As someone passionate about discovering local coffee spots, I make it a priority to visit every locally-owned and independent coffee shop that opens in the Fresno/Clovis area. My goal is to explore these gems and share what you can expect when you visit. Today, I had the chance to check out Monkey Dog Coffee, a shop I’ve seen tagged on Instagram by people I know.
Monkey Dog Coffee began its journey as Blackstone Ave Coffee, initially focusing on importing green coffee beans to roast locally and distribute to restaurants and businesses. In 2022, the business transitioned to a storefront on Ashlan and Peach in Clovis, rebranding as Monkey Dog Coffee. According to their website, the shop’s playful name comes from the owner Alex Osuna’s nicknames for his children: “We were throwing names around one day, and it was thought of jokingly. The name was so ridiculous it stuck immediately.”
When I arrived at the shopping center housing Monkey Dog, I couldn’t help but notice its proximity to a brand-new Starbucks. My first thought was, “Wow, that’s got to be frustrating.” However, as soon as I stepped inside Monkey Dog, I was struck by the stark differences between a large coffee chain and this small, locally-owned shop. My worries about “the little guys” quickly faded.
Upon entering, I passed two men wrapping up a meeting. One said, “That’s why I like to have meetings here—the coffee is good, and you can hear each other talk. It’s comfortable.” The atmosphere felt welcoming, and the barista who greeted me was warm and incredibly helpful. I decided on the Toasted Marshmallow Mocha from their holiday specials menu, as it’s a fall drink that’s nearing the end of its seasonal run. At $5.75, it was served with a jumbo toasted marshmallow on top—a delightful touch!
Monkey Dog’s menu is expansive, catering to both adventurous coffee drinkers and traditionalists. If I hadn’t gone with the seasonal special, I’d have tried the Cinnamon Shorty (cinnamon, vanilla, espresso, and milk over ice) or the Oat n Brown, a brown sugar cinnamon oat milk latte. According to reviews on Google and Yelp, the Brass Monkey is one of their most popular drinks. It combines espresso with crème de banana, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, milk, and whipped cream.
For traditional coffee lovers, Monkey Dog offers house-brewed coffee, Americanos, cold brews, espresso shots, and a unique Cubano coffee sweetened with brown sugar. Non-coffee drinkers are also in for a treat, with options like spiced chai tea lattes, frappes, protein shakes, energy lemonades, and flavored energy sodas.
If you’re hungry, Monkey Dog has more than just pastries. Their food menu includes grilled cheese sandwiches, a pepperoni pizza croissant twist, breakfast sandwiches, and turkey paninis, offering something for everyone — and the prices are reasonable, too!
The seating area is another highlight. Bright, clean, and airy, it features various seating options, from cozy sofas to tables and chairs, along with a small waiting area for to-go orders. The seasonal decorations added a nice touch, creating a welcoming atmosphere perfect for studying or chatting.
If you’re searching for a coffee shop with excellent customer service, creative drinks, and a comfortable vibe, Monkey Dog Coffee is well worth a visit. You can find them at 386 West Ashlan Avenue, Suite F, in Clovis, open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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