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Monkey Tree - CLOSED
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
51 reviews for Monkey Tree
Review Highlights
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Paul A.
Albany, CA
Pastry perfection here at the Monkey Tree. It's that good.
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Review from Alli W.
Seattle, WA
The Monkey Tree is the best place to eat on Vashon Island, possibly even in the greater Seattle area. I really love this place!
Many, many decadent baked goods to choose from. An extensive lunch menu full of fresh fruits and veggies. You won't miss the meat, I promise! Friendly service from people who really care about the food they make. All around, a wonderful experience!
Make sure to bring cash or your checkbook as they do not take cards! -
Review from sydney c.
West Seattle, WA
We go here and to Express Cuisine for the best chow on the island. As others have mentioned, it is meatless, but often indulgently dairy-full. Unless you're a cattle rancher, they've got something for nearly everyone.
To this coffee-house-hanger-outer-and-chatter it has an ideal ambience. (If you're more of a Type A. "git'er done" kind of diner, maybe try another island ;) Much of Vashon still operates on "Island Time." To me, it is charming and part of why I visit Vashon. If not, why torture yourself?)
Although often bustling and even a little tight for space, i feel it is very family-friendly: my 3.5 yo has been able to get up and move around the place safely without disapproving glares - yet another thing I like about Vashon. Everything I have tried here has been satisfyingly tasty in some way: sweet, cheesy, yeasty/bready, hearty/stewy, piquant, often a combination of most of these.
The owners are unfailingly hardworking and caring, going out of their way to accommodate every single visitor and make them feel welcome and appreciated. I am not related, a part-owner or have any personal interest in the place outside of admiring good people who work hard to make people happy. They do and when we visit, we are. -
Review from Wing F.
Seattle, WA
Stopped here on our first trip to vashon. My mouth started watering the instant I walked in the door. Yummy looking baked goods said hello and pleaded to be eaten. The croissant said: "I'm tasty, eat me" and the bread said: " Look how crispy I am, eat me" and the pizza said: "so cheesy, eat me". So I did.
All veggie all the time. It was crazy crowded and a little dis-organized, but everyone was pleasant. Not the most relaxing meal due to the quantity of people around the table, the small table, and a cranky baby (that belonged to us) but my tummy left happy and we even found the missing shoe. -
Review from wesh w.
Seattle, WA
We had great vegetarian chow here. Home-made everything. I had a vegetarian reuben sandwich I'd love to be able to get here in Seattle. My ex-wife had the open-faced sandwich (also fantastic). A grilled PBJ (YES!) for the kids, a plate of sweet- and russet-potato fries, some good drip coffee (Lighthouse Roasters as of this review), and great take-away baked goods rounded out the meal. We'll definitely be back.
ALL THAT SAID...lunch for four was $50. A tad steep for what I'm used to, but the chow was exemplary. Also, the ceiling in the front where we were sitting was leaking on me intermittently during my meal. Don't let this last dissuade you from going, but you'd be wise to seek seating in the middle or back of the restaurant, especially if it's been raining.Listed in: Good For Vegetarians
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Review from Annie D.
Kirkland, WA
Based on the reviews here, & since we were visiting Vashon Island on Mother's Day, I decided to go to Monkey Tree Cafe with my kids (ages 4.5 & 1). Mentions of kids fare in the reviews here sold me.
However, parents: be prepared!
Sure, it was a holiday, but I'm guessing the place was busy-as-usual. The staff was certainly attentive (unorganized?) - after we were seated, 3 different people came up & asked us if we'd ordered.
Anyway, I was seated at a large table with my 2 kids. Since I was prepared for a wait, I doled out snacks to the baby & crayons to my son. The first waiter who came to our table took our order. Though the kids menu is not listed on the regular menu, she told me they had Grilled Cheese, Quesadillas, & Macaroni+Cheese. We ordered the Quesadilla & Mac+Cheese for the kids & a house pizza for me (based on the reviews here). I actually asked if the Mac+Cheese was really gooey, since I'd be feeding it to the 1 yr old, & the waitress said it'll be fine.
