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The Wooden Monkey
Categories: Restaurants Vegan Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Gastropubs Vegan, Vegetarian, Gastropubs [Edit]
1707 Grafton StHalifax, NS B3J 2C6
(902) 444-3844
- Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for The Wooden Monkey
Review Highlights
"A gluten free option is available as well."
(in 11 reviews)
"Dinner: Try the Lentil Burger."
(in 5 reviews)
"...must eat" list is the tofu pie which is safely dairy-free."
(in 5 reviews)
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Sue A.
10/26/2011
Featuring organic and when possible local ingredients, The Wooden Monkey serves some of the most interesting and flavourful food in the city. It is definitely a must-vist for any vegan or gluten-free diners. Lots of seitan and tofu around here.
I had lunch with a friend last week and we both had the scallop salad which had a substantial number of seared scallops served in a phyllo pastry basket on a bed of organic greens. Yes, it was $17, but it was also delicious and kept me full all afternoon long. For dessert, I had a divine lemon tart.
The service was fantastic, attentive without being oppressive, and our server happily answered our questions about some of the less common ingredients.
The prices might scare you, but this food is the healthiest restaurant food you'll ever eat in this city. No preservatives here. Even their Caesar is made without MSG and you can really taste the difference.
The atmosphere is also unique in Halifax. An eclectic collection of wood-topped tables gives a homey feel and the abundance of windows on the two sides of the dining room allows lots of natural light to come in.
Between the amazing food and the warm atmosphere, you'll leave having eaten one of the best meals in town and feeling super healthy.Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge
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Review from Lori M.
1/10/2012
I have debated this review for weeks....
How do you review a place that your body has a hate for? Your minds loves it, but the body does not....
I have dined here on 3 occasions, and loved it every time... Let me qualify in light of my second paragraph. The offerings on the menu are fantastic, the presentation is wonderful, the taste is excellent... What could be wrong? Me.
The first 2 times, I ordered the Free-Range Nova Scotia Lamb Burger and the V Lentil Burger (not at the same time!!! come on, if that was the case make no wonder my body goes crazy). They presented and tasted fantastic. One I accompanied with the apple salad (yum) and the other I enjoyed the roasties (yumX2). Had a lovely server, table setting overlooking Grafton was great - no complaints at all. Then things were awry. Oh well, it happens. I did not mention it to staff or management, just paid and went on my way.
Did I try it a 3rd time? Yep, I did indeed. I mean, the darned roasties!!! This time I ordered roasties only and the trio of dips. LOVELY! And my body went HOORAY!!!
All in all, will I visit again? You betcha.... But just a little carefully. -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been back to the Wooden Monkey twice since my last review, and I'm happy to say that both experiences were a lot better than my original visit.
My new favourite dish is the Vegan Nachos. Both gluten and dairy free, these nachos are the best in town for those that have a restricted diet. The jalapenos can be a bit overwhelming, but they are so big that when I order them for myself, I always get to take a doggie bag home for later. (Let me assure you they re-heat wonderfully).
Next on my "must eat" list is the tofu pie which is safely dairy-free. It's melt-in-your-mouth awesome and it's sooooo worth leaving room for.
I still think that the service experience isn't something to rave about. To be sure, the servers I've had recently are wonderful individuals - they participate in conversations and bring what is requested - but I've had better, more prompt service elsewhere. Maybe it's just part of the laid-back style? I'm not sure, but it won't stop me from enjoying this place again in future.Listed in: Date Night!, Gluten-Free Fare
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/16/2011
Maybe I went in with high expectations, but I'm just not sure the Wooden Monkey lived up to it's… Read more »
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Review from Ben B.
I crossed something off the bucket list today, all thanks to the Wooden Monkey.
Having been a vegetarian since my very early teens, I missed out on my meat-eating chance to indulge in a Halifax staple: the donair. For years I've been judged whenever I shrug as visitors ask me where to find the best donair. For years I've been looked down upon for not knowing its glory. But no longer! Today, I tried the vegan donair. Sure, it's not the same as the five pound beasts that sloppy drunks maul outside of pizza corner as they wait for cabs, but it's as close as I'll probably ever come to that so it still counts.
Fresh pita is stuffed with marinated seitan and caramelized onions with tomatoes and a sweet coconut sauce (identical in taste to the real donair sauce which I have tried), and ooey-gooey mozzarella. Basically, it was a total mess and I should have grabbed extra napkins.
