Upon entering this establishment we were told that our $5 dollar cover charge would get us into 3 different bars. After we paid and decided to check out the other bars we were informed that one is closed tonight and the other has a private party. When I was visiting kalamazoo 2 years ago we ran into the same issue. Don't think ill be coming back here again. Plenty if other good bars in the area with live entertainment that don't charge a cover. We sat at the rail, and there were 3 waitresses walking around. The place was not overly busy but they never stopped to ask if we needed anything. We had to chase them down.
(1)
Matt D.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Monaco Bay. My friends and I were simply amazed by the dual pianists. Their improv solos were phenomenal and the atmosphere was very fun. The cover charge is always annoying, but it's reasonable. The drinks were a bit pricy, however, the overall experience was not hindered by this. A great place to just go and drink and dance without having to fist pump and have your ears blown out by club music. Although, the upstairs is more of your typical club...we went up there, but just to see what it was.
(4)
Amanda R.
The day we went was on Jan 5th 2014. It was a cold night I wanted coffee they didn't have any but I was ok with that. I was looking forward to the food and piano playing. I enjoyed this relaxing environment as soon as I walked in. I was greeted by very presentable staff who was friendly and helpful she knew her stuff. I went with my husband to celebrate our 8 year wedding anniversary. I couldn't have asked for anything better good food I had the salmon ok I inhaled the salmon which had a great maple sauce with rice and some carrots I only wish it was piping hot it was warm at best. My husband ordered a stake it was good seasoning and cooked to order he likes his medium rare, he said he wished his food was hotter as well it was warm even though it was cooked to order at 17.99 per plate the food was decent for the both of us only complaint was wish it was piping hot was served luke warm. We noticed the bar as well as the paintings on the wall it was very casual jeans and a nice shirt type of place. I appreciate there was no smoking. now on to the music part. we stayed for the dinner show as well as the 9pm show. sitting for hours was a bit much for us so we left at 11 we were there since 6:30. We first got there only one other table was there and it had a few kids at it so dinner time is kid friendly and we listed to Disney songs. many of the request the piano player didn't know but that was ok he played other songs. For the 9pm show there was two players different ones a guy and a girl and they were great. warning they play crappy songs unless you request a song if you don't want to hear wrecking ball I suggest you bring lot's of one dollar bills lol we ended up going with just our bank card thinking we could request songs and have it on the bill not the case so we were ok too bad the ATM inside was out of order. we liked what they played was great fun the piano players get the crowd to sing with them and they played everything from 90 music to 50 music to grease and a little bit in-between deepened on what others request we will have to go back and remember to get dollar bills next time perhaps even take the teens out for their bdays for the dinner show
(3)
Brandy H.
I've been here both for a night out and a planned event. Planned event: they staff was absolutely wonderful for our event (company holiday party). They were great to work with, helped me plan an awesome party that we got tons of compliments on, and I was very, very happy with how things turned out. Josh was fantastic at coordinating everything at the event and was an absolute angel for working with me to pack up our decor and allow me to pick it up after the weekend, rather than me having to pack it all up (maybe a little drunkenly) and haul it to my car. LOVE. Everyone else was fantastic, as well. Coming here on a night out is usually a bust. I really, really want to love coming here, since the first time we did, I had a blast. Unfortunately, I just don't like any of the players except Charlie, and I have no idea if he even works there anymore. Everyone else changes lyrics, sings barely recognizable versions of popular songs, or, worst of all, turns beloved songs into terrible, raunchy versions that just ruins everything. Please, please get back to players with piano and vocal talent, who don't change words that everyone knows, and especially who don't do idiotic "naughty" renditions of songs.
(4)
Alicia W.
Good food. Good service. Great atmosphere. Fun environment. Gets very busy at night. Full of college kids the later it gets.
(3)
Rachael Z.
