Monkey Wrench

A great Bluegrass band on Wednesday and some good beers served up by a very helpful bartender = good times.

Great pub menu. Decent prices. Cool, casual environment. Fun People. Love Denny!
4.8…I don’t do 5 stars… lol

I’ll preface this review with saying I didn’t have the food, so I can only speak to the atmosphere and the decently boozy, cheap drinks.
Let me repeat: [pretty] boozy, cheap drinks. I went there with my girlfriend and we got 2 Kentucky mules, a pint of beer, and a glass of bourbon for $ 16 plus tip. Insane. We went on a Friday night around 10 pm and stayed for a few hours, and I can’t speak to the rooftop patio, but inside was pretty quiet, low key, and comfortable. We were in the large area near the bar, but you could see that there were some smaller nooks away from the bar where it was even quieter. Pretty large place overall.
There was one bartender on hand, and he was playing some good music over the speakers from [probably his] iPhone. My girlfriend requested a song and he smiled and played it, and he was a nice, easygoing bartender.
It seems kind of like a large dive bar on the inside, with wood paneled walls and neon lights, and they’ve got a few TVs that had baseball games on them. Below the large (perhaps projector, even?) TV were a ton of drink specials, so I’m excited to go out to this place again when I’m looking for a relaxing evening with some drinks that don’t break the bank!

Monkey Wrench has a nice location and the building itself is really large and almost western themed. It has a big bar area, a live music/​dining area and an upstairs rooftop patio area that is very popular in the summer. They bring in some good local bands that play a variety of music. The only part I am not crazy about is the food. When I went I got wings that were ok but need more sauce and my friends tried a couple of their tater tot concoctions (which are popular here) and they weren’t very pleased with them. They basically just throw some toppings on a pile of tater tots. The food was a little over priced for what it was and the drink prices could have been better. If you come here come for the atmosphere and the music.

Really. $ 5.00 cover when you don’t have a band? Not worth it to pay a cover just to sit at the bar and have a drink.

The Monkey Wrench is such a gem! Anytime I’m looking for a relaxed night with good drinks I know I can count on the Monkey Wrench to provide.
Their food menu is ever-​evolving, but I like the current menu best of all! $ 2 Taco Tuesday! They even have really delicious veggie tacos. And $ 2.50 margaritas. I had a great dinner and a couple of drinks for $ 15. That’s amazing! The bartenders were fantastic and the drinks were excellent. They also have a great Sunday brunch with a bloody mary bar!
I only give it four stars because every time I’ve ever been, the women’s restroom is always a mess. This time there was soap all over the counter and no papertowels. I know that’s not a huge deal for some people, but I think if they cleaned up the women’s restroom it would be 5 stars!

Not a fan. Brunch was less than mediocre. I saw a menu on Unilocal and was excited for the eggs benedict. However, they didn’t have them. I ordered the hangover helper, and it was basic. The mimosa bar is cool in theory, but in reality simple and unnecessary. The place as a cool vibe though and I liked the live music. Probably won’t come back though.

This building is awesome. There’s lots of space on the inside, but the best part is the rooftop deck. The atmosphere is great and they have an excellent selection of draft beer. It’s definitely a good hangout spot.
I’ve only eaten at the Monkey Wrench for their Sunday brunch. The overall brunch experience was wonderful. There’s no wait during prime brunch time on a Sunday. That’s a huge bonus. A bluegrass band was playing laid-​back music the entire time, which was relaxing. As others have mentioned, the Bloody Mary bar is awesome. It has all the fixin’s you could imagine. Plus, the bartenders give you a heavy pour. I’d give the whole bluegrass brunch atmosphere 5 stars.
However, I was underwhelmed with the actual food. I went with the Hangover Helper, which is your standard breakfast: eggs, bacon, hash browns, and pancakes. The eggs and bacon were overcooked and bland. The bacon was about as thin as a piece of paper. I actually couldn’t believe they would serve bacon like that. It reminded me of the pre-​cooked, packaged bacon you cook in the microwave (except worse). I have never seen bacon that thin. The tater tot hash browns tasted like they came from a frozen package too, but they weren’t bad, though greasy. The pancakes were okay, but a little dry since we were only given one little package of syrup each. I would probably given the Hangover Helpder 1 – 2 stars. I don’t recommend it, but I think the rest of the menu has potential. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing. The shrimp and grits have gotten great reviews and sound like the way to go.
Despite being disappointed with my meal, I still give the Monkey Wrench 4 stars. I am a fan. The live bluegrass music and Bloody Mary bar make it a unique place for brunch. With it’s great draft beer and neat atmosphere, it’s a great place to hangout too. I’ll be back to try something new.

