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    The Monkey Farm

    3.6 (240 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Monkey Farm Photos

    THE MONKEY FARM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual
    Juke Box

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    Recommended Reviews - The Monkey Farm

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    Menu 1
    Alex F.

    After an intense family reunion, we were driving down 95 looking for a good lunch spot. Other family members recommended this place, and so we stopped. It is not very appealing from the outside, but the food and character are incredible. It is cash only and the prices are very reasonable. Even the beer prices were reasonable.. My wife had whole belly fried clams and I had clam strips. These were the best clams we have ever had! The whole belly clans were rich and fresh. The clam strips were sweet and flavorful. Some previous reviews have characterized this restaurant as a dive bar. I guess I understand that but is very welcoming and homey. This is on my top list of restaurants and I can't wait to come back.

    This is a Bloody Mary!!!!

    It was a beautiful day in CT so I went to the beach in old Saybrook. Stopped at Monkey Farm for lunch outside. I asked for a Bloody Mary but specifically said crank it up a notch. She said oh yes. We have our own mix. (Hopefully, I can attach a photo.). Vodka with bland tomato juice with one lemon. That's a Bloody Mary? Weak at best. Ok. Ordered the calamari. Sad pieces of calamari with a few fried banana peppers. Lame. Ordered the Mahi tacos. The entire meal arrived cold. I ate one taco, which was nothing to write home about, and ate nothing else. When I asked for a manager, the server told me there was no manager to talk with but she'd tell the "chef". She did offer a free dessert which I declined. I don't remember the last time I was so dissatisfied with a restaurant experience.

    Ahi salad
    Adam L.

    First time here - had lunch on the patio. Great atmosphere and vibe. Food was fresh and well prepared. Will visit again for sure!

    Bam Bam Shrimp
    Alyssa M.

    If you're looking for a fun bar, this is the place for you. Unfortunately, I don't drink BUT there were no empty tables so I had dinner at the bar. It kinda felt like everyone was staring at me eat my 3 courses, I think they were jealous because they wanted to eat my delicious food. The bartenders were friendly, funny, and quick... you can tell they have been doing this a while and enjoy it. The food came out quick and was really tasty! Great portions and good dessert. I was surprised they only take cash, but they have an ATM. I'd definitely go back for that bam bam shrimp! I wish I took other photos, but the Ahi salad was AMAZING and could easily be shared.

    Tuna Nachos
    Kristi L.

    The food is above average, the service is good and the clientele is generally friendly. There's no A/C, so with doors open and fans running, you get all the second-hand smoke, street noise, etc. whenever it's busy. We love this place for super casual lunches.

    Wow, what a disappointment! First of all, the environment in person seems pretty cool if you just wanna watch football and shoot the shit. If you want good food or solid customer service, don't go here. Especially don't do takeout, walked in with no person to greet me, had to track down a server and was given my food from the bartender after 10 minutes. Was hoping at least the food would be good, but it was mediocre at best. I worked at a grinder spot and have made pastrami before, the meat was over cooked and the bread was soggy. There's clearly a real lack of effort put in, apparent in the bland and tasteless fries as well. Not to mention the worst part of It all - we were totally scammed! We asked for a side of fries, not as an extra charge but just as a side that comes with the meal. We were then given chips as the side and charged for a full basket of fries (and they were shitty). Ended up paying 50 dollars for 2 sandwiches. Truly deceitful and manipulative, and I'm sure they do this with most over the phone / to go orders since they can get away with it. Avoid this spot unless you're a 50 year old man with a drinking problem and no children!

    Fried clam strips
    J W.

    First time at the monkey farm, we will be back! The food was really good, The service was awesome, the atmosphere was a bar.......I had the clam strips and the wife got the broccoli cheddar soup....both are recommended!

    Seared tuna nachos

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    Photo of K P.
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    2 months ago

    Amazing food specials. Great people very reasonably priced food. I stopped by there every time I'm in town.

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    7 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    27 days ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 months ago

    This is THE go to place in Old Saybrook. Friendly people and a great menu. Monkey Farm never disappoints

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

    This place never disappoints. Service is good and there is outdoor seating seasonally. The food is very delicious and fresh.

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    4 months ago

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    9 months ago

    It's always fun to go to "The Farm" for some apps or a meal. There is only one place like this. I love the T shirts too!

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Great food especially for the price! And just a cool spot in general! Cash only though

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Food was delicious. Every Friday they have Prime Rib. If you want the best French onion soup come here. Have never had a bad meal ever.

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    10 months ago

    Quality of Food, prices & service all excellent. - We love the Monkey farm & crew!! Max & Deanie!

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Great atmosphere. Fun staff and customers alike. Plenty of tv's to watch sports. Very reasonable prices. Would absolutely return!

