- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Monkey Business Cafe
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 3 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
72 reviews for Monkey Business Cafe
Review Highlights
Loading...
72 reviews in English
-
Review from Belle N.
Anaheim, CA
1/29/12
So we came here to meet a friend to catch up...and have some lunch! I had the Chicken Chile Relleno sandwich...it was very good..sort of bland though BUT the pepper was spicy! I also tried the chicken & dumplings soup which was very good and pretty filling...the BF tried the Ricotta pancakes and he thought they were really good!
We also really liked the fact that all proceeds went to benefit foster youth...it really made me want to frequent the establishment!!
The cafe was very clean and the service was very good! I definitely think I'll be coming back again! -
Review from Lauren S.
Fullerton, CA
I so badly wanted to love the food since I love the concept. Unfortunately it was mediocre breakfast food that took a long time to make.
I had an omelet - but it was so/so and took almost 30 minutes to make.
The decor is nothing fancy - a mish-mash of dining room tables and chairs but it's definitely got a cozy-feel.
I'd give it a 3 but I've decided to add an extra star for the non-profit component. -
Review from N M.
Santa Monica, CA
Good food, good people and good mission.
Came in for breakfast and chatted with the gentleman for a bit. He explained that they grow their own food and are community based. Ordered a vegetable omelet- it was great! Potatoes were good and overall I am happy to go back. -
Review from Kristy I.
it was just okay here.
I feel like the reviews are skewed a little high because it is a non-profit group that runs this for a good cause. YES, it's a good cause, but when the breakfast potatoes are underdone and the ricotta pancakes are too rich, it's just okay.
We came here because the wait at the Original Pancake House was bananas. This place is SO empty on Saturday mornings!
I had the ricotta pancakes with a side of eggs ($2.95 for that amount of eggs is highway robbery). The pancakes themselves were good (nicely cooked--not chewy), but with a creamy sauce, a huge dollop of whipped cream, and ricotta in the batter, it was too overloaded with dairy.
The fiance had the chicken-apple sausage and jack scramble. It was also just okay. He wanted to add Tapatio to it cause it was bland and I agreed. The potatoes it came with were disappointing. Hard, undercooked, flavorless. Potatoes are my favorite part of breakfast (hash browns, rosemary potatoes, anything!) and these did not make the cut.
I won't be back unless I feel like trying one of their burritos (it probably would've been a better choice). -
Review from Mariah T.
Santa Ana, CA
Friendly, hidden gem. Sadly, I didn't get to try their breakfast menu and had their chicken ______ sandwich instead. It isn't something I would try again only because the yogurt flavor mixed with chicken don't seem to mesh well for my liking. However their chicken dumpling soup was delicious. Although my first time ordering here wasn't completely successful, I would give them another try for their breakfast menu.
-
Review from Jenny G.
Fullerton, CA
I really like the idea behind this place. Overall, the breakfast burritos were fine - not great. As others have said, it was pretty deserted on a weekend morning, so it's a good place to some for a little bit of peace and quiet.
-
Review from Lorraine P.
La Habra, CA
Loved the cowboy burger and the slaw. I'm coming back to try other menu items.
-
Review from Zak P.
Quaint little cafe with a down home country feeling. I had the Country breakfast burrito with chicken apple sausage. It was far better than I expected it to be. The flavors in the burrito all came together and exploded in my mouth. Prices are a little high but considering where its going for charity purposes its worth it. Service is so-so they really seemed like they could care less if anyone came in, but it wasn't the worst service I have had either. If your in the country spirit and looking for some good food its a good stop to try at least once.
-
Review from Michelle S.
Orange County, CA
Summary: Good & healthy tasting food, good cause, high prices for breakfast/sandwiches, slow service, friendly staff.
My husband had tried this place a few days ago with his work staff for lunch and came back with a great review so we decided to give them another visit. When you walk in the place is very open with a few country style tables with a mish mash of different furniture very fitting for the area they are in which is near Fullerton College. There was a guy sitting off to the side with an electric guitar playing jazz music which added to the eclectic and relaxed college atmosphere. It reminded me of my fun college days.