Well, when I mentioned earlier to be prepared... I didn't think we'd wait close to an hour for our food! Sheesh, come ON, MTC Staff - I realize it was Mother's Day & you might've been short-staffed (though not on waiters?), but... well, I guess when they realized I was almost out of my supply of crackers, cheesesticks, apple slices, dried fruit, & raisins (I packed for a DAY-trip, not just out to lunch!), the waiter brought out a bowl of fresh fruit for my kids...but she brought it about 5 minutes before our lunch was served?!? Needless to say, it was VERY much appreciated, because..
The mac+cheese was actually bow-tie pasta + parmesan. To a one-year-old, this is NOT mac+cheese. Nor to the 4 yr old. And the 4 yr old didn't like the cheese in the Quesadilla (my fault - I should've asked for cheddar or American... or better yet, just ordered the Grilled Cheese!) So, the kids ate part of my pizza (they were filled up on all the snacks they consumed) & we packed up everything else.
And, oh yeah, it's a cash-only place. When I thought I wouldn't have enough cash, the waiter said it would be no problem, I could come back & pay. Thankfully, I DID have enough cash.
The food really was delicious & I'm disappointed my kids didn't want to eat it, so I'd give this place 4 stars, but I had to take one away for the looooong time it took to get us our food. Still, I'd probably go again. And yes, my bag will be packed with snacks to entertain my kids. But hopefully, their palate will more refined! ;) -
Review from Shanti M.
Whidbey Island, WA
Need more hours, need more hours! Not enough hours in every week is this incredible little place open! SO sad to be on Vashon with Monkey Tree withdrawals....
They make the most AMAZING lentil soup (I know - Lentils?? and Amazing?? Isn't that an oxymoron or something?)
The owners light up when they recognize you (which seems heart-warmingly common), and it's a great place to have either a private lunch or - to become part of the crowd. (I always love a place where I can just jump in, as I usually travel alone!)Listed in: Yummies (& Cozy, too!)
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Review from Amy H.
One time I took a ferry from Seattle just to try the croissant french toast. It was amazing, fantastic and incredible. Definitely worth the trip and then some! The man behind the counter was impressed that we had traveled to the island just to eat here and gave us a delicious fudge, brownie as a treat to go! What a guy!
This place is a must eat. -
Review from Katy W.
San Jose, CA
This isn't somewhere you would necessarily wander into without prior knowledge, but luckily our foodie friends knew about it from Gourmet magazine. Sometimes I am skeptical about Gourmet recommendations, but this place lived up to its reputation and did so in a very unassuming manner.
They had some amazing pastries on display which we sadly did not have room to sample, but set the bar high. The menu was interesting and all of it sounded good. It took us a while to realize it was vegetarian which I think is a good thing.
I had the black bean cakes which were not exactly what I expected (I'm no bean expert, but they weren't black?)-- it was pretty yummy, but definitely heavier than what I had in mind. The portions here are generous especially since the four of us split a 'heapin' helpin' of their french fries which are to-die-for.
Everyone else seemed to be impressed with their lunches including some samosas and a pesto sandwich. The bill was cheap and the service friendly.
Thanks to Monkey Tree to continuing the laid-back Vashon vibe. -
Review from Jen C.
I love a place where it's so hard to decide what to order because the menu is full of amazing choices.
It is a vegetarian restaurant, but I didn't realize it until after I ordered and thought, "huh... there wasn't any meat on the menu, was there?" You really don't miss it.
I had the open face sandwich with caramelized onions, artichoke hearts and cheese. It was amazing.
I also tried the croissant french toast, which was probably the best french toast I've ever had. The croissants get all crispy and caramelized where they hit the pan. Then there's the real maple syrup and the whipped cream. Ughhh... so good!! Even had the cold leftovers the next morning for breakfast.
The service was good, I think it may have been the owner who was taking care of us. He was sweet and prompt and kept us very happy.
Beware that it's cash/check only. -
Review from jerritt c.
Tacoma, WA
A destination! Unfortunately last time I attempted to reach it (by bicycle, from Tacoma) they were still operating in Winter Hours mode and thus not open on Wednesday. It was a week before the solstice! It was hot! It hadn't rained for a month!