What an interesting place! I was here for a girls weekend, and this was the dinner spot of choice. Is it...a bar, a dueling piano spot, a restaurant, a dance hall? Hell, I think it's all of those combined! This had a fun atmosphere, that only got better as the night progressed. The menu is huge, but couponer be warned: read the fine print, and ask your server what you can use it on before settling on a pick. We had some pretty upset patrons at our table because the server couldn't honor the coupons they brought in. The fine print didn't make sense, but the server still wouldn't let it pass. That being said, the greasy menu proved for a great dinner for those of us who had already pregamed, and it was nice being able to walk to the next bar in a practically enclosed area the entire way. Doubt I'll ever be back in the area, but if I were, I'd visit this spot again!
(4)
Megan M.
Fun time. But was mad to pay a $5 cover.
(3)
J B.
I always dreaded winding up here. Next time someone says "hey lets go to Monaco Bay" I think Ill have to go home early. I got dragged in here before by friends on different occasions.. and safe to say prepare for a lousy time until you leave. Kind of douchy people love to frequent here.. seating stinks.. atmosphere stinks.. food stinks.. prices stink.. bar tenders stink.. one hot summer night I sat next to a guy at the bar and he stunk too. *They have a piano*. I think we can leave it at a safe assumption that well this place.. stinks.
(1)
Melissa S.
We had a great time here. Good music, nice staff and plenty of seating. When they served my friends some rotten wine they were apologetic and opened a new bottle. My drinks were super cheap and the waitress came right to the table. I hate cover charges but I am sure it goes to the piano players so didn't bother me that much.
(4)
Angelina T.
4 stars as a bar/music venue 2 stars as a restaurant So I'm taking the average (3 stars). This place is way too loud for their restaurant services. You can't really hear your table mates or even hear yourself think when either the radio is blasting (and speakers point in every direction, so no escape) or the pianos are rocking (even during their "quieter" Dinner Show). I must say they do have a good song selection during the Dinner Show though. The food is not that great and there are not a lot of options (though, again, as a bar, the food selection may be considered respectable). For the music itself, you could tell one guy had much more talent than the other, though both were enjoyable. Be prepared to shout to your neighbors and enjoy a typical dueling piano bar. They have a full bar and the service is just fine. I've heard there's bachelorette party overload here sometimes, but it's to be expected.
(3)
Kalama B.
*batman 3.0/4.0 beers Monaco is a good place to bring your smoking-hot date for a few drinks and laughs before getting wild at the Bull...Monaco is a great place to attend if you're part of a bachelorette party. In fact, I would go so far as to call this place the Mecca of bachelorette parties. Monaco is not a place to have "Happy Birthday" played for your friend. The music was entertaining, atmosphere was lively, and the Magic Hat special was quenching...3 beers. *captain ron 3.0/4.0 beers For whatever reason, there were a lot of bachelorette parties in Monaco Bay the last time I stopped by. This was actually a nice change of pace. The biggest knock on Monaco is that the novelty of hearing your favorite songs on the piano is ephemeral. Birthday's and bachelorette parties serve well to interrupt the predictable set list before it inevitably culminates with a Sweet Caroline, Billy Jean, Steve Perry menagerie. I give the musicians credit though, they play their asses off night in and night out. I'd rate my first trip to Monaco as a 3.5 as it's so easy to be seduced by the energy of the place. Every trip thereafter has been a 2.5 so I'm just going to split the difference on this one... theKalamaBooze.com
(3)
Kristin C.
First to review this hippity-hot spot?!? - Say it isn't so! Mike and I swung by here on Friday night to see what all the Kalamazoo dueling piano buzz was all about. I have been to dueling pianos in Chicago (Howl at the Moon, Sluggers) and while some experiences have been fun, others not-so-much (ahem SLUGGERS!). Mike almost wasn't down to go in because there was a cover charge (relax, it was $3!!!) but I ponied up the hard cash and we did. Did you know you can still smoke in Michigan bars? Ick! I definitely do not miss that! Peering through the grey haze, I could see a decent crowd of college kids mixed with some upper 30's - a little strange but hey, it's Kalamazoo. Mike came back with our drinks (one vodka soder and one rum and coke) and said, "Wow, five dollars." I didn't think that was too bad especially when he told me that was what it cost for both. Can't beat that! So how were the pianos? I like to use the word entertaining but wouldn't stretch it to "good." The atmosphere made it better actually. If I am in the 'Zoo, I would come back to see what they have on tap.