Though my husband said their breakfast burrito was excellent, I ordered their turkey sandwich. I was in the mood for fresh sprouts so I had them add it to the sandwich which was no problem for them. The sandwich was around $9 which is really high for ... a sandwich... but it was delicious! The slice of roasted turkey was moist, the veggies in it tasted really fresh, and the bread looked like ciabatta but had a different taste. It came with a little bowl of cantelope, grapes and strawberries. The hubby had the tarragon chicken salad sandwich, which he said was creamy and tasty but the chicken in it was dry.
My little boy had a side short stack of pancakes which was HUGE for him. I tasted it, and it was very light and fluffy with mild flavor. He liked licking off the powder sugar on top and dousing it with syrup. He also had a kids smoothy with strawberries, blueberries and yogurt. It usually comes with bananas, but they were happy to exclude it since he doesn't prefer bananas in his smoothies. Honestly, I was glad they had healthy options for kids since what he originally wanted was french fries, and the most unhealthy thing they had was Sun Chips. The woman behind the counter liked my son and offered him a "witches finger" cookie for free which is normally $1. I ended up eating most of it as he was already full, and it was basically a sugar cookie. It was really yummy actually for such a simple cookie. It wasn't too buttery as some cookies can be.
Our friends ordered the ricotta pancake and the tarragon chicken salad sandwich with potato soup. They were in love with the ricotta pancake.
All in all, the prices are higher than you'd normally pay for breakfast food and sandwiches, but because their profits go to helping former foster kids needing jobs and job skills, I felt okay spending that money since the food was good. I took a star off for how slow their service is. If you're in a hurry don't go there, but if you have a lot of time for lunch, try it out. -
Review from Phoebe C.
Anaheim, CA
I am not a fan of this place! Went here once for Sunday brunch, and they had no customers at all around 10am-12pm! The prices aren't cheap, and I ended up getting their special -- Salmon Sandwich + side of fruit + unsweetened tea. It wasn't impressive at all. Yes, this place is run by a NPO, and proceeds go to the charity, but for the food and price I would rather eat down the street at Rialto Cafe or Tranquil Tea Lounge!
-
Review from Irena W.
Cerritos, CA
Five stars for what they do, the money they collect from these proceeds all go to a good cause, so despite the high prices, I'm willing to fork over some cash for them.
The service, however, was a tad slow, which is understandable. Just make sure you have plenty of time to wait for your food when you come here though. Not a good idea to come here in a rush. Super friendly staff though!
The food, however, was quite lovely for me. I tried the ricotta pancakes that everyone was raving about, but I didn't find anything supurb about them. True, they were light, and fluffy, but they were not "blow your mind orgasmic' like how some yelp reviews made them kind of sound like. I also bought a turkey quesadilla... and that quesadilla... MINDBLOWING! Loved it! Delish! And that sauce they put on top! Yummy yummy! I was a happy camper after that.
Wide open spaces, love the almost kitsch-esque style of eclectic furniture, and absolutely LOVED how the people here were doing this for a good cause. Definitely wouldn't mind bringing some friends here for a kick back/chat/catchup session to relax and help a good cause! -
Review from Claudia R.
Orange, CA
Ran in real quick while I was in DT Fullerton last Saturday afternoon. I have wanted to come here and support this place for a while but just haven't been able to make it over. The place is so open and roomy and felt like somebody's house. I only had a smoothie (which was delicious) but found many items on the menu that I would be more than happy to eat!
I was also stoked to find out that they get their produce from CSUF - yay Fullerton! -
Review from Sergio M.
Anaheim, CA
So the BF took me to this place, he had seen it a few times as he drove around and since I love breakfast he figured it would be a nice place for me. I must agree, it's a cute place. The salt shakers are monkeys.