The creamy walnut sauce on pasta here really does it for me. How they achieve that degree of savory in the constraints of vegetarianism deserves study. Seriously, everyone would consider the kinder route if one could reliably degust at that level.
The baked goods are exceptional and their display is awesome. -
Review from Corene C.
Seattle, WA
I had the pleasure of eating at Monkey Tree today - lucky me! All quality, fresh ingredients prepared by folks who put love in their food. It's obvious. We sat outside in the beautiful courtyard and enjoyed giant pastries (full of fresh Summer fruit) and darn good coffee. I can't wait to hop a ferry again and try lunch.
The owners were also working down the road at the Vashon farmers market today and had the longest line! Delish. -
Review from Jennifer F.
San Diego, CA
The Monkey Tree is the best vegetarian food, hands down, in the United States. I thought it was going to be a real tree-hugging fest, and I feared "monkey" would appear on the menu.... or in a cage.
However, it's totally vegetarian! The owners make the best (yummy!) homemade soup that I've tasted. The prices are very reasonable and all the ingredients were fresh. The interior was super cute with fresh flowers on the tables. It was worth the trip to Vashon just to eat at the Monkey Tree! I hope they expand.......... and take over the world!Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Amanda D.
Seattle, WA
After biking onto Vashon Island, and checking into our B & B, we were in desperate need for some sustenance. We biked up to town and pretty much checked out the whole strip (which was easy, since it was like 3 blocks). We settled in the Monkey Tree, thanks to some good yelp reviews and our rumbling belly's.
The place was really cute, a quaint, art-deco type cafe/restaurant with tables made out of wine barrels (which, doesn't provide room for your legs) and other hand made furniture. The menu was short and a bit pricey - $12.50 for grilled cheese!? But it was worth it. We shared an open faced sandwich with artichokes, grilled peppers and Havarti and the soup special - a roasted garlic potato cilantro with homemade bread. It was plenty of food and really delicious. I can't say the service was anything special, but we were one of those that came in right before closing time, so I guess that was expected. -
Review from Arkay K.
San Francisco, CA
Everything we had was impeccable. We were there on a Monday, which was busy for lunch but didn't have to wait for a table. Service was prompt. Vibe (staff and patrons) was very friendly.
Three of us shared the fries (huge portion!) two sandwiches and salad, and still had plenty to take home. Everything was super fresh and artfully prepared. I am a big time carnivore, and was 100% satisfied with everything we had here. On par with the best, contemporary bkfst/lunch cafes I've visited in any major city, including my hometown of San Francisco. -
Review from Tim D.
*A warning to carnivores*: If you're looking for a place that serves meat, this isn't for you. That would be because they don't serve any. I was not aware of this fact before we stopped here hoping to have lunch.
Beyond that, it's a neat little restaurant. The pastry case looked awesome all around, the staff were very nice, and the french fries were really good. The raspberrry iced-tea and pink lemonade (an ersazt Arnold Palmer) was very good.
There was a backup in the kitchen that made my fries take a while, and they brought me some pear slices to snack on while I waited. A nice touch.
So, if you are a vegetarian, or you're just looking for some pastries, I would recommend going. If you are looking for anything resembling meat, look elsewhere. -
Review from Houston A.
Edmonds, WA
Business closed.
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Review from Lila D.
Fullerton, CA
Stayed a week on Vashon Island Washington. Being Pescatarian, I was looking forward to eating here. The only problem is that it didn't open until Thursday. I had the Havarti open faced sandwich with a salad. The food was delicious, fresh and tasty. On my way out picked up one of their brownies which was really good and was big enough for 2 servings. The cinnamon rolls look really, really good .
We ate on the patio which was really pretty with all the flowers and actually had several butterflies flying around which I haven t seen in a long time. The only downside of this restaurant is that its not open more hours. If it had been we would have eaten there more then just the one time.. -
Review from frank m.
Seattle, WA
We try to visit the Monkey Tree each time we're on Vashon Island; just to see if it's a mirage [can it always be so good?]
Today was the same fabulous artisan food, prepared by the sweetest people. We had the breakfast croissant, plain croissant; Danish and a chocolate cheesecake. Lighthouse drip coffee made it a perfect meal to start our daytrip on the island.