(3)
Loves To Dine Out H.
We had a great time and the piano player, Charlie, was super entertaining! We also really enjoyed our food and can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jason C.
Cool atmosphere with the love piano, but the food is average.
(3)
Eric H.
Great experience as far as multi bar clubs go...Poor service only two bartenders per bar no female bar staff.....if you are not a female be prepared to wait a long time for your drinks...even longer if you are not the frat boy type.
(3)
Allison E.
Its like "howl at the moon" in Chicago but at small town prices. minimal cover, cheap drinks, and a rip roaring good time. Heads up for the bachlorettes though. They've started a take over. Still, its a fun time and one of the piano players is super cute!
(3)
C M.
Okay, so it's been a long time since I've been to Monaco Bay (nearly 6 years in fact), but I remember the experience quite well. It was my freshman year of college, back when they had 18 and up wednesday's (I see they're closed on weds now). We went for a birthday party, and they put on quite the show for us. She loved the dueling pianos, and of course it was really funny when they sang her that very dirty birthday song, which she sat on the piano for. They would get 4 stars except back in the day when I was there, they still allowed smoking inside (I have no idea if they still do or not), and it was soooo gross. I hate that smoky bar smell. When I left Kalamazoo in 2007, this was a big bachelorette party place.
(3)
Kara M.
I think I initially gave this place four stars more out of nostalgia than anything else. I recently visited again and found the new players not at all good. They were off-key, and they may have been funny but were mumbling too much for anyone to know what they were saying. Not entertaining and very disappointing. Nikki is still awesome.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Very Loud Music : Live Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Matt K.
Upon entering this establishment we were told that our $5 dollar cover charge would get us into 3 different bars. After we paid and decided to check out the other bars we were informed that one is closed tonight and the other has a private party. When I was visiting kalamazoo 2 years ago we ran into the same issue. Don't think ill be coming back here again. Plenty if other good bars in the area with live entertainment that don't charge a cover. We sat at the rail, and there were 3 waitresses walking around. The place was not overly busy but they never stopped to ask if we needed anything. We had to chase them down.
(1)Matt D.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Monaco Bay. My friends and I were simply amazed by the dual pianists. Their improv solos were phenomenal and the atmosphere was very fun. The cover charge is always annoying, but it's reasonable. The drinks were a bit pricy, however, the overall experience was not hindered by this. A great place to just go and drink and dance without having to fist pump and have your ears blown out by club music. Although, the upstairs is more of your typical club...we went up there, but just to see what it was.
(4)Amanda R.
The day we went was on Jan 5th 2014. It was a cold night I wanted coffee they didn't have any but I was ok with that. I was looking forward to the food and piano playing. I enjoyed this relaxing environment as soon as I walked in. I was greeted by very presentable staff who was friendly and helpful she knew her stuff. I went with my husband to celebrate our 8 year wedding anniversary. I couldn't have asked for anything better good food I had the salmon ok I inhaled the salmon which had a great maple sauce with rice and some carrots I only wish it was piping hot it was warm at best. My husband ordered a stake it was good seasoning and cooked to order he likes his medium rare, he said he wished his food was hotter as well it was warm even though it was cooked to order at 17.99 per plate the food was decent for the both of us only complaint was wish it was piping hot was served luke warm. We noticed the bar as well as the paintings on the wall it was very casual jeans and a nice shirt type of place. I appreciate there was no smoking. now on to the music part. we stayed for the dinner show as well as the 9pm show. sitting for hours was a bit much for us so we left at 11 we were there since 6:30. We first got there only one other table was there and it had a few kids at it so dinner time is kid friendly and we listed to Disney songs. many of the request the piano player didn't know but that was ok he played other songs. For the 9pm show there was two players different ones a guy and a girl and they were great. warning they play crappy songs unless you request a song if you don't want to hear wrecking ball I suggest you bring lot's of one dollar bills lol we ended up going with just our bank card thinking we could request songs and have it on the bill not the case so we were ok too bad the ATM inside was out of order. we liked what they played was great fun the piano players get the crowd to sing with them and they played everything from 90 music to 50 music to grease and a little bit in-between deepened on what others request we will have to go back and remember to get dollar bills next time perhaps even take the teens out for their bdays for the dinner show
(3)Brandy H.
