Java Monkey
(404) 378-1852
205 E Ponce De Leon Ave Ste 5
Decatur,
GA
30030
33.7755
-84.2946
What People Are Saying About Java Monkey
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
A coffee shop that would rather be a lounge, Java Monkey is just cozy enough to escape being drearily hip. Textured paint, distressed mirrors and low-impact house music mix with overstuffed armchairs and a breezy patio full of Sunday Times-sized cafe tables. Stretching out on a couch is encouraged; dragging in your mountain bike isn't.
The Food
Healthily removed from the speed-freak coffeehouse scene, it blends undemonstrative coffee craft with a play for the late-night sweet-tooth crowd. Hence, a modestly stocked wine rack with mostly recognizable labels, and a case full of yummy-looking cakes that receive equal billing with the espresso machine and the bagels. Mediterranean snacks such as the tried-and-true hummus plate and some sandwiches in a small fridge offer something to nibble on mid-afternoon, but nothing you'd want to make meal plans around.
User Reviews
SemiSweetChocolateChip
August 03, 2008
Java Monkey. I thought I'd hate it. Stupid name, I hear they have a wine bar, live entertainment, it's in Decatur etc. But I would wade through a thousand Decatur yuppies drunk on wine and chatting about their mortgages for just a sip of a Java Monkey latte. The staff seems to know their product. Not overly friendly (thank god, since I don't need a new friend just a cup of joe), they are quite efficient and talented. It seems a lot of the baristas have mastered simple latte art. The drink taste is heavenly. The perfect blend of good espresso and well crafted milk/foam served in a proper ceramic mug with accoutrement. If only I could enjoy it in a different environment. The store itself is very homey and lived in. A classic coffee shop vibe--secondhand furniture, dim lighting, folk art etc. then why does it attract so many damned yuppies? Lesbian yuppies with their newly minted families, straight yuppies from the condos around the corner, former hippie yuppies, hipset yuppies, fat yuppies, skinny yuppies. Yuppies as far as the eye can see.... Maybe it's the wine tasting events? Maybe it's the inevitable SUV sized baby stroller just in side the front door? Maybe it's the ceramic cups? I don't know what it is but it's a strange mix. Reading other reviews makes me wonder who these people are? Other reviewers have said Java Monkey was dirty and shabby. Have you never left downton Decatur? The Greyhound bus station is dirty and shabby. The Java Monkey looks like the homes of most of my friends. If you want pretentious modern plastic furniture and brightly colored wall sconces go to Ikea. If you want a latte that will knock your socks off, go to the Java Monkey. (What is with that name? Really unfortunate)
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lalababy
April 30, 2008
Java monkey is snuggled inside the heart of Decatur. It's an old, kind of run down coffeehouse. The coffee is ok, a bit too sweet in my opinion. I didn't understand the big vibe about Java Monkey so when I thought I'd give it a try, I got a little disappointed. The atmosphere seems cozy, but a gross and dirty at the same time.
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anromath
July 22, 2007
I'm not sure what the fuss about this place is all about. To me it was very run-down and just a little gross. If I hadn't had to be there to fulfil a commitment, I would have turned around and walked out. On the plus side, they were able to duplicate very well the coffee drink that I order at one of their competitors. The cinnamon roll that I ordered to go with my caramel latte was simply average. On the negative side, the upholstered furniture wouldn't be out of place in a landfill (I mean really -- large, unrepaired tears??), and the non-upholstered chairs were incredibly uncomfortable. In addition, the tables are bolted to the floor, so it can be hard to move around if the place is full. The place also seemed kind of dirty, like they only do surface cleaning and no periodic deep cleaning. I can't imagine myself ever going back there. One final thing, although the address is on E. Ponce, the entrance is down Church St. and is not well marked.
read full reviewThe Details on Java Monkey
When to Go:
Every other Thursday from 7pm to 9pm, Java Monkey hosts "Wine, Music and Massage." For $10, you get to taste six wines. There's also chair massage and live music.
The Extras:
Like the chocolate cake? It's from Southern Sweets, a bakery located on Laredo Drive near the DeKalb Farmers' Market.
Category:
Coffee & Tea Shops, Diners, Grocery Stores
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Outdoor Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Live Music, Notable Wine List
Smoking Permitted:
No
