Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar

Hi, I'm Phillip Deems, coffee correspondent and I am on the search for the 'Perfect Cup Of Joe'.

I am pretty good at getting 'Drunk', just ask my friends and family. But the true question is what kind of Drunk are you? Are you the kind of inebriated person that is happy or angry? Most would categorize me as the happy drunk, you know the kind of drunk that smiles too much, is touchy feely, or licks his finger and gives you wet willies in your ear...(sorry that last one is me riding home with my wife after a drunken session). Well, today I am a happy drunk. Why? I visited Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar.

I know it is kind of my job to remain objective and keep my feelings out of the taste, but it was very hard to do that today. From the moment I parked in front of the graffiti soaked wall to the very first sip, I was happy. I will get to the taste of my first cup of coffee, but I want to describe the feeling of Drunken Monkey first. As you walk in you witness the quaint, hip and comfortable surroundings, you hear the sounds of soothing yet very cool music at just the right level, not too loud, not too soft. People are smiling and performing a task that we take for granted now a days, SOCIALIZING. I only wish Angela could have been there with me today to take it all in.

I walked up to the counter to order, head bobbing to the melodic sounds of 'Sting' singing 'Walking On The Moon'. What a great start. I noticed the references to organic products that could be added to your drinks. The categories of coffee were laid out on simple chalk board in three different categories...Hot Beverages, Cold Beverages and Frozen Beverages. I find this simplicity quite brilliant now a days. All too many coffee shops try to be cute with verbiage that does not make sense and at times can piss you off. It was refreshing to not have to stand at a counter for 5 minutes figuring out what you want. The employee that took my order was knowledgeable as I asked what was in each drink, quizzing with a purpose of ordering more than one. To be fair to all coffee shops I have to use the standard cup of coffee as the 'Perfect Cup Of Joe' measurement. So I ordered the same way I do at every establishment..."Can I have a cup of coffee with room for cream, please". No more questions, it is time to get down to business.

I looked back at the crowd of people in line as I went to sit down to enjoy my first cup of Drunken Monkey coffee. I was one of few people with a purpose, most were there to enjoy each other. There was plenty of room to sit, whether you wanted a standard table or a couch, they had it all. I chose a standard seat, pulled out my laptop and blocked out the rest of the room as I focused on the task at hand. At this point I did not care much about how the coffee tasted as I was impressed already with the completely inviting ambiance of the room, but I have a job to do. I reached down and took my first sip. They apparently have thought of it all...the standard cup of coffee was very smooth. I kept sipping and looked for something I could criticize, but I could not find one reason to give this establishment any bad pub. It was easy to finish the cup. No displeasing after taste, no bad breath feeling and no reason not to go up and order a second round! That is just what I did...except this time I went with something "Cold", the Iced Mojo Jojo. Mmmmmmm...I think someone just raised the bar!

If you live in Orlando...I would suggest finding a way to get over here and try this place out. It has everything that we O-Town folk need...a cozy atmosphere away from the touristy! Great mix of coffee drinks, good food that includes danishes, sandwiches, chips etc... Very cool place that even supports local artists! I will be heading back soon...wanna go with? Hit me up. "Until The Next Cup"!

Atmosphere: Social. Laid out to interact with others. :)

Price: 120z. - $1.70 + tax. Competitively priced.

Specialty Drinks range from $3.85 to $4.50

444 N. Bumby Ave.
Orlando, Florida
407-893-4994

http://drunkenmonkeycoffee.com/