Monorail Espresso

701 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
$$$ Cafe
(57 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

If you find yourself wandering the bustling downtown Seattle area, a stop at Monorail Espresso is an absolute must. Nestled on the fourth floor of the Columbia Center, this charming café has quickly won the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its exceptional coffee and inviting atmosphere. The location is not just strategically perched above the busy streets but also offers a cozy retreat from the outside hustle, making it the perfect spot for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely break.

The moment you step inside Monorail Espresso, you are greeted by a group of passionate baristas whose energy is simply contagious. Customer reviews consistently highlight the friendly, welcoming service that you can only get from a team that truly enjoys what they do. One customer, Nis H, encapsulated this sentiment perfectly by praising the “genuine customer service” they experienced, noting that it elevates the already great coffee to another level. This ambiance of warmth and enthusiasm permeates the café, transforming every visit into a delightful experience.

When it comes to the menu, coffee enthusiasts will find a meticulously crafted selection that includes standout options like the surprisingly popular Pistachio Latte—a creation that has been described as “the best damn” by a satisfied customer. If you’re after something unique, the burnt cream iced latte is another highlight, delivering a creamy texture adorned with rich flavors that dance on your palate.

But it’s not just the coffee that captures the essence of Monorail Espresso. The food offerings have also earned high praise, particularly from shivani, who raved about a heavenly slice of squash cake that seemed to elevate her entire experience. The café’s ample seating and reliable Wi-Fi make it an ideal spot for remote workers or anyone looking to enjoy some downtime while sipping on their favorite brew.

Malia Suzui sums it up nicely when she says, “THE BEST COFFEE IN SEATTLE.” With its prime downtown location just across from the Seattle Convention Center, Monorail Espresso is conveniently close to local attractions, making it a go-to pit stop for both locals and travelers.

If you’re searching for a place where quality coffee meets a friendly atmosphere, Monorail Espresso undoubtedly delivers. The love and care that the baristas pour into each cup and the genuine vibes that permeate the café promise not only a refreshment but also a memorable moment within the heart of Seattle.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Dining options
Breakfast
Dessert
Table service
Atmosphere
Casual
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

06:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

57 Reviews
Nis H

19 Sep 2025

I visit SEA for work and always stop by the shop in the towers. Jessie is an absolute gem. Honestly, the whole team of baristas are. The energy they show up with everyday is infectious and inviting. It takes the already great coffee to the next level. I appreciate their genuine customer service and their beautiful nature. Thanks to all of the amazing people I've interacted with through Monorail Espresso. I look forward to my visit to the office bc of ya'll!

James “Tanequetil” Nelson

03 Sep 2025

Best damn Pistachio-Latte!!! Super friendly: great quality/value....wish they were in Vermont.

Björn Ólafsson

23 Aug 2025

My favorite Coffeeshop in Seattle, actually all of the Monorail locations. I have tried three of them and this is the first one that was inside a building and offered seating area inside. I had some trouble finding it at first, it is not on the ground floor where the food hall is. It is actually in the Main Lobby on the fourth floor, however it is on the ground floor if you are walking from the "other" street. Well I found it and it had amazing coffee as always.

shivani

24 Jul 2025

Cute little spot with ample seating and great wifi! Took me a minute to find it, it’s on the fourth floor of the Columbia center. Baristas were great, latte was good but the squash cake slice was out of the world!

Sebastian Fisher

05 Jul 2025

Just moved to downtown and have been trying a different coffee shop each morning. Loved the velvety smooth oat milk latte at monorail this morning. They are one of our faves so far. The service was friendly and quick with no lines.

Rahul

03 Jul 2025

Burnt cream iced latte was great. Light, creamy and tasty.

Malia Suzui

24 Jun 2025

THE BEST COFFEE IN SEATTLE I look forward to my coffee every morning at Monorail Espresso on Pike Street in Seattle! I highly recommend this gem to both Seattle locals and travelers exploring the city. The location is incredibly convenient, right in the heart of downtown Seattle and just across from the Seattle Convention Center. What sets Monorail Espresso apart is not just its prime location but also the premium coffee they serve. The coffee is top-notch, and as a coffee enthusiast, I was thoroughly impressed. They take their craft seriously and it shows in every sip. I will make excuses on the weekend to come downtown to get this coffee, it’s that good. Moreover, the personalized service here is exceptional. The Teada, Jessie, Kait and the team are friendly and welcoming, making you feel like a regular from the moment you walk up. It's evident that they care about their customers and take pride in providing excellent service. A bit of history adds to the charm of this place. Monorail Espresso has a rich history, starting as a tiny kiosk back in 1980. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved local institution known for its commitment to quality coffee and warm hospitality. They also have locations on Westlake near Amazon, 4th Avenue, Columbia and a new spot coming to the Seattle Convention Center soon. Whether you're a Seattle local looking for your daily caffeine fix or a traveler exploring the city, don't miss the chance to experience Monorail Espresso on Pike Street. It's a true Seattle treasure that combines great coffee, a convenient location, and a welcoming atmosphere. You won't be disappointed!

C Michael Stevenson

29 May 2025

The fabulous barista here at Columbia make my mornings start of great, they are very good on details they know their customers and they make it amazingly enjoyable to come and get it and hit it and away we go to work for the day!!!! Nothing but big love for the ladies there Jessy, Jordon, and Emma you guys rock this place!!!!! Keep up the amazing work that you do and “Stay Fabulous “

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