So filling I could barely finish half of it (I didn't even mention it came with a full serving of delicious potato roasties and a side salad, most of which went untouched), it was a satisfying feed with lots of flavour. I could have gone for a little more crunch in the actual donair since the seitan and mozza made for a very chewy situation but I did like it and could see splitting one with someone further down the road.
Our server was a total gem who stayed friendly, polite and attentive who you could tell was sensitive about making sure we got in and out within the designated workday lunch time.
I don't always love my meals at the Wooden Monkey, so you really have to find something you like and stick to it, or get good recommendations from a regular, but I'm always glad to have them in my backpocket for a night where I want to pick from some refreshing, creative vegetarian options.Listed in: Vegetarian Bliss, 30-Day Yelp Challenge
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Review from Laurie M.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 9/2/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Finally had something different other than the Vegan Donair. Although the Vegetable Curry sounded and looked amazing, I was kinda' disappointed. I was expecting a lot of flavour and it really didn't deliver. Then I began to realize that most of the things I've had here were actually a little on the bland side.
The noise level in here hasn't gotten any better either. I didn't really enjoy trying to have a conversation with a very dear friend of mine. It was extremely hard to hear and I felt like I had to talk very loud to be heard. Maybe I'll start getting take out.
Our server, Emma, was top notch though; friendly, knowledgeable and quite helpful.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/29/2011
This was my second time at this establishment. Great vegan cuisine. Just tried one of the new menu… Read more »
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Review from Nick B.
Halifax, NS
6/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Today we set off for the Seaport Market hoping to find some lunch and just enjoy a beautiful day in the city, but we couldn't find Satisfaction Feast that was supposed to be there... so off to the Wooden Monkey we went. Right now we're on a cleanse diet so everything we're looking for is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar free, and we had a lot of options regardless. We both decided to go for lentil burgers.
I'd eat those any time, cleanse diet or not - they were just simply delicious. The flavours were complex and delicious, and the roasties (oven roasted french fry cut potatoes) rounded out an outstanding meal.
The prices are a little steep, but that's the price you pay for good, local food, and I'd say it's worth it. -
Review from Leslie F.
5/18/2011 ROTD 7/6/2011
If you're a food snob who only eats the freshest organic and locally grown ingredients, then the Wooden Monkey is for you. If you simply enjoy delicious food, (organic or otherwise) then the Wooden Monkey is for you too.
Over the years, I've had several meals at the Wooden Monkey and I have never been disappointed. Their diverse menu has something for everyone, from the virtuous roasted chickpea salad and vegan rice bowl, to the more indulgent bacon-wrapped scallops or free-range steak with potatoes. But the tasty offerings don't end with the food; they've also got a great selection of out-of-the-ordinary beverages, including gluten-free beer and a lychee-spiked sangria.
Though it's on the higher-end of mid-priced restaurants, when you consider the quality of the food and the service, it's definitely worth the few extra bucks. -
Review from Taylor O.
5/9/2011
So it was Mother's Day and I, alone, in Halifax was searching for a place that did not make me feel awkward. I made a few loops around the city. Finally I spied from the Citadel my target I had seen listed in me Lonely Planet book! I never would've guessed but this is far more upscale than my initial hippie organic bucket classification I would have made but still comfortable.
The gluten-free beer was decent; I have no other option and it bothers me that the origin isn't listed on the bottle and the graphic design is circa 1998. However, it was well carbonated with a nice red sharp sweetness.
For my main I had sesame (white & black) encrusted haddock with added 'toasties' (must be oven roasted fries). The haddock was pretty good but the portion small though expensive.
The star was a chocolate avocado pudding desert. Phenomenal and an absolute treat to someone who can't eat dairy. -
Review from Eleanor M.
Point Edward, NS
7/12/2011
The Wooden Monkey doesn't monkey around! (HAHAHA!)
It really doesn't, I'm serious! Everything here seems to be environmentally friendly, local, organic, free trade, hippie hybrid (even the paper towel in the bathroom). And it's all yummy (obviously I am discriminating the paper products here). I've been coming to this place since junior high... Yes, junior high, and every time the nachos are fabulous, plentiful, and full of whatever organic, free range, or local cheese/vegetables they have. I've had the bruscetta and pizza here as well and both were pretty good. But nothing compares to those generously portioned nachos!
Also the Rolling Stones were here at one point... Whoda thunk it? -
Review from Mel H.
