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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Downtown"I don't know. Maybe it's a "Seattle Thing". There's a serious lacking of decent breakfast places. I had the corned beef hash and it was…" read more »
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Monorail Espresso sends you on a one-track rail to heaven, as far as espressos go.
I'm going to qualify this review by saying that I'm not the most experienced espresso drinker, but I know a good one when I taste one. And this was undoubtedly a good one.
The place itself is your literal hole in the wall. Nevermind that the wall it's holed into happens to be America's first theater. If you go on a Saturday or Sunday, what you'll find in that hole is no act. Inside that hole sits the nicest and most genuine espresso maker in the world.
I went with Daniel D., who happens to know a thing or two about espressos, and immediately noticed the ceramic espresso cups. Before he could even ask the old man about the ceramic cups, the man said in his ambiguous accent, "And of course, I'll put it in ceramic cups. It's the only way to have the best taste." So ceramic cup, check.
After Daniel D. threw in a few questions about the beans they use, the old man was getting the sense that he was dealing with a true appreciator of espressos. After sprinkling some sugar on top of the filter basket and said, "I will give you something you've never had before." I don't know if he said that just to misdirect us from the real secret to his espressos, but that small cup definitely hit the spot.
I don't drink espresso that often, but when I do, I know which train to take.
GET: Espresso
This was another place recommended by a friend for a must visit in Seattle. The barista was an old man who was so nice I tipped him generously for the two drinks I ordered. This place has absolutely no parking and is probably in the worst drive-by spot ever because once you find it in a car best of luck finding it on foot. Luckily, we were up early enough that there was no one parked on the side of the street immediately next to Monorail Espresso and it was a 15min parking spot so that was a go.
This place only takes CASH so be prepared when you go. They sell a variety of other goodies including some pastries and cookies but from the looks of it it's just there for decor because they don't look very tasty, especially in the cold.
Ordered two regular soy lattes one with an extra shot and the coffee was a good consistency with creamy foam topping, latte art underneath my sadly jammed to go cap and deep, rich tasting coffee. This place was a little bitter for me, I was surprised by the taste but it wasn't entirely unpleasant. I recall a coffee shop clearly having somewhat of a more airated / acidic taste to it but I don't think it was Monorail.
Regardless, it fulfilled my coffee desires for the day and I was happily and merrily on my way.
Stopped by this place on my way back to my conference - I had seen it on my way out to lunch, it smelled fantastic, and I guess I wanted to know if Online Coffee was a fluke, or if Seattle coffee really is that good.
Seriously - living on the East Coast is such a bummer.
My drink in Seattle seemed to be the 1/2 regular 1/2 decaf Americano. It was just as fabulous here as it was at Online. Amazing. Smooth, not even a hint of bitterness, absolutely delicious. I wanted to drink six more of them.
I want one now. Seattle, I miss you. :(
LOVES!
Yummy cookies and creative lattes makes this place tote worth standing in line in the rain for!
It's a stretch to call it a breakfast establishment. It is more like an outdoor coffee walk-up window. The coffee is excellent though. I had an eggnog latte and yum! The guy behind the counter was very nice too.
I love, love, LOVE this place - and sadly I'm not even downtown enough to frequent it. But man - they are the friendliest people, and they have the BEST coffee.
Last time we stopped by, I tried their "burnt cream latte" - which lasted exactly 30 seconds because it was Soooooooo good (note to self: get the biggest size next time).
I definitely recommend you check this out if you're shopping or seeing a movie DT - it's a little walk-up window next to Banana Republic.
I love you. I've always loved you. Mostly because of the bike messengers. Your coffee is pretty good too.
The first morning of my stay in Seattle, I ventured off to Monorail Espresso for a Chai Latte. I was greeted with a huge smile and a very happy good morning. I also received a compliment about my smile --that gives this place an extra imaginary star :)
This little sidewalk cafe totally made my morning! I told the Barista that I found him on Yelp and he immediately asked me if I was from California. Haha! I heard a bit of his story while he was making my latte, and he gave me great recommendations since I was there for the very first time in Seattle.
The Chai Latte itself was very tasty but wasn't something to die over. I would go back again --that is for sure!
Bring cash...
