looking to laugh and have a good time, the wait to sing is long, so signup as soon as you can. the only thing I didn't like…
yelp.com - user review - 04/04/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Amy K.

4 of 5 stars. A loud post college karaoke bar serving hella strong drinks to make your toes curl. We had a hard time finding the place due to the fact that Mariposa street ends then picks up again...ugh. Once we…
yelp.com - user review - 04/04/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Erik L.

2 of 5 stars. This place has a couple of things going for it. And a lot against it. The crowds, and I do mean crowds, are friendly enough. Parking is a breeze and free to boot. But then there's everything else.…
yelp.com - user review - 04/02/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by David A.

3 of 5 stars. I'm on the fence about Brass Monkey but I'd like to give it another try. The crowd there seemed pretty friendly ... I was afraid that with a name like "Brass Monkey" this place was going to attract…
yelp.com - user review - 03/29/2008
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Friendly staff but a sucky DJ!

My friends and I arrived at 10, and the man at the door was super friendly and helpful. When we walked in, we couldn't get a table because our group was too large, but I was plesantly surprised that a waitress...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/23/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Regina E.

4 of 5 stars. The funnest crowd and karaoke on a Sunday night. Randomly we stumbled into this place to find 20 people in costume, 80's prom outfits. It was great. I think they were celebrating someone bday as…
yelp.com - user review - 03/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Peter H.

4 of 5 stars. Great lunch spot for koreatown locals... reliable food and a great escape during the business day. have never been there yet for the karaoke scene, but it looks hot from all the pictures on the wall…
yelp.com - user review - 03/18/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Richard S.

5 of 5 stars. It's a dive bar hidden behind the back of the building. I've been going to this bar for the last 7-8 years BEFORE it was hip to karaoke. The Je Ne Sais Quoi that makes it the best damn karaoke place…
yelp.com - user review - 03/02/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Matt M.

4 of 5 stars. Step up to the bar - put the girl down She takes a big gulp and slaps it around
yelp.com - user review - 02/27/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by j u m a.

3 of 5 stars. Brass monkey, that funky monkey! No, I didn't sing tonight at this karaoke bar. THE GOOD
yelp.com - user review - 02/23/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by J C.

5 of 5 stars. I'm gonna show Mondays some love with a vote because last night was ridiculusly fun. Infact I've never had anything less then a great time at the Monkey. I've also never been to another karaoke bar…
yelp.com - user review - 02/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Leah D.

5 of 5 stars. Why this precious monkey earns 5 stars: 1. Drink menu will turn you into a funky monkey. "Monkey Hammer", "Razzy Monkey", "Spank The Monkey"... Awesome.
yelp.com - user review - 02/18/2008
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Great Friday Night Hang Out

I visited this karaoke bar this past Friday with a group of friends for girls night out. Upon arriving I was a little surprised at how small it was inside, but somehow it comes off as intimate & charming. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/10/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by annette z.

5 of 5 stars. This place is amazing! I was originally invited to this little gem by my friend who was a contestant in the Big Karaoke Championship, and since I now live in Koreatown - I have fallen in love.
yelp.com - user review - 02/08/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jeff H.

5 of 5 stars. I saw and heard the best karaoke rendition of Rock Lobster (B-52s) here a few years back. And for that I give Brass Monkey 5 stars!
yelp.com - user review - 02/07/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Heidi H.

3 of 5 stars. Can't say much that isn't already here so I'll keep it short. This place is more for the experience than anything. Fun for a birthday or with a big group. You can call and get a reservation. I…
yelp.com - user review - 01/30/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by k w.

3 of 5 stars. Who would of thought a down to earth karaoke smacked in the middle of Ktown? Well if you want to come to a place to hear some "good" and plenty of "bad" wanna be American Idol debutantes then this…
yelp.com - user review - 01/29/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Rebecca H.

4 of 5 stars. This is where I learned how to karaoke! My friends and I used to come here and sing on Friday nights until the break of dawn. This places is like an old log cabin on the inside, yet on a Friday or…
yelp.com - user review - 01/28/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jenny T.