7/20/2011
I have never had a bad meal at the Wooden Monkey. It's my go-to spot for impressing/ lunching out of town guests.
Had a business lunch here and it was delicious. Food was, as always, amazing.
Gotta say the service was kind of underwhelming. Our server wasn't the most personable or chipper of gals, which is really out of character for the Monkey. Normally the service is every bit as tasty as the food!
Chalk it up to a bad day? -
Review from Rob B.
Bedford, NS
5/30/2011
3 or 4 stars....hmmm. I go here fairly often, usually twice a month. I love:
- the rooms and decor
- the vibe: granola mixed with city
- the idea: local food and organic but upscale
- the beer: all the good locals including the spectacular Garrison Inperial IPA
I like:
- the food: lunches and apps are way better than entres. Particularly the trio of dips and seitan donair.
- the service: it's just ok. Sometimes you get a pro, sometimes you get a flake who's picking up done cash while finishing their aromatherapy diploma.
I'm not crazy about:
- the price: lunch is fine but dinner for a mid range spot is really high.
So why the 4 stars? Well the Garrison on tap pushed then over combined with a vision and commitment to downtown. -
Review from Paul B.
2/1/2011
This is a great spot in the heart of Halifax that pays close attention to where the food comes from and how it hits the table.
Much of the food is local, there are great veggie options - although I went for the free range beef. They still serve that great Garrison IPA ale - the hoppiest on the Halifax market. The classic martini was superb - served in a chilled glass and with four olives perched on the edge.
The tofu pie will have you scratching your head - how could tofu taste so great!
The added treat of sitting inside warm and toasty while cars go skidding by trying to make it up the steep hills in downtown Halifax in a snow storm was just an added treat.Listed in: A great way to enjoy a snowy…
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Review from Eleanor B.
Dartmouth, NS
1/27/2011
There is so much I love about the Wooden Monkey, although most of the love is directed at the chocolate tofu pie, which is the best thing ever.
I've eaten there a lot, and the sandwiches are always really yummy. The mains are... sometimes amazing, sometimes, not so much. I generally have great luck with the daily specials, but the regular menu items are often lackluster.
What I do love is that they have local produce, and vegan options for my friends. And organic wine? Can't argue with that! -
Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
2/2/2011
Hats off to these folks for having such a unique, ethical and diverse menu. It`s great to see another company so dedicated.
The atmosphere is wonderful and calming. Natural wood, beautiful lighting, comfortable seating.
I love that they offer organic options, free range meats, vegan, gluten-free, and much more. ANYone can eat here, regardless of their food preferences of sensitivities. Very accommodating and friendly staff.Listed in: Burger, BURger, BURGER!!!
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Review from Meghan D.
Dartmouth, NS
5/29/2011
The Wooden Monkey has a warm, inviting atmosphere and lots of tasty, fresh options. It has a great variety of items on the menu, so if you're dining with friends or family that may not be so into typically "organic" or "healthy" food, there's guaranteed to be at least a couple things that will satisfy their meaty, sweet, or salty cravings.
On a recent Saturday evening, my partner and I decided to try the Monkey out! We discovered they don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait on a busy evening. After about 30 mins, we were seated at a table overlooking the street below. Since we were there on a busy night, I assume the environment was louder than normal, but I found it quite difficult to hold a conversation over the noise. If you're looking for an intimate, quiet dinner, don't come on a weekend. We skipped appetizers and ordered the lentil burger (13$) and the spicy stir fry (20$). The lentil burger came with fresh greens and tomato on a very thin pita. It was delicious, but had quite a strong mustard flavor, so if that's not your thing, I'd be cautious. It was served plentifully with roasties, a healthier version of French fries. They were hot and well seasoned-- delicious! My only complaint would be the lack of ketchup. A very small serving was allotted and when I requested more, our waitress never came back for it, although it was a busy night.
The stir fry had carrots, a few pine nuts, tomatoes and tofu over what looked like spaghetti. My sweetie really enjoyed it, although I will admit, I didn't find it extremely flavorful or delicious for the asked price. We skipped dessert although the plates we saw carried through were absolutely tempting! I've heard great things about their tofu pie. The service was pretty good, and most of the staff were quite friendly. I would go back again, but maybe for lunch instead! -
Review from Jodie K.