I managed to go an entire day in Seattle without ingesting any coffee (which was rather horrific, considering my obsession with it), so when the second day rolled around, I specifically woke up an hour earlier than I had to to find the best espresso around.
Thankfully, Yelp exists to guide me in a strange city, so I headed to Monorail as it was only about two blocks from my hotel. Like others have mentioned, it's basically a hole-in-the-wall; small counter, one person, one espresso machine, and a mini list of products. Cash only as well, don't forget.
I grabbed a latté for myself (the board didn't contain my usual drink, a cappuccino, which was as well since a latté is a better on-the-go drink suited for the small cart catering to business folks on the go. The latté had some of the best foam I've ever seen on a drink, and the espresso (pulled "ristretto" style (short) as announced on the board) was flavorful and strong. I also grabbed a soy mocha for my friend, who announced it was an excellent mocha that wasn't overly sweet.
Best part, the two drinks were extremely fast; as it's only one person working, she was extremely fast about getting the two drinks for me while managing the line. Normally I would think this would be a sign of quantity over quality, but as the latte was so excellent, they really know what they're doing.
Awesome coffee! Stop by if you are in downtown Seattle.
After stumbling around for 15 minutes trying to find this place, we finally located it... truly a hole in the wall.
My wife.... non-fat decaf soy vanilla latte.....
I'm not a coffee drinker... but I guess I can order that.
she said that it was ok... not great... but that might have to do with the barristas too... shrug.
Either way, I didn't get the feeling from my wife that she would go out of her way. not that it was bad, just not spectacular.
Seattle Baristas are known for having attitude, but this gal at Monorail Espresso took the cake! On Wednesday afternoon, Nov 11th, the barista commented that my order was "tacky." Apparently, she thought that ordering a "double espresso" for $1.75, but asking for it in a plastic cup with ice and adding my own cream and sugar on the side, instead of paying 2 extra bucks for her to add my milk is tacky. I have ordered this way from Starbucks for years and no one has ever muttered a word. Perhaps the management would find it in their best interest that if a patron orders a coffee this way, to include an extra charge for the plastic cup up-front, instead of insulting the customer after the fact. Yikes! Never going there again...
MMM Coffee... warm coffee! Steaming teeming warm full cups of good strong cofffffeeee..
That's what you get here. That's what you expect here in this line in the middle of the city . .being outdoors at a natural hub of the city.. warm HOT STRONG coffee!
Friendly service, smiling faces, and .. good HOT STRONG coffffffeeeeeeee.
No frills coffee pick up. If you opt for chain caffeine in a cup or don't want tasty indulgence, you're a fool. A fool, I say! And for the price, it's less for better quality. I had a mini orgasm. Burned Creme Latte. Creamy, smooth, and I am walking on clouds. What's in my cup takes precedence over fancy heart shaped foam on my drink.
You can also get cookies, granola, and have milk poured into your granola for breakfast on the run.
Sweet liquid love batman. This was (purposfully) my first espresso In Seattle and in the form of macchiato I could not have hoped for better it was a great choice. Small sidewalk slot with espresso machine and barista, you order through a window and that is it but it works... I wonder where they get their beans...
What a great location for some tasty coffee! I ducked into Monorail because I had a few minutes before my bus arrived. The gentleman behind the counter was friendly and happy. The sun was shining, my coffee was delicious and all was right in the world.
Damn fine espresso from some damn fine people.
Each cup here is made with loving care. From the pumpkin spice latte to the Italian soda, nothing but love... and choice ingredients go into the drinks here. This is Seattle's OG coffee cart.
If someone asks me where they should go for coffee in Seattle, this place will be at the top of the list...
but bring cash. That's a negative on plastic... roger that.
My 16oz latte with a shot of caramel was only $3.50!! $3.50!
I asked the barista if that was right and she said, "Yes! Come again!" I will, I will.
Have been meaning to stop by this coffee - shop - in - the - wall for awhile now. My iced latte was… Read more »
After a great day at the Octopus Exhibit at the Seattle Aquarium and a fantastic day strolling along the Pike Market in the incredibly nice and oh so sunny afternoon, we carried yummy seafood and veggies home for a family style Valentine's Day dinner.
