introducing monkey's tail
Mexican-inspired new north Houston bar reveals opening date
Lindale Park has a new hangout spot. Monkey's Tail, a new bar from Sharif Al-Amin (Helen), Greg Perez (Calle Onze), and business partner Jessie Gonzalez, opens to the public Wednesday, July 3.
Located in the former Ike's Place at 5802 Fulton St., Monkey's Tail mixes the modern ice house vibe of bars like D&T Drive-Inn with a Mexican aesthetic that pays homage to the neighborhood's history. Designer Leslie Slade mixes lighting fixtures and furniture source from Mexico with some midcentury modern touches to give the space a clean, cohesive look.
In his role as beverage director, Perez has created an extensive selection of drinks that includes original cocktails, draft cocktails, and classics. Early standouts look to be the Mama Coco, which mixes uruapan (a rum-style spirit) with coconut, passionfruit, and heavy cream; the El Del Jarrito, a mix of mezcal, tequila, tamarind, and ginger; and a classic frozen margarita made with Sauza blanco tequila. Three boilermakers, all priced at $5 or less, deliver good value by pairing a shot of a pretty good spirit (Four Roses bourbon, Mellow Corn whiskey, or Pueblo Viejo tequila) with an inexpensive beer.
Beer drinkers have plenty of options, too. The draft system offers 16 taps, including one nitro ale. In addition, a selection of bottles and cans includes both macro (Miller Lite, Bud Light, etc.) and Mexican (Corona, Pacifico, etc.) favorites. Even wine drinkers will find a range of inexpensive by-the-glass and bottle options that covers most of the major varietals.
With pizzas, a cheeseburger, hot dogs, wings, and snacks, the food menu covers most of the cravings that come when drinking. Highlights include the ability to get both pork pastor and beef barbacoa as pizza toppings, six different rub or sauce options for the wings (try the Mexican hot rub), and elotes that come as corn roasted on the cob. The food, like the drinks, is available from open to close: 11 am to 2 am daily.