We were also treated to a local artists exhibit, inspired by Piet Mondrian.
We were also treated to a local artist exhibit, inspired by... -
Review from Liz R.
Seattle, WA
I can't speak to their lunch-fare but I came on a croissant recommendation and they were amazing as promised.
Minus 1 star for being cash-only. 21st century, folks. Seriously. -
Review from Prudence M.
Fullerton, CA
Vashon is super small and in the heart of this little island lies monkey tree cafe. It has a relaxed, earthy, hippie vibe. Everyone is really friendly and helpful. The menu is kind of small but filled with a lot of gems. I got the chipotle grilled cheese. It came with their home made bread and a side salad. A little pricey but pretty big portions and it tasted great left over. The relaxed, family vibe is really cool. I've heard vashon is famous for breeding hippies... right in the middle of our meal a two year old girl decided that she didn't want to wear clothes anymore. she sat down and got completely naked hahaha. her mom was so embarrassed but everyone just laughed. she was like "eff these clothes. eff society's censorship" Overall, I really liked this place and i'll definitely be back when I come back to Vashon
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Review from Daniel L.
Vashon, WA
EAT HERE NOW - THEY'RE CLOSING ON 12/28/2010!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/5/2008
Best restaurant in Vashon town center. If you're a visitor you must eat here - don't let the… Read more »
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2/5/2008
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Review from Chris J.
Morgan Hill, CA
We weren't even that hungry, but this place was amazing! We literally stumbled across this place on our way off of Vashon.
You walk in and the baked sweets smell fantastic at the front counter.
I ordered the Open-Faced Sandwich and it is the best thing I've eaten in a long time. Perfect blend of tasty bread, veggies, and cheese.
We also got battered sweet potato fries (my friend whined because some were regular potato, but as far as I'm concerned they're worth it anyway, and you get a ridiculous amount even on the small order!).
I bought a brownie and apple turnover to take home, and both were delicious, the brownie was fudgy and the turnover had a great cream cheese center.
The owner was super friendly and the service was great. It is absolutely worth the drive+ferry.
PS I am not a vegetarian but I still heartily recommend this place! -
Review from Anna P.
I suppose that if one lives in Seattle, one could decide to factor in the cost of transportation ($20+ for ferry, gas) and time (could be spent doing more productive things than eating) into the cost of a meal on Vashon Island. I can also tell you that even if you were THAT anal, the croissant french toast at the Monkey Tree Cafe is worth all that and more. Look up the ferry schedule, get a ride if you have to, and GO.
Listed in: Breakfast Besties
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Review from Joshua G.
Cambridge, MA
i would travel from off island for the monkey tree. the baker is not only a genius at his craft, but also a pleasant host. if you sit at the bar, you will certainly get your opportunity to chat with the staff about the food and things to do on vashon.
the fig and gorgonzola sandwich is so good, it could not be improved with bacon.
the walnut cream sauce on the pasta bowl is so rich and delicious, it might actually be lethal.
and don't leave without picking up some home made pastries. you will have dreams about the brownies. -
Review from abigail b.
Seattle, WA
my parents live on vashon; therefore, i am in vashon often. to be honest, there isn't a lot of food on vashon that i get excited about. i was actually hesitant to eat at monkey tree because i imagined a mediocre bakery with a mediocre deli menu. i was very pleased to be so wrong because these people really care about their artisan food.
there are a few things about this place that i do get annoyed with, and i'll get those things out of the way. first of all, this place is a busy a lot of the time -- being that, when open, monkey tree is one of the best places on the island. their parking lot is ridiculously small, and i've gotten stuck in it before. their hours are pretty limited. it's cash only. the cash only thing isn't that big of a deal, but it makes you have to either plan ahead to run by an atm before eating or fit your order to the cash you have. the menu is also pretty limited, and that's a shame because the food is so good. i am lactose intolerant, so what i can get is slimmed down considerably since they make up for rich meat with rich cheeses.
