The Monkey Cup

ok... I can't comment on the food yet, but as Arnold would say... "I'll be back." Real chill vibe, nice owner, seemingly happy staff (I don't know for sure, but dude seems genuinely happy to work here). It's a great coffee experience, and more of the eventual change that's been coming to Harlem. Complaining about gentrification is like complaints about the sunrise. You can embrace, enjoy the light, and find ways to grow, or you can long for the restful night to continue. Things they are a changing.

Visiting from out of town, and made a cute little trek down Powell to try what I’d hoped to be some fresh arepas and a well made latte. Upon entering, you step into a lovely treehouse hideaway, with the a tree wall with book branches, an ivy lined ceiling draped with Edison bulbs. As luck would have it they were out of arepas but Leo was so sweet and warm with delivering the disappointing update, suggested an alternative pastry, and made the best matcha latte I’ve had in a while, with an adorable “sorry” message on it. What they lacked in arepas they made up for with charm, warmth and a quality product! I enjoyed the turkey Swiss croissant I got and will definitely be back. Oh and there’s no WiFi in order to promote reading and conversation, so if you’re coming to set up a temporary workshop this may not be your best bet. Come anyway though! take a brain break, eat, drink, breathe and then go to another dimension a dozen coffee shops with WiFi but probably not as dope a vibe! ✌🏾

Very cute place and the staff is super kind. They did mess up my drink order but they were quick to fix it and apologize. The space screams cozy but not like grandma cozy that often makes you wonder how old and dusty the furniture is. More like cozy and clean! Sat at a table with a buddy. The mugs were perfect size and the pastry’s looked great! I will be coming back to try more things. But I got a drip coffee that was great and didn’t need any milk or sugar. It was nicely roasted and brewed. Next time I will be trying the espresso. Highly suggest if you are in the area.

EDIT: The owner reached out to me and not only corrected my drink, but took the time to connect and that goes a long way. I live around the corner, I’ve been here exactly three times in the five months I’ve lived here. I’m combining all my visits in one review. The drip coffee is not my favorite, but I get it, they can’t please everyone. My mocha was tasty but wasn’t hot, it was very warm. Guess what? The owner was right here and corrected it. I don’t like to return drinks but he reminded me that I need to if I don’t get something the way I like it or want it. It’s very charming, and there are no cafes in this little stretch. If you are looking for wi-fi there is no wi-fi. I am pointing this out in case anyone needs wifi.

their iced teas are so interesting, delicious, and flavorful — not just flavored water like a lot of places (which i also enjoy). i’ve been to a lot of nyc cafes, and i have decided that this one is my favorite. the vibes are absolutely impeccable and the atmosphere is so perfect. one of the pictures i posted is one of my lockscreens. cannot overstate enough how much you NEED to go here <3