Monkey 68 in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for international cuisine in Atlanta’s suburbs, Monkey 68 in Roswell is a name that comes up often. It blends Asian-inspired dishes, a strong cocktail and sake program, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere—making it a popular option for date nights, small groups, and food-focused outings north of the city.

This guide walks you through what Monkey 68 offers, how it fits into the Atlanta dining scene, and what to know before deciding if it’s right for you.

Where Monkey 68 Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Atlanta has no shortage of international restaurants, especially around Buford Highway, Midtown, and the northern suburbs. Monkey 68 stands out because it:

• Focuses on Asian fusion and sushi in an intimate setting.
• Sits in Roswell, a historic and fast-growing dining area just north of the Perimeter.
• Caters to locals looking for something a bit more refined than a casual takeout spot, but more relaxed than a special-occasion-only restaurant.

For many Atlanta-area diners, Monkey 68 is the kind of place you’d choose for:

• A night out in Roswell without going all the way into Midtown or Buckhead.
• An approachable introduction to Asian fusion and sushi for mixed groups.
• Drinks and small plates before or after exploring downtown Roswell.

Location, Access, and Neighborhood Vibe

Monkey 68 is located in Roswell, Georgia, a northern suburb that many Atlantans treat as its own dining destination.

Typical local considerations:

• Driving & Parking
  Most diners arrive by car from other parts of metro Atlanta. Roswell is easily reached via GA-400 or local surface streets. Parking in this area is generally more accessible than in intown neighborhoods, and many restaurants share lots or nearby street parking.

• Proximity to Other Spots
  If you’re planning an evening out, you can often:

  • Grab dinner at Monkey 68.
  • Walk or take a short drive to Canton Street or the surrounding downtown Roswell area for dessert, drinks, or a stroll.

• Who This Area Suits

  • OTP residents (especially in Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek) who want a neighborhood-feeling restaurant with international flair.
  • ITP diners looking for a change of pace from Midtown or Inman Park and willing to drive 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you’ll likely need a car or rideshare to get to Monkey 68.

What Kind of Food Does Monkey 68 Serve?

Monkey 68 generally falls under Asian fusion with a strong Japanese and Chinese influence, often with a modern, shareable twist.

Common Style and Dishes

You’re likely to see:

• Sushi and Rolls

  • Specialty rolls with sauces, tempura accents, and combinations of raw and cooked fish.
  • Classic rolls (California, spicy tuna, salmon avocado) for more traditional tastes.
  • Nigiri and sashimi selections for those who prefer simpler preparations.

• Small Plates / Shared Dishes

  • Items like dumplings, bao-style buns, crispy appetizers, or Asian-inspired wings.
  • Vegetarian-friendly options that might feature tofu, vegetables, or noodle dishes.

• Noodle & Rice Dishes

  • Fried rice, stir-fried noodles, or ramen-inspired bowls, often with customizable proteins.
  • Sauces and flavors influenced by Chinese, Japanese, or broader pan-Asian cooking.

Because menus can change, it’s always smart to:

• Check the current menu before you go.
• Call ahead if someone in your group has dietary restrictions (gluten, shellfish, nuts, etc.) to confirm what can be safely modified.

Drinks: Cocktails, Sake, and More

Monkey 68 is often as much about the drinks as the food.

You can typically expect:

• Craft Cocktails
  Drinks that use Asian ingredients or flavor profiles—think yuzu, ginger, lychee, or spicy elements. These are often a draw for date nights and social gatherings.

• Sake and Wine

  • A list of sakes by the glass or bottle.
  • Wine options that pair well with seafood and lighter dishes.

• Beer and Non-Alcoholic Options

  • A mix of Asian beers and familiar domestic or craft options.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages beyond sodas, such as teas or mocktail-style drinks.

If you’re comparing it to other Atlanta-area options, Monkey 68’s drink program is generally more curated than a basic neighborhood sushi spot, but not as intensely specialized as a dedicated cocktail bar.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like to Dine There

For many metro Atlantans, choosing a restaurant isn’t just about food—it’s about the vibe. Monkey 68 typically offers:

• Intimate, Modern Interior
  Lower lighting, modern décor, and a layout that suits couples and small groups.

• Noise Level

  • Can be lively in the evenings, especially on weekends.
  • Not usually as loud as a high-energy bar, but more energetic than a quiet, formal fine-dining space.