5 of 5 stars. I love Brass Monkey...the funky monkey!! First of all, if you're at all anxious to sing, have a couple of their Monkey themed drinks and you're going to be singing your little heart out. Trust me. The…
yelp.com - user review - 01/21/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Theresa H.

4 of 5 stars. That Funky Monkey!! We are so totally going back here, the karaoke was awesome, drinks were great and everyone was as freindly as could be. No haters, only lovers. It does get kinda crazy crowded…
yelp.com - user review - 01/20/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Sarah C.

4 of 5 stars. The only place in K-town where you can find white dudes who aren't looking to score with Asian chicks. I can't remember prices but I think they're borderline high. Irish pub w/ bar style karaoke on…
yelp.com - user review - 01/16/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Maribel V.

5 of 5 stars. I went here for the first time and I must say....I loved it !!!!!! The place is small and dark...but i like it. It gives off that eerie-looking feeling. But i also love that. To tell you the truth, I…
yelp.com - user review - 01/15/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Ceci V.

5 of 5 stars. Went here (for the first time) for a friend's b-day last night and a good time was had by all, especially those who stayed late. The formula, I learned, for maximum brass monkey fun-ness = the length…
yelp.com - user review - 01/13/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by lola m.

4 of 5 stars. oh man this place...I hope there aren't pictures of me doing that. The karaoke host was great at getting people involved. I think we may have forced a table full of older korean gentlemen to dance…
yelp.com - user review - 12/23/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by bridget h.

3 of 5 stars. I work within walking distance of the Brass Monkey, so I've eaten lunch here many times with my co-workers. The food is decent. If you drink a lot of soda, you'll like it here. The soda comes out…
yelp.com - user review - 12/20/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by April C.

3 of 5 stars. This is a good place to go for karaoke... but you have to sign-up early, or you'll wait three hours for your turn. It's LOUD. The place is regularly crowded and has a couple of weird "nooks" that…
yelp.com - user review - 12/08/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Henry C.

2 of 5 stars. Always a fun place to get trashed and to drink up the courage to belt out some songs in front of everyone.
yelp.com - user review - 11/29/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Aunny D.

4 of 5 stars. The best thing about the Brass Monkey is that from the inside this place looks like any other Karaoke bar in the United States. Dark, seedy, pictures of angry monkeys (a la Family Guy) on the wall,…
yelp.com - user review - 11/26/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Gary B.

5 of 5 stars. GREAT PLACE TO GO! I was hesitant about the karaoke the first time I went there, but after a few drinks and getting used to the vibe there you'll strike up the courage to sing your heart out. The…
yelp.com - user review - 11/25/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by K P.

4 of 5 stars. **Actually, 4.5 stars** I've really been holding off on reviewing the Monkey because I love it SOOOO much and I feel like I'll be SO biased in this review...but hey, that's life...so suck it up, and…
yelp.com - user review - 11/20/2007
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Awesome Karaoke!

I've only been two a few Karaoke places since moving to LA, but I did enjoy my night at Brass Monkey. Because I've read about the drinks not being good, I stuck to beer the night, though me and my friends did...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/20/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Karney V.

4 of 5 stars. I used to go here about 3 days a week for about 5 weeks during summer 2005 while my friend was taking bartending classes in the building next door. The DJ back then wasn't all that good, and the…
yelp.com - user review - 11/12/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Frederick S.

3 of 5 stars. $20 minimum on credit cards? i guess it shouldn't be a problem if you intend on actually singing at a karaoke place, right? Yeah, I was terrified that the tiny asian waitress was going to kick my ass…
yelp.com - user review - 11/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Jane K.

3 of 5 stars. i really like this place, i got really wasted and sang my heart out with my coworkers and had to show them i had years of karaoke experience under my belt, being korean and all...its typical for…
yelp.com - user review - 11/04/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by andrya h.

3 of 5 stars. let me tell you the demographic that the Brass Monkey Carries. -men and woman of Asian decent
yelp.com - user review - 10/29/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by rebecca m.

3 of 5 stars. just don't drink the crazy monkey. they must have a crazy monkey creating the menu if a shooter of kahlua and don julio made it on the list. trust me, even an amstel light chaser couldn't kill the…
yelp.com - user review - 10/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Buttercheeks Maral A.