Any who, first all profits from this place goes to help some youth charity, so right off the bat you get food and do community service. Already starting off on the right foot. As for the food, I was told the ricotta cheese pancakes were good, but I was to scared to try them and not like them. I ended up getting a California burrito. It was really good, I thought it would not fill me up, the portion seemed a bit small, but once I started eating it started filling me up. It was basically eggs, cheese, avocado, bacon, nothing crazy, but it was well made and delish.
I totally recommend checking this place out, I will be going back to try the ricotta pancakes, I have to if they claim its their specialty. Staff is super friendly the place has this small town feel. -
Review from Mike S.
Yorba Linda, CA
The price is kind of high, as many have stated - but proceeds go to a good cause, so it is hard to criticize them as such. When my wife and I had lunch here with a friend recently on a Sunday afternoon, the place seemed short staffed with tables left unkempt and service dragging a bit. Drink refills weren't really happening, sadly.
The food was pretty good though. I ended up getting a turkey club scramble, which was essentially scrambled eggs with chunks of turkey, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes, served with potatoes and toast. Naturally somewhat bland, a bit of Tapatio perked everything up a bit. The portion was about as expected for the price, so no qualms there.
Menu variety offers the traditional sandwich/salad/soup fare, as well as breakfast entrees. I would not set expectations too high for anything very innovative or unique in terms of the selection, but if you are craving some breakfast food or a light lunch and want to support your local community, then I would say give Monkey Business a try. -
Review from Michelle C.
Buena Park, CA
I've passed by this cafe so many times, and I've always wanted to stop by. I discovered that this cafe was a highly rated restaurant on Yelp a year or so ago, but I lagged and didn't get around to it until now. And boy, I'm definitely glad that I finally went. (It made for the wonderful start to a day, treating my mom to breakfast.)
It was amazing! The food was honestly absolutely delicious. I went along with Yelp's recommendations, the ricotta pancakes and the vegetarian burrito. The burrito was reeeally good. Fairly large, well wrapped. It wasn't skimpy; filled with eggs, spinach, mushrooms, cheese, etc, inside a wonderfully warm flour tortilla. I would have been full from half a burrito alone. (The burrito was surprisingly heavy... it was absolutely filled!)
And the ricotta pancakes. Oh. My God. The ricotta pancakes. No words can describe how much I loved them. I'm remembering the taste as I type these words... The pancakes themselves were fairly thin (in a good way!) but still fluffy, I could tell that they were made from a thinner pancake batter than normal, due to the ricotta cheese. And hoooly. The duo of the lemon crème fraiche & the powdered sugar absolutely maaade the dish. I'm craving it now!! I didn't even use any maple syrup!
The decor was great, really cute. I love the set up of the place. It was roomy and large, a big open space. Most things are made up of wood (the walls, the tables, the chairs), and it's decorated in a mild jungle theme. The Monkey salt + pepper shakers, the fake banana trees, all really cute.
I'm raving about this place like I just gave them 5 stars, but it's true, I only gave 4. I mean, it definitely is a little pricey, as some Yelpers have mentioned. My total came out to be ~19 dollars before tip. I think the website's menu prices are wrong, because I remember the ricotta pancakes being more than the shown price...
I do like what their mission though, and even though it may hurt my Hello Kitty wallet a bit, I'll probably be visiting Monkey Business Cafe again sometime soon. -
Review from socalvegan k.
Brea, CA
VEGAN OPTION
How can you not want to hug this cafe? It's nonprofit and provides job training opportunities to local foster youth! And their veggies come from the CSUF farm (local)
Tried: Breakfast burrito, veggie, no cheese or eggs: Very hearty with potatoes, spinach, and lots of other veggies. Very good and very, very filling!
Pro's:
Listed above!
Con's:
Closes at 3pm. -
Review from Elizabeth C.
Walnut, CA
Was really hoping to like the place as it's pretty conveniently located near downtown Fullerton.
Had the monkey biscuit plate with a side of potatoes. The whole thing was way too dry. My cousin had the California breakfast burrito which tasted a lot better than my dish.
Also had a smoothie which was eh, lacked the taste of any specific fruit. Tasted healthy at least (not too sugary).
