The Monkey Cup — Restaurant in New York

Let me put at the top, so nobody misses it: I would strongly recommend going to Double Dutch, which is one block over, or Mushtari, which is on 126th in between Malcolm X and 5th. Both are great coffee shops with fantastic, friendly servers. I once got a free latte at Mushtari just because the barista was experimenting with recipes, was in a fun mood, and felt like treating everyone in the shop.

Now on to why I recommend you don’t give your business to Monkey Cup:

The servers are aggressive and defensive. The tall thin woman with long brown hair tried to pick a fight with me about whether or not she had messed up my coffee order. When my coffee wasn't being called at the counter, and there was a different drink that was going unclaimed, I went up to the counter and said that I had ordered a particular drink, and that I thought maybe there had been a mix-up which could explain why there was an unclaimed drink. She started telling me that I was wrong and she always knew what people ordered, but that they could make me my drink anyway. I was pretty surprised, especially since it didn't seem relevant to get so defensive about it since they were going to make me the correct drink in the end, and so I said "I'm pretty sure I ordered (whatever drink), but either way yes I would appreciate the (correct drink), thank you." She again told me that I was wrong and that she remembered that I had ordered a different drink. I said "okay well either way it was a mistake, so could I please have (the correct drink)?" And so the barista (not this woman) started making it. The woman looked at me and said "okay but you did order the other drink. I usually know."

She's wrong, but that's super beside the point. I've never seen any service worker act like that in my life. I regret leaving a tip when I ordered. That was insane behavior and I will not be back.

Ambiance and music were great. I'm sure most of the time the coffee order is correct and then it would be a very pleasant experience. Mostly I'm just hoping a...

Anastasia was the one who took my order, she was so rude and off putting, that I asked her name for this review. It was my first visit so naturally I’m asking about their flavors and food choices, she was VISIBLY ANNOYED & started to speak to me condescendingly. I receive my coffee and and I ask if they have the open tops, the woman with the curly hair say “WHAT?!”. I ask again, she says no. I let her know “excuse me” is a much softer way to get someone to repeat themselves. She was also visibly annoyed. I leave immediately upon receiving my coffee it’s bitter. Like the coffee is bitter, the oat milk I’m sure was not air. And the caramel? Idk non existent. I take a few more sips and decide between the service and coffee I’m going to return it. I go back to return it the curly hair woman asks why I say simply”it was terrible”. She asks if I want it remade I say no. Anastasia then comes over and asks what’s going on (she did not make the coffee) and I say, based on your service and this coffee I’m getting a refund. She shrugs her shoulders. I say “yeah it’s clear you don’t care” and she says no I don’t… what was the point of her addressing me when I was already being helped?! To give more attitude. The whole place is like something out of a bad teenage sitcom. You’re a barista, not Regina...

A great cafe in Harlem, with a real chill vibe. I got a feta cheese quiche and a mocha latte. The female barista/cashier had a1 customer service. As soon as I walked in, a older man started trying to have a conversation with me, saying that my energy lit up the room. I acknowledged his compliment and continued to the cashier to order. He was pretty persistent and even tried to talk to me while I ordered. She was very sweet and wanted to know if I felt uncomfortable and needed assistance. I said I was fine but its always comforting to know someone has your back. I ordered the food to stay but realised there were no more seats except for at a table with guess who..? Well I'm not one to pass up a interesting experience. He was sitting with another man and we all had a great conversation. Reasons I love New York City. As for the food ans drink, the quiche was luke warm and the crust was far too hard. The mocha however was A M A Z I N G. He even did some great latte art. A swan I believe. I will definitely be returning, but this time I prefer...