Reviews describe Mona Loa as a vibrant yet intimate speakeasy with cavernous, unique decor and a friendly, attentive staff. The overall vibe, atmosphere, and craft cocktails are repeatedly praised, with many noting strong drinks, interesting menus, and memorable private events, while some visits suffer from loud music, slow service, and high prices or small portions. Food quality is described as good to excellent in places, though not always consistent, and a few guests feel the value does not fully match the cost. Reservations help with seating and the space is cited as ideal for birthdays, dates, or nights out with friends, making Mona Loa a must visit for ambiance and cocktails, even when experiences fall short on timing or service during busy periods.
Had such a great experience here, love the interior really feels like you've travelled somewhere else. Great appetizers, good music & an exceptionally knowledgeable bartender Nish, who was incredibly charismatic, courteous, & creative with cocktail recommendations that were tailored to our liking. 10/10 recommend for a cute girls night out, see you again soon!
I made a reservation at Mon? Loa months in advance to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday, & unfortunately the experience did not live up to expectations.
When we arrived, things felt disorganized right away. We were asked to follow another group downstairs, then brought back upstairs & seated there instead of the lower-level area we were hoping for. We were also left standing at the entrance while the other group was seated first.
Our initial table wasn't great, & after politely asking to move-especially since I had been notified our table was ready an hour before-we were relocated to a table right next to the bathroom & kitchen. Not ideal for a special occasion.
Service was inconsistent throughout the night. A nearby table remained dirty for about 30 minutes, & we were missing basic items like silverware. Small details like this made a big difference in the overall experience.
The Mai Tai was excellent, & the bartender clearly knows what they're doing. However, after the first round, the drink sizes noticeably decreased. The menu was also limited, with several items unavailable, including oysters & desserts.
The biggest issue was the food. Portions were small & not filling at all. We spent over $300 & still left hungry, which is hard to justify.
What stood out the most-in a negative way-was how the birthday was handled. While they acknowledged it verbally, the effort felt minimal. My girlfriend received a very simple dessert, while another guest got a more celebratory presentation with a candle, which felt inconsistent & disappointing.
The space itself is beautiful & clearly designed for aesthetics, but the service, food quality, & overall experience didn't match the price point. Unfortunately, I wouldn't return or recommend it for special occasions.
May 4, 2026
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Just had the most amazing experience! Meagan the bartender upstairs was knowledgeable, fun & attentive. All the staff were welcoming & the vibe was incredible. The cocktails were perfectly balanced & flavourful. It was my friends bday & they surprised her with the most amazing dessert. By far one of the best places I've been to. Can't wait to go back!!!
Amazing vibes on this lowkey spot on crescent, red room aura. Good place to bring a date. Simon an amazing bartender with great experience was whipping it up behind the bar, ask about him
Ambiance is nice but drinks are nothing special (bartenders should taste their drinks b4 serving them) every drink was way too acidic. Food was nothing special. Karrage chicken was good but sushi rolls were mid.
Mon amie & moi avons choisis Mona Loa pour notre girls night jeudi dernier & nous avons adoré ! L'ambiance, le service ainsi que la nourriture étaient excellents ! Un merci particulier à notre bartender/ serveur de la soirée Nishant. Je vous recommande l'endroit qui est idéal pour une date ou une soirée entre amis ⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐?
First time here, seated at the bar. The food was excellent - the karaage chicken was outstanding & the maki were very flavorful. Cocktails were great, & the bartender provided good service.
The downside: at 9 p.m. (with an 8 p.m. reservation), we were asked to leave to accommodate another booking. I understand the concept of table turnover, but for a Friday night dinner, one hour feels too short. It would be better to clearly inform guests upfront about the seating time.
I also didn't appreciate the repeated offers of free shooters to smooth over the situation - that's not why I go out. I prefer to enjoy my evening at my own pace.
$150 per person in one hour… dessert & the last cocktail were enjoyed elsewhere.
Dec 27, 2025
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Was walking by & decided to go in for a quick drink with a friend & ended up staying until closing. We became best friends with Megan the bartender, she is an angel. Such a beautiful place, highly recommend!
