had to kill some time before demoing, and rebuilding a deck fence, so I stopped in. I've been at the Monkey before on my visits to Seattle, the coffee is top notch, and the barista are always friendly. friendly neighborhood coffee house. read more

I've driven by Monkey Grind countless times over the years but I finally stopped in for the first time a few weeks ago. It was excellent, and I went back the next morning! The drink I got was perfectly made. I'm always hesitant to try new coffee places because a lot of places over-brew the espresso and burn it, giving it a bitter, nasty taste. But the mocha I got had the right amount of chocolate and coffee flavors. I went in the late afternoon so it wasn't surprising the pastry selection was somewhat limited. I was famished, though, so I took the last blueberry scone they had. To be honest, it looked bland, flavorless, and dry (again, I was starving so I didn't care). But on the contrary, after biting into it, it was very moist and quite delicious. It's a small joint, so it was weird walking in and everybody's head turns to see who the newcomer is. The next morning I got one of the signature drinks...forgot the name but it was something with white chocolate, caramel, etc etc. Usually when you get one of those monster-concoctions they are overly sweet because of all the sugary flavors they pour in it. But this one was just right. Also, the pastry selection was still limited the next morning. So I will definitely give this place a few more tries. I didn't give it 5 stars because of the limited pastry selection, and the small space. read more

So hard to say this is my FAVORITE coffee place, but it is really great. Delicious coffee, awesome baristas. If you are wanting a sweet treat, try the cafe scimmia, a banana hazelnut mocha. W.O.W. read more

I live a few blocks from this place and love it! They are so friendly, serve Lighthouse Coffee, love dogs, and have almond milk (which seals it for me). Great little neighborhood spot! read more

Disappointed with both my drink and the service:/ I ordered the Morning Glory Chai. It was super spicy and the barista put way too much cinnamon and nutmeg on top for my liking. I Tried to salvage the taste by adding sugar but still no good; ended up drinking 3/4 and dumping the rest out :( As far as the service goes, my husband and I walked up to the counter and he ordered first, before I could even tell the lady taking our order what I wanted she gave us the total? I felt that was kind of strange- so I had to interrupt her and say- so sorry I am going to order too (as if that wasn't already clear?). Some regulars came in and although our orders were clearly ahead of theirs, the ladies behind the bar immediately put our order on hold to accommodate the regulars. Just thought it was a little rude. I'm sure these ladies are super nice and probably didn't think about the image/ "vibe" they are projecting- but I have to give this a dissatisfied 2 stars for both beverage and service. read more

The coffee wasn't anything to write home about but was better than Starbucks. Ok veggie breakfast sandwich. Adding a star for very friendly staff and good atmosphere! Nice space and not crowded, would be a good place for computer work! read more

Great coffee and great people. Coffee is definitely above average, but most importantly the people there are genuine. They always welcome me by name and ask if my regular drink is going to be served hot or cold. The owners are both awesome. They also have a great lunch special(sandwich, chips, and a drink $6). I know this place has gone through several owners in recent years, but these two bright young gals should be just what it needs to be successful. read more

STILL love the MG, and I gotta say that whoever posted that they had a bitter shot here has got to be a little on the mistaken side. I have never had a bitter shot here and I come very often. That being said- try a smoothie or something off the 'new' (it's not that new anymore, but still yummy) sandwich menu. They are delicious! read more

BY FAR THE MY ALL TIME FAVORITE CAFE EVER!! I've been coming here for going on 5 years! The owners work in the cafe and are both really awesome ladies:) I come here because the coffee is delicious sure and I love their salads and sandwiches but the best part about this place is the energy from Lisa and Karena :) I love this place read more

Monkey Grinder is right at the end of my street so it's my go-to place for a quick cup of coffee and/or breakfast snack. Great coffee, good breakfast sammies, good vibe inside, & nice baristas. Sometimes a little on the slow side but not too bad. I haven't ever had a bad experience. Will have to try lunch or smoothies one of these days! read more

Adore this coffee shop. Delicious food and coffee. Excellent service. So many good options for people with dietary restrictions- thank you!!!! read more

i've been going to this place since it opened several years ago, under both old and new management. I far prefer the new owners. i think they are very friendly, not at all negative (I've never seen or heard anything but warmth and courtesy from the owner) and the service is both faster than it was under the first owners (including the first owner's mother who worked there for free) and I feel more welcome than I did when it first opened. (though I am still grateful to Rose for some very caring help one day, I also witnessed some very bad behavior there that led me to avoid the place for close to a year.) i regularly meet friends there. Many drive and find free parking in the lot or on the side streets. i've never heard that parking was a problem. I go there for coffee at least once a week. The two baristas who now work there could NOT be nicer - fast, friendly and helpful. Yes, there was one who wasn't the greatest and she did not work there long. Sorry but blaming the business because the Entertainment book people did something wrong seems awfully unfair. No one at the Monkey Grind was ever contacted so they're not responsible for the coupon which was printed without their consent. This also apparently is not the only business in town that had to deal with this nasty situation. They did end up offering a discount, and posted signs at the counter about it but apparently that still wasn't enough. But with something like 12 coffee places in a 10 block radius, maybe i am simply spoiled by the neighborhood's riches and don't quite understand driving to a coffee place just to use a coupon. It's no longer an issue, but i don't get blaming the wrong people for someone else's mistake. The coffee's great, they remember your drink after you've been there once or twice, they remember your name, i find the place friendly and congenial. If your gripe was (understandably) with a lazy barista, consider trying it again if you liked other things about it as the service now really seems excellent. read more