7/27/2011 1 photo
I love this place! First of all, they might have vegan options but they are not vegan as it says on Yelp, thank god! I want to own/operate this restaurant on the North Shore of Boston. The food was in no way pretentious and in every way delicious. I could taste the freshness. The atmosphere and staff were fabulous as well. I can't wait to go back
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Review from Laura P.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 5/1/2010 2 photos
A much needed reaffirmation of my love for the Wooden Monk.
I set sail to this resto for a first date (ooh!) just recently. Points to my new friend for suggesting such a lovely setting, as it had been too long since I've graced its confines.
It wasn't a particularly busy night, and as usual, service was prompt. Our waiter was a bit more stiff than Monkey staffers I've had in the past; however, he was still very polite.
After being served our drinks, I noticed that my wine was not Pinot Grigio, but Chardonnay. Ick-- chardonnay is not my forté. Not having the heart to complain, i sipped away at my sweet drink reluctantly. Sigh..
However, dinner made up for it. Both my comrade and I ordered lentil burgers with side apple salads, (Meant to be?) and were completely satisfied. This is my favourite meal on the menu by far. (And decently priced!) Instead of a traditional kaiser bun, the lentil burger is served on a thin, crispy grain pita with sweet savorings of honey mustard and miso. A gluten free option is available as well! (Although not stated on the menu)
A slight ruffle in the drink order did not deter my love for The Monkey. Its relaxed and thoughtful surroundings, and veggie friendly deliciousness can do no wrong.Listed in: A Weekend Guide for Out of…, Mindful Eating, See Food? Sea Food!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/18/2010
For those who prefer the full-on experience when dining out, the Wooden Monkey is a venue that… Read more »
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Review from Lacey H.
2/26/2010 3 photos
Every time I eat at The Wooden Monkey, I feel as though I sit on the cusp of something great, never quite being propelled into the "awesome, delicious, the best" category.
I'm a vegetarian and according to the mouths of many, this place is a veggie restaurant - but that's not the case. They are dedicated to local, sustainable food, with an emphasis on organic products, which does not automatically equal a place designed for the herbivores.
Their menu is meat heavy, with lots of interesting sounding items. The service is professional and courteous, and the atmosphere is quite lovely and comfortable.
However, I find the vegetarian/vegan items often lacking in flavor as well as overpriced. The servings aren't bountiful and I usually leave feeling like had I whipped up my meal at home I could have made it tastier.
Give me a little more flavor and creativity on the veg-items, Wooden Monkey. I want to love you! -
Review from Val G.
11/23/2009
The Monkey is great place to take people who have a variety of dietary needs while still eating local and organic. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items. It is an environmentally-conscious restaurant, known for using fallen trees from Hurricane Juan 2003. It's a little pricey ($11-$22 for veg mains), but most things in Halifax are ...like a university education.
Since the Monkey moved to a new location in the spring of '09 it has more then doubled its seating but lost that nice low-ceiling wooden ambiance they had at the Argyle St. location. They still have the giant tree trunk table and a mish mash of furniture. The painted black chairs are great and I'd love to steal them for my own home. Some of the new furniture added since the move, like a large bar height table that is on the second floor looks like it came from The Brick or Leon's and really doesn't belong. On my most recent trip they hadn't quite got the positioning of all the monkey folk art right. I'm sure the atmosphere will improve as they grow into the new space.
Lunch: Winter in Halifax is wet, windy and cold and that makes you want a hearty vegetable soup for lunch. The daily soup either contains meat or is vegan. I've been disappointed to find on some days it was chicken noodle but when it's something like sweet potato curry, it is amazing. It comes with two slices of lightly toasted porridge bread from 'Big Life' at the Halifax Farmer's Market that will melt in your mouth.
Dinner: Try the Lentil Burger. It is made in house, served in a grilled pita and has tangy-sweet dijon sauce and side of potato-rosemary 'roasties'. I've had all the other veg dinner items and while very healthy - think brown rice and seaweed and veggies - they all kind of missed the taste mark or didn't seem worth it for the price(like the pizza).
Service here is friendly and attentive. The people on the east coast of Canada may just be the friendliest people on the planet. I regret never getting to know the names of some of the tried and true servers here. They are very knowledgeable, polite and will accommodate any request. The kitchen is in the basement of the new location and there are two floors of seating so they do a lot of stair climbing. I know it's expensive but remember to tip these people. Minimum wage is lower in Nova Scotia than in other provinces.
Wine: Red - the local Jost Cabernet. White - Italian organic Sartori Soave (if you're a student: buy at Bishop's Cellar for half the price).
