“Funky Monkey SKG”, which opened in November 2022 on 21 Palaion Patron Germanou Street, is a cocktail bar – bistro, which is far different from others. In fact, it is absolutely one of a kind. Not only for the delicious breakfasts it offers every Friday and on weekends, not only for the imaginative cocktails, the likes of which in taste, but also presentation and service you probably won’t find anywhere else in the city, but also for its special character.

A place that is “loved” by those who love the old and the vintage, the handmade and the unique, in a cozy, funky atmosphere, with much-loved music and people, with whom one feels really friendly and comfortable.

With “roots” from neighboring Kozani, where it has been operating for four years, “Funky Monkey SKG” opened in Thessaloniki about a year ago. Funky space, funky atmosphere and music and quite a few monkey themed items, gave it its name.

Co-founders of “Funky Monkey SKG” are Lila and Argyris, with the rest of Lila’s family also actively participating. Her siblings, Vaso and Dida, managers of the Kozani store, come to Thessaloniki alternately, while their parents have taken over a large part of the “background” support of the business. How? All the decorations of the space have been curated, repurposing old objects and giving them a different use and value. Like the family’s old travel suitcase, which has now become a piece of furniture in the space, decorations made from old necklace beads, old doors that have found a new place here and much more.

The philosophy here is sustainability and material recycling, and this is absolutely evident in every part of the space.

Brunch, coffee and breakfast

In the brunch menu of “Funky Monkey SKG” you will find suggestions inspired by seasonal ingredients, many of which, such as cherry tomatoes or peppers, come from the owners’ family farm in Kozani, where they are grown by their parents.

Recipes based on Greek cuisine and on breakfasts that we have all loved, such as egg eyes, strapatsada or rice pudding, come to offer all the nutritional value and deliciousness you need to start your day. You will also find several healthy options, such as the avocado bowl.

In addition to brunch, you have, on a daily basis, the classic options for breakfast, such as toast, while what we strongly recommend, beyond the natural juices, is their own homemade lemonade and their own, “funky” tea.

Cocktails and finger food

As time passes, you can enjoy finger food options, which perfectly accompany your drink or cocktail. Tacos with veal tagliata, club sandwich, chili con carne tacos or Mexican potatoes, burger with 100% beef patty or sandos with pork, are some of the suggestions, which go well with every choice of drink – the cellar includes them all.

The cocktail list is edited by Dida and Argyris and their suggestions include, in addition to the classic cocktails, their own signature suggestions, based on group ideas, research and inspiration from bars abroad, both in terms of ingredients and in terms of their presentation. We definitely stand out ‘Chem in floux’, a potion-like ‘magic’ drink, with color changing due to pH, based on gin, pineapple, basil and lemongrass.

The atmosphere

The shop is frequented by people of literally all ages, from various areas of Thessaloniki and beyond, who choose it from the morning for coffee, tea, juices and breakfast as well as for a night out.

The music, according to the place and the philosophy of the owners: foreign sounds, with a DJ every week, from Thursday to Sunday, mainly include favorite classic hits of artists such as Prince or George Michael, sometimes also afrohouse nights with a more danceable mood. The atmosphere, however, always remains chillout, ideal for meeting your friends and enjoying your food and drink while chatting. In winter, live evenings are also held.

What the owners want for all patrons is to feel at home, soak up the ‘family’ atmosphere of ‘Funky Monkey SKG’ and make it their home – a goal that has so far been achieved. The friendly and immediate service and the uniqueness of the space and what it offers, makes the experience truly special!

New menu, new cocktails

As the weather changes, the plans of “Funky Monkey SKG” include changes to the brunch menu and evening snack options and a very heavy emphasis on cocktails, which are offered continuously throughout the year. The new list of cocktails and dishes, based on seasonal ingredients, as well as the constructions for their presentation, will amaze you! From what we learned, one of the store’s new cocktails will be served in a … chest, from which smoke will emerge. We already want to try it out. What about you?

Tip: The store is open every day from 08.00. Brunch is served every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 16.00, while daily, from 16.00 onwards, you will find finger food options.