I've been here both for a night out and a planned event. Planned event: they staff was absolutely wonderful for our event (company holiday party). They were great to work with, helped me plan an awesome party that we got tons of compliments on, and I was very, very happy with how things turned out. Josh was fantastic at coordinating everything at the event and was an absolute angel for working with me to pack up our decor and allow me to pick it up after the weekend, rather than me having to pack it all up (maybe a little drunkenly) and haul it to my car. LOVE. Everyone else was fantastic, as well. Coming here on a night out is usually a bust. I really, really want to love coming here, since the first time we did, I had a blast. Unfortunately, I just don't like any of the players except Charlie, and I have no idea if he even works there anymore. Everyone else changes lyrics, sings barely recognizable versions of popular songs, or, worst of all, turns beloved songs into terrible, raunchy versions that just ruins everything. Please, please get back to players with piano and vocal talent, who don't change words that everyone knows, and especially who don't do idiotic "naughty" renditions of songs.
(4)Alicia W.
Good food. Good service. Great atmosphere. Fun environment. Gets very busy at night. Full of college kids the later it gets.
(3)Rachael Z.
What an interesting place! I was here for a girls weekend, and this was the dinner spot of choice. Is it...a bar, a dueling piano spot, a restaurant, a dance hall? Hell, I think it's all of those combined! This had a fun atmosphere, that only got better as the night progressed. The menu is huge, but couponer be warned: read the fine print, and ask your server what you can use it on before settling on a pick. We had some pretty upset patrons at our table because the server couldn't honor the coupons they brought in. The fine print didn't make sense, but the server still wouldn't let it pass. That being said, the greasy menu proved for a great dinner for those of us who had already pregamed, and it was nice being able to walk to the next bar in a practically enclosed area the entire way. Doubt I'll ever be back in the area, but if I were, I'd visit this spot again!
(4)Megan M.
Fun time. But was mad to pay a $5 cover.
(3)J B.
I always dreaded winding up here. Next time someone says "hey lets go to Monaco Bay" I think Ill have to go home early. I got dragged in here before by friends on different occasions.. and safe to say prepare for a lousy time until you leave. Kind of douchy people love to frequent here.. seating stinks.. atmosphere stinks.. food stinks.. prices stink.. bar tenders stink.. one hot summer night I sat next to a guy at the bar and he stunk too. *They have a piano*. I think we can leave it at a safe assumption that well this place.. stinks.
(1)Melissa S.
We had a great time here. Good music, nice staff and plenty of seating. When they served my friends some rotten wine they were apologetic and opened a new bottle. My drinks were super cheap and the waitress came right to the table. I hate cover charges but I am sure it goes to the piano players so didn't bother me that much.
(4)Angelina T.
4 stars as a bar/music venue 2 stars as a restaurant So I'm taking the average (3 stars). This place is way too loud for their restaurant services. You can't really hear your table mates or even hear yourself think when either the radio is blasting (and speakers point in every direction, so no escape) or the pianos are rocking (even during their "quieter" Dinner Show). I must say they do have a good song selection during the Dinner Show though. The food is not that great and there are not a lot of options (though, again, as a bar, the food selection may be considered respectable). For the music itself, you could tell one guy had much more talent than the other, though both were enjoyable. Be prepared to shout to your neighbors and enjoy a typical dueling piano bar. They have a full bar and the service is just fine. I've heard there's bachelorette party overload here sometimes, but it's to be expected.