Love coming here. The crew that runs this spot know how to take care of their patrons. Great beer, food, tunes, and people.

I’m unsure why I didn’t go to Monkey Wrench sooner. On the outside, it read «college bar» to my senses, so I suppose I avoided it like the plague. But then a few friends of mine reported great food and a killer patio, so my summer-​weather-​loving-​self paid a visit. I chose… well. A couple of galfriends and I went for bluegrass brunch one Sunday, and I did a little happy dance when I saw dressed-​up shrimp and grits on the menu. It was fantastic! A little spicy, with shrimp and sausage, and a plethora of gooey cheese. I was pretty hungry that day but couldn’t finish the seemingly endless bowl of goodness – I took it home and made a delightful lunch for the next day.
Related: $ 3 MIMOSAS. Hellooooo!
I’ve been back since, to just enjoy a beer with my parents. I do wish their on-​tap offerings out on the patio were more than just Goose Island.

Great place for a drink. They have an upstairs patio which is great for a summer night out. Really enjoyed this place and definitely recommend!

Came here on the suggestion of a local and I think she must drink too much to notice this place is lame.
The parking lot presents a bit of a challenge, but average parallel skills will alleviate that mild inconvenience.
The roof top is the real draw – full bar, multiply TVs and lots of seating sounds like a drinkers’ oasis. However, even with a great outdoor space this place fails to impress. The pallet-​made furniture was cute, until you realize it was broken and splintering.
The bar was nice until you wade through the cloud of smoke to find the bartender is more concerned about topping off her friends than making good drinks. Once she finally satisfied her friends’ bourbon lust, she made her way to paying customers.
My 7 dollar whiskey sour was whiskey and minute maid. When I asked her what was in their sour mix she said fresh lime and lemon juice.
I call bullshit.
At least own having low end store bought mixers. After she told this lie, I paid my tap and left for greener, better mixed pastures.

Turbo neat place for a Sunday brunch. I don’t know if this is typical, but they had live bluegrass going on while we ate. Love.
The food was OK. The eggs tasted like eggs… the bacon tasted like bacon… You get the point.
Really what sends this place over the top is the cool atmosphere and the great location. Walking distance from errwhere good. Right across the street from the Fish House. It has a really nice balcony and good TVs to watch games (they were even showing English Premier League). I mean, it’s a good place.
I’d like to point out that my server was a girl named Erika. She was turbo friendly and very sweet. Wanted to drop her name and give her an interwebs fist bump. Keep doing yo’ thang, gurl. *Z Snap*

5 stars if you like Biker Bars! Monkey Wrench is a great spot to chill. Had a great time last night with friends at Violet Knives.

Okay, so, I kind of consider myself a brunch connoisseur. I freaking love brunch. When I heard Monkey Wrench offered a mimosa & Bloody Mary bar for brunch, I decided, HELL. YES.
I was not disappointed, my fellow Unilocalers.
My French toast was gone in about 5 seconds. It was THAT good. I also did a little tour of everyone else’s plates. Thumbs up for the hash & the biscuits & gravy.
Afterward, we tried some of their interesting coffee cocktail beverages. I’m not a caffeine person, so our server whipped up some decaf for me. Very kind.
Also, the gentlemen playing bluegrass in the background was the cherry on top of my Sunday. Thanks, Monkey Wrench!

A diverse pub grub menu with some unique twists on the usual bar fare.
The Kentucky Tot Brown is a stand-​out. Tater tots are covered in cheesy goodness, shaved turkey, bacon pieces, and diced tomato. Enough for 2 to snack on, for sure.
The Pabst Schmear is a great irreverent name for a smooth and spicy beer cheese made with PBR, and comes with plenty of veggies and carbs for dipping.
Fans of Lil Cheezers will be happy to know that their favorites are here, including the Caprese and fancy pants. Also… curried ketchup is back!
There are 4 burger options: angus beef, turkey chipotle, chicken piccata, and vegan black bean. The turkey burger is a standout choice, with bits of Apple and a subtle smoky spice. The Brie topping makes this an indulgent selection– not your dry, flavorless turkey burger from the freezer section of the grocery.
Window service ordering is friendly and simple. Food is delivered with a minimum of fuss. The place is a bar first, and a restaurant second, so it’s not a ‘service’ experience, but the staff of both places work to make you feel welcome. It’s a great balance of unique pub style food and neighborhood watering hole.