I do really like the mission of the place though and their cause. Maybe I'll give it another chance someday. -
Review from Elesha R.
I love their breakfast burritos. They are 8.95 but this is a non profit business. Great vegetarian options. Ricotta Pancakes are amazing and fatty (great to share)
1. mexican burrito
2. country style burrito (with gravy potatoes apple sausage)
3. So cal burrito (bacon avocado egg whites)
Amber is so helpful and kind! -
Review from Melissa B.
Anaheim, CA
Good food and for a good cause. I agree that the price is kind of high. I found a Groupon for $5 for $10 of food. There are some specials.
I went for lunch, but the breakfast menu was much larger. I had the vegetarian sandwich, which my husband described as "sprouty"
The inside is nice and large, clean and cool in the summer. I recommend the lemon flavored water.
The service was really good. They bring the food out to you and if you order a fountain drink they'll give you unlimited refills. I'd really just like to see more vegetarian options and baked goods on the menu. -
Review from Susie P.
La Mirada, CA
I LOVE THE RICOTTA PANCAKES!!! and i come here all the time just for the ricotta pancakes.
i normally dont eat pancakes cause they are very high in sugar (syrup) and in carbs. but the ricotta pancakes are just PERFECT!!
it comes with lemon which makes the pancakes fresh tasting.
I also love how the water has strawberries or oranges. everything else on the menu is up to par as well. popos and eggs :)
plus! it goes to a good cause!! -
Review from Elaine K.
Placentia, CA
I'm down for the cause but the sandwich I ate I could have made from home. No, really. Bread, tomato, onion, and turkey slapped together thrown on a plate with some sunchips.
It has a cute interior and I think they sell some of the items inside for the organization.
They have free Wi-Fi, but who doesn't nowadays? -
Review from Safa S.
I am in love! Very few restaurants/cafes are non-profit organizations, where the proceeds go to a good cause. Here, your money goes towards local youths at risk!
Not only does this place help kids out, it also has really good food, pastries and coffee. Plus, they have free wifi and the location is great for studying or hanging out.
Ordered:
Surf Bar - nuts, seeds, coconut, cranberries and chocolate - Excellent
Sliced Apple, Baby Spinach Salad - excellent
Veggie Sandwich - really good
Monkey Late - peanut butter, chocolate, banana and coffee - OMG! SOO good! -
Review from Carrie B.
Fullerton, CA
Was a wonderful breakfast the Ricotta Pancake were. They melted in my mouth. It was a wonderful time.
The only negative thing I can say is that the order didn't all come out at the same time. However the people are nice and definitely worth going back. -
Review from susan l.
Rowland Heights, CA
stopped by for lunch after a friend recommended it
what i ate:
- monkey biscuit w/potatoes (breakfast): basically a muffin (not really what youd think of when you think of biscuit; not a buttermilk biscuit) topped with some spinach, tomatoes, cheese, and an egg. everything is baked. i wasnt that wowed. it was dry. while individually the ingredients were okay (i think though the egg was the worst, totally overcooked!), together it wasnt as amazing as i hoped it to be. the side of potatoes was tasty, but a few were undercooked.
- side of fruit: fresh and ripe
pros:
- definitely like the concept behind the cafe. its a great cause, and what better way to support it while still getting a bite to eat?
- homey: i loved the potpourri of furniture. if felt like i was sitting in someones kitchen and sharing a bite to eat. i liked the open space. it was big, but still homey and comfortable.
- breakfast served all day!
cons:
- i wasnt wowed by the food. maybe i ordered the wrong thing. while what i ate wasnt horrible, i wasnt impressed. but, it wasnt bad enough that i wouldnt be willing to try something else
would i come again?
if i was in the area, sure. -
Review from Maria T.
Santa Monica, CA
A non-profit cafe with fair trade coffee where 100% of the proceeds benefit foster youth?! Yessss! And they collaborate with the Cal State Fullerton Arboretrum to provide organic, locally grown produce? Monkey Business, you couldn't be more awesome in my eyes.