(3)Kalama B.
*batman 3.0/4.0 beers Monaco is a good place to bring your smoking-hot date for a few drinks and laughs before getting wild at the Bull...Monaco is a great place to attend if you're part of a bachelorette party. In fact, I would go so far as to call this place the Mecca of bachelorette parties. Monaco is not a place to have "Happy Birthday" played for your friend. The music was entertaining, atmosphere was lively, and the Magic Hat special was quenching...3 beers. *captain ron 3.0/4.0 beers For whatever reason, there were a lot of bachelorette parties in Monaco Bay the last time I stopped by. This was actually a nice change of pace. The biggest knock on Monaco is that the novelty of hearing your favorite songs on the piano is ephemeral. Birthday's and bachelorette parties serve well to interrupt the predictable set list before it inevitably culminates with a Sweet Caroline, Billy Jean, Steve Perry menagerie. I give the musicians credit though, they play their asses off night in and night out. I'd rate my first trip to Monaco as a 3.5 as it's so easy to be seduced by the energy of the place. Every trip thereafter has been a 2.5 so I'm just going to split the difference on this one... theKalamaBooze.com
(3)Kristin C.
First to review this hippity-hot spot?!? - Say it isn't so! Mike and I swung by here on Friday night to see what all the Kalamazoo dueling piano buzz was all about. I have been to dueling pianos in Chicago (Howl at the Moon, Sluggers) and while some experiences have been fun, others not-so-much (ahem SLUGGERS!). Mike almost wasn't down to go in because there was a cover charge (relax, it was $3!!!) but I ponied up the hard cash and we did. Did you know you can still smoke in Michigan bars? Ick! I definitely do not miss that! Peering through the grey haze, I could see a decent crowd of college kids mixed with some upper 30's - a little strange but hey, it's Kalamazoo. Mike came back with our drinks (one vodka soder and one rum and coke) and said, "Wow, five dollars." I didn't think that was too bad especially when he told me that was what it cost for both. Can't beat that! So how were the pianos? I like to use the word entertaining but wouldn't stretch it to "good." The atmosphere made it better actually. If I am in the 'Zoo, I would come back to see what they have on tap.
(3)Loves To Dine Out H.
We had a great time and the piano player, Charlie, was super entertaining! We also really enjoyed our food and can't wait to go back!
(4)Jason C.
Cool atmosphere with the love piano, but the food is average.
(3)Eric H.
Great experience as far as multi bar clubs go...Poor service only two bartenders per bar no female bar staff.....if you are not a female be prepared to wait a long time for your drinks...even longer if you are not the frat boy type.
(3)Allison E.
Its like "howl at the moon" in Chicago but at small town prices. minimal cover, cheap drinks, and a rip roaring good time. Heads up for the bachlorettes though. They've started a take over. Still, its a fun time and one of the piano players is super cute!
(3)C M.
Okay, so it's been a long time since I've been to Monaco Bay (nearly 6 years in fact), but I remember the experience quite well. It was my freshman year of college, back when they had 18 and up wednesday's (I see they're closed on weds now). We went for a birthday party, and they put on quite the show for us. She loved the dueling pianos, and of course it was really funny when they sang her that very dirty birthday song, which she sat on the piano for. They would get 4 stars except back in the day when I was there, they still allowed smoking inside (I have no idea if they still do or not), and it was soooo gross. I hate that smoky bar smell. When I left Kalamazoo in 2007, this was a big bachelorette party place.
(3)Kara M.
I think I initially gave this place four stars more out of nostalgia than anything else. I recently visited again and found the new players not at all good. They were off-key, and they may have been funny but were mumbling too much for anyone to know what they were saying. Not entertaining and very disappointing. Nikki is still awesome.
(3)