"A slice of downtown on the Eastside" is how the Jade Monkey has been described to me. Not that I disagree, the atmosphere at the Jade Monkey is generally hip and sophisticated. However, the patrons tend to lean to the artier, slightly older crowd.
Personally, being a semi-employed creative type, I appreciate the cheap drinks ($2 PBR tall boys!), but the mojitos and other various and sundry drinks are pretty good. Plus, they also have a decent (but not extensive) selection of Scotch.
I've never had a bad time here. In fact, if I'm looking to strike up a conversation with a random character, this is my first choice when it comes to the bar scene. (Being a few blocks from my front doorstep doesn't hurt either). If they'd only stop randomly playing Journey....
(Also, they generally have pretty decent DJ's on Sunday night)