• Dress Code

  • Generally casual to smart casual.
  • Common for guests to dress a bit nicer on weekends (jeans with a nice top, casual dresses, etc.), especially if they’re combining it with a night out in Roswell.

If you’re planning a quiet, long catch-up conversation, you might consider visiting earlier in the evening or on a weekday for a calmer atmosphere.

When to Go: Reservations, Peak Times, and Planning

Reservations

In metro Atlanta, especially in popular suburban dining pockets, reservations are often recommended for:

• Friday and Saturday nights.
• Larger groups.
• Holiday weekends or special occasions.

Monkey 68 tends to align with this pattern. Calling ahead or using an online reservation system (if available) can help you avoid long waits.

Busy vs. Quieter Times

Typical patterns you can expect:

• Busy Times
  • Weekend evenings (6:30–9:00 p.m.).
  • Prime date-night windows.
• Quieter Times
  • Early evenings on weekdays.
  • Later weeknights outside major holidays.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and trying to see multiple parts of the city in one day, a weekday evening dinner in Roswell can be a more relaxed way to experience the northern suburbs.

Price Range and Value Considerations

Monkey 68 generally lands in the moderate to moderately upscale range for international cuisine in the suburbs:

• Appetizers / Small Plates: Priced above typical takeout but below fine dining.
• Sushi Rolls: Often in line with other higher-quality sushi spots in Atlanta.
• Entrees / Noodle Dishes: Higher than a quick-service spot, but competitive with other date-night restaurants.
• Cocktails & Drinks: Priced similarly to many Atlanta-area cocktail programs, especially in trending neighborhoods.

Ways Atlantans often get good value out of a visit:

• Sharing several small plates and rolls among a group instead of each person ordering a large entrée.
• Planning the visit as part of a full evening in Roswell, combining dinner with walking, dessert, or another nearby stop.

How Monkey 68 Compares to Other International Options in Atlanta

Atlanta has many international cuisine hubs, each with its own feel:

• Buford Highway
  Known for deeply authentic, often more casual, and budget-friendly Asian, Latin American, and global spots.

• Midtown / Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward
  Trendy, chef-driven international concepts with strong cocktail programs and walkable surroundings.

• Doraville / Chamblee / Duluth / Suwanee
  Extensive Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and broader Asian offerings, often in shopping centers or plazas.

Monkey 68 fits best if you:

• Want Asian-inspired cuisine with a cocktail-forward, date-night ambiance.
• Prefer a suburban location that still feels polished and intentional.
• Live or are staying closer to Roswell, Alpharetta, or Sandy Springs and don’t want to drive into the city or all the way to Buford Highway.

If your priority is broad exploration of Atlanta’s international food scene, you might pair a trip to Monkey 68 with visits to:

• Buford Highway for more casual, authentic-focused spots.
• Midtown for other fusion-oriented or modern global restaurants.

Tips for Different Types of Diners

For Atlanta Locals

• North Fulton residents may find Monkey 68 convenient for regular nights out, birthdays, and visiting friends from in-town.
• If you live inside the Perimeter, consider traffic patterns—GA-400 and surface roads can be slow at rush hour, so a later reservation might be easier.

For Visitors to Atlanta

• If you’re staying downtown, in Midtown, or near the airport, plan 30–60 minutes of travel time depending on traffic.
• Consider turning it into a Roswell evening: early arrival to walk around, then dinner at Monkey 68, followed by drinks or dessert nearby.

For Groups and Special Occasions

• Call ahead if you’re planning:

  • A birthday dinner.
  • A group outing with varying dietary needs.
  • A small celebration where timing is important (e.g., catching a show afterward).

• Ask about:

  • Group seating options.
  • How they typically handle cakes, decorations, or special requests, if relevant.

Quick Reference: Is Monkey 68 Right for You?

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Diners

If you’re considering Monkey 68 as your next stop for international cuisine in the Atlanta area, here’s how to move forward:

• Check the current menu to confirm sushi options, small plates, and any seasonal specialties.
• Call ahead for reservations, especially on weekends or for groups.
• Plan your route from:
  • Downtown / Midtown using GA-400 or local roads.
  • Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, or East Cobb, where the drive is typically shorter and more direct.
• Build a mini-itinerary around Roswell’s nearby dining and nightlife, if you want a fuller evening out.

By understanding where Monkey 68 sits within Atlanta’s broader international restaurant landscape—both geographically and in style—you can decide whether it matches the kind of experience you’re looking for, whether you live here or are just getting to know the city.