5 of 5 stars. The Karaoke host sang "Dick In A Box" and he sounded exactly like JT. It was funny and sexy allll rolled into one. I think I may come back for the contents of that box? *shrugs*
yelp.com - user review - 10/11/2007
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place to avoid

I had the prime rib sandwich($8.95) some of the worst prime rib I have ever had in my life. My friend had a hamburger($7.95) very dry. Expensive watered down drinks, that are not worth what you pay. Just...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/10/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Mindy L.

4 of 5 stars. If you wanna have a good time here, you will. If you just want to observe others, you can still have a good time. Performers, singers, and the audience all bond in this place. Skillful and drunken…
yelp.com - user review - 10/07/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Frank K.

3 of 5 stars. Two songs that I used to dance to at a weekly club with my friends came on: The Killer's "Mr. Brightside" and Jet's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?" I live literally one hundred or less steps away from this…
yelp.com - user review - 10/06/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by kumi k.

3 of 5 stars. My friend and I enjoy cocktail lunch once in while. On work week. Having a martini for lunch on work week is one of my favorite indulgence. Anyway, so we chose Caffe Brass Monkey because of Yelps…
yelp.com - user review - 09/21/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Gerard I.

5 of 5 stars. hahaha, the karaoke cracks me up here! You have not lived until you've seen one of the bartenders get up on that stage an channel out the spirit of James Brown...yes the bartender was a little Asian…
yelp.com - user review - 09/21/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Ewa M.

4 of 5 stars. I enjoyed all the Karaoke and fun crowd, but not the 2 drinks minimum. What I just don't drink?? Well, if that would be the case, I would have to force one of my friends to get those drinks for…
yelp.com - user review - 09/18/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Lilani E.

5 of 5 stars. Wow, 60 reviews. I don't really think I can say too much more.
yelp.com - user review - 09/05/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Nestor S.

4 of 5 stars. This place is a hoot...cute waitresses. Drunk off their mind peeps...and some horrible singing @ times. But just plain fun. My favorite was the "Hey everybody, I'm drunk" girl. Then the girl that ate…
yelp.com - user review - 09/04/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Tim C.

4 of 5 stars. There was a huge group that came here for El Jorge T's KoreaTown SmackDown. This was a while ago but who can forget that night. I guess just about everyone if they didn't write a review. This was stop…
yelp.com - user review - 08/30/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by fran d.

4 of 5 stars. it's been long rumored that every once in a while fran d. will grab a mic and sing to the amusement of less than sober crowds. but alas, since these accounts have only come from the mouths of less…
yelp.com - user review - 08/25/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Belinda K.

3 of 5 stars. Went here for a recent late night impromptu hangout session with the gals and it proved to be a pretty entertaining evening for us mic-wimps. It was my second time there since my first visit with the…
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Ria A.

2 of 5 stars. I went here for a birthday party and I think the birthday celebrant had a great time. She loves karaoke - me on the other hand . . . I hate karaoke and I would never ever ever go up to sing. So this…
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Gary D.

2 of 5 stars. It's definitely a karakoe bar, so don't expect a nite all to your groups self. The only thing I liked was that the place reminded me of an attic and so it felt cool being there. Some of the…
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Heman A.

2 of 5 stars. First off, the place is pretty hard to find if you don't know where it is. The address said Wilshire (at least that's the address posted on yelp) but it's really on Mariposa. I spent a few trips…
yelp.com - user review - 08/09/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Jo Bee Z.

3 of 5 stars. 1 star because they had a vast selection of songs. I was surprised to hear old school New Found Glory, which brought me to remember fond memories of high school while I was even with old friends.…
yelp.com - user review - 08/01/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Marni L.

5 of 5 stars. Came here for my birthday. WHAT FUN! I called a couple days ahead to claim a table. Got there around 8pm Saturday before the house got packed. Even if I hadn't called ahead, there were unclaimed…
yelp.com - user review - 07/24/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Grey M.

4 of 5 stars. Great amateur karaoke with strong drinks and a terrific staff that clearly love the place is what makes the monkey worth a trip. A little difficult to find your first time, but parking is easy. If…
yelp.com - user review - 07/15/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by angela n.

