Vegan dishes and relaxed vibe make Drunken Monkey an Orlando favorite. 

You know those coffee places that have hard, little stools and tiny tables that make it clear they don’t really want you to stay? That’s not the Drunken Monkey. In fact, the chairs are so deep and comfortable they might just suck you in and convince you to stay for a long while. And that’s the whole point. The Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar, which looks it might have been a tiki bar in a previous lifetime, is decked out in yellow walls and a burgundy stamped tin ceiling. There’s a palm tree mural out front with a monkey’s face to greet you. You’ll find low prices, a vegan-friendly menu and relaxed bohemian vibe, giving this place a college town coffee house feel, even though the closest university is miles away. 

There are other reasons to stay, too. There’s a little free library out front so you can grab a book; a newspaper stand inside serves as a “take a movie, leave a movie” dispenser. (Does anyone actually watch DVDs anymore?) If you’re looking for a little friendly competition, chess and checkers games are available to use. There are a few kitschy items for sale near the register, and rope lights and miniature skeletons hanging from the ceiling enhance the eclectic décor. Running short on time? Drunken Monkey has a drive-thru too. 

Coffee beans are roasted in house and fashioned into hot and cold beverages like the Mojo, a blend of espresso, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. It was tasty, but dessert-like sweet. Next time I’ll add an extra shot of espresso to give it some punch. The menu includes a turmeric latte if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary. Prices are reasonable; many drinks averaged a dollar less per drink than some of the swankier places around town. Drunken Monkey’s affordability fits their mission of being a place where everyone can find something to eat or drink that fits their budget and their dietary preferences.

This veggie-friendly place has a full menu of breakfast and lunch items, including breakfast dishes, wraps and paninis. Most of the pastries are made on site. Drunken Monkey wins followers for their scratch gluten-free, vegan pastries and savory dishes. If you need more than a nosh, you’ll find Impossible Burgers, and vegan sandwiches including the TreeHugger – a scrambled tofu wrap, and a “beef” Philly with sauteed onions and peppers. Even though I’m an omnivore, I appreciate a menu that has something for everyone. I also liked the fact that they serve smaller items when you’re feeling a bit peckish but it isn’t quite time for lunch yet. At $2.75, the Baby Burrito, a straightforward egg and cheese number, fit the bill perfectly.  

 I don’t know too many places in Orlando where you can get a cup of coffee and something to eat for $5-6. Drunken Monkey fills those shoes, and it’s open 365 days a year. It’s not a place to be seen, or snap shots for social media. It’s a coffee house for the people, where everyone feels welcome and leaves well fed.