As we walked in our tired feet and needed a kick before cooking, we saw this little friendly stand. Something about this place that just slowed us down and pulled us close to it. It's the owner's sweet smile. While he takes making each cup of coffee as art, he also carries some great cookies, perfect with the coffee.
I also tried Creamsicle for the first time-- orange juice, milk with vanilla syrup, all stirred in ice. So delicious and refreshing, definitely a pick-me-up drink!
Great espresso stand~ The coffee never disappoints me. I just need to remember to have cash on me. That's my only gripe. But I love their cookies. It's just a plain o chocolate chip in a jar - its mini and round and it's scrumptous!
I have become attuned to the taste of good coffee, and I'm giving all the credit to the hazelnut latte at Monorail Espresso.
The java at Monorail is sooo good -- smooth, really flavorful, hits all the right notes...yum.
I always come here if I'm craving caffeine, even it means schlepping to the ATM first because I never carry cash. (No plastic, yo. Small quibble.)
Bonus for you ladies: there's always a good-looking bike messenger or five hanging out here on sunny days. ;)
Great coffee, reasonable prices, and amazing baristas. Real deal !!!!
I like this place. It was a bit hard to find, but if you walk by it you'll probably notice it by the line of people waiting at this "window" facing the street.
The espresso was great. My overall drink was excellent. The barista (pictured in this yelp review photo) was nothing but pleasant to talk with. I'm assuming he's the owner of the place. I picked up my drink and left him a generous tip. He sent me on my way with a "enjoy my coffee".
I did, in fact, enjoy his coffee.
I decided to try this place after reading about it on yelp. It's only 1 block from the Red Lion Hotel, so the morning walk there was very nice.
When I saw the place, I immediately went for the door only to realize that it leads directly to the work area. To order, you wait outside & order right at the window. The soy vanilla latte I had was simply delicious. Before the barista capped my drink, I noticed a cute little heart shape foam on top. Whether it was intentional or not... I thought it was very sweet :)
We got a soy latte & a regular latte for about $6.25.
Now THIS is what I'm talking about! Has that WOW factor that is lacking at Seattle Coffee Works. I agree with other yelpers - BEST coffee in Downtown Seattle!
It is a tiny little whole in the wall (you can't even walk in) and you order your coffee from a window streetside. The espresso here is so good and the milk is very creamy. They were also talented enough to make a pretty leaf on my milk.
Since this place held a solid 5 stars on Yelp! I had to try it. I was full and just finished my last cup of coffee, but i could not bare the fact of leaving Seattle still wondering how this coffee really did taste like.
It is a sidewalk coffee,hm, shop that's smack dab on the main street. I went with my usual and got a Small Nonfat latte and despite my satiety i managed to finish the entire thing! The coffee was nice & bold and went down so smoothly. All i was in need of was a Tiramisu to make me undergo an 'emotional' reaction. Ahh.
They don't take card which is a bummer, but they have cute calendar day jokes which is entertaining. I'm glad i tried it.
Nectar of the Gods! Go mocha espresso for an off the hook experience.
I wet my pants here at Monorail Espresso... Dripping wet.. Because I spilled an espresso shot on myself.. What did you think? Pervos!
For anyone that knows me; my kryptonite is coffee. I can have it in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening and even in the middle of the night; just like sex.
This place brings it! I walked in here and was greeted by genuine smiles... Like an actual REAL smile. Not a "Starbucks" Smile. You know what I'm talking about (A smile with their eyes rollin back).
So I asked for a double shot of their best espresso and well, being clumsy as I am, I spilled it on my jeans. DAMMIT! So hot but smelled so delicious. I wanted to take my pants off and suck out the espresso. But the manager was kind enough to help me "dry out" my pants (Thats another story). Treated me to my espresso shots and offered a pastry of my choice.
Awwwwwwwwwwwww......
I can't recommend Monorail Espresso enough. They have the BEST vanilla latte I've ever had in my life. Hands down. The man is really nice and always has a treat for little Lily which is so kind. One time we ordered a venti to split and he put it in two grande cups and basically gave us two lattes for the price of one large one. It was really nice. I hadn't been back in three months and he still remembered my order (which is easy I know), but it's great to have someone remember you! The only downside is that they don't take credit cards...however, the coffee is so good I can't even deduct a star for that! And luckily US Bank is right across the street.
