Seattle’s Monorail Espresso is a tiny walk-up window serving strong espresso drinks, seasonal lattes, and oversized cookies with outdoor sidewalk seating.
"Groundbreaking Monorail Espresso should be on the radar for any coffee devotee. While Monorail Espresso has since transitioned to a walk-up window at Fifth Avenue and Pike Street (plus several other locations nearby), its original incarnation is credited with being the world’s first espresso cart. How’s this for a backstory? Kent Bakke and John Blackwell, of La Marzocco fame, built it with parts from a Boeing surplus shuttle cart for a guy called Cappuccino Craig; Chuck and Susie Beek bought the cart and parked it by the monorail entrance in 1980. The cart is gone, but the espresso is still top-notch." - Mark DeJoy, Eater Staff
"Monorail Espresso has been a classic since 1980, and this little walk-up window should be on your shortlist of Downtown coffee shops that make it worth spending time Downtown. While it’s best used as a quick stop before checking out the waterfront, there's a roomy picnic table set up right in the middle of the sidewalk for stalling those plans by 15 minutes. Just remember two things: they charge if you need directions (“Where is Nordstrom?” will run you $1.25) and don’t forget to order a chubbie—a cakey chocolate chip cookie the size of a tennis ball." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente
"By now it’s a no-brainer that Seattle has some of the best coffee in the world, and if you are looking for damn good coffee downtown, Monorail tops our list. The walk-up stand is a perfect pop-by while on an afternoon stroll, and—if it’s nice out—be sure to enjoy the outdoor seating for some great people watching. Pass up Starbucks and make this tiny establishment a recurring visit. TIP: Monorail is CASH ONLY, so come prepared and get the best 8oz Americano in town." - Parker
"Groundbreaking Monorail Espresso should be on the radar for any coffee devotee. While Monorail Espresso has since transitioned to a walk-up window at Fifth Avenue and Pike Street (plus several other locations nearby), its original incarnation is credited with being the world’s first espresso cart. How’s this for a backstory? Kent Bakke and John Blackwell, of La Marzocco fame, built it with parts from a Boeing surplus shuttle cart for a guy called Cappuccino Craig; Chuck and Susie Beek bought the cart and parked it by the monorail entrance in 1980. At any time, you’ll find a steady flow of suits, tourists, and bike messengers eager for a pick-me-up." - Eater Staff, Mark Van Streefkerk, Harry Cheadle
"Monorail Espresso has been an absolute classic since 1980, and it should be on your shortlist of Downtown coffee shops that are actually worth it. And they don’t let the fact that they’re a little window on an extremely busy street get in the way of having an excellent patio situation. There's a roomy picnic table set up right in the middle of the sidewalk, which is perfect if you’re out exploring Pike Place and feel like grabbing a really good espresso drink. And please, don’t forget to add on one of their amazing “chubbie” cookies." - Aimee Rizzo
