Monkey Cat

4.1 (1420)

$30 and under

American

805 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603

Make a booking

Monkey Cat

4.1

$30 and under

American

Auburn

Make a booking

2 people

8 Nov 2026

7:00 pm

Booked 11 times today

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

Located in historic downtown Auburn, The Monkey Cat is a popular destination for both locals and visitors who are looking for a unique dining experience. Monkey Cat offers a wide selection of dishes, with something for everyone. The lunch menu has hearty sandwiches, delicious tacos, variety of salads and wonderful entree options. For dinner there is a variety of steaks, seafood and poultry dishes that will leave your mouth watering. Vegetarian and Vegan options are available on the menu, and most diets & allergies can be accommodated. Placer County is home to fantastic wineries and breweries, and Monkey Cat is a proud supporter of that. Try a local drink on your next visit. Looking to take care of a larger group? Ask about private dining. Everything from Happy Hour, to Wine Down Wednesday, to Holiday Specials, Monkey Cat has you covered.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Asian, Steak
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30–15:00 Happy Hour Tue–Sat 15:00–17:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 17:00–20:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–21:00
Phone number
(530) 888-8492
Website
http://monkeycat.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We have a separate private dining room available with a bar and Internet connection. Seats up to 24 for dinner or up to 50 for cocktails. Customized menu. Please contact Jennifer @530-888-8492 or jennifer@monkeycat.com to reserve the banquet room.

Location
805 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
Area
Auburn
Cross street
Cherry
Parking Details
Street side parking, parking lot located on Cherry Ave as well as Lincoln Way
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Monkey Cat.

4.1

(1420)

4.1Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Sacramento / Sacramento Valley
Neighbourhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Monkey Cat offers a delightful dining experience with a charming ambiance and attentive service. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and memorable service, especially during special occasions. The restaurant excels with "delicious" short ribs and creative cocktails. While some dishes need improvement, the overall experience leaves many patrons eager to return.

1,420 Reviews

B
Beth Gold
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley65 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We were there for lunch, and the food was delicious… we all enjoyed our food… shrimp tacos, short rib/grilled cheese sandwich, tomato blue cheese soup and filet mignon sandwich. Our server (Truman) was very attentive, accommodating and had a sense of humor. We would definitely return if in Auburn again.
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D
Dawn Gold
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley25 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent meal and great service by Van. I am GF and enjoyed the salmon mushroom risotto! It was delicious!!! There were quite a few GF options for me to choose from. Please Monkey Cat for a great dining experience.
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B
Bill
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place, great service and food. The only thing we would suggest is the food is never served real hot so we have to send it back to reheat it.
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B
Butch
Tahoe / Reno Area1 review
5.0
Dined on 25 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I appreciated how the staff worked as a team to make sure our experience was positive.
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d
doug
San Francisco Bay Area26 reviews
4.0
Dined on 18 October 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great experience. From Start to finish, highly recommend them. DS
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E
Emily
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley2 reviews
4.0
Dined on 17 October 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Sitting outside was really nice but inside was very noisy despite only a few tables. Food was okay but my fish was so overcooked I needed a knife and it was cold. Apps were yummy! Overall, a good dinner out but pricey for the food and inside dining experience.
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L
Lisa
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley1 review
2.0
Dined on 8 October 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Service was wonderful...very friendly, kind, courteous and professional staff. Ambiance was wonderful...love the lighting and decor. The food was actually horrible! Brussel sprouts were incinerated and the beef tallow chunks on them was repulsive. Mac and cheese was just "okay" but cold. Caesar salad was charred. Unfortunately, I will not return.
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L
Linda
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley1 review
2.0
Dined on 30 September 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Halibut overcooked. Service very slow. Won’t be back
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S
Stephanie
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 29 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server, Harley, was pleasant, courteoous and efficient. The shrimp was on the rubbery side but otherwise fine.
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K
Katie
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley3 reviews
2.0
Dined on 17 September 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The restaurant is lovely in appearance and the staff was friendly, helpful and upbeat. Most of our dishes came out fine. The filet mignon was very disappointing. I do not think it was the right cut of beef and it was overcooked to the point it was hard to cut. The wagyu burger and short ribs were delicious options. Their drinks were made well and service was very nice, just disappointed with the steak and sauce that was on it.
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Asian, Steak
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30–15:00 Happy Hour Tue–Sat 15:00–17:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 17:00–20:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–21:00
Phone number
(530) 888-8492
Website
http://monkeycat.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We have a separate private dining room available with a bar and Internet connection. Seats up to 24 for dinner or up to 50 for cocktails. Customized menu. Please contact Jennifer @530-888-8492 or jennifer@monkeycat.com to reserve the banquet room.

Location
805 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
Area
Auburn
Cross street
Cherry
Parking Details
Street side parking, parking lot located on Cherry Ave as well as Lincoln Way
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Casual dress is the guide, comfortable, informal attire is appropriate, though guests do dress up for anniversaries and special nights.

Monkey Cat feels like a funky-chic downtown spot, warm holiday decor, a long bar, and lively music with a garden for outdoor dining make it a favourite for date nights and celebrations.

Monkey Cat's posted hours are: Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm; Happy Hour Tue–Sat 3:00 pm–5:00 pm; Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–8:00 pm; Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm.

Wednesday stands out for Wine Down Wednesday, guests note a wine discount, and Thursdays are popular for live music in the garden, making both great choices.

Yes, Monkey Cat is a go-to for date nights and anniversaries; guests explicitly call it the perfect date-night spot and praise Valentine’s/anniversary dinners and attentive service.

Yes, the patio at Monkey Cat is dog-friendly; guests mention a pleasant, dog-friendly patio as a relaxing spot to dine.

Dogs are welcome on the patio, guests describe a dog-friendly patio where people dine and relax.

Guests frequently say they leave comfortably full, reviews praise hearty sandwiches and a notably "gigantic" burger, making many meals feel satisfying.

Wednesday evenings are a great pick, Monkey Cat runs Wine Down Wednesday, and guests specifically mention enjoying discounted bottles and a lovely wine-night experience.

Yes, Monkey Cat is welcoming to families: guests report patient, helpful staff and even note a server brewed decaf for a child, making it an easy choice for dining with kids.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a booking

Monkey Cat

4.1

$30 and under

American

Auburn

Make a booking

2 people

8 Nov 2026

7:00 pm

Booked 11 times today

Monkey Cat

Make a booking

Monkey Cat

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

Reviews

Loved For

Review summary

Additional information

FAQs

What is the dress code for Monkey Cat?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

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What is the best day to go to Monkey Cat?

Is this a good pick for date night?

Is this restaurant dog-friendly?

Are pets (including service dogs and emotional support animals) allowed in this restaurant?

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Make a booking

Monkey Cat

Make a booking