I think they've recently revamped the menu... I've loved everything I've ever tried from here. From the amazing muffins (peanut butter banana, OMG), to the soup/salads, to the vegetarian Breakfast Burrito, I adore Monkey Biz. This is a great place to study, meet a friend, have a quick healthy bite to eat, or pick something up to go. Come here, spend lots of money, and feel good that the profits of your meal go to a charitable cause!Listed in: Hidden Gems, Brunch-tastic in OC (or…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/17/2009
I LOVE Monkey Business. Four words: Peanut Butter Banana Muffin. (AMAZING!)
Scratch the four words.… Read more »
-
3/17/2009
-
Review from Victorian E.
Fullerton, CA
Organic, organic, organic!!!! Monkey Business Cafe has earned my business!!! The best part about this place is its socially conscience practice. All produces are organic are freshly baked. AND to add to its goodness, the place benefits youth in foster care.
I visit the cafe just for its Mocha. The RICHNESS in flavor (including the whip cream) can only be experienced from organic products. A delightful, delicious beverage that CANNOT be matched by other common coffee joints.
A nice quite location to study/ eat breakfast/ eat lunch. The free wifi is a plus!!! Only downside: the place closes early (3pm) so you have to catch the organic goodness early in the day. -
Review from Jason G.
Anaheim, CA
Please read the story behind this restaurant and it alone will make you want to dine here . Visited this restaurant after a long night in Downtown and was warmly welcomed by the gracious woman at the counter. The dining room is roomy and comfortable with an at home feel and even a sofa and coffee table , where I enjoyed fluffy warm pancakes with made to order eggs and crspy long strips of bacon. Had an issue with my card and the wonderful lady at the counter was understanding and helpful, hard to find in this time of "next in line!" type of businesses.Visit http://Groupon.com for a $5 for $10 voucher. Great place with and even greater cause
-
Review from Arnold W.
Great concept, LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! But the food is what you'd expect for a non-profit place. It's nothing out of the ordinary. 3 stars for food, 5 stars for the concept and what they do. I can't do math for 3 stars.
-
Review from Tammy L.
Fullerton, CA
I came here for breakfast. For some odd reason I got lost even though its located right at the corner. The food was okay, not the best i've had but it seemed healthy. I ordered a breakfast burrito and it wasn't greasy. I hate greasy food. Parking was small. The inside of this cafe was different, had alot of random stuff in here. It'd make a nice place to study or hangout. Price is okay, not too much. The employees were nice.
Thats about it. -
Review from Tipu K.
Anaheim, CA
Awesome awesome awesome!
Sandwiches were SEattle style (gourmet) which you don't find a lot of in So Cal.
Salad was very good as well (apple and spinach).
Pastries were great, coffee was fair trade, organic (everything is actually) and my shot of espresso was excellent, on par with some of the best Seattle coffee shops I've experienced.
And of course, the mission....non profit with proceeds benefiting the youth, amazing!!! -
Review from Steve R.
Yorba Linda, CA
I love the concept of this place. I believe they help kids from disadvantaged families, orphans or foster care. The owner is a gal who is one of those people after you talk to you feel a little more sunshine in your day. The food is not a big deal at all. Seriously I don't think people go back their for the food or setting. I think most folks go back to support those kids and this restaurant.
The burger tasted like I'm at a friends barbecue who's not a cook. The sandwiches are nothing special. I will continue to go back to this place to support these people and the owner. God bless their souls but cmon let's get the food to taste a little better will ya. -
Review from Karen H.
Fullerton, CA
I love going to Monkey Business for a relaxing breakfast. The food is locally sourced and the whole place is run by Hart Community Homes, so you're doing a good thing when you eat here. The dining room is really spacious with funky mismatched tables, chairs and couches - all very comfortable. And there's wi-fi. The baked goods are also excellent. Monkey Business is one you might pass by, but you shouldn't. Great place.
-
Review from Victoria A.
