Pros 
Cons A Monster of a Good Time? Exploring the Vibe at Monster Mini Golf
Monster Mini Golf in Union, NJ (located at 1235 W Chestnut St) presents itself as a family-friendly indoor miniature golf experience, and generally delivers… with a few caveats. Overall, the location receives a 3.2-star rating, which reflects a mix of positive and negative experiences. The core appeal seems to be its atmosphere, leveraging a blacklight and monster theme to create a unique environment. Several reviewers specifically highlighted the "way cool" blacklight effects and appreciated a soundtrack that enhanced the experience. It's designed with kids in mind – and the facilities clearly support that, offering a “good for kids” environment – but surprisingly, it also seems to draw in adult groups, like work outings, who find it a fun and accessible activity.
The course itself isn’t overly challenging; many users noted it’s “easy enough for people who hadn’t played before”. The obstacles – a ramp, clock, and windmill all with a monstrous twist – provide enough variety to keep the 18 holes interesting. The presence of a well-stocked arcade, particularly the glow hockey tables, adds another layer of entertainment, extending visits beyond just the golf itself. Accessibility is a strong point, especially on less-than-ideal weather days, as one reviewer happily noted avoiding 101-degree heat by opting for an indoor game.
Price Point and Perceived Value: Is It Worth the Putt?
A key talking point surrounds the cost of admission. For an adult, 18 holes will run you $9.99, praised by one commenter as “not too expensive.” However, a significant complaint revolves around the cost for families. One review detailed a $75 bill for a group of four, leading them to deem it "too expensive." This discrepancy highlights that while individual pricing might be competitive, the overall cost can escalate quickly for larger groups.
Here’s a quick breakdown of potential costs (based on reviewer feedback):
| Group Size | Estimated Cost (approximate) |
|---|---|
| 1 Adult | $9.99 |
| 2 Adults | $19.98 |
| Family of 4 | $75+ |
It's worth noting that additional spending within the arcade isn’t factored into these estimates. The perceived value also seems tied to expectations. Those looking for a high-end, extremely challenging mini golf experience might find it lacking, but for a fun, casual outing, the price could be justifiable, especially when considering the arcade access.
Staff Interactions: Hits and Misses
Customer service experiences seem to be…mixed. Generally, management is described as "very helpful and polite," with several reviewers praising their friendliness. The same can't entirely be said for all staff members. Some observations noticed younger staff appearing "bored," although commenters acknowledged this isn't unusual.
However, other experiences were decidedly negative. A particularly scathing review directly called out the "owners" as "very rude," advising others to avoid the location. This is a serious accusation and represents a significant outlier, but it’s a point potential visitors should be aware of. A consistent element of positive feedback focused on the welcoming atmosphere towards all groups, even those without children, indicating a general willingness to accommodate diverse patrons. This suggests training discrepancies or potentially isolated incidents regarding staff attitude.
Atmosphere and Ambiance: A Dive into the Darkness
Monster Mini Golf aims for a specific atmosphere, and the reviews indicate they largely achieve it. The blacklight aesthetic and monster theme are consistently praised for creating a unique and immersive environment. It’s described as “fun fun funnnnnn!!!” and a “cool place,” suggesting a lively and energetic vibe. However, this aesthetic isn’t universally appreciated. Several reviewers found the space "too dark and dingy," with one describing it as "musty" and drawing comparisons to a pool hall.
This darker ambiance, while intentional, might not appeal to everyone, especially those sensitive to dimly lit environments. The experience invokes a contrast: it's designed to be spooky and fun, but some found it overly so, sacrificing cleanliness or a feeling of freshness. The space appears to be relatively new and generally clean (according to one visitor), but the underlying "dingy" impression persists in some accounts. Ultimately, whether this atmosphere is a pro or a con depends on individual preferences.