Brass Monkey Cafe & Market

Some of the best meals I have ever had anywhere. It is such a shame that Brigantine is such a dump that it could not even support a 4 Star Restaurant. Something the person trying to rent the property in the last post didn't mention. They also didn't mention that The landlord forced the Monkey out because he wanted more money. I am a New Yorker that has owned a home in Brigantine for 15 years and The Brass Monkey was one of the best things to ever happen to the town. The Monkey had fun, creative unique and well prepared dishes from top to bottom. Now there is just one more abandoned business, you do the math. The biggest bummer is that there is now NOWHERE in town to eat above the level of fast food. Chef-Owner Frank is a genius and deserved better, his talents going to waste in wasteland. Good luck Frank, we'll look for you in the papers. -Food Doggy more

Update Feb. 2008 - the Monkey is closed and the building is available for rent. It is a shame that another restaurant has failed in this building. The Monkey was certainly the best of the bunch. more

Honestly some of the best food I have ever tasted and prepared with proper ingredients and dedication to balance. The room is cool, the service is young but good and the music is almost as incredible as the food. I don't know how or why he does it, but the Chef-Owner Frank Imbarlina has started a $20 tasting menu for the winter which includes three courses. Which for the quality and portions you get at the Monkey is outrageously inexpensive. It's only available from 5 - 6:30 on Friday's and Saturday's, but it is amazing. Normally we don;t dine that early but being island residents and regulars at the Monkey we had to try it. The menu which is huge and fresh and all made in house (they even make their own Mozzarella) changes twice a year which always keeps you going back. In response to the person that wrote prior about the bad service, portion size, price etc. This is just the typical Brigantine A$#% that cannot deal with or adjust to change in it's small environment and even smaller brain. Frank is a great guy who bends over backwards for his customers whether in the front or in the kitchen. He makes it a point to talk to every table in the restaurant and even when he's in the kitchen he pops out and makes sure he says hello to everyone. Outside of that he is a genius in the kitchen. 'Nough said about those poor ignorant souls that wrote that review. Go to the Brass Monkey and don't be afraid to experiment, if you're not sure what something is ask, either one of the servers or Frank himself will explain it to you. -Paula, Brass Monkey Fan #1 Pros: Incredible, inventive, fresh food with attention to integrity in global dishes Cons: No Bar more

We recently ordered take out from Brass Monkey. Unfortunately we had an old menu and discovered the prices had gone up 50% in one year! We ordered the $14 "Huge" burritto, which came with 2 sides. We got home only to realize the "huge" burritto was the size of a hot dog bun! Also it came with no sides or sour cream or salsa! When we called to complain, Frank, the owner, rudely said to just come in for our money back or the sides and to speak to him. When we went in, he refused to speak with us and the girl put our money down and walked away. I have never complained at a restaurant before, but I am pretty sure that's not the way to handle a complaint when you are at fault. I am a year round resident and will be sure to spread the word. Pros: None! Cons: Food prepared with frozen meat, awful value, terrible customer service! more

I've been to the Brass Monkey several times and have always left very happy. The wait staff seems to be young girls probably around college age. They are very friendly. I would say the service they provide is good but not great. However the food more than makes up for it and so does the chef-owner Frank Imbarlina. He always comes around and makes sure the guests are enjoying the food. I've had the filet-mignon there two times and both times it was so tender, moist and flavorful. Their blue cornbread is delicious. The mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach never disappoint. Actually, everything I've ever ordered I have loved. The atmosphere is great too. It's much more casual if you're just coming in from being at the beach all day, however, if you come in at night, it's a very nice ambiance. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone! I took my sister from FL and her boyfriend there and they absolutely loved it too. She said that it coudl quite possibly have been her favorite meal of all time. Pros: Great food, great ambience Cons: Not really a con but service could be a tad better more

If it's a first for u in Brigantine don't miss a meal at the Monkey, if u live there and never walked in shame on u. The food is divine. Have a shake in the morning and be energized for the whole day, have a cuban sandwich for lunch and open ur apetite for the best dinner ever. I dare u all to go there once and i bet u'll want to go again. In the evening it gets so nice and cozy that it is impossible not to feel good. In he mix of international dishes is hard not to find something u like whether u're italian, chinese, romanian or whatever. To make the long story short it's worth paying a visit at the Monkey even if it is only for the best cappuccino on the island. more

I've been going to AC for years and never thought I'd find a restaurant worth leaving the strip for. Now I leave the tables and drive to Brigantine to go to the Brass Monkey--sometimes twice a day. Best food and service between NYC and Philly. Best value in all of Jersey. I've actually had all three meals there. For breakfast, they make these fruit shakes. And for dinner, the ribs will make you cry. A really nice place. Prices are good, but it's certainly not a shabby, local beach joint type place--you'll look good taking someone there for dinner. Nice crowd during the summer--seems like the kind of place that you go to if you know a little more about the area than the average badly-dressed tourist, which is fine by me. Pros: food, staff, atmosphere Cons: none really; one morning they opened late when I wanted a cup of coffee more