Fullerton, CA
Great, tasty sandwich (ordered take-out, Turkey Club), friendly, warm service and a homestyle, casual environment. I love the fact that my dollars are going to a very worthwhile cause. Check it out! They offer catering services too, with a menu they can tailor to meet our needs. Why not use them for your next event and support this important social cause? They're open 7am-3pm, 7 days, have free wireless and rent out their space when cafe is closed. I'll return to try other food items and I'm excited to try the coffee services. I definitely felt the urge to spread the word! Their menu is online.
-
Review from Maureen W.
Laguna Niguel, CA
What a great place. Takes me back to college days, I just love everything about this cafe. I usually visit Sunday mornings after doing a road ride with a group nearby. I usually order the breakfast combo and it is such a great deal, comes with coffee too, which i turn into ice coffee. Also, if you would rather more tomatoes or something else over bacon/sausage, they are happy to substitute.
My hubby loves the breakfast burritos and smoothies.
The chairs with cushions are super comfortable but the whole place exudes comfort... it even has a couple of couches in a far corner for hanging out and gabbing with friends. It's a down to earth kind of place. No upscale froufrou stuff here.
love this place and will keep coming back! -
Review from Joanna M.
Fullerton, CA
Monkey Business = Yummy Burrito Business
The breakfast burrito here is above anyone else's, it's frickin bananas. I want. and. crave. these freshly made, egg, bacon, and avocado goodness on a weekly basis. I've tried replicating this at home and I'm an utter failure.
yah yah everything else is good too..
but BURRITOs!
I'm really serious about this. really.
Burritos.Listed in: EAT IT OC
-
Review from Jessika R.
Brea, CA
Came to this place because Rialto Cafe was packed. Was not very impressed at all!!
Food was mediocre. Employees were slow. I ordered a side of bacon which i did not receive with my meal. i had to wait in line for probably close to 10 minutes just to get it. By the time I got back to my food it was cold.
2 stars for the proceeds going to foster youth. -
Review from Amanda L.
Fullerton, CA
As soon as I ordered my food I wished I hadn't... it took several minutes for anyone to even notice we were at the counter, there was food waiting on the back counter waiting to be delivered forever, grumpy customers loudly complaining about the bad service, and all but one table had plates and old food on it... and the one we chose to sit at still needed to be wiped down so we did it ourselves. There were several sloppy looking teenagers in the back just talking and my food came out 5 minutes before my husband's. I could even mention more things, but i think you get the idea. I don't write reviews often and when I do it's usually to praise a place, but this restaurant was just too horrible!
-
Review from Rochelle R.
Los Angeles, CA
I always pass this place on my way to visit the folks, but I never stopped in. My sister said it wasn't all that and I listened to her. Well, my tummy was rumbling and I needed something to eat. The mister wanted a healthy breakfast and Yelp said they had healthy breakfast.
I was pleasantly surprised at the decor, it was shabby chic. You would find a spot like this in Silverlake not in the heart of the OC. Unfortunately, they didn't get a delivery, so they didn't have oj or smoothies. We settled on the breakfast special for $5.99. You get to choose from a list what you want, so we got the grilled chicken, 2 over easy eggs, tomato slices, and whole wheat pancakes. Not bad. And it came with a cup of coffee. I was surprised there weren't more people eating here.
I really enjoyed this place and would give it 3.5 stars. It would've been better if they had outdoor seating.Listed in: Downtown Fullerton and it's…
-
Review from cricket j.
Fullerton, CA
I had the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and I'm definitely a fan of Monkey Business Cafe! The sandwich was loaded with roasted red peppers, fresh basil, spinach, artichoke hearts provolone cheese on a ciabatta roll. The sandwich was just the right size and they served it with a few tortilla chips. YUM!
Inside the the cafe was a Iive musician, comfortable eclectic seating and interesting decor. Not only was the food delicious, they are a non-profit enterprise so you're helping local programs & youth.Listed in: Vegetarian & Veg-Friendly…
-
Review from Bethany I.
Anaheim, CA
Had a latte here and a surf bar..... Awesome organic goodness! I'll be returning soon...
