Back Door Monkey – Sushi Worth Fighting For
Back Door Monkey has come to show Miami who’s now running the town. Assuring that once you enter, you’ll switch forces and join his side. To which we can attest to, entering as skeptics but leaving soldiers!
The funky restaurant, cocktail and hookah bar was brought to Wynwood by the creators of The Dirty Rabbit. It fits right in the entertaining art and culture district, and somehow manages to stand out. Inspired by the 1940s war, the ambiance is dramatic yet laid-back in the rain friendly patio. With hanging golden monkeys and floating bonsai trees. Even a massive war tank replica turned DJ booth as the centerpiece. Though elegant, Back Door Monkey sets a scandalous vibe from the start. Welcoming guests with a bright neon sign vividly reading “Eat Sushi Like It’s The Last Pussy On Earth“. Not a hard task with their fresh raw fish and scrumptious Asian fusion cuisine.
The menu is comprised of revamped classic dishes and original twists. Offering refreshing appetizers like the Back Door Monkey Sashimi platter and Avocado Tartare. Delicious Maki rolls such as their famous Octopussy (octopus, shrimp tempura, avocado, peanut-masago, eel sauce). And warm comforting entrees including BDM “Wok” Fried Rice and Angry “Curry” Chicken. But you can’t forget the cocktails! We recommend sipping on A Pear of Drunken Monkeys. You might turn into one yourself with this blend of ketel one, pear, apple juice, lemon, and cinnamon-cardamon-basil- honey syrup!
While everything we tasted exceeded our expectations here’s some of our personal favorites:
To start, the Crab Salad ( masago, avocado, scallions, sweet soy sauce, togarash ) is an excellent choice. Light, refreshing, and incredibly tasty! A gorgeous dish to look at, but that can be said for all of them. You also can’t go wrong with any of the Sushi but the Hamachi Serrano ( king crab salad, serrano pepper, chives, mango, yuzu-truffle mayo, red onion ) stole our hearts! Two words- Ooh Mami!
We recommend leaving some room for the filling Prawn Lo Mein Noodles (ny strip, shiitake, pak-choy, sesame oil). The saucy noodles are packed with flavor and loaded with protein. But you must try the Roasted Salmon Teriyaki! It’s not often that sides get to be the star of the plate but this jasmine coconut rice is unbelievable! It’s a divine, tropical experience for the tastebuds with just the perfect hint of sweetness. And of course, the buttery fish in lemongrass-ginger teriyaki with sautéed bok-Choy also deserves praise.
For dessert they serve strawberry and mango Mochi. Caramel “Roasted” Pineapple with vanilla infused, ginger, vanilla ice cream, and coconut crumble. And The Baking Lab Chocolate Chip Cookie with nutella, white chocolate, oreo cookie crumble, and vanilla ice cream. Though why pick just one when you can have the BDM Dessert which includes them all?!
We know it sounds tempting, but consider yourself warned! Back Door Monkey is recruiting its army using the best propaganda: tantalizing food, upbeat music, and refined ambiance to bring soldiers to the dark ( yet fun and tasty ) side.
Enjoy their weekly promotion of:
- Happy Hour Thursday – Saturday from 5 – 7 p.m. with 50% off all cocktails.
- Miami Spice available Thursday- Sunday from 5 – 10 p.m. for $39
Covid-19 Precautions
The restaurant follows Miami’s Covid-19 Protocols by keeping tables distanced, using QR code paperless menus and testing each guest’s temperature upon arrival, among other safety measures.
Back Door Monkey opens Thursday through Sunday from 5-10pm. For more info click here and to make reservations click here. Take-out and delivery are also available.
