Monorail Espresso
Coffee shop · Central Business District ·
Espresso drinks & homemade cookies from a walk-up window
Espresso drinks & homemade cookies from a walk-up window
"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
"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
"A local espresso brand whose coffee will be served in the new hotel’s cafe space as part of the property’s food-and-beverage offerings when the hotel opens on May 22." - Harry Cheadle
"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." - Harry Cheadle
"Monorail Espresso doesn’t let the fact that they’re on an extremely busy Downtown street get in the way of having an excellent patio situation. They have 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