you do not miss meat when you eat here because the flavor profiles has no voids. everything is so hearty and every element is considered. the sandwiches aren't just sandwiches. they mix sweet and salty and spicy... it's so nice to have food that's not bland. even the bread is fantastic because they make it themselves. i've had a tomato soup at monkey tree that i loved, and normally i am not that big of a tomato soup fan. thinking of condensed tomato soup in a can from the past has the potential to put me in a cold sweat, and so normally i stay away from tomato soup. this one was thick and tangy and the tomatoes were roasted. the soups are served with some of their bread and apple slices. a cup of soup with a side of batter-dipped potato fries (they serve a medley of different potatoes) and it's a meal. that is my monkey tree staple.
again, i can't have a lot of what they have because it's cheesy. being a veg place, a lot of emphasis is put on the cheese element. i'd feel bad ordering something without it, and so i don't bother. the descriptions alone on the menu will make you want to eat your hand, and i have no doubt that the cheese-laden dishes are quite wonderful. i haven't been here for breakfast yet, but i can only assume it'd be tasty. breakfast in a bakery -- who can go wrong? their croissants and danishes are flaky and soft and would be attending my last meal if i ever had to request one.
the bakery is right there as you enter the door. rows and stacks of baked goods, sweet and savory, sometimes still on the racks from being baked off. who wouldn't want to eat there? the staff is quite pleasant, and they are very apologetic when it's insanely busy. the atmosphere is quaint and eclectic, and, to be honest, i don't mind hanging out in there if the kitchen gets a little backed up. monkey tree definitely keeps the mind of the island -- interesting, leisurely, and friendly. just make sure that you keep their hours and the time in mind before getting too excited about eating there, because walking up to a closed monkey tree is a sad, sad thing. -
Review from AJ R.
Edmonds, WA
I was over on Vashon biking for the day and had this place written down to eat at. Let me tell you- I would come to Vashon just to eat here next time. After scouring the menu with my friends one piped up- Where's the Beef? Then I remembered reading it was vegetarian. After the grunts and grumbles were done they decided on a selection: Pizza, which turned out to be one of the best fresh tasting vege pizza's ever. We also tried the grilled cheese, the fries and a big salad. All of it was SUPER!!!! Everything was great, food, staff, ambiance. We ended up finding out our waiter was actually the owner, so kind and generous. He gave us a HUGE brownie when we left.
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Review from Matt M.
Seattle, WA
I followed AJ R's (see earlier review) advice and got a friend to bike there from Seattle with me a few months back. It made a perfect turnaround point for a Sunday bike ride and the food is AWESOME! They have one of those menus where it is hard to decide which one dish you want to try. You can also purchase some tasty, freshly baked bread to take with you. One thing to keep in mind, when we went it was cash-only. There is a bank around the corner though.
Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Elvira V.
Glenview, IL
The last time I was on Vashon I happened to be there for the opening. It was busy yet everyone seemed relaxed. I can't give enough praise about the Monkey Tree; I love the food, the coffee and the baked goods (I'm a sucker for all things Danish and coffee cake). Megan (MT owner) makes unbelievable soups - she can convert any carnivore out there - her cooking is so amazing. My faves are the spicy & creamy zucchini soup and the potato leek soup - to be dipped with a chewy crusted baguette. The atmosphere is totally chill; I liken it to a dear friend's warm & inviting kitchen that everyone congregates in - where you aren't in a hurry to leave...unless of course you have to catch the ferry. Note: I think they are closed on Sundays.
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Review from Caroline C.
Beverly Hills, CA
Every single thing I've had here is delicious. Quality ingredients cooked by a person who obviously knows what they are doing. The fare is hearty comfort food with a twist and it works so well. The staff are friendly too! Just don't go at high-traffic times, this place can get packed.
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Review from Charmaine M.
Cypress, CA
Best. Pastries. in the Western Hemisphere. Croissants are perfect. Carrot cake is some of the best I have ever eaten, even though it wasn't topped with cream cheese frosting. The Danish pastries, with fruit and cream simply melted in my mouth, and those brownies....gad! a diabetics nightmare! but oh sooo good!
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Review from Bob B.
Austin, TX
Their chipotle potato soup rocks!
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Review from Tori J.