Hot drink: try the Ganocafe red reishi mushroom coffee. It's surprisingly good.
Beer: Garrison IPA.
Dessert: tofu chocolate pie and you're golden.Listed in: Veg Out in the 'Fax
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Review from Nik C.
Halifax, NS
7/1/2010
Quite a disappointment based on the reviews here and the well known reputation around Halifax. I completely agree with Lacey H. below in that The Wooden Monkey is grasping very close at being truly great, but constantly falls just short, leading to disappointment.
We started with the cheese platter and fish cakes. The cheese platter was very good, although I would have like to have seen a broader spectrum of offerings; they all tended to me fairly mild, hard cheeses, with Dragon's Breath blue being the most different, but still mild in the realm of blue cheeses. The fish cakes were probably the best part of the meal, with good sized chunks of haddock, and brown rice and roasted seaweed lending a toasty depth of flavour that was satisfying.
For a main I had the grilled free range ribeye, and my girlfriend had the lamb burger. As she describes it "the burger was just a burger, and the fries were just fries, it was adequate" - there wasn't really anything there to lift the ingredients above the sum of its parts. The ribeye I had was good, but I was shocked to find the accompanying roasted sweet potatoes hard, and in some cases almost totally raw. At home I can forgive myself for not thoroughly roasting some veg until done, but when I go to a restaurant I'm expecting a bit more.
The dessert was, unfortunately, quite disappointing. I had the fruit crisp, which was tasty, but with a crust that was almost like muesli, it was a bit too heavy and filling. The cheesecake my girlfriend had was, for lack of a better word, bizarre: it had no flavour. We both tried some, and had the texture of cheesecake, but that was about it, there was none of the characteristic deep cheesy dairy flavour in a good cheesecake. We thought perhaps that the waiter had neglected to mention it was made with soy or something similar, which would explain the lack of cheese flavour.
For the prices that The Wooden Monkey is charging, I was expecting a lot more quality. When I'm spending $60 each on a 3 course meal, I at least expect my roasted veg to be cooked through. In the future, I'll be taking my money to somewhere like Jane's, which has never disappointed, nor made me question their prices.Comment from Christine B. of The Wooden Monkey 9/9/2010
Thanks for your feedback. Please drop me a line as we want… More » -
Review from Jackie V.
9/6/2008
Mmm, veganism at its finest!
Okay, so not everything we ate was vegan, and I have to admit that the non-vegan food was "three stars", but if you're looking for a tasty (but a little pricey!) meal of locally-grown and/or vegan food, this is the spot.
After a long day of touring the city, we stopped in for a feast. We split a 9" pizza (spicy sausage with vegan cheese) for an app, and I can honestly say I have never had a better piece of diary free (and gluten free!) pizza. EVER. Sorry, TJ's, but Wooden Monkey takes the pie - pun intended. The crust was expertly seasoned, the sauce was appropriately spiced, and the cheese was scarily melty (I get scared when things taste too much like the real thing...it makes my immunoglobuins nervous to max). The pizza really set the mood for the rest of the meal, and I have to say that the entrees were "good" but not as good as that pizza. Can't win 'em all.
On the "glass half full" side: The menu offers a ton of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options that actually TASTE good. The staff is very friendly, in that trendy-crunchy way, and the beverage selection is HUGE. In addition to the usual suspects, there are gluten-free beers; organic sulfite-free wines, organic cocktails and sangrias, and, my personal fave: the soy White Russian (when we make it at home, I call it a Soy Ukranian, just FYI).
An added bonus: the chocolate tofu mousse pie (gluten free & vegan) was an amazing ending to the meal. Even my normal-palleted fiance agrees on that one.
So, if you happen to be in Halifax and have a hunkerin' for a tasty vegan treat, head to Wooden Monkey for a fun dining experience. If you're like the rest of the world, and are in Nova Scotia to enjoy the fabulous sea-fare head elsewhere for an equally enjoyable experience. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
3/10/2010 1 photo
I have heard so much about The Wooden Monkey that I thought it was time to try it out.
Seems that the majority ruled here. The place was full of people who looked like they were having a great time.
It is really has a special atmosphere with the wood all around you and the wonderful tables.
I do like to see what people are ordering, I know , you should not stare, I am really not staring at them, just the food to see what is looks good.
I am a sucker for presentation with food.
So Pizza was on the menu and ordered, also ordered the spinach salad, I love spinach salads, and this one was pretty special.
