Monkey Grind Espresso Bar — Restaurant in Seattle

A few girlfriends ago, I lived in Lichton Springs. One of the nice things about that location was that I could walk to the Greenwood neighborhood and enjoy the funky vibe there. That girlfriend moved to Arizona and I have not been in the mood to go to that area since. The other day, I was looking for a place to get some coffee and do some writing. I was kind of driving around randomly to see what I could find when I realized I was a block away from Monkey Grind Espresso - a favorite from those days. The difference between driving there and walking was parking. There are quite a few spots on the side street, but they were all full. I ended up about three blocks away. Thankful that it was not too cold or rainy, I walked through the once familiar area. I was flooded with memories and managed to miss the door. I doubled back and found it right where it was back in the day. The woman working there was not familiar, but she had the same vibe as the staff I remembered. She was decorated with colorfully dyed hair and piercings. She was busy, but managed to welcome me while making several drinks at once. I waited for her to finish the task at hand before ordering a latte. When I paid, the screen remembered that I was once a regular and told me that I had just earned another point. While I waited for my drink, I set up my computer. The old WiFi was still available, but the password had changed. I was hunting for a sign that would give me the secret when the barista called it out. Thanks! I was all set up when I got the call to come pick up my drink. It was expertly prepared, just the way I remembered. I sat down to sip and write. Just then an enormous dog bounded up to me. The dog owner apologized, and everyone in the place admired the hound who bashed and bumped around the whole place. Fortunately, the dog owner got her drink to go and peace returned. I sipped and wrote unmolested. The project I was working on was quite absorbing, so I was surprised when I looked up and saw that I was the only one in the place and the barista was hanging the “closed” sign on the door. She gave me a smile when I packed up and I was...

Love this place! I typically walk here after work with my dogs.

When you walk in, you get this "underground" feel of the place. I personally really like it and it feels very Seattle like. I always get an caffè americano with hazelnut. I know it's not too adventurous but americanos are really good here. They don't taste too watered down and they add just enough hazelnut syrup.

I like the seating arrangement within this place. Near the food and where they serve all the drinks is a sofa area. There are tables along with windows where most of the customers sit to enjoy their coffee while surfing on the web, doing homework, real work, etc.

They have a couple tables outside and is usually where I like to sit when it's really sunny out. Overall, awesome local coffee shop...

Kendra the owner is the sweetest, down to earth person I know..she comes from the southwest as I do and I love that we have that connection ( a home away from home). The crew is always so welcoming to me and my 7yr old. The little things matter by pouring her apple juice into a to go coffee cup means the world too, her to feel included like we’re sharing a coffee. I feel lucky to get to start my morning off with such great company which is truly a hard thing to find in Seattle.The food is so delicious a filling, the coffee is always just right. Thank you Monkey Grind for being...