Seattle, WA
Ah Monkey Tree, you foxy vegan. I told my sister if the Monkey Tree was a person I would marry him ...I was very hungry beforehand but the general sentiment of my love and commitment stands true.
It's all vegan ( I think ) and delightful.
I regret to say I have no idea when their hours are. That was my only hurdle in not reviewing sooner. Oh and also I did not notice they took credit cards but it all smelled so good I went back a third time.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Dominique H.
San Diego, CA
Another placed that I fell in love with in Vashon. This was the perfect place to come and enjoy a pastry and an early morning cup of joe. Let me warn you, these are not your typical pastries. They are huge! I had the strawberry and cheese danish, which was dee-lish! The pear cinnamon roll was another favorite of mine. The display of assorted pastries might overwhelm you at first because of the size of each one. But go ahead....splurge! you deserve it!! I sat inside which has a beautiful rustic look. As I was leaving I peeked my head outside to look at the patio and it had a different variety of plants that made it very inviting.
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Review from Sara M.
Oakland, CA
The food is interesting for veggie food (a chipotle grilled cheese on freshly baked bread rather than a standard grilled cheese, for example), the people who wait on you are nice, and you can sit outside if you want. This is my favorite place on the island to eat. Being from the bay area, the cash only thing doesn't bother me, as we have to check on that all the time. I like that the buisness doesn't have to pay to use the dumb credit machine.
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Review from Spike M.
WA
I haven't had a meal at the Monkey Tree yet, although my High School daughter and her friends are lunchtime regulars. And my wife, who loves coffee and espresso, buys americanos there - so the coffee must be pretty good. However! That is not what I opened a yelp account to say. What I am here to say is: Adam, the Monkey Tree baker, is like the bodhisattva of coffeecake. A piece of coffeecake can only last so long, no matter how small you make your bites, but while it lasts, you can know bliss. The chocolate chip cookies are first rate too...
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Review from Zach M.
Bozeman, MT
A special vegetarian place with eclectic environment and great fresh creative food. The owner is super friendly and hard working to keep you happy. His kitchen crew must be great to turn out the tasty food, but the rest of the staff is mixed. As good as it is, I don't see how people can rate it a 5 star. Attention to detail is lacking for a 5 star. Bathrooms not clean and sometimes lacking basics like towels. Tables cleaned of dishes, but not wiped. Makes one concerned about the attention to detail in cleanliness in the food area. But, hey, I'm still saying it is a four star because the food is scrumptious. Stuffed Tomato, Bean and Avocado Salad, even Samosas, which were a bit hot for me, were excellent.
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Review from Daniel G.
Vashon, WA
Great food, baked goods and super-friendly service with no pretension. My favorite place on Vashon.
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Review from Michelle L.
Seattle, WA
I had lunch at Monkey Tree on the first day of a two-day stay on Vashon, and I rearranged my plans to return for lunch the following day. The sweet potato fries are worth the trip by themselves; my husband hates sweet potatoes but fell in love with these fries. The Middle Eastern Platter had some of the best hummus and baba ghanoush we've tasted. The roasted tomato soup was sweet and satisfying, and the white bean pasta was simple but had something in it that made it awesome. The raspberry rosemary iced tea is a deliciously unexpected flavor combination and very refreshing. The wait staff are on top of things without hovering, leaving plenty of time and space to linger as long as you want.
On our way out we grabbed cookies (really good) and a blackberry rhubarb galette (out of this world), and the owner threw in a complimentary almond cream croissant (pure bliss). I had to wrestle it away from my husband who didn't think he liked almond cream.
Yes, it's cash only, but given the laid-back, hippie vibe of this place, I think of it as expecting a farmers' market or flea market to accept credit cards. If you come unprepared, there are ATMs across the street (and they're more than willing for you to stop back later and pay). I say anything that helps this place cut costs and stay in business is for the greater good of mankind. -
Review from Michael S.
Redmond, WA
My son "forced" me to write a review of Monkey Tree Cafe! We loved the pastries we ordered - basil and cheese croissantithing and choc. chip cookies - and will definitely go back next time we're on Vashon. Very kid friendly. Only thing I would have liked to see is a couple of vegan pastry options. We're happy to recommend.