I have to say, this restaurant has that Wow factor that your friends would be pleased if you took them. -
Review from Bryce G.
Stewiacke, NS
3/20/2010
I have some mixed feelings about the Wooden Monkey. I adore the decor and quite enjoy the restaurant for it's total "experience". I'm less excited about the food.
I was very excited to check out the "new vegetarian place". Then on my arrival I see that most of the menu contains meat. I don't generally eat meat so that was a little disappointing. There are certainly quite a few veg choices though, more than most places but less than even some "normal" places in the city.
The spinach salad sans bacon is divine. I should admit though that I have an obscene lust for Old Growler cheese and have been known to drive to the middle of nowhere just to buy it from the source. The seitan sandwich is also nice. It's hard to find seitan in Nova Scotia and even harder to find it with a decent texture.
One thing that did disappoint me about the menu was the outrageous beverages. I would have been happy with a can of diet pepsi but instead I'm forced into a $4 root beer. If I were intelligent I suppose I would have just had water, but I have never claimed to be all that intelligent. The prices in general are a little jacked up too. I understand that sourcing organic product is more expensive but I don't really care about the whole organic movement, personally. I'd be just as happy eating conventional food for $5 less. $13 for a pita is a little outlandish.
The Wooden Monkey is definitely worth checking out. Just browse the menu in advance on their website so you know what you are getting into. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/25/2009
To taste good, or not to taste good. That is the question.
The Wooden Monkey confuses me. Admittedly it doesn't take a lot to confuse me. I only found out a few years ago that cucumbers and pickle's were the same thing. Don't judge me, I just never asked and no one taught me.lol. Ok...judge me. But the Wooden Monkey is a lot more difficult to figure out. Sometimes I walk in there and have a great time, have great food and feel really good about myself because their food is very, very healthy. At other times, I've sworn not to ever go back because their food was bland and I didn't want to spend so much money on tasteless food.
Firstly, the service has been great 90% of the time. We did have a Waitress once who couldn't remember our order and was always late for checking on us and seeing if we needed anything. But that was just one time. I have gone to the "Monkey" more than once or twice and I can honestly say the service is generally quite good and very personable.
Their pizza has always been quite good. Their fish on the other hand seems to always be "iffy." It generally can be watery or just plain old bland. The atmosphere is very nice and it has a warm, intimate feel to it. But you can still bring a group of ten or so friends and can be comfortably seated.
So consistency is the biggest challenge that faces this restaurant. It has a nice atmosphere but there food just can't be trusted enough for someone to want to experiment with other items on the menu that haven't bee tried before. Its easier just to stick with what you know will taste good there. So why is that a problem? Because some nights I don't want pizza. I want fish. But I don't trust how they do the fish. And there lies the problem.
If my friends bend my arm, I still go to the Wooden Monkey. But the restaurant is on the infamous Argyle street where restaurant competition is strong. I have faith they could see the light some day. For now, I won't have the fish. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/27/2010
I love the Wooden Monkey!
There, I said it. I hate the name, but a rose by any other name...
As much as I enjoyed the cramped, but cosy nature of their old location, I'm happy they were able to move to a spot with a little more space. The staff are just as friendly in the new spot and the food tastes just as good.
I'm partial to the Monkey Pita (not made with monkey!), but there are plenty of great dishes on the menu at fairly reasonable prices. Since I am a monster and enjoy Pepsi Cola, I wish that had more options as far as soft drinks go. "Natural Cola" and Propeller Cream Soda don't really do it for me, but I'm sure somebody out there loves them. Anyway, there are other drink options so it doesn't bother me that much.
The Wooden Monkey is arguably my favorite restaurant in the downtown area. The food is delicious, the staff is friendly and their intentions are good. Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones loved the Monkey when his band was in town. This was before Ron Wood went bat-shit crazy so if you can't trust my opinion...trust his! -
Review from Sarah A.
Halifax, NS
3/8/2010
I went here with two other co-workers, and I was the only one who liked it here. It was a late lunch, there was barely anyone in the restaurant, and the service was slow.
The menu for us was the Lentil Burger, the Seafood Chowder and I had the Lobster on a Croissant. We all agreed the food was tasteless, but that doesn't mean we won't go there again, it just means we won't order the same things again.
The variety of food was boring and very little. The place is small, and it's in a bad location now where the Old CH building is being bulldozed. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/21/2009
Here's the thing: you can feel good about yourself after you've eaten at the Wooden Monkey, because the food and the philosophy are all about being organic, local, and healthy.