Kendra is the friendliest person you will ever buy coffee from. None of the fake nice BS, she's just extremely personable and acts like herself. If you live or work anywhere near here, it's your loss if you go anywhere else. All the coffee drinks, good selection of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, yogurt and other snacks. Relatively cheap as well. Doesn't get particularly crowded during the week, so it's a great place to hang out or to do work. Service takes a little longer than elsewhere because you can actually have a conversation with Kendra and she takes her time serving you. I guess if you're an unfriendly, boring jerk that'll probably keep you away. Smoothies are great also. Just go here. read more

I love this place. The atmosphere is chill, cozy and inviting. Kendra (the owner) is the sweetest and always makes you feel welcome. She gets to know her regulars- and there are a lot of us- and makes it look easy! Plus, with delicious coffee and a light food menu, you can't go wrong! Highly recommended. read more

This is a really sweet small neighborhood coffee joint. I've been in several times and the staff have been friendly and the coffee is fresh and tasty. (I'm a drip coffee person so I can't speak to the espresso.) read more

Barista was very nice and fun to talk to. Drip coffee quality was what you'd expect at IHOP

This independent coffee shop is a hidden treasure. if you find yourself in the greenwood area head over to have there Lite house rosters coffee. the Barista are friendly and make you feel at home they have free WiFi and food as well as old fashioned soda (well 3 different ones) but still awesome. i love this place and will keep stopping in for a drink read more

I think the coffee here tastes great and it was very convenient for when I lived at the apartments right above the coffee store. I gave it 3 start because I always felt awkward walking into this store. I didn't fit the typical crowd so I felt uncomfortable. I also got the vibe that other customers were being helped before me because they were more "regular" and I just came in every now and then. I have not gone here since I lived near the store. read more

My favorite coffee shop. Good coffee, friendly employees and patrons. I frequently strike up a conversation with someone new when I go there, which is pretty often. read more

Awesome neighborhood coffee shop! Very cozy with super friendly owner and customers. I go in there every morning (and sometimes in the afternoon) and always leave in a good mood. One of the best parts of our little area in greenwood. Coffee is great and so are the lunch sandwiches. read more

I went to Monkey Grind for two reasons. One, it was on the way to my hair appt in Greenwood. I was in need of a good cup o' joe and I've driven past many times, wondering about the place. Two, I had found a coupon in the Entertainment Book the other day, so decided to take it with me and give this place a try. When I arrived, the "barista" was sitting down, reading the paper. She moved to the counter as I was perusing the menu but didn't say anything. I felt an urgency to order because of her silence but was still deciding on a snack. When I made my choice - short latte and a slice of zuccini bread, I presented my coupon to which she replied, "oh, we don't take those." "What do you mean?' I asked. She replied that the store had not authorized the printing of these coupons and therefore she was not going to be able to give me any kind of a discount. I told her that it was the coupon that actually prompted me to go there, but she said nothing more. I put back my zuccini bread, paid for my latte (since she had made it and set it on the counter top) and left. Having spent my entire career in customer service, I felt that customer service was completely lacking here. Honoring my coupon, and offering me the $1.60 discount that I would have received (regardless of whether or not the coupon should or shouldn't have been printed), would probably have made me a return customer since I am often in that neighborhood. There are plenty of coffee houses around town where I have been much better served so I see no need to return to Monkey Grind. Perhaps these folks should take a marketing class and learn the basic principles behind giving a small discount in order to earn repeat business. read more

This is a great little coffee place! The coffee is good. The barista today spent a long time telling me about various food options [I was hungry]. In the end I only got a chocolate chip cookie. Who needs anything else when one can have a chocolate chip cookie?! read more

Great laid back atmosphere, server/barista was very friendly, however, I ordered half the pesto grilled cheese and I got a tiny piece on regular sandwich bread and half a pickle..for 4.50?! Sorry, with no sides..it's not worth it..I could have easily made it myself. I understand it's all healthy ingredients, but come on! read more

I have driven by this place many a times and finally went in. Ordered a sandwich and an iced tea... I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with the sandwich. The bread was really good, really fresh, and the turkey wasn't scary. I think Ballard and Greenwood area need more sandwich places so I am happy to have found this one. Excited to try the breakfast sandwiches. read more

The turkey, bacon and avocado sandwich is a favorite of mine.

Sweet staff, fast service and great lighthouse coffee. A perfect neighborhood haunt.

The coffee here is fine, and the monkey travel pictures are interesting. The owner is friendly too. The food choices here are lacking, however. The egg on English muffin sandwiches are something I could do at home. The seating is also a bit awkward here. Rather tight and not all that comfortable. read more

This place is great, especially if you're a student. Its never too crowded and its just the right size for a study group. The baristas are super friendly. Their sandwiches are delicious and the strawberry smoothy is one of my favorites. I highly recommend it. read more

Delicious. Its true that Washington's know their shit about coffee. Love the ambiance love the coffee and love the service