Java Monkey

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BrittanyCramer

Joined 4 years ago

What's the fuss about? Are you kidding?. 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.

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SemiSweetChocolateChip

Joined 5 years ago

espresso craft. 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

Joined 7 years ago

java what?. 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.

Doesn't Recommend

anromath

Joined 7 years ago

Not all that!. 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.

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sciporter

Joined 6 years ago

a place to put your feet up and relax, really. This place serves excellent tea of all sorts, I highly recommend the Soy Chai- absolutely delicious. They have poetry readings on Mondays, regular musical performances, a patio for smokers or just for some fresh air, and a cozy inside lounging area where the employees don't tell you to take your feet off the table. I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I had a hazelnut cafe latte once, and it was creamy, thick, and tasted great (for coffee), the guy that always seems to be working there also makes a leaf-decoration with the foam. I definitely recommend this place to any tea/coffee lovers. Also located right [diagonally] across from the Decatur MARTA station!

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vtla

Joined 7 years ago

Funky and full of surprises. A great place to spend a few minutes or a few hours - friendly service was a real pleasure and the icing on the cake after the unexpected thrill of finding a convenient place to get Soy Chai and Vegan cake! Both were delicious. Vegetarians should definitely give the Monkey a go - you won't be disappointed.

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atlshopgirl

Joined 7 years ago

Best Coffeehouse in Atlanta!. Javamonkey is #1. They have amazing coffee, great beer and interesting wine tasting events. I love the atmosphere. People studying, working, hanging out with friends and people like me just reading a great book for hours. Don't worry, when your not in the mood for reading, there are always friendly new people to meet at the wine bar. They offer a variety of sandwiches, pastries and delightful desserts. I have been to almost every coffeehouse in Atlanta and believe me, Javamonkey makes one of the smoothest, creamiest Latttes in town!! Javamonkey's varied event schedule is a plus too. Poetry readings, blues, jazz and more. It has a warm and inviting neighborhood feel. I don't know the name of the barista, but they did have a guy who would always make a leaf pattern in the foam of your latte or capucccino. And don't forget they open early and they close late!! We've been going there for more than 5 years!!

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Coffee and cake are a hit at this cyber cafe-wine bar combo in downtown Decatur.. 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.

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bheansidhe

Joined 11 years ago

caffeinemonkey!. Comfortable hangout - chocolate cake to die for - friendly staff - organic shade-grown coffee - good food selection - has a great "arty neighborhood" feel without being pretentious. Good live music!

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otters

Joined 11 years ago

It's got it all!. Best espresso drinks in town....

Place is cool and the sandwiches are awesome.

I like to park across the street at the Rue

de Leon bldg in the morning and start my day off

with a cappuccino and the New York times.

This is the way coffee houses are supposed to be