Conroe’s wait for Chango Burgers and frozen cocktails ends this week. Monkey’s Tail will open its second location this Wednesday, December 13.
Photo by Kirsten Gilliam
Cocktail options include frozens, shots, and more.
First announced last year, the new Monkey Tail’s will be located at 2017 N. Frazier St. It builds on the success of the original location in Lindale Park that won Bar of the Year in the 2020 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
“After initially announcing the concept, we received a ton of enthusiastic support, so we’re excited to bring the concept to a community who has already been incredibly welcoming,” managing partner and beverage director Lainey Collum said in a statement. “In addition to a great staff, unique cocktails and delicious food, the community of customers really make Monkey’s Tail so unique, and we have no doubt that Conroe will be the same.”
First opened in 2019, Monkey's Tail offers a compelling mix of freshly made cocktails and craft beer matched with an affordable menu of pizza, wings, and tacos. Signature items include the Chango Burger and boilermakers (paired beer and shot specials) that can be upgraded with a burger or slice of pizza. Specials include a weekly steak night. A dedicated brunch menu will follow next year.
In addition to its food, Monkey’s Tail is known for its welcoming, come-as-you-are atmosphere. The bar caters to sports fans with plenty of TVs and hosts events for holidays such as National Margarita Day, Cinco de Mayo, Halloween, and Mardi Gras. During the holiday season, patrons will find specials such as spiked eggnog and the frozen Mistletoe Margaritas (hibiscus tequila, triple sec, cranberry-rhubarb, and lime juice).
Once Collum and the Monkey’s Tail team have Conroe up and running, they’ll turn their attention to reopening the original location that has been closed while it undergoes renovations to its kitchen. Lindale Park is expected to return in January, according to a representative.
Opening Conroe will also provide Monkey’s Tail owner Jessie Gonzalez with the opportunity to determine if the concept can be successfully replicated in other locations. He told CultureMap in September that expanding to cities such as Brenham and Katy is a long-term goal. Also in 2024, Gonzalez and Collum will open Grease Monkey, their concept in the former Petrol Station space in Garden Oaks.
All of these changes are being done with the goal of making Monkey’s Tail a Houston institution that stays open for years to come.
“We want to be here for the long term,” Gonzalez said in September. “I know it’s hard for bars to do that, but Little Woodrow’s has. If they can do it, why can’t we?”