Unfortunately, a lot of the food just doesn't taste fantastic. At my most recent visit, I tried the haddock fishcakes and a spinach salad, and they were both, just, you know, okay. The fishcakes had a bit of a watery, squishy texture and the salad was drenched in oil and topped with undercooked bacon.
Two of my friends had the lobster sandwich, which really, should be stellar, no matter where you go in Halifax. Here it tasted unseasoned and was overloaded with mayo.
The best dish at our table on this particular evening was the "Monkey Pita" - free-range chicken in an unusual pita-type bread. We all tasted it and agreed it was delicious.
The menu features vegan and gluten-free dishes, but the restaurant is not strictly vegetarian (obviously).
Staff are friendly and welcoming and the space itself is rustic and very comfortable for a casual dinner with friends. -
Review from Honey B.
Halifax, NS
7/1/2010
The Wooden Monkey has a catchy, new-fangled name but an old, somewhat bohemian atmosphere. We ate there on Canada Day and found the place only mediocre in sum. Food: 5 stars, Cleanliness: 3 stars, Service: minus 1 star. The music was SO loud that you could feel your table and chair shaking and it made one edgy and unable to converse. Though the place was busy, it was not completely full and there was ample waitstaff to service their 20 or so tables. Despite this the service was slow, unfriendly and inattentive. They need to train their staff that it is normal for waiters and waitresses to feel rushed but that it is not okay to make customers feel rushed. Their dedication to local and healthy food is laudable and the desserts are fabulous. Many vegetarian and vegan options round out their menu of more traditional fare. Go there for great eats, not for great atmosphere!!!
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Review from Marc w.
2/21/2010
This is a classic little restaurant with dark wood and good food. Great old world atmosphere in a relaxed way. The service was good although not particularly speedy. The food was great. I had the lamb burger with a couple of Propeller ales. It was cook perfectly and delicious.
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Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 1/26/2010 1 photo
We found out the hard way last night that 'Wooden Monkey' is closed all day Monday throughout January-February. Why, Monkey? You're always full!
Listed in: Autumnal Musts!, Best (cheap and yummy) locally…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/27/2009
The Wooden Monkey, located on the corner of prince and grafton, has become my absolute favorite… Read more »
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Review from Annette M.
St John, NB
4/28/2010
I liked it but not my favorite. The food was very good, great atmosphere, and friendly staff. The menu is completely organic, with lots of "free-range" dishes, that are not too pricy (sort of) . Overall, it was a nice experience.
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Review from Ayla H.
Halifax, NS
12/16/2009
Arriving to find it packed, my boyfriend and I ordered a beer and perused menus while we waited for something to open up. Though she apologized for having to seat us in the hotter upstairs section, I felt like we'd drawn a lucky number when our waitress led us to what is clearly the coolest table in the restaurant, made out of a huge slab of barely-finished tree. When our meals arrived we both gobbled them down. Neither the boy nor I usually eat seafood, but we each make rare exceptions and were encouraged to on this night by The W.M.'s reputation for supporting healthy fishing practices and their seal of approval from the Ecology Action Centre. I had a scallop salad on spinach tossed with toasted almonds. I give it two thumbs up: yum yum. M had a seared haddock that was equally delicious. I've since been back for vegetarian meals and been just as pleased with things like their lentil burger and rice bowl (all vegan, in fact).
It's higher end than a casual dining restaurant, but nothing crazy. The perfect sort of place to go on a nice but not exorbitant date, or to take visiting friends or parents.
Props for: sustainably caught fish and raised meat, for serving Garrison's incredible IPA on tap, for mismatched tables and chairs throughout. -
Review from Colin B.
Bedford, NS
11/14/2010
I really fail to get why this place is so popular... must be because it's one of the only places with substantially veggie selections in Halifax.
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Review from David R.
7/27/2010
Amazingly good! The seitan sandwich blew me away. The seitan was thinly sliced and cooked somehow (stir-friend?), then had cheese and peppers. It was like an amazing vegetarian philly cheese stake. Highly recommend it!
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Review from R N.
Halifax, NS
9/20/2008
we had a really delicious butternut squash soup. it was so good i am changing my initial rating from 2 to 3 stars. the pizza was ok and my boyfriend was not into his fish, which was really bland. and it was way too expensive to make us feel good about our dinners.