It's always hard to claim that a coffee shop has THE best espresso in Seattle, but this definitely comes close. The baristas friendliness is the icing on the cake (or, the foam on the latte so-to-speak).
5 star review in 5 words...
the BEST hot chocolate EVER!!!!!!
Exquisite espresso and friendly, chatty, and efficient baristas.
If you can't deal with liberal politics and edgier-than-though bicycle couriers hovering on the other side of the sidewalk, then you don't deserve coffee this good! Get over yourself and head to Monorail for some of the best espresso in Seattle!
Note that they only take cash, but they are happy to hand-write a receipt if you're expensing it for business.
Monorail Espresso is a gem. It is just a tiny little stall. There is nothing to it. But the baristas are consistently friendly and they pull a mean espresso. Their crema is rivaled only by Vivace (which is double ristretto: all crema and no liquid). My absolute favorite thing about Monorail is the mini chocolate chip cookie/scones they have in the jar on the counter. If you work downtown it is definitely worth the trip over.
This place is a god-send in the middle of Starbucks land (Downtown Seattle). The coffee is good & strong and the baristas are very friendly. Drinks are reasonably priced, although prices did go up this spring (my 12 oz Mochas went from $3 to $3.25). Finally, it is right outside my building which is a big plus.
The only thing to be aware of is they only take cash - no cards allowed. Not a big deal but worth mentioning.
Try the mochas!
BTW - don't be afraid of all the bikers sitting around all day. They are relatively harmless & might even respond if you talk to them (ask about their bikes).
They use great coffee (Mukilteo is good good stuff), the baristas are awesome (it seems they remember EVERYONE's order), and it's a great location that you can get your coffee and go (and not be bombarded by sales of books, cds, mugs, etc. etc.). Definitely my favorite cup of coffee downtown (and I've worked downtown for the past 9 years).
Everyone says this is the best espresso in downtown Seattle. I found no faults with my latte and actually it was the smoothest espresso I've ever had. The owner is really nice too, everyone who leaves has a smile on their face, me included.
Who knew you could walk up to a window on the side of the downtown Banana Republic and demand the best damn vanilla soy latte this side of Broadway? Yelpers did! I had been reading so many great reviews of this place that when I found myself downtown and a little sluggish I walked two blocks out of my way in the rain to try it, and whooo boy am I glad I did!
Monorail Espresso is now my second favorite coffee joint in the city.
They only take cash, they don't have indoor seating, and there are a lot of bike messengers hanging out there. Regardless of these minor annoyances I'm going back to Monorail Espresso since it's the only monorail related entity that actually exists, oh and they serve really good lattes.
Monorail Espresso is Seattle's original espresso cart. As in very first! In between when the Coliseum theater was a theater and when it became Banana Republic (booooo), Monorail was housed just inside the corner entrance on 5th and Pike (now it is tucked into an alcove on the outside of the theater on Pike). When I was in 6th grade, my friend Andrea and I went downtown to shop and run around. Her uncle Chuck owns Monorail, and he let us into the theater to check it out, which was closed but still set up as a theater. Man, was it creepy... dark, dusty, cob-webby, the red drapey curtain just discernable through the shadows. We were sure it was haunted, and we scared the crap out of ourselves going, what was that?? Did you see that?? etc. Chuck made us some wonderful hot chocolate which fixed us right up, no more ghosties.
So I guess you could say the Monorail addiction really began in 6th grade for me, and I graduated from hot chocolate on up to coffee about 4 years later (true Seattleite, I guess). Now I work across the street - talk about a perk! Bring cash, and don't you dare even touch your cell phone. Say hi to the cute bike messenger regulars, and enjoy your real deal, top notch latte. 100% better than Starbucks, maybe that is because it's made with love instead of by the Man.
Absolutely the best coffee I've had so far this lifetime.
Pros: independent shop, amazing roast, downtown-fast service with a neighborhoody-like style, home-made chocolate chip shortbread, lots of "quotes of the day" and "bushisms" to read while waiting, only have cream (no skim) as if to say, "this is better and you deserve it".
Cons: don't take credit, not an "on the way" location, scene-y biker couriers sitting around at all hours
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