Java Monkey

10/26/09

What's the fuss about? Are you kidding?

by BrittanyCramer at Citysearch

The first time i went there was Slam night. This is the second sunday of every month. This is when people do spoken word for competative purposes. this was fun to listen to, especially while sipping on some delicious hot chocolate. The crowd this place attracts is social and friendly. I can honestly say i haven't been to a place like this in a while. Definitly something you should make time for.

• Pros: Great staff, modern atmosphere, great drinks!
• Cons: a bit too small.

08/03/08

espresso craft

by SemiSweetChocolateChip at Citysearch

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)

• Pros: knowledgeable staff, great espresso
• Cons: avergae drip coffee and yuppies abound

04/30/08

java what?

by lalababy at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: price
• Cons: dirty place