4 of 5 stars. Huuuge selection of songs in a bunch of languages. The DJ is enthusiastic and cool, and he'll help with backup vocals or duets if you don't want to sing up there alone. Diverse, laid-back, and…
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2007
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Cheap drinks / Fun crowd

My husband and I went for karaoke on Saturday night. We were amazed that you can park for free somewhere in LA. Park in the lot next door. There was no cover, but signs posted say 2 drink minimum. My husband...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/08/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Nancy Y.

4 of 5 stars. Great place for karaoke, very crowded here on a Friday night, here with a lot of yelpers that basically had the entire space by the bar area, not a big place. Fun, casual atmosphere, dark ambiance,…
yelp.com - user review - 07/07/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Max B.

4 of 5 stars. Quietly nestled just off of Wilshire, the Brass Monkey is any karaoke lovers paradise. With dark wood interior and a mixed but never pretentious crowd, the Brass offers a wide variety of music and…
yelp.com - user review - 07/02/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Kunney T.

4 of 5 stars. I went to the smackdown a while back (thanks El Jorge!) and I thought this place was awesome. Why? Two reasons: Great Song Selection: They had Stand by Me by Ben E. King, I Believe in a Thing Called…
yelp.com - user review - 06/30/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by John N.

4 of 5 stars. Although right smack in Koreatown, the crowd is mixed and the vibe is cool.
yelp.com - user review - 06/25/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Edward B.

5 of 5 stars. Here's the skinny.... Karaoke bar.
yelp.com - user review - 06/25/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Aimee S.

5 of 5 stars. Second Stop for K-Town Smackdown 2007. If I could give Brass Monkey more stars, you can bet your hot sweaty self I would. And that is still taking into account that they also have a poor ventilation…
yelp.com - user review - 06/24/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Helen C.

4 of 5 stars. Anytime you can sing "Dick in a Box" on karaoke, it's all good. Checked this place out for the first time for the UYE event and had a sweltering, fun time. The atmosphere is festive, no attitudes,…
yelp.com - user review - 06/23/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Kevin F.

4 of 5 stars. It's been done, so I won't reference the Beastie Boys song here. UYE last night at Brass Monkey was tons of fun! Very crowded and very hot though. If you're going here on a weekend, get there early…
yelp.com - user review - 06/23/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by jimmy m.

4 of 5 stars. Ok, so I ventured into this place because my roommate had his last class before his break at AI, which is right around the corner. So we met some of his classmates their for some drinks. I…
yelp.com - user review - 06/20/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Akkara S.

4 of 5 stars. That funky monkey. If you're into kara-oke, then hit this place up. If you've never been, you should definitely check it out. There's a 2 drink minimum in place of a cover, which is fine by me…
yelp.com - user review - 06/20/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by judy w.

4 of 5 stars. There is just an awesome vibe when you enter the doors of Brass Monkey. You can tell that everyone is having a great time and it becomes contagious. But that has been the case of a lot of karaoke…
yelp.com - user review - 06/17/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Josh M.

5 of 5 stars. Now here is a place to have some fun on just about any evening of the week. Everytime I have been here it has been a different day, and the place is always full of people ready to make asses of…
yelp.com - user review - 06/14/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Cali K.

4 of 5 stars. Okay I will admit I LOVE KARAOKE!!!! Bring on Journey, Whitney, Aretha and most importantly bring on my favorite karaoke song... " Sweet Caroline"....
yelp.com - user review - 06/12/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Jay M.

3 of 5 stars. people sing too well.
yelp.com - user review - 06/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Shauna D.

3 of 5 stars. The drinks were eh. My first couple of drinks were so weak. I think it was the bartender because my friends were immediately wasted when they got drinks from the other bartender. I was so mad, I…
yelp.com - user review - 06/05/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Lovey C.

4 of 5 stars. Brass Monkey... that funky monkey! Last time I was here was about 5-1/2 years ago for my birthday and it really hasn't changed much. Last week, however, the single people of Yelp invaded the place…
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Ti B.

5 of 5 stars. Skeptical at first...then I got a San Miguel...then I got an inkling that it is time to do it again...do what you ask? Break out the dance...follow with a song..and get some booties moving. Yes folks.…
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2007