Diamond in the Rough (Sunday Brunch)
I’m only speaking to Sunday brunch at the Monkey Wrench
The Monkey Wrench is a bar a place where at night people gather to drink, party and listen to live music; it’s popular. On Sunday they serve a tasty line up of Bluegrass country inspired entrees; delicious I might add.
Its funny when you read the reviews most people have the same things. Its because there are like 6 choices. We had Quiche and the Eggs Benedict, Thumbs up! Perhaps a bit heavy on the salt but other than that flavor reigned. Loved it. So why 3 stars? I’m torn between 3 or 4 stars. If I was just rating the food It would be a strong enthusiastic 4 but some of the other aspects of the experience pulled it back and I want to suggest a couple tweaks below.
If I owned the Sunday brunch venue I would see massive dollar signs waiting to be harvested, low hanging fruit that would add to the top and bottom line. $$
The dining experience is a blend of food, ambiance and service that hopefully comes together to change my state, positively. Here are 3 tweaks that would reap huge payback for the owner.
Spic and Span — At night you have a bar, its dark you can’t see the dirt. But in the light of day it’s really bad. Scrub this place head to toe, floors walls booths windows etc. Outside of the building too. Put doors on the open storage area in the bar, its so cluttered its distracting.
You CAN have a live music bar at night AND a clean presentable dining venue in the day, it is possible. I’ve never seen anyone say. «It’s so clean in here we got to leave.»
Expand the Menu — You have an amazing menu just expand it out a little. Maybe offer 3 – 5 more offerings. Perhaps chicken and waffles or another vegetarian option I’m sure you would bring us some delicious choices.
Step it up — Upgrade the table setting, a few dollars on nicer flatware, a little more thought about how to make the table and setting more inviting. I’d even have a few more tables available for when you implement the above and find a line of people waiting to get in when you open in the future.
Entertain us — Sunday brunch with live music! Live in your niche offer something you can’t find everywhere. Live Bluegrass music to complement your Bluegrass inspired comfort food. I rest my case.

I’m writing this review for the Sunday Brunch here. Currently on a mission to find the «Best Brunch Spots in Louisville» and this one makes top 10. I was pleasantly surprised. It’s one of those places that no one really knows about the brunch option, so there is no wait which is a huge plus when you’re battling a hangover and just need food.
They have a build your own bloody mary and mimosa bar for starters. My friend and I split the eggs benedict and french toast. The eggs benedict came with this «mac and cheese» sauce which doesn’t disappoint and a side of hash browns cooked with onions, peppers, and topped with chives (very good). The french toast is made with thick cut sourdough bread from blue dog bakery and has hints of vanilla, bourbon, and this whip cream that melts on top. My mouth is watering while I write this it was that tasty!
The atmosphere was pretty neat too, they have a blue grass band playing the banjo and it’s really relaxed. Great alternative if you’re looking for good food without the crowd and wait time.

After another wonderful Monkey Wrench experience yesterday, I had to update my review and give them the 5 stars they deserve. Going there for brunch is so much fun. Shrimp and creamy, delicious grits, a Bloody Mary bar complete with jalapenos, pickles, celery, horseradish, and hot sauce– all while listening to live, laid-​back music What a wonderful Sunday. I can’t wait to go back and try the cornbread pancakes.
The bartenders really know how to pour a drink and provide attentive, but not annoying service. The draft beer selections are outstanding. Monday through Friday from 4 – 6 you can get beer flights for $ 8. That is a must.
Rooftop awesomeness. Sunshine and cocktails with a Highlands view makes for the perfect summertime hang out.

People need to know about Monkey Wrench! It’s a great bar spot, and I hope that local peeps utilize it more.
I love the Monkey Wrench for a few reasons.
First off, the beer. They always have a great selection on tap for decent prices (the circa $ 5 range). I had a Cumberland Brews Nitro Porter last night. Loved it!
It also has distinct spaces for you to lounge in depending on your mood. There are some booths and longer tables near the front if you want to sit with a group of people or eat dinner. The bar area is always hopping if you’re more in need of something like that. And then there is the upstairs deck. How many bars around Louisville have that?!? Not many, I assure you.
And the food is not bad either. It’s been a while since I went there and ate, but the memories I do have of their dishes are great ones.
And fourthly — did I just make up a word? — Dennie, the owner, and the bar are active with local events. The bar has become the hub for the annual Louisville Zombie Attack, and they’ve done so much with Gonzo Fest, the festival dedicated to Hunter S. Thompson.
I feel like the Monkey Wrench can be easily overlooked considering it’s not on the main drag of Bardstown Road, East Market Street, Frankfort Avenue or Main Street. But it really shouldn’t be. It brings «neighborhood bar» to a whole new level.