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    2 years ago

    Never had a bad meal! Everything is fresh and the service is always good. Try to visit the restaurant as often in the area.

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    7 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Laura C.

    Laura C.

    Thanks for the great review and photographs!

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Monkey Farm

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    This was an absolutely incredible experience! The cocktails were very inventive and so tasty,…read morethey're dangerous! The restaurant was featuring a special Parisian menu, as their first "stop" on their port trips around the world, and it did NOT disappoint! We started with the escargot and fries plate - not something I would have put together, but the escargot was so rich that the fries really helped to soak up the sauce! Also, look at all those snails!!!! So much, a great value. Then, I had the duck confit and it was absolutely delicious! The skin was crispy, while the meat inside was tender and fell off the bone. The wait staff was also extremely attentive and so friendly! Overall - an absolutely wonderful experience and I am happy to see where they go next!

    Great place...especially if you get there for happy hour pricing. The bartender "Yahtzee" was very…read moreknowledgeable on the menu and local happenings. She makes a damn good drink(s) and has an amazing personality. You have to try the hot dog...it was absolutely delicious. Might sound scary for some people, but it won't be when all the flavors come together in that amazing bun. The wings for "Buck a Cluck" were outstanding. Perfect flavor, not too spicy and they are good size wings. If you like wings, you have to get these. If you like olives, they come warm so they are super flavorful. Perfect snack for a mini martini or any app. I can't wait to go back...they have live Jazz music on Tuesday and Friday nights. Better get a hotel!

    Photos
    The Port of Call - The ceiling details with an interesting light.

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    The Port of Call - SMOKED HOT DOG Bonito Aioli, Spicy Kimchi, Shallot & Kelp Crunch, Double-fermented House Steamed Bao Bun

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    Ryan's Pub

    Ryan's Pub

    4.3(25 reviews)
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    Great Dive Bar - Delicious Food…read more Ryans is old dive bar pub with dated decor (which is a good thing) and plenty of food and drink deals. The food at this pub is spot on. I love their kickin chickin. its a great value and you can choose the sauce and trust me, i've tried all of them and they are all fantastic. also, the lobster roles and fried seafood are of the quality you would see at a seafood restaurant but without the high cost. Definitely check this place out if you are in Groton area. Thanks

    In town visiting Of course I looked on yelp for a local…read moreplace to relax. I liked what I read so I decided to stop in. It's not easy being a woman and being by yourself but Erin the bartender made me feel welcome right away. My battery almost died and she went above and beyond by lending me her personal charger. I was grateful due to the fact that my phone was dying. She handled the bar with ease. Most people seemed to know each other and were very pleasant. I saw a couple pool tables to the side. Keno was playing but I'm not sure what else they offered. TV's were on playing sports and the enthusiast were really enjoying the game. I had already eaten so I can't tell you about the food but from what I saw it looked delicious If I'm ever in the area again I will definitely stop in and hopefully it's Erin's shift.

    Photos
    Ryan's Pub - That's what you see when you first walk in the Ryan's pub/bar it  opens up around the corner more tables & a pool table room.

    That's what you see when you first walk in the Ryan's pub/bar it opens up around the corner more tables & a pool table room.

    Ryan's Pub
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    The Deck - Fried Pickles

    The Deck

    3.0(95 reviews)
    5.3 mi
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    Stopped in around 3 pm today for a "quick" drink and appetizers while out on our motorcycles. Went…read moreup to the deck and there were about 4 people sitting at bar and maybe 2 tables. Oh. Where do I start? I could start with the absolutely awful music that was playing. I'm sorry, but these 2 people have no business being on a microphone and it's hard to believe anyone would pay them to do so. I will say, in fairness, that there was only 1 bartender/server. Yes, the same person doing both...so it's obvious that there might be a wait. She took our drink orders and left us with menus. Came back with a tray of drinks, only to spill them on the ground and had to go get new ones. Finally got the drinks and the beer was not cold at all. Ordered 3 orders of wings and a wrap. How difficult is that? About 30 minutes later we get 1 order of wings and the wrap. In the meantime, 3 other tables came in and sat down. 30 minutes more, we still don't have the other 2 orders of wings and the tables that came in after us are already served and eating. Waitress never comes over to see if we need anything. When she finally does come over we explain still waiting on wings. She acted clueless as if she didn't know what was happening. We waited, stupidly, another 30 minutes and finally had to tell her we were leaving. She asked if we wanted the wings removed from the check...REALLY? No, we'd love to pay for food we didn't receive! I went downstairs and asked for a manager, of course I was told there wasn't one. But the woman there said our wings were given to another table. I don't really believe that. And even if it was true, HOW LONG does it take to make 6 wings? Please don't waste your time going to this place.

    Photos
    The Deck
    The Deck
    The Deck

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    The Monkey Farm - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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